http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/ en david.simpson@seaview.co.uk Copyright 2012 2012-05-19T17:18:47+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/world-cruises-in-2014-with-fred-olsen-cruise-lines/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/world-cruises-in-2014-with-fred-olsen-cruise-lines/#When:16:18:47Z Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced details of its two new World Cruises for 2014 aboard its cruise ships Balmoral and Black Watch.Both of these exciting Voyages of a Lifetime will visit some brand new ports of call, such as exotic Yangon in Myanmar – formerly Burma – and a first foray into Japan, with visits to the historic island of Hiroshima, then the ports of Osaka and Yokahama. Balmoral will be making five maiden ports of call on her world cruise Balmoral’s cruise includes five maiden calls, and Black Watch’s has four; but the ships also re-visit some of Fred. Olsen’s guests’ favourite ports around the world, often with an extended stay to allow extra time for shore excursions. There are special ‘Pre-Launch’ offers available on these exclusive cruises, valid until the launch of the ‘Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ Worldwide Cruises Brochure 2013/14’ in late June. Early bookers will also benefit from up to £550 free onboard spending credit per cabin. Balmoral’s 104-night ‘Myanmar, Japan & Hawaii World Cruise’ (L1401), ex Southampton on 5 January 2014 This cruise travels in an easterly direction, via Spain and on to Egypt, with an overnight stay in the historic city of Alexandria, and a daylight transit of the Suez Canal. Balmoral continues to Sharm el Sheikh and Safaga, then Salalah in Oman and glittering Dubai in the UAE. Next, Balmoral calls into enigmatic and magical India, where ports include Mumbai, for an overnight stay, and Cochin, an important trading centre since ancient times. After visiting Colombo in Sri Lanka, Balmoral makes a first-ever visit to Yangon in Myanmar, a highlight of the cruise, allowing guests to visit this beautiful and little-known part of the world. There is a two-night stay here, before Balmoral cruises on to the great world ports of Singapore and Hong Kong. Balmoral’s next calls are in Japan, to the historic island of Hiroshima, then to Osaka and Yokahama. The dream destinations of Hawaii follow; Nawiliwili, Honolulu and Hilo. After a call into sunny San Diego, in the United States, Balmoral visits Mexico, including Acapulco, famous for its legendary cliff divers. This offers a panorama of different cultures and climates; the next ports Central America – Guatemala and Costa Rica – and, finally, Balmoral visits the balmy Caribbean islands of Barbados, St. Lucia and Antigua. Her return voyage makes a final call into the Azores, before she docks back in Southampton on 19th April 2014. Prices start from £8,599 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ‘I’. Black Watch’s 114-night ‘Australia & South America World Cruise’ (W1401), ex Southampton on 14th January 2014 This epic cruise has a very different itinerary, and is the longest ever undertaken by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. The itinerary offers a real feast for the senses, with its diversity of destinations. It takes in South America, with overnight stays in both Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Buenos Aires (Argentina), to allow guests time to explore these vibrant ports at leisure, then rounds Cape Horn, and cruises the Chilean Fjords, with ports of call including the romantically-named Robinson Crusoe Island in Chile. Another highlight must be Easter Island, famous for its enigmatic giant stone carvings. Black Watch also visits Pitcairn Island, Papeete (Tahiti), and Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. The Australasian sector of the cruise visits Auckland, New Zealand, and the Australian ports of Sydney, Brisbane, and Cairns. There is a completely different atmosphere as she heads east, travelling to Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore, and on to magical India. Here Black Watch calls into Port Blair, Chennai (Madras) and, of course, Mumbai for an overnight stay. The cruise concludes with calls into ports in Jordan, Egypt and finally Malta and Gibraltar, before returning to Southampton. Prices start from £9,399 per person, based on two adults sharing an inside twin cabin, Grade ‘I’. All cruise prices are inclusive of all accommodation, meals and entertainment on board, plus port taxes. Cruise News, Cruise Lines, Fred Olsen 2012-05-19T16:18:47+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/po-cruises-live-diamond-jubilee-coverage-june-5/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/po-cruises-live-diamond-jubilee-coverage-june-5/#When:15:55:25Z P&O Cruises will be screening live BBC World News coverage of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations on all seven of its ships.The coverage will begin at 0900 GMT on June 5 and highlights will include: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s first formal carriage ride since their wedding in April 2011 The Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Harry joining the procession  The Queen’s 1902 state landau travelling along Whitehall and the Mall to Buckingham Palace following the Diamond Jubilee lunch in Westminster Hall The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment providing a Sovereign’s Escort for the remaining members of the royal party The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh gathering with senior royals on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to greet the crowds and watch an RAF formation fly past In addition to the live coverage on July 5 passengers will also have the opportunity to watch a three-part series called, Diamond Queen, in which Andrew Marr from the BBC looks at the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II, interspersed with interviews from members of the Royal Family. Diamond Queen will air on board on June 2nd/3rd, 9th/10th and 16th/17th. P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow said: “We are delighted to be showing live coverage of the Diamond Jubilee on board. As Britain’s favourite cruise line we want to ensure that all of our passengers can enjoy world class coverage of this historic occasion while enjoying their holiday.” All coverage will be shown live in public areas on board, and is dependent on satellite reception. Cruise News, Cruise Lines, P&O Cruises 2012-05-19T15:55:25+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/now-royal-caribbeans-fain-lands-seatrade-personality-of-the-year-award/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/now-royal-caribbeans-fain-lands-seatrade-personality-of-the-year-award/#When:15:32:08Z Richard Fain, Royal Caribbean Cruises' chairman and CEO, has been named Seatrade Personality 2012 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the cruise industry.Last week’s annual Seatrade Awards in London were attended by more than 350 of the world’s leading ship owners, brokers, government officials and maritime figures. Judges praised Fain, pictured, for his work at Royal Caribbean, which has contributed to the spectacular development of the cruise experience and globalisation of cruise tourism. It is the second high-profile award for the Royal Caribbean boss in as many months. In April, Fain was inducted in to the prestigious British Travel and Hospitality Industry Hall of Fame. Fain joined Royal Caribbean in 1979 as an outside director on the Board of Directors, becoming chairman and CEO in 1988. Under his leadership, the business has grown to become the world’s second largest cruise line operator renowned for its pioneering approach to ship design and development. Prior to joining Royal Caribbean, Fain spent 13 years as treasurer, chief financial officer and joint managing director of Gotaas-Larsen, a London-based owner and operator of cargo ships. Cruise News, Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean 2012-05-18T15:32:08+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/indoor-bowls-set-to-make-a-wave-with-fred.-olsen-cruise-lines/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/indoor-bowls-set-to-make-a-wave-with-fred.-olsen-cruise-lines/#When:12:07:43Z Guests on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ 22 May cruise on Braemar will be quite literally bowled over by Britain's indoor bowling sensation Greg Harlow.Greg, who is ranked No. 1 in the world, has seven World Bowls Tour Titles to his name, and is the only player ever to win the International Open three times in a row. And bowling enthusiasts on board the “Around the UK and Ireland” cruise will be enjoying his company as well as going ashore to indulge their passion. The cruise (M1212) is part of a very successful partnership between Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and No Fly Cruising, and is the first a number of dedicated ‘Cruises with Bowls’ in 2012. No Fly Cruising’s sister company, Potters Leisure Resort in Norfolk, plays host to the annual World Indoor Bowls Championships, and Fred. Olsen became sponsors of this prestigious tournament in 2012 for the first time. Greg Harlow will impart his bowling knowhow on the Braemar cruise John Potter, owner of Potters Leisure Limited and chairman of Potters No Fly Cruising, said: “This is the perfect combination of a great cruise holiday with optional games of bowls arranged for our guests at local clubs along the way. “This friendly bowls cruise will be the first of many, allowing our guests to cruise with like-minded people, with lots to look forward to for bowlers and non-bowlers alike.” The groups who have booked the bowls package will be able to play bowls ashore in Dublin, Belfast, Kirkwall and Invergordon, and because of the generous baggage allowance on an ex-UK cruise, up to 90kgs per guest, they can take their own equipment. As well as playing bowls during the cruise, the group will get the chance to listen to Greg Harlow’s talks on his hugely successful career. The first port of call on this bowls-themed cruise is vibrant Dublin, Ireland, the welcoming city with its famous ‘craic’, where the ship stays here overnight, giving more time to explore and allowing guests the extra pleasure of an evening visit. Braemar then visits Belfast, in Northern Ireland; this is a port with which the Fred. Olsen enjoys long associations, as another of its divisions, Fred. Olsen Energy, owns the famous Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, where the R.M.S. Titanic was built 100 years ago. On leaving Belfast, Braemar heads north, travelling up to the Orkney Islands, where she visits beautiful Kirkwall, crowned the UK’s most popular cruise ship destination in 2010. Her final port of call is Invergordon, in Scotland, a town long associated with the Navy, and home to a very fine golf course. Braemar then journeys south, returning to Dover. Cruise News, Cruise Lines, Fred Olsen 2012-05-15T12:07:43+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/classical-star-maxim-vengerov-to-star-at-msc-divina-christening/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/classical-star-maxim-vengerov-to-star-at-msc-divina-christening/#When:15:26:02Z Critically acclaimed violinist and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Maxim Vengerov will be among the stars and dignitaries attending the christening of the new MSC Cruises ship, MSC Divina, in Marseille on May 26.The Russian will be joining will MSC Cruises’ CEO Pierfrancesco Vago and MSC fleet godmother Sophia Loren for a question and answer session with international media that will follow a press conference. Joining an impressive line-up of international stars on stage for the evening’s main events, Vengerov, pictured, will then deliver a speech before releasing hundreds of UNICEF balloons with the help of local children. It is hoped that Vengerov, regarded as one of the world’s greatest violinists, will also perform. The high-profile christening ceremony is the perfect platform to highlight the organisations’ joint ‘Get on Board for Children’ initiative. This in turn funds the UNICEF-supported ‘Platform of Urban Centres’ project that aims to combat poverty and inequality in 94 favelas across Brazil by improving education opportunities for children. MSC Cruises and UNICEF have forged a strong partnership over the years and in recognition of this relationship, which is why key representatives and guests of the charity will be involved in the christening. Since 2009, guests on board each ship in the MSC Cruises’ fleet have raised over one million euros for the scheme. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Mediterranean Shipping Cruise Line (MSC) 2012-05-14T15:26:02+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/jean-michel-cousteau-hosts-four-paul-gauguin-cruises-in-2013/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/jean-michel-cousteau-hosts-four-paul-gauguin-cruises-in-2013/#When:16:00:57Z World-renowned oceanographer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau will be returning to guest host four more cruises in the South Pacific on the m/s Paul Gauguin in 2013.Mr Cousteau is a diplomat for the environment, educator, author and film producer communicating his passion and concern for the Earth’s oceans. For more than 60 years, he, his father - the legendary Jacques Cousteau - and his family have been part of the greatest exploration of the oceans in all of history. In 1999, he founded the Ocean Futures Society to explore global oceans, inspiring and educating people throughout the world to act responsibly for their protection, documenting the critical connection between humanity and nature, and celebrating the ocean’s vital importance to the survival of all life on our planet.  During the four voyages on the m/s Paul Gauguin, Mr Cousteau, pictured, will offer a series of lectures with videos of his work in the world’s oceans and accompany guests on several dives. The Cousteau Cruises 2 February: 14-night Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands Cruise – from £5,370 per person 26 June: 10-night Society Islands & Tuamotus Cruise – from £4,472 per person 21 September: 11-night Australs & Society Islands Cruise – from £4,757 per person 2 November: 11-night Cook Islands & Society Islands Cruise – from £4,757 per person Prices include return scheduled flights, overseas transfers and accommodation in an ocean view stateroom with all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages and gratuities. Also available in 2013 is Mr Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Programme which introduces young travellers (ages 9-17) to the natural wonders of French Polynesia through interactive, hands-on experiences with island ecosystems. The programme is available on sailings from June through August and on select holiday cruises for a nominal fee of $299 per child. Cruise News, Cruise Lines, Paul Gauguin Cruises 2012-05-12T16:00:57+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/double-celebration-for-building-of-ncls-new-breakaway-ships/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/double-celebration-for-building-of-ncls-new-breakaway-ships/#When:13:04:54Z Norwegian Cruise Line has celebrated both the keel laying of Norwegian Breakaway and the first steel cutting of Norwegian Getaway over the past week.The events, at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, mark key stages in the construction of the two ships which are scheduled for delivery in April 2013 and April 2014. How the two new ships will look During Breakaway’s official keel laying ceremony, the first of 73 blocks that will comprise the 144,000-ton vessel were lifted into the covered building dock, marking the start of the block assembly. In the dock, Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer, laid the traditional “lucky coin” before the 350-ton first block was placed. “The anticipation is building for this incredible ship,” said Sheehan. “It’s thrilling to mark the start of the block assembly and realise that in one year we will take delivery of Norwegian Breakaway.  We can’t wait.” Norwegian Breakaway is the first ship being built by Meyer Werft utilising a more efficient construction process which will deliver a ship of more than 140,000-tons in less than 12 months. Following the Breakaway keel laying, the first plate of steel for Norwegian Getaway was cut by a plasma torch. This plate will become part of Block 40 that will comprise the new vessel. “Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway are going to revolutionise the cruise industry with their spectacular design and unique offerings,” said Sheehan. “Cutting the first piece of steel for Norwegian Getaway takes us one step closer to having this ship join our fleet in 2014 and begin sailing year-round from Miami, the cruise capital of the world.” The 4,000-passenger Norwegian Breakaway will arrive in her year-round homeport of New York City in early May 2013 from where the ship will begin weekly summer seven-day cruises to Bermuda. From October 2013 to April 2014, the ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas and Florida and the Southern Caribbean. Norwegian Getaway will sail year-round from Miami following her delivery scheduled for spring 2014. Cruise News, Cruise Ships, New Ships, Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line 2012-05-12T13:04:54+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/making-a-wave-...-cunards-first-wedding-couple-say-i-do/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/making-a-wave-...-cunards-first-wedding-couple-say-i-do/#When:09:19:38Z Cunard's firtst couple ever to be married at sea arrive back in Southampton today after their historic adventure.Denise Holding and Barry Maloney tied to knot on April 29 on an Atlantic crossing between Southampton and New York. The couple, who run the Accrington Riding Centre in Lancashire, have been together 28 years but it was the opportunity to wed aboard their favourite ship that made up their minds to marry. Barry and Denise Maloney with Captain Kevin Oprey at the couple’s wedding on Queen Mary 2 Barry said: ‘‘What better venue than Queen Mary 2!  We have been on board many, many times and for us both the service and the quality are excellent. We are well looked-after and with the glamour and nostalgia, it couldn’t be a better venue. “The best part is, you don’t just have the wedding day - you have the rest of the voyage to enjoy and the destination, which for us is New York. “You have the excitement and the build-up of the wedding and it’s not over when the ceremony has finished as you are still on board with your friends and family.” Barry and Denise Maloney at the entrance to the Britannia Restaurant on their wedding day The couple set sail on April 27 and enjoyed a round trip voyage from Southampton to New York and home again, arriving back in Southampton today (May 11). The wedding service was conducted by Captain Kevin Oprey, and attended by bridesmaids Lesley Walton and Jocelyn Hargreaves from the couple’s riding school, as well as members of the ship’s crew, who they know well from previous Cunard voyages.  After the ceremony, Captain Oprey invited the couple up to the bridge to sound the ship’s whistle, which can be heard 10 miles away. Wedding bells, Queen Mary 2-style! Denise said of the couple’s big day: “It was perfection from the start, from having printed invites – even though we didn’t have many guests – to the room which looked spectacular. As soon as I walked in, I saw the beautiful flowers and my bridal bouquet was gorgeous. It was lovely to be escorted from the stateroom by the Bell Boy - as he took my arm, I felt really relaxed.  “We felt so special all day long and everybody who dealt with us was very professional. Looking back we would do it all over again. It was magical. “Having our photos taken around the ship made us feel like celebrities, especially when other guests on board kept congratulating and applauding us everywhere we went. It was like fairytale; one year on from the Royal Wedding we had our own Royal Wedding at sea.” Barry commented: “On the wedding day I was so nervous I couldn’t put on my boutonniere so the florist, Mikee, helped me to pin it on my jacket. Cunard went above and beyond to make our day special and romantic. Everything had been thought about from the ceremony to the wedding cake presented on a beautiful silver cake stand with decorative knife.  We wouldn’t have done it on any other ship, everyone should experience Cunard White Star Service at least once in their lifetime.” Asked if there was one thing in particular that made them feel special on the day, Denise replied: “The Captain. When I walked up to the altar he put me straight at ease and talked me through the ceremony really well to help me to deliver my words correctly. He was so gracious.” Barry said: “The highlight of the day for us, being the first wedding couple to be married on any Cunard ship, was the opportunity to view the Bridge and blow the whistle at noon. I even got to sit in the Captain’s seat! That will stick in our minds forever - it was priceless.” Cruise News, Cruise Lines, Cunard Line 2012-05-11T09:19:38+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/princess-royal-to-review-po-cruises-fleet-to-celebrate-lines-175-years-of-h/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/princess-royal-to-review-po-cruises-fleet-to-celebrate-lines-175-years-of-h/#When:11:48:16Z The Princess Royal will conduct a review of the P&O Cruises fleet as part of The Grand Event on Tuesday July 3 - the pinnacle to celebrations which mark the company's175-year heritage.Princess Anne, who christened Aurora in 2000 and Oceana in 2003, will visit Southampton and join guests on Oriana, the ship named by the Queen at its launch in 1995. The Princess Royal named Oceana in 2003 Following the reception, she will join THV Patricia to conduct the Fleet Review in her capacity as Master of the Corporation of Trinity House. Each of the seven ships in the P&O Cruises fleet will depart on a Grand Event cruise and passengers on board will enjoy a special deck party to see them off in style with flutterfetti and daytime pyrotechnics from the quayside. They will leave their berths in Southampton in order and process down the Solent into Southampton Water. The fleet will then move into formation to pass THV Patricia at Charlie Anchorage and salute the princess as they are photographed from the air before they sail onwards to their various destinations. P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “We are honoured to have HRH The Princess Royal visit us on this, one of the most significant days in our history, as all our seven ships gather in their home port on the same day for the first time ever to celebrate 175 years of heritage. “As one of our esteemed godmothers she is intrinsically linked with P&O Cruises and we are privileged that she has agreed to conduct our Fleet Review. “Thousands of people are expected to line the shores to witness this historical occasion, joining over 15,000 passengers and 6000 crew on board the seven ships. “I am sure that this magnificent Fleet Review with Her Royal Highness in celebration of 175 years of heritage will go down in British maritime history, providing long lasting memories as we look forward to the next stage in our company’s history, with a new ship being launched in 2015.” The Grand Event is part of a year of celebrations in 2012, marking 175 years of heritage. P&O Cruises can trace its roots back to 1837 when the Peninsular Steam Navigation Company was awarded the Admiralty contract to carry mail to the Iberian Peninsula and beyond. Cruise News, Cruise Lines, P&O Cruises 2012-05-10T11:48:16+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/holland-america-line-adds-new-vegetarian-only-menu/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/holland-america-line-adds-new-vegetarian-only-menu/#When:19:52:05Z Holland America Line has introduced a new alternative, vegetarian-only menu, as well as 30 new vegetarian dishes to their main dining room menu.Its ward-winning Master Chef Rudi Sodamin has designed an exclusive 22-dish vegetarian and vegan menu that highlights vegetables and other naturally healthy ingredients. The alternative menu includes a full range of appetisers, salads, soups and main entrees, and is available upon request at no extra cost for lunch and dinner in the main dining room aboard all 15 ships in the fleet. “Many more people are choosing a vegetarian culinary experience, yet the options can be limited,” said Holland America‘s executive vice president Richard Meadows. “By offering a complete vegetarian-only menu and the largest vegetarian selection at sea, we are ensuring that all guests can take part in an exceptional dining experience while cruising with Holland America Line.” In addition to the new vegetarian-only menu, 30 new vegetarian dishes will be added to the main dining room menu. These offerings also will be featured as a second vegetarian option in the casual Lido buffet during lunch. Additionally, every dinner menu will now offer guests the option of one appetiser, one soup or salad, and at least one vegetarian entrée each evening, increasing the total number of vegetarian options on board to 52 dishes. Cruise News, Cruise Lines, Holland America Line 2012-05-02T19:52:05+00:00