Innholdsfortegnelse for August/September 2018 i Cruise & Travel

The latest ship from Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Bliss, was officially christened in Seattle last month. “As the largest ship to ever be christened in Seattle, this ceremony was our most exciting one yet,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of NCL. “We thank the Emerald City for a very warm welcome and their partnership, and we are looking forward to continuing and strengthening our relationship with the Port of Seattle for years to come,” he added. Norwegian Bliss was welcomed to its summer home with a sky-high water-cannon salute by the Seattle Fire Department as it cruised into the Port of Seattle. “The Port of Seattle is thrilled to host the magnificent Norwegian Bliss and its passengers for many Alaska cruise seasons to come,” said Port of…

Emerald Waterways has announced its first Egypt and Jordan touring and cruising itineraries, with a four-night Nile river cruise on board MS Hamees by Mövenpick. David Winterton, Global Brand Curator for Emerald Waterways, said: “We are delighted to announce our two new itineraries for 2019 and 2020 exploring Egypt and Jordan. “It is an exciting opportunity, offering guests the chance to experience these magical destinations; Ancient Egypt is rife with historical monuments and magnificent architecture, while the Jordanian capital, Amman, is thought to be one of the oldest cities in the world. MS Hamees is the perfect base to explore Egypt’s most spectacular sites, on board one of the largest and stylish ships on the Nile.” Fresh from an extensive refurbishment, MS Hamees offers comfortable and contemporary accommodation during a…

Bliss-ful spa at sea The Mandara Spa on board NCL’s exciting new ship, Norwegian Bliss, is a fabulous retreat, offering a huge whirlpool bath, thermal suite, sauna and steam room, as well as a wide range of beauty treatments, massages and facials, and a hair salon. Plus, there’s a Snow Paradise, an ultra-cool experience designed to enhance blood circulation and the respiratory system (the temperature is -10C); and a Salt Room, a healing oasis filled with Himalayan Salt ( ncl.co.uk  cruise). Sweet DREAMS Struggling with jetlag? Harley Street specialist Dr David Jack has formulated Sweet Dreams! to support a healthy sleep pattern and immune system. The formula contains optimum doses of zinc, magnesium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C, and is designed to be taken at night (drdavidjack.com). Did you…

Viking Cruises has hit on an award-winning formula with its sleek, Scandi-inspired fleet of ocean vessels. But while Viking Orion has the same clean design and good looks as its sister ships, including Viking Sky and Viking Sea, there’s one big difference. On the top deck there’s an intriguing large white dome. Go downstairs into the library, and there’s a mysterious door, which, once opened, reveals a small but perfectly formed planetarium, the first at sea. Viking Orion was named in Italy by former NASA astronaut Dr Anna Fisher (see page 12), and there are subtle touches throughout the ship reminding you of its links to space exploration and discovery. There are vintage photographs of astronauts lining the corridor outside the Explorers’ Lounge, while the new planetarium shows 3-D documentaries…

I wasn’t sure if cruising would be for me, but I was surprised how easy it was to get around on a ship. I have limited mobility, but it was incredibly accessible, so I could maintain my independence. All the staff were extremely attentive and helpful when needed. And, of course, exploring the different destinations was wonderful. One of my highlights was a visit to the ice bar in Oslo, where we had a drink served in a ‘glass’ made of ice and sat on chairs also made of ice. We had to wear thick capes and gloves before entering the bar. It was great fun. We met quite a few people when we were on the ship, especially when we shared tables at meals, and most people were very…

Designed and developed by world-renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Academy Award-winner Robert De Niro, and Hollywood Producer Meir Teper the Nobu Hotel Miami Beach is inspired by the Japanese hospitality tradition, omotenashi, which emphasises a dedication to exquisite service, selfless hospitality and experience. You and a guest could be enjoying this one-of-a-kind hotel experience of complete tranquility and relaxation. Sample the world-famous Yellowtail with Jalapeño or Black Cod Saikyo Miso at the Nobu Miami Beach restaurant or enjoy a laidback, luxurious lunch overlooking the Atlantic Ocean at the hotel’s new Malibu Farm Restaurant, the South Florida outpost of Helene Henderson’s Californian restaurant serving simple farm-to-table dining that is fresh, organic and locally sourced. Be pampered at the Miami Beach Spa & Fitness Centre, which specialises in holistic wellness. Cool down in…

Situated in the Venetian Lagoon, which along with part of the city is a UNESCO world heritage site, Venice is actually 118 small islands, separated by canals and linked by more than 400 bridges. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, it was a major maritime and financial power. The city was conquered by Napoleon’s forces, endured a cholera outbreak in 1850, and in 1966 a terrible flood destroyed many of its most historic buildings and treasures. But despite the challenges of rising sea levels, Venice is still standing, and remains one of the most unique and enticing cities in the world. Must Sees Whether you choose to indulge your inner James Bond on a high-speed vaporetto to or from the airport, or the slower, cheaper but also very enjoyable Alilaguna…

Helicopter blades are whirring as we soar over the precipices of mountains covered in blankets of deep white snow. As we near the summit of the glacier and start the rapid descent, my heart lurches into my stomach, and for a few seconds I become vaguely religious; and then we’ve landed safely and suddenly we’re surrounded by around 100 barking huskies, all desperate to take us for a run. Later we have the chance to drive their sleds across powdery snow against the backdrop of the peaks of the Mendenhall Glacier and an azure blue sky, the dogs barking the whole way round; and this isn’t even the highlight of my week in Alaska. My Alaska adventure began in Vancouver, Canada, which is surely one of the most world’s most…

Discovered on 11 June 1770 by Captain James Cook after the ship HMS Endeavour ran aground on it, the world’s largest and most famous coral reef is made up of an astounding 2,900 reefs and 900 islands. Stretching 2,300 km out into the Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, Australia, the warm crystal waters are home to more than 30 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises, and 1,500 species of tropical fish. The Whitsundays, the low-lying paradise islands within the reef, are especially popular with divers and snorkellers. Much of the reef is protected, to safeguard it for future generations, as a natural wonder of the world. >> Turn to page 106 to read a review of an adventure cruise along the Great Barrier Reef…

The first of Ponant’s six Explorer class ships, Le Lapérouse , has embarked on its maiden voyage. Jean Emmanuel Sauvée, chief and co-founder of Ponant, said: “ Le Lapérouse is the result of intensive teamwork with Vard and Fincantieri. From remarkable nautical performances to technical excellence, and offering an extraordinary level of comfort, everything is in place for the Ponant series to be a huge success.” The six Ponant Explorers feature a world first: the Blue Eye Lounge, allowing passengers to look out on to the seabed via portholes.…

My first experience of cruising was a Royal Princess sailing to Marseille and Barcelona last year. It was funny because usually when we go on holiday I’m always the driver and I load up the car and make sure everyone’s got everything. So this was the first time I’ve ever moved from one place to another and only had to remember myself. Our room floated with us, with everything in it, and we got off and had a look around and got back on again and went somewhere else, and I thought, ‘actually this is really quite appealing, I like the fact that the world is moving outside our window’. After that, my wife Steph and I couldn’t wait to get on board Regal Princess for a Baltic sailing. From…

Wandering a narrow, whitewashed street on the seahorse-shaped island of Patmos, stopping occasionally to pop in to tiny shops filled with handmade jewellery and bright, local pottery, I’m intoxicated by the floral scent of the warm breeze and more than a little enchanted by the sweet local cats, tumbling together in the shade. My attention is caught by a lovely terrace, where bright blue chairs and tables have been placed to make the most of the shade. As I lean in to look a little closer, I realise that what I thought was a climbing plant inches from my nose is actually a gangly octopus, hung out to dry in the sun. Our guide laughs as I jump backwards and says ‘dinner’. I’m beginning to realise that this weekend break…

ICE ICE BABY Paddle between icebergs and glacial caves as you glide over icy waters looking up at the spectacular mountains surrounding the Valdez Glacier in Alaska. Then follow your expert guide on foot near the face of the glacier itself, passing deep ravines in the ice and pools of water on the glacier’s surface. You’ll find out how the glacier was formed over time, how it is changing and how it affected the 1889 American Gold Rush, before paddling back to the comfort of your luxurious Viking ship. Viking’s 11-day Alaska & the Inside Passage cruise, from £6,115pp, based on two people sharing, including flights, makes seven calls during the trip from Seward, USA, to Vancouver, Canada, including a day at Valdez where the glacier excursion is available, departing…

Where to stay Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver With its brilliant location right by the port (it's so close you can walk there), this stunning luxury hotel offers contemporary accommodation with glorious views of Burrard Inlet, Stanley Park and the coastal mountains beyond. Rooms are stylish and elegant, furnished in soothing shades of cream, caramel and brown, and include rain spa showers and personalised Le Labo toiletries. There’s a rooftop pool, the perfect place to relax before embarking on your cruise, a herb garden, and the ABC restaurant offers sensational artisan cuisine, including an excellent buffet breakfast, complete with organic honey made by the hotel’s own bees. Rooms from $499 CAD per night (fairmont.com/waterfront-vancouver). Getting there A seven night cruise sailing on Royal Princess from Vancouver to Whittier on May 11…

We’ve been on several cruises over the past few years, but have ended up spending a lot of money on the extras such as excursions. Do you have any tips? Julie Peasgood is a travel expert, TV presenter and Contributing Editor for Cruise International Unless you opt for an all-inclusive cruise with all excursions, drinks and even gratuities included, you’re right that it’s worth considering the extras when you're planning your cruise. I keep track of my spending by checking my onboard account halfway through the cruise (always save receipts for everything you purchase on board). Keep costs down by exploring destinations on your own; alternatively, you can book though a private company (such as portpromotions.com) or team up with other passengers to share a taxi or rent a car.…

Fred. Olsen launches river ship Fred. Olsen is offering river cruises on a chartered 156-passenger ship to sail a total of 30 departures on the Danube, Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers on itineraries ranging from five to 25 nights. Brabant (formerly Amadeus Princess) has fewer than 80 cabins and suites, staffed by 40 crew members. It features a sun deck, cherry wood interiors and juliet balconies in many of the cabins (0845 314 3882/fredolsenrivercruises.co.uk). Titan launches 2019 collection Titan has launched a new River Cruise Collection 2019 brochure, showcasing cruises to suit all tastes and budgets. Featuring 30 river cruise holidays with 13 cruise partners, the brochure offers voyages across Europe, as well as the Mississippi, Nile and Yangtse. Two new itineraries on the MS Johannes Brahms have been exclusively…

Offering style and sophistication, Saga is an alluring option for seafaring holidaymakers. Its new ship, Spirit of Discovery, with its range of bespoke tours, champions a boutique experience. Its cruises combine the character and quality of a swish, contemporary hotel with the attention to detail you might expect on a small tour. Plus, you wake up at a new destination almost every day. Cruises on Spirit of Discovery, which launches in July 2019, follow a host of itineraries throughout western and northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the US and Canada. Saga’s new Explore Ashore service provides an onboard concierge service, led by experts with passion and knowledge of the destinations. Shore excursions include exclusive experiences and tours tailored just for you. PERSONAL SERVICE Service begins at your door, with a chauffeur…

IN SUMMER, THE ROOF BECOMES AN AUDITORIUM AS VISITORS WATCH PLAYS AND CONCERTS ON A FLOATING STAGE Sally says: We’ve been on board all of half an hour and Mum has already ordered us both room service (I couldn’t resist the Norwegian salmon) and booked herself into the salon to get her hair done. I think she’s going to take to the cruising life well. While mum luxuriates, I take a stroll along the Oslo waterfront. It is a leisurely scene: local people chatting as they catch the last rays of the late-afternoon sun or dangling their legs over the harbour wall as they wait for fishing lines to pull. On first inspection, Oslo is a very cool city. In mere minutes, I find the Vippa covered street-food market, where…

Standing in the Svedka Ice Bar on Norwegian Breakaway, admiring an ice sculpture of the Statue of Liberty as we sail towards Copenhagen, and chatting to the Venezuelan bartender, it’s dawning on me that this geographically muddled situation is possibly the natural state of being on this, my first, large-scale cruise. Or maybe the vodka is kicking in. One constant is our balcony stateroom, which is surprisingly spacious and pleasingly serene, with a double wardrobe, mahogany effect furnishings and an incredibly soft double bed, all in line with what you might expect from a decent European four-star hotel room. You seldom feel the motion of the ocean, perhaps the occasional purr of the engine. At times, there seem to be almost as many staff as there are passengers. Within minutes…

There were many reasons why I’d been so excited about cruising the Great Barrier Reef – but looking this ridiculous hadn’t featured among them. Yet here I am, dressed from head to toe in a baggy nylon body stocking complete with mittens, socks and a covering for my head. I look like a cross between a ninja and Nora Batty, but I’m not wearing this unflattering catsuit for a laugh. Snorkelling in these waters comes with a risk of jellyfish stings, so my ‘stinger suit’ is essential equipment for discovering the wonders of the reef. I’m at Lizard Island, way up in the northern reaches of the Barrier Reef, and my fellow passengers and I are raring to get into the water – just as soon as we’ve stopped chuckling…