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!

Free European Flights From Azamara

Enjoy Jazz in the Norwegian Fjords, marvel at the blooms at the Chelsea Flower Show or simply sit back and watch the world go by on the Amalfi Coast - and all with free flights from Azamara Club Cruises. Book an ocean view room on a selected 2012 cruise onboard Azamara Journey or Azamara Quest by November 30 and you’ll receive a free return flight to Europe, plus an opportunity for a pre or post-cruise hotel stay. 

This exclusive offer is available on 32 European sailings from May 6 to October 27, 2012 and include Azamara Quest's 13-night Chelsea Flower Show Cruise from £2,400.00 per person (based on two people sharing an ocean view stateroom), with free return flights from London, Manchester, Glasgow or Dublin to Amsterdam and a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Holland's vibrant city.

For more info, see www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk or the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Azamara's Asia And Middle East

Join Azamara Club Cruises’  Azamara Quest for a 14-night Spice Route fly/cruise from just £2,141.00 per person (based on two people sharing an ocean view stateroom).

This excellent price includes return flights from London Heathrow, one-night pre-cruise hotel accommodation, transfers and a 12-night cruise departing Mumbai (India) and calling at Goa (India), Cochin (India), Madra (India) and Phuket (Thailand) before arriving into Singapore for the return flight; all meals and room service; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programmes; housekeeping and dining gratuities; bottled water throughout the cruise; house wines with meals; speciality coffees and teas; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based on a December 10 departure.

For more information, visit www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk or contact the luxury cruise specialist agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Azamara's Amazonian Adventure

The special offers keep rolling in this week. Here's another one worth passing on:

Join Azamara Club Cruises’ Azamara Journey for an 18-night Amazon River cruise from only £2,899 per person (based on two people sharing an inside stateroom).

The price includes the 18-night Amazon cruise, departing Manaus (Brazil) and cruising the Amazon River, calling at Parintins, Boca Da Valeria, Alter Do Chao, Macapa, Devil’s Island (French Guyana), Bridgetown (Barbados) and Mayreau (Grenadines) before arriving into San Juan (Puerto Rico); all meals and room service; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programmes; housekeeping and dining gratuities; bottled water throughout the cruise; house wines with meals; speciality coffees and teas; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Flights are not included.

The price is based on a November 7 departure.

For more information, visit www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk or the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Try The Azamara Style

Azamara Club Cruises’ boutique ship Azamara Journey recently received a number of top awards for small ships at Cruise Critic’s Cruiser’s Choice Awards, including awards for its culinary excellence and exotic ports of call. And now is the perfect time to experience this for yourself, with Journey featuring a seven-night Caribbean fly/cruise from just £1,634 per person this winter (based on two people sharing an inside stateroom).

The price includes return flights from London Heathrow, one-night pre-cruise hotel accommodation, transfers and a five-night cruise departing San Juan (Puerto Rico) and calling at St. John (US Virgin Islands), Gustavia (St. Barts), Marigot (Saint Martin) and Virgin Gorda (British Virgin Islands) before returning to San Juan;. It also includes all meals and room service; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programmes; housekeeping and dining gratuities; bottled water throughout the cruise; house wines with meals; speciality coffees and teas; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based on a November 22 departure.

For more info, visit www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

Azamara's 'Extended Voyages'

Azamara Club Cruises has launched 'Extended Voyages' which allow guests to join two, three, four or more consecutive cruises into one experience. By combining select consecutive cruises onboard Azamara Quest or Azamara Journey guests can embark on a holiday of a lifetime, ranging from 11 to 78-nights without repeated ports of call.

In addition, guests booking consecutive cruises will receive £200 per cruise, per stateroom for cruises of eight days or less and £300 per cruise, per stateroom for voyages of nine days or more for greater value. Savings double on sailings between October 1 and December 31 this year, if booked by July 31.

Guests wanting a longer adventure can book Journey's 77-night cruise from Stockholm to Civitavecchia (for Rome). Departing June 27, 2012, the sailing features 25 overnight stays, four being two consecutive nights, where guests can experience the nightlife of Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris and Seville. This Extended Voyage features the Norwegian Fjords itinerary, which highlights the North Seas Jazz Festival, one of the world's premiere musical festivals.

For those keen on exploring the Far East, Journey's Piraeus (Athens) to Hong Kong cruise departs on October 26, 2012. This 72-night cruise, combines six cruises - Holy Land, Egypt & Suez Canal; Luxor, Petra, Sinai & Eilat; Luxor, Petra & Sinai; The Spice Coast & Ceylon; Burma & Andaman Sea Islands; Vietnam & Thailand, Christmas and New Year - for an in-depth exploration of the region, plus an opportunity to spend Christmas and New Year in Hong Kong through a Land Discoveries excursion.

Quest departs Singapore on February 29, 2012, on a 78-night cruise, sailing from Singapore to Piraeus. This combines six cruises - Trade Routes to the Orient; Japan & Taiwan; Manila, Sabah, Borneo, Komodo & Bali; Spice Route; Petra, Sinai & Luxor; Holy Land, Egypt & Suez Canal.

For more info, look up http://www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk/ or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Great Azamara Offer

Join Azamara Club Cruises’ Azamara Journey for a seven-night Spain & Portugal fly/cruise from just £1,618 per person this June (based on two people sharing an inside stateroom).

The price includes return flights from London Heathrow, transfers and a seven-night Spain & Portugal cruise departing from Lisbon and calling at Bilbao, St. Jean De Luz, St. Malo and St. Peter Port (Guernsey) before arriving in Rouen (for Paris); meals and room service; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programmes; housekeeping and dining gratuities; bottled water throughout the cruise; house wines with meals; speciality coffees and teas; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based on June 25 departure.

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

Azamara Unveils New Video Previews

Azamara Club Cruises has launched a series of engaging videos called “You’ll Love Where We Take You.” The series, presented by Azamara Club Cruises’ manager of deployment and destinations Claudius Docekal, provides travel agents and guests with a comprehensive overview of itineraries aboard Azamara Journey (above) and Azamara Quest.

Available at this link, each three to five-minute video offers tips for guests to plan their upcoming holiday. Docekal provides a day-by-day account of the shore excursions and onboard activities available for guests to enjoy and offers personal suggestions of the not-to-be-missed and little-known gems at select ports of call.

“Azamara Club Cruises sails to more than 50 countries and 170 ports in 2011, including many unique destinations that larger ships cannot reach,” said Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. “Claudius is one of our most knowledgeable travel experts and provides invaluable advice on what to do and when to do it, to make the most of a day or night in port. With more overnight and late-night stays, Azamara offers guests the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in local cultures and nightlife for a truly unforgettable experience.”

The electronic destination guide is also available on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/AzamaraVoyages.

Azamara's All-Inclusive Golf & Cruise Package

Azamara Club Cruises has announced a new relationship with PerryGolf, the luxury golf tour operator. Azamara Club Golf Cruises will offer escorted and all-inclusive golf tours and cruise programmes that feature some of the world’s premier golf courses.

The Golf Cruises will combine a range of itineraries with the full golf experience. The golfing add-ons are available through travel agents and Azamara Club Cruises directly, starting at $2,682 per person, as well as non-golfing companion rates starting at $669 per person. Also included in the programme are green fees, golf cart rental, ground transportation, golf bag delivery to the first tee as well as return to hotel or ship and storage after the round and overnight golf shoe shining.

Onboard, Golf Cruises guests enjoy an inclusive drink package, post-game cocktail receptions and two group dinners, one in a speciality restaurant. Single supplements starting at $263 also apply for the pre-voyage portion of the programme.

All golf programmes commence with a one or two-night pre-voyage golfing land stay, which includes luxury hotel accommodation, a welcome cocktail reception and dinner to meet fellow guests, as well as optional sightseeing tours for an additional charge. During their voyage, guests will play at four or five of the world’s most heralded courses, such as Old Head and Portmarnock, Ireland; Oitavos Dunes, Portugal; Montgomerie Links, Vietnam; Mission Hills, China; Four Seasons Provence, France; and Sperone, Corsica, depending on the itinerary.

Azamara Club Cruises is a destination-immersive cruise line for upmarket travellers who want to not only see the places and cultures they visit, but to live them. The two intimate, 694-guest ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, offer a boutique European hotel ambience with extraordinary service, fine cuisine and wines from around the world, while sailing to a host of destinations larger ships can't reach, with more overnight and late-night stays in every region.

For more information on Azamara Club Cruises, visit http://www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk/ or contact the luxury and adventure cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Beat the Winter Blues with Azamara

By guest blogger Steve Newman

With the temperature in Mexico averaging 21°C in January, leave the cold weather behind and head to sunnier climes with Azamara Club Cruises A 12-night Sea of Cortez fly/cruise onboard Azamara Journey (Above) costs from £1,804.00 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

Price includes return flights from London Heathrow, one-night pre-cruise hotel accommodation and an 11-night cruise departing San Diego (California) and calling at Mazatlan (Mexico), La Paz (Mexico), Topolobampo (Mexico), Guaymas (Mexico), Loreto (Mexico) and Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), before returning to San Diego (California); meals and room service; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programmes; housekeeping and dining gratuities; bottled water throughout the voyage; house wines with meals; specialty coffees and teas; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

Price is based on 18 January 2011 departure.
For more information visit http://www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk/ or visit cruise specialists The Cruise Line

Welcome to the new Azamara Club Cruises

By guest blogger Steve Newman

One of the most interesting stands at the Cruise Show at Birmingham's NEC this weekend was the one for the new, updated Azamara Club Cruises, a boutique cruise line of no small distinction.

The name is not the only change you will notice, either. The company has added a whole raft of new features and onboard enhancements for the enjoyment of their guests. Azamara Club Cruises also takes guests to a wide range of enticing destinations, creating experiences that are once in a lifetime, such as the Panama Canal with its stunning wildlife (above). You can see the world through the local culture with its music, dance, art and history, or enjoy a more active excursion on extended biking trips, golf, walking or hiking. Shopping and dining are musts, of course, and the company's local experts can prepare you for your time ashore with insights about the right local flavours and tastes, as well as in-depth knowledge about local artisans and shops.

Why Azamara Club Cruises? Because their guests are truly part of a club whose members love to explore the globe, and enjoy being treated to the warmth and hospitality of their onboard staff, on their two smaller, more intimate ships. You can join them and become an instant member of Le Club Voyage. Membership is complimentary and includes up to two adults, over the age of 18, who live in the same household.

You can find out more at Azamara Club Cruises or through cruise specialists, The Cruise Line or check them out at the next Cruise Show, presented by the Daily Telegraph, at London's Olympia next March 26-27. And don't forget to check out the big Azamara feature in the latest edition of World of Cruising magazine, which has more insight into this unique operator.

Azamara's Amazon

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Most people have a hankering to marvel at the mighty Amazon river and its jungle-lined banks. There is a new way to do this with Azamara Club Cruises by joining Azamara Journey for a 14-night Amazon cruise-only from £2043 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin). The largest river in the world provides guests with the opportunity to experience one of the planet’s greatest natural wonders and the chance to catch sight of a vast array of wildlife.

This eye-catching price includes a 14-night cruise, departing from San Juan (Puerto Rico) and calling at Gustavia (St. Barts), Roseau (Dominica), Mayreau (Grenadines), Bridgetown (Barbados) and then Macapa, Alter Do Chao, Boca Da Valeria, Parintins and Manaus (all in Brazil); meals and room service; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programmes; housekeeping and dining gratuities; bottled water throughout the voyage; house wines with meals; specialty coffees and teas; and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

Price is cruise-only and based on 25 October 2011 departure.

For more information, visit http://www.azamaraclubcruises.co.uk/

Azamara Club Cruises will also be exhibiting at the Cruise Show in Birmingham on October 16-17 and at London's Olympia on March 26-27, 2011.

New edition of World of Cruising!

The Autumn edition of World of Cruising magazine goes to print this week, with readers getting their copies on September 20, and it is definitely one to look forward to.

Our headline feature is a look at Hurtigruten's classic Norwegian Coastal Voyage (above), with Steve Newman detailing what makes this route so special with its mixture of fjords, wildlife and unusual ports of call.

It is also the opening element of a two-part adventure cruise special as we visit the small-scale Alaska of American Safari Cruise, a very different and far more personal experience to the big cruise lines.

For ship features, we have a detailed report on P&O's new Azura; the boutique-smart RMS St Helena on its unique South Atlantic voyages; the luxury style of Crystal Serenity; the headline-catching latest newcomer from NCL, Norwegian Epic; the Louis Majesty of specialist Cyprus operator Louis Cruises; and the Spa style of Seabourn Odyssey.

We go in depth with the recently re-branded Azamara Club Cruises, the start-up operations of Voyages to Antiquity and a special head-to-head comparison of Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises with our US expert Steven B. Stern.

And we have all our usual features and news items, including The Admiral, Cruise Fashion, World of Spas, First Timers' Cruising and a special Aft View.

As ever, it all adds up to the best read on the subject and the most impressive coverage of the wide World of Cruising from Europe's longest-running cruise magazine. All aboard now...!

Jungle Journey

By guest blogger Steve Newman

When it comes to thinking about high end luxury cruising, it's a safe bet that Azamara Club cruises would be on your list.

The company has a justifiable reputation for an extraordinary level of personal service, plus superb cuisine and accommodation. New destinations have been announced for next year and amongst these new cruises for 2011 is a 14-night river cruise to the Amazon on board the Azamara Journey (above).

What is highly worthwhile about this trip is the fact you get introduced slowly to the world's greatest river. Boarding at Puerto Rico, you get four days in the Caribbean on your way, two days at sea then a week cruising along the Amazon. Yes that's right, a full week! Which just shows you how long this river is before reaching Manaus, with its amazing opera house and other vestiges of jungle colonial life.

In fact, Manaus is roughly half-way across the continent of South America, so this is not so much a river as more of a continental cruise. One of the ports of call is at Boca de Valeria, a remote village with only 75 inhabitants where you really do see a contrast in life.

Apart from two speciality restaurants, concierge amenities and butler service available to all suite guests, Journey has more verandas than most cruise ships. This means you can sit and watch the green jungle slip quietly by, listening to the howler monkeys and parrots doing what they do best (making quite a noise!) or maybe catch glimpses of a herd of capybara, the world's largest rodent (looking like giant bald guinea pigs), grazing on the banks.

Either way, the Amazon rainforest is a definite one-off in life. It's changing fast, as we all know, so perhaps we should go while we still have the chance.

Re-Branding Is All The Rage

Following hard on the heels of the recent 'relaunch' of Azamara Cruises as Azamara Club Cruises, Princess Cruises have decided they need to spruce themselves up for the UK market.

For many years, Princess have been seen as the 'American' arm of P&O, and yet that is a gross over-simplification of the relationship between the two sister companies, who both became part of the giant Carnival conglomerate in 2002. There has always been an element of cross-over from P&O to Princess, and vice versa, since the 'Love Boat' cruise line started sending ships over to Europe more than 10 years ago. Their style appealed to passengers on both sides of the Atlantic, and the differences between the two fleets provided plenty of contrast.

More recently, P&O vessels have started to look more like their Princess counterparts - less traditional, more glamorous and all with a common starting point from the shipyard.

However, there obviously remains a 'difference' both from the Italian roots of the Princess line (many of their original vessels having been merged in from the Med-based Sitmar Line) and their predominantly American clientele, so it is a little surprising to hear the 'US' version needs to re-brand itself for British consumption.

You would think UK cruisers would be sophisticated enough to know the difference, and to understand the attractions, of cruising with Princess rather than the P&O option, but it seems that is not the case.

Among other things, Princess intends to present a 'fresh look' that has an 'emphasis on high standards' and will provide a ‘rejuvenating and relaxing retreat’ at sea.

Hmm. Call me old-fashioned, but I would pretty much say those should be the cornerstones of every cruise line today. Most ships are relatively new (or heavily refurbished); most cruises offer high quality in terms of food, service and entertainment (especially when compared with similar-priced land alternatives); and ALL cruises should ultimately be a relaxing experience (unless you try to take in every onboard activity and every excursion at every port of call!).

Princess already have excellent ships, with a genuine variety in their fleet and some superb service enhancements (like their Movies Under The Stars facility - see above). They offer great dining options and some far-reaching itineraries, as well as a distinctive Italo-American gloss that sets them apart from main rivals Holland America and Celebrity.

So I'm left wondering if this 're-brand' is primarily a marketing exercise aimed at making Princess better known to those who have yet to sample a cruise rather than anything substantial in terms of their product delivery.

Then again, perhaps I need to take a Princess cruise sometime soon to find out! Here's their press release in full:

13 April 2010 – In a bid to grow its business in the UK, Princess Cruises is re-launching the brand with the introduction of its new 2011/12 brochures. Based on extensive customer research, the brand will increase the emphasis on the high standards of its food and service and the relaxing and rejuvenating ambiance onboard. The new brochures, starting with the Mediterranean & Scandinavia 2011 edition, which is due out next week, will highlight the new positioning with a completely fresh look. The growing success of Princess in the UK has taken it to the number four position in the UK market, with a very loyal following. The research reveals that despite its positioning in the market, Princess is not as widely known as other UK brands. The new brand positioning for Princess will create more stand-out from other cruise lines, and increase its presence in the UK through a drive of marketing and sales initiatives.

Trustworthiness, excellent food and high standards onboard were the top priorities for British cruisers choosing a cruise line. Princess’s new look for the brand in the UK will highlight the exceptional dedication of its crew to maintaining the highest standards and the excellent quality of its cuisine, with all food freshly prepared from scratch every day. The new brochures have a calmer and more relaxed feel, illustrating the brand’s promise of providing a ‘rejuvenating and relaxing retreat,’ which research proved to be appealing to consumers.

“I am very excited about the beautiful new brand our marketing team has created. The new look illustrates Princess as the consummate host and the perfect retreat from which to explore the world,” said Pieter van der Schee, Princess Cruises’ head of brand marketing. “We have ambitious plans to grow the number of Princess passengers from the UK to our many destinations around the world and our increased activity and new identity for the brand are important in our quest.”

Princess Cruises’ new look in the UK can first be seen in the Mediterranean & Scandinavia 2011 brochure, out next week. The new design will then be rolled out to all other brochures and marketing literature and will be supported with increased direct marketing activity and more joint marketing with agent partners.

Designed For Us?

Celebrity Cruises have launched their latest branding exercise worldwide, promising a $200million makeover for their Millennium-class vessels in the style of their highly-successful Solstice-class, and allying it with a new marketing message.

'Designed for you' is the slogan, which "pairs Celebrity's commitment to stunningly-designed ships and innovative onboard experiences with its commitment to impeccable guest service," and it apparently concludes a six-month search "to more deeply understand the needs of discerning cruisers."

Now, putting aside the probable likelihood that discerning cruisers are really only looking for a six-star experience at four-star prices, it is a bold step by Royal Caribbean's supposedly more upmarket brand (one which the Chandris family were creating in a happily unique style before selling out to the big boys).

First of all, in real terms it involves a significant outlay in upgrading the four older ships (Celebrity Millennium, Infinity, Summit and Constellation), which were hardly what anyone would call 'tatty' in the first place, being barely 10 years old. The commitment to 'Solstice-ise' the quartet includes adding:

Tuscan Grille, the Napa-Valley-meets-Italian-steakhouse venue

Bistro on Five, the highly-successful creperie

The signature ice-topped Martini Bar, with its top-tier vodka selection

A replacement for the former Cova Cafe, the Cafe al Bacio & Gelateria

A new Wine Bar that allows guests to select and serve the wines of their choice by the glass

More luxurious suites, designed to compare with modern European hotels, featuring all-new furniture, flatscreen TVs, upholstery, bedding and carpeting

Restyled standard cabins, again including the new carpeting, TVs, upholstery and bedding.

And new decor, carpeting and upholstery in every public venue, from the Celebrity Theater to Seaside Grill.

It is an abitious plan of upgrading, on top of the already near-$4billion investment in the five Solstice-class vessels, and it suggests - on top of the recent rebranding of boutique premium line Azamara Club Cruises - that Royal Caribbean intend to go aggressively after the big-ship premium market in 2010.

The Millennium-class upgrades will begin in April this year and continue through 2012. Meanwhile, the message to the general public will come across in a new Advertising campaign, with dramatic, distinctive images, a modern, contemporary graphic treatment, a copy voice promoting the brand's differentiating elements, and the 'Designed for You' tagline.

Marking a first for Celebrity, a hip new video shot on Celebrity Solstice to capture the essence of the Celebrity cruise experience will run on multiple travel, video, social, lifestyle and news sites. Print ads will appear in trade and consumer magazines and major daily newspapers across North America.

It all adds up to a fairly serious mainstream campaign to make the brand better recognised. And it's all designed for us!

Previewing French Flair

It has been a busy week for the Veness Inbox. The PR releases came in thick and fast from Monday onwards, with news of Cunard about their forthcoming onboard 'Insights' lecture programme on Queen Mary 2 for 2010; Azamara Cruises and their rebrand to Azamara Club Cruises; P&O Cruises adding the small-scale Adonia to their fleet in 2011; and, my favourite, the latest information on the new ship from the chic Compagnie du Ponant company.

Going though them in order provides an interesting take on how the lines view themselves. For Cunard, it is all about providing that 'elite' touch with the kind of guest speakers who wouldn't be out of place at an Ivy League university. Human rights activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu is the 'highlight' of a lecture programme that also includes author and broadcaster Bill Bryson and comedy script writers Dick Clement and Ian le Frenais.

The following day came news that the small, upscale brand in the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd stable will now be known as Azamara Club Cruises in a relaunch aimed at giving them a more distinctive style that incorporates an 'immersive' approach to their destinations, including a lot more overnight stays, 2-day excursions and late-evening departures. Their new tagline is 'You'll love where we take you' and the more luxurious approach will include more all-inclusive aspects (like wine with meals, all gratuities and free bottled waters, specislity teas and coffees) and enhanced service.

P&O are insisting that 'small is beautiful' for them in announcing the 2011 arrival of Adonia (currently the 710-passenger Royal Princess of sister line Princess Cruises). This will be easily the smallest ship to sail for the UK cruise line since the 1970s and, as an adults-only ship (no children under 17), adds to the alternative face of P&O as opposed to their growing big,-ship, family-orientated offerings.

Adonia will begin sailing out of the UK from May 2011, and managing director Carol Marlow made some interesting comments with the announcement, insisting: “The addition of Adonia will deliver an elegant and welcoming ship with real small-ship charm. She will offer a truly intimate and traditional cruise experience, yet with all the comforts you would expect from a modern vessel. With this size of ship, our passengers will be able to get to know their fellow cruisers and crew easily as they travel to some of the most intriguing destinations on the map.

“Whilst larger ships have their own appeal, with the spectrum of bars, dining and entertainment choices they can offer, others really enjoy a smaller ship, with its more intimate ambience. No other cruise line offers this breadth of choice specifically for the British cruiser.”

And then there is Compagnie du Ponant. The French line have existed quite comfortably in relative isolation since 1991 as a niche operator with two small. contrasting vessels (three since 2004), one under sail and one more traditional, if still modernly stylish. The addition five years ago of the former Song of Flower of Radisson Seven Seas moved the company a step closer to the cruise mainstream and then, in 2008, they announced a decision to add a LOT more substance to the fleet with two 10,700-ton super-yachts.

The first of these, Le Boreal, arrives in May 2010, and du Ponant have announced the captain will be their highly-respected master mariner Jean-Philippe Lemaire, one of the company's longest-standing employees. The 132-cabin vessel, which will have an ice-hardened hull for Antarctic cruising, will be his fourth ship of the line, but the first major new project under his command.

He says: "I am very proud to have the privilege to captain Le Boreal for her first sea miles. It is exciting to be involved in a project which combines 'new technologies' with respect for the great maritime tradition that has made the reputation of the company. With all the conviviality of an intimate ship and French sophistication, Le Boreal is joining a Yacht Cruises tradition.

"From the shores of the Mediter­ranean to the boundaries of the great white Antarctic continent, we will be welcoming on board inquisitive travellers, eager to distance themselves from the well-trodden maritime routes. As her Captain, the challenge will be to perpetuate the 'spirit of Le Ponant' which drives our crews and never fails to seduce our passengers.”

It is an intriguing proposition. A line which has largely eschewed the cruise mainstream but which will have to at least touch upon it to find new passengers for their French flair. But, if they are able to translate the company's existing maritime joie de vivre to the newcomer, they should be able to command a lot of respect and offer a wonderful addition to the growing trend for small, upmarket cruise operators which offer that 'something different' factor for the well-travelled. Definitely one to keep an eye on in the coming months.