Sail on the Magna Carta and Receive Free Night at London Hotel

Magna Carta, the most luxurious floating hotel barge in the British Isles, offers one night's complimentary accommodations at The Stafford Hotel, located in the heart of the West End and St. James's Place, for passengers who book a cruise after Aug. 7, 2005. Guests may enjoy their complimentary room at the Stafford on the Saturday night prior to or following their cruise.

In its fourth year of service, The Magna Carta is unlike any other floating hotel barge in Europe. The first day of the six-day cruise begins with a 3 p.m. afternoon tea at The Stafford Hotel, in the company of Captain Dominic Read, who then personally escorts guests to the barge. This all-inclusive vacation covers all on board meals, wines, spirits and any attraction entrance fees. While on board, passengers are served by a crew of four that includes the captain, hostess, deck hand and master chef. The chef takes great pride in creating fresh, gourmet meals and even considers individual guest's dietary needs. Fine wines accompany both lunch and dinner.

Four spacious staterooms, equipped with under-floor heating and individually controlled air-conditioning, accommodate a total of eight passengers. The saloon and sun decks, complete with a jacuzzi, give guests the space to relax and unwind. Guests are treated to first class service as the Magna Carta glides leisurely through the River Thames, leaving them with unforgettable memories of the quaint English countryside.

The Stafford Hotel is the perfect beginning or culmination to a six-night/seven-day cruise aboard the Magna Carta. The hotel has 81 luxury rooms and suites, including the much-noted Carriage House rooms and suites and the Guv'nor's Suite. The hotel adorns both bedrooms and public areas with period furnishings and antique pieces, in addition to housing genuine 350-year-old working wine cellars.

The Stafford Hotel is just one of a select few in London to achieve the Automobile Association's Red Star status and has two coveted food Rosettes. In addition, The Stafford was selected as one of the 2005 Top 500 Best Hotels in the World by Travel + Leisure Magazine and, in 2004; Condé Nast Traveler Magazine named The Stafford the Number One Hotel in London.

The Magna Carta, a luxury hotel barge, set sail in 2002 under Temple Read Cruises and hosts a maximum of eight guests. The Magna Carta offers nine European river cruise vacations on the Royal River Thames in England, including one standard cruise and eight special theme cruises. The standard itinerary sails through the heart of England between Hampton Court Palace and Henley on Thames and meanders through areas of outstanding natural beauty while some of the special theme departures include cruising through London. Additionally, itineraries may be specially tailored with a full charter.

Complimentary rooms at The Stafford Hotel are subject to availability through April 23, 2006 and in order to take part in this special offer, passengers simply need to contact their local travel agent and give code MC/STAFFORD. Reservations can also be made directly with Temple Read Cruises through the website www.magna-carta.co.uk

SOURCE Magna Carta