New `Rail and Sail’ Tall-Ship Cruises

Star Clippers is offering a new selection of 'Rail & Sail' departures for summer 2011, allowing guests to take the train directly from the UK to the south of France to join one of its magnificent tall-ship sailings, completely avoiding airports and flying.

The company’s tall-ship cruises from Cannes or Monaco operate between June and October and new rail-cruise packages cost from £1599 per person, including all meals, return rail travel from London, a night’s B&B pre-cruise accommodation in a 4-star hotel in Monaco or Nice, non-UK transfers to and from the ship and all port taxes.

The sailings are on board Star Clippers’ four-masted, head-turning tall ship Star Flyer, departing from Cannes or Monaco on 4th June, 10th September and 1st October 2011.

On 4th June and 1st October, the ship sails from Cannes to Calvi (Corsica), the Costa Smeralda (Sardinia), Giglio (Italy) and Lerici (Italy), returning to St. Tropez and Monaco 7 nights later.

On 10th September, Star Flyer departs from Monaco for a 7-night sailing to L’Ille Rousse, Corsica, Portoferraio (Elba), Portofino (Italy), Hyeres Island and Sanary-sur-Mer (France), St. Tropez beach and town, returning into Cannes on 17th September.

Sail cruises cost from £1599 for an inside cabin and £1739 for an outside cabin, including return travel from London, non-UK transfers to and from the ship, one night’s B&B, all taxes and 7 nights cruising, with all meals.

For more info, visit www.starclippers.co.uk or contact the specialist cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

French Riveria and Greek Islands Reductions

By guest blogger Steve Newman

The French Riveria and the Greek Islands have always been major attractions for a cruising holiday, and the chance of late booking reductions can make them even more attractive. With that in mind, why not have a look at two short cruises from luxury Tall Ship sailing company Star Clippers?

Departing from Cannes on 25th September, the company has a 4-night tall-ship cruise along the French Riviera to Calvi, Corsica, Portofino and Cannes for £649pp (was £730), sailing on the head-turning Star Flyer and including all meals on board and free places for up to two children (accompanying two adults) in their own cabin, paying just port taxes of £85 per person.

The Flyer (above) with its four masts and 36,000sq ft of sails is fully stabilised and has two pools; massage and beauty treatments; water sports equipment; library; internet access; indoor/outdoor bar; and a Sloop Shop. The ship has a smart-casual open dining policy and there are seven cabin grades. from the luxurious Owner’s Cabin with whirlpool bath to inside cabins. Fully 81 of the 85 cabins have a porthole or open on to the deck.

The company is also offering a £200 saving off its 3-night 'Cruise & stay’ short break, also on board Star Flyer, departing from Athens on 28th September, sailing the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, now from just £799 per person (was £999), including all meals and a night’s B&B accommodation in Athens at the 5-star St. George Lycabettus Hotel on 28th September.

For more information, log on to http://www.starclippers.co.uk/