Tour-Smart Limited

Update June 2013

The ceremony took place on Friday 21st June providing a brief respite from a busy schedule for the vessel as it set sail on a Northern European tour. The ship embarked on a 12-day Baltic Sea Cruise taking in Copenhagen, Warnemünde for Berlin, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, and Zeebrugge for Bruges before ending its journey back at its home port - Dover.

The Carnival Legend will be visiting Dover a further eight times this year and joins 147 other cruise calls for 2013. The 85,500 tonne ship was built in 2002, carries 2,100 passengers and nearly 1,000 crew.

Kate O’Hara commented, “Dover Cruise Port’s commitment is to be the best cruise destination in the world for first-class service and facilities. We continue to support our community through encouraging the cruise tourism business in Kent and we warmly welcome Carnival Legend’s staff and passengers to the diverse range of activities and attractions that the region has to offer.”

Guarantee yourself some sunshine this summer and experience the best of the Mediterranean with Voyages of Discovery and Swan Hellenic.

Join Voyages of Discovery on the 15-day Mediterranean Medley cruise and take in the charms of picturesque French Riviera and enjoy a scenic drive along the Lower Corniche, 120 kilometres of coastal road. Visit Pisa and its famous leaning tower before taking a trip to see famous volcano Mount Etna in Sicily. Prices start from £1,399 per person (Saver Fare, based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

The Mediterranean Medley cruise departs from Marseille (France) and calls at Nice (France), Livorno (Italy), Civitavecchia – Rome (Italy), Castellammare di Stabia (Italy), Messina (Italy), Brindisi (Italy), Ancona (Italy), Venice (Italy), Sibenik (Croatia), Hvar (Croatia), Dubrovnik (Croatia) – overnight. Price is based on 12 September 2013 UK departure.

Alternatively join Swan Hellenic’s 14-day Aegean Odyssey cruise where guests can explore Ephesus one of the best preserved ancient cities in the East Mediterranean, before marvelling at Hadrian’s Temple and the Library of Celsus. A highlight of this cruise is sailing into Santorini’s steep caldera and exploring the cliff top, white washed towns of Thira and Oia. Prices start from £1,795 per person (Saver Fare, based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

The Aegean Odyssey cruise departs from Istanbul (Turkey) – overnight and calls at Kusadasi (Turkey), Kas (Turkey), Antalya (Turkey), Gythion (Greece), Santorini (Greece), Nisyros (Greece), Nauplion (Greece) – overnight, Paros (Greece) and Piraeus (Greece). Price is based on 10 October 2013 UK departure.

Price for both cruises include return flights to/from the UK (for fly cruises), all relevant overseas transfers, meals and entertainment and the Guest Speaker programme on board the ship. Cabin numbers will not be allocated at the time of booking.

For more information and to book these cruises please click on the following links.

For Swan Hellenic - www.swanhellenic.com 

For Voyages of Discovery - www.voyagesofdiscovery.com
 

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The Rijksmuseum
 

Swan Hellenic (rivercruises) is offering guests onboard the Dutch Waterways river cruise the opportunity to visit the newly re-opened Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. 

Passengers can immerse themselves in the art exhibited in the Rijksmuseum which stretches from the late Middle Ages through to the modern day, including the famous Night Watch by Rembrandt. Guests who have been inspired by all things art can also visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, which boasts more than 200 paintings and drawings by the man himself.

The Royal Crown - your luxurious floating hotel
 

The 8-day Dutch Waterways cruise starts from £1,750 per person (Saver Fare price, based on two people sharing an inside cabin). Cruise departs from Amsterdam (Netherlands) – overnight, and calls at Kinderdijk (Netherlands) - overnight, Dordrecht (Netherlands), Antwerp (Belgium) - overnight, Middelburg (Netherlands), Rotterdam (Netherlands) – overnight before returning to Amsterdam – overnight. Price is based on 6 July 2013 UK departure.

Price includes relevant transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions worth up to £650 per person, talks by eminent Guest Speakers, meals and entertainment on board, all gratuities on board and ashore and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. A supplement for some shore excursions may apply. Cabins may not be allocated at time of booking.

For more information and to book visit swansrivercruises.co.uk or call 0844 822 0679. Follow Swan Hellenic on twitter - @Swanhellenic and like us on Facebook


Update May 2013

Join British cruise line Swan Hellenic (www.swanhellenic.com/0844 822 0679) in its diamond anniversary year and visit South America, India and the Mediterranean. Ancient history fans can join the 15-day Pyramids & Petra cruise where passengers can experience transits of both the Corinth Canal and the Suez Canal, before exploring the Greek/Turkish city of Nicosia (Cyprus) - the only divided city in the world. Price starts from £2,165 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin, inclusive of the early booking discount), based on a 22 October 2014 UK departure.

Those looking for some guaranteed winter sun can join Voyages of Discovery’s (www.voyagesofdiscovery.com/0843 221 8499) East Africa and Indian Ocean Gems cruise to discover remote white sandy beaches in Mauritius, exotic wildlife in Madagascar – the oldest island in the world – and to enjoy the hustle and bustle of Zanzibar. Price starts from £2,474 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin), based on an 18 December 2014 UK departure.

Price for cruises include return flights to/from the UK (for fly cruises), all relevant overseas transfers, meals and entertainment and the Guest Speaker programme on board the ship. Cabin numbers will not be allocated at the time of booking.

Bookings must be made before 31 May 2013 to qualify for early booking offers. For more information, full terms and conditions or to book, visit www.swanhellenic.com or call 0844 822 0679. For Voyages of Discovery call 0843 221 8499 or visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com.
 

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At 1300 hours (local time) Wednesday May 15 2013, a ceremony to mark the keel laying of the largest cruise ship ever built for the British market took place at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy. The 141,000-ton cruise ship will enter service in 2015.

This next-generation ship will offer a stylish and innovative new design, with an unprecedented number of passenger facilities together with many iconic signatures of the P&O Cruises brand. She will offer the “best of the best”, combining favourite classic features of ships such as Oriana and Aurora, the wide choice and variety of Ventura and Azura and a host of new concepts which will include some yet-to-be-announced “sophisticated wows”. In delivering the ultimate P&O Cruises experience, the ship will be designed to attract many thousands of newcomers and will equally resonate with existing passengers by delivering the sense of P&O-ness for which the brand is held in such high regard. At the same time, the ship will be designed to deliver much greater levels of operational and environmental efficiency.

The keel laying involved the placement in the dry dock of the first section of the ship’s hull. This section is made up of 6 pre-manufactured blocks, weighs 408 tons and is fitted with 214 tons of pipes, cables, insulation and other equipment.

The ceremony follows an intensive period of design and development. 74 sections will be used in the construction of the ship.

In a speech Carnival UK CEO David Dingle said: “Each of our new ships has been exclusively designed for the British market. We have ensured that each anticipates the subtly changing trends in what British passengers expect from their cruise holiday – and is equipped to meet those expectations for many years to come. Our success in adapting to the market’s changing needs is why our ships continue to fill and why the whole cruise sector ultimately continues to buck any downward trend. We cannot wait to see this ship finished and underway”.

Fincantieri Shipyard Director Carlo De Marco said: “We are proud to be on the world stage together with P&O Cruises in this endeavour which will undoubtedly be a marvellous opportunity not only for Monfalcone shipyard but for Fincantieri as a whole. Indeed, this is another occasion to further strengthen our relationship with this well-established ship owner. It will be an honour and a pleasure, to celebrate in 2015 the delivery of this ship and together the tenth anniversary of the collaboration between P&O Cruises and Fincantieri, started in 2005 with Arcadia”.

P&O Cruises Managing Director, Carol Marlow, gave the order to lay the keel with the words: “Diamo il via alla posa del primo blocco della più grande nave, la migliore, mai costruita per il mercato Britannico!” [Please lay the keel of the biggest and best ship ever built for the British market]
 

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P&O Cruises showcases multi-million pound Ventura refurbishment

A multi-million pound refurbishment has been carried out to Ventura to incorporate features which have proved popular with passengers on sister ship Azura.

Successful concepts from Azura, such as The Glasshouse, The Retreat, menus designed by Michelin -star chef Atul Kochhar in speciality restaurant East and single cabins have all been introduced on board Ventura as part of P&O Cruises ongoing refit programme.

Highlights include:

The Glasshouse
• The Glasshouse has been introduced, to replace Las Ramblas bar and restaurant on Deck 7
• Installation of enomatic wine system allows passengers to buy premium wines by the glass selected by TV wine expert Olly Smith
• Conversion to The Glasshouse menu with a selection of small and large plates available for lunch and dinner (additional charge). Small plates include:chorizo, pork belly and butter bean cassoulet and larger plates include a selection of steak, burger and fish dishes with triple cooked chips as well as vegetarian options including woodland mushroom and spring onion risotto with melting camembert

East
• East now features a new menu designed by Michelin-star celebrity chef Atul Kochhar
• Atul has devised a unique Thai/Indonesian menu, which also includes influences from Malaysian and Vietnamese cuisine. Sample dishes include:
-24 Hour Slow Cooked Lamb Rendang - Indonesian style curry with coconut milk, shallots, garlic and ginger
-Spiced Sea Bream – wrapped in banana leaf and griddled with shallots and green chillies

Atul Kochhar said: “Exploring flavours from across the Far East, including Indonesia and Thailand, this new and exciting menu showcases modern Asian cuisine. Incorporating mystical spices with subtle ingredients this menu is inspired by my travels throughout Asia and my love of spice.”

Single cabins
• 18 new single cabins added: 12 outside and six inside
• Located in the same area as Azura, adjacent to the Exchange Bar on Deck 6, a central location

The Retreat
• Installation of The Retreat into the forward area on Deck 16
• The Retreat is a sumptuous open-air spa terrace with sun loungers, a separate pool and stunning sea views, exclusively for adults
• Passengers can buy a full day pass to The Retreat for a small cover charge

Other changes
• The atrium features a new dance floor which will host dance lessons day and night with a live band in the evening
• Ventura is now fully wi-fi enabled
• The cyberstudy has been converted into the ship’s new library (with some fixed PCs)
• A new perfumery has replaced the old library
• A new enomatic wine system has been introduced in Waterside, the ship’s buffet restaurant. This self-service system allows passengers to buy premium wines by the glass, similar to The Glasshouse, by purchasing a wine card on board

P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow said:

“This is the latest of several refits to our fleet. Oriana and Oceana have already had multi-million pound investments and Arcadia will be at the end of the year. We are delighted with the changes on Ventura. All of the enhancements have been made following feedback from both existing passengers and potential cruisers. Research showed that speciality restaurants were very important as well as a variety of dining with premium grills, classic fine dining, Asian and Indian menus being the most popular.

“As a result we have added these innovations onto Ventura. We have a new Asian Fusion menu in East, designed by Atul Kochhar and we added The Glasshouse grill and wine bar, both of which have proved so popular on Azura.

“Following the success of the single cabins on Azura and Oriana, we also now have 18 new single cabins on Ventura. This offers an attractive and cost effective option to solo travellers.

“The Retreat has also been a huge hit with passengers on Azura and so we now have the same concept on Ventura. The Retreat offers a private area, exclusively for adults and is the perfect place to relax, unwind and be pampered.

“All in all, these changes are very well suited to passengers seeking a relaxed and contemporary cruising experience – perfect for families, friends and couples alike. We are very excited to have these latest innovations in time for Ventura’s new fly-cruise programme to the Mediterranean next summer. Our passengers can enjoy some of Europe’s most iconic destinations in greater style and even more comfort on our new-look Ventura.”

The changes are reflected in the new P&O Cruises 2014/15 brochure. The new programme, which has significant savings for early bookers, is on sale now.

A Ventura refit video is available with Laurence Llewelyn Bowen talking through the exciting changes. To view it, please visit P&O Cruises YouTube page or click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxl7apcPTac

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Patrick brings a wealth of cruise industry experience to All Leisure Holidays. He has worked in key leadership roles for Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and most recently for Island Cruises. During his four years as Managing Director at Island Cruises, Patrick significantly increased profitability. Patrick has strong operational, planning and crisis management experience and his appointment forms part of the Company’s long-term strategy to build a highly skilled and professional team to take the Voyages of Discovery and Swan Hellenic brands forward to the next level.

Ryan will report directly into Ian Smith, Group Chief Executive of the All Leisure Group Plc. Ian Smith commenting on Ryan’s appointment said “We are pleased to appoint Patrick to this new role, given his deep knowledge of the cruise industry and we are confident that he will drive the continued growth of the two cruise brands within his portfolio”.

In this new role Patrick will assume overall responsibility for the Swan Hellenic and the Voyages of Discovery Product, Planning and Shore Excursion teams. He is also the Director to whom the Masters of Minerva and Voyager will report.

Update April 2013

The PORT OF KIEL is one of the most multifaceted and profitable ports in the Baltic Sea region. It's geographical position, continuous water depth for seagoing vessels and direct connection to the rail and motorway networks make the port ideal for both passenger transport and cargo handling.

Kiel also benefits from its location at the entrance to the world's busiest man-made waterway, the Kiel Canal. The PORT OF KIEL is equipped with highly modern terminal facilities in an inner-city location. An excellent quality of service and individual contact for customers are prioritised.

The 2013 cruise shipping year opened in Kiel Saturday (April 13th) when the first ship of the season, “AIDAcara”, arrived at the Ostseekai from Dover. She berthed at around 0900 at the cruise shipping terminal after earlier being treated to a water fountain display from an SFK tug when she left the Kiel Canal. Dirk Claus, Managing Director of the Port of Kiel (SEEHAFEN KIEL GmbH & Co. KG) said “we are well prepared for the cruise shipping season.

AIDAcara" in the Port of Kiel

Everything is ready at Kiel’s cruise shipping terminal.” A total of 128 calls by 21 different ships have been registered this season. Dirk Claus said “the trend of previous years is continuing: ships are getting ever bigger. As a result we expect an increase in passenger totals this year of more than 5 %. The northern Europe route is also becoming increasing significant when seen in a global context”, he added.

“AIDAcara” has spent the winter months in South America and will use Kiel as her base during the whole of the summer season. She has scheduled a total of 24 northern Europe cruises up to the start of October. They range from short, three-day cruises to 17-day trips in June and July. They will take the ship to Iceland, Spitzbergen and the North Cape. The most frequent visitors to the Kiel Fiord this year will be the vessels of shipping company MSC. Both “MSC Poesia” and “MSC Musica” (making her debut on April 25th) will begin and end cruises in Kiel. The biggest ship to call at the port this year will be “Costa Pacifica”, which will berth eight times to exchange passengers. “On summer weekends we always have at least one big cruise ship visiting the Ostseekai Terminal”, said Dirk Claus. “During peak periods, we expect as many as 11,000 passengers and a correspondingly large amount of luggage at the cruise terminal”, he added.

The highlights of the season are when several cruise ships visit all at once. On no fewer than five dates this year, three cruise ships will dominate the scene in the port – and that’s not counting the giant ferry ships of Color Line and Stena Line. And four cruise ships will be berthed in the port on June 29th, the final Saturday of the Kieler Woche regatta week. To keep abreast of the growing demand, Kiel is investing in the expansion of its handling capacities. From June, very big cruise ships will be able to tie up at the new Berth One in the Ostuferhafen. Work on expanding Berth One has already begun. Dirk Claus said “initially Berth One will help ease stop-over traffic at the existing Ostseekai Cruise Terminal; from next year passenger exchanges will also be possible on this berth”. The Ostuferhafen marks its debut on June 9th when Holland America Line’s “Eurodam” ties up on Berth One.

As a reflection of the growing popularity of Dover as a port call, and the county as a destination, Dover Cruise Port is pleased to announce that AIDA has confirmed a total of 24 port calls to Dover for 2014.

Kate O’Hara, Head of Business Delivery, Port of Dover commented: “2014 will be another busy year for the cruise business in Kent as the popularity of cruise holidays continues to grow. We are delighted that AIDA recognises the cruise terminal’s exceptional service and outstanding facilities, along with the wealth of shore excursion opportunities in this beautiful county.”

For 2014, AIDA will be operating a mixture of four, 11 and 14 day cruises sailing around Western Europe and all calling at Dover. The vessels will include AIDAbella, AIDAcara, AIDAluna, AIDAsol. In addition, there will be a brand new ship, AIDAstella, which is berthed alongside AIDAcara in Dover today (April 11) on their voyages to Hamburg and Kiel yesterday.

AIDA Cruises is the leader and most recognised cruise brand in the German cruise business. A total of ten AIDA ships are currently in service and operate in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, the Arabian Gulf, Asia, North America and around the Canary Islands. AIDA ships are dedicated to the German-speaking market and renowned for their relaxed yet stylish atmosphere on board, with a host of on-board amenities and facilities.

Kate O’Hara continues: “We are delighted to welcome AIDAstella to Dover on her inaugural visit and look forward to another successful year at the Port of Kings. We have worked hard to develop the relationship with AIDA and are delighted with the increased number of calls that we welcome year on year.”

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Update February 2013 

Hebridean Island Cruises will join over 200 other Royal Warrant holders for the one off event held in the gardens of the Palace between Friday 12th and Sunday 14th July 2013.

Hebridean Island Cruises’ Chief Operating Officer, Ken Charleson, comments:
“It’s a real honour to join our fellow Royal Warrant holders for this very special event. We will be showcasing the very best of Hebridean Island Cruises and highlighting our unique offering on our stand, designed to capture the home-from-home ambiance on board Hebridean Princess. In addition we will be offering visitors a tasting of our own labelled Single Malt whisky to pay homage to our Scottish heritage”.

Hebridean Island Cruises was awarded its Royal Warrant in January 2012.

The Coronation Festival is open to members of the public from Friday 12th until Saturday14th July 2013 with a special preview on Thursday 11th July 2013 for special guests including members of the Royal family. Each evening the Gardens will also play host to magnificent performances of music and dance at The Coronation Gala.

Day-time tickets are available from £30 per person, and evening tickets, including the Coronation Gala start from £90 per person. The Coronation Festival will open its doors to members of the public from Friday, 12th July – Sunday 14th July 2013 at 9.30am – 4.00pm, and then again for the evening and the Coronation Gala on the Friday and Saturday from 5.30pm – 9.30pm.

For further information on the Festival and to book tickets, go to www.coronationfestival.com.

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

Featuring some fine tours ashore, the luxurious Hebridean Princess offers the highest standards of 5* accommodation, together with a level of service from an almost forgotten era. Carrying just 50 guests and a dedicated crew of 38, Hebridean Princess has an enviable reputation for exceptional service. She has 30 spacious, elegant and well-appointed cabins, 10 designated especially for the single traveller.
 

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P&O Cruises has formed a year-long fundraising partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support across its fleet of seven ships, playing host to a number of exciting activities and challenge events.

Officers and crew on board will be taking part in fundraising fitness challenges throughout the year, including running and rowing the equivalent number of nautical miles covered by the ships across the oceans.

A gala ball will be held in which there will be an auction “for things money can’t buy” including dinner and private masterclasses with celebrity chefs Marco Pierre White and Atul Kochhar and personal wine tasting tuition from TV wine expert Olly Smith. There will also be unique keepsakes such as polished engine parts and signed navigation charts. In addition to selling Macmillan pins and badges on board, there will be weekly coffee and cupcake mornings on each ship.

P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow (pictured above) said: “Macmillan is an incredible charity which offers emotional, medical, practical and financial support to those affected by cancer. P&O Cruises is determined to help raise as much money as possible in 2013 to help them to do this. Passengers on board our ships will be able to join in with a range of fundraising activities and I am sure they will support our efforts for this immensely worthy cause and enjoy themselves at the same time.”

Lynda Thomas, Director of Fundraising at Macmillan Cancer Support adds: ‘‘It is Macmillan’s aim to reach and improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer. But we cannot do this on our own and we believe everyone can help. This is why we are delighted to be working with P&O Cruises to raise valuable funds and awareness of our work helping to ensure that no one has to face cancer alone.’’

The partnership was launched at P&O Cruises Southampton headquarters earlier today with Macmillan supporter and master pâtissier Eric Lanlard joining hundreds of office staff, all wearing Macmillan t-shirts. Eric baked Macmillan green cupcakes to celebrate the occasion.
 

CareVacations / Cruise Ship Assist is a family owned company based in Leduc, Canada, with agents in most of the major cruise ports of the world and working with all the major cruise lines, are the leading providers of mobility equipment for cruising clients who have a disability, be it short term or long.

CareVacations provides a variety of equipment, including standard wheelchairs, scooters, power chairs and hospital beds and hoists.

In Europe the Company is represented by CareVacations & Commerce UK, who provide a complete service, delivering your hired and fully maintained equipment to your cabin on the day of embarkation and collecting it after you disembark.

CareVacations also offer mobility equipment for your pre/post hotel stays in London. Bookings are done over the phone or via email, clients only deal with one person in the UK.

CareVacations / Cruise Ship Assist have been offering clients in North America this service for at least 25 years. All the main USA and Canadian cruise ports are serviced, as well as the Caribbean.

Cruising is an ideal holiday for anyone who wants to leave the stress and strain of travel behind and just enjoy themselves, whether you have a disability or not!

For more information about the UK representation and the Canadian owned company, visit these websites:-

www.carevacations.co.uk

www.carevacations.com

Contact details in UK:-
Krystyna Stafford – Mobile 07821 614803
Email:- [email protected]