Set Sail For Alaska In 2012!

We know we are often ahead of trends (as well as creating them), but it seems our big Alaska feature in the Winter edition (see it online on this link on pages 19-30) has created real cruise demand in 2012.

So much so, in fact, that several cruise agents have dubbed this year 'The Year of Alaska,' highlighting all the great quality, style, wildlife opportunities and value of cruising in America's 49th state.

Chief among them are The Cruise Line Ltd, who have even published their own brochure with all the best cruises, land tours - including the amazing Rocky Mountaineer train - excursions, sights and extra options for sailing in this magnificent part of the world. Choose from the large-scale experience of Princess Cruises, Holland America and Celebrity or the small-scale, deluxe style of American Safari Cruises, Regent Seven Seas or Silversea.

We have been big fans of Alaska and the benefits of cruising here for many years and our editor also highlighted the region in a feature three years ago (see it on this link), but it remains true that a cruise is the ideal way to see what is genuinely the Big Country.

For more booking details, be sure to contact The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677 or www.cruiseline.co.uk.

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.

One Week To The New Edition!

The Winter edition of World of Cruising magazine goes to the printers this week and should be back with us next Monday (Dec 19) for distribution to all our subscribers - just in time for a good Christmas read!

The latest issue is absolutely packed with the exotic and the desirable; long-distance cruising and closer-to-home varieties; winter ideas and festive touches. It journeys from Japan to Alaska and the Caribbean to the Med. And all in the inimitable style and high-quality design you have come to expect from Europe's leading cruise publication.

Our cover story is a unique close-up look at Alaska, through the twin perspectives of Princess Cruises and the new Alaskan Dream Cruises, with some fabulous photography and brilliant story-telling. Then we take a Viking voyage in the company of Fred. Olsen Cruises and head to the FarEast to look at the growing cruise destination of South Korea.

Need some winter sunshine? Go straight to out feature on Caribbean voyaging with SeaDream Yacht Club, a real tropical tonic. Or how about another look at the Asian Far East, this time with Orion Expedition Cruises and their first ever visit to Japan?


Back on home ground, we have a feature-length look at Swan Hellenic's Minerva from her new home base of Portsmouth (and just prior to her big winter re-fit), and then head north again for a look at the Norwegian Arctic of Hurtigruten in the region of Spitsbergen, truly one of cruising's great adventure frontiers.

For river cruising, we head to Russia and a unique journey from Moscow to St Petersburg with Uniworld, while we add a touch of pure luxury aboard Azamara Club Cruises and their unique President's Cruise. We also fofer two Passenger Perspective pieces, looking at Azamara and Cunard's Queen Victoria.

All our regular features are, of course, firmly front and centre, from the inimitable blogging style of Captain Greybeard and the inimitable Admiral, to our Aft View section, the expert Fashion pages, the essential World of Spas section, Readers Letters and the essential Cruise Planner, our annual review of ALL the ships with ALL the lines, so you can sit and plan your next voyage in perfect style.

It is all here, capped off by the best writers on the subject, from Gary Buchanan and Yvonne Horn to cruise historian Peter Newall and adventuring supremo Steve Newman.

As ever, World of Cruising is subscription-only, so, to be sure of your copy, make sure you visit our subscription page - Here!

American Safari Alaskan Cruises

American Safari Cruises are rapidly building a fine reputation for their active, adventure cruises, which allow guests the freedom to engage in many activities.

Now, their Alaskan voyages offer even more in this fabulous cruise region, with a range of kayaks and stand-up paddle-boards available for many excursions, while their skiff rides offer the chance to explore the shoreline, wildlife and glaciers in genuine up-close fashion.

All cruises are accompanied by expert naturalists and guides, who lead excursions on land and sea. An enhanced programme of educational presentations are also presented in the salon.

Another highly anticipated part of American Safari's voyages are the meals, with exquisite cuisine that is both innovative and fresh, with seafood and produce purchased locally whenever possible. All meals are served in the elegant dining room, with a complimentary bar.

The cruises also include all from-the-yacht activities and equipment; transfers; hand-crafted meals; fine wine, premium spirits and microbrews; a massage and all port charges, taxes and fees.

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

InnerSea Discoveries Ready For Inaugural Alaska Season

Taking delivery of their two inaugural cruise ships, Wilderness Discoverer and Wilderness Adventurer, new adventuring cruise line InnerSea Discoveries are now ready for their inaugural season in South-East Alaska.

A SeaAn underwater bow camera, high-tech kayak launchers and iPod docks are just a few of the new features installed on the two expedition ships, which begin sailing later this month (May 7).

Kayaking adventures will be a popular activity, with each ship carrying 28 assorted styles of Necky kayaks—stable, roomy and good for pros and novices. With multiple guided trips throughout each cruise, the ease of launching and return of kayaks is a priority. Both ships have been outfitted with custom made EZ Dock kayak launching systems, able to quickly and safely launch four kayaks at a time. Kayakers can also easily guide themselves back onto the ship using the system.

“Though our focus is on activities outside the ship such as hiking and kayaking, we have put a lot of thought into new features to make the experience on board even more enriching and comfortable,” said Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing. “Guests will return to a relaxing and inviting atmosphere after a day spent outside exploring nature.”

An underwater camera mounted on the ships’ bow will stream video from the underwater world to flatscreen televisions in all guest rooms and the lounge. A close-up view of life underwater will amaze with a large variety of sea life and at times, views of dolphins playing in the bow’s wake. An underwater hydrophone pipes in the otherworldly sound of whales communicating with each other.

All guest cabins are above deck with large windows and feature upscale amenities to ensure a warm, inviting home-away-from-home for active adventurers. Eco-friendly memory foam mattresses are included in all cabins as either a twin, double or queen bed. Flatscreen televisions with DVD players, iPod docking stations and eco-friendly bath amenities take these expedition ships to a new level of creature comfort.

Hot tubs situated outside on deck provide a spectacular setting for guests to relax and take in the scenery. Each ship also has a sauna, exercise equipment, complimentary on-deck yoga classes, a large resource library, well-stocked DVD library and board games. A professional masseuse is part of the crew and massages are available for a fee.

The interior of the newly-refurbished ships feature contemporary colours that complement the wilderness outside. The main lounge, a prime gathering spot for guests to meet and share tales of adventure, has been designed to feel like a cross between a National Park lodge and a quaint neighbourhood pub, with a bar-top made from salvaged Alaskan yellow cedar. Guests can enjoy wine, spirits and a large variety of microbrews on tap.

The company’s “un-cruise” adventures sail between Juneau and Ketchikan (and reverse) from May through September on a Western Coves and Eastern Coves itinerary. When combined, it becomes the two-week Ultimate Adventure. Setting it apart from other cruise line itineraries, InnerSea Discoveries’ ships spend less time in port and instead spend time tucking into hidden bays and coves for adventure activities in Alaska’s wilderness.

Prices for the 7-night cruises start at $1,795 per person, double occupancy, and include transfers and all activities, except optional excursions. Port charges of $167 per person per week, massages, wine, spirits, beer and gratuities are extra.

Select 2011 dates are designated as Family Discoveries with a focus on activities tailored for all ages. Kids 12 years and younger receive a 25% savings on all departures and 30% on Family Discoveries voyages. To book the ‘un-cruise’ or to request additional information, contact www.innerseadiscoveries.com or call the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Junior Rangers To Inspire Kids on Crystal's Alaska Cruises

With multi-generational family bookings on the rise, Crystal Cruises is putting a special focus on family-friendliness for its Alaska summer series, with all-ages excursions, an extended Junior Activities programme and an alliance with the National Park Service for a Junior Rangers programme.

When Crystal Symphony (above) sails through Glacier Bay this May to August, park rangers will come on board to lead kid-friendly activities and presentations about the area’s natural history. Through interactive projects and activity books, children and teens can become park Junior Rangers, earning official badges and certificates.

“The adult rangers ask children to pledge to ‘help take care of special places’,” explains Vice President International Sales & Marketing, Philip Ordever. “Such innovative and collaborative education ensures that kids take a greater interest in the beautiful destinations they’re visiting.”

Complementing this programme will be extended hours of stimulating, tiered, on-board activities for children aged 3-17, led by Crystal-staffed Junior Activities Directors. Kids can meet for board games or arts and crafts in Crystal’s Fantasia playroom, for Sony PlayStation® 3, Nintendo Wii™ or Xbox 360TM video games in the Waves arcade, or participate in behind-the-scenes happenings like galley tours, scavenger hunts, sushi-making classes, and backstage costume “dress-up”.

Families can also take advantage of Hollywood Theatre movies, Library DVD and book check-outs, piano lessons, babysitting services or favourite “finicky eater” foods throughout the ship. On land, there are dozens of shore excursions designated as “family friendly”.

Nine 12-night San Francisco round-trips visit Victoria, Vancouver, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway/Haines, Ketchikan and either Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay. Departure dates are May 9 and 21; June 2, 14, 26; July 8 and 20; and August 1 and 13. Fly-cruise prices are from £3,998 per person, including return economy class flights, 12 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, port taxes and a $500 per person onboard credit.

In addition, Crystal is offerings its guests a choice of two fabulous options – they can choose either a free upgrade to World Traveller Plus or a complimentary three-night pre- or post-cruise land package in San Francisco that includes three nights accommodation at the five-star The Clift, a half-day city tour followed by a trip to Alcatraz Island, a full day wine-tasting tour to Sonoma and Napa Valley, a romantic Champagne dinner and use of an exclusive concierge service.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or luxury cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

Royal Caribbean's 2012 Alaska Programme

Royal Caribbean’s 2012 Alaska cruises on board Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas will mark the brand’s 23rd consecutive year sailing in the region.

Radiance will sail seven-night north and south-bound itineraries between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska, while Rhapsody will sail a series of seven-night cruises round-trip from Seattle. Royal Caribbean is also introducing a brand-new series of 20 cruise-tours, ranging from 10 to 18 nights.

For 2012, there will be three new Alaska cruise-tours on Radiance, creating 10 to 13-night cruise and land holidays.

All Royal Caribbean tours are escorted by dedicated Adventure Specialists. Included is a 12-night programme geared toward families, featuring a Resurrection Bay & Wildlife cruise, where participants can take in the region’s dramatic cliffs, alpine glaciers, marine life and seabirds, with a trip to scenic Fox Island (a nature lover’s delight); and excursions to the Anchorage Museum & Imaginarium, where families learn and explore art, history and science through play. The cruise-tour also includes an excursion to Denali National Park, complete with experiences designed specifically with families in mind.

A Canadian Rockies six-night cruise-tour will combine the destinations of Calgary, Banff, Jasper, Vancouver and Victoria with an overnight train journey aboard VIA Rail and accommodation at world-renowned Fairmont hotels. An 18-night Ultimate Cruise-Tour couples the Canadian Rockies pre-cruise with a five-night post-cruise Alaska land tour.

Radiance's seven-night northbound cruise schedule, from Vancouver to Seward, will cruise the Inside Passage and call at Alaska’s Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Hubbard Glacier (cruising). The southbound journey will reverse the itinerary. Sailing from Seattle, Rhapsody's seven-night cruises will sail the Inside Passage, calling at Juneau and Skagway, sailing past Tracy Arm Fjord and Sawyer Glacier.

For additional info, visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk or contact the UK's leading specialist cruise agents, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Crystal Showcases Emerging Artists on Alaska Voyages

Whether you’re addicted to X Factor or a patron of the arts, it’s always exciting to discover new talent. For this reason, Crystal Cruises is treating guests to its own performance series of high-calibre “Emerging Artists” during its new Alaska season, which kicks off in May.

Through its partnership with The Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County, seven “Experiences of Discovery” theme cruises from May to August will feature a total of 22 gifted young artists, including members of the San Francisco Ballet, accomplished composers and songwriters, students from Juilliard School and the Berklee College of Music and an “America’s Most Talented Kid” TV show contestant.

The 17-25-year-old participants are all alumni of the Center's renowned Spotlight Awards programme, which nurtures the audition and performance skills of senior school-aged artists from Southern California. The year-long intensive course of study culminates in the Spotlight Awards presentation, with many award-winners invited on Crystal Symphony to showcase their talents in ballet, classical piano, Broadway-style vocals, international dance, opera, jazz and blues.

While sailing amongst ice-blue glaciers and serene wildlife of the Last Frontier, guests will be able to enjoy performances as well as observe a Master Class between artists and Music Centre Master Class teachers/ambassadors. These exclusive seminars will give an insider’s peek at the intensive training professional performers undergo to perfect their art.

Round-trip from San Francisco, the 12-night voyages are set for May 21; June 2, 14 and 26; July 8 and 20; and August 1, calling at Sitka, Juneau, Skagway/Haines, Ketchikan, Victoria, Vancouver and either Glacier Bay or Hubbard Glacier.

Prices start from £4,188 per person (based on May 21 and June 2 departures) including free return economy class flights, 12 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 this voyage will also receive onboard spending money of $500 per person, which can be spent on shore excursions, spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, purchases in the onboard boutiques, gratuities or Vintage Room experiences.

For reservations, visit http://www.crystalcruises.co.uk/ or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Cruise-and-Stay In Style with Crystal

Guests joining Crystal’s Alaska and New England & Canada voyages can choose to extend their stay and enjoy a stylish city break either pre or post-cruise thanks to the launch of two fabulous new land packages.

These packages, which showcase the best of San Francisco and New York and offer fantastic value for money, feature private transfers, luxurious hotel accommodation, guided tours and access to an exclusive concierge service

New York: available pre or post-cruise on New England & Canada voyages between New York and Montreal, this three-night land package costs from £594 per person and includes:

· Three nights at the new five-star luxury boutique property, the Mondrian Soho

· A Broadway Artist Encounter at hotel then tickets to a show with the best seats in the house

· A Designer Shopping Experience in the Garment District

· A behind-the-scenes look at Christies Auction House – a private tour with afternoon tea

· Use of an exclusive concierge service

San Francisco - Available pre-or post-cruise on Alaska voyages round-trip from San Francisco, this three-night land package costs from £431 per person and includes:

· Three nights at the five-star boutique The Clift

· A half-day city tour followed by a trip to Alcatraz Island

· A full day wine-tasting tour to Sonoma and Napa Valley

· A romantic Champagne dinner

· Use of an exclusive concierge service

For reservations, visit Crystal Cruises at www.crystalcruises.co.uk or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line.

Crystal's Exclusive Alaska Adventures

Crystal Cruises is marking its first season back in Alaska since 2005 with excursions that extend way beyond shore. Think air, sea, and ice - with more than half its 100-plus Crystal Adventures brand new.

Guests can explore the state’s waterways by safari boat, private catamaran, whitewater raft, canoe, kayak or WWII duck vehicle. They can view the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife by seaplane or helicopter, or stay planted on terra firma in a horse-drawn trolley, ATV, jeep, sled, motorcycle, old-fashioned railcar, private Hummer or even a Unimog 4x4 vehicle.

Extreme adventurers can rock-climb, fly-fish or zipline over rainforest canopies; amateur Ansel Adamses can snap away on custom photography excursions; families can pan for gold, create 24K gold glass-blown art, play golf or scout for killer whales, bald eagles or bears; history buffs will love adventures profiling bordellos and shoot-outs, native traditions, Alaska’s Russian past and even Sarah Palin’s childhood home.

Gourmet local cuisine such as alderwood-smoked salmon, fresh halibut chowder and all-you-can-eat crab will also all be showcased Crystal-style via cooking classes, wilderness camp dining and a five-course, Alaskan Chef’s Table in Ketchikan.

Prices for these Alaska voyages start from £3,998 per person including free return economy class flights, 12 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window, all meals and soft drinks, and port taxes. In addition, as part of Crystal's "All Inclusive - As You Wish" promotion, guests on this voyage will also receive onboard spending money of $500 per person, which can be spent on shore excursions, spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, purchases in the onboard boutiques, gratuities or Vintage Room experiences.

For reservations, visit http://www.crystalcruises.co.uk/ or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

High Cuisine and Totem Poles

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Author, lecturer and naturalist Terry Breen will lecture on board Oceania Cruises' summer Alaska cruises on the elegant 684-passenger Regatta when the new itineraries debut in May. Breen will give enrichment lectures and share personal insights with guests as they explore the Inside Passage and lesser-known Alaskan ports.

With 19 years of expedition experience, Terry Breen has honed her love for cultural anthropology and exploration and has become an acclaimed area specialist. Author of The Cruiser Friendly Onboard Guide series, the first and only guides that explore the world as seen from the decks of a cruise ship, Breen will share her invaluable insight and understanding of Alaska's celebrated sights and uncultivated wilderness with guests.

- 12-day Alaskan Grandeur starting at £1406 per person -

Oceania's Alaskan Grandeur itinerary operates between San Francisco and Vancouver on May 26 and again August 14. Fares start from £1406 per person, based on two sharing. Ports include: Astoria, Wrangell, Juneau, Hoona, Sitka (called "Shee Atika" by the Tlingit Indians, then "New Archangel" by the Russians who moved in next) ousted and Ketchikan. Totem poles are one of Ketchikan's main attractions and the best places to view them are the Saxman Native Village (above) and Totem Bight State Park. Guests can also learn about the local cultures and ecosystems at the Southeast Alaska Discovery Centre.

As a special highlight, Pacific Northwest specialties will be featured during lunch in the casual Terrace Café and in the ship's elegant Grand Dining Room. Regional specialities will also be showcased in all four of the ship's open-seating restaurants, all of which are available with no surcharge.

Provisions are bought locally whenever possible and the ship's executive chef seeks the freshest catch and shellfish, making on-the-spot decisions. Consequently, not all selections will always be available and there may be surprise menu additions. Depending on the voyage and venue, appetisers might include Fresh Halibut Velouté - a creamy fish soup with saffron rice and julienne leeks - or Alaskan King Crab Legs, sure to be a guest favourite.

Happy New Year!

By guest blogger Steve Newman

A happy New Year to you all!

Well I guess like me you are looking forward to a new year of cruising opportunities. I am lucky enough to be going to Antarctica with Hurtigruten this month, one of my dream destinations for quite a few years now.

Browsing through all the brochures that have popped though my letterbox, I was struck by Silversea’s Alaska and Pacific Coast offerings, even though any ship with more than 100 guests on board is not my cup of tea really! Eco/adventure cruising is more my style and the hot spots this year are likely be Australia, New Zealand, Polynesia and the Far East. In fact, if you get a chance, do have a look at the Adventure Cruise Collection brochure from The Cruise Line.

So where would I like to visit this year? Well, being a fanatical bird-watcher and naturalist, my number one all-time spot is the Galapagos Islands. Companies such as Haugan Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions and Ecoventura all offer excellent options. If, however, you would prefer to do your wildlife watching from the deck clutching a gin and tonic, then some of the larger cruise lines such as Celebrity offer this as a choice.

The problem is there is just SO much to see. But the incredible scenery you find around the Thailand coast when onboard wind powered vessels like Star Clippers (above), Paul Gauguin and Windjammer have a definite appeal.

Where ever you go, I hope you have a fantastic time and do keep coming back to these pages to find a bargain - or your dream cruise in 2011.

Whale watching in Alaska with Royal Caribbean

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Here's a 'cool' offer to highlight the start of the 2011 Alaska cruise season - a nine-night Alaska Southbound voyage on Royal Caribbean’s chic Radiance of the Seas from just £1,895 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

During the cruise, guests will also get to join Royal Caribbean's Alaska's Whales & Rainforest Trails shore excursion in Juneau, an unforgettable experience into south-east Alaska's whales and wilderness on this exclusive eco-tour.

Juneau is a place of diverse natural habitats, from valley glaciers to temperate forests and natural fjords. There is the chance to take in the superb vistas of the Mendenhall Glacier and hopefully spot Humpback Whales.

Price includes return flights from London Heathrow, one night’s hotel accommodation pre-cruise, and a seven-night Alaska Southbound cruise on Radiance of the Seas, departing Vancouver and calling at Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Juneau, Skagway and Hubbard Glacier, before arriving in Seward for the flight home; meals and entertainment onboard and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

For more information, visit Royal Caribbean or contact the UK's leading cruise specialist travel agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Noble Caledonia's 2011 Cruises

By guest blogger Steve Newman

For those who like to combine adventure with luxury, Noble Caledonia have just released a whole range of cruises for 20011. Among these is a new Spring in Provence trip – a special offer from only £695, including flights from London, six-night cruise aboard the 80-passenger MS Rembrandt, full board including drinks with dinner and all shore excursions on March 20-26 or March 26-April 1.

For Wildlife Adventure Cruising, their South America itineraries visit places such as Patagonia, Costa Rica and Belize, which are rich in wildlife, and they have also just released their Antarctica brochure, plus Alaska & the Arctic, Britain & Ireland on purpose-built expedition ships such as Clipper Oddessy (above).

For further details, contact Noble Caledonia or the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

Oceania Cruises offers up to $1000 onboard credit

By guest blogger Steve Newman

For selected departures between April and July 2011 on three of its upper premium luxury ships, Oceania Cruises is offering $1,000 of onboard credit per booking. Included among the offer sailings are:-

23rd April: Wonders of the Ancients – 14-night cruise on Insignia (above), embarking in Civitavecchia (Rome) and cruising to Sorrento, Taormina, Zakynthos, Alexandria, Cairo, Haifa, Jerusalem, Limassol, Tartous, Alanya, Ephesus and Athens. The price of £2,571 per guest is based on 2 sharing and includes all meals, complimentary soft drinks and bottled water, as well as the $1,000 credit per stateroom (excludes flights).

27th May: Gems of Europe – this 15-night voyage on Insignia now comes with a $1,000 onboard credit per stateroom and is priced from £2,690 per guest, including all meals, complimentary soft drinks and bottled water (excluding fights). The cruise sails from Rome (Civitavecchia) to Marseille, taking in Barcelona, Malaga, Seville, Lisbon, Oporto, La Coruna, Bilbao, Bordeaux and Lorient before completing the voyage in Greenwich.

Other sailings with the enticing $1,000 onboard credit include in Alaska on Regatta and winter 2011/12 voyages on Nautica.

To find out more, visit http://www.oceaniacruises.co.uk/ or check with the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Adventure option for Alaska's Inside Passage

By guest blogger Steve Newman

InnerSea Discoveries, the newly launched sister brand to high-end American Safari Cruises, will begin plying Alaska's waters in May 2011. Week-long adventures between Ketchikan and Juneau and two-week itineraries between Seattle and Juneau will be offered aboard two newly refurbished ships holding just 49 guests for a more close-up, nature-rich experience.

Travellers can also choose a 15-day round-trip adventure from Juneau, receiving a distinctive experience on each leg of the journey. Itineraries will feature excursions including kayaking among icebergs, stand-up paddle-boarding, wilderness hiking, snorkelling, cave exploration, fishing, whale-watching and more.

For more details, visit http://www.innerseadiscoveries.com/ or contact the adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Rail Cruise to Alaska and the Rockies

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Discover a wonderful land-cruise opportunity to the Canadian Rockies and British Columbia with Regent Seven Seas Cruises in 2011.

This unique land programme features one of the most iconic train journeys in the world, the Rocky Mountaineer, followed by an all-inclusive Alaskan cruise on board the intimate yet spacious Seven Seas Navigator.

Chhose from the following selection:

16 June 2011 13 Nights (6+7)
Canadian Rockies & Alaskan Cruise from £6,142pp (H)

30 June 2011 13 Nights (6+7)
Canadian Rockies & Alaskan Cruise from £6,655pp (H)

25 August 2011 18 Nights (6+12)
Canadian Rockies & Alaskan Cruise from £7,349pp (H)

What’s included:
 All inclusive cruise
 3 nights at the Fairmont at Banff Springs Hotel
 2 days GoldLeaf Service® aboard Rocky Mountaineer®
 2 nights hotel stay at Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver
 1 night in Kamloops Hotel
 National Par Tour & Gondola tour up Sulphur Mountain
 Tours of Lake Louise & Columbia Icefield including the Ice Explorer
 City tour of Vancouver & Capilano Suspension Bridge
 Return flights & transfers
 Free unlimited shore excursions in every port
 Luggage handling

For more information, visit www.rssc.co.uk/ or check out the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

New Small Ship Line offers Adventure Cruises

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Small-ship line InnerSea Discoveries, sister company to American Safari Cruises, offers exhilarating cruises in Alaska in 2011 that go beyond the norm. Each of the four itineraries ranging from 7 to 14 nights is designed to take advantage of the wonder and wildlife that are hallmarks of the Alaskan wilderness. Rather than just being an observer, guests are invited to participate in daily included activities such as kayaking, hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, exploration by small water craft and more.

The numerous activities offered cater to all levels of abilities. Guests choose the pace that appeals to them, such as a tranquil paddle along the shoreline, a robust guided six-hour paddle and hike at Deep Cove or quietly exploring pristine waters such as Yes Bay by stand-up paddle board.

There are options galore, including just relaxing on board to watch for sea and wildlife with a favourite beverage in hand from the on-deck hot tub!

All itineraries feature a port call at the authentic town/communities of Wrangell or Klawock to mingle with the locals who look forward to sharing stories about their rugged history and native heritage.

Choose from four adventure itineraries:

• The 7-night South-east Alaska’s Inner Reaches Western Coves, Ketchikan to Juneau
• 7-night Alaska’s Inner Reaches Eastern Coves, Juneau to Ketchikan
• 14-night Alaska’s Inside Passage Ultimate Adventure (combined Western and Eastern Coves itineraries), from Juneau round-trip
• And the 14-night Wilderness Passages of Discovery, Seattle to Juneau or reverse.

The itineraries are purposely flexible as nature sets the schedule and the floor-show. If a pod of Humpback whales are frolicking in Frederick Sound, the ship makes time to stop and linger.

Travelling with a maximum of 49 like-minded guests aboard the expedition ships Wilderness Adventurer and Wilderness Discoverer, guests can expect exemplary service, delicious cuisine with an emphasis on local foods served family style or buffet depending on the day’s activities, a 1:3 crew to guest ratio and access to top notch gear. The on and off-ship experiences are accentuated by experienced naturalists who present topical information and serve as guides on excursions.

Prices for the 7-night cruises start at $1,795 per person, double occupancy, and include transfers and all activities, except the optional excursions available at a few select wilderness stops. Port charges of $167 per person per week, massages and spirits are extra.

For more information, log on to http://www.innerseadiscoveries.com/

Oceania's Alaskan Bearwatching cruise

By guest blogger Steve Newman

As a pre-cruise add-on to its new schedule of Alaska sailings Oceania Cruises is offering a new three day bear watching tour, to enable guest to watch bears in their natural habitat in Alaska’s pristine forests.

The tour takes guests from Anchorage by float plane to land on a remote lake where families of bears feed on fish and can be seen at close hand. A boat trip to a remote lodge on the lake and a tour of the area maximises opportunities for guests to witness the wildlife and tranquility of this unspoilt region.

A second day is spent touring visiting Mt. Aleyska and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre, set amid hanging glaciers and surrounded by mountains, this 140 acre reserve works to rehabilitate injured or sick wildlife and provide wildlife awareness.

Oceania Cruises is featuring Alaska for the first time with ten new cruise itineraries that take in of Alaska’s magnificent waterways, glaciers and off the beaten track ports in summer 2011 on board its 684-guest, mid-sized luxury cruise ship Regatta (above), with prices from £1406 pp, based on two sharing, including all meals, soft drinks and bottled water.

For further information about Oceania Cruises’ visit www.OceaniaCruises.co.uk or Cruise specialists The Cruise Line.

Bales Wordlwide new brochure.

By guest blogger Steve Newman

2011 is a milestone year for Bales Worldwide, marking 50 years since the luxury operator took its very first group tour to the Holy Land. Bales is celebrating these five decades of worldwide touring with the launch of the new Escorted Small Groups and Tailor Made Holidays Brochure for 2011/12.

The new programme covers 50 destinations throughout Asia, Africa, the Orient, Latin America, Egypt and Arabia, India and Canada & Alaska, with a dedicated online brochure for Australasia. There are a few countries making a welcome return including Sri Lanka and Myanmar, plus the programme introduces a series of new tours and suggested journeys - from an adventurous journey across Tibet, or mountain biking and trekking in Peru's Sacred Valley, to exploring China's tropical Hainan Island.

To mark the 50th anniversary of escorted touring, the new programme sees the launch of the Bales Heritage collection, giving travellers a taste of some of Bales' most iconic escorted tours from the impressive back catalogue featuring unusual and unique travel itineraries to Jordan, India and Egypt with more destinations to follow.

In addition to countless tailor-made travel ideas and suggested itineraries, there are a total of 54 escorted and small group journeys with prices starting at just £1095 for the 11-day 'Wonders of Ancient Egypt' tour, consisting of three nights in Cairo followed by a week's Nile cruise.

For more details, visit http://www.balesworldwide.com/.