PSA statement: Monday 16 January 2012

The Passenger Shipping Association, Cruise Lines International Association and the European Cruise Council and other cruise industry associations around the world, continue to closely monitor the situation regarding the Costa Concordia.

First and foremost, we extend our deepest sympathies to the passengers and crew who were on board and especially to the families of passengers and crew who lost loved ones.

On behalf of the global cruise ship Industry, we would also like to pay tribute to all those who worked tirelessly to evacuate the ship to help minimise casualties.

We would also like to reassure other cruise ship passengers that all our member lines are subject to the highest safety standards around the world according to international maritime requirements.

We will continue to work closely with all interested parties, as the facts are fully developed in this matter, to learn from this tragic event and continue our efforts to further enhance the safety of cruise ships worldwide.

Accidents such as this one are an extremely rare occurrence in the cruise industry, and cruising continues to be one of safest means of travel among all types of vacationing.

Acclaimed news correspondents Bernard Kalb and Morton Dean, famed hostage negotiator Terry Waite, culinary icon Maggie Beer, renowned broadcaster and monarchy expert Brian Hoey, award-winning television producer/director Terry Hughes, and Sky News and BBC commentator Alastair Bruce of Crionaich, OBE, are among an impressive array of guest speakers participating in Silversea's Silver PerspectivesSM enrichment programme this year.

"Once again, we've assembled an eclectic mix of renowned speakers from around the globe to enrich our guests' holiday experience with insights covering a broad spectrum of topics," said Mike Bonner, General Manager UK, Ireland & Middle East.

Following is a small sampling of guest speakers with abbreviated biographies and their respective voyages in 2012:

Silver Shadow- February 4 - Voyage 3203 (Auckland to Freemantle)
MAGGIE BEER: On Australia's ABC television network, this self-taught cook and champion of traditional cooking methods co-hosted the popular cooking programme The Cook and the Chef with Simon Bryant, head chef for the Hilton Hotel in Adelaide. She has written several books about food and in 2001 was awarded the Centenary Medal for service to Australian society through cooking and writing.

Silver Shadow - February 4 - Voyage 3203 (Auckland to Freemantle) & February 23 - Voyage 3204 (Freemantle to Singapore)
TERRY WAITE: As envoy to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Terry Waite successfully negotiated the release of hostages in Iran and Libya during the 1980s.  In 1987, negotiating the release of hostages in Beirut, Waite was himself taken hostage and held in captivity for 1,763 days. 

Silver Spirit - April 12 - Voyage 5210 (Barbados to Lisbon)
MORTON DEAN: As a correspondent for CBS News and ABC News, this Emmy-Award nominated reporter covered many historic, headline-making stories around the world. He covered the Vietnam War with distinction, and when a deadly terror bomb blasted the U.S.S. Cole in Yemen, he was dispatched there as ABC's lead reporter.

Silver Shadow - April 25 - Voyage 3211 (Tokyo to Shanghai) & May 6 - Voyage 3212 (Shanghai to Tokyo)
BERNARD KALB: A veteran journalist, media critic and author, he was the founding anchor and a panelist on the weekly CNN programme Reliable Sources for a decade. He travelled the globe for more than three decades as a correspondent covering world affairs for CBS News, NBC News and The New York Times.

Silver Spirit - November 16 - Voyage 5236 (Las Palmas to Fort Lauderdale)
ALASTAIR BRUCE OF CRIONAICH, OBE: A descendant of Robert the Bruce, he is the author of numerous books on British royalty and a commentator for Britain's Sky News and the BBC. He is also a documentary filmmaker and was historical advisor to recent award-winning films such as The Young Victoria and The King's Speech, as well as the new Masterpiece Classic television series Downton Abbey.

Silver Spirit - December 20 - Voyage 5239 (Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale)
TERRY HUGHES:  He was head of BBC TV Variety during the "golden years" of Morecame & Wise and The Two Ronnies.  He also co-produced and co-directed the acclaimed Ripping Yarns, written by and starring Michael Palin.  Moving to Los Angeles, he soon became one of the premiere producers and directors of television's The Golden Girls, 3rd Rock from the Sun and episodes of 8 Simple Rules, Friends, Blossom and That '70s Show.

And as previously announced, bestselling authors Bill Bryson (A Short History of Nearly Everything) and James Bradley (Flags of our Fathers) will be hosting two segments of Silver Whisper's World Cruise 2012. Bryson is slated to host Voyage 4206, March 3 - 14, Singapore to Shanghai, and Bradley will host Voyage 4207, March 14 - 26, Shanghai to Bangkok.

For a complete list of upcoming guest lecturers, including their photos, biographies and voyage dates, go to http://www.silversea.com/life-onboard/enrichment/guest-lecturers/.

You can view it online HERE or on Sky 251 (see viewing times below).

The feature gives a rare glimpse into the ultra-luxury lifestyle of a six-star ship.  It’s the perfect showcase for anyone who’s never stepped foot on a Regent ship before explaining the extraordinary value on offer aboard the world’s most all-inclusive fleet.

For more information and to book click HERE to contact your local ACE Travel Agent.

Cruise guests can enjoy an early summer holiday to the Adriatic in 2012, getting the chance to visit a host of attractive ports, including two in Croatia. Boudicca’s cruise, D1210, of 21 nights, departs from Greenock (Glasgow) on 20th May 2012. There is an added attraction of ‘Flavours of the Adriatic’ on this cruise through Fred. Olsen’s award-winning onboard enrichment programme, Vistas. The expert speaker will be Robert Ash, a celebrity chef who is also a professional musician. Robert runs a cookery school in Mâcon, ‘Robert Ash Cookery School’, in the Burgundy region of France, and was also a finalist on the BBC’s ‘Masterchef.’

Boudicca’s island-hopping cruise calls first into Gibraltar, then Malta’s capital Valletta, before reaching its first Croatian port, Šibenik, where the ship is at anchor. This pretty town, set at the mouth of the River Krka, has a medieval square, surrounded by historic buildings, considered to be one of the most beautiful squares in the Adriatic region, as well as a monastery with a recently restored herb garden.

The relatively small size of Fred. Olsen’s ships means that they can access less well-known ports, such as Šibenik. Next port of call is glorious Venice, where the ship stays until late at night, allowing guests time to explore this legendary city of mysterious canals, before Boudicca cruises on to Koper in Slovenia. This beautiful little town was formerly part of Venice, when it was called ‘Capo d‘Istria’. It boasts a fine 12^th Century cathedral and a 15^th Century palace, among other architectural gems. The next port is Ancona, on the east coast of Italy, before Boudicca reaches the jewel of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik in Croatia. This medieval walled town, with its many open-air cafés and stunning beaches, makes it a real highlight of the cruise. On the return journey, Boudicca calls into the Spanish sport of Motril, before she returns to Greenock.

Prices for this cruise, with its superb itinerary, start from £2,269 per person, based on two adults sharing an outside, twin cabin Grade ‘E’. This price includes all meals and entertainment on board, as well as port taxes. There is no extra charge for taking part in the Vistas programme.

Fred. Olsen’s award-winning Vistas programme brings aboard experts in a variety of fields, who give talks, lectures and tuition in their specialist subjects to enhance guests’ experience. Find out more about Vistas at www.fredolsencruises-vistas.com For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit the website at www.fredolsencruises.com You can book online, by calling Reservations on 01473 742424, or through any ACE travel agent by clicking HERE.

In 2013, Disney Cruise Line will offer new itineraries, including an expanded portfolio of 12 European cruises with new destinations such as Venice, Italy, and the Greek Isles. In addition, Disney Cruise Line will utilise a second homeport in Florida, with Caribbean sailings departing from the Port of Miami for the first time.

With the addition of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy to the fleet of cruise ships, Disney Cruise Line is able to take more families to more destinations around the world. Disney Cruise Line has always catered to the unique vacation needs of families, and next year will be enhancing the cruise options for guests -- whether it’s sun and sand in the Caribbean, outdoor adventures in Alaska or experiencing the wonders of Europe.

For more information and to book please click HERE to find your local ACE Travel Agent.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise around the fascinating destinations of the Western Caribbean and enjoy tropical beaches, Caribbean hospitality and the best of Mexican & Creole culture.

Head for a leisurely holiday in the Caribbean onboard the elegant 1,260-guest ms Ryndam, sailing from Tampa, Florida to Cozumel, Mexico’s only Caribbean island, brimming with silver and colourful crafts. Your next call is the British colony of Belize which boasts the world’s second largest Barrier Reef and its own stunning form of eco-tourism.  Mahogany Bay on scenic Roatan in Honduras offers a beach and water-sport lifestyle, then visit Costa Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula, teeming with ancient temples, crafts and Mexican culture.  After a day to explore Tampa, head for bohemian Key West, home of Hemingway, conch and the famous Key Lime Pie, then lush green Jamaica with spice markets, Creole cuisine, grand mansions and plantations.  Finally enjoy tiny, tax-free Grand Cayman – with its seven miles of white sand beach and boutiques selling precious black coral before heading back to Florida!

Prices start from £1,399pp including scheduled flights from London (Heathrow) on 17/03/12, transfers, pre-cruise hotel night in Tampa and 14-night cruise, full board basis. Free upgrade offer applies from inside to sea-view stateroom.

Cruise only prices from just £749pp – under £55pp per day full board.
Holland America Line reservations: 0845 351 0557

In June 2012, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises will be offering their first itinerary through the Sea of Okhotsk in Russia’s Far East, on the only 5-star expedition vessel in the world, the MS HANSEATIC. The HANSEATIC’s itinerary will be fully bilingual, departing Otaru, Japan on June 13, 2012 and concluding in Petropavlovsk, Kamchatka on June 30th. The 17-day expedition voyage will lead through the Sea of Okhotsk and her many islands as well as to Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands. This route, rarely travelled by cruise ships, is one of the last great unexplored sea expeditions in the world.

The wildlife in the Sea of Okhotsk and her many remote islands is some of the richest in the world and the scenery of snow-capped volcanoes, dense forest, tundra and meadow is spectacular. The on-board Zodiacs, small inflatable boats, will take guests ashore to observe wildlife such as Stellar Sea Lions, songbirds, birds of prey, seals and sea otters, up close.

The mostly uninhabited Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia’s easternmost province, is a dramatic landscape of fire and ice, and the distant and isolated Kuril Islands have mesmerized explorers and traders for centuries. Guests will find a unique mixture of endemic birds. Geysers, hot springs and active volcanoes set amidst towering mountains and fast flowing rivers also make this area magnificently unique.

Excursion options of this itinerary include a helicopter flight to the Valley of the Geysers, considered one of the greatest miracles of nature that can only be visited by helicopter; a zodiac ride to Cape Utholoskiy, to hopefully view the brown bear; and a walk around Atlasova, an uninhibited island in the Kuril Islands, with the largest active volcano in the area.

For bookings and more information, contact your local ACE Travel agentsales agent by clicking HERE. All press releases and a picture gallery can be found on www.hl-cruises.com/press. For more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ exciting destinations and itineraries visit www.hl-cruises.com

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has launched a new brochure dedicated to their Grand Voyages 2012/13 collection.  From October 2012 through to June 2013, the ultra-luxury line boasts an impressive series of sailings ranging from 7 to 143-nights.

From the Far East, Australasia and the Mediterranean to South America and the Amazon River, the unique itineraries visit popular, exotic and culturally diverse destinations across the continents such as Halong Bay in Vietnam, Hobart in Tasmania and Antofagasta in Chile. Overnight stays are also offered in more than 25 major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Shanghai, Osaka, Taipei, Mumbai, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro, giving guests a more enriching destination experience ashore.

The brochure also includes a pull-out booklet that brings to life the scale of adventures and experiences available as part of the line’s free shore excursion programme.  Many cruises within the Grand Voyages collection offer over 40 free excursions all of which are featured online and can be reserved up to 180 days before departure.  From three-hour escapades to full-day exploration, there is an abundance of choice. 

For further information or to book, call Reservations on 02380 682280 or visit www.rssc.com

With almost a dozen dining choices on each ship, Crystal Cruises’ most popular daytime gathering spot, The Bistro, is expanding to evening hours. Reflecting the space’s European-style sidewalk café ambiance, the complimentary menu will offer “small bites”, desserts and “midnight” snacks, along with premium wines and flavoured coffees. The new nightly café debuts in April on Crystal Symphony and in June on Crystal Serenity, shortly after the ships go all-inclusive.

The Bistro has long been a meeting place for cruisers due to its central location and quick, easy access to continental breakfast, fresh fruits, afternoon snacks and wide selection of teas and coffees, from morning to late afternoon. Signature Guy Buffet china and Six-Star service remains at night, but the gastronomic offering is greatly expanded:

• 6pm to 8pm: Charcuterie of cured meats, prosciuttos and pâtés, plus international cheeses paired with premium wines and champagne.

• 8pm to 11pm: Artisan cheeses with complementary accompaniments such as truffle honey and fig chutney, plus an assortment of fresh fruits and desserts including a chocolate fountain and petit fours handmade by onboard pastry chefs, with finewines, digestifs and hot drinks.

• 11 pm to 12am: Late-night munchies such as mini-sandwiches, freshly-baked pizzas, quiche, tandoori chicken and trendy beef “sliders.”

“In traditional Crystal luxury fashion, our evening Bistro brings onboard the elegance and international panache of a European café experience—a central place to meet, people-watch and enjoy a glass of wine or espresso and a snack,” says Vice President International Sales & Marketing, Philip Ordever. “In addition, this expansion really enhances the culinary and social options for guests who spend a full day sightseeing and like to mix up their evening dining.”

Casual dining on deck is also offered most evenings with a new Chinese “Comfort Food” menu enhancing the gourmet choices on Crystal Serenity.

Extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Crystal holiday. The ultra-luxury line’s extensive, innovative choices include coveted cheese and wine cellars overseen by on-board, certified cheese and wine sommeliers (Court of Master Sommeliers-certified); fresh, chef-like cocktails served by certified mixologists; gourmet dining options at every meal, whether in the Crystal Dining Room, at afternoon tea or in Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio’s specialty restaurants; and, starting this spring, all-inclusive premium spirits, fine wines and champagnes throughout the ship.

Until 28th February, guests can enjoy up to £625 per person in “Book Now” Savings on 48 remaining 2012 worldwide itineraries, including 25 seven- to 15-night voyages visiting the Mediterranean from March through December.

For further information and reservations please call Crystal Cruises on 020 7287 9040 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk.

Cruising is one of the safest forms of holiday available

Cruising remains one of the safest holidays.

While even one death is one too many, between 2005-2011 cruise lines carried more than 117 million passengers with a total 21 deaths related to marine casualties. That is less than 0.18 fatalities per million.

Staff undergo constant training

Each ship has a detailed emergency plan and every member of staff is allocated and trained to undertake a safety role if there is a problem.

Staff continue to be trained and practice regularly even while they are at sea. Regular completion of practice safety drills is a requirement of maritime law.

During any cruise you will regularly observe a number of drills for the crew where they practice responding to a variety of emergency situations. Such training may be taking place when passengers are ashore at a port of call.

Lifeboats must be capable of being loaded, launched and manoeuvred away from the ship within 30 minutes of the Master’s signal to abandon ship.

There are always more lifeboat/liferaft places than people on board. On a typical 2,000 passenger ship there will be lifeboats and liferafts capable of transporting a total of 2,500 people.

The industry is undergoing constant technical and legislative improvements

This is a very highly regulated industry which is constantly reviewing and improving safety standards, introducing new laws to improve navigation equipment, shipboard safety management systems, life saving equipment, safe return to port standards; revised training and certifications standards.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) which falls under the United Nations sets strict global standards for the operation of cruise ships. The most important of the IMO treaties is the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).

This is overlaid by additional regulations enforced by flag states (where the ship is registered) and port state control (countries and ports to which the ship sails).

Every ship is regularly inspected under the port state control agreements, and if it doesn’t comply with regulations, can be kept in port.

The technology used on cruise ships is extremely advanced and the ships undergo a wide ranging and detailed inspection on an annual basis. This is required in order to obtain a renewal of the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate, which a vessel can’t legally operate without. International rules dictate that cruise ships are required to regularly to go into dry dock for a thorough inspection and overhaul.

The Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) in the UK works closely with the European Cruise Council (ECC) in Brussels and Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) in the USA to share best industry practice.

Safety drills for passengers

When a cruise passenger reaches their cabin they will see (on the daily news-sheet as well as possibly on the TV) details of a mandatory safety drill, which in most circumstances takes place prior to departure.

The safety drill involves gathering at a muster station - sometimes by a designated lifeboat or possibly in a lounge or theatre - when the emergency signal sounds.

There passengers listen - as they would on an aircraft - to safety-trained crew and staff explaining what will happen and what needs to be done in the event of a real emergency. Passengers will also be shown how to wear a life jacket (supplied both in cabins and around the ship), in most cases passengers will then be asked to put on their lifejackets by way of a practice.

Taking a cruise as a holiday

Cruising remains statistically one of the safest forms of holiday available.

RCL Cruises Ltd has begun the year in fine style by picking up the two main cruise prizes at the annual Travel Weekly Globe Awards.

The prestigious awards – voted for by travel agents across the UK – saw Royal Caribbean International being named the Best Mainstream Cruise Company, while Celebrity Cruises was named Best Premium Cruise Company. The triumph is a repeat of last year’s double-winning performance at the same awards.

RCL Cruises Ltd associate vice president and general manager, UK and Ireland, Jo Rzymowska said the success recognised the tireless work put in by the company’s sales team.

“We have made very plain over the last year that the travel trade remains at the heart of our plans and we want those valuable partnerships to prosper. Our trade partners are vital to our continued growth and we are committed to supporting them with training, ship visits and innovative marketing. I am honoured that agents recognise our efforts and the quality of our offering.”

The Globe Awards is run by Travel Weekly, the UK’s largest travel industry publication. The 2012 awards took place at the Grosvenor House Hotel in central London last night (January 25).

Oceania Cruises was notified by Fincantieri late last week of construction delays and as a result, will reschedule the maiden voyage of its m/s Riviera. Construction on the 1,250-guest ship fell behind schedule when strikes at Fincantieri's shipyard near Genoa, Italy, lasted longer than expected.

The maiden voyage of Riviera has moved from April 24 to May 16, and all guests affected by the delay will be contacted by their travel agents or by Oceania Cruises directly to discuss alternative cruise dates.

“We sincerely regret any inconvenience that this may cause our guests,” stated Kunal S. Kamlani, the cruise line's president. “We are working very closely with the shipyard to ensure Riviera is completed to meet Oceania's high standards of quality and service.”

“We know that sophisticated international travellers are anxious to welcome Riviera and we regret that labour strikes have caused this delay,” said Giuseppe Bono, Fincantieri's chief executive officer. “All of us at Fincantieri are committed to producing a superior quality ship and we will deliver a truly magnificent vessel to Oceania Cruises without further delays.”

The new maiden voyage is a 10-day “Pearls of the Aegean” cruise that includes an overnight aboard ship in Venice before visiting Dubrovnik, Kotor, Corfu, Monemvasia, Crete, Santorini, Kusadasi (gateway to Ephesus), Delos, Mykonos and Athens.

Guests booked on affected sailings will have the option of rebooking another cruise and receive a future cruise credit, which ranges from $250 to $1,000 per guest, depending on category of accommodation. In the event guests do not wish to rebook, they will receive a full refund. Travel agent commissions will be protected.

For more information on Oceania Cruises visit www.oceaniacruises.com or to book click here to find your local ACE travel agent.  

SeaDream Yacht Club introduces the first of its kind at sea, a “Raw Food” menu option. A once-radical form of vegetarianism called the “raw foods” or “living foods” movement is creeping into mainstream. Aboard the luxurious twin mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, gourmet raw food is now offered in addition to the regular menu.

The Hippocrates Health Institute was created over five decades ago. Over the years, it has developed the Life Transformation Programme into the definitive blueprint for transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. The Institute helps people radically change their health by teaching them how to trade nutrient-deficient, "dead" foods to a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and plant-based proteins. The Hippocrates plan, replete with fresh sprout and vegetable juices, wheatgrass, colorful salads, nuts, seeds, and fruit, supplies the oxygen, enzymes, alkalinity, and bioelectrical charges vital to cellular and general health.

“Raw” refers to a style of preparation in which all ingredients are raw, organic and vegan (no fish, meat, eggs or dairy), and nothing is heated above 118 degrees in order to retain all the healthy micro nutrients. SeaDream’s Norwegian owners, Linn and Atle Brynestad were excited by the health benefits they personally experienced while eating “raw”. After an extended stay at the Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida, the Brynestads asked the Executive Chef, Renate Waller to bring her talents to SeaDream’s galley. Renate, a “Raw Food Chef” worked with SeaDream’s Corporate Chef, Sudesh Kishore to create a special, optional menu of delicious, gourmet raw food dishes. “Switching to a high percentage of raw, living plant based foods, enables people to reclaim feeling great and being well” says Hippocrates Chef, Renate.

SeaDream’s reputation for providing a stellar culinary experience remains of utmost importance to the company. “The raw food menu is an added option. If you come aboard to enjoy filet mignon and double chocolate mousse, by all means it’s on the menu” said Kishore. He added “Nobody else at sea is offering this style of raw cuisine, and because we serve at most 112 guests, we can. One might assume raw food is boring or bland, but guests who chose to try it are in for a tasty surprise.”

SeaDream’s Chef shared several of the dishes being served from this optional, new raw food menu. Beverages such as Watercress Tang; a liquid mélange of watercress, Anjou pear, lime and pineapple; the Blood Apple Blaster; a blend of apple, ginger, red beet, lime juice and agave. Salad options include Asian style Cashew Curry Salad; crunchy and slightly spicy. An entrée such as Vegetable Lasagna uses pasta-like noodles made from spinach leaves and coconut meat, layered between a spicy cauliflower mash topped with a sun-dried tomato marinara.

SeaDream’s Pastry Chef is on board with raw food desserts. There is a tempting Cashew Lemon Cheese Cake with a crust made from almonds and dates and the filling’s main ingredients are cashews, lemon juice, almond milk and coconut butter. For those who prefer sugar free, SeaDream make that available too. Guests really can have their cake and eat it too!

It is with regret that MSC Cruises announces that Antony Worrall Thompson will no longer be performing a series of culinary demonstrations on board MSC Splendida next month.

The company is however delighted to inform its guests that Michelin award winning chef Paul Rankin will be joining MSC Splendida in Barcelona on Sunday 5th February 2012. A series of appearances at sea on Monday 6th February will then see him showcase some of his best loved dishes – and a selection unique to MSC.

One of the UK’s most popular chefs, Paul Rankin won Northern Ireland’s first Michelin Star, whilst his trailblazing Cayenne in Belfast is among the country’s top restaurants. A regular on TV shows such as Ready Steady Cook and Ten Mile Menu and the writer of numerous best-selling books, Paul is also a passionate supporter of local produce, so much so that in 2002 he launched The Rankin Selection, a range of traditional foods now stocked in supermarkets throughout the UK.

Paul Rankin

Paul will be joining MSC Splendida on her 8 day, 7 night cruise departing 4th February 2012 (Genoa, Barcelona, Valletta, La Goulette (Tunisia), Civitavecchia (Rome), Marseille, Genoa).

For further information on MSC cruises visit www.msccruises.co.uk or to book click here to find you local ACE travel agent.

Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa is coming onboard Crystal Serenity this May to serve as in-person Executive Chef in Silk Road and the Sushi Bar, his speciality restaurants with ultra-luxury partner Crystal Cruises. The world-famous Japanese chef plans to give cooking instruction, personally prepare dishes, take pictures with guests and sign autographs during a 12-night western European/Mediterranean voyage departing Dover on 24th May 2012.

Opportunities include:

·         Nightly appearances and mingling with guests in Silk Road and the Sushi Bar.

·         Special add-on “Omakase” dinner, with sake and sake champagne pairings chosen by Sake Master Fumio Hazu, the man behind Nobu’s exclusive “living” Hokosetsu sake, plus explanations of each course by both.  

·         Intimate hands-on cooking class in Crystal’s kitchen for 10-12 guests.

·         Cooking demonstration for all guests.

·         Autograph signings of “NOBU’S Vegetarian Cookbook” and “NOBU the Cookbook”.

·         Photo opportunities.

·         Sake tasting with Japanese hors d’oeuvres, hosted by Mr Hazu.

Nobu’s Japanese-Peruvian fusion has been served complimentary onboard every Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity sailing since 2003 and 2008 respectively. Mr Matsuhisa personally trains all chefs, designs all menus and schedules in-person ship visits every year for ongoing refinement. Commenting, Crystal’s Vice President International Sales & Marketing, Philip Ordever, said: “On this visit, Nobu really wanted to have more personal interaction and time with the guests who have helped make his only ocean-going culinary venture such a success over the years.”

Chef Heinz Beck of Rome’s three Michelin Star La Pergola, Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim and Master Sommelier Bob Bath are also scheduled to host tastings and demonstrations during the “Wine and Food”-themed cruise.  A seven-course “Ultimate Vintage Room Dinner” prepared by Beck and Bath will feature impossible-to-purchase fine wines for approximately $1,000/person.

The 12-night “Bordeaux and Beyond” sailing departs from Dover on 24^th May and visits Bassens/Bordeaux (overnight), Lisbon, Gibraltar, Monte Carlo (overnight), Florence/Livorno and Porto Venere before finishing in Rome/Civitavecchia. Until 28^th February, prices start from £3,005 per person including flight from Rome to the UK, overseas transfers and 12 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window on an all-inclusive basis.

Extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Crystal Cruises’ holiday. Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity’s extensive, innovative choices include the ultra-luxury line’s coveted cheese and wine cellars, overseen by onboard, certified cheese and wine sommeliers (Court of Master Sommeliers-certified); fresh, chef-like cocktails served by certified mixologists; and gourmet dining options at every meal, whether in the Crystal Dining Room, at afternoon tea or in Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio’s speciality restaurants.

For further information and reservations please contact your local ACE Travel Agent by clicking HERE, call Crystal Cruises on 020 7287 9040 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk