Tour-Smart Limited

Update April 2012

Carnival Corporation & plc and its subsidiary Costa Crociere have announced that Pier Luigi Foschi will retire as the cruise operator’s chief executive officer effective July 1, 2012.

Foschi, 65, will remain as chairman and a managing director of the Costa group and remain on the board of directors of Carnival Corporation & plc.

Michael Thamm, currently serving as president of Germany-based AIDA Cruises, has been appointed CEO of the Costa group, which includes Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises, as well as Spanish cruise operator Ibero Cruises. Thamm will also serve on Costa's board of directors. Thamm will relocate to Genoa, Italy, and in his new role will report to Costa’s board of directors, which includes Micky Arison and Howard Frank, Carnival Corporation & plc’s chairman and CEO, and vice chairman and chief operating officer, respectively.

The moves are part of a long-term succession plan which included the scheduled retirement of Foschi once he reached the age of 65.
Longtime AIDA senior executive Michael Ungerer has been named AIDA Cruises’ president and Gianni Onorato will continue in his role as president of the Costa Cruises brand.

Foschi joined Costa Crociere in 1997 and was elected chairman of the board in 2000. Over the past 15 years, Foschi has played an integral role in the company’s tremendous growth and success while building upon its distinction as Europe’s number one cruise operator. In his role as Costa’s chairman, Foschi will continue to oversee the company’s government relations, matters related to the Costa Concordia accident and spearhead a number of strategic projects.

“Pier has made it known for some time that he intended to retire once he turned 65 and today’s announcement is part of our longtime succession plan that allows us to tap into our talented management team to find qualified individuals to oversee our brands,” Arison said. “Pier has developed Costa into a very successful and profitable organization and we wish to thank him for his many years of dedicated service. At the same time, Michael has done a superb job managing AIDA Cruises and we have every confidence that Michael will continue these efforts at the helm of Costa,” Arison added.

All of the various appointments are subject to approval by Costa’s board.
Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise company in the world, with a portfolio of cruise brands in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Ibero Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK).

Together, these brands operate 98 ships totaling 195,000 lower berths with 10 new ships scheduled to enter service between May 2012 and March 2016. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour company in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

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The NEW 2013 Cruise & Maritime Voyages Brochure is Out Now!

The new brochure is packed with a wonderful choice of 60 exceptional value cruising holidays aboard our ever popular classic cruise ships, the 800 passenger Marco Polo and Ocean Countess.

Ocean Countess and Marco Polo
 

Our 2013 programme offers a wide selection of cruising holidays including the spectacular Land of the Northern Lights and Midnight Sun, the breathtaking Norwegian Fjords, Spitzbergen, the glorious Baltic & Russia, Iceland & the Northern Isles, the Mediterranean and Black Sea and closer to home, our ever popular Round Britain & Ireland cruises. Next winter, why not join our ultimate escape the winter voyage to the mighty Amazon & West Indies. Alternatively, take a look at our magical Christmas & New Year cruise to the Canaries and Madeira or our great selection of short cruise breaks to whet the appetite.

Book by 31st July 2012 and save up to 25% with prices guaranteed against surcharge.

If you have already cruised with us then a copy of the new brochure will be sent to you shortly, if you are a new customer and would like a copy of the brochure, please contact us to join our mailing list by clicking on sales@cruiseandmaritime.com

 

Swan Hellenic introduces its 2013/14 programme of cruises which sees its flagship 350 passenger ship, Minerva, visiting 16 new destinations. In total, the ship will sail to 184 ports around the world during 2013/14.

To celebrate the launch of the 2013/14 programme, Swan Hellenic – renowned for all inclusive value which includes an inclusive shore excursion programme and all gratuities on board and ashore – is offering passengers a 10 per cent discount on selected 2013 cruises and free travel insurance.

Passengers can benefit from free insurance on all bookings made between 17 April and 31 May 2012 on departures from 21 May 2013. An early booking incentive of 10% is also available on selected sailings during this same period.

Plus, for the first time, passengers choosing a higher grade Balcony suite (Grades A-C) can enjoy a complimentary return chauffeur service from their home to the UK airport or port within a radius of 75 miles (excess mileage charges on journeys over 75 miles will apply) on all cruises departing from 13 February 2013. Additional discounts can also be made if, when booking your 2013 cruise, you also book a cruise in 2012, and you can also achieve up to 30% savings on booking Grand Voyages in winter 2012/13. Terms and conditions apply on all these offers. 

In Summer 2013 Minerva will be sailing from its home port of Portsmouth, offering a varied programme of no-fly cruises to the Baltic, Norway, Spitsbergen, The British Isles, Iceland, France and Ireland. These include partnership cruises that have been designed in conjunction with the National Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society. Fly-cruises are also available, including the Black Sea and the Dalmatian coast and itineraries that explore the Mediterranean in the Autumn sunshine.

Further highlights of the summer 2013 programme include a cruise focusing on Oslo and the Fjords. This cruise, in June 2013, marks Minerva’s return to Oslo and also offers maiden calls in Haugesund, Førde and Ulvik. Scenic cruising in the fjords is a highlight of the cruise, which also features cruising Sognefjord to Flåm, for a chance to ride on the famous railway, and Nordfjord to see the spectacular Briksdal Glacier in Jostedal National Park. Prices start from £2,495 per person for a 16-day cruise.

Minerva will visit Spitsbergen for the first time on its Above the Arctic Circle itinerary in July 2013, spending four days calling at the remote settlements of Longyearbyen, Barentsburg and Ny-Alesund as well as cruising in Magdalenefjord. Prices start from £3,395 per person for a 21-day cruise.

Swan Hellenic, a British company founded in 1954, is also announcing its Winter 2013/14 programme, marking the start of its Diamond anniversary year. Minerva will cruise to the Caribbean, Central America and make a circumnavigation of South America. New ports of call include Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Casilda in Cuba, Cartagena in Colombia and the San Blas islands. Passengers can enjoy the 84-day winter voyage around South America from £11,765 per person.

Renowned for its eminent Guest Speakers, the 2013 programme includes Professor Mark Horton, co-presenter of BBC2’s BAFTA award winning programme Coast, the historian Mr Antony Beevor, Dr Andrew Burnett, Deputy Director of the British Museum, and Dr Emily Lethbridge, who recently spent a year in Iceland reading and researching the sagas in the landscapes in which they were written.

Swan Hellenic’s Managing Director, Colin Stone commented:

“Our passengers are constantly in search of new cultural experiences and enjoy visiting destinations that other larger cruise lines do not explore. With the addition of 16 new ports of call across five continents the forthcoming programme has something to suit all tastes. In addition, we always listen to our passengers’ comments and are pleased to be able to announce some new launch promotions. We anticipate that the complimentary insurance and chauffeur service will be well received, further reinforcing Swan Hellenic’s reputation of exceptional inclusive value small ship discovery cruising.”

Further highlights of the 2013 programme include:

The Realms of the British Isles cruise in partnership with the National Trust. This 15-day itinerary offers visits to distinguished National Trust houses, gardens and also features scenic cruising in the Inner Hebrides and along the Jurassic coast of Dorset. National Trust Guest Speakers feature on this cruise. Prices start from £2,175 per person for the 15-day cruise.

In partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society, and with an RHS Guest Speaker, explore further off the beaten track with a cruise to the Shores of the Emerald Isle. Visit diverse gardens and enjoy maiden calls in the remote ports of Dingle in Eire, Inishmore on the Isles of Arran and the nature sanctuary of Lundy Island. Prices start from £2,175 per person for the 15-day cruise.

Rhythms of Cuba and the Caribbean offers two days exploring Havana, a full day in Santiago de Cuba and a morning call in Casilda, allowing exploration of many of the UNESCO world heritage sites in Cuba. Prices start from £1,950 per person for the 16-day cruise.

All brochure prices include return flights to/from the UK, transfers, a comprehensive selection of inclusive shore excursions in every port, and the opportunity to listen to enlightening talks by the eminent Guest Speakers 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.

Make the most of the Great British summer and join Swan Hellenic’s 15-day Treasures of the British Isles cruise in partnership with the National Trust.

Visiting a number of National Trust properties including Wallington in Northumberland, Plas Newydd, the ancestral home of the Marquess of Anglesey, Greenway, the holiday home of Agatha Christie, the magical garden of the D’Oyly Carte family at Coleton Fishacre, as well as the spectacular Snowdonia National Park and the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.

Helping bring the destinations to life, on board guests will be joined by National Trust Guest Speakers Jeremy Pearson, the Historic Properties Advisor for Devon and Cornwall and Adrian Tinniswood, an established author of several National Trust books. Both have lectured widely in the UK and abroad and will be able to offer their expertise on the properties visited. Other Guest Speakers on this cruise include ornithologist Tim Earl, Tresco Abbey Garden’s curator, Mike Nelhams and theologian, the Rt Revd Stephen Platten.

Treasures of the British Isles departs from Portsmouth (UK) and calls at Port of Tyne (England), Edinburgh (Scotland), Scrabster (Scotland), Stornoway (Lewis, Outer Hebrides) – overnight, Tobermory (Scotland) – overnight, Oban (Scotland), Anglesey (UK), Belfast (Northern Ireland) Isles of Scilly (UK), Dartmouth (UK), and St.Peter Port (Guernsey, Channel Islands) before returning to Portsmouth (UK). Price of £1905 per person is based on a special guarantee offer fare on 6 June 2012 departure. Savings of up to £930 per person are available on this cruise for selected cabins.

Prices for all cruises 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. Special offer terms and conditions apply.

Voyages of Discovery is offering a series of summer savings of up to 40% per person on 2012 cruises.

With prices starting from as little as £489 per person for an eight-day cruise, including transfers and gratuities, the Summer Sale offers value for money on all European itineraries.

All cabin grades have been reduced; meaning the higher the grade of cabin booked the bigger the saving. The Summer Sale is valid on all bookings made before 12 April.

Cruises on offer include:

Voyage to the Mediterranean – 8 day cruise from £489pp - departing on 17 September 2012 calling at Leixoes (Portugal) and Barcelona (Spain). Fly cruise from Harwich (UK).

D-Day, Normandy, Dunkirk and Beyond – 9 day cruise from £589pp – departing on 9 June 2012 calling at Dunkirk (France) and Heligoland (Germany). No-fly cruise from Portsmouth (UK).

Oslo and the Magic of Norway – 10 day cruise from £679pp - departing on 25 August 2012 calling at Oslo (Norway) and Flåm and Gudvangen (Norway). No-fly cruise from Harwich (UK).

Timeless Baltic – 15 day cruise from £1,049pp - departing on 3 September 2012 calling at Copenhagen (Denmark) and St Petersburg (Russia). No-fly cruise from Harwich (UK).

Spitsbergen and the Northern Cape – 16 day cruise from £1,099pp - departing on 13 June 2012 calling at Trondheim (Norway) and Longyearbyen (Spitsbergen). No-fly cruise from Harwich (UK).

A Nordic and White Sea Adventure – 20 day cruise from £1,899pp – departing on 25 July 2012 calling at Archangel (Russia) and Ørsta (Norway). No-fly cruise from Harwich (UK).

Further summer cruises and offers are available. Please see www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk .

Price includes flights and overseas transfers from/to the ship (where applicable), all gratuities, service charges and port/airport taxes, a comprehensive Guest Speaker programme and all meals and entertainment on-board.

Savings are based on original brochure price. The £1,953 per person saving is based on a guest booking a category A cabin on the Nordic and White Sea Adventure sailing at original brochure price.

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

Cruise on board the newly refurbished mv Minerva for less with Swan Hellenic’s (www.swanhellenic.com)  newly announced limited special offer fares.

Pay in full at the time of the booking and cruise from as little as £1,705 per person for a 15-day cruise. Savings apply to cruises throughout the 2012 programme.

Each booking is non-refundable and cabin number will be allocated the day before the cruise departs.

Selection of special fares:

Gardens of the Celtic Fringe – 14-day cruise from £1,745 per person – save up to 20% (£1,700 saving per cabin) on brochure price. Departing on 19 July 2012 from Portsmouth and calling at Dublin (Ireland), Portrush (Ireland), Killybegs (Ireland), Glengarriff (Ireland), Cork (Ireland), Isles of Scilly (England), Falmouth (England), St Peter Port (Guernsey) and Rouen (France) before returning to Portsmouth (England). Excursion highlights include the Giant’s Causeway, Ring of Beara, Tresco Abbey Gardens, the Lost Gardens of Heligan and the Seine River transit to Rouen.

South to the Mediterranean – 15-day cruise from £1,745 per person – save up to 20% (£1,710 saving per cabin) on brochure price. Departing on 1 August 2012 from Portsmouth and calling at St Peter Port (Guernsey), La Coruna (Spain), Oporto (Portugal), Cadiz (Spain), Malaga (Spain), Cartagena (Spain), Palma (Majorca), Cagliari (Italy), Trapani (Italy) and Valletta (Malta) - overnight. Excursion highlights include an inclusive full day Alhambra Palace, Jerez Sherry Bodega, Phoenician Heritage of Sardinia and the Greek Temples of Sicily.
No single supplement also applies on selected cabins on this cruise.

Venice and Adriatic – 15-day cruise from £1,900 per person – save up to 20% (£1,860 saving per cabin) on brochure price. Departing on 15 August 2012 from Valletta (Malta) -overnight- and calling at Dubrovnik (Croatia)-overnight, Korcula (Croatia), Split (Croatia), Trieste (Italy), Venice (Italy), Pula (Croatia), Kotor (Montenegro)-overnight, Sarande (Albania), Itea (Greece), and Piraeus (Greece)-overnightx2. Excursion highlights include Dubrovnik Walled Town, Dalmation Coast, Diocletian’s Palace, Kotor Fjord, Delphi and Minerva’s transit of the Corinth Canal.

Passage to Oman – 15-day cruise from £1,705 per person – save up to 20% (£1,470 saving per cabin) on brochure price. Departing on 21 November 2012 from Safaga (Egypt)-overnight- and calling at Dijbouti (Djibouti) -overnight, Salalah (Oman), Muscat (Oman)-overnight, Khasab (Oman) and Dubai (United Arab Emirates)-overnight. Excursion highlights include Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings, Forts and Palaces of Oman, Musandam Fjord and Dubai skyline.

No single supplement also applies on selected cabins on this cruise.

Prices for all cruises includes flights and transfers (where applicable), 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.

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


Discovery-led cruise ship sails home following its multi million pound refit

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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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

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.”

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. 

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