Travel Bulletin 3rd May 2013

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May 3 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,824 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

JAMAICA SAINT LUCIA ANTIGUA BAHAMAS GRENADA TURKS & CAICOS

THE 2 FOR 1 SALE

HALF PRICE LUXURY INCLUDED® HOLIDAYS FROM THE WORLD’S LEADING ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS

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May 3 2013 | ISSUE NO 1,824 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Escorted Trips Operators announce new tours, destinations and savings

this week

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sk책l the world over is exhibition marketing an effective means of communication?

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event bulletin images & news from the 'Celebrate Africa' workshop, in association with Travel Bulletin

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germany the latest operator, airline & hotelier news & developments

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cruising a look at the latest ship launches, new voyages and the latest deals

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newsbulletin

DON’T FORGET to vote for your favourite suppliers in this year’s Travel Bulletin Star Awards, and have the chance of winning prizes including a Virgin Experience Day and a mixed case of fine wines courtesy of Jetset www.travelbulletin.co.uk/ awards

Cover Pictures: Main - Intrepid Travel

Inset - Maritim Hotel Berlin

This Week 3

news

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agent bulletin

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staff review

new survey reveals families return to the same destinations

a round-up of the latest fam trips, booking incentives & agent offers

Travel Bulletin's Jill Sayles reviews the Premier Inn London Gatwick

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puzzle bulletin

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skål the world over

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event bulletin

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germany

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escorted trips

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cruising

can you solve this week's Travagrams?

Janie Corbet examines how exhibitions can have an impact on marketing

images and news from the recent travel agents' 'Celebrate Africa' workshop, in association with Travel Bulletin

the latest operator, airline & hotelier news & developments operators announce new tours, destinations and savings

a look at the latest ship launches, new voyages and the latest deals

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LIGHTNING BOLT...The Jamaica Tourist Board treated more than 40 Midlands-based travel agents to a night of rum and reggae at Bar Risa in Birmingham, as part of a four-day sales mission in the Midlands. Following a series of presentations on Destination Jamaica, guests were offered the opportunity to win a selection of prizes including a bottle of Appleton Special Jamaica Rum and two individual places on fam trips to Jamaica, one of which is in partnership with Sandals Resorts. Pictured striking a Usain Bolt pose are, from the left: Karen Misick, Jamaica Tourist Board; Dameon Sandhu, BVS; Suzanne Halil, AMG; Neil Read, Sandals Resorts; Emilie Audiot, Cara Hotel Marketing; Donovan Donaldson and Elizabeth Fox, Jamaica Tourist Board.

Post Office Holiday Costs Barometer reveals Algarve & Costas now more affordable thanks to falling prices DESPITE THE pounding taken by sterling this year against the euro, holidaymakers planning trips to a European hotspot may find their holiday cash stretches further than expected because prices have plummeted in many popular resorts, according to this year's Post Office Holiday Costs Barometer, which reveals that although sterling is worth 4.5% less than in April 2012, prices are down by up to 20% in Spain and almost 15% in the Algarve.

In a close-run race, Portugal just pipped Spain to the top spot in the seventh annual Post Office Travel Money barometer, thanks to low prices for meals and drinks. However, the ten holiday items cost just 16p less in the Algarve (£46.34) than in Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol (£46.50) and only 80p less than in Javea, on the Costa Blanca (£47.14).

Tumbling resort prices in the Costas – down 19% year-on-year in the Costa del Sol and 20% in the Costa Blanca – helped Spain move to within a few pence of Portugal. Sunny Beach, Bulgaria (£47.32) fell to fourth place in the table because of a 3.4% rise in local resort prices but

remains within 98p of top-placed Albufeira in the Algarve.

Fierce competition to attract back UK holidaymakers put a gap of £8-9 between the top four resorts and fifth-placed Mallorca (£55.46), where prices have fallen 8.8% in a year.

Sun-seekers will also be quids in if they choose the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, as prices are more than 17% lower than a year ago (£62.83). Egypt was the only country surveyed where sterling has strengthened this year – by 10.2% – and a 9.4% drop in local Red Sea resort prices will help boost that benefit.

Andrew Brown of Post Office Travel Money said: “The pound may be worth less in Europe than a year ago but fierce competition means that lower prices in several of the resorts we surveyed can easily offset the falling value of sterling.

Taking some time to check out resort costs and adding them to package prices to find the best overall deal will pay dividends this summer. This really is the year to do some ‘sterling’ work before booking a holiday so be prepared to swap destination or switch to a cheaper resort within the same country.”

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newsbulletin Prestige Holidays’ ‘Companion Flies Free’ promo offers savings at 11 Bermuda properties PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS is offering reductions on Bermuda breaks at 11 hotels through its “Companion Flies Free” promotion.

Holidays lead in at £969 per person for a September break at Grotto Bay including accommodation in a superior ocean view room, flights with British Airways from Gatwick, private transfers, the ‘Companion Flies Free’ discount and two free nights accommodation if booked by May 15, saving £954 per couple.

The promotion is valid for travel between September 1 and December 11.

Alternatively, clients can take a week at the small Hamilton based hotel, the Royal Palms, in September from £1,319 per

person, which includes accommodation in a double room, flights from Gatwick and private transfers, and offers a saving of £570 per couple.

The operator is also offering connecting flights to Gatwick from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Jersey from £39 return per person, including taxes.

Other hotels taking part in the promotion include Cambridge Beaches, Elbow Beach, Fairmont Hamilton Princess, The Fairmont Southampton, Newstead Belmont Hills, The Reefs, Tuckers Point, Pompano and St George’s Club.

For more details call 01425-480400 or see www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/bermuda

Survey reveals British families return to same destinations

BRIGHT & BUBBLY...BRIGHT (Bringing Real Information & Guaranteed High Quality Training) held an agent event in Sutton Coldfield, based at the Best Western Moor Hall hotel & Spa, where some 33 agents from 13 agencies in the region joined 11 members of Bright to network. Pictured is Viking River Cruises' Andrew Schweizer presenting a Champagne & Truffles hamper to Julie Knowle of Knowle Travel, as part of a prize draw.

BRITISH TOURISTS are creatures of habit according to a recent YouGov survey commissioned by Orascom Development. Some 50% of respondents admitted they would return to the same destination if they had a good holiday, but 64% of those who had three children or more said they would revisit.

The most adventurous travellers were those aged 16-24, with 39% claiming they would return, while the most loyal holidaymakers fell into the child-in-tow 3554 age bracket, with 57% eager to head back to the same place.

Jens Freise, senior director of marketing & sales at Orascom Development, said: "While it's becoming ever easier to

explore everything the world has to offer, when you find a holiday which ticks every box it's easy to see the appeal of returning, especially when you have children to please.

"Both our resorts on the Red Sea, El Gouna and Taba Heights, welcome a lot of repeat visitors from Britain, particularly families with young children. They know they'll enjoy guaranteed sunshine and be able to keep the kids busy with an extensive list of family activities from horseback riding and desert safari quad biking to kitesurfing, standup paddling and some of the world's best dive sites."

For more information on the resorts visit www.elgouna.com and www.tabaheights.com

New dedicated US programme from W&O offers range of holiday options WESTERN & Oriental has launched a dedicated US programme which includes a selection of city breaks, fly/drive itineraries and escorted tours, as well as multi-centre holidays.

As examples, 16 fly/drive routes across the country are offered - guests can choose from 14 days touring the Best of the West in California, to a ten-day journey exploring The Best of Cape Cod and the Islands in New England. Each suggested route has the option of upgrading accommodation, car hire and extending nights, and each can be tailor-made from scratch according to clients' requirements.

Prices for the eight-day Canyon Adventure start from £1,275 per person. The itinerary starts in Las Vegas, then takes in the canyons of Utah, Arizona and Colorado, and includes flights, car hire, accommodation and a personalised fly/drive pack.

In addition to the standard car hire options, the company is also featuring campervans for fly/drives in the national parks and luxury car hire options including Ferraris and Lamborghinis, as well as classic cars such as Cadillacs, available in select locations.

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The operator's city breaks programme offers a range of cities including Las Vegas, New York, Boston, Miami, Chicago and San Francisco and the opportunity to combine more than one for a contrasting holiday experience.

For clients looking for a city break but are unable to decide where to visit, tailor-made breaks are an alternative option that give clients the option to take in multiple cities or combine a stay in the city with the beaches of Miami or the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, for those wishing to travel in a group, the operator is featuring six escorted coach tours including the opportunity to see the highlights of the East Coast on a ninenight Heritage of America Tour, taking in the sights of New York and Washington DC, as well as learning about American history and the Amish people. Prices lead in at £2,049 per person including flights, transport, accommodation and meals as per the itinerary. Guaranteed departures are on May 31, June 21, September 6 and 20 and October 11.

For more information visit www.wandotravel.com

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter... @BESTOFSTLUCIA Fly non-stop to Saint Lucia this summer and take advantage of allinclusive free night deals http://ow.ly/knxuh @traveltraining Record Breaker: The new @British_Airways course has achieved 1,100 course passes in 7 days! http://bit.ly/11DOk5g @AKVillas Villa of the week, Mas des iles d'Or, Cote d'Azur http://bit.ly/11DXUJU @T2News Discover Asia with the experts at Travel 2.

Thailand from £869, plus FREE nights, upgrades and great savings! http://bit.ly/11T5VEY @superbreak Fancy a night or two away with dinner on us?

Check out our fabulous collection of great value dinner deals! http://bit.ly/11mowKt

@SunvilTeam Read about Yasmin's trip to Norway - Lofoten Islands & Vesteralen http://fb.me/27WrMN1w3

Follow us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/ TravelBulletin

DISCOVERING DURBAN...Tourism Durban held an event to mark the launch of the National Geographic's documentary on Durban, South Africa's third biggest city. Pictured at the event are, from the left: Ravi Govender, Trailfinders; Dr Naledi Moyo, Philip Sithole and councillor Nomvuso Shabalala from Tourism Durban; and Michael Hammond from Halcyon Travel Collections.

Great Rail Journeys & Treyn launch 2013/14 brochures GREAT RAIL Journeys and Treyn have launched their Winter Christmas & Spring brochures for 2013/2014.

The eight new tours from Great Rail Journeys include ‘Christmas or Hogmanay at the Castle’, ‘The Harrogate Flower Show’ and ‘Highlands All-Inclusive’ in the UK, and in Europe ‘Armistice Commemorations from Lille’; ‘Remembrance Day in Flanders’ themed tour, ‘The Northern Lights & Lapland’, ‘Andalucia in Spring’ and ‘Lille & Brussels Christmas Markets’.

Prices lead in at £245 per person for a four-day ‘Bath & Bristol Christmas Markets’ tour.

The 15 new tours from Treyn include Christmas market tours; European carnival themed tours, including ‘Lake Lucerne at Carnival Time’; and ‘Carnival Time on the Italian Riviera’, as well as flower and garden themed tours such as ‘Malvern Spring or Autumn Show’ and ‘Floralia Spring Flower Show & Keukenhof Gardens’.

Prices start from £285 per person for a five-day ‘Yorkshire by Steam’ tour.

Tony Byrne, national sales manager for the companies, said: “The enduringly popular Christmas markets, European spring breaks and tours commemorating the centenary of the First World War are all included in our new brochure and the timing is ideal for agents to capitalise on opportunities for selling these tours ahead of the game.

"Over the last few years we have seen a growing demand for holidays departing during the spring months and our offerings within these brochures reflect this.”

Great Rail Journeys has also launched a ‘Rail Holiday Guide’ which gives agents advice on how to sell rail holidays.

For further information call 01904-521980 or visit www.greatrail.com

Free golf carriage to Algarve with Jet2.com JET2.COM HAS partnered with the Algarve Promotion Bureau to offer golfers free golf club carriage on flights to Faro until May 31.

To take advantage of the offer agents should book their clients' flights on Jet2.com and add golf club carriage to their booking entering promo code FREEGOLF at the checkout stage.

Stansted Airport unveils self-service ‘Smart Access’ boarding pass system PASSENGERS DEPARTING from Stansted will now use state-of-theart smart technology before they enter the security screening area as part of the airport’s drive to improve the passenger experience.

The new self-service ‘Smart Access’ scanners will replace the

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manual boarding pass checks for passengers flying from the airport.

The system, much like the Oyster card system in use at London Underground Stations, scans boarding passes and verifies that passengers are travelling on the correct flight and date.

A dedicated entrance will be available for wheelchair users and passengers with reduced mobility, while child buggies will be able to pass through the wider gates available at each entry point.

For more information visit www.stanstedairport.com

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newsbulletin Woodbury Common Premium Outlets offers 'shop & stay' packages WOODBURY COMMON Premium Outlets has created two new bespoke packages for this year.

The outlet shopping is located 50 minutes' coach ride from central Manhattan in New York and includes boutiques by world famous designers such as Tom Ford, Breitling and Reed Krakoff, as well as more than 200 other top designer names and High Street brands.

The exclusive new packages by Mohonk Mountain House and historic Thayer Hotel offer downtime in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains.

The Mohonk Mountain House package includes a twonight package with a $200 per person spa voucher, dinner, afternoon tea and shopping vouchers plus designer goodies.

The Thayer Hotel package includes a one-night stay, $50 per person to spend at Frette, plus a complimentary robe and a further $50 voucher towards dinner at MacArthur’s Riverview Restaurant, transport and shopping discount vouchers.

Prices lead in at $375 per person, based on two sharing.

For more information visit www.premiumoutlets.com/traveltrade

Newsbites ●

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ABTA HAS partnered with Get Safe Online, Action Fraud and the City of London Police’s National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) on a new consumer campaign to raise awareness of the dangers posed by holiday booking fraud and provide advice on how to avoid becoming a victim. A leaflet is available for download at www.abta.com A NETWORK of travel specialists has launched The Travel Collective (TTC) which aims to meet the demands of today’s travel industry economic and resource challenges.

The collective offers the travel sector a flexible solution for their business, providing experienced resource to fulfil marketing, PR, representation, MICE, creative and online requirements across the UK and Ireland.

For details see www.travel-collective.com THE TRAVEL Channel has teamed up with the Romanian Tourist Board to make Wild Carpathia, a mini-series centred on the Carpathian Mountains and the local people and personalities who work on preserving the diverse region. The series starts on May 29.

STA TRAVEL is offering customers the opportunity to book and guarantee scheduled airline fares with a deposit of £49. The deposit will guarantee seats and the price of the ticket at the time of reservation. The £49 deposit offer is available on new flight bookings made by May 31 on more than 50 scheduled carriers and is valid for outbound travel from the UK between June 28 and February 14, 2014. The full balance of the fare will be due ten weeks prior to departure.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES has amended its agency sales distribution strategy. For the first time since the carrier started operations in the UK, all appointed IATA locations now have access to the carrier's fares across all cabins, including Suites/First, Business and Economy Class.

For details visit www.singaporeair.com EFFECTIVE WITH the first cruises in 2014, Crystal Cruises will eliminate smoking in all indoor areas, except for its Connoisseur Club smoking lounge. Outside smoking will be allowed in a limited number of designated spaces.

Tucan Travel offers savings of up to 30% on selection of Africa overland tours

P...P...PICK UP A PENGUIN...To celebrate the launch of Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin at SeaWorld on May 24, agents have the opportunity to win one of ten Antarctica goodie bags when they make a booking for a three-park SeaWorld, Aquatica and Busch Gardens ticket and email the booking reference to SEA@attractionworld.com before May 31. Pictured marking the agent incentive are Emma Paxton (right) from SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and Gail Dunwoodie from Attraction World.

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TUCAN TRAVEL is offering up to 30% off selected Africa overland tours departing before September 30. The discount coincides with the company's Explore Africa month, launched to increase awareness of Africa and challenge misconceptions.

With tours offering between 15% and 20% off, the discounts can be combined with two of the operator's Rewards, taking clients up to a maximum of 30% off. The Rewards range from 5% off as a second-time traveller to 5% off for students and those booking multiple tours.

The overland tours offer a range of excursions including game drives, river cruises, city tours and visits to local communities. All tours that visit Uganda include a gorilla trek which involves spending an hour in the wild with a gorilla family in Bwindi National Park. The offer is valid for bookings up to May 29.

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newsbulletin Daley Thompson joins Saint Lucia to launch first triathlon event THE ISLAND of Saint Lucia will stage an inaugural International triathlon event supported by double Olympic gold medal winner and British athletics legend, Daley Thompson.

Launching the event on the island on November 23, Daley will act as Ambassador for the triathlon, joining competitors as they ready themselves for the start.

The Saint Lucia Triathlon 2013 will be the culmination of a week-long festival of fun activities hosted by Tri St Lucia and the Saint Lucia Tourist Board and includes an ocean swim,

an aquathon (swim and run) and a beach run. Designed with all ages and fitness levels in mind, the activities will provide holidaymakers with a taste of the overall triathlon event, offering families, couples and single people the opportunity to take part.

With three separate competitive distances available, the course includes a swim in the clear waters of Pigeon Island Bay, a run across some of Saint Lucia’s tough hilly volcanic topography and a challenging bike ride.

Caribtours can create bespoke

travel and hotel packages for UK travellers looking to take part.

Packages will include triathlon entry and entry into a number of other events such as the beach swim, the beach run and an Aquathlon.

Travellers booking via the operator will also be able to attend a number of island receptions including a pre-race party, a post event barbecue with prize giving and a boat trip. Airport transfers and free bike carriage on the flights are also available.

For more information visit www.tristlucia.com

Warwick Castle launches medieval glamping experience for family & friends THIS SUMMER, for the first time, families and friends will be able to spend the night in the grounds of Warwick Castle in a riverside woodland grove that features 35 private Bell Tents.

Each Bell Tent is lit, carpeted and waterproof and offers airbed accommodation with sheepskin throws, storage, a mirror and hot drink-making facilities.

Communal Pamper Tents offer mobile phone charging points, power points, mirrors, hairdryers and a partitioned dressing area, while Communal Games Tents provide a selection of modern and classic family games and toilet and shower facilities stocked with essentials.

Prices are from £150 per night for a family of four between

Wendy Wu increases escorted tour options via rail in Asia WENDY WU Tours has introduced new escorted tours that incorporate travel by train across Asia.

As examples, a 13-day Vietnam by Rail option travels the length of the country, partly by rail and partly by road, starting in Hanoi in the north and following the east coast down to Saigon.

Along the way, passengers will explore the UNESCO site of Halong Bay on a Junk Boat, visit a Hindu temple site in South East Asia, My Son, and cruise along the Mekong River. The itinerary includes travel on Vietnam’s overnight Reunification Express from Hanoi to Danang, arriving in Saigon by train from the coastal resort of Nha Trang.

Prices lead in at £2,690 for departures between July 1-15 and August 11-31.

A seven-day China Express private tour travels from modern to ancient China on the Bullet Train. After exploring the cosmopolitan

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city of Shanghai, the train transports passengers to Beijing, travelling at up to 200 miles per hour and completing the 800-mile journey in less than five hours.

The last few days of the tour are spent in Beijing to take in the Forbidden City and Great Wall of China.

Prices start from £1,890 for departures between November 1 and December 9.

Meanwhile, an 11-day China By Rail option provides a comprehensive look at the iconic highlights of ancient China by train, from the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors to Shanghai and Hong Kong. Prices are from £2,390 for departures between November 1 and December 9 and prices include flights, taxes, transport, accommodation, selected meals, touring with local guides, entrance fees and visa fees.

For more information call 0844-875 2436.

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July 20 and September 1. In addition to a two-day family ticket for entrance to the castle, worth £73, a Continental or cooked breakfast; two-day car parking worth £12; and evening medieval entertainment such as Have-a-go Archery, Knights’ School, Jesters’ School and Woodland Wildlife Nature Trail are also included.

The Glampsite is five minutes’ walk from the castle and is located in a quiet woodland glade within walking distance of Warwick town centre with its restaurants, traditional pubs and diverse shops. Glampers can check in from 16:00 and explore the castle before heading to their Bell Tent.

For more information call 0871-663 1676.

Go

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WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Agents, cast your votes in the 2013 Travel Bulletin Star Awards. All voters will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win an unforgettable Virgin Experience Day courtesy of Jetset. Go to: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/awards

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Travel Bulletin recently hosted our first-ever Caribbean Showcase event in London. For a full report, photo coverage and video highlights go to: www.travelbulletin.co.uk/events

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Missed our annual All About The Caribbean supplement? You can still view it online at www.travelbulletin.co.uk

All this and more at:

www.travelbulletin.co.uk The home of the web savvy travel agent www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

TAILOR MADE Cruise Holidays has launched an initiative with Disney Cruise Line to give agents the chance to earn £50 Love2Shop vouchers for every Disney Cruise Line Mediterranean 2013 Sailings booked before June 30. Agents can emailing by voucher their claim ys.com ecruiseholida rt@tailormad agencysuppo after they make a booking. For details see www.tailormadecruiseholidays.com/disneymed upgrade

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USAIRTOURS IS offering agents an extra 100 points when booking clients on a Heli USA Airways excursion before July 31. To claim, agents should visit the company's agent site at w w w. u s a i r t o u r s . co . u k / a g e n t - z o n e .

For full terms and conditions visit www.usairtours.co.uk/helispecial

Fancy a fam?

HAVEN IS offering educational deals across its seaside HOLIDAY PARKS to help agents learn hand about the product by experiencing it first s date us vario ut ugho with their families. Thro k brea t -nigh four a book this month agents can up ping slee van cara xe in a three-bedroom delu to eight people for themselves and their on families for £49 per person. Agents can log load down to uk s.co. sale to www.bourneleisure the booking form and return to es are agency.sales@bourne-leisure.co.uk. Spac first a on d issue be limited and breaks will come first served basis. agents PARCO TORRE Chia in Sardinia is inviting o Parc l Hote l, hote and d to discover their islan enplim com two ed offer Torre Chia. Agents are tary nights from May 18, but will have to purchase flights separately (available with £115). easyJet from Stansted for approximately to and m ia.co rech otor .parc For details see www o.uk ing.c rket sma book email max@epo

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IT'S ALL GREEK...A total of 23 agents attended the fourth Greek Gour met tourin g event with Aldemar Hotels & Spa and Jet 2holidays in Halifax to pick up some culin ar y skills.

Pictured at the Dean Clough Co oking School with chef George Chatzopoulos are, from the lef t: Oliv ia Boyle and Louise W oodcock from Co-op Travel in Bradford and M andy Kalliontzi from Aldemar Hotel s & Spa.

Agent invite ...

TRAVEL AGENTS are invited to pu t their golf swing to the te st at Sandals’ 11 th Annual Travel Agent G olf Tournamen t, hosted at the Sandals Golf an d Country Club in Ocho Rios, Jamaica from Se ptember 18-22.

For $199, agents will rece ive five nights’ accommodatio at Sandals Gra n nde Riviera Bea ch and Villa Gol Resort, a tourna f ment polo shir t, caddies, cart and green fees and entry into the tournamen A stay at the Lu t. xury Included resort also includes all mea ls and snacks, unlimited premium bran d drinks, land and water spor and roundtrip ts airport transfer s. Companions are also welco me to join agen ts for a fee of $399 excluding flights.

For more inform ation or to requ est an application form , call 020-7590 0228, email paul.hills@sand als.co.uk or visi t sandals.co.uk/ groups

May 3 2013

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newsbulletin

MOVERS ● LEAH-ANNE WOOD has been promoted to sales manager at

Your Car Hire.

agentreview

● SOUTH AFRICAN Tourism has appointed Nina Farrimond as

Jill Sayles from Travel Bulletin stayed for one-night at the Premier Inn London Gatwick. Here are her thoughts...

● VICEROY HOTEL Group has appointed Jane O’Shea as

First impressions ................................9/10 I was immediately greeted by a member of staff at the speedy check-in kiosks, so there was no need to wait at the reception desk. Staff are on hand 24-hours a day to help with the speedy check-in system.

trade relations manager. ● EXPEDIA HAS appointed Ariane Gorin as vice president of

market management. regional director of sales & marketing of its first regional sales office in the UK, based in central London. ● WESTIN HOTELS & Resorts has appointed Fred Smits as general manager of The Westin Dublin. ● ROBIN MAURAS Cartier has been appointed spa manager at Sofitel London St James. ● MONWABISI KALAWE has joined South African Airways as CEO.

Comfort ..............................................9/10 Rooms cater for up to two adults and two children (aged 15 and under) and include an en-suite bathroom; a king size bed; remote control TV with Freeview; tea/coffee making facilities; and a desk area with 30 minutes free Wi-Fi Internet access. They can be booked at www.premierinn.com

Quality ................................................9/10 The hotel opened towards the end of last year and has 630 rooms. It is the chain’s largest hotel. It was comfortable with modern and clean surroundings.

Affordability ......................................10/10 My room, including the All You Can Eat 'Premier breakfast' (the breakfast is £8.25, under 16’s eat free) was £62.85. I agree with the company’s strapline ‘Everything’s Premier but the price’.

Service ................................................9/10 The service at check-in and breakfast was efficient.

Good to know ............................................

Premier Inn offers guests a 'Good Night Guarantee', which means if customers are not 100% satisfied with their stay they will get their money back.

Overall scoring: ..................

9/ 10

All-inclusive deals from Belleair Holidays BELLEAIR HOLIDAYS is offering a selection of allinclusive deals.

As an example, a ten-night stay at the four-star Qwara Palace Hotel in Salina Bay costs from £819 per person, offering a saving of £40 per couple.

The price includes flights from Heathrow with Air Malta, ten nights' all-inclusive accommodation in a standard room, transfers and complimentary entrance to one of the island’s attractions.

The offer, which is subject to availability, is based on two adults sharing and is valid for travel on June 8.

For further information visit www.belleair.co.uk/agents or call 0845-365 3412.

Government approves plans for Lydd Airport development PLANS TO develop Lydd Airport in Kent into a modern regional airport have been given the green light by the government after ministers agreed with a Planning Inspector’s recommendation to grant approval for a multi-million-pound development.

Managers at Lydd Airport (also known as London Ashford Airport) will now press ahead with upgrading the site on Romney Marsh. The £25m investment plans include the construction of a 294 metre runway extension plus a 150 metre starter extension, and a new terminal building capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year.

The airport’s owners have already spent £35m over the past decade in modernising the airport and will now seek a meeting with Shepway District Council planners to begin the process of ensuring that the pre-commencement conditions are discharged, including environmental, noise, traffic and other conditions already agreed as part of the approval.

For more information visit www.lydd-airport.co.uk

Dover-Calais crossings from £19 If you'd like to take part and receive a free £10 Love2Shop voucher please email jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk or call 020-7834 6661 with your name and contact details.

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May 3 2013

MYFERRYLINK IS offering any duration crossings from Dover-Calais from £19 each way for a car and up to nine passengers.

During the busiest days, passengers will need to be flexible to secure the best fares, but there is plenty of availability throughout spring and early summer.

For details see www.myferrylink.com or call 0844-248 2100.

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 Hotel Chocolat voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle Number: 110

Can you solve the following anagrams to decipher the destination & tour operator?

Airheads Yodels

A➠

B➠ This operator has no relation to the Black Sea, but…

C➠

Icaro

D➠ Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9.

Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to: competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, May 9th. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 19th April is Vivien Wing, Cannon Travel in Ware.

April 19 Solution: A=2 B=1 C=7 D=9

Crossword

This crazy band famously sang about a night boat to…

Where Am I?

Previously known as Constantinople.

Congratulations to Malcolm Watters, 1 UP Travel who won the 19th April crossword prize of £50 Love2Shop vouchers courtesy of

Number: 110

Across 1. 1. Hotel brand, part of Accor (4) 3. Capital of Gambia (6) 6. Leading specialist for Greece and Cyprus, ___ Holidays (7) 9. Hotelopia is part of this travel group (3) 10. Well known New York borough (9) 13. Graceland is a popular tourist attraction in this US state (9) 16. Man City and England goalkeeper, ___ Hart (3) 17. Caribbean island (7) 19. UK's longest river (6) 20. Camping equipment (4)

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Down 1. Superhero played by Robert Downey Jr for the 3rd time at a cinema near you (4,3) 2. Mobile phone card (3) 4. Royal English racecourse (5) 5. Hawaiian garland (3) 7. Flows through China (7) 8. Asian airline, initially (3) 9. North African country (7) 11. Number of dimes in a dollar (3) 12. Veteran rocker, Rod (7) 14. Niamey is the capital (5) 15. Centre of a hurricane (3) 16. This British boy band plan to split after their farewell tour this year (3) 18. Tokyo Narita International airport code (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 28 May 3 2013

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newsbulletin Belfry Hotel

SKÅL THE VER WORLD O Janie Corbet BA, ACIM, UK PR officer at Skål - the International Association of Travel and Tourism Professional, examines one of the more traditional methods of marketing – exhibitions...

ROMOTING TOURISM through websites and social media is one way of getting your product out there, but it would be foolish not to look at more traditional parts of the marketing mix. One of those is exhibitions, but the question is, have they had their day? Not if recent trends are anything to go by. Skål certainly believes in the use of this means of communication as we take a stand at WTM, believing it is a great opportunity to catch up with existing members and to recruit new ones.

Destinations in London this year attracted 36,914 visitors, nearly 4,000 more than in 2012 and the Destinations Nature exhibition in Paris, which was dying a death a couple of years ago, attracted 61,000 visitors. Tourism exhibition organisers are making more effort to catch the public’s attention with dedicated events and presentations in and around the exhibition itself. You cannot only research holidays, but you can also buy hats, food and even jewellery. This means that tourist destinations should look at putting themselves on the market in other than tourism exhibitions. A good example of this is the combined BBC Gardeners’ World and Good Food shows in Birmingham which, whilst ostensibly promoting food and gardening, enables tourism entities with an offering which would appeal to attendees to promote their wares.

From the exhibitors’ perspective, an exhibition offers the opportunity to meet the public face-toface and gauge the mood of the audience. It is a difficult area to judge return on investment but, by measuring the number of brochures handed out and footfall etc., it is possible to make a judgement call on whether or not an exhibition has been a success.

Alison Partridge, president of Skål London and director at Going Gardens, is an exhibition enthusiast. She said: “Having recently returned from attending a conference and exhibition addressing international Garden Tourism in Toronto, Canada, the importance and relevance of these events has been heightened. We exchange facts and ideas by email and social media; we exchange passion and philosophy face-to-face, and, more importantly, we do business with a handshake, something the internet has yet to replicate.”

Personally, I have attended quite a few this year and definitely feel a resurgence in this element of the marketing mix and it’s a great way to get out there and meet your public!

P

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Midlands Travel Trade announces MidSummers Ruby Ball & golf tournament THIS YEAR’S Midlands Travel Trade Mid-Summers Ruby Ball, which is being sponsored by Travel Bulletin, will be held at the five-star Belfry Hotel, Wishaw, Sutton Coldfield on Thursday June 20.

On arrival, guests will enjoy a Pimms reception welcome drink before enjoying a private dinner with entertainment, followed by a band and disco.

Tickets cost £85 for a single ticket or £800 for a table of ten which includes a pre-dinner drink, entertainment and a threecourse dinner with coffee, mints and wine.

A golf tournament will run prior to the event, with tickets costing £85 per player and £250 to sponsor a hole, which includes one free golf place. Tickets also include bacon rolls, coffee, 18 holes on the PGA course and tournament entrance fee.

Other sponsors of the event include Birmingham Airport, Emirates, Elite Travel Group, JTA and Mark Warner.

Room rates at the property are £99 for a single and £119 for a double, including breakfast and VAT. To book call 01675470301 quoting ‘Elite Travel Ball'.

For further information email events@elitetravelgroup.co.uk or visit www.midlandsball.co.uk

Archipelago Choice offers selection of horse-riding packages in the Azores ARCHIPELAGO CHOICE has introduced a selection of horseriding packages on the island of São Miguel in the Azores.

The itineraries are suitable for novice, intermediate and experienced riders and can be combined with other activities such as walking or whale-watching.

A Light week costs from £1,170 per person and includes ten hours of riding, which can be taken either as riding lessons or full- or half-day rides, plus seven days’ car hire.

A Medium week costs from £1,297 and includes one full day and four half-days of riding. It also includes five lunches, four dinners and transfers.

Alternatively, a Full week leads in at £1,428 and includes three full days and two half-days of riding, a one-hour lesson, five lunches, four dinners and transfers.

All trips include a pre-departure information booklet, breakfast accommodation, flights and a three-hour whale and dolphin watching trip.

The new tours use the stables at the 17th-century manor house, Quinta da Terça, as a base for exploring the island and accommodation is provided at the house.

Facilities include a covered riding arena (picadeiro) with a large open fireplace and a bar. The operator is able to provide separate itineraries for accompanying guests who do not ride.

For more information call 01768-775672 or visit www.azoreschoice.com

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eventbulletin Celebrate Africa, in association with Travel Bulletin, was held last month at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel in Manchester and brought together 15 leading African suppliers with local tour operators and travel agents. All guests enjoyed a delicious lunch, teas & coffee and some fabulous prizes...

TRAINING TRIO...Lucy Clark (left) from Orient-Express catches up with Robert Schaerer from Consultors RS and Tesna Simonsen George of Luxury Representation Collection.

Show News Cape Grace and Tswalu Kalahari have teamed up to offer a seven-night Cape Town/safari package for the price of six.

Guests spend three nights (with breakfast) at Cape Town's Cape Grace before flying to the malaria-free Tswalu Kalahari for four nights' all-inclusive stay to experience a range of game viewing opportunities. The package is valid until December 19 and includes internal flights and transfers.

For details email res@tswalu.com

Show News The Zebula Golf Estate and Spa in the malaria-free Waterberg region of Limpopo Province has joined the Protea Hotels portfolio. The Protea Zebula Lodge, which is situated on Zebula Golf Estate and Spa, offers freestanding chalets, superior rooms at the Waterberg Lodge and numerous luxury private houses.

Game drives are also available over neighbouring reserves and the lodge also offers a range of teambuilding activities from archery and paintball to clay pigeon shooting or a Survivor Challenge.

PRESENTING PROTEA... Greg Young from Protea Hotels showcases his presentation to Tessa Bott, UK representative of The Zanzibar Collection.

Hemingways Collection has opened a five-star boutique hotel in Nairobi. Features of the 45-suite property, which is located within the Karen suburbs and offers views of the Ngong hills, include a butler service, meeting rooms and a spa.

Orient-Express' Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town is offering families a 25% discount on second and third rooms. Family facilities include a supervised children’s playroom and teens lounge, children’s concierge, play packs and special menus.

The family package includes luxury accommodation for two adults and two children, one four-hour babysitting session, one children’s room service dinner for two, nightly personalised turndown service for children and four tickets and transfers to Table Mountain.

For details see www.orient-express.com

Right: SEASONS GREETINGS... making the most of the event are Marie Sheldrick (left) from Carrier and Ailsa Tavares from Seasons In Africa.

Left: GAME ON...Natalie de la Porte from AMG chats with Jacques Smit from Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve.

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germany

AlpenClub Schliersee offers ‘Summer Feeling’ package THE FOUR-STAR AlpenClub Schliersee has created a ‘Summer Feeling’ package, offering breaks leading in at £509 per person.

The price includes seven nights' half-board stay in a double room; a visit to the local Slyrs whisky distillery; participation in the toboggan run; bathrobes and spa towels; and full use of the wellness area.

Add-on Berlin excursions from Superbreak SUPERBREAK IS promoting its add-on excursion in Berlin, which it says is ideal for agents to pre-book and earn extra commission.

Eight excursions are available, ranging from walking tours to pub crawls and a visit to a concentration camp.

As examples the pub crawl costs £9 per person, a Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp memorial tour leads in at £11.50 and a Berlin Sightseeing Bus Tour (Classic Tour) costs from £12.50.

For more information see www.superbreak.com/agents or call 0871-221 4444.

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Valid until October 31, the price is based on two adults sharing and includes a 5% early booking discount if booked six weeks before arrival.

The hotel, which is a Chakra Resort and features 53 rooms and 35 apartments, is located within immediate proximity of the Schliersee lake and offers hiking, relaxation and activity holidays throughout the year.

Autograph Collection debuts in Germany with opening of Hotel am Steinplatz AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION, Marriott International’s portfolio of independent hotels, will open the 87-room Hotel am Steinplatz in Berlin later this year.

Now in its centennial year, the hotel will re-open following extensive renovation.

Amy McPherson, president and managing director for the hotel group, said: “We are thrilled that the historic Hotel am Steinplatz is joining Autograph Collection, marking the collection’s debut in the German market. We continue to see fantastic growth and appetite for Autograph Collection in Europe as travellers continue to seek enriching experiences shaped by these unique properties.”

The property is located within walking distance of West Berlin’s main attractions, including theatres, opera houses and the city’s largest shopping street, Kurfurstendamm.

Along with its 87-guestrooms, the property also offers three suites, a restaurant, lobby lounge and bar. Other features include a spa, fitness room and meeting space.

For further details visit www.autographhotels.com

Fred.\ promotes twin-centre holidays & tailor-made options NEW TOUR operator Fred.\ is highlighting twin-centre breaks to Germany.

As well as offering a tailor-made service, the company is promoting a series of city and resort combinations such as Hamburg and Sylt or Munich and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

The operator also offers three-centre holidays and themed tours such as a car themed tour taking in Koblenz, Stuttgart and

Munich. It allows car fans to take in scenic routes, the Autobahn plus the opportunity to visit the Nürnburgring circuit, the MercedesBenz and Porsche museums and BMW World.

The six-night package costs from £449 per person and includes Eurotunnel travel, two nights in Koblenz, Stuttgart and Munich.

For more information call 0808-250 7755 or visit www.fredholidays.co.uk

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germany Shearings highlights cruise tours from £899 SHEARINGS IS promoting a selection of cruising tours across Germany with prices leading in at £899 per person for a ten-day Majestic Rhine Inclusive tour.

The itinerary, on MS Algeria, cruises through the Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visits Loreley Rock, Mainz and Boppard, with departures available until August.

The price includes seven nights’ full-board cruise, two nights’ half-board accommodation following the cruise, coach travel and a free bar after dinner until midnight. Options to travel

by air and rail are also available.

A ten-day German Rhineland Inclusive tour is also available and leads in at £929. Customers will travel on the exclusivelychartered MS Alegria, with highlights of the cruise including visits to Bonn, Andernach and Koblenz.

The price includes seven nights’ full-board cruise, two nights’ half-board hotel accommodation, coach travel and the free bar as detailed above. Departures are available through to August.

For further details call 0844-824 6351 or see www.shearings.com

Europe’s Skyscraper Festival set to take place in Frankfurt this month THE FREE Skyscraper Festival takes place in Frankfurt from May 25-26.

Participating high-rises along the route, which runs 5km from the LEO high-rise in the city’s west to the heart of Frankfurt’s financial district, include the twin towers of Deutsche Bank; the Commerzbank Tower which also features a light installation; Westend 1, the headquarters of DZ BANK; and the Main Tower, home to the headquarters of the State Bank of Hessen and the Main Tower Restaurant & Lounge, with an accessible rooftop observation platform situated 200m above street level; and the Messeturm – known as 'the pencil' – designed by Chicago-based architect Helmut Jahn.

Cranes, bucket lifts and other hydraulic platforms will be aiding visitors in ascending the skyscrapers. Attractions will include base-jumpers parachuting from various buildings and a performance from Castellers de Vilafranca, a 150-strong group of Spaniards specialising in human pyramids.

Those who prefer to have their feet on solid ground or are unable to secure one of the 80,000 tickets, can attend the fringe programme and free Skyscraper Festival tours held by the Frankfurt Tourist and Congress Board (TCF).

For further details visit www.wolkenkratzer-festival.de and for tickets see www.ffh.de

TREYN HAS introduced a new nine-day Austria & Bavaria all-inclusive tour, where guests can explore Innsbruck, receive a guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle and travel on the Zillertalbahn Railway to Mayrhofen. Prices lead in at £998 per person based on two sharing and includes rail travel, eight nights’ breakfast accommodation, five lunches, eight dinners, beer, wine and soft drinks (from 10:00 to 22:00), excursions and the services of a tour manager.

For details see www.railholidays.com

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MV Virginia

Mövenpick hotels undergo renovations THE MÖVENPICK Hotel Berlin has unveiled a range of new and improved facilities. New features include a renovated reception area complete with adjoining serviced business centre, separate concierge desk and VIP check-in area; a lobby bar; a fitness centre; and two new airconditioned meeting rooms. Prices start from €99 per room per night.

Meanwhile, the group’s Munich Airport Hotel has completed a soft refurbishment of all standard guest rooms, as well as two of its large conference rooms, with prices leading in at €99 per room per night.

The Munster hotel will also open its new spa this summer, featuring a fitness zone, two saunas and a spa treatment room.

Located on the sixth floor, the spa will also feature a roof terrace. Rooms start from €135 per night.

For further details visit www.moevenpickhotels.com

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germany New bmi Frankfurt flight takes off twice daily from Bristol this month BMI REGIONAL will start operating a route from Bristol to Frankfurt twice daily, six days a week, from May 13.

According to Bristol Airport, for several years German destinations have featured strongly in ‘most wanted routes’ surveys, and since opening a base at the airport, the airline has moved to meet this demand with the launch of a double daily Hamburg link and services to Hannover and Munich, as well as the Frankfurt flight.

The airline's chief commercial officer Steve Hoy said: “We’re excited to launch another new route that connects the south west of England to a European commercial and financial centre. This demonstrates our commitment to further enhancing the connectivity of the region across the UK and Europe.

"We now operate four routes from Bristol Airport to major German business hubs including Frankfurt, Hanover, Munich and Hamburg which can only benefit businesses in the area. We’re looking forward to further expanding our route network throughout 2013.”

Shaun Browne, Bristol Airport's aviation director, said: “Frankfurt is an interesting destination for leisure visitors, but the big win is for businesses across the

Shaun Browne (left) from Bristol Airport and Ian Woodley from bmi regional mark the airline's new flight schedule from the airport.

South West and South Wales who now have a direct link to one of Europe’s leading commercial centres.

Maritim Hotel Munich receives anniversary makeover to mark 20th birthday

Maritim Hotel Munich

THE MARITIM Hotel Munich has refurbished 52 of its 347 rooms to celebrate its 20th anniversary, with further upgrades planned for later this year. In total, 25 double rooms, 24 single rooms, two senior suites and one junior suite have been refurbished so far, now featuring neutral décor and lighter bedroom furniture. All rooms also feature new, modern bathrooms, some with walk-in shower

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rooms and rain showers that offer touch screen temperature control settings.

LeRoy Sheppard, director of sales for the UK and Ireland at the hotel group, said: “Our guests are discerning travellers who expect a certain standard of quality when it comes to hotel design, facilities and service, so it is important to us that we continue to delight them with

upgrades and improvements. We’re very pleased with the renovations to date and are looking forward to a completion date later this year.”

Centrally located in Munich, the Maritim Hotel is close to the main railway station and the shops, museums and historical sights in the city’s pedestrian zone, including the Theresienwiese, which is the annual setting for the famous Oktoberfest.

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escortedtrips

INTREPID TRAVEL is offering 20% off hundreds of tours in its ‘May Madness’ sale. The discount applies to bookings made by May 13 for travel by August 31, and can be applied to any of the operator’s small group tours. Examples include an eight-day tour of India’s Golden Triangle, which now costs from £396 per person and a nine-day North Morocco Adventure, which now leads in at £504. Prices are for the tour only and exclude flights. To qualify for the discount, agents should quote promotional code 9729 at the time of booking.

For details see www.intrepidtravel.com/may-madness

Travelsphere’s leisurely tours enable guests to set their own pace TRAVELSPHERE IS promoting a selection of leisurely tours that feature a range of included and optional excursions.

Examples include an eight-day Lake Garda tour, with prices starting from £609. The trip includes a day tour of the lake while the rest of the trip can be tailor-made, with optional excursions to Venice, Verona and The Dolomites, as well as two ‘free’ days. Departures are available until October and the price includes flights from Gatwick (regional departures available) and hotel accommodation on a half-board basis. Alternatively, a

Visions of Africa promotes six-night Kenya & Mombasa tour for £1,565 VISIONS OF Africa is highlighting its Taste of Kenya & Mombasa tour.

The six-night itinerary explores the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. The full-board safari takes in three of Kenya’s safari regions and tracks down Africa’s Big Five, before flying to Mombasa for a five-night all-inclusive break.

Prices lead in at £1,565 based on two people sharing, including flights from Heathrow, all meals and accommodation as specified, transfers by airconditioned minibus, game viewing activities and the services of a guide.

Regional UK departures can be arranged at an additional cost.

For further details call 01444-225640 or visit www.visionsofafrica.co.uk

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14-day Natural Wonders of Costa Rica itinerary includes a two-day trip to Fortuna and optional excursions to the hot springs and rainforest. The tour leads in at £2,199 per person departing from Heathrow (regional departures available) until November, which includes 12 nights’ breakfast accommodation, four lunches and two dinners.

Both tours include flights, overseas transfers and the services of a tour manager.

For more information call 0844-567 3319 or visit www.travelsphere.co.uk

Ranch Rider adds new horse-riding options RANCH RIDER has launched two new escorted horseriding tours.

They include an 11-night itinerary that covers the Las Vegas Rodeo Finals, with a seven-night stay at the White Stallion Guest Ranch in Arizona. Departing on December 1, prices lead in at £2,195 per person based on two sharing and including accommodation (full-board at the ranch) and a one-day ticket to the National Rodeo Finals.

Alternatively, guests can embark on an 11-night tour featuring the Calgary Stampede, with a seven-night stay at La Reata in Saskatchewan, a working cattle ranch.

Departing on July 4, the tour costs from £2,985 per person and includes accommodation (full-board at the ranch) and a two-day ticket to the Calgary Stampede.

Both prices are based on two sharing and include activities, taxes, gratuities, transfers and flights.

For further details call 01509-618811 or visit www.ranchrider.com

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escortedtrips Diamond Rail Holidays adds range of Italy itineraries for 2013/14 DIAMOND RAIL Holidays has announced the addition of several new itineraries in Italy for autumn and winter 2013/14.

A ten-day Italian Adventure showcases some of Italy’s UNESCO World Heritage sites on a journey through Venice, Florence, Siena, Rome and Milan. The tour departs on September 30 and leads in at £1,199 per person.

Clients planning festive breaks can opt for a new sixday Christmas on the Italian Riviera itinerary, departing on December 22 and leading in at £699.

The tour travels to the Diano Marina to explore hilltop villages, resorts and nearby Monaco and Monte Carlo.

A traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner will also be served, as well as traditional specialities on Christmas Day. Alternatively, a new Italian Dolomites Winter Magic itinerary offers the chance to see the mountain range complete with visits to the Trentino and South Tirol regions, alongside Milan.

The tour departs on February 24 and costs from £699 per person.

Prices include Eurostar travel, all other rail journeys, hotel accommodation, excursions, many meals and the services of a tour manager.

For more information or to make a booking call 0844-544 7581 or visit www.sellingrailholidays.com

Wildlife Worldwide offers 2014 Festival of Whales tour WILDLIFE WORLDWIDE reports that spaces are selling out for its Festival of Whales with Mark Carwardine 2014 tour.

Guests can join zoologist and TV presenter Mark Carwardine on an expedition to Baja, California to observe grey whales, which migrate to San Ignacio Lagoon to mate and calve in the warm, shallow waters.

The tour gives guests the opportunity to see the whales with their newborn calves.

Departing on February 20 and 26, prices start from £3,890 per person based on two sharing, including flights, transfers, full-board accommodation (excluding room-only in San Diego) and guided activities.

For further details call 0845-130 6982 or see www.wildlifeworldwide.com

Experience Classic Nepal with Encounters Travel’s 15-day tour ENCOUNTERS TRAVEL is highlighting a 15-day Classic Nepal tour from £699 per person, offering a saving of £100.

Starting in Kathmandu, guests head out of the valley for a couple of days of camping and white-water rafting on the Trisuli River, followed by two nights at a wildlife lodge in the Chitwan National Park, where there is the opportunity to experience walking safaris, jeep safaris and elephant rides. Heading back towards the mountains, the next stop is the lakeside town of Pokhara before starting a four-day trek through the Himalayas. The tour concludes with one last night in Kathmandu.

Valid for travel on May 26, the price includes transfers and accommodation on a mixed-board basis. Flights are excluded.

For more information call 0800-088 6002 or visit www.encounterstravel.com

Regent Holidays launches new tours to China and Crimean Peninsula REGENT HOLIDAYS has launched two new fully escorted small group tours to China and the Crimean Peninsula.

Departing on October 3, the Historic Crimea tour explores the historic sites of the Crimean War and World War II. Highlights include a visit to the Panorama Museum in the ancient naval city of Sevastopol and the Livadia Palace in Yalta, famous for hosting the ‘Big Three’ conference in February 1945. The tour costs from £899 per person, based on two sharing.

Meanwhile, a Classic China tour departing on June 1, 2014 takes visitors to Beijing; the Great Wall; Xian (home to the Terracotta Army); a Li River cruise; the rice fields of Longji; and Shanghai. Prices lead in at £2,295 per person, based on two sharing.

Both tours operate with a maximum of 16 guests and prices include flights from London, breakfast accommodation in three- and four-star hotels, lunches during the sightseeing, transfers and transport, plus the services of a guide.

For more information call 020-7666 1244 or visit www.regentholidays.co.uk

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escortedtrips Cosmos Tours & Cruises targets single travellers

TABER HOLIDAYS is offering an escorted tour which combines Norway’s capital city with its western fjords. The itinerary begins and ends in Oslo and takes in Ulvik, Bergen, Geiranger, Flåm and Balestrand. Highlights include a trip to the top of Mount Fløyen overlooking Bergen, a ride on the Flåm Railway and a cruise on the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord. Prices for the sevennight trip start from £1,960 per person and include flights from Heathrow, accommodation, most meals, the services of a tour guide and coach travel, and are based on two sharing. Departures are on Tuesdays from June 11 to August 13.

For details call 01274-875199 or see www.taberhols.co.uk

COSMOS TOURS & Cruises is offering a choice of departures on its Highlights of Morocco tour with no single supplement to pay.

The company's product manager Vicki Wye said: “Our tour represents great value for money for single travellers as not only is the supplement waived on selected departures, we also offer free Marrakech extensions. To travel independently and see as much of the country would cost individuals significantly more.”

The ten-day tour leads in at £749 per person including flights, nine nights' breakfast accommodation, six dinners, transfers, a range of guided city sightseeing and a tour director. Highlights include city sightseeing in Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat and Meknes, as well as visits to Ouarzazate, the Atlas Mountains, Dades Valley and the Ziz Valley.

For details call 0844-573 0668 or see www.cosmostoursandcruises.co.uk

Shearings offers luxury coach tours across Europe with prices from £899 SHEARINGS IS offering a range of luxury European coach tours with prices from £899 per person for a 12day Carinthia & Three Countries tour.

Departing from now until September, it includes visits to Villach, Italy, Slovenia and Klagenfurt, and includes 11 nights’ half-board accommodation.

Alternatively, a 17-day Scandinavia & Land of the Midnight Sun itinerary leads in at £1,859 per person and includes visits to Lapland, a journey across the Arctic Circle and the chance to experience the Midnight Sun. The price includes 16 nights’ breakfast accommodation and 15 dinners, and departures run until July.

For clients with a slightly higher budget, a 15-day Sorrento, Rome & Amalfi Coast tour costs from £2,279 per person and features visits to Sorrento, Rome, Florence and Pompeii. The price includes 14 nights’ breakfast accommodation and 12 dinners, with departures from June to September.

Meanwhile, Shearings Group subsidiary, National Holidays, has

Shearings’ new Mercedes coaches

taken delivery of an additional 20 new Mercedes touring coaches for its UK and European holiday programmes.

Denis Wormwell, chief executive of the company, said: “We have again chosen Mercedes on the basis of reliability, quality assurance and environmental credentials. Our earlier deliveries have performed to a very

high standard, ensuring we provide our holidaymakers with outstanding levels of comfort.”

The new coaches feature reclining seats, air-conditioning, doubleglazing, an on-board toilet, audio systems and TV monitors.

For details call 0844-824 6351 or visit www.shearings.com

Anatolian Sky Holidays offers £200 savings off Turkey tour ANATOLIAN SKY Holidays is offering savings of £200 per person off an eight-night Western Anatolian Tour: Ancient Sites and the Cotton Castle, which departs on May 11.

The offer means that the price of the tour is reduced to £1,239 per person including flights, half-board accommodation, transport, entrance fees, excursions and the services of an English-speaking guide.

Departing from Antalya, the tour visits a range of ancient cities and historic sites along Turkey’s western

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coast and highlights include visits to the free-standing theatre at Side; the ancient city of Hierapolis at Pamukkale; the Red Water and Calcium Cliffs; the GrecoRoman settlement of Aphrodisias; the ruins of Ephesus, Pergamum and Tory; and the World War I memorials at Gallipoli. Also included on the last day of the trip is a full day city tour of Istanbul.

For more information call 0844-273 3585 or visit www.anatoliansky.co.uk

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cruising

CroisiEurope introduces jazz & opera cruises CROISIEUROPE HAS announced details of two new music themed cruises for this year. A five-day Jazz cruise along the river Seine departs Paris on October 19 on the 78-cabin MS France. Guests will be entertained by the Rive Droite-Rive Gauche Swing Band and the voices of Candice Parise and Liza Michael as they perform tributes to Louis Armstrong and Sidney Bechet.

Starting in Paris, MS France will meander along the Seine through Les Andelys, Rouen, Honfleur, Caudebec-en-Caux and Vernon before arriving back into Paris. Cruise-only prices start from €610 per person (approximately £519) including accommodation in an outside cabin with all onboard meals, drinks with meals, onboard entertainment and port taxes.

Meanwhile, to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the birth of Verdi, the cruise line is adding a sixday Opera cruise departing Venice on July 26 on the 78-cabin MS Michelangelo.

As the cruise takes in Di Po Taglio and Polesella, guests will be entertained by an orchestra and will visit Verona to attend a performance of one of Verdi’s best known operas – AIDA. Cruise-only prices start from €1,225 per person (approximately £1,040) including accommodation in an outside cabin with all onboard meals, drinks with meals, onboard entertainment, opera ticket and transfer to Verona and port taxes.

For further information or to book call 020-8328 1281, email resuk@croisieurope.com or visit www.croisieurope.travel

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HURTIGRUTEN’S 12-DAY Classic Round Voyage, which offers departures up to May 31, leads in at £1,642 per person and sails from Bergen to Kirkenes and back. The price is based on two sharing and includes full board on the ship. Flights are extra and can be booked with the cruise line from £450. One of the highlights of the cruise is the chance to visit the North Cape (pictured), with excursions costing from £98 per person.

For details call 0844-448 7601 or visit www.hurtigruten.co.uk

Tips for first time cruisers

by Steph Curtin, cruise development manager for BonVoyage.co.uk

What do I need to pack?

The day time dress code tends to be casual and cruisers can wear whatever they fancy.

When it comes to evening dining this can vary, as most cruise ships offer a mix of casual and formal nights. Formal nights require guests to dress smartly, such as cocktail dresses for women and dinner suits for men. Every cruise line has its own dress code though, so it's always a good idea to check what it is before you book.

How do I pay for things on board?

All cruise ships operate with a cashless system on-board. A debit or credit card will be required at check-in, and all subsequent payments will be charged to your cabin account which is settled at the end of your cruise.

Do I have to get off the ship in every port?

Even though most cruisers will usually get off the ship when it docks in a new port, there is no obligation for cruisers to get off the ship.

Cruisers should feel free to stay on board and enjoy the daytime activities and entertainment available should they wish what you do is entirely up to you!

How do I tip on board?

As a general rule, a set amount is automatically added on to the customer’s onboard account at a set rate, which is paid at the end of the cruise. The tipping amount can be increased or decreased before the end of the cruise by speaking with the guest relations manager or reception desk. Certain cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, also give the customer the option to pre-pay tips at the time of booking

their cruise, so it is paid in advance and nothing is added to their on-board account.

What activities/facilities are free and which ones do I have to pay for?

As a general rule, all main meals, daytime activities, evening entertainment and onboard accommodation are included in the cruise price. In addition, soft and alcoholic drinks, gratuities (unless pre-paid), shore excursions, on-board photographs, spa treatments or other diverse services/ items will be charged to the cabin. The final bill will then have to be paid at the end of your holiday.

Do I need my passport on board?

All passengers, without exception, will need to travel with a passport valid for a minimum of six months following your return date.

Depending on where you’re travelling to, some countries may also require a visa, which is your responsibility to check before you book and organise before travelling.

Will I get sea sick?

Unfortunately, this is something that cannot be predicted as it will depend on any number of things such as the strength of your stomach, the time of the year you’re cruising, where in the world you’re cruising and the weather conditions. However, there are things available to help you ease symptoms, such as on-board doctors who will give you an injection to take the nausea feeling away or travel sickness tablets. If you are prone to travel sickness, try to get a cabin towards the middle of the ship and not too high up, as this is generally more stable, and being able to see the horizon-line through a window or balcony can help to ease the nausea.

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cruising Seabourn introduces Penthouse Spa Suites SEABOURN IS enhancing its all-suite accommodation with the introduction of Penthouse Spa Suites on its trio of intimate ships.

Seabourn Quest will enter service from a scheduled drydock this month, offering four new Penthouse Spa Suites located directly above the industry leading Spa at Seabourn facility. Guests will access the suites by means of a spiral staircase in the lobby of the spa, and have unlimited access to the spa’s Serene Area, as well as spa amenities in the suite itself and the services of a spa concierge during the voyage.

Suite facilities include private verandas; a living and a dining area with seating for four; a separate bedroom; walk-in closet; glass door and floor-toceiling windows onto the veranda; a bathroom with a tub and special spa shower; two flat-screen TVs; plus a range of amenities including beverages selection, a second in-suite bar with flavoured water and fruit juices, plus a selection of mixed nuts, dried fruits and healthy snacks.

The new suites will also be added to Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Sojourn during their next scheduled drydocks.

For more information call 0843-373 2000 or visit www.seabourn.co.uk

IntouristUK celebrates 75th year with offers and incentives INTOURISTUK IS Celebrating its 75th year with a range of offers and incentives.

As an example, a river cruise on MS Peter the First, departing on July 17 and August 7 from St Petersburg to Moscow, costs £1,080 per person (75% of the original price of £1,441) in July and £1,046 in August. The price includes ten days’ full board, transfers, excursions and entertainment.

A low deposit offering of £75 is also available on all 2014 river cruise departures, not only from Moscow to St Petersburg, but also from Moscow to Volgograd or Perm, and also on Siberian Waters, while the company’s anniversary incentive of £75 Love2Shop vouchers for the best selling agent each month will also carry on throughout the year.

Meanwhile, the operator reports that the recent launch of its travel agent portal on www.intouristuk.com is working well to keep agents up to date with the latest information and offers. Agents can register by clicking on the ‘agents login’ link on the home page of the site.

Thomson Cruises announces new ports of call for summer 2014 THOMSON CRUISES has announced the launch of its new summer 2014 line up, which includes new ports of call, new itineraries and early booking incentives. Six new ports of call include Sochi, Russia where the 2014 Winter Olympics will be held; Sinop and Trabzon in Turkey; Monemvasia in the ancient Peloponnese region of Greece; Chania in Greece; and Zadar, Croatia.

As an example of prices, a 14-night Best of the Black Sea cruise on Thomson Celebration leads in at £1,699 per person and visits Marmaris, Istanbul, Nessebar, Odessa, Sevastopol, Yalta, Sochi, Trabzon, Sinop, Mytilene and Kusadasi.

The price is based on two sharing a deck

1 or 2 inside cabin on a full-board basis and includes flights (on October 6) from Bournemouth, transfers, port taxes, tips and service charges.

The line’s managing director Fraser Ellacott said: “Our latest itineraries range from three nights to 27 nights, plus we’ve included more exciting destinations and fantastic hotels such as Sensatori Fethiye, offering our customers even more choice.

“We constantly review our hotel line up to make sure we’ve got a great range of properties to choose from - whether our customers stay for seven nights before their cruise, or cruise and stay for three or four nights.”

For more information call 0871-230 2800.

REGENT SEVEN Seas Cruises has unveiled its summer/autumn 2014 collection featuring more than 60 itineraries in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, New England, Canada and the Caribbean.

The luxury line’s three all-suite ships - Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator and Seven Seas Voyager -will visit 17 new ports of call, overnight in 19 popular destinations and sail 23 Extended Voyages from 19 to 44 nights. Prices for a ten-night cruise from Copenhagen to Stockholm on Voyager (pictured) lead in at £4,949 per person, based on a July 26, 2014 departure.

To book call 02380-682280 or for more information email salessupport@rssc.co.uk

Explore the best of the Kimberly with Orion Expedition Cruises ORION EXPEDITION Cruises is offering 15 ten-night Kimberley voyages through to early September, travelling between Darwin and Broome and visiting King George River and Falls, Vansittart Bay, Hunter River (for Mitchell Falls), Montgomery Reef and Raft Point, Talbot Bay/Horizontal Waterfalls, Crocodile Creek and Nares Point.

The company is offering a range of options to enhance experiences by providing appropriate exploration by land, sea and air.

By land, guests have time ashore to see Kimberley coastal highlights including examples of pre-history Gwion Gwion and mythical Wandjina indigenous rock art. By sea, guests can

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explore Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Waterfalls and the rivers of the Kimberley; and by air an exclusive two-hour Bungle Bungle Ranges flight is available to guests at no additional charge, while optional helicopter sightseeing provides the opportunity to trace the Hunter River at low altitude, before touching down to explore Mitchell Falls.

Prices for the Kimberley voyages start from £5,665 per person twin share for an Oceanview Category A Stateroom including all meals, lectures, inclusive shore expeditions, gratuities and port fees.

For details call 020-7399 7620 or visit www.orionexpeditions.com

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cruising Cruise & Maritime Voyages issues ‘buy one get one half price’ deal for 2013/14 CRUISE AND Maritime Voyages (CMV) has announced a new ‘buy one get one half price’ deal for winter 2013/14 and spring 2014 which runs through to May 16.

The offer applies to all twin cabin categories (except Voyager fares) with the first adult paying the ‘Saver’ fare, which is already discounted by up to 25%, and the second passenger paying half price. Single cabins are available with a 25% discount.

The line’s head of retail sales Lisa Jacobs said: “Both the public and our agents recognise the value of an early booking deal. Our ‘buy one get one half price’ offer ensures that cruisers can secure the cabin of their choice now at a great price.”

The new deal coincides with the addition of eight new Discovery winter and spring 2014 cruises from Bristol Avonmouth, Liverpool, Hull and Edinburgh Rosyth. The offer applies to sailings from December 15 through to May 3, 2014 with the exception of the Marco Polo January 5, 2014 Amazon & West Indies cruise and the January 5, 2014 New Year break.

As an example of prices, clients can cruise from Bristol to Avonmouth on February 24, 2014 on a 15-night Northern Lights cruise to Norway for £1,429 for the first person and £715 for the second.

For details see www.cruiseandmaritime.com or call 0844-414 6185.

New ship & new itineraries from Quark Expeditions’ 2014 Arctic programme QUARK EXPEDITIONS has announced its Arctic 2014 line-up. The season features 15 voyages, including three new Canadian Arctic expedition itineraries which will explore the territory and scenery of the final frontier, its indigenous peoples, history and diverse wildlife.

The new Canadian Arctic and west Greenland voyages are on new ship, the 114guest Sea Explorer (formerly

the Corinthian II, sister ship to Quark’s Sea Spirit), which features spacious oceanfacing cabins, an all-inclusive bar and optional seakayaking adventures.

Three new itineraries have been added - a 16-day Arctic Quest: Greenland to Churchill voyage, which leads in at £5,095 per person in July and August; a 13-day In the Footsteps of Franklin: Greenland & Canada’s High

Arctic, which costs from £3,865 in August and September; and a 13-day Epic High Arctic: Baffin Island Explorer via Fury & Hecla, which costs from £3,525 in September.

The remainder of the 2014 Arctic season is centered around Arctic Svalbard and region, featuring itineraries such as Spitsbergen Explorer; Spitsbergen Circumnavigation; Three

Arctic Islands: Iceland, Greenland and Spitsbergen; and East Greenland: Northern Lights, all on the 114-passenger Sea Spirit.

The cruise line will also operate two departures of its signature North Pole voyage.

Clients who book before June 1 will receive up to 25% early booking discount on itineraries.

Call 0808-120 2333 or see www.quarkexpeditions.com

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cruising Kids aged 17 and under sail free on 17 new Crystal Cruises’ voyages in Europe FOLLOWING DEMAND, Crystal Cruises is adding 17 voyages to its 'Kids Sail Free' programme, where kids age 17 and under can sail for free when sharing a third berth stateroom with two adults.

Previously offered on four luxury European cruises during June and July, families can now choose from seven- to 15-night voyages in the Mediterranean, Western Europe, North Cape, Baltic, British Isles, Canary Islands and across the Atlantic from May-December on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

New Magic Castle at Sea “junior cruisers” shows and classes will be offered onboard during summer cruises,

in addition to all-ages shows on every cruise, plus family-friendly learning and entertainment.

All-inclusive book now fares for applicable voyages lead in at £2,437 per person, based on a nine-night cruise from Athens to Istanbul departing in May and June. The “Crystal Family Memories” programme also offers additional free berths and perks for groups of six or more.

Meanwhile, the cruise line has released its 2014/15 Worldwide Cruise Atlas. The 170-page brochure profiles 78, seven- to 108-night itineraries in more than 75 countries and 220 ports.

Voyages of Discovery offers summer cruise around British Isles from £799 CLIENTS CAN now join Voyages of Discovery’s new ship, MV Voyager, for a summer cruise around the British Isles with prices starting from £799 per person for a nine-day Celtic Treasures 'Footloose’ walking cruise.

The itinerary departs on May 25 and highlights include a visit to Irish UNESCO listed heritage site, The Giant’s Causeway, and the Foynes Flying Boat.

The line is offering a series of cruises departing from Portsmouth (UK) this summer, including partnership cruises with the National Trust and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

As examples, a 12-day British Isles and the Chelsea Flower Show cruise costs from £999 per person, based on two sharing an inside cabin, and departs on May 14. Passengers are able to join an excursion to the RHS flower show on its 100th anniversary.

A ten-day Heritage of the British Isles National Trust cruise costs from £849 per person, based on two sharing an inside cabin for a June 2 departure. The cruise gives passengers the chance to visit a range of National Trust properties throughout the UK including Durham Cathedral and Plas Newydd House and Gardens on the Menai Straight.

For more information call 0843-221 8499 or visit www.voyagesofdiscovery.com

The line's UK director of sales and marketing Ray Steward said: “We understand that the meaningful stories our guests collect with Crystal are inspired by the places we visit together, while the discovery of each destination is a very personal experience. This year’s Atlas details so many ways Crystal makes those holidays personal and memorable for everyone, from innovative itineraries and shore excursion options to onboard entertainment and the most attentive service possible.”

For further information call 020-7399 7601 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk

Savings of £500 per person on Venice-Mantua cruise EUROPEAN WATERWAYS is offering savings of £500 per person on a 'Cultual Discovery' cruise from Venice to Mantua, departing on June 2.

The itinerary, on La Bella Vita, includes excursions that offer an insight into a variety of cultures - Roman, Etruscan, Istrian, Byzantine and Renaissance - that have influenced the arts, architecture and history of the region over many centuries.

The voyage also gives guests the chance to take in the diverse landscapes and nature en-route, from lagoon islands with their colourful houses, to wild beach dunes and pine woods with a variety of birdlife.

La Bella Vita is a 20-passenger vessel that has been refitted to high standards to offer fully air-conditioned accommodation.

She has two upper deck junior suites and eight lower deck staterooms, all offering en-suite facilities, plus a dining room and bar area.

The reduced price of £1,890 per person includes six nights' accommodation, the services of a captain/host, chef, housekeeper and driver/tour guide; all gourmet meals, fine wines and an all-day open bar; daily excursions by chauffeured minibus to chateaux, vineyards and markets; and transfers to and from local meeting/drop off points.

For details see www.gobarging.com or call 01753-598555.

New European river cruise brochure from Riviera Travel RIVIERA TRAVEL has issued its latest river cruise brochure – Europe’s Finest Four and Five-star River Cruises, which features the operator’s 2014 programme, in addition to selected 2013 departures where it still has availability.

Next year’s itineraries are offered on six exclusively chartered four-star superior and five-star ships, which include the newly introduced five-star MS Swiss Tiara and newly added five-star MS Swiss Sapphire.

A total of ten itineraries along Europe’s waterways, including a new historic and scenic French itinerary: The Seine, Paris & Normandy are offered. Guests can explore riverside ports with guides or at their own speed.

Each holiday includes transport by air or Eurostar, rail connections, transfers, a cruise director and tour manager, full board including afternoon tea and a Captain’s Gala Dinner on five- and four-star ships; and sightseeing excursions.

As examples of prices a five-day Amsterdam, Volendam & the Dutch Bulbfields option costs from £669 per person, while an eight-day ‘The Blue Danube’ cruise costs £999.

Online training is available at www.ott.travel and brochure supplies are available at www.trade-gate.co.uk For more information call 01283-742300 or email agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk

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cruising AmaWaterways issues 2014 brochure highlighting new itineraries & ships AMAWATERWAYS HAS launched its 2014 brochure with a range of new itineraries and new ships.

By next year the river cruise line will have 17 river cruisers across 22 itineraries including sailings on the Rhine, Seine, Danube, Main, Rhone, Douro and Moselle in Europe, as well as the waterways of Russia, the Mekong in Indochina and new cruise-and-touring holidays in Africa. Two new ships will feature next year - AmaSonata and AmaReina and both will feature twin balcony staterooms and suites, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs culinary creations, complimentary fine wine and beer at lunch and dinner, multiple dining venues, a heated

Fred. Olsen adds new Grand Voyages for 2015

Hebridean highlights sevennight cruises

FRED. OLSEN Cruise Lines is launching two new ‘Grand Voyages’ in 2015; Balmoral's 119-night ‘Exploring the Far East’ cruise, departing from Southampton on January 4 and Black Watch's 73-night 'South American Discovery' cruise, which departs Southampton on January 6.

Together, the two cruises will take in 82 ports in 40 countries.

The company’s sales and marketing director Nathan Philpot said: “We are thrilled to be unveiling our ‘Grand Voyages’ for 2015, and in particular our stunning ‘Exploring the Far East’ cruise on our flagship Balmoral, which is seven days longer than in 2013, but with 19 more ports, and all at £84 per night.

“This has been designed specifically to be a modular cruise, allowing guests to do shorter sections, and a first for us is that half the time is spent cruising and the other half in the destinations.”

For further information see www.fredolsencruises.com

HEBRIDEAN IS promoting two seven-night cruises that take in the Hebrides this summer.

An Islands of the Inner and Outer Hebrides cruise costs from £3,740 per person, based on two sharing a cabin for a May 28 departure. It sails from Oban, calling at Tobermory on Mull, Eigg, Rum, Armadale on Skye, Kyle of Lochalsh, Plockton, Portree on Skye, The Shiant Isles, Loch Dunvegan and Loch Harport both on Skye and Canna, before returning to Oban. Alternatively, a seven-night West to Lewis and Harris cruise, where guests can take in views of Luskentyre beach and visit Dunvegan Castle, costs from £3,660 (two sharing).

The cruise departs from Oban on August 13 and calls at Shieldaig, Tanera Mor, Stornoway on Lewis, Harris, The Shiant Isles, The Uists, and Muck before returning to Oban. Prices for cruises include transport between Glasgow and the ship or free car parking, meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, gratuities and all cruise taxes/fees.

All 2013 bookings also come with free travel insurance - terms and conditions apply.

For more information or to book visit www.hebridean.co.uk or call 01756-704704.

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pool with swim-up bar, massage and beauty salon, fitness centre, free Internet and Infotainment in every stateroom and a fleet of bicycles for guests to borrow. AmaSonata will travel the Danube and Rhine Rivers on seven itineraries, while AmaReina will be dedicated to the Enchanting Rhine sevennight itinerary.

Prices lead in at £1,599 per person, cruise-only for seven nights on AmaPrima’s Enchanting Rhine itinerary from Amsterdam to Basel, departing on March 25, 2014.

For more information call 0808-223 5009 or visit www.amawaterways.co.uk

Virgin Holidays Cruises welcomes Oasis of the Seas for 2014 THE NEWEST ship from Royal Caribbean International, Oasis of the Seas, will be setting sail from Europe and the UK in 2014, and Virgin Holidays Cruises is featuring a range of exclusive offers, including the option to tailor-make a Cruise and Stay adventure.

As an example of prices, a 12-night Westbound Transatlantic Cruise costs from £1,099 per person departing on October 15 next year.

Prices are based on two adults travelling and sharing a neighborhood balcony cabin on a full-board basis, including Virgin Atlantic flights, taxes and fuel surcharges.

To book visit www.virginholidayscruises.co.uk or call 0844-488 3084.

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cruising Cruise into culture in the Baltics with Swan Hellenic

We asked our staff the following question this week: After "Let's Get Ready To Rumble", what other cheesy old track could storm the charts?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Camembertby Light My Fire!

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk “There's No Stoppin' Us” by Ollie & Jerry (Featured in 'Breakdance: The Movie') - TUNE!

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk “Come Outside” by Mike Sarne with Wendy Richard (yes, her). It was No 1 in 1962

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk “Up The Junction” by Squeeze

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk “Baggy Trousers” by Madness

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk Michael Buble covering Spitting Image's "Chicken Song", feat. Dizzee Rascal

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk "Touch Base"

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@travelbulletin.co.uk Any rubbish that the X Factor generation buy!

Sales Executive: Matt Gill matt.gill@travelbulletin.co.uk ”Saturday Night” by Wigfield

Senior Designer: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@travelbulletin.co.uk “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix Alot

Assistant Designer: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@travelbulletin.co.uk Top Gun’s “Dangerzone” by Kenny Loggins!!!

Production: Nick Salt production@travelbulletin.co.uk Meatloaf - “Would Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)”

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CLIENTS CAN join Swan Hellenic on a cultural cruise to the Baltic to master their painting skills, learn how to take the perfect picture and experience a world class ballet performance.

Art and photography masterclasses will be held on MV Minerva’s Baltic Splendour cruise for guests wanting to harness their creative flair, while ballet fans will be treated to a classical recital at the renowned Mariinsky Theatre as part of a two-night stay in St. Petersburg.

Passengers can also explore the Winter Palace of Catherine the Great made out of more than 150-kilos of gold and take a trip to the historic port town of Elsinore, home to Kronberg castle - the setting of one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, Hamlet.

A 16-day Baltic Splendour cruise costs from £2,450 per person, based on two sharing an inside cabin. It departs from Portsmouth and calls at Warnemunde, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm and Elsinore, before returning to Portsmouth.

The price is based on a May 21 departure and includes relevant transfers, a tailor-made programme of shore excursions, talks by guest speakers, meals and entertainment on board, gratuities and all relevant cruise taxes/fees. A supplement for some shore excursions may apply.

For more information or to book visit www.swanhellenic.com or call 0844-822 0679.

Short Caribbean & Bahamas cruises for 2014/15 from RCI ROYAL CARIBBEAN International has announced a number of short threeto five-night Caribbean and Bahamas cruises throughout 2014/15, sailing from Tampa, Port Canaveral, Port Everglades and Miami, Florida.

On all ships, except Majesty of the Seas, facilities include outdoor movie screens, new staterooms featuring flat-panel televisions, bow-to-stern Wi-Fi service and interactive digital signage.

From Port Canaveral and Miami respectively, Enchantment of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas will continue year-round three- and fournight Bahamas cruises, calling at Nassau and CocoCay, the line’s private island paradise in The Bahamas. On Majesty of the Seas’ four-night sailing, guests also call at Key West, Florida. At CocoCay, guests visit a private island that offers watersport options, along with cocktails and a barbecue lunch by the sea.

Throughout the summer 2014 season, holidaymakers can also choose a Caribbean getaway from Port Everglades on Vision of the Seas. A four-night itinerary takes

guests to Cozumel, Mexico, while two five-night itineraries take guests to Cozumel and Roatan, Honduras, on one, or Key West, Florida, and Grand Cayman on the other. Also from Port Everglades, Liberty of the Seas will sail four- and five-night Western Caribbean cruises for the winter 2014/15 season, offering a range of entertainment including a FlowRider surf simulator; a 3D cinema showing some of the latest DreamWorks Animation films; and Broadwaymusical Saturday Night Fever.

Liberty of the Seas’ four-night cruise calls at Cozumel, Mexico, and its two five-night itineraries call at Cozumel and Belize City, Belize, on one and Ocho Rios, Jamaica and Labadee, the line’s private beach destination, on the other.

From Tampa, Brilliance of the Seas also will offer four-night cruises to Cozumel, and two fivenight Cozumel itineraries, which will additionally call at Key West on one, and at Grand Cayman on another.

For more information visit www.cruisingpower.co.uk and www.royalcaribbean.co.uk or call 0844-493 2061.

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. IBIS, 3. BANJUL, 6. OLYMPIC, 9. TUI, 10. MANHATTAN, 13. TENNESSEE, 16. JOE, 17. GRENADA, 19. SEVERN, 20. TENT. Down: 1. IRON MAN, 2. SIM, 4. ASCOT, 5. LEI, 7. YANGTZE, 8. PIA, 9. TUNISIA, 11. TEN, 12. STEWART, 14. NIGER, 15. EYE, 16. JLS, 18. NRT.

Highlighted Word: AMMAN Travagrams: (top) Red Sea Holidays

(bottom) Cairo

Where Am I?: Istanbul

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