Costa's Christmas (and New Year) Crackers

Top Italian chefs Carlo Cracco and Benedetta Parodi have joined forces to combine traditional yet creative festive menus for Costa Cruises, with two exclusive menus for Christmas and New Year’s Eve specially devised by the popular culinary duo

Lucky cruisers who have chosen one of Costa’s sailings in the United Arab Emirates or the Mediterranean during the festive season will be treated to the special dishes but, as the recipes will be made available online, non-cruisers will also be able to try them out for themselves in the comfort of their own homes. 

Carlo and Benedetta are both exceptional interpreters of the country’s inimitable culinary culture, based on simple high quality ingredients combined in original ways.

The festive menus are particularly special because, while consistent with Italian tradition, they are a superb blend of Cracco’s creative flair and the wholesome flavour and practicality of Parodi’s approach. Classic Italian staples for the holiday season like cotechino, a fresh pork sausage traditionally served with stewed lentils, has been reinvented as a starter with a truffle fondue, while the lentils will be used to garnish a lobster salad together with sprouts, celery and a bisque.

There are also traditional Christmas dishes on the menu, such as guinea fowl and panettone. The menu will be accompanied by a selection of fine wines produced by Aneri, an excellent quality label that has become one of Costa's partners. Highly recommended wines for the period are the Leda Bianco doc 2009 Aneri, the Pinot Nero doc 2008 Aneri and the much sought after Prosecco di Valdobbiadene doc “Aneri” N° 1. 

For booking info, be sure to see this link to the UK's leading cruise agent specialists, the Cruise Line.

Have a 'Blue' Christmas with Zegrahm Expeditions

Discover India, the Maldives, and some of the bluest waters on Earth with Zegrahm Expeditions this Christmas!

One of our favourite companies for expedition and adventure cruising, Zegrahm is offering a break from the traditional holiday season vacation. The voyage sails December 17 to January 3, cruising from the Indian ports of Chennai and Kochi to the Sri Lankan harbours of Trincomalee and Colombo, exploring India's Lakshadweep Islands and the northern Maldives. Highlights of the expedition include snorkelling, diving, shore walks, birding with naturalists, and a visit to a 16th-century Palace.

Since the Christmas season is a time to share with family and friends, Zegrahm is also offering a special group discount. Groups of four or more receive a 10 per cent savings on the brochure rate for each member. Groups of eight or more receive a 15 per cent saving. Travellers unable to take advantage of the 2011 voyage can even look ahead to Zegrahm's 2012 voyage, which takes place from December 1-18.

To learn more, visit www.zeco.com or contact the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Make it a ‘Caribbean Christmas’ With Fred. Olsen

Christmas is a time for celebration and relaxation, and what better way to do both than on a sunny Caribbean cruise? Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has a leisurely 25-night ex-UK ‘Caribbean Christmas’ cruise aboard Black Watch, departing from Southampton on December 17.



The long Atlantic crossing allows for plenty of time to relax and enjoy the many activities and facilities the ship has to offer. Guests can join in quizzes and traditional deck games, read in the peace of the library, swim, work out in the gym, or take part in many other enjoyable activities, as the ship makes her way to the warm Caribbean waters.



Christmas Day sees Black Watch in the middle of her Atlantic crossing, and the day is celebrated at sea in the traditional way – there is a sumptuous feast, a visit from Santa Claus for younger guests, as well as carol singing, festive entertainment, quizzes and, of course, a ship glittering with Christmas trees and decorations.



The first Caribbean port of call is Barbados on December 28 followed by the lovely islands of St Lucia, Antigua, Tortola and St Maarten, while the return crossing includes a visit to the Azores before arriving back in Southampton on January 11.



An extra-special attraction on this festive cruise is live entertainment from two of the best tribute bands around, appearing as part of the exclusive Fred. Olsen's ‘Music & Laughter’ programme. The acts are ‘Bee Gees Magic’ and ‘Abba Magic’, and they will be recreating the great sounds of the Seventies’ super-groups during the cruise.



Prices for this Christmas cruise start from £3,597 per person, based on two adults sharing an outside twin cabin, Grade ‘E’, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board – including the ‘Music & Laughter’ programme – and port taxes.



Find out more at www.fredolsencruises.com or contact the specialst cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd at 0800 008 6677.

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.

Crystal's Taste of the Exotic in 2012

Ultra-luxury Crystal Cruises has announced its 2012 cruise collection, unveiling an enticing choice of exotic voyages. Now offering 68 worldwide itineraries - including brand new coveted destinations - the line frequently voted 'World’s Best' introduces its most extensive global presence yet.

Continuing to maintain the highest number of repeat customers and with an ongoing commitment to selling only through the trade, Crystal will offer even greater choice in 2012. These new itineraries and voyages have been meticulously crafted to appeal to today’s discerning luxury traveller.

The 2012 voyages are now available for waitlist and include:

· 94-day “Epic Islands and Empires” Pacific Rim World Cruise through Hawaii, the South Pacific, eastern and western Australia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Russia, Alaska, British Columbia and San Francisco, including a three-day inclusive overland adventure in Beijing; a maiden call in Newcastle, Australia; and a return to South Korea for the first time since 1994

· Christmas/New Year cruises in Australia/New Zealand and the Mediterranean

· Expanded collection of Mediterranean itineraries, including late Autumn options

· Expanded collection of Baltic and Northern European cruises

· More seven-day cruises in the Mediterranean and New England/Canada, as well as a seven-day voyage during Thanksgiving through the Mexican Riviera

· Transatlantic cruises from New York to Dover and from Miami to Lisbon, which can be combined with European cruises

· Late Autumn cruises in the South Pacific and New Zealand

· More overnight stays in destinations, including Ashdod, Reykjavik, Odessa, Honfleur, Hamburg, Edinburgh, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Istanbul, Venice, Sorrento and Bordeaux, as well as destinations throughout Asia, Australia and South America.

Andy Harmer, UK sales and marketing director for Crystal says: “Globally renowned not only for its unrivalled luxury but for leading the way with unique and compelling offerings, the 2012 itineraries promise to be another milestone for Crystal Cruises. It is extremely exciting to have both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity in European waters for an expanded season and to announce new Christmas and New Year cruise destinations as part of our commitment to remain the World’s Best.”

Agents can access the day-by-day itineraries from October 30 at http://www.crystalcruises.co.uk/.

Now available for waitlist; contact Crystal Cruises on 020 7287 9040 or online. Or call specialist agent The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677 or http://www.cruiseline.co.uk/.

Cruise Through Christmas and The New Year

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Award-winning river cruise specialist AMA Waterways has savings of over £1300pp off Christmas and New Year luxury 5-star river cruises on the Danube, Rhine and Moselle, with a 7-night Christmas sailing from Budapest to Nuremberg, departing on December 20, available for £1289pp, and a New Year sailing from Nuremberg to Amsterdam for the same fare and saving, departing on December 27.

For those wishing to while away the entire Christmas and New Year period, cruising Europe’s scenic waterways amid luxurious hotel-style surroundings, with generous sized staterooms, free Wi-Fi and a state-of-the-art infotainment centre, high-quality cuisine inclusive of champagne breakfast, lunch and dinner with free-flowing wine, AMA has a 14-night sailing from Budapest to Amsterdam departing on December 20, for £2149, saving more than £1300pp, based on two sharing.

Single savings on River Cruises

AMA is also offering savings of up to £1030 for single travellers this Autumn, with prices from £1054 for a week’s cruise from Budapest to Nuremberg, visiting Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein, Melk, Linz, Passau and Regensburg, departing on November 22.

Singles prices are based on solo occupancy of a twin/double cabin and include champagne breakfasts, lunch and dinner with free-flowing wine, free Wi-Fi, daily guided tours and free use of on-board bicycles.

For more info, contact www.amawaterways.co.uk

And don't forget to visit their stand at the The Cruise Show at Birmingham in October (16-17) and London next March (26-27).

Christmas in the Med

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Two press releases about cruising at Christmas popped in to my inbox this morning. Both are completely different, so I thought I'd put them both on for you. Here's the first with the second one below (on Hurtigruten in Antarctica).

You can escape the traditional turkey and tinsel at home this Christmas and head to the Med on an 18-night Ultimate Mediterranean cruise on Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas from just £1,633 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin). Activities on board during the cruise include Christmas themed ice-skating, a Santa parade, festive films, music and decorations, plus carolling with cast and staff.

Independence is brimming with 15 decks of activities, including a Flowrider surf park at sea, an onboard ice-skating rink, rock climbing wall, a children’s water park, a teen-only nightclub, mother-and-daughter/father-and-son spa facilities, basketball and volleyball courts, a miniature golf course and shopping.

The price includes an 18-night cruise departing from Southampton, calling at Lisbon, Palma De Mallorca (above ), Barcelona, Livorno, Civitavechia (for Rome), Naples, Capri, Gibraltar and Cadiz before returning to Southampton; all meals and entertainment on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Departure is December 21, 2010.

For more information or to book, see http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/ or http://www.cruiseline.co.uk/royal-caribbean-cruises/

And why not have a look at Royal Caribbean at The Cruise Show venues at the NEC in Birmingham (October 16-17) and Olympia, London (March 26-27, 2011)?

Christmas in the Antarctic

By guest blogger Steve Newman

For the ultimate Christmas escape, it doesn’t get much more remote than a voyage to Antarctica. This Christmas, why not leave the turkey behind and take advantage of a great new offer from Hurtigruten to spend the festive period on the White Continent?

Follow in the footsteps of famous explorers and join ‘Shackleton’s Christmas Adventure,’ a 17-day journey to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica. The voyage now costs from £4125pp for an outside cabin (allocated on arrival), offering savings of up to £3379 per person.

Christmas and New Year will, of course, be celebrated, but guests can relax and focus on enjoying their surroundings. Treats include decorating the ship’s Christmas tree together, traditional Christmas dinner on 24 December in accordance with Norwegian traditions, carol singing and much more, plus a New Year’s Eve Party. All this, against some of the most awe-inspiring backdrops in the world and shared with the local penguins, seals and whales!

The trip departs on December 17, on board MS Fram, a ship specifically designed for polar exploration. Onboard lecturers and talks led by experts on Antarctica will ensure guests learn as much as possible whilst they are in these unique surroundings. Polar Circle boats are used to take passengers ashore and closer to penguin colonies, ice formations and all the other once-in-a-lifetime sights.

Shackleton’s Christmas Adventure – now from £4125pp; price includes 16 nights full board on the ship, return domestic charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, transfers and various landings. International flights to Buenos Aires are extra and can be booked by Hurtigruten (price based on two sharing and offer must be booked by November 15).

For more information, visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk or check with the Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

And don't miss them if you are going to The Cruise Show at the NEC in Birmingham (October 16-17) or at Olympia in London (March 26-27).

Cruising in style to the Christmas Markets.

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Christmas away from home can be an enjoyable experience, especially if you find somewhere that makes the experience even more magical. Now luxury river cruise operator AMA Waterways is offering a series of romantic European river cruises to take in the famous Christmas markets of Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Hungary.

The company is featuring a seven-night Christmas Time Cruise on its luxury river cruiser AmaLyra sailing between Nuremberg and Budapest, with ample time in the markets at Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Vienna and, for Advent with a Hungarian flavour, Budapest. There's also an optional excursion to romantic Salzburg and, in Budapest, a special evening's sailing past the dazzling Christmas illuminations that light up the riverfront in the heart of the city.

Departing from Budapest to Amsterdam on December 20th, there is a one-off, 14-night Christmas and New Year cruise celebrating both festivities on board, with seasonal dinners and a convivial, party atmosphere for each. The AmaLyra will be in historic Melk on Christmas Eve (the day Austrians celebrate Christmas) until 10pm and then sailing to Linz and Passau.

There are also two Rhine Winter Voyages during Advent on sister ship AmaLegro, with plenty of opportunity to explore Christmas markets in ports between Basel and Amsterdam. The itinerary includes the markets of Freiburg, Strasbourg, Speyer, Worms, Rudesheim and Cologne, where each market is different, from the medieval themes of French Strasbourg to the pretty market in Rudesheim and the impressive display in Cologne, in the shadow of the magnificent cathedral with more than 160 wooden stalls. There are two departures, on November 26 and December 3.

Prices for all cruises are from £1,199 per person, including an allowance of £200 towards flights, all meals on board (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner), unlimited wine with dinner, a daily sightseeing programme, folklore and musical performances, bicycles for use in port, a high-tech in-cabin entertainment system and free internet access.

For further details, look up http://www.amawaterways.co.uk/.

Thinking of Christmas?

It's never too soon to be thinking of the Holidays and where to go for the Christmas/New Year period. Well, taking a cruise is often the mosty enjoyable way to get the very best out of the festive season and, it seems, Silversea Cruises think so, too! Here is their latest press release, highlighting some very tempting discounts for all they have to offer.

And don't forget the best place to book your next (or first) Silversea experience, is with the specialists at The Cruise Line Ltd. While this is true sea-going luxury, it comes with the price-tag to match. So make sure you get the best possible deal with TCL. Here are all the main details:

SILVERSEA CELEBRATES THE HOLIDAYS FROM ANTARCTICA TO ZANZIBAR

(London – 16 July 2009) This holiday season the intimate ships of Silversea are offering travellers the opportunity to celebrate aboard voyages that span the globe, from the warm waters of the Caribbean, Indian Ocean and South Pacific, to the ultimate winter wonderland… the Antarctic. With cruises ranging from eight to seventeen days, the six ships of the Silversea fleet -- Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, new Silver Spirit (set to launch in December), and the expedition ship Prince Albert II -- offer an elegant way to spend the holiday season.

Highlighting the onboard ambiance will be special decorations, parties, menus, entertainment and engaging guest lecturers. With the exception of expedition cruises, clergy are also onboard to conduct religious services, including a rabbi for Hanukkah. "Our holiday voyages are designed to offer an escape from the pressure of deadlines and having to plan parties and prepare meals," said Trudy Redfern, Silversea's Managing Director, UK & Ireland. "Instead we offer a stress-free retreat where the focus is on authentic pleasures -- discovering new places, making new friends, and spending quality time with loved ones."

The following voyages offer the perfect setting for celebrating both Christmas and the New Year:

-- AFRICA & SEYCHELLES: Silver Wind departs 20 December on a 14-day voyage (#2939) from Mahe to Mauritius with calls in Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette Island, Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Madagascar and Reunion Island. Guest Lecturer: Malcolm Ainscough, private guide and Africa expert who grew up in Zimbabwe. He has hosted European royalty and American notables throughout Africa. Silver Sailing fares start at £3,976.

-- ANTARCTICA: Prince Albert II departs Ushuaia 21 December on a 17-day expedition cruise (#7930) exploring the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Elephant Island and Antarctic Peninsula before returning to Ushuaia. Expedition Team: Dr. David Elliot, geologist; Chris Collins, ornithologist; Claudia Holgate, environmental lecturer; and Victoria Salem, historian, to name a few. Silver Sailing fares start at £4,972.

-- CARIBBEAN: Silver Shadow departs 20 December on a 15-day roundtrip voyage (#3933) from Fort Lauderdale with calls in Virgin Gorda, Antigua, Bequia, Barbados, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe, St. Bart's, Grand Turk and Key West. Guest Lecturer: Dr. Roderick A. McDonald, professor of history at Rider University and editor of the Journal of the Early Republic. He is the author of numerous books and articles on Caribbean history. Silver Sailing fares start at £3,971.

-- MEDITERRANEAN & NORTH AFRICA: Silver Spirit departs 23 December on an 11-day maiden voyage (#5901) from Barcelona to Lisbon with calls in Malaga, Gibraltar, Cadiz, Casablanca and Tangier. Guest Lecturer: Andrew Roberts, historian and biographer who appears regularly on British television. He has reported on royalty for NBC and CNN in the U.S. His many articles have appeared in leading newspapers. Early Booking Incentive fares start at £3,570.

-- SOUTH AMERICA: Silver Cloud departs 20 December on a 16-day voyage (#1931) from Santiago to Buenos Aires with calls in Puerto Montt, Laguna San Rafael, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Puerto Madryn and Montevideo. Guest Lecturer: Michael Buerk, one of Britain's leading broadcast journalists. He has worked as a BBC news correspondent in more than sixty countries, covering political, diplomatic and economic developments. Silver Sailing fares start at £3,847.

-- SOUTH PACIFIC: Silver Whisper departs 19 December on a 15-day voyage (#4938) from Sydney to Auckland with calls in Melbourne, Hobart, cruising Milford Sound, Stewart Island, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Picton and Bay of Islands. Guest Lecturer: Li Cunxin (pronounced "Lee Schwin Sing"), Chinese ballet dancer who defected to the West. His bestselling autobiography, Mao's Last Dancer, has been made into a movie scheduled for release later this year. Silver Sailing fares start at £3,347.

A sampling of itineraries coinciding with Hanukkah this year include:

-- CARIBBEAN: Silver Shadow departs 11 December on a 9-day voyage (#3932) from Barbados to Fort Lauderdale with calls in Bequia, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Antigua, St. Martin and Grand Turk. Guest Lecturer: Dr. Roderick A. McDonald, professor of history at Rider University and editor of the Journal of the Early Republic. He is the author of numerous books and articles on Caribbean history. Silver Sailing fares start at £1,622.

-- SOUTH AMERICA: Silver Cloud departs 4 December on a 16-day voyage (#1930) from Buenos Aires to Santiago with calls in Montevideo, Punta del Este, Puerto Madryn, Falkland Islands, Punta Arenas, Laguna San Rafael, Puerto Chacabuco and Puerto Montt. Guest Lecturer: Richard Cowley, former director-general of the Anglo-Uruguayan Cultural Institute. In 1982, he was decorated by Queen Elizabeth II as a Member of the Order of the British Empire. Silver Sailing fares start at £3,697.

-- SOUTH PACIFIC: Silver Whisper departs 3 December on a 16-day voyage (#4937) from Singapore to Sydney with calls in Semarang, Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, Whitsunday Islands and Brisbane. Silver Sailing fares start at £3,497.

And guests can enjoy a traditional American Thanksgiving feast on 26 November aboard all Silversea voyages, including:

-- CARIBBEAN: Silver Shadow departs 22 November on a 10-day roundtrip voyage (#3930) from Fort Lauderdale with calls in Nassau, Samana, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Bart's and Road Town. Silver Sailing fares start at £1,772.

-- SOUTH AMERICA: Silver Cloud departs 26 November on an 8-day voyage (#1929) from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires with calls in Parati, Sao Paulo, Itaji and Montevideo. Guest Lecturer: Richard Cowley, former director-general of the Anglo-Uruguayan Cultural Institute. In 1982, he was decorated by Queen Elizabeth II as a Member of the Order of the British Empire. Silver Sailing fares start at £1,872.

All fares listed above are per person based on double occupancy for a Vista Suite (Adventurer Class on Prince Albert II) and include port charges and handling fees.