Costa Cruises partners with the World Wildlife Fund and the Joint Research Centre to study whale movements and monitor climate change

New technology has been installed on Costa Pacifica to record and transmit whale sightings and monitor air pollution.

Costa Cruises has teamed up with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to monitor whale activity and with the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (JRC) to monitor air pollution.

Costa Pacifica is the first cruise ship in the world to install REPCET (www.repcet.com), a trial programme designed to help reduce the risk of whale strikes while plotting the movements of these giants of the ocean.

The REPCET programme uses a global satellite network and the reports of sightings sent by participating ships in order to transmit warnings to passenger and commercial vessels whose routes are likely to take them close to the animals. Whale strikes can injure or kill the animal and also pose a serious threat to shipping.

The project is supported by WWF Italy, a partner of Costa Cruises since 2005. The partnership is now dedicated to a specific project which aims to create an integrated network in the marine protected areas of the Mediterranean. Currently the project involves the Costa Cruises/WWF-protected areas of Miramare in Trieste (Italy), Cabrera (Spain), Cap d'Agde (France) and La Galite (Tunisia).

Costa Cruises has also joined up with the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission and Costa Pacifica will soon be the location of a brand new series of atmospheric measurements for monitoring climate change in the Mediterranean.

Since 2005, Costa Cruises has been collaborating with the JRC on a new way of monitoring climate change. Automatic air pollution monitoring stations have been installed on three of the company’s ships, most recently Costa Pacifica. The data obtained from the stations on board the Costa ships are yielding important results for the JRC, since these kinds of measurements have rarely been taken before, particularly for such a lengthy period on the open sea.

The next round of field observations, scheduled to begin next week on the Costa Pacifica, involves the use of weather balloons that will measure variations in the concentration of ozone at different heights above sea level.

Throughout summer 2010, the Costa Pacifica is operating on seven-day western Mediterranean cruises with port calls at Civitavecchia, Savona, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Tunis, Malta and Catania.

Costa’s ships are among the most advanced ships in the world in terms of environmental design, management, compliance and energy saving. Across the Costa fleet there is a policy of 100% separation of shipboard solid waste and no special waste is ever discharged overboard. Waste recycling is a top priority: approximately 1,675 m³ of glass and 451 m³ of aluminium from Costa’s ships were sent for recycling in 2008. Most of the water used on the ships in the Costa Cruises fleet is produced directly on board using desalination plants.

In November 2009, Italy’s number one cruise line presented the results from the fourth edition of its Sustainability Report (fiscal year December 2007/November 2008), drafted in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative and certified by RINA (the Italian Shipping Register). The most significant results achieved in 2008 in the area of environmental protection were a 5% reduction in fuel consumption per mile travelled; a 5% reduction in consumption of water per person on board the ships; 30% of special waste recycled, amounting to 273,458 kg; 2126 m3 of glass and aluminium sent for recycling; and an 8.5% reduction in the quantity of garbage.

Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises, the German leading company belonging to Costa Crociere’s group, are the only cruise companies to have their own environmental management system developed in accordance with the latest international standards (UNI EN ISO 14001, issued in 2004) and documented in a Sustainability Report. Moreover, in 2005 Costa Cruises became the first company in the world to receive the “Green Star” across the fleet from RINA. This prestigious notation certifies that all Costa’s vessels comply with environmental standards for the prevention of pollution of the marine environment and it is actually stricter than the prevailing provisions of the international MARPOL Convention.

The technical launch of Costa Favolosa, the next flagship of the Costa fleet occurs on 6 August 2010. Like Costa Luminosa and Costa Deliziosa, Costa Favolosa will be one of the first ships in the world to be equipped for “cold ironing”, namely a system whereby the ship is plugged into shoreside electrical power, enabling generators to be shut down during stopovers in port. Costa Favolosa will start cruising in July 2011.
 

The newest development from Crystal Cruises is now available to ease travel planning. Crystal’s Priority Check-in & Planning Centre launched today, allowing guests or their travel agents to complete tasks prior to sailing, from submitting guest immigration information and airport/ship transfer requests to booking spa treatments and shore excursions. 

A new day-by-day Cruise Calendar feature conveniently organizes guests’ travel plans once reservations and requests are submitted.

“The Priority Check-in & Planning Centre is an invaluable tool in streamlining the luxury travel experience,” says Thomas Mazloum, senior vice president, operations.  “Guests have the luxury of pre-planning their vacations from home, making the first day of their cruise even more enjoyable.”

The new service comprises three user-friendly parts:

Priority Check-in Checklist – Once guests make an initial deposit, they have access to check-in centre, available at www.checkin.crystalcruises.com.  Here, they or their travel agents may submit required information:

·       Immigration forms

·       Credit card information for onboard charges

·       Onboard preferences, such as bed configurations

·       Air itineraries for transfer arrangements

Planning Centre – Once guests have completed the check-in process and paid in full, they have access to the Planning Centre, which allows them to plan their Crystal vacation far ahead of time, at their convenience, by confirming reservations for:

·    Crystal Spa & Salon appointments,

·    Crystal Dining Room reservations (through Open Dining by Reservation®, beginning in 2011),

·         Specialty restaurants, and

·         Crystal Adventures ashore

Guests can also request reservations (to be confirmed on board) for:

·       NEW Tuxedo rental service,

·       The Vintage Room winemakers’ dinners, and

·       Creative Learning Institute and Computer University@Sea classes

Cruise Calendar – Once made, all reservations for spa and salon appointments, specialty restaurants, Crystal Adventures and tuxedo rentals are displayed on guests’ personal Cruise Calendars in a convenient day-by-day layout. 

The Cruise Calendar also advises dress codes, docking times and port locations for each day of the voyage, and will alert guests to any conflicts between their planned flight itineraries and embarkation/disembarkation schedules. Travellers simply print their completed itineraries and present them at embarkation for priority boarding.

Crystal Cruises announces its 2012 World Cruise, a 94-day epic journey exploring the diverse cultures of the Pacific Rim. 

On a rare course round-trip from Los Angeles departing January 18, 2012, Crystal’s 17th annual World Cruise will visit 35 ports in five segments, with multiple overnight stays on Crystal Serenity’s route through Hawaii, the South Pacific, eastern and western Australia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Russia, Alaska, British Columbia and San Francisco.  For the first time, the ultra-luxury line is including a three-day inclusive overland adventure in Beijing; a maiden call in Newcastle, Australia; and a return to South Korea for the first time since 1994.

Three days in Beijing: 

The three-day inclusive Crystal Overland Adventure to Beijing visits the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven.

Overnight stays:

Two-night stays in Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong and Beijing, and overnight stays in Honolulu, Sydney, Perth, Singapore, Bangkok, Shanghai, Osaka and Yokohama. 

A pre-cruise exclusive Bon Voyage Gala with luxury accommodations in Los Angeles launches the voyage for all full World Cruise guests.

“Travel connoisseurs consider a Crystal World Cruise to be the ultimate luxury vacation, comprised of exotic destinations, one-of-a-kind adventures and special events coupled with Crystal’s renowned six-star service, enriching days at sea and attention to detail,” says Bill Smith, senior vice president, sales and marketing.  “The shorter overall length of the 2012 voyage makes this grand voyage even more attractive to those trying their first World Cruise experience with Crystal.”

Crystal is accepting deposits for priority waitlist by calling 020 7287 9040.  Fares and more details on the wealth of World Cruise amenities and enhancements are expected soon.

P&O Cruises has launched a Cruise & Dine promotion which will run from August 1 until November 30 2010.

P&O Cruises is famous for its quality of dining and choice of fine dining restaurants on its fleet of ships. It works with three iconic British chefs, each of whom have restaurants on board and who travel regularly to uphold the quality, meet and entertain the passengers as well as holding question and answer sessions, book signings, demonstrations and exclusive cookery sessions.

Gary Rhodes has Oriana Rhodes and Arcadian Rhodes - fine dining restaurants on Oriana and Arcadia.

Marco Pierre White has the Mediterranean restaurant and al fresco terrace, The White Room on Ventura as well as the authentic French brasseries, Cafe Bordeaux on Aurora and Cafe Jardin on Oceana

Michelin starred Indian chef Atul Kochhar has Sindhu on P&O Cruises newest ship, Azura serving the finest Asian-fusion cuisine for which he has won great acclaim.

As part of the P&O Cruises Early Booking Spectacular, passengers booking on one of the following cruises in 2011 on which the chefs will be travelling, could be in with a chance to win a voucher for £150 to dine at selected Gary Rhodes, Marco Pierre White and Atul Kochhar restaurants across the UK, including Rhodes 24, The Yew Tree and Benares.

For further details see www.pocruises.co.uk/cruiseanddine.

Gary Rhodes travel dates:

· Oriana cruise no.X106. May 3 Western Mediterranean
· Oriana cruise no. X115. Sep 4 Spain, Portugal & France
· Arcadia cruise no J102 March 29 Western Mediterranean
· Arcadia cruise no J106. July 21 Spitsbergen & Fjords

Marco Pierre White travel dates:

· Ventura cruise no N107 March 27 Western Mediterranean
· Aurora cruise no R107 June 20 Central Mediterranean
· Oceana cruise no E119 July 23 Western Mediterranean
· Ventura cruise no N123 Sep 3 Western Mediterranean
· Oceana cruise no E130 Nov 9 Canary Islands

Atul Kochhar travel dates:

· Azura cruise no A111 May 12 2011 Central Mediterranean
· Azura cruise no A115 July 3 2011 Baltic
· Azura cruise no A121 September 18 2011 Spain, Portugal, Morocco
· Azura cruise no A125 November 11 2011 Caribbean

Participating restaurants are:

Marco Pierre White: 
Marco Pierre White at The Yew Tree, Newbury
Marco Pierre White at Wheeler’s of St James, London 

Atul Kochhar:
Benares, Berkeley Square, London 
Vatika, Wickham Vineyard, Hampshire

Gary Rhodes:
Rhodes Twenty Four, Tower 42, London
Rhodes W1, Great Cumberland Place, London 

Rhodes South, Christchurch Harbour Hotel, Dorset  

Even though summer’s still here, now’s the time to start thinking of autumn if you’re planning to join the thousands of ‘leaf peepers’ who will descend on New England and Canada in September and October for a glimpse of the fall foliage that’s unparalleled anywhere in the world.  Ever thought of enjoying this spectacular view from your private veranda aboard the ultra-luxury Crystal Symphony? 

Crystal Cruises is this year offering four fabulous 11-night voyages to these destinations, and with the cruise line there’s more than just the foliage to experience.  Each cruise has a New York and Montreal departure and arrival with an overnight stay in each city as well as a range of exhilarating and unusual shore excursions combined with first-class facilities, activities and choice onboard. 

Take your pick from: 

§  September 19 – New York to Montreal

Join a marine biologist for the day to uncover the wonders of the sea. The trip will explore the shores of the Bay of Fundy and on to Saint Andrews – the home of Canada’s first marine science laboratory. Working alongside a marine biologist to pull up the ocean floor passengers can get up close and personal with the breathtaking creatures of the sea. 

§  September 30 – Montreal to New York

Discover Nova Scotia in a way that few people have before – from the air! Crystal Cruises’ aerial tour offers a unique birds-eye view of many natural wonders from a small, fixed-wing aircraft. The carefully designed flight plan includes passing over the stunning Bay of Fundy, Cape Split and the Annapolis Valley. 

§  October 11 – New York to Montreal

Learn how to sail and experience the thrill of the America’s Cup Sailing. Newport is considered the sailing capital of the world; here passengers can visit the fleet of America’s Cup winners and contenders from the 1950’s through to the 1970’s. Step upon a private vessel and join the helpful crew who stand ready to show the workings of these ‘greyhounds of the sea’. 

§  October 22 – Montreal to New York

Including FREE return economy air from London, this voyage allows passengers to brush up their golfing skills with tee times at six courses across various picturesque cities. On board, veteran PGA champion Billy Casper and PGA member coach John Clark will host golf clinics, with tips for recreational players and avid golfers. 

Renovated in October 2009 at a cost of $25 million, Crystal Symphony offers Swarovski Crystal chandeliers, cashmere throws, sunken Philippe Stark Duravit Jacuzzi bathtubs, chic new pool deck furniture, works by famed Venetian artists, service islands with top-of-the-line pizza ovens and woks, and dozens more behind-the-scenes embellishments.  

SAMPLE PRICE:

New England / Canada cruise only prices start at £2,187 per person to include transfers, seven nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window with all meals and soft drinks and basic gratuities. In addition, as part of Crystal Cruises’ “All Inclusive – As You Wish” promotion, guests on these voyages will also receive shipboard credits of up to $500 per person which they can spend on shore excursions, spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, purchases in the onboard boutiques, gratuities or Vintage Room experiences.

Costa Cruises launches a first for the global cruise industry

Costa Cruises is bringing mainland Europe closer to the UK and launching a brand new 11-day itinerary taking in the capital cities of seven European countries.

Departing from the UK on Costa Magica, ‘A Taste of the Great Capitals of Europe’, will transport guests to the delights of Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Oslo and Edinburgh.

This truly cosmopolitan cruise allows travellers to visit Parisian bistros, sample fresh local seafood in Copenhagen’s Nyhavn area, take a leisurely stroll along the canals of Amsterdam and admire the 212 bronze and granite statues in Oslo’s Vigeland Park.

“Only Europe’s number one cruise company could come up with an itinerary like this one, uniting Europe and enabling guests to visit seven of the continent’s top short break destinations all in one trip,” says Marco Rosa, Area Director UK, Ireland, Scandinavia & South Africa from Costa Cruises.

“Every year we do our utmost to innovate and improve, providing a unique holiday experience that will turn our customer’s dreams into reality. We are delighted with this new addition.”

The first departure is scheduled for 29 May 2011 from Harwich. Cruises will sail from Dover on 8, 18 and 28 June, 8, 18 and 28 July and 7 and 17 August 2011. The final cruises of the season will depart from Harwich on 27 August and 6 September.

Costa Magica will call at the following ports: Le Havre, with excursions to Paris; Dover, gateway to London; Amsterdam; Hamburg, with trips to Berlin; Copenhagen; Oslo; and Edinburgh. For cruises leaving on 28 May, 17 July and 6 August, the port of call at Edinburgh will be replaced by a stopover in the Scottish harbour of Invergordon, the seaway to Loch Ness and the Highlands. Prices start from £1019pp.

About Costa Magica
Costa Magica, which was built in Genoa at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente yard and entered service in 2004, is designed to offer the ultimate in hospitality. The 1,358 roomy cabins all feature cutting-edge facilities. The central idea behind the design of the interiors, which are the work of architect Joseph Farcus, is a fantastic voyage to some of the most magical places in Italy. The central pool deck, with the Lido Maratea and Lido Palinuro, is shaped like an amphitheatre, while the aft pool deck, the Lido Positano, has a retractable glass roof so that guests can swim in any weather. One of the highlights of Costa Magica is the 1,300 m2 Spa where you can pamper your body and soothe your spirit. The two restaurants and buffet offer the best of Italian and international cuisine and the most refined palates will relish the à la carte Club Vicenza restaurant. Other “fun ship” facilities include 11 bars, a theatre extending over three decks, a disco, dance clubs, a game room, a casino and an Internet café. In accordance with the finest tradition common to the Costa fleet as a whole, art in all its forms plays a major role on Costa Magica, which features some 360 original works and 5292 copies. Particularly worthy of note are the works by teachers and students from the Brera Academy of Art, notably Fernando De Filippi, Nicola Salvatore, Aldo Spoldi, Stefano Pizzi, Pablo Togni, Christian Ribecchi and Bruno Lucchi.
 

- Voyages to China, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Vietnam and Cambodia -

Compagnie du Ponant has introduced to the UK marketplace a dedicated Asian Cruises 2010-2011 brochure, featuring voyages on the 113-cabin Le Diamant, sailing for the first time to the mysterious and enchanting coastlines of Asia.

The 40-page, full-colour, user-friendly brochure features a total of 12 voyages, from China, Thailand, and Malaysia, to India, Vietnam and Cambodia, together with deck plans and facilities of the classic Le Diamant; and accompanying UK sterling fares are also available.

The ambiance created on board a Compagnie du Ponant vessel is unique – more like being on a private yacht than a cruise ship. Itinerary highlights on offer between November 2010 and March 2011, include:

* “Indian Flavours and Scents of Ceylon”: an 11-night departure on 8 November 2010, from Mumbai to Chennai, India, calling at Mormugao, Kochi, Trivandrum, India; and Colombo, Galle, Trincomaleee, Sri Lanka.

* “From the Cosmopolitan City of Singapore to the Charming City of Hanoi”: a 12-night depature on January 9, 2011, from Singapore to Haiphong, Vietnam, calling at Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Quy Nhan, Da Nang, Port Chang May and Ha Long Bay.

Dream locations off the beaten track, new cultures and close encounters with Nature’s wonders, in the relaxed yet sophisticated style that the French know how to do to perfection, this Asian brochure opens up a privileged world of “Yacht Cruises” which have become the signature of COMPAGNIE DU PONANT. All the crew on board the yacht ships are totally fluent in both English and French; and on all of the voyages passengers will have the opportunity to meet with expert lecturers on board.

In a new format, this brochure also features details of optional shore excursions, available at each port of call – the port, country, name of the shore excursion, duration and price.

Voyage only fares for the 2010/2011 Le Diamant Asian season lead in at:

* “Chinese New Year in the Land of the Dragon”: 8 nights Shanghai to Tianjin, departing 31 January 2011 - from £1,455 per person + £235pp port and safety taxes
OR
* “From the Great Wall of China to the Yangtze River”: 8 nights departing 8 February 2011, from £1,455 per person + £235pp port and safety taxes

Double Early Bird Offer: Applicable to Asian cruise bookings made before 31 August 2010, on voyages 5 months ahead of the departure date, double savings apply of from £360 per person to £530 per person apply, depending on the cruise.
The fares shown above are per person, port to port, sharing a double cabin, with full board.
Voyage only fares include:
- The cruise including all meals from dinner on the day of embarkation to breakfast on the day of disembarkation.
- Welcome aboard and captain’s cocktail parties, gala dinner.
- Mineral water, tea, filter coffee, white, red and rosé wines served with meals.
- 24 hour room service
- Evening entertainment and events, and/or organised shows.
- Porterage from the quayside to the ship and vice versa.

For Reservations:
UK Toll Free Line: 0808 234 3802
 

P&O Cruises is offering passengers the opportunity to enjoy even more value on a cruise holiday by booking now for 2011 departures.

A wealth of savings and early booking incentives are available on cruises across the fleet.
Anyone booking a 2011 cruise by Tuesday August 31, 2010 will receive the benefits of The Early Booking Spectacular.

Benefits available include:
•savings of up to £200 per couple
•free car parking or coach transfers on sailings from Southampton
•free on board spending money of up to £250 per couple
•up to £600 per couple savings on balcony staterooms
•seasonal savings of up to £1,000 per couple on selected cruises
P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “Booking early for 2011 departures delivers this spectacular range of incentives in addition to being able to secure the best choice of cruise itineraries, dining and stateroom options.
“Booking your cruise early certainly makes sense.”
 

For more information or to request a copy of the brochure call P&O Cruises on 0845 3 555 333, visit www.pocruises.co.uk or see your local ACE travel agent.
 

Imagine walking over a tree lined canopy in the Amazon rain forest, sailing on a junk in Vietnam, seeing the wildlife on safari, and an Ostrich Ranch near Cape Town, visiting the Great Wall of China, taking a thrilling ride through the Dubai desert safari in a 4x4 or climbing the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge all on one holiday.

All of these once in a lifetime experiences can become a reality during the ultimate holiday - a world cruise.

World cruise expert P&O Cruises is offering five world cruises, 18 line voyages and 72 shorter cruise holidays, departing in spring 2011 and early 2012. The 2011/12 world cruise brochure will be available on line at www.pocruises.co.uk or via travel agents and is available to book from today.
•Arcadia, 72-night Grand Alaska Adventure departs Tuesday April 12 2011
•Adonia, 87-night South America Grand Adventure departs Friday January 13 2012
•Arcadia, 109-night Grand Odyssey departs Monday January 9 2012
•Aurora, 98-night westabout full world circumnavigation departs Wednesday January 4 2012
•Oriana, 97-night eastabout full world circumnavigation departs Thursday January 5 2012

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow said: “A world cruise is often considered a once in a lifetime experience but each exotic itinerary offers an extraordinary choice of shore adventures, each a once in a lifetime opportunity in its own right.

“The 2011/12 World Cruise programme encompasses 177 ports in 55 countries so we have been searching for the best sights and experiences that these ports have to offer to ensure that passengers have a memorable and exciting range of scenic, cultural, active and city tour shore excursions to choose from. These will include landmark sights such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Panama Canal; overnight stays in ports such as Manaus, Cape Town, Istanbul and New Orleans; cultural experiences and, of course, city tours, often with exclusive entry into museums and art galleries.

“So whether it’s a trail up The Peak in Hong Kong, the Bullet train in Japan, hiking to a spectacular waterfall in Hawaii, seeing Petra from Aqaba, a wine tour of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, sipping cocktails overlooking Sydney’s Opera House, afternoon tea at the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town or a Singapore Sling at Raffles, there are shore excursions to suit all ages and tastes.”

For more information on the 2011/12 World Cruise programme or to request a copy of the brochure call P&O Cruises on 0845 3 555 333, visit www.pocruises.co.uk or see your local ACE travel agent.
 

Her Royal Highness will be greeted and escorted aboard the ship, berthed in the shadow of Cunard’s magnificent former Head Office – the central of Liverpool’s famous Three Graces – by President and Managing Director, Peter Shanks. 

On board she will be escorted by the Master, Captain Paul Wright, on a tour of parts of the vessel Her Royal Highness did not see on her last visit – including the galley, which will be in full swing preparing lunch for the 2,000 passengers as The Duchess passes through. Her Royal Highness will take the opportunity to meet many crew members, including the three longest-serving and the youngest. 

At noon, The Duchess will sound the whistle from the Bridge. 

At a reception in the Queen’s Room, attended by the Lord Mayor Liverpool, Councillor Hazel Williams and other civic dignitaries – as well as ship’s passengers – Her Royal Highness will cut a cake to commemorate Cunard’s 170th Birthday.

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

“Cunard is honoured that Her Royal Highness named this fine ship, and delighted that she continues to display such an interest both in the ship and in the crew. The Duchess will always be warmly welcome on board”.

Following this Summer’s launch of NEW super yacht the 132-cabin Le Boréal, French cruise line Compagnie du Ponant has now introduced to the UK marketplace its Winter 2010/2011 season brochure, together with accompanying UK sterling fares.

The 95-page, full-colour, user-friendly brochure features a total of 42 voyages, from the Mediterranean, Caribbean and South America, to the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean - together with deck plans and facilities of the 3 yachts: the 32-cabin, 3-masted Le Ponant; the sleek, 45-cabin Le Levant; and super yacht Le Boréal.

If you live in the North West of England you can benefit from a cruise leaving from Liverpool and head off down to the Mediterranean in September.

The Ocean Countess originally entered service as the Cunard Countess and became one of the best-known ships to sail in the Caribbean.  The ship’s distinctive traditional profile has been a popular choice for those wanting a British style cruising experience this year. Prior to the commencement of her ex-UK cruise programme this year, Ocean Countess underwent a £3 million refurbishment programme.

 The Cruise & Maritime Voyages Ocean Countess heads South from Liverpool 13 September on a 12 night  ‘Iberian Discovery’ cruise. The itinerary is full of contrasts offering Spanish, Portuguese and Moorish cultures all in one cruise. You will visit Lisbon and then Cadiz, before crossing over to Casablanca. The ship calls in at Gibraltar followed by Malaga, and Praia da Rocha on the Algarve. On the way back to Liverpool you stop at Gijόn in Northern Spain.

Prices are per person based on two people sharing a cabin and includes full board, daytime activities and evening entertainment on the ship.   Prices start from £899pp for a standard inner cabin and £1149pp for a standard ocean view.

P&O Cruises will play host to GMTV next week, as its nationwide search for Britain’s hidden culinary talent – ‘Chefs at Sea’ – comes to a close with the four finalists battling it out on board one of the most popular ships in the fleet, Ventura. Presenter Claire Sweeney will be at the helm and P&O Cruises own culinary genius, Marco Pierre White, will be judging the live final at the end of the week.

The four finalist contestants, being chosen by GMTV viewers this week (19 – 22 July) will be boarding the ship on Saturday 24 July and sailing on a week long cruise visiting Vigo, Lisbon, La Rochelle and Brest (N019). The programme will be aired live from Ventura between 7am and 9am each morning between Monday 26 and Friday 30 July.

Haute cuisine teacher and chef, Rosemary Shrager, of Ladette to Lady and Soapstar Superchef, will be mentoring the budding chefs and guiding them through a series of fun food tasks on board and on shore as they test their culinary credentials against each other live at sea. 

P&O Cruises passengers will have the chance to get involved as they vote for their two favourites in a theatre ‘cook-off’ mid-cruise. The two finalists will then go head to head in the final challenge – cooking Marco Pierre White’s signature dish for him and the Captain on the Captain’s table.

The winner will receive a Caribbean cruise on Ventura, for themselves and their family, and a private cooking masterclass with Marco Pierre White on board.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “P&O Cruises is renowned for fine dining and exceptional quality of food on board, so we are delighted to be hosting this GMTV programme on board Ventura. 

“She is the perfect ship for this competition – as the dining options on board are so rich and varied – from authentic Spanish tapas, exotic Asian and Oriental, to fresh and colourful Mediterranean fine dining from Marco Pierre White.

“Throughout the week we’ll be supporting the contestants as they learn about everything from pastry to shell-fish. We look forward to seeing who comes out on top and to welcoming them and their family back on board later this year.”

Hurtigruten has recruited Daniel Giles to join its sales team as regional sales manager for Scotland and Ireland. This is the first time the operator has had a dedicated sales manager solely responsible for Ireland and Scotland and will provide greater support for agents in these areas. 

The move follows the recent launch of their new on line training programme www.learnhurtigruten.com and further demonstrates the operators continuing investment into the travel trade.

Daniel brings with him over 18 years of experience of the travel trade, most recently as senior sales executive at Balkan Holidays. He will work with the cruise clubs, independents and multiples across his region to provide training, support and drive product awareness and ultimately grow sales.

Commenting on Daniel’s appointment, Maxine Dunsdon, UK sales manager at Hurtigruten commented “We have identified in Scotland and Ireland as areas of potential growth and have recruited Daniel to ensure that agents in these areas get the support they need on a more consistent basis. We have never had a sales manager in Ireland before and I am sure agents will find it beneficial. Both Ireland and Scotland are strong cruise markets and there is definitely demand for more specialist cruising so we look forward to working with the trade to increase their knowledge of the Hurtigruten portfolio and to ultimately grow sales.”

For more information call Hurtigruten on 020 8846 2666 or www.hurtigruten.co.uk/agents     

Exquisite pearls and fine opera combine as naturally as champagne and caviar or Orion and the Kimberley, and this year two Orion Kimberley voyages provide exclusive additions for those interested in the finer things in life. Join one of two 10-night Orion voyages in the Kimberley and receive an invitation to the highlight of Broome's cultural events calendar of the year, OPERA UNDER THE STARS®, featuring performers of national and international acclaim including soprano Antoinette Halloran, tenors Aldo Di Toro and Stuart Skelton and baritone, James Clayton.

OPERA UNDER THE STARS® 2010 takes place at an exciting new venue - the Cable Beach Amphitheatre - situated adjacent to the turquoise waters and white sands of one of the world’s most picturesque beaches, Broome’s stunning Cable Beach. It will feature a sublime programme of music including gems such as “Cielo e Mare” from La Gioconda by Ponchielli and “Winterstürme wichen dem wonnemond” from Wagner’s Die Walküre.

There are two voyages to choose from: a ten-night Pearls of the Kimberley cruise round trip from Broome departing 19th August and a 10-night Kimberley Expedition from Broome to Darwin departing 27th August. Prices for the two cruises start from £5,325 per person cruise only based on two sharing. Price includes ten nights onboard accommodation, all meals, entertainment and educational programmes, use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities, Zodiac excursions, port and handling charges, tender transfers and government fees and taxes. Also included are tickets to OPERA UNDER THE STARS®.  For more information and to book please contact your local ACE agent.