‘Strictly Come Cruising' Fred Olsen Style

By guest blogger Steve Newman.

If you were inspired by Kara Tointon's triumphant victory in the final of Strictly Come Dancing, why not join a cruise to the home of hot Latin dance, and try your hand at Tango and Salsa while on board?

Fred. Olsen has some limited availability on the final sector of its epic Black Watch ‘Around South America’ voyage in 2011. The 30-night sector is the final leg of the voyage, joining Black Watch in Callao (Peru), and travelling back to Southampton, via the Panama Canal and the Caribbean.

Flights are from London-Gatwick, departing on February 21, to Callao (Lima, Peru), where there is an overnight stay, before visiting Salaverry (also Peru), then cruising to Manta (Ecuador), from where it is possible to visit the old Spanish colonial city of Montecristi.

Next port is the wonderfully named Flamenco (anchor port for Balboa), at the entrance to the Panama Canal, for another overnight stay. A great highlight of this cruise is a day-time transit of the Panama Canal, which brings Black Watch to her next port of call, Puerto Limon in verdant Costa Rica. This is one of the oldest cities in Latin America, and is steeped in history.

The next part of the cruise offers a host of glorious Caribbean islands in the sun – Aruba, Curacao, Barbados (above), St Lucia, St Kitts, Antigua and St Maarten, then the return Atlantic crossing broken by a visit to the Azores, en route back to Southampton.

A special extra on this cruise is a theme of ‘Latin American Rhythms’ through Fred. Olsen’s exclusive programme of special interests, The ArtsClub. Guests can learn some of those stunning dances, while visiting their homeland. Whether your dancing talents match those of Pamela Anderson or Anne Widdecombe, you can improve your steps and have a lot of fun in the process, learning from experts on board.

Prices for this cruise start from £2,704 per person, based on two adults sharing a Superior Outside cabin, with a Latesaver deal. This price includes the outward flight to Callao, transfer to the ship, accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port and airport taxes. There is no extra charge for participating in The ArtsClub.

Find out more by visiting http://www.fredolsencruises.com/ or call the special cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

Oh, and Merry Chrustmas!!

Celebrity Cruise Europe

Celebrity Cruise Europe

If you plan going on a cruise, the first you ought to do, beside setting a budget, is looking for a destination. If you are a person who likes history, likes following the traces of its ancestors, the best recommendation is going to Europe. If you decided for this destination you should know that Celebrity Cruises offer you more than one destination in Europe. If you are thinking on pizza, flamenco dance and culinary excellence you would probably choose a western Mediterranean cruise. If your mind is on uzo, Scottish beer, windmills or tulips you will choose an Eastern Mediterranean cruise to visit Greece, British Isles and other countries in western Europe. Or there are also cruises to Northern Europe and Baltic Sea.

Celebrity Cruise Europe

Celebrity Cruise Europe

Celebrity Cruise Europe

Celebrity Cruise Europe

Going to Europe is best from May up to September, but you should check the weather forecast for the period chosen for your trip. You should also have in mind that summer months are crowded in some areas in Europe. It is highly recommended that you check the reviews of other travellers, so that you get a clear picture of what you need and what you will find there.