Cruise Ahead

Customer’s comments on returning from their cruise

Yvonne — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:27:23 +0000

Now that I am just about over my "jet lag" just wanted to say thank you.

The cruise was fantastic and I have never known such brilliant interaction between "the stripes" and guests. To have a Captain singing and playing his guitar in the theatre was something else. It seemed to be a party every night and well I am not rude but I had to join in!!

Once again thank you, and I would highly recommend Celebrity

Sue (Gwent)

Experience Alaska on a 5 Star luxury All-Inclusive Cruise 02/07/12 from £4019pp

Yvonne — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:02:23 +0000

Regent Seven Seas Navigator Departing 2nd July 2012 for 9 nights

Itinerary:

Anchorage (Seward), Alaska

Cruising Hubbard Glacier

Sitka, Alaska

Cruise Tracy Arm

Juneau, Alaska

Icy Strait (Hoonah), Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Prince Rupert, Canada

Cruise the Inside Passage, International Waters

Vancouver, Canada

Deluxe Suite only £4019 per person!!

**Plus a Cruise Ahead Bonus of $400 Spa or Shipboard Credit per Suite!!!!!**

Fare includes: FREE return flights, FREE Shore Excursions, FREE Beverages including fine wines and premium spirits, FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities, FREE In-suite mini-bar replenished daily, FREE 24-hour room service, and much more.

All-Inclusive Value

FREE Return Flights
FREE Shore Excursions
FREE Beverages including fine wines and premium spirits
FREE Pre-Paid Staff Gratuities
FREE Ground Transfers
FREE In-suite mini-bar replenished daily
FREE 24-hour room service and no additional charge for specialty restaurants
Elegant casual dress code. Formal and semi-formal attire optional on sailings of 16 nights or longer
Welcome bottle of champagne
Up to four gourmet restaurants including the iconic new steakhouse Prime 7, and Signatures, featuring Le Cordon Bleu^®-inspired cuisine, Compass Rose, La Veranda plus the al fresco Pool Grill
In-suite dining, served course-by-course during restaurant hours
Butler service in Penthouse Suites and higher, included iPad^®in suite, iPod^® docking station and complimentary in-suite mini-bar setup
Fitness programs, sauna and steam rooms in the spa
Onboard activities including expert guest lectures, theatre performance and day time entertainment
Interactive flat screen television in each suite with extensive media library and complimentary movies-on-demand

*Free unlimited shore excursions are capacity controlled, based on a first come first served basis. Requested excursions may not be available at time of booking. Supplement will apply on ‘Regent Choice’ excursions and excludes ‘Private Arrangements’ and ‘Adventures Ashore’ programs. Further restrictions apply. Shore excursions shown herein are examples and may be withdrawn or change at any time. Excursions are open for online booking via the My Account area of our website 180 days in advance of sailing. Free onboard activities exclude spa treatments, boutique items, laundry, casino, Internet and telephone usage not included in all-inclusive fare.

Call Cruise Ahead now and speak to our Regent Seven Seas Cruise Specialists on free phone 0800 9700 855

Alternatively email us at enquiries@cruiseahead.co.uk and request a call back from our website www.cruiseahead.co.uk

All fares subject to availability and based on two adults sharing. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

Caribbean Getaway with Regent Seven Seas Navigator 19/03/12 from £2984pp

Yvonne — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:46:42 +0000

Regent Seven Seas Navigator Departing 19th March 2012 for 10 Nights

Itinerary:

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Key West, Florida

Cruise Florida Straits & Yucatan Channel, International Waters

George Town, Cayman Islands

Cozumel, Mexico

Belize City, Belize

Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala

Roatan, Honduras

Costa Maya, Mexico

Cruise Yucatan Channel & Florida Straits, International Waters

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Deluxe Suite only £2984 per person!!

**Plus a Cruise Ahead Bonus of $500 Spa or Shipboard Credit per Suite!!!!!**

All-Inclusive Value

FREE Return Flights
FREE Shore Excursions
FREE Beverages including fine wines and premium spirits
FREE Pre-Paid Staff Gratuities
FREE Ground Transfers
FREE In-suite mini-bar replenished daily
FREE 24-hour room service and no additional charge for specialty restaurants
Elegant casual dress code. Formal and semi-formal attire optional on sailings of 16 nights or longer
Welcome bottle of champagne
Up to four gourmet restaurants including the iconic new steakhouse Prime 7, and Signatures, featuring Le Cordon Bleu^®-inspired cuisine, Compass Rose, La Veranda plus the al fresco Pool Grill
In-suite dining, served course-by-course during restaurant hours
Butler service in Penthouse Suites and higher, included iPad^®in suite, iPod^® docking station and complimentary in-suite mini-bar setup
Fitness programs, sauna and steam rooms in the spa
Onboard activities including expert guest lectures, theatre performance and day time entertainment
Interactive flat screen television in each suite with extensive media library and complimentary movies-on-demand

Call Cruise Ahead now and speak to our Regent Seven Seas Cruise Specialists on free phone 0800 9700 855

Alternatively email us at enquiries@cruiseahead.co.uk and request a call back from our website www.cruiseahead.co.uk

All fares subject to availability and based on two adults sharing. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

Luxury Australia & New Zealand Cruise with Regent 09/01/13 from £7319pp

Yvonne — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:17:13 +0000

Regent Seven Seas Voyager Departing 9th January 2013 for a 15 Night Australia & New Zealand Luxury Cruise

Itinerary:

Auckland, New Zealand

Tauranga, New Zealand

Napier, New Zealand

Wellington, New Zealand

Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand

Dunedin, New Zealand

Cruising Milford Sound, International Waters

Cruise the Pacific Ocean, International Waters

Cruise the Tasman Sea, International Waters

Hobart, Tasmania

Cruise the Bass Strait, International Waters

Melbourne, Australia

Cruise the Tasman Sea, International Waters

Sydney, Australia

The total fare per person is £7319!!

**Plus a Cruise Ahead Bonus of $800 Spa or Shipboard Credit per Suite!!!!!**

All-Inclusive Value

FREE Return Flights
FREE Business Class Flights on ALL Mediterranean & Baltic sailings (C-MS suites only)
FREE Shore Excursions
FREE Beverages including fine wines and premium spirits
FREE Pre-Paid Staff Gratuities
FREE Ground Transfers
FREE In-suite mini-bar replenished daily
FREE 24-hour room service and no additional charge for specialty restaurants
Elegant casual dress code. Formal and semi-formal attire optional on sailings of 16 nights or longer
Welcome bottle of champagne
Up to four gourmet restaurants including the iconic new steakhouse Prime 7, and Signatures, featuring Le Cordon Bleu^®-inspired cuisine, Compass Rose, La Veranda plus the al fresco Pool Grill
In-suite dining, served course-by-course during restaurant hours
Butler service in Penthouse Suites and higher, included iPad^®in suite, iPod^® docking station and complimentary in-suite mini-bar setup
Fitness programs, sauna and steam rooms in the spa
Onboard activities including expert guest lectures, theatre performance and day time entertainment
Interactive flat screen television in each suite with extensive media library and complimentary movies-on-demand

Call Cruise Ahead now and speak to our Regent Seven Seas Cruise Specialists on free phone 0800 9700 855

Alternatively email us at enquiries@cruiseahead.co.uk and request a call back from our website www.cruiseahead.co.uk

All fares subject to availability and based on two adults sharing. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

Luxury All-Inclusive 5 Star Mediterranean Cruise

Yvonne — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:48:46 +0000

The world’s first all-suite, all-balcony ship, Seven Seas Mariner includes generous amenities and a welcome spaciousness. Catering to only 700 guests, her staff-to-guest ratio of 1 to 1.6 ensures the absolutely highest level of personal service.

Itinerary:

Fly to Monte Carlo, Monaco – Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy – Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy – Luxury Day at Sea – Corfu, Greece – Dubrovnik, Croatia – Venice, Italy Overnight

Deluxe Balcony Suite only £1915 per person!!

Plus a Cruise Ahead Bonus of $500 Spa or Shipboard Credit per Suite!!!!!

All-Inclusive Value

FREE Return Flights
FREE Business Class Flights on ALL Mediterranean & Baltic sailings (C-MS suites only)
FREE Shore Excursions
FREE Beverages including fine wines and premium spirits
FREE Pre-Paid Staff Gratuities
FREE Ground Transfers
FREE In-suite mini-bar replenished daily
FREE 24-hour room service and no additional charge for specialty restaurants
Elegant casual dress code. Formal and semi-formal attire optional on sailings of 16 nights or longer
Welcome bottle of champagne
Up to four gourmet restaurants including the iconic new steakhouse Prime 7, and Signatures, featuring Le Cordon Bleu^®-inspired cuisine, Compass Rose, La Veranda plus the al fresco Pool Grill
In-suite dining, served course-by-course during restaurant hours
Butler service in Penthouse Suites and higher, included iPad^®in suite, iPod^® docking station and complimentary in-suite mini-bar setup
Fitness programs, sauna and steam rooms in the spa
Onboard activities including expert guest lectures, theatre performance and day time entertainment
Interactive flat screen television in each suite with extensive media library and complimentary movies-on-demand

Call Cruise Ahead now and speak to our Regent Seven Seas Cruise Specialists on free phone 0800 9700 855

Alternatively email us at enquiries@cruiseahead.co.uk and request a call back from our website www.cruiseahead.co.uk

All fares subject to availability and based on two adults sharing. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

ACE & PSA Safety at Sea

Yvonne — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:21:45 +0000

In order to help with any specific questions that our customers may have following the incident on Concordia, please see the ACE and PSA (Association of Cruise Experts & Passenger Shipping Association) Safety at Sea fact sheet below:

Safety at Sea Fact Sheet

Cruising is one of the safest forms of holiday available
Cruising remains one of the safest holidays.
While even one death is one too many, between 2005-2011 cruise lines carried more than 117 million passengers with a total 21 deaths related to marine casualties. That is less than 0.18 fatalities per million.

Staff undergo constant training
Each ship has a detailed emergency plan and every member of staff is allocated and trained to undertake a safety role if there is a problem.
Staff continue to be trained and practice regularly even while they are at sea. Regular completion of practice safety drills is a requirement of maritime law.
During any cruise you will regularly observe a number of drills for the crew where they practice responding to a variety of emergency situations. Such training may be taking place when passengers are ashore at a port of call.
Lifeboats must be capable of being loaded, launched and manoeuvred away from the ship within 30 minutes of the Master’s signal to abandon ship.
There are always more lifeboat/liferaft places than people on board. On a typical 2,000 passenger ship there will be lifeboats and liferafts capable of transporting a total of 2,500 people.

The industry is undergoing constant technical and legislative improvements
This is a very highly regulated industry which is constantly reviewing and improving safety standards, introducing new laws to improve navigation equipment, shipboard safety management systems, life saving equipment, safe return to port standards; revised training and certifications standards.
The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) which falls under the United Nations sets strict global standards for the operation of cruise ships. The most important of the IMO treaties is the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
This is overlaid by additional regulations enforced by flag states (where the ship is registered) and port state control (countries and ports to which the ship sails).
Every ship is regularly inspected under the port state control agreements, and if it doesn’t comply with regulations, can be kept in port.
The technology used on cruise ships is extremely advanced and the ships undergo a wide ranging and detailed inspection on an annual basis. This is required in order to obtain a renewal of the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate, which a vessel can’t legally operate without. International rules dictate that cruise ships are required to regularly to go into dry dock for a thorough inspection and overhaul.
The Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) in the UK works closely with the European Cruise Council (ECC) in Brussels and Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) in the USA to share best industry practice.

Safety drills for passengers
When a cruise passenger reaches their cabin they will see (on the daily news-sheet as well as possibly on the TV) details of a mandatory safety drill, which in most circumstances takes place prior to departure.
The safety drill involves gathering at a muster station – sometimes by a designated lifeboat or possibly in a lounge or theatre – when the emergency signal sounds.
There passengers listen – as they would on an aircraft – to safety-trained crew and staff explaining what will happen and what needs to be done in the event of a real emergency. Passengers will also be shown how to wear a life jacket (supplied both in cabins and around the ship), in most cases passengers will then be asked to put on their lifejackets by way of a practice.

Taking a cruise as a holiday
Cruising remains statistically one of the safest forms of holiday available.

If you would like to speak with one of our experienced cruise experts please call Cruise Ahead now on free phone 0800 9700 855

Source: PSA Passenger Shipping Association | ACE Association of Cruise Experts First Floor, 41/42 Eastcastle Street, London, W1W 8DU
www.the-psa.co.uk

Taste an All Inclusive Luxury cruise with Seabourn Legend 11/04/12 from £2049pp

Yvonne — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 10:58:48 +0000

Seabourn Legend Departing 11th April 2012 for 9 Nights

Itinerary:

Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Cesme, Turkey

Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey

Mykonos, Greece

Transit The Cornith Canal

Kerkira, Corfu, Greece

Crotone, Italy

Messina, Italy

Naples, Italy

Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

The total fare is £2049 per person and includes return flights, resort transfers, port taxes and fee’s, all meals, all drinks including champagne, onboard tips and entertainment!!!

From the moment you first step aboard Seabourn, you’ll be part of an exclusive circle, the privileged few, who have discovered the true joys of yachting.

Aboard one of our intimate ships, you will feel like a welcomed guest. The captain and officers seem like old friends. Everyone on the professionally trained staff – more than one per suite – not only knows you by name, but knows your personal preferences as well.

The days and nights are carefree and ultra luxurious. Personalized service is a way of life. Never lift a finger while you’re a guest, unless it’s to signal a waiter for another bottle of vintage Bordeaux from the fully stocked wine cellar.

Aboard Seabourn, your dreams will come true.

Our fervent dedication to exceeding your desires follows you ashore. We shun the ordinary when it comes to experiences in the off-the-beaten path destinations of their ships.

The Seabourn Experience^SM is whatever you want it to be and so much more.

Call Cruise Ahead now and speak to our Seabourn Cruise Specialists on free phone 0800 9700 855

Alternatively email us at enquiries@cruiseahead.co.uk and request a call back from our website www.cruiseahead.co.uk

All fares subject to availability and based on two adults sharing. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

Luxury Mekong River Cruise

Yvonne — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:57:41 +0000

The brand-new 92-passenger MS La Marguerite was specifically built to provide the most luxurious and immersive experience on South East Asia’s legendary Mekong River. With a design that combines colonial elegance with local artifacts and regional Mekong touches, MS La Marguerite is the perfect setting for an unforgettable river odyssey.

46 Staterooms; Passenger Capacity: 92
Length: 235 feet;Width: 41 feet
2 Indochina Suites (452 sq.ft) with a large fixed window, private balcony, shower and whirlpool tub
6 Sadec Jr. Suites (290 sq.ft.) with a large fixed window and balcony
30 Staterooms (226 sq ft) on Tonle and Saigon Deck with a large fixed window and balcony
8 Staterooms (226 sq ft) on the Mekong Deck with a Porthole
Restaurant and Lounges: Mekong Restaurant, Saigon Lounge, Panoramic Lounge/Library, Sun Deck Bar

THE MEKONG RIVER

The Mekong River winds its way from the Tibetan plateaus of China’s Yunnan province, through the rainforests, plains and rice fields of five Southeast Asian countries before meeting the South China Sea. In terms of length, it’s the 12th largest river in the world, but in terms of historic, cultural and ecological richness-the Mekong has no equal. The sagas of ancient empires, colonial powers and modern conflicts have unfolded along her banks. And, through it all, the Mekong remains first and foremost a lifeline. Temples, trade routes and fishing villages in the river’s path are today untouched by time, just as the way of life they represent. And nowhere are the river’s riches more apparent than in the neighboring-but distinct countries-of Vietnam and Cambodia.

Itinerary:

Vietnam, Cambodia & The Riches of the Mekong

10 Nights – 17th March 2012

Fly to Siem Reap and stay overnight in a hotel, embark MS La Marguerite and visit Kampong Chhnang – Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Tralach – Oudong – Chong Koh, Phnom penh – Phnom Penh – Phnom Pen, Border Crossing – Tan Chau, Vietnam – Tan Chau, Sa Dec, Xeo Quyt, Cai Be – Ho Chi Minh City

From Only £2495pp

Includes return flights, transfers, port taxes and one night pre cruise at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf Hotel!!

Call Cruise Ahead now and speak to our Ama Waterways River Cruise Specialists on free phone 0800 9700 855

Alternatively email us at enquiries@cruiseahead.co.uk and request a call back from our website www.cruiseahead.co.uk

All fares subject to availability and based on two adults sharing. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.

HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS APPOINTED ROYAL WARRANT

Yvonne — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:06:57 +0000

HEBRIDEAN PRINCESS
APPOINTED ROYAL WARRANT

The below is a statement from Lord Sterling, the Chairman of our sister company Hebridean Island cruises, regarding the Hebridean Princess

"I am delighted to inform you that the Grant of a Royal Warrant of Appointment to the Queen has been approved and it is a great pleasure to inform you that Roger Allard will be the personal warrant holder. This is a great compliment to the Ship’s company and all staff ashore. I think I am right in saying that this is the first time a Royal Warrant has been awarded to a shipping company and I am sure that all sister companies within the All Leisure Group will be proud to receive this news. We will be able to reproduce the Royal Warrant on all Hebridean stationery and marketing material as well as display on board Hebridean Princess."

For more information please contact Cruise Ahead today on 0800 9700 855 or visit www.cruiseahead.co.uk

Spectacular Northern Lights

Nicola — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:51:32 +0000

12 DAY WINTER CLASSIC ROUND VOYAGE

A spectacular voyage examining the inseparable links between Norway’s rich heritage and the sea, exploring how both have shaped the modern life of its coastal communities.

Cruise Itinerary

Combining the Voyage North and the Voyage South, the Classic Round Voyage is the ultimate way to truly discover Norwegian shores.

Joining the ship in Bergen, you embark on the classic journey taking you from the beautiful south, to the wild and remote north, then back again. With regular optional excursions along the way, the ports you pass at night time on your northbound voyage are visited by day on your return south, ensuring you get to fully experience this fascinating coast. More time on board increases your chances of seeing the magical Northern Lights.

Day 1 Bergen

Fly to Bergen, the cultural gateway to the fjords, embark and enjoy the relaxed ambience of life on board and an opportunity to meet fellow passengers as you take in the coastal landscapes. (D)

Day 2 Maloy-Torvik-Ålesund-Molde-Kristiansund

Arrive at the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund where you have the option to explore this pretty town on a walking tour. (B, D)

Day 3 Trondheim

Continuing north you head for the medieval city of Trondheim, whose colourful history is reflected in its handsome civic architecture. (B, D)

Day 4 Ornes-Bodø-Svolvær

Crossing the Arctic Circle you continue to the modern town of Bodø before sailing to the glorious Lofoten Islands and their stylish capital, Svolvær. (B, D)

Day 5 Tromsø

A relaxing morning at sea precedes your arrival in Tromsø, the capital of the Arctic. Modern shops and cafés provide a vibrant contrast to the stunning stained glass window of the Arctic Cathedral, whilst the Polar Museum and Polaria centre explore Arctic life over the centuries. (B, D)

Days 6 Hammerfest-Honningsåvg

Following an early call at Hammerfest you arrive in Honningsvåg, the portal to the wonders of the spectacular North Cape. (B, D)

Day 7 Kirkenes

The coastline becomes more dramatic as you approach Kirkenes, just a few kilometres from the Russian border and the Saami communities of Northern Finland. Turning south – the northbound ports visited by night are now seen by day. (B, D)

Day 8 Hammerfest-Tromsø

Hammerfest, the world’s most northerly town is your first major stop. Learn more about this town and its famous Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society before continuing to Tromsø.
(B, D)

Day 9 Lofoten Islands

Passing through the Lofoten Islands the ship negotiates a stunning network of inlets and isles. (B, D)

Day 10 Rørvik

Cross the Arctic Circle and sail past the famed peaks of the Seven Sisters entering a world of legend and folklore, before a chance to enjoy the award-winning maritime museum at Rørvik. (B, D)

Day 11 Trondheim-Kristiansund- Ålesund

An early arrival in the medieval city of Trondheim gives you an opportunity to explore and maybe visit the Nidaros Cathedral.

The voyage then continues out of the Trondheimsfjord and past Hitra Island, making brief calls at Kristiansund and Molde before a midnight call at Ålesund. (B, D)

Day 12: Bergen

Arrival in Bergen sees the end of this magnificent journey and it’s time to say good-bye to the ship and “på gjensyn” (until we meet again).

The total fare is £1353 per person on half board basis and includes return direct flights from London Gatwick and resort transfers!!!

Call Cruise Ahead now and speak to our Hurtigruten Cruise Specialists on free phone 0800 9700 855

Alternatively email us at enquiries@cruiseahead.co.uk and request a call back from our website www.cruiseahead.co.uk

All fares subject to availability and based on two adults sharing. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice.