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Cruises brochure
This document provides information about several garden-themed cruises offered by Victoria Travel, including: - A 7-day Danube river cruise in May 2009 hosted by Alan Titchmarsh, with talks, a cocktail party, and book signing. Prices start at £999. - A 14-night Western Caribbean cruise in November 2008 hosted by Matthew Biggs and Will Giles, visiting ports in the Caribbean and Latin America. Prices start at £1285. - A 14-night Mediterranean cruise in November 2008 hosted by David Hurrion, visiting ports in Spain, Gibraltar, and Portugal. Prices start at £990. - A 13-night Canary Islands cruise in January 2009
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Cruises brochure
- 1. cruises Exclusive Garden themed 2008/09 Meet s theexpert 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 ClubWelcome 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? • • • • • • • • • 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 0916498 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 withMatthew 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 0916498 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 withMatthew 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 0916498 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 0916498 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.