CRUISE HOLIDAYS

Saturday Night Fever!

2010-11-03T06:58:00.000-07:00

Royal Caribbean Internationals, Liberty of the Seas is to host the West End show Saturday Night Fever.

The show will make it's debut in April 2011 as part of the ship's 'revitalisation'.

See Liberty of the Seas cruise itineraries here.

Luxury cruise in the Far East offer

2010-10-18T02:10:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce some amazing offers on Oceania Cruises luxury ship Nautica’s 16 night cruise from Hong Kong to Bangkok, departing 30th January 2011.
Visiting some of Asia’s most exotic and exciting destinations this cruise offers guests the chance to explore and immerse themselves with several overnight stays, and the opportunity to take an overland tour to the famed temple at Angkor Wat.

The full itinerary is:

Hong Kong, China • Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan • Kaohsiung, Taiwan • Manila, Philippines • Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia • Muara, Brunei • Nha Trang, Vietnam • Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) • Vietnam (overnight) • Sihanoukville, Cambodia • Bangkok, Thailand (overnight)

Prices shown are cruise only but please call us for flight/transfer packages.

Ancient Jewels (Nautica)

30th Jan 2011
16 nights
Hong Kong – Bangkok

Grade Std Fare* Offer Fare Save

Penthouse (PH) £6,499 £2,500 62%

Veranda (A/B) £4,874 £2,000 59%

Outside (C/D) £3,249 £1,500 54%

Inside (F/G) £2,499 £1,250 50%

* Std Fare based on highest in range (F, C1, A1, PH1)

Prices per person, cruise only based on two sharing

Single Supplement - 100%

3rd/4th Guest Rates - 50%

New Oceania ship!

2010-10-15T00:42:00.000-07:00

Oceania Cruises, has finished initial sea trials of its new cruise ship 'Marina'.

The 1,250 passenger, 65,000 ton vessel completed 3 days in the Mediterranean ahead of its first sailing in January, a 13 day trans-Atlantic cruise from Barcelona to Miami.

Crystal Cruises announcement

2010-10-14T01:28:00.000-07:00

Luxury cruise operator Crystal Cruises has announced its award for the 17th consecutive year as the world's best large-ship cruise line.
The award, as voted for by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler, comes after 20 years of sailing the world's seas for Crystal and after receiving the award praise was given to the staff on board for fulfilling everyones wishes and to their clients for putting their trust in them.

P&O Cruises Cruise Dine Promotion

2010-09-08T02:07:00.000-07:00

P&O Cruises has launched a Cruise & Dine Promotion which will run until 30th November 2010.

Famous for its quality dining, P&O works with three iconic British Chefs, all who have retaurants on board and who regularly sail to both oversee their food quality and to meet passengers and answer any questions they may have.

Gary Rhodes has Oriana Rhodes and Arcadian Rhodes-fine dining restaurants on Oriana & Arcadia.

Marco Pierre White has the Mediterranean restaurant and al fresco terrace. The White Room on Ventura as well as the authentic French brasseries that are Cafe Bordeaux on Aurora and Cafe Jardin on Oceana.

Atul Kochhar, the Michelin starred Indian chef has Sindhu on Azura, P&O Cruises newest ship.

This P&O Cruises promotion is open to passengers who book one of the following 2011 cruises on which the chefs will be travelling. All will be in with a chance to win a voucher to the value of £150 to dine at selected restaurants across the UK, including Rhodes 24, The Yew Tree and Benares.

Gary Rhodes dates:

•Oriana cruise X106-May 3rd Western Mediterranean

•Oriana cruise X115-Sep 4th Iberia

•Arcadia cruise J102-Mar 29th Western Mediterranean

•Arcadia cruise J106-Jul 21st Spitsbergen & Fjords

Marco Pierre dates:

•Ventura cruise N107-Mar 27th Western Mediterranean

•Ventura cruise N123-Sep 3rd Western Mediterranean

•Aurora cruise R107-Jun 20th Central Mediterranean

•Oceana cruise E119-Jul 23rd Western Mediterranean

•Oceana cruise E130-Nov 9th Canary Islands

Atul Kochhar dates:

•Azura cruise A111-May 12th Central Mediterranean

•Azura cruise A115-Jul 3rd Baltic

•Azura cruise A121-Sep 18th Iberia

•Azura cruise A125-Nov 11th Caribbean

P&O Cruises proudly presents

2010-09-01T00:14:00.000-07:00

GoCruise proudly presents the following "Early Booking Spectacular" deals on P&O 2011 departures for the month of September.....

• Up to £700 per suite onboard spending money

(based on 14 night Caribbean sailing in suite accommodation)

• Free parking/coach on Ex Southampton sailings

(based on sailings of 4 nights or more)

• Cruise Ahead - 5% discount if paid in full

(on selected departures)

Go to our P&O page

2010-08-19T23:13:00.000-07:00

At one time (and not too long ago )taking a cruise was something only the wealthy could consider as the cost was just too much for a working class family to ever afford one.

Nowadays however the cruise sector of the travel industry is growing like never before because, put simply, cruising can be cheap and cruising can be expensive. There is a cruise ship out there that will suit almost every individual’s needs whether it be on price or on facilities and quality.

The majority of those who take a cruise will cruise again and again and again. Why? Well, a cruise holiday is the ultimate kind of holiday when it comes to relieving stress, enjoying great food and entertainment and visiting a different country or island every day. There are also many other factors such as luxury amenities and great weather to name but two.

Now, if i can go back to the first paragraph. Price!

Prices for a cruise can vary enormously; in fact they can vary by as much as 75%! Why? You may ask.

Well cruise prices, like most goods we buy, have one controlling factor, numbers sold. Consider this. A modern cruise ship can cost about £500 million to build and usually most, if not all, of this will be financed and will probably incur interest charges. Therefore it is important that the cruise line makes profit on each cruise as otherwise there’s no more cruise company.

So when a brochure is launched there are normally some great early bird offers for those looking to secure their cruise holiday early. These ‘early birders’ will get the best choice of cabin. Once the early bird booking date has passed then, depending on numbers sold, the price will change. Could be up or down but one thing is for sure, the choice of cabin will not be so great.
As the cruise departure date approaches if the cruise has sold really well and is in profit then the prices will generally be high but if there is still lots of cabin space then the prices will come down and most remaining cabins will often be sold on what is called a ‘guarantee’ basis. This means that you can get a discounted cruise at probably up to 75% off the original brochure price and the guarantee is that if, for example, you book an ocean view cabin grade ‘F’ this is the minimum grade that you will get. You won’t get an inside and you won’t get a balcony but you might get a free upgrade to an ocean view on a better deck or one that is superior to the one you booked. This can be seen as a benefit but you cannot discuss cabin number or grade as this is the chance you take when booking a cabin on a guarantee basis..

Let’s face it, it’s no different to shopping on the high street. You might buy an outfit and it costs you £150 and you’re happy with your purchase. A few weeks later it’s in the end of season sale for £40, almost 75% off the price you paid for it but that’s how it is.

So the top and bottom is, if you are particular in what grade of cabin you want and you want the best choice, book early. If however you’re not too fussy about what and where the cabin is and you are working to a budget go to our website at http://www.cruisemaestro.co.uk/ and look at some of the cruise deals available and whilst you’re there click on register to receive our regular email offers and download our quarterly cruisin magazine.

New Cunard Trans-Atlantic offer

2010-08-12T03:38:00.000-07:00

A stunning offer on the amazing Queen Mary II is available to book now.
Including flights from London (only) to New York the price of an inside cabin starts from just £799 each.
So if you want 7 nights of indulgence and entertainment onboard one of the world's most famous brand's ships as you sail trans-Atlantic....what are you waiting for?

Click here for full details!

Fantastic late summer sunshine cruise

2010-08-09T02:27:00.000-07:00

Take a look at ths stunning exclusive cruise offer on Fred Olsen' ship Braemar to Spain and Portugal.

Mon 18 Late PM depart Dover

Tue 19 Leisure at sea

Wed 20 Leisure at sea

Thu 21 Lisbon, Portugal

Fri 22 Portimao, Portugal

Sat 23 Leixoes, Portugal

Sun 24 La Coruna, Spain

Mon 25 Leisure at sea

Tue 26 Dover

All from £549 per day plus you get £50 on board credit to spend on board (per cabin) plus free parking at Dover or return coach. Click here for full details.

Fantastic Nile cruise offer

2010-08-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

Book a 7 night 4 star River Nile cruise and stay free for 7 more nights in Luxor on bed and breakfast.
Flights depart either Gatwick or Manchester on 23rd August.

Full board on the ship plus 10 free excursions are also included in this amazing deal!

Spend seven glorious days cruising the Nile from Luxor to Aswan aboard the four-star Viking Princess visiting some of the most spectacular ancient sites in Egypt followed by seven days relaxing on the banks of the Nile in Luxor at the wonderful five-star Sofitel Karnak

2010-08-03T04:50:00.000-07:00

Take a look at the fabulous new 2011/12 deals from P&O. All have great savings and many have free onboard credit.

Follow these links to:

P&O Adonia P&O Aurora P&O Arcadia P&O Azura P&O Ventura P&O Oceana P&O Oriana

and see for yourself!

Luxury Cunard cruise-£599

2010-07-28T00:06:00.000-07:00

I've just discovered a fantastic cruise deal from Cunard on their ship Queen Victoria.

Its called Mediterranean Moments-Queen Victoria Voyage V023

The cruise departs Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) on 24th November for 7 nights calling at
Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Cartagena and Gibraltar before ending in Southampton on 1st December.
Scheduled flights are from London Heathrow

That's the good bit....now the 'great' bit! The price for this 5 star luxury cruise is as follows:

Inside stateroom: £599pp-Outside stateroom: £649pp-Balcony stateroom: £699pp

You'll have to be really quick on this one so if you want to call me and book it....!

Cruise around the British Isles (telegraph.co.uk)

2010-07-27T01:58:00.000-07:00

River cruising is about to get a much greater representation from the PSA (Passenger Shipping Association).

Bill Gibbons, who is a director there said that river cruising has, up until now, been seen as the ‘sleeping partner’ at the PSA as there were insufficient members who represented river cruising. However he went on to add “We have had four new members join the PSA from the river cruising sector in just the last nine months.”

River cruise operators Viking Cruises and Swan Hellenic have been members for some time and, with membership of the sector now growing continuously, there will be more promoting and much more awareness of river cruising within the travel industry in the coming years.

River cruises-Is 'cheap' value for money?

2010-07-26T15:51:00.000-07:00

River cruises are becoming so popular that many river cruise ships are full for sailings in 2011.
There are of course many river cruise operators throughout the world but only a few operate cruise ships that most of us British would say at the end of a cruise "we really had a fantastic cruise" and/or " the ship was superb".

Take a Nile cruise for example. Little do people who book a Nile river cruise at, let's say £450, know that their ship will be moored up overnight and....yes you've guessed it....so are another 50 or 60 ships and they're all side by side, with their engines running to keep the air-conditoning operating. Not too bad if you're on the middle or upper deck but if you've booked the cheapest cabin on the bottom beck the chances are that you will be breathing in fumes all night!! Take a look here and you will find quality ships that will give you a fabulous holiday.

Then you have river cruises in Europe. Lots of cruise ships of very different standards. Some 3 star, some 4 star and some 5 star. True, 5 star is not cheap but then 5 star never usually is. What most people don't realise though is that, more often than not, it is false economy to book the cheapest (yes i realise that we all have a budget and that we can't all afford to spend £1500-£2000+ each for a weeks river cruise) but if you want a quality river cruise you should look no further than AMA Waterways.

They are an American company who operate a number of superb vessels throughout Europe and the Far East and they are second to none. They include so many extras with the price such as unlimited quality wines with your dinner, a daily excursion programme, bicycles to use whilst moored near a town, infotainment system in every stateroom and the list goes on.

Take a look at AMA Waterways by visiting our website Cruise Maestro and if you would like some more information just contact us.

AMA Waterways' prestigious award

2010-07-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

AMA Waterways river cruise ship ms Amalyra has won the prestigious award of "Best New River Cruise Ship" at the 2010 Western Agents' Votes of Excellence (WAVE) awards ceremony held recently.

Amalyra is sister ship to Amadolce, Amadante, and Amacello and joined the fleet of AMA Waterways in 2009. All carry just 148 guests and, amongst many other benefits, offer the free use of bicycles for exploration when moored plus their special infotainment system in every stateroom. This includes computer with internet access, English speaking TV channels, movie selection and lots of programmes dedicated to music.

20 night Oriental river cruise & stay

2010-07-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

Vietnam Mekong River cruise & Eastern & Oriental Express

Free Transfer to departure point(within a limited radius) or free car parking.
Return flights from London (regional connections available-please ask)
3 nights aboard Oriental Express
8 nights accommodation
7 nights cruising on MS Amalotus
Sightseeing & transfers as per itinerary

Visit Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh and others

Mekong River Cruises by AMAWATERWAYS

2010-07-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

This is a fantastic and unique experience that combines a 7 night cruise along the incredible Mekong River , 3 nights on board the Eastern & Oriental Express and 8 nights visiting world famous cities such as Bangkok and Singapore. For more information and full itinerary click here.

28 night Caribbean cruise from £61 a night full board!

2010-07-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

Black Watch
W1020
12th November 2010
28 Nights
Relaxing Caribbean
Southampton ~ Tenerife ~ Barbados ~ Grenada ~ St. Lucia ~ St. Kitts ~ Tortola ~ Antigua ~ St. Maarten ~ Azores ~ Southampton
Music & Laughter cruise featuring: The Divas of Motown & The Upbeat Beatles
Inside Twins (H to I)
was £2239 now £1699pp
Outside Twins (D to F)
was £2779 now £1999pp
Superior Outside Twins (A to C)
was £3109 now £2228pp
Suite (DS to JS)
was £4269 now £2995pp

Exclusive offers from Fred Olsen

2010-07-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

We have some sensational savings on cruises with Fred Olsen for 2010/2011. Many have on-board credit or transport and free parking options. There are four ships.

Many of the cruises are from UK ports so no flying!

Monaco Grand Prix package.

2010-07-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

If you like the idea of going to the Monaco Grand Prix next year we are offering a 4 night 5star cruise and grand prix race day package. The package does not include flights but these, with hotels and transfers can be added.

The cruise is on the 5 star Azamara Journey out of Nice on the 26th May calling at the wonderful port of Portofino in Italy and St Tropez in France before arriving into Monte Carlo on race day morning where the ship will be anchored in the harbour until 3am the next morning before departing back to Nice. Board is full board and includes some wines with dinner.

The cost of the package is from only £895 per person and if you consider the cost of staying in a Monaco Hotel and dining out this is an exceptional deal so don't leave it too long or miss out!

Take a look here and Call us on 0115 714 7714 to book your ticket!

2010-07-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

Celebrity Cruises is offering three new 12 night cruise itineraries for 2011 that depart from Istanbul on the Bosphorus.

The recently refurbished Celebrity Constellation will depart Istanbul on September 19th, October 1st and October 13th with stops at ports such as Bodrum, Marmaris and Kusadasi in Turkey, and Rhodes, Santorini, Piraeus (for Athens), Mykonos and Chania in Greece/Greek Islands.

There are some early booking deals on all three dates on our website.

2010-07-14T00:42:00.000-07:00

Go Cruise have received an award at the recent ACE cruise convention held in Southampton.

The award was given for 'excellence in cruise innovation' which included generating awareness by focussing on new opportunites to sell cruise innovately and to different markets.

There were over 700 delegates in attendance (largest number ever) at what was the fourth such event to be held and, as the number of people taking a cruise increases, so will the cruise convention.

Bring on 2011!

Azamara Club Cruises Sale

2010-07-13T13:47:00.000-07:00

Azamara Club Cruises, the small-ship 5 star 'arm' of Celebrity Cruises have some amazing deals on but, alas, they only last until close-of-play 15th July.

They're not 'cheap cheap' (then 5* cruises never are) but, for example the sailing on Azamara Quest (seen here) 16th October for 7 nights in an ocean-view cabin is just £1099 each based on 2 sharing.......

now wait for it!! If you book it by 15th July you will get (yes between you) $1000 to spend on board!! "$1000?" you say. Yes $1000. That equates to about £330 each which, if you take it away from the £1099 means that effectively you have got a 5* cruise on a 5* ship for £769 each...now it's cheap!!! Take a look and call 01623 646484

Celebrity Eclipse late offers

2010-07-10T03:54:00.000-07:00

Take a look at these Celebrity Eclipse cruise offers that we have this weekend. We believe the prices to be the lowest available for these dates (24th July , 7th August, 21st August)and if you can run to the Aqua class (savings of up to £927 EACH) do it!
But...be quick as availability is limited and is constantly changing.
I have been on Celebrity Eclipse and the cruise experience is truly wonderful.

Azamara Cruise Club Offers

2010-07-02T14:23:00.000-07:00

Azamara Club Cruises is offering $500 credit to spend aboard all remaining 2010 sailings for oceanview grades and above plus free flights on selected sailings. In addition single travellers can cruise for an extra 25% for use of a twin cabin.

These Azamara offers will expire 31st August.

River cruising

2010-07-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

Taking a river cruise can be far more enjoyable for many than it actually sounds.

What do yo you think of when someone mentions river cruise? A barge perhaps (not that there's anything wrong with a barge if you know what i mean) or some 'beaten up' old piece of wood thats seen better days? Well i can tell you something that will probably surprise you river cruise 'virgins' out there. Some river cruise ships are absolutely amazing with many offering benefits that an ocean cruise often doesn't such as a relaxing holiday, inclusive of excursions, wine and beer included with your meals, complimentary use of bicycles whilst moored in the centre of a beautiful city and lectures on history and culture.

I shall be adding to this post on a regular basis but in the meantime go to our website at

http://www.cruisemaestro.co.uk/ and click on river cruises and have a look!

Cruising. A family thing!

2008-05-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

As Royal Caribbeans’ Independence of the Seas arrival into Southampton on Wednesday coincided with the launching of P&O Cruises’ huge family-friendly ship Ventura, it emerged that 10% of all cruise passengers were families. This trend follows suit to what has been happening in the US cruise market for a number of years.

With more and more cruise departures from UK ports parents have begun to realize that there is a stress-free alternative to spending hours in an airport before embarking on a plane journey and transfer which in some cases takes almost a full day before they reach their destination.

As bigger and better ships are being produced there are many more kids facilities available on board such as ice-skating rinks, body-boarding, wall climbing, computer rooms and games rooms plus for the tots there are crèches and baby sitting services. Parents can therefore have quality time to themselves without worrying about what their kids are doing as all of the kids’ facilities are manned by ships representatives.

Food is always available with numerous fast-food outlets in addition to the more formal main restaurants although on a number of cruise ships even these have an informal option.

There are more family accommodations on the newer ships than ever before plus many older cruise ships are going through huge re-fits as cruising becomes more family orientated.

So family cruising is on the up simply because now there is more choice than ever before, there is more to do and it offers fantastic value for money.

MSC Cruises to South Africa

2008-05-01T15:24:00.000-07:00

MSC Cruises’ ships MSC Rhapsody and MSC Melody are heading to South Africa.

MSC Rhapsody will cruise round-trip from Durban on the 16th & 27th December. Both of these Indian Ocean cruises are of 11 night duration with the first cruise stopping for 2 days in both Madagascar and Mauritius and spending Christmas cruising the Indian Ocean and the second cruise spending New Years Eve in Pointe des Gaiets- Reunion Island and 2 days in Mauritius.

A 14 day itinerary from Durban is also scheduled for the 12th January 2009 with the MSC Rhapsody calling at Port Louis-Mauritius and stopping for 2 days in Port Victoria-Seychelles before calling at the small Indian Ocean Island of Nosy Be which lies to the north of Madagascar.

MSC Melody will cruise from Genoa in October to Port Said, Egypt and will transit the Suez Canal before cruising the Indian Ocean to the Seychelles and Mauritius before arriving in Durban 18th November (21 days).

The return cruise from Durban will be on 17th April before arriving in Genoa 8th May. An optional 2night pre-cruise safari is available for the return cruise.

Ocean Village Cruises - the Bear Facts.

2008-04-26T00:14:00.000-07:00

Paddington the well travelled bear, is to join Ocean Village and Ocean Village II, heading out into Mediterranean cruise land this summer.

The loveable little bear has enthralled children since he came to London by ship from Peru in 1958, and now 50 years later he’s setting sail again with the Ocean Village fleet.

Paddington will be making regular appearances at Ocean Village’s children’s club ‘Base Camp’ where photo opportunities will be more than welcome for kids and the young at heart. Who, after all, would miss the chance to have tea and marmalade with Paddington Bear?

There have been 70 Paddington Bear books, translated into 30 languages with a distribution of 30 million copies throughout the world.

Another children’s much loved character, Bagpuss stowed away aboard the Ocean Village ships last year, and became a firm favourite.

Ocean Village is committed to providing good quality family cruise holidays, enjoyable for kids and adults alike.

Children’s facilities are already brimming with excitement on board the Ocean Village fleet of cruise ships, with Base Camp and the teenage Hideout Zone, a night nursery and qualified youth team. SEGA Village on Ocean Village II will provide gaming fun and an unforgettable holiday for children and young teens so mum and dad can relax. Ocean Village has got to be the choice for your family cruise holiday.

During Paddington Bear’s first Caribbean cruise season, 2008/09 Ocean Village is offering free child places on Ocean Village and Ocean Village II for one or two kids when they share with two adults paying the full fare – flights included. This offer does not include cruises over Christmas, New Year and other public holidays and is subject of availability, the offer ends on 31st May 2008.

Climb Aboard Ocean Village II with Sonic the Hedgehog

2008-04-26T00:07:00.000-07:00

Ocean Village, part of Carnival Cruise Lines, has excitedly ventured into the world of Sonic the Hedgehog, welcoming SEGA on board its second cruise ship, Ocean Village II, to launch a unique entertainment village.

SEGA Village will amuse and enthral a new generation of kids on Ocean Village II, after the concept was withdrawn from Europe and the UK a few years ago.

Sonic the Hedgehog and other much loved SEGA games, together with the newly created After Burner Climax – a fighter jet simulator – and Let’s Go Jungle – a jungle jeep simulator – will be included onboard Ocean Village II.

The fully licensed entertainment and amusement centre has been a joint development by SEGA and Ocean Village, creating 19 arcade style games in the SEGA Village and 6 more games in the teenage area, ‘The Attic’ on board Ocean Village II.

In the Ocean Village II SEGA Village, kids will have chance to dance their way into their own favourite sensational music video, using the ‘Let me Dance’ booth, which produces the finished recording onto a CD.

Ocean Village, once again, comes up with the goods - another relief for parents!

Diamond Anniversary for Costa Cruises

2008-02-20T04:57:00.000-08:00

Costa cruises celebrate their 60th year of exciting fun packed cruising during 2008.
The twelve ships in Costa’s fleet will call at 141 ports in 68 countries on 423 sailings covering 109 itineraries.
To celebrate this occasion Costa is promoting twelve cruises with an extra 20% discount, all available from January to September 2008. Members of the CostClub will also receive an exclusive 5% Frequent Guest discount.
The Great Anniversary Cruise which takes place on November 11th has proved to be so popular, Costa has added two more Anniversary Cruises on 26th October and 3rd November 2008
All three, 8 night cruises will follow the same itinerary, beginning in Savona (Italy) and travelling to Malaga, Cadiz, Lisbon, Gibraltar, Alicante, Barcelona and returning to Savona.
Special features of the cruises will include celebratory galas, music, games, entertainment, dancing and special guests. On board will be eminent captains from the Costa fleet.

New smoking policy

2008-01-17T04:30:00.000-08:00

Smoking on suite and stateroom balconies onboard Crystal Cruises award winning luxury cruise ships Symphony and Serenity is to be prohibited as from 25th may 2008 on the former and 7th may 2008 on the latter.

Crystals’ cruise ships already have most areas as no smoking with the few exceptions being some tables in the bars, private accommodations and, for cigar and pipe smokers, the Connoisseur Club and most open deck spaces.

CRUISE SHIP HEALTH ISSUES.WHO'S TO BLAME?

2008-01-07T04:36:00.000-08:00

RECENT NEWS REGARDING THE STOMACH BUG NOROVIRUS HAS CAUSED CONCERNS FOR MANY PEOPLE WONDERING,NOT WHETHER THEY WILL CATCH IT,BUT MORE WHEN.HOWEVER THIS NEWS SHOULD COME AS NO SURPRISE. I HAVE BEEN ON A NUMBER OF CRUISE HOLIDAYS AND,MORE OFTEN THAN NOT,THERE IS AT LEAST ONE CABIN WITH A 'NO GO' STICKER ON THE DOOR DUE TO THE OCCUPANTS HAVING A 'TUMMY BUG' AND ARE BASICALLY IN QUARANTINE.

THE FACT THAT MORE THAN 100,000 PEOPLE A WEEK ARE GOING DOWN WITH THE VIRUS IS, TO SAY THE LEAST, ALARMING BUT WHEN YOU CONSIDER THAT 90% (MY ESTIMATE) OF PEOPLE THAT USE TOILETS NEVER WASH THEIR HANDS AFTER THEY HAVE FINISHED IT'S CERTAINLY NOT A SURPRISE. I SEE IT EVERYTIME I VISIT A PUB LOO AND IT MAKES ME CRINGE. I END UP GETTING A PAPER TOWEL TO PUT ROUND THE DOOR HANDLE BECAUSE OF PEOPLE WITH NO REGARD FOR OTHERS HEALTH AND THEIR OWN HYGIENE.THEY THEN GO AND DRINK OUT OF A GLASS.

IS THERE ANY WONDER THAT THESE ILLNESSES OCCURR AND ESPECIALLY IN THE CONFINES OF A CRUISE SHIP?

CRUISE PASSENGERS REFUNDED

2008-01-04T04:59:00.000-08:00

FOLLOWING THE NEWS EARLIER THIS WEEK ABOUT THE COLLISION BETWEEN MS FRAM AND AN ICEBERG, A COMPENSATION AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED FOR THOSE CRUISE PASSENGERS AFFECTED BY THE ACCIDENT.

THOSE GUESTS WHOSE CRUISE WAS CUT SHORT ARE TO RECEIVE A 50% REFUND OF THE FARE PAID PLUS THEY WILL RECEIVE A VOUCHER OFFERING A CONDITIONAL 30% DISCOUNT OFF ANY FUTURE HURTIGRUTEN SAILING. THE CONDITIONS ARE THAT THEY MUST BOOK BY APRIL 1 2008 AND IS FOR 2008-2009 BROCHURED EXPEDITION CRUISES.

AS THE CRUISE SCHEDULED TO DEPART JANUARY 2 2008 HAS ALSO BEEN CANCELLED,THE 240 AFFECTED PASSENGERS WILL RECEIVE A FULL REFUND OF ALL MONIES PAID PLUS A VOUCHER WORTH 50% OFF A FUTURE SAILING WITH THE SAME CONDITIONS AS THOSE ON THE CANCELLED CRUISE.

BAG YOURSELF A CRUISE BARGAIN

2007-12-30T03:55:00.000-08:00

IN THE PAST,A CRUISE WAS LOOKED AT AS A HOLIDAY THAT ONLY THE MIDDLE CLASS AND UPWARDS COULD GO ON AS,EVEN IF YOU COULD PAY FOR IT,YOU JUST WOULDN'T FIT IN WITH YOUR FELLOW PASSENGERS.OF COURSE,THIS PERCEPTION HAS GENERALLY LONG SINCE GONE, BUT THERE ARE STILL THOSE THAT PERCEIVE A CRUISE TO BE 'OUT OF THEIR REACH'FINANCIALLY.IF YOU LOOK AT THE PASSENGER FIGURES FOR CRUISING OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS THE PERCENTAGE INCREASE IS SOMETHING NOT EXPERIENCED SINCE THE GOOD OLD PACKAGE HOLIDAY TO MAJORCA.THE REASONS? WELL THERE ARE MANY,BUT THE MAIN REASON THAT PEOPLE TAKE A CRUISE HOLIDAY IS SIMPLE. VALUE FOR MONEY! INCLUDED IS YOUR ACCOMMODATION, ENTERTAINMENT AND MORE FOOD THAN YOU CAN EVER MANAGE. PLUS YOU GET TAKEN TO EACH PORT OF CALL WHILST YOU'RE HAVING A GOOD TIME!THE BEST WAY OF MAKING SURE THAT YOU GET THE BEST DEAL,FOR SERVICE AS WELL AS PRICE,IS TO BOOK THROUGH AN AGENT WHO IS COVERED BY ABTA (ASSOCIATION OF BRITISH TRAVEL AGENTS).A GREAT ALTERNATIVE IS AN AGENT COVERED BY THE TRAVEL TRUST ASSOCIATION (TTA). ANY MONIES PAID TO A MEMBER OF THE TTA ARE PAID INTO A TRUST ACCOUNT. EACH PASSENGER IS ISSUED WITH AN INSURANCE THAT COVERS THEM UP TO THE VALUE OF £11000 SHOULD THE HOLIDAY COMPANY FAIL.ONE SUCH MEMBER OF THE TTA IS CRUISE MAESTRO LTD OF NOTTINGHAMSHIRE (NO.U0629). THEY ARE IN THEIR SIXTH YEAR OF MEMBERSHIP AND ARE REKNOWNED FOR GIVING EXPERT ADVICE AND SERVICE.AS HOLDERS OF AN ATOL (AIR TRAVEL ORGANISERS LICENCE) CRUISE MAESTRO OFFER THE OPTION OF THEIR OWN PACKAGES WHICH CAN BE A CRUISE WITH FLIGHT, TRANSFERS, CAR PARKING, AIRPORT LOUNGES AND HOTEL STAYS. ATOL IS MANAGED BY THE CAA (CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY) AND IS A SCHEME TO PROTECT PASSENGERS SHOULD THE TRAVEL AGENT FAIL. IN THIS EVENT THE CAA WILL EITHER REFUND PASSENGERS OUT OF THE BOND PAID BY THE MEMBER AND ARRANGE FOR PEOPLE TO FINISH THEIR HOLIDAYS AND FLY BACK HOME. TOO MANY PEOPLE BOOK THROUGH COMPANIES WITHOUT THIS COVER AND EITHER LOSE THEOR MONEY OR HAVE TO MAKE THEIR OWN WAY HOME AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE.BOOKING ONE OF CRUISE MAESTRO'S OWN PACKAGES USUALLY WORKS OUT CHEAPER THAN THE CRUISE COMPANY'S PACKAGE SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY WORK TO SMALLER MARGINS. IN ADDITION THERE IS A GREATER CHOICE OF FLIGHTS, HOTELS AND HOLIDAY DURATION.MAKE 2008 A YEAR TO REMEMBER. BOOK A CRUISE!

CRUISES FOR THOSE WHO DON'T DO CRUISING

2007-12-29T06:11:00.000-08:00

FOR MOST DIE-HARD HOTEL AND BEACH HOLIDAY LOVERS, TAKING A CRUISE WOULD BE THE LAST ON THEIR LIST OF IDEAL HOLIDAYS.
THE THINGS THAT SPRING TO MIND WITH THE WORD 'CRUISE' ARE THAT THERE'S NOTHING TO DO, DRESSING UP FORMALLY,SNOBS AND SEA SICKNESS.
WITH OCEAN VILLAGE ALL OF THESE THOUGHTS ARE MYTHS AND THE CLAIM THAT AN OCEAN VILLAGE CRUISE IS FOR 'THOSE WHO DON'T DO CRUISING'IS ACTUALLY SPOT ON AS IT'S AS CASUAL AND AS RELAXING AS YOU WANT TO MAKE IT.
OUTSIDE THERE IS LOTS OF OPEN DECK SPACE WITH TWO POOLS WHERE ONE HAS A BAR WITH STOOLS WHERE YOU CAN COOL OFF AS YOU DANGLE YOUR FEET IN THE WATER. THERE ARE FOUR JACUZZIS ON RAISED PLATFORMS AND TWO SHOWERS.
AT THE TOP OF THE SHIP IS THE BAYSIDE CLUB WHERE IN THE AFTERNOON YOU MAY ENJOY A COCKTAIL IN PEACEFUL SURROUNDINGS WHEREAS AT NIGHT IT TURNS INTO A NIGHT CLUB WITH A SUNKEN DANCEFLOOR.
FOR THOSE WISHING TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH FRIENDS,FAMILY OR BUSINESS THERE IS AN INTERNET CAFE WITH FIVE TERMINALS FOR WHICH THERE IS A CHARGE FOR 15 MINUTES OF £7.50.
DINING IS SELF SERVICE AND BUFFET STYLE IN THE PLANTATION AND WATERFRONT RESTAURANTS BUT FOR THOSE WHO WOULD PREFER SOMETHING A LITTLE MORE FORMAL (AND SLIGHTLY BETTER FOOD)THERE ARE TWO RESTAURANTS OFFERING WAITER SERVICE FOR DINNER AND/OR LUNCH FOR WHICH THERE IS A COVER CHARGE.SERVICE IS USUALLY WITH A SMILE!
THERE ARE SEVERAL SHOPS ON TWO LEVELS AROUND THE THREE STOREY ATRIUM LOBBY PLUS A CASINO,SHOWLOUNGE AND CINEMA.
THE OVAL BAR OFFERS A BRITISH PUB FEEL WHEREAS NEXT DOOR IS CONNEXIONS BAR WHICH HAS A MUCH MORE CONTEMORARY FEEL TO IT WITH LOTS OF STAINLESS STEEL AND BRIGHT COLOURS.
THERE ARE EXTENSIVE FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN WITH AN INDOOR AREA CALLED BASE CAMP AND AN OUTSIDE AREA WITH GAMES AREA AND PADDLING POOL.ALL ARE AT THE REAR OF THE SHIP.THERE IS ALSO A NIGHT NURSERY WHICH RUNS FROM 6PM-2AM. THERE IS A CHARGE FOR THOSE STAYING AFTER MIDNIGHT!(CHILDREN AGED BELOW 6 MONTHS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON OCEAN VILLAGE)
FOR TEENAGERS THERE IS THEIR OWN AREA CALLED THE HIDEOUT.
CABINS,COMPARED TO MANY NEWER SHIPS,ARE OF A DECENT SIZE AND FOR THOSE WHO PREFER A WINDOW HERE'S A TIP. THE LOWEST GRADE WINDOW CABIN IS A GRADE G WHICH HAVE PORTHOLES BUT ARE VERY LOW DOWN IN THE SHIP. HOWEVER THE HH GRADE HAVE A FULL SIZE PICTURE WINDOW BUT AS THEY ARE ON LIFEBOAT DECK THEY ARE EITHER PART OR FULLY OBSTRUCTED. THE GOOD THING IS THAT THEY ARE HALFWAY UP THE SHIP AND COST LESS THAN THE PORTHOLE CABIN AND YOU STILL GET NATURAL LIGHT. ALL ROOMS HAVE A TV ANYWAY WHICH SHOWS WHAT'S HAPPENING ON DECK THROUGH THE CCTV. THERE ARE A LIMITED NUMBER (64)OF CABINS WITH BALCONY.TEA/COFFEE FACILITIES ARE IN ALL ROOMS.
ENTERTAINMENT CAN BE FOUND IN THE SHOWLOUNGE AND IS TO A GOOD STANDARD. MUSIC IS ALSO PLAYED IN ALL OF THE BARS.
FINALLY THERE IS A SPA AND FITNESS CENTRE WITH BEAUTY SALON, WELLNESS CENTRE (KARMA SPA)AND GYMNASIUM.
ALL IN ALL OCEAN VILLAGE OFFERS EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY CRUISES FROM ITS TWO SHIPS EITHER IN THE MEDITERRANEAN (OUT OF PALMA OR HERAKLION) IN THE EUROPEAN SUMMERTIME OR CARIBBEAN (OUT OF BARBADOS OR MONTEGO BAY) IN THE EUROPEAN WINTER.

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CHANGES HANDS

2007-12-16T04:30:00.000-08:00

LUXURY CRUISE LINE REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES HAS BEEN BOUGHT OUT BY APOLLO MANAGEMENT LP.
THE DEAL HAS BEEN RUMOURED FOR SOME TIME AND IT HAS NOW BEEN OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED THAT APOLLO HAVE BOUGHT THE COMPANY FROM CARLSON COS.
FAMILY-RUN REGENT, BASED IN FORT LAUDERDALE, HAS ABOUT 120 EMPLOYEES AT ITS CYPRESS CREEK HEADQUARTERS AND IS RUMOURED TO HAVE COST ABOUT 1 BILLION DOLLARS.
MIAMI BASED LUXURY CRUISE LINE OCEANIA IS ALSO CONTROLLED BY APOLLO.

FORMULA ONE AND MSC CRUISES AGREEMENT

2007-12-16T04:27:00.000-08:00

IT HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED BY MSC CRUISES THAT IT WILL BE A SPONSOR AT SOME OF NEXT YEARS GRAND PRIX IN THE 2008 ---MOTOR RACING FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS.
ADVERTISING FROM MSC CRUISES WILL BE ON SHOW TRACKSIDE AT HOCKENHEIM-GERMANY, CATALUNYA-SPAIN, MAGNY COURS-FRANCE AND SAO PAULO-BRAZIL.GUESTS WILL NOW BE WELCOMED INTO THE PADDOCK CLUB BY MSC.

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE' NEW SHIP

2007-12-16T04:21:00.000-08:00

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE'S NEW CRUISE SHIP, MS EURODAM, WILL BE SAILING OUT OF COPENHAGEN FOR HER OFFICIAL 10 DAY MAIDEN CRUISE ON JULY 5TH 2008. AFTER VISITS TO PORTS IN THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS SHE WILL CONTINUE HER VOYAGE TO THE UNITED KINGDOM CALLING AT NEWCASTLE, LEITH AND INVERGORDON BEFORE RETURNING TO COPENHAGEN.

NEW CRUISE HOLIDAYS IN ASIA

2007-12-16T04:18:00.000-08:00

SINCE COSTA'S CRUISE SHIP COSTA ALLEGRA HAS BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL WITH ITS CRUISES OUT OF HONG KONG, COSTA HAVE CONFIRMED THAT A SECOND SHIP, THE COSTA CLASSICA, WILL BE CRUISING ASIA FROM MARCH 2009.
COSTA CLASSIC ACCOMMODATES 1,680 PASSENGERS AND WILL ADD A FURTHER 55,000 BERTHS TO THE 30,000 OF THE COSTA ALLEGRA WHICH, SINCE HER POSITIONING THERE IN JULY 2006, HAS SAILED ABOUT 100 CRUISES AND CARRIED OVER 50,000 CRUISE PASSENGERS.
STARTING IN NOVEMBER 2008, COSTA ALLEGRA WILL OFFER 30 CRUISES OVER A 12 MONTH PERIOD OUT OF HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE, OF WHICH SOME WILL BE OF A 14 DAY DURATION.
COSTA CLASSICA HOWEVER WILL OFFER 33 CRUISES OUT OF EITHER SINGAPORE, HONG KONG, SHANGHAI OR TIANJIN AND WILL BE OF BETWEEN 4 AND 14 DAYS DURATION.
BEFORE THIS, COSTA CLASSICA WILL CONTINUE WITH HER CRUISE ITINERARIES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION OUT OF THE PORT OF SAVONA IN ITALY BEFORE HEADING FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TO OPERATE A SERIES OF ELEVEN 7 DAY CRUISES OUT OF DUBAI AND THEN A 19 DAY RE-POSITIONING CRUISE TO SINGAPORE.

CRUISE HOLIDAY SMOKING POLICY CHANGES

2007-12-16T04:14:00.000-08:00

P&O ARE TO MAKE CHANGES TO ITS ON BOARD SMOKING POLICY IN 2008.THE CHANGES WILL AFFECT P&O OCEANA CRUISES E807, E808 & E809 WITH THE FIRST CRUISE SAILING 11TH APRIL 2008.
SMOKING IN CABINS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED DURING THESE CRUISES BUT WILL BE ALLOWED ON CABIN BALCONIES, IN DESIGNATED AREAS OF OPEN DECKS AND OTHER CERTAIN AREAS OF PUBLIC ROOMS.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THIS NEW POLICY WILL ALSO BE APPLIED TO OTHER SAILINGS IN THE FUTURE OF WHICH DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

BEST CRUISE COMPANY FOR PRINCESS

2007-11-17T15:32:00.000-08:00

Readers of a specialist magazine for doctors have voted Princess Cruises as the best cruise line in the first comprehensive tourism poll it has ever held. Diversion magazine also asked its readers to vote for their dream world-wide holiday destination and top spots were Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii in the Southern hemisphere and Italy in the north. All of which feature in Princess cruise itineraries.

Princess ships depart from Venice, Rome and Southampton for itineraries to the Mediterranean and from Southampton Stockholm and Copenhagen to the Baltics, Norwegian Fjords and cruises around Britain.

SWAN HELLENIC CRUISES

2007-11-12T01:54:00.000-08:00

SWAN HELLENIC HAS RECENTLY LAUNCHED ITS SECOND EDITION BROCHURE WITH ADDITIONAL ITINERARIES FOR THE MINERVA NOW THROUGH TO AUTUMN 2009.
THESE CRUISE ITINERARIES START IN PIRAEUS, GREECE WITH A BLACK SEA CRUISE BEFORE MINERVA TAKES A MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE AND ARRIVES IN DOVER IN JUNE.

MINERVA WILL THEN RUN A SERIES OF NORTHBOUND NO-FLY CRUISES OUT OF DOVER WITH A PROGRAMME OF BALTIC CRUISES AND NORWEGIAN FJORDS CRUISES. SHE WILL ONCE AGAIN RETURN FOR A SUMMER SEASON OF MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES WHICH WILL END IN FUNCHAL, MADEIRA.

FINALLY, IT HAS BEEN CONFIRMED THAT MINERVA WILL RETURN TO THE ANTARCTICA FOR WINTER 2009/10 FOR A SERIES OF EXPEDITION CRUISES.
SWAN HELLENIC TOUCHES A VERY NICHE MARKET IN CRUISING AND APPEALS TO THOSE PEOPLE WHO ENJOY CULTURAL CRUISING WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCOVER AND EXPLORE.

PRINCESS IN QUEENSLAND

2007-11-10T14:27:00.000-08:00

PRINCESS CRUISES IS OFFERING THREE 31 NIGHT CRUISES OF AUSTRALIA AS PART OF A SELECTION OF NEW ITINERARIES DOWN UNDER FOR 2008/09.

THE AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURER VOYAGES ARE FEATURED IN PRINCESS'S NEW EXOTIC CRUISES WORLDWIDE BROCHURE. THEY ARE TO TAKE PLACE ON EITHER THE SUN PRINCESS OR DAWN PRINCESS, WILL CRUISE FROM EITHER SYDNEY OR MELBOURNE AND SAIL AROUND THE ENTIRE COASTLINE OF AUSTRALIA AND WILL INCLUDE TASMANIA.

STOPS WILL INCLUDE BRISBANE, THE WHITSUNDAYS AND CAIRNS ( TO SEE THE GREAT BARRIER REEF), DARWIN, PERTH, ADELAIDE AND HOBART.

SUN PRINCESS WILL ALSO BE SAILING 20 NIGHT CRUISES FROM SYDNEY TO FREMANTLE IN THE SOUTH WEST CORNER OF AUSTRALIA, AND 15 NIGHT ROUND-TRIP VOYAGES FROM SYDNEY INCLUDING THE GREAT BARRIER REEF.

9 NIGHT PRE OR POST CRUISE LAND TOUR EXTENSIONS FROM SYDNEY VISITING AYRES ROCK, DARWIN, KAKADU NATIONAL PARK, AND AND CAIRNS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE.

LIBERTY OF THE SEAS CRUISE

2007-11-08T12:24:00.000-08:00

MY PARTNER AND I ARE TO EMBARK ON A 7 NIGHT CARIBBEAN CRUISE ON THE HUGE ROYAL CARIBBEAN SHIP LIBERTY OF THE SEAS DEPARTING MIAMI PORT ON THE 24TH NOVEMBER 2007.

THE CHOICE OF CRUISE SHIP ONLY CAME ABOUT BECAUSE WE WERE INITIALLY PROVISIONALLY BOOKED ON THE CRYSTAL CRUISES SHIP CRYSTAL SYMPHONY BUT UNFORTUNATELY THERE WERE NO MORE PLACES LEFT FOR AGENTS AT AGENT RATES (NOT FREE).

HAVING BOOKED FLIGHTS THERE WAS NOT MUCH TO CHOOSE FROM AS AN ALTERNATIVE AND HAVING READ RAVE REVIEWS ABOUT THE LIBERTY WE HAVE DECIDED TO GO FOR IT (NOT AT AGENT RATES AS THEY DON'T HAVE SUCH THINGS)

AND ARE REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE EXPERIENCE.

ANYONE WITH FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE OF THE LIBERTY OF THE SEAS OR ANY OTHER CRUISE SHIP PLEASE TELL US.

MSC Cruises charter flight

2007-11-07T09:59:00.000-08:00

After a number of years using flights to Milan and then a 2 hour coach journey to the ship for Mediterranean cruises out of Savona, MSC have a new charter flight from British Airways for Summer 2008.
The flight, from Gatwick to Genoa, will be direct and will mean a transfer time of just 15 minutes.
There will be a meet and greet at the airport by an MSC Cruises representative plus full use of a private lounge before being transferred to the ship.

MSC Cruises' newest ship, the MSC Orchestra will be sailing some superb Mediterranean cruise itineraries in the Summer of 2008.

CRUISE CALORIES

2007-11-02T00:19:00.000-07:00

THE ONE THING THAT PEOPLE TALK ABOUT AFTER THEY HAVE CRUISED IS THE FOOD. WHY? QUITE SIMPLE REALLY. THERE'S LOTS OF IT AND IT'S AVAILABLE ALMOST 24 HOURS EACH DAY AND YOU PAID FOR IT IN THE PRICE OF YOUR CRUISE HOLIDAY. IT THEREFORE GOES THAT IF YOU PAID FOR IT YOU'RE GOING TO EAT AS MUCH AS YOU CAN AND GET YOUR MONIES WORTH.

AFTER 7 DAYS OR SO OF EATING FOR 14 HOURS EVERY DAY YOU GET HOME AND ARE HORRIFIED TO FIND THAT YOU'VE PUT 7 POUNDS ON. NOW THERE'S A SURPRISE AS YOU ATE A BOWL OF HEALTHY FRUIT EVERY DAY WITH CEREAL. WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF WHAT YOU ATE THOUGH?

ANYWAY YOU WILL BE PLEASED TO KNOW THAT NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES (NCL) ARE NOW INCLUDING HEALTHY MEALS ON THEIR CRUISE SHIPS. THEY HAVE RENEWED THEIR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE MAGAZINE 'COOKING LIGHT' TO PROVIDE LOW FAT MEAL OPTIONS. ADD THIS TO THE GYMNASIUM, ROCK CLIMBING WALL AND JOGGING TRACK AND THERE'S NO REASON FOR ANYONE TO GAIN ANY WEIGHT WHILST ON A CRUISE HOLIDAY.

THE CRUISE LINE'S FREESTYLE CRUISING IS ALREADY POPULAR WITH THOSE WHO ENJOY THE LESS FORMAL CRUISES AND THESE NEW EATING OPTIONS ARE SURE TO ENTICE THOSE WHO ARE AFRAID TO CRUISE AS THEY DON'T WANT TO TURN INTO A BLOB OVERNIGHT!

WEDDINGS AT SEA

2007-11-01T00:54:00.000-07:00

ATHOUGH GETTING MARRIED ON A CRUISE SHIP IS NOTHING NEW, IT IS SOMETHING WHICH MORE AND MORE COUPLES ARE DOING THESE DAYS AND HAS BECOME POPULAR ENOUGH FOR PRINCESS CRUISES TO LAUNCH A BROCHURE DEDICATED TO WEDDINGS AT SEA.
ENTITLED 'TIE THE KNOT', THE WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOON BROCHURE OFFERS COUPLES THE CHANCE TO MARRY ON BOARD ONE OF SEVENTEEN PRINCESS CRUISE SHIPS BY THE SHIPS CAPTAIN. THOSE WHO HAVE SET ASIDE A LITTLE MORE MONEY THAN MOST CAN EVEN HAVE THEIR OWN EXCLUSIVE WEDDING BY HIRING THE WHOLE SHIP FOR JUST......£10 MILLION!
THE HAPPY COUPLE DON'T EVEN HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT A THING AS PRINCESS CRUISES CAN ORGANISE EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE CAKE, FLOWERS AND PHOTOGRAPHER.
http://www.cruisemaestro.co.uk/

CARIBBEAN CRUISE HOLIDAY SEASON

2007-10-30T10:33:00.000-07:00

THE CARIBBEAN CRUISE HOLIDAY SEASON IS UPON US. OF COURSE, CARIBBEAN CRUISES TAKE PLACE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, BUT JULY THROUGH TO OCTOBER IS HURRICANE SEASON AND IT’S AT THIS TIME WHEN THINGS TEND TO CALM DOWN.

TERE ARE MANY GREAT CARIBBEAN CRUISE DEALS ON OFFER THOUGH BIGGER SAVINGS CAN BE MADE ON MANY CARIBBEAN CRUISES IF THE CRUISE IS PACKAGED BY THE CRUISE AGENT RATHER THAN BY THE CRUISE COMPANY.

THE EXCEPTIONS TO THESE ARE THOSE COMPANIES WHO CHARTER THEIR OWN AIRCRAFT FOR SOLE USE BY THOSE CRUISING.

CRUISE LINES SUCH AS ROYAL CARIBBEAN, NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES AND CARNIVAL OFFER EXCELLENT CRUISE ONLY DEALS OUT OF MIAMI AND FORT LAUDERDALE.

BOTH DIRECT AND INDIRECT FLIGHTS TO MIAMI ARE AVAILABLE THOUGH YOU WOULD PROBABLY REQUIRE A ONE NIGHT HOTEL STAY BEFORE YOUR CRUISE TO ENSURE YOU DIDN’T ‘MISS THE BOAT’!

TAXI TRANSFERS TO HOTELS, PORTS AND AIRPORTS ARE READILY AVAILABLE. VISIT http://www.cruisemaestro.co.uk AND HAVE THEM PACKAGE YOUR CARIBBEAN CRUISE FOR YOU.

Cruising for the first time

2007-10-30T05:17:00.001-07:00

TWO FRIENDS OF MINE RECENTLY RETURNED FROM A MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE HOLIDAY ON BOARD OCEAN VILLAGE.
AS IT WAS THEIR FIRST CRUISE HOLIDAY THEY DECIDED ON A STAY AND CRUISE. THEY SPENT ONE WEEK IN A HOTEL IN HERAKLION BEFORE ENJOYING ONE WEEK CRUISING THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN.
THEY CHOSE OCEAN VILLAGE AS IT IS AN INFORMAL CRUISE HOLIDAY. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEIR FAVOURITE PORT WAS DUBROVNIK AND THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO GO BACK THERE FOR A WEEK OR SO.
THAT'S THE GREAT THING ABOUT CRUISING, YOU MAY DISCOVER SOMEWHERE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BUT ON THE OTHER HAND, IF YOU DON'T LIKE A PLACE YOU CAN ALWAYS GET BACK ON BOARD SHIP AND MAKE THE MOST OF ITS FACILITIES.
http://www.cruisemaestro.co.uk/

Cruise experiences-Good or bad

2007-08-07T01:34:00.000-07:00

I have been on numerous cruises around the world and, in fairnesss, i have never really found anything to complain about. However there are many ships out there which i would love to experience just to tell my customers about them. Of course it's not easy to find time (and money) to continually cruise,so with information received from real people with first hand experiences, i can get a better idea about the various products out there and what they can or can't offer.
I would love to hear from those who have cruised and who will share those experiences, good or bad, with me to help me improve my business.
Thank you.

http://www.cruisemaestro.co.uk/

ILLNESS ON BLACK WATCH

2007-08-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

SEVERAL elderly passengers fell ill with flu-like symptons recently whilst cruising on Fred Olsen's Black Watch.They were taken to a Swedish hospital when fears were raised that they had contracted legionaires disease.The ship had to abandon her cruise to Lapland,and headed for Dover for a thorough examination and cleansing.The passengers were expected to stay in hospital for several days.
Of course this is not the norm to happen on a cruise and one should not be panicked into thinking it's gonna happen to them so don't worry!

http://www.cruisemaestro.co.uk/

CRUISE HOLIDAYS

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P&O Cruises proudly presents

New Cunard Trans-Atlantic offer

Fantastic late summer sunshine cruise

Fantastic Nile cruise offer

Luxury Cunard cruise-£599

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CRUISE PASSENGERS REFUNDED

BAG YOURSELF A CRUISE BARGAIN

CRUISES FOR THOSE WHO DON'T DO CRUISING

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CHANGES HANDS

FORMULA ONE AND MSC CRUISES AGREEMENT

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE' NEW SHIP

NEW CRUISE HOLIDAYS IN ASIA

CRUISE HOLIDAY SMOKING POLICY CHANGES

BEST CRUISE COMPANY FOR PRINCESS

SWAN HELLENIC CRUISES

PRINCESS IN QUEENSLAND

LIBERTY OF THE SEAS CRUISE

MSC Cruises charter flight

CRUISE CALORIES

WEDDINGS AT SEA

CARIBBEAN CRUISE HOLIDAY SEASON

Cruising for the first time

Cruise experiences-Good or bad

ILLNESS ON BLACK WATCH