Sights of the Nile
Few rivers in the world can boast as many historical attractions as the Nile. Its shores are home to an uncountable number of tombs and temples, all painstakingly decorated by the Egyptian workers. It is testimony to their craftsmanship that many of these structures are still standing today. Viewing them from a cruise vessel as it snakes its way along the river is nothing short of spectacular.
But, while passengers might have heard of the wondrous Valley of the Kings and the majesty of the pyramids, they may be less familiar with the Temple of Karnak and its awe-inspiring Hypostyle Hall. Similarly, the temples of Abu Simbel and the stunning Hatshepsut Temple will also be unknown to many passengers. But for those travelling the Nile with Seafarer, the mysteries of these stunning locations will be unlocked and revealed thanks to our tour guides, whose knowledge of these ancient sites is unparalleled.
Until you actually visit these fantastic locations, here is a brief outline of what to expect on a Nile river cruise.
Temple of Karnak
Dating back to the era of Pharaoh Rameses II, the Temple of Karnak was an important place of worship during the years between 1391 and 1351 BC. Back then, it would have been packed with people paying tribute to the many Gods that dominated Egyptian culture. Nowadays, the people are gone, but their tributes remain in the form of the four huge temples constructed on this site.
Among its many highlights, the Great Hypostyle Hall stands out as an incredible example of Egyptian architecture. While you might have seen photos of this extensive hallway, it is impossible to convey the sheer size and scale of it until you are actually standing in the midst of the intricately-decorated columns, which soar upwards to support the ceiling.
Hatshepsut Temple
Considered one of the most beautiful historical attractions in all of Egypt – which is a feat in itself – Hatshepsut sits at the base of a mountain as though growing out of the sand. There is much to explore, including three massive courtyards, the tomb of Senenmut and chapels dedicated to Gods Horus, Anubis and Hathor. While thousands of years of sand and wind have worn away the beautiful decorations that adorn the walls, there are still well-preserved rooms that offer a glimpse into what they were like when they were cared for and maintained.
Aswan
A prime place for experiencing Nubian culture – including dance, song and cuisine – Aswan owes its beauty to the very river you have been travelling on, which feeds the tropical plants and palm trees that populate the unforgiving desert around it. Buy perfumes, spices and baskets in its famous souk, and be sure to visit the famous Aswan dam – a spectacular feat of modern engineering every bit as fantastic as the creations of the ancients. It's also worth observing the unfinished obelisk and the Elephantine Island. Without a visit to these, no trip to Egypt is complete.
Cairo
While many visit Egypt for its vast outdoor museums and ancient history, it would be a mistake to believe that this is all there is to the country. Cairo is a bustling hive of activity and excitement; its many markets and souks also serve as an area for trade and a forum for salespeople to meet for a chat. Our experienced tour operators will help you get the best from this thriving city. They may direct you to any of the famous attractions, including its unmatched museum and the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza.
With so much of Egypt to see in such a brief time, it's easy to miss what could be the highlight of your trip. Put your holiday in the safe hands of Seafarer – our ten-night grand tour features all of the above destinations and a number of others as well.
What to pack for your first cruise
If you're soon to be off on that first cruising holiday, you're likely to be feeling a lot of things. Excitement for one – it's a thrilling adventure to experience, exploring the coastline of your chosen country and really making the most of the culture. But as it's your first time, you may also be wondering what to expect and how to prepare for the challenges of life on the waves.
Of course, there's no need to worry – cruising is an enjoyable and safe pastime with millions of people embarking on this type of holiday every year. You're certain to enjoy yourself. But, as with any trip, it's worth having a checklist handy of everything you need. With this list, we hope to inspire your preparation skills.
Essentials first
There are three things without which your holiday is likely to be severely hampered to the point it cannot proceed – your passport, tickets and money. As long as you have these things secured, your trip is likely to go ahead. For that essential travel documentation, it's worth checking out the expiry dates of everyone involved at least two (most say six I think) months in advance – longer if you're going in peak season – as there are certainly faster organisations out there than the UK passport office.
Bear in mind that there are some countries that require you to have documentation that is valid for a period of time after your planned return date. Sometimes this can be up to six months.
Consider your country
Always consider your chosen destination and remember to check the appropriate Seafarer information page for information on what the weather is going to be like. Most of our destinations are warm and sunny so pack with that in mind, but it's worth checking the handy information page depending on the time of year.
Consider the cruise
Remember that our cruises are casual and informal. If you want to feel a bit smarter during the evenings, that's up to you, but leave that tuxedo at home!
Pack light
If there's one thing you don't want to be doing, it's manhandling a lot of baggage through two airports, onto a coach and then finally onto your ship, only to have to do the same for your return journey. It's not necessary to pack an extraordinary amount of clothing for one of our cruises, but if the weather looks like it might be unpredictable, opt for a layered look with a couple of sweaters and jumpers. Remember, conditions at sea may be different to on land, and you may feel a bit of a chill if it's windy in the evenings. In the majority of our destinations though, it's shorts and T-shirts all the way, particularly during the day. Keep things light by packing shoes and clothes that can serve multiple purposes or go with multiple outfits.
Swimwear
Particularly with Seafarer, you'll want to make sure you've packed the necessary swimwear, be it swimshorts, swimsuit, speedos or bikini. This is so that you can make use of the frequent stops in picturesque bays and stunning coves on our trips, where you can hop off for a dip anytime you like in the surrounding crystal clear waters. Snorkelling and other watersports gear is also available on selected cruises.
Protect yourself
If you're going somewhere warm, such as one of our exotic destinations in the Indian Ocean, it's important to protect yourself from the sun. Cream is a necessity and it's important to opt for a high enough factor. It may also be worth packing a hat to keep your ears safe.
While many of these tips may appear to be common sense, it's easy to get swept up in the heat of the moment when you're planning your trip to Italy, Greece or anywhere else. Always leave enough time to pack. And remember – this should be a fun part of the trip too! Nothing beats the anticipation of a good cruise.
Cruise-goers say they'd return
When it comes to cruising your favourite holiday destination – be it the Caribbean, the River Rhine or the Greek Islands – the majority of first-timers say they'd do it again, a new report has claimed.
In fact, out of the 1,200-strong survey poll, 65 per cent of people claimed to have sailed to exotic locations, with almost three-quarters (71 per cent) of those added they would certainly like to enjoy a similar experience once more at some point in the future.
The data was collected by Spectrem's Millionaire Corner and supported by information from The Cruise Line, which added that more than 21 million people went on cruises in 2013 and that the figure is set to rise for this year.
Only five per cent of those questioned claimed they would entirely rule out the prospect of taking to the high seas once more, although even they might find themselves challenged by the sheer variety of choice now on offer for cruises.
Once upon a time, cruisers were limited to large-scale vessels that were only able to visit ports capable of accommodating such an extravagant mode of transportation. Nowadays, other forms of cruise are becoming popular, such as the catamarans provided by Seafarer that only hold as few as eight people.
Such a vessel can prove to be extremely comfortable and provide a more personalised experience, as you're likely to know all the crew on first-name terms before the end of the first day. However, even the mega yachts of Variety Cruises, which with between 20 and 36 cabins, still provide a more intimate and friendly luxury yachting experience.
That is without mentioning the sheer volume of choice involved – cruises to Italy, Greece and more exotic destinations in the Indian Ocean, for example are likely to inspire some people to take that unique trip.
Wherever you travel with Seafarer, we can ensure you enjoy your holiday and show you a cruising experience quite unlike any other.
Motion sickness shouldn't get in the way of your cruise
For some of us, motion sickness isn't something we have to think about when we step aboard our classy catamaran or luxurious superyacht. We don't realise just how lucky we are – a permanently uneasy stomach is enough to put anyone off the idea of spending a week or two aboard a sea vessel. However, there's no reason a pair of wobbly legs and an unsteady belly should put you off, especially since there are a number of useful aides you can try to reduce the sensation. Check out our top five tips on cruising with seasickness.
Tip one – Choose your position
For our first tip, it's important we understand the reasons behind the problem. Motion sickness is believed to be caused when two senses report contradictory sensations, such as when your eyes see the floor itself isn't moving, but your balance is indicating otherwise. This can really knock our heads out of kilter as the various senses try to comprehend what's happening.
To counteract this, choose your seat well while the ship is in transit. When the ship rocks, the top is going to move much further than the bottom, so go below deck unless you really want that fresh air. Try and get as close to the middle as well.
Tip two – Take medication
There are plenty of options on the market for motion sickness medication. The trick is to find one that works for you. It may be a matter of trying out a few brands on long car journeys before your big trip. Or if you find it impossible to orally take the medication while you're in motion, there are options that can be ingested with other methods. Remember – it is important to clear all brands with your doctor, particularly if you are asthmatic or have other health concerns. And never take more than the recommended dose. Don't be afraid to consult alternative remedies – ginger and peppermint are both old folk medicines for calming a nervous stomach. And it certainly can't hurt to try them.
Tip Three – Distract yourself
Keeping your mind off the sensory conflict can work wonders. Try listening to music in your cabin, talking to your friend or partner on the cruise or even just lying back and closing your eyes for a bit. This removes the conflict from your brain, and can really help alleviate the symptoms of seasickness even in small doses. But don't try reading a book as this only serves to confuse the brain even further and is more than likely to make the sensation worse!
Tip Four – Watch the horizon
Rather similar to our first tip, watching the horizon gives the impression that you are stationary. After all, the horizon isn't moving, and as long as your brain is focused on that, it's not likely to be considering the other aspects of a cruise ship that give it so much trouble.
Tip Five – Take a break every few hours
This is often more down to the type of cruise you've chosen. However, if you're booking with Seafarer, rest assured that the majority of our transits last only a few hours as we jet around the Greek Islands or the Turkish coast, allowing you to get off at regular intervals to explore the crystal clear waters yourself. Allowing for a break every few hours of travelling can be one of the best ways of breaking up your nausea.
Tip Six – Take a snooze or a sleep
Following on from the above note, taking a break from consciousness does a lot to ease the sickness. A brief power nap for 20 minutes or an hour of sleep settles the stomach like nothing else, as all you're doing is looking at the inside of your eyelids.
Don't let motion sickness put you off while on a cruise – most passengers tend to adjust after a day on the boat, and consider themselves completely seaworthy after two at the most.
Isolated Thailand
The Huffington Post recently revealed its 19 favourite isolated destinations in Asia, and while there were some admirable locations featured, we felt they didn't really do Thailand justice. With that in mind, here are our favourite isolated spots, all of which are featured on our cruise of the country's coast. Remember, at Seafarer, our smaller vessels are much better for exploring those little crags around the edges that really offer a sense of the place's identity.
Koh Hong
A line of pristine white sand stretches up one side of this beautiful island, the rest is overtaken by a shock of green palm trees. It's undoubtedly a stunning place to explore, with a selection of stunning bays that are peacefully quiet and great for taking a quick dip. Of particular interest is the lagoon, which you can visit with Seafarer via a dinghy.
Koh Dam
Another stunning island and home to the beautiful Raileh beach, is one of those places where you can just forget the rest of the world exists. A wander along the beach is most definitely in order, and you'll want to pay close attention to the phenomenon that happens at low tide when the sandbank between Koh Dam and Koh Kwan is visible, making it look as though the sea has been magically parted.
Koh Mai Phai
Also known as bamboo island, you'll want to spend most of your time in the water here, where it's possible to feel as though you're the only human left on the planet. It's hard to feel completely alone, though, thanks to the extraordinary colonies of fish that call the coral reefs here their home. Snorkelling is a must if you're into your wildlife, and the azure waters are utterly perfect for it.
One thing's for sure – Thailand is definitely calling, and you can experience all of these wonders on our Thailand Sailing Cruise Itinerary.
Secrets of the Caribbean
CNN News caused a bit of a stir this week when the broadcasting company released its top ten secret places in the Caribbean. It featured unspoilt spots on Cuba, Bonaire and Dominica. But we at Seafarer thought we could do a bit better with our list of top favourites of secret experiences in the area. Here is our selection of travel once-in-a-lifetime events that you will be treated to while indulging on one of our cruise holidays.
Nevis
This piece of paradise is characterised by its sugar plantations and candy coloured huts which dot the surrounding landscape. While the visuals are utterly spectacular – dominated by the steep cliffs of Mount Scenery – you haven't seen the half of it until you descend below the waves. At this point you'll enter an underwater paradise quite unlike anything you'll find elsewhere on the globe. A veritable patchwork of coral, made up of thousands of different textures and colours looms up at you, for all the world a living breathing organism – which of course, it is. For Nevis, diving is definitely our top secret pleasure.
St Kitts
It's difficult to pick just one experience with regards to St Kitts as the island does seem to offer an awful lot of them. However, hiking in the rainforest is pretty unbeatable. The dappled light that pushes its way through the emerald leaves above reveals a scene of natural wonderment, with both plant life and animals residing here that will be completely new to you. As well as the opportunity to secure some pretty stunning photographs, you'll also have the chance to feel the adrenaline as you stand on the top of the mountain, the island at your feet. It's an extraordinary sense of achievement – definitely not to be missed.
Antigua
While the charms of Nevis are decidedly natural, Antigua is distinctive in that perhaps its most beautiful parts are actually man made. This isn't an easy achievement when you're somewhere like the Caribbean, where natural beauty is ubiquitous. But actually, once you wander through the charming dockyards full of rugged suntanned locals, faded brickwork and weatherworn piers, you'll be in agreement. This place evokes an atmosphere that you might find in a classic pirate film, such as Treasure Island or Pirates of the Caribbean. It's an unmissable experience, and that's why it's made our list.
Anguilla
The pristine beaches of this pocket of paradise lance all around Anguilla's curvey shoreline, creating a bright azure edge to the sea before mingling with the deeper blue that can be seen further out. It's the sort of scene you've seen on television countless times, and always wondered, "Does that place really exist?" The answer is yes. And it's this coastline that we consider to be one of the best-kept secrets of the Caribbean. Everyone talks about Cuba and Barbados but Anguilla is more than capable of besting them on this front. The curved stretches of sand are the perfect place to spend the day, either frolicking in the water, sunbathing or even observing the beauty of it all on deck.
Travelling with Seafarer Cruises, you'll have the opportunity to experience all of our once-in-a-lifetime selections above. Choose your vessel – perhaps you'd prefer the majesty of the Star Clipper Tall Ship in full sail, or the intimacy that comes with a catamaran? Whatever your tastes, we cater for them all.
Cruises for nature lovers
If you're a nature enthusiast, no doubt you've pondered over the question of which destinations would be the best to see some really interesting wildlife. There are some really excellent locations for this, and by hopping on a small cruise ship, you can experience them first hand without hundreds of people wanting to do the exact same thing – whether it's flora, fauna or a simpler outdoor lifestyle that you're seeking.
Costa Rica
From the playful spider monkeys with their extraordinary reach and hilarious facial expressions to the laziest of sloths, Costa Rica is bursting with opportunities to experience the wild side of life. Our itinerary allows for the chance to see red-eyed tree frogs, quetzals, tapirs, harpy eagles, white-lipped peccaries, monkeys, scarlet macaws and much more. In Quepos, it's all about the bird life, with more than 184 winged specimens making this their home. Go to Golfo, however, and it's all about the plantlife, with orchids and unusual fruit trees to be sampled. A real treat.
Panama
Those who long for a life closer to nature might be keen to experience the existence of the Kuna Indians who live in communities of bamboo-sided thatched-roofed houses on the San Blas Islands of Panama. Witness the traditional chants and craft activities that have been hallmarks of their lives for many years. The brightly coloured embroidered molas worn by the women are particularly beautiful, as are the string beads wrapped around their legs. These experiences and the ones listed above are available to all booking on our Treasures of Costa Rica & Panama Canal cruise tour.
Rivers Of West Africa
If one continent is known for its vibrant wildlife, it's most definitely Africa. Taking a river tour from Dakar to Banjul, Tendaba and Kuntaur, you'll witness all sorts of wildlife and natural beauty. 700 square miles of mudflats and swamp line the coastal belt, this area is particularly famed for hosting many bird species, from pink-backed pelicans to the Eurasian spoonbill. The boggy areas here also provide homes to West African manatees and crocodiles, as well as other aquatic animals such as dolphins. It's a breathtaking experience and available to all those taking our Rivers of West Africa sailing catamaran cruise.
Maldives
The tropical forests of the Maldives are a spectacular emerald green colour and is home to a variety of creatures. But here, it's the waterlife that takes the spotlight, and rightly so. Perhaps your favourite will be the manta rays that glide through their environment, one of the most streamlined and beautifully designed of Mother Nature's creatures. Or maybe you'll look back on the first time you met a shark with more fondness. Maybe you'll be more interested in the turtles or the tropical fish that occupy the many reefs here. Whatever your favourite marine creature, you'll likely spot it on our seven or ten night excursion of the Maldives. There's even an opportunity for fishing enthusiasts to indulge in the sport by moonlight, which makes for a very special evening indeed.
Seychelles
The islands of the Seychelles possess a population of wildlife that is sure to invigorate the senses and stimulate the mind. From your vantage point on the 21 M/Y Pegasus, you are likely to see all manner of birds and marine life – the second of which is helped in part by the fact our vessels always take plenty of stops per trip, allowing you to explore the crystal cool waters of this spectacular location. Turtles, manta rays and hammerheads are among those you are likely to see beneath the waves – make sure you catch a glimpse. And that's without mentioning the scores of tropical fish that colour the waters with vibrant shades. You can witness them any time of year by boarding the Seychelles Cruise in the Garden of Eden holiday, courtesy of Seafarer.
Reform of UK tax good for Caribbean holidays
As if you needed another reason to experience a cruise in the Caribbean, it has emerged that the budget adjustments to Air Passenger Duty (APD) announced by chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne will be particularly beneficial for those flying to this part of the world.
While prices to fly to many long-haul destinations are likely to fall as a result of swapping from a four-tier to a two-tier system, Caribbean officials have been arguing that the country has faced reduced tourism due to being placed in tier C rather than tier B with the US.
Currently, a family of four travelling in economy on the 4,400 mile trip from London will pay $551 (£332) in APD, with the price set to fall to $458 (put £ here too) in April 2015 when the changes come into effect.
Jeffrey Vasser, director general of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), commented: "The Caribbean region has finally achieved one of its goals and will be fairly taxed in comparison with a flight to the US."
It was a sentiment that Beverly Nicholson-Doty, chair of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, agreed with. "[It's] a complete victory for the Caribbean, which has lobbied against the unfair system that placed the US at a competitive advantage," she said.
The Caribbean is a favourite destination among cruise-goers, with many newcomers to the holiday style choosing it for year-round sunshine, stunning wildlife and extraordinary natural scenes that include pristine beaches and tropical forests.
It is common for cruise enthusiasts to book their flights separately from their actual cruise if they want to get a feel for the area over a few days before boarding their vessel.
At Seafarer, we offer the opportunity to tour the Caribbean via a majestic Star Clipper, a luxury Tall Ship Clipper or a comfortable and stylish catamaran. You might also consider getting aboard our Treasures of Costa Rica and The Panama Canal cruise, which offers all the charm of these destinations. If travelling in the winter of 2014 or in 2015, we have just added a brand new mega yacht cruise around Cuba which is worth a look.
TripAdvisor users vote best beaches
Internationally renowned review site TripAdvisor published its list of favourite beaches throughout the world last week, as voted for by its users, and if some of these don't get you hungry for a cruise then nothing will.
According to the website, Baia do Sancho of Fernando de Noronha in Brazil took the top spot, with Turks and Caicos' Grace Bay picking up the silver. Flamenco Beach in Puerto Rico came in third.
But which destinations picked up multiple nominations throughout the top 25? Which places boasted quantity as well as quality?
Unsurprisingly, Europe performed well, with stunning stretches of sand in Italy, Greece and Spain picking up rankings. The Greek Islands secured a mention with Elafonissi Beach on Elafonissi, which is renowned for its characteristic coastline that is peppered with rocks.
Elsewhere, Italy also proved popular, with its interestingly named Rabbit Beach ranking in at fourth place. The island beach boasts a perfect arc of perfect white sand and gently lapping azure waves.
Italy also picked up a mention for Cala Mariolu, located in Baunei, which features plenty of rugged coastline surrounding a bay of pure tranquility.
Outside of Europe, two beautiful beaches in the Seychelles featured prominently in seventh and 21st places.
Anse Lazio on Praslin Island was the better regarded, which is unsurprising considering the emerald forest that perfectly frames its golden sand, creating the epitome of what we consider to be a desert island paradise.
Anse Source d’Argent picked up the second nomination for the archipelago. Located on La Digue Island, it's worth checking out for its iconic rock structures, formed naturally over thousands of years.
Most beach getaways tend to focus around one stretch of coastline, but you can get more for your money by going on a cruise trip to the Seychelles, Italy, Greece or one of our other destinations.
Take advantage of the fact that you can easily drop off the aft platform for a swim in the crystal clear waters.
Small ship cruising: A greener option
A cruise can take you from the beautiful beaches of the Seychelles to the rocky coastal crags of the Greek islands. Characteristic coastlines, isolated islands and stunning emerald forests. But if you're exploring them, shouldn't you also be trying to preserve them?
In recent years, holiday providers have become more concerned with proving environmentally friendly cruises as there is clearly a market for them. A Nielsen Cares survey published two years ago indicated 46 per cent of consumers were willing to pay extra for products and services offered by companies with a social conscience. That figure can only have increased since then.
As a result, the cruise industry has been working hard to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and encourage recycling, with many vessels taking on cutting edge features including solar panels, cooking oil conversion systems, new hull shapes and goodness only knows what else.
But the ultimate way of improving your green credentials while on holiday is by taking a much smaller ship in the first place. This is why booking with an agency that provides these sorts of holidays – such as Seafarer Cruises – is likely to be your best option for keeping things as environmentally friendly as possible. Have a look below at the reasons why this is probably the case.
On board a large-scale cruise vessel, fuel is a key environmental issue. Many of these behemoths carry more than 3,000 passengers and a staff of 1,000 – the equivalent of a small town. Keeping these ships afloat is not an easy task, let alone pushing their way through the waves – and crucially, it's something that has to happen constantly. There isn't a moment when a large cruise ship isn't using substantial amounts of fuel – even if it's held in the port, there is always activity as passengers charge their iPhones or staff prepare dinner. This couldn't be more different with a smaller ship, where fewer passengers means less energy used.
When it comes to energy, easily the largest drain on the big ships is the air conditioning. It requires a huge amount of fuel to keep 1,500 or more cabins chilled at all hours of the day and night. And of course, the advantage of a smaller vessel such as a gulet is that this isn't really an issue as there's less space to keep cool.
Another issue that comes with the territory of sailing the sea is that ships tend to generate waste and dirty water. Obviously, this is far from ideal, and so aboard our Variety Cruise Vessels, we have on board waste treatment systems that help to avoid polluting the water. Naturally, it still goes back into the sea, but not until it has been thoroughly cleaned. And when you're travelling by tall ship or sail cruiser such as the Variety Cruises Panorama or the Dream Yacht Cruises, you can do so entirely without fuel-related guilt as these vessels travel by windpower.
One must also consider the social implications – the ability to visit smaller and more remote island communities without damaging the important economic lifeline. With smaller vessels that have been smartly equipped with the means to reduce their carbon footprint, you can be sure of leaving most of these communities unchanged and unspoilt – still there for others to enjoy in the future.
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