Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2015 - January 2016 i Cruise & Travel

The Cruise International Awards 2015 were the talking point on Channel 4’s Countdown on the day of the ceremony when presenter Nick Hewer spoke at length about the awards and their popularity. Hewer, who hosted the Cruise International Awards in 2011, told Countdown viewers: “If winter really fills you with dread there’s a big awards event that might interest you because tonight the Cruise International Awards take place.” Hewer added that he was so seduced by everyone talking about cruise holidays when he hosted the Cruise International Awards that he was inspired to go on a cruise himself. “(My wife) Catherine and I went off on a little ship, a Seabourn ship, in the West Indies – I loved it,” he said.…

Princess Cruises has announced that their new ship Majestic Princess will also carry a Chinese name, chosen by Carnival’s China employees, meaning “Grand World” or “Grand Spirit” when it makes its debut in 2017. The new ship will homeport in Shanghai, China year-round beginning in summer 2017, sailing to Japan and Korea, and become the first vessel built specifically for Chinese guests, incorporating a unique blend of international and Chinese features. For more information, visit princess.com.…

If you’ve ever wanted to taste some of the world’s finest wines while exploring the vineyards where the grapes are grown, or paint the water lilies of the stunning garden created by Monet himself, here’s your chance. Luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways is offering an exquisite range of European itineraries for 2016 on board their incredible ships. Praised by the Berlitz River Cruise Guide 2014 for the Highest Rated River Cruise Ships in Europe, AmaWaterways took the top 11 spots in the rankings, with its ship AmaPrima topping the list. Recognising that more and more of its passengers want to have an immersive experience while on their holiday, AmaWaterways now offer select sailings that focus on wine or art. For 2016, AmaWaterways has over 40 wine themed cruises to choose…

“THE CRUISE INTERNATIONAL AWARDS ARE IMPORTANT BECAUSE THEY’RE VOTED FOR BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE ACTUALLY TRAVELLED ON OUR SHIPS.”Wendy Atkin-Smith, UK MD of Viking Cruises “WE’RE ABSOLUTELY THRILLED. THE CRUISE INTERNATIONAL AWARDS REFLECT WHAT CONSUMERS FEEL, WHICH IS REALLY VALUABLE TO US.”Tony Roberts, Vice-President UK & Europe, Princess Cruises…

Romantic Danube This incredible 8-day journey treats you to medieval towns, grand cities, ancient abbeys and soaring river gorges along the celebrated Danube. Sail in comfort and style through Hungary, Austria and Germany on an award-winning Viking Longship® . 8 days from £1,045pp Imperial Jewels of China The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Three Gorges – with Viking, you’ll see the iconic sites and lesser-known treasures. Combining hotel stays with deluxe cruising along the Yangtze, this 14-day journey brings you the best of both worlds. 14 days from £2,295pp Rhine Discovery Sail the legendary Rhine on a Viking Longship® and visit 4 countries in 8 days. From pretty Amsterdam and Cologne to lovely Heidelberg, multicultural Strasbourg and the enchanting Black Forest, this journey transports you to another world. 8…

One of the most luxurious river cruise lines in the world, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection boasts a fleet of palatial ships along with outstanding itineraries. Uniworld’s latest masterpiece, the beautiful 150-guest S.S. Maria Theresa, named after the Austrian Empress, was crowned Best New River Ship at this year’s Cruise International Awards. S.S. Maria Theresa’s interiors are inspired by the Baroque period over which the Empress presided. From the dramatic sweeping marble staircase with hand-gilded balustrade to panelled walls and antique mirrors, every inch shimmers with glamour. Next spring, S.S. Maria Theresa will sail along the Rhine, through the Netherlands and Belgium, for its Tulips and Windmills cruise, and on regular dates from April until November it will cruise three of Europe’s great rivers – the Danube, Main and Rhine…

Winner BRITANNIA, P&O CRUISES Named by HM The Queen in March 2015, and boasting Union Flag livery, P&O Cruises’ fabulous new ship, Britannia, is already a modern British classic. You were wowed by its contemporary interiors, luxurious Oasis Spa and restaurants offering menus designed by the celebrity ‘Food Heroes’. Highly Commended ANTHEM OF THE SEAS, ROYAL CARIBBEAN The second ship in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class, Anthem of the Seas’ imaginative spaces and luxurious staterooms have proved to be a big hit.…

If there’s one thing that has made Norwegian Cruise Line stand out over the past 50 years, it’s innovation. It was, for example, the first cruise line to have its own private tropical island; the first cruise line to offer a genuine ice bar on a ship; and it also pioneered supervised kids’ activity programmes. Along with numerous bars and lounges on board each of its ships, live entertainment is another area where Norwegian Cruise Line has pushed the boundaries of holidays at sea. From world class Broadway and West End shows, such as Rock of Ages, Legally Blonde and Million Dollar Quartet, to brand new dinner-and-show concepts including Cirque Dreams and Dinner and For the Record: The Brat Pack, Live at the Supper Club, Norwegian Cruise Line continues to…

Winner OCEANIA CRUISES With its exquisite Canyon Ranch SpaClubs, state-of-the-art fitness centres, thalassotherapy pools, as well as restorative steam room sessions and healthy dining options, you decided that Oceania Cruises excels in the art of wellbeing. Highly Commended MSC CRUISES MSC’s Aurea spas offer a wealth of invigorating treatments, from Balinese massage to reflexology, sea salt peeling and more. Devoted to peace and rejuvenation, MSC’s onboard saunas and whirlpools allow you to drift away into a quiet world of calm and relaxation.…

Winner DISNEY CRUISE LINE Disney’s four stunning vessels – Magic, Wonder, Dream and Fantasy – provide state-of-the-art comforts and endless fun and entertainment, with regular appearances by Disney characters around the ship, Broadway-quality shows that appeal to the whole family and itineraries that take all ages into account, plus kids’ clubs that are so good, your children will never want to leave. Highly Commended ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL Royal Caribbean’s fleet of ships – 23 in total, with two due for 2016 (Ovation of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas) – are some of the most family friendly vessels at sea, and their kids’ clubs are incredibly well-thought out.…

Winner ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL From the thrilling North Star sky pod, dodgems and iFly skydiving simulator on their Quantum Class ships, as well as the FlowRider, climbing walls and ice-rink, Royal Caribbean ships are bursting with activities for adrenaline junkies. You were impressed with the range and quality of activities available. Highly Commended NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE You loved Norwegian’s multi-story aqua park waterslides, rock climbing walls, ropes course, sports courts and its Plank.…

A WONDERFUL WEEK We want to say a very big thank you. My partner Steve and I have just returned from the wonderful week’s cruise that I won from Cruise International. The cruise with Hapag-Lloyd on Europa 2 was amazing: the ship was wonderful with so many facilities, large well appointed cabins and such friendly, attentive and efficient staff. We both felt so privileged to be able to join this cruise – it was the holiday of a lifetime, and to have the opportunity to see many interesting and beautiful places we have come home feeling not only relaxed and very happy but also feeling that we have learned so much more about the world in which we live. Once again thank you for hosting the competition in your magazine…

Famous for its beaches, flamboyant annual Carnival and spectacular landscape fusing mountains, skyscrapers and sea, Brazil’s second largest city is one of the world’s most vibrant and colourful. Iconic statue Christ the Redeemer dominates the skyline from the peak of Corcovado, watching over Rio’s bustling districts below, and with the majestic Sugarloaf Mountain standing proudly at one end, Copacabana’s golden coastline plays host to millions of revellers every New Year’s Eve. Next year, Rio will host the 2016 Summer Olympics across four regions of the city – Barra, Deodoro, Maracanã and Copacabana – giving you the perfect reason to visit this extraordinary South American metropolis. >>Turn to page 27 to read about the best cruises for 2016…

Saga Cruises has announced plans to update its shipping capacity, with an all-new Saga cruise ship expected to be delivered in summer 2019 and the option to order a second for delivery in 2021. The new ship will be for fewer than 1,000 passengers and retain the intimacy and personal touch for which Saga is renowned, but with some new features including balconies for all cabins. Plans for the ship will be refined over the coming months but it is expected the new ship will offer 540 suites and cabins each with a balcony (travel.saga.co.uk).…

Get pampered Sea days are the perfect opportunity to indulge in some pampering. On Hapag-Lloyd’s Europa 2, guests can take advantage of a range of therapies, including Ayurveda massage, hot stone, thalasso (seaweed) and shiatsu, as well as exotic treatments such as lomi lomi, a traditional Hawaiian oil massage (hl-cruises.com). Did you know? Pumpkins are incredibly good for you. Packed with vitamin A and low-calorie, they’re also a great source of fibre. MINI TAKE-AWAY Travelling light? Nivea’s range of mini-sun care is perfect for your Caribbean cruise, with a range of SPFs to choose from. Bottles are just 50ml, so you can take them through airport security (from £5.99, nivea.co.uk).…

Romantic Mediterranean This 8-day journey treats you to the perfect blend of classic Mediterranean cities, stunning landscapes and lesser known gems. From vibrant Barcelona, Toulon and Monte Carlo journey to Corsica, Tuscany and ‘The Eternal City’ Rome. 8 days from £1,490pp Viking Homelands The definitive cruise of Scandinavia and the Baltic. On this 15-day journey from Stockholm to Bergen visit Finland, Russia, Estonia, Poland, Germany and Denmark. Along the way explore breathtaking scenery, grand cities and natural wonders. 15 days from £3,590pp Grand Mediterranean Tour Along Corsica’s rocky coastline, the scent of wild thyme fills the air. In Valletta’s elegant streets, touch Malta’s turbulent history. On the island of Sardinia the triumphs of a lost civilisation echo through ancient ruins. Discover the Mediterranean’s magical allure. 15 days from £3,390pp Empires…

Often regarded as the ultimate way to travel, a world cruise is one of the best ways to explore the globe with minimal stress. From seeing San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, discovering Tokyo and Japan, marvelling at the temples of Bagan in Myanmar and exploring Rio, a typical world cruise itinerary allows you to do all this and more. World cruises departing from the UK generally start from Southampton and cruise westbound over to the US. Often they cruise the Caribbean before sailing through the Panama Canal and across the Pacific, via Hawaii, to Australia and New Zealand. Full world cruises then usually continue to Asia, sailing to India, around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and then either through the Suez Canal and on to the Mediterranean, or around Africa…

Winner PRINCESS CRUISES Princess Cruises, celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2015, were named Best Cruise Line for the second year running. You were impressed by their wide range of itineraries, shore excursions, cuisine, entertainment and of course ships, including newcomers Royal Princess and Regal Princess. Highly Commended P&O CRUISES With its contemporary ships, appearances by celebrity chefs, Strictly Come Dancing-themed cruises and well-thought out itineraries P&O Cruises continues to score highly with you.…

Winner CELEBRITY CRUISES Probably one of the coolest cruise lines around, Celebrity Cruises won you over with its contemporary brand of luxury, lush staterooms and exquisite cuisine – plus of course the chance to fly to your departure point on board their new private jet service from Stansted. Highly Commended CUNARD LINE Cunard’s three ships – Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria – offer traditional-style cruising with the added attraction of the exemplary White Star service.…

Winner SEABOURN CRUISE LINE You crowned Seabourn as your favourite boutique cruise line because of its excellent service, extravagant dining and sumptuous staterooms. Seabourn’s three ships, Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest, are luxurious and elegant yet relaxed and casual. The cruise line’s newest ship, Encore, due to launch late next year, will be Seabourn’s largest. Highly Commended VIKING OCEAN CRUISES Christened earlier this year in its homeport of Bergen, Norway, Viking’s first ocean cruise ship, the enchanting Viking Star, with its infinity pool, LivNordic spa and spectacular Scandinavian inspired interiors, has made big waves this year – and will be joined by sister ship Viking Sea next spring.…

Winner NORWAY With its breathtaking landscapes, spectacular waterfalls and wild coastline, it’s little wonder that Norway was named Best Destination for the second year running. Whether it’s the charming coastal city of Bergen, the pretty village of Flam, the dramatic fjords or chasing the northern lights, Norway is a superb cruise destination. Highly Commended VENICE One of the most visited cities in the world, you love the city of water, its stunning architecture, iconic waterways, Grand Canal and beautiful landmarks including the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Basilica – plus of course the food.…

Winner VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY Small but perfectly formed (their delightful ship Voyager has capacity for just 540 guests), Voyages of Discovery is a big hit with you for its itineraries calling at off-the-beaten-track destinations and excellent range of immersive experiences in destinations including Cuba, Guatemala, Iceland and Athens. Highly Commended CELEBRITY CRUISES You were impressed by Celebrity’s wide range of exhilarating excursions in its ports of call around the globe, from driving a Ferrari along the French Riviera to flying in a floatplane over Alaska’s unspoiled wilderness.…

Winner VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY Along with their itineraries that give you the opportunity to discover World Heritage sites, sacred cities and some of the most incredible wildlife in the world, you love Voyages to Antiquity’s brilliant onboard lectures featuring well-known experts in their field. Highly Commended PRINCESS CRUISES The Discovery at Sea programme has proved to be a massive success on Princess’ cruises, offering the opportunity to try everything from unique access-all-areas experiences to swimming with turtles.…

NEW COLLECTIONS FROM TITAN Titan Travel, in partnership with the deluxe river cruise operator Uniworld, has released the second edition of its new 2016 river cruise brochure, with savings of up to £2,000pp on bookings made before 31 December 2015. This second edition sees the launch of Uniworld’s ‘Connoisseur Collection’ and ‘Monarch Collection’, a new range of additional excursions and events that are being offered to Uniworld passengers at no extra cost on a limited number of departures. The Monarch Collection, available on selected European Jewels and Enchanting Danube sailings, offers insider access to Europe’s rich aristocratic heritage. The Connoisseur Collection, available on selected Paris & Normandy, Bordeaux, Vineyards & Châteaux and Burgundy & Provence sailings, offers experiences to delight anyone with an interest in fine food and wine. And…

Luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises has released its 2016/17 Winter Collection of itineraries. Featured destinations include the ancient lands of Asia and Africa, where on 11 select sailings guests can further enrich their cruise holiday with a free, three-night land adventure in exotic destinations including Cape Town, Angkor Wat, Hong Kong and Beijing in China. The free land programme is available in all suite categories and includes sightseeing adventures such as an African safari and a visit to the 2,000-year old Great Wall in China. The Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet will also visit iconic cities in South America and the Mediterranean, and explore the natural wonders of the Caribbean and the South Pacific, including four ports of call never before visited by Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Gisborne,…

The newest member of the Oceania Cruises fleet, Sirena, set to debut in April 2016, will feature two new speciality restaurants, Tuscan Steak and Red Ginger, with the Grand Dining Room transforming into Jacques Bistro for lunch. Tuscan Steak, a completely new restaurant concept inspired by both Oceania Cruises’ traditional steak house, Polo Grill, and the line’s authentic Italian restaurant, Toscana, offers succulent steaks and seafood with a Tuscan flair, such as iberico de bellota pork chop with gaeta black olives and Maine lobster fra diavolo. Red Ginger, the contemporary Asian-inspired restaurant currently available on sister ships Marina and Riviera, will offer familiar culinary delights such as miso glazed sea bass and lobster pad thai. Available for lunch, Jacques Bistro, in Sirena’s Grand Dining Room, will offer elegant French fare…

When Captain James Cook sailed into Hawaii in 1779, only nine years after stumbling across Australia, he was feted by islanders who adoringly believed this mysterious visitor was their fertility god, Lono. Extravagant feasts and riotous merry-making marked his arrival, and by all accounts Cook’s crew enthusiastically engaged in their own fertility rituals with obliging Hawaiian maidens. Sailing into Honolulu nearly 240 years later on board Princess Cruises’ ship Grand Princess, I had a sneaking suspicion that our arrival wouldn’t be quite on that scale, but I was curious for a first glimpse of these distant Pacific isles, more than 7,000 miles from the UK (and a jet-lag inducing 11 hours behind BST). As our taxi sped towards the high-rises of Waikiki, I noted that the wide roads lined with…

Winner VIKING RIVER CRUISES Viking has continued to go from strength to strength in 2015, and you love their stylish Longships, excellent range of itineraries (including those along the Mekong, Yangtze and Irrawaddy) and superb onboard service. Highly Commended EMERALD WATERWAYS Relative newcomer Emerald impressed you with its innovative ships – Sun, Sky, Dawn and Star, each offering contemporary suites, and its itineraries along European rivers the Seine, Danube and Rhine, as well as The Mekong.…

Winner SAGA CRUISES With its door-to-door chauffeur service, 24-hour room service, onboard gratuities and all meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner) included in its prices, it’s no wonder you gave Saga Cruises the Best Value for Money award for the second year running. And with wine included with lunch and dinner new for 2016, Saga Cruises’ value keeps on growing. Highly Commended THOMSON CRUISES Thomson’s family-friendly and adult-friendly cruises are a big hit and you agree that their inclusive return flights, entertainment, meals and tips offer brilliant value.…

Winner S.S. MARIA THERESA, UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISE COLLECTION Uniworld’s palatial S.S. Maria Theresa won you over with its sumptuous staterooms and unique touches, including the fabulous ‘snow’ Bar du Leopard, adorable cinema, beautifully appointed staterooms (including underfloor heating in the bathrooms) and the splendid swimming pool, with the pièce de résistance the stylish Habsburg Salon. Highly Commended EMERALD DAWN, EMERALD WATERWAYS The fourth ship in Emerald’s contemporary fleet offers bright, airy interiors and stylish, spacious staterooms, with every modern comfort at your fingertips.…

Winner NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE You love experiencing Norwegian’s dazzling range of bars and lounges (including the Ice Bar), intimate cabaret and lavish stage shows, including Legally Blonde and Rock of Ages, and, of course, casinos. Highly Commended P&O CRUISES From its hit Strictly Come Dancing- themed cruises, featuring regular appearances from stars including Craig Revel Horwood, to its stage shows, tribute bands and film screenings, you felt P&O Cruises give excellent entertainment value.…

Winner ALASKA Famous for its majestic glaciers, snow capped peaks and incredible wildlife, the US state is proving increasingly popular with cruise guests, offering a diverse range of experiences and of course the opportunity to go whale and bear-watching. Highly Commended HAWAII You love this collection of stunning islands, known for its fusion of rugged cliffs, serene beaches, waterfalls and exotic lagoons, Hawaii offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.…

Winner PRINCESS CRUISES You were impressed by Princess Cruises’ warm and welcoming approach to first-timers, easy to understand (and flexible) booking system and range of itineraries to suit all tastes. BEST BLOGGER Highly Commended ENGLISHMUM.COM Known for her friendly, informative style, Becky Wiggins offers firsthand accounts of cruise experiences to a legion of loyal followers on social media. Winner TIPSFORTRAVELLERS.COM You were impressed by the in depth cruise advice and reviews Gary Bembridge offers, as well as his ‘60-Second Cruise Tips’ and informative weekly podcasts. Highly Commended NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising concept was a big hit with those of you who went on your first cruise in 2015, allowing you to plan your own schedule, dine where and when you want, and dress as you please.…

Winner PRINCESS CRUISES With specialty restaurants Sabatini’s, famous for its signature pasta dishes, and the Crown Grill, which serves aged steaks and grilled lobster, along with decadent Chocolate Journeys led by master chocolatier Norman Love, it’s no surprise you voted the food on board Princess Cruises ships as simply superb. Highly Commended P&O CRUISES P&O’s eclectic collection of restaurants, including Atul Kochhar’s Sindhu and Marco Pierre White’s fine dining venues, along with onboard appearances by the likes of Mary Berry and Eric Lanlard (see recipes, page 22) all helped garner your votes.…

From the breathtaking Renaissance architecture of St Peter’s Basilica to the enchanting gardens of the Villa Borghese, Rome is quite simply one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Roman mythology dates the foundation of Rome at 753 BC, but the sites of the ‘seven hills’ which form the geographical heart of the city have been occupied for much longer, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in Europe. Today it offers a heady mix of culture, history and chaos. If it’s your first visit to the Eternal City then the good news is that it’s possible to see all the major sights in a day – just make sure you throw three coins in the water of the Fontana di Trevi and you’re guaranteed to return to…