Innholdsfortegnelse for April/May 2017 i Cruise & Travel

Oh I love this time of year – not just because the evenings are lighter, there are hot cross buns in the shops and spring flowers bursting into bloom everywhere; but because it’s new ship season, which means the opportunity to take a closer look at some of the most innovative and stylish vessels launching on oceans and rivers over the next few months. You’ll find reviews in the magazine and on our website – and do make sure you’re following us on our social media channels (see below) for the very latest news and images from all the launches. In this issue, we’re showcasing the top 20 luxury cruise lines for 2017 (page 31); if you want to experience the very best that cruise has to offer, this is…

LOVE THIS Radley’s new Love Me, Love My Dog collection features the cute Scottie Dog print in spring tones. The pretty cases are lightweight with built-in TSA locks (from £139, caseluggage.com). TIMING CLASSIC Dreyfuss & Co’s sporty 1953 chronograph is waterproof and features sapphire glass with start, stop and reset pushers, ideal for adventure cruisers (£600, watchshop.com). CUBA COOL The new range from Tumi comes in playful prints inspired by Havana in Cuba. As well as being super stylish, this four-wheel carry-on is also really easy to manoeuvre (£395, tumi.com). SURE SHOT The new Panasonic Lumix FZ82 camera packs a punch, featuring an ultra wide-angle lens with a 60x optical zoom for capturing those stunning landscapes on your cruise (£329, cliftoncameras.co.uk). CLEAN FUN Make separating laundry on your cruise a…

Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director, Viking Cruises UK “Book your cruise in advance to benefit from early booking discounts and offers. Viking is great for first-timers travelling on river or ocean ships because we include so much, so it’s really easy for budgeting, and with early booking savings of up to £1,000pp booking early makes a lot of sense. With all onboard meals plus wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner included plus a shore excursion in almost every port of call and free wifi, there’s really not a lot extra to pay for. On our ocean cruises we also include free entry to our spa and, as every›stateroom comes with a veranda as standard, there’s no extra to pay for this feature. With no flight supplements from up…

The lilting tones of classic Bob Marley tunes are echoing across the Antiguan bay, lobster is sizzling on the barbecue and Champagne is being liberally poured. We’ve just boarded our catamaran after swimming in sea so clear and warm it was like being in a bath, and now we’re relaxing and chatting to other guests while the crew prepare our seafood lunch. Viking Ocean Cruises certainly doesn’t do the Caribbean by halves. Our cruise began on the island of Puerto Rico, an easy connecting flight from New York. First impressions, at night, reveal a mini Las Vegas with lots of casinos and big hotels. By day in San Juan, we discover a very different island, with an irresistible Latin American vibe, prompting several impromptu renditions of Tonight and America from…

TROMSØ STILL HAS TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS IN MUTED SHADES WHILE ONE SMALL CENTRAL SQUARE HAD BIG ICE CARVINGS The Force was definitely with us as we huddled together in the yurt, sipping hot drinks and warming ourselves by the fire. Outside, it was a calm, clear night – perfect conditions for one of the most spectacular, astronomical phenomena. Every so often we stepped outside and looked up into the dark sky, expectantly, hopefully – but there was no sign of the fabled Northern Lights. After an hour of this, I was so cold I could no longer feel my face, and decided to get back on the coach to keep warm. And that’s when they happened. Those swirling, pinkish, greenish, whitish lights, briefly flashing up in the sky and then disappearing…

As the number of luxury cruise experiences continue to rise, more cruisers than ever are keen to enjoy a taste of the ‘high life’. Luxury cruises can be surprisingly affordable with many of the cruise lines offering room upgrades, premium drinks packages and VIP transfers as part of the experience. Planning ahead and booking your cruise early is another way to ensure you are getting value from your luxury getaway. Of course, luxury cruising means different things to different people. For some, it might be having their own butler 24/7. For others, it might be all about exclusive onshore experiences in amazing destinations. I’m fortunate to have sailed on a number of luxury ships – ocean and river – and while high levels of service, fantastic dining and incredible amenities…

SCARLET SENSATION This semi-sheer wool blend scarf will see you through the new season (£35, phase-eight.co.uk). MIDAS TOUCH Cast from a real swan feather, these 18k gold plated earrings can be worn day or night (£147, chupi.com). SILVER SNEAKERS Explore exciting new destinations in style with these comfy Ayda pumps (£98, jigsaw-online.com). TRUE BLUE Make a glamorous statement with this beautiful dress ring (£39, oliverbonas.com). MAKE A SPLASH Look good in and beside the pool in a gorgeous ombre swimsuit (£49, phase-eight.com). COLOUR BLOCK This cross-body bag is ideal for storing all your essential items while you take a city tour (£60, cathkidston.com).…

Viking Ocean Cruises A new generation of ocean ships with all the sleek, understated Scandinavian elegance of the company’s river ships. The five vessels’ modest size (930-guest capacity) combines with exquisite spaces (the grand orangery feel of the Wintergarden, the Nordic décor of the Spa, with a real snow room, and the laid-back terraces) to magically create the feel of a private yacht. The experience includes much more than most ocean cruises, with an excursion in each port, free wifi, drinks with meals and even somewhere to do your laundry. THE LUXE FACTOR: The intimate feel of an ultra-stylish Nordic boutique hotel. THE DETAILS: The 15-day Viking Homelands fly-cruise departs Stockholm and Bergen regularly from May to September. Prices start at £3,790pp for a 1 May 2018 sailing (0800 298…

Enjoy the glitz and glamour of the South of France on board a stunning tall ship in our fabulous competition. We have teamed up with Star Clippers to offer you the chance to win a seven-night cruise on board their impressive flagship, Royal Clipper. Our prize winner and their guest will enjoy a full week’s crewed sailing in the Mediterranean in a double cabin, including meals on board, return flights from London, transfers and port charges. Begin your holiday in Cannes, where the crème de la crème of the movie industry flock to celebrate the Cannes Film Festival at the colossal Palais des Festivals et des Congrès each year. Follow in the footsteps of celebrities on the Allée des Étoiles, Cannes’ own walk of fame, while Boulevard de la Croisette…

ICED BLACKBERRY SOUFFLÉS SERVES 6 It’s not an ice cream, it’s not a parfait, but a lovely dessert I used to make when I first worked in France at 14 years old. These frozen souffés aren’t cooked, so they couldn’t be simpler to make. INGREDIENTS: 200g blackberries 3 large egg whites 100g caster sugar 300ml double cream • Wrap a strip of baking parchment around the outside of six ramekins, ensuring you have at least a 3cm ‘collar’ at the top. Then tie securely with string to hold the parchment in place. • Purée the blackberries in a food processor or blender until smooth. • Using an electric mixer, whisk the egg whites and sugar to firm peaks. In a separate bowl, whip the cream to soft peaks. • Gently…

Imagine sailing from one sun-drenched island to another, enjoying dazzling beaches, lush forests and cerulean waters on a South Pacific voyage with Oceania Cruises. Embrace the exotic natural beauty of spectacular islands from the comfort of this award-winning cruise line’s luxuriously appointed ships. On island time, everything you do will be relaxed and leisurely – from enjoying a traditional meal of grilled shrimp, coconut bread, yams and juicy fresh pineapple in Bora Bora to taking in the breathtaking vista of Honolulu’s famous Waikiki Beach from the top of iconic Diamond Head. You can also witness one of the most esteemed ceremonies in Samoan culture performed by an illustrious High Talking Chief outside Pago Pago and watch an awe-inspiring performance by Fijian firewalkers in Suva. These are just a few of…

Whether you want to enjoy the classic charms of the Danube, the Rhine’s outstanding vistas or the fairy tale treasures of Russia’s waterways, make award-winning Titan Travel your number one choice for a river cruise. The group boasts three times as many itineraries as other escorted tour companies, ensuring you have a wide range of holidays to choose from. HOME FROM HOME You’ll feel right at home on your cruise, as Titan holidays are only on sale in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, ensuring carefully and imaginatively crafted holidays perfectly suited for British travellers. Travel experts say it’s best to book your holiday early to snap up a good deal – and with Titan this certainly pays. Once you have paid a deposit, you can rest assured that…

This issue’s experts Julie Peasgood is a TV presenter, travel expert and Contributing Editor for Cruise International Becky Wiggins is a well-known blogger and Contributing Editor for Cruise International Sara Macefield is an award-winning journalist and Contributing Editor for Cruise International Q My fiancé and I love the idea of being married at sea by the ship’s captain. Which cruise lines would you recommend? A The romance of marrying at sea – along with a built-in cruise for your honeymoon – has become so popular that cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line’s now charge an additional fee for weddings at peak times of the year – usually between April and September or on Valentine’s Day. But tying the knot at sea – or on shore…

“I’d love to see more of the Caribbean – I’d like to visit Barbados, St Lucia and Jamaica. They all seem such beautiful islands so I’d love to experience them one day. I also adore fish and I’ve been told the Caribbean islands have incredible food with some amazing fresh fish dishes.” My most memorable holiday was an amazing two-week break in Thailand. One day we took a fishing trip, they cooked the fish on the BBQ and the taste was amazing. I really like trying new and exotic foods as much as I can despite my issues with eating after my accident. For a long time I wasn’t able to travel so I really appreciate being able to travel now. I never go without my phone when I travel…