Oceania's Big New Year Savings

Oceania Cruises, who operate four mid-sized luxury cruise ships specifically designed for lovers of good food and elegant living, is offering savings of up to £1,687 per person on selected departures between January 17 and March 29.

The offer is part of Oceania's `Explore your World’ promotion, which, on selected cruises, also gives clients free gratuities (worth up to $925 per booking) and a $1,000 shipboard credit per stateroom to spend on spa treatments, drinks, shore excursions or gifts from the onboard shops.

The sailings include a 25-night cruise from Bangkok to Beijing on board the 650-guest Nautica, departing on February 28, with port calls in Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and China, now from £3,025 (was £4,712, saving £1,687); and two cruises on board sister ship Regatta - a 21-night sailing from Auckland to Sydney, departing on March 8, now £2,541 (was £2,942, saving £401); and a 25-night voyage from Sydney to Papeete departing March 29 (now £3,025, saving £539), which also include the $1,000 per stateroom shipboard credit and free gratuities. 

Then there is an 18-night South Pacific sailing departing January 17 from Papeete to Auckland on board Regatta, which now costs from £2,178* (was £2,656, saving £478), with $1,000 credit per stateroom and free gratuities. 

And, in South America, the January 22 sailing on board Insignia, exploring Peru and Chile as the ship cruises the west coast of South America, now costs from £2,176 (was £3,080, saving £904), with $1,000 credit per stateroom and free gratuities.

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

Viking Unveils the Crown Jewel in Russian Cruising

To meet the growing demand for travel to Russia and exceed the expectations of today’s traveller, Viking River Cruises is setting a new standard with their Russian fleet: fully refurbishing each vessel from bow to stern and creating new and inviting interiors — spacious staterooms, elegant dining rooms and comfortable lounges.

The final ship to be fully refurbished is the Viking Rurik, which will launch in 2012 and offer two-room Suites that are an impressive 405sq ft, as well as spacious Junior Suites and 60 Staterooms with full verandas. The completion of this ship also marks the full transformation of all four vessels in Viking’s Russian fleet.

To commemorate the Viking heritage and Russian history, the four ships will be renamed after Rurik and his family, Helgi, Ingvar and Truvor, who were the original Russian explorers. Rurik, a leader of the Vikings in the 9th century, ventured along the rivers of what is now Russia and founded the Rurikid Dynasty, which ruled over Russia for many centuries. Specially designed to cruise Russia’s great waterways, Viking ships are built for around 200 guests, offering a more intimate holiday.

Comfort and quality, along with stunning river views in every stateroom, ensures there is no more relaxing or rewarding way to discover Russia than on board these beautiful ships.

For more info, visit www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk or the river cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Paul Gauguin's South Pacific Sale

Paul Gauguin Cruises has launched a South Pacific Sale offering fabulous savings of up to £1,258 per person on selected winter 2011/2012 sailings with prices starting from just £3,119 per person if booked by August 31.



These offers are available on seven-night Society Islands voyages round trip from Tahiti visiting Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora (overnight) and Moorea (overnight) with departures on the following dates: November 5 and 12; December 3 and 21; and February 25, 2012.



Prices start from £3,119 per person fly-cruise based on a seven-night Society Islands voyage departing in November and including return scheduled flights, transfers, seven nights in an ocean-view stateroom with all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages and gratuities.

For more info, visit www.pgcruises.com or the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

Winter Adventures in the Indian Ocean

Zegrahm's Winter Getaways are a great option for adventure-cruise enthusiasts, especially in the intimate comfort of the recently refurbished 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey. In addition to a bevy of complimentary amenities such as a variety of daily activity options; all gratuities, accommodations, and meals; and transfers on group arrival and departures dates, Odyssey’s shallow draft and fleet of Zodiacs allow guests to land on pristine atolls and uninhabited islands where many of the big ships simply can’t go.

First on the roster is India for a 15-day sojourn skirting the subcontinent’s southern shores. In addition to experiencing the fascinating city of Mumbai, the colonial European charm of Goa, Kochi’s maze of islands and waterways via houseboat, the Southern India by Sea programme spends two full days in Sri Lanka. The highlights of the island (once lauded by Marco Polo as the “finest island of its size”) include a visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and the World Heritage Sites of Kandy’s Buddhist Temple of the Tooth and the seaside fortress of Galle.

Next up is the India & the Maldives with Sri Lanka & Lakshadweeps, the perfect union of culture and natural history. Zegrahm cover all the highlights of Southern India and Sri Lanka, then make their way to the unspoiled islands of the Lakshadweeps and Maldives. The visits to these two archipelagos will be spent discovering the region’s underwater riches with daily snorkel, dive and glass-bottom boat excursions. And, since many families enjoy travelling together over the holidays, the company is happy to offer special group savings on this voyage: groups of four or more receive 10% off the brochure rate and groups of eight or more receive 15% off!

The New Year brings two amazing voyages focused on the Seychelles. First, from January 13-27, travellers on the Ultimate Seychelles expedition will enjoy daily adventures above and below the water. Whether it be hiking among the endemic coco-de-mar palms on Praslin Island, admiring Aldabra Atoll’s giant Indian Ocean tortoises, photographing the pink granite boulders of La Digue or snorkelling and diving among 150 coral species and 850 species of rainbow-hued fish, this voyage is sure to make guests forget winter exists elsewhere in the world.

Finally, the new Classic Seychelles offers the very best of these Indian Ocean islands, including La Digue, Praslin and Aldabra Atoll, plus the Comoros Islands and Tanzania. After spending days snorkelling, diving, bird-watching and beach-combing in the Seychelles, Odyssey heads to the volcanic islands of the Comoros, with an interesting mélange of Arabic and French architecture nestled among the islands' stunning natural beauty. The voyage concludes with explorations in magical Zanzibar, the “Spice Island”, where guests can wander the labyrinth of alleyways, filled with treasures of the East that established its fame: cloves, cinnamon and vanilla.

But, while winter may seem light years away, guests are advised to book soon to secure their cabin of choice. Then, instead of menu planning for Christmas or buying new snow shovels, they can start day-dreaming about glistening temple complexes and secluded, sugar-sand beaches!

For more info, visit www.zeco.com or contact the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

The Galapagos Islands with Lindblad Expeditions

There is truly never a bad time to visit the Galápagos – that's why Lindblad offer expeditions to these remarkable islands every month of the year. Each season has its own unique appeal, from lush vegetation to sunny skies. Both wildlife viewing and water activities are superb all year long.

Couples. Solo travelers. Families from nuclear to multi-generational. And groups of friends or business colleagues. An interesting mix of people enlivens the communities aboard Lindblad's expedition ships, where the atmosphere is casual, welcoming and always inclusive.

You can experience the Galápagos from the water with kayaking, snorkelling, or through the lens of ROV technology. Explore the islands on challenging hikes or leisurely walks, accompanied by experts. This truly is one of the great travel experiences anywhere in the world.

For more info, visit www.expeditions.com/index.asp or the expedition cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Photo credit: Michael S. Nolan/Lindblad Expeditions

Think Exotic With P&O

P&O Cruises is offering a new collection of exotic fly-cruise holidays on four ships in early 2013, with an array of 50 new holidays on offer on the Adonia, Arcadia, Aurora and Azura.

These exotic cruises are presented in a new Winter Holidays brochure, combined with cruises on the other three ships in the P&O Cruises fleet – Oceana, Oriana and Ventura – featuring holidays throughout the winter to the Caribbean, Canary Islands and Mediterranean.

All cruises in the Winter Holidays brochure can be viewed online at www.pocruises.co.uk. Cruises on Oceana, Oriana and Ventura are on sale now and the new exotic cruises can be booked from July 15.

The new exotic fly-cruise holidays combine iconic, far-flung destinations and start from just 13 nights in duration and £989 per person, based on Azura’s Mumbai to Singapore voyage, calling in Colombo, Langkawi, Bangkok (from Laem Chabang) and Singapore.

Free onboard spending money, which increases per person depending on the grade of cabin booked, and Early Booking savings are available for bookings made before November 30. In addition, an extra 10% discount is available for bookings made by August 31.

For more info, seet www.pocruises.co.uk or, to book, contact the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Silversea Adds More Relais & Chateau Voyages

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises is pleased to announce that four additional voyages this year will feature the exclusive "Relais & Châteaux L'École des Chefs" interactive cooking school.

"Our L'École des Chefs cooking school is proving extremely popular with guests and we're pleased to roll it out to more voyages this year," said Rudi Scholdis, Silversea's director of culinary development.

The new L'École des Chefs voyages for 2011 are:

NORTHERN EUROPE

Voyage 4122: Silver Whisper departs Stockholm July 23 on a seven-day sailing to Copenhagen with calls in Tallinn, St. Petersburg (three-day/two-night stopover) and Helsinki. Silver Savings fares start at £3,068.

Voyage 1121: Silver Cloud departs Copenhagen July 30 on a 17-day round-trip sailing, with calls in Alesund, Geiranger, Helleysilt, Lofoten, Tromso, Honningsvag (North Cape), Murmansk, Archangel (overnight visit), Hammerfest and Kristiansund. Silver Savings fares start at £5,583.

FAR EAST

Voyage 3126: Silver Shadow departs Incheon (Seoul) September 23 on a 12-day sailing to Hong Kong, with calls in Qingdao, Shanghai, Jiangyin, Nanjing and Xiamen. Highlights include cruising the Yangtze River and overnight stays in Shanghai and Hong Kong. Silver Savings fares start at £3,968.

Voyage 3127: Silver Shadow departs Hong Kong October 5 on a 12-day sailing to Singapore with calls in Chan May, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Ko Samui, and Kuantan. Highlights include overnight stays in Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok. Silver Savings fares start at £3,968.

Through its exclusive partnership with Relais & Châteaux, the distinguished international association of charming properties and gourmet restaurants, Silversea enjoys the privilege of featuring the only Relais & Châteaux L'École des Chefs cooking school at sea. The innovative programme offers guests a special culinary curriculum, including hands-on instruction, and entertaining events hosted by Silversea culinary trainer David Bilsland. Educated in classic French cooking, Bilsland's career includes several years as a chef instructor at the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in London. He presents a programme developed in collaboration with Jacques Thorel, the owner of L'Auberge Bretonne and a consulting Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux.

The curriculum for each of these cruises is carefully designed to celebrate the cultural flavour of the ship's itinerary. Highlights include specialised workshops covering a range of topics from basic knife skills and kitchen terminology to sauces and baking; cooking demonstrations with wine pairings and interactive Q&A sessions; lively cooking competitions between Chef Bilsland and the ship's own culinary team; a "Lunch and Learn" event offering small groups of guests a chance to sample a delicious meal of specially prepared dishes; and inspired "Take It Home" recipes that will give guests an edge when entertaining at home.

Also offered on certain voyages, when the itinerary permits, is a "Market to the Plate" experience that provides an escorted tour of a local market followed by a cooking class, and a "Culinary Outing," an instructor-escorted excursion to a local restaurant, hotel or other venue where guests can enjoy a unique culinary exploration.

All prices are per person, based on two people sharing a Vista Suite and include complimentary return economy class air, port charges, government fees and taxes. The $500 (V4122 and V1121) and $1,000 (V3126 and V3127) Onboard Spending Credit is offered per suite, based on two people sharing, for use towards additional benefits such as shore excursions, the spa, boutiques or the wine restaurant.

For more info, visit www.silversea.com or contact the UK's leading luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd at 0800 008 6677.

French Polynesia, The Distant Paradise

The most remote archipelago in the world, the French Polynesian Marquesas Islands have long been an inspiration for artists, writers and adventurers who come for the region’s wild beauty and cultural heritage. Aranui 3, the only ship to sail the 2,200-mile round-trip from Papeete on Tahiti to all six inhabited islands in the Marquesas archipelago, has just released its 2012 and 2013 dates and prices, including some special discounts.

Aranui 3 offers travel in comfort. Doubling as a cozy passenger ship as well as a cargo carrier, she features 86 fully air-conditioned cabins (including 10 large suites with balconies) and can carry more than 2,000 tons of freight. Two comfortable lounges, a swimming pool and gym and a full programme of lectures on Marquesan history, culture and art are all part of the experience.

English is widely spoken onboard and all presentations are given in English and French. The vessel, which has been in operation since 2003, delivers regular supplies, from bulldozers and beer to boats and brake pads to the islands’ remote valleys, some of which are totally secluded and have no road access to the main villages.

While the ship’s crew loads and unloads cargo at each island destination, passengers are taken ashore by wooden whaleboat or barge and welcomed by locals with flower garlands, dancing and music. Four-wheel drive jeeps, driven by locals, then take participants on spectacular safaris over the mountains to explore mysterious, unspoiled jungles and to experience the fascinating and individual culture of each of the islands.

Prices for 2012 start from £3,100 per person sharing a standard twin-bedded outside cabin with private facilities, including all meals with wine, all land-based sightseeing excursions and taxes.

However, during 2012, three departures are being offered at a 10% discount: March 17, June 9 and, for seniors aged over 60 only, September 22, bringing the starting price down to £2,805 per person. For those planning ahead to 2013, there is a 10% early booking discount on sailings between January and March 2013 for bookings received by December 31.

Flights to/from Papeete, Tahiti, are not included in these prices. Air France and Air Tahiti Nui fly to Papeete (via Paris and Los Angeles), with prices from around £1,750 pp return.

For more info, visit www.aranui.com or contact the UK's adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

American Safari Cruises Ready For Hawaii Debut

Hawaii-bound holiday-makers have an extra incentive to book an inter-island yacht cruise aboard American Safari Cruises’ 36-guest Safari Explorer in the next month or so. To celebrate its inaugural season in the islands, the line is offering a $150/person travel credit for reservations made before July 29.

Sailing week-long or 10-night active, adventure itineraries between Maui and the Big Island from November 2011 through April 2012, the all-inclusive Explorer visits the islands of Moloka’i, Lana’i and Molokini.

The $150 travel credit is intended to help guests defray air costs to the Hawaiian Islands where they will embark on their adventure cruise.

Flexible yacht itineraries focus on the leeward side of the eastern-most Hawaiian Islands. The unstructured itinerary allows time for seeking wildlife such as Manta rays, dolphins and humpback whales. Outfitted for active adventures, the yacht’s well-stocked water sports equipment includes kayaks, paddle boards, snorkelling gear, wet suits, sailboats and inflatable skiffs for up-close excursions. Guided snorkelling tours are a highlight throughout the trip. Two knowledgeable expedition leaders guide hiking and kayaking tours. Bicycles are also available for guest use on Moloka’i and Lana’i.

Fares start at $4,995 for the seven-night cruise and $6,495 for the 10-night voyage, both per person, double occupancy. Itineraries feature exclusive excursions and include all from-the-yacht activities and equipment; transfers; exquisite meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; and all port charges, taxes and fees. An all-American crew has a guest-crew ratio of 2 to 1 and includes Hawaii residents who have personal knowledge of the islands.

For more info, visit www.americansafaraicruises.com or contact the UK's adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.