• Voyage through the Northwest Passage took 15 days
• MS HANSEATIC covered more than 4,000 nautical miles
• Cruise ends on 9 September in Nome/ Alaska
 

The Hapag-Lloyd Cruises ship HANSEATIC has just covered more than 4,000 nautical miles. The expedition ship successfully sailed through the legendary Northwest Passage. This cruise with a duration of 26 days started on 16 August in Kangerlussuaq/Greenland, passed Disko Bay, which is famous for its icebergs, and sailed through the Northwest Passage headed for Nome, Alaska. Besides numerous animal encounters and excursions with the manoeuvrable Zodiacs, the highlight of the voyage was a meeting with the sister ship BREMEN.

On 23 August 2010, the HANSEATIC began the transit through the Northwest Passage near Resolute Bay, concluding the passage on 6 September 2010 upon arrival in Barrow/ Alaska. Only a very limited number of passenger ships accept the challenge of sailing through the entire Northwest Passage from east to west. The two Hapag-Lloyd Cruises expedition ships BREMEN and HANSEATIC are among the very few ships worldwide capable of tackling these routes thanks to their special constructional design and the highest ice class for passenger ships (E4). Naturally, the weather and ice conditions in this region also have an impact on the itinerary – after all, this is one of the distinguishing features of an expedition cruise.

Northwest Passage itineraries 2011:
For the first time ever, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers guests to discover the fascination of the Arctic and the Northwest Passage on a shorter, 19-day cruise with MS HANSEATIC. Sailing through a smaller portion of the Northwest Passage, guests will follow the traces of Amundsen and Franklin and explore the ice coast of Greenland as well as the untouched island world in the north of Canada.
Trip logistics: from Kangerlussuaq/ Greenland to Reykjavik/ Iceland, August 14 - September 2, 2011.

The full and very popular Northwest Passage will also be offered in August 2011 with MS BREMEN. The famous passage starts in Nome, Alaska amidst impressive testimonies of the Inuit culture before the BREMEN sails through the Canadian Arctic and thus the heart of the Northwest Passage, on a 25-day journey.
Trip logistics: from Nome/ Alaska to Reykjavik/ Iceland, August 13 - September 7, 2011.

For more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ exciting destinations and itineraries visit www.hl-cruises.com. For bookings, inquiries or to request a brochure, please look for your nearest sales agent in your country at www.hl-cruises.com, link customer service (click here).

Pictures can be downloaded at www.hl-cruises.com/photos.
 

As Hallowe’en on October 31 draws spookily near, TV drinks expert and celebrity Olly Smith has created four new cocktails to warm up those autumn evenings.

Olly Smith, who oversees The Glass House on Azura, Britain’s newest and largest cruise ship, said:

“On a dark, chilly night there is nothing better than gently brewing spices and spirits. They fill the house with the aroma of comfort and a sense of festivity. Autumn evokes magical smells of crackling fires and glorious tastes like ginger parkin and of course, it’s mulled wine heaven. My recipes here are for old favourites with a twist and new ones which will soon become legendary.”

Dragon’s Blood!

My kids love this – serves two.

10 ml Cassis
10 ml Grenadine
200 ml fizzy water

Garnish with a slice of blood orange.

For the full effect, make matching Dragon’s Blood ice cubes (use the above recipe but replace fizzy water for still, pour into an ice cube tray and freeze as normal).

You can always customise it into a more grown up cocktail by adding a tot of blackcurrant vodka or sloe gin!

Mulled Wine

This is a simple drink to create – and you can easily customise your own version. The key is not to boil the wine, just keep it warm. You can add orange juice, brandy and sugar to the base, a clove or two, a knob of fresh ginger, a cinnamon stick and you can load it with oranges, lemons and limes or try using slices of fresh mango for a tropical twist. The rule of thumb is keep tasting until it’s right – and don’t over do the cloves or they make it bitter!

Mulled White Wine

This couldn’t be simpler, choose a fruity leftover white wine, add freshly chopped pineapple, a few lemon wedges, honey and a cinnamon stick. Strain and serve with a sliced lemon garnish and sugar to taste (and you can give it a kick with a dose of leftover spirit – brandy, vodka, or Cointreau for an orangey tang).

Olly’s Secret Punch

Gently heat equal measures of leftover port, Cointreau and Southern Comfort topped up with fresh orange juice in a pan. Don’t let it boil. At the last minute squeeze two halves of blood orange into the pan and toss in the squeezed halves. I prefer not to add sugar as the port makes my secret punch gloriously sweet. Garnish with an orange slice and serve in glass mugs.

Olly Smith will be travelling on Azura regularly throughout 2010 and 2011 - for details see www.pocruises.com.

A variety of Olly’s cocktails are available on Azura this autumn.
 

Costa Cruises’ fleet expansion programme continues with the laying of the keel on the newest addition.  Work is underway at Fincantieri’s Marghera (Venice) yard on the construction of the Costa Fascinosa.

The ship is the 16th fleet member of Costa Cruises, the largest Italian travel group and Europe’s favourite cruise company, and is due to enter service in spring 2012.

The keel-laying of the ship took place on Friday 3 September 2010. The first section of the hull, a block 12 metres long and 295 tonnes in weight was also laid.  The Costa Fascinosa, sister ship of the Costa Favolosa, will be able to accommodate up to 3,780 guests and will be 114,500 gross tonnage.  

Costa Fascinosa is one of two new Costa cruise ships currently under construction in the Fincantieri shipyard.  In addition to the Costa Fascinosa, work is also proceeding on the Costa Favolosa, which underwent a technical launch on 6 August 2010 and is set to make her debut in July 2011. The construction of each new ship involves the labour of around 3000 people, comprising both Fincantieri’s own employees and about 500 contracted suppliers, most of which are Italian firms.

Costa Cruises’ fleet expansion programme began in 2000 and encompasses 13 new ships by 2012, nine of which have been or will be built in Italy by Fincantieri.  Three of the new liners were delivered in less than 12 months, between spring 2009 and the start of this year, while Costa Favolosa will be joining the fleet in summer 2011. Finally, in 2012, with the arrival of Costa Fascinosa, the Costa Cruises fleet will be 16-strong.

Since the year 2000, the Costa Crociere S.p.A. Group (comprising Costa Cruises as well as the number one brand for the German market AIDA Cruises and Iberocruceros, which operates mainly for the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking markets) has continued to develop its ambitious investment plan for the expansion of the fleet with a total outlay now worth over 9.6 billion euros. The most recent new building was announced only a few weeks ago.

The group recently commissioned the German shipyard Meyer Werft to build a new ship for the AIDA Cruises brand, a 71,300 gross tonnage liner with 2192 guests, which will be ready for service in 2013.  By virtue of this further addition and based on the current size of the fleet, in three years’ time the Costa Crociere S.p.A. Group will comprise 30 ships.

Viking River Cruises is delighted to announce that it has scooped the 2010 award for ‘Star River Cruise Company’ at this year’s Travel Bulletin Star Awards, at London’s prestigious Landmark Hotel. Commenting on the achievement, Wendy Atkin-Smith, Viking Managing Director UK said,

“Winning the award is a remarkable achievement given the number of companies now marketing river cruise programmes in the UK. The award is even more significant because it is voted for exclusively by the industry’s true experts, travel agents, in recognition of ‘supreme excellence’. Over the past two years, we have been working closely with travel agents to equip them with the knowledge and expertise, which will help them to provide a quality and informed service to their customers”.

On announcing the awards, Travel Bulletin said, “after such a challenging year, it’s vital that we recognise the travel industry’s high achievers, those suppliers that have striven for success in a difficult economic climate’.

Viking River Cruises was one of 32 companies to be presented with a Star Award and was in a category of four river cruise companies.

The Star Award, is the latest in a long line of awards presented to Viking by the trade, but as Wendy Atkin Smith added, “to receive such an accolade is important to us and we are grateful to the industry for its support, however, we know that this is simply the icing on the cake and we must continue to provide the right ingredients to ensure that our product remains the top choice”.

Viking River Cruises has added a new destination to its portfolio for 2011, with the introduction of a programme of cruise/tours along South East  Asia’s Mekong River. For the first time, Viking has partnered with the 66-passenger RV Tonle, a beautifully crafted ship finished in brass and teak and elegantly designed in French Colonial style to offer a 17-day Magnificent Mekong cruise/tour itinerary. Like other vessels in the Viking fleet, all staterooms are outside facing with river view and many have large windows that open.

The same tour planning staff who organise Viking’s China cruise/tours, have utilised their first-hand knowledge of Asia to develop the new itinerary, which links Vietnam and Cambodia with a cruise on  Indochina’s most important river, the Mekong.

Arrival is in Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi where two nights are spent before flying to Siem Reap in Cambodia for the transfer via Kampong Cham to the rv Tonle. Along the route there’s an excursion by small boat to the Kampong Chnang Wetlands and a Sampan boat excursion and floating market visit. Final destination is Ho Chi Minh City where a further two nights is spent.

The itinerary is packed with 14 guided tours along the route as well as including a programme of ‘Cultural Highlights’ such as visiting the Siem Reap arts and craft school and the floating market. In addition, a ‘Culture Curriculum’ provides valuable information on the history of the Khmer and modern Vietnam and Cambodia.

Highlights are plentiful. There’s a Cyclo tour of Hanoi’s old city’s ’36 streets’ visits to Angkor Wat, a UNESCO site and Bayon Temple Phnom Kulen and Banteay Srey Temple in Siem Reap; Cyclo tour featuring Royal Palace and national Museum of Phnom Penh and a city tour of Ho Chi Minh with a visit to a traditional wedding ceremony.

Departures are from 19 January through to 28 December 2011 (no departure dates during April, May and August). Prices start from £3,999 per person (based on two people sharing) or from £3,499 for a single cabin and include return schedule flights to Hanoi and from Ho Chi Minh City (or vice versa), seven night river cruise; two nights in Hanoi; three nights in Siem Reap; two nights in Ho Chi Minh in deluxe or superior first class hotels; 14 guided tours; 14 breakfasts, seven lunches, 12 dinners featuring regional specialities; and an intra-itinerary flight.

For more details visit www.vikingrivercruises.com or call 020 8780 7978.

This ‘repositioning’ cruise offers a taster for first time cruisers with one night on board and a one night stay in the fair city of Dublin. The Ocean Countess departs from Plymouth on October 8 for this two night weekend break which starts from just £119pp for an inside cabin and £129pp for an ocean view.

The offer, through Cruise & Maritime Voyages (www.cruiseandmaritime.com 0845 833 9798) includes the overnight cruise, one night in a Dublin hotel, ferry to Holyhead and coach transfer to Plymouth and surrounding areas.

The 800 passenger Ocean Countess is a classic ocean liner formerly known as the Cunard Countess and offers a great environment for those wanting a taste of British  style cruising experience.   Spend a relaxing evening, overnight and leisurely morning on board and then Dublin attractions are there for the asking. After a night in a 3* hotel, you are transferred to the Stena Line Ferry for Holyhead with service with breakfast on board, and  coach transfers to Exeter, Newton Abbott, Torquay, Paignton, Totnes and Plymouth.

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a cabin on a full board basis with daytime activities and evening entertainment

Cruise and Maritime Voyages (www.cruiseandmaritime.com 0845 833 9798) is offering big savings on two 14 night autumn cruise departures on board the elegant and traditional Marco Polo.

Both sailings are from the London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury on September 20 and October 16. Prices for both cruises start from £799pp saving £100 (11%) on an inside cabin and £849pp saving £350 (29%) on an ocean view cabin. Savings are available on other types of cabins

Marco Polo’s ‘Mediterranean Odyssey’ Cruise on September 20 heads down to Gijón on Spain’s north coast, Portimão on Portugal’s Algarve, Gibraltar, the exotic city of Tangier, and the islands of Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza. The ship calls at Lisbon before returning to Tilbury

Cunard Line is pleased to confirm that Her Majesty The Queen will name the company’s new Queen Elizabeth, the third Cunard ship to bear the name, at a ceremony to take place in Southampton on Monday 11 October 2010.

The naming will be a milestone in British maritime history and will be a major event of worldwide interest.

Peter Shanks, Cunard President and Managing Director, comments:

“The naming of a Cunard Queen is a very special occasion and this will be an historic event in the true sense of the word. The Queen launched Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1967 and named our current flagship, Queen Mary 2, in 2004. We are both honoured and proud that Her Majesty will name our new liner Queen Elizabeth.”

Her Majesty was also present at the age of 12 at the launch of the first Queen Elizabeth on 27 September 1938 when she accompanied her mother, Queen Elizabeth, to Clydebank for the launch.

The Naming Ceremony will take place in Southampton on Monday 11 October and the ship will set sail on her maiden voyage the following day.

Elaborate New Décor Creates Festive Celebrations for Christmas & New Year at Sea

In its traditional six-star style, Crystal Cruises is introducing extravagantly redesigned décor aboard its two award-winning ships this holiday season.  With each ship boasting distinctly different themes, thousands of glittering lights, ribbon-wrapped wreaths, reindeer in faux mink swags, candy canes, crystal ornaments – even feathers – will adorn Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity for the 2010 Christmas/New Year cruises.  Respectively, the vessels sail round-trip from Los Angeles on a December 22 voyage to the Hawaiian Islands and round-trip from Miami on a December 21 Caribbean itinerary.

“Holidays aboard Crystal ships are always lavish affairs, with unforgettable banquets and parties and decorations planned for families and friends travelling and celebrating together,” says Bret Bullock, vice president, entertainment. 

Crystal Symphony will sport a sophisticated palette, beginning with three heralding angels, complete with lushly feathered wings and golden trumpets, overlooking the Crystal Plaza.  In the Bistro, an Eiffel Tower Christmas tree with apropos coffee-themed ornaments will be lit from within, while golden- and white-feathered trees are set throughout the Avenue of the Stars and Crystal Cove.

Suiting Crystal Serenity’s Caribbean destinations, tropically dressed penguins and polar bears will serve as Santa’s helpers in the Palm Court lobby, with snowflakes and lighted icicles at virtually every turn.  The Stardust lounge will become Santa’s workshop, and a chic, cocktail-themed tree will hang upside-down in Pulse nightclub, while Silk Road and The Sushi Bar display chopstick-laden trees.

Christmas brings traditional feasts, eggnog and holiday shows, while a black-tie New Year’s Eve party rings in the New Year.  Clergy will be on board for religious services.

Both 14-day sailings include $500 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credits. 

Cruise and Maritime Voyages (www.cruiseandmaritime.com 0845 833 9798) is offering savings of £400pp on a choice of 14 night Autumn Mediterranean cruises. Departing from London Tilbury on September 20, Marco Polo sails to coastal resorts of Spain and Portugal, the Balearics plus Gibraltar and Tangier. Then, on October 16, the ship heads to Spain, Portugal, Madeira, the Canaries and Agadir. Book a superior ocean view cabin for £1199pp (saving £400pp, 25%) or a premium ocean view cabin for £1,399pp (saving £400pp, 22%).

Marco Polo’s ‘Mediterranean Odyssey’ Cruise on September 20 heads to Gijón on Spain’s north coast, Portimão on Portugal’s Algarve, Gibraltar, the exotic city of Tangier, and the islands of Menorca, Majorca and Ibiza. The ship calls at Lisbon before returning.

Marco Polo’s October 16 departure calls at Spain’s northern port of Vigo then Morocco’s thriving port of Agadir. The ship calls at the Canary islands of Lanzarote, Tenerife and La Gomera, Madeira’s capital of Funchal and heads home via Leixoes for the Portuguese city of Oporto.

Marco Polo offers adult-only, traditional British style cruising and a highly rated entertainments programme.

The prices of £1199 a superior ocean view cabin and £1,399 for a premium ocean view cabin are per person based on two sharing and include full board and daytime and evening entertainment.

Reservations Cruise & Maritime Voyages www.cruiseandmaritime.com 0845 833 9798 or contact your local ACE agent
 

Cunard Line’s tradition of providing luxury experiences at sea continues with Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Spa. The 13,000 square-foot spa space features stunning art deco style decor with two levels for treatment rooms, fitness and pool facilities. Like her sisters, Queen Elizabeth’s spa offers a comprehensive health and wellness programme with a spectacular Hydrotherapy Pool and Thermal Suite. Newly created is the Royal Bath House, the centrepiece for the ultimate spa experience. Inspired by relaxing treatments drawn from disciplines around the world, the Royal Spa will offer the most luxurious and exotic treatments available in any spa resort, including being the first spa at sea to provide Remède products and treatments.

The new Royal Bath House is a relaxing, covered space, a social relaxation area that includes both the Thermal Suite and Hydrotherapy pool, all adjacent to the main outdoor pool on Deck 9. Luxurious robes, slippers and other amenities will be provided. Day passes are available for those guests not booking a treatment.

Beyond the aquatics area of the spa, guests can enjoy treatments provided by one of Cunard’s many high-end partners. Queen Elizabeth will be the first spa at sea to offer Remède service, including Customized Facials and Massages, as well as Remède and Elemis spa products. Additionally, other new treatments and partners include:

Royal Spa Self-Scrub: Guests work with the spa’s mixologist to create a customised special blend of exfoliants that buff away dead skin and impurities. 

Cellulite Reduction and Revitalizing Leg Therapy by Ionithermie: This detoxifying, firming and toning treatment helps to eliminate toxins. Alleviates water retention and also guarantees inches will be lost after just one treatment.

Peter Shanks, Cunard’s Managing Director and President, says:

"As the world awaits Queen Elizabeth, our guests are eager to experience all the lavish amenities featured on board, including the rituals of luxury found in the Royal Spa. From couples’ treatment suites and new treatments to adventurous fitness classes and premium spa product partners, Cunard continues to offer the ultimate in rejuvenation at sea.”

The centre also includes a full-service hair and nail salon using award-winning products and providing the latest services, such as

Phyto Hair Cocktails: Phyto is a blend of plants and herbs that helps repair the structure of the hair and nourish the scalp.
Award-winning St. Tropez Sunless Tanning for the face and body.
Brazilian Blowout: The Brazilian Blowout leaves hair smooth, healthy and frizz-free for up to 12 weeks without the use of damaging chemicals.

For health-focused guests, Queen Elizabeth’s fitness centre includes a fully appointed work-out facility and aerobics studio featuring signature fitness classes including:

Walkvest®: which helps use extra calories while wearing a weighted vest (two – 16 lbs.) while walking
Walking Poles: which turn walking into a total body workout, engaging every muscle with each stride. Classes show how the use of the poles can enhance ‘walking’ experiences to help improve stamina, posture and balance
Aqua Tone: This special class incorporates movements with various types of water equipment, such as dumbbells, floats, aqua gloves and fins. The water resistance helps build muscles without overexertion.

To promote overall wellbeing, the spa also offers services using the ancient traditions of Chinese medicines and Ayurvedic techniques. A professionally trained acupuncturist, registered by the British Acupuncture Council, offers six different treatments to assist in alleviating stress, pain, or helping with weight loss.

Ayurveda (Sanskrit for the Science of Life) is an ancient Indian health care system and offers a wellness plan that includes the guests’ preferred type of exercise and dietary choices. A key part of health and wellness is education, and so seminars ranging from managing arthritis to metabolism enhancement will be offered throughout the voyage. 

Oceania Cruises are delighted to advise that it is moving to local currency pricing in UK & Europe on 1st September for cruises travelling on or after 01 January 2011, representing a major commitment to developing the brand across the region. Brochures featuring Sterling rates will arrive by the end of September.  Should you not receive your supply please contact Kate Gibbs in Sales Support.

New Bookings

• In the UK, Sterling rates will appear in Amadeus Cruise and the Online Booking Engine at 09.00 CET on 1st September.
• Deposit payments will be set at £500 per personStandard terms and conditions will remain unchangedDetails of the Sterling trust account can be found in the attached updated Operational Procedures document.

NB: As recently mentioned, some 2011 cruises will increase in price on 1st September as we move in line with our US pricing model

Existing Bookings

Existing bookings will remain in US Dollars as originally booked with onward payments to be made into the existing US Dollar trust account based in the UK.

Groups

Agents wishing to promote existing groups will need to re-contract in Pounds Sterling.

Agents should contact International Reservations with the details of the group contract that they wish to re-issue.  We will then issue a new sterling contract at the original price level agreed, in line with our policy that group contract pricing is locked in for the lifetime of the group.

For further information please contact either Kate Gibbs in sales support or the International Reservations team in Miami.

Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises announces two brand new seven-day getaways exploring the Pacific Coast for April 2011.  Sailing between Los Angeles and Vancouver aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony, the northbound and southbound “Pacific Escape” and “Coastal Exploration” itineraries visit Santa Barbara and San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; Astoria, Oregon; and Victoria, British Columbia.

Crystal’s Pacific Coast cruises showcase a stunning and remarkably diverse blend of iconic West Coast highlights, from the California beaches and the Golden Gate Bridge to the plush forests of Oregon and British Columbia.  The itineraries offer guests new destinations, the opportunity to sail with the World’s Best at an incredible value and great convenience.  It is a great sampler of some of the most beautiful places in the western U.S. and Canada.

Departing on April 10 and 17 2011, and include FREE FLIGHTS from the UK, to book please contact your local ACE agent.

 As The Yachts of Seabourn expands its fleet of intimate, all-suite vessels, the company adds to its roster of on board senior officers. The ultra-luxury line continues to attract the cruise industry’s most respected and popular captains and with its new recruits has built a seafaring ‘dream team’ to oversee its award-winning fleet.

The latest staff to join Seabourn is Captain Dag Dvergastein, a well-known Norwegian seaman, most recently with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. His appointment follows that of Englishman and Captain Ian McNaught, a longtime favourite of guests aboard the Cunard liners. 

Also joining the roster in 2010 is Scotsman Captain David Bathgate and Captain Sean Whalley an Englishman whose 25-year career includes commands in the Falkland Islands Fisheries Patrol.

 

“With the addition of Seabourn Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest, we have created new opportunities for the right sort of senior officers,” notes Pamela Conover, Seabourn’s president and CEO. “With a complement of just 200 to 450 guests, our six intimate yachts offer an unusual degree of accessibility that really appeals to captains who like to socialise with guests and share their adventures, “she adds.

Captain Mark Dexter, an Englishman who now lives in New Zealand, joined in 2007 and sailed Seabourn Odyssey into his hometown of Christchurch during the yacht’s maiden World Cruise in 2009. Captain Hamish Elliott, who also joined in 2007, lives in County Durham and has worked on an array of passenger vessels from the smallest (Sea Goddess), to what was at the time the world’s largest (Queen Mary 2), before taking command of Seabourn Pride.

The Yachts of Seabourn’s fleet consists of Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend, each offering 104 ocean-view suites and Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Sojourn, with 225 ocean-view suites. A third 225-suite vessel, Seabourn Quest, will debut in June 2011. Seabourn’s captains command award-winning crews, passionate for delivering outstanding service.

 For bookings please call Seabourn on 0845 070 0500 or visit www.seabourn.com.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages (www.cruiseandmaritime.com 0845 833 9798) can help you delay the onset of autumn with this ex-UK cruise down to the Western Mediterranean which include coastal resorts of Spain and Portugal, island resorts of the Balearics plus Gibraltar and Tangier. Departing from London Tilbury on September 20 for 14 nights on board Marco Polo, prices start at £849pp (saving £50 – 6%) for a standard twin inner cabin or £999 (saving £200 - 17%) for a standard ocean view cabin.