cruise.co.uk

1. cruises
Exclusive Garden themed
2008/09
Meet
s
the expert
IVE Talks
• EXCLUS
Party
• Cocktail
ur
• FREE To
Up to
55%
SAVINGS
on selected
sailings
China · Mediterranean · Canary Islands · Madeira · Amazon · Caribbean

2. A Garden Club Welcome
Sail with
Alan Titchmarsh
down the Danube
Onboard Peter Deilmann’s 5 Star Mozart
ship we have arranged for an exclusive 7
day Danube river cruise with special guest
Alan Titchmarsh. During the cruise Alan will
be giving 2 informal talks, hosting a cocktail
party and be available for a personal book
signing and photo session. Space is limited
to only 100 couples on this superb cruise
so early booking is recommended!
from
River Danube Passau – Passau £999
7 Nights on the MV Mozart •
Departure date – 03 May 2009
Passau (Germany), Durnstein
(Austria), Vienna (Austria),
Esztergom (Hungary), Budapest
(Hungary), Bratislava (Slovakia),
Melk (Austria), Grein (Austria),
Passau (Germany)
I am delighted to write to you personally enclosing our latest
garden themed cruises programme - a selection of cruises,
hand-picked to some fabulous destinations and ones which we are sure will appeal.
Choose to travel with Victoria Travel and you will be accompanied by some of the country’s
finest and most knowledgeable horticultural experts including such household names as
Alan Titchmarsh, Roy Lancaster, Matthew Biggs, Pippa Greenwood, Ashley Stephenson,
Tony Russell, David Hurrion and John Cushnie. Each one of our hosts eager to share with
you their enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for plants and gardening. Working closely with
our hosts we are constantly looking at new itineraries to offer our clients as well as repeating
successful destinations like the Canaries and Madeira, the Amazon and Caribbean.
All our group departures are exclusive and as part of our special garden group you will
benefit from the following:
• Hosted by a well-known expert
• Fabulous savings on brochure fares (selected cruises)
• Free car parking or return national express coach transfer at the port/airport
• Free garden tour on each sailing (some cruises have 2 free tours)
• Exclusive on board programme of talks plus question time hosted by an expert
• Exclusive cocktail party for the group
Finally, for even more cruises, then visit our website www.cruise.co.uk
Happy cruising!
Vanessa
Vanessa Behan - Garden Cruises Manager
Victoria Travel also operates
www.cruise.co.uk - the UK’s most
popular source of on-line cruise
holidays. Our combined businesses
help us to negotiate the best, and
sometimes exclusive deals with cruise
lines - so register on-line today for
great up-to-minute offers!
How to book
Call FREEPHONE
0800 091 6498 (open 7 days a week)
Email: sales@victoriatravel.co.uk
2
What’s included?
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•
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•
•
•
•
•
•
Cabin accommodation with en-suite
facilities, TV, hair dryer, telephone*,
individual air conditioning, tea &
coffee making facilities*
Cabin safe and safety deposit boxes
All meals throughout the cruise
Late night snacks
Gala late night buffet
Ice cream at selected on
board venues
Tea and coffee during the day
and early evening
Welcome and farewell
cocktail parties
Daily on board activities
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Free on board lectures
Evening entertainment
On board leisure facilities including
swimming pool, jacuzzis & gymnasium
Free birthday celebration on board
(for passengers who have a birthday
whilst on board)
All ports and air taxes
No extra service charge added
to your on board drinks
Baggage porterage to and from
your cabin from drop off point
Direct flights from regional airports
plus transfers
Disclaimer: All fares contained within this brochure are per person based on double occupancy unless stated otherwise. All offers are subject to availability, capacity controlled
and can be withdrawn at any time without notice. For full terms & conditions please refer to individual tour operator brochure (available upon request). ABTA 78024. ATOL
3385. E&OE. Please be aware that prices are correct at time of going to print. Every effort has been made to ensure that fares are correct, however customers are advised
to confirm by calling Victoria Travel.Victoria Travel are accredited members of the cruiselines featured in this brochure. Please note: The experts hosting any of our cruises
are subject to personal circumstances permitting and we cannot be held responsible for the cancellation of a host for this reason. In the extreme event that a host has to
cancel the cruise, we will, where possible, find a suitable replacement. All cruises will be hosted unless stated or advised otherwise or unless the group does not reach the
minimum number of passengers. Printed March 2008.

3. FREEPHONE 0800 091 6498
Food and wine
Superb foods coupled with friendly, attentive service are hallmarks of the
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines experience.
Dine out on deck
•
•
•
•
Full English breakfast served in the conviviality of the main restaurants or
in the privacy of your cabin.
Lunch can be a casual affair served al fresco by the pool, or try the
brasserie-style cafes.
In the evening assume an air of dignity, at the Captains Dinner.
If you prefer informal dining you can experience mouth watering Oriental
and Indian themed treats in the less formal cafes.
Show time spectacular
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines bring you a special blend of entertainment as the
sun goes down.
Lively entertainment
•
•
•
•
•
The Neptune Lounge brings the night alive with specially choreographed revues,
comedy and lavishly costumed West End shows.
Special ‘Theme Nights’ such as 50’s, 60’s and 70’s nights or Western nights bring
their own magic.
If you are counting on Lady Luck then a night in the Casino will be ideal.
If that doesn’t take your fancy, then indulge in the graceful art of ballroom dancing.
Why not linger over a quiet drink of single malt, or Brandy in one of the
many bars that stay open late.
Activities and leisure
To experience the best of Fred. Olsen you really need to be at sea.This
allows you time to truly explore your home from home and have as
relaxing or energetic day as you like.
Socialise with the Captain
Relax on a sunlounger
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The ArtsClub programmes allow you to indulge in a special interest close to
you heart. The programmes range from Antiques with lectures and presentations,
practical hints and tips to Painting which will sharpen your appreciation as you
paint with their experts.
Relax by the swimming pool with a tropical cocktail.
Borrow the best seller that you have always been meaning to read from their
well stocked library.
Stay in touch with friends at the Internet Centre.
Improve your golf swing or bridge technique with friendly staff.
Pamper yourself with a range of beauty treatments in the salon including
massages and facials.
You can also take part in the daily quiz, the afternoon bingo, dances classes and
the talent show.
3

4. from
FREE
only
Garden
Tour £1285pp
Western
Caribbean
Matthew Biggs
with Matthew Biggs and Will Giles
Thursday 13 November to Friday 28 November 2008 · 14 night cruise aboard Braemar
Will Giles
The late sailing from Miami is a magical event, as Braemar leaves the illuminated high-rises and the neon haze of South Beach in its wake.
In the shadow of the Blue Mountains, Port Antonio offers the chance to enjoy a tranquil rafting experience along the Rio Grande; or climb
Dunn’s River Falls. The Colombian city of Cartagena positively flaunts its Spanish colonial heritage around Plaza Santo Domingo and from
Roatan you could enjoy a dolphin encounter or snorkel amid the western hemispheres most spectacular under water reefs.
Latin American Rhythms
Date
Cruise Itinerary
Arrive Depart
November
Thu 13
Thu 13
Miami, Florida
Arrive
2200
Fri 14
Nassau, Bahamas
1200
1800
Sat 15
Cartagena, Colombia
Included Tour
Fly Belfast/Humberside/
Gatwick/Manchester to Miami
Cruising
0800
2300
Cocktails
Fred. Olsen’s Distinction
Port Antonio, Jamaica
Cruising
Tue 18
Cartagena, Colombia
0800
1700
Wed 19
San Blas Islands, Panama*
0800
1600
Thu 20
Cruising
Fri 21
Roatan Island, Honduras
0900
1800
Sat 22
Santo Tomas de Castilla
0800
2000
Sun 23
Belize*
0800
1700
Mon 24
Playa del Carmen, Mexico*
0730
0930
Cozumel, Mexico
We shall visit the Botanical Gardens
located near the town of Turbaco. A
variety of flora can be seen where the
German scientist Humboldt once did his
research. The gardens occupy an area of
20 acres and contain some 1,200 varieties. It was started in 1978 and since
then, thousands of plants from all over
the Caribbean coast have been planted.
Sun 16
Mon 17
1200
2300
Fares from £pp
Cabin
FFull Faree
Cruise.co.uk
Inside
Outside
Balcony
Suite
Single
2335
2895
3700
4925
4020
1285
1595
2035
2705
2210
Tue 25
Cruising
Wed 26
Key West, Florida
0800
1700
Thu 27
Fly Miami, Florida to UK
0600
Depart
Fri 28
Arrive Belfast/Humberside/
Gatwick/Manchester
*Anchor Port
Fully refurbished Braemar
A family-owned company, Fred. Olsen
Cruise Lines is justly proud of its
Norwegian heritage and seamanship
and have been refining and perfecting
its cruising experience over the
past century-and-a-half. Passengers
appreciate the high on-board
standards of accommodation, relaxed
British atmosphere, varied menus,
friendly staff, top entertainment and
exciting destinations in all corners
of the globe.
Cruise news!
In May 2008, Braemar will be fully refurbished with facilities expanded to be similar to those on the Balmoral,
giving guests greater choice. Over 80 passenger cabins and suites will have balconies. A new 136 seater
restaurant will offer an alternative dining option and more casual dining during the day. And the introduction
of a nautically themed ‘Morning Light’ pub will bring entertainment in the form of jazz or late night comedian.
4
On board Braemar

5. FREEPHONE 0800 091 6498
Colourful
Mediterranean
with David Hurrion
from
only
£990pp
2 FREE
Garden
Tours
Sunday 16 November – Sunday 30 November 2008 · 14 night cruise aboard Balmoral
The perfect opportunity to take a pre-winter tonic and enjoy a leisurely cruise from the comfort of Fred. Olsen’s new flagship,
Balmoral. Visit historic ports lined with enticing beaches and take in some of the finest examples of Spanish and Portuguese
architecture. Explore botanical gardens rich in native flora and fauna and savour the unique culinary flavours of each locale for
a truly Mediterranean experience.
Date
Cruise Itinerary
Sun 16 Nov
Dover
Mon 17 – Wed 19
Cruising
Thu 20 Nov
Malaga, Spain
Fri 21 Nov
Cruising at sea
Sat 22 Nov
Sun 23 Nov
Arrive Depart
1700
Cabin
FFull Faree
Cruise.co.uk
Inside
Outside
Balcony
Suite
Single
2250
2770
3550
4835
4105
990
1215
1560
2125
1805
1700
Barcelona, Spain
0800
2000
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
0800
1700
Mon 24 Nov
Fares from £pp
0800
Valencia, Spain
0800
2300
Tue 25 Nov
Cruising at sea
Wed 26 Nov
Gibraltar
0800
1400
Thu 27 Nov
Lisbon, Portugal
1000
1800
Fri 28 - Sat 29 Nov
Cruising at sea
Sun 30 Nov
Dover
0730
Hear it from the people that join us…..
Included Tour
Barcelona, Spain
It will be from this port that you can enjoy
an exclusive tour of the Botanical Gardens
which form part of the Park Montjuic
Botanical Gardens with its beautiful flora.
It is considered to be one of the most
important examples of its type in Spain
and its aim is to conserve and document
Catalonia’s natural heritage.
Included Tour
Lisbon, Portugal
The Portuguese capital, Lisbon, is a city of past
imperial glory. One of the least well known,
but certainly one of the loveliest of European
capitals, it was built on seven hills at the
mouth of the Tagus River. Enjoy a Gardens
of Lisbon tour today with your fellow host.
Garden review
Our view of garden visits from the ship is that you get a quick snapshot of the actual garden. Pictures
cannot convey anything like that. We were initially reluctant to join a garden cruise – fearing that our
knowledge or lack of it – Latin names etc – would be a hindrance. We very quickly found that the ‘experts’ cater for all levels of expertise – it’s up to you to get out of it as much or as little as you want.
If you just like to look at beautiful gardens and admire them, then so be it. If you want/need to know
all the technical details then they are readily available. It is also very useful to join the get-togethers on
board – 3 or 4 one hour sessions during a 2 week cruise is something we ought to be able to do –
after all we will generally be at sea – and they are good social occasions.
Balmoral
Mr & Mrs W Shorrock, Milton Keynes (To read more reviews go to www.cruise.co.uk)
5

6. 2 FREE
Garden
Tours
from
only
£1040pp
magic the
of
Canaries
with Matthew Biggs
Sunday 4 January – Saturday 17 January 2009 · 13 night cruise aboard Balmoral
Sun-drenched ports of call and a myriad of delightful destinations. Blessed by a climate that is almost
perfect all year round, with temperatures hovering constantly in the high 60s and 70s, the beautiful islands
of Madeira and the Canaries are a haven for peace, quiet and pure relaxation! There will be plenty to do
and see ashore and afloat and our itinerary offers a lovely blend of leisurely days cruising at sea, floral
delights, sightseeing and shopping ashore.
Date
Cruise Itinerary
Arrive Depart
January
Sun 04
Dover
Mon 05 – Tue 06
Cruising
Wed 07
Lisbon, Portugal
Thu 08
2000
Cruising
0800
2000
Fri 09
Fares from £pp
Cabin
FFull Faree
Inside
Outside
Balcony
Suite
Single
2085
2565
3290
4485
3660
Cruise.co.uk
1040
1280
1645
2240
1830
Arrecife, Lanzarote
1030
1800
Sat 10
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
0800
0200
Sun 11
Santa Cruz, Tenerife
0800
0200
Mon 12
San Sebastian, La Gomera
0800
1400
Tue 13
Funchal, Madeira
0800
1800
Wed 14 - Fri 16
Cruising
Sat 17
Dover
The combination of Balmoral’s elegant
décor, comfortable cabins, world class
cuisine and diverse on board activities
has been designed to appeal to the
rapidly expanding British cruise market.
Balmoral gives guests more choice than
ever before. Two freshwater swimming
6
EW
The classically-styled Balmoral is the largest and most extensively equipped ship in
the fleet, yet remains compact enough to
offer the intimate atmosphere and lifestyle
for which Fred. Olsen is renowned.
N
Introducing Balmoral - Fred. Olsen’s new flagship
0730
pools, a gym and golf nets. For those
who wish to really relax and unwind
from the world back home, the
Jacuzzi treatments in the spa or just
soaking up the sun on the spacious
sun deck will appeal.
and informal restaurants and varied
menus. Amongst the array of lounges
Like all the ships in the Fred. Olsen
and bars is the traditionally themed
fleet, the quality of cuisine on
Morning Light Pub, a first for a Fred.
Balmoral is set to impress.
Olsen ship. Guest beers and real ales
join the usual extensive drinks selection
Should you wish to dine a la carte,
and the occasional Jazz musician or
or enjoy a light snack, you will be
stand-up comedian add to the relaxed
spoilt for choice with five formal
and unique atmosphere.
Santa Cruz, Tenerife Included Tour
Plantlife is rich and colourful on
Tenerife and a fitting port for our
included tour taking in the Botanical
Gardens, where many of the plants in
the garden are the original specimens
and the centrepiece is a huge South
American fig tree. Risco Bello is our
next stop and features attractive waterfalls and colourful terraces of local
flowers. Finally refreshments will be
served at the Hotel Tigaiga Gardens.
Included Tour
Funchal, Madeira
The picturesque white-washed
capital of the mountainous
Portuguese islands has a timeless
charm, delightfully enhanced by a
benign climate that fills this ‘floating
garden’ with the year-round colours
and perfumes of subtropical flowers
and fruits.
Today you can enjoy a tour of the
Botanical Gardens in Funchal, one
of the best examples of Madeiran
landscaped gardens and are host to a
profusion of plants and flowers from
all over the world which thrive in the
island’s temperate climate. The gardens
provide and excellent view over
Funchal, so bring your cameras.

7. FREEPHONE 0800 091 6498
FREE
Amazon
river
cruise
from
only
£1499pp
Amazonian
with Tony Russell
& David Hurrion
Adventure
Thursday 12 February – Friday 27 February 2009 · 14 night cruise aboard Boudicca
For those who like the idea of combining the winter sun of the Caribbean with a journey that is truly off the beaten track this
cruise foray into the magnificent, mysterious Amazon will fit the bill perfectly. Settle in, unpack and watch the lights of Barbados
fading astern as we head for the coast of Brazil.Voyaging a full nine hundred miles upstream, you encounter an unreal world.
Water turns from blue to muddy brown as you cross the equator and enter the Amazon proper. On both sides, a staggering
panorama of sights and sounds fill the air and stirs the senses.Thatched native villages on rickety stilts hug grassy verges that
flank the river and small boats full of local people row by and wave up at the ship.
Date
Cruise Itinerary
Arrive Depart
February
Thu 12
Fly Gatwick/Manchester/
Stanstead to Barbados
Depart
Thu 12
Bridgetown, Barbados
Fri 13 – Mon 16
Cruising
Tue 17
Santarem, Amazon
0800
1800
Wed 18
Parantins, Amazon*
0800
1400
Thu 19
Manaus, Amazon
0900
Fri 20
Manaus, Amazon
Sat 21
Boca de Valeria, Amazon*
1200
1800
Sun 22
Alter do Chao, Amazon*
0800
1300
Mon 23 – Wed 25
Cruising
Thu 26
Fly Bridgetown, Barbados
to UK
0700
Fri 27
Gatwick/Manchester/
Stanstead
Arrive
2200
1800
*Anchor Port
Amazonian Indian Dwellings
Fares from £pp
Cabin
FFull Faree
Cruise.co.uk
Inside
Outside
Balcony
Suite
Single
2880
3250
4215
4980
4635
1499
1705
2210
2615
2430
Included Tour – Manaus, Amazon River Cruise
We’ll take an approximate one-hour riverboat ride up the dark
waters of the mysterious Rio Negro. Here we’ll see the huts of
the ribeirinhos (river people), clustered on the riverbanks. The
Amazon River cruise takes us to the January Lake, to a landing
stage from which we now board motorized, ten-seater canoes
for a close-up view of the local vegetation and trees. With luck
(and river conditions permitting) we may be able to admire
Victoria Regina water lilies, the leaves of which can measure up
to one meter across.
The Amazon is one of the most
rewarding places to visit with such a
diversity of plant species to discover.
The sheer scale of the trees and
vegetation that make up this fabulous
ecosystem give a real sense of jungle
wilderness and no amount of pictures
and television programmes can
prepare you for the experience of
seeing it ‘in the flesh’.
You’ll also get a sense of how
important the rainforest is to all
of us, acting as one of the earth’s
vital ‘lungs’ that supply the oxygen
we breathe and helping to moderate
the world’s climate.
So it is with great pleasure that I look
forward to joining you on our voyage
of discovery on one of my favourite
ships and with fellow horticulturist
Tony Russell.
See you there!
David Hurrion
7

8. FREEPHONE 0800 091 6498
FREE
Garden
Tour
from
only
£1475pp
Caribbean
Jewels
with David Hurrion
David Hurrion
Thursday 26 February – Friday 13 March 2009 · 14 night cruise aboard Boudicca
An overnight stay in Balmy, British accented Bridgetown ensures that winter is already a distant
memory. Rested and unpacked, savour the cocktail of dream islands that this fortnight offers in such
warm style. Sprinkled with just a couple of rejuvenating sea days, this cruise is the ideal holiday for
those wanting the warmth of the sun spiced with a taste of something slightly different.
Fred. Olsen’s award-winning chefs ensure that a feast is always in store,
with varied mouth-watering menus. Dine in grand style in the ship’s formal
restaurants, or indulge in array of Oriental and Indian themed treats in the
less formal cafes. Make sure you leave room to push the boat out and savour
the ship’s late-night buffets. Meals can be cooked exactly to your liking; you
only have to ask. The ship’s carefully selected wine lists offer an array of
eminently drinkable vintages, further enhancing that special meal.
Grenada
Date
Cruise Itinerary
Arrive Depart
February
Thu 26
Fly Bristol/Dublin/Gatwick/
Manchester to Barbados
Thu 26
Bridgetown, Barbados
Arrive
Fri 27
Bridgetown, Barbados
Cabin
FFull Faree
Cruise.co.uk
Sat 28
Port of Spain, Trinidad
0800
1700
Inside
Outside
Balcony
Suite
Single
2815
3175
4110
4860
4525
1475
1665
2155
2550
2375
March
Sun 01
St. Georges, Grenada
0800
1700
Mon 02
Cruising
Tue 03
Willemstad, Curacao
0800
2300
Wed 04
Oranjestad, Aruba
0800
1700
Thu 05
Cruising
Fri 06
Road Town, Tortola
0800
2300
Sat 07
Gustavia, St Barthelemy*
0800
1800
Sun 08
St. Johns, Antigua
0800
2300
Mon 09
Basseterre, St Kitts
0800
1700
Tue 10
Roseau, Dominica*
0800
1700
Wed 11
Castries, St Lucia
0800
1700
Thu 12
Fly Bridgetown, Barbados to UK
0700
Depart
Fri 13
Bristol/Dublin/Gatwick/Manchester Arrive
Fares from £pp
Waiter Service
8
*Anchor Port
1600
Full Day Tour Included
Castries, St Lucia - Botanic Garden,
Boudicca
lunch & Island Sightseeing
This exclusive tour of the beautiful
Diamond Botanical Gardens and
Waterfall features a close encounter
with rich history and nature that is
sure to take your breath away.
Winding along the edge of the
rainforest taking in the beautiful views
of tropical flowers and trees, before
arriving in the French colonial town
of Soufriere. From a distance, we will
have the chance to see the towering
Twin Peaks of the Pitons. After which,
we will enjoy a guided walk in the lush
Diamond Botanical Gardens.
Built in 1784 for the troops of King
Louis XV1 of France, the gardens
are rich in history and vivid in exotic
colours and flora. They are a master
piece, combining all variations of
bright, vibrant flowers and fruit trees
into a garden perfect for those of us
with a passion for flowers and for
taking memorable photographs. Enjoy
a typical Caribbean lunch, before
returning to our coach for a brief trip
to Marigot Bay.