SeaDream Yacht Club's New Brochure For 2012/13

SeaDream Yacht Club has introduced a newly-designed, glossy, 64-page brochure reflecting SeaDream’s yachting lifestyle and featuring the 2012/13 voyage schedule, destination information, pricing and a comprehensive look at the chic, twin, 344ft vessels SeaDream I and II.

The new brochure details SeaDream’s Caribbean, Mediterranean, Amazon, Black Sea and Trans-Atlantic voyages. In 2012, the deluxe line will feature 102 different ports in the Mediterranean, with 17 in Greece alone. SeaDream’s onboard amenities include all gourmet dining, open bar with select premium brands, gratuities, golf simulator, complimentary mountain bikes and a water sports marina with motorised and non-motorised water toys.

Popular Mediterranean itineraries commence in May with the 112-guest, SeaDream I sailing the French & Italian Rivera itinerary, while her twin, SeaDream II starts the summer with sailings in the Greek Islands. 

The 2012/13 brochure also details a number of new voyages. Among them are: the Amazon River, with SeaDream II sailing from Barbados to Iquitos, Peru, round-trip on two 20-night voyages beginning February 13, 2012. SeaDream II returns to the Amazon in 2013 and offers a shorter, 7-night upper-Amazon itinerary sailing Iquitos round-trip. Additionally, the brochure highlights expanded ports of call in Turkey (10 ports) and Croatia (11). This year also includes calls to Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Albania and Russia.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Time To Go Carnival Dreaming

With the winter drawing in, there’s no better time to think about a relaxing Caribbean cruise - and Carnival Cruises have some spectacular offerings for British holiday-markers to Florida this winter.

Their weekly Western Caribbean itinerary now sails conveniently from Port Canaveral, less than an hour from the holiday Mecca of Orlando and features a truly eye-catching route, visiting Cozumel (Mexico's only Caribbean island), brimming with silver and colourful crafts); beautiful Belize, which boasts some fascinating eco-tourism and the world’s second largest barrier reef; tropical Isla Roatan; and peaceful Costa Maya, with its white sand beaches and historic Mayan pyramids.

The eye-catching 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream (above) is one of the line's newest ships (and a sister vessel to the Carnival Breeze, which is due to set sail in the Med next summer), and features some of the best resort amenities afloat, including deck after deck of spacious balcony staterooms offering breathtaking panoramas, plus 18 bars and lounges, a duty-free shopping mall, a huge Cloud 9 health spa and gym, including a hydrotherapy pool, “Serenity” deck areas for adults only, a glittering casino, a 2,400sq ft children’s area, four swimming pools and several cascading water slides.

A 9-night Caribbean fly/cruise on Carnival Dream starts from just £1,099 per person, departing London on January 20 and including scheduled flights between London and Orlando, one night pre-cruise hotel (room only) and a 7-night cruise, full board (based on inside twin accommodation). It costs just £50 per person (less than £8 per day) to upgrade to an ocean view stateroom.

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's leading cruise agent specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Last Call For A Caribbean Break on Braemar!

Winter 2011/12 will see the last of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Caribbean fly-cruises aboard Braemar. The cruise line is moving towards ex-UK cruises for the 2012/13 cruise season, so this could be your last chance to enjoy one of these amazing value-for-money cruises.

And Fred Olsen tell us there is still some availability on several stunning January voyages at very competitive prices. Like M1201, a 15-night fly-cruise with an exciting itinerary, that includes calls into colourful Cuba and vibrant Jamaica. Fly from London Gatwick, or Manchester on January 5 and join Braemar in Bridgetown, Barbados. Stay overnight, with time to explore the island, then enjoy a fortnight of island hopping, seeing some of the most desirable islands in the Caribbean; Bonaire, Aruba, Jamaica’s Montego Bay, Santiago de Cuba, then Turks & Caicos, Tortola and Antigua, with a scenic cruise of the Grenadines, en route back to Barbados for the return flights.

The flights are with an exclusive, fully-escorted Fred. Olsen charter, and the journey from check-in to ship is seamless and relaxed; the perfect introduction to the Caribbean way of life! 

Currently, prices on this cruise start from just £1,199 per person, with a ‘Latesaver’ deal; this is based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin. The price is exceptional value for money when you consider it includes flights and transfers, en suite accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port/airport taxes; all for less than £80 per person per day

For more info and booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's leading cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Caribbean Winter for Independence of the Seas

Royal Caribbean has announced that Independence of Seas will be based in the Caribbean for the 2012-13 winter season and return to the UK for the summer season in April 2013.

Independence will depart on a trans-Atlantic voyage from Southampton on November 22, 2012, and arrive at Port Everglades on December 5. The hugely popular ship is re-locating to the Caribbean for the winter season, offering UK and Irish guests six and eight-night sailings in the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Since its launch in April 2008, Independence has been the largest and arguably the most innovative cruise ship in Europe and has proved a big hit for ex-UK sailings. This will be her first venture to the Caribbean in that time.

For bookings, be sure to check this link with cruise specialist agents The Cruise Line Ltd (or call 0800 008 6677).

SeaDream Honoured By Cruise Critic

In the first annual Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice Awards, SeaDream Yacht Club's SeaDream I has been placed as No 1 for Service in the Small Ship category.



Cruise Critic Editor-In-Chief Carolyn Spencer Brown explained: “Cruise Critic members who have reviewed the ship are clearly very happy with their cruise experience. SeaDream I gets excellent ratings for service, which is attentive and formal, without being fussy or intrusive.”

Cruise Critic-issued awards are based entirely on reviews/ratings submitted by cruisers when they posted a review. Cruise Critic, the online guide to cruises, is one of the most influential travel sites on the web. With a world-renowned editorial staff, it provides objective cruise reviews, features, ports-of-call profiles and destination information.

Acknowledging the award, Bob Lepisto, President of SeaDream, said: “The crew aboard SeaDream I & SeaDream II are to be thanked for their tireless efforts to ensure each guest is well taken care of. Independent reviews like this reaffirm our claim of providing unbeatable service.”

Just last month, SeaDream I was showcased in London, at Tower Bridge, to over 400 UK travel industry professionals and the media, with a series of exclusive invitational events. Following her first visit to London, the ship sailed to Hamburg for a 20-day dry-dock and now, for the first time, is positioned for her northern-summer season in the Baltic, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

Together with sister vessel, the ships are rated the ‘World’s Best Small Ship Cruise Line’ (source: the Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships). The expression “yachting” is not only a statement about size, it describes a lifestyle aboard the intimate vessels. Chic and stylish, SeaDream’s 56-stateroom vessels are favoured for their elegant informality, personal service provided by a crew of 95, state-of-the-art facilities, inclusive open bar and gratuities, ocean-view accommodations, luxury spa and world class cuisine. Itineraries include the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the Amazon.

For more information, visit www.seadream.com or contact the luxury-cruise experts of booking agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

Crystal's New 'Private Adventure' Shore Excursions

Do you love to see legendary sites, but dislike group tours? Renowned for unique and creative land tours that complement its luxury cruise experience, Crystal Cruises is introducing a private shore excursion alternative for individualistic adventurers. Crystal’s new “Private Adventure Option” enables guests to take already-organised group excursions – in a more intimate fashion.

Beginning this August/September, parties of two, four or six can opt for a personal guide and private vehicle to tour Ephesus, Pompeii or the city of Barcelona, for example – on a shore-side itinerary already carefully crafted by Crystal’s Land Programmes team and its worldwide tour operators.

Crystal’s Vice President for International Sales & Marketing, Philip Ordever, says he was inspired to create the programme by his own holiday: “While I heard how much guests appreciated the ‘creative content’ of our Crystal Adventures, some said they would love to take the same tour by themselves to make it even more personal,.

“At Crystal, we are committed to giving our guests choices. Being able to really personalise your experience is the hallmark of a perfect luxury holiday.”

For several years, Crystal has offered guests a “Crystal Private Adventure” programme, which offers customised land itineraries for individuals, their families and friends. The new “Private Adventure Option” is similar, but follows established excursions in a private way. If guests prefer to modify their “Private Adventure Option” or expand the group, the trip would then become a custom “Crystal Private Adventure.”

Launching on August 14 on Crystal Serenity and September 13 on Crystal Symphony, the Private Adventure Option can be pre-reserved at least one week prior to embarkation by emailing crystaladventures@crystalcruises.com. Prices will be at least 25% more than group tour fares, but vary depending on excursion length, vehicle size, guide costs and sites visited.

This autumn/winter, Crystal's two ships will cruise the Mediterranean, New England/Canada, Panama Canal, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast and Hawaii. Crystal’s huge Autumn Fare Sale offers savings up to £5,078 per couple.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd

Norwegian Dawn's Big Refurb

Norwegian Dawn has just completed an impressive multi-million dollar refurbishment while in dry dock in Freeport, Bahamas. The 2,224-passenger ship is receiving extensive renovations, including: the addition of 28 suites; Moderno Churrascaria, the popular Brazilian steakhouse restaurant introduced on Norwegian Epic; the relocation of the Spinnaker Lounge; flatscreen TVs in all guest and crew staterooms. The ship re-entered service on May 27, 2011 in Boston, her new seasonal homeport.

The full refurbishment profile reads as follows:

* 58 new suites and staterooms available from the September 16, 2011 sailing, including: Four Deluxe Owner’s Suites ranging from 667-732sq ft; 14 Family Suites from 408-452sq ft, most sleeping six guests; 10 Family Suites with balcony from 409-495sq ft, most sleeping six guests; 18 Inside staterooms.

* Moderno Churrascaria speciality restaurant, in the space previously occupied by Salsa, the Tex Mex restaurant, which features a large salad bar and tableside passadors serving a variety of skewered meats.

* Upgraded flatscreen TVs in all guest and crew staterooms broadcast on a digital signal.

* Relocation and total renovation of the gift shop, art gallery, photo gallery, conference centre, Spinnaker Lounge and Blue Lagoon restaurant.

* Enhancements to the Dawn Club Casino, including new layout, fixed furniture and carpet.

* Complete renovation of the Kid’s Crew and Teen Club to offer a more versatile layout and to cater to the range of children’s ages and interests. Updates include new game systems, activities and sound and light. There will also be a room dedicated to the Under 2 Zoo where parents can accompany their children aged under two and enjoy age appropriate activities.

* Aesthetic improvements in the fitness area and Garden Café.

* Atrium Lobby refresh including new furniture in Java Café and plant replacement.

* Complete refurbishment of crew dining and recreation areas.

Technical modifications include the replacement of one engine, as well as preventative maintenance, removal and replacing of both bearings on the port and starboard azipods; application of a new hull coating; and an upgrade to the hot temperature regulation which will reduce energy consumption.

Norwegian Dawn is currently sailing a series of seven-day Bermuda itineraries departing from Boston every Friday with three days in Bermuda until October 21 followed by a two-night cruise on October 28. The ship will then reposition to Miami and begin sailing 10 and 11-day Southern Caribbean itineraries until April 8, 2012.

Dawn is the second of three Freestyle Cruising ships scheduled for improvements this year. Norwegian Sun completed her dry dock renovations in March and Norwegian Spirit will enter dry dock on September 26.

For more info, visit www.ncl.co.uk or, for bookings, contact the cruise specialist agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Windstar Unveils New 2012 Collection

Windstar Cruises, operator of a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts, has unveiled its new 2012 collection of luxury voyages in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Baltic, Italy, Mediterranean and Greek Isles, with nine new itineraries and the lowest introductory pricing in years.

In addition, guests who book by June 30 will receive a $200 shipboard credit per cabin. Windstar’s Foremast Members receive an additional 5% discount on all itineraries.

The 2012 programme features a unique collection of islands, highlighting diverse countries, styles, landscapes and cultures of the Caribbean. For example, seven-night sailings on Wind Surf round-trip from Philipsburg, St Maarten, visit Le Marin, Martinique; Pigeon Island, St Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; Falmouth Harbour, Antigua; and Gustavia, St Barts, with cruise-only prices from £1,577 per person.

Or how about the Treasures of Northern Europe? Discover six of the region's most captivating countries with 11-night sailings on Wind Surf between Lisbon and Oslo, visiting Le Havre, Dover, Antwerp and Amsterdam and cruise-only prices from £2,376 per person.

Windstar’s 2012 voyages are available to book now. For more info, visit www.windstarcruises.com or contact the adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Learn Digital Film Making with Crystal

Lights, camera, action! Guests on Crystal Cruises’ October “Digital Film-Making”-themed voyage will get to hone their production skills with an intense video production programme that focuses on creating extraordinary travel videos.

During the 12-night New York to Miami Caribbean cruise, Michael Rosenblum - a digital film groundbreaker who led the BBC’s transition to digital production and created The Travel Channel Academy, among other credits - will lead a team of instructors in teaching guests how to create the best travel videos possible. The pros will cover every step of the production process and teach travellers to think through their videos before shooting, so the finished product will be a more watchable and compelling film to share with friends, family, or the world.

“Whether a complete novice, or a veteran videographer, there will be instruction geared toward every level of shooting experience,” says Crystal’s Vice President of International Sales & Marketing, Philip Ordever. “It’s an exceptional opportunity for travellers to gain a practical education in a fast-growing arena from one of the top experts in the field—all for free.”

Onboard, guests can attend multiple training classes, seek daily one-on-one assistance at a programme “base camp” and view other guests’ raw footage and finished films in a constructive workshop setting. On various excursions, instructors will accompany guests to provide hands-on shooting guidance.

Production areas that will be covered include:

Pre-production and storyboarding

Setting up/framing shots

Shooting time/clip lengths

Uploading footage

Editing

Graphics

Music

Finalising finished product for sharing

Crystal will provide all equipment for programme participation, including video cameras, Macintosh laptop computers and editing software.

The 12-night “Pink Sands & White Beaches” cruise starts in New York on October 25 and visits Bermuda, St Maarten, Antigua, Aruba and Grand Cayman before finishing in Miami. Prices start from £4,221 per person, including return scheduled flights, transfers, 12 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, port taxes and a $500 per person onboard credit.

For more info, see www.crystalcruises.co.uk or contact the UK's leading luxury-cruise specialist agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

'Hooray! Hooray! It’s a Holi-Holiday!’

As part of its popular ‘Music and Laughter’ variety programme, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is pleased to announce it will eature a line-up responsible for some of the biggest hits of the Seventies. ‘The Sounds of Boney M, featuring Sheyla Bonnick’ will be entertaining guests on 15-night Caribbean fly-cruise M1126, on board Braemar (above), departing December 8.

Sheyla Bonnick is a member of the original Boney M line-up, and the group will be playing all the famous hits, such as Daddy Cool, Rasputin, Ma Baker and Hooray! Hooray! It’s a Holi-Holiday, in the relaxed, tropical surroundings of the Caribbean.

Sheyla leads a show-stopping set, with spectacular costumes, dazzling dance routines and a great live band, recreating some fantastic songs which will have everyone on their feet joining in the fun.

As an added bonus for golfers, this cruise also features Fred. Olsen’s dedicated golf package, Flagship Golf. For £425 per person, golfers can enjoy some of the finest, most challenging courses on earth, whilst relaxing in the comfort of their cruise. The price includes: a combination of four rounds of golf, onboard professional tuition, practice sessions and social activity for golfers and non-playing partners.

Prices for this ‘Smooth Pop and Soul’-themed Caribbean fly-cruise start from £1,672 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin, inside cabin, Grade ‘I’. The price includes accommodation, all meals and entertainment, and port/airport taxes.

See more info at www.fredolsencruises.com or contact the cruise-agent specialists of The Cruise Line.

Big Early-Booking Savings With Crystal For 2012

Crystal Cruises is offering savings of up to £1,272 per couple when booking selected early 2012 departures before the end of the month. Massive savings of up to £6,308 are also available on the full 2012 World Cruise if booked before the end of April.

Prices for the early 2012 voyages start from £2,572 per person, cruise-only, based on the January 17 Panama Canal voyage from Miami to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica.

And there is still plenty of time to book for this year as the freshly redesigned, 922-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony and the 1,070-guest, 68,870-ton Crystal Serenity cruise through the Middle East, Africa, Caribbean, South America, Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Black Sea, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, South Pacific, British Isles, Baltic Sea, Arctic Circle, Alaska and New England/Canada.

For further info, see www.crystalcruises.co.uk or the UK's leading luxury cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

The Cruise Line Expands Its Client Services

Cruising specialists The Cruise Line are renowned for realising that you may have unique needs and requirements that go beyond the time when you are first looking around to book your cruise. From dietary requirements to the need to ensure there are lifts (or, if you're reading this in America, elevators) as well as stairs on your chosen vessel, there are a myriad of considerations to take into account. To ensure their service continues to meet the highest standards, they have now expanded their affiliate programme to include the travel website Silver Travel Advisor.

This new travel review website that encourages older people to share their travel and holiday experiences online, has appointed a range of highly experienced, mature travel professionals to offer travel advice to site visitors.

You have the chance to leave reviews about your cruising experiences and read other members' posts and, each week, a Star Review looks in depth at a particular destination or company. This week’s review is by our own Steve Newman, who describes his impressions of a Star Clippers cruise in the Caribbean and there is link to the World of Cruising magazine, which continues to bring you the best articles, reviews and features concerning cruising and the luxury lifestyle.

If you’d like to read more, check out the interactive magazine or why not take a look at the superb subscription offers and enjoy having every World of Cruising issue delivered straight to your door.

The Cruise Line see this latest link-up as just one more link in the chain of the excellent service they offer to their clients. So, if you’re a ‘Silver Cruiser’ and prefer expedition cruising, like the people above landing on Staffa in the Hebrides, or prefer to remain on the observation lounge with a gin and tonic, you can find all this and more by logging on to www.cruiseline.co.uk/the-cruise-line-affiliates.

And, for the huge range of cruises on offer for all ages, go straight to The Cruise Line website.

Costa's New Itineraries For 2012

Costa Cruises is pleased to announce its extensive range of vacation options for 2012, with more than 250 destinations going to more than 130 itineraries, and with around seven shore excursions on offer per port of call.

Sailing around the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, China and the Far East, United Arab Emirates, Indian Ocean, Red Sea, Caribbean, South America and a new Round-the-World cruise, Costa has increased its total capacity by 12 per cent in 2012, compared to 2011.

Costa is synonymous not only with convenience and accessibility – thanks to a choice of around 60 ports of embarkation worldwide – but also with value for money, in particular the ProntoPrice formula, with greatly discounted rates exclusively available to early bookers.

There will be more than 2,200 shore excursions to choose from in 2012, with around 300 eco-tourism excursions that minimise the impact on the ecosystem, visiting parks and local communities.

For more information, view http://www.costacruises.co.uk/ or contact the UK's leading cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Saga's Top Choices for 2011

Saga has started 2011 - the year it promised to 'get people talking' - on the winner’s podium after Which? Magazine's annual cruise review awarded it the top cruise company in the country for the second year in a row. Saga has also selected its top cruises for the year, showing why Saga Ruby and Saga Pearl II (above) are consistently ranked as the leading cruise company.

Every cruise includes all meals, entertainment and tips. Port taxes, travel insurance and a chauffeured car service to the port or free car parking are also included in the price and customers can save up to 35% by booking early. Saga’s Price Promise automatically passes on any savings if a cruise decreases in price once a booking has been confirmed (and, for one couple, this meant a cheque in the post of over £10,000!).

Here are three of their Top Choices for 2011

Saga Pearl II - Nordic Discovery
7 nights from £860 per person, departing Dover on September 5; discovering Norway's dramatic fjords, waterfalls and quaint towns. Visit UNESCO heritage sites and, if paid in full at the time of booking, a further 5% saving can be made.

Exciting new destinations: Saga Ruby and Saga Pearl II will be visiting a number of ports that are completely new to Saga this year, including Halmstad in Sweden, Ørsta on Norway’s west coast and the historic city of Split in Croatia. Saga Pearl II also crossed the Atlantic for the first time on an in-depth voyage around the Caribbean and South America at the beginning of the year.

Saga Ruby – Australasia’s Highlights
20 nights from £4636 per person; fly from UK to Fremantle on February 22 to embark Saga Ruby; cruise along Australia’s beautiful western coast exploring four great cities and a host of unusual wildlife before crossing the Tasman Sea to New Zealand, where captivating scenery and unique Maori heritage will make this a trip to remember.

With a high number of single cabins on both ships, Saga cruises are ideal for solo travellers who don't want to pay double. Those who haven’t cruised alone before need not worry either as they will be properly looked after throughout the cruise – the ships have sociable atmospheres and welcome parties, so it is easy to meet new people, and Saga also has dance hosts for those who wish to take to the floor.

Saga Pearl II – Heart of the Caribbean
15 nights from £2324 per person; fly from Gatwick to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on March 7; there is no single supplement on this leisurely cruise which explores the crystal clear seas and soft sandy shores of the Caribbean, visiting the Dominican Republic, British Virgin Islands and St Maarten.

For further details, visit http://www.sagaholidays.co.uk/

Christmas Under Sail

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers is offering spectacular stay-and-cruise packages this Christmas, combining a few days on the beach in a luxury hotel with a voyage on a romantic square rigger in either the Caribbean or Costa Rica.

Choose from three alternatives:

Christmas cruise & stay; Beach & Grenadines

Spend four days topping up your tan in Barbados at the newly-renovated Tamarind, one of the finest boutique hotels on the island’s ritzy Platinum Coast, before boarding the magnificent, five-masted flagship, Royal Clipper, which carries 227 guests, for an eight-night, round-trip sailing from Barbados. Ports of call include various islands in the Grenadines, among them the beautiful Tobago Cays and pretty Grenada and Bequia, as well as Martinique and Dominica. Christmas Day is spent soaking up the sun in Marigot Bay, St Lucia, in the morning, moving on to Soufriere after lunch, and returning to Barbados on Boxing Day. Departs December 14, from £2,199 per person including four nights’ hotel accommodation, eight days full board on the ship, flights, transfers and port taxes.

Christmas cruise & stay; Caribbean gems

The 170-passenger Star Clipper sails from St Maarten for her Christmas cruise on an eight-day round trip, calling at Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, St Kitts and Antigua, spending Christmas day anchored off the chic little port of Gustavia, St Barths. Spend five nights before the cruise at the four-star Grand Case Beach Club on St Maarten, on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Departs December 13, from £1,999 per person including five nights’ hotel accommodation, eight days full board on the ship, flights, transfers and port taxes.

Christmas cruise & stay; Central America

Star Flyer, meanwhile, will be sailing the coast of Costa Rica, offering a chance to escape completely. On a week-long voyage from Puerto Caldera, the ship will call at out-of-the-way ports and anchorages in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Guests will wake up on Christmas Day in the stunning National Reserve of Curu, moving on to Isla Tortugas for a beach barbecue and overnight. Spend four nights before the cruise in the four-star Hotel Parador, a stunning beach resort set in 12 acres of tropical rainforest, adjacent to the Manuel Antonio National Park. Departs December 15, from £2,299 per person including four nights’ hotel accommodation, seven nights full board on the ship, flights, transfers and port taxes.

For more details, log on to http://www.starclippers.co.uk/ or call the specialist cruise agents of the Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

Silversea February Caribbean Cruise

By guest blogger Steve Newman

The Caribbean will always be one of the most popular cruise destinations.

So it is no surprise that Silversea's
Silver Cloud departs 17 February 2011 on a 9 day voyage (#1106), from Fort Lauderdale to Barbados, with calls in Tortola, St. Martin, Antigua, St Lucia, the Grenadines and Grenada. All-inclusive cruise-only fares start at £2,298 per person. $500 complimentary onboard spending credit is awarded to each suite.
For more in formation log on to their site at www.silversea.com or cruise specialists The Cruiseline.

MSC offers fantastic prices to the Caribbean

By guest blogger Steve Newman

MSC Cruises is offering fantastic prices to the Caribbean. MSC Poesia will be cruising in the Caribbean from 1 November 2010 to 6 March 2011.

Customers can choose from a wide variety of itineraries ranging from 7, 10 and 11 night sailings. A 7 night cruise starts from £399 per person whilst a 14 night cruise starts from £550 per person. With these unbeatable prices there is also an opportunity to combine itineraries and gain extra savings. Furthermore MSC Cruises has just launched a Caribbean Mini brochure dedicated to the British market. The brochure features full details about MSC Poesia, her itineraries and prices.

For further information or to book a cruise with MSC Cruises visit www.msccruises.co.uk or visit dedicated cruising specilaists The Cruise Line.

Disney Fantasy

By guest blogger Steve Newman

The Disney Fantasy, the second ship in Disney Cruise Line's new-build series, will sail her maiden voyage on April 7, 2012, bringing even more innovation, unique guest experiences and personalised service for which DCL is renowned. The sister to Disney Dream, Fantasy will also feature the amazing AquaDuck 'water coaster', magical children’s areas, world-class entertainment, delightful dining, retreats for adults and immersive experiences for guests of all ages, with Disney stories and characters.

Guests can now book for the initial part of the 2012 season. The Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral, Florida, on the popular seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern and western – including a stop at Disney’s wonderful private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay.

The Dream will continue to sail three, four and five-night cruises to the Bahamas and Castaway Cay, while the Wonder will remain on the west coast, sailing Mexican Riviera itineraries from the Port of Los Angeles. To start the 2012 season, the Magic will sail alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries.

Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz explained: “The Disney Fantasy continues our tradition of sailing beautifully-designed vessels that offer innovations, world-class guest service and memorable family vacation experiences like only Disney can do. We are delighted to expand our offerings to provide guests with more options and more flexibility to enjoy a Disney family cruise.”

For more information, check out http://www.disneycruise.com/

Star Clippers New Brochure

By guest blogger Steve Newman

It’s that time of year again and the new brochures are now available featuring a wide range of cruises for 2011. Luxury boutique cruise line Star Clippers is no exception and their new brochure is now hitting the doormat. They have exciting itineraries in Central America (Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua) and the Caribbean, where the Clipper ships will visit dream locations in the Grenadines and British Virgin Islands among others. The company’s ever popular ocean crossings are ideally suited to those who dream of long sea voyages whilst the summer season will find the ships roaming the Mediterranean (French or Italian Riviera), the Greek Islands and a fascinating new route between Athens and Istanbul. To find out more, look at http://www.starclippers.co.uk/ or check out cruise specialists the Cruise Line.

The Adventure Cruise Collection

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Adventure cruising is the fastest growing section of the market, with more and more people of all ages wanting to 'get up close' to nature.

The Cruise Line have just launched their new Adventure Cruise Collection brochure, and I strongly advise you to get a copy if this is your style of cruising.

From watching bears fishing for salmon in Alaskan rivers to swimming with turtles in the Caribbean, getting up close to polar bears in the Arctic or lying on the snow to snap away at Emperor Penguins, this is a must for any adventure cruiser. Destinations include the Galapagos, Hawaii, New Zealand, Central America and a whole lot more. Find out more by logging on to the http://www.cruiseline.co.uk/ or call them on 0800 008 6677.