CRUISE NEWS - FEBRUARY 2011
Posted January 25th, 2011
Cruceros Australis
Cruceros Australis welcomed the New Year with its new luxury vessel, Stella Australis which completed its maiden voyage on 18 December from Punta Arenas and arrived in Ushuaia on 21 December 2010. In 2011, Cruceros Australis hopes to encourage passengers to explore the depths of Patagonia aboard the Stella Australis, now the largest ship in the fleet. With a capacity of 210 passengers distributed throughout 100 cabins, the Stella Australis measures 89 metres in length with a 14.6 metre beam. Each cabin has panoramic windows, independent heating, a private, en-suite bathroom and satellite telephone. Visit www.australis.com
Fred. Olsen Gardeners World Anniversary Cruise
Fred. Olsen Cruises has long been renowned for its wide range of 'themed' cruises that include such treats as Latin American dancing, the BBC's Archers/Ambridge cruise as well as the ever popular Antiques cruises. One that will specially appeal to gardeners departs Southampton on 8 August 2011 celebrating the 20th anniversary of Gardeners World magazine.
On board will be some of the best-known celebrity gardeners in the UK, giving talks and gardening tips, and answering guests’ questions. They are Alan Titchmarsh, (one evening only) broadcaster, novelist, journalist and gardener, Adam Pasco, editor of Gardeners’ World Magazine, Pippa Greenwood and Matthew Biggs, both regular contributors to the popular magazine and panellists on BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time.
Balmoral then sets sail on her journey around the UK, calling at St. Peter Port (Guernsey), Holyhead (Wales), Dublin (Ireland), Greenock (for Glasgow, Scotland), Tobermory (Isle of Mull, Scotland), Scrabster (Scotland), and Harwich, returning to Southampton.
During the cruise, guest experts Adam Pasco, Pippa Greenwood, and Matthew Biggs will hold question and answer sessions and give talks, mingling with guests and helping them with all their gardening enquiries. The special package includes a visit to the Mount Usher Gardens in Dublin, one of the Republic of Ireland’s finest landscaped gardens. . Visit www.cruise.co.uk
For details of the cruise without the Gardeners' World package and for details of all Fred. Olsen cruises visit www.fredolsencruises.com
Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises’ new Marina will set new standards for culinary excellence with 10 dining venues, six of which are gourmet restaurants, at no supplement. The 1,250-guest ship has been designed for food and wine lovers with the aim of offering dining experiences comparable to the best shore-side restaurants.
Marina will offer six, open-seating gourmet restaurants, two private-dining venues and two casual eateries. The décor of each is distinctive, yet a common design thread is evident in the extensive use of rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and supple leather.
Optional Wine Dinners & the Ultimate Chef’s Table: La Reserve is an intimate venue that hosts wine tastings and seven-course pairing dinners with premium wines selected in consultation with Wine Spectator editors. Extra charge for wines AND reservations required. Whilst Privée, an exclusive private dining room, offers the ultimate Chef’s Table. Eight fortunate guests can create a personalised menu featuring such specialities as Kobe beef, Brittany lobsters, foie gras, caviar and truffles. Room charge is $1,000. Open select evenings and reservations required.
Marina also features a Bon Appétit Culinary Centre and full-service Canyon Ranch® SpaClub. Visit www.OceaniaCruises.co.uk .