18 October 2022

Scenic Mekong River Cruise, Cambodia. October 2022 I have come back buzzing from my Scenic trip to South East Asia and the Mekong River. The All Inclusive luxury on the Scenic Spirit combined with the iconic Raffles hotel in Siem Reap, make this a once in a lifetime trip. Never to be forgotten. Scenic’s all inclusive product, including door to door transfers, free flowing beverages, excellent food and the Scenic Enrich excursions make this amazing value especially for the level of quality and the memories made were priceless (any description here does not do it justice and you will need to experience for yourself). Top Tip is to take advantage of the current low tourist numbers and go sooner rather than later. Our winter season is also the best time to travel to Asia weatherise too. To give you an idea of the difference tourist numbers will make, is that on visiting the iconic Angkor Wat temples for example, in order to buy a pass for this UNESCO world heritage site there is normally 50 kiosks available but currently just two operating now (including one dedicated for Scenic guests) due to low tourist numbers. This makes the visit feel so much more special and unique, beating the crowds. The Cambodian people were so welcoming it was untrue and they greet you with genuine joy and gratitude. Cambodia also felt very safe and trouble free. The people friendly and welcoming. Entry requirements : Easy too. One simple e-visa which is us$36 and just took minutes to apply for. You do not need to show Covid-19 travel pass for Cambodia (however, depending on your airline/transit country you may still need it). The Scenic Spirit We flew into the capital Phnom Penh and sailed north to Siem Reap. This is not the usual start of the river cruise, however, as we only sailed half the usual itinerary and the trip is normally from Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam to Siem Reap or vice versa. The Spirit certainly stands out from the crowd on the Mekong, being a state of the art, contemporary design and more like having your own super yacht charter! With only 68 guests on board at fully capacity it feels very exclusive. Beautifully appointed all balcony suites, beautiful top and pool deck to enjoy. Spirit lounge, library and dining room mean that there is always a feeling of space and tranquillity on board. There is a laundry and gym on board if you feel so inclined (I gave those a miss!). You cannot put a price on having the best seat in the house on the pool deck watching the scenery of the Mekong go by with a glass of the included champagne in hand. Just perfect. The dining was excellent with themed dinners and lunches, ie one day we had a street market theme and on offer was the local treats of cricket and tarantulas (try them if you dare!) or for the lesser brave food from around the world including, pastas, salads, meats etc. Scenic Enrich excursions were included in the trip featuring exclusive Gala night under the stars at Angkor Wat (so very special), a visit to a local school and classroom learning English (take some pens to give out to the children), local villages and a genuine local home, a blessing by a monk are just some of the delights on offer, I could go on. My Tip : Take the Ho Chi Minh to Ho Chi Minh itinerary if you can, so you visit Angkor Wat at the end of trip as you will be tired from travelling at the start and it is the trip highlight to end on. Also have the additional night in Ho Chi Minh so you have time to visit see this bustling city and see unque Cu Chi tunnels. In conclusion, this is an amazing part of the world and what better way to experience it on the top of the range, all inclusive Scenic Spirit and iconic Raffles hotel. Go now before the tourist numbers increase for a truly never to be forgotten experience. I cannot recommend enough. One you need to experience yourself.

25 July 2022

Iona 18 – 25 June 22 Fjords Cruise Cabin 14737 Deluxe with Sofa /Aft of the Ship I wanted to experience cruising now that the World is opening up again and sample for myself what differences there are now post Covid. After a smooth run down to Southampton from Cheshire we parked our car, the keys were left on the dashboard to be taken away to a secure car park and we boarded within 60 minutes of arriving and were in the Horizon restaurant. I could not fault the boarding process – Covid test certificate and vaccination checks were done and photo taken in record time. The bags were delivered shortly after boarding. Top Tip : Check in but get your photo done at the port as only takes a couple of minutes Our cabin (14737) deluxe balcony was roomy and wider than the standard balcony I had on my previous cruise on Iona – would recommend the aft outward facing cabins as the view was 180 degrees and Fjord stunning. Tea and coffee making facilities in the cabin and UK sockets and USB sockets by the bed. Plenty of space to hang clothes but no drawers. The under bed space is large enough to put your cases under. Also no shaver point in the bathroom – take an adapter! Top Tip : Pick the aft cabin for stunning views if you can get availability. 4 Main Restaurants on board with waiter service all serving the same menu. Join the virtual queue with the MyHoliday app which is free. Top Tip : Refresh the App when you are in the queue to update or you will not get notification of when your table is ready and you will lose your place We were going to get the drink package but once on board decided against it which I am pleased I did as we ordered the drinks we wanted and it did not come to what we would have spent on the package. Everyone will be different I know but I thought that there were too many restrictions on the package. Day 1-3 – Days at sea due to our late departure (due to weather) and we missed Stavanger. We had drizzle on day 2 but day 3 was hot and sunny and we had scenic cruise which view from our aft cabin was stunning. Days at sea could be filed with the gym, cinema (4 screens and latest movies), quizzes, shops, talks etc Speciality Dining. We only tries the Keel and Cow for their iconic Admiral Burger and it was very quiet but service slow. Then in the evening tried the Beach House (not worth the extra in my opinion and again slow service). We tried the Olive Grove on the last night but I would give a miss if I went again. Horizon was just a good (but not waiter service) or the Main Restaurant. One smart night when most dressed for dinner but otherwise fairly casual (no shorts) but otherwise most styles of dress accepted. Olden – we experienced the Loen Sky Lift as part of an excursion but I would recommend just to do yourself with the local bus which stops outside the ship. Tickets for the Sky Lift can be purchased at the kiosk/visitor centre located in the port. No queues. Flaam – this was not on the original itinerary but replaced Hellesylt due to bad weather. We opted for the Railway trip and was not disappointed. Haugesund – as we missed our hike to Pulpit Rock in Stavanger we chose the hike to the Waterfall there. Beware – it was more like a rock climb! Just for the fit and able but worth the effort if you can. Day 8 – Disembarkation. Had to vacate the cabin by 8am and disembark at 9.30 but it was a long process to collect bags and queues to leave even though no passport checks. This was the most queuing we had to do on the whole trip, everyone seems to leave at the same time. If I had known I would have left earlier. All in all, a fabulous cruise and I was impressed with how back to ‘normal’ everything seemed. We just had to do the pre-departure testing the day prior (does not have to be observed) and P&O now do not need proof of the result, you just had to verify on your declaration at check in that you have had a negative test to board. Iona is joined by her sister ship, the new Arvia in December 2022. Iona sails out of Southampton with a range of Canary Islands and Med cruises in the Winter and Fjords in the Summer while Arvia will firstly sail out of Southampton for her maiden voyages before sailing to the Caribbean when she will feature 14 night Caribbean Fly Cruises. Feel free to contact me for more information on these or any other cruises by calling me on my usual number (01270 560731) or email me at Anjie.naughton@travelcounsellors.com I look forward to hearing from you soon and thanks for reading.

09 June 2022

Celebrity Beyond Excited! Affordable Luxury – all inclusive cruise 23 -25 April 2022 Celebrity is one of my favourite cruise lines – as they say affordable luxury and it truly is. On the eve of the cruise launch we were invited to have 2 nights on board to sample this wonder of a ship. Ship Facts : 3,260 passengers / 140,000 tons / Entered Service April 2022 Captain Kate Sky Suite Cabin 9215 (299 sq ft) So lucky to be among the first to sample this awesome ship. We did have to conduct a covid test the day before and show a negative result which I found easy to do with Randox at just £12 with delivery – easy to up load and certificate landed on my email/app within minutes of scanning the results. Boarding was effortless – no queues and we were onto the ship and in the buffet restaurant in no time. As usual the food on Celebrity is exceptional. The buffet choice is almost limitless with cooking stations for Italian, Asian, English etc. You are spoilt for choice. I just wish I was on here for longer as no way to sample everything in 2 days. The central hub of the ship is the atrium Martini Bar and I did my best to work through the menu but again not enough time! Entertainment – I would challenge anyone to find more professional and imaginative shows even in Las Vegas, from the ‘up close and personal’ cabaret in Eden to the Theatre shows. Dining : Cannot fault First night dined in Lumiere as we had a suite and although I did feel there could have been more of a choice on the menu what they did deliver was excellent. I had the filet mignon which did not disappoint Main dining room (4 to choose from) was more extensive and the service less intensive but still very good none the less. Can’t wait to sail on the next in the Edge series of ships. Just brilliant

09 June 2022

Azamara Pursuit All inclusive cruise with drinks, limited wifi and gratuities included. 19-24 March – Test Cruise Itinerary : Lisbon – Malaga – Gibraltar – Portimao (Algarve) – Lisbon Ahead of Covid-19 restrictions being lifted and the resumption of cruising my colleague and I were asked to take part on a ‘test cruise’ on the luxury Azamara Pursuit for 5 night cruise out of Lisbon and this is how it went : Day 1 I flew from Heathrow (to meet with my colleague) and as I live in Cheshire I decided to stay the night at Heathrow due to the very early start. I stayed at Sofitel Heathrow Terminal 5 which is a 5 star hotel located right at the airport and very convenient. Day 2 – Boarding N2 grade Club Continent Suite number 7082. Azamara Pursuit Ship Facts : 690 passengers / 30,277 tons /Entered Service August 2018 No breakfast for me I had to check in for my 7.20 am flight and check in at 5am. We flew British Airways and although mask wearing had just been lifted by British Airways as we were flying to Portugal where masks were still required we had to wear a mask on the flight (but not on the way back). Arrived in Lisbon and after a short wait for luggage, jumped into one of the awaiting taxis outside the airport. The transfer was about 15 mins to the port and cost approx 25 euros. The weather was beautiful with hot sun shine and we were very early so left our luggage at the port and headed off for a beer in one of the nearby outside bars in the old town. Returned at about 2pm and were literally one of the first on board (we were eager) and glad we did as we had to have a Covid test before boarding which took 30 mins to get the results and we were on. The Club Continent Suite is 266 sq st so more like a Junior Suite in size. The bathroom had a roomy shower (no bath) and 2 sinks and a butler was on hand for any requests you may have for service. Sitting area and flat-screen TV and 2 lower beds which could convert to double if required. Bottles of spirits (gin, vodka, whisky) were provided in cabin and bottled water. The Pursuit has the usual Azamara layout and is a small intimate quieter ship. Discover is the main dining room but this evening we ate in Prime C, the wood-panelled Steakhouse. The sommelier picked a perfect red to accompany the meal and the chocolate desert was to die for. Entertainment includes theatre shows, cabaret lounge and bars. Included in the all inclusive were many fine wines and spirits and cocktails (my favourite Margarita was well made). Day 3 - A relaxing day at sea. Caught up with 2 more Travel Counsellors on board and took part in the trivia quiz which is held daily in the Discoveries Bar and lunch in the buffet restaurant. Evening meal is the main dining room Discoveries which I found a good choice menu and the service attentive. Day 4 – Marbella. Intermittent rain but nothing to dampen our spirits Azamara docks next to the shopping street and plenty of shops and bars. Tapas lunch at El Pimpi which is a Malaga institution and 50% owned by Antonio Baderas – very busy but worth a visit (you may need to reserve a table). I met up with an old friend from back packing days who now lives in Malaga and he reserved a table for us. Dinner once more in Discoveries and after dinner entertainment at the lounge bar. Day 5 – Gibraltar Never visited Gibraltar before and a we have a Travel Counsellor based here, he generously showed us around the island and his office which is located just off the main shopping street (again a short walk from the dock). Day 6 – Portimao (Algarve) Rainy day so the beach was not an option, and after just a short walk around decided to return to the ship. Some of the others found various shops and got some nice souveniers. Karoke night in the lounge – not my usual entertainment but was great fun Day 7 – Homeward bound Reasonable flight time of 12.55 departure and picked up a taxi outside the ship No mask wearing on the plane and no delays. To conclude, if you are looking for small, friendly, all-inclusive with a relaxed feel (no formal evening wear) this would be recommended. Would sail on Azamara again without doubt.

07 June 2022

Maldives – OBLU Xperience Ailafushi Gold Trip 18 May to 23 May 2022 We visited this island as part of the ‘Gold’ trip 2022 ahead of the official opening date on 2nd of June. The flight was with Qatar Airways which I have never flown before but I was impressed with the food and service and would not hesitate to travel with them again. A short speedboat transfer (20 minutes) to the island and first impressions were great as greeted at the jetty by an enthusiastic welcome with the friendly staff clapping and singing! This is a 4 star family friendly resort and although the resort was not fully open we could see the potential. It is quite close to the capital, Male and although convenient, does not give the remote feel that you would get further away/sea plane transfers and some of the room types do face Male and the tall buildings could clearly be seen. We stayed in the Beach Villas facing the lagoon and opposite sister hotel, Select Lobigili and they are spacious enough with a double bed and sofa bed. The bathroom is quite large with 2 sinks and out door rain shower. Other room types include the Water Villas which were spaced quite close together so not entirely private. Family Ocean View rooms with 2 bedrooms (one with bunks) There is only one buffet restaurant which in my opinion is excellent with a wide choice of British and Asian food with small change each day to keep it interesting. Attentive and friendly staff making juices to order and a brilliant choice of salads and deserts. In addition to the buffet restaurant there is an underwater restaurant which is not part of the all inclusive and although not finished/open we did view the space and it will be stunning once completed. Over water gym on the property if you feel so inclined and a spa offering various massages and treatments. Kids Club wasn’t open but had a pool and looked spacious. In conclusion, this is resort is ideal for young couples and families looking for a lively resort at entry level prices for the Maldives. Great value way to get the Maldivian experience for those on a budget. Hotel visits to Oblu Sangeli which is an established 5 start resort and also Varu by Atmosphere which was also wonderful which stunning beach and crystal clear sea!

29 September 2021

New England and New York on Anthem of the Seas. Family holiday to New York for 4 nights, followed by a 10 night cruise on Anthem of the Seas out of New Jersey. Although I have been to New York before, my 2 boys have never been, so we made the most of the 3 full days we had (4 nights) and visited as many of the sights as we could. Top Tip : book an Explorer Pass (bookable via Travel Counsellors) with a choice of the number of tours / entry for best value. We included : Day 1 : Empire State Building & Ground Zero Museum Day 2 : Statue of Liberty / Superheroes Tour (Boys Choice!) Day 3 : Bike hire around Central Park & Top of the Rock at night We also walked the High Line and around Little Italy, China Town & Times Square Our hotel was the 5 star Kimpton Event1 at Avenue of the Americas and 30th Street, which had a great location one block away from the Empire State Building and walking distance to the buzzing Times Square. Flights were with Delta Airlines direct from Heathrow. No complaints and on time. Once we arrived at JFK airport customs was a breeze and we just joined a short queue for a taxi (very easy) to Manhattan (cost approx $80). Then the Cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas. I pre-booked the transfer to Cape Liberty, New Jersey with Holiday Taxis (approx £100 one way) and pick up was on time and took approximately an hour. Arrived in plenty of time for boarding which went very smoothly and boarded the Anthem. We had an outside cabin which had a double sofa bed for the third passenger and we found this perfectly adequate. If we had a balcony the 3rd bed would have been an upper Pullman unless we had upgraded to a larger cabin but the outside suited us fine as we didn’t spend too much time in the cabin itself. New England was lovely to see and we made the most of it by booking a tour in each destination. Boston : Salem and Witch Museum / Scenic Boston Portland : Bike and Hike Bar Harbour : Haunted Bar Harbor tour Halifax : Duck Tour (which had to be a coach tour due to weather) St John : Zip Line Adventure The entertainment on board was absolutely brilliant………main show was We Will Rock You and I made sure we had front row seats! Other shows including an excellent comedian. I challenged myself on the Escape Room on board and the boys did the RipCord by iFly experience. There was roller skating and bumper cars on this ship to enjoy too. Drinks Package. I did purchase this but find it is more for the convenience and knowing no surprise bill at the end of the cruise (cost approx us$60 pppd and non alcoholic for the boys (approx us$40 pppd). All in all a great trip. New England is interesting and picturesque contrasting with the hussle and bussle of New York. Doing the stay in New York was ideal as we could relax after a tiring but enjoyable few days in the Big Apple. So please do get in touch if you need help or ideas and want some first-hand knowledge of the destination.

27 September 2021

Gold Reward Trip to Mauritius! Staying at the all-inclusive Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Gold Resort & Spa. Situated on the north west coast of Mauritius, perfect for the best climate and dramatic sunsets. We currently have nearly 1500 Travel Counsellors across the globe. Every year we are set a goal and target to become a Gold Travel Counsellor which I achieved again this year! On these rewards, I have been lucky enough to visit (among other destinations) Barbados, Dubai, Ras al Khaimah (UAE) and now Mauritius which I will stick my neck out and say it was the best year, were truly spoilt. We stayed for 4 nights which was just lovely. We had a 2 bedroom villa with 2 bathrooms and open air bathroom and shower under the stars. Great choice of food and the buffet was excellent. Beachfront location and what a lovely beach it was, sandy and very beautiful. Featuring all the watersports you would expect at a luxury resort, banana boats, paddle boarding, snorkelling and jet skis. I was chosen (not everyone got an invite!) for a site inspection at the Royal Palm golf resort with lunch. This was luxury at another level. Very peaceful and relaxing. Ideal for those wanting seclusion and luxury. Not for those wanting to be in the thick of it with a buzzing atmosphere but one of peace and tranquillity. During our stay we had a motor boat excursion with lunch on a secluded beach and snorkelling and also the second day was our ‘GoldFest’ where part of the resort was partitioned off for us and a whole day pool party which went on until the early hours of the night! Our Gala dinner on the last night was on the beach when awards out handed out and those reach ‘Gold’ for the first time were welcomed into the company. Our flight was with Emirates which I can’t fault. Free wi-fi on board and they fly from so many regional airports. We had to change at Dubai (the airport is huge) with just over a 2 hour transit time which was just enough to find the right terminal and have something to eat (great choice of restaurants). It would have been better if the flight was direct but this was the next best option, I would do it again. Mauritius is GMT+4 (3 hours at this time of year) so no jet lag to speak of which is another plus. Weather was ideal and sunny during our stay and although Mauritius enjoys hot temperatures all year round October is the ideal time to visit as it is warmer and drier than in the summer months. So please do get in touch if you need help or ideas and want some first-hand knowledge of the destination.

25 September 2021

So fortunate to experience the brand new Regent Seven Seas ship (new Splendor). Very luxurious and a beautiful ship. 55,000 tones / 750 passengers and 542 crew If you don’t know Regent Seven Seas is the most inclusive cruise you will find. 'Ultra' all inclusive*- all balcony / suites and including Shore excursions, premium drinks, wi-fi, speciality dining, flights, transfers and more - you name it! The only charges are for spa treatments, casino and shop purchases….. Butler Service also on Penthouse Suites and above. I was certainly impressed. For anyone who books suites on other cruise lines / luxury holidays it is definitely worth taking a look at when you work out how much you spend on excursions, drinks and all the extras it is very good value. For my trip, a small group of Travel Counsellors sailed from Ancona to Rome (Civitavecchia) stopping in the lovely Dubrovnik. Splendor is the sister ship to Explorer so both ships are very similar. Beautiful, contemporary décor with the most amazing artwork on board – it was like an art gallery in itself. All suite accommodation with balcony, spacious cabins and oversized marble bathrooms. The highest grade being the out or this world Regent Suite. 2 bedrooms and 4000 square feet in size, with its own self playing Grand piano, private spa including hot stone bed and gym equipment! Awsome. Even with all this luxury the atmosphere on board was one of ‘subtle luxury' or 'relaxed elegance'. Very spacious and unobtrusive service. 3 main dining areas Compass Rose, Pool Grill, La Veranda which becomes Sette Mari in the evening. The other 3 restaurants that require pre-booking (no charge) include Chartreuse (French) Prime Seven (Steak) and Pacific Rim (Eastern). Or, dine in your suite at no extra charge. Entertainment on board – do as much as you want with the dancing, shows and casino in the evening and usual quizzes, talks and films in the day. What more can I say? If you want to experience this truly luxurious ship and all that goes with it for an all inclusive package prices (do the sums on your usual spend and it becomes surprisingly good value) please just contact me for a no obligation quote and get sailing!

25 September 2021

Celebrity Edge Large ship full of innovation. 13,818 tons and carries 2,918 passengers. Would suit younger couples and young at heart alike looking for the Celebrity Modern Luxury. This stunning ship absolutely blew me away. Anyone looking for ‘Modern Luxury’ with activity and entertainment will not be disappointed! New Infinite Balconies – giving the choice of balcony as as part of the stateroom or closed off as you prefer. A glass window drops down half way by the touch of a button to create the balcony. These balconies are 23% bigger than the ones on the Solstice Class ships and they have a spacious shower room. There is plenty of drawer space but the downside is a limited hanging space for dresses. Suites (Sky Suite up to Iconic suite) are very spacious. Suite guests have their own restaurant, Lumiere and have access to The Retreat area which includes a private sun deck with a pool, hot tubs and a bar. The Retreat lounge serves drinks and canapes and afternoon tea and is open 24/7. There are 4 main dining rooms – Cosmopolitan, Tuscan, Normandie and Cyprus Restaurants. Each have their own select menu options and all offer the same signature dishes. If you choose Anytime Dining you can each in any of these. If you choose a fixed dining you will be allocated one of the four restaurants. Aqua Class guests have their own restaurant ‘Blu’ which has a special healthy menu. Speciality restaurants have a cover charge including the Fine Cut Steakhouse, Le Grand Bistro, Le Petit Chef, Raw on 5 at the Magic Carpet, Rooftop Grill and Eden Restaurant. Although I didn’t experience this myself the Le Petit Chef is a new concept with your own ‘mini chef’ / hologram at the table! Must try that next time (and I loved this ship so much there will a next time). The Magic Carpet is another first for the cruise industry reaching up to 13 floors. When at the top on Deck 16, it is turned into Dinner on the Edge restaurant. At lunchtime, it is positioned on Deck 5 for lunch and drinks. It is also used as a disembarkation platform on Deck 2, when required. Another new concept is Eden which is a chill-out location during the day and a showtime area in the evening and is also home to the Eden restaurant. It is a bright and airy venue spanning 3 floors. The theatre is very contemporary with an open circular stage and no curtains. There is a nightclub called The Club and a children’s club called The Camp at Sea. Resort deck features an open-air pool with enormous TV screen and a comfortable covered solarium area which also has a pool. The Rooftop garden is a stunning area with unusual sculptures. The Grand Plaza covers 3 floors and opens up the restaurants and bars – the hub of the ship. Enjoy the vodka flight pass drinks here and Martini bar. Lively and fun venue. As soon as I am able I would love to sail on this ship again (2 days is fare too short!).

24 September 2021

P&O’s newest ship Iona (2021) Large ship, 184,700 tons, capacity 5200 passengers. Should be popular with families, younger couples and first time cruisers. I was invited on the P&O ‘Shakedown’ which is equivalent to a ‘test-run’ of the ship before paying passengers board. Contemporary style with a striking 3 floor atrium which is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows. Guests can enjoy the views and enjoy dining and relaxing with a drink . Cabins are well appointed with plenty of storage space, a large TV and a good sized shower room. Standard Balcony cabins were adequate size (rather long and narrow however) within varying balcony sizes depending on location on the ship. Conservatory style balconies have the added conservatory space with L-shaped sofa. Be aware that cabins on deck 8 are overlooked as the Promenade that runs all around the ship is on this deck. Excellent entertainment with plenty of variety including shows, comedians, vocalists and tribute acts. Singer and song writer Gary Barlow is the producer and musical director of many of the shows and the SkyDome was host to the amazing ‘Vibe’ show (recommended). SkyDome is a pool area with a retractable glass roof that converts to an entertainment venue at night with shows and open air cinema. MyHoliday App is P&Os newest innovation and was being tested on the sailing. Use to book restaurants and the theatre. This did have it teething problems but feedback on later cruise reveal that these are being ironed out. Because of Covid regulations masks had to be worn at all times inside and in the theatre but could be taken off in other venues if you were seated and having a drink.

21 December 2018

2nd - 5th December 2018 Val Thorens, Club Med Sensations in France I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to experience Club Med skiing in the Alps. The Resort of Val Thorens is in the heart of the 3 Valleys. The highest ski resort in the Europe at an altitude of 2300 metres. The Club Med Val Thorens Sensations is a contemporary ski-in, ski-out resort offering exceptional skiing and apres-ski. The resort offers breath-taking panoramic views over the entire ski domain from the main terrace and rooms. On arrival in Geneva we were transferred to the resort which did take two and a half hours, but it was an interesting and scenic route via the large Lake Annecy and ascending into the snow-covered mountains. At the Club Med resort check-in was swift although busy (Sunday is the day everyone arrives/departs) and we were allocated a wrist band for our rooms with a contactless disc to open the door and switch on the lights (no chance of forgetting your key). Meals are open buffet catering for every taste, vast choice of salad, soup, meats, pasta, pizza, noodles - you name it! Drinks included, so a nice glass of red with your meal goes down nicely! Also, entertainment in the contemporary open bar, choice of anything (except champagne). After collecting ski equipment it’s onto the slopes. Even though early on in the season most slopes were open, just some red and black runs closed off but plenty for all abilities to enjoy. Lessons with ESF are included for morning and evening sessions for beginners to advanced off piste skiers. Lockers are provided to store ski equipment. The last day of our short trip but we were able to ski in the morning and have lunch before our transfer back to Geneva. Ski equipment is left in your allocated locker, so no queuing involved - great! Can't wait to go skiing again and I would recommend Club Med for stress free and organised fun! The All- Inclusive package by Club Med. The package with Club Med includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Drinks: Open Bar Ski pass & lessons by ESF professionals Entertainment: Day & Night entertainment Free Wifi

07 November 2017

ORLANDO JUNE 2017 I was lucky enough to be invited to see all the attractions at Universal Studios and view the properties on site. Including the fabulous and world famous Universal Studios, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Islands of Adventure, CityWalk and the brand new Volcano Bay (opened in June 2017) Staying at the new Loews Sapphires Falls which is one of the amazing Universal Resorts properties. I can highly recommend this and the other properties as each hotel has a different theme and feel to them - in short, something for everyone. All Universal On-Site hotels allow early park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Volcano Bay one hour before the park opens plus complimentary transportation to the theme parks and CityWalk. Hard Rock hotel – cool and fun. Includes express tickets* and is the closest hotel to the Park (10 minute walk) or catch the ferry. Great entertainment day and night with live bands and movies by the pool. Portofino - Includes express tickets*. Stunning hotel in the style of authentic Portofino, even has narrow, winding streets and picturesque port, you will feel you are in Italy itself. Loews Royal Pacific. Includes express tickets* and walking distance to Universal Studios and CityWalk or catch the ferry. Large pool and relaxed atmosphere. Loews Sapphires Falls. New hotel with largest pool in Orlando. Walking distance to Universal but just as easy to take the frequent ferries. Cabana Bay - great value 50’s style motel. Option for Volcano Bay View room (highly recommended) NEW for 2018 – Aventura Hotel (opening August 2018). Will be modern and stylish. *The Universal hotels offer express tickets to give you early entry to the parks and a chance to see the parks at a more leisurely pace during peak dates. Recommended Universal VIP Experience - highly recommended. We experienced this great enhancement and if your budget can stretch to it or if you have a large group (upto 12) it is definitely worth treating yourself. You will see 10x more than without it! Includes back door shortcuts, hearing all the stories behind the rides and being whizzed straight to the front of the queue was a real luxury. A definite must for those short of time, or patience! Universal Dining Plan - stress-free, flexible and choice across many restaurant choices and food stands across the park. Great value and a must for families on a budget, the snacks and meal portions were very generous Volcano Bay waterpark, featuring the ‘Tapu Tapu’ wristband queuing system, which allowed you to virtually queue and come back to each of the rides when it was your turn to ride. City Walk was easy and enjoyable. This can also be done as a leisurely 15 mins walk, there is a wide selection of restaurant and bar choices along CityWalk, as a vegetarian travelling is often a struggle but I found dining easy here - the portion sizes are not for the faint-hearted though! Dinner and drinks on CityWalk are not too different to UK price but take into account current exchange rates. A starter is usually between $7-10 and main courses are between $12-15. Portions are large, so bear that in mind. Shopping Premium Outlet Mall and the Florida Mall Any questions, feel free to ask. Call me on 01270 560731 - look forward to hearing from you!

27 October 2017

PERU/MACHU PICCHU with Exodus SEPT 2017 Tour Company is Exodus, Highly Recommended. Wow, just can’t believe that Travel Counsellors have given me the chance (with 7 other lucky TC’s) a chance to explore Peru. A full packed itinerary including the famous Machu Picchu of course, Peru has so much more to offer than I imagined. Full of diversity, culture and interesting history (ancient and modern). Having never visited South America before, this Peruvian visit has smashed my preconceptions of the continent. Peru is experiencing a tourist boom. I would recommend you experience it before the influx! Exodus Travel escorted us throughout and our guide, Bruno was the best. He was informative and looked after us 8 ladies throughout the trip with total professionalism. Thank you, Bruno! In A Nut Shell! There were eight Travel Counsellors including me on the trip and we started in Lima and then down the coast to Paracas, an excursion to the Ballestas Islands then to see the Nazca Lines, which were fascinating. Onto Arequipa, Puno and Lake Titicaca, over to Cusco and train up to Machu Picchu (have to do the trek another time!) and back to Cusco and then Lima – then home. It was a busy but great time! FOOD. Very good and all tastes catered for. You can eat very reasonably in high rated restaurants. One of our party was vegan and did not struggle with the food. ACCOMMODATION. Our hotels were 3 to 4 star and were simple but clean and perfectly adequate for an overnight stay with breakfast but if you are looking for more luxury then that is an option too, with hotel chains such as Belmont being prominent in the country. MORE DETAILS. Lima, the "City of Kings", Peru's capital officially began life in 1535, when Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro founded the city. A city of contrasts with palaces and modern centre to the ‘Favela’ style dwellings on the hillsides. Nearby the archaeological site of Pachacamac gives you a taste of what is to come at Machu Picchu. Visit pyramids and see the amazing views of the nearby Lurin Valley and the Pacific Ocean. From the top you can also see the large plazas the Incas built to receive hundreds of pilgrims. Ballestas Islands, a national park which contains the highest concentration of marine birds in the world. There are sea lions and numerous species of birds. Also the Candelabra, a curious pre-Inca design on the cliff-face, only recognizable from the sea. Pisco distillery to see the process of the traditional Peruvian Pisco drink. Nazca These are one of the world's great archaeological mysteries, consisting of enormous figures and patterns etched in the desert sand, best seen from the elevated position of the viewing platforms. Take a flight to get the best views of these incredible sights Arequipa. Second largest city in Peru and very picturesque. Visit the Saint Catalina Monastery and a must is the Museum for Juanita the Inca Ice Maiden, the mummy of a girl sacrificed to the gods in the 14th century. Due to its well-preserved condition and the professionalism of the museum itself this is a must to see. Very moving… Puno and the archaeological site of Sillustani, a pre-Incan burial ground on the shores of Lake Umayo. The tombs, are built above ground in tower-like structures and wonderful panoramic views the lake. Puno is located in south-eastern Peru, about 3860m/12421ft at the edge of Lake Titicaca; the world’s highest navigable lake is surrounded by a group of beautiful islands full of color and wildlife. Puno is surrounded by 41 floating islands. It is colorful and hospitable, a place to appreciate mixtures and tradition. Titicaca Lake, the highest navigable lake in the world. A full day tour by boat to the Uros-Titinos and Taquile Islands will show you the Andean culture. The lake contains numerous islands whose inhabitants continue to live as their ancestors have in custom and tradition. “The Uros-Titinos Floating Islands”, are a small community that has lived on these reed Islands for decades. Centuries ago the small indigenous Uros tribe conceived of the islands as a way to isolate and protect themselves from rival tribes, the Collas and the Incas. The Uros-Titinos people harvested the reeds in the shallows of the lake, bundled them together tightly and built floating island platforms complete with reed houses and canoes, creating in this way their own little world. Cuzco (3400m). Sacsayhuaman located just outside Cusco. This enormous structure overlooks the city of Cusco. Its constructions are amazing, with huge rocks perfectly fitted. It is said that it took over 10,000 workers 50 years to build it. The origin of the temple of Sacsayhuaman is still today unknown. The archaeologist attributed its construction to the Period of the Inca Pachacutec. Sacred Valley, and Pisac which has a great market, known for its multi-colored textiles, local foods, and indigenous clothing - a great opportunity to pick up some souvenirs as well as take some great photos. Ollantaytambo - one of the few places where the Incas defeated the Spanish. We took the “Expedition” train towards Aguas Calientes, a modern little town close to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. The train ride to Machu Picchu is one of the most beautiful journeys that visitors can experience. It takes about 1 hour 45 minutes and then a short bus ride up the steep, zigzagging road to the impressive Lost City of the Incas. Machu Picchu does not disappoint. Soak in the atmosphere and see the.Intiwatana (solar clock), the Sun Temple, the urban sector, the agricultural sector among others. Machu Picchu was long thought to be legendary. Machu Picchu stands 2,430 m above sea-level, in the middle of a tropical mountain forest, in an extraordinarily beautiful setting. Any advice on this country please feel free to call. I’m easily reached on 01270 560731.

05 October 2016

I went along to see the Cruise and Maritime, Marco Polo for lunch and a look around while she was docked in Liverpool. The Marco Polo and the Magellan will have departures out of Liverpool in 2017. Cruise and Maritime are growing in popularity for their good value ex-UK cruises. Home ports include Liverpool, Tilbury, Dublin, Newport, Dundee and Newcastle. Cabins are what you would expect from an older ship and the price but comfortable and have the usual amenities you would expect in a cabin. They are rolling out tea and coffee making facilities in all cabins as per customer feedback. Mostly fixed twin bedded - for those wanting double or a better standard of cabin the Cat. 12 or Junior Suites and De Luxe Suites fit the bill. Suites having tiled bathrooms and shower over baths. In my opinion the lunch was excellent quality and the staff friendly and attentive. The dining room décor was art deco but the small windows gave away the age of the ship but that is a minor point. The ship, although over 50 years old, is beautifully maintained and very clean. Anyone destination led and wanting a traditional British cruise for a good price will not be disappointed. Cruise and Maritime are very competitively priced and often have buy one get one half price offers or similar. Call me now and I will be able to advise you on all the latest offers. Anjie Tel: 01270 560731

29 May 2016

Harmony of the Seas - It's not a Ship but a floating resort! With its seven distinctive neighbourhoods there is something for everyone. If you don't like large ships this might not be the ship for you but don't dismiss it yet. Ideal for the young and young at heart, multi generational families will love the choice it provides. If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle there is an Adult area Solarium forward of the ship for you to relax and unwind. A café and large Jacuzzi complete the area. Other areas are the Central Park, Boardwalk and Promenade and Children's zone. What makes this ship really stand out for me is the entertainment all included in the cruise price. Theatre - Full production of Grease with live orchestra, the best I have seen at sea. Aqua theatre has an amazing Las Vegas style show of high divers, lasers and zip wires. Ice Show - worth the trip alone! The Attic - nightclub plus many more Accommodation............ Finished to a high standard. I have a sea view balcony and it was lovely and quiet but if you don't mind some noise (close the balcony doors and you don't hear anything) choose a Board Walk balcony or the more peaceful Central Park view. The Suites are stunning with 2 storey loft suites among the choice. The only notable absence in my opinion was the main dining room which is not the same as Oasis or Allure with their sweeping staircases and chandeliers. Still very nice but if Harmony had this dining room the ship would be perfect. All in all a great choice for those wanting lots easily accessible top notch entertainment all under one roof.

30 July 2015

Cruise and Maritime Voyages - Traditional British Cruise Experience. I was invited to lunch on the Azores at Liverpool and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. 16,000 tons and only 550 guests. Great service - friendly and very attentive. Guests are welcomed by a member of staff and escorted personally to your cabin. The food was very good and the buffet restaurant looked inviting. The ship still had all you would expect : Casino, Show Lounge, Cinema, Night Club, Shops, Card Room, Library and Internet Café etc. Cruise and Maritime are specialists in no-fly cruising with convenient sailings from a choice of eight UK ports including Bristol Avonmouth, Edinburgh Leith & Rosyth, Hull, Liverpool, London Tilbury, Newcastle Tyne and Dundee. Smaller to medium sized ships - The Azores is the smallest in the fleet and has a 'country-house' feel. The other ships are more contemporary in design and décor. Their programme offers a wide selection of scenic cruising including the Northern Lights, Fjords, Baltic, Iceland, Canaries and Round Britain. Further afield, is the Amazon and South America, West Indies, Panama Canal and Canada New England. 95% of guests rated their enjoyment either excellent of good and I can see why. For a medium rated ship the standard is well above average. I will be recommending Cruise and Maritime to customers looking for value in a traditional cruise. Call now for more information. Anjie tel: 01270 560731

28 July 2015

Oceania Marina - Ship Visit. My thanks to Oceania cruises for inviting me to lunch on their beautiful ship - the Marina. Mid-size ship at 65 tons with capacity for 1200 guests (meaning lots of space for everyone). Looking around this elegant vessel I get the impression of relaxation and a warm and friendly atmosphere. Oceania pitch themselves in the upper premium bracket (4 star) and create a country house elegance in a traditional style. Not for those looking for non-stop activity - no walls to climb or ice rinks to skate but if your idea of a holiday is to relax with a book by the fireplace (yes, there is!) in the library or a intimate game of cards - this ship (or one of the other Oceania ships) could be for you. As I walk around all the ship's restaurants (no extra charge for the speciality dining), bars and coffee areas it is plain to see that those that come on the Oceania ships are into their food and wine. You could dine every night in a different venue and sample a vast array of different foods and wines. All food and soft drinks, tea and coffee are included with alcoholic drinks at an extra charge. There is even a white gloved high tea every afternoon. Informal - no black tie nights so ideal for those not intending to do formal and no organized events such as pool side games etc. Children - although permitted on the ship there are no facilities for them so very few, if any are on board Oceania's tag line is 'Your World Your Way' and you can make what you want of your time at sea. Extensive spa (Canyon Ranch) and gym with classes to work off those calories! Call Anjie today on 01270 560731 for more information

25 May 2015

As I retained the coveted Gold Status for Travel Counsellors (among the most successful in the company) we were taken to Cancun. Cancun itself is lively and commercialized but go a little further to Isla Mujeres (45 mins boat ride) and it’s like another world, un-spoilt and quiet. Cancun must have the bluest sea I have ever seen (and I have been to some amazing beaches), it’s like a lagoon. The sea is generally wavy (great for youngsters) and in Isla Mujeres it is still and tranquil and crystal-clear. Secrets The Vine, Cancun - top notch, all inclusive and adult only. Chic and contemporary. AAA Four Diamond If you have pre-conceived ideas about all inclusive accommodation, this may change your mind. Many of the Travel Counsellors on the trip were sceptical but were won over by this hotel. The buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner was comprehensive and fresh, catering for all tastes. Or choose to dine on one of the other 8 restaurants with waiter service. Unlimited Premium Drinks. Zoetry Isla Mujeres - Secluded, Romanic - Adult Only. If peace and quiet are more your thing - you will love the Zoetry at Isla Mujeres. Only 35 oceanfront rooms Award winning dining No buffet, but 2 gourmet restaurants (or dine in your room) Unlimited Premium Drinks Call me now for more details, Anjie Tel: 01270 560731

18 March 2015

Named by The Queen, Britannia is the biggest ship in the P&O Cruises' fleet with 3,647 passengers and weighing 141,000 tons. Britannia is the biggest ship built specifically for the UK market and it shows. Understated luxury is a description frequently used to describe Britannia - it is not showy - with the exception perhaps of the 'Star Burst' centre piece in the Atrium (which was stunning). I think P&O have taken aspects of each of their ships in the rest of the fleet and added them into Britannia. The Glass House, Sindhu, Crows Nest Bar etc. but they have added new features such as the new Cookery Club - two-hour classes will cost £100 per person and take place in The Cookery Club, a dedicated cookery school with 12 stations for up to 24 people to create culinary masterpieces. Celebrity guest cooks will also feature on many of the sailings, i.e. Mary Berry (6 July 15) or TV chef James Martin or Theo Randall among others. We tried the speciality restaurant - Sindhu - which I can highly recommend. The Hub of the ship is the Atrium with the 'Star Burst' centre piece. I can imagine spending many an hour here watching the world go by! Shops, the Glass House and coffee bar are all around this area and the reception is tucked away around the corner. Cabins - I was allocated a balcony - not difficult as all the outsides have a balcony but some do have obstructed views. Space was perfectly adequate and an open wardrobe gave lots of hanging space. However, it is worth paying that bit extra for a larger cabin with sofa and that extra space especially if you are on a longer cruise. Ask for a price comparison. In summary I think that this ship will be popular with traditional, loyal P&O cruisers. The new enhancements such as the Cookery school will be a sell out and the Strictly Come Dancing cruises are going down a storm. Combined with the newest ship in the fleet, call me to book and you won't be disappointed!

03 November 2014

Royal Caribbean - the company that keeps raising the bar for activities at sea - has done it again! The first 'smart ship' has been launched by Royal Caribbean and it is the most high-tech in the world. A handful of agents were welcomed aboard the new Quantum of the Seas to sample what she has to offer prior to its inaugural sailing to New York and I am thrilled to say that I was one of these agents. This will be the same ship as the Anthem which will be sailing out of Southampton next year. My advice is book your place now! First impressions was that she is not like any other RCI ship, as Quantum is very different to the previous styles and had a more 'upmarket' feel. Smaller than Allure and Oasis but no less impressive as it features many new innovations that would appeal to many. Luxurious, large and family friendly the 167,800 tonnes ship holds 4,180 guests and has 18 decks. Among the many highlights include: • North Star - a glass observation capsule 300ft over the ocean offering 360 degree panoramic views • Robot bartenders can make you a cocktail in the Bionic Bar - a first anywhere in the world • Virtual balconies on all inside cabins with real-time views of the ocean and destinations • SeaPlex with dodgem rides, roller skating rink, flying trapeze and basketball court • Skydiving simulator • 18 restaurants to accommodate the new ‘Dynamic Dining’ arrangements • Two70 lounge using six 'roboscreens' that move or unite to entertain guests Other notable 'highlights' include: • An adult only solarium and outdoor pool • Indoor pool with retractable roof • wristbands that serve as room keys • speedy wi fi enabling Royal IQ allowing passengers to text each other • high speed check ins with Cruise Planner • DreamWorks feature on board • H2O zone After its maiden voyage the ship will sail to and from the Caribbean during the 2014-15 season before relocating to China. Cabins are spacious and the fixtures and fittings high quality. The beds had firm and comfy mattresses and pillows and there was plenty of storage. The most important things in a cabin - I think you will agree! The virtual balcony was impressive when I viewed one of the cabins - I think even I might consider an inside on this ship! Live feed from outside really gave a realistic impression of space and light. Tip - take your plug adaptors as only international sockets available in the cabins. There is no main dining room on board, instead this has been replaced by five complimentary restaurants serving everything from Asian cuisine and a pub-style eatery to a Jamie's Italian (his first at sea). There are 18 places to dine (5 included in the price and 13 with a supplement - the most expensive being Wonderland at us$45 per person). I ate in the Grande the first night and Silk the second were both service and food were excellent. Entertainment - where do I start? • A must do is the FULL production of Mama Mia (2.5 hours) with live orchestra and it is a word for word re-enactment of the Broadway show - very, very impressive • Two70 show with singing and dancing that would not be out of place in Las Vegas • Music Hall nightclub with live bands I do think that RCI have delivered. The ship is stylish but has all these new elements to keep interest flowing. As usual the service was good and staff are friendly and polite - I was not disappointed. To discuss this or any other ship with me please don't hesitate to get in contact (direct line 0845 058 7051)…happy sailing

22 September 2014

This August I managed to take a week out of this very busy time of year to be treated to a trip to New York to view the Celebrity Summit and see the cruise terminals first hand as well as sample the delights of New York. The last time I was in NYC was about 30 years ago and the city as changed significantly - for the better. There is not enough space for me to detail all New York has to offer here as there is so much to see and do no matter what your interests are. From sightseeing all the main iconic land marks, the vast shopping options (favourable current exchange rates help), museums, galleries and movie tours to name just a few. Highlights on my trip were cycling round Central Park, visiting Ground Zero, browsing round the shops and sampling top rated restaurants and bars. Myself and my other travelling companions from other agencies stayed at the Hotel Beacon on 75th and Broadway on the historic Upper West Side and we were all impressed. This was a perfect location if you don’t want to be on top of the hustle and noise of Times Square but still be within walking distance (30 minutes) or short subway journey. It is set amid tree-lined streets and landmark buildings and has wonderful views of Central Park, the Hudson River and Midtown Manhattan. The area itself is a great place to stay for people looking for a local neighbourhood filled with great restaurants and bars. The hotel is within walking distance of Central Park, the Museum of Natural History, Lincoln Centre for the Performing Arts, Museum of American Folk Art, Children's Museum of Manhattan, and the Riverside Park. The Beacon offers very good value and is recommended for its kitchenette facilities and spacious accommodation. There is free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and is a non-smoking hotel. The hotel does not have a restaurant, but there is a 24 hour coffee shop next door, providing delivery service in place of room service. Beacon Bar has opened at the hotel for that relaxing drink after a busy day. Also the rooms have a kitchenette and there is a supermarket across the street. The rooms are large and kept in good condition. The standard room includes either two double beds or one king-sized bed, a marble bathroom and fully-equipped kitchenette with microwave, coffeemaker, tea kettle and complimentary coffee and tea. A One-Bedroom Suite features one King bed in the bedroom, a separate living room with a pull-out sofa bed, a luxurious marble bathroom, and fully-equipped kitchenette. Maximum occupancy is 4 people. There are 2 Bedroom Suites featuring a master bedroom with one king bed, and a second bedroom with two double beds. Two luxurious marble bathrooms, a separate living room with a pull-out sofa bed and a fully equipped kitchenette. Maximum occupancy is six people. There are three ports in New York (times are approximate and vary depending on time of day). – Manhattan Terminal is the busiest most central at 55th Street and 12th Avenue (Times Square is 42nd street so very close). JFK airport approximately 90 minutes away and Newark is 60 minutes away. - Cape Liberty at Bayonne, New Jersey (Celebrity and Royal Caribbean use this terminal) is close to the Jersey Gardens shopping mall (20 minutes’ drive). JFK is 90 minutes away and Newark is 20 minutes. 60 minutes to Manhattan. - Brooklyn Terminal is used by Princess and Cunard (although this use Manhattan too) and JFK is 45 minutes and Newark 35 minutes away. 45 minutes to Manhattan.

25 November 2013

I took the opportunity to take a two night break on the Azura in October this year. The stop was Zeebrugge with the option to visit quaint Brugge if you wished. However, as it was pouring with rain that day I just took the free shuttle to Blankenberge and was pleasantly surprised that there was enough to do there to pass away an afternoon. Although not as impressive as Brugge would have been, Blankenberge has interesting architecture and is by the sea. Some shops to top up on some gifts and clothes too. The two or three night 'party' cruises have a different atmosphere when on board and the average age on board tends to be lower than on longer cruisers. Many are first time cruisers trying it out. I decided to drive to the port and without any traffic jams I was straight into the Ocean Terminal and parked directly opposite the ship. I can highly recommend candps parking for convenience. Once in the terminal there was a slight delay in boarding as everyone seemed to arrive at the same time, ie 1.30! However, P&O has a procedure in place so that you could take a seat, grab a coffee and wait to board, which took about an hour. So avoid the peak times if you want to avoid hanging around. After boarding, I headed down for some lunch at the Frontiers restaurant which was very busy due to everyone boarding going straight for food. I think I would have gone to the main restaurant and had some waiter service if I have known, so note to self to do this next time. As it was such a short cruise I tried an inside cabin. Having never experienced one before, I thought it would be a good idea! It was a good size (same as the balcony but without the additonal balcony space) with a walk in wardrobe still there and the same size bathroom (albeit small) but adequate. I had the best night's sleep as no light came in the cabin however if you needed to see what the weather was like outside the webcam is available on the TV. Eating in the Main Peninsular restaurant both nights, I found the food of a good standard but if you want to treat yourself the speciality Seventeen or Sindu are available for an extra charge. The menus looked amazing and I am definitely going to treat myself next time I am on board. There was one formal night (men require a dark jacket) and most did dress up which was nice to see. The other night was smart also. There is lots of entertainment on board, including bars, disco, theatre show and even karoke. Too much to get round in one night so lots to suit all tastes. If I had more time I would have spent some in the beautiful Oasis spa. I did have a brief look around and although no-one was in the gym (!) there were some in the spa's jacuzzis and others enjoying spa treatments (extra charge). Looked very relaxing. Some passengers watched the large screen by the pool as the football was on (important match apparently, but don't ask me which!). The mega sized TV screen is a feature of the Azura and you can watch a film under the stars or while lounging in the pool by day. Afternoon tea in the main dining room at 4pm was a treat and if you wanted a snack and/or lunch it is self service at the Frontiers restaurant. All in all a great break away and I would definitely sail on the Azura again.......

26 June 2013

I recently had the privilege to spend a night and a day on the brand new Norwegian Breakaway ship. There were 2,500 agents on board in Southampton before sailing to New York on its inaugural transatlantic sailing. She will sail out of the Big Apple to the sun and fun of Florida and the Bahamas. If you like large, family friendly ships with lots going on, then this ship would be for you. It can hold 4500 guests and 1600 crew. The Aqua Park on board boasts the largest water park ever seen on a cruise ship, which has two of the fastest water slides at sea. Breakaway's Aqua Park has five slides in total - the line claims 1,000 people can ride the slides every hour. You can take yourself up to The Plank and if you dare and walk eight feet over the side of the ship! This is a modern ship with contemporary decor and comfortable staterooms (I found the bathrooms spacious but balconies on the small side). There are Spa staterooms, studios for singles and suites in The Haven area of the ship. Norwegian Cruise Line is a 'Freestyle' cruise company which means that rather than having a more traditional approach to cruising with formal nights and set dining times, they are more relaxed on board. The dress code is 'resort casual' (smart casual) and the dining times are not set at all, allowing passengers to dine where they want, when they want. There are lots of dining venues (28 dining choices!) to choose from, ranging from Japanese to steak house and Italian and French and more. The main dining rooms are included in your cruise fare but the speciality restaurants have a cover charge (up to $30 per head). I ate in the French restaurant and I couldn't fault the food - well worth the extra cover charge. Other colleagues ate in the other venues and I did not hear a bad word about any of them. The service was excellent too. Alfesco dining is one of the many features of this new ship. Among Norwegian Breakaway's 28 dining choices are four out on The Waterfront - La Cucina, Moderno Churrascaria, Cagney's Steakhouse and Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian for fine seafood dining. Broadway on Board offers rocking entertainment and includes three live Broadway shows - Rock of Ages with its 80's anthems; Burn the Floor, a reinvention of ballroom dancing; and Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy. There is definitely domething for everyone. The Waterfront is a revolutionary quarter mile long boardwalk with bars, restaurants and entertainment where you can enjoy drinks or dinner under the stars. For family there is a two storey Splash Academy children's club with Nickelodeon theme and teens have an area of their own at Entourage. Other highlights are the Ice Bar, Haven Courtyard with two levels of private beach club and private pool and 678 Ocean Place (a daytime and night time entertainment venue with bars, nightlife, shopping and dining). In all, this ship exceeded my expectations - it is well laid out and tasteful. There are high quality fitments in the cabins and the crew were very friendly. My only issue was that the suites were on the small side as were the balconies. If you are looking for a family friendly ship with lots of facilities you will not be disappointed in the NCL Breakaway. To discuss this or any other ship with me please don't hesitate to get in contact (direct line 0845 058 7051).......happy sailing.

14 June 2013

I was one of 2,500 UK travel agents invited for an overnight stay on board the new Royal Princess at the weekend. Christened in Southampton by the Duchess of Cambridge, the ship has many innovations on board including a walkway with only glass between your feet and the ocean below, poolside cabanas that seem to float on water and the first television studio at sea. However, this ship is classic Princess and those of you who have already cruised Princess will see the familiar style which Princess has throughout its fleet. Highlights on the ship for me include the vastly increased atrium 'the social hub of the ship', that is 50 per cent larger than others in the fleet. In it, the 3,600 passengers can descend three decks on marble staircases to the Piazza and find Bellini's cocktail bar and the Crooners lounge offering 75 different martinis, a tea tower with a sommelier offering 250 blends, along with the Celebrations gift shop and the Gelato ice-cream parlour. The ship has a steel and glass Sea Walk on deck 16 where it curves 28ft beyond the side of the ship, 128ft above the water. You can sit at the Sea View Bar and enjoy a cocktail while watching the waves below. The popular Movies Under the Stars screen on the top decks is the biggest yet, enhanced by a computerised light show and a palm tree fringed dancing fountain shooting jets 33ft into the sky. The Sanctuary is one of the best adults-only pool areas I have seen yet. Surrounded by private cabanas that give the feel you are on the water when you gaze out, it is an ideal place to chill. Stewards are on hand to provide for your every whim, from a drink or snack to a relaxing massage. There will be a daily Wake Show broadcast from the first television studio at sea, which will feature game and talk shows and cookery demonstrations. Princess's signature restaurant, Sabatini has been enhanced by its setting of a unique Italian Trattoria with ocean views. Royal Princess will cruise the Mediterranean this summer, then sail the Eastern Caribbean over the winter. The sister ship - Regal Princess - will debut in June 2014 and will cruise the Med while the Royal will sail the Baltic from Copenhagen. Contact me for more details.

02 November 2012

This year I took my family on a fantastic holiday where we cruised in the Caribbean and stayed at the Universal Resort, Orlando, which includes the new “Wizarding World of Harry Potter”. Royal Caribbean packaged the whole trip and the travel arrangements could not have gone more smoothly. You can combine a cruise in the Caribbean with a three, four or seven night pre or post cruise stay (we chose four nights pre-cruise). This included the flight (from London or Manchester), transfers, a hotel stay with theme park admission and the cruise. We stayed in one of the three Universal Resort Hotels (Hard Rock) but I have also previously stayed at the Pacific Resort. If you stay at one of these hotels, you receive Express Fast Passes to jump all the queues in the parks and early entry (1 hour prior to the parks opening). This proved invaluable in getting the most out of our visits to the parks. The Express passes do not work on the Harry Potter main ride but being able to gain entry an hour earlier meant that we were at the front of the queue and we could ride 3 times in the hour before the park even opened. This is the best ride experience I have been on, highly recommended for all thrill ride lovers. As we went at Halloween time we also had chance to experience the Universal Fright Night - well worth it if you are a horror fan. This is recommended for 13 years and over but my 12 year old loved it! Being in the resort also means that you are within walking distance of the parks and can simply stroll back to your hotel for a well-deserved break, lunch or swim, recharge the batteries and return later. There is also the option of the complimentary water taxis if you are too weary to walk. Other advantages are priority seating at Universal restaurants and package delivery to your hotel room for your purchases at Universal, among others. The Hard Rock is the liveliest hotel, the Pacific Resort is quieter with a ‘Hawaii’ feel and enormous pool and the Portofino would suit those looking for romantic ambience. After a hectic four nights at Universal it was great to relax on the Royal Caribbean cruise. There is still plenty to do for the whole family such as the ice skating, rock climbing, crazy golf, and the Flowrider, to name but a few. Alternately, you can relax by the pool or watch a movie. There is an adults-only solarium if you need a bolt hole! The Freedom of the Seas is one of the largest and most innovative ships in the world, having been refurbished in 2011. It has the DreamWorks Experience on board including character breakfasts and parades with your favourite stars from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar. The itinerary on the ship was Cococay, Bahamas, St Maarten and St Thomas. We had chance to relax on the stunning beaches and enjoy a choice of water sports or take advantage of the duty free shopping. At the end of the cruise - as the cruise departed from Port Canaveral - we had the opportunity to have a VIP tour of the Kennedy Space Centre (a Royal Caribbean excursion) which meant that we filled the day prior to our flight home. Royal Caribbean ensured that we got to the airport in plenty of time to check in for our cruise. I would thoroughly recommend this package for anyone looking to visit Universal Studios and the cruise afterwards was the icing on the cake.

11 August 2012

P&O Adonia Ship Facts 30,300 tons 710 passengers 385 crew I was lucky enough to be invited to lunch on P&O's newest and smallest addition - the Adonia - today. As soon as you step on board you realise that this is not like any other P&O ship. The atmosphere is one of relaxed charm. With the wood panelling all around the ship and a grand staircase there is a traditional feel. Exclusively for adults, the Adonia will be for those of you looking for a more traditional and intimate experience. For anyone who has been on a Azamara ship - she is the same layout and style. As she is a smaller ship, she can visit more unusual destinations for example Sarande in Albania or Rijeka in Croatia, to name just two - therefore avoiding the well trodden 'tourist traps' that many of the other larger ships visit. Adonia is all about the journey. The food and service was excellent. We ate in the light and airy Pacific Restaurant served by the friendly and unobrusive waiters but there is also the Ocean Grill by Marco Pierre White (he is on board on a regular basis himself) and the Sorrento restaurant with only £5 per head extra cover charge for an Italian feast. Alternatively, the buffet restaurant (The Conservatory) has an array of choice and the themes change to reflect the day's destination. Enough variety and choice for your whole cruise. Note that dining is either Main or Late dinning options - no 'Any Time' dining option available. Also, if you prefer a table for 2 there were plenty available by the windows and although a table for 2 is always on request and no guarantee, there is a good chance you will get one on this ship. For entertainment on board there is the Curzon Lounge. There is no multi tiered theatre (the size of the ship does not permit this) but this lounge offers high quality shows every evening (2 performances per night to fit in with your dining choice) and the chairs are comfortable arm chairs to relax in. The dance floor plays host to dance evenings, after dinner speakers, plays, soloists and classical recitals. There are many bars and lounges around the ship for you to take a relaxing drink day or evening and piano bars to chill out after a long day exploring the exciting ports of call. A well stocked wood pannelled library also beckons. Keep fit in the excellent and well equiped gym and treat yourself to a treatment in the beautiful spa and treatment rooms. Cabins - although we were not able to see cabins on board as the ship was full, I have viewed those on Azamara which are the same. Feedback I have had from past clients is that they are alittle on the small side but have all the usual amenities you would expect. For those requiring more space and not concerned about a balcony the IC grades forward on deck B and C are very spacious and have very large portholes. Be warned that the obstructed view cabins on C deck are fairly cramped so upgrade if you can to a full view for more space. Also, watch out for the new itineraries that will be released shortly to the Far East - should be exciting....... call me for more details on tel: 0845 058 7051 or 01270 560731

14 June 2012

Cunard's Three Queens Diamond Jubilee Celebration - Tuesday 5 June 2012 I was delighted to be one of the 60 lucky travel agents who won a place at Cunard's spectacular Three Queens Diamond Jubilee Celebration on Tuesday 5 June 2012, the final day of the extended bank holiday weekend. This was the first time all three Queens have sailed in together to their home port of Southampton and it was an incredible sight to behold. I was selected to join the celebrations on board Queen Mary 2, which was great as I had never been on board her before and now I can compare all 3 ships for myself. Being the largest and flagship of the fleet she is certainly impressive. A true Ocean Liner. Highlights on the ship are the Planetarium (only one at sea) which offers 3D screenings of operatic masterpieces and blockbuster movies as well as the Illuminations, the grand ballroom and extensive library After a drinks reception and waterline tour of the 3 ships, the weather did little to dampen our spirits! The arrival of the Queens started a day of festivities which ended in a fantastic firework display, a fitting finale to the Jubilee holiday. If you would like to hear more about Cunard and the voyages available to book please feel free to get in contact, I would be more than happy to hear from you. Some Ship facts Entered Service - 2004 Refit - 2011 Tonnage - 151,000 Guest Capacity - 2620

18 May 2012

I was recently invited to view the Fred Olsen ship Balmoral. It's a relatively small ship but is Fred Olsen's largest in the fleet with 710 cabins and weighing 43,537 tonnes. The ship's facilities include small outdoor swimming pools, jacuzzis, sun decks and a promenade deck. There is a fitness centre (well equipped gym), beauty salon and infrared hot room Restaurants onboard include two main dining rooms for waiter service (two sittings for dinner) and a buffet-style cafe which is open all day. There are no 'speciality' restaurants, so no extra charges are made for any of the dining options. There is also a pub style bar, large card room, well stocked library, small theatre/show room for evening entertainment and internet centre. All cabins have en suite, TV, hairdryer, phone, individual air conditioning/heating, tea and coffee making facilities. All sterling on board and tips are added onto the cabin bill (a very reasonable £4 per person per day). Or if passengers wish to deal with tipping themselves, Fred Olsen have no problem taking these off for passengers to sort out themselves. The ships offers good value for money, as everything on board is in sterling and all prices shown are what you pay. There are no extra service fees / taxes added onto the bill. Drinks charges are reasonable and inclusive of service charge. At current prices, a soft drink such as Pepsi is £1.15, a Gin and Tonic is £3, Pina Colada £3.95, pint of draught beer £2.70, bottle of wine from £14.95. Fred Olsen has a reputation for good food and friendly atmosphere. My impression was it is a light and airy ship and the decor is surprisingly contemporary and minimalist. It's a great option for those passengers wishing to experience a relaxed, no fuss cruise and older age groups who are looking for a British style, pleasant, no-hassle experience. There is a good ambiance on board as it's a small ship and it's easy to make acquaintance with new friends in a relaxing, calm, no nonsense atmosphere with low key, traditional entertainment. Call me for more information and the latest offers on Fred Olsen.

25 October 2011

For those of you looking for an occasional alternative to a cruise, I can thoroughly recommend the superb Likya Residence and Spa in Kalkan, Turkey as a great hotel to relax in and explore the area. It’s an adult only hotel sold on a bed and breakfast basis, in an idyllic position with views across the bay and a short 10 minute walk into the town. This is an upmarket hotel and has a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. There is also a choice of three pools (indoor, outdoor and infinity pool). Every room has a stunning sea view, I stayed in room 207 and it was very clean and well appointed. The balconies can be overlooked to some degree - with this in mind Suite 403 is considered to be the best in the hotel. It is the most private and is not overlooked at all; it’s also large with a sunken jacuzzi to enjoy the views out to sea. The suite's terrace is also large, with two loungers and an umbrella, a table and chairs and a further two reclining chairs. The breakfast is excellent and served al fresco under a thatched roof and includes omelette station, fresh fruit, cereals, breads and cheeses, cooked and cold selection - everything you could want! Traditional Turkish and European food is on offer during the day and into the evening - the standard of which is very good. Dinner is taken on arguably the best restaurant terrace in the area with fabulous views. You are also treated to twice weekly evening entertainment, i.e. Turkish BBQ’s and dancing. In the spa there is a range of treatments and rooms available (VIP room, couples room, Turkish bath, Sauna etc.). For something more active there is a gym and for a relaxing drink head to the bar area with indoor pool and balcony again with amazing views over Kalkan. Another big plus is free Wi-Fi, so you can send an ecard home should you wish! Kalkan is a beautiful historic town situated on Turkey's gorgeous Lycian Coast. With the absence of mass tourism, Kalkan is charming and unspoiled with crystal clear sea, historic and ancient history all around. You can visit ancient ruins, beautiful beaches and even embark on mountain excursions. Take a Gulet boat trip which the will organise for you, and enjoy a lazy day at sea on the hotel boat. There are boutique shops, cobbled streets with overhanging balconies and bougainvillea everywhere. There are approximately 250 restaurants in Kalkan so choice is not a problem. We ate in Aubergine (fabulous) and Sandals (also very good), serving traditional Turkish food. Both are situated right by the harbour but go further away from the harbour and the restaurants get cheaper. There is a very small pebble beach in Kalkan but the nearby Yali Beach Club (no charge) is a must for anyone who loves the sea. This is located just a short walk from the hotel. Transfer is 1.30 to 2 hours from Dalaman airport. This resort is not recommended for anyone with walking difficulties.

28 May 2011

I was lucky enough to be invited by Holland America to lunch on board the MS Rotterdam during its port of call at Liverpool. The ship was mid-cruise, and the ship was full so we unfortunately had not chance to see any of the cabins, however we were able to have a good look around the ship and enjoy lunch in the main restaurant courtesy of Holland America. Briefly, the ship was launched in 1997 and is 62,000 tons with passenger capacity of 1,404. The MS Rotterdam is flagship of the fleet and has completed her 'Signature of Excellence' just over a year ago,.which included upgrades of staterooms and public areas. All sea-view staterooms have a bathtub. There are 23 handicapped accessible staterooms - the largest percentage in industry. On entering the ship at Lower Promenade deck the Atrium as a impressive centerpiece clock tower based on a 17th Century Flemish original. I felt that the ship was welcoming and stylish, with a traditional feel. The service was excellent at dinner and professional. The real surprise was the large children and teen area in the ship - The Oasis for teens featured hammocks, a waterfall and an indoor area called the Loft that is created in the style of a New York Artists Loft. Plenty of space for the little ones too. A Computer room and equipment such a Wiis to keep them occupied. The club was as good as many a larger ship. If you are looking for a mid-size ship with friendly, welcoming atmosphere your will not be disappointed.

03 December 2010

I was one of a hand full of agents fortunate enough to be selected to attend a 'Seminar at Sea' for Azamara. The name Azamara may or may not be too familiar to you, but is becoming increasingly well known in the industry. The brand has only 2 ships in its fleet and is part of the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity group (although it is run completely separately and has a different concept). The two Azamara ships are the Journey and Quest and they are identical. What sets Azamara apart from the other brands? Well, it is :- Size - 30,277 tons and 694 passengers. Small in comparison to some of the mega ships of RCI and Celebrity but they still have all you need to enjoy your cruise to the full. There is still a gym, spa, casino, theatre, bars, restaurants and a host of daily activities and talks to keep the most hyperactive of us occupied. These two ships are boutique style and focus on the destinations to be visited rather than adrenaline inducing facilities on board some of the new ships that we see advertised on a daily basis. Azamara ships take their time and spend more overnights in port and as they are smaller can visit the lesser-known ports. Whats Included - gratuities (no need for tipping), vintage wines are complimentary with lunch and dinner (and they are generous with the top ups let me tell you!), bottled water (which can add up over the course of a cruise), soft drinks, speciality teas and coffees are also complimentary. The self service laundry is also free of charge. You can tell the quality of a cruise by the sunbeds! These are teak with cushioned toppers and towels over the top. The attention to detail on the ship is typical here in that all the towels are sewn in such a way that they fit over the sunbeds at the top so that they do not slip down! Open Dining - Discoveries Restaurant Buffet Dining in the Windows Cafe Speciality Restaurants - only us$15 cover charge (complimentary for suite guests). A small price to pay for such a fine dining experience and the wine is still complimentary here and they will bring a wine suited to your meal. They include : Prime C - contemporary steak house - the Filet Mignon was the best I have ever had Aqualina - Mediterranean themed - the Sea Bass is very popular and a speciality. Gym and Spa - unlike on some other ships all the classes are included. The gym has all the latest equipment you would need. Elegant Afternoon teas - served in the Aqualina restaurant while a harpest plays classical music - heaven! Casino - ofcourse! No formal nights - all smart casual No children's facilities - although children are permitted on board there are no clubs or activities so very few children are on board - if any. Shuttle bus service to/from port communities are free English butler service for suite guests The cabins are not the largest but are perfectly adequate (balcony or oceanview typically 170 sq ft) and nice decor. I stayed in an outside category 4 (6005) which was alittle larger - I found the cabin very comfortable. However, I would warn anyone considering a restricted view cabin that these are very restricted and some have the window totally blocked out with a lifeboat. I would recommend the cat 4 or a balcony on this ship. The route we took on this cruise was sailing out of London at Greenwich which was an experience in itself. Many of the guests went into London that evening as the ship docked overnight at Greenwich. The next port of call was Amsterdam and then the next day we transitted the Kiel Canal - which I must say was not what I was expecting atall - very green and some of the some gorgeous private properties I have ever seen. I was on board the ship for 4 nights and can honestly say that I could not fault the food and service, which was unobstrusive but friendly. Excellent value for money and is almost 'all-inclusive'. Recommended for those wanting a quieter, relaxing cruise without the formality of dressing up, concentrating on the destinations. If you need to know anything about Azamara please feel free to contact me, I am sure that you will be hearing alot more about them in the future.

03 December 2010

I had the fabulous opportunity to be one of the first to see the new Allure of the Seas and this ship has certainly exceeded all my expectations.....! The longest ship in the world (actually 5 centimetres longer than the Oasis) this ship cost $1.2 billion to build and you can see why :- Ship Information Gross Tonnage : 220,000 tons Guest Capacity : 5,402 Total Crew : 2,175 The first thing that hits you when you approach the ship is the sheer size of it - it looks double the width (and probably is) of anything I have seen before - amazing. If you are looking for lots of entertainment and a family-friendly ship you can't do better than this one (apart from the sister ship Oasis which launch the year before). There is so much variety of things to do on board this ship (so much that I don't have the room to list here, so call for more information). The ship is split into sections or neigbourhoods : - Central Park - open air, peaceful area full of lush tropical foliage, restaurants, Vintages Wine and Tapas bar - perfect for a relaxing glass of wine or stroll in the evening Boardwalk - open air next to the Aqua Theatre - bustling with life and activity, featuring the Mexican restaurant Rita's Cantina, Johnny Rockets burger bar and the Carousel Ride Royal Promenade - bars and shops under cover Aqua Theatre featuring Vegas Style shows - the pool is 18ft deep - we were lucky enough to see Oceanaria which was outstanding and they show other shows such as Blue Planet. Pool and Sports Zone - Zip Wire, 2 Flow Riders, 2 rock climbing walls, basketball court and golf putting Youth Zone for teens Entertainment Place - including the Ice Rink Beach Pool Solarium - adult only area for relaxing in the wicker sun loungers, cabanas and jacuzzis - also has a small restaurant for a more peaceful breakfast, lunch or dinner. Spa with Termal Suite ($30 per day/$150 per week charge). Rising Tide - a bar that is in the shape of a space ship that elevates up and down between the Central Park and the Promenade two decks below. Main Theatre - the show is Chicago. Again there are so many catergories of cabin I cannot go into detail here. We were given a sea view balcony cabin (number 8175) which was in a perfect position to get around the ship, just around the corner from the Central Park and Vintages Wine bar. I think that if I were to book onto the ship myself I would prefer the sea-view cabins for a quiet view of the sea but some balconcies looked into the ship onto the Boardwalk or the quieter Central Park area. Each cabin had sufficient bathroom with full shower cubicle (not curtain) and all cabins have an ipod dock/radio. Plenty of sockets (take an adapter) and the storage was adequate. There are also two-story Loft Suites which over look the Sports Zone, Aqua Theatre suites (my personal favourite) and fabulous Presidental and Grand Suites - there is a choice for every taste. The Allure is a dream for families and Royal Caribbean have linked up with DreamWorks (Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar and Shrek) to create an amazing experience for all ages. Character interaction, parades, Character meals, 3D movies and special character shows in the ice rink and AquaTheatre. The chidren's area is split between under 11's (forward) and over 11's (aft) and although they are separate they are the best childrens clubs I have seen. The teens have their own Wipe Out cafe and also a mocktail bar! If you are taking children be prepared to never see them! In summary I would have to say that this ship totally went far and above my expectations, from the amount of facilities on board, the fact that you can find quieter places to relax if you want and the quality and attention to detail is impressive. The service on board was also excellent. Good value for money when you consider the Vegas/West End style shows, variety of eating venues, outdoor activities, children's facilities etc. If you need any further details regarding the Allure of the Seas I will do my best to advise you, so please feel free to call me for a chat regarding this or any other for that matter!

28 October 2010

NCL say that the Epic is the next generation of cruising..........it certainly has many new innovations that are not on any other ship. I would say expect the unexpected on this ship! There is so much on this ship that I don't have space to put everything down but the main features are :- Accommodation : No Oceanview staterooms - all have a balcony New - Studio (TS) Grade - a completely new concept for singles. These are very modern in design and priced exclusively for solo travellers with key card access to the private Studio Lounge - 'The Living Room', a lounge with video jukebox, flat screen TV's, a bar, comfy seating and wi-fi. The Villa - ship-within-a-ship complex. Exclusive, invitation only, two-deck villas complex, equipped with pool, hot tub, lounging area and private sundeck. Deluxe Owner's Suites feature living room with dining area, separate bedroom with king size bed, access to Courtyard and butler and concierge service. New Wave Staterooms (I stayed in a BB grade balcony no. 10247) are a leap forward in cruise ship accommodation, with open living space, unique bathroom with each separate shower, toilet and vanity unit areas. Curved walls give the feeling of extra space. There is more storage in the cabin than I have ever seen on other ships. The disadvantage of this new type of cabin is the privacy. The curtain that pulls across the cabin to give privacy for the shower and toilet leaves the sink area still in the main cabin which I feel is a design fault, also the shower and toilet are by the cabin door meaning that the shower is right next to the main door. Other than that I did like the cabin. Entertainment : Very impressive choice and too much to list here, includes :- Blue Man Group - famous Las Vegas act and the only place to see them at sea Cirque Dreams & Dinner -in the Spiegel Tent. This is the venue for interactive entertainment and dining experience. Legends - tribute show Howl at the Moon at Headliners - Comedy Troupe sketch comedy, spontaneous entertainment and audience participation. Spice H2O - the pool floor rises to become a dance floor. A giant screen projects visuals and aerial performers mix dance and acrobatics. Posh - beach club for guests of the The Villas and Epic Club Lounge also for Villa guests only Bliss Ultra Lounge - nightclub Ice Bar - one of only 14 in the world and the only true ice bar at sea - everything is ice and you slip on faux fur coats to keep you warm. Plus 15 other bars and lounges Casino - ofcourse! Tip : Now you can book selected on-board entertainment online up to 45 days before sailing date. Spa : Currently the largest Spa and Fitness Centre at sea. Everything from a mani/pedi to acupuncture and BOTOX, via hot stone massage and facials. Also, relax on the thermal benches or the in the multi-treatment pool. Family Friendly : Lots of connecting cabins Bowling - in 2 different venues - O'Sheehans and Bliss Aqua Park, amazing 3 multi-storey slides including Epic Plunge, a 200-foot tube and bowl slide. Recess - children's club and Entourage - teen club Nickelodeon at Sea - meet SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer on board Sports Complex - full-sized basketball court, climbing wall Dining : More than 20 authentic global dining choices on board. Tip - You don't have to pre-book your table, but you can reserve your table with 24 hours (48 hours for guests in Balcony Staterooms and above) of your preferred dining time. If you haven't booked and your preferred dining choice happens to be full, ask the Restaurant Manager for a beeper and then relax in a bar - and they will give you a call when your table's ready. This ship is for those wanting lots of entertainment, freestyle dining, lots of choice and family friendly fun. It definitely has a WOW factor and you would be hard pressed to get round everything on this ship on one sailing. If you need to know further details please give me a call.

26 October 2010

I won this trip for the whole family due to my sales with Travel counsellors (I hit 5 million pound in sales in 2006) and P&O donated the prize - it was onderful. The ship: 77,000 gross tons 2016 passengers 870 Crewe Entered service in 2000 Family-friendly mid sized ship: It was half-term week when we cruised and there were alot of children on board so be warned. Excellent choice for families but not if you want a quiet leisurely cruise. Itinerary: Southampton - Vigo - Lisbon - Bilbao - La Rochelle - Southampton Cabin: We were given cabin E611, a 4-berth with picture window. Very convenient location for the reception and disembarking. Also near the dining room. When 4 people in the cabin the beds are 2 upper and 2 lower in 'bunk-bed configuration'. Cruising from Southampton meant that we could take as much as we wanted/could fit in the car. The car park is just beside the terminal and so convenient. No airport queues or delays to worry about. Many worry about the rough seas of the Bay of Biscay but certainly on this occasion it was very calm and no problem at all. My children loved the kids club and at no extra cost they would be looked after until 10pm if they wanted to stay there (and sometimes we couldn't get them away they loved it so much). Also, the children teas were great in the fact that the children's club staff would come just before they had finished to take them to a mini disco, magician show or something else to tempt them away while parents can then go off to change for dinner and enjoy their evening and collect the children at 10pm - fabulous! The pool area can get very busy and sunbeds are sometimes not easily available especially on sea days so be prepared for this. There are 2 main pools and some jacuzzis and an adult pool (although small). If you can't find a free sun lounger try the other deck areas around the ship. The entertainment on board was very varied (something for everyone). West End or Hollywood style shows, specialist entertainers, guest lecturers and music of all kinds. Vigo Small fishing port. There is a fort built on the hill which overlooks the harbour or you can walk through the steep, narrow streets of the old town. You can visit Santiago de Compostela from here and see the stunning cathedral. Lisbon Beautiful city - Baixa has busy streets and shops, cafes and restaurants - Alfarna is the old town full of atmosphere and Bairro Alto is the historic district with narrow streets (it is a steep climb) Bilbao Home of the Guggenheim modern art gallery. An old town dating from te 14th century where you can sample tapas at a local bar or restaurant. The gothic Cathedral de Santiago is worth a look too. La Rochelle Medieval city with many historic buildings and market places. People watch at one of the cafe and just watch the world go by. This is a well run family friendly ship which offers good value for money. If you need any further advice on this ship or any other please feel free to contact me.

26 October 2010

Princess Cruises invited me onto the Coral Princess to experience the Majesty of the Glaciers cruise. Cruising out of Whittier and disembarking at Vancouver - this was an experience of a life time. Coral Princess 92,000 gross tons and 1970 passengers / 895 Crew Entered service in 2002 This is a lovely ship - typically Princess with all the amenities you would expect on this size of ship. This cruise is all about the itinerary - not for those looking for a cruise full of nightlife but lots of activities during the day and what a way to travel. Weather For Scenery - go early season (May) For Fishing/wildlife - go in high season (July/August) but beware the mosquitos. Many people ask when is the best time to go to Alaska and there is no answer to that - it depends what you are looking for. May/June the weather was sunny (70f) and it doesn't get dark until midnight. The snow caps are beginning to melt and it is very picturesque. No mosquitos. It is colder in the mornings when viewing the glaciers so take warm clothing for this but in the day we were sun bathing on the decks and t-shirts were fine. Layers are the order of the day. It rained in Ketchikan but apparently it always does so rain jacket is recommended here. We did not encounter too much wild life at this time but if you what more wildlife (never guaranteed though) you need to travel in the height of the summer (July/August) but you will not get the snow capped mountains. Flight The flight to Seattle was very long and is 8 hours behind the Uk. The transfer to the hotel was easy and about 5 minutes to the Doubletree which was a very nice. clean hotel. Next day we flew to Anchorage which is approximately 4 hours and is very scenic over the mountains and glaciers - spectacular. Cabins I stayed in an F grade outside stateroom with obstructed view (no. E321). This was a very comfortable cabin with the usual amenities and dressing area. This cabin was not too obstructed either and was between two lifeboats so daylight did come into the cabin. However, if you can go to a balcony I would recommend this for an Alaska cruise - nothing like viewing the glaciers from you very own little space first thing in the morning and not having to jostle for space on deck and don't forget the room service for breakfast! . Skagway After a couple of day glacier cruising and early starts to see the glaciers up close our first port of call was the very cute and movie set town of Skagway. I would recommend the Scenic White Pass Rail (sit on the left side as far to the front as possible for the best view) which was US$100 per person for a 3 and half hour trip. I also took a horse riding trip into Gold Rush country - very tame and for anyone (cost us$154 pp). Also the Helicopter over the Glacier was apparently a good alternative. A visit to the Red Onion bar is an experience in self and just a few minutes walk from the e ship as it is docked right in the town Juneau Learn about the Gold Rush here. This town is steeped in history. The ship docks near downtown and the town is a short distance from the pier. Some of the group did the Whale watching tour and they saw lots of whales - they said it was amazing. While I opted for the White Water Rafting at Mendenhall Glacier (cost us$112 pp), this was very tame and more of a lazy river cruise! Very gentle and anyone could do this but a lovely way to see more of the Alaskan countryside. Ketchikan The only place it rained! The ship docks actually in the town along Front Street and you can take the famous 'Duck Tour' or as I did a Horse Drawn Carriage around the town with commentary and very interesting it was too. I took the Misty Fjords Seaplane at us$230 pp and this was worth every penny, what an experience to land in the middle of a Fjord on the water and fly over the mountains. Finally, don't forget the Sunscreen - not what springs to mind for an Alaskan cruise but you have been warned! If you need advise feel free to call me

25 October 2010

I was one of the agents invited to attend the launch of the Celebrity Solstice in Miami. I joined the ship for 2 nights and can honestly say that it is one of the most beautiful ships I have had the pleasure to visit. The ship is very stylish and has a host of ground-breaking features including the first ever Lawn Club at sea. Tonnage : 122,000 Occupancy 2,850 Entered Service : Nov 08 We flew into Miami and had one night pre-cruise in Miami before embarking onto the ship. The ship was docked at Port Everglades cruise terminal and it was an easy 40 minute taxi journey away from Miami. The whole ship has an intimate, romantic feel - large hammocks in the solarium area, double sunbeds and cozy hideaways add to this feel. The Lawn Club has a large area of real grass (the first ever on a cruise ship). Another first is the Hot Glass show where you can watch demonstrations of the art of glass-making. As well as a stunning main restaurant (The Grand Epernay), there are other speciality restaurants to experience - Silk Harvest (Asian), Tuscan Grille (Steakhouse) and Muranos (Continental). Aqua Class guests dine in 'Blu' which serves delicious cuisine made in a healthy way. There is a nightclub, ice Martini bar and Cellar Masters wine bar for those who enjoy a busy nightlife and 3-tier theatre for spectacular shows. The Spa includes the Persian Garden (complimentary) for Aqua Class guests and features all the treatments you would expect and more. An impressive Gym too for those more energetic among us. Children are catered from at the Celebrity X-Club Youth Programme which features Fun Factory for ages 3-11 and the Teen Entertainment for ages 12-17. Although the ship is very large for some reason it doesn't feel overwhelming. There is space to relax and also enough choice from everyone to find something to their taste. Whatever, you choose to do on-board I am sure that you will enjoy this ship - it is one of the best in its class. If you have any questions regarding this or any other cruise ship please feel free to get in touch.

19 October 2010

I was lucky enough have an invitation for the VIP Agent Overnight on the Azura when she launched in April 10. Ship : 115,000 tons, 3,100 passengers and 1226 crew Billed as Family-friendly larger ship First impressions are that the Azura is a beautiful ship and the public areas are very stylish and sophisticated. Azura is identical layout to Ventura which launched the previous year with a few differences: Exclusive open-air spa terrace (more of that later) Indian fine dining restaurant created by Michelin starred chef Atul Kochhar Alfresco Cinema Very first single staterooms in the P&O fleet I was given a JA grade balcony (number R501) which was ideally placed midship of Riviera deck next to the midship stairs. Features a walk in wardrobe which gives a little more privacy if required. No sofa in these cabins, but two chairs. Interactive TV. Small balcony also with 2 chairs, a table and footstool. Tea and coffee making facilities in the cabin Riveria deck from mid ships to aft has an overhang which will limit sun for most of the day. A and B decks slightly affected by this overhang to some extent too meaning the sun has to be lower in the sky to catch the rays from your balcony. C deck balconies are deeper but a the cabins above can look down on you. D deck deluxe balconies - larger with sofa plus a table and 2 chairs. 2 Televisions and bath/shower The Retreat One of the best areas on the ship in my opinion is the Retreat. This is an exclusive, open air terrace offering affresco treatments and access to the Oasis Pool which is a tranquil, relaxing area. Wicker sun loungers and cabbanas all sheltered under a canopy. I loved this area. A Spa Stateroom Package is available on JD and OD grades and Superior Deluxe Stateooms (AA-CC). Currently the supplement is £249 pp for 3-7 night cruise and £299 pp for 8-15 night cruise and £349 pp for 16 or more night cruise. For this you receive extras in your cabin such as welcome gifts and upgraded stateroom amenities and access to the Retreat, the Oasis Pool and Thermal Suite (the number of passes depends on the duration of your cruise). You will enjoy priority service and a luxurious collection of spa treatment, events and gifts. Also, you'll be invited to a number of exclusive spa stateroom experiences. For passengers who have not booked one of Azura's Spa Stateroom's, use of the spa area is charged at £6 per half day and £12 for full day (price at time of writing and subject to change). Included in this charge is the use of the pool, Retreat and Thermal Suite. Dining : Evening in the Oriental /Peninsular or Meridian Restaurants - either Club or Freedom Dining Speciality Restaurants - Seventeen and Sindhu at a supplement The Glass House , a modern wine bar with food and wines selected by Olly Smith (supplement payable) Buffet Restaurants - Verona and Venezia Poolside pizzeria, grill and ice cream and Java cafe The Reef Children's/Teen Club Very impressive and lots of facilities, some of the best I have seen. Lots of computers, massive TV for movies, cushions on the floors. For the teens their own mini 'cocktail' bar, juke boxes and dance floor. Table hockey and basketball courts etc. Children and teens will be well catered for here. Other items worth a mention: Lovely 3 - tier theatre 3 pools but none with cover Casino - medium in size Overall a nice ship and great for families and those looking for a Spa experience in the Retreat. If you need any further information please do feel free to contact me.

18 October 2010

I spent one night on this ship as part of the inaugural celebrations. First impressions of the ship were very good - it is the latest 'Musica-class' ship 89.600 tons / 3013 guests Choice of 5 restaurants, numerous bars, an internet cafe and cigar lounge, 1,200 seat theatre, cinema and disco. Buffet for breakfast and lunch with plenty of hot and cold choices alternatively you can use the dining room and choose off a limited menu. 3 swimming pools, one under the retractable roof Aurea Spa- saunas and Turkish baths, fitness centre, beauty salon, Thalassotherapy room, relaxation area and massage rooms. Stateroom - I stayed in a balcony category 10 (no. 10150) which is on the starboard side near the middle elevators. This was a good location and the cabin itself had a very comfortable bed, sofa, flat screen TV (only CNN in English) and plenty of storage space. Free safe and frdge come minibar. When booking this ship be aware that the main nationality on board will be Italian. The italians tend not to queue and this can be annoying to polite English passengers. Also, the italians enjoy smoking and even though there are smoking areas you may find that it is no strictly aderred to. It is a family friendly ship so lots of children usually on board. Also, I understand that there is a charge for water on the ship and it is hard to get it for free, even in the gym there isn't a water cooler which is unusual. There is also a charge for hte gym per hour. If you have any questions about this or any other cruise please feel free to call me.

18 October 2010

I was invited to look around the ship while docked in Liverpool and my first impression was of a luxury, superior product. Comtemparory style and very elegant. Crystal have 2 ships the other being the Serenity which is slightly larger at 68,000 tons but both are very similar in style. Crystal is regularly voted 'World's Best' by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler. Crystal is not an 'all-inclusive' product but they offer generous on board credit on every sailing to spend onboard as you wish. From shore excursions, drinks at the bar, spa treatments, wine with dinner...with the exception of the casino, it can be spent on anything that you wish. Therefore, if you are not a big drinker for example you could spend the credit on some shore excursions or spa treatments. They call it 'All-inclusive - As You Wish'. Crystal Symphony : 51,044 tons. Guest capacity is 940 and 545 crew (per guest staff ration in 0.57). This is one of the highest per - guest space rations in the cruise industry. 70% of clients are aged 60 plus and 25% are aged 45-59. Here are some of the highlights: Crystal Plaza : Spectacular two-storey atrium accented by a spiral waterfall. Dining : Plenty of choice Open seating announced for 2011 in the Crystal Dining Room, 500-seat main dining room. Bistro, Trident Bar & Grill and Lido Cafe & Gardens Speciality dining (no extra charge but reservation required however a tip is expected) Prego - Italian dining Silk Road - Oriental Cinema - dedicated movie theatre Nightclub - Luxe. modern new nightclub Galaxy Lounge - 500 seat showroom for shows Staterooms : No insides. Some outsides have restricted views, some have clear views and most have balconies. Average sizes for this category of ship (smallest cabin is 202 sq ft upwards). TV and DVD player, internet access, as standard. We viewed a Category A verandah on Deck 9 which included all the standard amenities. The bathroom was well appointed and included a small bath/shower and a double sink. Plentiful storage. Verandah had table and two chairs. Usual casino, library, several bars, couple of shops, Bistro, Connoisseur Club, Piano bar, internet cafe, golf putting green, Paddle Tennis Court, Pools, Spa and Gym Children : Waves video arcade for teens and Fantasia playroom for the younger cruisers but as a rule not too many children on board. I feel that Crystal is of superior quality and for those wishing to experience cruising in luxurious surroundings. Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions regarding Crystal or other cruise lines.

15 October 2010

I had the amazing opportunity to experience Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth this weekend (Oct 10) and had dinner and an overnight stay on board. As you would expect from Cunard, this ship takes you back to traditional cruising, lots of art deco and romance mixed in with Hollywood glamour. The epitome of grandeur and elegance. There is a stunning atrium which is reminiscent of the ‘Titantic’ style décor – just beautiful In keeping with the tone of the ship there is a new sports area where you will find croquet, tennis and lawn bowling. There is a Garden Lounge with a glass top which is a large conservatory with a harp in the corner – you get the picture. The 3-tier Royal Court Theatre features private boxes and the Queens Room can host Gala Balls for dancing. With the Casino, Yacht Club and Golden Lion bar there is something to suit most tastes. Although Cunard is not normally the first choice when cruising with children – children and teens are well catered for. Teens and pre-teens have separate rooms with dedicate staff to take care of their needs and keeping them well occupied while the adults can relax and enjoy the ship. The gym and spa deserve a mention for those looking to maintain the body beautiful. The Royal Spa has a separate plunge pool and all the treatments on offer that you would expect from a cruise ship of this calibre. The gym was well stocked with all the latest equipment. Dinner was in the Britannia Restaurant and excellent it was too. You would dine in the Princess Grill for stateroom categories P1-P4 or the Queens Grill for Q1-Q7. In the Princess Grill there is a table for 6 by the window (table 104) and in the Queens Grill the equivalent is table 4 in case you wish to request these. There is also an open air area for al fresco dining in warmer climes. The Lido buffet was well laid out and tastefully decorated. It spans half the length of deck 9. You can also dine in the Cafe Carinthia, Golden Lion, The Pavilion or the Verandah Restaurant (cover charge applies) – so there is plenty of variety. I stayed in cabin 6103 which is a P2 Princess Suite with verandah. This was spacious with separate living area (no curtain to divide the areas though). I found the bathroom a reasonable size with bathtub. There was also separate dressing area/walk in wardrobe. We managed to view several other grades of cabins including my favourite, the Q2 Master Suite on Deck 7. This featured a long balcony, bathtub and double sinks and very large separate shower/wet room. They were also in a great mid-ship position. The Queens suites were similar layout but on smaller scale and are aft of the ship. Strangely the Q1 Grand Suite had a smaller shower and single sink but much larger balcony and living areas. Again these are aft of the ship on deck 6 and 7. Standard balcony cabins are smaller than the Princess Suites but perfectly adequate. Inside and outside cabins are what you would expect, fairly small at 159 sq ft. The furnishings and décor is all creams and camel colours which I liked. This ship will suit cruisers looking for a more traditional sailing experience and enjoy a more formal atmosphere on the most famous Ocean Liner in the world. For more information on this or any other cruises please feel to contact me.

14 October 2010

I was fortunate to be invited onboard Celebrity Constellation to attend a ‘Seminar at Sea’ Training event and experience this wonderful ship for myself. I was among 12 fellow Travelcounsellors on board for 7 nights and stayed in an outside cabin on deck 2. The cabin was spacious with a large picture window and I found the cabin very comfortable, in a quiet location, despite being opposite a lift (very convenient). The bathroom is typically small but sufficient and there is plenty of storage space in the cabin. You will need adaptors for your British appliances. Also there is no tea/coffee making facilities but you can always order room service and you can order morning tea or coffee the night before that it arrives first thing when you wake up. The Constellation is the first of Celebrity’s Millennium-class ships to be refurbished up to their new Solstice class level. It now has some of the most popular venues found on the Solstice class ships, including Tuscan Grille steakhouse and a new ice-Martini Bar. The whole ship looked brand new. Also restyled staterooms, with new carpeting, flat-screen TVs, upholstery and bedding - the overall feel on this ship is one of relaxed contemporary elegance. The sailing was full but at no time did it feel overcrowded. I noted also that there were very few children on board this sailing (not school holidays). I find the staff on Celebrity second to none and all are so friendly – among the best in the industry. Any wonder that once again they have won the Best Cruise Line with the readers of the Daily Telegraph for 2010. If you are thinking of cruising with Celebrity (and I can recommend it!) I can offer these tips :- Captain’s Club - be sure to join once you have cruised. Unlike other cruise lines they make it easy to earn points as you can earn multiple points on a single cruise allowing guests to move up more quickly. You will be invited to exclusive Captain’s Club events and get money off vouchers on your next cruise. Service Charges – I recommend that you pre-pay these before your cruise as it works out cheaper and then takes away the hassle of tipping on board (staff will not know who has pre-paid and who hasn’t). This is compulsory if you are taking the Select Dining option. Beverage Packages (now pre-bookable on the website) – from Soda Packages, wine packages or purchase the Classic Package and enjoy a choice of beers, spirits, cocktails and wines up to a set amount per serving (a good tip is that you can choose drinks priced higher than the set amount, such as in the ice bar, as they just put it in a smaller glass or you can purchase the Premium package). Speciality Restaurants (now pre-bookable on the website) – definitely worth the small extra cover charge for that special occasion or just to treat yourself. Tuscan Grille is an Italian style steakhouse Ocean Liners offers Contemporary French Cuisine Contact me for sample menus Tax Be aware that as mandated by the Spanish government, cruises which depart from a Spanish port and visits only EU countries, 18% tax (VAT) is added to all retail purchases of products sold onboard. For bar sales, including private mini-bars and specialty Restaurant sales, the VAT will be 8%. Shuttle Bus Charges – there is often a charge for these, ie on the cruise I on :- Villefranche – tender – no charge Genoa – Shuttle Boat $7 return or 30 minutes walk Livorno – Shuttle Bus $7 return (20 minutes transfer) Civitavecchia - free Salerno - free Trains in Italy – they are extremely cheap, for example Salerno to Pompeii (approx 1 hour journey) was 1.90 Euros one way and Civitavecchia to Rome was 9.50euros return (approx 2 hours). Prices subject to change (this was Sept 10). Finally - book your next cruise while on board to benefit from on board credit and you can pass the booking back to Travelcounsellors to look after your reservation for you – just quote our agency number 90740 and let me know when you get back. For further information on this or any other cruises please contact me by phone or email and I will be more than happy to discuss this with you and if I don’t know the answer I will certain try and find out for you. I look forward to hearing from you soon.