Julia's Cruising Bits and Blogs...

Northern lights in Northumberland...??

2012-01-29T14:21:00.000-08:00

In the world of cruising, when we say Northern Lights we usually think of a trip to Norway for the amazing experience, until now that is....

Stargazers were given a real "out of this world" treat recently when the beautiful Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, made a very rare appearance across parts of Britain.

Tan Hill Pub on the Pennine Mooreland, North Yorkshire

It is very rarely seen in the UK but residents in Scotland and as far south as Cleveland, Cumbria, Northumberland and Yorkshire were treated to the stunning Green lighting up the sky last weekend. Scientists are even predicting that even Londoners may even be able to catch a glimpse over this next coming week, madness!

All of this is apparently due to unusual solar activity occurring because the sun is in the middle of an active phase of its 11yr solar weather cycle. The lights were seen due to a powerful flare erupting from the sun last Thursday which unleashed a plasma wave that supercharged the lights into high latitudes.

Very interesting indeed if you ask me and a wonderful treat for those in the UK who were lucky enough to catch a good glimpse. If you were not one of the lucky ones then don't fret as 2012 is the year for the Aurora Borealis and there are many cruise lines who head that way. Hurtigruten specialise in trips to Norway for the Northern lights along with other lines such as Fred Olsen and P&O offering Norway and Iceland itineraries, but hurry they are very popular and sell out fast!!

Its 2012!

2012-01-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

Firstly, I would like to wish a very Happy New Year to all my colleagues and clients. I hope everybody had a lovely Christmas and nice relaxing break. I hope 2012 has lots of fabulous things in store for you all...

If you are anything like me you are now trying to devise a plan to shift those unwanted pesky Christmas pounds following some over indulgence :) but it was all worth it! I was spoiled by my partner with a beautiful bracelet and earrings and some of my favourite perfume, what more could a girl ask for?!

But back to work now for me after 2 weeks away from the office spent with wonderful family and friends. Some of the things I got up to on my break included Xmas Shopping, a visit to the German Market in Birmingham for a hot chocolate with a dash of Amaretto, babysitting my Niece and Nephew's, afternoon tea with my girlfriends, a party night out at the Jam House all to name but a few things!

But January has finally arrived and its time to get back in the swing of things....although the party need not end in January! The cruise lines have some great January deals to break those New Year blues. Why not get in touch with me to find out what you can be taking advantage of and I will be more than happy to help!

How was it for you?? Write a Review!

2011-11-29T07:09:00.000-08:00

How was your cruise recently? Did you have a truly magical experience or was it not 100% up to scratch? Whatever your thoughts were we always want to hear about them!

Here at cruise.co.uk we pride ourselves on having one of the most informative websites in the business, you can view the latest deals, read real life reviews written by customers who have travelled and experienced the cruise line for themselves, you can even see cruise photo's posted by customers and ask a question in our questions and answers section.

This is where we need YOUR help to build up our reviews. It can be for ANY cruise that you have been on - whether it was 2 weeks ago or 6 months ago it really doesn't matter.

Share with us the highs and the lows, but remember that what may, or may not, have suited you might not be the same for others, so please BE FAIR, HONEST and FACTUAL in the description of your cruise experience.

So what's in it for you I hear you ask? Well as a big Thank You we are sending you a FREE Fodor's European guide to cruising worth £16.99!

Just drop me an email once you have written your review and I will personally make sure it gets posted out to you.

Just click on the link below to start your words of wisdom - its dead simple!

http://www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-reviews/write/details/

Of course please feel free to get in touch with me if there is anything at all I can help with any future cruises you may want to plan!

Regent Review...Dont just take my word for it...

2011-11-08T02:35:00.000-08:00

From my previous blogs on Regent Seven Seas cruises you will probably have guessed by now that I am a bit of a fan of this cruise line or an ambassador if you like and everything that it has to offer, with practically everything included....but don't just take my word for it....

In the Daily Telegraph Travel section today they have dedicated a review of the Regent Seven Seas Voyager and I am more than pleased to say that she scored a very respectable high average of 8/10!

You can read the full review by clicking here but the results included an overall score of 9/10 for the ship and accommodation and 8/10 for the food, service and entertainment.

She has been recommended as best for mature cruisers, singles and couples.

The Telegraph Cruise Expert, Douglas Ward, has quoted "Regent Seven Seas Cruises has clearly moved into a new breed of larger ships that are more economical to operate and provide more choices for passengers."

If anybody has even sailed on the Voyager please let me know your thoughts with a comment on this blog and whether you agree with this review?

Happy Halloween.....!

2011-10-31T05:41:00.000-07:00

Today is Halloween - or All-Hallows-Eve as it was originally known - where traditionally we like to dress up in scary costumes and carve out pumpkins into scary faces! It is a night of spookiness and ghouls and ghosts so prepare to be scared.....!

Lots of children will be out undertaking the American tradition of Trick or Treating. I had my first trick or treaters visit my house on Saturday night but they didn’t even dress up!

Soooooo what have I been doing to get into the spirit of things?? Well Saturday night I went to my friends spooky 30th Birthday Party where we celebrated with all of our close friends. Everyone really got into the spirit of things and made so much effort....here we are on our spooky fright night.....Considering I am petrified of spiders I think my outfit was quite a brave choice.....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO YOU ALL......

Regent to add to the fleet??

2011-10-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

Talk on the high seas is that Regent Seven Seas cruises are thinking about adding another ship to there 3 strong luxury fleet.

Regent's President Mark Conroy was speaking at the Ensemble Travel Group Conference on the 20th October and announced that the cruise line is currently in the "talks" stage with a European ship yard regarding the building of a new ship for them and that if they do decide to place the order we can expect the new addition sometime in 2014.

The vessel would be similar in size to Regent Seven Seas’ three current ships, which will be approximately 50,000 gross tonns and carry 700 passengers onboard and take on all of its 6* signature luxury. This new addition, should it happen, will be the first since 2003 when the Voyager was launched. This is rather surprising to me since the sister cruise line Oceania has had the Mariner and the anticipated launch of the Riviera next spring.

Apparently 2010 and 2011 have been the BEST YEARS EVER for Regent Seven Seas which is great news in such hard economic times at the moment. I am certainly a huge fan of Regent and their "It's All Included" policy, they are a 6* cruise line that everybody should try at least once!

Become a Regent Ambassador! Seven Seas Society

2011-10-16T09:35:00.000-07:00

You have sailed on the stunning cruise line that is Regent Seven Seas....you know how wonderful they are and the first class service you receive from them...the value for money you get where its " All Included" so why not share this with your family and friends and be rewarded greatly for doing so!

You can become a Seven Seas Society member by recommending family/friends to Regent Seven Seas. If you recommend a new guest to them YOU will receive $250 per suite as a future cruise credit. The new guest will in return get a nice little treat of $200per suite as shipboard credit.

In order to claim these rewards you must mention the Ambassador Programme at the time of booking*

If you are recommending Regent Seven Seas to your friends/family then don't forget to mention these all important points:

ITS ALL INCLUDED

Free return economy flights on every sailing.
Unlimited Excursion - take as many as your time and energy will permit!
Dining in ALL restuarants onboard including speciality. In-suite dining for breakfast
Fine wines with your evening meals as well as coffees, teas, juices, cocktails, premium spirits, whiskeys and much more...
Gratuities
All onboard activities
Entertainment

It really is 6* cruising at its very best with Regent Seven Seas and with this great programme loyalty as a returning customer is rewarded generously.

* other terms and conditions apply - click here for full details

Book your shore excursions with me!

2011-10-07T03:21:00.000-07:00

Are you the sort of person who likes to make the most of your time in each port of call by taking advantage of organised shore excursions but don't like paying the cruise lines premium prices? Then worry no more as you can now book your shore excursions through cruise.co.uk!

By logging onto our website and clicking the red box "shore excursions" you can now view a great variety of popular excursions by searching your individual sailing - ship/sailing date. This is a very user friendly system allowing you to view your full itinerary where you can click on each day in port, which will then pull up all of the excursions available - simple!

For Example.
If you are travelling on the Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas on the 28th April you can choose from a list of 84 excursions in Rome on your port day on the 1st May, with prices starting from as little as £25.99 there is certainly something to suit all budgets!

If you are not a whiz on a computer then feel free to call me and I would be happy to go through your options and get you booked on your excursions of choice :-)

Clever Cloggs part 2

2011-10-03T05:37:00.000-07:00

Following on from my previous blog Clever Cloggs where I was proud to announce that my boyfriend had successfully completed his LPC (Legal Practice Course) on his road to becoming a fully fledged solicitor, I am now even prouder to announce that he received a letter from The Birmingham College of Law confirming that he was indeed the highest marked student in the Country for his Property Law and therefore will be receiving a prize award in November. Last year this was £2000 I believe so we may well be taking our dream holiday of Las Vegas and New York next year :) well I can only hope! But even if it is just £50 I am still very proud of all his hard work and efforts.

The award is sponsored by one of the biggest law firms in the UK - Squires Sanders Hammonds - and is being held on the 28th November at the Birmingham College of Law.

MSC Yacht Club Experience it for yourself....

2011-09-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

As you may or may not know I was on board the MSC Spelndida back in July experiencing the 6* luxury of the exclusive Yacht club they have on board. This experience was amazing and you can read for yourself in my previous blog what my thoughts really were click here but it doesn't really give you the full insight into the day on the life of being a Yacht club passenger.....

So here I want to share a video experience with you which will really make you feel like you are a part of it all. The first section of the video will delve into the finer details of the Yacht Club and then you will be shown around all the exclusive areas you have access to being a Yacht Club member.

The second part of the video shows a typical day of an MSC Yacht Club guest specifying what services are included and what are exclusive with all amenities and comfort that can be found on board.

Please click on the link below and download the video for your Yacht Club experience
https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1226996180/d1061f2a9ba66c0d884600f4b0e3bf76

I really hope this gives you a good insight and of course maybe tempts your taste buds into trying the experience for yourself as take it from me, it really is fabulous!

A Menu to die for!

2011-09-07T05:42:00.000-07:00

What did I do on the dull Monday just gone? Well I was sampling a 7 course 6* lunch that's what!
I was lucky enough to travel down to Dover and board the Oceania Insignia which is a beautiful 6* ship, for a full ship tour (perk of the job I know)

The ship was stunning and had a very sumptuous feel to it, but what I wanted to rave about first of all was the 7 course lunch that I was treated to. The menu was simply to die for and I am a rather fussy eater too, so very hard to please!

The Menu in question!

(Served on Versace plates)

Warm Crushed Baby Potato with Caviar

Echire Butter and Fresh Chives

Risotto all'Aragosta

Arborio Rice with Lobster Medallions in Lobster Broth Reduction

Den Miso Glazed Seabass

Wrapped and Cooked in Banana Leaf

Seventy two hours Slow Cooking Short Rib "Perigourdine"

Semolina Gnocchi, Vegetable Casserole and Crispy Parmesan

"Gold Bullion" of Valrhona Jivara Chocolate Mousse

Praline, Exotic Fruit and Amarena Cherries

Petit Fours and Macaroons

Seved with Coffee

Tempting???

The Sea Bass was something I had never tasted before in my life....it was baked slowly for 2 hours and covered in a mouth-watering Miso glaze, this is something you would expect to be served in a Michelin star restaurant.

Oceania cruises are all about the food; there no 1 priority is to serve the best food at sea bar no other cruise line! They are also the only cruise line who hangs the Beef for 28 days where it is then vacuum packed and sent to the ship. Then they cook it so slowly (72 hours usually) that by the time it is served to you, you can literally cut it with your fork (I tried and tested this and it is true!)

If for you the food is the most important part of a cruise then Oceania are the only cruise line to do....you really must try it at least once to believe it.

Best time of year for Norway?

2011-08-23T11:44:00.000-07:00

I often get asked this question when clients book or are looking to book a cruise to Norway - what is the best time of year to go? The answer is simple, any time of year as it is beautiful all year round. It really depends on what you want to see and what really floats your boat (pun intended!)

WINTER

During the Winter you will get some amazing scenery with snow capped peaks and powder white snow or you can marvel at the amazing Norther Lights (aurora borealis) in Tromso (weather permitting) the best time to experience this is September - April. You will also have the opportunity to do some fantastic trips during the winter months such as a dog sled rides across the crystal white landscape or snow mobile your way across! The weather can get as cold as -25 in places though so be prepared to take your thermals and wrap up!

SPRING

Some might say Spring would be the best time of year to go and I would have to say I may be inclined to agree. May - Mid June is when the scenery in Norway is at its most spectacular with trees and flowers waking into life. With the abundance of water due to the melting snow the waterfalls are always at their best cascading down. There is plenty of sunlight and the temperatures rise fairly nicely. There are also several public holidays in May, and the Norwegians make full use of them to celebrate springtime after a long winter.

You can also experince the land of the midnight sun June-July where you can sit up until the early hours and still feel like it is the middle of day...

SUMMER

Late June to early August is when the weather is warmest and the days are long and bright. Temperatures in July and August can reach 25°C - 30°C. At the same time there is hardly any humidity in the air so you can get some relaly beautiful weather. On the flip side the summer weather can be wet and changeable especially in Fjord Norway. If you want to experience the Land of the Midnight Sun you will have to travel to the northern part of the country in June - July.

AUTUMN

In the autumn the landscape is painted in golden colours very much like what you would find in Canada and New England. The temperature drops slowly through September, making for good berry and mushroom picking weather.

During autumn the land areas lose more heat than the sea, and eventually the coastal areas have the highest temperatures. In September the outer part of the Oslofjord usually has the highest mean temperatures. Later in the autumn, the warmest areas are usually found on the coast of Rogaland and Hordaland.

So as you can see there really isn't a 'best' time to go as each season in Norway holds something a little bit special for you. With cruise lines such as Hurtigruten who specialise in Norway and Cruise and Maritime there are lots of choices and itineraries to choose from so if you are thinking about a cruise to Norway then hopefully this has helped in deciding for you when would be the best time for you to go.

Paul Gauguin Cruises...who are they?

2011-08-06T04:06:00.000-07:00

Most of you probably won’t have even heard of this cruise line let alone know what they are all about....want to know more?

Paul Gauguin cruises is a big player in the luxury cruise market. With a newly refurbished ship for 2012 the M/S Paul Gauguin, they operate in the untouched and simply stunning destinations of Tahiti, The French Polynesia and The South Pacific including the Cook Islands offering a truly deluxe experience.

The ship was originally part of the Regent fleet so started off as a very high standard anyway. The ship was named after the French Impressionist painter who travelled to the French Polynesia to create some of his masterpieces. You will receive 5* luxury services onboard this friendly and welcoming ship with a relaxed informal atmosphere. A wonderful way to sail the beauty of the South Seas....

Onboard there is a water sports marina deck a choice of dining areas and a fully equipped Spa are offering some relaxing treatments, Blue-Ribbon service, luxurious amenities and spacious staterooms. The Troupe of Gauguines is a local Tahitian group which include members of staff, entertainers and even story tellers who all add a touch of Tahiti to every single cruise.

For 2012 they have some fantastic things in store to include the multi-million dollar refurbishment of the ship and 40 stunning itineraries...
• 20-night South Pacific Discovery cruise and land package which allows guests to discover the scenic splendours of Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands and the Society Islands

• 11-night whale-watching itinerary in September taking in Rurutu, Bora Bora and Moorea.

• Seven-night Society Islands voyage on 2nd June taking in the transit of Venus

• Two new Fiji voyages in October and November visiting Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands.

• Unique Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Programme to operate onboard between 2nd June and end August 2012. This groundbreaking programme introduces travellers to the extraordinary natural wonders of French Polynesia and aims to give young participants aged nine to 17 direct, hands-on, interactive experience with knowledge of marine and island ecosystems.

Onboard each cruise guests can expect Marine Biologists, Environmentalist, Naturalists, Historians and special guest speakers so that you can take full advantage of the places you are visiting and learn all about the environments and history of each island.

You will get to really immerse yourself in some of the world’s most enchanting destinations when you sail onboard a Paul Gauguin cruise. Call me for more details and prices of these beautiful itineraries.

I have just been on MSC Yacht Club!

2011-07-31T10:01:00.000-07:00

And what a truly amazing experience it was too!

From the moment I arrived at the port I felt like some kind of Celebrity, I was showed to a designated area for Yacht Club members where a line of immaculately dressed Butlers were waiting to greet me. Then I was led to the check in desk, priority of course, and even offered a drink whilst I waited - don't mind if I do! My Butler then guided me through the ship, the Amazing Splendida, to the Yacht Club area and showed me to my suite.....

My suite was positioned facing forwards at the front of the ship, and was huge! I had a bottle of Wine and a tasty fresh fruit basket in the cabin (which I later made full use of) it had everything I needed and more right down to some slippers and luxury dressing gown and wait for it girls.....a walk in wardrobe!

The Yacht Club can only be accessed by using your Yacht Club key card in the lifts which makes you feel very important indeed, it's probably what the Cunarders feel like when they are travelling in the Grills as you can't help but feel a little bit special. It is set out over 2 levels with a stunning sweeping Yellow Swarovski Crystal stair case the Elegance of the ship certainly shines through. You get your own bar/lounge area called the Top Sail Lounge were you have panoramic views of the Ocean, here all drinks are included and they serve afternoon tea (which was very delightful I may add being the tea lover that I am) and continental breakfasts including smoked salmon, pastries and fruit, yummy.

The ship itself....well what can I say.... by far one of the most innovative and stunningly designed ships I have ever been on. The decor was contemporary without being too much and very welcoming. She still felt very new. My favourite part of the ship though has to be the main atrium area where the Swarovski Crystal staircases take centre stage - there are about 8 of them! With a grand piano which is also emblazoned with Crystals, every girls dream!

The Ship was well equiped for children with lots of fun things to do onboard. There is a real Formula 1 simulator which makes you feel like you are actually in a racing car! And a 4D Cimema experience, yes 4D what is this I hear you ask?! Well it is 3D but with the 4th Element of feelings so your seat moves and you feel wind and water droplets as if you are really there! It is a very strange but great experience! The childrens club looked really fun and on one of the evenings they had them all up on the stage doing a song and dance routine which was really sweet.

The food was absolutely yummy I didn’t have one gripe about it. I have to admit, like many others, I had heard bad things about the food on MSC things like it being served too cold but everything I had was very tasty and of a really good standard! See for yourself....

I have to give a very big Thank You to the Concierge in Yacht Club who was very concerned to learn I had lost my phone whilst on board and made it a point to try and contact as many people as possible to try and help find it for me and when this was not possible arranged a lost item form for me to use for my insurance, he really was second to none with his service and a credit to the Yacht Club!

Overall my experience of MSC was that of one of the best I have had onboard a ship, the food, the staff, the ship itself was all 100% and I would certainly recommend it to any of my customers.

2011-07-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

Yachts of Seabourn are having a huge SALE week at the moment and I just wanted to share this truly amazing deal that I have packaged for the Quest on the 22nd August for 7nts. It really is 6* luxury at its absolute best!

Why cruise Yachts of Seabourn? Well cruising with them is unlike any other form of travel it will be luxurious in that you would expect from a 6* cruise line BUT it is relaxed and casual so you won’t feel out of place and uncomfortable in anyway. They have intimate Yachts rather than large ships so you should expect to receive a unique style of heartfelt hospitality from the staff that will be very personal feeling.

What you get included

Return flights from with all transfers included.

In suite Bar and refrigerator stocked with your preferences.

Complimentary fine wines at lunch and dinner and open bars throughout the Yacht.

All dining venue including speciality

Gratuities

24 hour room service

Wi-Fi access throughout the Yacht

V1 - Veranda suite - £2229pp

PH - Penthouse Suite £3229pp

This really is amazing value for money when you consider you will not need to spend hardly anything onboard. If you compare it to some of the mainstreem cruise lines where you have to buy all your drinks which can become rather costly!

These prices are only valid until MONDAY 28TH MARCH 2011 so dont miss out on this little piece of luxury....

MSC Yacht Club here I come!

2011-07-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

I will be out of the office from today until Monday 18th July as I am going to be lording it up in the MSC Yach Club onboard Splendida!! I will be sure to tell you all about my luxurious pampering when I get back in a full blog but in the meantime here is a little taster for you on what I can expect....

Back from my travels...

2011-07-08T06:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I am back to work now after my lovely Spanish holiday, see my previous blog busy busy busy, where I spent a week on the Costa Del Sol with some of my family including my Mum, Sister, Brother in Law and my little Niece and Nephew. And what a wonderful time I had!

I would like to say it was a relaxing holiday but with a 3yr and 9yr old to entertain every day it was far from that....although I did manage to steal a day by the pool relaxing with a good book. The weather was beautiful for most parts apart from the first day I arrived which was rather overcast, although I did still manage to get burned! There was me thinking my mum's saying "it’s not the sun that tans you it’s the wind" was a load of old tosh but perhaps she has been right all these years!

The view from our penthouse apartment was absolutely amazing we could see right down to the Ocean if we looked to the right and the mountains were on our left...

We visited a water park one of the days and a fun fair but I am a huge wimp when it comes to water and heights so I left it to the kids!

One evening we decided to take a little boat trip which took us out to see from the Marina...it was very relaxing and included some free bubbly which is always nice :)

I am back at work now and settled back into my Specialist Cruise Consultant role (feels like I never left!) so, whether you are looking for a last minute deal or you would like to look at your next cruise options feel free to call me and I will, as always, be delighted to help!

I am out of the office...

2011-06-19T09:15:00.000-07:00

I break up today for 2 weeks annual leave :)

I have a few exciting things planned as my Birthday is on Tuesday 21st June - Midsummers day no less - then I travel down to London on Thursday to see a band called Kings of Leon in Hyde Park (hoping it doesn't rain!) then Saturday the 25th I will be embarking on my little Spanish adventure with my family - see my blog busy busy busy for a week in the sunshine!

I shall be returning back to work on the 3rd July of July so you will be able to get in contact with me from then, If you have any urgent matters that need dealing with then please call the main line on 0800 408 6200 and my colleagues will be able to assist you.

Bon Boyage!

The Importance of being insured...

2011-06-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

Following on from my most recent blog post, "did you know", I saw an article today on the BBC News site, which really highlights the importance and need for travel insurance on your cruise holiday.

It was reported that a critically ill and wheelchair bound woman had to be air lifted whilst onboard the Independence on the Seas off the Dorset Coast. Due to the fact that the Helicopter was too heavy to land on the ships pad the disabled lady in question had to be hoisted and lifted up to the helicopter which was hovering above...rather scary indeed. She was then taken to Dorset County Hospital for urgent treatment.

Now speaking from experience, having had to go to hospital myself abroad, I know that these sorts of emergencies can cost a lot in medical bills. Luckily my travel insurance was an adequate one and covered me with no problems but you have to be very careful that the insurance you have is adequate for the type of holiday you are taking and in the case of the lady in question, that she was covered for any possible pre-existing medical conditions that she may have had due to her disabilities. If you are ever in this situation and you lose your holiday then hopefully your insurance will cover you for any lost monies.
Feel free to ask me for a quote.

I hope the passenger has a speedy recovery and isn't too traumatised by the whole experience.

Did you know....??

2011-06-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

I am more than just a Specialist Cruise Consultant....very bold statement I know!

Our service stretches further than just the ability to book lots of lovely cruises for you....I can also book lots of your holiday essentials too! These include Travel Insurance, Car Parking, Pre or Post Hotel Stays and Flights.
TRAVEL INSURANCE

We can cover you for all of your holiday eventualities. If you are anything like me, where I have sampled more hospitals abroad than I have visited my doctor (ok slight exaggeration) but I have had to rely heavily on my travel insurance particularly recently when hospitalised in the Dominican Republic which cost over $2000 in medical bills, you too will want to be sure you are going on your cruise with the peace of mind that you have the best travel insurance to cover you. Believe me this is very important and no cruise line will let you travel without it. We work in conjunction with Cover More Insurance so why not call me to see what I can do if you are still yet to arrange it?

CAR PARKING

There are a couple of different options you have here.
You can park directly at the cruise terminal you will be leaving from with either Cruise and Passenger services (for P&O, Cunard and Princess cruises) on 02380 334883 or AB Parking (for Royal, Celebrity, Fred Olsen) 01255 242000 - this option usually comes in at the higher price you will pay.

Alternatively we can book for you a Meet and Greet service - a chauffeur will meet you outside the cruise terminal where they will take your car to a fully secured and manned car park in the area. Upon your arrival back into port the chauffer will be there to meet you with your car ready for you to set off home! This is on average coming in approximately £30 cheaper than the port parking.

FLIGHTS
Thinking of a cruise leaving from Palma, Barcelona or Malaga but don’t like how much the cruise lines charge for them? Then why not let us book flights for you giving you the peace of mind that you will be fully protected under out ATOL license. We can even book further afield for you all around the world so don’t be scared to ask!

HOTELS
Whether you fancy a few nights in the Romantic City of Venice before your cruise begins or even if it’s just a hotel in Southampton the night before your cruise if you have a long journey I can cater for all your Hotel needs, from budget to boutique the choice really is yours!

So lots of things for you to think about when considering your next cruise holiday, be sure to ask me about any extras you may well want to add and I will be happy to package something for you :)

Busy Busy Busy

2011-05-29T06:16:00.000-07:00

For the past few weeks I have been deliberating on what to do for my summer holiday.....and I have now finally decided and got my flights booked!

Like hundreds of other people who we have had calling in to us here at cruise.co.uk over the last few weeks looking for last minute deals or summer holiday deals to get away I too have been wondering what I should do. My dilemma was that my boyfriend, who is currently training to be a solicitor, has used up all of his annual leave on exam revision and therefore is not able to have a break with me, very sad yes but needs must I suppose! So what was I going to do??

To the rescue came my family! My Mum, Sister, her Husband and my 9yr old Niece and 3yr old Nephew have hired a villa in Spain near Malaga and low and behold there was a spare bed going, so £147 later I booked up my flights with Ryan Air to join them!

I have not holidayed with my sister or mum for about 15 years so I am rather excited and more so to spend time with the kids paying in the pool and going to the beach and building sand castles (I am a big kid at heart) and the best part about it all is that I don't have very long to wait at all as I jet off on Saturday the 25th June just 4 days after my Birthday, thats just under 4 weeks by my calculations! Then not to forget my trip on the MSC Splendida Yacht club in July I have a lot to look forward to.

To top all of this off I am going to Ladies Day at Ascot on Thursday 16th June so my next dilemma is what to wear??!! Aaaarrggghh! If you have any suggestions for this then all are welcome! What kind of hat should I go for? Small and discreet or big and bold? Maybe I should stick with a cruise theme? There are certainly some weird and wonderful ones thats for sure!

Hmmmmm I'm not so sure to be honest but we shall see.... I will no doubt take lots of pictures and blog for you all to see!

Times Nearly Up...!

2011-05-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

You need to book quickly if you are considering a P&O or Cunard cruise for next year 2012 as ALL EARLY BOOKING offers will end on the 31st MAY 2011

So what will you miss out on?
Free Carparking at Southampton (on selected sailings)
Onboard credit with P&O for past passengers (on selected sailings)
Guaranteed preferred dinner sitting
10% deposit will change to 15%

Also finishing Monday23rd is the Celebrity sale on the Eclipse Southampton sailings for 2011. They have some absolutely fantastic prices incuding the school holidays! click here to view deals
The Eclipse is an absolutely stunning ship and certainly one of my favourites it has to be said. But dont just take my word for it read what other people have to say Eclipse Review

If you have already booked your Celebrity cruise for next year which included Free Parking then here is a reminder that it MUST be booked by you by the 7th June!! If you miss this then you will miss out im afraid. Details of the number you need to call can be found in your invoice notes on your booking confirmation.

So the moral of this blog is if you are considering your options for next year or have had a quote but still not booked then the deals WILL be changing as of the 1st June so dont miss out.

Clever Cloggs!

2011-05-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

On Friday my boyfriend had some fantastic news which I thought worthy to share! For the last 2years he has been partaking the LPC,legal practice course to you and I and on Friday after months of revision he had the results of his law exams and I am very proud to say he passed them all....with a Distinction no less! He doesn't have an ounce of common sense in his body but he has proven he knows the law! The best part of this story is on one of them he actually achieved 90% which may be the highest Mark in the country. He will find out in a few weeks and if he is he will recieve £2000 for his efforts!!! Hmmmmm maybe he will treat me to a lovely cruise?? One can only hope! There are some really cheap Celebrity cruises around and they are one of my favourite cruise lines so fingers crossed we may be booking one soon!

Off to see the MSC Poesia!

2011-05-08T10:29:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday 17th I shall be travelling down to Southampton along with 3 of my trusty colleagues, Stuart, Hannah and Sian, to see the lovely MSC Poesia. Being a Specialist Cruise Consultant at cruise.co.uk has many perks and this is definitely one of them!

I have to say I am very lucky and have been given the opportunity to see lots of ships whilst I have been with the company which is obviously great for me to be able to advise my customers and give my first hand opinion.

The Poesia is part of the Musica Class of ship with MSC which also includes the Magnifica, Orchestra and Musica. She is quote a large ship able to take 3013 guests in 1275 cabins and fairly new having only entered service in October of 2008.

It will be interesting for me as I have not yet been onboard an MSC ship so it will be great to see just how the Italians do it! It will also prepare me for my little 2nt cruise in the MSC Yacht club on the 15th July - see my previous blog click here for blog

So, if you have any questions for me or would like me to look out for anything in particular then do feel free to ask and I will be happy to do so, otherwise look at for my blog to follow on my return.....

A right Royal Bank Holiday!

2011-05-01T10:17:00.000-07:00

I have been off for a lovely 4 days over this Bank Holiday weekend which felt very much deserved as I worked all over the Easter Bank Holiday. So what have I been up to whilst not being a Specialist Cruise Consultant?

I was extremely excited for Friday as it was the big Royal Wedding of course! I could not wait to tune in and watch the procession, my family went round to my sisters who kindly made us some yummy pork and stuffing baps whilst we all watched. More importantly I wanted to see what Kate's dress was like and was it going to have the huge train like Dianna's did?! Even though it didn't I thought she looked absolutely amazing and Prince William looked very handsome indeed. I do have something in common with Prince William as we share the same Birthday no less! I also found out that I share the same surname as the Queens Cousin, I always knew I was a bit special! The Wedding has a real sense of occasion and made me feel very proud to be British.

Saturday I spent some time with my wonderful little Niece and Nephew by taking them to the Black Country Museum. The sun was out and we did lots of cool things like go on the fairground, eat traditional fish and chips and we even ventured down the coal mines....very scary!! My little 3yr old nephew was absolutely fine down the pitch black tunnels but I'm afraid I cant say the same about myself as I was scared to death! Here are some pictures of our day out....

Enjoying the fair ride (although Aiden didn't like it that much!)

Going back to the old school ways!

The Old fashioned shops

Well my wonderful Bank Holiday break is almost over and I shall be back in the cruise.co.uk office tomorrow, Bank Holiday Monday, ready for some more cruising action!

Living it up in the Yacht club!

2011-04-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

It was only the other day I was sat in the office complaining to my colleagues that I had nothing to look forward to and would really love to take a cruise. Well the gods must have been looking down on me that day as no soner had I said this I was then informed by my manager that I have been selected to take a 2nt cruise from Barcelona on the 15th July in the MSC Yacht Club no less onboard the beautiful Splendida!!

So what do I have to look forward to with MSC Yacht Club?

99 Suites that occupy 43,000 square feet of the ship with full Butler service (ooooooh how lovely) and Concierge staff ready to pamper and spoil me.

I will be met by a Butler at the pier and taken to a special check in area where no queuing is guaranteed. That sounds pretty good to me! The Butler will then take me to my suite where I will immediately have my luggage should I feel the need to freshen up.

In my Suite I will have a complimentary mini bar :) say no more! A full bath and shower with beautiful Marble and complimentary Wi-Fi, Interactive TV, Nintendo Wii complimented by luxurious linens and a pillow menu.

I will have VIP access to private areas of the ship only allowed for Yacht Club guests and I can sip cocktails in the elegant Sky dome bar directly under the stars.

The one thing I am most excited about though (being the girly girl that I am) is the reserved access to the Aurea Spa wellness Centre.

All inclusive menus from the a la carte restaurants and 24 hour room service is included along with drinks in the Top Sail Lounge.

2 Days is just not going to be enough for me!!! Needless to say I am extremely excited and will of course be writing a full blog on my experience when I get back. If you have anything you would like me to look out for then do feel free to ask me!

Walking on water?!

2011-04-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

I was browsing through some cruise news recently and came across something which I thought was pretty cool! Reading up on the new 139,000-ton Royal Princess that is due to be delivered in May 2013 amongst many fantastic things she has in store such as the Giant Movies under the Stars and the pool area which will turn into an outdoor dance club with lights and water shows the one thing that really caught my eye was the all new and never attempted before signature "Sea Walk"....

The Sea walk is a fully glass enclosed walkway that cantilevers out more than 28 feet over the side of the ship!! Eeeek! Well that's what my initial thought was anyway and particularly when I saw the proposed pictures. I have to say I am a real wimp when it comes to heights and not quite sure I would be brave enough to walk around it myself? See what you think...

If this wasn't enough for you then on the opposite side of the ship you can sip a cocktail in the SeaView Bar which also has incomparable views through the glass floor..... don't have too many though as you may feel just a little bit giddy!

Although I think these are great features of a new ship and something not tried before I am not too sure I would be trying them in a hurry!

MSC = Magnificent Spectacular Cruises!

2011-04-10T06:25:00.000-07:00

I wanted to dedicate a blog to a cruise line which I feel tends to get a bit of a raw deal, MSC cruises.

Why is this you may ask? Well I feel it's mainly beacuse a lot of people really don't know much about them as a cruise line and what they offer and will probably have read bad reviews which tend to put people off. Bare in mind one man's holiday will be another man's hell so you really must take any reviews you read with a HUGE pinch of salt and think about what you like to get out of YOUR holiday as I guarantee you they should be able to deliver! Check out this amazing review written only a few days ago Click here for review I think it says it all.

So I want to take this opportunity to delve into what MSC are all about and the fantastic things they have to offer you as a cruiser...

Where do I start?!
There are so many great things that MSC have to offer as a cruise line. They are Italian owned and thus Italian designed so I thinks it's fair to say they have some of the most beautiful ships around boasting the most modern fleet in the world.

They have a huge respect for people and the Planet winning the green Planet Award for 2008-2009.

Appealing destinations that deviate from the normal itineraries that all other cruise lines tend to offer. Including Europe, Northern Europe, Canaries, Balearic Islands, Morocca, Italy, Turkey, Greek Islands, Egypt, The Black Sea and Isreal to name but a few!
And with the Opera leaving from Southampton during the summer months they really have something to cater for every need. To top that off you can take advantage of a free coach transfer with National Express taking the worry out of your journey.

Great for Families!

Here is the best part CHILDREN UNDER 18YEARS TRAVEL FOR FREE with 2 paying adults, that right FREE even during the school holidays! With childrens clubs to cater for every age, special menus and seperate pool areas they really will be spoiled for choice.

Yacht Club for a more exclusive holiday - which includes a team of Butlers available 24hours, dedicated concierge 24hrs, spacious suites, All Inclusive drinks in any bar on the ship and much much more.

So with all of this how can you possibly refuse and MSC cruise now? With prices starting from as little as £699pp* they really can exceed your expectations. Go on I dare you to try!

Its all systems go go go!!

2011-04-05T11:58:00.000-07:00

Well this week is probably the busiest week that we experience here at cruise.co.uk its LAUNCH of the P&O 2012/13 - this means we are all hard at work booking the cabins that our regular and new customers have put their names down for.

Today was as successful as yesterday in that we all managed to secure exactly what we needed at the prices we had anticipated. Booking early like this means you always get the best "launch" prices along with onboard credit and usually free car parking! For example you can currently receive free parking on a 35night Caribbean sailing saving you about £300 in itself!

Tomorrow (Wed 6th) is going to be the busiest of days this week for 2 reasons – it’s the launch of the 175th Anniversary cruises leaving Southampton on the 3rd July which we have had a huge amount of interest in and also its for the summer months of June/July/August always being the most popular.

We are all in the office at 7.30am (yes that’s right 7.30am!!) ready for the cruises to go live at 8am but don’t feel too sorry for us the bacon sandwiches have been ordered to fuel us and keep us going courtesy of the company, they do look after us it has to be said :)

This is my 3rd Launch here at cruise.co.uk and it is always very exciting, a little stressful but definitely exciting.

If you have not yet booked your 2012/13 and are interested in details then what are you waiting for give us a call...!

Johnny Rockets for you! Its the place to be...

2011-03-29T11:42:00.000-07:00

Speaking with some of my passengers earlier today they have just spent some time on board Independence of the Seas with their teenagers and came off the ship raving about it, naturally as she is amazing, certainly one of my favourite ships to date!

They said that many lunch times, when they could prise the kids out of the clubs for the afternoon, they went to Johnny Rockets which Royal Caribbean have on almost all of their new family friendly ships – All the Freedom Classes have it. We have the Independence from Southampton and also the Liberty out of Barcelona for this Summer 2011!

Anyway – Johnny Rockets is a fun, lively packed venue 50s themed American style burger bar – The staff do a dance routine whilst you enjoy a chilli dog, burger or Chilli fries, a small cover charge of $5 dollars will allow you to spend as long as you like soaking up the brilliant atmosphere – They serve you with fries and onion rings whilst you select what to eat – The menu ranges from small bites and sandwiches to full burgers and fries. You only pay for your drinks in Johnny Rockets and don’t forget to leave a little room for the famous Apple Pie – a la mode or with Tillamook Cheddar Cheese, Strange to ears – Wicked to the taste – Give it a try and let me know what you think!

3..2..1...LAUNCH!

2011-03-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

So folks...its that time of year again where we are for launch of the new 2012/2013 P&O and Cunard dates...Exciting I hear you say, yes I know!

Now here at cruise.co.uk we always make quite a big song and dance about it as we know, like many of you do, that it is always best to book early to get yourself the best deals! Why? Because you get the best cabin availability AND you get the best deal in the launch price! Along with onboard credit and free carparking on selected cruises.

I have seen the Itineraries and there are some exciting new short cruises lined up with P&O next year of which I will definitely be taking advantage of. These will be great for all you first time cruisers who are not sure and want to just do a sample of cruising or alternatively you may be looking for a party cruise for a hen weekend or Birthday, it provides endless possibilities.

So how does it work?
You can view the 2012 itineraries on our website - then give me a call and I can give you pricing on it. Then you can put your name down on our pre registration list where I will go in on the day that it goes on sale and book you the best cabin! Simple!

The all important Launch dates:

P&O
2/04/2011 9am - All sailings for Portunus/Pennisular Gold Members
05/04/2011 - 8am - March, April,May 2012
06/04/2011 - 8am - June, July, August 2012
07/04/2011 - 8am - September, October, November 2012
08/04/2011 - 8am - December 2012, then January, Feb, March, April 2013

Cunard
04/04/2011 - 9am for World Club Members and then 1pm for all others.

So dont delay in getting yourself PRE REGISTERED WITH ME TODAY! Call me for information and assistance.

Cruise Personaliser...what is this?

2011-03-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

If you have booked a cruise recently with your Specialist Cruise Consultant at cruise.co.uk be it one of many you have done or even your first, you may have been told about something called your cruise personaliser at the end of the booking...have you ever wondered what exactly this is?

I just want to explain it a little further as a lot of passengers, particularly first time cruisers who are new to the whole process, can be completely unaware of it and what you can do on it. Your cruise personaliser really is a great tool for you to be using once you have completed your booking.

What do you use it for?
After you have been given your cruise line booking reference from your agent you can log onto your cruise personaliser within about 48 hours. You can then access it by taking the following steps:
1. go to http://www.cruise.co.uk/
2. click on the "payment and check in" box at the top
3. go to "online check in" and click on the cruise line that you are traveling on (they are in individual boxes)
4. this then directs you to the log in page of your cruise personaliser you must use your CRUISE LINE ref on here and NOT your cruise.co.uk reference

Once you are in you can use it to check flight details if you have booked a fly cruise (but not normally until about 6 months before departure) you can pre book shore excursions, drinks packages, order luggage labels, and most importantly fill in all your personal immigration information i.e passport details, emergency contact and insurance. Most cruise lines now require you to complete this information before you travel so that they can issue your e-tickets. Cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity actually allow you to "check in" online to speed things up at the port! Fantastic!

So to try and avoid calling into your agent for any questions you may have....just stop and think....is it something I can find on my cruise personaliser? You may well be surprised!

Introducing The H.M.S Ju Ju....

2011-03-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

Following on from my blog " new cruise ship design by and 8yr old" their has been further revelations from my niece and her ship building skills!

As it is coming up to Comic Relief (Red Nose Day) she has been asked by her school to do something for Charity to raise money. She decided that she is going to build her very own boats to sell at the fate they will be holding.

I was her first victim and purchsed my very own bespoke ship built just for me! Introducing the H.M.S Ju Ju (my nick name from her)......

This will sit pride of place on my desk :) and cost me £2 for charity, that was my good deed for the day! hopefully she will sell lots more and raise lots of money for charity....

Thomas Cook jump on the fuel wagon...

2011-03-01T09:46:00.000-08:00

Tour Operator Thomas Cook have jumped on the fuel band wagon and have announced they too, like most cruise lines, now will be implementing a fuel surcharge on their holidays.

This is because of the sudden rise in oil prices, estimated at more than 40%

It will apply to all new bookings that include a Thomas Cook flight - very similar to the cruise lines such as Cunard and P&O who have now implemented an increased fuel charge on new bookings.

Whether we think it’s right or wrong rising Oil costs are unavoidable in our current Economic climate and so will have an adverse effect on many things that we buy, until the oil prices are reduced the fuel charges will be here to stay.....

New Cruise Ship Design...by an 8yr old!

2011-02-25T10:26:00.000-08:00

I was looking after my little niece and 2 nephews last weekend, yes I know madness, and we thought what can we do that was fun? Well my niece is 8 and she knows that I am a Specialist Cruise Consultant (she really wants to go on a cruise one day) so we decided to build a new ship out of paper!

I would like to take some of the credit but I have to say she did it all on her own, I was very impressed indeed!! Have a look and see what you think?

Not quite the Cunard QM2 or the Oasis of the Seas but as you can see she was very proud of her creation. We named it the HMS Nicole (after her of course!)

Who knows maybe she could one day be a captain of her own ship??

Parking time is nearly up!

2011-02-18T04:13:00.000-08:00

If you are looking at a Celebrity cruise for your holiday this year and have still not yet decided then now is the time to book!

Why? Because all of the lovely FREE CAR PARKING and ONBOARD CREDIT will be ending on the 28th FEBRUARY!!

At the moment most Eclipse sailings have Free car parking and upto $200per cabin onboard credit but after 28th this will no longer be applicable.

If you have a confirmed booking already and it included Free parking then please BE AWARE it MUST be booked before the 28th February otherwise you will be charged!!

And with our Celebrity Super Sale currently on you can receive up to 15% off many cruises also!!

Feel free to call me for any cruises applicable for the obc and free parking.

Its a GRAND Princess!

2011-02-11T09:34:00.000-08:00

The Grand Princess is set to undergo a "DRAMATIC" transformation this spring where she is set to get what some passengers would call a much needed make-over!

This is going to include a Piazza Atrium, Tea Lounge, Pizzzeria and new One 5nightclub! The 24day make-over will be one of the largest they have ever undertaken to spruce up the ship that was launched originally in 1998 and give it the well know Princess Signature....

Here is what you can expect from the Grand make-over she is set to recieve.....

Crown Grill – A classic steakhouse with rich wood surroundings, this specialty restaurant features an open, theatre-style kitchen where chefs custom-prepare premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, including live lobsters.

• Leaves Tea Lounge and Library – A fusion of tea lounge and library, the new Leaves offers a distinctive opportunity for passengers to custom-blend a variety of base teas with herbs, fruits and spices to create a personalised tea blend. Created in partnership with Mighty Leaf Tea Company, one of the world’s premier makers of artisan teas, Leaves will give passengers an impressive choice of up to 500 different tea blends to suit their palates. A trained tea sommelier will assist passengers in blending a personalized tea creation, which they can enjoy in the midst of the library and a good book.

• Alfredo’s Pizzeria – Known for serving the best pizza at sea, Princess will introduce Alfredo’s, a new sit-down pizzeria with an enticing menu of freshly-prepared individual-size pizzas. Named for the line’s master executive chef, Alfredo Marzi, the pizzeria will feature an open kitchen where passengers can watch chefs create the pizzas they’ll enjoy with a glass of wine or other beverage.
• One5 Lounge – The new One5 lounge will replace Skywalkers as the place to be for nighttime dancing and relaxing. The new lounge on deck 15 (hence its name) takes its inspiration from the chicest urban nightclubs, and will offer a cool vibe, contemporary seating and lighting, and a dramatic back-lit bar.

• Crown Grill – A classic steakhouse with rich wood surroundings, this specialty restaurant features an open, theatre-style kitchen where chefs custom-prepare premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, including live lobsters.

Also part of the renovation will be 10 new suites; remodelled casino, boutiques and art gallery; enhancements to the Horizon Court, Lotus Spa, and wedding chapel; and the addition of Crooner’s Martini Lounge.

One of the most exciting things is the ONE5 nightclub which is set to replace the old nightclub. This will be positioned on teh top deck of the ship and will replace skywalkers. The distinc change is that skywalkers was on deck 18 and the new night club will now be on deck 15.

She will debut from Southampton on the 21st May 2011 with lots of exciting new itineraries to sample!

If you would like more inforamtion on this then please feel free to call me and ask!

AFRIKIT on SKY SPORTS NEWS!

2011-02-04T08:05:00.000-08:00

AFRIKIT - giving your shirts a new life!

"At Afrikit, we want to give your football shirts and kits new life by sending them to some of the poorest parts of Africa in order to spread the joy of football, and for them to feel the buzz that we do when we put a football shirt on"

Yesterday saw my boyfriends little brother making an appearance on SKY SPORTS NEWS no less. Being part of a family of 4 boys my boyfriend is football mad as are his brothers so it was certainly a buzz in the Hands household! Afrikit is a charity that was set up by my boyfriends little brother Jack and some of his friends whilst studying at University in Sheffield. They basically provide used football kits to children in Africa hence the name AFRIKIT!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEO

Jack is the second from right

So, if you or anybody you know has any old football shirts then please please can I ask you to donate them to this amazing charity and make somebody's day! :)
http://www.afrikit.co.uk/

January Blues?

2011-01-30T09:57:00.000-08:00

Have you suffered from the January Blues this year?

Christmas is well and truly over now and the weather is still freezing cold! So what’s the answer, what can we do to cheer ourselves up? Well if your anything like me you need to have something to look forward to otherwise it can be a very looooong winter! So I say start thinking about your cruise holiday if you have not already as there are some great deals to be had this time of year!

Why book early?
If you book up early you are going to get the pick of the cabins and the best flight availability (trust me the flights do sell out quick) along with any of the cruise lines "early booking" offers which generally include savings on the cruise fare, sometimes free car parking and very often onboard credit.
Looking for last minute?
Last minute deals are fine too as long as you are quite flexible on what you can do. At the moment there are some superb Caribbean deals for February/March and April with P&O cruises and April is the start of the med sailings if you don’t want to go too far afield.

Family Travelling?
Then you need to book your 3/4 birth cabins early!!! These are the ones that go first especially during the summer month’s i.e the school holidays. It can be a real struggle for us as agents when people call up around May/June time to try and book a family cabin - it is a no go! 9/10 we won’t be able to find anything so start thinking now.....

The point of my blog is to try and show you that the longer you wait the less chance you have of getting something suitable for your needs. So what are you waiting for, beat those winter blues and book your cruise today!

Onboard the Maple Leaf from mighty Niagara to New York!

2011-01-22T06:02:00.000-08:00

MAPLE LEAF EXPLORER FROM NIAGARA TO NEW YORK

This unique Tailor Made package was built with you in mind....Stuinning Views and Unique experiences....

You will experience a mixture of delights with this EXCLUSIVE cruise.co.uk package.

From the breathtaking views of the Niagara Falls to being transported on the Maple Leaf train for a buzzing city break stay in the most famous city in the World - New York New York!! Finished off with a luxury sailing back into Southampton onboard the beautiful Cunard QM2. Perfect....

What's included in your package?

You will Fly LGW direct to Toronto for 2nts at the Marriott Niagara Falls where you will overlook the Falls from your room - stunning!
Travel by Amtrack on the Maple Leaf Explorer to New York
3nts at the 4* Empire Hotel in New York
Whilst in New York you will get 2 free tours included: 1. Super New York tour which is a full day guided tour taking in the full delights of New York. 2. Spirit of New York Lunch Cruise, a whistle stop tour of Manhattan on a boat!
7nt Transatlantic crossing onboard the QM2 back into Southampton with your choice of stateroom.
Full Board onboard the cruise.
All transfers are taken care of
All port taxes and supplements

This dream journey could be yours from these AMAZING prices!!

Stateroom:

Inside D6 £1699pp

Oceanview C3 £1849pp

Balcony B5 £2109pp

Deluxe Balcony A4 £2299pp

Princess Grill P3 £3285pp

Queens Grill Q7 £3949pp

If you require further information then please feel free to call me on my direct line 0800 408 6089 where I will be happy to help.

Fred olsen rocket up the fuel

2011-01-15T02:09:00.000-08:00

Are you thinking of booking a Fred Olsen cruise for your holiday this year?? If yes then YOU NEED TO BOOK NOW!!!

Why? Because Fred Olsen have announced that "the continuing gloomy outlook for fuel pricing has led us to review policies as to the charging of fuel cost supplements" that’s right folks the fuel charge already in place on Fred Olsen cruises will be hiked up effective from WEDNESDAY 19TH JANUARY 2011

As we all know fuel prices are ever increasing, we all feel this at the petrol pumps! So in line with this Fred Olsen will be increasing its fuel charge to 5.5% of the cruise fare (not our discounted fare) As agents we will automatically incorporate this is into your costing and make you fully aware of how much you are being charged on each booking. But to put it into layman’s terms a £2000 booking will incur a fuel charge of £110! Please be aware that the fuel supplement is non discountable so we cannot apply our discounts to this.

If you want to avoid this increase then CALL ME TO BOOK NOW!!! Dont be caught short!

Welcome to January!

2011-01-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

I haven't taken the opportunity yet to wish all my customers and blog readers a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I hope you all had a very lovely Christmas and your New Year Celebrations were as fun as mine :)

So, Welcome to 2011 and January.....what do we have in store?

Well all of the cruise lines have been busy implementing their turn of year campaigns and I have to say there are some great deals to be had! Such as FREE PARKING, ONBOARD SPENDS, FREE UPGRADES AND FREE CHILD PLACES!

Along with the cruise lines turn of year campaigns, which I will go into further details in a moment for you, here at cruise.co.uk we are having a January BIG NEW YEAR SALE where you can recieve upto 15% off thousand of cruises!

Here is a sample of what you can get....

Royal Caribbean- Upto 10% off
Celebrity Eclipse - Free Caparking and up to $150 onboard spend with savings of upto £500
Cunard - Upto 15% off, onboard spends and Free Kids places all on selected sailings.
NCL - Free Catagory Upgrades
plus many many more... For a full list of deals click here

If you have the winter blues and are fed up with the crazy weather then start thinking about your next cruise holiday and take advantage of the great deals currently on offer! Give me a call today to see what I can do for you :)

Sail Away with Star Clippers....

2011-01-03T04:21:00.000-08:00

Fancy trying something a little bit different next year? Dont we all....

Star Clippers operates three of the world's largest and tallest sailing vessels, the Royal Clipper, Star Clipper and Star flyer. Visiting ports often untouched by the larger cruise ships and offers passengers the amenities and atmosphere of your very own private yacht. This is one of the premier speciality cruise lines and is not one to be missed....

These ships really do take you back to the days of the Grand old age of sailing, it will make you feel like you are free as bird sailing the ocean waves. At just 360 feet long and carrying only 170 guests it really will feel like your own little piece of heaven, offering 5* luxury in service and food.

The deal I have found for you is onboard the Star Clipper sailing from Athens on the 27th August 2011 for 7nights to the Northern Cyclades.

Athens - Kusadasi - Patmos - Amorgos - Mykonos - Monemvasia - Athens

Ocean View cabin £1462pp cruise only OR you can add a special package where you get:-

1nt pre and post hotel stay in Athens at the St George Lycabettus 4* with London flights and transfers for £1840pp! Now for bespoke luxury this price is cheaper than Royal Caribbean.

What is inlcuded onboard?

5* Luxury service....

The cabins are comfortable with a very nautical feel. You can interact with the crew and captain. All water sports are included except diving which is a small additional fee, there are tea and coffee making facilities onboard which are free of charge to use, afternoon tea and cakes are served, all meals are included which is open sitting. Gratuities are additional but are at your discretion although they recommend about 8euroes per person per day. Drinks are also additional.

Feel free to contat me for more information on these beautiful sailing ship holidays.

Favourite Xmas pressie??

2010-12-27T05:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over and done with for another year....the turkey has been eaten and all the crackers pulled.

My day was fun filled and very family orientated with all the usual eating and drinking. The best part about my day was watching my little niece and nephew open their presents...but what did they get? Well, amongst all the usual kiddies stuff my little nephew Aiden got a little plastic guitar or "gigitar" as he calls it (he's only 2 and half bless him) I did not realise how much fun one little man could have with something as simple as that. I mean from the moment he opened it to the moment he had to go to bed he did not take it off from around his neck to the point where his little neck was red raw from the strap!! But he would not give it up! He was rocking around the lounge like a true little rock star strumming away on it - if ever there is going to be a guitar player he surely will be it! Here is a picture of him taking his stage ready for action...

His little face lighting up when he opened his gigitar!

Taking his stage! Mini Mick Hucknal maybe with his ginger hair??

Its definitely fair to say that this was Aidens favourite present from santa, did anybody get something they absolutely loved? Or maybe even hated? Or was just plain weird/funny? Did anybody recieve a cruise maybe? Let me know!

Merry Christmas Everybody!

2010-12-24T05:37:00.000-08:00

Well, its Christmas Eve and the big day is nearly upon us. A white snow blanket is on the ground....all my presents are wrapped and are sitting under the tree eagerly awaiting to be opened tomorrow morning....the question is have I been a good girl this year?? And the answer of course is YES YES YES! So Santa should be visiting my house tonight with lots of treats :)

Christmas for the Rhodes family always consists of me waking up to the smell of the turkey cooking (my mum always puts it in the oven about 6am so we get that smell when we wake up) my dad then puts a full English spread on for breakfast, thats always been his allocated job on Christmas day. Then I will be heading over to my sisters to watch my little niece and nephew open their presents and on to my brothers to do the same! Its all about the kids in my family, although I don't have any of my own as yet I do love watching my little nieces and nephews open theirs. I guess it reminds me of when I was little and how excited I used to be at the mounds of presents that sat under the tree for me and my sister and brother to open, oh to be 10 again!

A few visits to the Grandparents then back to my sisters, who for the first time will be hosting the Christmas dinner - eeek! She not the greatest cook shall we say, luckily my mum is still in charge of cooking the Turkey so we shouldn't get food poisoned at least! Scrabble is always a game that we like to thrash out over some Wine and Baileys and then probably Turkey and stuffing sandwiches for supper.....mmmmm I can just taste it now....

The thing I am most excited about is that this will be the first white Christmas that I have experienced (or that I can remember) I know the snow has probably disrupted a lot of cruise.co.uk passengers travel arrangements but I had fun with my pooch who loves the snow too!

So now you know what I shall be doing tomorrow it just leaves me to wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS tomorrow and I hope you have a Wonderful and prosperous 2011 to come! Enjoy!

Its Official - BIGGER is better!

2010-12-14T04:20:00.000-08:00

Well for Celebrity Cruises anyway! They have decided that the two new additions to the Solstice Class, the Silhouette (due late next year) and the Reflection (due 2012) are to be much larger and more jam packed with amenities than their 3 siblings.

Most of the changes will be prominent on the Silhouette - such as: more for-fee offerings, including restaurants and special cabana-style alcoves that can be rented for a full or half-day.

The Reflection will boast an extra metre in width and an increase of 4,000 gross tons. That will allow for additional cabins, 17more to be exact, and expanded capacity in the ship's theatre (45 more seats) and in a number of its restaurants (Main dining 40 seats and Oceanview cafe 118!) I think this will be of great benefit as the self serve restaurant can always get quite busy at peak times.

But most importantly all you sun worshipers out there will be pleased to know that there will be 245 more sun loungers on the pool deck, plenty to go around.
Michaels Club is one of the areas that they will be focusing on changing, so what can you expect?

• A Celebrity mainstay, this venue is being transformed from an "elegant social club" into a craft beer bar featuring new décor (including 46-inch televisions) and a selection of whiskeys and scotches -- plus more than 50 international hand-crafted beers. Bar snacks will include housemade gourmet potato chips and breadsticks along with caramel popcorn.

• In addition to live music, playlists featuring such popular modern artists as Coldplay, Jack Johnson, Maroon 5 and Kings of Leon will be piped into the venue.

• Enrichment courses, tastings and pairings will be held here.

What else is changing?

Well they are replacing Team Earth with a new Lounge Area called the "Hideaway" here you can relax whilst reading, listening to music with regular and speciality tea and coffee offered for free! Sounds like my kind of place.....

The Lawn club will also be getting a revamp taking out the glass and adding in the food! The glass blowing show is not going to exist on the newer ships but will be replaced by a Lawn Grill (speciality restuarant) at $30per head.
I have to say Celebrity, particularly the Solstice Class, are one of my favourite cruise lines around. The ships are simply stunning in design being very contemporary and sleek. Definately worth a go!

January Sales come early for NCL

2010-12-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

For all you NCL lovers you will be pleased to hear that they have started their January sale early! Their European sale started on the 9th December and is running through to the 14th February 2011. This sees savings of upto £400 per stateroom and on top of this they are having an additional "Balcony Bonanza" on all Epic 7night Europe sailings.

Want to know more? Well here is an example of what you will pay for a 7nt sailing onboard this beautiful and innovative freestyle ship:-

29th May 2011 7nts - BF balcony cabin £599pp cruise only

Or if you need the all important school holidays:-
10th July 2011 7nts - BF balcony cabin £729pp cruise only

Lots of other dates available :)

Cruise ship cops?

2010-12-10T08:08:00.000-08:00

"Cruise ships should carry federal police on board and scan passengers for drugs" this is a statement made by Australian coroner Jacqueline Milledge due to the death of a 42 year old Australian passenger onboard P&O Australia South Pacific cruise in 2002.

The Inquest for this was published on Friday and has sparked the views that cruise ships should be manned by federal police.

The case was that of Ms Bimble who died after consuming too much alcohol and taking a drug called GHB.

It was suggested by the opposition that Ms Bimble took this drug willingly but this claim was rejected by Ms Milledge. A Mr Mark Wilhelm pleaded guilty to supplying her with the drug. He was not charged however as the judge said the charge was related to supply to a consenting adult

Ms Milledge told the coroners court that Ms Brimble was "unknowingly drugged by unscrupulous individuals who were intent on denigrating her for their own gratification".

She feels that reforms are needed for cruising security to include the increase in drug detection! Including measures to ensure that all passengers,visitors, crew and staff of every ship are properly scanned. I'm not quite sure if I agree with this personally as it is getting quite intrusive. Also from personal experience I would not say that the type of people who generally cruise would not be that of "drug dealers or drug abusres"

It is felt by many that presence of federal police on board would mean crimes were investigated more promptly and would also help towards crime prevention. Would this make you as a cruiser feel safer having a federal constabulary onboard to regulate things?

I think as long as their presence is not dominant or intrusive (like we all know the police presence can sometimes feel!) then it would be no harm whatsoever to have this and actually would be quite a comforting thought to know....

Let me know how you would feel as cruisers having police figures onboard, would it affect your cruise in anyway?

Phone problems....please bear with us!

2010-12-09T02:12:00.000-08:00

Hi guys....

I need to make you aware that I have been experiencing problems with my voicemail and I have been unable to retrieve any since Tuesday afternoon ( as have my colleagues) we are also having problems with our phones in that we cannot pick up any calls, so sincere apologies if you have left me a voicemail but rest assured I will be calling you all back once we are back up and running! Thank you for your patience.

Can Celebrities Cruise?

2010-12-03T04:24:00.000-08:00

I was flicking through the cable channels the other day in my sheer boredom and happened to come across a programme on MTV called Hogan Knows Best. It is based on the famous 90's WWF wrestler Hulk Hogan and his family life. What does this have to do with cruising I hear you ask? Well, this particular episode was about Hulk celebrating his 54th Birthday (I know can you believe he is 54 and still has the muscles of a 24yr old!) and for his birthday his wife and 2 children booked to go on a cruise, the ship in question was the Carnival Imagination leaving from Miami for 7nts.

From the moment they got onboard Hulk was accosted by many fans wanting pictures with him and his autograph, some were even just constantly staring at him when he was trying to do simple things like sunbath and relax. You could see that it was very uncomfortable for him and at one point he did say he felt like he was trapped onboard with no place to escape it all except his cabin. This made me think, is cruising suitable for well known celebs?? Unlike land based holidays where you can go pretty much anywhere you like a cruise ship is limited in space and the public areas can be quite small. I know if I saw somebody famous like him onboard a cruise ship I probably wouldn't be able to help but stare!

Has anybody ever seen a famous person on a cruise? If so did you feel sorry for them getting lots of attention or did they seem to be enjoying themselves?

Personally I don't think it would be an ideal holiday for them but then I could be wrong - you never know you may see the Beckhams on your next cruise or even Tom Cruise.....pun intended! :)

When in Bruges...

2010-11-26T03:50:00.000-08:00

This weekend sees all (well pretty much most) of the staff at cruise.co.uk taking our P&O Aurora 2nt mini cruise from Southampton over to Bruges....

Now I am very excited about this as I have never been to Bruges but have always wanted to. What excites me most is the whole feeling of Christmas it will have with the lovely markets and the idea that it may well be snowing, according to the BBC weather forecast anyway, fingers crossed!

This go me thinking though, what are the best things to do when in Bruges??

So here goes, these are some top 5 attractions that we could take advantage of in Bruges.

Market Square

Otherwise known as the Grote Market. This is a very medieval square where there is always a buzz of activity going on, consisting of cafes and bars in pretty guild houses. They have events here in the summer time all focused around the extremely dominant and regal looking Cloth Hall. Apparetnly Market Square is the place to be to watch the world go by...

Groeninge Museum

One of the finest museums in Belgium, the Groeninge boasts some of the most celebrated Flemish masterpieces on display dating back to the 15th century. There are many inspiring renaissance sculptures and era defining modern art which are sure to satisfy all tastes and a likely visit will take up several hours to fully appreciate its artistic riches.

Canal Cruises

Not quite a Cunard cruise or a P&O but still a lovely way to see the City.

Enjoy an unforgettable adventure back in time through a labyrinth of serene canals that wind their way through the medieval city. You will glide beneath ancient bridges and alongside spectacular gothic churches and guild houses. Hear stories of Bruges history and its very special architectural heritage with a pleasantly relaxing few hours floating on its waters.

Shop for Delectable Chocolates

A personal favourite of mine! :)

No Bruges trip would be complete without sampling some of the delectable goodies in the world famous chocolatiers of the city. I'm not sure I will be able to resist!

Bruges Diamond House

Another personal favourite of mine!

I may well have to visit here to give my chap some ideas :) Yes, still waiting for a proposal so maybe here I can chose the perfect Diamond....hmmmm maybe just a dream....

I will take lots of pictures of my trip to share with you in a blog upon my return. I'm sure there will be tales to tell...we will also be having our awards ceremony for Best Cruise Consultant and Best Blog so fingers crossed for me and many thanks to all who have voted for me!

VOTE FOR ME! :)

2010-11-19T07:16:00.000-08:00

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my blog followers for taking the time and effort to read my blog over the last year and kindly rating my service that you have received from me, all of which have been lovely comments which are much appreciated :)

Now I just need to ask one more favour of you....VOTE FOR ME!

Next weekend will see our office heading onboard the Aurora for our annual Christmas party cruise. Whilst onboard we will be attending a small award ceremony which is in-house to acknowledge the 1. Best Blog page 2. Best Cruise Consultant. So if I could ask you to take your time to VOTE FOR ME by clicking the vote for me button on the top page of my blog and keep your fingers crossed!!

Thank you! x

QM2 - My Review....

2010-11-12T11:31:00.000-08:00

I have recently returned back from my 2nt trip onboard the QM2, leaving Southampton on Monday and cruising over to Cherbourg. So, what were my honest thoughts of this extremely popular Cunard Ship?

Well having been on the launch of the brand new QE only a couple of weeks ago I thought I knew what to expect of the Queen Mary but I have to say she did feel very different in many ways to the QE, which I thought was brilliant.

The trip did start off a bit rocky, I drove down with 4 of my colleagues and as soon as we hit Southampton we were greeted by pretty much bumper to bumper traffic. What we hadn't realised was that not only was the Mary sailing that day but as were the QE and the Independence of the Seas!

We arrived at the Oceans Terminal where the QM2 was supposed to be leaving from only to find out that she was actually docked in the QE terminal which was about a 15minute walk. I would like to add that although this was obviously a pain it was in no way Cunard’s fault and they did provide shuttle buses for us. It turned out it was because the Artemis, that was supposed to leave the night before, could not due to adverse weather conditions. Cunard’s staff had been working through the night to ensure check in was done as quickly and efficiently as possible but it seemed most passengers did not take this into consideration as there were quite a few moans! I think as it was only a 2nt mini cruise it made the whole thing worse because it did feel like you lost most of the first day, and we were all very hungry!

Anyway enough about the problems at check in, let’s get down to my thoughts on the ship....

My initial thought was how huge she looked when I saw her in port - quite a beaut! I was not disappointed when I stepped onboard either. The decor was classic Cunard with the Reds, Creams and Blues and the staff were dressed in full Cunard strip with white gloves and all.

Our cabin was a B1 sheltered balcony, which I will be doing a separate blog on later, but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised about. The cabin was very neutral in decor and rather spacey, we were greeted by a bottle of Champagne on ice which was obviously a warm welcome! The bathroom was again a good size but the shower was a bit feeble I do have to say. One of the things I did notice is that the plugs also catered for British 3 pin which is a bonus.

We dined in the Britannia Restaurant of an evening, we did try to book into the Todd English but you have to be quick folks as it gets booked up! The Britannia was a magnificent looking dining the room and the food was lovely, I would not say it was amazing but it was of a very good standard. I would like to mention also that our waiters were very attentive and could literally not do enough for us even using the phrase "don’t be afraid to ask for anything" I thought this was brilliant of them and really made us feel at ease about ordering anything we desired, and we did! :)

I did manage to sneak into the Todd English restaurant to take a few pics though and it does look very intimate and the menu looked well worth the $30 surcharge. Hopefully next time I will get to sample the delights!

We boogied the night away in G32 - this was a fantastic place that had a real club feel to it with a large dance floor. It also had a smoking area at the top on the mezzanine so the smokers did not have to brave the cold. They had a live band playing who I have to say I thought were brilliant! They were playing lots of modern mixed with old classics and really gave it a party feel.

The Queens room was a large ballroom where I did see couples taking full advantage of the large dance floor and live music playing. It is where they served the afternoon tea which I was desperate to sample but it seemed like everyone else had the same idea as we could not get in :(

The one thing I was slightly disappointed with was the Atrium, I did not actually realise it was the Atrium at first, for me it was too small and didn’t have that WOW factor that most do but with that said it was still lovely.

My overall experience you will be pleased to know was a very good one. In comparison to the QE I felt the Mary had a bit more character to her and more of a wow factor. Even down to the real teak decks rather than the plastic style decks that the QE had. Considering the Mary is a few years old now you would not really know it at all as she is still looking in pristine condition. The staff was some of the friendliest I have come across and I would certainly say I would like cruise on her again.

Well done Cunard!

I will be out of the Office...

2010-11-07T06:28:00.000-08:00

Hello cruisers

Just a quck note to let you all know that I will be out of the office from 3pm today for the whole of next week returning at 11.30am on Monday 15th November.

If you require any urgent assistance then do call the main sales line on 0800 091 5254 with your booking ref and somebody will be able to assist you. If its not urgent then feel free to call me on my return.

Bon Voyage....I am going on the Queen Mary 2!

2010-11-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

Monday sees me heading back down to Southampton to see my second Queen, the Queen Mary 2! It only seems like 5 minutes ago I was in Southampton for the Launch of the newest edition of the Cunard fleet the Queen Elizabeth.

I will be spending 2 nights onboard with 5 of my cruise.co.uk colleagues where we will be sailing over to Cherbourg to spend a full day taking in the delights of Normandy.

I have to say I am extremely excited about seeing the Mary and experiencing a sailing on her as I have heard nothing but great things about her. She is a firm favourite with lots of my customers and avid Cunarders so it will interesting to see why! No doubt we will have a few tiples in the Golden Lion and I may even try a little afternoon tea!

I will be doing some comparisons no doubt against the Queen Elizabeth to see who is the fairest Maiden so watch this space for blogs when I return.

Royal Caribbean Flight GIVEAWAY!!

2010-10-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

Royal Caribbean has announced today that they will be giving away, that’s right GIVING AWAY 10,000 flights across many Mediterranean sailings for 2011!

This Amazing offer is on until 20th December 2010 or whenever the flights sell out and are available on many different departure airports including Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester, Leeds Bradford, Belfast, Birmingham and Newcastle on selected dates.

• 7nt Spanish Med - Grandeur of the Seas

• 7 nt Italian Med - Grandeur of the Seas

• 14 nt back to back Spanish and Italian Med - Grandeur of the Seas

• 7 nt Western Med - Adventure of the Seas

• 7 nt Eastern Med - Navigator of the Seas

• 7 nt Western Med - Voyager of the Seas

• 7nts Adriatic Seas - Voyager of the Seas

• 12 nt Egypt & Eastern Med - Brilliance of the Seas

Spanning across 5 ships it means you can take a fly cruise from as little as £509pp!!

This really is a great offer from them and could potential save quite a few £££ on your next summer holiday as Royal Caribbean can often come out slightly pricey on their flights in my exprience. They are limited to the first 10,000 though, which may sound a lot but will go quite fast I think.
The offer starts on Saturday 30th October so don’t miss out!

BA - Could it all be over by Xmas?

2010-10-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

I was reading my paper yesterday and noticed an article on British Airways - the title was "The Battle of BA: it could all be over by Christmas" so I instantly thought, oh dear have they finally hammered the last nail in their coffin??

Well the answer is no and in actual fact it could be good news for everybody who works for the travel industry like myself and have felt the previous impact of the BA strikes.

British Airways have announced that they will be offering their cabin crew a new "peace deal" that could potentially remove the threat of strikes at Christmas that travellers have been facing and end the lengthy and bitter dispute, thank god I hear you say!

Unite has agreed to put the offer to BA's 11,000 cabin crew after the Union managed to secure concessions from the airline for the reinstatement of BA's staff travel perks. As if it wasn't enough working for an iconic British Airline with extremely decent salaries in today's Economy they have fought for better travel perks? It seems a bit incredible to me with potentially millions of unemployed, they should be grateful for the job they have.

So what do these perks entail that are going to keep them happy?

A pay rise of RPI inflation capped at 2.9% next year and 3% the year after
A single bonus worth £6,616 a year for mainline crew to replace a range of individual allowances.
Arbitration by the conciliation service Acas where there is a legal dispute over disciplinary action taken against staff during the dispute.
Restoration of travel perks but only in 2013

If the crew vote and accept this offer by Unite it will potentially end the dispute that has now dragged on for 18months and caused over 22 days of disruption from striking. I for one know how disruptive these strikes were having had to deal with the flight cancellations and stranded passengers of ours! We were in fear that the BA cabin crew were planning to strike again over Christmas this year so we can only hope that this ballot will solve all of our problems......we shall see.....

QE -Royal Wow or Royal let down?

2010-10-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

As you probably know from my previous Blog, I was very lucky in that I got to go down to spend a night onboard the brand new and eagerly awaited Cunard Queen Elizabeth on Saturday. You may have seen the Queen on TV as she was in Southampton for the official naming ceremony, being the Godmother of the ship.

So what were my thoughts of the ship? I did say that I would give you my honest and open opinion so here goes....

Upon entering Southampton and getting closer to the port I started to feel very excited as we could just about see that famous Cunard Red Funnel. The ship itself looked quite big sat in port; my initial thought was that the back of the ship seemed very short and straight down rather than the normal tiered effect. I am going to assume that this is Cunard trying to minimise the "overlooked" effect that you can get from being on the lower deck and overlooked by the higher decks, but who knows!

See what you think?

Upon boarding the ship, the staffs were very friendly and really looked the part in their Cunard uniforms, very smart indeed I thought. One of the first things that I noticed was the Art Deco design that Cunard had promised, it really did look Regal and in keeping with the whole Cunard brand with lots of creams, gold’s and blues featuring in the decor.

One of the main themes of this ship, I would imagine due to the name and the fact that Her Majesty is the Godmother, is the Royal Family. There were lots of beautiful portraits of the Royal Family but the one that really caught my eye was this stunning picture of Queen Elizabeth.

I stayed in an A3 balcony cabin which was mid ship. I have to be honest, the cabin decor did not grab me when I walked in, it was all very neutral and quite Blasé. The bed however, did look very comfortable and I was later to find out that it was (when I passed out after one too many!)

Our meal in the Britannia Restaurant I have to say was gorgeous; I was certainly not disappointed with the food of the service received. The only thing i do need to be honest about is the challenge that I had form a customer who wanted to see how well they could deal with her wheat allergy. I asked the waiter for a wheat free roll and all he offered me was a brown roll! I am going to defend them though in saying that as it was an agent’s weekend they may not have been fully prepared as they would for a normal sailing.

We were all dressed up in our lovely frocks and the boys in there suits and we then boogied the night away in the Yacht Club. They had a live band for most of the night and then into the early hours the DJ kicked in with some old classics (i'm the one in the red!)

The Atrium looked Very Grand indeed with a superb centrepiece of the ship.

Overall, I would say that the ship itself is very beautifully presented with both style and comfort taken care of. She showed inpecable service from the staff and the food was delicious. If she continues with this then i'm confident her future passengers will have a wonderful time when they travel on her. The only thing for me is that she didnt really grab me with the WOW factor I was excpecting but I think the reason for this is because I had never been on a Cunard ship before so was comparing with Celebrity Eclipse, which is uber modern and contemporary. It did not disappoint me though and I will highly recommend her to my future passengers.

Eye Spy...a Costa Ship!

2010-10-08T08:49:00.000-07:00

I have just had this picture sent to me from a client who was in Izmir in Turkey....they Spied a Costa ship docked in port and thought they would send it to me to add to my collection...

Its quite far away but you can just see the signature yellow funnel with the C on it for Costa. Im not sure which ship it is but my guess is it will be the Costa Serena doing Venezia : Bari : Katakolon : Izmir : Istanbul : Dubrovnik : Venezia for 7nts.

Feel free to contact me for more information on Costa and prices.

I am always on the look out for pictures of ships - so if you are ever on your travels and see one in port feel free to send them on to me to make an apperance on my blog page :)

Off to see a Queen!

2010-10-08T08:16:00.000-07:00

Hello folks, I just thought I would write a blog to you all as I am off on an exciting adventure tomorrow to see the Queen....not Her Majesty i'm afraid but the long and eagerly awaited new addition to the Cunard fleet the Queen Elizabeth!

We have all been anticipating her arrival here at Cruise.co.uk since I started with the company in February 2009 and it has finally arrived. I feel very lucky indeed to be one of the chosen ones to go and see her. I will be travelling down tomorrow morning to spend the day onboard looking at the staterooms and taking in the fantastic facilities she has to offer guests. We then get dress up in our Sunday best froks for an evening of fine dining and entertainment.

This is to give us an idea of what she is really going to be like for passengers so we can pass on our knowledge to you! I have booked many guest onboard for her future sailings so if anybody has any questions before you travel feel free to call me and ask away, I will give my honest and open opinion.

I am already doing a little test for a customer thinking of booking on her whose wife has a wheat intolerance - I am going to ask for a wheat free roll at dinner to see how well they handle my request.

I will be out of the office from 11am tomorrow but will be returning approximately midday on Sunday where I will be working until 6pm, I cant guarantee a bad head wont be on the cards! :)

Escape the rain with last minute deals....

2010-10-01T05:01:00.000-07:00

The weather is turning, the leaves have started to fall and the rain has settled in....thats right Summer is officially over! But that doesn't mean the end of the Holiday season, oh no.....

Fred Olsen have just released to us some absolutely fantastic last minute deals!

Fred Olsen are a lovely traditionally British cruise line, boasting smaller ships that offer a friendly home from home feel onboard. Excellent food, very attentive staff and just a brilliant overall experience.

Here are a few of the excellent deals we have on offer:-
BOUDICCA 19th October for 23nights

Newcastle : Lisbon,Portugal : Almeria,Spain : Eivissa,Ibiza,Spain : Valletta,Malta : Kusadasi,Turkey : Volos,Greece : Piraeus (For Athens),Greece : Gythion,Greece : La Goulette (For Tunis),Tunisia : Cartagena,Spain : Gibraltar : Holyhead

This deal also includes a free coach trasnfer from Holyhead to Newcastle so you can park your car in Newcastle and not have to worry about getting back!

LATESAVER 2BED CABIN £999pp! THATS JUST £44pp per night!!

BRAEMAR 26th October for 17nights
Try this Transatlantic crossing to the Caribbean with your return flight home:-

Dover : Funchal, Madeira : Santa Cruz De Tenerife, Canary Isla : Philipsburg, St. Maarten : Road Town, Tortola : Basseterre, St. Kitts : Castries, St. Lucia : Bridgetown, Barbados

LATESAVER 2BED CABIN - £849pp - VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY ON THIS ONE!

Feel free to call me for more information on Fred Olsen cruise line.

Royal Caribbean at your service! Luggage service....

2010-09-25T01:38:00.000-07:00

Royal Caribbean have announced a new luggage delivery service for passengers leaving from the UK - Southampton/Harwich

So what is this I hear you ask?
Well, its a hassle free secure service that promises to take your luggage right from your very door step where you will not then see it again until you get to your stateroom! This is an extremely safe and secure service and can be tracked at any time by you.

It will cost you £35 per luggage item (30kg per item) and takes between 24-96 hours subject to your location in the UK.

This is great for passengers who are planning to travel by rail or a regional flight if travelling from Scotland and up North as you will not have to worry about carrying your luggage or tight budget airline baggage allowances.

To book this service all you have to do is call 0845 686 0662

A long lost Dream for Thomson?

2010-09-24T08:07:00.000-07:00

For those of you that missed it, on Thursday 23rd September BBC Watchdog featured a segment on the "newest flag ship" for Thomson, the Dream.

The Thomson Dream is marketed by Thomson as the newest, and most luxurious, ship in their fleet and Thomson claim that the cabins were recently refurbished, have 'interior-designed good looks' and that the ship is 'new for 2010'

Funnily enough I took a call from a passenger that has booked to go on the Dream complaining because she was under the illusion that she was booking on a "brand new ship" when in fact the ship was built in 1986 and was previously operating as the Costa Europa. She was very unhappy as she felt their brochure had misled her into thinking that I was a newly built ship.

Watchdog featured testimonies from passengers that have sailed on the Dream, most of which I'm saddened to say were not good.

Passenger Natasha Hopkins onboard reported
"Everything was very dated, it definitely wasn't new. The first experience was it definitely wasn't luxurious... It was really humid, it made you feel nauseous, it made you feel tired. It drained you"

Susan Macklam was on the Thomson Dream for its maiden voyage and she told Watchdog about the water in her cabin: "Something came out of the tap but it was thick brown sludge so you can imagine I was absolutely horrified".

She also mentioned an horrific smell onboard the ship "It just overwhelmed you, and you know when you just feel like you can taste a smell. And it was the smell of raw sewage".

This takes me back to my blog that I did back in May "A Dream Makeover for the Thomson Dream" stating that Thomson were planning on spending £5million on new interiors and an overhaul of all the public areas - so what happened to this?! Why haven't they spent the money on upgrading the cabins as promised?

I have to say in Thomson’s defence we have had a statement from our Key Account Manager who has pointed out that this programme was based on passengers who had travelled in April/May and so was therefore "old news" and that in actual fact Recent CSQ scores for the overall holiday experience on the ship have averaged 97%, which she feels speaks for itself.

Since going live last night we have had a lot of reviews that have been added to our cruise reviews on our website, which are very positive so it may well be that since April/May Thomson have pulled their socks up and have the problems rectified.

If you have sailed on her since April/May please leave me feedback on my blog as we would like to know your views!! My advice if you are booked to go on her next year - dont panic and cancel as Thomson are doing their best to get things sorted and up to scatch.....and remember one mans hell is another mans heaven.....

Its finally here - pre booked flight seats on Charter flights!

2010-09-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

Fed up not being able to pre book your airplane seats on your charter flight? Well.......

P&O cruises have just announced that they are launching a new facility on their cruise presonaliser for customer to be able to pre book flight seats on charter flights!

This is fantastic news as up until now you could only do this on the basis of medical grounds. Scheduled airlines have been offering this for a while now so it is great that charter airlines are also allowing passengers to do so! I know it will help me as I get a lot passengers asking about booking there flight seats.

The tool is very easy to use apparently with on-screen instructions to guide you through the booking process. You will need to supply a valid email address, and accept the Terms and Conditions and then you will be they presented with an aircraft plan to make your selection from. You just hover over the seat map to view available seats and prices. Once the seats have been chosen, you will be taken through to the payment screen to pay for your selected seats using a credit card, simple!

And don’t panic if you think you have done something wrong or if you need help as P&O have set up a direct number to the flight department where somebody from air ops will be waiting to assist, phew!

This will not be something we can do for you, but we will be happy to advise you as much as we can.

Julia really does Set Sail....

2010-09-15T09:55:00.000-07:00

It would appear that I have a ship of my very own named after me :)
The MV Julia sets sail for Cork, Ireland. This new tourism vessel takes visiting tourists to and from Ireland and Wales, it has been dubbed "The People's Ship". The ship emcompases the dreams of several small business owners and some individuals that were interested in helping out the tourism industry. They got together to buy a ship, and with the help of several private investors, companies and organizations and getting over a few obstacles, the ship and the shipping line Fastnet Line came to life!

MV JULIA

The MV Julia saves travellers a huge 370 miles instead of driving to get there and the passengers have direct access to M4 when they arrive in Swansea. This fast new route means that the Irish and Welsh can now grow stronger than ever in there ties and means that tourism between the two can grow rapidly! Great ship great name! :) ok its no quite the Cunard Queen Victoria but she does the job!

Tailor Made Luxury with you in mind....

2010-09-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

Fed up with the Med? Done the Fjords to death? Want to do something a bit more exciting and bespoke?!

Then look no more! Here at Cruise.co.uk we pride ourselves on our Cruise Experience and giving our customers the best available service and knowledge when booking our customers cruise holidays. Well, we have gone that little bit further on what we can offer and have spread our knowledgeable wings into creating exciting and inspiring Tailor Made Luxury Cruise Packages.

Let us take you on a Voyage of Discovery with our expertly chosen and crafted packages. Teaming your favourite cruise lines and itineraries with breathtaking shore excursions to tantalise any traveller’s senses! To top off all of that we have chosen some of the best Hotels around the world to complete your package, stay in wonderful Cities such as New York, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Sydney, Hong Kong, Rio De Janeiro to name but a few...it really is the most exciting way to take a cruise.

You can view our full Tailor Made Packages on our website http://www.cruise.co.uk/ or click here Tailor Made We have a specialist team on hand ready to take your calls and dont worry, if you dont fancy a certain hotel or want to add on extra nights take nights off we really can Tailor Make it to your holiday needs, the possibilities are endless....

Call me today for more information - let me make your dreams come true :)

Queen Elizabeth Launch....here I come!

2010-09-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

In light of the confirmation of the Godmother for the brand new Cunard Queen Elizabeth being Her Royal Majesty herself I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to gloat a little as I am pleased to announce that I too will also be going down to the Launch of the QE on the 9th October! How laaady dar of me!

Unfortunately I wont be there the same time as her Majesty but I do get to spend the night onboard to experience what the QE has to offer. We had an in house competition here at cruise.co.uk to win a place and due to my loyal customers logging onto my blog page and kindly rating my service I was lucky enough to be one of the Cruise Consultants to win my place :)

I am extremely excited I have to say because I have not yet had the experience of a Cunard Ship, the QE is very hotly anticipated by all us Cruise Agents and avid Cruisers so it will be a very interesting and wonderful experience im sure! I will of course be taking lots of pictures for all to see what she looks like and I will write a blog on my thoughts and personal opinion so watch this space!

I am off on my travels again...lucky me!

2010-08-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

Hello cruisers,

Just to let you all know (and rub it in a little) I am off on my travels again this week the lucky girl I am! this time I am doing a City Break in Manchester. Why Manchester? I'm not sure myself to be honest but I have done London to death and its somewhere that I have never been! The place where we are staying is Deansgate and is about 5minutes away from Granada Studios where they film Coronation Street. I am a soap junkie so I am going to be on the lookout for any characters from the soap wandering around, I may get a glimpse of Ken Barlow or Gail Platt!

My boyfriend is a huge footie fan so no doubt I will be dragged around Old Trafford for a tour and we also have a spa day planned so I will be busy busy...

If you have any urgent queries whilst I am away then please call the main sales line on 0800 091 5254 and my colleagues will be able to assist you. I will be returning on Monday 6th September if you would like to speak with me.

Bon Voyage again!

I am back from my Travels....what were my thoughts?

2010-08-24T03:45:00.000-07:00

I am back at work today after having a lovely week away to Marmaris in Turkey with 4 of my lovely friends. I was not sure what to expect from the Country as it was my first time visiting but I have to say I was not let down.

The weather was beautiful, if not a little bit too hot for me reaching 49degrees on the hottest day! By the sea there was a slight breeze though to take the heat off a little. I would say if you are not into very hot weather September/October would be an ideal time to Visit.

Along the sea front there were lots of gorgeous restaurants offering a fine mix of cuisine ranging from authentic Turkish to traditional English meals. The great thing about Turkey is they still have their own currency, the Turkish Lira - which with the exchange rate you get over double to the English £. On average a meal will range from about 10 lira to 20 so that’s just £5-10- great value for money!

My Friend Vicki and I enjoying some Authentic Turkish dishes! Delicious!

At the far end of Marmaris there is a lovely Marina where lots of day trip boats dock as well as yachts and cruise ships. I would highly recommend taking one of these day trips out as they take you to about 5 secluded bays where you can get off the boat and swim around in the crystal clear waters. This was great value at just 20 lira (about £8) for the day to include lunch of chicken pasta and salad. You also get to sunbath on the tip deck to soak up the rays in between swims.

I am there somewhere!

The pregnant Nuns house - the tale tells of a Nun from Rhodes who fell in love with a pirate, got pregnant and was banished to live on this island in solitary. They built just a house and a church, where you can just about see the remaining ruins.

In port I was lucky enough to see the Thomson Celebration docked over night. It certainly lived up to its name as they sounded like they were having a right old Celebration onboard as I could hear lots of music and laughter coming from the ship!

Me in front of the Thomson Celebration

An example of this cruise would be:-

6th September 2010 7nts
Marmaris, Bodrum, Izmir, Mykonos, Piraeus, Nauplion, Aghious Nikolaos, Marmaris

With prices from £679pp to include return LGW flights (other airports available) full board.

If you’re anything like me and you like your shopping you can Visit the Bazaar where you will find hundreds of shops from bags, sunglasses, perfumes, jewellery and much more! Just watch those luggage restrictions with your flights as it can be easy to get carried away!

Overall I would certainly recommend taking in this sort of itinerary on your cruise. Turkey has some very exciting and beautiful places to see and is steeped in Culture and History.

I am going away on Holiday...yay!

2010-08-12T10:02:00.000-07:00

Hello to all my cruisers,

Just to let you all know I am off on my holidays from Friday 13th August (unlucky for some but not for me!) and will be back in the office on Monday 23rd August.

I am off to Turkey, not on a cruise unfortunately this time but I am still very much looking forward to it. I am hoping to take in the tradition of the Turkish baths and the fine cuisine of a Turkish Kebab!

I will be sure to take lots of pictures and fill you in with a blog when I get back.
If you have any urgent questions while I am away please email contactus@cruise.co.uk or call the main sales line on 0800 091 5254 - or if you perfer you can leave me a voicemail and I will call you when I return.

BON VOYAGE!

Nightmare of Packing for your holiday...

2010-08-11T07:47:00.000-07:00

We all dread it, we all stress over it....PACKING....its that dreaded word of any holiday!

I am off to Turkey in a few days for a week and have booked low cost flights with Onour Air. I only get a measly 15kg for my checked in luggage and 5kg for my hand luggage. Now, I am not a very light traveller to say the least so for this past week I have been doing trial runs of packing to make sure I dont go over my 15kg and get stung at the airport with ridiculous charges.

As you know you can take as much luggage weight as you like onboard a ship but if you are taking a fly cruise you will of course be restricted to which ever airline you are allocated, weight limits.

This got me thinking. What would be some of the most essential items to pack for your cruise? Here are a list of suggestions of essentials that I have found/been advised over time from clients to help you along the way...feel free to add any that you think are "cruising essential items" for your cruise holiday

airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation
cruise documents
passports and visas (if necessary) or proof of citizenship (check with your cruise line for requirements)
vaccination certificate (if required)
Wallet / Bum bag
driver's license - in case you decide to rent a car when ashore
medical insurance cards and medical history (especially if traveling alone)
another picture ID - if you don't take driver's license
credit cards - be sure to call credit card companies before traveling to alert them you are traveling outside your normal area ATM card
watch
pre-paid phone card
cash or traveler's checks (be sure to keep traveler's checks receipt in separate location)
3 copies of airline tickets, cruise tickets, passports/visas, itinerary - pack 1 copy in carry on, 1 copy in checked luggage, and leave one copy with someone at home
contact numbers to report lost/stolen credit cards or traveler's checks
emergency numbers at home
prescription drugs and any other essential medications in carry on bag
glasses, contacts, contacts cleaner
extra reading glasses
sunglasses
reading sunglasses
guidebooks and other port of call information
foreign language phrase book or dictionary
maps
reading material - books to read while on the plane or lounging by the pool
journal or notebook and pen/pencil - for making notes to tell your friends back home about your experiences
business cards with email address to give out to new cruise friends
currency conversion chart
plug adaptor and converter
Mobile phone and charger

home and email addresses of friends/relatives back home - for sending postcards, emails, or gifts

binoculars

extra film (don't put undeveloped film in checked luggage)

disposable underwater camera - for snorkeling or beach days

digital camera and manual

extra memory cards for digital camera

batteries for digital camera

extension cord with multiple plug-ins

duct tape or strapping tape

Ipod (for walking on deck or on treadmill)
small travel alarm clock - battery operated
lighted dial clock for cruise ship cabin
extra plastic cable-lock ties for securing luggage for return trip (better than locks, but one-time use only)
extra luggage name tags (in case yours are lost on the outbound trip)
zip loc bags of all sizes and garbage/laundry bags
night light
corkscrew (be sure to put in checked luggage)
small umbrella - you just never know the weather!

collapsible travel pillow for those long airplane flights

ear plugs or "ear planes"

small first aid kit (band aids, Q-tips, vaseline, dramamine, antibiotic cream, bandages, anti-diarrheal medication, cortisone

cream, aspirin

playing cards

sports gear (e.g. snorkeling gear)

bug spray (not for your cabin on the ship, but for those pesky mosquitoes and "nonos" ashore)

sun screen/sun block and lip sunblock

germicidal hand cleaner - very usefull on cruise ships and preventing noro virus!

hand lotion

hats/caps/visors
empty folding tote bag - for souvenirs or the beach

clothes pins

sewing kit and scissors (pack in checked luggage)

travel-sized Woolite

handi-wipes

I have to say, I think a few of these really are going to the extreme and preparing for all eventualities but I guess you just never know! I dont think I will be using up too much of my 15kg with any of these, mine will be more shoes and bags I would imagine! :) Happy Cruising....

Arrive at your Cruise or Hotel in style...

2010-08-04T05:34:00.000-07:00

Are you the sort of person that likes to arrive at your destination in style? Like the finer thing in life and for things to run as smoothly as possible?

Private and shared transfers to your Cruise/Hotel destinations can always be a little bit risky, particularly in foreign countries where 9 times out of 10 the driver won’t speak your language. If your flight is delayed will they wait for you? Usually not!

Here at Cruise.co.uk we think we have the answer! We can offer you a luxury transfer service with a difference....

It is a global chauffeur drive service that provides premium, bespoke services to an extensive customer base. They offer ten years experience, providing a very personal and accessible service.

• Services in over 95 countries

• Experienced, professional, personable and discreet chauffeurs.

• A Carbon Neutral fleet of vehicles - these are all Mercedes vehicles and provide newspapers and bottle water.

• You will be provided with a full invoice of your itinerary along with your Drivers contact details BEFORE you travel.

• You also will receive a txt from your driver and hour before hand introducing himself to let you know they will be waiting for you at your detonation.

You can use this service from your doorstep here in the UK to take you down to Southampton Port or even to the airport. Or, if you are doing a package with us you can use it to take you from the airport to your chosen hotel and then down to the port. The possibilities are endless....but one thing that is for sure you can rest assured you will be receiving the highest possible standards and service taking away all the stresses of your travels.

I have just booked this service for one of my clients who had a bad experience in Dubai with his transfer so I wanted to make sure they were going to be looked after. I am 100% confident that this service is going to him an exceptional service; I’m quite excited for him to experience it!

If this is something you may be interested in then do feel free to call me for a personalised quote.

LAST CHANCE TO BOOK MSC FOR FREE ONBOARD CREDIT!

2010-07-28T03:09:00.001-07:00

DONT FORGET to book your 2011 MSC Opera cruise from Southampton by 31st July 2010 to take advantage of theup to £150 per person ON BOARD CREDIT!

On board credit available on every cabin grade! Starting from £50 up to £150

(The On Board Credit offer is applicable to the first 2 adults per cabin on all Southampton to Southampton sailings only)

PLUS…

FREE car parking at the port or FREE return coach transfer to the port.

Or regional flights from Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh & Newcastle to Southampton only £50pp extra - Return!

ALSO DONT FORGET children cruise for FREE on EVERY sailing…unbeatable during school holidays!

You could take a family of four (2adults 2 children) on an 8nts sailing from Southampton on MSC Opera

Southampton, United Kingdom : Amsterdam, Netherlands : La Rochelle, France : Bilbao, Spain : La Coruna, Spain : Cherbourg, France : Southampton, United Kingdom

from just £1950 for the cabin - with £50 onboard credit and free coach/parking

Lots of other dates available but REMEMBER IT ENDS 31ST JULY!

Costa go British!

2010-07-27T07:03:00.000-07:00

Italian owned Cruise Line Costa are going British! Well not quite British but they have announced they will have ships leaving from the UK next summer in a bid to get more Brits on board.
The Italian cruiseline will base Costa Magica from both Harwich and Dover.

There will be a total of 11 cruises which will visit seven European capitals, such as Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Oslo and Edinburgh to name but a few!

Personally I am glad they have decided to have ships leave from the UK as hopefully this will entice more Brits to try out Costa. Cruise lines like Costa and MSC are usually snubbed by the British as they tend have a reputation of just having Spanish and Italians onboard. This will really give Costa the chance to prove themselves to the more discerning of Brits and put them on the UK map.

Meanwhile, the Costa Favolosa will leave from Venice on her maiden cruise on July 7, 2011 on a 10-day voyage to Israel, Greece and Turkey....

Innovations on board Costa Favolosa include six new veranda suites with their own Jacuzzis; a new entertainment area called Club Cavallo Bianco, with a 4D Cinema, PlayStation World, a bar with ice-cream, kids’ dance floor, children’s game room, and a new Aqua Park water playground.

What are you thoughts about Costa? Have you had any Good/Bad experiences to share?

WOW - Royal Caribbean Deal of the Day!

2010-07-20T09:58:00.000-07:00

WOW!

DEAL OF THE DAY from Royal Caribbean

On the Vision of the Seas

Departing 11th November 2010

For a 9 night Mediterranean Cruise

Cruise Itinerary
Fly UK/Venice – Split – Cruising - Naples/Capri – Civitavecchia – Villefranche – Barcelona – Cruising – Seville (Cadiz) – Lisbon/Fly UK

Fly/Cruise Prices from £664pp ex LHR

Fly/Cruise Prices from £824pp ex MAN

Fly/Cruise Prices from £864pp ex EDI

Contact me for for further details and availability....

Free Cruise with Royal Caribbean...!

2010-07-15T04:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a real WOW for you! Fancy winning a free cruise?

Still not booked your holiday for 2010? Well, there’s never been a better time to cruise with Royal Caribbean this year....

Every day in July Royal Caribbean are giving you the chance to

WIN AN 11 NIGHT CRUISE FOR TWO**

When you book any 2010 sailing!

All you need to do is book a 2010 sailing with me and you will automatically be entered into a free daily draw to win your free cruise. Fantastic!

And just to prove it does work, we have already had one lucky Cruise.co.uk winner who has bagged themselves a freebie!

So what are you waiting for? Book your cruise with me today and keep your fingers crossed - with offers from £1199pp for a 14nt sailing you would be mad miss it...

ENDS 31ST JULY 2010 terms and conditions apply ask me for details.

Deal of the Day! Celebrity Cruise at Christmas...

2010-07-13T10:27:00.000-07:00

Fancy getting away this Christmas?? If so check out my fantastic DEAL OF THE DAY....

Celebrity Equinox XMAS CRUISE!

Departing 17th December 2010

12 night Ultimate Caribbean Fly/Cruise

Cruise Itinerary

Fly UK/ Fort Lauderdale – Cruising – Cruising – St Thomas – St Kitts – Barbados – Dominica – St Maarten – Cruising – Cruising – Fort Lauderdale/ Fly UK

FANTASTIC BALCONY STATEROOM PRICES!!

Balcony Prices from £1618 flying from LHR

Balcony Prices from £1688pp Flying from MANCHESTER

Balcony Prices from £1688pp Flying from GLA/EDI

Celebrity Cruises are a 5* Cruise line, the Equinox is part of the Solstice Class of ship which is the newest and most contemporary within the fleet. I have actually been onboard this ship and can personally recommend her! Certainly one of my favourite ships to date.

Call me for further details.

Azamara offers EXTENDED

2010-07-07T03:03:00.000-07:00

Good news all you Azamara fans....they have kindly EXTENDED their offer from my previous blog "Special Single Deal on 5* Azamara" to now end on 31st August 2010.

You could be taking advantage of all this if you book now!

• Free/Reduced Air - from selected gateways in the UK

• $500 per stateroom OBC - for ALL 2010 European sailings (oceanview staterooms and above).

• 100-125% Single Supplements - Just a 25% supplement on (most) selected 2010 European sailings and 0% Single Supplement on a select few 2010 European sailings.

• $1000 per stateroom OBC - on selected sailings in Q4-Q1 2010/11

• Free Veranda Upgrades - Veranda staterooms for the price of an Oceanview is available on selected sailings in Q4-Q1 2010/11

They are beautiful 5* All inclusive ships where luxury and first class service is second to none. Included in your price is gratuities, bottled water, teas and coffees, room service, House Wine at lunch and dinner, shuttle service buses at port an much more.

So what are you waiting for??!!! Book today!

10 myths about cruising.....revealed!

2010-07-06T01:48:00.000-07:00

Theirs no denying that cruising is big business nowadays, but there are still so many people that are under disillusion in regards to the world of cruising and what it actually entails.

Although 12 million people will cruise this year, many other travelers avoid cruises because of one of the 10 myths listed below. Cruising is a wonderful way of taking a holiday so don't let these myths keep you from planning a cruise.....!

1. I will get seasick.
Many people fear seasickness; however, today's cruise ships are very stable and seasickness is a rarity. For those prone to seasickness, there are many remedies available to travelers to alleviate the symptoms.

2. I will get a stomach virus like Norovirus.
Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis. Getting a flu shot will not prevent contracting a norovirus. Noroviruses can be found almost anyplace with lots of people in close proximity, not just cruise ships. Schools and businesses are also norovirus hotbeds. You can decrease your chance of coming in contact with the Norwalk Virus or norovirus on a cruise ship by washing your hands frequently. All cruise ships actively promote this and are VERY vigilant with alcohol rub readily available

3. Cruises are all-inclusive.
Most cruises are not all-inclusive. In an effort to keep the basic price low, most mainstream cruise lines charge for everything that could be considered "extra", from wine to bottled water. As ships become more creative in their onboard activities, more things come at a price. However, the basic cruise fare still includes room, board, and the traditional cruise ship amenities such as a swimming pool and entertainment, so you can cruise and only have to pay for tips and drinks if your choose.

4. I have to dine at assigned times and with people I might not like.
Many cruise ships still feature traditional seating for dinner, with assigned times and tables. However, more and more cruise lines have open seating for dinner, which means you can dine when you like and at different tables. Since today's cruise ships also include alternative dining venues, you can vary your restaurant choices along with your table mates.

5. Cruise ships are crowded.
With the cruise ships being as large as they are now - for example the Oasis of the Seas coming in at a whopping 222,900 gross thousand tonns their really is no need to worry about ships ever feeling too crowded. My advice if this is something you are concerned about is to always ask your cruise agent how big the ship is - my recommendation is to go bigger to ensure you do not feel too claustrophobic.
6. I don't like beaches, so I won't like cruising.
Since most cruises go to the Caribbean, many people associate cruising with this beautiful part of the world. However, a cruise is more than sitting in the sun by the pool, sandy beaches, or sparkling blue waters. Cruise ships visit every continent, and anyone who loves to travel should be able to find a cruise destination that appeals to them. And, you only have to unpack once!

7. Cruise ships are packed with old people.
Many cruisers are senior citizens, but most of these seniors are active, and all of them have amazing stories to tell about their life experiences. A good general rule is the longer and more expensive the cruise, the older the passenger (retired people obviously have more time on there hands!). Fred Olsen is the main cruise line that tends to attract the 55+ market - so just be aware of this. Having said that, I have cruised on the Balmoral with Fred Olsen and I had a wonderful time with lots of other young passengers. If you are looking at Royal Caribbean, P&O, Ocean Village, NCL and Princess, these all are aimed at families, couples and even single travellers alike.

8. Cruise ships are packed with party people.
Most mainstream cruises are marketed to multi-generational families. Although you will find partiers on a cruise ship (myself perhaps being one!), you will also find teetotalers, passengers of all cultures, races, and ages. The one thing all cruisers have in common is a love of travel and having fun, which doesn't necessarily equal wild partying.

9. Cruise ships are dangerous.
Like flying, cruise ships seem to have gotten a bad rap about danger. They are actually very safe, and with over 11 million people cruising each year, the crime rate is very low. There are steps you can take to help ensure a safe cruise vacation.

10. Cruise ships are boring.
Although this is a common fear of non-cruisers, no one should be bored with cruising. You can be as active (or inactive) as you like. Cruise ship activities range from working out in a high-tech gym to sitting on the deck and reading a book. You can learn computer skills, a foreign language. You can enjoy Las Vegas-style entertainment or a classical pianist. Many cruise ships spend all day in port, so you can explore all the fascinating parts of the world. And with new and invative ships that are now around such as Royal Caribbeans Oasis of the Seas with 7 different neighbourhoods onboard, ice skating rinks, rock climbing walls and so so much more you really will be spoiled for choice!

So, with all these points in mind why would you now take a land based holiday?! Cruising is excellent value for money, I dare you to try one soon! Contact me for full professional advice.

How much for a ruined holiday??

2010-06-28T05:22:00.000-07:00

We all hear about "Holidays from Hell" and the media's exposure to such holidays unfortunately instils tremendous apprehension in some client's when booking their holiday. So what would happen if your dream holiday transpired into a nightmare?

Well this is exactly what happened to the Milner family when they booked a 106 day cruise on the maiden voyage of the Queen Victoria. In a recently reported case in the Court of Appeal (Milner v Carnival plc (t/a Cunard) [2010] EWCA Civ 389, the Court of Appeal set out comprehensive guidelines on the assessment of damages in holiday cases.

When Mr &Mrs Milner booked the cruise the brochure promised the experience of a lifetime. Unfortunately rough weather had caused the cabin to resound unusual noises making it impossible for the Milner family to sleep. They were unable to agree an alternative cabin with the cruise line and disembarked the ship at Hawaii after 28 days. Carnival plc refunded the couple £48,270.00 for their troubles; however the Milner family claimed damages for physical loss and mental distress. The Milner family were initially awarded excessive damages to the tune of £15,000.00. Carnival plc appealed in the Court of Appeal and the damages were significantly reduced. The Judge stated that each case would fall on its own merits and in the Milner's case he accepted that this was an exceptional case. He went on to lay down that it was natural for greater damages to be awarded for more extravagant holidays.

So where do you stand?? Should you complain?

Well the "success" of the Milner case now affords greater protection for client's and whilst every client will not have the luxury of pursuing legal action, the outcome of this case, may, to some extent, force the hand of the cruise liners to deal with on board complaints in a manner which will satisfy the client...or else they could face serious consequences!! Often Cruise lines will give you some kind of compensation in the form of a future cruise credit or Onboard credit if you report to them a bad experience, after all they don’t want to lose your custom do they so it is in their best interest to look after you.

As Lord Denning said in 1975:
"People look forward to a holiday. They expect the promises to be fulfilled. When it fails, they are genuinely disappointed and upset. It is difficult to assess in terms of money, but it is the task of the judges to do the best they can"

Here at cruise.co.uk we are always interested to hear about our clients experiences which is why we have the number one website to include sections on cruise reviews, photo's and even questions and answers! In our cruise reviews section we actually reward you for posting a review, be it a good or bad one, by sending you a free Berlitz Guide of cruising worth £16.99! Now what other company can say they do that?

Please feel free to send me any of your personal views and experiences that you may have had so we can advise future passengers.

Fancy being a chef at sea? on P&O Cruises you can!

2010-06-22T03:29:00.000-07:00

Do you think you've got what it takes to be a master chef on the ocean waves?
GMTV are looking for aspiring chefs and offering them the chance of a lifetime to put their culinary skills to the test by learning some tricks of the trade from some of the biggest names in the industry, celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager and Michelin star Marco Pierre White on board the P&O Ventura.

The winner will get a luxury cruise onboard the Ventura for a family of 4 and will also get masterclasses in Marco's Signature restaurant "The White Room" where they will have their dish added to the menu for the duration of the cruise! How Exciting!

If this floats your boat then you will need to complete your entry ASAP, you can do this by clicking the link below

ENTER HERE

Full terms and conditions can be found here

Terms and Conditions

Good Luck from me - I want to hear from anybody who may be thinking or do enter!

Is Thomson Dream going down the plug hole?

2010-06-17T03:31:00.000-07:00

It was supposed to be a Dream...but has is turned into a Nightmare?
It has been reported that Plumbing along with a quite a few other items are major problems on the new Thomson Dream.

A while back i did a blog on a "Dream Makeover for Thomson Dream" where they were proposing to plunge £5million into updating the ship. But is it too little too late? Only weeks after its first sailing for Thomson Cruises, the company's new flagship, Thomson Dream, appears to be falling short of customer expectations!

The inaugural cruise was plagued with problems mainly caused by the ash cloud, as the ship was dozens of crewmembers short and not fully provisioned. Also, the plumbing was less than perfect, with leaky pipes in places and some cabins having no hot water, but by the second voyage, Thomson bosses and senior officers onboard have advised that this was being resolved
One Customers testimonial , Anne Smith, who took her cruise holiday in May, said: "On the second day our toilet was blocked up which we reported and had to do this three times more during the week. Nor were the toilets on our deck working so we had to go looking; the smell on our deck was appalling." Cruise photos of the ships state have confirmed the worst.
Another passenger has stated "The strong smell of sewage was disgusting. All through the cruise on various decks you would find buckets catching dirty water coming from ceilings and large heavy duty blowers attempting to dry carpets."

A statement issued by Thomson Cruises today in response said: “Thomson Cruises are genuinely concerned to hear any reports of customers who are unhappy when travelling on our ship, Thomson Dream.

"We can confirm that the ship is currently experiencing some challenges with its plumbing system and we apologise for any discomfort this may have caused. Understandably, this may be disagreeable, but this is an isolated issue and we are working on resolving the problem as quickly as possible. Over the course of the next two days, additional engineers will arrive on the ship in order to offer further assistance with the task of fixing the problem."

Although the ship is new to Thomson, we have to remember it is actually 24 years old - nearly as old as me! And it has sailed for 3 other cruise lines before being taken over by Thomson, quite a CV if you ask me for a ship. A lot of people are being misinformed about this thinking she is, in actual fact, a new ship! Well after having seen these cruise photo's I just hope that £5million is going to do the trick for her and sooner rather than later!

MSC splashing the onboard cash

2010-06-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

Pssssssssssssssssssss......

Book a 2011 MSC Opera cruise from Southampton

by 30th June 2010 and receive

up to £150pp ON BOARD CREDIT

Applicable to every cabin grade!

(The On Board Credit offer is applicable to the first 2 adults per cabin on all Southampton to Southampton sailings only)

PLUS…

FREE car parking at the port or FREE return coach transfer to the port.

Along with Regional flights from Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh & Newcastle to Southampton

only £50pp Return.

plus children cruise FREE on EVERY Booking! absolutely AMAZING!!!!

Call me for prices and itineraries!

REMEMBER ITS ONLY VALID UNTIL 30TH JUNE 2010

Fancy seeing Barenaked Ladies on a Cruise??

2010-06-09T07:43:00.000-07:00

Well you can! But sorry guys not the kind that you are thinking of!! Its the Canadian alternative rock band, Barenaked Ladies, of course! :)

They will be onboard the NCL Dawn - Sailing February 6-11, 2011 from Miami on the Ships and Dip 4 will be five days of music and non-stop fun you won’t want to miss! They will be joined by Ships and Dip favorites Guster, and many more friends to be announced soon.

When you’re not rocking the high seas, you’ll be visiting the beautiful ports of Costa Maya and Belize City. Could you ask for more? A ship full of your favorite music, ports full of adventure, and a holiday full of unpredictable moments awaits you.

It all takes place onboard the Norwegian Dawn, a full-service cruise ship with multiple pools, bars, restaurants, 24-hour room service and a Las Vegas style casino.

Click here for more ship information

How will the shows run I hear you ask?

Each passenger will receive one ticket to a headlining Barenaked Ladies show. You will select your seating zone at the time of booking and will be issued your specific seating assignment about 4 weeks prior to sailing. All other non-headlining shows on board are run “festival style” and you can come and go as you please—no tickets required!

Enjoy this Wonderful jam packed Itinerary:-
• Sunday

February 6, 2011 -

Leave Port of Miami at 4pm. All passengers must be on board by 3pm, so we recommend booking your flights into Miami to arrive no later than noon.

• Monday
February 7, 2011 -

Rockin' Day at Sea

• Tuesday
February 8, 2011 -

8:00am - 5:00pm; To learn more about shore excursion for Costa Maya, click here. Shore excursions will be available for purchase once you have your booking number (about four to six weeks before sailing)

• Wednesday
February 9, 2011 -

8:00am - 6:00pm; To learn more about shore excursions in Belize City, click here. Shore excursions will be available for purchase once you have your booking number (about four to six weeks before sailing)

• Thursday
February 10, 2011 -

Rockin' Day at Sea

• Friday
February 11, 2011 -

Arrive at 8am. We recommend that you book your flights home no earlier than noon to ensure ample travel time.

Have you ever sailed on a music themed cruise? If so feel free to tell me all about it....

Special Single Deals on 5* Azamara! Affordable Luxury...

2010-06-08T04:06:00.000-07:00

Are you a single cruiser and fed up with paying 75-100% supplements? Well, worry no more as have I found a fantastic offer for you!

Azamara are offering an amazing NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT on their ships Azamara Journey and Quest. They are beautiful 5* All inclusive ships where luxury and first class service is second to none. Included in your price is gratuities, bottled water, teas and coffees, room service, House Wine at lunch and dinner, shuttle service buses at port an much more.

Here are examples of just some of the sailings you could take advantage of on this single offer....

18th June 2010 12nts

Copenhagen : Oslo : Eidfjord : Bergen : Olden : Geiranger : Molde : Alesund : Flam : Stavanger : Copenhagen

30th June 2010 12nts

Copenhagen : Berlin (Warnemunde) : Berlin (Warnemunde) : Helsinki : St. Petersburg : St. Petersburg, Russia : St. Petersburg : Tallinn : Stockholm : Stockholm : Copenhagen

Travel on other dates for just a 25% supplement!

On top of this you will also get $500 per cabin onboard spending money (European sailings only) and that is NOT reduced for single passengers so you still get the $500 - fantastic!

Feel free to call me for more details on this luxury but affordable cruiselines

World Cup hits Fever Pitch with MSC!

2010-06-04T03:45:00.000-07:00

THE 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP™ ON BOARD MSC CRUISES SHIPS

Well, if you are anything like my boyfriend you will be getting quite excited by now by the immanent World Cup that is ahead of us! I myself have to admit that I am not a football fan so to speak but I will of course be looking to support our Country for the World Cup, C'mon boys!

If you are luckily enough to be planning an MSC holiday or if you have one booked already and your husband is stressing about missing out on the games then fear not.....
"MSC Cruises has acquired the rights to broadcast the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ games aboard all our cruise ships.

The football games will be broadcast in the public areas; some bars, and particularly those ships with sports bars, will be specially branded for the games and will welcome supporters passionately following their own favourite teams. Dedicated areas will be decorated with football pennants, balloons and decorations with the teams’ colours, and activities such as sports-related trivia challenges will be organized to boost adrenaline and friendly rivalry among fans.

Special cocktails for each nation will be served at the bars such as the England cocktail with Pimm’s and Ginger ale and the Italy cocktail with Campari, Martini Rosso and soda water. Hamburgers, hot dogs, crisps and beers will be available at the restaurants during the games to create a typical stadium atmosphere"

Sounds good to me, so if you couldn't decide before now then this should give you a little boost! May even book up myself with all that on offer :)

Sizzling Hot Summer Deals!

2010-05-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

Psssstttt....want a Sizzling Hot deal for your summer holiday?? Dont we all!

Well I have hand picked out some real scorching Gems for you, check these special rate deals out for your eyes only!

Try a brand new stunning ship, the P&O Azura, for 2 whole weeks in July! Cruising to the beautiful destinations below:-

Southampton, England : Kristiansand : Stockholm : Tallinn, Estonia : St. Petersburg, Russia : St. Petersburg, Russia : Helsinki, Finland : Copenhagen, Denmark : Oslo, Norway : Southampton, England

All this for just an amazing price of £1099pp leading fare! Or upgarde to Oceanview for just and extra £100pp! AMAZING!

Want some sunshine? Then check out this Special Med Offer on P&O Oriana 14nts:-

Southampton, England : Barcelona, Spain : Cannes, France : Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy : Rome, Civitavecchia, Italy : Mallorca (Palma), Spain : Valencia : Gibraltar : Southampton, England

This wonderful itinerary can be yours for just an absolutely incredible £999pp!

Fancy doing an itinerary thats a little bit different without compromising on the price?? Well this is certainly the deal for you, you can do 18nts on Aurora, yes 18NTS on 18th June:-

Southampton, England : Cork, Ireland : Dublin, Ireland : Qaqortoq, Greenland : Nuuk : Reykjavik, Iceland : Akureyri, Iceland : Alesund, Norway : Geiranger, Norway : Bergen, Norway : Stavanger : Southampton, England

Prices starting from £1199pp for an inside cabin £1399pp oceanview and £1499pp balcony!

These deals are just a sample of the great offers that are around in the world of cruising at the moment, so why delay? BOOK TODAY!

Why Cruise from the UK with Celebrity?!

2010-05-23T05:23:00.000-07:00

CELEBRITY ECLIPSE FROM SOUTHAMPTON

Fantastic reasons to sail from Southampton on Celebrity Eclipse - Avoid the disruption with the flights and Volcanic Ash! With so many passengers being affected by the airlines at the moment, what better hassle free way to travel than straight out of the UK!

The third in the luxurious Solstice class, Celebrity Eclipse is the first ever Celebrity Cruises' ship to sail out of Southampton and presents sophisticated innovations alongside breathtaking design and award-winning cuisine.

No Need to Fly!
Sail direct from Southampton with no long airport queues, no hassle
and no stress.

No Baggage Restrictions!
Bring home as many souvenirs as you like!

Convenient Local Coach Transfers!
Travel to Southampton with ease and convenience

Onboard Activities!
Celebrity Eclipse features some fantastic onboard activities including the first ever onboard iLounge, the Hot Glass Show and the luxurious Aqua Spa.....

Here is an example of a great deal you could get this summer:-

24th July 2010 14nts - Inside from £1519pp Outside from £1659pp Balcony from £1799pp for 5* Luxury!

Contact me for more details

Grand Princess is Cleaning itself up!

2010-05-20T06:52:00.000-07:00

It has been brought to my attention that, due to an outbreak of Gastrointestinal illnesses onboard the Grand Princess at the moment, they have advised future passengers due to go on her this Saturday 22nd May that the embarkation will be delayed until 2pm with a recommendation that passengers do not arrive before 3.30pm to avoid long queues. This is to allow them to give the ship a comprehensive disinfecting to try and eliminate all traces of the bug.

Fingers crossed this deep clean will work and there will be no further outbreaks onboard! Please be vigilant and stick to the guidelines such as cleaning your hands regularly and using the disinfectant dispensers provided onboard, try to use use your own toilet facilities also to avoid any cross contamination.

Flights - its the law!

2010-05-19T02:46:00.000-07:00

I was sat drinking my cup of tea over the Sunday Times last Sunday and came across a very interesting article in the travel section. It is regarding the Volcanic Ash and how the airlines are "supposed" to be acting under the EU law, but are they acting lawfully?? Well, according to this article they are not! No surprise there then...

With Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull Volcano threatening a long summer of disrupted travel, passenger’s seeking to rebook or claim refunds for flights have been reporting that airlines are in flagrant breach of EU compensation laws.
So what are the laws and what are they obliged to do i hear you ask?
Well, according to the EU law passengers whose flights have been cancelled should be able to choose between a full refund, payable within seven days, or rebooking the flight at a later date, at no extra cost and at their own convenience. Yet, according to the Air Transport Users Council (AUC) which is an airline watchdog, this is not happening. James Freemantle quote "Our view is that certain airlines are in defiance of the law, they're charging supplement and applying time frames which is in breach of the regulation"

Which airlines are the worst?
BMI baby has imposed a 21 day rebooking window, with Easy Jet at 30 days. Whilst Virgin is warning passengers that rebooked flights may attract a "seasonal supplement"

BA has defended however, that they have followed the rules! A bit rich if you ask me considering they are trying to cause more disruption on top of this with their ridiculous strikes! Granted though, they are allowing passengers to rebook without restriction and at no extra cost. Every cloud and all that I guess.

What do they have to do for you if you are affected?
The long and short of it is that if your flight is cancelled and your airline is based in the EU, you can either rebook your flight to a date of your choice at NO extra cost or take a refund. Also if you are stranded overseas you are entitled to meals and refreshments and hotels where applicable.

My advice at this stage is if you are planning a Cruise and it is a Fly Cruise, to do it as a package with the Cruise line. I know it works out slightly more, especially if it is just flying to places like Barcelona or Malaga but if you want to avoid having to do the above with the flight companies then its the best option as it is completely up to the cruise line you have booked with to either get you an alternative flight or if they cant do that then give you a refund for your cruise or transfer it to a later date.

If you have had any experiences of the Volcanic Ash disruption we would be interested to hear about it, good and bad?

How to win a Free Cruise....Fred Olsen style!

2010-05-11T02:05:00.000-07:00

Ever dreamt of a Cruise over Christmas? Would never be able to afford it at that time of year? Want me to let you in on a secret on how you can?! Then read on…….
This is an exclusive from me to all my Blog readers!

To Win a fabulous 15-night pre-Christmas fly-cruise holiday, on board the ship Braemar, courtesy of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines you need to Visit the Daily Telegraph! I found this after doing some research and thought I would share it with you all.

The lucky winner and a companion will depart on December 9, 2010, from London Gatwick on an exclusive Fred.Olsen aircraft to Barbados.

After a night on board the ship Braemar and a full day in Barbados, the cruise visits exotic Curaçao, Aruba, Jamaica (Ocho Rios), Costa Maya, Cozumel, Havana, Grand Cayman and Montego Bay in Jamaica, from where the winner and guest will fly home, arriving in London on December 24, 2010.

This is an absolutely stunning itinerary and I’m sure the lucky winner will have an absolutely fabulous time!

Fred Olsen is a very homely, Traditional British fleet. The Breamar is a lovely little ship of approximately 23,000 gross tons holding 977 passengers at full capacity. It is the perfect way of seeking out the world’s best ports in good old British style!

Your entries must arrive no later than Wednesday, June 30, 2010 so don’t delay!

Click on this link to complete your entry

To win - ENTER HERE

GOOD LUCK FROM ME!!!

BA.....what on earth are they playing at??

2010-05-11T01:07:00.000-07:00

After just getting over the last strikeover Christmas BA have decided to do it again! I cannot believe they have announced that they may be striking again

The first strike is proposed to begin on 18 May, ending on 22 May, with the three further strikes beginning on 24 May, 30 May and 5 June.

All of this is down to pay and working conditions, which is fair enough for the workers but my question is why aren't BA listening to them and doing something about it?

I am getting rather fed up of having to clean up the Airlines problems as they leave such a trail of disaster by striking.

With everything that’s happened recently regarding the Volcanic Disruption it just seems like its one thing after another for the aviation industry at the moment!

Stay tuned for further updates and advice in what to do if the strikes affect you.....

Cruise Lines are Fuelling the Fire!

2010-05-10T05:01:00.000-07:00

BEWARE! CHARGE AHEAD!

As of today P&O and Cunard have introduced a Fuel Surcharge on all bookings made for sailings from 1st November 2010. This will be at a charge of £2.50per person per day, up to a maximum of £100 per trip. This applies to every passenger even 3rd and 4th but the good news is if you have a free childs place the charge will not apply.

My question to all you cruisers is what are your thoughts on this new charge? Will it affect who you decided to cruise with, or if you cruise at all?

With the increase in Fuel costs and the Economy the way that it is at the moment are the cruise lines justified in passing this down to the "people who matter" being the passengers who purchase the cruises?

Cunard quote that "We regret having to take this action, but fuel price increases have continued, and we now find it necessary to implement a modest supplement,"

Your cruise agent will advise you on the charge when you are getting prices for your desired cruise. Please be advised that this cannot be discounted and therefore will be added onto the final discounted price.

It will be very interesting to see when Royal Caribbean follow the band wagon....I will, or course, keep you posted!

A Dream Makeover for the Thomson Dream!

2010-05-07T08:56:00.000-07:00

TUI will be spending up to £5 million on new ship Thomson Dream after it takes delivery of the vessel in April next year, In a bid to make it more appealing to Brits. Although, they are undecided on how they will spend the money, im sure i can give them a few ideas!

Managing director, David Selby, said it was too early to say what changes should be made but has suggested he feels there should be a few "Tweeks"

“My initial view was that the casino was in the wrong place and the space could be better used for more cabins, but on this inaugural passengers found it and were spending money in it,” he said.

“We’ll probably change the signs to the Tui blue quite soon as that doesn’t cost much, but otherwise I want time to see the ship operating full so we can see what areas work for Thomson passengers.”

"One immediate change has been to make the à la carte restaurant more Brit-friendly with pasta, lobster, chicken and beef dishes on the menu. Last week, crew were painting the area around the pool roof Tui blue."

So here's your chance. After all the negative feedback Thomson Dream has received recently, how do YOU think Thomson should spend their £5million? We'd especially love to hear from those who have sailed on her as you guys will know exactly, what, if anything needs the attention and revamp!

I have booked a few cleints onboard her for next year so hopefully they can come back to me and let me know if these "Tweeks" were worth while or if the money would be better spent on the Island Escape perhaps???

Exotics 2011/12 Launch dates are here!

2010-05-05T10:41:00.000-07:00

As you may or may not know, over the past couple of weeks the cruise lines have been launching their 2011 dates for Mediterranean sailings.

Well, the time has finally arrived where we have been given, albeit provisional; launch dates for the 2011/12 Exotics/Caribbean and Alaska sailings for Princess, Cunard and P&O.

So, if you fancy something different next year to the normal Med sailings then you will need to put these dates in your dairy!

Princess Cruises Alaska 2011: 28th June

Princess Cruises Caribbean 2011/12: 12th July

P&O Cruises & Cunard World Cruise 2012: 15th July

Princess Cruises Exotics 2011/12: TBC

These are subject to change though so do keep your eye on my blog for any updates if they come through.

Fiji

I personally feel it would be nice if they maybe introduced new destinations like Malaysia, Mauritius or Fiji for 2011 as, although they have fantastic exotic itineraries, they are becoming perhaps slightly repetitive?

What other destinations would you like Princess to introduce for their Alaska, Caribbean or Exotic programme - where would you really like to go that the cruise lines currently dont touch on?

Vietnam-NhaTrang

Last minute Bargains on P&O

2010-05-03T06:04:00.000-07:00

Are you fed up of waiting for Summer? Need a break from the hustle and bustle and the grind of work? Well take a look at some of these last minute P&O deals i have put together for you!

VENTURA 22nd May 2010 14 nights

Southampton, England : Lisbon, Portugal : Mallorca (Palma), Spain : Barcelona, Spain : Cannes, France : Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy : Rome, Civitavecchia, Italy : Gibraltar : Southampton, England

Outside £1099pp balcony £1199pp superior balcony £1399pp or try a suite for just an incredible £1899pp!

ARCADIA 2nd June 2010 14nights - adult only ship

Southampton, England : Gibraltar : Ajaccio, Corsica : Rome, Civitavecchia, Italy : Santa Margherita : Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy : Villefrance : Barcelona, Spain : Southampton, England

Inside £899pp Outside £999pp Balcony £1499pp

AZURA 2nd July 2010 14 nights - Try this stunning brand new ship!

Inside £999pp Balcony £1399pp Superior Balcony £1699pp

P&O are a great all round British cruise line, the best thing about that is you dont have any sneaky service charges added to your onboard account or more importantly your drinks bills! You are free to tip the staff as you please. You will pay pub prices for drinks and everything is £ sterling so you can keep a keen eye on what you are spending.

These offers are going fast so HURRY HURRY HURRY!

contact me for more information on these
0800 408 6089
juliar@cruise.co.uk

Cunard Launch day - huge success for Cruise.co.uk!

2010-04-26T13:22:00.000-07:00

Well, i am back home and exhausted after, what can only be described, as an extremely manic but exciting day!

We were all hands on deck at 1pm today for the launch of Cunard 2011 sailings, finger and phones at the ready to secure our pre-registered clients the best cabin availability and boy what a good job we did! I am pleased to report they we literally managed to get nearly all of the cabins required, a huge success even if we do say so ourselves!

The QE was obviously going to be the most popular and difficult to get hold of, I had 4 cabins to try and secure. It started off with a bang at 1pm when we were all trying to access the sailings, one of my sailings on 28th October 2011 QE was completely locked out on the system, it was sheer panic....but once up and running we managed to secure our cabins without a hitch, phew! Then we have the great job of calling our clients back to be the bearer of good news and let them know they are all booked up, best part of the job if you ask me :)

Its not over yet though, today was just the beginning as tomorrow is the start of the P&O sailings from 8am.....here we go again....!!!

Going for Gold...P&O Launch day!

2010-04-24T07:43:00.000-07:00

Today was the launch of the 2011 dates exclusively for the P&O Gold Tier Portunus members. This morning we were all hands on deck (excuse the pun!) at 9am for Adonia and 11am for all other sailings, and I am happy to report that it was all smooth sailing!

Every agent in the office seemed to be able to secure their clients the exact cabins and grades they wanted and more importantly at the prices specified!!!

There is still time to get yourselves Pre-Registered for the launch dates next week of all other sailings - this is the best way to ensure you will get the best availability at the best prices.

STILL TO COME...

Monday 26th April:

Princess –Europe - to everyone from 8 AM
Cunard – World Club members from 1 PM

Tue 27 Apr
P&O Cruises - March, April and May cruises on sale to everyone from 8 AM
Cunard to all From 8AM

Wed 28 Apr
P&O Cruises - June, July, August cruises on sale to everyone from 8AM

Thu 29 Apr
P&O Cruises - September, October, November cruises on sale to everyone from 8 AM

Fri 30 Apr
P&O Cruises - Remaining cruises including 2012 spring Euromed and Caribbean fly programmes on sale to everyone from 8AM

Celebrity saves the day! Eclipse is off to Spain....

2010-04-21T03:55:00.000-07:00

I came in to the office yesterday all excited about my impending trip on the brand new Celebrity Eclipse which was scheduled for Thursday and Friday, only to receive this email....

"Dear Guest

Clearly the volcano in Iceland has caused havoc to the travel industry and holidaymakers worldwide. We have been monitoring the considerable impact that the eruption of the Eyjafjallajoekull volcano in Iceland has had and owing to this unprecedented experience, we have been considering how Celebrity Cruises, new ship, Celebrity Eclipse, could help repatriate some of the stranded holidaymakers to the UK.

With this in mind and after much consideration we have taken the decision to deploy Celebrity Eclipse to Spain this week to collect UK and Irish holidaymakers who have been delayed, by up to five days, to assist with their repatriation.

Therefore regrettably we have taken the decision to cancel the first two-night inaugural celebration sailing from Southampton (22-24 April).

Whilst we know that this will be a disappointment, we hope that you understand this change of plan.

We thank you in advance for your understanding"

Obviously I was absolutely distraught but I have to say I was VERY impressed with Celebrity for offering to do this, especially with one of their brand new ships! It really does show true camaraderie for the stranded passengers who have, until now, not really had any kind of hope of returning back home anytime soon! My Colleague Emma is stranded in Lanzarote and my friend Jo is stuck in Turkey; neither of them has been able to yet get a flight home and are likely to be stuck for a few days more. It really is a shame, but God does work in mysterious ways and we should never forget this!

All in all after a nightmare of being stranded the passengers being collected are in for a real treat with the Eclipse, not a bad way of being returned home if you ask me!

Want Free Money? Think P&O.....OFFER EXTENDED

2010-04-20T11:17:00.000-07:00

MONEY = MONEY = MONEY = MONEY = MONEY = MONEY!

Then think P&O!

DOUBLE ONBOARD CREDIT OFFER HAS BEEN EXTENDED!!!

Offer now ends FRIDAY 23rd APRIL- DONT MISS OUT!

click here for full sailings and onboard credit on offer
Double Onboard Credit

MONEY = MONEY = MONEY = MONEY = MONEY = MONEY

juliar@cruise.co.uk

0800 408 6089