It was reported on February 27th that a fire had occurred in an aft electric generator room on board the Costa Allegra. The fire was quickly extinguished. The ship was more than 200 miles southwest of the Seychelles and about 20 miles from Alphonse Island in the Southern Indian Ocean.

The PSA extends its regrets to all those who were affected by the incident on the Costa Allegra. We are pleased that the ship’s crew acted quickly and professionally and that no individuals were injured. Repairs are being made aboard the ship and vessels that were despatched are assisting as appropriate.

The cruise line industry adheres to rigid regulations contained in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) as developed by the International Maritime Organization. These regulations include: fire prevention, fire protection and extinguishing systems, crew training and fire emergency response. SOLAS regulations are enforced by the ship’s Flag State, Shipping Classification Society and local government officials, who exercise authority when the ship is in port.

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.

Hebridean Island Cruises (www.hebridean.co.uk / 01756 704 704) is celebrating the 25th season of its luxury small cruise ship, Hebridean Princess, by offering guests the chance to sail on one of the original itineraries and save up to 25% off the cost of their cruise.

Hebridean Island Cruise's has launch the 2013 Cruise Directory for Hebridean Princess and celebrates her 25th season with three original sailings being replicated include; ‘The Islands of the Inner Hebrides’, ‘St Kilda, the Inner and Outer Hebrides and the Small Islands’ and ‘The Islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides’ – a replica of the first ever Hebridean Princess cruise which first set sail in May 1989.

In addition, Hebridean Island Cruises is offering a 10% early booking discount on all 2013 bookings made before the 15 June 2012, as well as an additional 5% loyalty discount for past guests. Guests booking two 2013 cruises with Hebridean Island Cruises at the same time will also receive 25% off their second sailing.

New for 2013 are four new Footloose walking itineraries – providing walkers the opportunity to get off the beaten track and explore untamed landscapes - as well as partnership cruises with the NADFAS, the National Trust, and the Royal Horticultural Society.

To mark the distinctive range of itineraries, Hebridean Island Cruises offers an unrivalled selection of Guest Speakers including journalist and broadcaster, Martin Bell, and Radio 4 Today presenter, James Naughtie.

Further highlights of the 2013 season include;

• The seven night ‘A Classical Cruise of the Hebrides’ which allows guests to experience what inspired musicians, poets, painters and Royals of the 19th century visiting Fingal's Cave on the stunning Hebridean Island of Staffa. Excursions include a full day in Tobermory on Mull to enjoy the famous Mendelssohn on Mull Festival which aims to encourage young musicians to develop their skills. Prices start from £4,240 per person.

• The ‘West Highland and Island Gardens’ cruise, departing on 23 April 2013. Recommended by the Royal Horticultural Society, gives guests the opportunity to visit some of the west coast's most beautiful gardens and some hidden gems including inverewe Garden, Attadale Garden and Arduaine Garden in the company of guest speaker Professor Stefan Buczacki. Prices start from £3,460 per person.

• ‘An Irish Adventure’ which departs from Oban on 16 April 2013 calls at Bangor, Rathlin Island and Londonderry as well as Hebridean Princess’ first ever call at Belfast. Prices start from £3,110 per person.

Hebridean Island Cruises all inclusive fares also come with added benefits for 2013 to enhance the cruise experience. Prices for all 2013 cruises include a private chartered the airport or rail station, complimentary car parking and free travel insurance (offer is subject to terms and conditions).

The 25% discount is valid only when guests book two cruises with Hebridean Island Cruises before the 15 June 2012.

For more information and to book visit www.hebridean.co.uk or call 01756 704 704.

- Top decks to feature first five-slide Aqua Park, Kids’ Aqua Park, largest ropes course at sea and new mini golf -

Norwegian Breakaway will take recreation and outdoor fun to new heights when it launches in April 2013. The ship’s top decks will feature the first Aqua Park at sea with five full-size water slides, including twin Free Fall slides, the first ever at sea, and a three-story sports complex that includes the largest ropes course at sea, a nine-hole miniature golf course, basketball court, rock climbing wall and more. The line also announced that the ship will feature Nickelodeon experiences for the whole family and will include a Nickelodeon themed Kids’ Aqua Park.

“Norwegian Breakaway’s outdoor decks will offer spectacular fun and thrills for the entire family,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer. “As a sports enthusiast, I am so excited about the extraordinary recreation and the over-the-top ways to play on this incredible new ship. From the amazing Aqua Park to the thrilling ropes course with its ‘plank’ feature, Norwegian Breakaway has been designed to ensure that our guests will have the time of their lives.”

The Aqua Park is Norwegian’s biggest yet and features five multi-story water slides. Norwegian Breakaway is the first cruise ship to feature the Free Fall – two side-¬by-side slides where guests will stand up and have the floor drop from underneath, propelling them into a thrilling loop. Offering another first with a twist are two additional side-by-side twister slides – called The Whip -- that deliver an unforgettable adrenaline rush as they plunge guests on a spiral race to the finish line. For those who prefer a more relaxing ride, there is a family-friendly open-flume body slide. The Aqua Park also features a Kids’ Aqua Park, two swimming pools, four hot tubs and the Breezeway Bar & Grill, a semi-open air eatery.

In the Kids’ Aqua Park, children can cool off with colourful, whimsical and larger than life Nickelodeon characters from Bikini Bottom, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick, Squidward and more. The tropical area will include a kid-sized pool and slide, along with multiple water features.

The three-story sports complex will be Norwegian’s largest and feature the line’s first ever ropes course, the largest one at sea. The multi-level ropes course will challenge guests to more than 40 different elements, including a zip track. For a thrill like no other, guests will confront The Plank, a platform that extends eight feet over the side of the ship. Those who test their courage on The Plank will be rewarded by having their photo taken after conquering this heart-pounding, yet breathtaking, feat. Kids will be challenged as well with a special ropes course just for them. In another first for the line, the nine-hole ocean-themed miniature golf course is located beneath the ropes course, offering family fun with friendly competition. A rock climbing wall, bungee trampoline and spider web, a 24-foot enclosed climbing cage complete with a spiral slide, round out the activities.

Nickelodeon Experiences

Norwegian Breakaway will be the fourth Norwegian ship to offer Nickelodeon experiences, including the all-new Pajama Jam Character Breakfast, Dora’s Dance Party, where kids will have the chance to sing and dance to their favourite songs with Dora the Explorer and Team Nick; Nickelodeon Character Meet and Greets; Story Time with Dora; and Nickelodeon Arts and Crafts. Nickelodeon also hits the main stage with entertainment everyone can enjoy. In addition, Nickelodeon’s Splash Mobs add an element of surprise with spontaneous, impromptu games that are exciting for the whole family with pies, slime and other surprises. Nickelodeon characters and themed activities will also be featured in Splash Academy, the ship’s two-story youth area offering merriment for kids ages three to 12.

Adult Only Areas

Norwegian Breakaway will also feature adult-only outdoor areas. Spice H2O, located at the back of the ship on deck 16, is an adult-only escape with contemporary Asian influences offering day-time relaxation and night-time exhilaration. Sun loungers surround a huge video screen, complete with two hot tubs and a soothing dual waterfall feature, perfect for cooling off from the sun. At night, guests can dance under the stars or chill at the bar with accompanying lounge area, featuring comfortable seating while admiring the ocean views.

On deck 17, guests ages 18 and over will have the opportunity to enjoy another private retreat – Vibe Beach Club – by purchasing an access pass. Complete with ocean views, an oversized hot tub, luxurious chaise loungers and a relaxing water feature, Vibe Beach Club will be the ideal spot for adults to relax and unwind in a serene, comfortable setting while soaking up the sun. A full-service bar, water spritzers and chilled towels complete the exclusive experience.

Casual Dining

While enjoying all the outdoor activities, guests can venture to the Garden Café, on deck 15, which will offer an abundant assortment of delicious menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is Norwegian’s signature casual restaurant where chefs cook fresh, prepared-to-order food as guests watch, featuring seafood, pizza, fruit, soups, pasta, ethnic specialties, burgers and desserts; offering extensive and varied selections.

Currently under construction at Meyer Werft, Norwegian Breakaway will arrive in her year-round homeport of New York City in early May 2013. The ship will begin weekly summer seven-day cruises to Bermuda on Sunday, May 12, 2013. From October 2013 through to April 2014, the ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas and Florida and the Southern Caribbean.

To book a cruise on Norwegian Breakaway, click here to find your local ACE travel agent. For more information visit www.ncl.co.uk.

Crystal Cruises has lined up 10 of Europe’s most spectacular championship golf courses for exclusive, luxury play during two limited-access “Experiences of Discovery” golf-themed cruises this summer. Hosted by 51-time PGA tour-winner Billy Casper, travellers can strike balls in Spain, Portugal and Monaco during Crystal Serenity’s 13th July voyage or throughout the British Isles on Crystal Symphony’s 25th August sailing.

Courses include:

Edinburgh/Rosyth
• Gleneagles King’s and Queen’s Courses: Overnighting allows for rounds on two aristocratic moorland links.

Barcelona
• Real Club de Golf El Prat: One of Spain’s most exclusive courses, designed by Greg Norman.
• Club de Golf Masia Bach: Challenging and contemporary 18 holes designed by José Maria Olazábal.

Monte Carlo
• Monte Carlo Golf Club: Inaugural Crystal club features sweeping Mediterranean Sea views.

Valencia
• El Saler Golf Course: Pine forests and sea flank this site of several Spanish Opens.

Cádiz
• Valderrama: Voted the 15th Best International Course by Celebrated Living readers.

Belfast
• Royal Belfast Golf Club: Ireland’s oldest fairway, with Belfast Lough and Antrim plateau views.

Lisbon
• Penha Longa Golf Course: This mountainous course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Junior, is considered one of the European Circuit’s best.

Dublin
• Kildare Hotel & Country Club: Inland links designed by Arnold Palmer.

Boutique excursions offer socialising during warm-up refreshments, games, lunch and “19th hole” cocktails in legendary private clubhouses, with Crystal also arranging round-trip transportation, team-pairing, carts and caddies (where available) and club and shoe cleaning and storage. Shoreside activities are complemented by a host of onboard offerings, including parties, awards, golf clinics with PGA pro John Clark, TaylorMade clubs, putting green and two driving ranges for practice-at-sea. Billy Casper will also play and mingle with guests, as well as provide tips and presentations.

“We design these cruises to be a golfing traveller’s dream,” says Philip Ordever, Crystal’s Vice President International Sales & Marketing. “Guests need not worry about maneuvering complex foreign logistics and simply pack their clubs - we take care of everything else in the finest of style.”

Until 30th April, all-inclusive Book Now fares start at:

• £3,800 per person for the 12-night “Spanish Serenade” voyage from Monte Carlo to Lisbon onboard Crystal Serenity visiting Marseilles, Barcelona (overnight), Valencia, Malaga, Gibraltar and Cadiz. Departs 13th July.
• £3,458 per person for the 11-night “British Isle Brilliance” voyage round trip from Dover onboard Crystal Symphony visiting Edinburgh (overnight), Belfast, Dublin, Holyhead, Waterford, Portland and Guernsey. Departs 25th August.

Crystal Cruises’ passion for creating unique luxury experiences both on land and at sea have helped earn the company top ratings from international travelers for two decades.

For further information visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk or to book please click here to find your local ACE travel agent.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has just launched a special selection of cruises for summer 2012, offering great savings on brochure prices. There are sailings from a range of regional UK ports, to destinations including the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic, the Arctic, Mediterranean and the Canary Islands, as well as several mini cruises. All offer exceptional value for money, with prices starting from £64 per person per night, and savings on brochure prices of up to £1,500 per cabin. Guests booking two or more cabins at the same time may also be eligible for an extra saving of 10% on the ‘Specialsaver’ price.

Departure ports include Dover, Southampton, Portsmouth, Newcastle, Greenock (Glasgow) and Rosyth (Edinburgh), with the PortLink coach service available from 42 pick up points nationwide.

Some sample cruises include :-
• Black Watch ‘Majestic Fjords’ cruise, W1212, a seven-night cruise from Dover to the Norwegian fjords, departing on 2nd September 2012, with ports including Bergen, Stavanger, Flam and Eidfjord. Prices start from £629 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin (brochure price £819).
• Boudicca ‘Waterfalls & Volcanoes’ cruise, D1216, a 10-night cruise to Iceland from Rosyth (Edinburgh), departing on 31st July 2012, that includes an overnight stay in Reykjavik, the Icelandic capital, and well as a call into the Faroe Islands. Prices start from £849 per person, reduced from £1,169, saving £320 per person.
• Balmoral’s ‘Portugal & Spain with Barcelona’ cruise, L1213, a 14-night cruise from Southampton, departing on 11th August 2012, with ports that include Gibraltar and Lisbon (Portugal) as well as vibrant Barcelona (Spain). Prices start from £1,079 per person, formerly £1,589.
• Black Watch mini cruise, W1213, a three-night cruise departing from Dover on 9th September 2012 and calling at Rouen (France) for an overnight stay. Prices start from £229 per person (formerly £339)

All prices are per person, based on two adults sharing an inside, twin cabin, Grade ‘I’ and include all meals and entertainment on board and port taxes.

Lol Nichols, General Sales Manager for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said: ‘These summer sailings represent amazing value for money, when you consider how much is included in the price. For anyone who has not yet booked a summer break, they will find these prices very hard to beat, and there is a great choice of destinations and departure ports. ‘

More information can be found at www.fredolsencruises.com or click here to find your local ACE travel agents.  Agents can book online at the Travel Agents’ Centre or via AmadeusCruise, or by calling Reservations on 01473 742424.

Costa Cruises’ fleet expansion programme continues with the latest flagship due to depart Italy next month

The Costa Fascinosa, the latest flagship of Costa Cruises, will be officially delivered to Costa on 5 May 2012 at the Venice Passenger Terminal.

The ship is set to make her debut just two months after the delivery of the Costa neoRomantica and will be followed by a new 132,500 gross tonnage Costa ship in October 2014, also to be built in Marghera.

The Costa Fascinosa will depart for her vernissage cruise on 6 May 2012 from Venice bound for Slovenia, Trieste and Croatia on a cruise hosting the 19th edition of the ‘Champions of the Sea’, an annual event celebrating the best travel agents partnering with Costa Cruises across five continents.

Following this, the Costa Fascinosa will depart from Venice once again on her inaugural cruise – a ten day itinerary taking in Greece, Israel and Turkey. For the remainder of the 2012 summer season until late November, the Costa Fascinosa will be offering seven-day cruises from Venice and Bari to Greece and Croatia.

The cruise ship which was built at the Marghera yard has successfully completed her sea trials, passing a series of running tests on her systems, machinery and engines, and will be officially handed over to Costa Cruises by the builder Fincantieri the day before her vernissage cruise.

The total investment made by Costa Cruises for the Costa Fascinosa is worth 510 million euros. The construction of the ship in Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard involved the labor of around 3,000 yard workers plus a further 7,000 people employed by about 500 contracted suppliers, most of which are Italian firms.

The Costa Fascinosa will be the largest cruise ship flying the Italian flag. As her name suggests, Costa Fascinosa (114,500 gross tonnage and 3,800 total guests) has been designed to act as a tribute to all things that exude charm – people and places synonymous with allure and seduction. The central theme for her interiors, conceived by architect Joseph Farcus, is the atmosphere inspired by great historic films, the characters that made them famous and the works that brought success to the most celebrated theatres in the world.

For more information, please visit www.costacruises.com or to book a cruise please click here to find your local ACE travel agent.

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It’s estimated that more than one-billion people will tune in for this year’s Olympic Games in the host city of London, and Celebrity Cruises has arranged for guests sailing on its modern luxury fleet to be amongst them.

From the eagerly anticipated Opening Ceremony on 27 July to the celebratory Closing Ceremony on 12 August 2012, Celebrity Cruises will broadcast ‘live’ via satellite the swimming, diving, gymnastics, rowing, cycling, athletics, and basketball events, in addition to airing daily compilations of highlights from all 26 sports featured in the Games. On Celebrity Cruises ships sailing in North America, the events initially airing live will be re-broadcast during more convenient times of day for guests to enjoy.

Whether sailing on Celebrity Constellation in Scandinavia and Russia; in Iceland and the Fjords on Celebrity Eclipse; in the Eastern Mediterranean on Celebrity Equinox; in the Adriatic on Celebrity Silhouette; in the Mediterranean from Venice on Celebrity Solstice; in Bermuda on Celebrity Summit; or in Alaska on Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Infinity and Celebrity Century, Celebrity’s guests can stay on top of the Games while on holiday.

Celebrity Cruises’ guests will be able to view the Olympic Games within the comfort of their stylish staterooms and suites, or in several bars and lounges on every Celebrity Cruises ship (with the exception of Celebrity Xpedition, which sails year-round in the Galapagos Islands). The specific locations and event times will be listed within each Celebrity Cruises’ ship’s daily newsletter.

For more information on Celebrity Cruises and cruises featuring the Olympics please visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk, to book please click here to find your local ACE travel agent. Travel professionals please visit www.cruisingpower.co.uk.

• Carnival launches the Punchliner Comedy Brunch
• Laughter served with eggs and bacon on the Carnival Miracle
• Culinary entertainment to be introduced across fleet

Comedy will be served with brunch on the latest Carnival cruises, following the launch of a new free dining option.

The Punchliner Comedy Brunch debuts on the Carnival Miracle, which offers eight-day voyages through the Caribbean from New York.

Comedians chosen by American comic and Carnival’s ‘curator of comedy’, George Lopez, will entertain guests as they enjoy a variety of mid-morning meals.

The Comedy Brunch takes place on sea days in the main dining room, and features culinary treats inspired by Lopez’s Mexican heritage, including Carne y Huevos – filet mignon topped with two eggs and béarnaise sauce; Hen Alla Diavola, grilled chicken with lemon and pepper; and Mexican-style churros.

Two special “George’s Recipes” dishes created by the comedian himself – his own take on Huevos Rancheros that features a chicken quesadilla topped with fried eggs and manchego cheese, and a breakfast burrito filled with scrambled eggs, beans and chorizo – are also offered.
Menu descriptions have a comedic slant, with playful interpretations of traditional brunch offerings listed, such as Headliners featuring Funny French Toast, Pappardelle Pasta, and Mac & Cheese available with applewood smoked bacon, chicken or steak; and Punchline, a decadent dessert menu with caramelized cheesecake and banana crème pie. A variety of custom-made omelettes, as well as standards like Eggs Benedict and sides, are also available.

The menu also features a Bloody Mary Bar offering several variations of the traditional brunch-time favourite.

Adolfo Perez, MD of Carnival UK, says: “Even if you’ve got out the wrong side of bed, our comedians aim to put a smile on your face while you munch through brunch. We find it sets you up for a happier day on board.

“It’s likely this dining option will be introduced across all Carnival’s cruises, so keep your eyes peeled for Comedy Brunch on other ships.”

Olympic athlete Sally Gunnell is joining friends and fans of Royal Caribbean International on Thursday 26 April 2012 to share her top holiday and fitness tips in a live Facebook chat.

Anyone who wants to post a question to Sally should add it to Royal Caribbean International's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/royalcaribbeanuk.

Sally will join Facebook fans and friends at 3.00pm BST for one hour.

As the ambassador for Royal Caribbean International's Royal Caribbean Runners programme - a scheme that encourages and incentivises people to get into running both on land and now on board Independence of the Seas - Sally Gunnell will be sharing ideas on getting into fitness for the first time, staying fit and simply having a great, active family holiday.

To take part, become a fan of Royal Caribbean International on Facebook at www.facebook.com/royalcaribbeanuk.

In 2012, Crystal Cruises is offering almost 30% more Crystal Adventures exploring Europe’s extensive Jewish heritage. A predecessor to the ultra-luxury line’s new Christian heritage tours, the popular programme gives Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony travellers the opportunity to intimately experience Jewish culture and history. The boutique outings visit neighbourhoods, museums, monuments, synagogues and more sombre sites in, or near, Palamós, Berlin, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Dublin, Hamburg, Rome, Odessa, St Petersburg and Israel.

Highlights include:

• Haifa: A kibbutz, the ancient holy city of Safed, Golan Heights and a second-century Jewish burial ground.
• Girona: El Call, one of Europe’s best-preserved Jewish Quarters, by Segway or on foot.
• Dublin: The homes of Dublin’s Jewish Lord Mayors and ex-Israeli President Herzog, the first dedicated day school and Jewish cemetery.
• Stockholm: The Jewish Museum and three local synagogues, from Stockholm’s first (1790) to one whose interior is originally from another synagogue in Hamburg.
• Berlin: Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, the Grosse Hamburger Strasse deportation area, Otto Weidt’s broom-making factory and the 205,000-square-foot Holocaust Memorial (two different excursions).
• Athens: Athens’ Jewish Museum, containing 8,000+ domestic and religious artefacts from 2,300 years of Greek Judaism.
• Odessa: Kosher refreshments, Ukraine’s only Jewish history museum, Shomrei Shabbos synagogue and Beit Grand Jewish Cultural Centre.
• Hamburg: Neuengamme Concentration Camp Memorial, home of 100,000+ WWII prisoners.
• Ashdod: Jerusalem’s Western Wall, Old City and Holocaust artefact-filled Yad Vashem memorial.

“Due to their enormous popularity, we’re continuing to develop niche excursions that connect travellers to their special interests,” says Vice President, International Sales & Marketing, Philip Ordever. “Our Jewish guests welcome the opportunity to experience their heritage around the world. However, even non-practitioners of the faith relish gaining first-hand insight into different cultures, and Jewish culture is particularly fascinating for its long and storied impact upon so many areas of the world.”

Half-day and full-day adventures start at $75 per person, with two-person Private Options also available in Rome, Haifa, Berlin, and Odessa. Crystal Serenity’s October visit to Israel further offers trips to Galilee, Tel Aviv and other Jewish-related areas, by coach or helicopter. Kosher options and Jewish services are also available on select Crystal cruises.

Thirty-five, 7- to 14-night all-inclusive, luxury European cruises offer limited-time Book Now, Cruise-Only fares if booked by 30th April. Prices from £2,166 per person (based on Crystal Symphony’s 11-night voyage from Southampton to Hamburg departing 21st May) including flight from Hamburg to the UK, overseas transfers and 11 nights in a deluxe stateroom with picture window on an all-inclusive basis.

Crystal’s passion for creating exclusive, eye-opening luxury shore-side experiences are cornerstones of its Crystal Adventures programme, earning the line top ratings for two decades.

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

Join Hebridean Island Cruises' small luxury cruise ship, Hebridean Princess, and discover the charm of Orkney's Nordic heritage from £5,550 per person (based on two people sharing a castle grade cabin).

The nine-night North to Orkney cruise explores the island's prehistoric sites including Cape Wrath and the Castle and Garden of Mey. Special guest speaker and archaeology expert Dr Coleen Batey will also be onboard to give an insight into the iconic buildings and Orkney's largest chambered tomb, Maes Howe.

North to Orkney departs from Oban and calls at Gairloch, Loch Eriboll, Scrabster, Kirkwall, Stronsay and Papa Westray, Westray and Stromness, Stromness, Helmsdale and Invergordon. Price based on a 27 June 2012 departure.

Alternatively guests on the nine night Home From The North cruise can pay a visit to Orkney's legendary cathedral, St Magnus, which has dominated the Kirkwall skyline for over 875 years. Cruise starts from £3,700 per person (based on two people sharing an inside cabin).

Home From The North departs from Invergordon and calls at Helmsdale, Kirkwall, Skara Brae, Scrabster and Loch Eriboll, Stornoway, Skye, Rum, Glenmore and Oban. Priced based on a 15 July 2012 departure.

Prices include all meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, shore excursions and gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees.

For more information and to book visit www.hebridean.co.uk or call 01756 704 704.

Children under 12 receive free shore excursions* with new 2012 cruise reservations until 13 May 2012

Just in time for summer holiday planning, Norwegian Cruise Line is launching an exciting offer for families who book a 2012 cruise until 13 May 2012.

With the “Little Norwegians Explore For Free” offer, children12 years and younger will receive complimentary Norwegian-sponsored shore excursions* and teens (13 to 17 years old) will receive half-off shore excursions* when in the same stateroom with a paying adult on the same excursion.

This applies to all 2012 sailings fleet-wide for all ports of call. Families can whale watch in Alaska; explore ancient cities in Europe; or have fun in the sun on a snorkel excursion in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda or Hawai’i.

Norwegian’s array of Freestyle Cruising options gives families the flexibility to experience the holiday they’ve always wanted including family-friendly accommodations and a variety of entertainment and dining options. Guests of all ages can enjoy Nickelodeon activities and shows on board Norwegian Jewel’s sailings to Alaska from Seattle; Norwegian Epic’s voyages to the Western Mediterranean from Barcelona or Civitavecchia (Rome) or to the Caribbean from Miami; and Norwegian Gem’s sailings from New York to the Bahamas and Florida or the Caribbean.
The line recently announced enhancements to its youth and teen programmes, Splash Academy and Entourage. Both Splash Academy and Entourage will feature a different theme every day. Whether it’s ocean-related, pirates, space cowboys, jungle fever or circus, every day will offer a new surprise that is tailored to the individual age groups - Guppies for ages up to 2; Turtles for ages 3 to 5; Seals for ages 6 to 9; and Dolphins for ages 10 to 12.

The enhanced curriculum focuses on team building and assisting in developing children’s interpersonal and confidence-building skills. With activities that are tailored specifically to each age group, the new youth and teen programmes focus on creative and unique activities, along with more sporting events, through a partnership with King’s Foundation and Camps.

A highlight of the programme is a circus school in partnership with Hilario Productions’ Cirque du Jour, a New York-based company that specialises in teaching children real circus skills. Splash Academy also offers activities for cruisers under three and their parents who can enjoy sensory play classes which include baby art featuring “Wee Can Too” organic art products.

All shore excursions for adults and children related to this offer must be pre-booked prior to sailing. Guests can reserve shore excursions, up to two days prior to sailing, using their MyNCL account (www.ncl.co.uk/prebook) for each member of the family, online, once a new reservation is made. Please note prices on the Shore Excursion confirmation will not display any applicable promotional discounts. Prices will be adjusted on board. For an overview of Norwegian’s varied world-wide cruise programme as well as the pre-booking of shore excursion see www.ncl.co.uk

To book a Norwegian Cruise Line sailing and to find your local ACE travel agent click here or for more information visit www.ncl.co.uk.

*Motorised flight tours, golf, Orlando theme parks and Atlantis in the Bahamas excluded.

P&O Cruises can trace its roots back to 1837 and this year is celebrating 175 years of heritage. The Grand Event on Tuesday July 3 is part of these celebrations, with all seven ships in Southampton for the first time. Thousands of people are expected to line the shore to witness this historical occasion, joining the 14,000 passengers and 6000 crew on board the seven ships.

A map showing all the best vantage points and times to witness The Grand Event sailaway has been released. Starting with the sailaway from Southampton, the map charts the progress of the seven ships out into the Solent, meaning that onlookers and well-wishers can secure themselves a good spot to observe the historical event.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “This day is one of the most significant days in our history, as all our seven ships gather in their home port on the same day for the first time ever. As we look forward to exciting plans for our next new ship in 2015, it is fitting to be celebrating our past as it has helped us become known as Britain’s trusted cruise experts.”

As each ship departs on its own Grand Event cruise, passengers on board will enjoy a special deck party to see them off in style. The ships will then form a procession as they leave Southampton and head down the Solent. Where the channel widens, the ships will move into a formation to be photographed from the air before they sail onwards to their various destinations.

Departing on July 3, 2012, all seven cruises will be heritage themed with special on board entertainment including a 175th Anniversary Gala dinner, heritage display, guest speakers and more. There will also be a prize draw on each cruise for one couple on each ship to win a full world cruise of their choice in 2013.

Limited availability remains on the following Grand Event cruises:
• A 17-night Central Mediterranean cruise on Ventura (N216) priced from ￡1,999 pp. Calling in Malaga, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Venice, Split, Palma, Lisbon and Vigo.
• A 17-night Baltic cruise on Aurora (R208) priced from ￡1,995 pp. Calling in Gothenburg, Copenhagen (two full days), Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg (two full days), Tallinn, Riga, Oslo and Hamburg (overnight and full day).
• A 21-night Central Mediterranean cruise on Adonia (D208) priced from ￡2,673 pp. Calling in La Coruna, Dubrovnik, Zadar, Venice (full day and evening), Koper, Durres, Corfu, Tunis (from La Goulette), Malaga and Huelva.

For more information visit www.pocruises.com/175 or to book click here to find your local ACE travel agent. 

 of a lifetime, every time.

Costa Cruises has teamed with Venini and Italian artists for bespoke art

Costa Cruises has partnered with Italian glass experts Venini to commission three vases that will be displayed on Costa Fascinosa’s vernissage cruise on 6 May 2012.

Designed by prominent Italian artists Flavio Lucchini, Emanuela Venturini and Casagrande & Recalcati, the vases will premiere at Superstudio 13 in Milan as part of the Temporary Museum for New Design’s event to showcase objects that symbolise Italian art and architecture.

The artists were given the themes of ‘charm’ and ‘beauty’ to inspire their vase designs – the philosophical and artistic concepts that inspired the design of Costa Fascinosa.

The vases will join more than 4,000 original works of art and 50,000 multiples on ships in the Costa fleet, positioning Costa Cruises as a leading investor in the European art market.

The Costa Fascinosa will be the largest cruise ship flying the Italian flag. As her name suggests, Costa Fascinosa (114,500 gross tonnage and 3,800 total guests) has been designed to act as a tribute to all things that exude charm – people and places synonymous with allure and seduction. The central theme for her interiors, conceived by architect Joseph Farcus, is the atmosphere inspired by great historic films, the characters who made them famous and the works that brought success to the most celebrated theatres in the world.

For more information, please visit www.costacruises.com or to book please click here to find your local ACE travel agent. 

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