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News release

19th March 2009

Passengers sailing on P&O Cruises latest superliner Azura will be able to enjoy exotic Indian cuisine from Atul Kochhar in Port Everglades or sip fine wines chosen by Saturday Kitchen star Olly Smith in St. Petersburg. These and many more unique experiences will be available on board the latest addition to the P&O Cruises fleet following her introduction in April 2010 and which will be listed in the Azura preview brochure available from 16 March 2009. Holidays on Azura can be booked from 30 March 2009.

Azura will be based in Southampton from April 2010 to October 2010, offering holidays of between two and 16 night duration in the Mediterranean, Baltic and Canary Isles. 15 night fly-cruise holidays from Barbados will be offered from October 2010 to April 2011.

P&O Cruises managing director Nigel Esdale said, "For Azura we‟ve gone „back to the future‟. We‟re looking back at how travelling at sea really should be; sophisticated, relaxing, indulgent and exciting, whilst we are also looking forward at the same time. Our firsts for P&O Cruises will include an outdoor cinema, an exclusive al fresco spa retreat and single staterooms."

Azura‟s maiden voyage departs from Southampton on Saturday 12 April 2010 and is a classic 16 night central Mediterranean cruise featuring calls in Venice and Dubrovnik. Prices starting from £1,524* per person.

An Early Bird price tariff is valid for bookings made before 18th April 2009 whilst on board spending money and free car parking is valid on all bookings up to 30th June 2009.

Azura will feature an Indian fine dining restaurant, Sindhu, the creation of celebrated Michelin starred Chef Atul Kochhar. Sindhu means meeting point, amalgamation or fusion, and the menu will offer a fusion of fine British and Indian cuisine. Dishes such as pan-fried lobster tail in coconut milk and tamarind sauce will tempt passengers through the doors of this – just one of 11 – dining venues on board.

TV wine expert Olly Smith has also been enlisted to help create a new wine bar and restaurant concept – The Glass House. A must for wine lovers, The Glass House menu will feature different wines recommended with each course, all served by the glass and expertly matched by Olly.

The Saturday Kitchen star will act as consultant in the creation of the drinks menus for Azura‟s other bars and restaurants and will travel regularly throughout the year to host light hearted tasting sessions in his own irreverent style.

See Special Offers for more  

Sailing to 174 ports in 70 countries on 62 voyages, Crystal Cruises’ 2010 programme will feature a continued emphasis on distinctive destinations, port intensive itineraries as well as many overnight calls. From the exotic areas of the Middle East and Africa, to the cosmopolitan centers of Europe and the charming culture of Australia and New Zealand, there is something for everyone.

Voyages range between 7-19 nights in length with the choice to combine cruises to sail from 15 to 115 nights without ever repeating a port .

Plus, Sail with us in 2010 and enjoy the following:

• “All Inclusive. As You Wish” shipboard credits of up to $2,000 per couple on every voyage in 2010

• 20th Anniversary Fares with up to $3,000 per couple savings on all Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages

• Special 20th Anniversary President’s Cruise and Crystal Society Reunion Cruises onboard Crystal Symphony

• Onboard 20th Anniversary programmes and events specially created for every 2010 voyage

• Exclusive events and celebrations aboard each ship on 20th July 2010 to commemorate our actual anniversary date

• Birthday Bonus! Sail on your birthday in 2010, and save 50% on your next Crystal cruise!

MSC Cruises is proud to announce the launch of the new 2009/2010 brochure.

Our new brochure includes the following fantastic highlights:

• 136 different itineraries
• New itineraries in North America and South America
• Two new ships - MSC Splendida launching July 2009 & MSC Magnifica launching March 2010
• MSC Opera is sailing out of Dover in summer 2010 on 12-day cruises to Northern Europe*
• Children cruise free**
• Unlimited drinks packages are now available to purchase for 7 and 11 night cruises
• We're the official cruise line for the G8

*Cruise for £1 offer does not apply.**Children less than 18 years old cruise free, only pay flights and port dues when sailing with two full paying adults.

Star clippers are a unique way to cruise.  Their three ships, Star Clipper, Star Flyer and Royal Clipper are all fully rigged tall sailing ships.

In fact Royal Clipper is the largest tall ship in the world and, contrary to some peoples beliefs, is a fully workable rigged tall ship – no electric winches on board here!

The pace on board is relaxed and informal.  Guests can feel comfortable in whatever they wish to wear and need not even dress up for the Captains dinner, though most will do. 

Those feeling the spirit of the seas can join in with the professional crew and help hoist the sails.  There is even a chance to climb to the top of the crows’ nest for those more adventurous.

The ships have an ‘open bridge’ policy, meaning everyone can feel free to meet the Captain and Crew and have the opportunity to take the wheel.

Smaller ships mean more exclusive ports of call.  In Tahiti for example it is possible to anchor literally just outside of the Marine national Park and snorkel over it from the boat. 

On board the cabins are elegant and spacious.  For those more into soaking than splicing, there is a spa, health club and pool (2 onboard Royal Clipper).

All water-sports are included. The ships themselves are licensed PADI diving centres and have specially designed platforms on the stern for diving and swimming off.

Whilst the ship is in berth, local water sports including snorkelling, Banana boats and windsurfing etc are also arranged and can be enjoyed for free.

The average age of clients is 48, lower than you might expect. However, Star Clippers can be a fantastic family holiday.  Children love the relaxed ambience and the fact that they can get involved with the sailing and take free diving tasters and water sports. Because the ships are relatively small compared with many ‘cruise liners we are familiar with, it is much more relaxing for parents who may worry about them getting lost!

Children also benefit from half price rates and chefs on board are very flexible creating pretty much whatever they fancy, or don’t!

During the summer months, the Greek Islands Itineraries are very popular with families so there are plenty of children to keep each other entertained.

Talking of food, it is all freshly prepared on board.  Food will vary according to what is locally source able, but is always of a high quality.  Six meals per day are all included.

Special Occasions are also very welcome onboard.  Tahiti is a popular choice for Honeymoons on board and whilst legal weddings cannot be performed the ships’ captain can conduct a blessing. Honeymooners receive free cabin upgrades and a Champagne reception after the ceremony.  All this is FREE!

Entertainment on board is not ‘high brow’, neither is it cabaret.  Every evening there is live music in the bar and a D.J.  One evening there is a show put on by the crew (which I am told is hilarious) and sometimes the passengers will put one on too.

Star Clippers have a 70% repeat business rate, which is a real testament to them.

Placing them in the market is unusual.  They are of course a very different product to a traditional cruise. Whilst the emphasis is still on relaxation, it is also more adventurous.  Star Clippers will suit anyone who fancies a bit of ‘soft adventure’ but still wants the little luxuries that make a holiday.  Families will enjoy the informal atmosphere, free activities (not including shore excursions) and even single travellers, young or old all feel welcome. 

May-Oct 2009 a western Med 7 night cruise starts with a lead in cabin at £1065 pp. 

See Offers page for incredible savings on

6* Silversea Cruises. Up to 50% on selected sailings.

A once in a lifetime opportunity to be first aboard the new Queen Elizabeth

Six Maiden Season Voyages.  Sailing round trip from Southampton, 5-22 nights from £599per person.

October - December 2010