Jetsettersblog

Swan Hellenic and Voyages of Discovery have scheduled a number of British political leaders on upcoming cruises. Swan Hellenic’s 350-guest Minerva will feature former Foreign Secretary Lord Douglas Hurd, who served both Margaret Thatcher and John Major, on the 15-day cruise departing Aug. 15 from Valletta, Malta, to Piraeus, Greece.

Fares start from $2,999 per person, cruise only, including shore excursions, gratuities, port taxes, and renowned guest speaker program.

Voyages of Discovery’s 650-guest Discovery will host Sir Anthony Brenton on the 19-night voyage roundtrip from London (Harwich) departing July 25. Brenton worked for over 30 years for the British Foreign Office, dealing with energy issues and taking charge of preparation for the Earth Summit in 1992. This itinerary, featuring the rarely visited Solovetsky Islands in the White Sea, is selling quickly with remaining availability starting at $4,999.

Bring in the New Year at Malta’s Phoenicia Hotel, where Brad Pitt was spotted twice over the summer as he dined in the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, and you’re sure to feel like a star. Packages for two adults start from just £715* including three nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast, a lavish gala dinner on the big night and return airport transfers.

With direct flights to Malta from a host of UK departure airports and prices from as little as £47.99**, it’s easy to create an affordable luxury escape, and with a car waiting to collect you from Malta International Airport, just 20 minutes’ drive from the hotel, you’ll feel like a VIP from the moment you arrive.

Marketing director Clive Cordina comments; “The Phoenicia is very popular with British guests so visitors are certain to feel at home during the New Year celebrations, whilst also enjoying Malta’s unique Mediterranean charm.”

The gala dinner is a black tie affair and will take place in the sumptuous Phoenix Restaurant. Guests will savour a feast of fusion food devised by renowned head chef Bernd Maier. The Champagne reception is followed by a seven-course dinner, which includes creations such as a starter of smoked tataki of tuna with ginger caviar, avocado and lime ice cream on wakame salad, a truffled cream soup of sweet corn with poached quail egg and gamberi rossi, plus a main course of mille feuille of beef fillet and foie gras with blue potato, asparagus and mushroom on hot apple jelly with sherry sauce. After dinner, guests can return to the Palm Court Lounge for entertainment from a leading Maltese band as they prepare for the countdown.

And on New Year’s Day, with the capital of Valletta just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel, you can clear your head with a sunny stroll along the promenade of this magnificent waterfront, which dates back 250 years and has been beautifully restored.

For more information or to book call 0800 862 0025 or visit www.phoeniciamalta.com

New for 2012, Oceania Cruises will offer theme cruises for the first time. The new `Signature Sailings’ include 10 voyages exploring culinary, wine, music and health & wellness themes. Guests will enjoy seminars, hands-on classes, concerts and wine tastings. Depending on the voyage, Chef Jacques Pépin, up-and-coming jazz musicians, and noted editors will be among the special guests.

Food and Wine Feature Prominently on 2012 Signature Sailings

Jacques Pepin Cruise

Master Chef Jacques Pepin has served as Oceania Cruises’ executive culinary director for eight years. On this sailing, he’ll be sure to hold court in Jacques – his first namesake restaurant – as well as in the Bon Appétit Culinary Center leading Q&A sessions, cooking demonstrations and signing books.

Marina “Tuscan Artistry” – May 12, 2012; 10 days, Barcelona-Rome

Spring Music Fest

A broad range of jazz styles will be featured. Six guest musicians, including four headliners, will perform individual main stage shows in addition to more casual jam sessions. There will also be special dance sets and dance instructors.

Nautica “Mediterranean Tapestry” – May 14, 2012; 10 days, Athens-Barcelona

Oceania Club Reunion Cruise – two sailings

Oceania Cruises’ loyal past passengers are the guests of honour for two special reunion cruises, which include memorable surprises both onboard and ashore.

Riviera “Iberian Odyssey” – June 17, 2012; 10 days, Lisbon-Rome

Regatta “Radiant Rhythms” – March 6, 2013; 12 days, Buenos Aires-Rio de Janeiro

Italian Wine Immersion Cruise

Highlights include lectures, tastings and special Wine Bars, where guest experts and special musical performers will create the perfect vibe to explore and experience great wines.

Regatta “Italian Interludes” – July 27, 2012; 12 days, Rome-Venice

Vitality & Wellness Cruise – two sailings

In addition to healthy eating and fitness tips, guests will gain insights on enhancing their mental wellness to live life to the fullest. Spinning, yoga and Pilates classes are also offered at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub and gourmet Canyon Ranch spa cuisine is available.

Regatta “Pearls of the Aegean” – August 8, 2012; 10 days, Venice-Athens

Riviera “Accent on Italy” –
October 24, 2012; 10 days, Rome-Venice

Bon Appétit Wine & Food Festival – two sailings

Epicureans rejoice! The experts at Bon Appétit magazine are assembling culinary stars and wine experts or editors for a palate-pleasing voyage.

Riviera “Enchanted Grandeur” – October 14, 2012; 10 days, Athens-Rome

Marina “Temples & Palaces” – October 22, 2012; 10 days, Athens-Istanbul

Discover the World in Comfort and Style with Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises’ 684-guest Regatta and Nautica are intimate ships acclaimed for their open-seating gourmet dining (no surcharges), luxurious public rooms and accommodations, and warm, attentive service. Facilities include four open-seating, gourmet restaurants, casino and Canyon Ranch SpaClub.

The 1,250-guest Marina and new Riviera were purpose-built for epicureans with six open-seating, gourmet restaurants – including a French bistro by Master Chef Jacques Pépin. Facilities also include a Bon Appétit Culinary Center and Artist Loft enrichment centre. Interior design highlights include a Lalique-designed grand staircase, elegant public rooms, spacious accommodations and Owner’s Suites furnished exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home.

For more information about Oceania Cruises’ new Signature Sailings, contact Oceania Cruises on 0845 505 1920 or visit www.oceaniacruises.com

About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises® offers unrivalled cuisine, luxurious accommodations, exceptional personalised service and extraordinary value. Award-winning itineraries visit more than 330 ports in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the Americas aboard the 684-guest Regatta, Insignia and Nautica. The line’s 1,250-guest Marina debuted in January 2011 and will be followed by Riviera – a sister ship – in April 2012.

Malta’s third annual Chocolate Festival takes place on Saturday 29th October in Hamrun, with an exciting programme of events including chocolate sculpting and painting, plenty of tasting, plus fascinating facts and demonstrations. Visitors will also enjoy traditional music and a magnificent Grand Procession, celebrating the history of chocolate in Malta since it was introduced by the Knights of St John more than 350 years ago. You will also find a dedicated kids’ corner with chocolate facepainting whilst – new this year – ladies will simply adore the chocolate mannequin which will be dressed with clothes and accessories made only of chocolate. Simply delicious!

Where to stay: For a true taste of luxury, stay at the five-star Phoenicia Hotel, within easy reach of the festival events. Guests can enjoy the autumn sunshine at the Bastion Pool Deck and savour award-winning cuisine in a choice of restaurants at this unique Maltese treasure.Prices at the Phoenicia Hotel start from £88 per person sharing a Classic Room, including breakfast. To book call 0800 862 0025 or visit www.phoeniciamalta.com.

Fly to Malta from 16 UK departure airports, with prices from as little as £43.99**.

Perillo Tours is adding to its offerings 10-day Western Mediterranean cruises on the MSC Splendida in its MSC Yacht Club suites.

The company offers five departures between Jan. 6 and March 2, which are scheduled to depart the U.S. late on Fridays and return on Sundays allowing guests to take only five days off for a full 10-day vacation. Pricing ranges from $2,490 to $2,890 per person, double.

Single supplements and international air flights are also available. For more information, visit www.perillotours.com/cruises/msc-yacht-club-cruise-2012/index.html.

The cruise goes from Genoa to Barcelona, Malta, Sicily, Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Marseille. The prices include all costs aside from gratuity for the guides and international airfare, including the seven-night cruise in a Yacht Club Suite with balcony; one-night stay in Genoa at the NH Marina Hotel; arrival and departure airport transfers in Italy; butler service; private gourmet dining; room service; access to private shipboard pool, bar and spa; private restaurants/menu selections; complimentary beverages; and exclusive retail services.

For more information, call 800-431-1515 or visit www.perillotours.com

Variety Cruises will begin operating its 36-cabin mega-yacht Variety Voyager early next year with two new Mediterranean itineraries.

The ship will operate the “Romantic Rivieras” itinerary along the French and Italian rivieras from June to September and the “Treasures of South Italy and Malta” from September to October.

Each seven-night cruise is priced from $2,990 per person.

“Romantic Rivieras” sails from Nice, France, to St. Tropez, Corsica, Elba, Portovenere, Portofino and Monte Carlo.

The “Treasures of South Italy and Malta” sails from Salerno, Italy, and visits Taormina, Syracuse, Agrigento, Cefalu, Capri, Malta and Lipari.

The 223-foot Variety Voyager accommodates 72 passengers and has a 28-member crew.

The cruise fare includes accommodations in double or twin cabins with private bathrooms and air conditioning; American buffet breakfast and two main meals daily; use of fishing equipment; coffee, water or tea; and an English-speaking cruise escort. Port charges are an additional $350 per person.

For more information, call 800-319-7776 or visit www.varietycruises.com

The five-star Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa in San Anton, Malta, was named Malta’s Leading Hotel for the third consecutive year at the World Travel Awards Europe Ceremony held in Antalya, Turkey, on Sept. 2. Set in extensive landscaped gardens, the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa was the very first hotel to fly the Corinthia flag when it opened in 1968 in the presence of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. More than 500 organizations across Europe, spanning more than 125 categories, entered this year’s edition of the World Travel Awards, all vying for the most influential accolade in travel. For more information, visit www.corinthia.com

For newlyweds seeking a truly unique escape, Malta offers the perfect balance of beachside bliss and city chic, and Phoenicia Hotel at the gates of capital Valletta has the ideal getaway, with a new two-night mini-moon package which allows you to combine a short city break with a beach retreat.

Despite being only minutes from the hustle and bustle of Valletta with its glamorous waterfront, thriving cafe culture and many fascinating sights, loved-up couples will find complete sanctuary at this five-star hotel which dates back to 1939, and boasts an historic charm that you simply won’t find elsewhere.

The original features have been carefully preserved and enhanced in the recent art-deco inspired makeover and many of the 128 rooms and 8 suites offer stunning views across the Grand Harbour. The resort also boasts acres of mature gardens for a romantic stroll, whilst the impressive Bastion Pool Deck, set into the city walls, is an idyllic hideaway for a spot of secluded sunbathing. A selection of spa and holistic treatments are on offer, with his’n’hers options including the Couples’ Delight; a 60-minute massage and facial.

Honeymooners will find plenty of choice when it comes to wining and dining too; whether it’s cocktails in the Club Bar, afternoon tea in the Palm Court Lounge or a relaxed evening in the Pegasus Brasserie, whilst a romantic dinner on the terrace of the Phoenix Restaurant, enjoying spectacular views of the beautiful Marsamxett harbour, is included in the package.

The Phoenicia Hotel’s new mini-moon makes it easy to extend your stay with a beach break in Gozo – Malta’s little sister island which reputedly boasts the best stretches of sand in the Med – or another of Malta’s beachside resorts such as Mellieha Bay or Ghajn Tuffieha.

The luxury honeymoon package includes a glass of Champagne on arrival at the hotel, two nights in an Executive Harbour View Suite, boasting a separate lounge and bedroom where fresh flowers, petit fours and local wine await you, breakfast in bed on your first morning, one romantic dinner in the Phoenix Restaurant, including wine, as well as return transfers in an executive car, all for £850*. To book call 0808 238 1710 or visit www.phoeniciamalta.com

Fly to Malta direct from 16 UK airports from as little as £64.00**.

ENDS

Crystal Cruises is offering new six- and seven-day fall Mediterranean getaways.

The three cruises start at $2,995 per person, including free roundtrip air from New York, ship/airport transfers, and $500 per person shipboard spending credit.

The new itineraries are an Oct. 17 to 24 voyage from Monte Carlo to Athens, visiting Florence/Livorno, Rome/Civitavecchia, Sorrento, Kusadasi and Mykonos.

Fares start at $3,550 per person.

The new Nov. 10 to 16 cruise sails from Athens/Piraeus and visits Santorini, Kotor, Dubrovnik and an overnight in Venice; fares start at $2,995 per person. The Nov. 16 to 23 sailing from Venice to Rome/Civitavecchia visits Koper, Dubrovnik, Sicily and Naples and starts at $3,200 per person.

Guests may opt out of the complimentary air from New York-JFK for an $800-per-person air credit. Air from other major U.S. gateways can be added on at fares starting at $199 per person.

Variety Cruises has launched end-of-summer two-for-one discounts in the Mediterranean, where second passengers in the same cabin sail free, and there is no single supplement for solo travelers.

The cruises sail coasts and islands of Greece and Turkey, and must be booked by Aug. 16.

Among the cruises are “Classical Greece” aboard the 25-cabin Harmony V, departing Aug. 19 and 26, for a savings of $2,590; “Aegean Odyssey” aboard the 22-cabin Harmony G, departing Aug. 12, for a savings of $2,390; “Jewels of the Cyclades” aboard the 26-cabin Galileo, departing July 29, Aug. 19 and Oct. 28, for a savings of up to $1,890; and “Turquoise Coast & Islands of the Eastern Aegean” aboard the 12-cabin Halis Temel, departing Sept. 17 and Oct. 15 and 22, for a savings of up to $1,490.

For more information, call 800-319-7776 or visit www.varietycruises.com