Fred. Olsen To Sail From Belfast In 2013

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will commence cruises from Belfast next year, with 880-guest Boudicca making two turnaround visits in October 2013 - a 12-night Iberian titinerary and a 2-night mini cruise to Liverpool.

The traditionally British cruise line will also be adding Harwich to its list of regional departure ports in 2013, with Boudicca’s sister ship Black Watch operating four fascinating itineraries from the port in May and June, meaning guests living in the local area can take advantage of Harwich International Port’s excellent road and rail connections, and state-of-the-art facilities.

For booking details, be sure to check out this link with the UK's luxury cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Chauffer-Driven Royal Caribbean!

Royal Caribbean is offering UK customers the chance to add an extra touch of luxury to their cruise holiday, with chauffeur driven services to and from British ports and London airports.

Guests sailing onboard Independence of the Seas and also Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Eclipse from Southampton and Jewel of the Seas from Harwich or flying from London Heathrow or Gatwick have the opportunity to book a chauffeur-driven service with partner Tristar Chauffeur Services to and from their address to their port or airport of departure.

“This is a great addition to the list of optional extras we offer our guests,” says Jo Rzymowska, associate vice president and general manager, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, UK and Ireland. “Having the opportunity to transfer in luxury is the perfect way to make the most of your holiday time and a fantastic treat.”

Peak time transfers cost approximately £65 for the first 15 miles and £1.40 per mile thereafter. Off-peak transfers cost approximately £55 for the first 15 miles and £1 per mile thereafter. Costs will vary depending on where the guest is being collected from.

For more info, visit www.royalcaribbean.co.uk or contact a specialist cruise agent like The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

A True Voyage of Discovery

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Cruise passengers are fast becoming ever more adventurous with their destination choices and the latest cruise announced by Voyages of Discovery is in this vein. The 'Norwegian Explorer' cruise will take their boutique little MV Discovery across the whole coast of Norway on a 13-day voyage beginning 30th July 2011.

July is the perfect time to experience the rugged coastal landscapes of Norway at their most tranquil and beautiful. Travelling by sea is also the best way to reach its many remote islands, inlets, coves and giant fjords. And the 650-passenger, 4-star Discovery is the perfect vessel for these waters.

Small enough to reach out-of-the-way ports, yet large enough to make light work of crossing the North Sea, Discovery avoids the hustle and bustle of today’s larger liners. Instead ,she has been expressly conceived for the company’s special brand of discovery cruising to create an atmosphere on board that is friendly and relaxed.

The cruise is also renowned for attracting budding historians, wildlife lovers and walkers who know Voyages of Discovery will take them closer to the incredible landscapes and wildlife that thrives in these challenging but often magical environments, including the breathtaking Geiranger Fiord.

Onboard, there will be two inspirational guest speakers. Greg Neale, the founder of the BBC's History Magazine, will be on hand to discuss the rich heritage of this enchanting region. Alongside him, Dr Mark Baldwin, the UK’s leading speaker on WWII code breaking, will bring a 1944 Enigma – the original code breaking machine - onboard to discuss its dramatic influence on the course of the War.

With convenient road and rail links to the port of Harwich, joining Discovery’s range of no-fly cruises is made even easier. You can find out more at http://www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk/

Voyages of Discovery are also among the lines exhibiting at the Cruise Show in Birmingham in October.