SixStarCruises magazine - January 2020 edition

J A NUA RY 2020 E D ITION

CRUISE RE DUCE, R EUSE AND RECYCLE See how cruising is supporting the environment

E XPLOR E THE GALAPAGO S

we’re eating GRA B YO U R P L ATE ,

Explore these unique cruise dining spots

8 H O U RS I N TOKYO Discover Japan’s capital city in style

WH ICH D ESTI N AT ION S HOUL D YOU VISI T I N 2 02 0?

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Crystal Ocean and Crystal River go head to head

Dear luxury cruiser,

Welcome to the Cruise Concierge magazine, exclusively brought to you by SixStarCruises.

Within these pages, you will find the latest cruise news,

SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM ALL THE TEAM AT SIXSTARCRUISES!

from new ships to exciting experiences, alongside advice

I would like to thank you for your business in 2019 and hope we

and insightful information on some of your favourite

can go on to help you with your cruise holiday in 2020 and the

cruise lines and ports of call.

years to come. This magazine should give you some ideas and

In this issue, we share our stories of which ships we’ve been on-board (p.8) and let cruising experts share their

inspiration of where to go next and with which cruise line, and of course our Concierge team are on hand to help you on a personal level.

favourite ports of call (p.16). We also take an in-depth look at the unique Galapagos Islands (p.22) and explore what makes them so incredibly diverse.

2019 has seen a wealth of innovation, investment and activity from the world’s most luxurious cruise lines. We’ve seen behind the scenes footage of Regent Seven Seas Explorer on Channel 5,

As it’s the festive season and we’re all dreaming of where

and I was lucky enough to see sister-ship, Seven Seas Splendor

to set sail next year, we’ve also took the time to highlight

taking shape in Ancona and try my hand at their exclusive

our favourite winter sun destinations (p.12) as well as how to spend eight hours in Japan (p.32). But if you can’t make your mind up, why not try our destination quiz on page 25 to help you narrow it down for the new year?

Here at SixStarCruises, we offer award-winning services

cookery school (which I’d highly recommend). Azamara launched their exciting range of land tours and journeys, and both Seabourn and Silversea announced significant and exciting investment into specialist expedition ships.

We hope you enjoy this piece.

with extensive knowledge on the best cruise lines and

Very best wishes for 2020 from myself and the SixStarCruises

destinations for you – all supported by our fantastic prices

team,

and close relationships with the top luxury cruise lines.

Get ready to embark on your next adventure and experience once-in-a-lifetime cruises as you explore the world with SixStarCruises. Let us arrange everything for

Alison Alison Earnshaw Managing Director

you, with plenty of inspiration throughout this magazine to ignite your wanderlust for your next luxury sailing.

In the meantime, sit back and relax with our January issue as it reveals details on unique cruise dining, exclusive interviews and insights into how cruise lines are doing their bit for the environment.

Happy sailing, Emma Smith Editor-in-Chief

E D ITO R Emma Smith SUB E D ITO R Becky Power D E SIG N E R Leanne Booth CO N TRIBUTO R Gary Buchanan

2

O U R SIST ER B RANDS

04.

IN SIG H TS A N D N E WS The latest from across the industry

08.

W E ’ V E BE E N ON -BOA R D Silver Shadow, Seabourn Odyssey and Azamara Journey

Relish the opportunity to visit several countries in one

11.

Our cruise essentials for your suitcase

holiday during a river cruise on-board our luxury brands including Crystal River Cruises, Uniworld or Scenic. With

12.

which is perfect for you. If you’re interested in a river cruise

W IN TE R CRUISIN G Where to sail for the festive season

so many rivers and ships to choose from, expert guidance from RiverVoyages.com will ensure you get the itinerary

SUSTA IN A BL E SA IL IN G

14.

G RA B YOUR PL ATE , W E ’ R E E ATIN G Explore these unique cruise dining spots

sailing, call RiverVoyages.com award-winning Cruise

CONTENTS

Concierge team on 0808 274 4334 for industry-leading itineraries.

16.

BE ST PL ACE S TO SE E ON A CRUISE Learn from these expert cruise bloggers

Are you looking to sail on one of the world’s best-known

18.

E XCLUSIV E IN TE RV IE W We chat with Regent Seven Seas Cruises

cruise lines at an incredible price but with the same high standard of service? Cruise118 is your answer. Our close

20.

See what makes this luxury cruise line special

relationships with cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises means that our

22.

an award-winning standard of service. If you’re interested in a sailing on board some of the world’s best-known cruise

25.

W H ICH D E STIN ATION SH OUL D YOU V ISIT IN 20 20 ?

26.

R E D UCE , R E USE A N D R ECYCL E See how cruising is supporting the environment

lines, call Cruise118’s Cruise Concierge team on 0808 250 2292 for exciting cruise itineraries.

E XPLOR E TH E GA L A PAG OS Dive into this biodiverse landscape

customers have access to exclusive offers. This is in addition to the Cruise Concierge team, who will provide you with

SE A BOUR N M OM E N TS

28.

ROA M IN G TH E ROCK IE S Explore the region on the iconic train

32.

Discover Japan’s capital city in style

CONT RIB UTOR GARY BUCHANAN

34.

newspapers and respected consumer magazines. He has

L IF E ON -BOA R D Visit Crystal Serenity with Gary Buchanan

Gary Buchanan has been an influential cruise writer for almost 30 years, writing for Britain’s leading national

8 H OURS IN TOKYO

37.

PICTUR E PE R F ECT SPACE S From unique sculptures to stunning dining venues

received several awards for his creative writing and has written five books about cruising, including three books

39.

Our top tour picks to pair with your cruise

on Cunard’s QE2 – a cruise line for which he is an expert lecturer on maritime history.

E XTRAOR D IN A RY E XPE R IE N CE S

42.

E XCLUSIV E IN TE RV IE W Crystal Ocean and Crystal River go head to head

43.

PUZZL E PAG E Enjoy our cruise-themed puzzles to test your brain

Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

SixStarCruises.co.uk

3

CRUISE INSIGHTS

DI D YO U KNOW ?

The terms starboard and port refer to Old English, where starboard (steorboard) meant the side on which the ship is steered with oars. These were typically on the right-hand side as most people are right-handed. As the oar was on this side, the boat

TRAVEL AGENT RISING STAR

would tie up on the left, hence becoming port!

One of SixStarCruises’ staff members received a fantastic award this year at the annual Cruise Stars Awards. Head of Sales, Karina Stott won the awards for both Travel Agent Management Star and Travel Agent Rising Star at a glittering ceremony at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London.

THOMAS COOK COLLAP SE

The ceremony celebrated travel agents up and down the

Staff at SixStarCruises were incredibly saddened when the news broke

UK, as well as for selected cruise lines, with welcome

that Thomas Cook had gone into liquidation on the morning of the 23rd

drinks, lunch and a talk from inspirational guest

September. Many of our current staff have started their careers at Thomas

speaker and Olympic rowing gold medallist, Tim Foster

Cook, Airtours or MyTravel, and there were family, friends and even old

MBE. Well done Karina!

colleagues who previously worked with us having been personally affected by the collapse.

D I D YO U K N OW? Celebrity Cruises’ logo features a singular ‘x’, usually featured on each ship’s funnel. The ‘x’ comes from the Greek letter chi, for ‘Chandris’ which is the name of the group who founded Celebrity Cruises in 1988.

4

Keen to help those in need, we reached out to Thomas Cook employees based in the North West and offered workshops to help refresh their interview techniques, update their CV’s and build their confidence.

YO UR CRUI SI NG PHOTOS Swinging high above the canopy offers a completely alternative view of Indonesia’s popular island, Bali. We love this shot captured by @sydneybrown_xo!

Kyoto is rich in verdant landscapes and cultural heritage,

It may be a place

perfectly captured here by @kaz_sands.

composed of modern skyscrapers and malls, but Abu Dhabi also offers unique architecture and

DI D YOU KN OW?

historical inspiration as

Ships are built upside down! It’s easier for builders to weld

seen here with the Grand

each plate of steel in a downward direction, rather than

Mosque as pictured by

upwards with their backs facing the ground. These blocks

@sheelaghgoes.

are then flipped over and placed upright into the dry dock for taking further shape.

WOU L D YO U L I K E TO F E ATUR E I N O UR MAGA Z I NE ?

Tag us in your photos to be in with a chance to see your snaps in our next issue!

Facebook - @SixStarCruises |

Twitter - @SixStarCruises |

Instagram – six_star_cruises

WH Y B OOK WIT H SIXSTARCRUISES ?

As a leading luxury brand, SixStarCruises offers

We also offer you peace of mind as not only are we a

award-winning service with a difference. Our Cruise

member of ABTA, but all our flight-inclusive holidays

Concierge team boasts a passion for ultra-luxury

are financially protected by the ATOL scheme.

cruising. Through their first-hand experience and training, they offer informed and expert advice to ensure you get the perfect luxury holiday.

Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

SixStarCruises.co.uk

5

CRUISE NEWS

SEABOURN EXTENDS UNESCO PARTNERSHIP Seabourn has extended its partnership with UNESCO for a further five years, meaning that the cruise line will continue to foster a wider support to help protect World Heritage, safeguarding and promoting the world’s unique cultural and natural heritage. Seabourn and its guests have already contributed more than $1 million to UNESCO since its inception in 2014, sharing a common view with the organisation that the preservation of cultural and historical sites be preserved for generations to come.

EXCLUSIVE DOM PERIGNON EXPERIENCE WITH OCEANIA CRUISES Indulge in Oceania Cruises latest experience, exclusive to Marina and Riviera. The Dom Perignon experience is the first of its kind, with six palate piquing courses offering a different expression and vintage of Dom Perignon’s acclaimed vintages.

The concept is totally new to Oceania Cruises and has been developed alongside an expert team at Dom Perignon to select the perfect flavours for the experience. It’s the only place in the world where you can enjoy this tasting dinner, featuring dishes such as Scallops Rossini, Mole Negro and Roasted Pineapple or Seared Wagyu Beef with Caviar.

6

NEW FUND FOR THE GALAPAGOS WITH SILVERSEA Silversea recently launched a dedicated fund to preserve the natural wonders and wellbeing of the Galapagos Islands for future generations. The cruise line is invested in ensuring the islands are protected for everyone to enjoy in the futures to come. The fund supports a diverse selection of projects throughout the year as part of a long-term conservation strategy to educate and support the unique ecosystems and biological integrity that can be found there. Find out more about the Galapagos on p.22!

NOBU MATSUHISA TO JOIN CRYSTAL ENDEAVOR IN 2020 Crystal Endeavor will host world-renowned chef, Nobu Matsuhisa, on-board selected sailings when she launches next year. The chef, commonly referred to as Nobu, will host chef ’s choice dinners for 30 guests in Umi Uma, showcasing his specialities and including a signed cookbook by the acclaimed chef. There’s also a dinner where you can enjoy a multicourse feast paired with specially-selected sake and

REGENT SEVEN SEAS NEW SPA AND WELLNESS

wines. You can even mingle with Nobu as he conducts cooking demos and hosts a cookbook signing and photo session.

CONCEPT A brand-new spa concept is set to be launched across the Regent Seven Seas fleet, offering a host of luxurious, travel-inspired treatments. The Serene Spa and Wellness brand will offer Elemis facial therapies, body treatments, manicures, pedicures and luxury Kératese salon services.

The treatments are perfect for relaxing after shore excursions, including the Regent Massage which uses sea buckthorn from the Mediterranean coast or the Around the World Massage which uses basalt from China; coconut poultice from the Caribbean and bamboo from Asia. The concept has already launched on-board Seven Seas Explorer, and will be on-board Seven Seas Splendor, when she sets sail in February 2020.

Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

SixStarCruises.co.uk

7

WE’VE BEEN ON-BOARD E

xperiencing the cruise ships first-hand allows us to understand what makes them so special and their cruise lines so innovative. Standards are high within the luxury cruise industry, particularly with service, dining and accommodation.

With our team at SixStarCruises visiting these ships regularly, we can develop a knowledge of these standards to ensure your cruise options are perfectly customised to your preferences.

8

Silver Shadow

walk-in wardrobe and a good sitting area for

Overall, the service was excellent with our suite

Spending three nights on-board Silversea, staff

in-suite dining.

kept immaculate at all times and nothing was

explored the decks of Silver Shadow while

Entertainment ranges from cabaret and singers

too much trouble for the staff. The smaller ships

she visited the docks of Nice, Marseille and

in the bar during the evenings, to quizzes

that Silversea offers means that the butlers are

Barcelona. See what they thought of their time

during the day. There was a guitarist playing

able to provide excellent service in a relaxed

on-board.

in the lounge as we explored the decks further

atmosphere.

It took a matter of minutes getting

which was nice to listen to. Outside, there are

on-board Silver Shadow, from being

two Jacuzzis available alongside the swimming

Seabourn Odyssey

provided with luggage tags for our cases to

pool, and there’s a jogging track for guests to

Spending five days on-board Seabourn Odyssey,

being greeted with a cold towel upon arrival.

use.

staff at SixStarCruises enjoyed visiting the ports

Once we arrived at reception, we were handed

During our time on-board, we dined in a range

of Barcelona, Valencia, Mallorca and Valetta

our key cards alongside a glass of champagne

of venues which included La Terazza, the Pool

during their sailing. See what they thought of

and directed to the bar as our rooms weren’t

Grill, Hot Rocks and in-suite dining. La Terazza

their time on-board this six-star cruise ship.

quite ready.

was one of our favourite places to enjoy lunch

The first thing we noticed about

Exploring the initial decks of the ship, we

as there was plenty of hot and cold choices. At

Seabourn was the service. Every staff

noticed it has quite an American hotel style

the Pool Grill we tried dishes such as burgers

member we encountered was happy and

to it, featuring lots of dark wood and artwork.

with salad and chicken Caesar salad with sweet

We explored a selection of suites which had

potato fries. Our in-suite dining included

been refurbished to the same new style of Silver

bruschetta with a dessert, we also asked for two

Muse. One of these was a Veranda Suite which

glasses of champagne and the butler brought a

features a large bathroom, double sink, a

bottle!

Silver Shadow

Seabourn Odyssey approachable, going out of their way to say hello

on-board to see what life is like.

and welcome us on-board. This was a lovely

What a lovely ship! Although we were

touch and something Seabourn prides itself

only on-board for the day, we really

on. The décor was modern and chic, with staff

got a feel for life on-board an Azamara

constantly working around the clock to ensure

ship. Modern and elegant, the ship was in

the ship was well taken care of.

great condition and the décor was well thought

We made our way to our Veranda Suite, which

through, with minute details really making it

featured a large bathroom and double sink, as

feel ambient.

well as a huge wardrobe and a separate living

During our day trip, we visited two cabins – an

space with a dining area so you can enjoy eating

Outside and a Balcony. Both were open and

in your own suite if you wanted. The balcony

spacious and featured many amenities such as

was spacious with a table and chairs, as well

a minibar, large TV, separate sofa and desk.

as footstools – perfect for relaxing

The balcony also included a table

while at sea!

and chairs and was very spacious

During our time on-board,

in

we experienced a range of

balcony staterooms we’d seen

activities and entertainment.

on other cruise ships.

During the day, games and

We also looked around the

quizzes occur in selected bars and lounges, while at night you can

Aza

comparison

to

other

mini theatre and a few of the

m a r a Jo u r n e y

enjoy performances from dancers, singers

bars on-board. We were told that

the cruise line arranges local entertainment

and comedians at the ship’s theatre – the Grand

where possible to make the experience more

Salon.

authentic, as well as including an AzAmazing

All dining and drinks are included in your

evening on every sailing which is exclusive to

Seabourn cruise fare, and the quality was

Azamara.

amazing. Dining venues range from the main

For dining and drinks, we visited the Prime C

dining room to a more relaxed buffet style

restaurant where we enjoyed a sample menu.

venue or speciality restaurant, The Grill by

The food was delightful, and a wide range

Thomas Keller. All of the food we tried in either

of dishes were available to choose from for a

of these was such a high quality, and staff even

variety of tastes and dietary needs. There are a

waited with your drink of choice in hand on

number of dining and drink venues available

arrival.

on board. Majority of the drinks and dining

As for service, this was absolutely outstanding.

are included however, guests can upgrade to a

Staff were friendly and got to know you – from

premium drinks package and can pay extra to

your preference of drinks, name and those

dine in the speciality restaurants.

lovely personal touches that made it a pleasure

Despite only being on-board for the day, we

to be on-board. As a small ship with plenty of

were made to feel so welcome by the staff

character, we sometimes felt like we had the

on-board. All staff members were friendly and

whole ship to ourselves in some venues. We’d

treated us as if we were any other paying guests.

definitely travel with Seabourn again as we felt

Overall, we felt that Azamara Journey was a

like they treated you like family and in a true

lovely ship with plenty to offer guests to ensure

home away from home.

they enjoy an immersive experience.

Azamara Journey Staff spent a day on-board Azamara Journey while she was docked in Liverpool, exploring the decks of this ship and enjoying time

Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

O U R FAVO U R I T E O FFE R

South Africa Intensive Voyage Azamara Journey® | 09 February 2021 | 15 nights Cruise ID: 202769P

Prices from £3,199pp

SixStarCruises.co.uk

9

P ROM OTION A L F E ATUR E

Oceania Cruises is renowned as the best value in luxury cruising. A voyage with this celebrated luxury cruise line is one of sophistication and relaxation – truly the perfect cruising experience for discerning travellers. Dining on any of the line’s elegant mid-sized ships is a true highlight, with diverse and award-winning menus created by expert chefs. Meanwhile, pampering is always at a premium thanks to the presence of the brand-new Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center.

Statue of Liberty

PRISMATIC FALL

and Ellis Island tour included!

Cruise Itinerary

Ship Insignia

Fly UK / New York (three-night hotel stay) | Rhode Island | Boston | Maine (Portland) | St Johns | Halifax | Sydney (Canada) | Saguenay | Quebec City | Montreal (two-night hotel stay) / Fly UK (overnight)

Date 28 September 2021

Includes Flights, a three-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in New York, the Empire State Building Observatory tour, Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour, a ten-night premium-luxury cruise, FREE internet for one device PLUS choose from ONE of the following: $600 FREE to spend on-board per couple, 6 FREE shore

Nights 16

excursions or a FREE house beverage package and a two-night post-cruise luxury hotel stay in Montreal with a Food tour

Cruise ID

10

Inside Stateroom

Veranda Stateroom

£4,699pp

£6,449pp

Penthouse Suite

£8,199pp

230257C

SUSTAINABL E SAIL ING

THIN GS TO PAC K FOR YO UR C RU I S E

Our

top

picks

for

those

seeking

eco-friendly travel solutions for their next cruise adventure.

TOTE BAG

£19 Perfect to pack for the beach or

1

poolside, these handmade Doc Cotton

WILD CAT SWIMSUIT

£50 Made from 100% recycled plastic and vegan friendly, these swimsuits will have you paddling guilt-free. Batoko’s collection of swimwear is ecologically digitally printed, consciously produced in small batches and supports the Marine Conservation Society too. We love this Wild Cat swimsuit which is

COLLAP SIBLE

inspired by water-loving jungle cats.

METAL STRAW

www.batoko.com

£ 1 9.2 5

SHAMP OO BAR

FRO M £7 Self-preserving, economical and packed with lovely scents, what’s not to love? These shampoo bars from LUSH are long-lasting, light and highly concentrated. Each bar gives you 80-100 washes and is the equivalent to three 250g bottles of liquid shampoo, so you can cut down your plastic use too!

4

You can even buy a cork or metal tin to

2 3

tote bags are ideal for your cruise.

Created from 100% organic cotton which is ethically sourced in Greece, each tote bag is fully customisable using prints from its community of artists – with over 3,000 prints to choose from!

They are made to order in Peckham and digitally printed to minimise environmental impact. www.doccotton.com

Clean and compact, this straw is

ideal for anyone wanting to rid their

lives – and the planet – of single-use

plastics. This one is so small it can fit on your keyrings and is simple to clean while out and about. FinalStraw were the creators of the original reusable, collapsible straw and, since its launch in 2018, it has prevented approximately 70 million straws from entering the environment. www.finalstraw.com

SCRUBBA WASH BAG

£ 4 2 .4 3

5

This ultra-portable pocket-sized

companion is just like bringing your washing machine on your cruise.

Offering a modern take on the old-fashioned washboard the bag is easy to use and means you can pack lighter on your cruise. They can be used with a wide range of liquid

pop them in whilst travelling.

detergents and are twice as effective as

www.lush.com

handwashing. www.thescrubba.com

Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

Prices correct at time of print

SixStarCruises.co.uk

11

WINTER CRUISING F

or those looking to get away to warmer climes and escape the chills of the later months or wanting to spend the festive season somewhere special, there are plenty of destinations to choose from.

WINTER SUN Bali

Barcelona

South Pacific

This is a fantastic cruise destination during the

Virtually

winter months, with temperatures still hitting

development, there is no better place to get

only 8,000 are inhabited – Indonesia will

15°C. It’s still a pleasant port to explore, even

off-grid and indulge your inner explorer than

captivate absolutely every kind of traveller. A

more so as the streets are as empty as the azure

the islands in the South Pacific. Cruises here will

premier destination for many cruisers on the

blue skies which shine down upon them! It is

transport you to island paradises that couldn’t

run from the UK winter, explore the island’s

also the best time to join the city’s festivities,

be further removed from the melancholy UK

cultural centre – Ubud – and enjoy traditional

with the festival of Santa Eulàlia taking place on

weather. Grab a snorkel or join a scuba diving

crafts, dancing and captivating cuisines for all

12th February. This is a huge open-air parade

excursion to explore beautiful coral gardens and

who visit. For those who really want to get away

complete with concerts, performances and days.

workshops Barcelona’s

over

unspoiled

by

tourism

and

mysterious shipwrecks; relax on a bright

several

Made up of around 17,000 islands – of which

from city life, the jungle is also never far away.

white beach before savouring the

seasonal

freshest local seafood; and hike

delicacies also come out of

to sacred jungle statues and

the woodwork during winter,

volcanic peaks.

with the most popular being

United Arab Emirates

churros – often paired with dipping chocolate.

12

B a r c el o n a

The United Arab Emirates is a land of stunning contrasts. Futuristic cities

The Galapagos

sit alongside vast deserts and ornate mosques,

Winter in the Galapagos is close to perfection.

and cosmopolitan playgrounds give way to

Temperatures can reach a heavenly 30°C and

traditional cultures.

you will be treated to some of the most amazing

Visiting during winter means you can miss the

natural events on the islands. December and

bulk of the crowds and still enjoy temperatures

January are prime months for the hatching of

of around 20°C, but if you want to avoid peak

Galapagos giant tortoises; December kicks off

rainfall, cruise in December and January rather

the fur seal breeding season; January sees green

than February. Not that a few showers will

sea turtles start laying their eggs; penguins

dampen the splendour of the Emirati sights.

migrate to the islands of Isabela and Fernandina

Dubai offers endless glamour and innovation,

in February and, towards the end of this month,

towering skyscrapers, traditional souks and

marine iguanas start nesting on Santa Cruz.

desert landscapes.

Bali

Bora Bora

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR New York, U.S.A.

Hong Kong, China

Spread your festive cheer in the Big Apple,

Enjoy a sailing across Asia and stop in Hong

where this city certainly tops the Christmas

Kong for iconic fireworks over Victoria

holiday destination list. With its famous

Harbour. Visitors advise remaining on your

Rockefeller

this

ship to watch these, as the views are excellent.

destination features in many festive films and

Or, if you would like to feel more involved, book

seasonal songs, and rightfully so. From the

a pleasure cruise to get closer to the action!

brilliant window displays of Fifth Avenue

This also means you can explore the parties

to the illuminating delights of the Brooklyn

afterwards with these typically occurring in

Center

Christmas

tree,

neighbourhood, Dyker Heights, New

Times Square and Lan Kwai Fong.

York is a destination that will

Sydney, Australia

light-up anyone’s Christmas celebrations. Enjoy a

Another bucket-list addition,

world-class

performance

Sydney offers a New Year’s

of ‘The Nutcracker’ by The

Eve experience like no other.

New York City Ballet or go ice skating in Central Park to really immerse yourself in the festivities.

Enjoy aerial displays, Aboriginal

L apl a n d

dancing, light parades and the iconic fireworks as they light up Sydney

Harbour Bridge. The evening begins with

Hamburg, Germany Experience

authentic

tugboats blasting water as they sail beneath the German

Christmas

bridge, followed by an aerial display as flying

markets in the city of Hamburg, where

aces wow the crowds. Later in the evening,

decorated wooden stalls and beautiful bright

the Harbour of Light Parade takes place,

lights appear around the centre, making it a

illuminating the Sydney Harbour with dazzling

welcoming and wonderful winter destination.

colours and unique choreography – then it’s

The markets usually open mid-November, with

all culminated in the iconic fireworks display

some running as late as New Year’s Eve. The

across the harbour.

main market is Weihnachtsmarkt, right in front of the city hall and one of the most popular markets in Germany.

O U R FAVO U R I T E O FF E R

South Pacific Journey Oceania Regatta | 13 February 2021 | 22 nights Cruise ID: 220242

Lapland, Finland

Prices from £6,259pp

Visit the very image of a winter wonderland and sail to Lapland for the Christmas of a lifetime.

Here, children can make cookies with Mrs. Claus, enrol in Elf School and go tobogganing in the deep, soft snow. Of course, the main reason many families choose here as their Christmas destination is for a chance to meet the jolly man himself. A fairytale adventure like no other, you may even catch sight of the Northern Lights.

Sydney Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

SixStarCruises.co.uk

13

GRA B YOU R PLATE ,

g n i t a e we’re

Whether you’re longing for the Finest Cuisine at Sea™ or wanting to sample Michelin-star level

dishes, the luxury of a cruise enables you to indulge your culinary dreams with a wide variety of dining venues. Here are some of the showstopping restaurants and experiences to try on-board your next sailing.

14

S.A.L.T. | Silversea

Earth + Ocean | Seabourn

A revolutionary new culinary programme, Sea

A newer addition to Seabourn’s culinary

and Land Taste (S.A.L.T) offers a pioneering

accolades, Earth + Ocean celebrates eclectic

concept that will enable travellers to use food to

flavours from around the world in a relaxed,

dive deep into the world’s cultures and cuisines

al fresco setting under the stars. Each evening,

and truly understand the soul of a destination.

skilled chefs prepare an imaginative array of

The S.A.L.T. Kitchen offers an ever-changing,

dishes such as Orecchiette Pasta and Royale

regionally-inspired menu, while the S.A.L.T.

Bouillabaisse, which perfectly showcase taste

Lab focuses on guidance with expert local

sensations inspired by destinations both near

chefs and industry authorities, exploring local

and far. Available fleetwide.

ingredients and artisanal techniques through workshops, tastings and demonstrations. The

Priveé | Oceania Cruises

programme will launch on-board Silver Moon

You and nine privileged guests can visit the

in August 2020, then Silver Dawn in September

most exclusive dining venue with Oceania

2021.

Cruises, Priveé. Sitting around a custom-made Dakota Jackson table which is illuminated

Umi Uma & Sushi Bar | Crystal Cruises

with a golden Venchi chandelier, this venue

Boasting the delectable cuisine of

is nothing short of stunning – and the same

world-renowned

master

chef,

Nobuyuki

goes for the cuisine. Guests are able to choose

Matsuhisa,

Uma

blends

traditional

any number of courses from two of the cruise

Japanese specialities with Peruvian spices to

lines’ speciality dining venues; Polo Grill and

create something truly magical. Each of the

Toscana. Polo Grill embodies all the elements

chefs in the venues has been personally trained

of a classic steakhouse, while Toscana is an

by Nobuyuki himself, and it shows. Delicate

authentic Italian venue boasting recipes passed

and mouth-wateringly innovative, look forward

down the generations of the Italian culinary

to Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno or Grilled

staff on-board. A perfect option for those who

Wagyu Beef Rib-eye with Wasabi Pepper Sauce.

struggle choosing one dish! Available on-board

Available on-board Crystal Symphony, Crystal

Marina and Riviera.

Umi

Serenity and Crystal Endeavor (2020).

Culinary Arts Kitchen | Regent Seven Seas Cruises Prepare to indulge your taste buds and sample a range of flavours with Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Culinary Arts Kitchen. With classes offering hands-on tuition, state-of-the-art workspaces

and

immersive

experiences,

this experience provides guests with all the ingredients for an unforgettable cruise. From beginners to experienced cooks, the kitchen is the ideal place to perfect your skills and learn something new, including classes such as ‘Anytime Brunch Favourites’ or ‘Epicurean Safari’. You even get to take recipe cards away with you so you can use your news skills at home! Available on-board Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor (2020).

O U R FAVO U R I T E O FFE R

Gems of the Mediterranean Silver Moon | 12 September 2020 | 11 nights Cruise ID: 201094

Prices from £5,849pp

SixStarCruises.co.uk

15

BEST PLACES TO SEE ON A CRUISE CRUIS E EXPERTS R EVEA L T HEI R FAVOURI T E P ORTS Cruising has never been so exciting, with brand new ships joining the oceans, innovative technologies and incredible destinations to explore – it can be hard to know where to look. That’s why we asked a selection of cruise experts to share their favourite ports to help you decide where to set sail to next.

Juneau, Alaska

scene, including the "best legs in town" at the

For me though, it is the 70 miles of stunning

Chosen by:

world-famous Tracy's Crab Shack or perhaps

beaches that Barbados has to offer, that really

Don & Heidi Bucolo | EatSleepCruise.com

enjoy a traditional salmon bake. No matter

appeals to me. Brownes Beach is a 15-minute

(www.eatsleepcruise.com)

how many times we visit this port, we always

taxi ride from the cruise terminal and Worthing

Also known as ‘DB & The Princess’, this husband

discover something new and exciting!

Beach a further 10 minutes’ drive. These are

and wife team are behind EatSleepCruise.com.

great options if you want to split your time

While the site only launched in 2015, the pair

between sightseeing, shopping and beach

have been avid cruisers since they set sail on

time. There are plenty of taxis waiting at the

their first cruise together over a decade ago.

terminal to take cruise guests off on their island

Fellow travellers have come to know and love

adventure.

their signature reviews, tips, advice and guides

The local Bajan cuisine offers a blend of

on hotels, ports and shore excursions.

African, Indian and British dishes, which take

Bridgetown, Barbados

advantage of locally caught fish, grass-fed meat

Why they love Juneau:

Chosen by:

and sweet plantains. Rum is another huge part

This popular port of call has so much to offer

Flavia Gray | Ships & Champagne

of the Island’s history and there are some great

all types of cruisers. Travellers can admire awe-

(www.shipsandchampagne.com)

distillery tours and shore excursions available.

inspiring landscapes and abundant wildlife

Surrey mum of two, Flavia Gray is a cruise

Barbados is even making huge commitments to

just by stepping foot off the cruise ship.

expert and travel writer. She creates articles for

protecting the environment. Single-use plastics

There are many nature tours available to

the national press and travel websites. Since

are now banned on the island, and they are one

discover bears and bald eagles or even

falling in love with cruising in 2011, Flavia has

of the world’s top users of electric cars!

whale watching expeditions. Thrill seekers can

taken over’ 25 cruises to all corners of the globe.

soar through the Tongass National Forest on a

Her bucket list destinations include Alaska,

series of ziplines or get up close and personal

South America and Iceland.

with one of the most magnificent natural wonders, the Mendenhall Glacier. One of

16

Why she loves Bridgetown:

our most memorable shore excursions was a

My favourite port is Bridgetown,

helicopter tour and glacier walk on this famous

Barbados because of its beauty and

landmark. Foodies won't be disappointed

abundance of experiences on offer for all

either. They can dive into the local seafood

generations.

Basseterre, St Kitts

recently been on-board Fred. Olsen’s 168-night

Chosen by:

‘Grand Voyage’ cruise.

Heather Cowper | Heather on her Why she chose Yangon:

Travels (www.heatheronhertravels.com) Heather Cowper is an award-winning UK

I've been lucky enough to visit many

travel blogger, writing for the 50+ traveller

fabulous places in the world, so

who’s looking for an authentic travel experience

picking one favourite port is almost an impossible task, however, there is one

with a little luxury. She loves the variety of destinations you can visit on a cruise, especially

St. Petersburg, Russia

the individual experience of small ships and

Chosen by:

luxury cruising.

Jamie Edwards | Explore With Ed (www.explorewithed.co.uk)

Why she loves Basseterre:

Jamie Edwards runs the award-nominated

I love the Caribbean island of St Kitts

travel blog 'Explore With Ed', sharing day trips

and the relaxed charm of its cruise port

and getaways in Europe and cruises through

in Basseterre. There's lots to see within a short

pictures and video. Jamie is also the content

walk of the port and as the island's quite small,

creator for Blogosphere in London.

you can be on a gorgeous beach or fascinating old plantation within a 30-minute drive by taxi or cruise excursion.

Why he chose St. Petersburg: I recently cruised to the Baltics with

place that I instantly fell in love with last year during a World Cruise and that was Yangon, Myanmar. I liked everything about it, the smells, the food, the history, the religion and unique culture. It was unlike any other place I'd visited and I was intrigued by everything. I'm visiting again very soon and can't wait to see more of the stunning pagodas, sample more of the delicious food and explore villages that I didn't get to last time. It's not a destination for everyone, but it was certainly a place for me and my travel curiosity to run wild.

an overnight stay in Saint Petersburg, Russia. I was so intrigued to explore this part of the world and was blown away by the breath-taking sights I saw. I'd highly recommend booking a tour as having a local expert bring to life the stories of Russia's history made it all the more memorable. There were so many highlights from my weekend, including a ride on the palatial Underground

Geiranger, Norway

Metro, cruise on the Neva River and guided

Chosen by:

tour of the world-famous Heritage Museum

Emma Le Teace | Cruising Isn’t Just For

and Winter Palace.

Old People (www.cruisingisntjustforoldpeople.com) Emma is an award-winning cruise blogger, YouTuber and founder of the 'Cruising Isn't Just For Old People' community.

Why she chose Geiranger: One of my favourite ports is Geiranger

Yangon, Myanmar

in Norway. Geiranger is a little village

Chosen by: Danielle Fear | CruiseMiss

located in the Geirangerfjord, it's

(www.cruisemiss.com)

Yangon

surrounded on all sides by astounding views of

Known to her blog readers as CruiseMiss,

O U R FAVO U R I T E O FFE R

mountain ranges, waterfalls and nature. There

Danielle is a freelance writer and social media

Nor way Intensive & Nor th Cape

is plenty to do in the port including hiking,

professional covering all aspects of sea travel.

biking and kayaking but even a simple walk or

She's sat on the Cruise Expert panel for USA

car journey is wonderful. There isn't anywhere

Today/10BEST for the last three years and has

Azamara PursuitSM | 20 Jul 2020 | 17 nights Cruise ID: 178815

Prices from £2,899pp

quite like it.

Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

SixStarCruises.co.uk

17

We are the destination experts,

INTERVIEW WITH

offering incredible experiences in every we port we sail to.

With a brand-new ship on the horizon

We can’t wait to see Seven Seas Splendor set

is one thing unique to Explorer and that’s the

and starring in a popular television

sail in February next year! Can you tell us how

infinity pool. Nestled at the back of the ship, it’s

series, Regent Seven Seas Cruises are at

she is different from the rest of the fleet?

a blissful place, perfect to watch land disappear

the top of their cruising game. We took

Seven Seas Splendor will perfect luxury,

into the horizon following another perfect day

some time to speak with Paul Beale,

surrounding guests with tasteful elegance and

of adventure.

Senior Director of UK Sales, about their

raising the bar for luxury travel.

recent screen success and more.

She will also introduce a few exciting firsts for

What’s the one thing you would advise

guests to enjoy. This includes new

everyone to experience on their Regent Seven

Many people will have seen Channel 5’s

destination-inspired menus, al fresco and

Seas Cruise?

programme, Secrets of the Most Expensive

over-sea dining experiences and new Gourmet

We are the destination experts, offering

Cruise Ships, where we saw behind-the-scenes

Explorer Tours, which will deliver

incredible experiences in every we port we sail

action on-board Seven Seas Explorer. What

one-of-a-kind epicurean adventures on land.

to. More recently, we launched the Go-Local tours where our guests will enjoy a more direct

is it like to have such a luxurious ship in your fleet?

You’ve

recently

announced

When launched, Seven Seas Explorer was highly

launching a new spa concept, Serene Spa and

way of life of the locals.

anticipated and dubbed “The Most Luxurious

Wellness. What’s the reason behind the new

You could spend a day at a family-owned

Ship Ever Built”. She more than lived up to

approach?

goat farm in the countryside of Andalusia or

this title, raising the bar for luxury cruising

Our guests expect the best while sailing with

observe local artists in their studios in Palma

with opulent bars and lounges, stunningly

Regent and the spa is a very important part

de Mallorca. My favourite, however, is learning

designed restaurants serving exquisite cuisine

of the experience. Serene Spa and Wellness™

how to “Run Like A Local” in the

and beautiful, lavishly appointed and spacious

is a brand-new experience in travel wellness,

health-conscious city of Bordeaux, passing

suites.

featuring

historical bridges and landmarks on a scenic

The headliner of the ship is the exclusive

spa treatments, rejuvenating fitness classes,

Regent Suite, with a private in-suite spa and a

nutritionally balanced cuisine and wellness

Savoir No. 1 bed that cost $150 000. But luxury

tours.

exclusive,

that

you’re

destination-inspired

route along the Garonne River.

If you could only visit one port on a cruise, which would it be and why?

permeates throughout, including nearly an acre of Italian Carrera marble in both public spaces

What makes Regent Seven Seas Cruises so

St Petersburg offers so much. From Tsarist

and suites as well as $6 million dollars-worth

different from other luxury cruise lines?

Russia to relics of the Cold War, each street,

of art, with original pieces from the likes of

Firstly, we are truly all-inclusive, no other luxury

square and building tells a new story. There’s

Picasso and Chagall.

cruise line offers unlimited complimentary

186 miles of canal to explore by boat and many

Combine this with the unrivalled experience

excursions in every port of call. Our guests love

landmarks that mark important historical and

and the personalised service, it’s little wonder

to explore each destination as fully as possible

revolutionary events, such as the Church of the

that Explorer has attracted so much attention!

and this wide programme of excursions help

Saviour on Spilled Blood, as well as countless

them do just that.

magnificent palaces to meander. And if that’s

What is your best piece of advice for guests

Secondly, the highly personalised, anticipatory

not enough, you can make your way to Moscow

thinking of sailing with Regent Seven Seas

service found on-board means our guests can

for the day as well.

Cruises?

relax glass in hand, knowing that everything has

You need the overnight stay in the port which all

One of my favourite cruise-related sayings is

been taken care of for them.

our sailings offer, however there a few with two overnights, which I would highly recommend.

“It’s not what you pay to get on a cruise, it’s what

18

way to experience the culture, history and the

you pay to get off ”. And this sentiment couldn’t

Which is your favourite cruise ship?

be truer when sailing with Regent. Practically

Over the last few years, Regent has invested

everything on-board is included from culinary

$150 million bringing the whole fleet up to the

delights, to premium libations as well as your

same standard as Seven Seas Explorer – The

flights, transfers, Wi-Fi and complimentary

Most Luxurious Ship Ever Built. So, now you

shore excursions. So, when it comes to settling

enjoy the same level of luxury no matter which

the bill at the end of the cruise, you can simply

ship you are on across our fleet. However, there

saunter off the ship without a worry.

O U R FAVO U R I T E O FFE R

Serene Caribbean Sea Seven Seas SplendorTM | 12 January 2022 | 13 nights Cruise ID: 229279P

Prices from £5,499pp

P RO M OTION A L F E ATUR E

B O O K BY 4 TH JANUARY 2 02 0

On a Regent Seven Seas cruise, luxury is intangible and not simply about hedonistic highlights but rather the overall experience, where individuality, freedom and refinement create the ultimate opulent escape at sea. With Regent Seven Seas Cruises, all-inclusive is an important philosophy and every experience both onshore and on-board is included, so you can dine, journey to and discover wherever and whenever you want to, as you explore new destinations across the globe in complete luxury.

G RAN D PACI F I C HOL I DAY Seven Seas Navigator | 21 December 2020 | 26 nights | Cruise ID: 184994

Cruise Itinerary Fly UK / Miami (overnight hotel stay) | Grand Cayman | Cartagena | Transit Panama Canal | Puntarenas | Corinto | Puerto Quetzal | Acapulco | Cabo San Lucas | Nawailiwili | Kahului | Hilo | Honolulu (overnight in port) / Fly UK (overnight)

Spend Christmas day

Includes Flights, overseas transfers, a one-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Miami, a 24-night

relaxing on-board!

ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruise and up to 65 FREE shore excursions

Deluxe Window Suite

Deluxe Veranda Suite

£8,749pp

£9,849pp

Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

Penthouse Suite

£11,799pp

SixStarCruises.co.uk

19

TRUE STORIES OF ULTRA-LUXURY

L

uxury cruising strikes images of decadent staterooms, fine dining akin to Michelin star-level restaurants and chandelier adorned atriums, sparkling from above. However, for Seabourn, they believe that the small touches mean just as much as the grand ones. That’s why they are proud of their Seabourn moments.

These are a snapshot of time, reflecting the attentive and innovative service of the crew on-board your Seabourn

cruise ship. Here are some of the extraordinary true stories of guests on-board.

Birthday celebrations

Local flavours

more so because he never actually ordered it.

Celebrating your birthday at sea is fun,

There’s the story of the one ingredient that

After musing about craving the iced treat one

surrounded by family and friends as you

changed the course of the night’s dinner. A

day, a crew member overheard Mr Knight

explore the world. But what if you get to

great chef knows how and when to experiment,

and set to ensure his craving was fulfilled.

celebrate it twice? Crossing the international

even if inspiration strikes at 3pm on a market

Unknowingly, Mr Knight had gone about his

date line on a cruise ship means that, though

excursion with Seabourn guests. Together, they

day relaxing in one of the on-board Jacuzzis,

your birthday might end as the sun goes down

discovered a local flavour that sent tastebuds

before a crew member appeared with an

one day, it starts once more as the sun rises on

tingling and hearts racing and became the new

expertly prepared cinnamon gelato beside him

the other side. With Seabourn, this means that

star of that night’s appetisers.

– the perfect afternoon surprise treat!

a second celebration, complete with a delicious

Quick fix

These are just a selection of the stories where

birthday cake – just like Mrs Cortez.

The Johnsons have perfected their daily

guests have experience intuitive service that’s

breakfast order of eggs benedict and granola

made their sailing with Seabourn even more

Ring retrieval

parfait during their Seabourn cruise. That was

extraordinary. What’s your Seabourn moment?

What about a tale of overcoming the odds?

until one day when they got a side they hadn’t

Mrs Martin fell into despair as she accidentally

requested. It was the shoes that Mr Johnson

dropped her wedding ring into the ocean during

had broken and disposed of the night before.

an island stop-off. Thinking it was gone forever,

An eagle-eyed crew member had spotted them

taken by the crashing waves, she succumbed to

and fixed them up, returning them anew to the

hopelessness of ever finding it again. That was

Johnsons, alongside their delicious breakfast

until Seabourn’s crew members took a chance to

the following morning.

their thoughtful crew get to surprise you with

dive into the depths and retrieve the ring from

20

the abyss. It was reunited with its owner back

Bubbles and ice cream

on-board, much to her surprise.

Mr Knight’s cinnamon gelato was perfect, even

O U R FAVO U R I T E O FFE R

Aegean & Turkish Tre asures Seabourn Odyssey | 13 June 2020 | 7 nights Cruise ID: 214661P

Prices from £3,399pp

P RO M OT I O NA L F E AT U R E

The Seabourn Difference offers world-class dining, enhanced by dining experiences with Chef Thomas Keller in a range of venues where you can dine when, where and with whom you wish.

It’s the connection you create with visionary experts through Seabourn Conversations.

It’s the exploration you experience aboard a Zodiac with the expert Ventures by Seabourn team. It’s the purpose you encourage during the sustainable travel excursions in partnership with UNESCO. It’s the restful mind you

N EW Z EA L A N D & AUST RALI A DI SCOVERY Seabourn Encore | 02 January 2021 23 nights | Cruise ID: 230163C

Cruise Itinerary Fly UK (over two-nights) / Auckland (two-night hotel stay) | Tauranga (Rotorua) | Nelson | Wellington | Akaroa (Christchurch) | Port Chalmers

enjoy courtesy of Dr. Andrew Weil’s exclusive

(Dunedin) | Oban (Halfmoon Bay)

mindful living program. It’s the intuitive

| Cruising Fjordland National Park |

service that exceeds your expectations.

Milford Sound | Melbourne | Phillip Island (Victoria) | Eden | Sydney (two-

It’s a difference you won’t find elsewhere. Only with Seabourn.

night hotel stay) / Fly UK (overnight)

Includes Includes flights, private overseas transfers, a two-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Auckland, a 16-night ultraluxury, all-inclusive cruise, $500 FREE to spend on-board per couple, 300 minute internet package PLUS book a Penthouse Suite and receive an additional $500 FREE to spend on-board per couple, an unlimited internet package, a two-night post-cruise luxury hotel stay in Sydney and a city, harbour and Bondi beach with Sydney Opera house tour

Veranda Suite

£11,379pp Penthouse Suite

£17,599pp

LUXURY HOTE L STAYS I N CLU D E D I N AUCKL A ND AN D SY DNE Y !

E XPLO R E T H E GA L A PAG O S Situated just under 1,000km from its mainland, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are a small yet mighty region to uncover. With incredible biodiversity, unspoiled landscapes and wandering wildlife you won’t find elsewhere, this archipelago of volcanic islands offers an extraordinary experience to anyone who visits.

TOTA L P OPULATIO N O F

1, 4 32 PLANT S PEC IES

THERE ARE ONLY

1 1 6 VISITOR

25,0 0 0 PEO P LE

SITES IN THE GALAPAGOS,

(including 600 endemic species of

INCLUDING

vascular plants)

AND

5 4 LAND SITES

6 2 SCUBA-DIVING OR

SNORKELLING SITES.

ISABELA IS THE LARGEST ISLAND IN THE GALAPAGOS AT

OUR FAVOURIT E O FFER

5,800KM2 AND

S ILV ER O R I G I N | 2 7 TH AU G U ST 2 0 2 0 11 NIG H TS | C RU I S E I D – 2 2 7 2 0 7 P

MAKES UP CLOSE TO THREE-QUARTERS OF

Includes flights, overseas transfers, a two-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Quito PLUS Quito by

THE TOTAL LAND AREA

night tour and guided Zodiac, land and sea tours

IN THE REGION

and shore side tour led by the Expeditions team.

EXCLUSIVE $250 FREE to spend on-board per couple

22

WILDLIFE

P R I C E S F RO M £ 7,4 9 9p p

The Galapagos penguin

Espanola Island has

The marine iguana can

Espanola is the only

The famous flightles

is the only wild penguin

many endemic species

only be found in the

place where the waved

cormorant can only b

species to live on the

including its own

Galapagos and is the

albatross nests as its

found on two islands

equator

species of lava lizard,

world’s only

steep cliffs are the perfect

the Galapagos – Isabe

mockingbird and the

ocean-swimming lizard

launching spot for these

and Fernandina. It’s t

birds

only known cormora

Galapagos tortoise

in the world to have lo

its ability to fly throug years of evolution

TIMELINE

Isabela is the largest island in the Galapagos as it is the result of six islands merging into one making it

Volcanoes have been

1,790 square miles

active on the islands for at

sl a

nd

least 20 million years

l

aI

Is a

be

Santiago Island is 226 sq. miles long and home to a plethora

Isl a

nd

of wildlife, including

lions, sharks and

million years ago First discovered in 1535, when the Bishop of Panamá found the undiscovered land during a voyage to Peru

o

iag

marine iguanas, sea

The first islands formed 5

S

a nt

Darwin Finches

The Galapagos Islands first appeared on a map in 1570, when they were called Insulae de los

T HE GALAPAGOS

Galopegos (Islands of the

COMP R ISES OF 18 MAIN

Tortoises), referring to the

ISLANDS, 3 SMALLER

giant tortoises found there

ISLANDS AND 107 ROCKS AND ISLETS

San Cristobal is the first island Charles Darwin visited during his voyage on the Beagle in 1835 The region became

Santa Cruz

ruz

Sa

park in 1959

great visitor sites:

aC

created from a

nt

volcano and

Garner Bay for

UNESCO recognised

swimming and

the islands as a World

Punta Suarez for

Galapagos National Park Service are located

plenty of endemic

ola

snorkelling; and

where both the Charles Darwin Research Station and

an

large, extinct

Ecuador’s first national

Espanola has two

is an island

Es

p

wildlife including brightly coloured marine iguanas and blue-footed boobies

Heritage Site in 1978 as a biosphere reserve. It was extended in December 2001 to include the marine reserve.

ss

Brightly-coloured Sally

Pinta Island was home

Wolf Island is home to

The Galapagos tortoise is

There are three types

be

Lightfoot crabs can be

to the last remaining

plenty of wildlife, its

the largest living species

of boobies across the

of

found on Isabela Islands,

Pinta tortoise, Lonesome

most famous being the

of tortoise and can weigh

Galapagos: the

ela

where they sometimes

George, who sadly died

endemic vampire finch

up to 920lbs – that’s the

blue-footed booby,

the

feed on parasites dead

in 2012

which feeds on blood

equivalent of 417 bags of

red-footed booby and the

ant

skin from marine iguanas

pecked from other birds

sugar!

Nazca booby. Their feet

ost

are brightly coloured due

gh

to the pigmentation in Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

their food SixStarCruises.co.uk

23

P RO M OT I O NA L F E ATUR E

Exceptional service, gourmet restaurants and an exclusive private

atmosphere

are

just part of what makes a Silversea voyage a truly unforgettable

experience.

To sail with Silversea is to discover the world in true luxury, with an incredible collection itineraries from,

of to

visiting

worldwide choose hundreds

of iconic and fascinating ports all over the world, each offering an incredible choice of excursions and the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture wherever you go.

MACHU PICCHU, SOUTH AMERICAN TREASURES AND BUENOS AIRES EXTENSION Silver Moon | 19 January 2021 | 29 nights | Cruise ID: 221267F Discover Machu Fly UK / Lima (overnight hotel stay) / Fly to Cusco (three-night hotel stay) / Fly Lima (Callao, overnight in

Cruise Itinerary

port) | Pisco | Arica | Coquimbo | Valparaiso | Puerto Montt | Castro | Cruise to the Chilean Fjords | Punta Arenas | Cruise Garibaldi Fjord and Glacier | Ushuaia (overnight in port) | Stanley | Montevideo | Buenos Aires (two-night hotel stay) / Fly UK (overnight)

Flights, private overseas transfers, a one-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Lima, a three-night pre-cruise

Includes

luxury hotel stay in Cusco, Machu Picchu tour with First Class train, the Andean Baroque route, 22-night ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruise, EXCLUSIVE $200 FREE to spend on-board per couple, a two-night post-cruise luxury hotel stay in Buenos Aires and a Tango show at Madero

Vista Suite

SOLD OUT

24

Veranda Suite

ÂŁ9,799pp

Silver Suite

SOLD OUT

Picchu by train!

W H I CH D E ST I N AT I O N S H O U L D YO U V I S I T I N 202 0 ?

Wondering where to go next year? Take our fun quiz and find out which destination we think you should visit in 2020.

YES

HAVE YOU CRUISED BEFORE?

DO YOU PR EFER TO SAIL FROM THE UK?

YES

NO WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AS A HOLIDAY EXPLORER OR RELAXER?

EXPLORER

NO

RELAXER YOUR IDEAL TRIP INCLUDES...

CULTURAL HOTSP OTS

WOULD YOU PREFER TO VISIT SOMEWHERE CLOSE TO HOME OR FAR AWAY?

ARE YOU PLANNING A SHORT BREAK OR SOMETHING A LIT TLE LONGER?

CLOSE TO HOME

FA R AWAY

PAMPERING AND RELAXATION

LIT TLE LONGER

SHORT BREAK

CAN YOU TRAVEL AT ANY TIME?

ARE YOU ON A BUDGET ?

YES

NO

NO YOUR PERFECT CRUISE EXCURSION IS...

WILDLIFE WATCHING WOULD YOU PREFER SOMEWHERE...

COLD

YES BEACH BBQ DO YOU PREFER CITY BREAKS OR BEACH HOLIDAYS?

HOT

BEACH HOLIDAYS

CITY BREAKS

ALASKA

ASIA

THE CARIBBEAN

T H E ME D IT E R RANEAN

From wandering wildlife to

A melting-pot of flavours and

With tropical climes and palm-tree

The Mediterranean offers city breaks

what

far-flung ports, there’s plenty to

breezes, the Caribbean is ideal for

and culture galore! With many

better place to add to your 2020

experience in Asia. Offering up

all year-round sunshine. Whether

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

diary!

awe-inspiring

We

landscapes,

love

adventures, quirky cuisine and

you choose to walk along one of

to explore such as the Acropolis

exploring the Alaskan wilderness

think

you’ll

amazing culture, it’s a destination

Antigua’s 365 beaches or sample

of Athens and the ancient city of

and visiting its unique ports of call

that should be on everyone’s list in

the local cuisine in Barbados, this

Pompeii, it’s an ideal destination to

such as Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan.

2020.

destination makes for the perfect

discover in 2020.

2020 cruise.

Prices from £5,399pp

Prices from £3,329pp

Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

Prices from £2,159pp

Prices from £1,699pp

SixStarCruises.co.uk

25

26

C

limate change is a huge topic at

The company also vowed to match donations

assisting at food banks, with each program

the moment and a matter of huge

dollar-for-dollar to assist with clean-up efforts,

carefully vetted by the cruise line themselves.

importance to those within the cruise

the delivery of supplies and temporary shelters.

As well as offering voluntourism for guests and

industry. Reducing and reusing produce, as

Moving south, Silversea recently launched a

crew, Crystal has also partnered with ORCA,

well as supporting sustainable travel options

dedicated fund to preserve the natural wonders

one of the UK’s leading marine conservation

has never been more demanding. As such,

and wellbeing of the Galapagos Islands for

charities. Part of the partnership includes

we are seeing more and more cruise lines

future generations. Having just launched their

wildlife experts from the charity coming aboard

revealing ways in which they are supporting

own purpose-built, luxury expedition

the world, its inhabitants and the nature

vessel – Silver Origin – the cruise

which surrounds it.

line is invested in ensuring the islands are protected for everyone

Crystal Symphony or Crystal Serenity

Up to 80,000 tons of paper, plastic, aluminium and

to train the bridge crew in collecting scientific data about animal behaviour as well as best conservation practices.

Just this year, Regent Seven Seas underwent

to enjoy in the futures to come. The

a transition from traditional bottled water to

fund supports a diverse selection of

premium Vero Still and Sparkling water in

projects throughout the year as part

order to reduce single-use plastic on-board.

of a long-term conservation strategy

Vero is the gold-standard on-premise water

to educate and support the unique ecosystems

All of this comes under the umbrella of the

purification system, also found in luxury hotels,

and biological integrity that can be found there.

Crystal Cares program, comprising initiatives

resorts and Michelin starred restaurants. It uses

Seabourn has also signed an agreement,

which better the lives of locals as well as the

a five-stage Nano-Filtration process to reduce

focusing its protection efforts instead on the

beauty of the world and oceans in which the

impurities, chemicals and imperfections. The

wider world by extending its official partnership

cruise line travels. As of June this year, the

introduction of the system on-board Regent’s

with the United Nations Educational, Scientific

cruise line eliminated all plastic straws across

fleet will eliminate approximately 2 million

and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO). The

the fleet, marking just the start of the green

plastic water bottles every year.

five-year extension means that the cruise line

standards it will continue to apply including

A similar plan has also gone ahead on-board

will continue to foster a wider support to help

energy efficiency and water conservation.

Oceania Cruises, who also announced a

protect World Heritage, safeguarding and

partnership with Vero Water earlier this

promoting the world’s unique cultural and

Speaking about on-board waste conservation

year. The initiative is part of the cruise line’s

natural heritage. Seabourn and its guests have

and efficiency, Tony Roberts of CLIA UK said:

OceaniaNEXT enhancements and meant all

already contributed more than $1 million to

six of Oceania’s ships were outfitted with the

UNESCO since its inception in 2014, sharing

distillation systems by April.

a common view with the organisation that

As well as life on-board, cruise lines are

the cultural and historical sites be preserved

looking at life at sea with plans in place to

for generations to come. It means that guests

protect environments and support devastated

on-board Seabourn can also enjoy deeper

regions from natural disasters. Following the

insights, unique access and behind-the-scenes

destruction of the Bahamas after Hurricane

information on UNESCO sites and projects

Dorian in August of this year, some cruise lines

thanks to the line’s Seabourn Conversations

stepped forward to help rebuild and support

enrichment and entertainment programme.

local families and businesses. Norwegian Cruise

The same can be experienced on-board Crystal

Line Holdings Ltd., leading global cruise line

Cruises, which offers guests the chance to

which operates lines including Oceania Cruises

partake in voluntourism adventures during

and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, relaunched their

their sailings. The popular ‘You Care. We Care’

Hope Starts Here hurricane relief campaign.

collection of experiences are offered on-board

In partnership with All Hands and Hearts,

most Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony

the campaign vowed to pledge a minimum

sailings, and invite both guests and crew to give

commitment of $1 million dollars towards

their time and energy to dozens of worthwhile

supporting those who have been affected by the

causes around the world. These can vary from

Cruise ID: 173365

devastating events following Hurricane Dorian.

environmental and wildlife conservation or

Prices from £10,299pp

Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

glass is recycled each year

Guests can also benefit as the experts will also lead Q&A sessions, wildlife deck

watches,

interactive

data

collection and guided excursions.

CLIA cruise lines carefully follow waste management and recycling practices to prevent waste in oceans. Thanks to advanced technologies, cruise ship waste management professionals recycle 60% more waste per person than the average person recycles on shore each day. Up to 80,000 tons of paper, plastic, aluminium and glass is recycled each year, and some cruise ships can repurpose 100% of the waste generated onboard — by reducing, reusing, donating, recycling and converting waste into energy.

O U R FAVO U R I T E O FFE R

Galapagos Outer Loop Celebrity Flora | 26 September 2020 | 10 nights

SixStarCruises.co.uk

27

ROAMING THE ROCKIES the Canadian Rockies and all that surrounds it during her journey.

Rim

mer, S ale

n s Co

cie

r

The views and nature of the Rockies

featuring delicious choices such as three cheese

with lush forests and rugged mountains, dotted

are not to be missed and you need to

omelettes or field berry parfait. Hosts on-board

with wildlife that I never thought we would see.

have your camera handy to catch the

ensure we are comfortable and point out nearby

Along the way, we stop to experience views of

attractions before we enjoy a three-course

the mountains, riding the Banff Gondola to the

gourmet lunch listening to them share stories of

Sulphur Mountain summit as six ranges and

I’m on-board the iconic Rocky Mountaineer

their Rocky Mountaineer experiences.

the Bow Valley sweeps below you. The tour

train, which offers three distinctive routes

Our first stop is Kamloops, just 220 miles into

guide also showed us the Columbia Icefields as

through the Canadian Rocky Mountains. This

our journey. We step off the train and head to the

we passed through the national parks of Banff

one is the First Passage to the West,

Double Tree by Hilton hotel, which

and Jasper. It was great to see the history come

which journeys from Vancouver to

is thankfully only a six-minute drive

alive and spot wildlife from the glass-bottomed

from the train. It’s not long until we

SkyWalk – 918 feet above the ground.

are checked-in and can explore the

As we pulled into the final station at Banff, I feel

surroundings of this charming town.

saddened to leave my seat behind and step off the

Refreshed the following day, our group

train. The journey took me through landscapes

the departure, which is signalled by a

steps aboard the train once more

and plains I could never have imagined. From

whistle of the train and we start our

to head on to our next stop – Banff.

the hosts offering insight into the nature and

journey. Cheers!

On the way, we journey through the Shuswap

surroundings of the Canadian Rockies to the

Setting off from the backdrop of Vancouver’s

region before mountains ascend around us and

endless views from the panoramic windows, it’s

snow-capped mountains, I settled into my

reach up to the sky. The host once more points

a remarkable way to see nature at its

seat and enjoyed the passing views from the

out a passing landmark that is synonymous with

finest.

panoramic glass windows. As these transform

many journeys like ours – the Castle Mountain.

into towering peaks, we are served breakfast,

The scenery turns once more to postcard-perfect

surroundings as they pass by.

Banff, stopping at Kamloops along the way. As I step aboard, I’m greeted by the Train Manager and handed

A remarkable way to see nature at its

a glass of orange juice ready to toast

28

cc a

ge

be

Re

Rebecca Rimmer spent two days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train, exploring

finest.

P ROM OTION A L F E ATUR E

Prepare for an iconic rail journey onboard Rocky Mountaineer with your choice of three unique routes, each visiting top regions such as Vancouver, Banff and Lake Louise. Recline in

T RU LY M OV I N G TRA IN JO U R NE YS

your spacious seat as you take in awe-inspiring views of snowy peaks, glacier-fed lakes, rushing waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies. This is where the call of the wild meets regionally-inspired cuisine, vibrant storytelling, and impeccable service.

JOURNEY THROUGH THE CLOUDS TOP EXPLORER AND TREASURES OF ALASKA

See the Rockies on the world’s most luxurious train

Silver Muse | 24 August 2020 | 18 nights | Cruise ID: 187171F

Itinerary Fly UK / Calgary (two-night hotel stay) | Banff (two-night hotel stay) | Jasper (two-night hotel stay, board the Rocky Mountaineer train) | Kamloops (overnight hotel stay) | Vancouver (three-night hotel stay) | Embark in Vancouver | Cruise the Inside Passage | Ketchikan | Juneau | Skagway | Sitka | Cruise the Hubbard Glacier | Seward / Fly UK (overnight)

Includes Flights, overseas transfers, a two-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Calgary, a seven-night Journey through the Clouds Rocky Mountaineer, including hotel stays in Banff, Jasper, Kamloops and Vancouver plus two-days on-board Rocky Mountaineer train in GoldLeaf service and a seven-night ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruise. Book and pay in full to receive these prices.

Classic Veranda Suite

£10,699pp

Superior Veranda Suite

Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

£10,899pp

Silver Suite

£13,199pp

SixStarCruises.co.uk

29

NEW ZEALAND Adventure awaits as you head to one of the many ports welcoming you to New Zealand. From national parks aplenty and world-class surfing to Māori culture and mesmerising fjords, it’s a place of awe-inspiring wonder.

Whether you sail to the island’s capital in Wellington or tender at the Bay of Islands collection of 140 islands, it’s bound to be a bucket-list destination for everyone.

30

O U R FAVO U R I T E O FFER

New Zealand and Australia Adventure Seabourn Encore | 28 December 2020 | 26 nights Cruise ID: 230163C

Prices from £13,599pp Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

SixStarCruises.co.uk

31

8 H O U RS I N

C

ruising to Japan strikes up images of cherry blossoms, temples and futuristic cityscapes, many of which epitomise its capital city, Tokyo. Home to a metropolis of historical cultures and

unique cuisines, Tokyo is fast-becoming a popular cruising destination for lines such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises and more.

Now, since hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup and presenting the 2020 Summer Olympics, its only going to grow in its popularity. Whether you’re sailing to see its many gardens and green spaces or to enjoy the eclectic and ultramodern hub, Tokyo is a place of awe-inspiring landscapes and wonderment.

MORNING – 9am TO 10am

MORNING – 11am TO 11.30am

outside the Shibuya Station every day for him even after his owner passed away. Remembered

M EJI S H R INE

S HI B U YA CRO SSING

to this day as a symbol of loyalty and faith, the

A shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of

You can either walk to Shibuya (20-minute

famous dog is now immortalised as a bronze

Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress

walk) or take the train from Harajuku Station to

statue outside the station.

Shoken, this is a great way to start exploring

Shibuya Station (7-minute journey). Once you

Tokyo’s history and heritage. The shrine sits in

reach here, head to your next stop – the Shibuya

a large forested area so it’s a peaceful place to

Crossing. A famous road crossing it may be, but

enjoy an early morning walk within the busy

it’s a great sight to watch hundreds of people

GY UKATSU M OTO M URA

city.

crossing the street at once and capturing a snap

This popular restaurant gets busy very quickly,

of Tokyo’s typical hustle and bustle.

so we recommended opting for an early lunch to sample what is a relatively new Japanese

MORNING – 10am TO 11am MORNING – 11.30am TO 12am

delicacy – steak katsu. More often served with pork or chicken, it’s one of the only places you

TAKE S H I TA D OR I A symbol of Harajuku, Takeshita Dori

HAC HI KÕ M EM O RIAL

can try this dish. Queues can often stretch to up

(Takeshita Street) is the birthplace of many of

Just a short walk down Shrine Street takes you to

to an hour, but it’s worth the wait!

Japan’s popular fashions and trends. A narrow

the memorial of Japan’s most legendary canine.

After dining, head down to the Ebisu Station

street stretching almost 400m and lined with

Hachiko was a Japanese Akita who is known

(15-minute walk) and get the train to the

shops, boutiques, cafes and fast food outlets,

for his remarkable loyalty to his owner, waiting

Roppongi Station, which is only a 6-minute

it’s a popular place to visit for both tourists and locals.

32

LUNCH – 12am TO 1pm

journey.

M e ij i S h r i n e

Shib

M or

u y a C ro s s in g

i A r t Mu s e u m

cherry trees which make a treat to walk around

AF TERNOON – 1pm TO 5pm

during the blossom season (March-April).

M OR I TOW E R , M USE U M &

DINNER – 5pm TO 7pm

EVENING – 7pm ONWARDS YARAKUCH O RESTAURAN T

GARD E NS

D IST R ICT For the remainder of the evening, we suggest

With 54-storeys of shopping, dining and art

S U K I YABASH I JIRO

heading to Yarakucho’s lively restaurant and

options, Mori Tower is a great place to explore

A relaxed sushi bar and one of the most

bar district. Offering a melting-pot of dining

during your afternoon. Start at the Mori Art

famous restaurants in Tokyo, Sukiyabashi Jiro

and drinking opportunities, the district is

Museum. Situated on the tower’s top floors, the

holds three Michelin stars for its delectable

built up beneath the elevated train tracks of

space offers exhibitions and art to gaze upon

sushi. Having starred in the popular 2011

the Yamanote Line, making it a really unique

with ever-changing installations which are

documentary, Jiro Dreams of Sushi, the venue

collection of venues. Restaurants range from

interactive and immersive. Next, head to the

shot to stardom and has been receiving rave

authentic izakaya and yakitori joints to elegant

Observation Deck for a chance to catch some

reviews ever since. Chef Jiro and his team

French wine bars, and it’s held traditional Tokyo

incredible views of the surroundings. At 238m

prepare high-quality food in what appears to be

vibes perfectly.

tall, the tower is the perfect place to visit for

a sub-standard restaurant to hold such coveted

views of Tokyo.

recommendations, but don’t let that put you off,

As you exit, head to the Mori Garden for a

it’s an experience that you won’t forget.

relaxing tour of the small oasis found between

O U R FAVO U R I T E O FFE R

From Osaka to Saigon Seven Seas Explorer | 16 March 2022 | 22 nights

the tall buildings. Built to represent a traditional

Cruise ID: 228777P

Japanese landscape, the garden has several

Prices from £10,249pp

Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

SixStarCruises.co.uk

33

S H IP REV I E W

C RYSTAL SERENI TY W R I T TE N BY GA RY B UCHAN AN

At the end of last year Crystal Serenity emerged from the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven following the most extensive redesign the ship has ever undergone. As a result of the makeover, the ship’s capacity was reduced from 1,070 guests to 980 guests, while the number of crew remains the same. This underscores Crystal Cruises’ hallmark of having one of the highest space and service ratios in the industry.

Launched in 2003 to immediate acclaim, Crystal Serenity has received a host of awards from prestigious magazines and cruise guides. Apart from being a torchbearer in the all-inclusive stakes, Crystal Cruises’ onboard luxury is more nuanced than many of its competitors.

This quality manifests itself in the intuitive service from the crew; impeccable cuisine in a variety of restaurants; as well as supremely comfortable accommodations.

Not only does Crystal Serenity look better than ever after her transformation, the scope of the redesign has ensured the uncompromising standards for which the ship is renowned have attained new heights.

Where to eat: The concept of open-seating dining made its debut aboard Crystal Serenity following the refurbishment allowing guests to dine where, when and with

where gauchos take meats directly from the grill to

Umi Uma serves the JapanesePeruvian

specialities

of

carve them tableside from

Nobu

sword-like skewers. Other highlights

Matsuhisa by his personally-trained chefs and remains the only Nobu restaurant at sea.

include the Vintage Room; Bistro; Trident Grill and afternoon tea in the Palm Court.

Revelling in elegance and featuring Northern Italian cuisine at its

Where to sleep:

whom they choose. It’s a

finest, Prego is perennially

The upgrade to Crystal Serenity saw 36 new

proud claim of the company

popular. With a backdrop of

Seabreeze Penthouses and two Seabreeze

that their ships do not have a

‘living walls’ the

Penthouse Suites (367 sq ft and 491 sq ft

main dining room, a relic of the past that has no place on Crystal Cruises’ contemporary ships. With its cosy vibe and plenty

34

as well as tasty modern cuisine.

Asian-inspired Silk Kitchen serves

traditional

comfort-food atmosphere.

The

in

an

respectively) created on Deck 10. This new

Chinese

accommodation grade offers butler service,

alfresco

walk-in wardrobes and bathrooms with

open-kitchen

power-showers. Customised, contemporary

of tables for two and four, the epicurean

Marketplace offers an expansive menu of

design and décor are featured throughout, with

treasure-trove that is the Waterside restaurant

buffet-style breakfast and lunch options then

gemstone-coloured velvets, natural materials

has inspirational menus boasting classic dishes

transforms into the Churrascaria in the evening

and brushed brass touches with marble details.

P ROM OTION A L F E ATUR E

BOOK BY 8 T H JANUARY 2020

Enjoy an With Crystal Cruises, luxury is personal. Step aboard the world’s best cruise ships and call them home

overnight

FROM ASIA TO AFRICA

in port in the

Crystal Symphony | 17 February 2021 | 22 nights | Cruise ID: 198971P

Seychelles!

as you experience life alongside likeminded travellers. With more awards to its name than any other luxury line, including Conde Nast Traveler’s World’s Best, Crystal Cruises offer the ultimate opulent experience, with world-class cuisine created by master chef Nobu Matsuhisa, a wealth of exceptional entertainment to enjoy and a unique excursion programme.

Bask in elegant interiors, revel in acclaimed six-star service and dine on dishes of Michelin-level envy.

Cruise Itinerary Fly UK (overnight) / Singapore (overnight hotel stay) | Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang) | Penang | Phuket (overnight in port) | Colombo (overnight in port) | Male | Mahe (Victoria Harbour, overnight in port) | Praslin | Mombasa (two-night hotel stay) / Fly UK (overnight)

Includes Flights, private overseas transfers, a one-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Singapore, a 17-night ultra-luxury, all-inclusive cruise, a two-night post-cruise luxury hotel stay in Mombasa and book a Penthouse Suite and receive an EXCLUSIVE $300 FREE to spend on-board per couple Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

£5,249pp

Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

Veranda Stateroom

£6,619pp

Penthouse Suite

£12,299pp

SixStarCruises.co.uk

35

There is no such thing as a bad cabin on Crystal

Top Tip:

Serenity - indeed there are no inside cabins. The

Don’t miss ‘Mozart Tea Time’, an extravaganza

lowest grade - 226 sq ft Outside Staterooms -

held once per cruise in the Palm Court. This

come complete with a five-foot picture window;

elegant room is also the place to head to in the

but the majority of the ship’s accommodation

evening for ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ fans as

are Deluxe Staterooms which boast a 20 sq ft

Crystal Cruises have Ambassador Hosts and

veranda. Wardrobe space is generous and the

professional dancers to partner guests as they

marble bathrooms are a masterstroke in design,

sashay across the floor.

with twin sinks and shower; some come with a bathtub. All staterooms have a lounge area where room-service meals can be enjoyed in private. Top-of-the-range Penthouses range from 403 sq ft to 1,345 sq ft and are about the finest money can buy on the ocean waves.

What to do: Production shows are some of the best choreographed and most lavishly costumed entertainment at sea. In the Galaxy Lounge there’s the ‘Icons in Concert’ show; plus a new Broadway-style revue called ‘Crystal on Broadway, The Show’ which features songs from the hit musicals: Something Rotten!; West Side Story; and Rent. There’s also the Stardust Club for comedians and cabaret. On formal nights during longer cruises, this turns into a brand-new dining experience reminiscent of the era of the Rat Pack. There are also recentlyreleased movies in the Hollywood Theatre; a large casino; and sublime Connoisseurs Club.

By day, one of the most popular diversions is the Computer University @ Sea; another part of Crystal Cruises’ ‘Creative Learning Institute’ is the chance to learn a host of foreign languages.

Designed in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui, the Crystal Spa high above the ocean on Deck 13 offers a serene environment for a range of therapeutic treatments. The Seahorse Pool is one of the largest at sea and is surrounded by ‘pod beds’ and padded sun-loungers; there’s also two Jacuzzis.

What I loved: Reminiscent of a colonial gentleman’s club, the Avenue Saloon proved a popular watering hole after dinner when pianist Dan Davies entertained the crowd. Another focal hub in the evening is Crystal Cove where there’s a variety of entertainment. Many guests fill the open decks at sailaway when the emotive Louis Armstrong song ‘What a Wonderful World’ reaffirms the joy of cruising.

36

O U R FAVO U R I T E O FFE R

Captivating Caribbean Crystal Serenity | 04 January 2022 | 14 nights Cruise ID: 229781P

Prices from £4,199pp

PICTURE PERFECT SPACES CLIA’s 2019 State of the Industry report stated that Instagram photos are bringing a high level of interest in travel. With over 450 million posts on the social media platform featuring ‘#travel’, it’s no surprise it’s become a driving force.

‘Instaworthy’ destinations offer a chance to show the diverse travel experiences you’ve encountered and, with increased on-board connectivity, it’s now even easier to showcase your holiday snaps. Here are our top picks for the best Instagram holidays.

Celebrity Edge – Dream Machine

Oceania Cruises – Finest Cuisine at Sea

This pool centrepiece is the most photographed

Offering the renowned Finest Cuisine at Sea™,

part of the ship. Designed by Rubem Robierb, the

many of the dishes enjoyed on-board Oceania

butterfly wings offer great photo opportunities,

Cruises are worthy of a snap or two. Top

with viewers of the piece encouraged to make a

restaurants to enjoy insta-worthy indulgences

wish as they pose.

include the cruise line’s Italian venue, Toscana, and Jacques Pépin personally-inspired French cuisine at Jacques.

Seabourn Encore – Atrium One of the most photographed spaces on-board Seabourn ships, the atrium is a central hub offering a unique space to gather. The atrium on-board Seabourn Encore boasts a beautiful art piece created by Adam D. Tihany, inspired by the ocean and crafted in Murano glass.

Seven Seas Explorer – Compass Rose Situated in the ship’s main restaurant, this 9-metre-long light fixture is created from

Crystal Serenity – Silk Kitchen & Bar

hand-blown crystal glass, arranged in a wave

Silk Kitchen & Bar is an al fresco venue

to evoke the impression you are observing the

where you can enjoy authentic delicacies

chandelier from beneath the water’s surface.

such as dumplings, dim sum and crispy duck salad. The twinkling trees and savoury Asian dining experience make for a dreamy dining experience on-board Crystal Serenity.

Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

SixStarCruises.co.uk

37

P ROM OTION A L F E ATUR E

E MB RAC E THR IL L I NG DI SCOVER IES BLACK SEA VOYAGE Offering

a

deluxe

experience,

Azamara is the perfect luxury cruise

Azamara Journey® | 12 September 2020 | 14 nights | Cruise ID: 224900

Popular itinerary!

line for discerning travellers looking

Cruise Itinerary

for the ultimate indulgence as they

Fly UK / Athens (Piraeus) | Kusadasi | Istanbul | Varna | Bucharest | Odessa | Sochi | Batumi |

explore exotic locations across the

Istanbul | Kepez (Troy/Gallipoli) | Cruising Dardanelles | Athens (Piraeus, overnight in port)

globe. During your time on-board,

/ Fly UK

you will experience dedicated butler

Includes

service, fine cuisine and luxurious spa

Flights, overseas transfers, a 14-night premium-luxury cruise and a FREE AzAmazing

facilities, and with a guest capacity

Evening ®

of around 700 passengers, you can expect attentive service like no other.

Club Interior Stateroom

£6,699pp

38

Club Oceanview Stateroom

£7,149pp

Club Balcony Stateroom

£9,449pp

E XTRAO R D I N A RY

From spotting wildlife from your train to watching life from above on a private helicopter tour, there are many ways in which you can dive into the heart of a destination to ensure you explore its hidden secrets and highlights. With various places to indulge your wanderlust, here are our top tours and experiences to add on-to your next luxury sailing.

S I E M RE A P

M ACH U P I CC H U

Cambodia, Southeast Asia

Peru, South America

The fourth-largest province in Cambodia, Siem

Shrouded in mist and mystery, this historical

Reap is best-known as the Gateway to Angkor.

Incan citadel has become a cultural icon

The temple ruins which reside here are the

for South America and all visitors to Peru.

UNESCO World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat,

As the most famous archaeological site on

a complex stretching over 162.6 hectares and

the continent, it boasts a colourful heritage

the largest religious monument in the world.

stretching back to ancient civilisations. Set

Tours feature a range of ways to experience the

high int the Andes Mountains, tours here

site including witnessing the sunset behind the

include walking in the surrounding trails,

park from Pre Rup – one of the most popular

spotting wandering llamas or riding the Hiram

viewing areas; or wandering the Ta Prohm

Bingham train – named after the very man who discovered the ruins in 1911.

EASTER I S LA ND Rapa Nui, South Pacific Ocean

Temple which is adorned with winding roots that have grown into the stonework.

Famous for its moai statues dotted around the landscape, Easter Island is a place of historical and cultural significance. Situated in Rapa Nui National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. Tours explore every aspect of the island, from the scenic area of Ahu Akivi where the moai statues face the ocean, to watching the sunrise at Ahu Tongariki behind a line of 15 restored moai.

Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

SixStarCruises.co.uk

39

M O UN T F UJ I

AYE RS RO CK

Honshu, Japan

Uluru, Australia A sacred place to the Pitjantjatjara Anangu –

Rising up to the sky at an astounding 3,776m,

the Aboriginal people of the area – Ayers Rock

it’s no surprise that Mount Fuji claims the

is a large sandstone formation which overlooks

title of Japan’s highest mountain. Heading

much of the national park in which it resides.

to Hakone National Park is one of the most

Reaching a height of 863m, it has become an

popular ways to see the natural wonder, as well

instantly recognisable landmark of the region.

as the 350-degree-views of Lake Ashi and the

Many flock to view the rock, particularly at

Owakudani Valley. However, a more unique

dawn or sunset, when the red sandstone glows

tour of Mount Fuji is a panoramic helicopter

in the light. One of the ways you can experience

tour, which combines some of the best views of

this with the popular Sounds of Silence dinner.

Tokyo with this sacred mountain.

Comprising canapes and chilled wine, enjoy

GRAN D P RI X

outstanding views of Ayers Rock as the sun sets

Monte Carlo, Monaco A

once-in-a-lifetime

before tucking in to an unforgettable dining sporting

experience,

experience under the night sky.

no race or circuit on the Formula 1 calendar can truly match the excellence, glamour, and challenge of the Monaco Grand Prix. From Casino Square to the luxurious yachts, Monaco is a circuit of legendary corners full of motoring history. Extremely challenging for both teams and drivers, the narrow circuit through the glamorous streets has fuelled dreams of fans and sportsmen alike for decades. Though this isn’t a

RO C KY MOUN TAIN EER

tour as such, we felt it’s a fantastic experience

British Columbia, Canada

HO BBI TO N Waikato, New Zealand The movie set used as a significant location

This iconic rail journey offers gourmet cuisine,

for both the Lord of the Rings film trilogy and

vibrant storytelling and impeccable service.

The Hobbit film series, Hobbiton is an iconic

Rocky Mountaineer offers a chance to ride

attraction that is a must-see for movie fans. Its

in a custom-built railway carriage which has

quaint rolling hills and lush pastures are the

panoramic windows and comfortable seats to

perfect setting for the fictional world to call

sink into during your journey. Spot wandering

home. Tours include a fully-guided experience

wildlife and enjoy the verdant forests that lead

around the 12-acre set as well as the Green

into towering peaks above and raging waters

Dragon Inn. Or you can dine on a feast fit for

below. Passing through the Canadian Rockies and paired with luxury hotel stays, this train is

IGUAZU FA LLS

the ultimate in adventure and decadence.

Argentina-Brazil Border, South America

a Hobbit as the sun sets, exploring the set at night with lanterns and chimneys smoking in the darkness.

Situated along the border of both Argentina and Brazil, the Iguazu Falls are the largest system of its kind in the world. Divided into the upper and lower regions, the falls are a walking the nature trails surrounding the water

Machu Picchu South American Treasures and Buenos Aires Extension

as well as exploring the canopy views from

Silver Moon | 19 January 2021 | 29 nights

fantastic sight to behold and many tours feature

above. There are several ways you can choose to experience the falls including a safari boat ride or a helicopter tour to explore the many perspectives of this incredible landmark.

40

O U R FAVO U R I T E O FFE R

Cruise ID: 221267F

Prices from £9,799pp

P ROM OTION A L F E ATUR E

Guests can explore beyond the horizon as luxury and discovery combine on board Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery Yacht™. Carrying just 228 passengers (dropping to 200 for Polar cruises in Antarctica and The Arctic), Scenic Eclipse has a fantastic staff-to-guest ratio of 1:1, meaning

Panama & C olombia D i s cove r y

personalised service comes as standard. Scenic Eclipse also offers more time in port, fully immersing you in some of the most iconic destinations around the world.

Scenic Eclipse | 14 October 2021 | 13 nights | Cruise ID: 230100 Explore further with

Cruise Itinerary

on-board submarine

Fly UK (overnight) / Cartagena (overnight hotel stay) | San Blas Islands (Panama) | Panama Canal | Darién

and helicopter**

National Park | Utria National Park (Colombia) | Salaverry | Lima / Fly UK (overnight)

Includes Flights, overseas transfers, a one-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay in Cartagena, and a ten-night ultra-luxury, all-inclusive, expedition cruise, exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences and Scenic Freechoice excursions

Veranda Suite

£7,039pp

Spa Suite

£11,049pp

Panorama Suite

£16,999pp

**Helicopter ride at extra cost

Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

SixStarCruises.co.uk

41

RIVER VS OCEAN Crystal Cruises are renowned for their luxury standard of cruising, whether ocean or river. So we took the chance to put their river and ocean branches head-to-head with our quickfire questions.

Jon Schofield

Regional Sales Manager for North & Scotland | Crystal River Cruises River cruising is so relaxing. You don’t feel any rocking movements, there is always something to see on either side of the ship – an ever changing picturesque beautiful landscape – especially sailing through villages of Austria.

Having the choice to do what you want to do when you want to do it, coupled with fantastic levels of quality and service.

On the Rhine and Danube rivers – they are both interesting and offer a different sailing experience.

The four brand-new Rhine Class ships of the Crystal River fleet are all identical – so either Bach, Mahler, Ravel or Debussy.

A Vienna roundtrip itinerary on the Danube River – sailing through Austria, Germany, Bratislava and Hungary.

Fresh lobster that was flown in from Maine – this is done every week on a Crystal River Cruise.

Just do as many things as you can. Treat your cruise as the last thing that could happen to you, so just enjoy it and experience everything you can.

Amsterdam – to showcase a Crystal River ship to agent partners.

International electric plug adaptor.

Sitting at the pop-up bar – on the top deck of Crystal Bach, with a gin and tonic, watching the British Open golf on the large screen TV.

Embarkation time is normally lunchtime – so off to the restaurant for a light lunch and a glass of French Rose wine.

An electric bike ride through the villages of the Black Forrest region in Germany.

The space; the service; the quality and the choices.

42

VS WH AT ’S T H E ON E T H IN G YOU LOV E A BOUT CRUISIN G ?

WH AT D OE S LUXURY ME A N TO YOU? W H AT ’ S YO U R FAVO U R I TE P L AC E TO SA I L W I TH C RYSTA L C RU I S E S ?

Michael Dupont

Head of Sales | Crystal Ocean Cruises

The opportunity to visit many different cities whilst enjoying high levels of intuitive service.

Attention to detail in a relaxed atmosphere.

Asia, with its vast array of spectacular scenery and cultures.

W H I C H I S YO U R FAVO U R I TE C RYSTA L C RU I S E S ’ S H I P ?

A bit like asking which is your favourite child! Crystal Symphony and

I F YO U CO U L D P I C K A N Y I TI NE RA RY, W H I C H WO U L D I T BE?

Singapore to Mombasa in February 2021. With a call (among many

W H I C H I S TH E B E ST D I S H YO U ’ V E E ATE N O N A C RU I S E ?

Miso Black Cod in the Nobu restaurant (Umi Uma) on-board both ocean

W H AT I S YO U R C RU I S I NG TO P TI P ?

W H E R E I S TH E L A ST P L AC E YO U ’ V E TRAV E L L E D ?

W H AT I S YO U R S U I TC A S E E S S E N TI A L ?

W H I C H I S YO U R FAVO U R I TE C RU I S I NG M E M O RY ?

W H AT IS TH E FIRST TH ING YOU D O W H EN YOU GET ON-B OAR D YOUR CRUISE SH IP ?

W H I C H I S YO U R FAVO U R I TE C RYSTA L C RU I S E S ’ E XC U RS I O N? W H AT M A K E C RYSTA L C RU I S E S D I F F E R E N T TO OTH E R LU X U RY C RU I S E L I N E S ?

Crystal Serenity are very similar so it’s impossible to choose.

others) into the Maldives and overnights in Phuket, Colombo and the Seychelles.

ships.

All-inclusive luxury might look expensive but consider what you would normally pay to settle your bill at the end of your cruise, and you’ll appreciate the value for money all-inclusive offers.

The Caribbean via New Orleans.

Swimming trunks and comfortable shoes.

Sitting on our balcony having eggs benedict for breakfast as we sailed into Kotor, Montenegro. A small walled city at the end of a very scenic fjord.

Lunch in the Trident Grill. Enjoying being back home with the complimentary glass(es) of champagne.

The submarine on Crystal Esprit in The Seychelles.

Amazing service, space, quality and choice.

PUZZLES 1 2

S UDO KU 3 4

5

6

7

Word Search Puzzle

8

9 10

WO RDS E A RCH

Across

7. One of the most popular cruise destinations.

8. Capital city with landmarks including the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain.

10. State also known as the Last Frontier.

Down 1. Greek island said to be named after a church, Saint Irene.

2. Capital city with the most Michelin stars in the world.

5. Place where architecture is heavily influenced by Antoni Gaudi.

6. The destination which stars in the HBO television series Game of Thrones.

9. Home of the most visited art museum, the Louvre.

N AM E TH E SH IP A

C

B

D

A. Silversea Origin B. Regent Seven Seas Explorer C. Scenic Eclipse D. Celebrity Edge

Answers (name the ship)

Call 0808 278 9684 to speak to our expert Cruise Concierge

E P P G N I S I U R C E S K W

Y X P O Y F T K C K F G O O S

S K C P R R N S S V C A G G Y

E K I U E T E P O R U E A Y R

E H N G R A M N A S G D P B Z

Africa AFRICA America AMERICA Asia ASIA AUSTRALASIA Australasia CELEBRITY Celebrity CRUISING DINING Cruising DRINKS Dining ENTERTAINMENTS Drinks EUROPE EXCURSION Entertainments EXPLORE Europe GALAPAGOS MEDITERRANEAN Excursion OCEANIA PORT REGENT SAIL SEA SEABOURN SHIP SILVERSEA

S X E I B S N B T A N J A T O

M N P O R R I R S M I C L P S

T W U L A D A O W E N E A R K

C R E B O L T W N R I L G D A

N A E N A R R E T I D E M C U

O I S S Q L E R C C P B I J N

S A I L A R T B E A N R A R G

C A O C E A N I A E F I S V U

V A C W S L E P L A S T I I Z

B S I L V E R S E A I Y A S F

Explore Galapagos Mediterranean Oceania Port Regent Sail Sea Seabourn Ship Silversea

Answers (crossword)

4. Southeast Asian country where the largest religious monument in the world can be found.

1. Santorini 2. Tokyo 3. Norway 4. Cambodia 5. Barcelona 6. Dubrovnik 7. Caribbean 8. Rome 9. Paris 10. Alaska

3. Country bordered by Sweden, Finland and Russia.

SixStarCruises.co.uk

43

Created by Puzzlemaker at D

If undelivered, please return to: SixStarCruises.co.uk, The Bridge, Unit 4, Moorland Gate Business Park, Cowling Road, Chorley, PR6 9FE

BEST PRICE

LUXURY CRUISE

SAVE

UP TO

15%

GUARANTEE

F R E E L U X U R Y H O T E L S TAY O R FREE CHAUFFEUR TRANSFERS

0808 278 9 684 call free - january on wa r ds m on -s u n 8a m - 1 1 p m ( d ec e m b e r t i m e s m ay va ry )

or visit s i xsta rcr u i s es .co.uk