Rhine River Cruise on Amadeus Royal

I was lucky enough to be a part of the Travel-pa conference last week on a Rhine River Cruise on Amadeus Royal.

This was my first time on a River Cruise other than the Nile. It was such a fabulous experience waking up to a different place every morning. As we were there in December we got to experience all the German Christmas markets in the little towns and cities, I was stunned by how beautiful these were. Full of traditional stalls selling Christmas decorations and gifts, no forgetting the Gluewhein too!! I have never seen such quaint Christmas Markets like this before. Just to see these alone was well worth the trip.

When we arrived on the ship we were taken to our cabins, I was sharing a B1 cabin on the Strauss Deck. What I loved most about the cabin was the Panoramic French Balcony Window so you could slide the window right across and lean out. Great for seeing the views and allowing daylight into the cabin.
The cabins are cleaned every day and a complimentary bottle of water is placed in the room daily.

Straight after unpacking we then caught the little train that stopped near the ship into Cologne, it was 8 Euros and you could hop off at all the stops along the way. We went to the various Christmas markets, the cathedral and the old town. It was a great way to see the city in one afternoon.
I would certainly recommend going into the lovely cathedral and lighting a candle.

We were back on the ship ready for cocktails at 6.30pm and then dinner at 7pm. There is only one sitting for dinner so that it easier to serve people from the small kitchen onboard. The food is very good and lots of it, at least 5 courses to choose from every night. If you have any dietary requirements then you need to advise the staff either prior to boarding or at the start of the cruise.

Our first night on board was full of wine and laughter and the Travel-pa network getting to know each other better. There were a few headaches the next day!

The next day Travel-pa had our annual conference in the morning where we learnt about all the exciting new things happening in 2016.

The good thing about a river cruise compared to an ocean liner is that they are small enough to dock very close to the city so you don’t have far to walk if you are not doing any of the excursions. You can choose from a number of excursions if you so wish, they range from around 16 Euros to 53 Euros depending on the itinerary. We found that it was just as easy to do our own thing and was very easy to walk into the places that we docked at.

For the rest of the cruise, we normally sailed during the night and then on awakening we were already in port.

We visited Speyer which is a lovely place and very quaint and lots of fabulous medieval buildings and the grand cathedral. Speyer was founded by the Romans and is one of Germany’s oldest cities.

The next day was the biggest surprise for me as we docked just outside the centre of Strasbourg in France. We caught the tram which was about 4 stops into the centre and WOW!! I loved Strasbourg with its central Christmas markets right in front of the cathedral and very medieval buildings. Such a surprise as I never expected it to be like that. I would definitely visit Strasbourg again, great to do for a weekend break.

In the afternoon we did a trip into Obernai in France, again it is a stunning little place with lots of character. We went for some food and wine into a very traditional pub in the centre. Have to say though that it was much colder here than anywhere we had been but it didn’t stop us from enjoying it.

The final stop was Ruedesheim but I didn’t get off the ship as had some work to do but everyone said it was stunning and very pretty. Some said it was the prettiest of them all, so I now wish I had gone to explore – oh well! Next time I will

The final night onboard and we had a Captains Cocktail party where all the staff were came to the lounge so we could thank them for all the efforts they had put in over the week. Then we had the Gala dinner which was fabulous!! 7 courses of amazing food. Plus the crowning glory was the Baked Alaska on parade where the lights are dimmed and the Alaska has sparklers on top and the staff carry it around the restaurant.

That night we sailed back to Cologne ready for drop off the next morning.

I had an amazing time and saw some wonderful German and French towns along the way. I would highly recommend anyone to go on an Amadeus River Cruise as it is just fabulous

To Book Please Call : 0114 3273436 or Email: Jackief@travel-pa.com

5* Dinarobin – Mauritius

Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa is known as one of the most elegant and comfortable resorts in Mauritius. The resort sits between Le Morne Mountain and the Indian Ocean and offers a luxury experience that is hard to beat.

The gracious Dinarobin Hotel Golf & Spa sits on the magnificent Le Morne Peninsula. With its perfect location, this  luxurious all-suite hotel makes it the perfect choice for couples or indeed families looking for an intimate and relaxing  hideaway.

Dinarobin Hotel offers the ideal mix of facilities from the appeal of the active traveller or for the peaceful atmosphere for those looking to relax. Look no further than the Dinarobin if you are looking for luxury in Mauritius, it has an abundance of things on offer.

You can choose from eight amazing restaurants, a superb Clarins Spa, an abundance of free land and water sports to an 18-hole golf course.  Dinarobin also has its own private members club, the only one of its kind on the island of Mauritius.Dinarobin has new 4 bedroom villas with private poolOne of the most elegant luxury hotels in Mauritius

Accommodation:

All of the rooms are suites and arranged in Mauritian style villas. Each feature 2, 4 or 6 suites. Residential in style, each suite has fabulous colonial bay windows, with terraces or balconies and large bathrooms. If you stay in one of the Club Junior Suites or Club Senior Suites you will have the benefit of complimentary membership of the Club at Dinarobin.All Suites include Individually controlled AC, bathroom with bathtub, shower and separate W.C, dressing area, double or twin beds, minibar, complimentary tea & coffee making facilities, safe, ironing board and iron, international direct dialling telephone with fax and television with satellite channels.

Restaurants & Bars

Dinarobin offers fabulous dining options with a choice of four restaurants at the hotel itself and a further four located along the beach at Paradis giving you an abundance of choice. If you choose to dine at Paradis, golf carts are available  to take you between the resorts.
Board Basis: Breakfast and evening meal. Dinner is a choice of buffet or the Chef’s Daily menu, in selected restaurants only, á la carte dishes are available at a supplement. Occasionally a restaurant may close for a group booking or during Low Season. Whilst Dinarobin guests can also take advantage of the 4 restaurants available at Paradis, from time to time these may be reserved solely for Paradis guests.
Dress Code: Daytime the dress code is casual, in the evening the restaurants prefer guests to be smart-casual so shirts and trousers (full length) for the men.
Non-Smoking Policy:  The restaurants offer non-smoking and smoking sections.

For Your Pleasure

Have a sumptuous treatment at the magnificent Clarins Spa

To Upgrade to a Club Suite from just £15 a night

5 garden pools to lounge around

Offering a choice of eight restaurants to dine in

Transfer is 42 miles

Total Suites: 172Restaurants: 4 with a further 4 at Paradis

Board Basis: Breakfast & evening meal

Spa by Clarins

Wi-Fi

Resident band or show every night

Complimentary Bob Marlin Mini Club

Many complimentary land & water sports

Great golf packages

HONEYMOON OFFER

o             30% Discount

o             Exclusive gifts offered

Your every wish is our command! Relax and savour this precious time together as newly weds, Make Photo Puzzle and enjoy our special offers and exclusive gifts!

EARLY BOOKING OFFER

o             20% Discount

o             Combinable with all other Beachcomber Offers

Start your holiday planning early! Book any Beachcomber hotel 30 days in advance and benefit from a fantastic discount!

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OFFER

o             30% Discount

o             Valid for 6 months before or after the date of wedding

To Book or For More Information Call Your Mauritius Expert: 0114 3273436

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQiTXRvCRRc

5* Two Centre Cuba Holiday

Havana

With lots of history, culture and tradition in abundance Havana is the perfect destination to experience traditional Cuba. Renowned for being one of the most charming places in the world. Offering Spanish colonial history and legacy of the Revolution. You will be delighted to see the iconic old American cars and famous mural of the Che Guevara overlooking Revolution Square. Ernest Hemingway said its beauty is only surpasse by Venice and Paris.
Havana has to be one of the most famous cities in the World.

It is located in the north western coast of the Cuba, having the Strait of Florida to the north and the province of Havana to the south, east, and west.

 Varadero

Varadero is renowned for its almost uninterrupted beautiful white beaches, which stretch along the 18 kilometre peninsula. It is a well thought out developed resort and has a numerous beautifully designed hotels.  During the 16th century it was settled by the Spaniards. During the late 1800s the area started to become more developed for local tourism and has since been attracting many visitors.

It has a  natural rich environment which shelters different species of wildlife, characterized by its high level of endemism.

3* Club La Costa World

Club La Costa World, is a CLC located on the Mijas coast and can almost be described as Andalusian village, set on the magnificent Costa Del Sol coast, perfectly nestled in this excellent family friendly resort with spacious studio’s, one and two bedroom apartments surrounded by lush gardens all fully equipped with modern conveniences. As a guest of Club La Costa World, you have a plethora of great facilities on site to enjoy, and close enough to nearby Marbella and Puerto Banus allowing you to mix with the jet set in one of Europe’s best known Marina’s.

Just 32 km from Malaga Airport ensures a nice short transfer.

The surrounding area is a magnificent haven for golf lovers and closest to the exclusive golf courses of El Chaparral, and Miraflores, as well as ten more courses within a 10-minute drive.

With other local attractions to tempt the family including Aquapark, Sea Life, Tivoli World, Telecabina, Selwo Park, and the Casino.
To enable you to get around easily I highly recommend hiring a car from just £89.
Onsite you will have access to a selection of food and drink and an array of great entertainment.

Accommodation is available in 1 and two bedroom self-catering apartments with well-equipped kitchens. The resort has a choice of 4 restaurants, “Zachary” or “Safari” for families, the “Sunset” club the most romantic dinners in the sunset and “El Rancho”, an extra family venue during the summer months, a coffee shop 2 snack bars, and mini-market.

You can also enjoy top quality evening entertainment boasting more than 30 shows per week during the peak season, including jazz bands, magic shows and flamenco evenings in keeping with true Spanish culture!

Six swimming pools, one of which is heated, children’s play areas and pools, a Jacuzzi, a well-equipped fitness centre, a games room, tennis, mini golf, pool table, massage services, Sauna, a large excursions programme, and plenty of both day and evening entertainment – all within 1 km radius, and a novelty road train making everything easily accessible.

The mini-club Team Marina keeps youngsters entertained all day long. Guests may use the facilities of the Fitness Centre situated at San Diego Suites 1 km away.

Excellent for a holiday all year round ..but school holiday and peak dates will be higher.

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Transatlantic, Western Mediterranean or Canary Islands, you decide!

Cruise from 7 to 10 days on board of freshly renovated Norwegian Epic or on our newest ship Norwegian Escape.

4* Grand Pineapple Beach Antigua – All Inclusive

4* Grand Pineapple Beach Resort – All Inclusive

3* Discovery Bay by Rex Resorts

Discovery Bay by Rex Resorts is located on Saint James Beach.

Resort includes outdoor pool, The garden restaurant which serves international cuisine.

Folkestone Marine Park and Museum is 400 metres away from the resort.

4* Allegro Playacar All-Inclusive Resort

Allegro Playacar All-Inclusive Resort is surrounded by private beach area with various sports activities. the resort is 3.2km away from Playa del Carmen.

The resort has various facilities including  3 pools, spa, gym, tennis courts etc. it also has 4 restaurants, 4 bars, the buffet includes international cuisine.

4* Occidental Grand Punta Cana – All Inclusive Resort

4* Occidental Grand Punta Cana – All Inclusive Resort resides around beautiful beach and is near international airport for about 25 minutes drive.

Resort offers pools, restaurants, rooms with facilities including flat screen TVs.

It also offers various choices for travellers who are interested in water sports, ambiance and excursions, snorkelling, kayaking.

5* The Residence Zanzibar

Zanzibar is both the name of an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania and its largest island. Attractions include the village of Kizimkazi, approximately five minutes’ drive from the hotel, for dolphin spotting, and Jozani Forest (30 minutes’ drive away), home to rare Red Colobus monkeys.

The island’s capital of Zanzibar City, with its markets and 19th-century historic buildings such as the House of Wonders (a former Sultan’s palace) and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Stone Town, is a 55-minute drive from the resort.

Celebrity Cruises – Adriatic and Mediterranean

Outline Itinerary

The cruise starts in Venice with an overnight stay. One must visit Square Piazza San Marco where you can see St Mark’s Basilica, Doggy’s Palace and Torre dell’Orologio. Why not take the lift in the city’s tallest building, the Campanile, which is approx. 100 m high with views to the Dolomites and the whole lagoon or if you’re a romantic go for a trip on a gondola along the beautiful waterways. Next is Civitavecchia for Rome. Here you can visit the Vatican, St Peters Square, the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum where gladiatorial games were held. The history of Rome is around every corner and will not disappoint you.

Florence is famous for its abundance of Renaissance art and architecture, and it feels like you have walked into an outdoor museum. Attractions include Palazzo Pitti, a 15th-century palace, Basilica Di San Lorenzo, which is one of the oldest churches in Florence.

The next port of call is Toulon which is a base for the French navy and home to the National Museum of the Navy and is also a busy harbour where you can take the cable car up Mount Faron. During the climb, the view is amazing, and you can take a boat tour around the harbour or visit the Musee d’Art. Also the Landing Museum for Allied Forces 1944 is well worth a visit.

The final port is Barcelona where you would need to add an extra night so you can enjoy attractions such as the famous La Sagrada Familia church. The Magic Fountain Show, which attracts 2.5 m visitors per annum or the Picasso.

Celebrity Constellation was launched in 2002 with a 2,034 guest capacity. The Millenium class ship was refitted in 2013 to Solstice standards. The ship appeals to guests who are looking for a smaller ship with great facilities. There are lots of dining options available and Aqua class cabins, and Blu restaurant were added at the refit.

Celebrity Eclipse Canaries and Azores Cruise

The first port is Ponta Delgarda in Sao Miguel (Azores) – known as the “Green Island” Sao Miguel is a destination like no other and has a lot to offer including whale watching, walking and trekking, diving and the award winning Terra Nostra Park. Next you stop at Funchal in Madeira where temperatures are normally very pleasant between 16 and 25 degrees Celsius. Madeira is famous for it’s wine, beautiful gardens and history.

Tenerife is the next port of call and is the largest islands of the Canary Islands. It has many beautiful beaches and is an all year round destination. You can visit Teide National Park which is a vast world heritage park with the highest volcano in Spain, Mount Teide – the volcanic crater is 30 miles in circumference.

When you visit Gran Canaria, a place you must visit is the district of Vegueta, the oldest part of the town and now is a UNESCO Heritage site. Places to see are Catedral de Santa Ana and Centro Atlantico de Arte Moderno.

Then it’s overnight in Lisbon which has so much to offer it’s just not possible to list all of the attractions and activities available. There is a national museum of ancient art, Lisbon Cathedral, navy museum, National Coach Museum, which has an amazing collection of historical carriages and is one of the most popular museums in the city.

The Celebrity Eclipse awarded the “best ship from the UK” 2015 will take you in Celebrity Style directly from Southampton to the warmer climates of the Azores and the Canaries. The Celebrity Eclipse is the third Solstice-class ship that benefits from the Lawn Club an area of real grass where you can play boules or miniature golf or just lay on the grass. It also has some top class restaurants and the largest selection of wines at sea.

Celebrity Eclipse – Scandinavia and Russia

Scandinavia and Russia cruise

Your cruise ship is the award-winning Celebrity Eclipse® and which takes you to some amazing Baltic destinations with 3 days in the beautiful city of St Petersburg.

The Celebrity Eclipse was launched in 2010 with lots of innovative luxury features and with the benefit of a real grass lawn. It quickly became a favourite with UK cruisers winning “Best from the UK Cruise Ship” Award in 2015.

Calling at Bruges, Stockholm, Tallin, St Petersburg (3 days), Berlin and Copenhagen.

You can step back in time to Imperial Russia as you explore the history of Peter the Great. St Petersburg is a must see tourist destination where you can visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral State Museum-Memorial, The Grand Palace, Church of the Savior on Blood.

In addition you will have a day in the beautiful city of Stockholm where you can visit the Vasa Museum (the only preserved seventeenth-century ship in the world), the Royal Palace and Abba the Museum and many more attractions.

You will also visit- the historic town of Tallin – the largest city in Estonia where the old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Copenhagen the capital city of Denmark with sights such as Tivoli Gardens, Little Mermaid Statue and Rosenborg Castle and a host of museums. Warnemunde is a lovely seaside resort, or you can travel to Berlin (2.5 hours) for an amazing choice of attractions.

Amazing Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is approx. 7.5-hour direct flight from Heathrow. A lovely great alternative trip from Dubai or even a stopover to the Far East or Australia/New Zealand.

I travelled on Etihad Airways direct to Abu Dhabi, visited the 5* Anantara Eastern Mangroves, which is situated approximately 10 mins away from the airport, 10 mins from city and souks. The owners also planted 100.000 trees in the mangrove and so the view from the hotel is very green and lush. The hotel is very well situated for both business and leisure purposes.

Then we proceeded to the super luxury Anantara Qasr Al Sarab, where the lastest Starwars movie has been filmed, ready for release in December 2015. QAS is approx. 2 hour drive from the airport of from Eastern Mangroves. A fabulous top of the range 5* property, we drove at least 25 minutes into the desert from the main road to finally find the entrance of the hotel. The rooms are beautiful, the air is drier hence it feels much more comfortable. At 46 degrees c in June, it was hot but we still managed to have a great time in the pool. QAS also offers lots of activites such as dune bashing, archery, spas, hammam, a proper ice room spa.

Food is incredibly good at both properties. I highly recommend both properties.

P&O Ventura – Our Holiday

Just returned from a fantastic 2-week family cruise on P&O Ventura. We departed from Southampton at the end of July to cruise the Eastern Med. Crossing the Bay of Biscaye was good with plenty to do on our sea days. Our cruise visited Vigo, Alicante, Barcelona, Genoa, Rome, Cartagena and Gibralta.

Our favourite port was Cartagena which is within walking distance from the ship and is full of history and ‘tapas bars’. Excellent onboard food and I would recommend the specialist dining options Sindhu, Epicurian and Beach House. My daughter who is 17 enjoyed meeting new friends in the Teen Club, and we all enjoyed the onboard entertainment. Back home and already planning our cruise next summer with P&O.