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Expedition Cruises Around The World

This slideshow video focuses on Expedition Cruises and how they are one of the best ways to visit and see some unforgettable sites in the farthest-flung reaches of the world. It includes details about cruises to Galapagos, Alaska, Antarctica and Borneo with cruise lines such as Celebrity and Orion.

Fjord for Thought

Picture-perfect fishing villages, dramatic rock formations and sparkling waterfalls are just a few of the highlights that you can expect on a cruise to Norway…

by tombayly13

Famous for its awe inspiring fjords and striking mountains, Norway is one of those places that will truly take your breath away. Often described as the world’s most stunning voyages, Norway is somewhere that needs to be seen in order to be believed. This magnificent destination is now a firm favourite with many and it’s not just saved for the typical exploration cruise lines either, with mainstream lines including Fred.Olsen, Royal Caribbean and even CelebrityCruises all featuring a Norwegian itinerary.

by garybembridge

Calling through the World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord you’ll be able to find glistening waterfalls, deep gorges and the most stunning scenery around every turn. Geirangerfjord looks as though it has been plucked from the most enchanting fairy tale which is what makes it one of Norway’s most visited tourist spots. The Seven Sisters and the Suitor are two of the most spectacular waterfalls and can both be found here.

by Jon Olav

Moving along to Nordfjord which is nestled between Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord, an unforgettable journey can be had with tall mountains, striking glaciers and mountaintop forests all in clear view. As the sixth longest fjord in Norway, this is the perfect place to explore with ten nature trails available. Sognefjord is the longest and deepest fjord so will almost certainly feature on your cruise itinerary. Here you can find three national parks and two UNESCO sites. Fishing in rivers or the deep mountain lakes can be enjoyed here and mountain hiking, climbing or skiing or also popular ventures.

by Victor Velez

Hardangerfjord is well known for fruit tree blossoming in the spring, the Folgefonna Glacier and Norway’s most famous waterfall – the Voringsfossen. Situated near the Bergen, the fjord offers visitors plenty to see and do including glacier trekking, on the Folgefonna Glacier, a visit to the Hardanger National Trust Tourist Route or even a trip to see the Voringsfossen Waterfall.

It’s not all about the fjords…

by ducimer61

Norway has a wealth of towns and cities – perfect for exploration. As the second largest city in Norway, Bergen is a place well worth a visit. Built on the site of an original Viking settlement, you can discover a number of historic sites here. The most famous is Bryggen – an old waterfront district which used to be a major trading centre for the Hanseatic League during the middle ages. 

by Dave Hopton

Tromso is the largest city above the Arctic Circle and the starting point for many Polar expeditions. To see this incredible place in all its glory you can take a cable car ride up the top of Mount Storsteinen and look forward to the most spectacular views below. Flam is also a popular port of call. Meaning ‘little place between steep mountains’, Flam is a place which oozes charm. Home to the world’s steepest railway, the Flamsbana travels 865 metres above sea level and is an exhilarating and scenic experience from start to finish. 

All images used by CC license via attributed usersnames on flickr.

Cruise Stories of the Week

Here's the pick of the cruise stories we've been reading this week:

Norwegian Cruise Line to Host Second Annual #SeaTweetup Cruise 
This is a story about a mini cruise that NCL are running which will host the second annual #SeaTweetup cruise. Sounds like fun if you like your social media. 


Sponsored tour bus crashes in St Maarten  
Last Thursday, an excursion bus sponsored by Royal Caribbean ended up in a ditch in St Martin. A few people ended up in a local hospital but thankfully no-one ended up with major injuries or worse. 


Poll Position: Big Ship Blues  
Cruise Critic ran a poll to find out what holidaymakers think about the biggest cruise ships. The results are interesting with almost 59% thinking they carry too many passengers. 


Voyager of the Seas adds Dreamworks Experience 
Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas is the fith ship in the fleet to get the Dreamworks treatment. With popular characters from Dreamworks movies now providing additional entertainment on the ship it makes it a great additional vessel for family cruise holidays. 


Cruise News: Get On Board For The Rock Boat XIII  
The Rock Boat cruise will be back in 2013 with over 2,000 lucky guests on board. The Norwegian Pearl will host the waterborne music festival from February 24th to March 1st from Miami to the Bahamas.

Family Friendly Cruises

Cruise lines have been pulling out all the stops recently to draw in the lucrative family cruise market – including teaming up with famous entertainment brands. Take Royal Caribbean, for instance. They’ve partnered up with DreamWorks – the people who brought Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and other animated favourites into our lives.

Family friendly cruises really do have so many highlights in store. There are kids' and teens' clubs, video arcades, waterslides, outdoor movies, basketball, mini-golf and much, much more.

And, not forgetting us grownups – think lavish spas, fine restaurants and sophisticated bars - just some of the other ingredients that make a great all-round ‘family’ cruise.

Royal Caribbean

Little ones

Royal Caribbean has an award winning Adventure Ocean program on board each of their ships. Catering for children of all ages from babies and toddlers through to teens, children can look forward to tons of fun stuff. There’s even a professionally run nursery for children 6-17 months or 18-36 months.

Parents

As your children will never be stuck for something to do, you have more time to kick back and relax – doing ‘adult things’. And, if you fancy a bit of time to yourself in the evening – like going for a romantic meal - then simply drop your child off (6-17 months or 18-36 months) in the professionally run nursery, Nursery Babies and Tots. The nursery is available during the day, too.

One for all the family

Thanks to a partnership with DreamWorks Animation, kids – and big kids - get to rub shoulders with characters from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and more! Oasis Class, Freedom Class and Voyager Class ships even have an ice rink on board! Here you can all have lessons – or simply have fun on the ice.

Thomson

Little ones

On Thomson’s family-friendly ships - Thomson Destiny, Thomson Spirit and Thomson Celebration - the focus is on ensuring both youngsters and adults have a whale of a time on board. A firm favourite with kiddies (aged three to 12) is the Thomson Kidzone club. Offering the perfect place for children aged three to 12 to make new friends, your child can look forward to creative play and parties with everything from storytelling, role-playing to team challenges and mini discos.

Parents

Whilst your children are being kept happily entertained, why not have a drink in one of the wide selection of bars or have a nice quiet meal?

On board the Thomson Dream there’s not only a family-friendly pool but an adults only pool too – perfect if you want to swim some leisurely laps without having to dodge playful kiddies along the way. 

On the Thomson Celebration there’s a two-storey health and beauty spa – check in here for a spot of well-deserved pampering... Go on, you deserve it.

One for all the family

The Sports Deck is the place where you can all have fun playing badminton, basketball and table tennis. Or have a good splash about in the family friendly pool.

Disney Cruise Line

Little ones

It’s certainly a magical experience on board any of the Disney ships. And, it goes without saying; kids always have the time of their lives on board. The imaginative kids clubs are jam packed with fun activities for youngsters aged just 3 months, right the way up to teenagers.

Parents

If you’re after having a spot of ‘me time’, then the Quiet Cove Pool offers just the ticket. A relaxing, adult only pool, it is here you can enjoy the most tranquil setting – it’s the perfect place to unwind. On the odd evening or two, why not relax in one of the romantic adult only restaurants?

One for all the family

Go along to one of the deck parties – and celebrate your fabulous holiday alongside some of your favourite Disney characters – and you’ll get to enjoy the only fireworks at sea, too!

Fred Olsen Kicks Off Liverpool’s Cruise Liner Season

As part of Fred. Olsen’s Titanic memorial cruise, the Balmoral was the first ship to pass through Liverpool and begin the cities cruise season.

The ship sailed from Southampton to Belfast on a Titanic themed cruise which commemorated those who lost their lives on that fateful journey.

The 43,537 ton ship stood tall in Liverpool docks and all 1,386 cabins were filled with passengers looking forward to visiting the Liverpool Maritime Museum which is home to a Titanic memorial.

The ship then moved on to venture the very waters of the Atlantic Ocean in which Titanic sank 100 years previous.

The ship called at Halifax in Canada and New York which the original voyage should have visited. Aboard the ship guests took part in memorial services, visited exhibitions and learned all about the history of Titanic.

Passenger aboard Fred.Olsen’s Balmoral, Mary Thwaite, 62 said: “The cruise was really insightful. Although such a tragic story, I have always been fascinated with Titanic, so it was interesting to learn and experience what life was like back in those early days. We were able to pay tribute to the brave passengers and crew aboard the ship by throwing a reef into the water and taking part in a memorial service.”

“The cruise really opened my eyes to what happened that day and it is something I will certainly not forget for as long as I live.”

The cruise company have also announced that its other liner the Boudicca will also return to the city to operate a turnaround service, once the government gives the nod for ships to begin and end their journeys in Liverpool.

The Ocean Countess looks set to be the first vessel to offer a turnaround service in Liverpool in late May this year, making it the first voyage in 40 years to offer sailings to and from the city. 

cc photo by daveparker on flickr

Entire Royal Caribbean Cruise Line in One Image

This is a graphic of the entire Royal Caribbean fleet in a single word cloud. We took a bunch of content we had written about the Royal ships and processed it to create this graphic. If you're not familiar with word clouds, larger words are those used more often and smaller words are used less often.

We kind of like the way that it summarises a lot of what there is to say about the cruise line in a single graphic (and it looks a bit like a fish?!?).

Cruise Stories of the Week

Remembering Cruise Disasters: Tasteful or Tacky? - Cruise Critic has a thought provoking article in reponse to the news that an Australian man is planning to build a replica Titanic and sail it across the Atlantic and another story about a memorial to the dead from the Costa Concordia.
http://www.cruisecritic.com/blog/index.php/2012/06/27/remembering-cruise-disasters-tasteful-or-tacky/

NCL Norwegian Star to the Rescue - Frommers Cruise Blog reports how NCL responded to a yacht that had lost it's rudder and saved the six passengers on board.
http://www.frommers.com/community/blogs/blog.cfm/cruise-blog/ncls-norwegian-star-rescues-six-stranded-yacht

A Tour of the World's Biggest Cruise Ship - The Huff Post has a video showing a tour of Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/smithsonian/the-worlds-biggest-cruise_b_1627796.html

A Cruise Ship Wedding - An article breaking down the costs of getting married on a cruise. This one's really interesting and shows how this particular cruise wedding came in well under the cost of a national average wedding budget.
http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2012/06/15/frugal-or-foolish-our-cruise-ship-wedding/

New Cruise Ship, Carnival Breeze - And finally, Captain Greybeard gives his thoughts on the recently launched Carnival Breeze cruise ship.
http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/captain-greybeard/2012/06/theres-a-breath-of-fresh.html

My Favourite River Cruises in Europe

With air travel becoming an increasingly stressful and unpleasant means of transport, I would like to discuss the serene and relaxing world of river cruising. Modern river boats offer the ultimate in luxury, with fine dining facilities and excellent accommodations on-board. They also have the advantage of almost always being able to pull into the very heart of any city you visit, making them as good a proposition as any hotel.

Enjoying a river cruises in Europe is one of the most intimate and relaxing ways to explore all that this continent has to offer. Cruising down some of Europe’s most gorgeous rivers on an escorted tour you get the opportunity to really feel the atmosphere of cities and villages that border them. In this article I would like to highlight some of my favourite river cruises in Europe. 

The Po River

The Po River, at 405 miles, is the longest river in Italy and is a truly charming destination for a river cruise in Europe. Encompassing the majestic scenery of Northern Italy and the romance of beautiful Venice, a Po River cruise has something for everyone to enjoy. A cruise along the Po River gives you the chance to experience some of the finest Renaissance art and architecture anywhere in the world.

The Elbe River

The historic and charming Elbe River is one of Europe’s least discovered rivers, making it the perfect destination for a river cruise. Beginning in the culturally fascinating and historic Berlin, this cruise then meanders through rural Germany towards the beautiful city of Dresden where I recommend a walking tour of the city which has been carefully restored after massive bombing during the Second World War. Finally, the cruise heads towards Prague where I recommend you spend a day exploring the various palaces, museums and squares.

The Danube River

A cruise along the Danube River through Budapest, Esztergom, Bratislava, Salzburg and Vienna is one of the most interesting and varied river cruises in the world. This cruise is guaranteed to eliminate the daily stresses of life as you cruise past the architectural delights this region has to offer. Of particular note is the restore old town of Bratislava, the monastery at Melk and a tour of Salzburg.

The Rhine River

The River Rhine is dotted with romantic castles, medieval towns, stunning cathedrals and truly magnificent scenery, making it a magical place for a river cruise. One of the best times to take a Rhine Cruise is between July and August when hilltop castles and palaces are lit up at night with fireworks that truly need to be seen to be believed. One of the most impressive castles you will pass is the Marksburg Castle, near Koblenz.

Fred Set To Take The UK by Storm

Looks like Fred Olsen are to branch out into a hopefully successful venture to offer cruises departing from most UK ports. With the cost of connections and land-based travel always increasing, it makes sense to try and board a European cruise from as close to home as possible. Fred Olsen's planned itinerary will allow this to happen for a lot more holiday makers.

Fred.Olsen has announced it will be offering sailings direct from Harwich as of May 2013, in a bid to attract more guests. This cunning new move will see Fred.Olsen dominate most of the UK sailing ports, as they currently already sail from the majority of British ports.

Director of cruises.com James Cole said: “I think this cruise line is certainly on the right tracks to attracting plenty more guests to their ships. Since their recent move of allowing sailings from Liverpool have been so successful for the company, it seems only logical that they would offer sailings from as many ports as they can, to make life easier and hassle-free for customers.”

“I wish them well and hope to see other cruise lines take note. Sailing from the UK has become so popular in recent years; it won’t be long before other cruise lines jump on board.”

The Black Watch will be the ship to be based out of Harwich in Essex and will offer sailings to the Baltic, Norway and Lapland.

Sales and marketing director Nathan Philpot said: "Harwich International Port has long been on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines" radar as a turnaround port following a series of successful transit calls in recent years.

"Its direct rail connections from London - whereby guests alight right next to the Cruise Terminal - make this an extremely easy port to access."

In addition, this British-based cruise line will be offering a Sir Bobby Robson Memorial mini-cruise and fits perfectly with the move to Harwich as it is the port closest to Sir Bobby’s team of Ipswich.

This memorial cruise which will visit Amsterdam and Newcastle, looks set to raise significant amounts of cash for the Sir Bobby Robson foundation as guest speakers and fundraising activities will be present on board.

Cruise Norway - The Land of Enchantment

Famous for its awe-inspiring fjords and striking mountains, Norway is one of those places that will truly take your breath away… So it comes as no surprise that a number of cruise lines, like Fred. Olsen and Royal Caribbean offer the most amazing adventures here.

Whilst on a Norwegian fjords cruise, you’ll be treated to quite a show. Expect snow-capped mountains, glaciers, charming little fishing villages and much more…

Introducing the Norwegian Fjords…

The Geirangerfjord

A World Heritage site, this fjord is full of sparkling waterfalls, deep gorges and the most stunning scenery. One of Norway's most visited tourist sites; Geirangerfjord looks as though it’s been plucked from the most enchanting fairy-tale...

Two famous waterfalls can be found in the Geirangerfjord: the Seven Sisters and the Suitor. Facing one another across the fjord, legend has it that the Suitor is trying to seduce the seven sisters opposite.

The Nordfjord

Nestled between the Geirangerfjord and the Sognefjord, take a journey along the shore of the Nordfjord for an unforgettable experience.  Tall mountains, glaciers and mountaintop forests dominate… this fjord is a truly captivating place. Stretching from the Jostedalsbreen Glacier out to the Stadhavet Ocean, the Nordfjord is the sixth longest fjord in Norway. There are also 10 nature trails along the Nordfjord – it’s the perfect destination for the avid explorer.

The Sognefjord

Norway's longest and deepest fjord, it is in Sognefjord you will find many of Norway's attractions, including three national parks and two UNESCO sites. With waterfalls plunging down steep mountains, the Sognefjord offers an incredible sight.  Fishing in rivers or the deep mountain lakes can be enjoyed in the Sognefjord. Mountain hikes, climbing and skiing are favourite activities too.

The Hardangerfjord

The Hardangerfjord is well known for fruit tree blossoming in the spring, the Folgefonna Glacier and Norway’s most famous waterfall - the Vøringsfossen. Situated near Bergen, the fjord offers visitors plenty to see and do including Glacier walking on the Folgefonna Glacier, a visit to the Hardanger National Tourist Route and a trip to see the Vøringsfossen Waterfall.

A Glimpse into some of Norway’s Ports of Call…

Tromsø

The largest city above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is the starting point for many Polar expeditions. Found in the very northernmost part of Norway, Tromsø is a very charming Norwegian town and a popular port of call with many. Tromsø is also a cosmopolitan city, so much so, it has earned itself the nickname ‘Paris of the North’.

A popular tourist spot in Tromsø is the Polaria Science Museum and the architectural masterpiece that is the famous Artic Cathedral. In Tromsø, there’s also the opportunity to go dog sledding excursion, snowmobile or reindeer sledging.

And, to see Tromsø in all its glory, be sure to take a cable car 480 metres up to the top of Mount Storsteinen. From here, you’ll be able to take in the most spectacular views across Tromsø.

Flam

Meaning 'little place between steep mountains', Flam is a port of call that oozes charm. Located on the Aurlandsfjord - one of the fjords of Norway - Flam is home to the world’s steepest railway, the Flamsbana. Traveling around 865 metres above sea level, the journey offers an exhilarating, scenic experience from start to finish.  Surrounded by steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls and deep valleys, Flam is a favourite destination with nature lovers.

The North Cape

The northernmost point of Europe, when you go on a cruise around the North Cape you will get to experience breath taking views, the cliff itself and the fact that you’re standing at the northernmost point of the continent! One of Norway's top travel destinations, a quarter of a million tourists stop by to admire the North Cape each summer.

No need to fly…

If you’re not keen on flying, then another great thing about Norway is that it’s often available round trip from the UK – so there’s no need to fly. Fred. Olsen, P&O Cruises, MSC, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity all offer cruises from the UK. 

Photo by Bods

Romantic Cruising With Celebrity

Celebrity cruises are perfect for a romantic getaway, from the 360 degree view of a mesmerising ocean to unforgettable moments in a beautiful different country.

Indulge in a huge, hot, bubble bath with a glass of champagne as you sail across the ocean. Allow you and your partner to enjoy a spectacular ocean view from your bath, situated on your own private balcony.

With a 2:1 guest to staff ratio each staff member is attuned to your every need. Whether you are by the pool side or in your suite, a certain pampering service includes daily news delivery, personalised seating preferences in restaurants, 24/7 room service plus a complimentary hors d’oeuvres, cappuccino or espresso, to make your journey effortless.

In the penthouse accommodation on-board specific ships, rooms also consist of a baby grand piano to serenade your loved one. A light system and a music room means you can create the perfect ambiance and with two interactive audio and visual entertainment systems you can spend hours watching films or relaxing in a beautiful marble bathroom.

A classic romance package allows you to commemorate a special occasion for you and your partner. Find rose petals delicately sprinkled on your turned down bed, whilst you both indulge in your chocolate dipped strawberries, drink champagne to toast to that special moment. A premium romance package also includes Celebrity robes and slippers plus a mimosa breakfast for two in bed. For the evening, experience speciality dining in one of the stunning restaurants on board that offer a romantic ambience before returning to your stateroom.

So whether you have a very special question to ask, or need time together to celebrate a special occasion and appreciate one another Celebrity Cruises offer a cruise of love.

Princess Photo Winner

Princess Cruises have awarded a photo depicting the ancient sites of Ephesus as the lucky winner of their photo competition campaign ‘1,000 Memories at Sea’.

The extremely successful campaign saw over 57,000 entries, all hoping to win a once-in-a-lifetime prize of a cruise for two aboard their brand new ship, the Royal Princess, which makes her debut next year.

The photo illustrates the towering pillars and ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus, which is famously known all over the world as an archaeological landmark.

The winning photo was sent in by Princess enthusiast, Christine Svircev who took the photo whilst enjoying a cruise around Turkey.

Christine Svircev said: “I cannot believe out of all of these entries I have actually won. I never win anything! Ephesus is such a beautiful place with so many ancient sites to see, I took many photo’s here, and once I got back home I thought I would send one in because I had nothing to lose.”

The winning photo plus 999 other entries will now be displayed on the hallways aboard the new ship the Royal Princess, which makes her maiden voyage in June 2013.

Raj Caluori, Princess’ executive vice president of fleet operations said: “The judges were amazed by the staggering number of great images that were entered in this contest.”

 “We didn’t have an easy time, but in the end we think the 1,000 photos that were selected are certainly worthy of being immortalized on the ship. We hope all the winners have a chance to sail aboard Royal Princess and enjoy discovering where their photos are displayed.”

Royal Princess is currently under construction and will offer 3,600 passengers a host of innovative new features including a larger atrium, a glass-bottomed walkway and a private poolside area.

Christine added: “It is a great honour to win this prize. My husband now calls me Ansel Adams.”

Celebrity Chefs Culinary Cruises

With so many enticing attractions on board a cruise ship today, it can be difficult deciding which cruise line to pick. In the past couple of years however, more cruise lines such as P&O, Crystal and MSC Cruises seem to be raising the bar a little bit higher than most, with the latest trend emerging of introducing a menu created by a celebrity chef…

Paul Rankin

Paul Rankin is the newest celebrity chef to team up with MSC Cruises to showcase his incredible menus. The celebrity chef joined MSC Splendida in February to create guests a host of sumptuous dishes that they were certain never to forget. The chef gave an insight into how he creates his menus with a set of cooking demonstrations and included in the line-up Rankin prepared delicacies such as Escalope of Salmon, Duck steak au poivre and apple tarte tatin. 

Marco Pierre White

The youngest chef in Britain ever to win three Michelin stars, Marco Pierre White is quite the celebrity aboard P&O. His carefully crafted menus can be found in a variety of venues aboard P&O’s impressive fleet. The White Room on the Ventura is where you can find a taste for his Mediterranean dishes, if French cuisine tickles your fancy then Aurora’s Café Bordeaux offers just that, contemporary British menus are found in the Ocean Grill and Italian inspired dishes have been created for Café Jardin on board Adonia. 

Nobu Matsuhia

This talented Japanese chef uses his expertise to create the menus for Silk Road and the Sushi Bar aboard the Crystal Fleet. Not only are his Japanese-Peruvian inspired flavours found on board, but the chef has announced that he will be stepping on the Crystal Serenity this May to personally prepare the dishes in his restaurants and he will also be showing guests exactly how he creates his menus with fascinating cooking demonstrations. 

Atul Kochhar

Another Michelin starred chef sailing with P&O, Atul Kochhar’s incredible menu can be found aboard the Azura. Famous for creating Indian cuisine with a modern British twist, this chef is proud to call the select dining restaurant Sindhu, his home. A small slice of the dishes that you can expect to find include tikka masala, slow-cooked lamb or Tandoori chicken, to offer guests an array of choice when it comes to his menu. 

Jacques Pepin

This talented chef’s signature dishes can be found in array of speciality dining venues aboard Oceania Cruises. Working closely with the team of Oceania’s chefs, Pepin creates revolutionary menus to tempt and satisfy. The Master Chef even has a restaurant on board the Marina named after himself in which you can find mouth-watering French inspired dishes including his speciality; pumpkin soup a l’Anglaise served in a pumpkin shell and free-range chicken cooked on a rotisserie.

MSC Add a New Cruise Ship

 MSC have signed a contract with STX France to welcome a 140,000 tonne cruise ship to their fleet in March 2013.

They have named the ship MSC Preziosa and it will be the 13th addition to their fleet and the fourth ship to join the fantasia-class of ships.

Mr Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO MSC Cruises said: “The new ship represents an investment of 550 million euros and will be delivered at the end of March 2013. Negotiations with STX France have lasted over nine months; a significant but understandable period of time considering the importance of the investment and the unexpected nature of the takeover.”

The ship will offer everything that you can expect on board the MSC Divina, which includes; four main restaurants and two fine dining restaurants, 21 bars, a casino, four swimming pools and an infinity pool, 12 whirlpools, a bowling alley, a sports area and fitness centre, a children’s area and the signature Aurea Spa.

“When MSC Preziosa is delivered we will have four ships of every class, giving us a total capacity of over 40,000 berths and the strength to sail in all seas. MSC Preziosa herself will sail the Mediterranean, exploring the beauty of Greek Islands, which represents the highlight of European cruising.”

MSC and STX France shipyard have been in negotiations for months over this vessel which unknown previous owners did not want to continue to run.

“STX France is delighted with this successful outcome after months of negotiations. The length of time necessary to settle them is the perfect illustration of the challenges faced by the cruise industry in terms of financing, which impact our industry directly. It’s the new Achilles’ heel, after competitiveness, on which our efforts are now focused,” said Laurent Castaing, STX France General Manager. “In this context, the integration of X32 into the prestigious MSC Cruise’s fleet is a relief and a real pleasure for STX.”

MSC are ensuring that the Preziosa offers a host of ‘green’ features to reduce carbon emissions including a waste water treatment and energy saving systems. The ship looks set to be launched in March 2013.

Celebrity Guests Get Inside Access

Celebrity Cruises are offering their passengers the opportunity to take an exclusive look into how cruise ships work.

A new and much welcomed addition to the activities on board a Celebrity ship, this programme – aptly named ‘Celebrity Inside Access’- will take passengers behind the scenes of a Celebrity cruise. It is a fascinating way of discovering how cruise ships work, the program will includes two exclusive activities, the ‘See How It’s Done Tour’ and the ‘Bridge Sail Away Experience’.

The See How It’s Done Tour is where a small, intimate crowd are taken through non-public areas of the ship, including the bridge, mooring deck, crew gym, theatre and the engine control room. Guests will also have the chance to intermingle with skilled members of the Celebrity crew. And, after each tour, guests can look forward to a wine-paired lunch – which will be held by an officer in the main dining room.

The other activity, the Bridge Sail Away Experience, makes it possible for cruisers to be part of the navigational team on the bridge. This will begin half an hour before and after departing. A tour and an overview of the bridge will be given by a senior bridge officer.

Mal Barritt, director of cruises.com – the world’s largest cruise company says - “this interesting programme is sure to be a hit with Celebrity guests. After all, who wouldn’t want the opportunity to have exclusive access to a behind the scenes tour of one of their favourite ships? It’s the perfect chance for them to satisfy their curiosity. It will certainly be a fascinating and enriching program for all who participate.”

This Inside Access program is offered on all celebrity ships – and is available for purchase on board. 

River Cruising On the Mekong River

In recent years there has been a meteoric rise in the popularity of river cruising as holiday makers search for a more intimate and personal experience than larger sea cruises. River cruises are also an extremely relaxing and time efficient way of experiencing a range of cities, landmarks and countryside. One of most popular river cruises is along the Mekong River, the world’s twelfth largest river, which flows through China, Burma, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam and is dotted with historic landmarks and stunning scenery. Below, I have listed some of my top tips for river cruising along the Mekong from Cambodia to Vietnam.

When to Go

The best time to experience a river cruise along the Mekong is from June to September when the land is lush, the water is calm and there is a great variety of tropical fruit available. Between October and November, flooding can be expected, particularly in remote areas.

What To Do

The Mekong River is lined with unique and spectacular historical landmarks and no Mekong River cruise would be complete without a visit to the ancient city of Angkor. Begin the day by watching the sunrise over the majestic temple of Angkor Watt, and then spend the rest of the day exploring the numerous temples of this truly astonishing place. 

As you continue your cruise towards Vietnam, ensure that you take some time to explore Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia. One of the best ways to experience Phnom Penh is by rickshaw and must see sites include the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda. Furthermore, I recommend visiting the Tuol Slong Genocide museum and the Killing Fields. Although immensely harrowing, they give an excellent insight into the horrors that the Cambodian people endured during the Khmer Rouge regime.  

As you enter arrive in Vietnam make sure you take some time to visit the famous Cu Chi tunnels. This vast, underground network of tunnels stretches for 200 miles and provided a base for the Vietcong army to attack the US army. The tour includes a trip down the tunnels, examples of the deadly mantraps and pits used to protect the tunnels and even the opportunity to fire some of the weapons used in the Vietnam War.

Finally, I recommend spending half a day at the famous Ben Thanh market in Saigon which gives a unique insight into every day Vietnamese life and will give you the opportunity to pick up some souvenirs at great prices.