cruise international october november 2012

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 | £3.95

WINA RED SEA HOLIDAY FOR TWO

with Thomson Cruises

cruise-international.com

NORWAY'S FJORDS RUSSIA'S RIVERS NEW ENGLAND'S AUTUMN SPLENDOUR

79HOTHOLIDAY IDEAS

DARCEYBUSSELL

Strictly’s new star on the glamour

of cruise holidays

INTO THE WILDAdventure cruising from

Alaska to the Zambezi

BOUTIQUE CHICThe new wave of

luxury cruise ships

PLUS How to get the best deal

FREETITAN GUIDE TO RIVER CRUISING

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TO VOTE VISITwww.cruise-international.com/awards

Last minute getaway fares have often come with the best prices. However, going forward there is no guarantee they will even be introduced on your chosen sailing. Should P&O Cruises or Cunard introduce a last minute “Getaway Fare” there are now a number of exclusions compared to taking advantage of amazing fares plus added value (such as free parking or on board credit) and better payment terms by booking earlier on a new “Vantage Fare” .

When you book with GoCruise you benefit from personal experience, specialist training and unbiased opinion. Our customers value the personal service, dedication and attention to detail they receive from their GoCruise specialist, which is why 70% of our customers book with us time and again.

I can’t waitto book my next cruise with

£795per personFr

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Norway Getaway Fare24th August 2012 - 9 nights on board Oceana Southampton - Amsterdam (overnight) - Bergen - Geiranger - Olden - Stavanger - Southampton

£895per personFr

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Mediterranean Vantage Fare4th April 2013 - 12 nights on board Azura Southampton - Lisbon - Gibraltar - Barcelona - Valencia - Malaga - Cadiz (Seville) - Southampton

£2495per personFr

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Canada & New England Vantage Fare3rd September 2013 - 25 nights on board AuroraSouthampton - New York (overnight) - Newport - Boston - Portland - Saint John - Halifax - Quebec City (overnight) - Charlottetown - Southampton

£120 per cabin on board spend or FREE car parking

at Southampton


at Southampton

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Join our mailing list and start receiving your FREE copy of our

quarterly ‘Cruisin’ Magazine‘. Packed full of cruise deals and ideas

for your next holiday - make sure you don’t miss out!

All offers are valid at time of going to press and can be withdrawn or amended at any time. All bookings carry ABTA protection. Retail agents for ATOL holders. ACE members.

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MANY MORE CRUISES AVAILABLE!Call your personal cruise experts now to find out more

FREEPHONE 0808 256 8422 or visit www.gocruise.co.uk

Can I choose my cabin number?

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If the price on the my fare code reduces, will I receive the price di�erence in upgrades or on board spend?

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Prices are per person based on two adults sharing an inside cabin. All prices are subject to change and/or availability. Terms and conditions apply. ABTA and ATOL protected.

Vantage or Getaway Fare?

£895per personFr

om £995per personFr

om £795per personFr

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Scandinavian Explore Getaway Fare10th August 2012 - 11 nights on board Queen Mary 2Southampton - Hamburg - Oslo - Elsinore - Gothenburg - Stavanger - Hamburg - Southampton

Canary Islands Vantage Fare7th April 2013 - 12 nights on board Queen ElizabethSouthampton - Madeira - La Palma - Tenerife - Lanzarote - Lisbon - Southampton

Norway Vantage Fare30th June 2013 - 7 nights on board Queen VictoriaSouthampton - Stavanger - Olden - Geiranger - Bergen - Southampton


at Southampton


at Southampton

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Swiss movement, English heart

Swiss made / 26 jewel automatic movement / 38 hour power reserve / Uni-directional bezel Marine grade stainless steel 300m (1000ft) water resistant case / Leather and Stainless Steel Bracelet versions also available / Diameter: 42mm / Calibre: Sellita SW200-1

ChristopherWard_ClassicBoat.indd 1 26/07/2012 15:14

5CRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 |

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Up front8 HOT SPOTIf you’ve ever fancied ‘leaf-peeping’, Maine, New England boasts spectacular autumn colours

11 CRUISE NEWS Our essential round-up of all the events, destinations, ships and products

15 STAR CRUISERStrictly star and P&O godmother Darcey Bussell and three other glamorous godmothers

16 ON-BOARD BOUTIQUEOur pick of the best buys, plus watches

21 LUCK BE A LADYWe offer our tips for those new to the latest addition to on-board entertainment – the casino

Features25 BOUTIQUE CHICOur selection of fi ve of the best small ships offering a luxurious cruise experience

30 CRUISE AWARDS Cast your vote in the Cruise International Awards and you could win a holiday

32 LAND OF THE VIKINGS Norway’s stunning scenery forms a backdrop to an exploration of the country’s incredible heritage

Follow us @Cruisemag

EDITOR’S LETTERWelcome to my fi rst issue as Editor. As a huge cruise fan I’m thrilled to be here.

We’ve packed the magazine full of the hottest

holiday ideas to inspire you – plus we have a fantastic free supplement from Titan on river cruises.

If you’ve ever thought about visiting Russia, take a look at our stunning waterways feature (page 87). ‘Taste of Adventure’ (page 56) has ideas for incredible journeys from Alaska to the Zambezi. On page 25 you’ll fi nd luxurious boutique cruises. Plus we have expert tips on ‘How to Get the Best Deal’ (page 53).

And don’t forget, there’s still time to vote in this year’s Cruise International Awards (page 30) – you could win a holiday to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

This is your magazine, and we want to hear all about your amazing cruise holidays. Get in touch at the email address below and you could see your story and photos featured in a future issue.






79HOTHOLIDAY IDEAS

DARCEYBUSSELL


of cruise holidays




luxury cruise ships



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Cover image Seabourn

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56OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

Liz Jarvis

a future issue.

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38 PORT GUIDE – OSLOWhere to stay, what to see and when to visit Scandinavia’s oldest capital city

41 SUN-SEEKER DESTINATIONSIn need of a holiday where sunshine is almost guaranteed? Here’s our top 12 hot spots

53 BOOK THE BEST DEALThe experts share their top tips on how to get more value when booking your cruise

56 TASTE OF ADVENTURETake a cruise on the wild side with these amazing journeys from Africa to Antarctica

64 COLOURS OF THE NEW WORLDA cruise through the breathtaking autumnal scenery of Canada and New England

70 PORT GUIDE – MONTREALThis historic Canadian city on the Saint Lawrence River is proud to be French

74 TALES OF THE UNEXPECTEDHow a ‘destination immersion’ approach on a Baltic voyage makes a memorable cruise

6 CRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COM | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

EDITORIALEDITOR Liz JarvisDEPUTY EDITOR Jessica ToozeART EDITOR Gareth JonesDESIGNER Rickardo WatkinsEDITORIAL ASSISTANT Josephine PriceCONTRIBUTING EDITOR Sue Bryant

ONLINEWEB CONTENT MANAGER Oliver Morley-NorrisONLINE EXECUTIVE Terri Eaton

ADVERTISINGDEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR Steve Ross ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER Lyndal Beeton

PUBLISHINGPUBLISHER Simon TemlettMARKETING MANAGER Chatty DobsonCOMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Vicki GavinMANAGING DIRECTOR Paul Dobson

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARDAVALON WATERWAYS Alan MacLean, APT Gary Bartelings, CARNIVAL Lynn Narraway, CELEBRITY CRUISES Michael English, CUNARD LINE Peter Shanks, EWATERWAYS Daniela Wagner, FRED. OLSEN Nathan Philpot, HEBRIDEAN Ken Charleson, HURTIGRUTEN Ian Nash, MSC CRUISES Giulio Libutti, PRINCESS CRUISES Pieter van der Schee, REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES Cecilia Abert, SCENIC TOURS Chris Townson, VIKING RIVER CRUISES Wendy Atkin Smith, VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY Ann Brine, THE LUXURY CRUISE COMPANY Scott Anderson

SUBSCRIPTIONSCRUISE INTERNATIONAL Subscriptions Department, Tower House, Sovereign Park, Market Harborough, Leics LE16 9EF, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1858 438749 Fax: +44 (0)1858 434958 www.subscription.co.uk/cruiseSUBSCRIPTION RATES UK £30 (6 issues) ROW £40 (6 issues)

NEWS DISTRIBUTIONUK and Rest of World: COMAG, Tavistock Road, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 7QE. Tel: +44 (0)1895 444055 Fax: +44 (0)1858 445255

CRUISE INTERNATIONAL (ISSN 1758-2326) (USPS 025-056) is published bi-monthly by The Chelsea Magazine Company, Liscartan House, 127-131 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9AS UK.

© The Chelsea Magazine Company Ltd 2012. All rights reserved. Text and pictures are copyright restricted and must not be reproduced without permission of the publishers. The information in CRUISE INTERNATIONAL has been published in good faith and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. However, where appropriate, you are strongly advised to check prices, opening times, dates etc, before making fi nal arrangements. All liability for loss, disappointment, negligence or damage caused by reliance on the information contained within this publication is hereby excluded. The opinions expressed by contributors to CRUISE INTERNATIONAL are not necessarily those of the publisher.

Printed in England by Wyndeham Heron Origination by All Points Media allpointsmedia.co.uk

Liscartan House, 127-131 Sloane StreetLondon SW1X 9AS Tel: 020 7901 [email protected]

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SUBSCRIBE TOCRUISEINTERNATIONAL SAVE OVER 40%See page 68

Competition80 WIN A RED SEA CRUISEYou and a guest could be on your way to Egypt and Jordan in this fabulous competition

River cruising83 RIVER CRUISE NEWSNew cruises, a medicinal masterclass, and what not to forget when packing for your holiday

87 RUSSIAN TREASURESThe inland waterways of the tsars link many of the country’s most spectacular cultural riches

Regulars72 COMPETITION WINNER Stuart Logan shares the experience of his prize-winning trip aboard Fred. Olsen’s Braemar

78 READER WRITESA dedicated cruise-fan celebrates her Golden Wedding Anniversary in the Arctic Circle

97 YOUR SAYYour news and views, plus details on the next issue

98 WISH LISTTwo far-fl ung dream destinations

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This state in the north-eastern corner of the US boasts a 5,000-mile coastline and is famous for its lighthouses, rocky islands, majestic mountains and spectacular autumn colour, making it a must visit for would-be leaf peepers. In summer, there’s hiking and biking, and snow sports in winter. Year-round, there is fresh seafood – Maine is famous for its lobster – and lively museums, many with a maritime focus. Locally made crafts make shopping a particular pleasure, too. ›› Turn to page 64 for our feature on cruising in Canada and New England.

Hot spotMAINE, NEW ENGLAND, USA

INSPIRATION

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CRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COM 11OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 |

From Celebrity’s new ship to Silversea’s gourmet gold, we bring you our pick of what’s making waves in the world of cruise

Cruise NewsS H I P S • E V E N T S • D E S T I N A T I O N S

Following our preview of Celebrity Reflection’s Refl ection Suites in our April/May issue, we’ve been given a preview of the new ship’s ‘Signature Suites’.

Located via a private entrance on deck 14 and accessed via a key card, the suites will have use of a deck area exclusively for suite guests, and boast stunning views via fl oor-to-ceiling windows leading to the private veranda, which also has its own whirlpool.

Each suite, which can accommodate up to four, will also include 24/7 butler service and in-room iPads. So you can send photos from your trip to all your friends. Celebrity Reflection launches in October.

NEW SHIP STYLE

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

GOLD FEVER

15-23 September is National Cruise Week. Look out for special offers from

cruise lines and travel agents.6-7 October The Cruise Show hits

Glasgow’s SECC, and is at NEC Birmingham from 20-21 October. You can fi nd out more info at cruisingshow.com or by calling 0871 620 4024, and the good news is Cruise International readers can get tickets for £4 instead of £10 by quoting the

code ‘CRUISE INTERNATIONAL’.

Eating gold leaf isn’t something we’d considered before but we have to admit we’re intrigued by the new gold leaf risotto being served in Silversea’s restaurant Le Champagne. Apparently it’s good for you.

Celebrity Refl ection’s SignatureSuites

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15-23September Week. Look out for special offers from

cruise lines and travel agents.6-7 October

Glasgow’s SECC, and is at NEC Birmingham from 20-21 October.

code ‘CRUISE INTERNATIONAL’.

CRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COM

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12 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 CRuisE-iNTERNaTiONal.COM

Cruise… and walk

Beauty Buzz

Breathtaking views in the Canaries Leading guided walks operator Ramblers

Worldwide Holidays has just announced details of its exciting new range of ‘Cruise & Walk’ tours for 2013. The idea of combining the luxury and comfort of sea voyages with wonderful walks on terra firma has really taken off and has led to an expansion of the Cruise & Walk programme, which now includes a fly-cruise option to the Canaries for the first time.

Also new for 2013 is an all-inclusive drinks package on selected voyages. In addition to the usual on-board meals this includes house wines, selected branded spirits, beer and soft drinks (within standard bar opening hours)

The beauty of the Cruise & Walk holidays is that one partner can ‘walkabout’ with the group at a destination whilst the other can ‘lazeabout’ on-board the cruise ship enjoying the vast array of facilities on offer should they so desire. People can still enjoy breakfast together in the morning and then meet later for afternoon tea or in the early evening for cocktails before dinner – the best of both worlds. Prices for an 11-night fly-cruise on board Fred. Olsen’s Braemar starts at £1,499 per person, including return flights and transfers. For more info and bookings see cruiseandwalk.co.uk or call 01707 386767.

Cruise News S h i p S • E v E N t S • D E S t i N a t i o N S

up up and awayQuark Expeditions has announced that the newest member of its fleet, the Ocean Diamond, will be the first to deliver CarbonNeutral® voyages to Antarctica.

The company, which also successfully completed the first-ever passenger hot air balloon adventure on an expedition to the

North Pole in July, will offset emissions for the new ship.

The inaugural voyage of the Ocean Diamond will depart on 3 November 2012 on the Falkands, South Georgia and Antarctica itinerary. For more info see quarkexpeditions.com

We love the new Active Reverse collection from The Sanctuary Spa – six skincare products containing ingredients to help firm the skin and brighten complexions. It’s currently available from Sanctuary Spas in Covent Garden, Richmond, Bristol and Cambridge, selected Debenhams stores, sanctuary.co.uk and Boots.

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Visit your Travel Professional or call 0843 373 2000 - www.seabourn.co.uk

Discover Extraordinaryaboard Seabourn

• Intimate ships with just 104 or 225 suites

• Unique itineraries to must-see cities and hidden gems where larger ships can’t go.

• All dining venues are complimentary with gourmet dining experiences that rival the fi nest restaurant anywhere - dine when and with whom you wish.

• Intuitive, gracious service provided by a staff passionate about pleasing our guests.

• Complimentary welcome champagne and in-suite bar stocked with your preferences.

• Spacious, all-suite accommodations with sweeping ocean views - many with verandas.

• Open bar throughout the ship, and fi ne wines poured at lunch and dinner.

• Tipping is neither required nor expected, service simply to delight you.

T H E S E A B O U R N D I F F E R E N C ECruising with Seabourn is unlike any other form of travel. Designed for just 208

to 450 guests, our intimate ships are the perfect blend of glamorous elegance,

impeccable service, exquisite cuisine and highly personalised destination

experiences, all of which have earned Seabourn the most coveted awards in

travel. From the luxury of all suite accommodations to complimentary fi ne

wines and spirits throughout the ship, and a tipping not required, or expected

policy, Seabourn exemplifi es the defi nition of travelling well.

Spriit 23 Mar 2013 7 St Maarten - Barbados £1,999 £3,529

Legend 28 Apr 2013 7 Rome - Nice £1,799 £2,439

Sojourn 03 May 2013 10 Venice - Monte Carlo £2,899 £3,449

Ship Sailing on Nights From/To

R E M A R K A B L E V A L U E I N 2 0 1 3

Fares based on new bookings only, per guest, double occupancy, and subject to availability. Some suite categories may not be available. Fares are not combinable with any other offer, may vary by sailing date, are capacity controlled, and are subject to change without notice. Round-trip Economy class air from London, transfers will be provided from airport to pier and from pier to airport on days of embarkation and disembarkation.

Cruise Only

From pp

Add Flights &

Transfers pp

Cruise International Mag - Oct 2012 - Seabourn.indd 1 26/07/2012 11:44:13

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Make Cruise Connections your first port of call...

Also find us on:

[email protected]

Tel: 01524 771 701Fax: 01524 771 702

Willow Mill, Fell ViewCaton, Lancaster LA2 9RA

CONTACT

If you think service counts above all please vote for us as Cruise Travel Agency Of The Year in the 2012 Cruise Awards.

Cruise Connections has been selling cruises now for over 15 years and we think we do it well.As well as being competitive on price we also feel we give something more, something important called…….service!Our team of dedicated Cruise Specialists are there to help guide you through sometimes complex arrangements and advise you of the best location for your cabin or what shore excursions are a must do on your itinerary.We are there to make your cruise booking plain sailing from the moment you pick up the phone with an enquiry to the moment you step through your front door refreshed after your cruise.

Cruise Connections……….proud sponsors of the Cruise International 2012 Cruise Awards in the categories of Best Entertainment and Blogger of the Year.

Michaela DarbyCruise Consultant

Janet BarenCruise Consultant

Jackie HeapCruise Consultant

Julie McIntyreMarketing Executive

Anne Marie WalneCruise Consultant

Sue WinsbyCruise Consultant

Janet HallAdministration Exective

Charlotte AireyAdministration Assistant

What makes us different from the rest? It’s simple – our staff and their vast knowledge of cruising! And here they are……….

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Sophia Loren MSC CruisesThe Hollywood legend and godmother to not one luxury cruise liner but the entire fl eet of MSC’s ships, including Divina (suite 16007 was designed for her), Fantasia and Splendida.

Jennifer HudsonDisney Cruise LineOscar-winner Jennifer began her career as a singer on the Disney Wonder and became godmother to the Disney Dream in 2011 at a glittering ceremony in Port Canaveral.


Darcey BussellI love travelling the world.If you were going to choose one of the best holidays, I think being on a ship, with everything at your fi ngertips, is the most wonderful way to travel.

I’ve been a godmother of Azura for two years now.I was thrilled to be asked to help launch the ship because I think it’s an incredibly glamorous thing to do. I love old Hollywood movies, particularly the ones with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers – they were always on one of those amazing liners, and that’s what the Azura emulates for me. Being the godmother of a ship epitomises the glamour of travel, it’s just this lovely relationship.

I was honoured to take part in P&O’s Grand Event in Southampton to celebrate their 175th anniversary.It was very exciting to be on board and to see all the ships in the harbour. Even though the sun wasn’t out it was a very memorable day. It was like being part of the ultimate gala performance – there was that same kind of excitement in the air. There was a real buzz in Southampton, too.

My home is in Sydney, Australia.But we’re going to be spending four months of the year over the next two years in London while I work on Strictly Come Dancing. After that we’ll see.

Working on Strictly is exciting because it motivates people.

We’re watching celebrities who have never danced before enjoying the experience of trying something that is great fun. I’m really excited about helping the dancers to improve week on week.

Dame Helen MirrenP&O CruisesShe played The Queen and is a British style icon, which made Dame Helen the perfect choice to launch the MS Ventura in 2008.

Star Cruiser

Glamorous godmothers…

She’s the newest judge on Strictly Come Dancing and she’s also godmother to the Azura – here former prima ballerina Darcey Bussell CBE reveals why she thinks cruising is the most glamorous way to travel

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SHOPPING

1. GROSVENOR BAG IN IVORY, FROM £199, RADLEY.CO.UK | 2. SWAROVSKI CIRCLE PENDANT, £61, SWAROVSKI.COM | 3. RENAULT PLAIN SEAS PINK DRESS,

£135, THOMASPINK.COM | 4. CHILDREN’S FLIP FLOPS, FROM A SELECTION, £16, HAVAIANAS-STORE.CO.UK | 5. ORIANNA EARRINGS, £1,899 ORIANNAJEWELS.COM | 6. VALBONNE FRAGRANCE, £65, MOLTONBROWN.CO.UK | 7. PURE COLOR NAIL

VARNISH, £14.50, ESTEELAUDER.CO.UK

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Offers launched 20/07/12, apply to new bookings for departures 06/04/13 onwards, cannot be applied retrospectively and close 30/09/12 latest. Offers not applicable for Grand Voyages and Grand Voyage sectors. Other exclusions apply. Please see website for full terms and conditions. *Early Booking Price Pledge applies to like-for-like Fred. Olsen packages. Excludes inside cabins and Anchor Fares, which require full payment at the time of booking. The price difference shall be given either in the form of on board spend, cabin upgrade, or a refund, at FOCL’s discretion. **All Inclusive upgrade offer covers selected beer, wines, spirits and soft drinks, subject to availability, and all meals. Tours, tips, premium drinks, medical facilities and other optional spend, during travel to the ship and while on board, are not included. Any additional expenditure will need to be paid separately. Offer limited to the fi rst 100 bookings on each departure.

FRED MAKES CRUISING EVEN BETTER VALUE- WITH FREE DRINKSBook now on any Fred. Olsen sailing departing 6 April 2013 onwards and we’ll give you a FREE upgrade to our new All Inclusive** package. You’ll get free drinks – selected beers, wines, spirits & soft drinks – included in the price, along with all meals, leisure facilities, daytime activities and live entertainment.

You’ll need to hurry though, as this special All Inclusive offer is only available on the fi rst 100 bookings on each sailing and ends September, if not before.

THE DRINKS ARE ON

FRED

BOOK 2013 NOW& YOU’LL GETTHE BEST DEAL– GUARANTEED!Fred. Olsen now offers a Price Pledge when you book a 2013 cruise*. You can rest assured that you won’t lose out if the cruise price should fall. We’ll offer you benefi ts or a refund to the same value, so you know

your deal won’t be beaten – and you’ll get the best choice of

cruises and cabins too. The Price Pledge applies to departures from 6 April 2013 onwards – but hurry, you must book by

the end of September!

HURRY! FOR THE FIRST 100 BOOKINGS

ON EACH CRUISE ONLY!

Contact your travel agent, visit fredolsencruises.com,

or call 0800 0355 233


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On-boardboutiqueboutiqueW A T C H E S

1. AQUARACER, £2,095, TAGHEUER.COM | 2. KHAKI NAVY PIONEER LIMITED EDITION, £2,130,

HAMILTONWATCH.COM | 3. ALEX SPORT WATCH, £250, CHRISTOPHERWARD.CO.UK | 4. SUTRA SPORT WATCH IN BLACK, £1,500,

HSTERN.NET | 5. GUESS WATCH, CODE: W22521G1, £235 GUESS.EU | 6. HYPERCHROME AUTOMATIC WATCH, £2,390, RADO.COM | 7. GUESS WATCH, CODE: W10245G1, £135 GUESS.EU | 8. LADIES CRYSTALLINE

WHITE WATCH, £200 SWARVOSKI.COM | 9. GUESS WATCH, CODE: W22521G1, £235, GUESS.EU

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Most places in the world have their charms and their beauty but sometimes you have to squint a little. And then there is Stockholm. Built on 14 islands with sparkling blue water in every direction, you get history, culture and stunning scenery everywhere you look. Come and see for yourself. More inspiration on www.visitstockholm.com

The world s easiest job?Postcard photographerin Stockholm.

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or visit www.avaloncruises.co.uk0800 668 1807For more

informationcall us on

Cruise in Luxury on Europe’s Iconic Rivers

†This service is available if you live within 75 miles of your chosen international airport or Eurostar station. If you live further than 75 miles you can still take advantage of the service by paying for the excess mileage. For further details please see your brochure or the website. All details are correct at time of supply (July 2012).

We are protected by ABTA and our fl ight inclusive packages are protected by ATOL.

Danube • Main • Moselle • Rhine • Rhône • Seine

Luxury EuropeanRiver Cruises

Amsterdam, Holland

Avalon Waterways offers a fi rst class river cruising experience with the highest level of comfort and personalised service aboard it’s award winning fl eet of the most contemporary ships on Europe’s rivers. We offer enchanting 4 to 23 day cruises on the Danube, Main, Moselle, Rhine, Rhône and Seine rivers between March and December.

Our guests can look forward to a luxurious on board experience with fi ne dining, spacious suites and large outside staterooms with full-sized bathrooms. In addition, most of our staterooms feature fl oor to ceiling panoramic windows, providing the best views of the passing landscape, famous landmarks and spectacular sights of Europe.

Included in your holiday

✓ Complimentary private door-to-door transfers†

✓ Full board with complimentary drinks served with dinner✓ Gratuities included for the Cruise Director and crew✓ Sightseeing with expert local guides✓ Return fl ights, transfers and all port charges

And much more…

Don’t forget to vote for us as“Best River Cruise line of the year 2012”in the Cruise International Awards.

5832 Avalon Cruise Inernationalt mag ad.indd 1 31/7/12 13:19:43

On bOard casinOs

21cruise-internatiOnal.cOm auGust/sePtember 2012 |

Luck be a ladyMany cruise ships offer the thrill of Las Vegas on board –

if you fancy a flutter, here are some insider tips

cruise casinOs

021-023_CRI_ON12_Casinos_FINAL.indd 21 31/07/2012 13:06

CRUISE CASINOS

22 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

Modern casinos on the large ocean-going ships rival the best of their land-based counterparts. Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal

Caribbean are leading the way, reaching out to ’high rollers’ and to those who are eager to have a fl utter while on their cruise.

For beginners or those who have never visited a casino before, the benefi t of cruise ship casinos is that the on-board dealers are patient and willing to help, used to hosting those new to gaming. The style and ambience of a casino tends to refl ect the ship – the casino on the Azamara Journey, for example, is professional but relaxed, while the Royal Palm Casino on the MSC Splendida is more glamorous, with opulent palm-tree pillars and glitzy golden decor.

For the majority of cruise ship passengers, the casino is just a small piece of their holiday, competing with other shipboard activities, and so staff are keen to make the atmosphere enjoyable, relaxed and fun.

Ask the expertDiane Crawford-Smith works as Casino Marketing Manager for Norwegian Cruise Line, overseeing the casino host teams across the fleet. Here she answers our questions about on-board casinos and shares her top tips. Do you have a lot of casino beginners on board?Yes – Norwegian’s fabulous casinos normally host a balance of novice and experienced players.

What’s the most popular game/table? We feature more than 2,000 slot machines fl eet-wide that appeal to every level of player. From penny to $100 slot machines, and from progressives to video poker and automated roulette games. Some of the most popular titles include: Wheel of Fortune, Quick Hit Platinum Black Gold Wild, Double 3 x 4 x 5 Diamonds, and Super Star Poker.

We also have more than 200 table games; Blackjack is one of the most popular, with side bet options. Craps is considered the liveliest and most fast-paced game that’s as much fun for spectators as it is for players. The casino table games also include Roulette, Let It Ride, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Baccarat, Pai Gow Poker and Texas Hold’Em. Do you often get professional players on board?Like many lines, we have many experienced players who are invited and for our high rollers we offer a more tailored VIP experience.

Is there a minimum/maximum spend?We cater to all levels of players, from the casual player who may only want to spend a few pounds a day to high rollers who can spend thousands. We offer all players a unique and friendly experience.

Do some people cruise just for the casino experience?

I think it is a combination of the fun and exciting experience in the casino and the variety of destinations on a cruise itinerary. What sets the cruise casinos apart is that players can actually visit places they have only dreamed of seeing.

How do the port casinos compare with the on-board option?Well, with the action on board, some players fi nd they don’t want to leave the ship. Others may decide to explore the culture and adventure of the destination, and the port casino might include that.

If a reader had never visited a casino, what would you say to encourage them to try one out?

Casinos add a unique element to the on-board entertainment – players can share the excitement of winning, and the camaraderie of playing against the house. I think that someone who had never visited one before would enjoy it.

What’s the biggest win you’ve seen someone have on board?More than a million dollars.


On bOard casinOs

23OcTObEr/nOVEMbEr 2012 |

1. Play responsibly. Gaming should be fun!2. During crowded times players shouldn’t use more than one

machine and allow other players the opportunity to play. 3. Smoking is permitted but players should be considerate to

others wherever possible. 4. If you don’t like how other players at your table are betting,

move to a different table rather than complaining. 5. When jumping into a game that’s already going, it is important to

politely ask the current players if they mind. The addition of a new player permanently alters the count, and the current players may feel that a new player negatively affects the outcome of the game for them. You of course have the right to sit down, but asking is the polite thing to do.

6. Always keep your cards over the table. In Poker, you may notremove your chips from the table until you are ready to leave.

TOP TIPS

7. If a chair is leaning against a slot machine, the player hasstepped away briefly and will return.

8. The dress code in the casino is casual, but shirts and shoesare usually required. No beach attire is normally allowed unlessat poolside tables.

9. When you win a jackpot, you are expected to jump for joy soeveryone in the casino knows you are a winner!

10. Take advantage of cruise lines’ “Learn To Play” sessions. It isan easy way to learn the game with personalised instruction from professional staff.

12. Participate in one of the on-board tournaments: Slot, Blackjackor Texas Hold’em. Group play sometimes seems less intimidating and can build confidence for a player to move to live action.

13. Penny slot machines are fun to play with a low investment, buthave a higher hit frequency.


Hebridean Island Cruises has been setting thebenchmark for luxury cruising since 1989. The small,five star luxury cruise ship – Hebridean Princess –affords our guests the highest standards of cruiseship accommodation and service.

New for 2013 our all inclusive cruises now includetravel insurance, free parking, transfers to and fromthe ship in addition to alcoholic and non alcoholicdrinks, excursions, taxes and gratuities.

To enhance your cruise experience, world-classexperts join Hebridean Princess on selecteditineraries to talk on relevant themes, all invited fortheir authority and genuine passion for their subject.

discover the hebridean experience

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2013

By appointment to HM The QueenProvision of cruise holidays on Hebridean Princess

All Leisure Holidays Ltd, trading as Hebridean Island Cruises

The new 2013 Hebridean PrincessCruise Directory is now availableIf you would like to receive a copyplease call: 01756 704704

[email protected]

HP Ad apr 12_CRUISE INT 26/4/12 11:12 Page 1

CRUISING IN STYLE

25OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 | CRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COM

BoutiqueBoutiqueChic

Luxurious and elegant, the new wave of boutique shipso� er a unique holiday experience. Here are fi ve of the best.


025-028_Boutique_CRI_ON12_FINAL.indd 25 31/07/2012 13:08

| OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 CRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COM26

Seabourn – Quest

Number of passengers: 450With its sleek, contemporary design, Quest is designed for an ultra-glam cruise experience. The 225 guest suites have ocean views, most with their own veranda, separate living areas and bedrooms, walk-in closets, fully-stocked bars replenished daily, granite bathrooms with a separate tub and shower, two sinks, and fl at-screen interactive television. Quest even has its own built-in marina, where you can join in watersports straight from the ship. Sample cruise A 17-night Mediterranean cruise (departing 17 November 2012) from Rome to Barcelona starts from £1,499 per person, not including fl ights. For more info visit seabourn.com or call 0845 0700 500.


CRUISING IN STYLE

27OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 | CRUISE-INTERNaTIONaL.COM

Voyages to Antiquity –MV Aegean OdysseyNumber of passengers: 350Classically elegant, Aegean Odyssey has been designed to offer the sophisticated traveller every comfort at sea. With tastefully understated interiors, the ship combines the best of traditional elegance with all the modern conveniences of a first-class hotel.

The personal service on board is exceptional and the relatively small ship is able to visit ports that larger vessels are unable to, navigate close to the scenic islands of the Adriatic and Mediterranean, as well as berth upriver in the heart of Bangkok, Yangon and Ho Chi Minh City. Sample cruise A 13-day Greek Isles cruise in April 2013 costs from £1,845 per person, including a two-night hotel stay in Istanbul. See voyagestoantiquity.com for more information or call 0845 437 9737.

Uniworld – SS Antoinette

Number of passengers: 164As the name suggests, Antoinette’s decadent interior was inspired by 18th-century France – and the style of decor on this river ship is all about opulent luxury, from the blue Strauss 10-foot Baccarat chandelier in the two-storey lobby to the flamboyant leopard-print bar on deck and the luxurious staterooms. There’s even a cinema and mosaic-tiled heated swimming pool on board.

But the atmosphere on this beautiful river ship is far from formal – guests are able to relax in the glamorous green lounge, the Salon du Grand Trianon, with a cup of tea and a book just as much as they can dress up and sample the cocktail menu, mixed in front of you by the friendly bar staff who learn your preferences straight away.

To see the sights on both sides of the river, the best viewing point is up on deck where big gold-edged fleece blankets and cosy loungers are available for guests to curl up and watch the world go by until the on-deck L’Orangerie opens for a spot of light lunch. Sample cruise An eight-day Rhine cruise starts from £1,799 per person, including flights. For more information and to book see titantravel.co.uk or call 0800 988 5253. 8


CRUISING IN STYLE

| OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 CRUISE-INTERNaTIONaL.COM28

Viking – OdinNumber of passengers: 190Swathed in natural light, first-class engineering, green technology and modern chic interiors by Norwegian firm Yran & Storbraaten, the longship Odin features unique innovations such as the indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, the organic herb garden and sun deck with 360-degree views. Al fresco dining, regional specialities and specially selected wines make your everyday dining simply unforgettable. Sample cruise: A Romantic Danube cruise starts from £1,745 per person, not including flights. Visit vikingrivercruises.co.uk or call 0808 256 2492.

Paul Gauguin –MV Tere MoanaNumber of passengers: 90Previously Le Levant, Tere Moana will be unveiled in December after the ship has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation. The luxurious new Polynesian-influenced look promises laid-back cool. All 45 staterooms will have an ocean view, and eight will offer private balconies. There will be two restaurants including L’Etoile, featuring culinary creations by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Pierre Vigato, and in select ports, the ship’s watersports marina will offer kayaking and paddleboarding. Guests will be able to enjoy views from the decks, relaxing on chaise lounges by the pool or a Balinese bed.Sample cruise A seven-night voyage between Athens and Rome departing in June 2013 will start from £2,721 per person, not including flights. See paulgauginship.com or call 0208 133 2862.


From the mysteries of Pompeii and the classical elegance of Greece to the beauty ofIndia’s Taj Mahal, in-depth Burma and mysterious Angkor Wat, combine the very

best of cultural travel with the benefits of small-ship cruising aboard Aegean Odyssey.

Voyages to Antiquity include:• SHORE EXCURSIONS • PRE/POST-CRUISE 4 & 5-STAR HOTEL STAYS• LAND EXTENSIONS IN ASIA• EXPERT GUEST SPEAKERS• RETURN FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS ABROAD• OPEN-SEATING DINING• GREAT VALUE SINGLE PRICING

Plus with complimentary wine served at dinner and gratuities included on board, you’ll also discover remarkable value.

FROM CLASSICAL EUROPE TOTHE MYSTERIES OF THE FAR EAST

CRUISES TO

THE ORIENTWINTER 2012/13

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VOYAGES TOANTIQUITY CRUISES TO

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OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

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BOOK EARLY FOR GREAT SAVINGS!FOR RESERVATIONS & BROCHURES CALL 0845 437 9737

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Voyages to Antiquity brings to life the history and cultures of the world’s ancient civilisations

WINTER 2012/13INDIA AND SOUTHEAST ASIA16 TO 22-DAY CRUISE-TOURS FROM £2,995*

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VOYAGES TOANTIQUITY10093

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*Prices are per person based on two people sharing category N cabin and do not include savings. Ship’s registry: Malta.

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1258 Cruise International ad_Layout 1 16/04/2012 18:39 Page 1

Untitled-4 1 18/04/2012 12:41

From the mysteries of Pompeii and the classical elegance of Greece to the beauty ofIndia’s Taj Mahal, in-depth Burma and mysterious Angkor Wat, combine the very

best of cultural travel with the benefits of small-ship cruising aboard Aegean Odyssey.

Voyages to Antiquity include:• SHORE EXCURSIONS • PRE/POST-CRUISE 4 & 5-STAR HOTEL STAYS• LAND EXTENSIONS IN ASIA• EXPERT GUEST SPEAKERS• RETURN FLIGHTS & TRANSFERS ABROAD• OPEN-SEATING DINING• GREAT VALUE SINGLE PRICING

Plus with complimentary wine served at dinner and gratuities included on board, you’ll also discover remarkable value.

FROM CLASSICAL EUROPE TOTHE MYSTERIES OF THE FAR EAST

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VOYAGES TOANTIQUITY

BOOK EARLY FOR GREAT SAVINGS!FOR RESERVATIONS & BROCHURES CALL 0845 437 9737

or visit www.voyagestoantiquity.com

Voyages to Antiquity brings to life the history and cultures of the world’s ancient civilisations


SPRING/SUMMER 2013MEDITERRANEAN,AEGEAN, ADRIATIC & BLACK SEA13 TO 19-DAY ITINERARIES FROM £1,995*

VOYAGES TOANTIQUITY10093

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1258 Cruise International ad_Layout 1 16/04/2012 18:39 Page 1

Untitled-4 1 18/04/2012 12:41


SPRING/SUMMER 2013MEDITERRANEAN,AEGEAN, ADRIATIC& BLACK SEA13 TO 19-DAY ITINERARIES FROM £1,845*

Voyages of Antiquity.indd 1 30/07/2012 17:37

READER WRITES


With 20 categories ranging from Cruise Line of the Year to Best Shore Excursion, the annual Cruise International Awards celebrate and reward

excellence in all areas of the cruise industry

In as soc iat ion with

READER WRITES

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you could win a holiday to Florida

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030-031_CRI_ON12_CRUISE AWARDS_FINAL.indd 30 31/07/2012 13:10

CRUISE AWARDS


HOW TO VOTE Cast your vote before 23 August 2012 at:

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draw, where you could win an incredible week-long holiday to Fort Lauderdale, Florida

best shore excursionVote for your favourite shore tour or visit.

best for wellbeingWho has the feel-good factor?

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best for activitiesWhich line offers the best on-board fun?

best innovationYour pick, from ice bars to 5D cinema.

best for entertainmentThe most spectacular on-board shows.

best for foodVote for the tastiest restaurant at sea.

best cruise bloggerWhich website tickles your fancy?

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in association with Stockholm

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in association with Viking Cruises

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in association with Portsmouth International Port

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030-031_CRI_ON12_CRUISE AWARDS_FINAL.indd 31 31/07/2012 13:10

new england

cruise-international.com32 | october/november 2012

VikıngsLand of the

Snow-capped mountains and wildflower meadows are reflected in the mirror-calm fjords of southern Norway. Deborah Stone discovers the hidden depths of the country’s ancient past

032-036_CRI_ON12_NorwegianFjords_FINAL.indd 32 31/07/2012 13:12

33cruise-international.com october/november 2012 |

norwegian fjords

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Ask what i will take away from this holiday and i would have to say the continual joy of norway’s stunning backdrops: glacial valleys dotted with tiny islands, pretty wooden houses

painted in bright colours, ice blue water broken only by images of scudding clouds, and all framed by the steep cliffs of majestic mountains.

the norwegian fjords are a classic cruise destination and i was exploring the more southerly ones on a seven-day Holland america line round-trip from dover aboard Ryndam. the sun was shining as we arrived in oslo, docking next to akershus castle in the bustling harbour where ferries and day-trip boats tie up.

i’d seen scandinavia’s largest haul of viking gold at the Historical museum on a previous trip, but i was desperate to see oslo’s viking ships at the viking ship museum (vikingskipshuset). luckily it was a simple matter of buying ferry tickets from the cruise terminal then walking to a nearby jetty for the boat to bygdøy Peninsula and the museum, which contains three viking burial ships.

the almost perfectly-preserved and elaborately carved oseberg ship was built about 1,100 years ago and excavated in 1904. its simplicity, combined with delicate decorations, is stunning. there’s also the equally striking but plainer gokstad ship and the remains of a third large vessel in the church-like museum, which also has many finds from viking tombs and wooden objects such as bedposts decorated with carved animals and a cart with men’s faces that seem to call across the centuries.

back on board Ryndam we sailed past romantic-looking houses with lawns sweeping down to oslo fjord. dinghies were tied to jetties on the grey pebble beaches and one family had lit a fire on the rocks, cooking fish they had caught in the fjord.

meanwhile i was getting ready to tuck into a giant rib-eye steak as big as a plate in the understated sophistication of the Pinnacle grill, a small speciality restaurant where the $25 (£16) surcharge was money well spent. food is an important element of any cruise, but particularly on 1,260-guest Ryndam where as well as the usual waiter-served grand dining room and self-serve buffet restaurant there are two free speciality restaurants, plus the Pinnacle grill. also, once every cruise, the grill transforms itself into a branch of new York’s famous le cirque.

sitting down to ‘an evening at le cirque’ i had the lobster salad and crème brulée that i had seen being prepared in a demonstration at the ship’s culinary arts centre on the journey from dover to olso. the cooking demonstrations were great fun, and featured award-winning american chef tony maws who had some great culinary tips.

However, for me, the main reason for taking a cruise is to see lots of new and interesting 8


| october/november 201234

places. our first stop – the little holiday resort of Kristiansand, the capital of southern norway – is a good place to buy Scandinavian knick-knacks, and if you walk to the edge of town you’ll eventually get to the wonderfully old-fashioned Agder museum of natural History, which is full of glass cases of stuffed animals, including a polar bear.

one sight I particularly wanted to see was Sverd I Fjell, the three giant viking swords 6km from town that mark the place where King Harald the Fair united the three viking regions in 872. So I signed up for the ship’s £90 excursion, vikings now And then.

I always baulk at the price of excursions, but as well as stopping at this striking monument we were taken to norway’s only Iron Age village, where reconstructed long houses made of stone with grass

CANADA Stavanger

Oslo Ulvik

Dover

UK

NORWAY

Kristiansand

the ice blue water was broken only by images of scudding clouds

8

roofs gave us a fascinating insight into how viking farmers lived with their livestock.

nearby is the Archaeological museum, which traces 11,000 years of human history. there are massive stones carved with runes, viking jewellery and centuries-old musical horns. the trip also included a walking tour of the cobbled streets and fishermen’s houses of old Stavanger, which I could see from my cabin window. but of all the things on this tour I would thoroughly recommend the norwegian Petroleum museum with its recreation of a north Sea oil rig, collection of diving pods and other sci-fi-like equipment.

that evening we sailed down Lysefjord, passing magnificent waterfalls and rocky islands on a scenic cruise to Preikestolen or the Pulpit rock –


35OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 |

NORwEgiaN fjORds

This page: Halnefjorden. Left: MS Ryndam. Below left: Breiavatnet, a small lake in the centre of Stavanger

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CRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COM36 | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012

NORWEGIAN FJORDS

FEATUREDHOLIDAY

HOLLAND AMERICA8 days aboard MS Ryndam

4 MAY 2013

Bergen, Flam, Alesund, Eidfjord, Hardangerfjord

■ The Norwegian Fjords ‘Norse Legends’ cruise departs from Dover and takes you to some of the most beautiful sights in Norway, including

scenic cruises of Lysefjord to see the magnificent Pulpit Rock and

Hardangerjord. There’s also a full day in the capital Oslo, as well as in the holiday town of Kristiansand, the oil city of Stavanger and tiny country

village of Ulvik. Price: from £859pp.

0843 374 2300 hollandamerica.co.uk

We make every effort to ensure prices and conversion rates are correct at time of going to press but they should be used as a guide only

P&O CRUISES 8 days aboard Ventura

SEPTEMBER 2012 Family-

friendly fjords return trip to

Southampton via Stavanger,

Skjolden, Gerainger, and Bergen

■ From £649pp for an OG grade

inside cabin

0843 374 0111; pocruises.com

THOMSON CRUISES 10 days aboard Thomson Spirit

SEPTEMBER 2013 ‘Norwegian

Treasures’ return trip to Harwich

via Bergen, Flam, Skjolden,

Stavanger, Kristiansand and Oslo

■ From £736pp for an inside cabin,

including all tips

0871 231 5938; thomson.co.uk

SAGA CRUISES8 days aboard Saga Ruby

JULY 2013 ’Magic of the Fjords’

return trip to Dover via Stavanger,

Skjolden, Flam and Bergen

■ From £948pp including UK

mainland travel service to your

departure point

0800 505030; saga.co.uk

FRED. OLSEN11 days aboard Balmoral

MAY 2013 ’Norwegian Experience’

cruise return trip to Southampton

via Kristiansand, Oslo, Flam,

Bergen and Haugesund

■ From £1,159pp

01473 746175;

fredolsencruises.co.uk

SWAN HELLENIC16 days aboard MV Minerva

JUNE 2013 ‘Oslo And The Fjords’

return trip to Southampton via Oslo,

Aalborg, Huagesund, Ulvik, Flam,

Forde, Andalsnes, Olden and Bergen

■ From 2,495pp including shore

excursions

844 871 4603; swanhellenic.com

OCEANIA CRUISES18 days aboard Nautica

JULY 2012 Tilbury to Oslo,

Stavanger, Hellesyit, Gerainger, North

Cape, Murmansk, Hammerfest,

Longyearbyen, Harsted, Bergen,

Kristiansand and Copenhagen

■ From £3,0405pp

0845 505 1920; oceaniacruises.co.uk

Other cruise holidays to NorwayYour Cruise Planner

The famous Kjeragbolten, a 5m2 boulder wedged in a mountain crevasse above Lysefjord

an impressive shelf of sheer cliff face that rises 604 metres above the water – before going north into Hardangerfjord, the second largest in Norway. Earlier there was a $125 (£80) boat excursion to get closer to the rock, but those who went on it also said the ship provided an even better view – particularly as it slowed to a halt then spun round a couple of times while one of the travel guide staff gave a commentary on the rock’s facts and fi gures. An excursion up to the top of the rock would have been perfect but the one-to-three-hour hike to Preikestolen is very steep in places.

Our fi nal stop was at the tiny village of Ulvik in the heart of the beautiful unspoilt countryside, surrounded by high mountains. There’s a pretty wooden church with painted pews, walls and ceilings, but this area’s major attraction is the fjord itself. Taking a walk around I was able to get a closer look – and as the clouds swirled over brooding mountains refl ected in the deep, dark water, I fi nally understood the essence of Norway. This country is almost entirely dependent on its sea and fjords for habitable land for its people to build their homes, for transport, food, work and leisure. No wonder its fi ve million inhabitants are still tied to the rhythms of the seasons and the whims of nature. Just like their Viking ancestors.

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14-NightJewels of the Baltic

ms Ryndam18 May*; 29 Jun 2013

Roundrip Dover

Call Holland America Line Reservations on 0843 374 2300www.hollandamerica.co.uk

Verandah Suite Thermal Suite, Greenhouse Spa

7-NightViking Sagas

ms Ryndam11 May*; 8 Jun* & 3 Aug 2013

Roundrip Dover

• Early Advantage fares from £699pp• Free upgrade from inside to ocean view • Worry free deposit means changes can be made

without penalty^

CRUISEONLY FROM

£699

• Early Advantage benefits include worry free deposit^, lower early booking fares and free upgrades!

• Spacious staterooms, many with private balcony• Nearly one crew member for every two guests• Fine dining with casual to formal options• Culinary Arts Centre, presented by Food & Wine magazine• Greenhouse Spa and Salon• Enrichment at sea and explorations ashore• Full days ashore and overnights in some ports

By booking early you may experience the spectacular sceneryof the Baltic or Norwegian Fjords in both style and value withpremium Holland America Line in summer 2013.

Our spacious, mid-sized ships accommodate far fewer gueststhan most. Guests stepping onboard will find elegant loungesadorned with fine art and antiques; large, comfortablestaterooms, most with ocean views, and many with privatebalconies; restaurants that sparkle with chandeliers, crystal andconversation – including the intimate “Pinnacle Grill”.Traditional features such as polished brassware and the wrap-around teak promenade deck.

All creating the ambience of a gracious hotel at sea, andfeaturing Holland America Line’s special “Signature ofExcellence”.

Fares are per person based on double occupancy, cruise only basis including taxes. Upgrade offers are valid on select sailings and in select categories only. For more information about stateroom categories and suite descriptions, to view deck plans please referto www.hollandamerica.co.uk. For full Holland America Line terms and conditions, refer to the Holland America Line 2013-4 Worldwide Cruise Holidays brochure. Offers are capacity controlled and may be modified or withdrawn or sailing/departure dates may besubstituted without prior notice. Subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply. It is the responsibility of guests to ensure they have a full passport valid at least 6 months beyond the date travel is to commence. ^Worry Free Deposit: a 15% deposit is required for all cruise bookings. Changes to guest names, sailing date, accommodations booked and price promotion can be made up until 90 days prior to sailing (or final payment date), whichever is first. Bookings cannotbe changed within 90 days of sailing. Terms and conditions apply.

NOFLYING

• Overnights in St Petersburg and Stockholm• Early Advantage fares from £1,499pp• Free upgrade from inside to ocean view • Worry free deposit means changes can be made

without penalty^

7-NightNorse Legends

ms Ryndam4 May*; 1 Jun*; 13 Jul 2013

Roundrip Dover

CRUISEONLY FROM

£1,499

14-NightVoyage of the Midnight Sun

ms Ryndam15 Jun*; 20 Jul 2013

Roundrip Dover

7 NIGHTS FROM

£699PER PERSON

Five Star Premium Cruising

• Early Advantage fares from £699pp• Free upgrade from inside to ocean view • Worry free deposit means changes can be made

without penalty^

• Cruise beyond the Arctic Circle!• Early Advantage fares from £1,599pp• Free upgrade from inside to ocean view • Worry free deposit means changes can be made

without penalty^

NOFLYING

CRUISEONLY FROM

£699

NOFLYING

NO FLYING EARLY ADVANTAGE FARE PP

Interior Stateroom £1,499Ocean-view Stateroom £1,499Verandah Suite £3,199Deluxe Verandah Suite £4,499*Lead in fares based on 18 May

NOFLYING


Interior Stateroom £699Ocean-view Stateroom £699Verandah Suite £1,399Deluxe Verandah Suite £1,699*Lead in fares based on 11 May & 8 Jun 2013


Interior Stateroom £699Ocean-view Stateroom £699Verandah Suite £1,399Deluxe Verandah Suite £1,699*Lead in fares based on 4 May & 1 Jun 2013

CRUISEONLY FROM

£1,599


Interior Stateroom £1,599Ocean-view Stateroom £1,599Verandah Suite £3,199Deluxe Verandah Suite £4,499*Lead in fares based on 15 Jun

earlyADVANTAGE

book earlyand save

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PORT GUIDE


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One of Europe’s largest cities in terms of space but one of its smallest by population, Oslo has all that you could want from a lively capital city while

retaining a friendly and almost provincial feel. Largely the work of the 19th and early 20th centuries, Norway’s capital is currently reinventing itself as a city of culture and is already bursting at the seams with museums, art and architecture.

Central Oslo is the perfect size to explore on foot, but what makes this city really unique is its proximity to the great outdoors. From the city centre which overlooks Oslofjord, a beautiful ocean inlet, colourful timbered houses stretch uphill towards vast swathes of pristine forest and lakes. This must be the only European capital which boasts such easy access to nature and such a variety of outdoor pursuits, just minutes away.

WHAT TO SEE AND DOMuch of Oslo’s art and attractions are free to enjoy. Highlights include the National Gallery, home to Norway’s largest collection of fi ne art – including a version of Edvard Munch’s haunting and iconic The Scream – and the new opera house overlooking

Norway’s capital city blends all the convenience of the modern world with proximity to the great outdoors and a laid-back attitude to lifeWords Annabelle Bladon

››FACT FILEPopulation 600,000

Climate Warmer than its latitude might suggest; varies from north to south and can be changeable

Currency Norwegian Krone (£1 = NOK9.43.)

Time GMT +2 hours

Dialling codes 0047

Useful Websites visitnorway.com; norway.org.uk

Oslo››Port Guide

Oslofjord, a striking slab of marble and glass rising from the water, inspired by the image of two colliding icebergs. Walk right up onto the sloping roof day or night for views across the old harbour and the city.

Well worth a visit is Oslo’s largest public park, Frogner Park, which holds the life’s work of Gustav Vigeland, who not only designed the park itself but also the hundreds of abstract sculptures that dot its grounds. A long series of bronze fi gures depicting human nature lead up to a monumental central fountain portraying the cycle of life, and at the highest point stands a strange and fascinating granite monolith of writhing naked bodies.

Spend a day in Bygdøy, an upmarket leafy peninsula just a short ferry ride from the city centre, where there are beaches popular for swimming in the summer and several notable museums, including the Norwegian Folk Museum. Another ferry will take you on a leisurely circuit of the inner Oslofjord, with the option of stopping off on one of its many bucolic forested islands, the summer playground of the Oslovians. The nearest and most interesting is Hovedøya, with its abundant wildlife, excellent swimming and ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian monastery.

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Where to eatEating out is not cheap in Oslo, but the food is excellent. The best deals are found at lunchtime, when some restaurants put out a koldtbord (Norwegian smorgasbord) where, for a fixed price, you can eat as much as you like. Make sure you try Norway’s national cheese, a brown goat’s cheese which tastes of caramel.

For fresh fish and seafood, head to the pier of Aker Brygge, where there are a number of chic restaurants with heated outside seating and spectacular views across Oslofjord. Try Lofoten Fiskerestaurant for local specialities, or Siømagasin, a modern and innovative seafood restaurant, bar and shop right on the waterfront. If the weather is good, buy a bag of freshly cooked prawns from one of the fishing boats in the harbour and join the rest of Oslo for a picnic in the park; in the summer the last rays of sunshine don’t fade until after 11pm.

Alcohol prices are among the highest in Europe, but Oslo makes up for this with its refined café culture; Norwegians are among the biggest coffee drinkers in the world. A high quality independent coffee bar can be found around every corner, from grand fin-de-siècle cafés rivalling those of Vienna and Prague, to quirky informal establishments such as Java in

Sankthanshaugen and Liebling in the hip Grünerløkka district, which also does superb cinnamon buns.

Where to stayFor classic luxury, nothing compares to Hotel Continental (hotelcontinental.no), one of the Leading Hotels of the World. Centrally located and overlooking Oslofjord, this Oslo institution has been a family enterprise for four generations and each of its 155 rooms are unique and spacious. It also houses a large collection of Munch lithographs and two famous restaurants: Theatercaféen, a lively Vienna-style bistro and local favourite, known for its signature reindeer with loganberries, and the pricier gourmet Annen Etage.

Near the opera house and next to the National Museum of Architecture is the First Hotel Grims Grenka (firsthotels.com), a sleek and modern ‘design’ hotel.

Rooms are minimalist, complete with Jensen beds; the restaurant specialises in raw Scandinavian foods; and the lively rooftop bar is lined with daybeds in the summer.

A 20-minute drive from Oslo is the historic hotel Losby Gods (losbygods.no), a wonderful secluded base from which to explore the city and its surroundings. The property is beautifully restored and renowned for its wine cellar and exquisite food.

join the rest of oslo for a picnic; in the summer the last rays of sunshine don’t fade until 11pm

Clockwise from above left: The great outdoors feels only moments away from the capital; Oslo’s café culture and stunning gardens and architecture; delicious street food

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41AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012 | CRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COM

SUN SEEKER

destinations destinations

Take a leisurely trip from a UK port to the warmer climes of West Africa, or a fl y-cruise to maximise your time in the sunshine. Annabelle Bladon fi nds the hottest holidays

English Harbour on the south-eastern coast of Antigua, West Indies

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hot holidays


The Persian GulfWith their glitz, glam and promise of winter sun, Dubai and Abu Dhabi have long been popular destinations for shoppers and beach-lovers alike, but cruises based in these cities have recently put lesser-known neighbours on the map. The UAE’s Fujairah is the perfect base for both watery and desert adventures, and Qatar’s capital Doha has recently experienced a cultural

renaissance. But the real highlight here is Oman; its remote, rocky coastline is crowd-free and the capital city of Muscat has retained its Arabian authenticity. Tantalise your senses and pick up an exotic bargain at the atmospheric Mutrah Souk, the ‘Market of Darkness’.

Book it now Royal Caribbean International (royalcaribbean.co.uk) 7 nights on board

Serenade of the Seas, 11 February 2013. From £350pp, based on two sharing, cruise-only. Roundtrip from Dubai, calling at Fujairah, UAE; Muscat, Oman; and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Silversea (silversea.com) 7 nights on board Silver Wind, 28 November 2012. From £3,199pp, based on double occupancy. Roundtrip from Dubai, calling at Abu Dhabi; Kuwait City; Al Manamah, Bahrain; Doha, Qatar; and Khasab, Oman.

AustraliaHome to some of the most distinctive landscapes in the world, and with its major cities on the coast, the essence of Australia is diversity. Combine the marine delights of the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands with a trip to North Queensland’s pristine tropical rainforest and a stop in vibrant Sydney, hailed as the most beautiful harbour in the world. If you have time, some cruise lines continue north to the exotic islands of Papua New Guinea or to Palau, in the Micronesia island group, or further afield south to New Zealand.

Book it now Princess Cruises (princess.com) 11 days on board Dawn Princess, 6 November 2012. From £1,045pp, based on two sharing, cruise-only. Roundtrip from Sydney, calling at Brisbane, Willis Island, Airlie beach, Townsville and Port Douglas. Hapag Lloyd (hl-cruises.com) 21 days on board MS Columbus 2, 3 February 2013. From £4,350pp, including flights to and from Frankfurt. Sydney, Australia to Manila, Philippines, calling at Brisbane; Fitzalan Anchorage; Cairns; Alotau, Papua New Guinea; Madang, Papua New Guinea; Lorengau, Papua New Guinea; Yap, Yap Islands; and Koror, Palau.

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The CaribbeanFrom the lush green peaks of St Lucia to the turquoise sea of Antigua, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a cruise in the Caribbean. For more shore time, stick to the eastern Caribbean, where ports of call tend to be closer together. Lesser-known stops include St Maarten, a blend of Dutch, French and native culture,

and Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands chain, famous for its white-sand beaches. Highlights include the crater lakes and waterfalls of Dominica, swimming with turtles in Barbados and traditional French charm in Martinique.

Book it now P&O Cruises (pocruises.com) 14 nights on board Azura, 28 February 2013.

From £1,589pp, including flights from the UK. Roundtrip from Barbados, calling at St Maarten, Tortola, Guadeloupe, St Lucia, Barbados, Curaçao, Aruba, St Vincent and Grenada. Windstar Cruises (windstarcruises.com) 7 days on board Wind Surf, 26 January 2013. From £1,799pp, cruise-only. Roundtrip from St Maarten, calling at Martinique, St Lucia, Dominica, Antigua and St Barts.

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hOT hOlidays

Cape Verde Some 400 miles off the coast of Senegal, lack of development means these Atlantic islands tend to attract more intrepid types. True, Sant Antão and Santiago boast raw and dramatic scenery great for hiking, and the watersports are fantastic. But Cape Verde also offers some beautiful architecture (a legacy of its Portuguese colonial heritage), haunting creole music and some beautiful beaches to boot. Go now, before the crowds find it.

Book it now Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines (fredolsencruises.com) 17 nights on board Balmoral, 16 November 2012. From £1,659pp. Southampton round trip, calling at Funchal, Madeira; Cape Verde Islands (Mindelo, Praia and Porto Novo); Sta Cruz, Tenerife; and La Coruña, Spain. Hapag-Lloyd 14 days on board MS Bremen, 13 November 2013. From £3,995pp, based on two sharing, including flights to and from Frankfurt. Tenerife to Dakar, calling at Ilhas de Barlavento and Ilhas de Sotavento (specific itinerary within Cape Verde subject to changes).

Canary IslandsFor those wishing to avoid a long-haul flight, the Canaries offer guaranteed sunshine year-round. This volcanic archipelago shares much of its geography with Africa, each of the seven islands possessing its own distinct character. Closest to the African coast, the lunar landscapes of Lanzarote possess a stark beauty; Fuerteventura

catering to beach connoisseurs with its sweeping blonde sands. Further west, Tenerife’s Mount Teide rises from a dark green pine forest, the views of which are excellent from sleepy La Gomera.

Book it now Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines (cunard.com) 7 nights on board Braemar, 6 January 2013. From £599pp, including UK

flights. Southampton to Sta Cruz, Tenerife; calling at La Funchal, Madeira; Santa Cruz, La Palma; and Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. Cunard 12 nights on board Queen Mary 2, 4 November 2012. From £1109, based on two sharing. Roundtrip from Southampton, calling at La Funchal, Madeira; Santa Cruz, La Palma; Sta Cruz, Tenerife; Las Palmas, Gran Canaria; and Lisbon, Portugal.

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Special Instuctions:Mech Number: 1 Mech Artist: Luke Due: 31/07/12 — Current Page Number: 1

*Price based on Norwegian Spirit, 9nt Canary Islands, 24 November & 3 December 2012 Cruise Only sailing. Other sailing dates available please call for details. Fares are guideline prices, subject to availability and change at any time. Except where indicated, all fares are per person based on £GBP, based on double/twin occupancy of an inside stateroom, including government fees and taxes. Fares do not include travel insurance, drinks, hotel meals, shore excursions, fl ights (available at a supplement), personal expenses, cover charge at selected restaurants, discretionary daily service charges payable on board or in advance, auto gratuity charges payable on board & any other item not expressly included in the fare. On board service charges are additional and applicable to the cruise (currently £7 per person per day; no charge for children under 3) and will be added to your holiday price and shown separately on the confi rmation invoice. Fares shown are applicable only to bookings made through the Norwegian Cruise Line London o� ce. Full terms and conditions and Norwegian Cruise Line Booking Conditions apply – please see www.ncl.co.uk. Fares correct at time of going to print 31 July 2012. ©2012 NCL Corporation LTD Ship’s Registry: Bahamas and United States of America. 3179.07.12

VISIT: www.ncl.co.uk

CALL: 0845 201 8900

NCL_UK NCL Freestyle CruisingNCL_UK NCL

NORWEGIANS WATCH THE SCENERY CHANGE IN STYLE.NORWEGIAN SPIRIT – 9NT CANARY ISLANDS CRUISE FROM £459pp*

SAIL THE WINTER SUN FROM NOVEMBER 2012 TO APRIL 2013

BARCELONA – MADEIRA – TENERIFE – LANZAROTE – MÁLAGA – BARCELONA

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hot holidays

6Red SeaThe world’s northernmost tropical sea, the Red Sea’s tourist revolution began with its stunning coral reefs. For underwater enthusiasts, Sharm el-Sheikh is not to be missed, and those venturing further inland will find an area steeped in history and mystery. Highlights include Egypt’s chaotic capital, Cairo, home to the pyramids and the mighty Sphinx, and Aqaba, gateway to some of Jordan’s most spectacular sites. Explore the ancient city of Petra, lost in the Jordanian mountains for more than 2,000 years, and float your worries in away in the Dead Sea, the lowest and saltiest spot on Earth.

Book it now Thomson (thomson.co.uk) 14 nights on board Celebration, 3 January 2013. From £1,300pp, including UK flights. Round trip from Sharm el-Sheikh, calling at Aqaba, Port Sokhna, Safaga, Aqaba, Port Sokhna, and Safaga. *For your chance to win a 14-night Cruise & Stay holiday with Thomson Cruises to the Red Sea, turn to page 80.8



Indonesia Rippling across the equator, Indonesia is made up of over 17,000 islands. The most captivating and spiritual of these is visitor-friendly Bali, with its rugged coastlines, vertiginous hillsides, sandy beaches and holy springs. In Java visit coffee plantations, volcanic cones and the Buddhist temple of Borobudur; in Sulawesi – the world’s 11th-largest island – experience what really is some of the best diving and

snorkelling in the world; and in Lombok, bathe in the warm waters of the Gili Islands. For those who like to blend relaxation with bustle, a cruise in the region can also take in a visit to Manila, the modern capital of the Philippines, and the Malaysian city of Sandakan, situated on the north-eastern coast of Borneo.

Book it now Voyages to Antiquity (voyagestoantiquity.com) 18 days aboard

Aegean Odyssey, 11 January 2013. From £2,845pp, based on two sharing, including flights and six nights in hotels. Hong Kong to Bali, calling at Manila, Philippines; Sandakan, Malaysia; Pare Pare, Indonesia; Ujung, Indonesia; Padang, Indonesia; and Lombok, Indonesia. Seabourn (seabourn.com) 10 days aboard Seabourn Odyssey, 11 December 2012. From £2,899pp. Singapore to Bali, calling at Semarang, Java; Surabaya; Probolinggo, Java; Celukan Bawang, Bali; Lembar; and Benoa, Bali.

India and Sri LankaCruising is by far the most comfortable way to experience the colour and frenetic energy of the Indian subcontinent. Take a tour of India’s spice coast, stopping at Cochin, a Kerala fort town that’s part English country village, part medieval Portugal, to Sri Lanka: deserted beaches, picturesque walled towns and Buddhist temples galore.

Book it now Swan Hellenic (swanhellenic.com) 14 nights aboard MV Minerva, 13 February 2013. From £2,189, based on two sharing, including UK flights. From Singapore to Sri Lanka, calling at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Penang, Malaysia; Langkwai; Port Blair, Andaman Islands; Chennai, India; Trincomalee, Sri Lanka; Galle, Sri Lanka; Colombo, Sri Lanka. Azamara (azamaraclubcruises.co.uk) 14 nights aboard Azamara Journey, 28 November 2012. From £3,289, based on two sharing, including UK flights. From Mumbai to Chennai, India, calling at Goa, India; Cochin, India; Male, the Maldives; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Galle, Sri Lanka; Chennai, India.

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The splendid stupas and Buddhas of Borobudur

The highlands of Sri Lanka

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hOT hOlidays

The historical district of Cartagena

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The Mekong RiverA river cruise is a unique way to explore Vietnam and Cambodia’s remote villages and magnificent temples, meandering past rice fields, floating homes and flower markets. From the revitalised city of Siem Reap to the French colonial legacy of Ho Chi Minh City, this river is full of contrasts. A visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of

Angkor will show you a magical Cambodia, Phnom Penh’s ‘killing fields’ remind you of its terrible and bloody past, and after exploring Vietnam’s charming riverside towns, some cruise lines take you all the way to the ethereal limestone islands of Halong Bay.

Book it now Ama Waterways (ama waterways.co.uk) 16 days on board AmaLotus,

5 February 2013. From £1,669, cruise-only. From Cambodia (Siem Reap, Kompong Chhnang, Kampong Tralach, Oudong, Chong Koh, Phnom Penh) to Vietnam (Tan Chau, Sa Dec, Xeo Quyt, Cai Be, Ho Chi Minh City). Lindblad 14 days on board Jahan, 19 February. From £5,383, including flights to USA and pre- and post-excursions. From Cambodia to Vietnam (Chau Doc, Sa Dec, Cai Be, Ben Tre, My Tho, Saigon).

10 Fishing village in Halong Bay

Panama CanalBordering Costa Rica, Columbia and the Caribbean Sea, Panama is a perfect base for exploring Central America. A cruise along the Panama Canal is a must, taking you through gigantic locks and forested shores from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean – one of the world’s greatest shortcuts. Soak up the sun in one of Costa Rica’s blissful beach hangouts, walk the ancient walled city of Columbia’s Cartagena, or head to Mexico’s Pacific coast for whale-watching.

Book it now Norwegian Cruise Line (ncl.co.uk) 14 nights on board Norwegian Star, 24 November 2013. From £874pp, including flights. From LA to Miami, calling at various destinations in Mexico, Costa Rica and Columbia. SeaDream Yacht Club (seadream.com) 7 days on board SeaDream I, 28 December 2012. From £3,980, cruise only, from Costa Rica to Panama.

8



hot holidays

South AmericaA land of stunning extremes, South America’s coastline is both vast and varied. Sprawling across half of the continent, Brazil offers charming colonial towns, exotic forested islands and, of course, the spectacular sights and beach culture of Rio de Janeiro. Within easy reach are the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires – the Paris of Latin America – and Uruguay’s laid-back Punta del Este peninsula.

Book it now Voyages of Discovery 18 days on board Voyager, 24 February 2013. From £2,669pp, including flights. From Buenos Aires, Argentina to Recife, Brazil, calling at Montevideo, Uruguay; Santos, Brazil; Ilhabela, Brazil; Paraty, Brazil; Rio de Janeiro; and Salvador de Bahia, Brazil. Regent Seven Seas Cruises (rssc.com) 12 nights on board Seven Seas Mariner, 14 February 2013. From £6,089 all-inclusive. From Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro, calling at Montevideo, Uruguay; Punta Del Este, Uruguay; Rio Grande, Brazil; Porto Belo, Brazil; Santos; Ilhabela; Paraty; and Ilha Grande, Brazil.

The Indian OceanThe islands which dot the continental rims of the Indian Ocean are numerous and varied. The Maldives have long specialised in winter sun, but the Seychelles, with their otherworldly granite boulder beaches, the colourful capital of Mauritius and the relaxed tropical outpost of India’s Andaman Islands are just as deserving of a visit. The

unexpected gem here is Burma, which has only recently opened its arms to tourism. Former capital Yangon is a base from which to explore this fascinating country, including the 4,000 golden temples scattered across the plains of Bagan.

Book it now Costa Cruises (costacruises.co.uk) 21 nights on Costa neoRomantica, 28

January 2013. From £1,347, excluding flights. Calling at Singapore, Kuala Lumpa, Langkawi, Phuket, Colombo, Cochin, Male, Mahe and Port Louis. Azamara Cruises 13 nights on board Azamara Journey, 11 December 2012. From £2,895, including flights. Calling at Chennai; Port Blair, Andaman Islands; Yangon, Burma; Phuket, Thailand; and Singapore.

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breeze incruise out...Cruising from Southamptonis a breeze with direct flightsto around 50 destinations.

Find out more here:

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PLAN YOUR CRUISE


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Want to know how to get a great price for your next cruise holiday, bag a cabin upgrade or free fl ights? Nick Dalton asks the experts for their top tips

How to book the BEST DEAL

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CRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COMCRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COM

Special agentsBooking with a travel agent can save time as they have access to all the offers that you can fi nd and often more. They can also add on pre-and post-cruise stays. “Very often we can put a better deal together,” says John Wilson, head of product at Virgin Holidays Cruises, who fi nds that cruise lines’ pricing can be quite rigid.

There is an added advantage of booking with an agent. “We also have the benefi t of selling across all cruise lines so if we can’t fi nd anything on a particular ship we can look at others,” he says. Prices might seem similar but it’s always worth checking with an agent, who has the fl exibility to undercut – out of his commission.

Book earlyThe moment a cruise is announced is when cruise lines offer their best deals. Early booking brings a choice of cabin. It might also bring free fl ights, or free on-board spend (£100 or more). It can also increase your chances of being bumped up a notch – the canny cruiser’s holy grail, the cabin upgrade.

The next stageInitial offers generally last only about six weeks and prices then rise to their highest point. Some companies offer an online booking discount, usually fi ve per cent. These are hard to predict, but can be brought on by the weather and the fi nancial climate.

Fred. Olsen often has a ‘Specialsaver’ which, according to general sales manager Lol Nichols, “is a late offer – but not as late as a Latesaver: that can be on pricing, or with benefi ts such as an onboard spend or free parking.”

Star Clippers, whose sailing ships only take about 200 people, fi lls half its places with repeat bookings and has few offers. It may, however, offer free fl ights or free children’s places.

Special Book The next Special Book The next

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If you have nerves of steel…As the weeks count down the deals grow. You’ll generally have more luck if you’re looking at a bigger ship – companies such as Azamara and Oceania with mid-size ships tend to fi ll up. The trick is to keep a daily check on websites. The downside is that if you’re booking your own fl ight, last-minute fares are likely to be much higher, if available at all.

Oceania offers free air fares based on specifi c fl ights and once they’re sold, supplements apply. If you’re prepared to gamble on your holiday, you can sometimes get great prices at short notice – but it is a risk.

Check what you getBefore you book, see what’s included. Some higher-end offerings (and many river cruises) include wine with dinner. That’s £150 saved if you share a bottle each evening on a seven-night cruise.

All-inclusive ships might initially seem more expensive, but can be cost effective if you favour the bar, as many ships, particularly American ones, add service to every order. Which brings us to tips. Some cruise lines tell you that a daily sum will be added to your bill, some recommend sums, and others include gratuities.

River cruises also include excursions – often city tours – in their prices, while they’re a costly extra on ocean cruises.

Taking the childrenDespite the family aspect of the big new ships, children’s prices aren’t immediately obvious. MSC lets children under 18 sail free (fl ights are extra) if sharing a room, but rather underplays it. Last summer Royal Caribbean had a season’s worth of £149 children’s fl y-cruises on Grandeur of the Seas, and Cunard has children-go-free offers on selected voyages and discounts on others.

John Wilson at Virgin Cruises says that prices don’t necessarily rise for school holiday sailings, but they don’t attract the same discounts. Fly-cruises can be expensive for a family, so the tip would be to look for something from a UK port.

River cruisesRiver cruises have the same book-early ethos as their ocean-going counterparts – but, as they are much smaller ships, there’s generally little late capacity.

“We only have 150 or so places so we’re not in the same game,” says Viking River Cruises managing director Wendy Atkin-Smith.

“Our deals are highest when we launch our brochure, and lessen as we get closer to sailing. The only last-minute deals come from cancellations, or the occasional travel agent willing to waive their commission.”

Fay McCormack, general manager of AmaWaterways UK, agrees. Her tip is for Mekong cruises, hugely popular when launched two years ago, but interest from the US has calmed, leaving good prices. Bear in mind though, that it’s a

gamble to leave it late as the ships in Vietnam are tiny compared to the usual river ships.

Cruises for Christmas markets are popular, but are still out-of-season cruises. Uniworld and AMA both generally have spaces available come the autumn, although the former says it’s mostly higher-category cabins.

The AMA tip for best deals are for cruises in the weeks running up to Christmas – around October and early November.

Fred. Olsen is trialling a ‘buy quickly and turn your trip all-inclusive’

on four Canaries cruises next year.

TIPS

The fi rst places to sell out on Cunard’s Queen

Mary 2 transatlantic sailings are the kennels

for dogs and cats.


ADVENTURE CRUISES


Want to get closer to nature, see animals in the wildor explore ancient cities? These cruises are made for

would-be explorers, says Deborah Stone

TASTE OFWant to get closer to nature, see animals in the wild

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ADVENTURE CRUISES


ALASKAAlaska is a great wilderness destination, where grizzly bears roam through ancient forests and glaciers inch down to the fjords through fi elds of ice. Unlike the Arctic and Antarctic, though, America’s largest state is easy to get to, without any long or arduous sea voyages.

WHAT WILL I SEE? Snow-capped mountains, more glaciers than any other place on earth, icebergs and wildlife including bears, moose and humpback whales

in the summer. Most cruises take in the 75-mile-long Hubbard Glacier which is six miles wide when it reaches the sea. As well as whales the inlets are home to sea lions, and eagles fl y along the coastline.

BEST TIME TO GO?May to September. May is good for spring fl owers, June and July are reasonably warm with up to 20 hours of daylight, and September has colourful foliage. It’s also easier to see animals foraging for food.

NEED TO KNOWTake lots of layers to wear, even in summer, and well-insulated walking boots. If you have a machine-readable passport you don’t need a visa but you do need a valid ESTA – apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. *A 13-night Luxury Alaska Cruise with Canadian Rocky Mountaineer Train Journey from Vancouver to Banff, departing in May 2013, costs from £1,999, including fl ights from Manchester or London . For more info visit jetlinecruise.com or call 0800 082 2176.

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[email protected]

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adventure CruISeS

59OCtOBer/nOveMBer 2012 | CruISe-InternatIOnal.COM

GALAPAGOSThese islands are a dream come true for animal lovers who want to see the world as nature intended it: with crystal clear seas, unspoilt soft sand beaches, a lunar landscape of volcanic rock and remarkable wildlife.

What Will i see?Giant Galapagos tortoises are found on Isabela Island, where there’s a breeding centre, while green sea turtles and flamingos nest on Floreana. You can visit the Charles Darwin Resarch Station on Santa Cruz, and Santa Fe has lizards and birdlife including swallow-tailed gulls and red-billed tropic birds. Albatross nest on Espanola, where blue-footed boobies wander and marine iguanas – the only lizards that can live in the sea – hang out.

Best time to go?It’s warmest from December to June, although prone to showers, and windy from June to November when it may be too cold to swim or snorkel. April is particularly good for birdlife, with nesting right up to November.

Need to kNoWSnorkelling is excellent, but you’ll need layers of clothing all year, with additional warm clothes from June to November. Walking shoes or wet and dry sandals are vital. You won’t need immunisations, and currency is the US dollar.

*The 11-day ‘Simply Galapagos’ cruise with Audley Travel (audleytravel.com; 01993 838 650) costs £3,945pp (two sharing), including flights. Holidays are tailor-made.

ANTARCTICAThe holy grail of expedition cruises, this is the place David Attenborough dubbed The Frozen Planet.

What Will i see?Snow white landscapes with wind-sculpted icebergs plus rainbows and sometimes fogbows over the sea. Most people are content to marvel at the thousands of penguins all apparently undisturbed by the sight of strange humans. Whale sightings are common.

Best time to go?The Antarctic summer, from November to March, has up to 20 hours of daylight. November and early December is courting season for penguins and seabirds, with seals easy to spot on the ice. Mid-December to January is the fleeting mid-summer, when the light is best, while February and March are best for whale sightings and fur seals.

Need to kNoWOnly 100 passengers are allowed to go ashore in any one place at any one time, so choose a ship with fewer than 100 guests. You won’t need immunisations or visas and you’ll only need cash for Ushuaia, in Argentina, where the currency is the peso (AR$).

*A 10- or 11-day ‘Classic Antarctica’ cruise with Chimu Adventures (chimuAdventures.com; 0845 265 8334) in March 2013 costs from £3,115pp, (two sharing) excluding flights.

AMAZONIt’s the second longest river after the Nile, but its colossal river basin and tributaries make the Amazon the mightiest river on Earth. Choose from river boats or ocean cruise ship voyages. These generally start and finish in the Caribbean but occasionally you can start your Amazon adventure from the UK.

What Will i see? The largest tropical rain forest in the world – so expect lush vegetation, constant bird and animal sounds and a glimpse of tribal culture. The towns and settlements – some Spanish colonial and others stilted villages – are fascinating.

Best time to go?It’s always hot and humid along the Amazon, but most people choose to go during the British winter when temperatures don’t top 30ºC (90F) despite tropical rainstorms. In February the Mardi Gras festival in Manaus is glorious.

Need to kNoWYou’re going to need malaria tablets and jabs for Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Yellow Fever. Mild diarrhoea is very likely, so it’s best to take antibiotics and anti-diarrheal drugs.

*A 42-night ‘Amazon, West Indies and The Azores’ cruise with Cruise & Maritime Voyages (cruiseandmaritime.co.uk; 0845 430 0274) costs from £2,599pp, (two sharing) for a return trip to London, Tilbury. Departs 3 January 2013.P

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60 cruise-international.comwww.travelchannel.co.ukwww.travelchannel.co.uk

Catch Julie’s latest report onTravel Channel (Sky 251)

Every Wednesday from August 08th at 19:00

Cruise talk with Travel Channel’s Cruise Today correspondent Julie Peasgood

You are the host of Travel Channel’s Cruise Today; tell us what it is you love so much about cruising?‘ I love the fact that it’s possible to visit so many different destinations in one trip, whilst returning to the comfort of your cabin every night. My husband, Patrick, and I also really enjoy the dining

experiences on board and the choice of activities and entertainments available (I’m a particular fan of crafts and line-dancing!). Equally, we’re happy just chilling out on deck with a book.’

Tell us about your first cruise experience?‘ It was on the QE2, and it was a ‘soap cruise’. I had just finished filming ‘Brookside’ at the time and it was a real treat to be on such an elegant, famous ship – all gleam-ing crystal and polished teak. We fell in love with cruising instantly.’

What was the most memorable cruise you’ve been on?‘ I loved doing a ‘Portraits of Southern France’ report for Cruise Today onboard a Viking Riverboat. Gliding down the Rhone was such a peaceful, relaxing experience, and the food and wines onboard were excellent.’

And the worst...? ‘I couldn’t possibly say…but they no longer operate as a cruise line, which is no surprise!’

You cruise around the world for a living, tell us how you ended up with this dream job?‘ It’s thanks to a lovely friend who runs The Creative Connection Travel PR Agency. She recommended me to Travel Channel as they urgently needed a presenter, and as luck would have it I was available and able to step in – I’m very grateful to them both!’

Your life sounds like it is full of adventure; tell us where you are off to next?‘ I’m going to Iceland onboard a Saga ship in August, which I’m really looking forward to – The Blue Lagoon beckons and my case is packed already!’

The home of exciting cruise programming

Travel Channel The home of exciting cruise programming

Travel Channel

Cruise talk with Travel Channel’s Cruise Today correspondent Julie Peasgood

You are the host of Travel Channel’s Cruise Today; tell us what it is you love so much about cruising?‘ I love the fact that it’s possible to visit so many different destinations in one trip, whilst returning to the comfort of your cabin every night. My husband, Patrick, and I also really enjoy the dining

experiences on board and the choice of activities and entertainments available (I’m a particular fan of crafts and line-dancing!). Equally, we’re happy just chilling out on deck with a book.’

Tell us about your first cruise experience?‘ It was on the QE2, and it was a ‘soap cruise’. I had just finished filming ‘Brookside’ at the time and it was a real treat to be on such an elegant, famous ship – all gleam-ing crystal and polished teak. We fell in love with cruising instantly.’

What was the most memorable cruise you’ve been on?‘ I loved doing a ‘Portraits of Southern France’ report for Cruise Today onboard a Viking Riverboat. Gliding down the Rhone was such a peaceful, relaxing experience, and the food and wines onboard were excellent.’

And the worst...? ‘I couldn’t possibly say…but they no longer operate as a cruise line, which is no surprise!’

You cruise around the world for a living, tell us how you ended up with this dream job?‘ It’s thanks to a lovely friend who runs The Creative Connection Travel PR Agency. She recommended me to Travel Channel as they urgently needed a presenter, and as luck would have it I was available and able to step in – I’m very grateful to them both!’

Your life sounds like it is full of adventure; tell us where you are off to next?‘ I’m going to Iceland onboard a Saga ship in August, which I’m really looking forward to – The Blue Lagoon beckons and my case is packed already!’

Catch Julie’s latest report onTravel Channel (Sky 251)

Every Wednesday from August 08th at 19:00

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ASIAVietnam and Cambodia are the countries to see at the moment, and you can do both with a cruise down the sultry River Mekong with a few days on land in fascinating cities such as Hanoi and Phnom Penh.

WHAT WILL I SEE? Many of the cities have old quarters of ancient palaces and temples and French colonial buildings. Tours usually include at least a day at Angkor Wat, the 12th-century complex of inter-connected temples that has become a symbol of Indochina, while bike rides through the lush countryside to see vivid green paddy fi elds and swaying palm trees are a must.

BEST TIME TO GO?September is probably the best in terms of cooler weather, fewer

crowds and best value for money, with the highest rainfall in August and the lowest in January. High season is November to February and the tourist sights are less crowded from April to July.

NEED TO KNOW It’s wise to have Hepatitis A and B vaccinations and make sure jabs such as tetanus are up to date. Visas are available on entry, but most tour companies arrange these. It’s also wise to always be alert for thieves, particularly in Phnom Penh. *A 24-day ‘Wonders of Indochina’ land-cruise package from Captain’s Choice (captainschoice.co.uk; 0845 604 5227) costs from £8,030pp, (two sharing) including fl ights, transfers, accommodation, excursions, all meals and some drinks. Departs 11 March 2013.


| OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 CRuisE-iNTERNaTiONal.COM62

Off ThE BEaTEN TRaCk

AFRICAGo on safari, visit colonial towns and battle sites, discover the real story of the slave trade or just soak up the natural wonders of this diverse continent with a cruise down a river where you can see elephants bathe, eagles soar and perhaps visit Victoria Falls.

What Will i see? The east coast’s Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles are best for the ‘Big Five’ safari animals: lions, leopards, rhino, elephants and buffalo. In South Africa you can enjoy the Garden City of Cape Town and beautiful botanical gardens such as Kirstenbosch while West Africa has voodoo museums to visit and slave trade forts.

Best time to go?Escape the British winter for guaranteed sunshine anywhere in Africa, but don’t forget it can get quite cold and wet during South Africa’s winter in July and August.

Need to kNoWNot only will you need malaria tablets and jabs for Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Yellow Fever, you’ll also need Hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria and rabies. You should also take antibiotics in case of severe diarrhoea and anti-diarrheal drugs.

*An 18-day Cape Town to Accra cruise from GAdventures (gadventures.com) costs from £7,795pp, (based on two sharing) not including flights. Departs 5 April 2013. p

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Prices are per person based on 2 adults sharing and are subject to availability. *Onboard spend is per stateroom and varies according to the date booked. Transfers, tips, drinks, excursions & selected personal activities onboard are extra. Credit card charge 2.5%. ABTA J1693, agent for ATOL 6153. Terms & Conditions apply.

www.jetlinecruise.com0800 082 2176Open 7 days a week 9am - 9pm

JetlineCruise

FROM

£1799per person

Luxury Alaska & US Rockies Train

Tour 2013

What’s Included:• Flight from Heathrow to Seattle • 2 night 3* hotel in Seattle (room only) • 7 night full board Alaska cruise on Celebrity Solstice® • Facilities & entertainment on board ship • Port taxes, airline tax & fees • 2 night full board Amtrak Empire Builder train (Private sleeper roomette) • 2 night 3* hotel stay in Chicago (room only basis) • Direct fl ight from Chicago to Heathrow

This dream holiday, to Alaska and the US Rockies, is perfect for those who want a feast of incredible scenery, effortless travel and relaxation.

Bonus up to $75 Onboard Spend*

2013 Interior Ocean View Balcony15 May £1849 £1939 £199922 May £1839 £1969 £204929 May £1869 £1999 £20995 Jun £1889 £2049 £21493 Jul £2249 £2539 £2589

24 Jul £2289 £2519 £262914 Aug £2159 £2439 £254921 Aug £2149 £2359 £243928 Aug £1799 £1999 £20994 Sep £1829 £1979 £2099

Your Itinerary: Fly on a Wednesday from Heathrow to Seattle for 2 nights hotel stay in Seattle. Board Celebrity Solstice® for a 7 night full board Alaska cruise to Ketchikan, Tracy Arm Fjord (Scenic Cruising), Juneau, Skagway, Victoria (British Columbia) and back to Seattle. Disembark in Seattle and board the Amtrak Empire Builder train for your scenic US Rockies trip to Chicago. Spend 2 nights on full board in a private sleeper roomette. The route takes you from Seattle through the Cascade Mountains, Icicle Canyon, Spokane, Glacier Park, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin to Chicago. Stay for 2 nights in Chicago. Then fl y direct home overnight.

Celebrity Solstice®


www.jetlinecruise.comwww.jetlinecruise.com


new england

| august/september 2012 cruise-international.com64

colours of the new worldCan anything be more strikingly magnificent than the dramatic displays of Quebec’s autumnal foliage or the endless exquisite coastal landscapes of Cape Breton? Keith Allan discovers the unparalleled beauty and storied heritage of Canada and New England

Frenchman Bay from Cadillac Mountain in Maine’s Acadia National Park

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new england

65august/september 2012 | cruise-international.com

canada & new england



Orystal Symphony lets go her moorings and leaves montreal for a ten-day cruise into the Gulf of St Lawrence heading for Quebec city, Halifax, bar Harbor and boston. the captain,

who has done this a thousand times, is peering down from the bridge. Inch by inch he watches his ship push away from the dock. Dozens of excited passengers have gathered to watch montreal, bathed in glorious afternoon light, fade into the distance.

We spent five days in this beautiful city exploring the old part of town, staying in the delightfully quirky Pierre du calvet, a mansion dating from 1725. We also drove to Quebec’s eastern townships and in particular north Hatley and the beautifully romantic Hovey manor. one of those classic country inns which canada and new england do so well, it overlooks the calming waters of Lake massawippi and is hidden in tree-covered hills turned the red, gold and copper of fall.

Leaving the delights of montreal behind on board Symphony we watch those strolling or jogging the teak decks, clearing the conscience for treats like afternoon tea or ice creams from the Lido. In our suite, butler Greg brings whatever we need and we feel immediately pampered and relaxed.

We dock the next morning in the mighty St Lawrence river, overlooking Quebec city. this is the heart and soul of French canada and it’s difficult to believe that 400 years ago it was no more than an Iroquois village until the French explorer Samuel de champlain founded a colony here. We take our breakfast on the open deck of the Lido, languishing in surprisingly warm autumn sunshine and looking out on the city’s landmarks. the chateau Frontenac hotel, sporting a green copper roof, dominates the skyline.

Quebec city, they say, is a bit like Paris so we decide against an organised shore excursion and instead explore the tiny cobbled streets on our own. our first task is to conquer the tower of the

chateau Frontenac. but we are disappointed to learn from the hotel’s reception desk that it’s off limits, unless you happen to be a guest staying up there. not to be outdone a most helpful manager kindly agrees to escort us to the top for a quick peek and from the luxurious surroundings of an unoccupied suite we gaze for a few precious moments across the expanse of river and spot our ship looking like a tiny toy below us.

We tick off some more heights. the citadelle is a magnificent fort started by the French in 1750 and finished by the british in 1831, built to defend Quebec against an American attack that never came. the Governor-General’s residence is up here and you can walk the walls for amazing views. because it’s still a working barracks the resident French canadian regiment performs a daily parade drill.

back down the hill we make for the oldest part of the city known as basse-ville. Winding staircases and charming little cafés bring us eventually to the lovely ancient cathedral, full of old master paintings, and on to Place royal. once home to wealthy city traders this elegant 18th-century square is full of steep-roofed buildings and pastel-coloured shutters. even here the colours of the canadian fall have penetrated the city and the maple trees gently release their golden leaves around us.

tonight is the official welcome aboard dinner party with lobster, champagne and caviar and a chance to meet the captain and the officers. there are brilliant shows to see, a lecture or two, films, a pianist and big band musicians playing their hearts out. between the delicious shellfish, served with great aplomb by our attentive waiters, through to puddings, we swap tales of the cruise so far with fellow passengers. two ladies from texas tell us about their extraordinary success in the casino – Wilma is already halfway to paying for her cruise!

As we sail away from Quebec city, heading for the Gulf of St Lawrence and the open sea, we take a detour up the Saguenay river, which flows

Above: Early Morning view of Lake Massawippi, North Hatley, Quebec. Left: Category E stateroom on board Symphony and the stylish teak deck

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CANADA & NEW ENGLAND

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 |

CANADA

New York

Quebec City

Montreal

through the most incredible natural fjord. Its depth allows very large ocean ships to sail

up and down it like plastic ducks in a bath and at this time of year it is fabulous to lie back in your cabin with the balcony doors fl ung open or relax on deck watching the

eye-popping colours of the trees clinging to cliffs that at times seem within touching distance.

The Statue of Notre-Dame-du-Saguenay was erected on a rock at

Cape Trinity overlooking the fjord by Louis Jobin to honour the Blessed Virgin after what appeared to be a miracle when a traveller was saved from the icy waters. Sculpted in 1881, it is made entirely of

white pine and stands an imposing nine metres high. Our captain makes a big thing of it, pirouetting Symphony on a sixpence so that we can all get a good view, and then blowing the ship’s whistle a number of times to illustrate an amazing echo thanks to the closeness of the mountains.

Champagne is brought on deck as we travel on past the tip of Newfoundland and Cape Breton Island and out into the Atlantic heading for Halifax, our next port of call. The dazzling colours of autumn accompany us for much of the journey, whales and dolphins head and tail off our bows, and each night we go to bed with the sound of the sea along the hull and the gentle hum of Symphony’s engines sending us into a deep sleep.

HalifaxBar Harbor

Boston USA



SECRETS OF THE

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A trip to Cuba is like no other Caribbean cruise – trapped in time, A trip to Cuba is like no other Caribbean cruise – trapped in time, A trip to Cuba is like no other Caribbean cruise – trapped in time, A trip to Cuba is like no other Caribbean cruise – trapped in time, A trip to Cuba is like no other Caribbean cruise – trapped in time, A trip to Cuba is like no other Caribbean cruise – trapped in time, A trip to Cuba is like no other Caribbean cruise – trapped in time, A trip to Cuba is like no other Caribbean cruise – trapped in time, A trip to Cuba is like no other Caribbean cruise – trapped in time, A trip to Cuba is like no other Caribbean cruise – trapped in time, A trip to Cuba is like no other Caribbean cruise – trapped in time, A trip to Cuba is like no other Caribbean cruise – trapped in time, A trip to Cuba is like no other Caribbean cruise – trapped in time, A trip to Cuba is like no other Caribbean cruise – trapped in time, A trip to Cuba is like no other Caribbean cruise – trapped in time, immune from Western infl uence and out-of-bounds for US citizens, immune from Western infl uence and out-of-bounds for US citizens, immune from Western infl uence and out-of-bounds for US citizens, immune from Western infl uence and out-of-bounds for US citizens, immune from Western infl uence and out-of-bounds for US citizens, immune from Western infl uence and out-of-bounds for US citizens, immune from Western infl uence and out-of-bounds for US citizens, immune from Western infl uence and out-of-bounds for US citizens, immune from Western infl uence and out-of-bounds for US citizens, the island o� ers a mix of crumbling charm and a unique beautythe island o� ers a mix of crumbling charm and a unique beautythe island o� ers a mix of crumbling charm and a unique beautythe island o� ers a mix of crumbling charm and a unique beautythe island o� ers a mix of crumbling charm and a unique beautythe island o� ers a mix of crumbling charm and a unique beautythe island o� ers a mix of crumbling charm and a unique beautythe island o� ers a mix of crumbling charm and a unique beautythe island o� ers a mix of crumbling charm and a unique beautyWords Words Words John HoneywellJohn HoneywellJohn Honeywell

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068_CRI_ON12_SUBS_FINAL.indd 68 31/07/2012 13:50

69August/september 2012 | cruise-internAtionAl.com

cAnADA & new englAnD

Crystal Symphony docks in Quebec City

featuredholiday

Crystal Cruises 7 days aboard Crystal Symphony

7 october 2012

Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston

■ The cruising season in Montreal typically runs from May to October. The autumn cruises are considered to be particularly beautiful because

of the spectacular colours of the Canadian fall scenery. Crystal’s ‘New England Escape’ (from £2,535 per person) is all inclusive and allows

passengers to savour these stunning destinations in unparalleled luxury.

020 7287 9040 crystalcruises.co.uk We make every effort to ensure prices and conversion rates are correct at time of going to press but they should be used as a guide only

princess cruises7 days aboard Caribbean Princess

sept 2013 Halifax, Saint John,

Bar Habor, Boston, Newport,

New York

■ From £799pp for an interior

room excluding flights

0845 075 0031;

princess.com

Holland america line8 days aboard MS Maasdam

sept 2012 Montreal, Quebec City,

Charlottetown, Sydney (Canada),

Halifax, Bar Habor, Boston

■ From £806pp for an interior

stateroom excluding flights

0843 374 2300;

hollandamerica.com

celebrity cruises15 days aboard Celebrity Summit

september 2013 Cape Liberty,

Bayonne, Boston, Portland, Bar

Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, Quebec

City, Charlottetown

■ From £975pp for an interior room

0844 493 2043;

celebritycruises.co.uk

seabourn 13 days aboard Seabourn Sejourn

october 2012 Montreal, Quebec

City, Cap-aux-Meules, Sydney,

Bar Harbor, Boston, Oak Bluffs,

Charleston, Fort Lauderdale

■ From £2,999pp for an ocean-view

suite, excluding flights

0843 373 2000; seabourn.com

silversea 10 days aboard Silver Whisper

sept 2013 Montreal, Quebec City,

Saguenay, Charlottetown, Sydney,

Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston, Cape

Cod, Martha’s Vineyard , New York

■ From £3,599pp for a Vista Suite,

excluding flights

0844 251 0837; silversea.com

oceania cruises 12 days aboard Regatta

october 2012 Montreal, Quebec

City, Corner Brook, Charlottetown,

Sydney (Canada), Halifax, Bar

Habor, Boston, Newport, New York

■ From £3,619pp all inclusive

0845 505 1920;

oceaniacruises.co.uk

Other cruise holidays to Canada and New EnglandYour Cruise Planner

Halifax greets us with a deluge. it’s so wet that we walk the short distance from the ship and step into the maritime museum of the Atlantic. it has fascinating displays of nova scotia’s seafaring history, a restored chandlery and a Titanic display. A century ago Halifax played a major part in the story of this ship as many of the dead were brought here after she sank; 150 are buried in the cemetery.

After lunch we brave the rain again to explore Halifax’s mix of old and new architecture, which tells a 250-year-old story. pirates legally brought their ships and booty here to share with the british crown and the old stone and timber buildings where the loot was stored have now become fashionable shops and restaurants.

Dropping anchor in bar Harbor the next day we are tempted to jump on a whale-watching boat. Finbacks and humpbacks are the main quarry, with a chance of spotting the much rarer right whale. there’s every chance of spotting them from Symphony as we sail away though so we opt instead for a stroll down the high street of this pretty maine town. the rugged coastline is lobster paradise and every café and restaurant has it on the menu.

Disembarking in boston we are sad to leave the incredible luxury and exquisite scenery of this cruise – it’s one to tell our grandchildren about.

064-069_CRI_ON12_NewEngland_FINAL_v2.indd 69 31/07/2012 16:16

70

There is a marvellous feeling of joie de vivre about Canada’s second largest city, which is probably due to the fact that three quarters of its three million residents are

of French descent. The small British infl uence is evident in the traditionally English area of the city.

It was founded in 1642 and its position at the meeting of the St Lawrence and Ottawa rivers makes it a great trading centre and port.

The wonderful deep water of its natural harbour also makes it a perfect location for cruise ships.

WHAT TO SEE AND DOMontreal occupies a 30-mile-long island but the core of the city is very compact. The old city lies on the shore of the St Lawrence River and Montreal’s grandest church is here, the Catholic Basilica. It was originally built in the 17th century, but a new and splendid gothic building was put up in 1829. Many of the city’s lovely 18th-century buildings have been tastefully restored and it is awash with irresistible little shops, restaurants, bistros and small hotels.

| OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 201270 CRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COM

Pioneering 16th-century explorers have lent lasting character to this historic stretch of the Saint Lawrence RiverWords Keith Allan and Beth Bowers

Montreal››Port Guide

There are plenty of museums and galleries too. The Centre d’Histoire de Montreal, housed in an attractive 100-year-old fi re station, traces the history of Montreal from the fi rst Indian settlements to modern times. Other attractions include the Underground City, linked to Montreal’s subway, which opened in 1966. A vast network of passages lined with more than 1,600 shops, 200 restaurants, hotels, cinemas and concert halls offer Montreal’s citizens a whole new way of life and in the bitter Canadian winters it means that they never need set foot in the open, freezing air!

If you like hunting for antiques and vintage pieces go straight to the Rue Notre Dame which stretches through a part of the city known as Little Burgundy. Here dealers offer everything from fi ne antiques and paintings to simple retro and vintage nick nacks.

Public food markets in Montreal are more ubiquitous than supermarkets, the Canadian ethos being that everyone should have access to good fresh food. It is well worth a visit to one just to look. At the Atwater Market you can fi nd the freshest possible fruit, vegetables, cheese and bread all from local

Top: The Montreal skyline. Above: Pumpkins at Atwater Market.Facing page (top): Old Montreal;(bottom) The grand interior of the Notre Dame Basilica

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port guide

oCtoBer/NoVeMBer 2012 | Cruise-iNterNatioNal.CoM

suppliers brought to market that day. The Marche du Vieux-Port is a glorified farmers market where growers from outlying areas bring their produce. Inside is a café where you can try their wares.

WHERE TO EAT There is a vast choice of food to choose from. Local favourites include smoked meats, bagels, and poutine (French fries covered in gravy and cheese), plus a mind boggling array of maple syrup. The most economical way to dine out is to choose the table d’hote menus at both lunch and dinner – fixed-price deals serving soup or salad, followed by a choice of main meals, a dessert and tea or coffee.

The old quarter offers the best dining options. Stay at the delightfully quirky Pierre du Calvet, a mansion dating from 1725 (pierreducalvet.ca/english/aboutus). The owner has a penchant for parrots, which he has seen fit to house in the hallway, pride of place going to a macaw which greets you in French every morning.

In the old port the Marche du Vieux is a fine food store and bistro café featuring a wide range of local

products such as cheeses and smoked meats. Downtown try Le Latini for its Italian menu and wine list and great atmosphere; for breakfast, the Latin Quarter boasts the tiny Le Grill Pain. Its French toast and Belgian waffles are delicious.

WHERE TO STAY Stroll along Vieux-Montréal’s cobblestone lanes, just minutes from downtown, and you will discover more fine accommodation than in any other Canadian city.

For those with particularly discerning taste, no other compares to the luxurious Hotel Le St-James (hotellestjames.com). The impeccably restored Merchants’ Bank, built in 1870, offers guests a standard of elegance usually reserved for nobility. While the Penthouse boasts a wrap-around terrace with a panoramic view of Montreal’s skyline, each of the 60 rooms and suites features a marble bathroom and plenty of character. The doting concierge and friendly staff are eager to anticipate your needs, so you can relax and enjoy the royal treatment.

Design aficionados might prefer the award-winning and trend-setting Hotel St-Paul (hotelstpaul.com). A showcase of modern luxury in an historic setting, the nine-storey boutique hotel is housed in a beaux-arts building more than a century old. Themed rooms and suites offer guests the choice of an “earth” or “sky” experience, thanks to large picture windows, impressive views and plenty of natural light. Furnished with sharply designed bespoke furniture and 20th-century antiques, the décor has a distinctive Montreal flavour.

A two-hour drive will take you to the idyllic hideaway of Ripplecove (ripplecove.com), set upon a peninsula overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Massawippi. Built in 1945 as a fishing lodge, the water laps at the feet of this inn with its comfortable rooms and delicious food. Watch as the sun falls behind the trees, lighting up the leaves, while parties of Canada geese take off in formation, their calls echoing across the lake and giving a true taste of wild Canada.

››FACT FILEPopulation 1,649,519

Climate Warm summers, mild autumn (although changeable), cold winters

Currency Canadian dollars (£1 = $1.5)

Time GMT – 5 hours

Useful Website tourisme-montreal.org

070-071_CRI_ON12_Montreal_FINAL.indd 71 31/07/2012 13:51


Cruise International’s January e-newsletter competition prize was a European Fred. Olsen cruise. Lucky winner Stuart Logan shares his unforgettable experience aboard Braemar

As soon as I knew I had won the cruise I decided to take my daughter, Dolina, and

my granddaughter, Natasha, who is almost three. I knew there were no specifi c child facilities on board but was sure we would have a great time. And I was right.

On Saturday, we hopped on one of the high-speed trains from St Pancras and just over an hour later we caught our fi rst glimpse of Braemar in the distance. A quick bus transfer and we were

at the dockside. It wasn’t too long before we opened the door of our cabin, which was bigger than we expected and nicely decorated, as indeed was the rest of the ship, which we were soon happily exploring.

Our trip down the English Channel and into the Bay of Biscay was a bit rough but we managed to cope with the help of some travel sickness pastilles.

‘‘We were treatedlike royalty’’

Clockwise from above: Stuart Logan with granddaughter Natasha; she is seen enjoying the aquarium in La Rochelle; and with mother Dolina

I was up just as dawn was breaking on Monday to watch our approach to the port at La Pallice (for La Rochelle). The weather had improved, and was good enough in each port to enable us to stroll about and explore.

It was a short coach transfer into La Rochelle where we decided to explore their new aquarium. Natasha was really excited by the tunnel that seemed to take her under the sea. We ate lunch there, which I would defi nitely recommend. The central area around the le vieux port was fascinating for a post-lunch stroll.

The next day we docked in Getxo for Bilbao in northern Spain. As there was a beach fi ve minutes from the ship we (Natasha) decided this was more fun than a boring old museum so we got out our buckets and spades and just relaxed.

Back on the ship we dined in the buffet service dining room. We varied our dining between this and the main dining room. Both provided excellent food, although

and with mother Dolina

at the dockside. It wasn’t too long before we opened the door of our cabin, which was

English Channel and into the Bay of Biscay was a bit rough but we managed to cope with the help of some travel sickness pastilles.

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NO-FLY CRUISE

It seemed that all the crew knew Natasha by name and she was constantly being greeted as we walked around the ship

‘‘We were treatedlike royalty’’


Clockwise from above: Fred. Olsen’s Braemar; the northern Spanish coastline; Dolina and Natasha enjoy the on-board facilities

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I think Natasha preferred the former so that she could load up her plate with whatever strange mixture of food she desired. By now it seemed that all the crew knew her by name and she was constantly being greeted as we walked round the ship.

Wednesday was a highlight of the trip as we became the fi rst cruise ship to dock at the new terminal next to the town of Aviles. As we approached up a narrow channel both banks were lined with spectators and there were more people lining

the balcony overlooking the dock. We were right next to the ultra-modern Centro Cultural Internacional Oscar Niemeyer, which provided an amazing backdrop to our stay.

A short walk over a bridge that seemed to fl oat unsupported in the air took us into the centre of the old town with its fascinating colonnaded streets and striking buildings and squares.

We headed for the Parque de Ferrera, where Natasha loved the ducks. We had great diffi culty dragging her away from the

playground. However, she did allow me to enjoy the best café solo I’ve enjoyed for some time in the Plaza de Espana.

The afternoon Natasha enjoyed the swimming pool and Jacuzzi while I had traditional fi sh and chips at the pool bar, which were beautifully fresh and well cooked.

When we left in the early evening it looked as if most of the town had turned out to wave goodbye, accompanied by TV cameras and offi cials. It made us feel like royalty!

For the second night, we enjoyed 4th Dimension in the

cabaret room, as Natasha and two new friends danced to rock n’ roll.

It was dull and rainy at our next port, A Coruña, so we didn’t go far from the ship, but post-dinner on Thursday night was enhanced by an hour of watching schools

of dolphins approaching the Braemar and seeming to dive under the bow.

Our trip back through the Bay of Biscay was much calmer this time. We

had a traditional afternoon tea served by a white-gloved waitress in the Observatory Bar with its large picture windows affording us a view over the bow of the ship – another highlight.

Dover was cold and wet when we sadly disembarked after our adventure and waved goodbye to the Braemar. A lovely ship, very well appointed, with excellent food and service – so a big thank you to Cruise International and Fred. Olsen. ›› Turn to page 80 for your chance to win this issue’s competition – a Red Sea cruise with Thomson is up for grabs.

the balcony overlooking the

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AZAMARA CRUISES

CRUISE-IntERnAtIonAl.CoM74 | oCtobER/novEMbER 2012

TALES OF THE UNExPECTED

Louise Cahill enjoys the ‘destination immersion’ approach to stopovers on a Baltic cruise on board Azamara Journey

CRUISE ExCURSIonS

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We’re sitting under an oak tree on a farm in sipoo, Finland, listening to the owner of savijarvi manor talk about her family-run business. after she has introduced us to

some of the magnificent resident horses, including a Hanoverian stallion and nine-day-old shetland pony, we’re invited into the family’s 19th-century home and treated to a feast of organic strawberry cake, rhubarb and lingonberries fresh from the forest.

this is definitely a cruise excursion with a difference – just one of those offered by azamara club cruises, which has pioneered the ‘destination immersion’ approach that is becoming so popular with the growing numbers of cruise goers who want an authentic local experience.

by staying overnight in many ports, cruise lines can offer passengers more opportunities to discover the culture of the people and places they’re visiting.

on our 10-night baltic White nights’ Festival cruise on Azamara Journey, we sailed from amsterdam, transited the Kiel canal, to copenhagen (overnight), ronne, Helsinki, st Petersburg (overnight), tallinn and stockholm (overnight). We had the opportunity to book excursions ranging from kayaking in the Finnish archipelago, riding the russian metro, an 8km bike ride through the forests of ronne, to a wild

Clockwise from top left: Fresh fruit; a Danish beech forest; a Helsinki view; street life; a Danish half-timbered house; ponies in Sipoo

rib boat evening adventure across the swedish archipelago, open waters and narrow canals.

in copenhagen, we left our ship berthed near The Royal Yacht Dannebrog for the fascinating seven-hour castles of north Zealand tour, including Kronborg castle (Hamlet’s castle), elsinore and 17th-century Frederiksborg castle, the largest renaissance castle in scandinavia.

in ronne, on the Danish island of bornholm, we took the three-hour walking tour, and bente, our guide, brought the local history alive, taking us to merchants’ low-timbered houses, as well as st nicholas’ church.

in tallinn we visited st olva’s church, once the tallest building in the world, and enjoyed a coffee in the town square. in stockholm, we wandered around the Gamla stan (old town) but

also had time to explore the trendy area known as soFo – the setting for many of the stieg larson Millennium novels and a popular hangout with fans of his work.

the beauty of this cruise, we decided, is that you feel as though you’ve been on lots of different mini-breaks, all in one go. We returned home with greater insight into all the destinations we visited and a thirst for exploring even more.

By staying overnight, passengers can discover more of the culture of the places they visit


cruise excursions

| october/november 2012 cruise-international.com76

AZAMArA12 nights aboard Azamara Quest10 June 2013Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Ronne, Helsinki, St Petersburg, Tallinn, StockholmSail to the jewelled splendour of St Petersburg – two days and an overnight stopover allows time to discover this city, famous for its midsummer ‘white nights’. En route, you visit five capital cities, and have the chance to explore the streets and squares to taste the local life. 0800 018 2525azamaraclubcruises.com

FreD OLSen CruISeS Chase for the Northern Lights (from Tromsø) Guests are driven into the wilderness and guides check to find the most likely place for a successful viewing – although nature’s most spectacular firework display cannot be guaranteed. 5-7 hours.fredolsencruises.com 01473 742424

P&O CruISeS Wine tasting in ConeglianoVisit a farmhouse and distillery set in the beautiful rolling hills of the Prosecco wine region. Take a walk through the vineyards and visit a museum to see wine, Grappa bottles and glass-blown bottles and participate in a wine tasting.pocruises.co.uk 0843 374 0111

PrInCeSS CruISeS Pyramids, Nile & Cairo OverlandTour the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, the Citadel of Salah El-Din and relive ancient history during a light and sound extravaganza. Enjoy breakfast on the Nile and explore the pyramids and the Sphinx. 48 hours.princess.com 0843 373 0333

rOYAL CArIBBeAn InTernATIOnAL Chukka Horseback Ride ‘n’ Swim, Ocho Rios, JamaicaRide through two of the oldest sugar plantations on the island and along the beachfront to a private beach. Prepare for a bareback ride in the Caribbean Sea.royalcaribbean.co.uk 0844 493 2061

SILVerSeA CruISeS Cabo San Lucas – Salsa and SalsaExplore Merida’s historic central plaza. Learn to make Mexican salsas and guacamole, and drink margaritas. A dance instructor will show you how to step, sway and get into the Salsa groove.silversea.com0843 373 0333

SeABOurn CruISe LIne Lipari Island & Pizza DemonstrationAfter stopping at viewpoints, your destination is a local pizzeria, where the owners demonstrate how to make a traditional Sicilian pizza. You’ll be able to try your hand at making your own pizza and sit down to enjoy it with some wine and Aeolian biscuits. seabourn.com0843 373 2000

Trying out new experiences is part of the pleasure of today’s cruises

Get ready for adventure

featuredholiday


Seafarer (Best of Travel) CI FM.indd 1 10/01/2012 09:23

READER WRITES


Cruise lovers Jean Rush and husband Ken celebrate theirGolden Wedding and a birthday in grand style

After some 40 cruises over the past 50 years, we decided that our Golden Wedding

anniversary and Ken’s birthday should be celebrated in the Midnight Sun. So in late June we

joined the Grand Princess for a cruise to the Arctic Circle.The ship has recently had a major refurbishment, and every part of it says luxury. The atrium has been replaced by a Piazza similar to that on the Golden Princess – a brilliant use of space in the centre of the ship, giving an area where guests can relax and enjoy a variety of entertainment, from a string quartet to speciality acts.

Our journey into the Arctic Circle was a fi rst for us, and it’s certainly an experience not to

be missed. Constant daylight accompanied us most of the way, as we travelled beyond the

North Cape to the Svalbard group of islands. En route, we sailed along the Norwegian coast to the attractive city of Stavanger, with its colourfully painted houses, and northwards to the Lofoten Islands and the town of Gravdal.

Between those two ports was a day at sea, bringing our fi rst formal night and the Captain’s Welcome, including the Princess tradition of a champagne waterfall where guests help the maitre d’hotel Mario Propato fi ll a pyramid of glasses with champagne. Captain Roger Bilton was a charming host, introducing the ship’s offi cers, and later in the cruise welcoming us on a visit to the bridge, a particular privilege. There’s a lot to be said for reaching a Golden Wedding.

Top of the worldAt the northernmost point of our cruise, the Svalbarg Islands, we docked at the tiny town of Longyearbyen on the island of

The Captain was a most charming host, introducing the ship’s o cers... there’s a lot to be said for reaching a Golden Wedding

On top of the world

quartet to speciality acts. Our journey into the

Arctic Circle was a fi rst for us, and it’s certainly an experience not to

READER WRITES

Celebrating with a champagne waterfall

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READER WRITES


Spitsbergen (meaning ‘sharp pointed mountains’). Only 750 miles from the North Pole, this is the northernmost point on the globe where people live year round, and in many ways the most fascinating port of call. During World War II, the German battleship Tirpitz largely destroyed valuable coal and mining facilities here. They have now been rebuilt, and about half the residents still work in mining.

We also visited the fascinating Kroa restaurant, which has tables made from discarded mining materials, and to our surprise found a bust of Lenin in a corner of the bar.

North CapeSailing SouthLeaving the Arctic Circle behind, we visited Tromso, known as the Gateway to the Arctic because of all the polar expeditions that have departed from there.

At sea again, that evening was Ken’s birthday, celebrated in Princess style not only with a Happy Birthday serenade by waiters, but a truly spectacular cake made to represent the arctic scenery. With chocolate mountains and thin layers of

sponge between thick layers of strawberries and cream it was defi nitely the most delicious cake we have ever tasted. In fact, all the food on board was superb.

After another day at sea came the most spectacular part of the adventure, starting from the fi shing port of Alesund and cruising through the magnifi cent Gerainger Fjord.

Our fi nal port of call was the Unesco World Heritage Site of Bergen, founded in 1070 and still a bustling centre of commerce. Then it was on to Southampton, with the traditional Baked Alaska Parade at the fi nal night’s dinner.

With the wonderful on-board hospitality our golden wedding and Ken’s birthday celebration was an unforgettable experience.

Days at SeaThe cruise was well balanced with days at sea between ports of call, and no shortage of things to do on board. The weather was surprisingly good and people could be seen at all hours walking around the promenade deck enjoying permanent daylight. We went to the gym a couple of times, on deck 14 at the bow of the ship, watching beautiful

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scenery ahead while working on the treadmill. In addition to the usual trivia and bingo games there were musicians and entertainers in venues all over the ship with something to suit everyone’s taste, and the art auctions were made interesting by art director Michelle Poole’s wide knowledge of artists past and present. The beautiful little library is a gem, doubling as a lounge, making it all the more attractive, not forgetting the daily sudoku and quizzes to be picked up and puzzled over while relaxing and watching brave souls in the pool. (We understand the water was actually quite warm.)

An important part of our cruising is the evening entertainment, and there was plenty of choice in the way of comedians, musicians and speciality acts over the 14 days. Four production shows included the very entertaining British Invasion. Although the famous Skywalk was removed during the refi t, the night club is still there, high up on deck 15, reachable by lift for those who want to dance the night away in the sun.

Enjoying the incredible views

Another surprise from the crew

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Classic

80 CRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COM CRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COM

COMPETITION

Imagine cruising your way to ancient cities, and then indulging in an all-inclusive stay at a luxury hotel. You and a guest could be on your way to Egypt and Jordan with

Thomson Cruises in our fabulous competition. You’ll begin your cruise in Egypt, where you’ll

board Thomson Celebration and sail to Jordan. There, you could take a trip through the Wadi Rum Valley. Set in the south of Jordan, this dramatic desert is made up of sheer-sided mountains and narrow canyons. What may surprise you is that Bedouin tribes still live in this unforgiving wilderness in little clusters of goat-hair tents.

On day two, why not pay a visit to Petra? This ancient city is half as old as time. It was carved into the rock face more than 2,000 years ago and today it’s regarded as a wonder of the world.

Day three is your chance to relax as we spend a day at sea travelling to Port Sokhna.

On day four, you’ll visit Cairo. Stand in the shadow of the Pyramids on the Giza Plateau. The Great Pyramid is the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and is the only one to remain largely intact. Days six and seven are all about Luxor and Hurghada. Whether you opt for snorkelling and scuba diving, a spell on the beach or a trip to the Valley of the Kings, this part of the world will leave your camera packed with treasured moments and you with lasting memories.

On your return, you’ll be whisked to the 5T Sensatori Sharm El Sheikh hotel. This smart beachfront property is just metres from the Red Sea, and has all the Sensatori trademarks, from top-notch restaurants to a world-class spa.

Win a 14-night Red Sea holiday

Ancient monuments,

stunning scenery and

an all-inclusive stay at a luxury

resort await you

080-081_CRI_ON12_Comp_FINAL.indd 80 31/07/2012 13:55

Classic

81CRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 | 81

Win a 14-night Red Sea holiday

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Based on two adults sharing an outside cabin on board Thomson Celebration’s ‘Red Sea Magic’ cruise on a full-board basis, followed by a seven-night stay at in a standard room at 5T Sensatori Sharm El Sheikh on an all inclusive basis. Departing 21, 28 March, 4 or 11 April 2013 from Gatwick or Manchester Airports according to availability at time of booking. Cabin and room type will be selected at the discretion of Thomson Cruises. Any further room or cabin upgrades, and any other supplements, are at the customer’s expense. Sensatori Sharm El Sheikh is an all inclusive hotel, this means meals and snacks are included, and you get locally produced drinks from 10am to midnight. You can also upgrade to international-brand drinks when you arrive for an extra charge. Breakfast is served in the main restaurant, while dinner is included in four of the six eateries, and lunch in two. Room service is also available at a charge.

The cruise holiday prize does not include pre-bookable cabin service, travel insurance, visas, personal expenses or spending money. Entrants must hold a valid passport and it is the entrant’s responsibility to check visa and passport requirements. Prior to departure, we advise the winner to purchase comprehensive travel insurance and have any relevant inoculations. The prize is not transferable; no cash alternative can be substituted for any prize and no alternatives will be offered. TUI Travel PLC reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value should circumstances make this necessary. Entry constitutes acceptance of these rules and conditions.

WIN A 14-NIGHT RED SEA CRUISE-AND-STAYCompetition entry formHow to enter: For your chance to win a fabulous Red Sea Cruise & Stay holiday with Thomson Cruises simply answer the following question, then complete and send this form to the address below. All entries must be received by 8 September 2012.

Which famous historical site does Thomson Celebration visit on its Red Sea cruise?

A: Colosseum, Rome B: Petra, Jordan C: Parthenon, Greece

Name:

Address

Tel No: Email:

Send your coupon to: Thomson Cruises Competition, Cruise International, The Chelsea Magazine Company, Liscartan House, 127-131 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9AS, UK By entering the competition, you agree and acknowledge that The Chelsea Magazine Company and Thomson Cruises are permitted

to receive your registration data. Please tick if you subscribe to CRUISE INTERNATIONAL magazine Please tick if you do NOT wish to receive information about products and services from The Chelsea Magazine Company by phone, post or email Please tick here if you would like to receive information from Thomson Cruises by email Please tick here if you do NOT wish to receive information from Thomson Cruises by post Terms & Conditions apply (see box left)

You may also enter online at: cruise-international.com/red-sea-comp

✁

Your itinerary

Day 1 – Fly UK to Sharm El Sheikh, EgyptDay 2 – Aqaba, JordanDay 3 – Aqaba, JordanDay 4 – Ship at seaDay 5 – Port Sokhna (for Cairo), EgyptDay 6 – Safaga (for Luxor and Hurghada), EgyptDay 7 – Safaga (for Luxor and Hurghada), EgyptDay 8-15 – All-inclusive stay at the 5T Sharm El Sheikh hotelDay 15 – Fly Sharm El Sheikh to UK

HIGHLIGHTS

★ A full-board ‘Red Sea Magic’ cruise for two on Thomson Celebration, including the chance to visit the Great Pyramid and the Valley of the Kings

★ A seven-night all-inclusive stay at the 5T Sensatori Sharm El Sheikh hotel

★ Flights, transfers, dining, entertainment and ship’s facilities are also all included

WORTHOVER£2,500

080-081_CRI_ON12_Comp_FINAL.indd 81 31/07/2012 13:55

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Magnificent Europe - 15 day luxury river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest WAS £3,995 NOW FROM ONLY £2,995pp Departures between March and December 2013

Cruise through the Wachau Valley discovering its fine wines, the Benedictine Abbey at Melk and the castle at Dürnstein. Savour the sights and sounds of Vienna, before your cruise concludes in Budapest with a private recital at the magnificent Hungarian State Opera House.

There is no finer way to discover the treasures that line Europe’s great

rivers than on a luxury river cruise. APT has been creating inspiring touring holidays for 85 years, so it’s no surprise we know what makes the perfect river cruise.

You’ll travel in luxury, enjoying exceptional dining, fine wines and stylish surroundings aboard some of the most beautiful river ships afloat. And on shore you’ll enjoy carefully-crafted sightseeing, led by expert local guides, who will bring the history, heritage and culture of each destination to life.

Taking you through the spectacular scenery of five countries from Holland to Hungary, this magnificent cruise along the Rhine and Danube promises a wealth of discoveries.

Discover Amsterdam and historic Cologne, then cruise the beautiful Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim, past rolling hills and castles. In Wertheim enjoy a Signature Experience visiting its majestic castle, then explore the charming towns of Würzburg or Rothenburg. Enjoy a wine tasting in Kitzingen, before cruising to Bamberg for a Signature Experience sampling local beer in an authentic Beer Haus. Discover Nuremberg, Regensburg and charming Passau – from where you can tour Salzburg or Ceský Krumlov.

Savour Vienna’s highlights Discover the iconic sights of Vienna, including a visit to the grand Albertina Palace for a cocktail reception and private concert of classical music.

Discover historic Wertheim Castle Learn about 12th century Wertheim Castle from your expert local guide, and enjoy a glass of Sekt as you gaze at the wonderful views over the Main river.

Taste wines at Germany’s oldest cellar Sample delicious Franconian wines at this unique wine tasting event in Kitzingen, hosted by a ‘Wine Queen’ and members of the Aulic Council.

Private Recital at the Hungarian State Opera House In Budapest, enjoy a private opera recital over a glass of champagne – a Signature Experience that is sure to live long in your memory.

Unlimited Complimentary Drinks† Be it an espresso with breakfast, European beer at lunch, fine wine at dinner, or anything in between, drinks are included, all day, every day.

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*Applies to new bookings made before 31 October 2012 unless sold out prior. Offers subject to availability & can be withdrawn at any time. Not combinable with any other offer. £2000 per couple saving based on two adults travelling together, twin share. All prices are per person, twin share, based on E cabin on 7 Dec 2013. Details correct as at 25 Jul. † Excludes French Champagne & selected premium spirits/wines.

Discover the cultural capitals of Europe on this APT luxury river cruise

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CruiseInt_230x300_Aug12.indd 1 25/07/2012 17:24

cruise-international.com 83octoBer/noVemBer 2012 |

River Cruise NewsS h i p S • E v E N t S • D E S t i N a t i o N S

If you’ve been inspired by our feature on adventure cruises (page 56) then a cruise on board the newest luxury river boat along the Amazon river may be just right for you. Visit the Flooded Forest, Hot Spot lake, the Peruvian capital Lima and the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve from £4,190 per person. The New Peruvian Amazon Discovery cruise on board the MV Aria includes scheduled flights, accommodation and sightseeing. For more information visit balesworldwide.com.

AmAzon Adventure

explore the rivers of the romAnstulips And

WindmillsneW river cruises for 2013

Saga is introducing a brand new cruise in 2013 that will blend the history of the Roman Empire alongside the discovery of rarely cruised upon rivers. The Sava and the Drava rivers, tributaries of the Danube, will be setting the scene for

Holland will be showcasing its blooming natural beauty in spring 2013 with new itineraries from Shearings Holidays. Weaving throughout the historical cities and panoramic countryside, the cruises will take in renowned gardens such as the Keukenhof Gardens and the Het Loo Palace. Book now for departures available in March and April 2013. For prices and details visit shearings.com

Following their customer’s feedback indicating that over 60 per cent of existing ocean cruise passengers would like to try a river cruise, Swan Hellenic (swanhellenic.com) is launching five new itineraries for 2013. The cruises will be running from May to September when European temperatures are perfect for discovering each port of call. Expect tailor-made shore excursions including wine tastings, historic city walks and guest speakers alongside luxurious relaxation on board. Prices on the river ships start from £1,595.

Explore the jungle in luxury on board river ship MV Aria

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historical masterpieces such as the scenic Iron Gates Gorge and the former capital of the Roman Empire, Sremska Mitrovica. Prices start at £2,449pp. Visit travel.saga.co.uk/holidays for details.

083-084_CRI_ON12_RiverNews_FINAL.indd 83 31/07/2012 14:47

84 cruise-international.com | octoBer/noVemBer 2012

Medicinal Masterclass

A city in literature

The winning entry shows the dramatic ruins of Ephesus

Egypt is renowned for showcasing its antiquities but Nile Cruises are setting sail once more this October to educate its travellers on the lesser known ancient medical practitioners. The ‘A History of Medicine Cruise along the Nile’ will set sail from Cairo this October offering a unique insight into an unknown Egypt and its historic and medicinal secrets. An expert in this field, Professor Rosalie David OBE from the University of Manchester will be on hand to ensure you get the best education possible on this trip full of cultural delights, lectures and a visit to Luxor, the ‘World’s Greatest Outdoor Museum’! jonbainestours.co.uk

River Cruise News S h i p S • E v E N t S • D E S t i N a t i o N S

Barefoot traveller

According to a study by Viking River Cruises, shoes top the list as the most forgotten item by Brits on holiday. An overwhelming 41 per cent of us forget something when packing for a holiday, meaning we splash out £118 million a year on replacing these forgotten items. Mobile phone chargers and sun cream are also high up on the list, while the all essential passport features lower down as number 10 on the list. The research has led Viking to produce a new ‘What to pack’ guide for forgetful passengers.

top 10 Most forgotten iteMs1. Shoes2. Mobile Phone Charger3. Sun Cream4. Book5. Glasses6. Toothpaste7. Toothbrush8. Mobile Phone9. Flip Flops

10. Passport

Inspired by our feature on Russia’s waterways (page 87)? The latest in the acclaimed alternative travel guide series City Pick is a guide to St Petersburg, celebrating every aspect of Russia’s legendary city, from the iconic to the less well-known. For more info see oxygenbooks.co.uk

083-084_CRI_ON12_RiverNews_FINAL.indd 84 31/07/2012 14:48

INCLUDED AS STANDARD Door-to-door transfers wherever you live in the UK

Direct, scheduled flights 5H boutique river cruise vessels Best river-view staterooms (Zagat Survey®) Best river cruise dining (Zagat Survey®) The best in-room amenities

Private butler service in suites†

Complimentary fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner*

The finest onboard amenities, including a Serenity River Spa

Signature lectures by experts A choice of included shore excursions

NEW 2013 BROCHURE OUT NOW - REQUEST YOUR COPY

T H E W O R L D ’ S B E S T

RIvER CRUISES

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Here at Titan, we really believe that our deluxe boutique river cruise holidays, in exclusive partnership with multi award-winning cruise operator Uniworld and featuring door-to-door transfers from any UK address,

deserve to be called ‘The World’s Best River Cruises’. Our new 2013 brochure showcases a host of perennially popular programmes, along with seven brand new itineraries and three brand new super-luxurious cruise ships.

Book by 30 September and take advantage of outstanding early booking discounts up to £500 per person*, with exclusive extra loyalty savings if you have travelled with Titan or Uniworld before.

Call 0800 988 5175 quoting CI8 UWSor visit www.titantravel.co.uk

Calls free from BT landlines, mobiles may vary. * Selected itineraries † Selected vessels

WBRC CI supplement 0712.indd 1 26/07/2012 11:50

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A dream journey aboard a dream ship

Furthermore, a dream journey is never just about a ship - it’s about the culture you will uncover, the people you will meet, and the friends you will make. Traveling aboard the Volga Dream, you will be in the company of the world’s most discerning travelers while exploring Russia in the presence of our most distinguished guides exclusively our most distinguished guides exclusively organized by world’s leading luxury tour operator

for Russia - Travel All Russia!

Travel All Russia is the world-leading tour operator for Russia. We service thousands of clients from over 50 countries throughout the world. We strive to organize the most exhilarating and complete journeys to this fascinating country. Our hallmark "Treasures of Two Capitals" tour, the breathtaking "Volga Dream” cruises, the adventurous Trans-Siberian railway trips - all of our programs are individually tailored and feature the best that Russia has to offer.Travel All Russia is a proud winner of 2011 World Travel Awards.

Toll-free 0800-242-5155 www.travelallrussia.co.uk

WORLDTRAVELAWARDS

Russia’s LeadingInbound Travel Agency

2011

Untitled-3 1 27/07/2012 10:45

http://www.travelallrussia.co.uk



russian waterways

87OCtOBer/nOVeMBer 2012 | Cruise-internatiOnal.COM

RussiantReasuRes

With its storied domed cities, grandiose palaces and mix of cultures, Russia offers cruise-goers a fascinating journey along

the waterways of the tsars, says Sarah Woods8

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Russian wateRways

| OCtOBeR/nOVeMBeR 2012 CRuise-inteRnatiOnal.COM88

a volga river cruise conjures up visions of russian tsars, folklore and kgb subertfuge

Late afternoon in the town of Kargopol, seen from the Onega riverbank

for a unique perspective on Russia, take a river cruise. as you journey along its endless waters, gliding from lakes, islands and canals to rivers alongside fortune-blessed cities heaving with bejewelled

domes or humble timber-made riverside settlements edged by wild boar forests and peasants toiling the land.

the Volga, the longest river in europe, flows entirely within Russia, stretching 2,290 miles through fairy-tale villages and grand domed cities to reach the mighty torrents of the vast Caspian sea. Known affectionately as ‘Mother Volga’ in Russian folklore, the Volga rises north-west of Moscow in the verdant ridges of the Valdei Hills and meanders towards the country’s storied capital. it then winds southwards through umpteen history-rich settlements and 11 great cities, spawning squiggly tributaries along the way. Conjuring up exotic visions of Russian tsars, powerful dynasties, gilded towers, peasant folklore and KGB subterfuge, the settlements of Mandrogi,

Goritsy, yaroslavl, nizhny novogorod, Kazan, Makaryev, Plyos and Kostroma can all be visited during a Volga river cruise. Many begin at lake lagoda, in Russia’s north west, close to the Gulf of Finland in the basin of the Baltic sea. stretching 136 miles, and speckled with 660 islands that

include the Valaam archipelago, lake ladoga drains into the Gulf of Finland via the neva River. as part of the Volga-Baltic waterway it links the River neva to the forest-trimmed River svir and lake Onega, thus connecting to europe’s two largest lakes. this diverse puzzle of waterways means that river ships must navigate several Russian rivers, lakes and canals to link st Petersburg and Moscow – a cruise that passes rugged flag-

topped fortresses, quaint wooden villages, wooded isles, unesCO world Heritage sites and prized national parks alike.

fairY-tale cHarMset on the northern banks of lake ladoga, on the outskirts of leningrad Oblast, Mandrogui is the


russian waterways

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largest of the Valaam archipelago’s isles. Famous for its rustic gingerbread-like wood-crafted homes and cobblestone paths, Mandrogui oozes fairy-tale charm and provides visitors with a fascinating insight into the simplicity of pre-revolutionary rural russian life. russia, sweden and Finland have all laid claim to Mandrogi but calm reigns now on this timeless isle where traditions are preserved and olden customs observed.

you’ll find more olden russia at the open-air museum in the north-west region of lake Onega. Kizhi island, a unesCO world Heritage site comprising restored traditional 18th-century buildings, is famous as the home of the Church of the transfiguration with its 22 wondrous onion-shaped domes and a beautiful mosaic on a gold ground that is briefly illuminated when the sun strikes a glass plate set into the floor.

in stark contrast, the treasure-trove of historical and architectural treasures in st Petersburg owes little to humble simplicity. rich in baronial hues, the city’s buildings glint with emerald-greens and gold: a grandiose realisation of the 18th-century vision of Peter the Great. Visitors can marvel at the Peter and Paul Cathedral, a burial place of all the russian emperors and empresses from Peter


The world is a fascinating place, and we believe that it

should be experienced properly. Details matter.

On our stunning new Viking Longships, this attention to

detail has led to a state of the art design that is both stylish

and luxurious. These intimate vessels offer all the facilities

of a fine hotel, with fabulous food and outstanding service.

They will transport you from one exciting destination to

the next, with awe-inspiring scenery unfolding before you.

There are so many things that make a Viking river cruise

exceptional. So many new experiences, so many personal

touches. Why not journey with us across Europe, Russia

or Asia and discover Viking’s award-winning service

for yourself?

AS THE WORLD’S MOST AWARD-WINNING RIVER CRUISE LINE, WE UNDERSTAND THAT IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS WHICH MAKE THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE.

Call 020 8780 7900www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk

Travel safe, you are fully protected

20223_VRC_CI_230x300mm.indd 1 31/05/2012 14:24

russian waterways


the Great to alexander iii; browse the impressive collection of three million paintings, sculptures and artefacts at the Hermitage Museum, a rival to the louvre; or simply enjoy a stroll around the flower-filled gardens and café-hemmed squares to soak up the joy and romantic mystery of this extraordinary and exciting city.

Goritsy is visited for its magnificent 14th-century Cyril-Belozersky Monastery, crammed with historic grandeur and one of russia’s “new seven wonders”. set on the banks of the sheksna river, a tributary of the Volga river, the village centre’s numerous bakeries sell delicious freshly baked breads and pastries. More mesmerising historic architecture is found in the unesCO-protected centre of yaroslavl, russia’s second largest city during the 17th century. Home to 40 churches, the Church of st elijah the Prophet and its stunning frescoes are a crowning glory, created using the finest architects, painters, smiths, goldsmiths and carvers.

set in the heartland of russia, nizhny novgorod is the third-largest city in the country, set at the confluence of the Oka and Volga rivers. as the vibrant hub of the Volgo-Vyatsky region, nizhny novgorod was known as Gorki until 1990 when it reverted to its pre-revolutionary name. Founded by the Grand Prince yuri in 1221, the city is home to two glorious medieval abbeys: the Monastery of the Caves and the annunciation Monastery. Both are surrounded by robust, stone walls and feature imposing five-domed cathedrals and churches. steeped in tales of espionage, nizhny novgorod was once a stronghold of spies and repression. Dark secrets still lurk – for the low-down, pop into the sakharov Museum, the building where the nobel laureate dissident scientist spent six years in exile, for the scoop on some eye-popping Cold war secrets.

in Kazan, the former tartar Khanate capital, an intertwined europe-meets-asia culture reflects its location close to the juncture of two continents. the unesCO world Heritage site at the Kazan

Rich in baRonial hues, st PeteRsbuRg’s buildings glint with emeRald-gReensand gold

Right: The extraordinary wooden church at Kizhi. Bottom: Stunning frescoes on the interior walls in the Church of Elijah the Prophet in Yaroslavl

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Julli Jewellery Travel Bag

A new travel jewellery bag for carrying all your precious accessories

• Usefulforcruises,holidays,weekendbreaksandanytimeaway

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To order your Jullibag visit:

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...Life on the water’s edge• Discover a new cruise departure point

• Explore famous historic ships and fascinating museums

• Miles of seafront promenade, plus shopping and dining on the water’s edge

Call for information

023 9288 3545www.visitportsmouth.co.uk

Reference: CI11

shopping dining history relaxing

092_CRI_1012.indd 74 31/07/2012 11:37

russian waterways


Kremlin is a real highlight; a complex of milk-white buildings dating back to the 16th century, dominated by the grand spasskaya tower.

Of the ‘Gold ring’ of historic towns that skirt Moscow, Plyos is by far the smallest – yet this diminutive settlement boasts beauty that has inspired generations of artists and poets. set on a steeply banked riverside, without any great monument or edifice to shout about other than a 17th-century cathedral, this most picturesque of settings is memorable for its quaint, easy charm. From here, popular excursions run to historic suzdal on the Kamenka river. Kostroma is much-visited for its white-washed swathe of arcades that stretch from the square down to the Volga. Here, vendors sell brightly-coloured blooms,

sweets, fish, fruit and vegetables as well as kvas, a fermented drink of amber hues, made from rye bread and flavoured with fruit juice.

Capital city Moscow, with its vast red-brick towered Kremlin complex, Patriarch’s Palaces, gold-domed churches, imposing red square and oligarch mansions is a colossal city with hundreds of sightseeing opportunities. Mixing contemporary culture and soviet austerity with the lavish influences of modern russia, the city is packed with chandelier-decked theatres, plush art galleries, swanky wine bars and bohemian cafés. the 16th-century st Basil’s Cathedral and lenin’s Mausoleum are popular

draws with the glory days of sputnik and the soviet space programme relived in high style in the Cosmonautics Museum. to contemplate the turbulence of Moscow’s past, pull up a chair at

moscow is packed with chandelier-decked theatres, plush art galleries and wine bars

A riverside view of Moscow’s skyline, including the Grand Kremlin Palace. Top right: the Holy Gate at the Rizopolozhensky Convent, Suzdal, just outside Moscow

8


Russian wateRways

| OCtOBeR/nOVeMBeR 2012 CRuise-inteRnatiOnal.COM94 CRuise-inteRnatiOnal.COM94 | OCtOBeR/nOVeMBeR 2012

We make every effort to ensure prices and conversion rates are correct at time of going to press but they should be used as a guide only

IntourIst uK8 days aboard MS Alexander Pushkin

29 June 2013

Moscow, Uglich, Yaroslavl, Goritsy,

Kizhi, Mandrogi, St Petersburg

■ From £1,088 including economy

class return flights from London

0844 8754026;

intouristukcom

trAVeL ALL russIA 11 days aboard MS Shashkov

15 June 2013

St Petersburg, Mandrogi, Kizhi,

Goritsy, Yaroslavl, Uglich, Moscow

■ From £1,133

0800 242 5155;

travelallrussia.com

VIKIng rIVer CruIses13 days aboard Viking Truvor

MAy, June And sept 2013

Moscow, Uglich, Yaroslavl, Kuzino,

Kizhi, Mandrogi, St Petersburg

■ From £2,595

0808 256 1702;

vikingrivercruises.co.uk

unIWorLd 13 days aboard River Victoria

MAy, June, August And

septeMber 2013

Moscow, Uglich, Yaroslavl, Kizhi,

Mandrogi, St Petersburg

■ From £3,629

0800 988 5867

uniworldrivercruises.co.uk

Cruise holidays on the Russian WaterwaysYour Cruise Planner

Café Pushkin and order vodka by the bottle in amongst the newspapers, caviar menus, antiques and tomes.

alternatives to the Volga River include cruises along the bird-rich River Dnieper, the fourth-longest river in europe, which are often offered as ukrainian-Belarus-Russian itineraries. stretching for over 1,400 miles, the Dnieper River rises in Russia and empties on the ukrainian Black sea Coast. the historic Russian cities of smolensk and Dorogobuzh are part of the most popular programmes. wherever you choose to take your Russian river cruise, you’ll have gained an insight into the country’s hidden gems, many of which are squirrelled away in corners poorly served by airpots or highways.

Left: Red Square. This image: the Bolshoi Theatre, home of the renowed ballet company, is also a world-class opera house

rIVerfLeet8 days aboard MS Lev Tolstoy

MAy-oCtober 2013

Moscow, Uglich, Goritsy, Kizhi,

Mandrogi, St Petersburg

■ From £673

0808 134 9952;

riverfleet.com

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Call one of our cruise insurance experts on

0800 11 24 550or visit InsuranceChoice.co.uk/CruiseIntInsurance Choice is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) No 452767.

Tailormade travel insurance for your cruise with:: Unlimited Cancellation Cover: ALL pre-existing medical conditions considered: No upper age limit: Cruising for up to 365 days: Insurance available up to 2 years in advance of the trip

Freedom to cruise

095_CRI_1012.indd 74 31/07/2012 14:12

When travelling abroad, the local food, drink and climate can all have an effect on the balance of bacteria in your digestive system.

Bimuno® TRAVELAID is a unique and convenient formulation that has been specially developed for business and holiday travellers, to be taken in preparation for and during your time abroad.

Published scientific studies* have shown that some prebiotic Galacto-oligosaccharides, such as provided by Bimuno TRAVELAID, can help encourage and sustain a healthy level of your ‘good’ gut bacteria, helping to keep your tummy happy on its travels.

Next time you’re going away try Bimuno TRAVELAID soft chewy pastilles to experience the benefits for yourself.

* S tudies on file. Bimuno TRAVELAID is the result of nine years of intensive scientific research with the University of Reading. Bimuno is a food supplement. Food supplements are intended to supplement your diet and should not be regarded as a substitute for a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Bimuno® is a registered trademark which is the property of Clasado Inc for a Prebiotic Transgalactooligosaccharide.

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105294 BimuTravelaid CruiseInter 300x230.indd 1 26/07/2012 12:39

Taken by: Hazel Griffi ths from CheshireCruise: A Fred. Olsen cruise on the MV Boudicca to Greenland and Iceland.Hazel says: “The name means the ‘place with the polar bears’ but it is extremely unlikely that you will spot one here – although they do occasionally fl oat past on an iceberg. The population is just 1500 people and yet it is the

10th largest town in the country. The people here speak very little English, but they do know three words, ‘Welcome to Nanortalik,’ and as you walk around this is called to you by everyone. The people put on events to show visitors their culture – singing in the church, dancing, and kayak displays on the water. A wonderful place to visit.”

Your sayCONTACT US

Have you taken a brilliant photo of yourself on a cruise, or of a destination or ship? Email it to us at [email protected] and you could see it in a forthcoming issue

REVEALED: the winners of the Cruise International Awards 2012

@Giggities Around the world! A girl can dream :)@itsme_heather On a World Cruise of course!@ashanneb Greece!

Don’t forget you share your photos with us on Pinterest – you’ll fi nd us at pinterest.com/source/cruise-international.com

@Cruisemag

Twitter talkWe asked where you’d most like to take a cruise

PlusChristmas river cruises specialBest new cruises of 2013: a look aheadto next year’s most exciting itineraries

On sale 28 September

In Bruges

Nanortalik, Greenland

The August/September issue of Cruise International was of particular interest to me as my wife and I have recently returned from a short Cunard cruise on the Queen Elizabeth.

Sailing from Southampton the itinerary was: Zeebrugge [for Bruges] and Guernsey, so Belinda Gannon’s feature was good reading and the accompanying photographs brought back memories. During our time in Bruges we went on the walking tour around the fascinating cobbled streets followed by a canal trip.

We have booked a cruise on the Queen Mary II next year which we’re very much looking forward to.

Paul Kennedy, Portsmouth

WIN! 6 city guidesThe Star Letter will receive a set of six city travel guides worth £55. oxygenbooks.co.uk

And the winner is...The winner of the Titan competition (Aug/Sept) was David Fullelove from Staffordshire.

guidesThe Star Letter will receive a set of six city travel guides worth £55. guides worth £55.

51AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2012 | CRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COM

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Short but

sweetShort &

sweetsweetsweetsweetsweetMartin Cowen embarks on his fi rst ever cruise, testing it out as an all-inclusive mini-break. With delicious food, excellent company and no

stressful airport waits, he discoveres a holiday to remember

An all-inclusive, three-night, twin-centre city break sounded like an ideal Bank Holiday trip, and this is exactly how we approached our Fred. Olsen mini-cruise. We were as excited at

the thought of trying cruising for the fi rst time as we were about seeing Amsterdam.

Our ship, Braemar, left Dover on Saturday afternoon and would arrive back, via Ostend (for Bruges) and Amsterdam, early on Tuesday morning. Convenience is everything on a short break, and Dover is an easy international departure point for us.

Airports aren’t a great way to start a holiday and it was a relief to steer clear of the usual queues and chaos – an ex-UK cruise avoids a number of airport and in-fl ight stress points. On such a short trip, getting

there and back really needs to be as smooth as possible. But we were also looking forward to being on board, and had a few four-star all-inclusive package holidays as points of reference. We treated Braemar as our fl oating hotel, and were pleased to fi nd it had everything on board that a hotel would offer.

As fi rst-time cruisers, we paid attention to detail. Embarkation took just 75 minutes from getting off the free transfer bus from Dover Priory to opening the door of our cabin on deck 6. Our mini-break began immediately. If we’d opted for a fl ight-based holiday we would still be hours away, and would also need to pay for transport from the airport to the hotel and back. The ship was already open for business, so we settled down in the bar for our fi rst mojito of the weekend – so far so good!

SHORT-BREAK SPECIALAMSTERDAM

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Next issue

Write to us at The Editor, Cruise International,Liscartan House, 127-131 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9AS

CRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COM 97OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2012 |

97_CRI_ON12_YourSay_FINAL.indd 97 31/07/2012 13:59

98 CRUISE-INTERNATIONAL.COM

Where in the world would you like to visit? If you’re still deciding which cruise to book in the coming months, here’s our pick of two of the best

This cruise around the Sea of Cortez

– one of the most diverse eco-systems in the world – offers a taste of classic Mexico: a heady mix of desert, big surf, long beaches and Hispanic architecture. Highlights of this 12-day voyage include the chance to swim with dolphins and take a luxury train through the spectacular scenery of Copper Canyon.

From £948.62 (flights extra), departing 4 December 2013. Call 0843 374 2300 or visit hollandamerica.com

Travelling up the Mekong River offers

the perfect opportunity to experience the striking contrast between bustling Vietnam and tranquil Cambodia. Titan Travel’s River Saigon sails from Ho Chi Minh City through the richly verdant Cambodian countryside, where you will have the chance to visit the spectacular ancient temple complex of Angkor Wat.

From £4,349 for a 17-day voyage, including VIP Home Departure Service, scheduled flights, full board on ship and all landings and lectures. Flexible departures go from February 2013. Call 0800 988 5823 or visit titantravel.co.uk for more information.

MEXIC0


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cruise international october november 2012

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