New 'No-Fly’ Voyages For Star Clippers

Star Clippers has introduced new travel-inclusive, no-fly holidays in the Mediterranean and the Baltic in 2012 for those tired of airport delays and luggage restrictions. Travelling outbound or return by rail to within a short transfer of the ship, there’s no need to check in hours in advance and there are no restrictions on how much luggage to take.

The new rail-sail combination holidays combine the romance of train travel through Europe with the gentle pace of life on board a genuine sailing ship, where guests can either help the crew hoist the sails and try their hand at mast climbing, or simply soak up the sun and relax in the al fresco Tropical Bar with the cocktail of the day. All packages include train travel to or from the UK to the port, transfers and all meals on board. 

Choose from the following selection of dates:

May 5: Join the head-turning tall ship Star Flyer in Southampton, where the four-masted, full-rigged clipper will be making a rare appearance in 2012, the first time one of the Star Clippers vessels has been in British waters since her launch in 1992. The cruise sets sail from Southampton to Hamburg, with two days at sea to enjoy life under sail, followed by a full day in Amsterdam. The five-night holiday costs from £1,095 per person and includes a transfer from Hamburg port to the station; and rail travel home in an overnight double sleeper from Hamburg to Paris, followed by Eurostar to London. 

May 16, Sail & Rail to Hamburg & Amsterdam: Enjoy the excitement of sailing on Star Flyer as she cruises from one great maritime port to another on a three-day mini-break from Amsterdam to Hamburg. The voyage also includes a day in the Frisian holiday island of Borkum and costs from £945 per person, including three nights on board, with all meals, return transfers to the ship and Eurostar/InterCity rail travel to Amsterdam, via Brussels, and overnight/Eurostar rail from Hamburg to London, via Paris.

July 27: Rail-sail from Venice, the most romantic small-ship port in the Med. Travel by train from the UK to Venice to join Star Clipper, en route to Croatia, exploring Losinj, Hvar and Rovinj, the true yachting ports of the Adriatic, calling at harbours and secluded anchorages inaccessible to bigger ships. The four-night cruise costs from £1,245 per person, including all meals on board, transfers to and from the railway station in Venice, return overnight sleeper train between Venice and Paris, and return Eurostar travel between London and Paris.

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

Seabourn's Free Upgrades On Select Cruises

Ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn has welcomed in the New Year with the offer of free upgrades on selected popular European cruise-only and fly/cruise itineraries. For UK travellers seeking a luxurious ocean-bound adventure, before the height of summer, Seabourn’s early-season fully inclusive cruises offer exceptional value and variety.

Whether guests opt for the charm and style of the chic 208-passenger ships Seabourn Legend and Spirit or the sleek design and modern comfort of the larger, 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey, the luxury and comfort of a Seabourn voyage is hard to beat.

All itineraries listed below offer the free suite upgrade:

10-Day Italy & Adriatic, April 5; Seabourn Spirit - ports of call: Malaga, Menorca, Naples, Lecce, Dubrovnik, Sibenik, Pula and Venice. Prices: £1,999pp cruise only, £2,419pp fly/cruise.

9-Day Mediterranean, April 11; Seabourn Legend - ports of call: Athens, Cesme, Mykonos, Corfu, Crotone, Messina, Naples and Rome. Prices: £1,799pp cruise only, £2,189 fly/cruise.

12-Day Atlantic Odyssey, March 21; Seabourn Odyssey - ports of call: Fort Lauderdale, transatlantic, Funchal and Lisbon. Prices: £1,699pp cruise only, £2,499pp fly/cruise.

Prices are all per person, based on double occupancy and fully inclusive of all tips and gratuities, fine-dining, open bars and a fully stocked mini-bar in each suite.

For booking details, see this link for UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

NCL's Big Changes For 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced its summer deployment for 2013/2014, with a four-ship deployment in Europe – continuing with two ships based in the region year-round.

New to the European fleet is Norwegian Star, which replaces the Sun in the Baltic, further increasing the capacity in this popular cruise destination. Further highlights include the addition of a third ship in Alaska, sailing seven-night ‘open jaw’ itineraries between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Whittier, Alaska.

In Europe, Norwegian Epic (above) returns for her third season, sailing seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries from Barcelona from May 5, 2013, to October 13. A new itinerary features five ports of call in three countries - Spain, Italy and France - and a call to Palma in Majorca.

Norwegian Jade returns to Venice in May for the summer season and will offer alternating seven-night Greek Isles and seven-night Adriatic, Greece and Turkey itineraries. In the Autumn/Winter, Jade repositions to Rome (Civitavecchia) for a series of eight 10-night Eastern Med and nine 11-night Mediterranean & The Holy Land itineraries from October 26, 2013, to April 12, 2014.

In Alaska, beginning May 20, 2013, Norwegian Sun’s northbound itinerary to Whittier departs Vancouver on Mondays and will cruise the Inside Passage, Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier and make stops in the Alaskan favourites of Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau.

Beginning May 18, 2013, Norwegian Jewel will sail a series of 18 seven-night Sawyer Glacier itineraries from Seattle every Saturday, with stops in Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway and Victoria (British Columbia).

Pride of America will continue as the only US-flagged vessel sailing among all four of Hawaii’s main islands, offering seven-night inter-island cruises that depart Honolulu every Saturday. Ports of call include: an overnight in Kahului (Maui); Hilo and Kona (on the Big Island); an overnight in Nãwiliwili, (Kauai); and an afternoon cruise along the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.

For a shorter cruise option, Norwegian Sky will continue sailing three and four-night cruises to the Bahamas year-round from Miami through April 25, 2014.

For booking options, be sure to check out this link with the UK's leading cruise agent specialsts, the Cruise Line Ltd.

Short Breaks With Star Clippers

Not enough time for a full week’s holiday? Tall ship specialist Star Clippers has launched a series of short-break holidays for 2012, with a chance to experience life on board an elegant clipper ship and explore some of Europe’s most beautiful and romantic ports, as well as themed 'extras'.


Mediterranean Treasures, April 23, 2012
Experience the joys of daily yoga and meditation on this well-being themed voyage from Malaga to Rome on the 227-passenger Royal Clipper. Experienced yoga teacher Christel Vollmer, back on board by popular demand, will offer daily classes on the warm teak decks, while as usual, guests can follow a healthy or vegetarian diet if they wish. The ship sails from Malaga to Palma, Mallorca and Mahon in Menorca and the voyage includes two days at sea for maximum relaxation in the spring sunshine. From £999 per person including full board on the ship, all yoga classes, flights and transfers.

Sail from Southampton, May 5, 2012
Join the head-turning Star Flyer on her maiden call to Southampton for a five-night sailing to Hamburg, via Amsterdam, with two days at sea. The ship, with its four masts and graceful lines, is bound to attract a lot of attention in two such important seafaring cities. This package includes five nights’ car parking in Southampton; five nights’ full board on the ship, flight from Hamburg to London and transfer back to Southampton, from £1,045 per person.

A Taste of Italy, departing June 4, 2012
Make the most of Britain’s extra bank holiday for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and take to the seas on Royal Clipper on this four-night sailing from Civitavecchia, the port for Rome. The five-night break includes one night in the heart of Rome at the four-star Marcella Royal Hotel, with a welcome bottle of wine and a tour of the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. The following day, Royal Clipper sails to Bonifacio in Corsica; Sardinia’s ultra-glamorous Costa Smeralda; pretty Portoferraio in Elba; and back to Civitavecchia. From £1,275 per person, including B&B accommodation in Rome, full board on the ship, flights and transfers.

Venetian Romance, departing July 27, 2012
Enjoy an evening in Venice after the crowds have departed, staying the night before your cruise at the four-star superior Liassidi Palace Hotel, within walking distance of the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Square. The holiday includes entrance to the Doge’s Palace and a bottle of wine on arrival. Then, sail in style along the spectacular Giudecca Canal on the magnificent, four-masted Star Clipper, heading out across the lagoon and into the Adriatic, for a four-night adventure exploring some of Croatia’s most fashionable anchorages: Mali Losinj, Hvar and Rovinj. From £1,195 per person, including B&B accommodation in Venice, full board on the ship, flights and transfers.

For more information and booking offers, use this link to visit luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Seabourn's World Cruise Guest Speaker Line-Up

Luxury cruise line Seabourn has announced an exciting line-up of distinguished guest speakers who will join segments of Seabourn Quest’s 109-day maiden World Cruise next year, including award-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch, jazz legend Arturo Sandoval, Princess Diana’s former chef Oliver Reschrieter and Futurist political analyst Daniel Silke.

The voyage departs January 5 from Fort Lauderdale on a unique eastbound course via South America, South Africa, the Indian Ocean, South-east Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, ending in Venice April 23. From world-renowned musicians and chefs to politicians, historians and international relations experts, the diverse group of personalities will share their expert insights with guests during various segments of the voyage. Space is currently available for guests wishing to book segments.

Segments ranging from 15 to 88 days are available starting at £4,799 per person, based on double occupancy, cruise only, and fully inclusive of all tips and gratuities, fine-dining, open bars and fully stocked mini-bar.

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

Royal Clipper's New Voyages

Here are some great ideas for that 'something different' cruise in 2012, courtesy of our friends at Star Clippers.

The superbly elegant five-masted Royal Clipper (above) spends winter in the Caribbean, offering seven, 10 and 11-night voyages from Barbados, alternating between the Windward Isles and the Grenadines, from £1,225pp, excluding flights. The 227-passenger ship will then offer seven and 11-night voyages round-trip from Rome, or between Rome and Venice, during the summer of 2012, cruising the Amalfi Coast and Sicily, from £1,515pp, excluding flights.

Star Clipper, with a capacity of 170, winters in St Maarten, offering seven-night voyages to the Leeward Islands and around the British Virgin Islands from £1,245 per person, excluding flights. The ship will sail the Greek Islands all summer, round-trip from Athens and between Athens and Venice and vice versa. A four-night mini-cruise from Venice starts at £770pp, excluding flights, departing July 28 and calling at popular yachting ports in Croatia.

Special offers for Christmas and New Year: receive €300 per person onboard credit on Star Flyer’s Costa Rica cruises, from £1,770pp excluding flights.; No single supplements on Costa Rica cruises; third passenger occupying a cabin pays only port taxes; 50% discount for children in Costa Rica at Christmas and on New Year cruises on all three ships.

For booking to sure to check with The Cruise Line Ltd on this link.http://www.cruiseline.co.uk/Star-Clippers

Ponant Cruises' New Summer Brochure

The new Summer 2012 Cruises brochure published by Compagnie du Ponant, is now available to the UK marketplace featuring over 80 sailings, from 4-14 nights, operating between March and October next year.

The Art of Yacht Cruises is elegantly reflected in the contemporary, 130-page brochure, promoting an alternative lifestyle of discovery, enjoyment, subtlety and relaxation, which has been the philosophy of Compagnie du Ponant for over 20 years. A range of magical destinations are on offer and also a choice of themed cruises from music and golf, to gastronomy, family and soft expedition.

With moorings inaccessible to larger ships, unusual itineraries and high standards of personal service, Compagnie du Ponant, the only French cruise line, now operates a fleet of five, individual ships of character: Le Ponant (64 passengers), Le Levant(90 passengers), Le Diamant (226 passengers) and Le Boreal and L'Austral (264 passengers).

Voyage-only fares include: The cruise with all meals, from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation; Welcome aboard and captain’s cocktail parties, gala dinner; Mineral water, tea, filter coffee, white, red and rosé wines served with meals; 24-hour room service; Evening entertainment and events, and/or organised shows; and porterage from the quayside to the ship and vice versa.

For more information visit http://www.ponant.com/ or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Stop Press Cruise Offer From Oceania!

You know it's a good day for press releases (and great late cruise deals!) when you pick up something like this, from chic Oceania Cruises:



September 7: Venice to Istanbul, 12 nights from £1799, saving £1451



Oceania Cruises has a saving of up to £2245pp off a 12-night cruise through the Mediterranean from Venice to Istanbul on board Marina, the company’s new, luxury cruise ship, plus a credit of $1000 per stateroom.



The sailing now costs from £1799pp (was £3250, saving £1451) or you can upgrade to a Penthouse suite for £2399pp (was £4644, saving £2245pp). Prices are based on two sharing and include gourmet dining in a choice of six restaurants at no supplement, complimentary bottled water and soft drinks.



Visit www.oceaniacruises.co.uk or the specialist luxury cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

Crystal's New Autumn Med Cruises

Following its introduction of three and four-night sampler cruises last month, ultra-luxury cruise operator Crystal Cruises has added a further three shorter voyages, ideal for those who can’t be away from home (or the office) for too long.

These new six and seven-night Mediterranean voyages onboard Crystal Serenity are high in port content and value but low in hassle and cost, and feature some of Europe’s most fascinating ports.

October 17: seven-night voyage from Monte Carlo to Athens visiting Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Kusadasi and Mykonos. Prices from £2,252 per person (all based on two people sharing) including return economy class flights from London, overseas transfers, seven nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks and port taxes.

November 10: six-night voyage from Athens to Venice visiting Santorini, Kotor and Dubrovnik. Prices from £1,875 per person.

November 17: seven-night voyage from Venice to Rome visiting Koper, Dubrovnik, Sicily and Naples. Prices from £2,146 per person.

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

P&O Cruises ‘Getaway’ Fares For Adonia

P&O Cruises is now offering ‘Getaway’ prices and inclusive flights on selected Adonia Mediterranean fly-cruises.

The ‘Fly Med Getaway’ promotion applies to cruises from 10-14 nights in duration that depart between October 29, 2011, and January 3, 2012. Prices are inclusive of flights and fuel supplement. Bookings must be made by in June or July.

Named last month by global singing star, Dame Shirley Basey, Adonia is exclusively for adults and carries just 710 passengers. On board there are eight bars, including P&O Cruises signature ‘Crow’s Nest’, a library, Oasis Spa and gym, classic dining room and two speciality restaurants: Sorrento Italian and Ocean Grill by Marco Pierre White.

Sample Cruise:

D114. 3 -13 January 2012, seven nights.

Ports of call include Trieste, Venice, Koper, Hvar, Bari, Katakolon, Nauplia, Istanbul, Mytilene, Ephesus (from Kusadasi), Rhodes, Santorini, and Athens (from Piraeus).

‘Getaway’ fares from £1,452 (based on two adults sharing an inside cabin). This includes return flights, all accommodation, main meals and entertainment.

Bookings must be made by July 31, 2011. For more info, see www.pocruises.co.uk or the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Crystal's 2012 Programme Now on Sale

Crystal Cruises’ exciting line up of 2012 worldwide itineraries is now on sale with free return flights available on ALL sailings. Plus, as of Spring 2012, all cruises on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will include FREE fine wines and premium spirits in all restaurants, open bar service in all lounges and pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff.

The complimentary gratuity amenity includes butler service and service in all of Crystal’s fine specialty restaurants and sushi bar.

In 2012, Crystal will offer 68 global itineraries onboard their award-winning duo, including:

A 94-night “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; an expanded collection of Mediterranean itineraries, including late Autumn options; and more Baltic and Northern European cruises; more seven-night cruises in the Mediterranean and New England/Canada, as well as a seven-night voyage during Thanksgiving through the Mexican Riviera; and transatlantic cruises from New York to Dover and Miami to Lisbon, which can be combined with European cruises.

There will also be 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.

2012 prices start from just £2,336 per person based on a seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Rome departing 8th April. Price includes free return flights from the UK, transfers, seven nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window on an all-inclusive basis to include all meals, drinks and gratuities plus port taxes.

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

Seabourn's 2012 Europe Season Now Open!

Seabourn is delighted to offer up an expanded array of voyages in Europe during 2012. The luxury line's six stylish ships will explore an unprecedented 165 different destinations among the continent's landmark cities, historic sites and natural splendours on cruises from seven to 19 days. The extended eight-month season, from April to November, is now open for sale, and itineraries, fares and other details can be viewed on www.seabourn.com.

Popular European itineraries include:

Greek Isles & Golden Treasures – Seabourn Quest – 7 days
Departures: 10 August, 21 September 2012
Athens to Istanbul: Mylos, Mykonos, Patmos, Kusadasi, Khylos, Troy. Fares start from £2,450pp based on two people sharing a Seabourn Suite.

Adriatic Gems & Venice – Seabourn Spirit – 10 days
Departures: 15, 25 April; 5, 15, 25 May; 4, 14, 24 June; 3, 13, 23 July; 2, 12 September 2012
Ports of call: Venice, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Split, Rovinj. Venice round trip, with option to stay overnight in Venice. Fares start from £2,240pp based on two people sharing a Seabourn Suite.

Idyllic Rivieras & Spain – Seabourn Legend – 10 days
Departures: 20 April; 10 May; 7, 27 June; 17 July; 6, 26 August; 15 September
Rome to Monte Carlo: calling at Elba, Portofino, Cannes, Sanury-sur-mer, Barcelona, Menorca, Collioure, Porquerolles, and Monte Carlo. Fares start from £2,800pp based on two people sharing a Seabourn Suite.

The full 2012 cruise season in Europe starts from £1,890 per person, including return air, based on double occupancy. For bookings, visit www.seabourn.com or see the UK's leading luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Oceania's New 7-Day Med Cruises

Inspired by strong response it to its new seven-day itineraries for 2012, Oceania Cruises has created two 7-night departures in the Mediterranean this autumn, timed to take in the autumn foliage in Tuscany and the French Riviera.

The new “Tuscan Charms” cruise sails from Barcelona on October 29, calling into Civitavecchia (the port for Rome), Provence (Marseille), Monte Carlo, Portofino, Livorno and Sorrento/Capri en route, with an overnight in Livorno to allow for extensive visits to Pisa, Florence and Cinque Terra. Fares start at £1,518 per guest, based on two sharing and including all meals, soft drinks and bottled water.

“Italian Treasures,” from Rome to Venice, departs on November 5, calling at Amalfi/Positano, Taormina, Corfu, Bari and Dubrovnik. Guests also enjoy an overnight aboard ship in Venice at the end of the cruise. Fares start at £823 per guest, based on two sharing and including all meals, soft drinks and bottled water.

The cruises are on board Oceania's luxurious, 684-guest Insignia – an intimate ship with open-seating dining in four gourmet restaurants, all with no surcharge, luxurious public rooms, sumptuous accommodations, and warm, attentive service.

For more info, see www.oceaniacruises.com or contact the UK's leading luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd

Big Spring Savings With Oceania

Oceania Cruises is offering savings of up to 50% off selected departures this spring, including sailings on new ship Marina (above), and an onboard credit of $1,000 per stateroom. All prices include meals and complimentary bottled water and soft drinks, but exclude flights.

Wonders of the Ancients, 14 nights from £1,399, save up to £1,835pp PLUS $1,000 onboard credit:

Departing on April 23, Oceania has a magnificent 14-night sailing through some of Europe’s most picturesque and historical regions on the mid-sized Insignia, now £1,399 per person, based on two sharing, and including a $1,000/stateroom credit. The ship embarks in Rome, sailing down Italy’s west coast to Taormina, Sicily, to the Greek island of Zakynthos, cruising the Mediterranean Sea to Alexandria, Egypt, the ancient cities of Jerusalem, Israel and Alanya, Turkey, returning to port in Athens, Greece.

Grecian Glory, 10 nights from £999, save up to £1,816pp PLUS $1,000 on board credit:

Departing on May 6 on new ship Marina from Venice to Athens, the cruise now costs from £999 per person, based on two sharing, including all meals, complimentary soft drinks and bottled water, but excluding flights.

Jewels of the Aegean, 12 nights from £1,199, save up to £1,854pp PLUS $1,000 onboard credit:

Cruise through the magical Aegean Sea on mid-sized Nautica and save up to £1,854pp. Departing on May 22, the sailing departs from Istanbul and continues into the Aegean Sea cruising the Greek Islands, Montenegro, Croatia, and Slovenia before disembarking in Venice.

For more details, visit www.oceaniacruises.co.uk or contact the specialist luxury cruise agents of The Cruise Line on 0800 008 6677.

European Waterways refurbishes Rick Stein's Barge

Spring time will soon be upon us, and what better place to spend it than cruising through the orchards and vineyards in the South of France? The gorgeous Dutch barge Rosa immerses passengers in a world of picturesque villages, good food and fine wine, sailing on the Canal de la Garonne through Gascony towards Bordeaux.

An old friend and one of their most prized barges, she has been a member of the European Waterways fleet for a number of years, and was loved by celebrity chef Rick Stein on his hugely successful BBC TV series 'French Odyssey'.

Newly refurbished, Rosa now presents an exquisite wood-panelled saloon, occupied by cosy seating and a bar. Passengers can relax on her deck as they bask in the French sun and even enjoy her very own spa pool.

The varied itinerary offers passengers the very essence of Southern France. As they visit historic Montauban, experience ancient abbeys, indulge in wine, armagnac and fois gras tasting and even traverse an impressive 1,000ft aqueduct. Eight passengers can enjoy this experience, staying in one of four double cabins, each air conditioned and with en suite facilities, or a party can charter the whole barge.

Rates for a cruise aboard Rosa are from £2,250 per person sharing a double cabin and from £15,700 for an exclusive charter of the entire vessel for 8 passengers. This is all-inclusive (excl. travel).

The European Waterways hotel barges accommodate between 4 and 20 passengers and are ideal for people looking for either an individual cruise with other like-minded people or for those wanting a whole barge charter for a family or group of friends.

All the vessels across Europe's rivers are fully crewed with a Captain, gourmet chef, hostess and tour guide, with a private air-conditioned mini-bus taking passengers on excursions. There are well-planned and interesting daily itineraries that give passengers the opportunity to visit cultural and historical places of interest, vineyards and markets in each region.

For more information visit European Waterways or contact the UK's leading luxury river-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

Windstar's Stunning Italian Shore Excursion Line-Up

Windstar Cruises has announced that it will be offering 64 shore excursions on its 2011 seven-night Italian voyages sailing between Venice and Rome, round-trip from Rome and Nice and Rome.

Designed to explore Italy intimately, the shore excursions encompass land and sea adventures, cultural and historical experiences, food and wine tours, and walking journeys.

Highlighted 2011 Italy Shore Excursions include:

• Amalfi, Italy: Ancient Pompeii – explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Pompeii which was buried by a catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius before it was re-discovered in the 1500s. Guided tour through Pompeii’s baths, theatres, temples, markets and forum which showcases Roman life from ancient times.
• Capri, Italy: Blue Grotto – step onboard a small rowing boat to enter The Blue Grotto, a sea cave that is famous for its brilliant blue light created by sunlight reflecting through the water.
• Livorno, Italy: Wine Tasting and Carriage Ride at Lari – wine tasting at Torre a Cenaia winery, a Tuscan wine cellar, before enjoying a romantic carriage ride.
• Livorno, Italy: The Leaning Tower of Pisa – journey to Pisa, which is located 20 miles from Livorno, and view the Leaning Tower, the Piazza de Miracoli, the Baptistry and the historical churchyard.
• Sorrento, Italy: Boat Tour to Positano – a private motorboat ride along the coast to Positano, once a sleepy fishing village and home to renowned artists, featuring Moorish-style houses set in luxurious gardens.
• Portoferraio, Italy: Countryside Drive and Wine Tasting – visit the enchanting village of Porto Azzurro and enjoy wine tasting at a vineyard frequented by Emperor Napoleon.
• Rome, Italy: Private Vatican Tour – explore Porta di Bronzo on Viale Vaticano, special sections of the Vatican Museums, Cappella Niccolina (private worship place of the Pope), artwork masterpieces, the Sala degli Ori displaying precious Etruscan jewels and St Peter’s treasure.
• Rome, Italy: Rome Highlights – panoramic drive passing the Pyramid, the Circus Maximus, Imperial Avenue, Arch of Constantine, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Venice Square, Triton Fountain, Via Veneto, Borghese Gardens, Aurelian Walls, Sant’Angelo Fortress, the ancient Hadrian Mausoleum and a visit to St Peter’s Square (Vatican City).
• Venice, Italy: Venice Essential Sights – with a local guide, explore St Mark’s Square, St Mark’s Cathedral, Doge’s Palace, Golden Staircase, St Mark’s Basin and the Bridge of Sighs.

Prices for Windstar's 2011 Italy voyages start from £1,992 per person based on Wind Surf’s seven-night voyage from Rome to Venice departing June 4. Price includes return scheduled flights and seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom with all meals and entertainment and port taxes.

Call Windstar Cruises on 020 7292 2369 or visit www.windstarcruises.co.uk or contact the UK's leading cruise travel agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

New Year Offers from Regent Seven Seas

FREE FLIGHTS FREE SHORE EXCURSIONS ALL-INCLUSIVE

Now you can explore the small harbours of the Mediterranean or the western Caribbean with some amazing offers from Regent Seven Seas.

ALMOST EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED...

* FREE flights & transfers

* FREE unlimited shore excursions

* ALL fine dining

* ALL drinks & beverages

* ALL gratuities & ALL activities onboard

WESTERN CARIBBEAN

Sail Date Nights Itinerary WAS pp NOW pp

12 March 2011 7 Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale £2,519 £1,637

08 April 2011 7 Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale £2,519 £1,889

MEDITERRANEAN

Sail Date Nights Itinerary WAS pp NOW pp

07 June 2011 10 Rome to Athens £4,189 £2,723

16 July 2011 10 Istanbul to Venice £4,499 £2,924

12 Aug 2011 12 Istanbul to Athens £4,499 £3,464

24 Aug 2011 10 Athens to Barcelona £3,569 £2,855

9 Oct 2011 10 Monte Carlo to Athens £3,879 £2,909

10 Oct 2011 14 Athens to Rome £5,129 £3,847

19 Oct 2011 10 Athens to Istanbul £3,879 £2,832

10 Nov 2011 10 Venice to Rome £2,939 £2,351

To take advantage of these great special deals, book by March 31, 2011.

For more information, visit www.rssc.com or the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line

Libya Spices Up Crystal's Med Season

Libya is tipped as a hot destination for UK travellers in 2011, and luxury line Crystal Cruises is delighted to announce it is adding its historic capital Tripoli to its autumn season this year, making it the first deluxe company for many years to add the country to its portfolio of destinations.

Following a difficult year for international tourists hoping to visit, 2011 sees this land of magnificent and unsurpassed ancient sites accessible to the discerning visitor once again.

Crystal's November 16 ‘Italian Splendour’ Mediterranean cruise on Crystal Serenity offers the opportunity for guests to explore Tripoli; see some of the best-preserved cities and archaeological relics in the world from Roman, Greek, Byzantine, Phoenician and Arab-Islamic civilisations like Leptis Magna (above); mix with local and tribal ethnicities; feast on traditional cuisine; and sift through the sand of the Sahara Desert, which covers roughly 90% of the country.

Augmenting an itinerary already steeped in wonders of antiquity and cultural immersion, the addition of Tripoli enables guests to visit what some consider the last unspoiled country in North Africa. Beginning and ending with overnights in Venice and Barcelona, the 11-day voyage also boasts visits to Dubrovnik and Sicily, Naples, Civitavecchia and Livorno.

Fly/cruise prices start from £3,163 per person including FREE return economy air travel from London, transfers, 11-nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks and port taxes. In addition, as part of Crystal's “All Inclusive – As You Wish” promotion, guests on these voyages will also receive onboard spending credit of $1000 per person which they can spend on shore excursions, spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, purchases in the onboard boutiques, gratuities or Vintage Room experiences.

For reservations, contact Crystal Cruises on 020 7287 9040 or visit the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Rail and Sail!

Here's a great new thought about combining a cruise with a deluxe rail journey, both as a high-quality add-on to the voyage and an alternative means of getting to your cruise (as opposed to flying).

Great Rail Journeys has introduced the ultimate ‘sail-rail’ holiday for 2011, partnering with the unique Star Clippers line to create an exclusive Mediterranean cruise holiday on the world’s tallest sailing ship.

Great Rail Journeys’ carefully-planned First Class rail travel combines scenic journeys with civilised hotel stays in Paris, Venice and Rome, where additional sightseeing and meals are provided.

Dovetailing with these fully-escorted arrangements is a 10-night cruise on the Royal Clipper (above) the world’s largest true full-rigged sailing ship, which offers its 227 guests the ultimate in luxurious, yet laid-back cruising.

On this holiday, the Royal Clipper sails from Venice along the Croatian coast, dropping anchor off Rovinj, Hvar and Dubrovnik as well as Montenegro’s port of Kotor and the islands of Corfu, Sicily, Capri and Ponza before sailing into Civitavecchia for Rome at the end of its 11-day cruise.

Great Rail Journeys’ guests, who will be supported by their own Tour Manager throughout the holiday, can sit back and relax while the Royal Clipper’s crew does all the work, or may choose to lend a hand when it comes to unfurling the ship’s 56,000sq ft of sail.

Facilities include three swimming pools, a three-deck atrium and even crows-nests furnished with comfy sofas for the ultimate mast-head view! The no-tie dress code makes for a relaxed onboard atmosphere, with informal, yet first class dining.

Great Rail Journeys’ exclusive departure dates for The Royal Clipper Cruise are 23 July, 2 and 13 August, 2011.

The 2 August departure adds the extraordinary experience of the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to an already memorable mix. On this date, the Royal Clipper departs from Rome and sails to Venice, visiting the same ports of call along the way, but in reverse. From Venice, Great Rail Journeys’ guests travel overnight on the Orient-Express to Paris before transferring to Eurostar for the last leg of an unforgettable journey.

The 17-day holiday costs £3,595 per person for 23 July and 13 August departures, and £4,475 for 2 August departure incorporating the Orient-Express experience.

The holiday includes First Class rail travel from London’s St Pancras, hotel accommodation en route, the cruise, most meals and the services of a tour manager throughout.

More info: 01904 521 980 or http://www.greatrail.com/.

The Med's Top 10

I thought this press release, ahead of the April launch of the new Voyages to Antiquity operation (using the former Aegean I, heavily rebuilt as Aegean Odyssey), was worth repeating for those who like to enjoy the classical side of the Mediterranean.

With the new operation - which is being pioneered by Gerry Herrod, the man who created Orient Lines and Discovery Cruises (now Voyages of Discovery) - now just 2 months away, the company asked its historical advisor and author John Julius Norwich (aka Lord Norwich) to select his Top 10 historical sites from around the Med.

Here's what he said:

“To list one’s 10 favourite places in the Mediterranean and its hinterland is a tall order indeed. No other area on earth possesses a tenth of the quantity of superb historical sites to be found between the Pillars of Hercules and the coast of the Levant; and if we extend our range – as Voyages to Antiquity does – to cover Upper Egypt and St Catherine’s Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai, Petra and Palmyra, the task becomes more difficult still.”

However, Lord Norwich has been able to complete the task, and his 10 ‘never-to-be-forgotten’ sites are listed below. More importantly, all the destinations are offered in Voyages to Antiquity's inaugural season (personally, I'd have Istanbul No 1, but I'm not going to quibble!):

1. Palermo, Sicily - Visit the Sicilian capital to experience the dazzling Palatine Chapel and the Cathedral of Monreale, with its almost unbelievable 12th-century mosaics and equally magical cloister.

2. Cefalu, Sicily - The mosaic of the Pantocrator in the apse of Cefalu Cathedral is among the greatest portraits of Jesus in all Christian art.

3. Istanbul, Turkey - Istanbul is home to the Church of St Sophia, one of the greatest buildings in the world. And don’t miss the Harrowing of Hell fresco in the 14th-century Church of St Saviour in Chora.

4. Venice, Italy - You could single out St Mark’s Square or any one of a number of churches, but the ultimate miracle is the city itself.

5. Petra, Jordan - To come upon the ‘Treasury’ – a spectacular example of rock-cut architecture probably dating from the first century BC – is one of the great coups de theatre that the world has to offer.

6. Palmyra, Syria (pictured above) - The ruined capital of Queen Zenobia, far out in the Syrian desert, is a site as mysterious as it is beautiful.

7. Krak des Chevaliers, Syria - The most complete Crusader castle to be found anywhere, and the most impressive. To step into this fortress atop a 650-metre-high hill is to return to the 11th century.

8. Aphrodisias, Turkey - Thanks to its remoteness in the hills surrounding the valley of the Meander River, this remarkable ancient city is relatively free of tourists and utterly unspoilt.

9. Luxor and Karnak, Egypt - Ancient Egypt exerts an extraordinary spell on all visitors. The temples open at 6am, so get up early and enjoy the cool of the morning. (You will also have them virtually to yourselves.)

10. Leptis Magna, Libya - Roman ruins don’t come more magnificent than these – and they remain utterly unspoilt by the modern world.

Cruise note: The 382-passenger Aegean Odyssey will be sailing around the Mediterranean from May to November 2010. Fares start from £1,995 for a 15-day cruise, including shore excursions, gratuities, wine with dinner and scheduled flights on British Airways.