Enjoying your favorite form of entertainment while at sea can be a great way to enhance your holiday. For those who like to play the slots, try their hand at card playing or their luck at a variety of other casino games, there are cruise lines that cater for the type of passenger that loves to gamble.

While you are in search of cruise deals, consider an exciting Norwegian cruise. It’s not a secret that Norwegian poker tournaments are some of the most lucrative in the world. While at sea it is possible to participate in some of the most exhilarating card games you will have ever experienced, such as Texas hold’em.

Many of the cruise ships that head to Norwegian waters are the best cruise ships for poker players. Some are well known for their high-rolling Monte Carlo theme nights. Many of these ships are fully equipped with blackjack tables and slot machines. After a great win at cards passengers can enjoy the after-hour bars that includes a cigar lounge and live piano bar.

Hermanus, located on the southern coast of South Africa, is renowned for offering the best land-based whale watching opportunities to be found in the world.  This coastal town is known as the ‘Whale Capital of the World’, as well as the ‘Riviera of the South’.  Hermanus is located on the Whale Coast Route near Cape Town, South Africa and enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate.
 
Southern Right and Humpback whale sightings usually begin in the middle of May each year, and by September visitors will be able to see the magnificent creatures gently floating within a few feet of the shoreline.  The whales come so close to shore that the callosities on their heads can be seen quite clearly; these callosities form unique patterns on each whale, and are the whale equivalent of a human fingerprint.  These gentle giants will usually come in close to the shoreline to give birth, and whale watchers can gaze in silent awe as this miracle of nature unfolds before them.
 
There is a unique cliff path that meanders for about 12 kilometres along the Hermanus coastline.  This coastal path offers spectacular vantage points from which to see the whales frolicking and relaxing among the otters, seals, and dolphins that also inhabit the bay.  While walking along this path visitors can also admire the colourful coastal vegetation, and observe rock rabbits darting to and fro.  At low tide, whale watchers can stand on rocks that are nearly at sea level and be up close and personal with the gentle creatures that have migrated from Antarctica.  By December, most of them will have begun their journey back home.

Hermanus is about a one and a half hour drive from Cape Town International Airport and can be reached either via scenic coastal Clarence Drive, or by taking a route which travels over a spectacular mountaintop.

The Baltic States include the nations of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.  These nations were once part of the Soviet Union but are now independent states.  Riga, the capital of Latvia, is one of the most interesting cities in this region located north of Poland and south of Finland.

Riga is a thoroughly modern city which has managed nevertheless to embrace and celebrate the glories of its past.  Riga possesses the 13th tallest television tower in the world; this structure is one of the tallest buildings in the European Union. 

At the same time, Riga maintains ties to its historic past and serves as a repository of much European culture from outside its borders as well.  The Latvian National Opera, for example, was founded in 1918 and is still in operation today; the theatre’s repertoire includes opera masterpieces from across the continent of Europe.  The National Opera also houses the nation’s most significant ballet troupe.

The Latvian National Theatre, founded in 1919, is one of the biggest theatres in the nation.  It specialises in preserving the theatrical traditions to be found in the Latvian school of drama.  The Riga Russian Theatre, established in 1883, features classical plays and includes works from Russian playwrights and experimental works from other foreign playwrights.

Visitors who prefer a bit more humour will enjoy the Latvian State Puppet Theatre in Riga, which has been presenting shows for children and adults since 1944.  Modern plays are performed in the New Riga Theatre, which opened in 1992.

The British Virgin Island of Anguilla is fast becoming a celebrity retreat and top tourist hotspot for millionaire travellers and distinguished holidaymakers seeking simple luxury in a pristine paradise.    Thanks to strict regulations that keep the landscape untouched- no large cruise ships, casinos or shopping malls are around here – Anguilla has had its share of growth recently and arguably has the highest concentration of luxury properties on any island.  Caribbean holidays in Anguilla are all about exploring refined tastes, as this tiny island is becoming decidedly more sophisticated each day.

The small runway is perfect for private executive charter jets.  Once here, a luxurious accommodation option in this small paradise is the Malliouhana Hotel and Spa, a luxury resort overlooking cliffs.  Haitian art fills the rooms and jungle themes grace the terraces and common areas in this elegantly decorated resort.  Its posh new suites and pool areas add relaxation, while its spa, one of the best in the Caribbean, offers supreme pampering.

Anguilla also has a collection of super luxurious villas, featuring enormous rooms and classy minimalist interior filled with luxury amenities for a short home away from home stay.  Personal chefs, 45 foot swimming pools, private gyms, concierge and butlers are part of these masterfully architected villa rentals.

Known as one of Europe’s unspoilt gems, Portugal is a country of vibrant cities. This land of tradition is a wonderful cheap holiday destination for singles, couples and families looking to enjoy a little bit of everything. The country’s capital city of Lisbon has allot to offer including the Monsanto Forest Park, which is one of the largest urban parks in Europe.

Portugal is well known for its many ancient wonders and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These ancient wonders are scattered throughout the lands of Portugal but can be easily found.

The town of Porto is a beautiful place filled with picturesque neighbourhoods, large plazas and old world trams that still run through the streets. For a special treat, enjoy a cruise in a Douro, which are traditional boats once used to transport wine. 

If you climb the town’s main hill you will come to the Porto Cathedral. This is one of the best places in Porto to take scenic photos, which can be done after you’ve taken a few of the beautiful 12th century cathedral that adorns the hilltop. For more beautiful views, head to the towns of Avenida dos Aliados, Praca de Riberia, and Torre dos Clerigos that has a water tower, allowing more great views.

The UK cruising industry has seen a large increase in demand as the cost of flying continues to rise. It seems many people simply realize the value of taking a cruise, especially when they compare the cost to taking a similar trip by other means. 

There are currently numerous cruise deals from the UK with more being added each year. The main departure ports include Dover, Southampton and Tilbury; however, there are other UK ports with regular sailings.  If you are interested in taking part in a cruise this season your choices are almost endless.  

The Mediterranean is a common choice for those wanting a little sun and warm beaches to shake off the winter blues.  It remains the second most sought after destination. This cruising area is divided into two sections, the Western and the Eastern Mediterranean.  For those wanting to visit Italy, Spain, Portugal and France, you will need to book with a cruise company that travels through the seas of the Western Mediterranean. For those who have always wanted to explore Greece, Croatia, Turkey and other countries east of Italy, book your next cruise with a ship that travels the waters of the Eastern Mediterranean.

The standard cruise months are normally May to October, however it’s not uncommon to see cruise companies offering deals as early as March and as late as November.  Book a 2012 cruises while there are great deals to be had.

As China continues to emerge as an enthusiastic trader with the West, this once mysterious nation is becoming ever more popular as a holiday destination.  With regular flights now available from most western cities, this huge and enigmatic nation is truly opening up, whether visitors want to experience its vibrant cities or stunning landscapes. There are several locations that are particularly popular with tourists.

Beijing

Since the 2008 Olympics truly put Beijing on the world stage, the city has been a magnet for visitors from Britain and Europe, the Antipodes, the USA and Canada.

The so-called Forbidden City is located in the heart of the metropolis. This is China’s best-preserved imperial palace. Covering 74 hectares, it is also the largest ancient palatial structure in the world. From Beijing visitors can also book a tour along the fabled Great Wall.

Shanghai

Tourists are traditionally drawn to Shanghai’s main attractions, although the more intrepid love exploring places of interest, which are well off the beaten track. English language tours will take visitors to interesting destinations such as Yu Garden, with its ancient trees and pagodas. Another popular option is cycle tours.

Nanjing Road boasts China’s ‘number one shopping street’, offering a huge variety of tempting merchandise. The Bund (quay), headquarters of European, American and Japanese trading houses, is a stretch of neo-classical buildings that have recently been renovated. The skyline is particularly impressive at night.

Guangzhou

Located on the southern coastline, Guangzhou offers visitor attractions, including the Five Ram Statue in Yuexiu Park and White Cloud Mountain.

Guangzhou by night

Picture courtesy of micmac9a

Famous cruise line, Cunard, has now announced that its ships will no longer sail under the British flag.

The company’s three ships, (Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria ad Queen Elizabeth) are set to be registered in Bermuda, so that weddings can take place on board the ships. This is against the UK law. Because the ships have been registered in Bermuda, the ships will also no longer have ‘Southampton’ painted across them; instead this will be replaced by Bermuda’s capital, ‘Hamilton’.

It is being questioned about whether the cruise line can even call its self ‘British’ anymore, the company is led by an American giant and does not have one ship now registered in the UK.

The company believes it will be able to generate more revenue by cashing in on the lucrative weddings at sea market as appose to its normal UK cruises.

Wedding’s on ships are not allowed under the UK law, as the UK law states that a wedding must occur in a publically accessible place.

But there is some debate about whether weddings at sea are the real reason behind the change of flag. Britain’s new Equality Act 2010 means that workers from EU countries employed on British-ships must be paid wages equal to those of British citizens, therefore un-registering it’s ships with the UK, means that un-fair EU wages can still be paid.

‘It’s not about weddings, it’s about bottom line.’

Cunards Queen Mary 2 in the Bahamas

Picture courtesy of Tom Mascardo

In 2010, holidaymakers were left confused due to the collapse of major travel companies such as ‘Goldtrail,’ ‘XL’, and ‘Kiss Flights.

The ‘Red Flag Alert’ report, that the economic downturn is ruining holiday bookings and enhancing the risk of failure within travel and tourism operators.

A new report claims that the huge drop in people booking holidays will shortly lead to a new wave of company failure. The report has revealed that the number of businesses affected by this financial downturn has rose by a massive 49% in the last year. The report stresses the amount of companies under pressure exclaiming that the amount of struggling companies have risen by 3 per cent year on year and have risen by 29% in just the last three months alone.

‘Consumers are reining in their spending. Sectors reliant on discretionary spending are bearing the brunt.’

One business specialist claimed: “The months leading up to Christmas could either make or break high street names.”

The awareness over the extent of travel companies struggles came as famous tourism company, Thomas Cook announced that they had just taken a new short-term loan with its banks for due to its seasonal low points coming up in the next couple of months. The loan comes after three profit warnings throughout the year and the departure of the companies’ chief executive, which is believed to have caused an 80% drop in share price.

Cancelled flights

Picture courtesy of comedy_nose

Calgary, a burgeoning city of over a million, is known as the heart of the New West. Nestled in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, this bustling city has much to offer for your next holiday.

Spend a few hours among relics of history and learn about the cowboy background of the area at the Glenbow Museum. To continue your historical tour, visit Fort Calgary, a national historic site where the town first sprung to life. You might also visit Lougheed House, a mansion and gardens built in 1881 and spread over a 2.8acre estate. There is also Heritage Park Historical Village, a re-creation of the original ‘wild-west’ town.

For a more contemporary day of exploring, stroll around the shops, boutiques and restaurants of Stephen Avenue in the downtown area or take in some live music at Olympic Plaza, the site of the medal ceremonies during the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. Calgary Tower offers a 360° view of the city and surrounding area; it even has a glass floor looking 190m down to the city streets.

There are numerous museums in the area, including the Aerospace Museum and Telus World of Science. Visit both exotic and local wildlife at Calgary Zoo, Botanical Garden and Prehistoric Park. Calgary’s world-famous Stampede takes place in July each year and offers ten days of cowboy excitement. There is a rodeo with bull riding and bucking broncos, chuck-wagon races and a funfair area that thrills with spinning rides, gooey candyfloss and carnival games.

Flights from many international airports, including London, arrive daily at Calgary International Airport.

Fort Calgary and Area

Picture courtesy of MMDA 325-INGLEWOOD