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Swan Hellenic’s Minerva sailed into Portsmouth on Friday 2nd March following its multi-million pound winter upgrade programme.

Carrying a maximum of just 350 passengers, Minerva, the discovery led cruise ship, spends its days taking discerning travellers to some of the world’s most iconic destinations and hidden gems.

Built specifically for Swan Hellenic and originally named by HRH the Duchess of Gloucester, the vessel has a unique loyalty with both passengers and crew alike.

Minerva boasts a country house style and Swan Hellenic prides itself on its discovery cruising ethos, which was pioneered by the company in 1954. Each sailing is escorted by Guest Speakers who bring each destination to life covering topics as diverse as the legacy of Tsarist and Soviet rule to the archaeology and culture of Greek Islands. Each Guest Speaker is an expert in their field with many considered to be the world’s foremost authority on their subject.

The ship’s company prepared the vessel for its first passenger cruise that departed from Portsmouth that afternoon. HM Band of the Royal Marines will play as it departs on a 15 day cruise calling at Oporto and Lisbon (Portugal), Cadiz (Spain), Casablanca (Morocco) and Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Gomera, Santa Cruz de la Palma (Canary Islands) and Funchal (Madeira).

The upgraded ship boasts a number of new and improved features including:
• An additional 32 balconies to existing cabins, increasing the number of balcony suites to 23% of all cabin accommodation
• A new forward facing observation lounge and bar – the Orpheus Lounge – on the top deck, providing guests with expansive panoramic views
• A dedicated internet lounge
• An extension to the popular Shackleton Bar where guests can enjoy pre dinner drinks
• A new outdoor walk round promenade deck
• New en-suite facilities in every cabin

The ship also features a comprehensive library of approximately 5,000 volumes, many written by Guest Speakers past and present; two dining rooms enabling open seating dining, which allows passengers to dine with their friends at leisure plus the gym and spa services have also been relocated and upgraded.

The upgrade marks the first major work on the ship since its original remodelling from a spy ship vessel called ‘Okean’ (named after the Ukrainian shipyard where it was being constructed).

“Minerva’s renovations mark a new chapter in the long history of Swan Hellenic and underline All Leisure Group PLC’s commitment to the future of this popular ship, enabling it to remain at the forefront of cultural discovery cruising for years to come” explains Colin Stone, Managing Director Swan Hellenic. “We took onboard feedback from our passengers to ensure the major refurbishments allow the ship to continue to appeal to our loyal customers but also hopefully appeal to those who are keen to try their first discovery cruise on an intimate ship”.

The ship started its 2012 season by offering a series of spring cruises around the Canary Islands, Mediterranean and Black Sea. Passengers can explore the flora, fauna and landscapes of the Canary Islands on an Islands of the Sun cruise while the Vintage Iberia & Italy cruise allows passengers to travel up the Guadalquivir River and stay in the centre of Seville – an experience which is unique to Minerva due to her smaller size.

Prices start from £1,495 per person onboard the refurbished Minerva based on the 16 March 'Vintage Iberia & Italy' cruise.

All prices include return flights from the UK (where applicable), transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions in every port, meals and an integrated programme of Guest Speaker talks on board. There are no additional gratuities or hidden extras, and entrance fees to all attractions featured in the shore excursion programme are also included.

For more information and to book visit www.swanhellenic.com

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FOR MOTHER'S DAY IN THE U.K.

Treat your mum to a cruise from £999 per person with Voyages of Discovery for the ultimate Mother’s Day gift this year. Whether your mother is a culture vulture or she just wants to unwind there is a cruise to suit all tastes.

Embark on a voyage of the ancient world on Voyages of Discovery’s 13-day Egypt and the Holy Land cruise from £999 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

Price includes return flights from the UK, transfers a 13-day voyage departing Safaga (Egypt) and calling at Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt), Sokhna (Egypt), transit through Suez Canal, Ashdod (Israel), Haifa (Israel), Limassol (Cyprus), Fethiye (Turkey) and Kusadasi (Turkey) before arriving at Istanbul (Turkey) – overnight. Price is based on a 4 April 2012 departure.

Extend your holiday with an eight day Nile River cruise on the Viking Princess before the start of your ocean cruise from as little as £499 per person.

Viking Princess

Explore the beautiful gardens across the British Isles and in France on Swan Hellenic’s 14-day Gardens of the Celtic Fringe cruise from £2,165 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

Price includes 14-day voyage departing from Portsmouth (UK) and calling at Dublin (Ireland), Portrush (Ireland), Killybegs (Ireland), Glengarriff (Ireland), Cork (Ireland), Isles of Scilly (UK), Falmouth (UK), St Peter Port (Guernsey) and Rouen (France) – overnight before returning to Portsmouth. Price based on a 19 July 2012 UK departure.

Alternatively, celebrate the special day at sea on-board Swan Hellenic’s newly refurbished mv Minerva on the Vintage Iberia and Italy cruise from £1,495 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

The 'new' Minerva

Travel from Funchal (Madeira) to Cadiz (Spain) on Mother’s Day itself, where you will sample delicious local wines in the company of special Guest Speaker and Master of Wine, Maggie MacGie.

Price includes return flights from the UK, transfers a 14-day voyage departing from Funchal (Madeira) and calling at Cadiz (Spain), Seville (Spain), Tangier (Morocco), Malaga (Spain), Palma de Mallorca (Spain) and Livorno (Italy) before arriving at Livorno (Italy). Price based on a 16 March departure.
Prices for all cruises include meals, entertainment and gratuities on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees, plus onboard lectures from a team of renowned Guest Speakers.

For more details click on:-  www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk or www.swanhellenic.com

Voyages of Discovery is offering their guests the unique opportunity to be part of the 2012 London Thames flotilla to mark The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Taking place on the 3 June 2012, Voyages of Discovery’s ship, mv Discovery will dock in Greenwich to allow guests to board one of two chartered riverboats that will join the official flotilla down the Thames. Sailing alongside thousands of other boats, the vessels will grace the river against the backdrop of the capital’s most iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, The London Eye and the Houses of Parliament. Passengers can enjoy perks including a picnic lunch, a glass of champagne to toast the momentous occasion, commemorative goody bags and afternoon tea on-board.

This unique opportunity is one of many shore excursions offered on the Voyages of Discovery 11-day cruise, Heritage of the British Isles. Departing from Portsmouth (UK) and calling at the Isles of Scilly (UK), Douglas (Isle of Man), Belfast (Northern Island), Oban (Scotland), Port of Tyne (UK), Greenwich (UK) – overnight- and the final port of Dover (UK). Prices start from £2,219 per person (based on two people) sharing an outside cabin, based on a 26 May departure.

The Jubilee Pageant excursion costs from £199 per person.

For those who have ‘royal fever’, Voyages of Discovery, is also offering an Around Britain and Edinburgh Tattoo cruise. Guests can watch the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo which is offering a special ‘salute’ to the monarch to mark the jubilee event.

Around Britain and Edinburgh Tattoo – a 13-day voyage departing from Harwich (UK) and calling at St. Peter Port (Guernsey), Fowey (UK), Cobh (Ireland), Galway (Ireland), Killybegs (Eire), Oban (Scotland), Portree (Isle of Skye), Scrabster (Scotland), Kirkwall (Scotland) and Rosyth (Scotland)-overnight. Prices start from £1,789 per person (based on two people) sharing an outside cabin, based on a 13 August departure.

For more information visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk .
Full terms and conditions apply

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The vessel has been chosen and work is almost complete on the Queens Royal Barge that will be the star of the River Pagent taking place on London's River Thames on 3rd June to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee. Our photo of the  'Spirit of Chartwell' below shows how she looks when operating for the Magna Carta Steamship Company Ltd. The artist's impression below is how the vessel will look after her extensive face-lift. 

 

For more information about The Spirit of Chartwell and Magna Carta Steamship Company Ltd please visit http://www.spiritofchartwell.com


Update January 2012

 

Join Voyages of Discovery’s luxury small cruise ship mv Discovery on two new itineraries for 2012 - The Frankincense Trail and Oman to the Holy Land.

Explore the ‘Desert Kingdom’, the Lost City of Ubar and Lawrence of Arabia’s Petra on The Frankincense Trail from £899 per person, based on a 23 March departure (two people sharing an inside cabin).

Price includes return flights from a major London airport, transfers and a 13-day voyage departing from Muscat (Oman) – overnight - and calling at Salalah (Oman), Sharm-el-Sheikh (Egypt), Aqaba (Jordan) and the final port of Safaga (Egypt) – overnight.

Oman to the Holy Land cruises around historical hotspots such as Israel, Cyprus and Turkey from £1,399 per person, based on a 23 March departure (two people sharing an inside cabin).

Price includes a return flights from a major London airport, transfers and a 25-day voyage departing from Muscat (Oman) – overnight and calling at Salalah (Oman), Sharm-el-Sheikh (Egypt), Aqaba (Jordan), Safaga (Egypt) – overnight x2, Sharm-el-Sheikh (Egypt), Sokhna (Egypt), Ashdod (Israel), Haifa (Israel) and Limassol (Cyprus), Fethiye (Turkey), Kusadasi (Turkey) and the final port of Istanbul (Turkey) – overnight.

Price for both cruises includes all meals, entertainment and gratuities on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees, plus onboard lectures from a team of renowned Guest Speakers.

For more information and to book visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk

Guarantee yourself some early sunshine this year and join Voyages of Discovery’s mv Discovery (0844 822 0820 / www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk) for a 15-day European Icons cruise from £899 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

Discover Istanbul, Rome and Piraeus, also known as the ‘Gateway to Athens’ on this unforgettable cruise through some of Europe’s most beautiful countries including Spain, Corsica, Italy and Greece.

Price includes return flights from a major London airport, transfers and a 15-day voyage departing from Istanbul (Turkey) – overnight, Piraeus (Greece), Messina (Italy), Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy), Ajaccio (Corsica, France), Almeria (Spain) Gibraltar and La Coruna (Spain) before the final port, Portsmouth (UK). Based on 27 April 2012 UK departure.

Price includes all meals, entertainment and gratuities on board and all relevant cruise taxes/fees, plus onboard lectures from a team of renowned Guest Speakers.
 

P&O Cruises has announced the publication of a special book commissioned to celebrate 175 years of maritime heritage. P&O Cruises: celebrating 175 years of heritage, tells the official story of one of Britain’s oldest, yet even today best-loved brands. The cruise line’s ships have seen service in two world wars and the Falklands war, and, in peace time, have inspired loyalty and great affection in their passengers.

The book, by Sharon Poole and Andrew Sassoli-Walker, covers the history of the company since 1837, when the Peninsular Steam Navigation Company won a lucrative mail contract to the Iberian Peninsula. Not long afterwards the concept of cruising was born and since then has evolved into a mainstream holiday choice.

The authors, keen maritime historians give a compelling account of the company’s varied and impressive history, highlighting key milestones in the history of P&O Cruises and intriguing personal stories and anecdotes from the early days of first-class cruises in the nineteenth century to Canberra’s crucial role in the 1982 Falklands war, to the current day logistics and running of a major cruise line, and then on to the future with a new ship planned for 2015.

S.S. Canberra in Ponta Delgarda, Azores
(Photo compliments of Wikipedia)

The anniversary will be celebrated on 3 July 2012, when for the first time in the company’s history, their entire fleet of seven ships will be docked together for the ‘Grand Event’ in Southampton. After a spectacular send-off, the ships will form a procession in the Solent as they depart for seven special anniversary cruises. 

'P&O Cruises: celebrating 175 years of heritage'
by
Sharon Poole and Andrew Sassoli-Walker £25 

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Cruise veteran Nigel Lingard has joined All Discovery Cruising, the trade facing arm of All Leisure Holidays, in a consultancy role as part of the company’s plans to strengthen its relationship with the trade.
 

Nigel Lingard
(photo from Travel Weekly)

Lingard – who recently stepped down from his position as Sales & Marketing Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines – will help develop trade awareness and sales of Voyages of Discovery, Swan Hellenic and Hebridean Island Cruises, All Discovery Cruising’s three cruise brands.

His appointment as Business Development Consultant comes as All Leisure embarks on a £35 million investment in its cruising operations during 2012. Initiatives under way include the £10 million refurbishment of Swan Hellenic’s flagship Minerva; the addition of a second ship, Voyager, to the Voyages of Discovery fleet; and a new river cruise vessel Royal Crown, for the Hebridean Island Cruises programme.

Geoff Lawrence, Sales & Marketing Director, explained: “Nigel is such a well-respected and experienced figure in the cruise industry that it is brilliant to have him on-board during these exciting times.”

“All Discovery Cruising has some ambitious targets as we believe that travel agents will play a vital part in our success. We are looking for a very substantial increase in the business we get from our existing trade partners, and hope to get many more retailers working with us in the future.”

“We are committed to stepping up our trade marketing, support and training and are certain Nigel’s expertise will prove invaluable as part of this.”

Refurbishment to Swan Hellenic’s Minerva, which includes the upgrading of cabins and public areas and the addition of balcony suites, is progressing well. The ship is scheduled to re-enter service in March 2012.

Lingard added: “All Discovery Cruising knows that agents have the potential to be its greatest ambassadors and for me that is very exciting. Working with the trade has always been a passion of mine and I am looking forward to using my knowledge to help take these three brands to the next level.”

Head to the Mediterranean aboard Swan Hellenic’s newly upgraded mv Minerva for a 14 day 'Postcard from the Mediterranean' fly cruise from £1,495 per person (based on inside cabin accommodation).

Visit cities rich in history such as Rome, Athens and Istanbul and enjoy the breath-taking views from the ship’s new observation lounge. Guests can discover the delights of Sorrento (Italy), pick up some gems in the bustling medina in Sousse (Tunisia) or learn something new from one of mv Minerva’s experienced Guest Speakers on topics such as wine, music and ancient history.

Price includes return flights from a major London airport, transfers and a 14-day voyage departing from Civitavecchia (Rome) and calling at Naples (Italy) - overnight, Sorrento (Italy), Palermo (Sicily), Sousse (Tunisia), Valletta (Malta) - overnight and Piraeus (Greece) before arriving at the final port of Istanbul (Turkey) – overnight.
 

Price also includes a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. Price is based on 29 March 2012 UK departure.

For more information and to book visit www.swanhellenic.com or call 0844 822 0679. Follow Swan Hellenic on twitter - @Swanhellenic

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SeaDream Yacht Club has just released its 2012/2013 voyage schedule.

The newly-designed, glossy, 64-page Brochure reflecting SeaDream’s yachting lifestyle and features destination information, pricing and a comprehensive look at the chic, twin, 344 feet/104 meter vessels, SeaDream I & SeaDream II. For a copy of this brochure please visit  http://www.seadream.com/view-brochure

The ‘yogacruise’ is a magnificent voyage on which you will experience the freedom of practising Yoga in the middle of the enchanting blue waters of the Turkish Mediterranean coast. The beautiful coastline with its pristine beaches, idyllic villages, picturesque coves and remote ancient civilisations more than 5000 years old are waiting to be explored. This is an excellent opportunity to experience a taste of traditional Turkey in the unhurried pace of staying aboard a sailing yacht. Sit back, relax and let our experienced captain, crew and chef take you on an unforgetable journey. The quiet and intimate setting makes the ‘yogacruise’ the ideal location to allow our natural state of peace and inner stillness to emerge. Click Yogacruise for more information.

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With the popularity of river cruises surging, Swan Hellenic is proud to offer a selection of diverse itineraries next spring from as little as £1,525 per person.

The rich mix of culture and history can be easily enjoyed at a leisurely pace on one of the elegant vessels from the A-Rosa fleet. Take your pick between the Rhine or Danube and discover the heart of Europe, visiting its famous abbeys, palaces and cultural hotspots. With plenty to see and do, find out for yourself why river cruising is fast becoming the preferred alternative holiday.

Cruising the Danube – Sail from £1,525 per person. Price includes return flights to Munich (Germany), transfers and a 8-day cruise departing from Passau (Germany) and calling at Melk (Austria), Esztergom (Hungary), Budapest (Hungary), Bratislava (Slovakia), Vienna (Austria) and Durnstein (Austria) before returning to Passau (Germany). Price is based on 29 April 2012 departure.

Cruising the Rhone – Sail from £1,725 per person. Price includes return flights or rail, transfers and a 8-day cruise departing from Lyon (France) and calling at Chalon-sur-Saone (France), Tournus (France), Mâcon (France) - overnight, Viviers (France), Arles (France), Avignon (France) – overnight and Vienne (France) before returning to Lyon (France) – overnight. Price is based on 19 May 2012 departure.

Prices for all cruises include meals and entertainment on board, gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

For more information and to book visit www.swanhellenic.com or call 0844 8220679. 

P&O Cruises can trace its roots back to 1837 and 2012 will mark the 175th anniversary of when the Peninsular Steam Navigation Company was awarded the lucrative Admiralty contract to carry mail to the Iberian Peninsula and beyond. To celebrate, P&O Cruises is offering a special 175th anniversary discount of up to 10% on its cruise holidays during the peak “wave” period of December, January and February.

Prices will start from £599 for a seven night cruise, such as Ventura’s March 25 cruise to Spain and France, and £949 for a 14 night cruise such as Azura’s November 5 cruise to Gibraltar, Spain, France, Italy and Portugal.

World cruises are also included in the anniversary sale with on board credit of up to £1100 available on bookings.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “2012 is an exciting year for us and we can’t wait to celebrate the heritage of our brand on all cruises next year. We are pleased to be offering passengers real value prices from £599 with this special anniversary discount of up to 10%.”

The 175th Anniversary Sale is available for bookings made between December 1, 2011, and February 29, 2012, on 171 cruises* from the 2012/13 brochure, including:

Adonia
17 cruises from Southampton (D203 – D221)
Destinations including Mediterranean, Fjords, North Cape and Caribbean
Wave prices from £1,029 for a seven night Norwegian Fjords cruise to £3,189 for a 21 night Central Mediterranean cruise

Arcadia
17 cruises from Southampton (J202 – J218)
Destinations including the Canary Islands, Iceland, Canada, the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Wave prices from £769 for a seven night Norwegian Fjords cruise to £2,599 for a 24 night USA & Canada cruise

Aurora
18 cruises from Southampton (R202 – R221)
Destinations including the Caribbean, Baltic, Mediterranean, Fjords and North Cape. Wave prices from £239 for a two night cruise break to Bruges, to £2,599 for a 17 night Baltic cruise

Azura
24 cruises from Southampton (A207 – A230)
Destinations including Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Fjords, Black Sea and Caribbean. Wave prices from £239 for a two night cruise break to Bruges, to £2,149 for a 24 night Black Sea cruise

Oceana
30 cruises from Southampton (E205 – E304)
Destinations including the Caribbean, Canary Islands, Mediterranean and Fjords. Wave prices from £239 for a two night cruise break, to £2,799 for a 35 night Caribbean cruise

Oriana
24 cruises from Southampton (X202 – X303)
Destinations including Fjords, Caribbean, Canary Islands, Iceland and Mediterranean. Wave prices from £349 for a three night cruise break to Bruges and Le Havre, to £3,059 for a 35 night Caribbean cruise

Ventura
22 cruises from Southampton and 19 Caribbean fly cruises (N206 – N305)
Destinations include the Mediterranean, Canary Islands, Fjords, Iceland and Caribbean. Wave prices from £229 for a two night cruise to Bruges, to £2,179 for a 14 night Caribbean Christmas cruise

2013 World Cruises are also included in the 175th Anniversary Sale. Four ships are offering these cruises in 2013: Adonia (85 nights), Arcadia (99 nights), Aurora (106 nights) and Azura (110 nights).

Up to 10% discount is available and free on board spending money is also offered, of up to £1,100 per person for those booking a suite on the 110 night cruise at £19,649 per person including a 10% discount off the brochure fare.

A total of 92 shorter sectors of these four voyages are also available and included in the promotion. These short, exotic holidays start from just 13 nights in duration and examples include Bangkok to Dubai (13 nights on Aurora), Singapore to Sydney (16 nights on Azura) Rio de Janeiro to Santiago (20 nights on Adonia) and San Francisco to Southampton (22 nights on Arcadia).

“As well as our Grand Event, in 2012 we are also celebrating Oriana being made into a ship exclusively for adults, Marco Pierre White having two new restaurants with us – Ocean Grill on board Arcadia and Oriana, and double the amount of ex-UK capacity for winter with both Oceana and Oriana based year round in Southampton. We truly have exciting times ahead and our 175th Anniversary Sale is one more reason to enjoy a holiday with us 2012.”

For more information or to book call P&O Cruises on 0845 3 554 444 or visit www.pocruises.co.uk

Please note that the 175th Anniversary Sale is available on 171 cruises out of a possible 214 cruises in the P&O Cruises 2012/13 second edition brochure, published June 2011. Not included are 2012 World Cruises, spring Caribbean fly-cruises and cruises E201 – E204 on Oceana between January and March 2012.

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ST.PETERSBURG WITHOUT A VISA?

St. Peter Line recently announced a new ferry service / cruise line operation that connects Helsinki, Tallinn and St. Petersburg onboard their ship Princess Maria.

MV Princess Maria

For EU citizens this is an opportunity to visit St. Petersburg visa free for 72 hours. The vessel leaves Tallinn on Tuesday evenings at 7pm and calls into St. Petersburg the following morning at 9.30am. Passengers can stay on board of Princess Maria and travel back to Tallinn via Helsinki or they can stay in St. Petersburg visa free and return to Tallinn via Helsinki and Stockholm on the line’s other vessel, the Princess Anastasia. For more information on their operation visit http://www.stpeterline.com