Innholdsfortegnelse for February/March 2019 i Cruise & Travel

Huge petals of confetti are tumbling from the domed ceiling of the theatre on board Celebrity Edge. Each petal bears a message from Malala Yousafzai – Edge’s esteemed godmother, UN Messenger of Peace and the youngest ever Nobel Prize laureate. One reads “I am not a lone voice. I am many.” Another states “One child, one teacher, one pen, and one book can change the world.” We are all on our feet, a standing ovation, applauding this life-changing young woman, and the surprisingly emotional launch of this game-changing ship. Four years in the making, and the first new ship from Celebrity Cruises in six years, it is a stunning debut. I have never witnessed a naming ceremony on board before, and I’m overwhelmed by the sheer passion of it all,…

TOURS FOR EXPLORERS 1 Cuddle with adorable Alaskan Huskies, then let them lead the way as you take a thrilling sled ride across the frozen tundra and enjoy the opportunity to try “mushing” yourself. 2 Fans of Game of Thrones will be in their element in Dubrovnik, the setting for King’s Landing, the fictional capital of the Seven Kingdoms. The Croatian city is known as the Pearl of the Adriatic because of its spectacular architecture – the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3 Enjoy the adventure of Corfu’s countryside while travelling over stony trails through the olive groves. You’ll catch glimpses of the sparkling Ionian Sea, beautiful green hills and have a glimpse of the traditional way of life led by many of the local people. 4…

Julie Peasgood is a travel expert, TV presenter and Contributing Editor for Cruise International “We would like to go on a cruise but are put off by the idea that you have to sit with the same people for dinner every night – what if you don’t all get on?” This shouldn’t be a problem as many cruise lines operate an open-seating policy, meaning you can have dinner whenever you want and, most importantly for you, with whoever you want, including tables for two. And all cruise ships (even if they have traditional set seating in the evening with first and second sittings) still have open seating at breakfast and lunch. However, the trend in recent years has been towards Anytime, Freestyle or Freedom dining (it’s known by different…

With its tall green bamboo trees and ethereal light, Sagano is one of the most iconic natural attractions in the world. Located on the outskirts of Kyoto in the Arashiyama district, the sound of the swaying stalks has been designated as one of the “100 Soundscapes of Japan”: the idea is that you listen to nature’s own meditative music such as leaves rustling while you explore (more of a challenge when it’s busy). The area has attracted visitors since the 8th century, and is also renowned for the iconic Togetsu-kyo (Moon Crossing) Bridge, which is more than 400 years old and crosses the Katsura River in front of the Arashiyama Mountain, or Storm Mountain. The best time to visit is spring, for the cherry blossom, or November for the glorious…

staggering, such as the 19ft-tall paper sculpture intended to represent sound waves; some of it slightly whimsical, such as a surfboard painted in the style of Raphael; a collage of ‘cassette tapes’; a 6ft clear resin copy of Michaelangelo’s David clutching a smart phone; or the giant model of a Samurai on the sports deck. Decks are named after composers: Beethoven, Gershwin, Mozart and so on. The Sea View Pool area at the rear of the ship emits the swanky ambience of a French Riviera resort, with a wonderfully spacious pool, loungers and bar; on a warm day this is one of the best hangouts on the ship, and at night, when it’s illuminated, Harps, the enormous stainless-steel sculpture that wraps the three deck-high atrium on board Nieuw Statendam, sets…

CHINA According to the World Economic Forum, China will be the world’s biggest tourist destination by 2030, thanks to its cultural and natural attractions but also massive investment in tourist-friendly initiatives. That’s why more ocean cruise lines are calling at Chinese ports, including Hong Kong, although a Yangtze River cruise and land package remains the best way to explore this fascinating country. The highlight of any Yangtze cruise is the Three Gorges; a section of the river with mountains as sharp as razors, where monkeys patrol the rocks and remnants of past mysteries, such as coffins, are slotted into the sheer cliffs. Viking Cruises has one of the newest ships on the river, Viking Emerald, while Uniworld will soon be unveiling its Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer. Both cruise lines offer hotel…

1 Discover Tokyo and its traditional sights that coexist in stark contrast with cutting-edge skyscrapers and bustling city streets. 2 Explore Ho Chi Minh City; visit Binh Tay Market, the Giác Lâm Pagoda, Reunification Hall and the only pedestrian street in downtown. 3 Experience the ‘underground village’ and labyrinth of interlaced tunnels used during the last Vietnam War on your visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. 4 Ride a tram to the top of Penang Hill for a spectacular view of Georgetown and beyond, and then visit a Buddhist temple so famous that it has become an icon of Malaysia. 5 Marvel at the beauty of one of Bangkok’s lesser-known gems during a day’s visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya. NCL have great flight deals to accompany…

If you’re reading this then you may be considering what is likely to become your best-ever holiday. But a word of warning: cruising is addictive – fact. The magic of cruising is that you get to explore and enjoy a variety of dream destinations worldwide, discovering fascinating new cultures and having new adventures every day – and yet you only unpack once. On board your stylish floating hotel you’ll find gourmet dining and first-rate entertainment, plus a myriad of activities and amenities; you can relax by the pool, be pampered in the spa, master new skills, forge new friendships, dance till you drop, or experience the thrill of a sky-diving simulator, a mammoth water slide, try rock climbing, go-karting and ice skating (sometimes it’s hard to believe you’re at sea).…

The gateway to Sardinia’s breathtaking Costa Smeralda, with its turquoise lagoons, china-white beaches and tranquil coves, Olbia dates back to the 7th century and is known for its medieval San Simplicio basilica. Boat trips from Sardinia take in everything from the French island of Corsica to the peaceful Maddalena archipelago. Follow in the footsteps of famous author DH Lawrence and travel by vintage train to Gallura. Sip a cappuccino in the piazza of Porto Cervo and watch the Gucci-clad glitterati glide by. Soak up the sensational views over Cala di Volpe Bay and Romazzino. Or explore the idyllic archipelago of La Maddalena. TUI Holiday Store 0871 2302800* tui.co.uk/cruise *calls cost 10p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge…

SEVEN NEW SHIPS FOR VIKING Viking is introducing seven more river ships this year, including six Longships sailing the most popular itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube, bringing the total number of river vessels in the fleet to 69. The additional ship has been designed exclusively for the cruise line’s River of Gold itinerary that sails the Douro. A christening for the Longships will take place in Basel, Switzerland, in March (vikingcruises.co.uk). STYLE ON THE NILE Relaunched at the end of 2018, the restyled Sanctuary Sun Boat IV introduces new levels of luxury to the River Nile. With just 40 rooms, which includes two royal suites and two presidential suites, the ship offers unrivalled seclusion for guests. Sanctuary Retreats has a choice of three-, four- or seven-night itineraries on…

STANDOUT SPA One of the many standout features of Holland America Line’s new ship, Nieuw Statendam (see review, page 32), has to be the Greenhouse Spa & Salon. With the mantra “beauty blooms”, it features a stunning thermal suite, including a large hydrotherapy pool filled with heated mineral water. The spa menu offers treatments including Elemis facials and massages, acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Guests keen to focus on health and wellness during their cruise can also book suites and staterooms conveniently located near the spa, and all come with yoga mats for the use during the voyage (hollandamerica.com). STAY HEALTHY at sea No one likes to think about norovirus when you go on a cruise, but there are things you can do to protect yourself. The most simple and effective…

A warded the accolade of Europe’s Leading Cruise Line for 11 consecutive years at the World Travel Awards, Norwegian Cruise Line is building on its success by bringing an unprecedented six ships to Europe in summer 2019. That means more choice of exciting itineraries, more fabulous ports to discover and a ship to suit everyone. With the unparalleled freedom and choices of Premium All Inclusive cruising, there’s no better way to experience the history, culture, landmarks and flavours of Europe. THE PEARLS OF EUROPE Norwegian Pearl is home-porting in Amsterdam, which, with flights available from more than 20 UK airports, couldn’t be more accessible. In the long days of summer the ship will cruise north to the beautiful and historic cities around the Baltic Sea and the stunning scenery of…

12-DAY TRANSATLANTIC FROM NEW YORK Sailing from the Big Apple to Southampton, this fabulous itinerary on Norwegian Getaway includes the opportunity to explore Brussels, with its numerous museums; Le Havre, where you can take an excursion to Monet’s home in Giverny, visit Paris, or Rouen. Norwegian Getaway combines the most magnificent amenities that Norwegian has to offer with unforgettable destinations. Stroll The Waterfront, an innovative, industry-first open-air promenade designed to connect guests with the ocean like no other cruise line. Indulge in more than 25 dining options, experience the thrill of five water slides, and three levels of action-packed activities in the sports complex (departs 19-DAY AUSTRALIA & SOUTHEAST ASIA FROM SYDNEY Explore top destinations in Australia and Southeast Asia on one incredible cruise on Norwegian Jewel. An overnight in…

Irresistibly pretty, and located on the Rhine River close to Alsace and the Black Forest where Switzerland, Germany and France meet, Basel is quite simply enchanting. Settled by the Celts in around 120 BC, in 30 BC the city’s strategic position led to the Romans stationing military forces on the site on the hill that would later be occupied by Basel Minster, which was built between 1019 and 1500. The metropolis became important in the 15th century as a centre of Renaissance humanism, and subsequently joined the Swiss confederacy in the 16th century. During the 19th century, it grew into a centre of industrialisation. Today, however, along with Zurich and Geneva, Basel is ranks among the cities with the highest standards of living in the world. Must-sees You can explore…

THE MEKONG It’s boom time in Vietnam with more and more cruises on the river that snakes up through age-old scenery – jungle dotted with golden temples, water buffalo tramping the banks and workers in conical hats knee-deep in paddy fields. There’s a great new cruise here from the summer. Emerald Harmony, a small-scale version of the contemporary Emerald Waterways modernistic Star-Ships that sail Europe’s rivers, takes to the Mekong in August. The craft, discreet and flat-bottomed, is one of few cruise ships that can sail from the heart of Ho Chi Minh City on the Saigon River into the delta and through channels to the Mekong (most cruises start a goodly drive from the city). From here, it’s the classic Mekong sailing, crossing from Vietnam into Cambodia, just short…

Three boys caked in mud are sitting on the water’s edge, talking and laughing as they soak up the hazy sunshine. Nearby, a group of women wearing vermillion, jade and gold-coloured saris are washing clothes in the river while two puppies play and yelp on the bank. This is life on the Ganges. My introduction to India began in Jaipur, in the northern state of Rajasthan. At the airport I stumble into the path of a Bollywood film crew, the first of many I will encounter during my time in India, and I watch in fascination, trying to work out the plot (it involves a couple in elaborate costume saying a tearful goodbye). That evening I join my fellow travellers on our Uniworld tour for a candlelit buffet under the…