National Cruise Week 2012:-

Top Ten River Cruises For 2012/13 from AMA Waterways

To coincide with National Cruise Week (15 - 23 September 2012), AmaWaterways has come up with its top ten pick of river cruises for 2012 /13, chosen for their cultural enrichment, specialist interest and access to spectacular sightseeing.


According to AmaWaterways' UK General Manager Fay McCormack, "River cruising offers the perfect way to enjoy some of the world's most iconic sights and events in a relaxed and comfortable manner without having to check into and out of hotels. Guests unpack once and their luxurious accommodation moves from place to place along the world's waterways, offering gourmet dining, complimentary daily tours and excursions, free-wi-fi, drinks with dinner and free use of on-board bicycles in Europe. It's no wonder that it's one of the fastest growing areas of the holiday market!"

TOP ROMANTIC CRUISE
Seine cruise - Paris in the springtime
Take the train to Paris and embark the luxurious AmaLegro to see the world's most romantic city from the water on a week long luxury river cruise along the Seine to Rouen. Visit Rouen cathedral, which inspired Monet to paint more than 30 canvases and take an excursion to Honfleur, the most romantic and picturesque harbour in northern France, a draw for artists and lovers alike.
The cruise price of £1795 per person (3rd May 2013) includes return rail travel and a 7 night cruise with complimentary daily excursions, gourmet dining, outside luxurious staterooms, themed dinners and culinary demonstrations and free use of on board bicycles to explore ashore. 

TOP EXOTIC CRUISE
Cruise the Mekong
Experience the exotic villages, towns, markets and temples of the Mekong on a 7 night river cruise from Seam Reap to Ho Chi Minh City. AmaWaterways has two magnificent river cruise ships on the Mekong, providing the most luxurious way to see Vietnam and Cambodia from the water. Cruises include all meals, beer and soft drinks with evening meals, complimentary daily tours and excursions, gourmet dining.
7 nights cruise only costs from £1138pp (01 Oct), and 11 night holiday with two nights in Seam Reap and a 7 night cruise inclusive of two overnight flights, costs from £2420pp (9th November) and a 17 night land-cruise holiday from £3745, (5th November 2012), including flights, transfers, 7 night river cruise and 8 night guided land tour.

TOP GARDENING CRUISE
Visit the Floriade World Horticultural Expo
Keen gardeners should seize the opportunity to visit the Floriade World Horticultural Expo in the Netherlands between 5th April and 7th October 2012 on a choice of four AmaWaterways' luxury river cruise itineraries. The show, which only takes place every ten years, covers 66 hectares of parkland and comprises of five horticultural worlds and themed zones, connected by wooded areas, with 100 exhibitors from around the world. Each day also features a cultural programme of music, dance, literature, theatre and visual art from all over the world.
AmaWaterways' 7-night `Vineyards of the Rhine & Mosel' cruise between Luxembourg and Amsterdam, departing 23rd September 2012, costs from £1859 per person, based on accommodation in a stateroom with French balcony, including all meals, free-flowing wine with dinner, free Wi-Fi and free use of on-board bicycles, excluding flights.

TOP for HISTORY
Jewish heritage Danube cruises
Trace the fascinating Jewish heritage of the Danube from the comfort of a luxury river cruiser, with a selected daily touring programme of excursions that include synagogue visits, Jewish districts, museums, monuments and other landmarks of significance to Jewish history, led by knowledgeable guides. The cruises pass through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary and highlights include a special visit to the tomb of Chatam Sofer, the famous rabbi, a visit to Oscar Schindler's house in Regensberg, and Room 600 at the Nuremberg Palace of Justice. Passengers will also visit the Jewish Museum, Judenplatz and Old Synagogue, Sigmund Freud House (outside), Jewish Cemetery and Jewish Quarter in Vienna.
The 7-night `Jewish Heritage' Blue Danube cruise between Budapest and Nuremberg, departing 28th October 2012, costs from £1395 per person including all meals, free-flowing wine with dinner, free Wi-Fi and free use of on-board bicycles, excluding flights.

TOP WINE CRUISE
In celebration of wine - wine themed cruises with presentations and excursions
Francophiles and wine lovers will enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Rhone from Lyon to Arles, visiting wine growing regions such as Beaujolais, Côte du Rhône and Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Arles and Avignon and the beautiful villages of Viviers, Tournon, Vienne and Trévoux. And to enhance their wine loving experience guests will cruise in the company of wine experts and vintners, enjoy complimentary tours to vineyards and cellars, wine lectures, wine tastings and fine dining with wine pairings on special `In Celebration of Wine' cruises throughout November 2012.
AmaWaterways' 7 night `In Celebration of Wine' cruises cost from £ 1525 for a 'Legendary Wine Regions of the Rhone' from Lyon to Arles , including all meals, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, daily wine themed tours, presentations and wine tastings by wine hosts and free use of on board bicycles to explore on shore. Rhine and Danube Wine Cruise Departures throughout November 2012. Contact

TOP for CHRISTMAS
Christmas market cruises
Savour the Christmas atmosphere and cruise on a luxury river cruiser through the heart of Europe, when the festive lights, the Christmas markets and often a dusting of snow capture the magic of Christmas. Between the end of November through to New Year, AmaWaterways' luxury river cruisers offer guests time to visit the festively lit cities and villages with their Christmas markets piled high with gifts and decorations and where the festive scent of gingerbread, sizzling sausages and spicy mulled wine add to the Christmas atmosphere. Return to a luxury river cruiser teeming with atmosphere and adorned with Christmas trees, garlands, colourful lights and swags to complete the festive spirit.
AmaWaterways' 7 night Christmas Time cruise costs from £1265 pp, (based on 12th December departure) including all meals, free-flowing wine with dinner, complimentary daily tours and excursions, free Wi-Fi and free use of on-board bicycles, excluding flights.
Departures on 21st, 28th and 29th November, 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th and 27th December

TOP for WILDLIFEInto Africa for a wildlife land-cruise spectacular
'Africa Safaris and Wildlife Cruise' programme, includes a four-night cruise aboard the beautiful MS Zambezi Queen, specially-designed for wildlife viewing on the Chobe River, preceded by a choice of three extensive land tours into the heart of Africa, from the expanses of the Serengeti to the awe-inspiring Chobe National Park and the towering landscape of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Each tour concludes with two nights in Victoria Falls. During the cruise the ship travels along the banks of Chobe National Park, home to one of the densest populations of wildlife in Africa. Here guests will encounter elephants, leopards, lions, and buffalo on excursions by boat or open-air vehicles, a visit to a local village, an authentic 'boma' dining experience and delicious cuisine on board.
AmaWaterways' three new Africa itineraries, 'Stars of Africa', `African Sunsets' and `Golden Trails of Africa', range from 16 to 19 days with prices from £5932pp, excluding flights and transfers including all meals on board, complimentary wine and berr with lunch and dinner, city hotels (b&b), all meals at the Lodges during the safaris.

TOP CITY CRUISE
One cruise, three cities
Three of Europe's most spectacular and historic cities are included on AmaWaterways' Legendary Danube cruise. Visit Austria''s capital, Vienna, during 2012 when the city is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Gustav Klimt, the Slovak capital of Bratislava, with its historic castle and medieval streets, and the Hungarian capital, Budapest, divided into the old and the new by the mighty Danube, before continuing on to visit historic and pretty towns and villages in Austria and Germany.
AmaWaterways' seven-night Romantic Danube cruises from Budapest to Vilshofen departs on 31st October 2012 and costs from £1545pp including return flights, transfers, all meals, free-flowing wine with dinner, free Wi-Fi and free use of on-board bicycles.

TOP for `RAIL & SAIL'
Relax on a rail and cruise combination
The combination of rail travel and river cruising must add up to one of the most relaxing and least stressful ways to holiday. With a new rail route direct from London to Cologne starting in 2013, river cruises along the Rhine and Danube will become more accessible by train, while new Seine cruises for 2013 will open up rail travel to France's waterways, such as AmaWaterways' 7 night Seine River from Paris to Vernon, Rouen, Les Andelys and Conflans before returning to Paris. Excursions include visits to the village of Giverny, where Monet lived for 43 years and tours of Honfleur, a charming French harbour town made famous from artist's paintings, and the historic capital of Normandy, followed by an unforgettable excursion to the famous Normandy beaches.
The week long cruise costs from £1795pp (3rd May 2013) , including return rail travel and transfers, all meals on board, drinks with dinner, complimentary daily excursions, free wi-fi and free use of on board bicycles.

TOP for FOODIESLove food? Love river cruising.New from AmaWaterways for 2012 are complimentary `Culinary delights -sights and bites' themed river cruises, incorporating cooking classes, food themed walking tours and food and wine tastings on a choice of European river cruise itineraries. The culinary experiences include visiting markets, cooking schools and distilleries, specialty food shops, chocolatiers and charcuteries, to appreciate local produce and prepare regional specialties such as the Bulgarian dish 'banista' and smoked salmon rolled with 'cervelle de canuts'. And it doesn't stop when guests get back on board, as the gourmet dining on all AmaWaterways' ships comes as standard.
AmaWaterways' `Culinary delights, sights and bits' complimentary tours are included on selected European river cruises throughout 2012, including a round trip from Paris along the Seine to Rouen, departing on 3rd May 2013 including return Eurostar, transfers and the 7 night cruise, from £1795.00 per person, including the sights & bites tours, all meals, free-flowing wine with dinner, free Wi-Fi and free use of on-board bicycles.

For more information on any of these, or any other of AMA Waterways fantastic range of cruises, call Cruise Holidays UK FREE on 0800 021 4712, or email on alex@cruisingexpert.co.uk

Set Sail with Yachts of Seabourn

10 Reasons to Set Sail on with Seabourn.

Here are our top ten reasons for planning our sail on Seabourn:

1. All-inclusive
Your cruise ticket includes your room (it’s basically a Four Seasons at sea), all alcoholic beverages, all meals, and entertainment, making it an incredible value. Plus, you unpack just once so your hotel room travels with you. This type of all-inclusive luxury is not standard in the business, and Seabourn’s mission — which it accomplishes — is to never say “No” to anything; even, for example, if you want caviar in your room every night, a special table for 10, or a unique meal at dinner. The Odyssey holds just 450 guests.

2. Great Food
If you’re a gourmand or a foodie, you’re in luck. One of the alternative restaurants on Odyssey, with no extra fee required, is Restaurant 2. Here, you’ll get a zillion little bites of yummies such as duck confit pops; tea-smoked game with chestnut spaetzle; and apricot beignets with Calvados ice cream. It’s first-class dining at a free price.

3. Special Orders
Yo can set sail knowing that your special orders for lowfat mayonnaise (for tunafish sandwiches), 60-calorie almond milk, nonfat yogurt and 45-calorie bread were fulfilled. You can also ask for nonfat ratatouille and lowfat carrot cake and just about anything you desire. Who says you have to gain weight on a cruise?

4. Massage Moments on Deck
“We like to surprise our guests,” says Spa Director Vlado Salak. Indeed, when you least expect it, the spa staff shows up at the pool deck to offer complimentary 10-minute massages. It’s a terrific “amuse bouche” for every bone in your body.

5. Special Molton Brown Baths
Just tell your stewardess and she can provide, complimentary, special in-suite bathing experiences in fragrances such as Ginger Lily and Ginseng. That’s what we call good clean fun for sweethearts.

6. Seabourn Couples Spa Treatments
The luxurious (and award-winning) Seabourn Spa offers a wealth of options for couples to enjoy. There’s a couples steam room, plus a Couples Massage. You can also take advantage of the roomy Spa Villa when you partake in the Seabourn Sanctuary stone therapy massage that also includes a bathing ritual, lunch, and full use of this private sun-splashed villa for five hours. The Elemis spa also offers free classes in Tai Chi, Pilates and yoga, plus extraordinary facials for both of you. Debbi took a “gilt trip” and enjoyed the 24k-gold Elemis facial that included a facial, scalp and foot massage. And for divine decadence, consider having an al fresco massage together on an outdoor massage bed, as you breathe in invigorating, clean sea air.

7. Dancing Lessons
The ship’s two exceptional ballroom dancers, Vindora and Cosmin, teach a daily class at 2 p.m., so couples can get their groove on. For example, you could take a terrific class in the jive dance, and then you're ready for any fast music thats thrown at you!

8. Drink Up: All Alcohol, Wine and Specialty Coffees Are Included
Unlike mass-market cruises where you pay for every cocktail, every coffee, and every bottle of water, Seabourn’s pricing includes all your alcohol so you can enjoy every cocktail on the map. Specialty coffees are the name of the game in Seabourn Square, and lunches and dinners feature all types of wine. For example, at the French Gastronomic Dinner in the Colonnade restaurant, the comped wines include a red Cotes de Rhone 2006 and a Sauvignon Blanc Georges DuBoeuf white 2007. If that’s not to your liking, you can also purchase other wines at a modest price. Sip, Sip, Hooray!

9. Great Entertainment
Every night there’s a terrific show. Recent cruises featured the incredible sleight-of-hand magic of Mark Haslam; a talented violinist who played everything from Abba to Vivaldi; and let’s not forget the four talented Odyssey singers from the UK who presented numerous shows, including one featuring Broadway tunes, and another focusing on composer Burt Bachrach. Many would have gladly paid admission to see these talented performers in London’s West End, but they are included in your cruise price.

10. Caviar In The Surf
On some Seabourn ships, there is a port of call where the waiters, in full attire, get into the waist-deep water with surfboards bearing drinks and caviar. This is Seabourn’s wildly popular “Caviar in the Surf.” And if you are a caviar lover, you can also request it every night in your suite, for free, to add a little more magic to your memories.

Lastly, we have three words for you, which Mr. Hale, Cruise director aboard Seabourn Odyssey, stressed every day in his announcements to the passengers: “Live the dream.” 

With Seabourn, that’s easy.

QE2 to join QM as a floating hotel.

After 40 years spent sailing as a luxury liner and more than three years languishing in Dubai's Port Rashid, Queen Elizabeth 2's future has finally been set.

According to a statement issued this morning by Dubai Ports (DP) World and the ship's current owners, Istithmar World, the 70,327-ton, 1,791-passenger ship will be turned into a 300-room floating hotel, and is scheduled to open in 18 months. 

"The vessel will be moored next to the original cruise terminal at Port Rashid ... while the terminal itself will be developed into a maritime museum," said the statement. "DP World has been expanding Port Rashid's capacity to cater for the growing demand for cruise tourism."

QE2 served as part of Cunard's fleet from 1969 until its retirement in 2008, and was sold in 2007 for $100 million to Istithmar World, the investment arm of state-run Dubai World.

Speculation has surrounded the storied ship's fate after plans to turn it into a luxury hotel and plans to dock the ship in South Africa during 2010's FIFA World Cup were both abandoned following a downturn in Dubai's economy that left Dubai World saddled with debt. Expectations for the ship's future were renewed in January, when Global Event Management, an Emirati party-planning firm, threw a New Year's Eve bash onboard. And as recently as March, a Macau-based events firm, Universal Events Management, created an Internet stir in a press release stating that it had received the rights to represent QE2 in other locales, including Macau and Atlantic City. 

The statement concerning QE2 specified that Istithmar World Chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem intends to keep the ship in Port Rashid permanently and said the ship's original furnishings will remain intact, including the ship's collection of art and historical objects. A quote from the Sultan made it clear that the company realized visitors want to see the QE2 in its original state. 

"The vessel is truly iconic and has a huge following around the world. Our vision is to enhance the facilities on board but retain the very strong sense of history that is a fundamental part of her attraction." 

Cruise or No Cruise?

If you’ve ever watched ‘Deal or no deal?’, you’ll have heard Noel Edmonds ask the famous question, which gives this TV game show its name.

Contestants try to avoid answering ‘Deal’ for as long as they can. But then a moment arrives when they have no alternative. It strikes me a similar moment is arriving in the cruising world, with non-cruisers finding it increasingly hard to avoid saying ‘Sail’.
Even dyed-in-the-wool anti-cruisers who’ve been saying ‘No sail’ for years, must be starting to have second thoughts.

Cruise Holidays Pile On The Pressure...

Today, with so many tempting offers and a constantly improving range of packages to choose from, you’d need to be very determined to stick to land-based holidays.
To further pile on the pressure, we have come up with a series of fantastic theme cruises. So now is time to take advantage of them.
If you’re a reluctant cruiser, you may well want to look away now, because some of these deals are quite hard to resist. Here are just two of the many currently on offer.

9nt Canary Islands Cruise with Steve Parrish

You’ll be joining MotoGP commentator and legendary practical joker Steve Parrish on a fantastic Winter Sun cruise from Barcelona, on 13th February 2013.

Your package begins with your flights from the UK to Barcelona, where you will be transferred to your ship, the NCL Spirit. Onboard your cruise will call at Funchal, Santa Cruz de Teneriffe, Arrecife and Malaga.

Along the way, you will enjoy 4 EXCLUSIVE events with your host, Steve Parrish, including a VIP cocktail party, a meal in one of the ship's fantastic specialty restaurants and two sessions with Steve, where he will entertain you with hilarious stories from his career in motorsports.

All this can be yours starting from £849 per person.

Visit http://www.cruisingwithparrish.co.uk/ for more details and a fantastic competition.
Prize is VIP backstage entry to the Day of Champions at Silverstone on 14th June 2012

Beatles Stay & Cruise

This fantastic Stay & Cruise Getaway has been tailored especially for Beatles fans!

Your package begins with 2 nights iconic Beatles themed Hard Day's Night hotel, including a FREE pass for the Magical Mystery Tour Bus, to visit some of the most famous Beatles sites and attractions, and a visit to The Beatles Story.

You will then enjoy a 4 night cruise aboard Cruise and Maritime's Ocean Countess, hosted by David Bedford, acclaimed Beatles expert, and author of 'Liddypool'. Your cruise calls at Milford Haven, St Marys, and Dublin. 

While on board ship, the Beatles theme will continue with live entertainment by The Cavern Legacy, one of the UK's top 60's tribute bands specializing in performing authentic musical arrangements of the early 60's Merseybeat era. In addition there will be daily Beatles themed activities for you to enjoy along with your fellow fans, in the company of your host.

This fantastic cruise starts from £799pp.

visit http://www.cruiseholidaysuk.co.uk/theme-cruises/beatles for full details.

No comparisson

Although I started this blog by comparing what’s happening today in cruising to Channel 4’s ‘Deal or no deal?’, the truth is there is no comparison.
While the TV programme is based purely on chance and contestants have to play a guessing game throughout, would-be cruisers are spared such an ordeal.
If you choose to ‘Sail’, you’ll know precisely what you’re going to get for your decision and exactly how much it will cost. What’s more, unlike participants in the show, you’ll know for certain that whatever you choose . . . it will be a great deal.

For all your cruising needs visit http://www.cruisingexpert.co.uk/ or call FREE on 0800 6123 203

Welcome to a new year in cruising

Well, we are are now well in to the new year, and you will be glad to know that all the cruise lines are coming out with some fantastic new offers, and we will NOT be left behind.

My daddy was out of the office yesterday, meeting with Steve Parrish, self confessed motorsport legend, BBC commentator and World-class practical joker. Steve is going to be hosting a cruise on 13th February 2013 along with his partner Michelle, which is exclusively available to Cruise Holidays UK customers.

This a 9nt Winter sun cruise from Barcelona to the Canary Islands aboard NCL Spirit, calling at Funchal, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Arrecife and Malaga, before returning to Barcelona. Along the way, Steve will be hosting a cocktail party (with free drinks!!), 2 sessions, where steve will tell you a small selection of the stories he has built up over the years, and a meal in one of the ships fantastic specialty restaurants, with after dinner Q&A, where you will be able to ask him almost anything.

Visit http://www.cruisingwithparrish.co.uk/, or email info@cruisingwithparrish.co.uk for more details.
Pre-register your interest on the website for your chance to win a fantastic prize.

Check back over the next few days for more information on the fantastic offers available to Cruise Holidays UK customers.