25 January 2021

With the temperature gauge barely reaching over freezing these days, my mind has been wandering back to November 2016 when I ticked Iceland off my bucket list, and it didn’t disappoint. Iceland is a place of stark beauty and remote tranquillity, with hot springs, glaciers, lava fields and waterfalls, which all make a dream holiday for nature lovers and adventurers alike. If you’re planning a weekend getaway here’s my top tips that will ensure that you see the best the country has to offer! The best area to base yourself in Reykjavik is near to Laugavegur, the main shopping street in Reykjavík, renowned for its boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Laugavegur is home to a wealth of shops, restaurants and bars, all appealing to different tastes. Be sure to stop off for coffee and a pastry in one of the many bakeries. I can highly recommend the family-ran Sandholt bakery and eatery! The Northern Lights are a phenomenon simply out of this world. You can choose to spy them by coach or out on the waves in the North Atlantic, which I chose to do. You’ll leave the hustle and bustle of Reykjavik and wrap yourself in the darkness of the open ocean. Leave the world behind and prepare yourself for a spellbound night of Nature’s most supernatural wonders. The Blue Lagoon is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Iceland. Imagine relaxing in a blend of seawater and geothermally heated water which is rich with minerals, and algae, surrounded by a lunar lava landscape, it really is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Any trip to Iceland would not be complete without taking in The Golden Circle. We were picked up from our hotel in Reykjavik and whisked through the beautiful countryside of the south on the way to our first Golden Circle attraction, Thingvellir National Park. This amazing place is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, due to its unique geology and exceptional cultural and historical value and the scenery is stunning. Our next Golden Circle attraction was Strokkur. Strokkur is an incredibly active spouting geyser at the Geysir hot spring area in the Haukadalur Valley, home to the now inactive Great Geysir. Strokkur erupts every 4 to 10 minutes so you never have to wait long to see superheated water blasted around 25 m high. Get ready with your camera! We then had a short drive to the final Golden Circle stop, the powerful Gullfoss Waterfall. The Hvítá River, originating at Langjökull Glacier, thunders through the canyon, dropping a total of 32 m in two sections and descending into a crevasse – simply breath-taking! After lunch we headed up from Gullfoss to Langjökull Glacier in a Monster Truck. With balaclava, helmet and suit on, we were fully prepared for some action on the ice, roaring off to explore the white wonderland of Langjökull. Our experienced snowmobile guide gave us some easy driving instructions, and we skimmed along the best snowmobile routes on the glacier where we experienced the stunning vastness of Langjökull, surrounded by the high peaks! After an hour of spine-tingling excitement and matchless landscapes we headed back to Reykjavík. We stayed in the fabulous Radisson Blu 1919 which is extremely well located in the heart of Reykjavik, with walking distance to countless restaurants and shops and the most famous hot dog stand in Iceland - Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur where celebrities such as Bill Clinton, Charlie Sheen and the Kardashians have eaten there. Iceland makes an impact on you whether you are there for three days or three weeks, with a truly endless list of activities and experiences on offer. If you’re thinking about planning an Icelandic adventure, why not give me a call – I’d love to help!

10 September 2019

Long before the big day, everyone starts dreaming of far-flung destinations, but the task of planning a honeymoon (on top of wedding planning) can get stressful! But that's what I'm here for - check out my top nine tips to planning your perfect honeymoon... Let’s be honest here, after the months and months of wedding planning, your honeymoon is just what the Doctor ordered! But where do you start when it comes to planning your perfect honeymoon? 1. It's a team effort When it comes to wedding planning most couples compile a list of ‘to-do’s’, divide the list and knuckle-down to get the job done! But this is not the best approach when it comes to your honeymoon. Too often, if one person handles the planning, you end up with a honeymoon that’s more tailored to his or hers wants. Unless you know your future husband/wife’s travel desires inside-out, honeymoon planning needs to be a joint effort. 2. Start planning early “When is the best time to book my honeymoon?” It’s a question I get asked all the time, and the answer is simple. The ideal time to book your honeymoon is about 11 months in advance as this is when flights first go on sale, and you’ll be able to grab the best airfares! Also, by booking well in advance you’ll be able to secure the best rooms in hotels, as premium rooms book up early. 3. Choose a honeymoon that suits you Planning your wedding can be overwhelming, and once you have it all organised it’s tempting just to copy someone else’s honeymoon itinerary. After all, your best friends rave about their honeymoon, so why don’t you do the same? But maybe that 5* luxury all inclusive resort doesn’t appeal to your adventurous side. Everyone looks back on their honeymoon with fond memories, and just because they had the time of their life – doesn’t mean it’s right for you! This is your big trip – tailor it to you and your fiancé. 4. Simplify your itinerary A common mistake that I often see couples make when planning their honeymoon is trying to cram too many items off their bucket list on the one trip, which can be exhausting, and not the point of a honeymoon! When planning the perfect honeymoon itinerary, think about what you ‘must do’s’ are and make sure you get enough quiet time together amongst the sightseeing/activity days planned. 5. Don't rely entirely on the web Don’t get me wrong – starting your honeymoon planning with a Google search is perfectly fine, but don’t just rely on online searches. With the rise of fake online reviews, sometimes reviews can paint a picture that is far from reality! It’s best to talk to someone that has actually been to your chosen destination, so they can give you first-hand advice. Travel Counsellors is a unique network, sharing the destination knowledge and experience of more than 1,800 caring travel professionals, so you could say we’ve got the world covered! 6. Consider using a Travel Counsellor Naturally, I’m going to say this! But while it can be fun scouring Instagram for travel inspiration, the reality is that creating a full travel itinerary is a ton of work. So don’t sweat the details – consult an expert! As a Travel Counsellor I have insider knowledge on deals and discounts and cultivate personal relationships with hoteliers, which can help secure extra little touches for your honeymoon. There’s three key stages to the service I provide – I help you choose the perfect destination with the right fit, I do all the planning and researching, and I’m always here for my clients while they’re on their honeymoons. I don’t just book your honeymoon and forget about it – My job is not finished until my clients return home. 7. Figure out your budget After you’ve short-listed on some dream destinations for your dates, consider your budget before landing on a destination. Every couple is different and every budget is different. While you don’t need a huge budget for many destinations, you’ll want to make sure you are choosing somewhere that is feasible for your budget range. For example, an over-the-water bungalow in the Maldives is going to be a lot more expensive than an all-inclusive resort in Mexico. Not sure where to start with your budget? Give me a call for a free consultation to help you get started. 8. Beware of hidden costs Weddings and honeymoons can be an expensive business, and the last thing you want is to be caught off-guard with any last minute expenses. Items such as visas, departure taxes and attraction tickets can really add up, so its best to understand what is included in the cost of your trip – for example if you’re going to the Maldives is the cost of the seaplane transfer to get to the island included? 9. You don't have to leave straight away You see it in the movies – the happy couple leaves their reception for the airport and the start of their honeymoon. Yes, its great to continue the high of your wedding and head straight off onto your honeymoon, but does your wedding date match up with the best time to visit your honeymoon destination? Before setting your heart on a particular destination, make sure to research the best times to go there. If your honeymoon dates don’t align, how about taking a mini-moon and wait to go on your honeymoon at the perfect time of year for your chosen destination. Many of my clients loved doing this as it gave them something else to look forward to after the wedding.

13 June 2019

Celebrity Cruises had the European premier of their latest ship Celebrity Edge on the 13th May 2019. Here's our onboard review of the wheelchair accessibility of the ship... Embarkation The wow factor of this ship started at boarding as Celebrity have a facial recognition embarkation service. Before boarding you download the Celebrity App and complete your passport details etc and upload your photograph ready for facial recognition. When you walk into the embarkation area there are screen picking up your facial details and checking you in. You literally then proceed through to the ship and to your stateroom where you will find your Seapass cards outside your room ready for you to get into your room and start your holiday making the whole check-in process simple and hassle-free. It should also be noted that there was plenty of staff readily available to help should you need it. Staterooms Accessible staterooms come in different categories, and we were fortunate to experience a Concierge Class Stateroom with an infinite balcony. The main entrance door to the stateroom had automatic opening both to enter and leave the room. The room was extremely spacious and very easy to manoeuvre around in. The bathroom was completed to a very high standard with plenty of grab rails throughout, wall mounted shower chair and wheelchair accessible wash basin. The infinite balcony is a great design that is actually part of the room as the doors to the balcony slide back and the balcony window drops down by remote control effectively making the room and balcony area one open space. The balcony window, lighting and blinds are all remote control, operated either by a panel on the wall or via the Celebrity app. The area on the balcony is flat making accessing it very easy. Deck Areas On most cruise ships there is usually a deck that wheelchair users cannot access – usually the very top deck for either private sunbathing or sports areas. There never seems to be a lift to take you up to these areas. This is not the case on Celebrity Edge. Due to the design of the running track having a hill incorporated into, you could use this to access the top deck area. I must point out though that the ‘hill’ is incorporated to challenge the runners/walkers so you may require help to push up this. All decks have the capability of a wheelchair user accessing them, either by ramps or lifts. One of the unique features onboard Edge is the Magic Carpet. Reaching 13 stories above sea level, the extraordinary Magic Carpet is the highlight of Celebrity Edge’s starboard side. This spectacular space opens to several decks of the ship, transforming to a new venue depending on where it is positioned. It also used for embarking/disembarking and is fully accessible! Pools Generally, access to the pool areas onboard Celebrity Edge is good. Access to the main pool area is available via a lift and there is also a lift into the indoor solarium pool area. Unfortunately, there is no access to the two Jacuzzi’s on the upper most deck, but there is access to the jacuzzi in the solarium. Entertainment Areas Throughout the ship there is excellent access to all entertainment areas. Eden is an entertainment and restaurant area positioned at the aft of the ship and has a huge sweeping ramp that leads to a spacious area to take in the great views. The main theatre is split over two floors and each entrance has seating areas at the back for wheelchair users. Dining Areas The dining facilities onboard are excellent, with all restaurants fully accessible including the buffet areas where assistance is available to help you go around and choose your own food. Summary Would I recommend Celebrity Edge for an accessible cruise? In one word – yes! It really does offer a fantastic cruise ship experience where wheelchair users are able to independently move around the ship and access all the areas. The staff are continually on hand to offer assistance and are genuinely interested and ready to help make your trip a relaxing experience. If you are thinking about setting sail onboard Celebrity Edge, why not give me a call on 02838 220025 or email jay.hollingsworth@travelcounsellors.com - I'd love to help put together the perfect, hassle-free holiday for you!

04 June 2019

If you’re thinking about embarking on your first cruise there’s a lot to consider and it can be quite complex, so here’s my top four tips that you need to get right…. #1 – CHOOSE THE RIGHT CRUISE LINE & ITINERARY It may sound a simple thing to do as most itineraries have multiple cruise lines sailing them, but with such a wide choice of ships available, finding the right cruise line is essential. If you want to chill out and relax you don’t want a ship that is geared towards kids and partying. I suggest you draw up a list of what’s important to you and find a cruise line that matches your requirements – there’s a ship out there to suit everyone! Are you a culture vulture or a chill-out and relax kind of person? These are questions you need to ask yourself when thinking about the type of itinerary you want. Most Mediterranean itineraries are ‘port intensive’ which, as the name suggests means there are very few days at sea and plenty of ports of call, so you get to visit many different cities in the one cruise. Transatlantic and some Caribbean itineraries are the opposite where you have more days at sea and less ports of call – perfect if you want to just relax and enjoy the facilities of the ship. #2 USE AN EXPERT Cruising is something you don’t want to book yourself, it’s very complex. Many experts have been on various ships themselves and have undergone in-depth training with each cruise line – so they know what they’re talking about! Talk through your checklist with an expert to help choose the right cruise line for you. Be sure to talk about cabins as there are many different types to find the right one for your needs and budget. Also talk through the cruise fare as different cruise lines include/exclude different things – this way you can understand what you are getting for the money you are paying. #3 BEWARE OF EXTRA COSTS Working out what the full cost of your cruise holiday will be beneficial when it comes to deciding which cruise line offers the best value for money. Look for things like are transfers to / from the ship included? Are drinks included? Do you have to pay extra to go to the speciality restaurants? Are any excursions included? Take all of these into account when picking which cruise line to sail with to get a true cost of your holiday. #4 PICKING A CABIN If you’re prone to seasickness, then it’s best to pick a cabin in the middle of the ship (known as midship) as you tend not to feel any movement in this area. It’s also important to look at the location on the ship that you cabin will be. Check out the ship plan and look to see what is above or below your chosen cabin. Look out for nightclubs, restaurants or bars near your cabin as this could mean you end up with a restless night’s sleep! Whether you want to embark on a family adventure with enriching shore excursions, feast in gourmet restaurants, relax watching concerts under the stars or be entertained by spectacular stage shows, there’s a perfect cruise for everyone. And the best bit is how you get there. With over 10 years’ experience building incredible cruise holidays for hundreds of delighted customers, I will find something special just for you. Call me today on 02838 220025.

18 May 2019

Croatia had been on my bucket list for a long time after hearing so many great reports about it from family and friends, so I decided it was time to experience it for myself with a short break to Cavtat, just outside Dubrovnik. Just little over three hours on a plane from Belfast and a quick 15-minute transfer, we were checking into our hotel – the superb 5* Hotel Croatia. Situated in a stunning location, overlooking the Adriatic Sea on one side and the picturesque town of Cavtat on the other, the luxurious Hotel Croatia provides quality accommodation and an extensive range of facilities including a full-service spa, hairdressers, gym and their own beach bar. Service in the hotel was excellent and the staff are warm and friendly. We stayed on a bed & breakfast basis and I was impressed with the wide variety of breakfast options on offer each morning. We also treated ourselves to one of the hotel’s restaurants – the steak house, where I can honestly say it was probably one of the best steaks I’ve had. The old town of Cavtat dates from the 15th and 16th centuries and curves around a scenic harbour bordered by pebble beaches. Take a stroll through Cavtat’s Old Town and you’ll instantly love the charm of this small village. Along the coast is a mostly shaded footpath that will lead you right into Old Town, and it offers beautiful views the whole way. Discover restaurants, shops, history, cafes, swimming, snorkelling, and more. If having a very lively party scene is important to you, Cavtat will not be a good fit. But for those traveling with family or for anyone who prefers a more quiet and relaxed destination, you will be in exactly the right place. We spent a day exploring the old walled city of Dubrovnik, which is easy to get to from Cavtat by bus or boat. The #10 bus is the more economical method, costing about 25 Kuna (less than £3) and is a quick half hour ride. The boat will take about 45 minutes and costs 50 Kuna (about £6) one way, still a steal for a leisurely cruise along the coast. Depending on the time of year or if the weather is bad the boats may not run, so be sure to keep the bus in mind as a backup. Dubrovnik's majestic walls must be experienced. Make a leisurely circuit past the turrets, towers and bastions which takes about an hour. From your breath-taking vantage point, gaze down at Dubrovnik's honey-coloured roofs and out across the shimmering Adriatic. The magnificent central street is lined with baroque houses and punctuated with churches, sculptures and monuments. Take a drink at Onofrio Fountain and check the time at the Clock Tower. Admire Orlando's Column and the carved Little Onofrio fountain. Pop into the Franciscan Monastery, the church of St Blaise and the Rector's Palace. The HBO mega-hit Game of Thrones was filmed in Dubrovnik for six seasons. We took an organised tour which was led by an actual extra on the show. Visiting the filming locations evokes the magic of medieval Dubrovnik so vividly brought to life as King's Landing. We visited all the filming locations and got great commentary from our local guide who had photos that show the screenshot from the appropriate episode. We even got to hear stories and gossip from behind the scenes! A must do for all GOT fans out there. All too quickly our four days was up, and it was time to pack our bags and head home. Croatia really is a place of jaw-dropping beauty, and I know I will return to ‘The Pearl of the Adriatic’ real soon.

27 February 2019

I must admit it – cruise holidays are my absolute favourite, and I think they are a great option for people with additional mobility requirements. As an accessible travel expert, I get numerous questions from my clients who are planning for their very first cruise, so I thought I would put together some of the most frequently asked questions I get, and the answers that will hopefully help you decide that a cruise is for you! 1. Will I be able to get around the ship? In short, the good news is yes! Most larger cruise ships from the major cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, P&O, Princess and MSC are wheelchair accessible. However, the degree of accessibility often varies by the age of the ship. Go on any of the recently launched ships and you’re pretty much guaranteed a barrier-free holiday compared to a ship that was launched in say the 1990’s. Most of the major players mentioned above have done their best to adopt their older ships, but you are likely to experience a certain degree of difficulty on these older ships. 2. Are cruise ship staterooms wheelchair accessible? Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, Suites – nowadays you can find accessible staterooms on almost every ship. Accessible staterooms will more than likely have a wider entry and more room internally so you can manoeuvre around. Bathrooms in accessible staterooms normally will have a flat entry, as opposed to the usual step up, ideally a roll-under sink, and a roll-in shower with a fold-down bench. But do bear in mind that facilities will vary from ship to ship. 3. Can I use a power wheelchair or electric scooter on the ship You should have no issues using your power wheelchair/scooter onboard if you are cruising on a larger cruise ship, typically with 750 + passengers. One thing to bear in mind is that at night you will have to store your chair/scooter inside your stateroom as they can never be left parked in the hallway. It’s best to check with the cruise line or your accessible travel expert before booking to ensure that your mobility aid will fit in your stateroom. 4. Will I be able to get off the ship? There should be no issues with wheelchair users disembarking at docked ports, but keep in mind that tidal conditions can affect the steepness of the gangways, but the crew is trained to help wheelchair users board and disembark at ports of call. If your itinerary includes a ‘tender only’ port, this means that the ship cannot dock in the port, and passengers will need to be shuttled from the ship to the port on smaller lifeboat style vessels known as ‘tender vessels’. Unfortunately, non-ambulant wheelchair users are generally not permitted to board the tender vessels. However, there are some cruise lines challenging this – most of Holland America’s ships have accessible tender platforms. So does Celebrity Cruises’ latest ship – Celebrity Edge. 5. Will I be able to get into the pool? More than likely you will find a pool hoist on a ship that was built after 2010, but there are a few ships built prior to this that have had them retrofitted. Some ships will have a hoist permanently in place and some will have a mobile hoist that you will have to request only to prevent children and other passengers from playing with them or using them inappropriately. 6. Are there accessible shore excursions? There are some accessible shore excursions available through the major cruise lines, but to be honest the options often aren’t all that great, as they are normally just a ‘drive around’ in an adapted vehicle with one or two stops for pictures. That being said, if you book your cruise through Travel Counsellors, we can help you arrange independent shore excursions with local accessible tour companies. Private tours may cost a few pounds more, but often offer more flexibility and more options for sightseeing than something booked through the ship. 7. Will I be able to watch the live entertainment? Absolutely. Every main theatre where the big production shows take place have designated wheelchair seating. Seating tends to be at the top of the lower level and the balcony level. Older ships may only have reserved seating at the back of the theatre. Many of the smaller lounges onboard for live music/comedy acts etc are accessible, but it can get a bit tight for space if there’s a lot of people watching the show. 8. Can I rent medical equipment or mobility aids to use on my cruise? Yes, we can take care of this, and have it delivered to the cruise port. However, please keep in mind that the availability of these items varies depending on your port of departure. Almost always you can rent a scooter or manual wheelchair, but the availability for hospital beds, hoists and other more specialised equipment may be limited. Cruising is a great way to see the world. If you are ready to book an accessible cruise adventure, or if you have more questions about going on a cruise contact me on 02838 220025.

12 November 2018

Home to some of the world’s most famous theme parks, a family holiday to Orlando can be a magical, once in a lifetime experience for kids, but requires some careful planning and consideration. I must admit I absolutely love Orlando and its theme parks and have been lucky to visit them numerous times. I still get goosebumps when I stand on Main Street USA and see Cinderella’s Castle! So, here’s my top tips to ensure you have a fantastic family holiday in Orlando… Wear Comfortable Shoes The parks in Orlando are huge! You don’t realise how much actual walking you will be doing each day until you finally sit down, so invest in a good pair of walking shoes. Plan Your Days While you don't have to plan your days in Orlando down to the minute, it certainly helps to have a general idea of what you'll be doing day by day. Get a map of the park you are visiting and familiarise yourself to save wasting time getting lost. I recommend getting to your chosen park early, just as it opens to minimise wait times for rides plus the weather is cooler and more bearable. Another top tip is to plan in some relaxation days – as mentioned above the parks are massive and full-on, so your feet will welcome the rest, why not visit one of Florida’s beautiful beaches or just lounge around the pool? Pick Your Parks Ultimately, which park suits your family best depends on the age of your kids. For toddlers the best are Magic Kingdom and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Magic Kingdom has all the little one’s favourites such as Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan, plus all rides are suitable for all ages. Check out the ‘It’s a Small World’ ride and you’ll be humming the music for the rest of your holiday! Universal also has a special area devoted for the little ones, Seuss Landing. If your kids are older they will love Universal’s Islands of Adventure as it’s home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but be warned this area is predictably very busy. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is another excellent park for the older kids. It's also worth visiting Downtown Disney or Universal’s City walk in the evening for great shops, restaurants and street entertainers. Consider Visiting at Night Another top tip of mine is to consider visiting the Magic Kingdom in the evening. Spend your day doing a little bit of light shopping in the outlet malls or chilling out by your pool (which will probably be empty as everyone else is at the parks), then head off to the park for dinner and begin your evening of fun. The park won’t close until 11pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to get around and the queues will be much shorter, plus you’ll have the added benefit of seeing the spectacular evening fireworks show. Pack the Essentials You will need to pack some things for your day, but make sure it’s just the essentials because don’t forget you will be carrying this around with you all day! Think sunscreen, a change of clothes and towels, as there’s a good chance you will get wet on one the rides! But don’t forget Florida has a tropical climate, so expect the odd downpour and pack rain ponchos and rain covers for your pushchair. Manage Your Fast/Express pass Fast/Express Passes are a virtual queuing system operated in all the Disney and Universal Parks, but to get the most from them you must plan your visit carefully. They work by giving you a window of time during which you can bypass the queue for an attraction, which is well worth it during the peak summer months. Miss your allocated time, and it’s back of the queue for you! Eating Out A great thing about Orlando is that there is a vast array of dining choices available and that dining out relatively cheap. I recommend starting the day at a good old all-American diner such as I-Hop or Denny’s and fill up for the day. In the evening time, if your planning to eat at a restaurant in Downtown Disney or Universal’s city walk, make sure and reserve your table as they are extremely popular. The idea of taking the kids to Orlando can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Just give me a call and I will take care of everything, making sure you and your family will have the holiday of a lifetime!

01 November 2018

In June this year, I was lucky enough to be invited by Royal Caribbean to learn and experience everything about their newest and largest cruise ship – Symphony of the Seas. WOW! That was the first word that came out of my mouth after taking in all 18 decks of Symphony – she is simply massive, spanning 1,118 feet long and 215 feet wide. I knew then and there this was going to be an impressive ship! After a quick and friendly check-in, we stepped onboard the biggest cruise ship in the world. To be honest I just stood and did a 360 turn numerous times just to take in everything the Royal Promenade had going on. We headed up to the Windjammer for a quick bite of lunch with so much fresh, and tasty food on offer; this became a quick favourite for breakfast and lunch throughout the cruise. Next it was time to find our Stateroom – you would think that with the capacity to hold 6,680 passengers in 2,759 Staterooms it would take a while to find where you’ll be staying, but with the interactive ship’s directory on every level, finding your stateroom is a breeze. When I entered my stateroom, I was surprised at how spacious and modern it was, and we were lucky enough to be given balcony staterooms as well. After a quick shower and change it was time for the sail away cocktail party in Boleros followed by dinner in the main dining room and to end the evening we were treated to the breath-taking show ‘Hiro’ in the Aqua theatre. I won’t spoil it by explaining what the show is about, but it’s safe to say you won’t have seen anything like this on a cruise ship. After a great night’s sleep and a delicious breakfast, we explored Symphony at our own pace. Made up of seven different neighbourhoods, there really is a space to suit every taste. From the Royal Promenade bustling with shops, the bionic bar (that’s a robot that actually makes the best cocktails) and even a Starbucks at sea to leafy Central Park, which is actually planted with over 12,000 plants and trees, to the Boardwalk with its full-size carousel. If you’re feeling brave try out the Ultimate Abyss – the world’s tallest slide at sea where you drop a heart pumping 100 feet in a matter of seconds. We worked up an appetite after all our exploring, so we stopped off at El Loco Fresh for some seriously good Mexican food before lounging around the pool under the warm Mediterranean sun for a little rest before experiencing some of the activities onboard Symphony. There are so many different activities available - you can learn to surf onboard thanks to the two Flowriders, or for adrenaline junkies you can even zip line across Central Park over nine stories high, or if rest and relaxation is more your thing, then a visit to the Vitality spa is a must. Our evening entertainment came in the form of the unique show on ice – 1977, some of the skaters onboard could give Torvill and Dean a run for their money! After dinner it was down to the Royal Promenade again to dance the night away thanks to the 80’s street party, where the all the top hits were in full flow (along with the all-inclusive drinks!) Day three was spent learning more about the value Oasis Class ships in Royal Caribbean’s fleet deliver, and to be honest I was shocked at how much was actually included especially if you’re travelling with kids. If you’re used to going on a ‘normal’ land-based holiday think about how much extra you spend when you’re on holiday for things like waterparks, evening entertainment and other kids’ activities – you’ll be pleasantly surprised that the majority is included with your cruise fare. After another outstanding meal in the main dining room it was off to see the Broadway hit ‘Hairspray’ – and this was a full-blown production, not some pared-down offering. By the end of the show everyone was singing away to the songs. Day four came too soon as it was time to depart Symphony of the Seas for our flights back home. I grabbed myself a coffee from the onboard Starbucks and sat for a few minutes in the middle of the Royal Promenade thinking wow…. Just wow!

17 October 2018

It’s never too early to start introducing your children to the joys of travelling around this big, beautiful world of ours. But for parents it can be nice to have some home comforts on hand as well! That’s why family-friendly cruises are becoming more popular every year. You can set sail with your little adventurers in a ship that’s made for families, safe in the knowledge that your every need will be catered to. New to cruising? Lots of people who book with me have never thought about a cruising holiday, but once I call them to welcome them home the first thing I hear is "we loved it so much we’re already looking at another!" Many people won’t have previously considered a cruise holiday but that it can be perfect for everyone in your family with all the inclusions on-board, its appeal has grown as an alternative to a land-based holiday. From family-friendly food and activities to comfortable cabins and babysitting services, cruises can achieve that delicate balance of entertaining children while treating their parents to some well-deserved relaxation in a way that other holidays just don’t. With nearly everything included you know upfront what your holiday is costing you (aside from drinks and shore excursions) and it’s entirely up to you how much you do – if you like being on the go all the time, then there is a full program of activities that could have you running from one end of the ship to the other every day, but you can also choose to just sit on a deck chair and stare out to sea (with a cocktail or two if you so desire!) and be equally as happy. And it’s certainly not just an underwhelming ball pool and some colouring in that’s on offer for the children these days. Read on to discover some of the incredible adventures at sea for little ones and big kids! Adrenaline-fuelled activities Start to explore one of the impressive mega-ships and you’ll find all manner of surprising activities to enjoy, from rock climbing to skydiving simulators. Step aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship to race some laps of an ocean-faring go-kart track, soar into the skies on a bungee trampoline, or learn to juggle at circus school. Meanwhile, on Royal Caribbean ships you could find climbing walls, Flow Rider surf simulators and white-knuckle zip wires. I’ve tried the Flow Rider and other daredevil activities on a four-night voyage on Symphony of the Seas this year. Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas ship boasts the spectacular North Star observation pod – a London Eye-style capsule that moves up to 300 feet above the ocean waves to bring you truly breath-taking views. Or there’s Carnival’s Bike Sky Ride, which sees passengers pedalling around a lofty circuit 150 feet above the upper deck. Just don’t look down! Movie magic Every parent knows that the captivating power of the silver screen is a real holiday winner. While most cruise ships have a cinema of some kind, look out for those with futuristic 4D cinemas for a fully immersive experience and Carnival’s enormous outdoor screens, perfect for a warm, relaxing family evening. Some ships go a step further and bring the movies to life, with themed cruises and activities. Try Disney Cruises with their themed deck parties, lively performances and the ever-popular princess transformations on offer in the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Splashing around Yes, you’re probably expecting to find a small swimming pool on a cruise ship – but a full-size water park? Families with water babies on their hands will love the aqua-tastic fun on-board many ships today. Carnival’s waterpark has everything you’d find on shore, from thrilling waterslides to child-friendly play pools. Love to get your adrenaline pumping? Try MSC Seaview’s hair-raising Forest Aqua venture Park, with its multi-storey aqua park, MSC Seaside offers one of the largest and most interactive water attractions at sea. It prides itself on its five different water slides, including two racing slides with clear loops extending over the side of the ship and a 367-foot water slide with lights and music going down in single and double slide tubes. It also boasts an Aqua Play™ area for tots and an adventure trail, the aqua park truly has something for everyone. Clubs and classes Young imaginations need plenty of stimulation and the dizzying array of kids’ clubs aboard cruise ships will give them plenty to do – as well as the chance to make new friends. Kids & teens will love the re-imagined clubs Princess Cruises have launched in partnership with the Discovery Channel with places for young explorers to learn about the world and discover new interests. Teenagers can hang out in their own areas playing basketball and air hockey, indulge in teen-specific spa treatments or learn how to spin records at DJ academy. Exploring new shores Of course, one of the main appeals of a cruise is the temptation of distant destinations. And that’s what we want to show our families, isn’t it? There’s nothing more exciting than that ‘land ahoy’ moment, when it’s time to watch their little faces light up as you set off to explore exciting new lands. Whether you want to see the Northern Lights in Alaska, enjoy the water sports on a Caribbean island, or look around the vibrant cities of Europe, there’s so much world to show your little wanderers and their wide, curious eyes. Ready to set sail and be an adventurer at sea? Get in touch with me to find the cruise that's right for you and your family!