Telegraph Cruise Show 2012

Telegraph Cruise Show Britain’s biggest cruise show is returning to London Olympia later this month.More than 100 exhibitors will attend, representing ocean-going cruise lines, expedition ships and river cruises , alongside consumer experts and members of cruise publications and specialist websites.
This year there will be talks in four theatres. The speakers will include two of the Telegraph’s award-winning experts on cruising – Jane Archer and Sara Macefield – as well as Doug Allan, one of the world’s leading wildlife cameramen and photographers, who was behind the lens in the recent television series, Frozen Planet.
Photography is given a special place this year: visitors to the show can take part in half-day travel photography seminars (£55, booked in advance), run by industry experts. There will also be a range of offers, available only to people who attend the show. Other attractions will include an exhibition of photographs to commemorate the centenary of Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition, performances by the jazz singer Laura Jane Ratcliffe, spa treatments, a cruise casino and the chance to try your hand at virtual golf and discover how to sail to some of the world’s greatest golf courses.
The theatres
World of travel
These 45-minute talks will focus on the wonderful destinations and once-in-a-lifetime experiences you can add to your voyage. Tours through the Canadian Rockies, volunteering in Africa, wilderness safaris and hiking the Inca Trail are just a handful of the possibilities.
Ask the experts
The Telegraph writers Jane Archer and Sara Macefield, plus Jonathan Beaumont of the Travel Channel and Carolyn Spencer-Brown of Cruise Critic, will be part of a panel debating all things cruise-related with the chief executives of leading lines, as well as offering insider knowledge and tips.
Small-ship cruising
These half-hour talks will look at inspirational journeys and experiences to offbeat parts of the world – from South America to West Africa – on board smaller vessels, with leading yacht, river-cruise and small-ship cruise lines.
Meet the cruise lines
This is a chance for visitors to meet representatives of the world’s leading cruising companies, who can tell you how to get the most out of your next cruise. Find out what life is like on board, hear all about the most exciting new ships, discover the many different styles of voyage and accommodation a holiday on the water can offer, and get the latest on new cruise destinations and trends.
Key speakers
Doug Allan
The Bafta and Emmy award-winning photographer Doug Allan will be talking about his experiences filming the BBC wildlife series Frozen Planet. In a career spanning 25 years, Doug has made more than 50 filming trips, which have taken him from the icy wilds of the Arctic to the upper reaches of Mount Everest.
He has also been the cameraman for the BBC documentaries Human Planet and Ocean Giants. His new book, Freeze Frame, covers highlights from his polar adventures.
Jane Archer
This week, Jane won the Contribution to Cruise Journalism award at the inaugural Passenger Shipping Association awards. She is Telegraph Travel’s cruising correspondent and one of Britain’s leading experts on the subject.
Spending much of the year at sea, she uncovers the best and worst about ships big and small, low-cost and luxurious. She enjoys cruising for the unusual destinations ships visit, but dislikes pretentious dining-room menus.
Exclusive ticket offer
Telegraph readers can claim two free tickets worth £20 to the Telegraph Cruise Show by visiting cruisingshow.com or calling 0871 620 4024 and quoting “Telegraph”. A £2.50 fee to cover postage and packing applies.
The offer is valid until 1pm on March 23.