Cruise Holidays

A Cruise Holiday around the Mediterranean

Many people choose to spend their holidays on a large luxury cruise ship. Cruises go to many destinations and are of various durations. On some you will spend the whole time enjoying the services on board the ship; on others you will stop somewhere almost every day. This article aims to provide you with information about cruises around the Mediterranean, so you can choose somewhere to go for your cruise holidays 2011.

Italy, Greece and Egypt

You can take a nine night MSC Cruise around the Mediterranean, visiting Italy, Greece and Egypt. Inside cabins (single or double) are offered at a cheaper price than the outside cabins. However both types of cabin offer comfortable beds, a spacious wardrobe, bathroom with shower, interactive television and a telephone. There are also more luxury cabins available at a higher price.

Eastern Mediterranean: Barcelona to Barcelona

An Eastern Mediterranean cruise departing from Barcelona and returning to Barcelona lasts 13 nights on a NCL Norwegian Jade Liner. A number of different suites exist, including the inside stateroom and penthouse. This cruise ship stops at various places in Italy and Greece.

Ultimate Mediterranean Cruise

The Ultimate Mediterranean cruise leaves the port of Southampton in the United Kingdom and stops at several places in Spain, Italy and France. This cruise lasts for 18 nights on the Royal Caribbean International Independence of the Seas. This luxury liner offers a number of bedroom options, including less pricey inside rooms and more expensive balcony rooms. The reviews of this ship speak for themselves, with many people recommending it based on the high quality of service.

Posted in Cruise Holidays, Europe | Leave a comment

Enjoy history and scenery with a Baltic cruise holiday

If you want a memorable way to travel and see the world, as well as taking in lots of culture then you should consider taking a Baltic cruise holiday, for your main holiday this year. There is one problem though with taking a cruise holiday, if you have never taken one before, is that you will get hooked on the whole experience and explore the rest of the world this way.

This is why a good first cruise would be a Baltic cruise, you will be able to visit world-famous cities like Stockholm to take part in some rich shopping and dining experiences, or explore the huge variety of culture available in the ports along the Northern European coast and follow in the footsteps of the Vikings. Many major ports are covered as you set sail along the waters where epic clashes between Russian, German and British fleets vying for control of the seas took place.

There are varying itineraries for Baltic cruises, with stops in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Riga, and Tallinn, but you should find one that covers the placers you want to see and if you can’t you will just have to take another cruise holiday next year to cover the rest! Plus there are plenty cruise holiday deals for 2011 available so you should also be able to find the right cruise for your budget.

The great things about taking a cruise holiday, have to be the fact that you don’t have to worry about the travelling, as the captain of the ship does that for you, you don’t have to think to hard about eating as there is always plenty of choice for meals onboard and it’s easy to find entertainment for those days spent at sea, or on an evening.

Posted in City Guide, Cruise Holidays | Leave a comment

Spain Guide

Spain is one of the traditional favourite destinations for Brits travelling abroad with millions of families enjoying Spanish holidays over the years; in fact it was one of the first package holiday destinations. One of the biggest attractions to taking a holiday in Spain is the huge amount of variety available to holidaymakers in the country, with city breaks, beach holidays, golfing holidays, cruise holidays 2011 and resort experiences all readily available thanks to Spain’s large tourism industry.

Ibiza, Spain

Picture courtesy of Philip Larson

The country is also easy and economical to get to, with numerous flights from a variety of low cost airlines departing daily from most major UK airports and some of the smaller local ones. You can also take a cruise holiday from a UK port or alternately if you want to enjoy a cruise around the Mediterranean and a stay in Spain you could go on a fly, cruise and stay holiday.

One of the most popular places for British tourists in Spain is the south coast of the island, where holidaymakers can find a great mixture of beaches, restaurants, bars and shopping to ensure an action packed and fun break. This area of Spain also has a large ex-pat community, making sure that home favourites are always close to hand. The south of Spain, though, isn’t all about busy family holidays as there are also several small villages and towns in the area full of quiet, rustic charm. Further inland from the busy coastal areas you can find some of Spain’s best resorts and golf courses, offering a more relaxing and serene family experience.

Along with traditional beach and resort holidays, Spain is also home to several great cities for tourists to explore. Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona, amongst a host of others, are all great locations for Brits looking to combine Spanish heritage and culture with the luxuries and comforts of a cutting edge modern city.

Posted in City Guide, Cruise Holidays, Europe, Holiday ideas, Short breaks, Short haul, Travel Guide | Leave a comment

Transatlantic cruise holidays

A transatlantic cruise is still one of the greatest cruise routs, harking back to the early days of travel with grand steam liners crossing the Atlantic from the UK to the US. Many cruise lines are still in keeping with this traditional feeling with their cruises none more so than the Cunard Line who still keeps up with the glamour, decor and grand traditions of the by-gone sea faring days.

For some the greatest appeal of a transatlantic cruise is the lack of ports of call so you can actually enjoy the voyage itself and the refined luxury of the cruise ship. When sailing out of the Port of Southampton the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean out in front of you can seem both intimidating and exhilarating. You can also sail westbound from a number of other ports for a transatlantic cruise, such as Barcelona and several other European destinations. If you opt for a eastbound transatlantic cruise then your holiday will start in either New York, Boston, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and some of the Caribbean ports. This means no matter which way you go you can tailor a stay in each port around your cruise and arrange travel from there and really make it a once in a lifetime holiday.

The time frame for a transatlantic cruise can vary depending n routes from any between six days to two weeks. However you shouldn’t despair, many transatlantic cruise ships offer the same level of service and luxury as many other lines around the world, with a superb selection of international cuisine, leisure activities, evening entertainments and kids clubs.

Posted in Cruise Holidays | Leave a comment

Valentines cruises

Are you looking for the perfect way to show your loved one how much you care this Valentine’s? Have you considered taking a Valentines cruise holiday? It’s the perfect romantic holiday for couples and a different way to show how much you care. There are a number of different destinations to choose from, it all depends on how long you want to go for and how much you want to spend.

If you really want to push the boat out then you could look at taking a round the world cruise, if you have the time and money. It’s the ultimate holiday experience and a once in a lifetime experience for many, stopping off at the most exciting and exotic locations in the world. There are numerous cruise lines that offer round the world cruises, the most notable and luxurious being the Cunard line, however if you want to disappear for the best part of the year then you should go on the 106 night cruise offered by Fred Olsen Cruise line where you span the globe.

If you don’t fancy venturing around the world and want a shorter cruise a little closer to home then you should have a look at taking a Mediterranean cruise, where you can enjoy a wide range of sights and interests with the bet the Med has to offer. There are a number of different Mediterranean cruises available, each visiting different destinations, it just depends on what you want to see, whether it’s the Eastern Mediterranean or the Western Mediterranean.

Posted in Cruise Holidays, Holiday ideas | Leave a comment

Big wins for Cunard

The Cruise Passenger Ratings Survey on cruise.co.uk saw Cunard beat off competition to be voted the best cruise line for 2011 and their ship the Queen Victoria was named as the ‘best ship of the year’ after thousands of passengers reviewed their trips on the site.

It is the third year running that Cunard have scooped this prestigious prize, however it is the first year that Queen Victoria has received the best ship accolade.

The timing could not be more impeccable as Cunard only a week ago welcomed their newest vessel the Queen Elizabeth with an event in New York which saw all three ships docked together, which is only the second time in the company’s history that its fleet has been together in the same place at the same time.

Other cruise lines or ships that were celebrating include the Celebrity Eclipse which was awarded best accommodation and P&O’s Oriana was voted the best ship for children. Not surprising Royal Caribbean also received a number of awards for best entertainment on Independence of the Seas and best service on Adventure of the Seas.

Seamus Conlon, managing director of cruise.co.uk, said: “The surprise this year is the number of UK based ships that dominate all the groups. The results show that Queen Victoria has very much established its position within the British market. Also surprising is Celebrity Eclipse, which has performed in the top 10 in all categories. Typically the newer cruise ships don’t rate highly in their first year because of the inevitable teething problems of a new ship launch.”

Next year’s awards should also be surprising with the launch of many new cruise ships including Queen Elizabeth, Allure of the Seas and Disney Dream will be giving passengers a wide range of choice for their cruise holidays 2011.

Posted in Cruise Holidays, Travel news | Leave a comment

Somali pirates chase Saga cruise passengers across Indian Ocean

As guests were enjoying a lavish black tie dinner onboard the £2,000-a-head Spirit of Adventure the vessel was approached by Somali pirates, guests were forced to take cover and barricade door incase shots were fired from the pirates or they tried to board. Crews were also ordered below deck as the captain tried to steer the vessel away from danger, speeding off the liner managed to out run the small dingy forcing it to give up.

In recent years the number of attacks in the Indian Ocean has increased with pirates targeting bigger and bigger vessels. In fact it’s become such a problem that guests on the boat which was travelling from Madagascar to Zanzibar were briefed on what to do in the event of an attack from pirates.

Saga and other cruise lines which offer romantic holidays for couples in this area seem to be fast becoming targets for pirates, last year pirates with rocket propelled grenades approached the cruise ship Discovery and they only left when the crew released razor wire.

Luckily for the 350 guests and crew of 200 onboard the Spirit of adventure, their ordeal was over after 53 minutes and they could resume with their dinner and the rest of their journey. The vessel was about 100miles from Zanzibar as part of a £2,000 two week trip from Mauritius to Mombasa when the captain spotted a small vessel approaching the ship at speed on the long range radar.

A Saga spokesman said: “The Spirit of Adventure was about 100miles from Zanzibar when the captain spotted a small vessel approaching the ship at speed on the long range radar. The Captain put in place well-rehearsed plans for the Indian Ocean, taking on board security measures and alerting the naval authorities. Because the unidentified dinghy appeared to be shadowing the ship, as an extra precaution the evening’s formal dinner was interrupted and passengers were told to go to the main lounge. The mood was calm. All travellers in the Indian Ocean have a full security briefing. The captain sped up to full speed and the vessel went away. The meal was interrupted and then re-started. The soup was warmed up again. At breakfast the following morning the captain was given a standing ovation. It is a very British way of doing things.”

The Spirit of Adventure

Posted in Cruise Holidays, Travel news | Leave a comment

Luxurious cruise lines

If you have some cash to spend for your holidays 2011 and want to live in the lap of luxury for a couple of weeks then take a cruise holiday on a luxury liner, there are plenty to choose from, which offer you over and above first class service. From your a large apartment style room with your own personal butler, to 5* restaurants offering a delectable range of food. There is no grander way to travel.

One of the most desirable luxury cruise liners is the Queen Mary 2 and taking a transatlantic cruise on this luxury liner between Southampton and New York is certainly the most ultimate way to travel. Harking back to the golden age of travel the QM2 offers guests, (not passengers) a silver service, with afternoon high teas served by white gloved waiters with gentle music being played on the grand piano in the background. If you really want to push the boat out you should stay in one of the top-tier Queen Grille suites, with a large stylish room as well as private dining and butler service to tend to your every need.

Queen Mary 2

Picture courtesy of Trondheim Havn

If you wish to travel on a smaller scale cruise liner but don’t want to lose the service then the 6* cruise line, Silversea will offer the lavish settings your striving for. Silversea specialise in smaller ships and visit the most exotic locations and exclusive ports, offering an intimate setting for a romantic holiday. You will find generously sized rooms with marble toped bathrooms and personal butler service, as standard as well as VIP treatment on arrival including champagne and fresh fruit. You can also experience some of the best fine dining in the world especially on board Silversea’s newest vessel the Silver Wind, where you can choose from Le Champagne an intimate French restaurant offering fine wines, or Seishin, an exclusive Japanese restaurant.

Silver Wind

Picture courtesy of Davie.M

Posted in Cruise Holidays | Leave a comment

Holiday destination of 2011

Next year is all about exploring places you have never been before as holiday trends are moving towards destinations that are a bit more off the beaten track, less touristy and somewhere where you can experience something you haven’t before on holiday. One destination that is picking up popularity for holidays 2011 is Alaska, the icy wilderness which is sandwiched in-between Canada and the North Pole.

The best way and the easiest way to enjoy the vast plains of Alaska is with a cruise holiday, you can enjoy the snow encrusted mountains, glaciers, and sprawling tundra from the ease of a small cruise liner and easily see the sights such as grizzly bears fishing in clear mountain streams, to humpback whales migrating south for the winter. Many of the sights you will see will normally be quite hard to get to off your own back which is what makes a cruise holiday to Alaska so appealing, especially when you can retire to the comfort and warmth of your own cabin. Many of the places you will visit can be enjoyed and admired from the liner such as the Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in Alaska which has an open calving face over six miles wide.

There are also plenty of excursions to enjoy, where you can learn a lot of the history of this gold mining country, on stop which is rich in heritage is Skagway, the gateway to the Klondike. Skagway is a real frontier town, many people from North America were drawn here in1897 when gold was discovered in the Klondike. You can experience the town’s historic district which details the era with 100 gold rush buildings churches and cemetery’s.

With a cruise holiday to Alaska you will experience natural beauty that is second to none, and wildlife that you may have never dreamed of seeing for real especially as some cruise lines offer escorted tours into the heart of Alaska, giving you the opportunity to get to experience this untamed, yet outstanding wilderness.

Hubbard Glacier

Picture courtesy of ajburcar

Posted in Cruise Holidays, Holiday ideas, Travel Guide | Leave a comment

Christmas Cruises

Do you find all the fuss over Christmas too much? Do you want to get away from your relatives at this time of year? Would you like your every need catered for on Christmas day instead of slaving away thanklessly in a kitchen? Well if you answered yes to any of these questions then you should defiantly look at getting away from it all and taking a Christmas cruise holiday this winter.

There is a wide range of cruises offered by companies still available for the festive period, whether you want to get away before, during or after Christmas, with great holiday deals available on last minute booking.

You will find that many family orientated cruise lines offer plenty of festivities for the whole family to enjoy, however if you aren’t going on holiday with younger children and want to step away from the festive fun then you should look at some of the adult only cruise lines. Also if you take a cruise over Christmas day you will still get a full Christmas dinner offered by many of the cruise lines and other options will still be available too.

Some of the most popular destinations for Christmas include:

The Baltic

A Baltic cruise is great if you want a break before Christmas then you can indulge in some Christmas shopping as well as soak up the festive atmosphere in Oslo, Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Bruges or Ghent. And get home in time for Christmas day.

Antarctica

For a truly festive experience an Antarctica cruise holiday will supply the perfect Christmas landscape including snow, icebergs, polar bears and penguins.

Caribbean

If you want to warm yourself up this winter then a Caribbean cruise will be right up your street. Ideal for couples a Caribbean cruise hopping around the various tropical islands makes for a great romantic holiday and makes a change from slaving away in the kitchen.