Innholdsfortegnelse for August - September 2016 i Cruise & Travel

LUXURY PAMPERING AT SEA We’re very impressed with Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ new ship Seven Seas Explorer (see feature, page 32) and one of the many onboard highlights is the state-of-the-art Canyon Ranch SpaClub® which offers signature massages, ayurvedic and seaweed treatments as well as a full range of indulgent beauty treatments rssc.com . SALAD WARNING: One of the best things about cruising is exploring the different ports of call, but if you’ve decided to do some sightseeing on your own, it may be wise to think twice before ordering salad at a local restaurant unless you’re sure it has been washed and properly prepared. Even though it looks harmless, it can be contaminated with E. coli. We Love... NEVILLE Neville is one of our favourite hair and beauty salons.…

You can see the full list of this year’s categories below * Best Cruise Line * Best River Cruise Line * Best Luxury Cruise Line * Best Luxury River Cruise Line * Best Value For Money Cruise Line * Best Cruise Agency * Best Cruise Agent * Best Boutique Cruise Line * Best New Ship * Best for Onboard Entertainment * Best Destination (Europe) * Best Destination (World) * Best for Wellbeing * Best Product or Service * Best for First-Time Cruisers * Best Cruise Blogger * Best for Families * Best for Adventure * Best for Food * Best for Onboard Activities * Best for Enrichment * Cruise Agent Lifetime Achievement * Outstanding Contribution to the Cruise Industry To vote, go to cruise-international.com/awards…

The newest ship from Thomson Cruises previously sailed as Royal Caribbean’s Splendour of the Seas. But while the impressive grand atrium and imposing climbing wall remain, TUI Discovery has been given the Thomson treatment following a multi-million pound refit to appeal to British tastes. The previously large casino has been shrunk and incorporated into a stylish new lounge bar called the Live Room, where a resident pianist bashes out tunes on the banana yellow piano and a virtual band plays on a large live screen overlooking the dancefloor. The swish contemporary feel and hi-tech twists are echoed throughout the ship, with touchscreen desks where users can book excursions, spa treatments and check their onboard account. It is part of Thomson’s bid to engage social media and attract a younger crowd…

Sitting on the top deck talking to Dani, our charming barman, as the dancing lights of Mykonos slipped into the night sky, it was hard to believe that our Greek islands adventure had started just 12 hours before. I’d taken part in my first ever lifeboat drill, booked in my onboard treatments with the spa team, had a delicious three-course lunch in the Aegean restaurant, visited my first Greek island and was now back on board for an evening of socialising and stargazing before returning to my stateroom ready to wake up in Turkey the next morning. Mykonos had been an outstanding first port of call – bursts of hot pink bougainvillea spilling over multicolored balconies set against a backdrop of perfectly whitewashed stone along narrow weaving streets, and iconic…

Lewis Hamilton has just zoomed past in a blur of silver and jade, closely followed by Daniel Ricciardo in a whoosh of red, black and yellow. At least, I think it’s him – the cars are going so fast it’s getting a little hard to tell which one is which. Suddenly the sky behind Port Hercules turns black and then it’s raining again. Thousands of umbrellas go up, but the race isn’t stopping and no one is going anywhere because we’re all transfixed by the nail-biting action on the track. This is the Monaco Grand Prix and it’s every bit as exhilarating and gripping as you imagine it would be. Watching from the grandstand means you’re close to the action and you’re part of the crowd – so every time…

For a truly unforgettable river cruise, look no further than the contemporary style, attentive service and fantastic itineraries that Emerald Waterways has to offer on board its cutting-edge fleet. Travellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing their perfect Emerald Waterways trip and, with three new ships and two new itineraries for 2017, there are even greater options for every type of cruiser. Whether you enjoy a dash of excitement or a serving of history and culture, you can find it in the eight-day Jewels of the Rhine voyage. This fly-cruise holiday tours the Rhine River, uncovering its astounding natural and manmade gems at each gentle curve from Amsterdam to Basel. Ports of call include the fascinating German cities of Koblenz, Mannheim and Kehl. But the most notable…

PROVENCE, FRANCE Originally named Provincia Romana by the Romans in the 1st century, this historic southwestern region of France roughly spans the area between the Rhône River and Italy’s border and has long been the object of affection of many writers and painters. Cézanne, Matisse and Van Gogh are just some of the artists who were inspired by the area’s quintessentially Mediterranean landscape and vistas. In more recent times, author Peter Mayle paid homage with his autobiographical novel A Year In Provence. While Provence’s leisurely appeal lies in its delectable cuisine and wine, rural charms and traditional way of life, thrillseekers will also enjoy all that Calanques National Park near Cassis has to offer, such as kayaking in the gloriously clear aquamarine waters. >>Turn to page 58 to read about…

It’s all in the detail on Seven Seas Explorer. Versace plates and a breathtaking hand-blown Murano glass chandelier in the sea-themed Compass Rose restaurant, intricate panelling in the ship’s ceilings, oversized marble bathrooms, and a palette of blue, grey, silver, white, brown, gold and cream décor throughout create a lavish, refined atmosphere. Mahogany, teak and an atrium with twin staircases and enormous crystal chandelier add to the relaxed, luxurious ambience. Seven Seas Explorer has been designed with couples in mind. It is an all-suite ship, which means you’re guaranteed space and a good-sized balcony in whichever category you book (there are 10 to choose from), although the Concierge suites are particularly sublime. All rooms feature European-king Elite Slumber beds, sumptuous soft furnishings, Italian illy coffee machines and mini-bars stocked with…

It seems truly fitting that Cunard has looked to its rich past, stretching back 176 years, as inspiration for transforming its flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2 in a multi-million pound overhaul. The heritage and traditional touches that shaped this iconic line have been embraced and enhanced as part of a £90m “remastering” that saw Queen Mary 2 emerge from a 25-day dry dock with a string of new features and upgraded surroundings. Stylish Art Deco detail, reflected in the soft furnishings and carpets that run through the ship, and liberal use of marble, brass and bronze take their nod from the original Queen Mary, while the new Carinthia Lounge plays homage to four former Cunard ships of this name. This lounge replaces the Winter Garden, previously not a place…

1. Embarkation day is always busy – don’t panic, the crowds will soon disperse (it’s amazing how quickly this happens), then you’ll be able to find your own rhythm and enjoy the ship at›your own pace. 2. Keep your key card with you at all times – you’ll need it to get off and back on the ship, and you’ll also need it for purchases on board. 3. SPECIALITY DINING CAN GET BOOKED UP VERY QUICKLY, SO IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO RESERVE YOUR TABLE AS SOON AS YOU CAN. 4. STAY ON THE SHIP’S TIME. THIS CAN CHANGE AS YOU TRAVEL AND YOU’LL BE GIVEN A REMINDER IF THE CLOCKS ARE GOING BACK OR FORWARD AS YOU SAIL. 5. Ask staff for an alternative to the main dining room…

MARKET FORCES See and taste Northern Europe with extravagant shore excursions such as Celebrity Cruises’ Chef's Market Discoveries during two nights in St Petersburg, which features a market visit and sampling vodka with local delicacies. The Celebrity Eclipse Scandinavia and Russia cruise also visits Warnemünde in Germany, Denmark’s Copenhagen and Tallinn in Estonia. Departs 21 May 2017 for 14 nights from £1,399pp, based on two sharing (0800 441 4054; celebritycruises.co.uk). CITY TO CITY There’s something magical about sailing down the River Thames and this cruise heads all the way to St Petersburg for two days of exploring. Departing from Tilbury, Magellan calls at medieval Tallinn, Estonia, and the stylish Finnish capital of Helsinki. There are also days in Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Magellan, flagship of Cruise & Maritime Voyages, is a…

GET ACTIVE WITH EMERALD Emerald Waterways has introduced EmeraldACTIVE, a range of activities aimed at more adventurous guests. Examples of the activities on offer include hikes in Germany’s dramatic Black Forest during the eight-day Jewels of the Rhine and a guided bike tour of the Austrian city of Melk – home to the famed Melk Abbey – on the eight-day Danube Delights. David Winterton, UK Brand Manager for Emerald Waterways, said: “As European river cruising continues to grow in popularity, guests are increasingly looking for new and exciting ways to see the culture and sights of the cities they visit. EmeraldACTIVE promises to showcase even more of what Europe has to offer.” For more information, visit emeraldwaterways.co.uk. SAGA INTRODUCES NEW SOLO RIVER CRUISES Responding to increasing demand, Saga has introduced…

MSC REVEALS DETAILS OF NEW SMART SHIP MSC Cruises has unveiled features of its new smart ship MSC Meraviglia. With the first cruise scheduled for 4 June 2017, MSC Meraviglia has been designed to offer guests cutting-edge entertainment, a range of dining options and wellness choices. The ship, which has a capacity of 5,700, will spend its inaugural summer season sailing the western Mediterranean – calling at locations such as Naples, Barcelona and Marseille. A highlight of the onboard entertainment includes Cirque du Soleil. Two shows will be performed six nights per week in the Carousel Lounge, a circular performance venue with a 180-degree glass wall that has been designed to meet the needs of Cirque du Soleil performers. Other features include a super amusement park and children’s area. Families…

It is one of the hottest destinations around – and you and a guest could be discovering iconic Cuba with Celestyal Cruises. Celestyal pioneered cruising in Cuba and offers one of the finest ways to explore the island. On board Celestyal Crystal, you will experience authentic Cuban food and entertainment as you sail around the island, calling at four different ports in seven days. Celestyal’s mid-sized ship can access smaller ports that other ships can’t reach, offering an itinerary that showcases the best of Cuba. Due to popular demand, following three very successful years, the cruise will now sail in Cuba all year round from November 2016. The itinerary includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and national parks and reserves. You can walk down cobblestone streets, up mountain paths,…

From craggy mountains to dense forest, the diverse landscape of Alaska & Western Canada offers some of the most extraordinary scenery on earth, and it’s the place to spot spectacular wildlife, including bears and whales. The dramatic and untamed terrain of the Canadian Rockies has always been a big pull for travellers. Picturesque scenes can be found among its rugged sweeping coastlines, awe-inspiring lakes and grand valley glaciers. But without a doubt the biggest draw is the Rocky Mountain range. Measuring around 3,000 miles, this series of majestic peaks extends from Northern Canada to New Mexico and forms the stunning backdrop to the Rocky Mountaineer® Explorer and Alaska Discovery tour, which combines both the wonders of Alaska and the sensational Rockies. Set sail on a journey of a lifetime and experience…

We’re bobbing out in the deep water just off the Gaspé Peninsula, the landmass that juts out between the mouth of Saint Lawrence River and Chaleur Bay, which separates the Canadian provinces of Québec and New Brunswick. The sheer cliffs of Bonaventure Island loom above us, every ledge smothered with so many northern gannets that it looks as though the cliffs are dusted with snow. The sun is glittering on the water but the wind is bracing and I’m soaked through (note to self: water resistant is definitely not the same as waterproof) and freezing cold, plus the stench of guano is almost unbearable. Gannets wheel above our zodiac craft, their six foot wingspans casting huge shadows, before suddenly folding into themselves and knifing into the water, emerging with wiggling…

The Titan holiday experience is renowned for being personal, enjoyable and utterly relaxing. That’s because every little detail is taken care of – from the moment you step out of your door to when you hop on board the ship. Guests can take advantage of carefully planned itineraries as well as included excursions, dining arrangements and on board facilities. Titan is a trusted expert in ocean and river cruises and for 2017 it has exclusively chartered the super-stylish river cruise ship MS›Serenade 1 to take guests on a wide variety of European itineraries, featuring popular destinations such as historic Prague and beautiful Vienna. The leisurely pace of a river cruise allows you to relax and enjoy the gorgeous vistas as you sail along, making MS Serenade 1 itineraries perfect for…

STUNNING MIDNIGHT SUN We went on our second cruise with Celebrity to Iceland and Norway last year. While in Reykjavik I was lucky enough to take this amazing picture at midnight. It’s true that the sun never sets there. I hope you can feature it in your next magazine, which by the way I love. Allison Laycock-Sullivan TAKING A BITE OF THE BIG APPLE My friend and I went on a cruise for the first time earlier this year on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. We went on a whirlwind tour of New York and pampered ourselves in the ship’s amazing spa. We were never bored as there were so many activities and an array of entertainment on offer. After the voyage I realised I am now a cruise convert and…