Monster Travel Cruise

Royalty to attend launch of MSC Poesia

2008-03-12T14:34:00.005Z

In the presence of Their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, MSC Cruises’ most exciting and anticipated ship to date, MSC Poesia, will make her debut in Dover on 5th April 2008.

Prince and Princess Michael of Kent will be joining Hollywood icon, Sophia Loren, godmother to the new ship, at the magnificent star studded launch event marking the first ever launch of an MSC Cruises ship outside of Italy.

As part of the ‘Musica’ class, the MSC Poesia, which translates as poetry, will see her first night in Dover celebrated by live performances from headline acts including the celebrated Andrea Bocelli.

At 89,600 tonnes and 1275 cabins with double occupancy for 2,550 passengers, MSC Poesia has a wonderful blend of cutting edge technology, elegant surroundings, exciting entertainment venues and tantalising dining opportunities. MSC Poesia will be a sister ship to the popular MSC Orchestra and MSC Musica (launched in 2007 and 2006 respectively). She will become the ninth ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, which has experienced the industry’s largest fleet expansion in the last three years.

After the launch event, she will set sail on her 13 night pre-inaugural voyage from Dover to Venice, visiting Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, and finally Italy, arriving in Venice where she will be positioned for the summer of 2008.

Find out more about MSC Cruises with Hays Travel Cruise the Cruise Experts.

Silversea Cruises to bring luxury to expedition market

2008-02-12T17:41:00.001Z

Silversea Cruises is introducing luxury to the expedition market with a new ship that will sail its inaugural cruise from London in June.

The cruiseline has bought the World Discoverer from Society Expeditions to sail polar itineraries

The ship, which has yet to be named, will be in London for inaugural events on June 12, It will then sail to the Orkney, Shetland and Faro Islands and Jan Mayen, before touring the Arctic Circle and Greenland for the summer. It will reposition to South America and then Antarctica for autumn and winter.

Find out more about Silversea cruises with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise experts.

P&O Cruises announces the Godmother for Ventura

2008-02-07T16:41:00.000Z

DAME HELEN MIRREN TO NAME BRITAIN'S LARGEST SUPERLINER

- with a little champagne bottle-breaking help from the Royal Marines

British icon and Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren is to name the largest superliner designed exclusively for Britain, Ventura the latest addition to P&O Cruises fleet. The spectacular evening naming ceremony, with Dame Helen as the ship's Godmother, will take place in Southampton on April 16, prior to Ventura's maiden cruise to the Mediterranean.

But in a break with tradition, instead of Dame Helen simply pressing a button to send a cradled Tattinger champagne bottle towards the ship, she will command a crack team of Royal Marine Commandos to assist her in naming Ventura in a dramatic fashion.

In keeping with Ventura's contemporary and innovative values, her naming ceremony will be a departure from tradition. As well as Dame Helen's customary champagne naming, the celebration will encompass an exciting show with dramatic surprises.

On board, 1,500 guests will be invited including Ventura's consultant chef, Marco Pierre White, and children's favourite, Noddy. The occasion will benefit three children's charities supported by Dame Helen and P&O Cruises - Barnardos, Kid's Comapny and Naomi House.

Find out more about the Ventura with Hays Travel Cruise

"No Limit Texas Hold'em" poker tournament on the Island Star

2008-01-25T16:38:00.000Z

Island Cruises are holding a ‘No Limit Texas Hold’em’ poker tournament* aboard the Island Star on 28th March ’08 with a guaranteed prize fund of £20,000**.

Guests get the opportunity to not only win some cash, but also experience some great ports in the Mediterranean. When departing 28th March ’08 the Island Star will be leaving Palma and visiting Livorno for Florence & Pisa, Genoa for Milan, Marseille, Barcelona and Valencia before returning to Palma.

The player package starts from just £999 and includes all of the following:

7-night Mediterranean cruise
En-suite accommodation in the best available outside cabin
Entry in to the Texas Hold’em tournament
Champagne in your cabin on arrival
Cocktail parties and bridge visit
24-hour dining including one free visit to specialty restaurant
Return flights to/from Palma/Gatwick, other regional airports available at a supplement†
Transfers to/from ship/airport
All tips onboard

Guests can also take along a non-playing guest and they can share a cabin and join in the fun from just £529. This includes all the above except entry into the tournament.

Must be booked by Thursday 31st January 2008.

Find out more about Island Cruises with Hays Travel Cruise - the cruise experts

Independence of the seas nears completion

2008-01-16T16:52:00.000Z

With only 15 weeks until delivery, Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Independence of the Seas, took to the seas for the first time on Friday 11th January having reached an 85% complete build status.

The ship, currently under construction in Turku, Finland at the Aker Yard ship yard, will be the third ship in the cruise line’s world record-breaking Freedom-class of ships.

Large sections of Independence of the Seas are nearing completion as an army of over 1,700 workers is currently working in temperatures several degrees below zero with snow forecast. Areas of the ship currently being worked on include the main dining room, the theatre and the upper deck pool area. The ship will be delivered to Royal Caribbean International in late April 2008, two weeks ahead of schedule.

She will arrive in Southampton in April 2008 for inaugural celebrations in the UK before becoming the first ever newbuild ship in the Royal Caribbean International fleet to be based in Europe.

Royal Caribbean International has also announced that Independence of the Seas will becoming into service two weeks earlier due to works being completed ahead of schedule, meaning an additional two sailings are now available on board the new ship from the beginning of May 2008. The new sailings including a four night Cork cruise that departs on 2nd May, sailing from Southampton to Cork and back to Southampton from £449 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin), and an 11 night Canary Islands cruise that departs on 6th May, calling at Madeira (Portugal), Tenerife (Canary Islands), Gran Canaria (Canary Islands), Lanzarote (Canary Islands), Lisbon (Portugal) and Vigo (Spain) from £897 per person (based on two sharing an inside cabin).

Activities onboard Independence of the Seas will include the popular innovations already found on her sister-ships, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, including the FlowRider surf simulator; the wet and wild H20 Zone children’s water park; cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 feet above the ocean; an ice-skating rink; a boxing ring; and the 1,215-square-foot Presidential Family Suite, which sleeps up to 14 people.

Find out more about the Independence of the Seas with Hays Travel Cruise - the cruise experts

Countdown Ventura - 94 days to go

2008-01-11T15:18:00.000Z

Ventura’s rooms will be contemporary and stylish, providing you with the ultimate retreat.

Featuring contemporary art on canvas, fashionable bed linen and those all-important designer touches, Ventura’s accommodation will have a boutique hotel feel.

You will find Ventura’s architects and designers have thought of every detail. An in-cabin entertainment system will come complete with a flat panel television. In cabin pamper packs will add to the sense of luxury. While teak balcony furniture will afford a timeless elegance to her 880 balcony cabins.

Even better, your cabin will always be spick and span. Your friendly, yet discreet cabin steward will be on hand to make the bed, keep your private bathroom gleaming and attend to any room service or laundry requests.

Find out more about the Ventura with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts.

Silversea announce 2009 worldwide schedule

2008-01-09T21:35:00.000Z

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has announced its 2009 worldwide voyage schedule. The company's four award-winning, all-suite ships are set to visit over 320 different ports in 108 countries on a diverse schedule of over 140 itineraries ranging from seven to 92 days.

Of special note is the company's first-ever Grand Pacific Voyage, a 92-day extended odyssey that explores the azure waters and pristine beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Following a diverse route from Los Angeles to Papeete, Sydney and the Far East, with final stops in Alaska and Vancouver, Silver Shadow will visit 45 ports, 15 countries and both hemispheres on this epic journey.

Other highlights include return visits to Alaska plus 10 new destinations: Szczecin (pronounced Stettin, as it was once known), Poland; Malmo, Sweden; Skagen, Denmark; Gozo Island, Malta; Symi, Greece; Koper, Slovenia; Olhahali Island, Maldives; Nemuro, Japan; Visakhapatnam and New Mangalore, India.

SILVER CLOUD
Silver Cloud starts the year exploring South America before heading to the most exclusive destinations of the Caribbean. From late May through to September, the intimate 296-guest ship will be positioned in Northern Europe and the Baltic offering 11 cruises of seven to 15 days, including several voyages featuring three-day, two-night stopovers in historic St. Petersburg. Other highlights include Voyage 1920, offering inaugural calls to Szczecin, Poland, once considered the "Paris of the North"; Sweden's beautiful Malmo, home of famous 15th-century Malmohus Castle; and Skagen, Denmark, a picturesque resort town and 19th-century colony for artists and writers. The ship heads back to the Caribbean and South America for the autumn.

SILVER WIND
The 296-guest Silver Wind begins 2009 with cruises to Africa, the Seychelles and the Arabian Peninsula, highlighted by inaugural calls to the sunny beaches of uninhabited Olhahali Island in the Maldives and India's less-travelled Visakhapatnam and New Mangalore, both gateways to important temple sites.

From mid-April to early November, the ultra-luxury ship will traverse the Mediterranean on over 20 different itineraries ranging from seven to 12 days.

Of special interest to Formula One racing enthusiasts is a Voyage, which overnights in Monte Carlo during the Grand Prix. Other highlights include return visits to Israel's popular coastal cities of Haifa and Ashdod, also on offer is the new destination of Gozo Island, second largest of the Maltese Islands, known for its impressive citadel and the Ggantija prehistoric temples. The ship repositions to Africa's east coast and the Sechelles for the autumn.

SILVER SHADOW
The 382-guest Silver Shadow kicks off the year with a series of mostly 9-day Caribbean voyages before transiting the Panama Canal to Los Angeles to embark on its 92-day Grand Pacific Voyage from March to June. Of special interest to nature-lovers is an inaugural call on May 18 to Nemuro, Japan, home of the magnificent Shunkunitai Wild Bird Sanctuary. On the schedule for the summer is Alaska, with a series of 12 cruises ranging from seven to 12 days, including several round-trip departures from San Francisco and Vancouver. During the balance of the year, Silver Shadow transits the Panama Canal and continues on a course exploring the warm waters and sunny beaches of the Caribbean.

SILVER WHISPER
For the 382-guest Silver Whisper, the year opens with the sights, sounds and flavours of Australia, New Zealand, the Far East and South Pacific featured on eight itineraries, ranging from nine to 18 days. Highlights include extended overnight stays in Auckland, Sydney, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Tianjin (Beijing), and Shanghai. On a pair of spring repositioning cruises, Silver Whisper will journey from Singapore to Dubai, with an overnight stay in vibrant Mumbai, followed by a Dubai-to-Athens voyage that overnights in Dubai and includes overnight visits to Safaga and Aqaba, gateways to some of the world's most treasured archaeological sites.

An extended summer season in the Mediterranean offers the opportunity to explore the region in absolute luxury with 22 mostly seven-day voyages, many of which can be combined for a more expansive journey without duplicating any ports. Highlights include two new destinations for Silversea: the Greek island of Symi, renowned for its picture-postcard beauty, and Koper, Slovenia, famous for its medieval architecture and fascinating Postonja Caves.

Silver Whisper wraps up the year exploring the Arabian Peninsula, India, Australia and New Zealand.

Find out more about Silversea Cruises with Hays Travel the cruise experts

Fantastic offers on Nile cruises

2008-01-08T23:00:00.000Z

Egypt is very much in vogue thanks to London’s Tutankhamun exhibition, but if you want to get a real taste of the country, a Nile cruise is the way to go.

African Safari Club has reduced the price of a 7 night 5* cruise by £100. Flying from Gatwick on 4 February, the price is just £549pp.

The 5* M. S. Da Vinci was completely refurbished in 2006 and carries a maximum of 136passengers in air-conditioned comfort with elegant décor. The light and airy restaurant and lounge offer stunning views and there is a pool with pool bar, parasols and a massage if you need pampering.

From Luxor visit the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens, and as the ship sails on to Edfu visit the Temple of Horus then on to Kom Ombo and Aswan where you can see the High Dam and the Aga Khan’s Mausoleum. The ship sails back to Luxor for a visit to the Temple of Karnak.

The price of £549pp is per person based on two sharing a lower deck cabin. Included are return flights from Gatwick to Luxor, local transfers, full board and entertainment on the ship, 10 excursions and all port, airport taxes and fuel supplements.

For more information on African Safari Club visit Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts.

Visit the seven continents with Crystal Cruises in 2009

2008-01-07T23:07:00.000Z

In 2009 Crystal Cruises will be venturing to all seven continents, from Antarctica to the Polar Ice Cap, circling the Pacific and featuring new itineraries in South America, Europe and the Middle East.

Sailing to 185 ports in 57 countries on 57 voyages, Crystal Cruises' 2009 programme will focus on more port intensive itineraries with overnight port stays on most cruises. Itineraries range from seven to 106 days, from the exotic to convenient European departures.

Among the 2009 highlights are:

106-night Pacific Circle Celebration World Cruise round-trip from Los Angeles, including the inaugural ports of Rangiroa, French Polynesia; Komodo, Indonesia; Napier, New Zealand; Sihanoukville, Cambodia; and Petropavlosk, Russia. Also featured is the 150th birthday of the Port of Yokohama and a return to Alaska.

Return to cruising the Amazon for the first time since 2006.
New autumn cruise to Israel and Egypt.

Dubai overnight stays on two cruises.

European maiden calls to Kotor, Montenegro; Lipari, Italy; Patmos, Greece; Sinop, Turkey; Alesund, Norway and Kiel, Germany.

Virtually all Mediterranean cruises feature overnight calls in cities such as Barcelona, Istanbul, Monte Carlo, Venice and/or Sorrento.

Two ships cruising Asia, including cruises in China/Japan, Southeast Asia and India with overnight stays in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Osaka, Kobe, Bangkok and many others.

Baltic cruises of seven and 11 nights with overnight calls in Copenhagen and Stockholm, plus double overnights in St. Petersburg.

North Cape cruise to Spitsbergen and the Polar Ice Cap.

British Isles cruise featuring the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh.

Black Sea cruise with a new overnight stay in Odessa and maiden call in Turkey.

Five voyages starting or finishing in the UK.

26 voyages starting or ending in Europe.

Choice of exotic and tropical Christmas / New Year voyages: South America and Antarctica or Caribbean.

More than a dozen "career-friendly" voyages beginning or ending on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Find out more about Crystal Cruises with Hays Travel the Cruise Experts

Join in the pre-inaugural cruise of MSC Poesia

2008-01-04T21:52:00.000Z

On 6th April 2008, MSC Cruises most exciting and anticipated ship to date, MSC Poesia will set sail on her pre-inaugural voyage from Dover to Venice.

MSC Cruises is offering a special price to be part of this historic sailing. Currently available are savings of £100 per person on this 13 night cruise – with prices starting at just £858 per person including flights.

MSC Poesia (which translates as poetry) will make her debut in Dover on 5 April 2008, during an elaborate overnight pier side event attended by Mrs Sophia Loren, godmother to the elegant new ship. She will then set sail on her 13 night pre-inaugural voyage, visiting Ireland, Portugal, Spain, Morocco and finally Venice, where she will be positioned for the summer of 2008.

With MSC Poesia, MSC Cruises has combined a wonderful blend of cutting edge technology, elegant surroundings, warm Mediterranean hospitality, exciting entertainment venues and tantalising dining opportunities.

At 90,000 tonnes, accommodating 3,013 passengers, 80% of cabins have external balconies, MSC Poesia will be a sister ship to the popular MSC Orchestra and MSC Musica (launched in 2007 and 2006 respectively).

She will become the 9th ship in the MSC Cruises fleet, which has experienced the industry’s largest fleet expansion in the last 3 years.

Find out more about MSC Cruises with Hays Travel the Cruise Experts.

Countdown Ventura - 101 days to go

2008-01-03T17:14:00.000Z

Bungee Trampoline & Flying Trapeze Onboard P&O Cruises Superliner Ventura

Passengers on Britain’s largest & newest superliner Ventura will be able to fly high above sea level at Cirque Ventura – the first circus school at sea.

Located high up on deck 19, highly skilled performers will run workshops with a host of exciting activities on offer including tight wire, acrobalance, clowning, break-dancing, juggling and stilt walking. In addition, the area will be equipped with two thrilling centrepieces – four bungee trampolines, which will enable passengers to soar 60 metres above sea level, and a flying trapeze.

Find out more about the Ventura with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts.

Countdown Ventura - 102 days to go

2008-01-02T16:19:00.000Z

There's an exciting new silhouette on the horizon. Come April 2008, Britain's newest superliner will emerge, ready to sail the world's oceans. Unique, imaginative and stylish, Ventura will show you just how inspiring your time away can be.

If you have a sense of wanderlust that is never satisfied, you’ll be pleased to know that Ventura can always offer somewhere new and exciting. But we’re sure you will find plenty of places you will want to return to along the way. The historic cities of Europe and the Mediterranean offering a myriad of attractions. From rolling countryside to beautiful cities bustling with activity and bursting with culture, there is something for everyone here.

Then there’s the sunshine and scenic delights of the Atlantic Isles. The palaces, gilded churches and imperial treasures of the Baltic. The majesty and serenity of the fjords, or the paradise islands of the Caribbean.

Holiday with Ventura and the world’s your oyster. With so many holidays available direct from the UK, you will find cruising with Ventura is the ultimate in relaxation. After all, there is something very appealing about gliding to your next destination without a care in the world.

Plus, with regional flights available on all Ventura fly cruises, it’s never been easier to fly straight for the sunshine. As you arrive relaxed and refreshed on new shores, you will find your feet itching to explore. Each island, bustling city and chic resort brings with it intriguing opportunities and Ventura's optional shore excursions will help you capture the essence of each and every port of call.

Find out more about the Ventura with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts.

2008 - The Year of Ventura

2008-01-01T16:10:00.000Z

2008 is going to be a very exciting year for P&O Cruises as we welcome Ventura, the superliner designed for Britain and the countdown is now on!

There are now only 103 days remaining until she is named in Southampton and embarks on her maiden cruise to the Mediterranean.

During her naming festivities in April The Ventura will be welcoming many potential customers on board for a special preview of her innovative features.

Find out more about cruises on the Ventura with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Balmoral Undergoes Refit

2007-12-28T23:57:00.000Z

Balmoral, is the latest ship to join the Fred. Olsen fleet, she arrived in Hamburg at the Blohm + Voss Repair shipyard in November 2007, where a newly constructed mid-section will be inserted and a major refit undertaken before she begins her cruise programme from Dover in January 2008.

The Balmoral – formerly the Norwegian Crown - will be extended by 30.20 metres and the extra capacity will allow for an additional 186 passenger 53 new crew cabins. In addition, 60 new balconies will be added while public areas will be modified and new areas constructed.

Balmoral is scheduled to leave the shipyard on 18th January 2008 for sea trials and will be handed over to Fred. Olsen in Dover on 22nd January. She departs on her inaugural cruise to the Canary Islands on 30th January 2008.

Balmoral – named after the Queen’s summer residence in Aberdeenshire – was delivered to Royal Cruise Lines in 1988 by the shipyard Meyer Werft in Papenburg under the name Crown Odyssey. After the takeover of Royal Cruise Lines by Norwegian Cruise Lines 1989, the ship was renamed Norwegian Crown. In 2006, she was sold to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. Subsequently, the cruise ship was chartered by Star Cruises/ Norwegian Cruise Lines until November 2007.

After the reconstruction at Blohm + Voss Repair, the cruise ship will resume its voyages under the name Balmoral.

Check out the latest offers on Fred Olsen Cruises with Hays Travel Cruise.

Independence of the Seas enter's service early

2007-12-27T12:38:00.000Z

Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas will enter service two weeks earlier than planned after work on the ship completed ahead of schedule.

This now means Independence of the Seas will undertake two extra sailings from the beginning of May 2008.

- A 4-night Cork cruise departing 2 May
- An 11-night Canary Island cruise departing 6 May.

But, don't worry if you have already booked on the ship’s original 17 May maiden voyage - you will be offered first refusal to switch to the new inaugural sailing, which operates the same itinerary (Southampton-Cork-Southampton).

Constructed at Aker’s Turku shipyard, the 3,634-passenger Independence of the Seas will be the world’s biggest cruiseship and here at Hays Travel Cruise we look forwarrd to welcoming her to the UK port of Southampton in the spring of 2008.

Check out the latest offers on the Independence of the Seas with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts.

Costa Cruises bases Costa Classica in Asia in 2009

2007-12-23T20:43:00.000Z

Costa Cruises is to more than double capacity in Asia by basing a larger second ship in the region from 2009.

The Costa Classica carries 1600 passengers and is set to join Costa Allegra in Asia for a combined total of 60 cruises and 85,000 berths from March 2009.

Before being positioned in Asia, Costa Classica will complete its Mediterranean season on November 30, 2008, setting sail from Savona, Italy, for the United Arab Emirates, where the ship will operate 11 seven-day cruises from Dubai. It will then depart for Singapore on a 19-day positioning cruise.

You will be able to sail on Costa Classica from March 27 through to November 7, 2009 on 33 cruises lasting between four and 14 days, with departures out of Singapore, Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong.

The 1,000-passenger Costa Allegra will offer 30 cruises from November 2008 through November 2009, some of which will be 14-day cruises, with departures from Hong Kong and Singapore.

Check out the Latest Offers on a Costa Cruise with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts.

Carnival Announce new cruise terminal in Southampton

2007-12-22T17:44:00.000Z

A fourth cruise terminal is to be constructed at the Port of Southampton after ABP and Carnival UK signed a major, 20-year contract.

The new terminal, which will be built at Ocean Dock opposite the site of the old Ocean Terminal. As Ocean Terminal was once home to many of the great transatlantic liners of the last century, when the port was first known as the ‘Gateway to the World,’ the new terminal will stand both as testimony to Southampton’s ocean-liner history and as a symbol of the modern cruising age.

The agreement will also give Carnival UK – the world’s leading cruise company, whose cruise brands include Cunard, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises – priority use of the port’s Queen Elizabeth II and Mayflower Terminals, further strengthening the group’s relationship with the port.

This announcement comes at a historic time for Southampton’s cruise business. Cunard’s Queen Victoria has, this Month (Dec 07), sailed into the port for the first time, and next year (2008) will see the arrival of P&O’s Ventura, the largest cruise ship ever to be built for the UK market. Both of these vessels will then be based at the port.

Check out the Latest offers on Cruises departing from Southhampton with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts.

New Cunard liner to enter service in 2010

2007-12-21T13:45:00.000Z

Cunard Line announces that it has ordered a new 92,000-ton liner, to be named ‘Queen Elizabeth’, scheduled to enter service in the autumn of 2010.

Cunard signed an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the construction of the new 2092–passenger ocean liner, which will be built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard at an all-in cost of approximately €500 million. The vessel will be the second largest Cunarder ever built.

The new ship follows a long line of famous Cunard liners stretching back to the company's inception as the first operator of a timetabled transatlantic service 167 years ago.

Queen Elizabeth will offer the very best of Cunard’s values and traditions, blended with every conceivable modern luxury that today's discerning travellers expect. Through her opulent public rooms and impeccable service, the new ship will reflect the grandeur which has been associated with Cunard ships since the introduction of the Mauretania in 1907; and from the outside, her black hull, gleaming white superstructure and distinctive red funnel will echo the classic characteristics of the company's distinctive liner heritage.

Queen Elizabeth will fly the Red Ensign with her home-port Southampton, as is the case with the other ships in the Cunard fleet.

Be Part of Cunard's History

2007-12-20T15:18:00.000Z

Queen Victoria will spend her first summer based in the sunny Mediterranean, with an array of exciting itineraries to some of the most enchanting ports of call in the region.

Many of Queen Victoria's voyages begin and end in different classic Mediterranean destinations, such as the Ancient Wonders of the Mediterranean voyage which embarks in Rome and concludes in Athens. Or Greek Isles & Aegean Shores which sails from Venice to Istanbul. Several voyages include overnight stays in some of the world's most charming cities, including Barcelona, Venice, and Istanbul.

Be a part of the newest chapter in Cunard's history. check out the latest offers with Hays Travel Cruise.

World-class master chef teams up with Crystal Cruises

2007-12-19T17:32:00.000Z

World-class master chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa is partnering with Crystal Cruises for two new restaurants aboard the award-winning luxury ship, Crystal Symphony.

Silk Road and The Sushi Bar will debut during Crystal Symphony’s 03 March 2008 Trans-Pacific cruise from Los Angeles to Hong Kong.

Occupying the former Jade Garden space, the restaurants will accommodate a total of 68 guests and will be open most evenings. While there is no additional charge for enjoying Nobu’s extraordinary cuisine, reservations are recommended for Silk Road; dining at The Sushi Bar will be on a first come, first served basis.

The new restaurants represent an expansion of Nobu’s culinary alliance with Crystal Cruises. Since 2003, his cuisine has enjoyed tremendous success onboard Crystal Symphony’s fleetmate, Crystal Serenity.

Check out the latest offers on Crystal Cruises with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts

P&O Cruises give Artemis a makeover

2007-12-18T14:22:00.000Z

Artemis has taken a mini break this December to get a make over in preparation for her 84-night South American Odyssey departing on 17 December 2007.
A 15-day face-lift in Bremerhaven saw the public areas and cabins of the 46,000 ton ship transformed with soft furnishings and brand new carpets.

Areas, such as the Horizon lounge and the Coral dining room, have been re-designed with a completely new look for passengers to enjoy whilst keeping the traditional feel of the ship.

This will be the first re-fit on Artemis since her arrival into the P&O Cruises fleet in June 2005.

“New ships are joining the fleet and P&O are committed to ensuring that all thier ships are of the same high quality that passengers expect.

“Cabins have also been ‘elevated’ to include brand new 8” slumber land mattresses, Egyptian cotton linen, new bed presentation with stylish bed runners and scatter cushions.

“Small is beautiful and Artemis is set to wow passengers stepping on board in the future.”

Artemis re-fit included:

· Horizon lounge has received a completely new look including new British made furniture, dance floor, carpets and artwork

· The Coral dining room, the Conservatory and the Trumps card room have had a complete new colour scheme with changes including carpets, soft furnishings, curtains and blinds.

· Starlight’s has received an entire overhaul with replacement of carpets, upholstery, curtains, blinds and furniture.

· Cabins have been ‘elevated’ with brand new 8” slumber land mattresses, bedding, bed runners and scatter cushions

· All cabin bathrooms have been upgraded

Check out the latest offers on the Artemis with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts.

Royal Caribbean newest ship Genesis class

2007-12-17T10:39:00.000Z

Project Genesis, the largest cruise ship to ever make it from drawing board to production made a significant step in its journey towards the sea at Aker Yards ship yard in Turku, Finland.

At the milestone keel-laying ceremony, the first blocks constructing the 220,000 GRT Project Genesis were laid into the bottom of the dry dock. From here the ship will begin to take its form for the first time.

At 40% larger than any other cruise ship in the world, Project Genesis – the working title applied by cruise line Royal Caribbean International, the company behind its development – is scheduled to enter service in Autumn 2009. Project Genesis will be homeported year-round from Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale in Florida.

Project Genesis is 1,180 feet long, 154 feet wide, and 240 feet high and will accommodate over 5,400 guests, Ships already in the Royal Caribbean International fleet feature surfing wave pools, rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, children’s water parks and shopping centre-style complexes. Project Genesis is projected to carry on this tradition and include new facilities never before seen at sea.

Find out more information on Royal Caribbean Cruises with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts

Ventura Successfully Completes Sea Trials

2007-12-14T16:00:00.000Z

The largest superliner being built exclusively for the British market has successfully completed her official sea trials.

Ventura’s trials took place over a period of two weeks and included testing of the navigation system and propulsion motors. Her maximum speed was tested and confirmed as 22.9 knots.

The completion of her sea trials signify that Ventura is well on the way to completion, and will soon be sailing for UK waters prior to her launch in Southampton in April 2008.

The next few months will be a busy time at the shipyard, as the innovative concepts and designs for Ventura come to life in the final stages of her development.

Hays Travel Cruise are very much looking forward to Ventura joining the P&O fleet and embarking on her maiden season as the most family friendly superliner built for the British market.”

The build of Ventura started with the laying of the keel in August 2006. Since then more than 3,000 workers at the Italian Fincantieri shipyard have worked to complete the project, and the final few months will be dedicated to creating and outfitting her contemporary, innovative and family friendly public spaces and cabins.

Check out the latest offers on the Ventura whith Hays Travel Cruise

P&O Cruises Worldwide Exotic Holidays Brochure

2007-12-13T16:25:00.000Z

P&O Cruises has published its 2009 Worldwide Exotic Holidays brochure, featuring 37 individual sectors of three world voyages, to a choice of 34 countries.

Holidays in the brochure range from 15 to 45 nights and can be enhanced with pre or post cruise city stays in Auckland, Brisbane, Cape Town, Dubai, Fremantle, Hong Kong, Mumbai, San Francisco, Singapore and Sydney.

Highlights of the brochure are:

Singapore to Southampton on Oriana, 24 nights, 8 March – 1 April 2009, from £2,719pp. Calling in Kuala Lumpur, Cochin, Mumbai, Sharm el Sheikh, Suez, transit Suez Canal, Port Siad (for Cairo and the Pyramids), Athens and Barcelona.

Sydney to Hong Kong on Arcadia, 23 nights, 19 February – 14 March 2009, from £2,949pp. Calling in Brisbane, Whitsunday Islands, Guam (Mariana Islands), Nagasaki, Xingang (for Beijing) and Shanghai.

San Francisco to Sydney on Oriana, 20 nights, 27 January – 17 February 2009, from £3,099pp. Calling in Honolulu, Pago Pago, Lautoka, Tauranga and Auckland.

Southampton to Singapore on Aurora, 35 nights, 11 January – 15 February 2009, from £3,799pp. Calling in Tenerife, St. Vincent (Cape Verde Islands), St. Helena, Cape Town (two days in port), East London, Durban, Reunion, Mauritius, Phuket, Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

Holidays in the 2009 Worldwide Exotic Holidays brochure are available to book now, with Hays Travel Cruise.

Hell's Kitchen star teams up with P&O Cruises

2007-12-12T14:03:00.000Z

Great British Chef to delight diners across the P&O Cruises fleet

Hell’s Kitchen star Marco Pierre White and P&O Cruises have announced that in addition to a fine dining restaurant on board Ventura, the world-renowned chef will also be creating two new exciting dining experiences on board P&O Cruises superliners Aurora and Oceana.

Aurora’s Café Bordeaux will have a unique French bistro style menu created by the triple Michelin-starred chef. Classic French dishes will be given the Marco treatment especially for passengers on board.

Oceana’s Café Jardin will be offering a Frankie’s Bar & Grill style menu serving Italian inspired dishes such as antipasti, gnocci sorrentina, glazed belly pork marco polo and ribeye alla rosmarino. Café Jardin’s galley and restaurant will be upgraded during Oceana’s refit in March 2008.

“The two new restaurants on Aurora and Oceana will offer passengers completely different dining experiences and both will encompass the best possible ingredients cooked in my unique way.”

Check out the latest offers on P&O Cruises with Hays Travel the Cruise Experts.