Jetsettersblog

Tall ship cruise line Star Clippers just released its Europe 2013 brochure highlighting its summer season in the Mediterranean, Spain and North Africa, Northern Europe, Baltic and trans-Atlantic crossings.

In addition to the itineraries aboard Royal Clipper, Star Clipper and Star Flyer, the 81-page brochure is filled with stunning photos, detailed maps, port descriptions and pre- and post-cruise land tour options.

Each itinerary includes a summer trans-Atlantic air credit and highlights Advanced Purchase Discounts up to 45 percent off the brochure rate for Europe itineraries and up to 55 percent off trans-Atlantic voyages.

“Our inaugural season in the Baltic was very successful and we’re thrilled to return for a second season with new ports and new itineraries,” said Mark Carlson, director of marketing for Star Clippers Americas.

“We also have new itineraries in the Mediterranean, so the brochure is an ideal tool for both consumers and travel agents to become familiar with our sailing options and rates, and read detailed information about the ships.”

Royal Clipper, the 227-passenger flagship of the fleet, returns to the Mediterranean for another season of western Med itineraries. The ship sails new seven-night round-trip Venice, Italy, cruises that visit ports in Montenegro, Croatia and Slovenia. The ship also sails seven-, 10- and 11-night cruises to Italy, Portugal, Morocco, Spain, France and Greece. Shorter three- and four-night itineraries round-trip from Venice and round-trip from Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, are ideal for travelers with less time or who might already be in Europe and want a mini vacation.

The 170-passenger Star Flyer returns to the Baltic and Northern Europe for a second season with new ports and new itineraries, in addition to returning favorites.

The ship sails a variety of itineraries ranging from two to 11 nights, including several cruises surrounding exclusive sailing parades in Germany. Maiden calls include Saaremaa Island, Estonia; Travemunde, Helgoland and Binz (Rugen), Germany; Aero and Gudhjem (Bornholm), Denmark; Ystad, Sweden, and Ostend, Belgium.

In addition to Star Flyer’s northern Europe and Baltic itineraries, the ship explores Spain and North Africa on seven-night sailings from Lisbon, Portugal, and Malaga, enabling guests to visit historic sites like Seville and Granada, Spain.

The 170-passenger Star Clipper offers the most diverse itineraries of the season, with sailings across the Mediterranean. The ship’s western Med itineraries cruise round-trip Monte Carlo, Monaco, between Monte Carlo and Civitavecchia, between Monte Carlo and Barcelona, Spain, and from Barcelona to Malaga, Spain.

These sailings visit ports in France, Italy and Spain, including the exotic French Riviera and beautiful Balearic Islands.

The ship returns to Greece and Turkey on its popular seven-night itineraries that explore these two countries. On longer nine-, 10- and 11-night sailings between Venice and Athens, Greece, or between Civitavecchia and Athens, Star Clipper calls at ports in Croatia, Montenegro and Italy, including an evening sail past the still-active Stromboli Volcano.

Star Clipper also sails around Spain and the coast of North Africa in spring and fall. Guests will visit the picturesque Canary Islands on the seven-day sailing from Malaga to Las Palmas.

Guests looking for a longer cruise vacation can embark on nine Grand Voyages ranging from 12 to 18 nights. The extended itineraries aboard all three ships offer a more in-depth exploration of some of the most beautiful areas in northern Europe, the eastern and western Mediterranean, and North Africa.

For those who truly love the sailing experience while also visiting exciting ports, Star Clippers offers six trans-Atlantic crossings in 2013 ranging from 14 to 26 nights. Trans-Atlantic journeys in April, October and November reposition the ships between Europe and the Caribbean.

The brochure also highlights additional pre- and post-cruise land tour options in Italy, Greece, Turkey and Sweden.

Between two and six nights, the tours allow for an overland journey to Rome and Venice, Italy; Athens and several smaller destinations like Mycenae and Olympia in Greece; Istanbul, Turkey, and Stockholm, Sweden.

Guests who book early can take advantage of the line’s Advance Purchase Discounts, which can provide significant savings. Early bookings were strong for Star Clippers’ 2012 Europe sailing season, so guests are encouraged to reserve space early to ensure they get the sailing and accommodations of their choice.

To request a 2013 Europe brochure, call toll-free 800-442-0556 or e-mail brochures. To make a reservation, contact a travel professional. For information, call Star Clippers at 800-442-0551 or visit www.starclippers.com  to view a video about the line or take a virtual tour of Star Clippers’ tall ships.

Keep up-to-date on the latest Star Clippers news by visiting us on our blog at www.starclippersblog.com  and on Facebook and Twitter.

Star Clippers operates three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels. Visiting ports often untouched by larger cruise ships and offering passengers the activities, amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht, Star Clippers is recognized as one of the premier specialty cruise lines. The ships currently sail throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Costa Rica and Northern Europe/Baltic.  Read the Jetsetters Magazine feature about Greek Island sailing: Cyclades Tall Ship Odyssey.

Silversea Cruises announced a new collection of five “Shore Amore” all-inclusive Mediterranean packages that include a cruise aboard Silver Spirit this summer, roundtrip business class air and transfers, pre-cruise hotel stay with breakfast, authentic local experience (such as a gondola ride along the Grand Canal in Venice), and a choice of small-group shore excursions in every port.

The packages are a cruise from Barcelona to Venice, July 22 to Aug. 3, from $9,299 per person; Venice to Istanbul, Aug. 2 to 13, from $8,999; Istanbul to Athens, Aug. 12 to 20, from $7,199; Athens to Venice, Aug. 19 to 27, from $6,299; and Venice to Monte Carlo, Aug. 26 to Sept. 3, from $6,299.

SeaDream Yacht Club released its 2013 European voyage schedule, which includes cruises through the Black Sea. From May through October 2013, SeaDream I and SeaDream II will sail to Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Croatia, Montenegro, Malta and Portugal.

New routes and destinations include Albania, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Russia. For example, a 13-night voyage departing Aug. 17, 2013, will do a full circumnavigation of the Black Sea including Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Georgia and the north coast of Turkey.

“In 2013 we’ve not only broadened our mix of destinations, we’ve added voyages of varying lengths starting with our seven-, 10- and 20-night Amazon River voyages,” said SeaDream President Bob Lepisto.

“In 2013, when calling on St. Tropez, France, we’ll be doing a wet landing on the famous Pampelonne Beach, the place to see and be seen. SeaDream also stays late in lively St. Tropez.”

In 2013 SeaDream also stays late in Portofino, Mykonos, Santorini and Sorrento.

All 2013 European routes have just been posted on SeaDream’s website.

Variety Cruises’ “Small Groups, Big Profits” group offer is applicable for all 2012 scheduled cruise programs to the Greek Islands, the French and Italian rivieras and new destinations including Montenegro and Abu Dhabi.

The standard group offer includes 20 percent commission, one free cabin for four full-paying cabins, bottle of wine and fruit basket in stateroom, one free upgrade for one stateroom (except Category P to owner’s suite on Variety Voyager) and four Variety Stars for each group booking.

This offer can to be used in combination with any of the current Variety specials available for individual reservations. Special offers range from straight 10 to 25 percent discounts and plus hotel stays in Athens, Istanbul, Dubrovnik, Corfu, Crete or Rhodes. Two-for-one offers are also available on a few sailings. Specials are valid until April 13.

“This is a great tool for travel agents to use to target the lucrative small group market,” said Yiannis Vontas, senior partner and executive vice president of Variety Cruises. “Our New York office and six sales representatives across 19 states will help agents easily build a cruise and land program earning them top dollar, while their clients will enjoy discounts on cruise fares and added benefits.”

The group offers apply to a limited number of cabins and reservations are on first-come, first-served basis. Cabins must be booked at the same time. The offers do not apply for all types of cabins. All offers are available for promotion without deposit until three months prior to embarkation date. However, bi-monthly status must be given to Variety USA or space will be cancelled. Bookings must be confirmed with a 25 percent deposit and specific cancellation conditions apply.

Regent Hotels & Resorts signed an agreement with Adriatic Marinas to manage the Regent Porto Montenegro. The luxury, waterfront hotel is scheduled to open in May 2014. Originally an Austro-Hungarian naval base, Porto Montenegro has become a destination for tourists, yacht owners and celebrities.

“The Regent Porto Montenegro will fulfill the Regent precepts of simple, elegant design and intuitive service,” said Steven Pan, chairman of Regent Hotels & Resorts. Located directly in Porto Montenegro marina in the Bay of Kotor, the 80-room hotel will offer 35 guestrooms and 45 suites with interiors designed by Pisano Atelier.

London-based ReardonSmith Architects, the recent recipients of four European Hotel Design Awards, is designing the hotel exterior in a Renaissance Venetian style, complete with a terra cotta roof, inspired by Venetian aesthetics and drawing on the countless Italianate palazzi around the bay. The Regent Porto Montenegro will feature a ground-floor café and brasserie, fine dining restaurant and cigar lounge, meeting facilities, a signature Regent Spa and two spectacular swimming pools. A central atrium with expansive views of the sea and surrounding mountains will lead to a tranquil water garden connected to a private island for exclusive events and dining.

Porto Montenegro is a world-class marina features 184 boat berths, a lively village center with casual cafes, fine dining restaurants and upscale retail stores offering both local and international designer brands. Village amenities include a day spa, hair salon, yacht club and nautical museum.

In the next few years, Adriatic Marinas also plans to double its berth capacity from 185 to 370, re-develop a super yacht maintenance and refit facility in conjunction with ASY Bijela three miles away in the Bay of Kotor, and add a premium casino to its offering. “Montenegro will be one of the fastest-growing travel and tourism economies over the next 10 years and we are pleased that Regent will be part of this development,” said Ralf Ohletz, president of Regent Hotels & Resorts.

With 62 miles of coastline, the Bay of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest natural harbor in the eastern Mediterranean. The bay is surrounded by beautiful Italian architecture, a reminder of the area’s 400 years under Venetian rule. Situated only minutes from Tivat International Airport, Regent Porto Montenegro is perfect for travelers who, upon arrival, want to quickly escape and be surrounded by natural beauty of the bay and glacial landscapes of Montenegro.

Compagnie du Ponant is offering reduced prices on an 11-day Venice roundtrip departing Aug. 10. Reduced prices range from $3,430 to $9,073 per person, double (regularly $4,900 to $12,962).

The cruise on the 264-passenger L’Austral visits 10 ports of call along the Dalmatian Coast.

Eight-day Adriatic sailings are also available from May through September at prices from $2,950 to $9,856.

The ship will visit Rovinj, Trogir and Dubrovnik, Croatia; Kotor, Montenegro; Otranto, Italy; Parga, Greece; Korcula; and the coastline of Šibenik.

From Northern Light Safaris in Iceland, staying on an iconic island in Montenegro to snorkelling in the volcanic Aeolian Islands, luxury travel specialists, Scott Dunn have introduced a new collection of European honeymoon destinations for 2012.

James Ferguson, Head of Scott Dunn’s European Escapes team commented, “Over the past year, we have definitely seen a trend for couples looking for honeymoons a little closer to home but with a twist. Guests are looking for an itinerary that is a little different and out of the ordinary, without compromising on style and romance – with just a hint of adventure.”

Written in the stars: New Northern Lights Safari in Iceland

Scientists predict that the magical Northern Lights will be at their brightest since 1958 this winter and coming spring. Couples looking to catch a glimpse of the elusive Aurora Borealis can now visit Iceland, the only destination where the lights can be witnessed throughout the whole country, with Scott Dunn’s new Northern Lights Safari – perfect for a winter honeymoon.

After a romantic dip and in-water massage at the famous Blue Lagoon, honeymooners will explore the dramatic south coast from the chic art deco Hotel Borg in Reykjavik, Iceland’s quirky capital.

By day, discover the natural wonders of the Golden Circle on an exhilarating private super jeep adventure. The more adventurous can continue to the Langjökull or Mýrdalsjökull glaciers to snowmobile across the icy, winter wonderland. Then as night falls, head out with a private driver and expert guide to seek the elusive Northern Lights.

The last two nights will be spent at the boutique Hotel Ranga in Iceland’s volcanic south and if the newlyweds are lucky, they might see the Northern Lights from its outdoor hot tubs. From here guests can go hiking, fishing and horse riding or even take a spectacular private helicopter flight over smoking volcanic craters, glaciers and dramatic black sand beaches.

Luxury honeymoon specialists, Scott Dunn’s new Northern Lights Safari in Iceland is available between November 2011 – March 2012 and October 2012 – March 2013 and starts from £3,500 per person and includes two nights in Reykjavik staying at the Hotel Borg, two nights at the Hotel Ranga, flights, private guide and driver for four days, snowmobiling excursion, entrance to the Blue Lagoon, Northern Lights evening safari and private airport transfers.

Feel the earth move: Romance & Adventure in Sicily

An Italian honeymoon with a twist, Scott Dunn’s new Sicily itinerary combines the culture of Taormina with the lunar landscapes of the mysterious Aeolian Islands, one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.

Honeymooners will begin married life in the Sicilian town of Taormina, built on the side of Mount Tauro – where it is said DH Lawrence took inspiration from an English woman living here when writing his most famous novel, Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Stay two nights in the Grand Hotel Timeo, once a favourite of the Elizabeth Taylor, with spectacular views across the bay and Mount Etna. Days will be spent wandering Taormina’s streets browsing designer boutiques, antiques and arts shops and visiting the magnificent Greek Amphitheatre.
Next the couple will spend a week discovering the volcanic Aeolian Islands staying at stylish Therasia Resort on the island of Vulcano, built from local lava and pumice stone.

Honeymoon highlights include; exploring Vulcano’s rocky coastline, black sand beaches, hot springs and bubbling mud pools; taking a boat trip to the fashionable island of Panarea, popular with the jet-set crowd, with its clear blue waters perfect for diving and snorkelling; and an evening climb to the volcanic crater on Stromboli island famous for its spectacular “fireworks” display – the only volcano in Europe with permanently eruptive activity.

Luxury honeymoon specialists, Scott Dunn’s new Romance and Adventure in Sicily and Aeolian Islands starts from £1,795 per person and includes two nights in Taormina staying at the Hotel Timeo, seven nights at the Therasia Resort in the Aeolian Islands with return flights and hydrofoil transfers.

Island icon: Dubrovnik and Montenegro

New from Scott Dunn for 2012, this two-centre itinerary combines the historic city of Dubrovnik with a unique experience on one of Montenegro’s most iconic islands, Sveti Stefan.

Beginning in Dubrovnik with three nights at chic and stylish Villa Dubrovnik set amongst pine, orange and lemon trees with stunning views back over to the old town. Take the hotel’s private boat across to the old town to explore the cobbled streets, walk around the historic city walls and visit the old harbour.

One highlight is a day on a private yacht, where honeymooners will sail between the neighbouring Elaphite Islands, stopping at Kolocep, Lopud and Šipan. As well as exploring the islands and their unique fishing heritage, the newlyweds can take advantage of having their own private yacht and drop the anchor to a refreshing dip before finishing the day with a with a typical Dalmatian dinner in one of the best restaurants on Sipan.

The itinerary concludes with four nights on the beautiful coastline of Montenegro, staying in one of the original fisherman’s cottages at the exclusive new Aman on the small iconic island of Sveti Stefan – the most photographed place in Montenegro.

Luxury honeymoon specialists, Scott Dunn’s new Dubrovnik and Montenegro honeymoon starts from £2,500 per person and includes three nights at Villa Dubrovnik including a private yacht excursion and four nights at the Aman Sveti Stefan with return flights and tranfers.

For more infromation visit www.scottdunn.com  or call Scott Dunn’s European Escapes team on 020 8682 5080.

The United States and Montenegro have reached an Open-Skies aviation agreement that will liberalize air services for the carriers of both countries. This is the first aviation agreement between Montenegro and the United States. Previously, air rights between the two countries were governed by an agreement between the United States and Yugoslavia. There currently are no direct flights between the two countries, and the agreement goes into effect immediately.

General Tours World Traveler is offering two new Small Group Journeys to Eastern Europe. The Small Group Journey product line is distinguished by having never more than 16 guests to a group, with boutique hotel stays, quality meals and activities not possible in a larger group. They are designed to provide a deeper and more authentic look into the culturally diverse destinations.

New for 2012, Grand Capitals of Eastern Europe is a 10-day trip to Berlin, Warsaw, Krakow and Budapest featuring distinguished hotels like the Regent Berlin, deemed one of the best places to stay in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, and the Sofitel Chain Bridge overlooking the Danube in the heart of Budapest. Activities include a visit to the Schindler Factory Museum in Krakow, dinner with a Polish family in the charming town of Lowicz and a countryside excursion to Szentendre, an ancient Hungarian town and now-thriving artists’ colony in the Danube Bend. A pre-trip extension to Prague and Dresden features five-star city-center hotels, complete sightseeing and all on-tour transportation including first class rail from Dresden to Berlin to join the Grand Capitals tour.

Also new in 2012, Journey through Austria, Slovenia and Croatia, features landmark hotels and resorts such as the Grand Hotel Toplice, overlooking Lake Bled, and Zagreb’s Regent Esplanade, originally built for passengers of the Orient-Express train. The itinerary includes Munich, Salzburg and Vienna, as well as destinations rarely featured on traditional large-group escorted tours, such as the Salzburg Lake District; Graz, Ljubljana, often called “Little Prague,” and the sixteen cascading lakes of Plitvice National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through Dec 30, General Tours is offering savings of $500 per person on bookings paid in full at the time of booking for either of the new trips to Eastern Europe.

Now in its 65th year, General Tours World Traveler offers Small Group, Privately Guided and Small Ship journeys to Asia, Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Specifically designed for never more than 16 guests, the company’s programs promise immersive cultural encounters and authentic travel experiences not possible in a larger group. For more information, call 800-221-2216 or visit www.generaltours.com

Cook East is a new company that has been founded with the basic philosophy that food can provide an interesting medium through which to engage with your surroundings, beyond simply being a flavoursome addition to a nice evening. Providing interesting itineraries in their own right, you will be visiting some of the most desirable locations and impressive sights in the world. Where Cook East differs from other travel providers however is the concurrent series of cooking classes that allow you to see precisely how those restaurants at home cook your favourite dishes. These are not aimed at chefs or those with exceptional cooking abilities, but anyone who wants to gain a grassroots understanding of how food cultivation, purchase, preparation and consumption fits into the lifestyle of local people.

A typical day might involve breakfast, a late morning cooking class including the consumption of your prepared dish and then the afternoon spent on a guided tour of the city, at leisure or visiting a local temple of monument.

As the name suggests, the destinations visited by Cook East cover South East and Central Asia, but also include South America and we are always looking to add new destinations.

For up-to-date information on any of our itineraries or destinations please check our website, or get in contact. With prices starting from £735 including international flights we’re sure we have something for everyone.

Website: http://www.cook-east.com

Email: info@cook-east.com

Phone: 01276 682968