With state of the art tools and technology for the ultimate experience in exploring life above and below the sea, the National Geographic Explorer is currently carrying its first group of guests on a 14-day voyage from Iceland to Greenland. While onboard, Lindblad guests will have the opportunity to experience a myriad of exceptional accoutrements which make the National Geographic Explorer an unparalleled base for exploring the seas. Some of these features, which create Lindblad’s hallmark intimate and educational environment include:

– A Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) that can explore the ocean at depths to 1000ft.;
– A Reinforced Ice Belt ensuring the ability to go further with the greatest safety in polar regions;
– The Observation Lounge, a glassed enclosed venue with exceptional views, providing panoramic vistas of scenic destinations;
– A Chart Room with nautical maps and other navigational information;
– A Remote Controlled Crow’s Nest Camera with real-time footage broadcast on high definition LCD video screens within each cabin;
– An Electronic Chart System that broadcasts as a channel in the cabins;
– 14 Zodiacs with an internal boarding mechanism that allows guests to disembark quickly and seamlessly from the ship;
– 36 Kayaks that allows guests to kayak in remote and pristine environments — a unique ability of Lindblad in the Arctic and Antarctica.

“The National Geographic Explorer is a magnificent ship. With the tools and technology housed onboard, she is the ultimate 21st century expedition vessel. She is also a beautiful ship that has been built with careful attention to detail and comfort,” said Sven Lindblad, founder and president of Lindblad Expeditions. “I am certain that our guests are going to enjoying exploring remote and pristine places of beauty while traveling on the National Geographic Explorer and I am excited by this newest chapter in our company’s development.”

Details about the National Geographic Explorer as well as upcoming itineraries can be found at www.expeditions.com.

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The range of activities on-board a family cruise ensure children have a fun-filled and enjoyable holiday, in between day excursions. Most cruise lines advertising family cruises will offer children’s clubs on board, with activities such as discos and scavenge hunts. There are also activities that focus on fun for the whole family, both on-board, and on the shore excursions.

Cruises are a great way to ensure your children are kept entertained, and the variety of day trips means they won’t get bored with the same place. You may find the organised local tours suit your family, or you may be tempted by some of the more adventurous offerings. A cruise to Villefranche for example, offers canyoning for children and adults alike. Visits to the local theme park or horse-riding may also be more to your taste.

The Telegraph Cruise Channel has a variety of expert articles and guides to family cruises that may just inspire you and your family for your next trip abroad.

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European Rail, the UK’s largest independent rail ticketing and holidays company, has announced a new partnership with luxury river cruise operator, Amadeus Waterways, to provide wonderfully airport- and aircraft-free rail-to-river packages that depart from London to destinations throughout Europe. To celebrate, they have put together two specially priced and limited availability Christmas season dates on the Rhine and Mosel rivers between Amsterdam and  Germany’s oldest city, Trier.

Departing via high-speed Eurostar from London’s magnificently restored St. Pancras station, each 8 day trip combines the comfort, convenience and security of rail travel with the elegance of Amadeus’s unusually spacious river vessels. Travellers have departure options of 23 November with the cruise starting from Amsterdam, or 30 November and 14 December starting from Trier.

Both packages include return standard-class rail travel, a category E ‘Piano deck’ outside cabin on the Amadeus ship ‘Amadagio’, a generous selection of sightseeing tours, and all port charges and supplements. Prices start at £981 per person, with upgrades to first-class rail travel available from just £158 with complimentary meals or refreshments on high-speed train services. Cabin upgrades, including junior suites, and various other cruise options are available on request.

For bookings or more details, call 020 7619 1080 or email holidays@europeanrail.com.

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In 2006, Europe generated 3.4 million cruise passengers last year, equivalent to 23% of the global source markets, and the ECC forecasts that there will be 5 million by 2015. Dingle said he personally expects the figure to be reached much sooner, meaning that more than half the new cruise ships to be delivered in the near future should be employed in European markets.

The UK accounts for 34% of the European source markets and continues to develop at a brisk rate, and Dingle predicted that 2.0 million Britons would take a cruise in 2012. The figure for 2007 was 1.35 million and it is expected to rise by 200,000 this year, when several new ships will enter the market. The increase alone is roughly equal to the number of cruise holidays sold in the UK in 1994.

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