Ship. Voyages aboard the MS Serenissima. Summer 2015

Transcription

1 S M a ll Ship B A L TI C c r u i sing in the Voyages aboard the MS Serenissima Summer 2015 BOO KE AND ARLY SAVE PER COU PLE

2 MS Serenissima The handsome 107-passenger MS Serenissima began her career as Harald Jarl, cruising the Norwegian coastline and fjords. Extensively renovated in 2003 she was rechristened MS Andrea and began her career as a classic cruise ship, and was chartered by Noble Caledonia for a number of years. In spring 2012 MS Andrea was purchased by our long-standing associates Volga Dream and renamed the MS Serenissima. After a thorough renovation and upgrading, the charming MS Serenissima commenced cruise operations in April 2013 and we have chartered her for multiple voyages in 2014 and With her small size she can navigate into small, remote ports inaccessible to the big cruise ships. She appears an impressive sight when moored, and is capable of both destination and expedition cruising. Your Cabin/Suite Accommodating just 107 passengers, the 59 cabins are attractively designed for comfort and convenience. All cabins are fully air conditioned with an en-suite bathroom with shower and a selection of toiletries in addition to a hairdryer, robes and slippers. All cabins come equipped with telephone, flat screen television, safety deposit box and other thoughtful appointments. Bottles of still and sparkling water are replenished daily. There are eight different grades of cabin arranged over five decks, and with the exception of the five inside cabins, all staterooms feature either windows or portholes. Because of the very nature of the ship, the cabins do vary in shape and size, adding to the vessel s overall charm. Choose from the cosy inside cabins of approx 10 square metres, to the sumptuous newly built executive suites of 25 square metres boasting private balconies, minibar and all the mod cons. The standard staterooms range in size from 10 to 15.5 square metres. The superior staterooms range in size from 11 to 19.6 square metres. The deluxe staterooms range in size from 15 to 25.4 square metres. The junior suites range in size from 20.9 to 21.7 square metres. And the owner s suites are 22.7 square metres. The dedicated inside single cabins range in size from 9.9 to square metres, and the dedicated standard single cabins range in size from 9.9 to 12.7 square metres. Your Space The facilities onboard include two lounges the larger Andrea Lounge is comfortable and spacious and the smaller Harald Lounge is more intimate. There is also a small library with two computers for internet access and Wi-Fi is available at an extra cost throughout the vessel. The outside areas really are something special. A spacious observation deck allows 360 degree views of the passing scenery. From here, step down to the lido area with fitness room, Jacuzzi and outside bar. The newly built covered seating area at the back of deck 6 is ideal for relaxing with a drink in hand. Perhaps, one of the best known and loved features of this vessel is its unique style. During the major refit in Sweden the then owners commissioned Swedish interior designers to create a Gustavian style interior. This bright Swedish 18th century influenced, country house style works particularly well on a vessel of this vintage, providing intimacy and classic nautical sensibility often lacking in larger vessels. 2

3 Restaurant Andrea Lounge Owner s Suite Deluxe Stateroom Jacuzzi Harald Lounge Your Dining The free seating Venice Restaurant accommodates all guests in one sitting. Being on deck 5, it has great views from all tables. The picture windows mean the restaurant is light and airy. Breakfast is served buffet-style with cooked dishes available and eggs to order by the ship s accomplished chef. Lunch is also served buffet-style with hot and cold dishes available. Dinner is served a la carte and is 4 courses, except for at the Captain s Dinner, which is a 6 course affair. Where possible, local produce is sourced for an authentic dining experience. A choice of red or white wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included at lunch and dinner. In good weather there are al fresco dining facilities available and tea and coffee is available from 7am to 11pm in the Andrea Lounge. Life Onboard The European captain, officers, expedition staff and crew offer a first class service and have been selected for their professionalism and caring attitudes. The atmosphere onboard is warm and welcoming, and the emphasis is not on around the clock entertainment and dining, but instead on well-thought out itineraries, relaxation, time spent with like-minded passengers and discovery. After a day of adventure and exploration, returning to the comfort of your sophisticated ship and its friendly crew will be a pleasure. DECK 7 DECK 6 DECK 5 DECK ANDREA LOUNGE BRIDGE VENICE RESTAURANT HARALD LOUNGE 407 BAR JACUZZI FITNESS ROOM For your Comfort, Safety & Security There are so few ships of this generation still cruising and MS Serenissima is a great testament to her present and previous owners that they have seen fit to invest considerable sums over the years to keep her in top form and complying with the stringent health and safety requirements. For added comfort, the vessel features stabilisers. The ship has an open bridge policy so during your voyage you will have the chance to visit the Captain and Officers. There is a doctor onboard, and staff are trained in first aid. DECK INSIDE CABIN STANDARD STATEROOM SUPERIOR STATEROOM DELUXE STATEROOM JUNIOR SUITE EXECUTIVE SUITE Please note cabin sizes vary within each category and range from 10 to 26 sqm. Please refer to website for sizes of cabin in each category OWNER S SUITE STANDARD SINGLE INSIDE SINGLE +44 (0)

4 Waterfront, Copenhagen The Three Brothers, Riga Neptune s Tallinn s Fountain, Red Rooftops Gdansk Summer in the Cities of the Baltic A voyage to the islands and cities of the Baltic aboard the MS Serenissima 15th to 26th June Join us on a voyage of discovery as we explore the eight nations of the Baltic. Nations who speak different languages, have a diverse culture and cuisine, worship in different churches, yet are united by a single sea. Over the centuries, wars and conflicts may have divided them, but as always trade has been the great unifier as the Hanseatic ports brought wealth and knowledge to the Baltic shores. After almost twenty years of operating cruises in the Baltic, we believe we have the most perfectly balanced cruise. We start our journey in Copenhagen and then continue north for our visit to Karlskrona, a charming town in Sweden, famous for being the country s only Baroque city. We view more architectural delights in Gdansk, take in the restored Klaipeda, visit Riga and Tallinn before enjoying three days in St Petersburg, surely the most endlessly fascinating of all Baltic ports. From here we visit the water city of Helsinki before returning to Stockholm. UK SWEDEN Stockholm DENMARK Karlskrona Copenhagen GERMANY The Itinerary Day 1 London Heathrow or Manchester to Copenhagen, Denmark. Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Serenissima. The remainder of the day is at leisure and you may wish to explore from our central location or enjoy an after dinner drink ashore as we moor overnight. Day 2 Copenhagen, Denmark. After breakfast we will enjoy a guided tour of the city including the Palace of Amalienborg (exterior only), the four identical Rococo buildings which have been the Royal Residence since Also BALTIC SEA Gdansk POLAND FINLAND St Petersburg Helsinki RUSSIA Tallinn ESTONIA Riga LATVIA LITHUANIA Klaipeda see the Little Mermaid fountain, Christiansborg Castle, the Royal Theatre and Nyhavn before ending at the Tivoli Gardens. We return for lunch onboard and the afternoon is free to explore at leisure. Day 3 Karlskrona, Sweden. Today we will call into the charming town of Karlskrona on the island of Trosso. Its unique layout and the well-preserved dockyards dating back from the 17th and 18th century, have placed Karlskrona on UNESCO s prestigious World Heritage list. We will have the option to explore the area on land, including the

5 Post-Cruise Stockholm Extension Amber Museum, Palanga Catherine Palace, St Petersburg For those that wish to spend more time in Stockholm you have the chance to join our two night extension. Our stay includes two nights hotel accommodation at a centrally located hotel and a tour to the Vasa Museum. The remainder of your time will be free for independent exploration. Prices per person Twin/Double: 395 Single: 595 Price includes: Two nights accommodation in a central 4 star hotel on a bed and breakfast basis, half day tour and lunch, transfers from vessel to hotel and from hotel to airport, Noble Caledonia Escort. Maritime Museum and Vasa shed from where the Vasa was constructed and launched in Alternatively take a boat trip across to the Kungsholm Fortress, built in 1689 to protect the harbour. We will have time to explore the towers and also the small botanical garden with plants from throughout the world collected during the Navy s sea training cruises and returned to Kungsholm. Day 4 Gdansk, Poland. We have a full day in this charming city. This old Hanseatic port has been lovingly restored and on a morning tour we will walk along the cobbled streets of the Royal Way in the old quarter and visit the Gothic St Mary s church and the 17th century Artus Court. This afternoon is free for further exploration. Day 5 Klaipeda, Lithuania. Klaipeda is the third largest city in Lithuania and a centre for amber jewellery. Founded in 1252 by the Teutonic Knights of East Prussia, the city was annexed by Hitler in 1939 and almost destroyed towards the end of World War Two. Today we have a choice of tours. Either explore old town by foot before continuing to the 100 hectare Palanga Botanical Park a beautifully preserved landscaped garden around the 19th century Neo Renaissance style mansion containing the biggest amber museum in the Baltic. Alternatively head to the countryside where we will experience village life and visit the Memorial Museum dedicated to Lithuanians sent to Siberia or who fought against the Soviets during the Cold War years. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea. Day 6 Riga, Latvia. We arrive in Riga, a beautiful Hanseatic city dating from 1201, at breakfast time. Riga is one of the best preserved cities in the Baltic and on a morning walking tour we will explore the cobbled streets; every corner is an architectural gem, reflecting styles from all periods. Day 7 Tallinn, Estonia. Observe Tallinn s awe-inspiring city walls and fortifications, the narrow medieval streets and the gateways which remain remarkably well preserved. From Dome Hill, see the extraordinary vista of domes, spires and gables whilst in the main Square we can find the oldest pharmacy in Europe. Neptune s Fountain, Gdansk Days 8 to 10 St Petersburg, Russia. We have the luxury of three days to explore this most endlessly captivating of Russian cities. Join a guided city tour, excursion to the Peterhof Palace and a tour of the fascinating Hermitage Museum. For the remainder of your time in this wonderful city you can explore independently or there will be a number of optional excursions available. Rest assured, our experienced staff onboard will help you plan your time ashore to make the most of this, the most beautiful of all Russian cities. Day 11 Helsinki, Finland. Very much the water city, we shall moor Prices per person Based on double occupancy BOOK EARLY AND SAVE 500 PER PERSON close to the city centre and explore Helsinki. Visit the colourful Market Square, the President s Palace and the impressive architecture of Senate Square including the Lutheran Cathedral of Finland and Uspenski Cathedral. We will also see the Sibelius Monument and the impressive Temppeliaukio the church in the rock. Enjoy lunch onboard and a relaxing afternoon at sea. Day 12 Stockholm, Sweden to London Heathrow or Manchester. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to London Heathrow or Manchester. Cat Cabin Description Prices Early Booking Price 1 Inside Cabin Standard Stateroom Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Junior Suite Executive Suite Owner s Suite Standard Single Inside - single cabin Standard Stateroom for sole use Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel, 11 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on full board basis with house wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, cruise director, tour manager, guest speaker, shore excursions, entrance fees, gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions, transfers, port taxes, airport taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance, optional excursions in St Petersburg, visas. NB. Ports and itinerary subject to change. +44 (0)

6 The Hermitage, St Petersburg Baltic Renaissance A voyage from Britain to the Baltic aboard the MS Serenissima 20th May to 4th June 2015 If ever there was a sea perfect for exploration by small ship, it is the Baltic. Bordered by diverse kingdoms and republics in a relatively contained area, it allows us to visit a total of eleven ports in ten countries with the added advantage of sailing from the United Kingdom, visiting Belgium and transiting the Kiel Canal during a 15 night voyage. If you are contemplating a trip to the Baltic, you will have noticed there is no shortage of cruise ships plying the region of varying sizes and standards. You can select to join a vessel with many hundreds of passengers or join our party of just over 100 fellow travellers. You can choose a ship with endless entertainment and impersonal service or join us aboard the charming MS Serenissima where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. Perhaps most important when selecting a cruise though is choosing the one which offers the best itinerary for you. After operating voyages in the Baltic for over twenty years we believe this in-depth journey around the Baltic offers the perfect balance of time to explore cities, towns and islands on the included excursions with our excellent local guides combined with some time at sea to relax and attend the onboard lectures by our guest speakers. A highlight for many will be the fact that we have included three days in the magnificent city of St Petersburg, enough time to explore the cities many wonders. We also visit some smaller ports which the big cruise vessels are unable to access such as the islands of Faaborg and Bornholm in Denmark. FINLAND SWEDEN Turku St Petersburg Helsinki Stockholm RUSSIA Tallinn BALTIC ESTONIA NORTH SEA Riga SEA DENMARK LATVIA Bornholm Faaborg Island LITHUANIA UK Klaipeda Kiel Canal Gdansk Portsmouth GERMANY POLAND Bruges BELGIUM The Itinerary Day 1 Portsmouth, United Kingdom. Embark the MS Serenissima this afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Portsmouth Harbour train station at a fixed time. Day 2 Bruges, Belgium. Arrive this morning in the Belgian port of Oostende, our base for our excursion to Bruges. Bruges has an illustrious history as one of the largest and finest cities in Europe. The 15th century Belfry still dominates the centre as it did then and the Town Hall, St John Hospital and the Begijnhof border the narrow canals. We will see some of the most important monuments 6

7 Gdansk, Poland and buildings which survive from the Middle Ages including the Basilica of the Holy Blood, City Hall, the Begijnhof, Minnewater and the Belfry and the Gothic Church of Our Lady which houses Michelangelo s marble Madonna and Child. Return to the vessel for lunch and an afternoon at sea. Day 3 Kiel Canal Transit. After a morning at sea we begin our transit of the Kiel Canal through Schleswig Holstein. This 100km canal was built between 1887 and 1895 and enlarged between 1907 and 1914 to accommodate larger naval ships. We have the afternoon to enjoy this journey from the North Sea to the Baltic. Day 4 Faaborg, Denmark. This morning we will cruise through the Southern Funen archipelago of islands before arriving at our first port in the Baltic, the charming town of Faaborg. The island of Funen is famous as the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen and our morning excursion will include a visit to the museum dedicated to his honour in the centre of Odense. Here we will learn of his life, see some original works and books and have time to explore the narrow cobbled streets and traditional houses of Odense. Alternatively join a tour to Egeskov Castle, completed in 1554 and one of the best preserved moat castles in Europe. We will explore the castle, view the colourful gardens and also see one of the largest motor collections in Northern Europe in the veteran car museum. It is also home to Titania s Palace probably the most fairytale doll s house in the world which took 15 years to build. Return to the vessel for lunch and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Day 5 Bornholm Island, Denmark. After a morning at sea we arrive at the port of Ronne. Peaceful and scenic, Bornholm Island is a mixture of wheat fields, forest and an attractive coast dotted with fishing villages. On an island drive we will see the famous 12th century Osterlars Round Church and visit the town of Gudjem where we can sample the smoked herring. Also see Hammerhaus Castle offering fantastic views of the island s rugged coastline. Day 6 Gdansk, Poland. This old Hanseatic port has been lovingly restored and on a morning tour we will walk along the cobbled streets of the Royal Way in the old quarter and visit the Gothic St Mary s church and the 17th century Artus Court. This afternoon is free for further exploration. +44 (0) Day 7 Klaipeda, Lithuania. Klaipeda is the third largest city in Lithuania and a centre for amber jewellery. Founded in 1252 by the Teutonic Knights of East Prussia, the city was annexed by Hitler in 1939 and almost destroyed towards the end of World War Two. Today we have a choice of tours. Either explore the old town by foot before continuing to the 100 hectare Palanga Botanical park, a beautifully preserved landscaped garden around the 19th century Neo Renaissance style mansion containing the largest amber museum in the Baltic. Alternatively head to the countryside where we will experience village life and visit the Memorial Museum dedicated to Lithuanians sent to Siberia or who fought against the Soviets during the Cold War years. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at sea. Day 8 Riga, Latvia. We arrive in Riga, a beautiful Hanseatic city dating from 1201, at breakfast time. Riga is one of the best preserved in the Baltic and on a morning walking tour we will explore the cobbled streets; every corner is an architectural gem, reflecting styles from all periods. Day 9 Tallinn, Estonia. Observe Tallinn s awe-inspiring city walls and fortifications, the narrow Medieval streets and the gateways which remain remarkably well preserved. From Dome Hill, see the extraordinary vista of domes, spires and gables whilst in the main Square we can find the oldest pharmacy in Europe. Days 10 to 12 St Petersburg, Russia. We have the luxury of three days to explore this most endlessly captivating of Russian cities. Join a guided city tour, excursion to the Peterhof Palace and a tour of the fascinating Hermitage Museum. For the remainder of your time in this wonderful city you can explore independently or there will be a number of optional excursions available. Rest assured, our experienced staff on board will help you plan your time ashore to make the most of this, the most beautiful of all Russian cities. Day 13 Helsinki, Finland. Very much the water city, we shall moor close to the city centre and explore Helsinki. Visit the colourful Market Square, the President s Palace and the impressive architecture of Senate Square including the Lutheran Cathedral of Finland and Uspenski Cathedral. We will also see the Sibelius Monument and the impressive Temppeliaukio the church in the rock. This afternoon is Helsinki, Finland free to explore the city at your own pace. Day 14 Turku, Finland. Arrive this morning in Turku, the oldest city in Finland. Originally part of Sweden it became Finland s first capital in 1229 and remained until On a morning tour we will discover Turku Castle, the largest in Finland and a national treasure. The castle has stood guard over the River Aura since the 13th century and serves as a fascinating museum containing hundreds of artefacts. We also see the 14th century Cathedral and have time to explore the town. After lunch onboard enjoy free time to explore at leisure or join an excursion to the neighbouring island of Ruissalo, known for its beautiful oak forests, charming 19th century villas, rocky outcrops and the fascinating botanical gardens. This evening we will enjoy a drink on deck as we take advantage of the long evenings and sail through Prices per person Based on double occupancy Egeskov Castle BOOK EARLY AND SAVE 500 PER PERSON the 20,000 islands of the Turku archipelago en-route to Stockholm. Day 15 Stockholm, Sweden. We enjoy a full day in this most handsome of Baltic cities, built on 14 small islands among open bays and narrow channels. Stockholm s waterfront is alive with boats, from ferries that shuttle you around the city to sailboats and yachts that cruise out into the vast stretches of the Baltic. The architectural mix of Medieval with modern is wonderful. This morning we enjoy a guided city tour which includes the Vasa Museum, drive through old Stockholm and past the Parliament and Royal Palace. This afternoon is free to explore independently from our central berth. Day 16 Stockholm to London Heathrow or Manchester. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your scheduled flight to London Heathrow or Manchester. Cat Cabin Description Prices Early Booking Price 1 Inside Cabin Standard Stateroom Superior Stateroom Deluxe Stateroom Junior Suite Executive Suite Owner s Suite Standard Single Inside - single cabin Standard Stateroom for sole use Price Includes: Economy class scheduled flight from Stockholm to London or Manchester, 15 nights aboard the MS Serenissima on a full board basis with house wine and beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner onboard, Noble Caledonia Cruise Director, tour manager and guest speaker, shore excursions, gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions, transfers, port taxes. Not Included: Travel insurance, optional excursions in St Petersburg, visas. NB. Ports and itinerary subject to change. 7

8 Stockholm, Sweden 2 Chester Close, Belgravia, London, SW1X 7BE +44 (0) info@noble-caledonia.co.uk Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations and are available on request. Cover image: Catherine Palace, St Petersburg. NC_001_170314_K