Windstar Unveils New 2012 Collection

Windstar Cruises, operator of a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts, has unveiled its new 2012 collection of luxury voyages in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Baltic, Italy, Mediterranean and Greek Isles, with nine new itineraries and the lowest introductory pricing in years.

In addition, guests who book by June 30 will receive a $200 shipboard credit per cabin. Windstar’s Foremast Members receive an additional 5% discount on all itineraries.

The 2012 programme features a unique collection of islands, highlighting diverse countries, styles, landscapes and cultures of the Caribbean. For example, seven-night sailings on Wind Surf round-trip from Philipsburg, St Maarten, visit Le Marin, Martinique; Pigeon Island, St Lucia; Roseau, Dominica; Falmouth Harbour, Antigua; and Gustavia, St Barts, with cruise-only prices from £1,577 per person.

Or how about the Treasures of Northern Europe? Discover six of the region's most captivating countries with 11-night sailings on Wind Surf between Lisbon and Oslo, visiting Le Havre, Dover, Antwerp and Amsterdam and cruise-only prices from £2,376 per person.

Windstar’s 2012 voyages are available to book now. For more info, visit www.windstarcruises.com or contact the adventure-cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Grab An Early Booking Discount With Star Clippers

By Steve Newman

Book by January 31 and receive up to 20% early-booking discount with tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers, who are offering the spectacular saving off all 2011 cruises in the Mediterranean PLUS all 2011 sailings in the Caribbean and Central America if booked by April 30.

You can save £177 per person on a six-night Caribbean pre-Christmas cruise on the 170-passenger Star Clipper, departing St Maarten on December 17 and calling at some of the smaller, more exclusive Caribbean ports inaccessible to big ships. The itinerary includes either Nevis or Saba (depending on the wind), Iles des Saintes, Falmouth Harbour in Antigua and St Barths. Now from £708 per person, cruise only.

Save £206 per person on a seven-night Costa Rica sailing on the 170-passenger Star Flyer, departing Puerto Caldera on December 11 and exploring rainforested islands, remote bays and beautiful beaches, with plenty of chance to spot the incredibly diverse wildlife of the region. The ship calls at San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua; Playa del Coco, Costa Rica; National Park of Santa Rosa; Samara; Puerto Carillo; National Reserve of Curu; and Isla Tortuga. Now from £824 per person, cruise only.

Save £168 per person on a short break, five-night Mediterranean sailing on board Star Clipper, departing Athens on October 8, and calling at the unspoilt Greek ports of Monemvasia and Pilos; Siracusa in Sicily; and Valletta, Malta. Now from £672 per person, cruise only.

All prices exclude port charges.

Passengers can enjoy the romance of sailing on board a true tall ship in a relaxed atmosphere with high standards of service provided by an attentive crew. All three ships have expansive teak decks, swimming pools, informal dining, a convivial Tropical Bar on deck and a comfortable piano bar and are large enough to offer first class accommodation and dining, but small enough to call into intimate ports, untouched by large cruise ships.

For more information, visit www.starclippers.co.uk or check with the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists, 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.