SeaDream I

SeaDream I – Barbados – San Juan

Nile Cruise

I have just come back from a mini Nile cruise on board the 5* MS Grand Rose and yes it was very hot and sunny everyday. However we were very lucky to have free excursions, stay on All inclusive on board, enjoy the sundeck and swimming pool with free towels and free sunbeds after our daily excursions. Food is very nice and plentiful, we had 3 meals a day and freshly cooked pancakes at teatime on the sundeck. You will never go hungry nor thirsty. Service onboard MS Grand Rose is also fantastic, the staffs cannot do enough for you.

I highly recommend this cruise which starts from Luxor, then Aswan with excursions to Abu Simbel. Luxor is very safe, I didn’t feel threatened at all. This country has so much history and heritage to offer. They are still finding treasures buried since 1400 BC.

So, the 7 night cruise on MS Grand Rose, including flights from London, 20 Kg luggage, based on 2 people sharing a cabin, airport transfers, all inclusive meal basis, 10 free excursions. Price for the 2nd June starts from £ 385 per person.

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Royal Caribbean Cruises offer

Royal Caribbean International cruise

Royal Caribbean International cruise offer

I have been lucky to have been on the Royal Caribbean cruise twice.  I have been on Alaska and the Mediterreanean cruise and both occasions the cruise have been wonderful.  I personally really like the RC cruise as I find them very family friendly.

The rooms are spacious and they have lots of activities for both adults and children such as rock climbing, golf simulator where I won a prize for hitting the ball at a furthest distance, crazy golf, children’s club, teenage disco, cinema, really fun live evening entertainment and many more.   The restaurants provide some really good food as well.

Their prices are extremely good value for money on Royal Caribbean.  I personally recommend the Royal Caribbean cruises.

Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia and The Mekong

There can be no more a striking cultural contrast than between bustling Vietnam and the tranquillity of Cambodia.  Embark the brand new for 2012 River Saigon and sail down the Mekong River from Ho Chi Minh City through the diverse countryside of Cambodia to Siem Reap, gateway to the ancient Angkor Wat Temple Complex.

River Saigon is the NEWEST and most intimate ship on the Mekong River. Beautifully handcrafted colonial style, the River Saigon boasts just 30 deluxe staterooms, all of which feature lovely French-doors that open onto a spacious promenade.

Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service®
7 nights cruise, 7 nights in hotels, 2 nights in-flight
Scheduled Cathay Pacific or another leading airline flights.
Transfers to and from airport, hotel and ship.
Complimentary fine wine served with dinner onboard
Included shore excursions
All port taxes, airport taxes, UK APD and fuel surcharges

To Book Call 0114 3273436

The Mighty Yangtze River and The Best of China

The world’s longest river within a single country, the Yangtze has played an essential and inspirational role in Chinese life since the dawn of that glorious civilisation. It unites regions diverse in landscape, language and culture, links cities ancient and modern – thus presenting an engaging timeline of Chinese history – and offers the most scenic means of traversing this vast country.

This superlative tour of China’s myriad highlights reveals the imperial treasures of Beijing and Xi’an along with the vibrancy of Shanghai, and includes a 6-night Yangtze river cruise aboard the state-of-the-art Victoria Sophia, taking in the awe-inspiring Three Gorges en route.

6 nights cruise on Victoria Sophia and 10 nights in hotel (accommodation as specified or similar)
39 Meals: 16 breakfast, 11 lunch and 12 dinner (breakfast on days 3-18, lunch on days 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 11-16 and dinner on days 2, 4, 5, 7, 9-15, 17)
Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party and Farewell dinner
Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service®
Check-in service by Titan staff with porterage
Services of an experienced Titan tour manager, plus local guides

To Book Call 0114 3273436

Christmas Markets on the Rhine

There is something quite special about the villages, towns and cities along the Rhine during the festive season as their Christmas markets begin at the end of November, and these lovely 4-day and 5-day cruises provide the perfect short break to discover the magical markets, including Cologne, one of the largest with six separate markets.

The appeal of Christmas markets is much more than the opportunity to purchase local and unique crafts, decorations and gifts – for many people it is a stimulation of the senses; the smells of freshly baked gingerbread, tasting local wines and coffees and seeing local artisans, singers and musicians.

3 or 4 nights cruise on Royal Crown
8 meals (4-day cruise): 3 breakfast, 2 lunch and 3 dinner (breakfast on days 2-4, lunch on days 2-3 and dinner on days 1-3)
11 meals (5-day cruise): 4 breakfast, 3 lunch and 4 dinner (breakfast on days 2-5, lunch on days 2-4 and dinner on days 1-4)

To book Call 0114 3273436

A Douro River Cruise On The ‘Royal Barge’ – With A Few Days In Historic Portuguese Pousada

A Douro River Cruise On The ‘Royal Barge’ – With A Few Days In Historic Portuguese Pousada

3-night cruise on The Spirit of Chartwell, 4-nights in Pousada (accommodation as specified or similar)
17 or 18 meals
Spirit of Chartwell benefits
Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service
Services of an experienced Titan Tour Manager
All airport taxes, security charges and applicable fuel surcharges

One of the many highlights of 2012 and the Jubilee celebrations was the magnificent Thames Pageant, led by Her Majesty The Queen aboard the luxurious ‘Royal Barge’ – The Spirit of Chartwell. Now making new history, she will sail in the sparkling waters of the beautiful Douro River in northern Portugal. Exclusively chartered by Titan, you are invited to experience a taste of what it might have been like for the Royal Party, on a 3-night cruise along the verdant Douro valley. To enhance the experience further, each cruise is coupled with a 4-night stay at a stunning and royally connected Pousada, located close to the ‘green terraced paradise’ of Peneda Gerês National Park. This unique experience promises a very special, historic, relaxing and inspiring holiday. Dates and availability are limited so do not delay in booking your place.

Call 0114 3273436 to Book

5* Celebrity Cruises

Luxurious, Modern, Unique. You will love every aspect of your Celebrity Cruises® holiday. Sailing on board one of our award-winning ships, experience some of the world’s most fascinating and captivating destinations and discover that each of our cruises is as individual as you are.

At Celebrity Cruises we’ve redefined what you can expect from a luxury holiday. On our ships you will find world-class service and luxurious accommodation accompanied by award-winning cuisine, fabulous entertainment, breathtaking itineraries and much more. We believe your holiday should be truly extraordinary and provide remarkable value so take a look at what is included in the price on board a Celebrity Cruise*.

✔ All meals** ✔ Theatre shows
✔ Tea & Filter coffee ✔ Cinema
✔ Selected soft drinks ✔ Card room
✔ 24-hour snacks ✔ Live music
✔ Room service ✔ Comedy shows
✔ En-suite accommodation ✔ The Hot Glass Show demonstrations
✔ Evening turndown ✔ Nightclub
✔ Library ✔ Gaming lessons
✔ Celebrity iLounge ✔ Fitness centre
✔ Kids Fun Factory / XClub ✔ Dance classes
✔ Solarium ✔ Running /Jogging track
✔ The Lawn Club ✔ Enrichment programme – lectures
✔ The Hideaway ✔ Cooking demos and competitions
✔ Art and craft lessons at The Art Studio ✔ Wine workshops
✔ Art gallery ✔ Rosetta Stone language courses
✔ Art auctions ✔ Basketball court
✔ Swimming pools ✔ Whirl pool/hot tub
✔ Pool towels ✔ Croquet, bocce and other lawn games
✔ Pool Butlers

Discover more about life on board when you sail with Celebrity Cruises. Whether it’s time to keep active and try something new, or space to relax and call your own, there is something for everyone on board

See the world from a different angle and discover new sounds and flavours when you travel at sea. With opulent accommodation and facilities throughout our ships, and the most luxurious service that caters to your every whim, so there is no need to worry about anything other than relaxing your mind and feeding your senses

Arctic Highlights with Hurtigruten Cruises

With a choice of direct flights from London Gatwick, Manchester and Belfast to Tromsø, it is even easier to access the wonders of Northern Norway and go in search of the elusive, magnificent Northern Lights.
Tromsø – Kirkenes – Tromsø

Day 1 Tromsø
Fly from the UK to Tromsø, the Gateway to the Arctic, and perhaps enjoy the sights of the this famous, compact city before boarding the ship and departing late in the afternoon.
Day 2 Honningsvåg and the North Cape
Following the scenic sailing through Magerøysund and after an early stop in Hammerfest, you arrive in Honningsvåg.
Day 3 Kirkenes, the voyage turning point The last port on the Voyage North is Kirkenes, and at longitude 30°E you are
actually further east than Istanbul and St. Petersburg.
Day 4 Hammerfest and Tromsø
Your first major stop of the day is Hammerfest. Here, you can enjoy an optional excursion including a visit to Hammerfest’s UNESCO
World Heritage site. Transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 5
After breakfast in your hotel this morning, a choice of winter excursions is available before you are transferred to Tromsø airport for your direct flight back to the UK.

To book Call 0114 3273436

Viking River Cruises – As seen on TV

Glide along the majestic Danube. Sail the Main or Moselle, and discover the heart of Europe by cruising the Rhine. There is no more relaxing or rewarding way to see the world than from its great rivers. And there is no better river cruise line than Viking.

On a Viking European River Cruise you’ll enjoy a wealth of history, culture and beauty. Discover the historic windmills of the Netherlands. Marvel at Germany’s fairytale castles and gothic cathedrals. Explore the wild natural beauty of Saxon Switzerland, and the imperial palaces of Austria.

France is a destination that always appeals, and with Viking you can discover a new view of this enchanting land. Whether you are sailing through glorious southern France with its Roman monuments, or Paris and Normandy with its dramatic history and stunning landscapes, or beautiful Bordeaux, you are sure to enjoy any one of our river cruises in France.

Discover the art and culture of Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia. Explore Lisbon and Porto on Viking’s Douro, River of Gold holiday through Portugal. There are so many wonderful Viking river cruise holidays, you are spoiled for choice.

If you’d like to travel further afield, let Viking show you the real Russia. From St. Petersburg to Moscow, sail the Waterways of the Tsars and see all the highlights of this remarkable land. Or explore China and its many treasures: the Great Wall, Forbidden Palace, Terracotta Warriors and Three Gorges. Combining hotel stays and deluxe cruising along the Yangtze, our China cruises offer the best of both worlds. Likewise, Vietnam and Cambodia are best explored on Viking’s cruise and stay holiday, the Magnificent Mekong.

Whats included in a Viking River Cruise

Return flights from the UK.
Deluxe ensuite accommodation with river view.
All on board meals.
Specially selected wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
A wide range of guided tours to must-see attractions and World Heritage sites.
Cultural enrichment programme for an in-depth understanding of the places you visit.

To Book Call 0114 3273436 Now

6* Azamara Cruises

The deluxe Azamara Cruises are the perfect way to cruise. With only an occupancy of 694 and a tonnage of 30,277 this intimate cruise ship offers the ultimate in luxury. As the ship is much smaller than some cruise lines it allows the Azamara Quest to visit ports that are often unavailable to other ships. With a 1:2 ratio of guest to staff onboard the service is exceptional, making it a very popular with repeat guests.

One of the benefits of the ship is the open seating dining policy which means you can eat where and when you like at a time to suit you. The quality of the food is what you would expect from a 6* ship – phenomenal! With a choice of 6 dining options including room service you really will be spoilt for choice. From Mediterranean and seafood to steak house and poolside grill.

All of the staterooms are furnished to a high standard to make your cruise as enjoyable as possible. With 70% of all staterooms having a verandah this is the perfect way to enjoy seeing the ocean while sipping a cocktail.

INCLUDED ON EVERY VOYAGE:

AzAmazing EveningsSM event
Select standard spirits, international beers and wines available throughout the voyage
Gratuities
Bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas
English-trained butlers for suite guests
Self-service laundry
Shuttle service to and from ports, where available
Concierge services for personal guidance and reservations

 Call 0114 3273436 to book Now

4* Royal Caribbean Cruises from Southampton – Independence of the Seas

The fabulous Independence of the Seas is an amazing floating hotel. Having just undergone some revitalising it is now more amazing than ever. There is something for everyone whether you are a toddler or young at heart. Why not try surfing on the Flowrider ? Or soak up the sun in the above sea level whirlpools. Or take a splash in the on board water park. Or even have a skate on the ice rink. After a hard day around the pool you can then settle down to the wonderful Las Vegas style shows. There are so many shops and cafes on the Royal Promenade that you might not ever want to leave the ship.

With an impressive 3600 passenger capacity and 160,000 tonnage,  makes her the largest ship to ever have been based in the UK.

Dining is a plenty onboard from the three main buffet restaurants to the speciality and A la Carte dining.  With lots of choice of cafes and bars on the Royal Promenade.

Never tried cruising before? Think its not for you? Cruising has something to offer for everyone. Please give me a call and I can go through all of your questions and queries.

If this cruise isn’t to suit then I have lots more on offer from family cruises to adult only cruises.

To Book or Enquire Please Call: 0114 3273436 or email jackief@travel-pa.com

Wind Surf – 180 degrees from Ordinary

I recently visited Wind Surf in Dover and she is one of 3 ships in the Windstar fleet. The cruise line says that it is “180º from Ordinary” and the experience certainly is. This is a cruise for people wou like sailing and experiencing unusual ports of call and is definitely not a formal cruiser. Life on board is strictly casual, with great dining experiences but NO formal nights.

A Few Facts about Wind Surf

She is the largest of the 3 ships in the fleet but at 14,745 grt is by no means large. 152 deluxe cabins and suites can take 312 guests. All cabins and suites have ocean views (no balconies) and have recently been refurbished and have flat screen TV’s and Bose I-pod docking stations.

191 staff give a good staff to guest ratio

3 restaurants: – The Restaurant and Degrees offer fine dining (no booking required) and there is also a buffet for breakfast and lunch.In the evenings you can dine under the stars with the onboard barbque (limited space so must be booked)

Wind Surf’s public areas will be refurbished in November, but at the moment still look pretty good to me.

Complimentary watersports include:- water-skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, ski-tubing and snorkel gear. Scuba is available at a fee.

All meals and standard soft drinks are included and it is possible to upgrade on board with an All Inclusive drinks package at $50 pp per day.

Other ships are Wind Star and Wind Spirit, they are smaller at 5703 grt and are more of a luxury yacht experience.

Sailing regions are Caribbean in Winter and Med/Europe in the Summer

Northern Lights Cruises

The dreamy glow of the Aurora Borealis is something we all long to see with our own eyes at least once in our lifetime. Pencilling a Northern Lights cruise into your holiday to-do list is one sure way of making this dream come true. The best time to see these lights is when winter is at its chilliest and unfortunately, that is far from the ideal time for undertaking a voyage to the Arctic. However, experts say that winter is not the only time this mesmerising phenomenon can be seen. But winter cruises are not a bad idea, not only because of the prospect of viewing the wavy light of the northern lights, but also for the numerous fun activities voyagers can take part in in these far-flung destinations.

Several companies offer Northern Lights Cruises wrapped in different packages to suit the unique needs of different travellers. Among the more renowned of these liners are Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Regent Seven Seas and Holland America.

They travel to several destinations from which these dazzling lights are visible including Alaska, Finland and Norway.

What should you expect in terms of comfort and entertainment while on board? Spacious, immaculately decorated rooms or cabins, for starters, mostly on the mainstream liners which have bigger ships among their fleet. Expect double and king size beds draped in crisp linen and lounges adorned with tasteful furniture on these vessels. Well stocked bars, and sumptuous meals from a variety of restaurants is par for the course in these ships. However, while you will be cradled in the lap of luxury for the duration of your cruise and have an embarrassment of options as regards onboard activities, your chances of actually seeing the lights are better in smaller ships. Cruises such as Cruise West might not offer the extravagant luxury of the more established names, but they promise interested travellers that they will be awakened by vigilant crew whenever they spot the lights. Whichever Northern Lights Cruise you settle for, one thing is for sure; you will get to meet and interact with many fellow nature lovers or people who are equally intrigued by this unique natural phenomenon.

Other than catching a glimpse of those rare red, green and blue lights floating in the night sky, those who settle for this winter cruise will have the opportunity to indulge in activities such as watching arctic wildlife. They will have the rare chance of spotting species such as polar bears, seals, penguins, bald eagles and whales frolicking about in their natural habitats. As literal icing on the cake they will have the spectacular views of the glaciers and icebergs floating on the frigid waters at their disposal.

Among the places to spot the lights from is the Kilpisjarvi area in Lapland, Finland. To get there it is best to arrange a short cruise from the Gulf of Bothnia so that you arrive in Lapland between 9 and 11pm. Alaska is probably the location that first comes to mind whenever the northern lights are mentioned and so most Aurora chasers will book a cruise there.