Oceania Cruises reveals 2012-2013 winter schedule

Oceania Cruises’ newly launched 2012 / 13 Winter Collection features voyages from September 2012 through May 2013 with an exotic cruise schedule that includes 21 new Grand Voyages, ranging from 23 to 71 days, and Caribbean and Panama Canal cruises onboard the line’s new 1,250-guest, luxury ship Riviera.

Oceania Cruises’ 684-guest Regatta will again offer her popular foliage cruises in September and October before cruising to the Caribbean and South America. New ports include Boston and Portland, Maine.

After a 25-day Enchanted Amazon (departing Nov. 2, 2012) cruise from New York, Regatta offers a 7-day Caribbean Interlude (departing Nov. 27, 2012) cruise before operating Panama Canal cruises (Above) between Miami and Los Angeles (beginning Dec. 4, 2012). A 30-day South American Explorer (departing Jan. 23, 3013) itinerary from Lima to Rio de Janeiro showcases the very best of South America. From Rio, Regatta reprises her 12-day Radiant Rhythms (beginning Feb. 22, 2012) cruises between Rio and Buenos Aires before heading to Europe for summer 2013.

For more information visit www.oceaniacruises.com or luxury cruise specialists The Cruise Line

Crystal's New 'Private Adventure' Shore Excursions

Do you love to see legendary sites, but dislike group tours? Renowned for unique and creative land tours that complement its luxury cruise experience, Crystal Cruises is introducing a private shore excursion alternative for individualistic adventurers. Crystal’s new “Private Adventure Option” enables guests to take already-organised group excursions – in a more intimate fashion.

Beginning this August/September, parties of two, four or six can opt for a personal guide and private vehicle to tour Ephesus, Pompeii or the city of Barcelona, for example – on a shore-side itinerary already carefully crafted by Crystal’s Land Programmes team and its worldwide tour operators.

Crystal’s Vice President for International Sales & Marketing, Philip Ordever, says he was inspired to create the programme by his own holiday: “While I heard how much guests appreciated the ‘creative content’ of our Crystal Adventures, some said they would love to take the same tour by themselves to make it even more personal,.

“At Crystal, we are committed to giving our guests choices. Being able to really personalise your experience is the hallmark of a perfect luxury holiday.”

For several years, Crystal has offered guests a “Crystal Private Adventure” programme, which offers customised land itineraries for individuals, their families and friends. The new “Private Adventure Option” is similar, but follows established excursions in a private way. If guests prefer to modify their “Private Adventure Option” or expand the group, the trip would then become a custom “Crystal Private Adventure.”

Launching on August 14 on Crystal Serenity and September 13 on Crystal Symphony, the Private Adventure Option can be pre-reserved at least one week prior to embarkation by emailing crystaladventures@crystalcruises.com. Prices will be at least 25% more than group tour fares, but vary depending on excursion length, vehicle size, guide costs and sites visited.

This autumn/winter, Crystal's two ships will cruise the Mediterranean, New England/Canada, Panama Canal, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast and Hawaii. Crystal’s huge Autumn Fare Sale offers savings up to £5,078 per couple.

For more info, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd

Star Clippers - And a Load Of Rubbish!

Guests from niche tall ship operator Star Clippers have removed 1,700lbs of rubbish from North Friar’s Beach and Keys Beach in St. Kitts in a beach-clean operation organised by on-board marine biologist Mariano Peruzzo. This is the third time Star Clippers guests have taken part in clean-ups, on this occasion joining volunteers from a local charity to rid the island’s beaches of plastics and other litter.

Star Clippers’ vessels operate under wind power up to 70% of the time. All ships use high-quality low-sulphur gas oil, for which the company has been awarded the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate. And all three ships’ crews operate on a ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ policy, while only eco-friendly, biodegradable products are used for cleaning on board the three ships.

Other eco-initiatives include the appointment of a qualified naturalist/marine biologist to accompany all cruises on the 170-passenger square rigger Star Flyer on winter sailings in Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua, providing passengers with first-hand information about the incredible diversity of flora and fauna in the region, as well as the volcanoes and cloud forests.

On December 11, one of Britain’s most respected authors, environmental campaigners, broadcasters and botanists, David Bellamy, will be on board Flyer in Central America to host a shore excursion, mingle with guests and give presentations about the environment.

Including an additional three days land stay, the 10-night Central America holiday costs from £2239pp, with return flights from London, transfers, 3 nights’ hotel accommodation and the seven-night cruise with David Bellamy, including all meals on board.

Star Flyer also carries a highly qualified dive master, who will give talks on board on invertebrates, crustaceans, fish and marine mammals.

To find out more, visit www.starclippers.co.uk or contact the UK's leading adventure-cruise specialists, The Cruise Line Ltd.

Big Early-Booking Savings With Crystal For 2012

Crystal Cruises is offering savings of up to £1,272 per couple when booking selected early 2012 departures before the end of the month. Massive savings of up to £6,308 are also available on the full 2012 World Cruise if booked before the end of April.

Prices for the early 2012 voyages start from £2,572 per person, cruise-only, based on the January 17 Panama Canal voyage from Miami to Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica.

And there is still plenty of time to book for this year as the freshly redesigned, 922-guest, 50,000-ton Crystal Symphony and the 1,070-guest, 68,870-ton Crystal Serenity cruise through the Middle East, Africa, Caribbean, South America, Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Black Sea, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, South Pacific, British Isles, Baltic Sea, Arctic Circle, Alaska and New England/Canada.

For further info, see www.crystalcruises.co.uk or the UK's leading luxury cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Oceania Cruises' New Ship Marina Christened In Miami

Oceania Cruises’new upper-premium cruise ship Marina was Christened in Miami last Saturday. The ship’s godmother, Entertainment Tonight host Mary Hart, named the ship at a lavish, invitation-only gala ceremony, which culminated with a 15-litre Nebuchadnezzar of champagne, custom-made by Armand de Brignac, crashing against the hull. Among the ceremony highlights were inspirational performances by the Marina Choir, assembled for the event, and the appointment of Master Chef Jacques Pépin as honorary commodore of the Oceania Cruises’ fleet.

Marina is a ship of firsts, featuring the first Bon Appétit Culinary Center, Master Chef Jacques Pépin’s first namesake restaurant at sea, Ralph Lauren Home-furnished Owner’s Suites, luxurious accommodations by Dakota Jackson, a Wine Spectator wine program and a Lalique grand stairway.

The new vessel arrived in Miami after her maiden voyage from Barcelona. Following a short preview cruise, she departed on the first of two 18-day Panama Canal transits that visit San Francisco and San Diego, both new ports for Oceania Cruises. Marina then operates a 12-day Caribbean cruise, round-trip from Miami, departing March 16, before sailing along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard and on to Europe to begin her inaugural Mediterranean season.

Marina has been purposefully designed to carry guests to the world’s most alluring ports in elegance and style. She is full of rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and lustrous leathers which adorn public rooms. Facilities include 10 dining venues six of which are open-seating gourmet restaurants, an array of bars and lounges, a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness centre, swimming pool and hot tubs.

She joins current fleet-mates Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, which have taken guests around the world since 2002. Her sister ship Riviera will be christened in April 2012. A leader in destination cruising and defining the upper-premium market, Oceania Cruises offers gourmet cuisine, gracious service and award-winning itineraries at an exceptional value.

For more information, visit www.oceaniacruises.com/ or the uxury cruise experts of The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.

Crystal's Grand Autumn Cruise Sale

Crystal Cruises’ autumn voyages are now on sale with newly reduced fares from as little as £2,249 per person and new Penthouse and Balcony Stateroom savings up to £5,078 per couple. Starting with its August 26 Mediterranean cruise on Crystal Serenity and its September 13 Canada/New England voyage on Crystal Symphony, Crystal is offering new savings on every one of its 22 autumn cruises, including both Christmas and New Year departures.

In addition, guests will still receive up to $2,000 per couple “All Inclusive–As You Wish” onboard spending money as well as free air from London.

Crystal’s autumn cruise collection includes a fabulous array of destinations, including the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Canary Islands, Morocco, Holy Land, a swinging Big Band Transatlantic sailing, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Caribbean (above), New England and Canada, Pacific Coast and Christmas and New Year cruises to Hawaii and the Caribbean with Panama Canal highlights.

Prices start from £2,249 per person based on a seven-night Mexican Riviera itinerary with departures on November 20 and 27. Price includes free return economy class flights from London, seven nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks, port taxes and basic gratuities. In addition, as part of Crystal's "All Inclusive - As You Wish" promotion, guests will also receive onboard spending money of $500 per person, which can be spent on shore excursions, spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, purchases in the onboard boutiques, gratuities or Vintage Room experiences.

One signature example of the value inherent in the Crystal Experience is an abundance of all-inclusive fine dining options, now incorporating new, flexible Perfect Choice Dining, which allows guests to choose what time they would like to eat and where.

For more information, visit Crystal Cruises at http://www.crystalcruises.co.uk/ or contact the luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line.

‘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!!

Cruise the Panama Canal & Explore the Rain Forest

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Ever wanted to cruise the Panama Canal and explore the Costa Rican rainforest expedition-style?

Linblad Expeditions active, engaging and casual style of expedition travel may well be for you, as their resources and knowledge are tailor-made to immerse guests in the region's wild landscape, enabling active explorations rather than the more passive tourism of other cruises.

They also claim they are the 'More Naturalists Per Guest Than Any Other Cruise' company, exploring the magnificent cloud forests, volcanoes and oceans with 1 expert for every 15 guests aboard their intimate, 60-passenger expedition ship. You can snorkel with undersea experts and allow the Expedition Leader to tailor the day’s events to your preferred activity level.

The Lindblad-National Geographic Alliance also means more than just top naturalists and photographers on board, as their ship has exclusive access to Barro Colorado Island’s Smithsonian Research Station in the Panama Canal, where Smithsonian experts come aboard to help explore this unique ecosystem.

Lindblad Expeditions also partner with MarViva in Central America to safeguard and create marine protected areas in oceanic and coastal areas of Latin America and the Caribbean. Their work supports community education, enforcement of regulations in National Parks and the protection of coral reefs.

For more information, look up www.expeditions.com or visit adventure cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

New Brochure for Star Clippers

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Niche saling cruise specialist Star Clippers, who operate fully crewed sailings on board its four and five-masted tall ships, has launched a new brochure for 2011 and winter 2012 featuring new destinations and maiden calls in Central America and the Mediterranean.

All itineraries are also featured on Star Clippers’ new-look, re-designed website, dedicated to UK guests. Visitors to the site can take virtual tours of the ships and look at detailed maps and satellite images to see exactly where each itinerary goes. There’s extensive detail on ports of call and beautiful new imagery to depict in clear detail the pleasure of sailing on a genuine tall ship.

New itineraries an entire maiden season in Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua, where the 170-passenger Star Flyer will sail six, seven, 10 and 11-night cruises out of Puerto Caldera to explore the bays and inlets of the Pacific coastline, with visits to lush rainforests and hidden lagoons. Priced from £1,065 for a six-day cruise in March 2011, including port charges and all meals on board (excluding flights).

Sister ship Star Clipper returns to the Caribbean island of St Maarten for 2011, with regular seven-night departures to either the Leeward Islands (Nevis, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Iles des Saintes, Antigua, St Barths) or the British Virgin Islands on the Treasure Islands cruise (Anguilla, four calls in the BVI, St Kitts and St Barths). Six and eight-night sailings are also available. From £980 for six nights in December 2011, including port charges, cruise-only.

Also new for 2011 are the 228-passenger Royal Clipper’s itineraries from Barbados to the British Virgin Islands, with calls at Norman Island, Soper’s Hole, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, some of the finest sailing areas in the Caribbean. From £1,940 for 10 nights, departing December 17, 2011 (a special Christmas sailing), including port charges and all meals on board (excludes flights).

For further information, visit http://www.starclippers.co.uk/ or contact the UK cruise specialist agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

New 2011 Titan Brochure

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Titan HiTours has unveiled its brand new Cruise & Tour brochure for 2011. The programme encompasses an extensive selection of ocean cruises combined with imaginative, land-based touring packages that take in every possible point of the compass from Alaska to Antarctica. With highlights ranging from the splendour of a stylish cruise around the British Isles on the new Queen Elizabeth to a passage through the Panama Canal - as well as a wide choice of no-fly cruises with direct departures from UK seaports - the Cruise & Tour programme presents an unrivalled choice of exciting holidays afloat combined with the quality, high standards and value for money for which Titan HiTours is renowned.

The popular VIP Home Departure Service, which collects customers from - and returns them to - their own front door has now been extended to cover mainland Scotland, The Channel Islands and Northern Ireland and allows for every client to be picked up from their home address, transferred to their departure point and returned to their own front door at the end of their holiday at no extra cost. That means those in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands are entitled to a home pick-up and door-to-door transfer to their nearest regional airport, plus free domestic flights to the London airports to connect with any international departure (or free onward connections to the major seaports for clients taking an ex-UK cruise).

Another new addition with plenty of possible departure dates (11 in total) is the 8-day Dubrovnik & the Dalmatian Islands itinerary, which incorporates a brief stay in this fabled city (known romantically as the Pearl of the Adriatic) with a voyage along the stunningly beautiful Dalmatian coastline. The holiday costs from £995 per person, to include flights, transfers, half-board accommodation, sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary, port taxes and the VIP Home Departure Service.

Those looking to avoid the cost and hassle of jetting away might prefer the brochure's wide selection of no-fly cruises, which involve direct departures from the UK's major seaports. There are a total of five new no-fly cruise itineraries in the brochure, of which the closest to home is the 11-day Queen Elizabeth's maiden Around the British Isles cruise, which has to be booked by 30 November 2010 for a departure from Southampton on 2 September 2011.

For details or to book, visit the website http://www.titanhitours.co.uk/

South America with Noble Caledonia

By guest blogger Steve Newman

In 2012, Noble Caledonia are repositioning MS Island Sky to South America and have just launched the new brochure which features itineraries from the tip of Patagonia up to the West Indies.

From January to April 2012 she will operate a number of cruises throughout Latin America, up as far as Central America and through the Panama Canal to little known areas of the Caribbean.

Having been involved with many small ships in South America and the West Indies, Noble Caledonia know this area to be ideally suited to expedition cruising. The wild, open spaces of Patagonia and the dramatic coastal scenery of the Chilean fjords make for an unforgettable trip particularly if you prefer the cooler temperatures.

Alternatively, Chile’s lake region and northern territory with its magnificent national parks combines well with the natural and cultural wonders of Peru. Continuing north along the Pacific coastline, there is the chance to explore Peru, Ecuador and Costa Rica, including the remote Cocos Island, a mini Galapagos located some 300 miles out in the Pacific and an area much favoured by Jacques Cousteau, known for its sea turtles, rays, dolphins and hammerhead sharks.

Later in the season finds Island Sky exploring the little known but remarkably beautiful islands of the southern Caribbean Sea as well as the Caribbean Coast of Panama and Costa Rica. There will also be the opportunity to visit Cuba, the Southern Bahamas, Turks & Caicos islands and the pristine waters of the British Virgin Islands.

Why not join them for the Island Sky’s maiden visit to these endlessly fascinating waters and explore the wonders of nature and man with our accomplished expedition team and guest speakers?

For more information, visit http://www.noble-caledonia.co.uk.

Star Clippers New Brochure

By guest blogger Steve Newman

It’s that time of year again and the new brochures are now available featuring a wide range of cruises for 2011. Luxury boutique cruise line Star Clippers is no exception and their new brochure is now hitting the doormat. They have exciting itineraries in Central America (Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua) and the Caribbean, where the Clipper ships will visit dream locations in the Grenadines and British Virgin Islands among others. The company’s ever popular ocean crossings are ideally suited to those who dream of long sea voyages whilst the summer season will find the ships roaming the Mediterranean (French or Italian Riviera), the Greek Islands and a fascinating new route between Athens and Istanbul. To find out more, look at http://www.starclippers.co.uk/ or check out 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.

Costa Rica and the Panama Canal

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Niche tall ship cruise operator Star Clippers operate three of the world’s most head-turning ships, the magnificent four-masted, 170-passenger Star Flyer and Star Clipper and the flagship, five-masted, 228-passenger Royal Clipper.

2010/2011 is an exciting time for Star Clippers, with many new destinations and itineraries including new sailing areas, new home ports, several maiden calls and some unique cruise-and-stay ideas.

For example, this November sees the Star Flyer embarking on an exciting series of tall-ship sailings in Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua for the first time, exploring the bays and inlets of the Pacific coastline, with visits to lush rainforests and hidden lagoons. Prices are from £1,140 for a week’s cruise, including all meals on board, low-key evening entertainment and port charges, excluding flights.

Flyer will also make two spectacular transits of the Panama Canal, one at each end of the season, skimming the north coast of South America, visiting Cartagena (Colombia) and Margarita (Venezuela), as well as the southern Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curacao.

For more details, check out www.starclippers.co.uk

Are you going to the Cruise Show in Birmingham in October (16-17) or London in March (26-27)? You can learn more about Star Clippers - and the whole wide world of cruising!

Sea Trials for Oceania's Marina

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Scheduled to launch in January 2011, Oceania Cruises’ new 1,250-guest Marina successfully completed her sea trials on September 26, including three days of sailing the Mediterranean for the first time.

During the trials, technicians and engineers from the Fincantieri shipyard and Oceania's own marine and technical teams evaluated the vessel’s speed, maneuverability, hydrodynamics and propulsion, among many other aspects of the ship’s performance.

“She is a beautiful ship. Marina was extremely maneuverable with virtually no vibration to be felt, even at high speeds,” stated Captain Dimitrios Flokos, the ship’s master. “Marina exceeded all expectations. In fact, shipyard representatives commented this was the most successful sea trial in recent history for technical performance.” A second and final round of trials will be run just prior to the ship’s delivery. The 65,000-ton ship – being built at Fincantieri in Sestre Ponente, Italy – is scheduled for delivery January 17.

“Her first foray at sea was a resounding success. Marina exhibited exceptional sea-keeping abilities, is amazingly agile and cruised at more than 22 knots with plenty of power in reserve,” said Robin Lindsay, the line’s executive vice president of vessel operations, who was on board during the test run. “Now that sea trials are successfully concluded, we will focus on finishing her magnificent interiors.”

The ship’s inaugural schedule includes a 13-day Maiden Voyage departing January 22 from Barcelona to Miami, where inaugural activities are planned. On February 8, Marina departs on the first of two 18-day Panama Canal transits that visit San Francisco or San Diego, both new ports for Oceania Cruises. Marina then operates a 12-day Caribbean cruise, round-trip from Miami, departing March 16, before sailing along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard and on to Europe to begin her inaugural Mediterranean season.

To learn more about Marina, visit www.oceaniacruises.co.uk/ and, for great deals, check out www.cruiseline.co.uk/oceania-cruises/.

Don’t forget, too, that you can find out more in person at the wonderful CRUISE Show, which will be held in Birmingham on October 16-17 and in London next March (26-27).

The Best Read At Sea!

Calling all cruise fans! And yes, that means YOU!

The new (Autumn) edition of World of Cruising magazine is now out, and is also available for viewing online.

So be sure to check it out for a fabulous in-depth look at the Panama Canal, River Cruising on the Douro River in Portugal and Spain, a preview of the mighty Oasis of the Seas of Royal Caribbean, a farewell to Fred. Olsen's old faithful Black Prince and much, much more besides.

Going Exotic with Princess

There are plenty of options for voyages that get away from the main cruise areas and offer that 'something different' factor these days. The choice for wonderful, exotic itineraries has literally never been greater.

But few lines offer as wide a variety under one roof, so to speak as Princess Cruises. Their 18-ship fleet now covers just about every corner of the globe, and their latest range of 'Exotic Cruises' is quite mind-boggling.

It features 12 of their fleet on 50 different itineraries, from a grand 108-night World Cruise (on Pacific Princess) to a 12-night Panama Canal transit on Coral Princess (which reminds me to give another plug to the forthcoming Autumn issue of World of Cruising magazine, as it features a major destination overview of the Canal).

Once again, it serves to highlight the absolutely amazing variety and quality of cruise experience on offer in the mainstream cruise world these days, something which was usually only in the preserve of a handful 10 or 15 years ago.

They have already highlighted their array of voyages around the South Pacific and Hawaii in 2010-11. So, let me put the Princess story in full, with their full 'exotic' press release:

1 September – Princess Cruises has today launched its new Exotic Cruises Worldwide programme for 2010 with new itineraries, enhanced sailings andnew ports of call.

With an impressive selection of 12 ships ranging in size from 670 to 3,110 passengers, the cruise line will offer 150 cruises across 50 itineraries. Passengers can enjoy holidays from 12 nights up to the full 108-night World Cruise, across all seven continents, proving Princess is the leader in destination cruising with itineraries designed to please first-time cruisers and experienced travellers alike.

The ships deployed on the itineraries will be equally impressive, with nine that offer ‘Movies under the Stars’, the line's trademark enormous poolside movie screen, and the adult-only oasis of ‘The Sanctuary.' All ships offer a choice of dining venues, such as Sabatini’s Trattoria, the Sterling Steakhouse and Crown Grill.

Princess Cruises also has the highest percentage of balcony cabins compared to any other cruise line sailing the far-flung corners of the globe, providing the ultimate view from which to experience these worldwide destinations.

Highlights of the new Exotic Cruises Worldwide programme are as follows:

Pacific Princess will offer a 108-night world cruise with shorter World Sectors ranging from 22-84 nights in duration and Dawn Princess will feature 12-56 night World Escapes between Sydney and Southampton. Fares start from £12,299 per person on Pacific Princess while a 51-night World Escape cruise on Dawn starts from £4,699 per person.

Increased capacity in the Far East – Ocean Princess and Diamond Princess return to sail these magical destinations, with holidays ranging from 14-26 nights between Singapore and Bangkok, Bangkok and Shanghai and Shanghai to Osaka, with the opportunity to extend the holiday by combining cruises. Fares start from £2,699 per person. Diamond Princess will also sail a NEW 26-night itinerary from Sydney to Beijing, with fares starting from £3,349 per person.

NEW! Panama Marvel – Sea Princess sails a new 25-night holiday from San Francisco to Barbados with fares from £2,149 per person. There’s also the option to enjoy further time in San Francisco with a 2 or 3-night pre-cruise hotel stay from just £99 per person.

Panama Passion – leading the way in Panama, Coral Princess, Island Princess and Sea Princess will offer five exceptional itineraries taking in 18 ports of call and nine different countries as well as a 2-day Panama Canal Experience on cruises of 15-nights or longer. Fares start from £1,829 per person for a full-transit 12-nights on Coral Princess.

South American Sizzle – Star Princess returns for another series of cruises around South America, the Andes and Cape Horn, ranging from 16-22 nights. Fares for a 16-night Cape Horn route to Rio start from £2,299 per person.

‘Fall’ in love with Canada – Crown Princess sails the 11-night Classic Canada and New England itinerary and the 14-night Canada and Colonial America itinerary from Quebec to Fort Lauderdale, with the option to extend the holiday with a 5-day Maple Explorer deluxe pre or post-cruise land tour. Fares for an 11-night fly-cruise start from £1,399 per person.

My good friend Pieter van der Schee, head of Brand Marketing for Princess, puts the case for their Exotic programme, insisting: “Princess Cruises offer many incredible ways to escape the winter months and enjoy the warmth and relaxation of a tropical getaway. These exotic itineraries offer romance, insight into diverse cultures, active pursuits, stunning beaches and even the opportunity to witness a historic marvel ofengineering.”

Oh, and don't forget you can get some pretty good deals on all Princess cruises from The Cruise Line!