Make it a ‘Caribbean Christmas’ With Fred. Olsen

Christmas is a time for celebration and relaxation, and what better way to do both than on a sunny Caribbean cruise? Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has a leisurely 25-night ex-UK ‘Caribbean Christmas’ cruise aboard Black Watch, departing from Southampton on December 17.



The long Atlantic crossing allows for plenty of time to relax and enjoy the many activities and facilities the ship has to offer. Guests can join in quizzes and traditional deck games, read in the peace of the library, swim, work out in the gym, or take part in many other enjoyable activities, as the ship makes her way to the warm Caribbean waters.



Christmas Day sees Black Watch in the middle of her Atlantic crossing, and the day is celebrated at sea in the traditional way – there is a sumptuous feast, a visit from Santa Claus for younger guests, as well as carol singing, festive entertainment, quizzes and, of course, a ship glittering with Christmas trees and decorations.



The first Caribbean port of call is Barbados on December 28 followed by the lovely islands of St Lucia, Antigua, Tortola and St Maarten, while the return crossing includes a visit to the Azores before arriving back in Southampton on January 11.



An extra-special attraction on this festive cruise is live entertainment from two of the best tribute bands around, appearing as part of the exclusive Fred. Olsen's ‘Music & Laughter’ programme. The acts are ‘Bee Gees Magic’ and ‘Abba Magic’, and they will be recreating the great sounds of the Seventies’ super-groups during the cruise.



Prices for this Christmas cruise start from £3,597 per person, based on two adults sharing an outside twin cabin, Grade ‘E’, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board – including the ‘Music & Laughter’ programme – and port taxes.



Find out more at www.fredolsencruises.com or contact the specialst cruise agents of The Cruise Line Ltd at 0800 008 6677.

Discover the remote hideaway of St Helena

Calling all intrepid travellers with a passion for the unknown! A new hosted tour to discover the far-flung South Atlantic island of St Helena has been introduced by St Helena Line.

Travelling on board one of the world’s last working Royal Mail Ships, the RMS St Helena, the 22-day Hideaway Tour departs Cape Town on June 17 and costs from £2,395 per person. Leading the tour from the departure will be Colin Lewis, Professor Emeritus of Rhodes University (South Africa) and an expert on St Helena, its history and natural environment. Prof. Lewis will offer a unique insight into this British outpost, taking travellers beyond the guidebook.

Arriving in St Helena on the June 22, the group will be joined by Island residents Basil George and Vanessa Thomas for a fascinating and diverse eight-day itinerary.

St Helena is perhaps best known as the place of Napoleon’s exile. The tour includes a trip to Longwood House, the last house of the French revolutionary, in addition to other sites of historic importance, including his Tomb. There is also a Botanical Day where some of the world’s rarest flora and fauna will be identified, plus a tour to spot the Wirebird, endemic to St Helena.

Other tour highlights include a boat trip, scenic island tour, evening talk from the National Trust of St Helena and a walking tour of the capital, Jamestown. The RMS arrives back in Cape Town on July 6.

The tour costs from £2,395 per person based on two sharing an A deck cabin. The price includes eight nights’ accommodation on St Helena, entry fees and guide costs, all meals on the RMS and meals as specified in St Helena. International airfares are not included. Economy fares from London to Cape Town with South African Airways start from £614 per person.

The 128-berth RMS is a unique blend of passenger ship and cargo vessel, acting as the lifeline to St Helena being the sole source of supply of all goods to her island namesake. Passengers are made up of tourists and St Helenians, or ‘Saints’ as they are fondly known locally, travelling home.

For more information, contact www.rms-st-helena.com or call the adventure cruise specialists of the The Cruise Line Ltd on 0800 008 6677.