Join SeaDream For The Monaco Grand Prix 2012

Luxurious accommodation can be enjoyed aboard the 112-guest mega-yacht, SeaDream I while taking in the one of the most important and prestigious automobile races in the world in 2012, with fewer than 250 days before the commencement of the 70th Grand Prix of Monaco!

Taking place from May 24-27, the race is held on a narrow course laid out in the streets of Monaco, with many elevation changes, tight corners and a tunnel, making it one of the most demanding tracks in Formula One. In spite of the relatively low average speeds, it is a dangerous place to race.

Sail with SeaDream I, embarking in Nice on May 26 and guests can then spend May 27 in Monte Carlo followed by five more days of heavenly Mediterranean yachting. After Monte Carlo this itinerary calls on St. Tropez, Portovenere, Viareggio (gateway to Florence), Portoferraio (Elba), and Portofino, with disembarkation on June 2 back in Monte Carlo.

Voyage-only fares lead in at $4,899 per person (plus $427pp govt, port & handling fees) and include: open bar, all meals, wines at lunch and dinner, complimentary champagne, use of recreation and water sports toys, as well as basic gratuities.

For more info, visit www.seadream.com or the UK's luxury cruise specialists of The Cruise Line Ltd.

Unleash Your Inner Picasso on Star Clippers

Tall ship specialist Star Clippers (www.starclippers.co.uk) is offering novice and experienced artists alike the chance to express themselves and refine their technique in the most inspiring of settings, the Mediterranean, on board the 170-passenger Star Flyer, one of the world’s most beautiful and graceful tall ships.

The voyage will be escorted by Suffolk-born Richard Nichols (above), a successful artist who specialises in seascapes and coastal scenes. Richard will run workshops on board the seven-night cruise in anything from sketching to watercolours, aimed at all levels of experience.

Included in the cruise price is a special artist’s backpack that converts into a seat for sitting and sketching on location. The backpack contains sketchbooks, paper, watercolours, brushes and pencils, so guests do not need to supply any equipment.

The cruise departs Cannes on September 24 and calls at Corsica, Elba, Portofino and the Hyeres islands, ending in Monaco – all perfect settings for capturing the colour and vibrancy of the Mediterranean, from the ochres and terracottas of Portofino to the jagged mountains and bottle green pines of Corsica.

The 7-night cruise costs from £1,469 per person, including return flights from London, transfers, seven nights’ full board accommodation on Star Flyer, daily art classes, the artist’s backpack and port charges. Single travellers pay just £1,659.

To book, visit www.starclippers.co.uk or specialist cruise agents The Cruise Line Ltd.

Seabourn's 2012 Europe Season Now Open!

Seabourn is delighted to offer up an expanded array of voyages in Europe during 2012. The luxury line's six stylish ships will explore an unprecedented 165 different destinations among the continent's landmark cities, historic sites and natural splendours on cruises from seven to 19 days. The extended eight-month season, from April to November, is now open for sale, and itineraries, fares and other details can be viewed on www.seabourn.com.

Popular European itineraries include:

Greek Isles & Golden Treasures – Seabourn Quest – 7 days
Departures: 10 August, 21 September 2012
Athens to Istanbul: Mylos, Mykonos, Patmos, Kusadasi, Khylos, Troy. Fares start from £2,450pp based on two people sharing a Seabourn Suite.

Adriatic Gems & Venice – Seabourn Spirit – 10 days
Departures: 15, 25 April; 5, 15, 25 May; 4, 14, 24 June; 3, 13, 23 July; 2, 12 September 2012
Ports of call: Venice, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Split, Rovinj. Venice round trip, with option to stay overnight in Venice. Fares start from £2,240pp based on two people sharing a Seabourn Suite.

Idyllic Rivieras & Spain – Seabourn Legend – 10 days
Departures: 20 April; 10 May; 7, 27 June; 17 July; 6, 26 August; 15 September
Rome to Monte Carlo: calling at Elba, Portofino, Cannes, Sanury-sur-mer, Barcelona, Menorca, Collioure, Porquerolles, and Monte Carlo. Fares start from £2,800pp based on two people sharing a Seabourn Suite.

The full 2012 cruise season in Europe starts from £1,890 per person, including return air, based on double occupancy. For bookings, visit www.seabourn.com or see the UK's leading luxury cruise specialists, 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/