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.

Ex UK Cruises

Are you looking to spend your holiday aboard a cruise liner travelling to exotic locations and happen to be a resident of the UK? Well you’ll be happy to know that a good number of world-renowned cruisers set off from Southampton and Portsmouth. Ex UK Cruises refer to cruise voyages that start from UK ports and go round the world or to specific Baltic, Mediterranean or Caribbean destinations. One of the more popular of these is Cunard whose reputation as a top liner started way back in 1840. It is known to be a stickler for tradition and if you want to enjoy your cruise the way they were enjoyed in the past; with diner dress codes and music by a string quartet; this is the cruiser for you.

Another of these elegant, traditional cruise liners is Swan Hellenic. It is a favourite for seasoned travellers who are over 60 and are keen on exploring the world. The itineraries offered by this liner, owned by the All Leisure Group, are driven by the destinations and those who book cruises with Swan Hellenic can expect exciting excursions as part of the experience. This liner is also known for its highly educated clientele, evidence of which is the well-stocked library on board. Also in this category of Ex UK Cruises are the Hebridean Island Cruises that take voyagers sailing into the Scottish Highlands. Their only ship, the Hebridean Princess, took no lesser than the Queen for a cruise to celebrate her 80^th birthday. Among the activities you can look forward to aboard this 49-passenger vessel are poetry readings, lectures and whisky tastings. It doesn’t get any more British than that.

P&O is one of the most renowned liners that sails out of Southampton; only one of its fleet of 7 ships does not offer cruising from UK’s cruise capital. Its ships offer passengers varied experiences depending on their preferences and budgets. The adults-only Arcadia takes voyagers on 24-night cruises to Canadian destinations as well as 7-night sorties to the Norwegian fjords. Calls at exotic cities such as New York, Venice and Istanbul make these trips worth every penny. Those who want to take their kids along for the cruise can book P&O’s Oriana which will make a staggering 24 Ex UK Cruises between now and next year. These include both long and short haul voyages to Western Europe and the Caribbean. The ship features a children’s pool and a children’s club that are sure to keep your kids busy as you relax and enjoy being a world away from the daily grind.

Those with energy to burn and fear the prospect of getting bored stiff while voyaging can bank on Royal Caribbean International to supply them with their dream cruise. With ships equipped with surf simulators, ice-skating rinks, rock climbing walls, heated swimming pools, miniature golf and plenty of other games, adrenaline junkies will have no reason to complain. These ships are also equipped with a selection of bars and restaurants that cater to diverse tastes as well as ice-cream parlours for you to spoil your kids. And if you must get in touch with the outside world there are WiFi and roaming cellular facilities available too. For those who are curious about the safety and security measures on board, you can find more information at https://www.aronfeld.com/are-there-jails-on-cruise-ships/.

World Cruises

There is nothing like forgetting all your earthly cares and embarking on a voyage around the world; just you (and a few other passengers, and the crew) against the vast deep blue ocean waters. But unlike the famous hero who conquered this quest in 80 days, you will be cruising through the journey at a leisurely pace riding on the lap of luxury. World cruises are many and varied, tailored to cater to different tastes. Crystal World Cruise for instance offers an itinerary that casts off from Miami, leads you through the Gulf of Mexico on to the Caribbean Seas. From there the ship transits the Panama Canal and makes a stopover at Peru, and another at Chile a few days later. It continues skirting the coast of the South American continent touching Brazil and takes voyagers along the famous River Amazon before continuing via the Atlantic Ocean. The beauty of this kind of cruise is that you get to see many destinations in one trip.

From the picturesque beaches of the Caribbean to the fascinating volcanic islands of Indonesia to the history-laden holy land, Israel. If you’re on a budget or have a particular destination in mind that you want to explore, you can go for the so called ‘cruise and stay’ packages that offer you a cruise to a particular location which you can then explore to your heart’s content instead of continuing to other destinations.

Each cruise comes with its own excursion itinerary of places you can expect to go on shore and explore. At each of these places there will be a set of activities you’ll have the option of indulging in. For instance on the Crystal World Cruise you can enjoy exploring the interior of the Antilles on an ATV as well as make a tour of the Hato Caves and the Seaquarium. Guided tours are a good way to spend time on shore as you will learn a lot and also get to spend time on only the places that really matter.

A few things you’ll be wise to consider before booking a world cruise include the general profile of the passengers on the voyage. If you’re a young couple going on the journey as part of your honeymoon or just a romantic outing, you may not be thrilled to find that most of your shipmates are in their sixties and seventies.

It is also prudent to expect the list of onboard activities carefully as unlike short cruises where there are stopovers every other day where voyagers can go exploring on shore, world cruises have fewer of these layoffs and you will be expected to stay on board for most of them. Therefore if you fail to find activities to your liking it could make for a rather miserable trip. It is common knowledge now that some cruises require passengers to dress up for diner. If this does not sit well with you it is important you find out beforehand and avoid a potentially embarrassing faux pas. To help you decide which liner will provide you with the best experience on your round-the-world journey, you could take a couple of shorter cruises on different ships.

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Taking the step of booking your holiday with Royal Caribbean Cruises is a sure way of making your holiday one to remember for years to come. For one you will have a choice of over 200 destinations around the world. Secondly, you will have a fleet of new, or almost new vessels to choose from.

The depth of this firm’s fleet allows for plenty of different itineraries with ships setting sail from UK ports as well as many other departure points. Itineraries cater for all groups of travellers; whether you have kids, or fall in the senior category, you will find an itinerary suited to your unique needs. Should you have a special occasion you want to celebrate while cruising, you will be pleased to know something can be arranged to help you celebrate. The vessels themselves are powered by state-of-the-art technology and are fully equipped to keep voyagers entertained for the duration of the trip.

Which features are these, you ask? Travelling aboard these cruise ships is like travelling on a floating city; designer fashion outlets, 3D movie theatres, Starbucks, fitness centres, casinos and a host of other establishments are available on board. You can even take a leisurely stroll alongside the sea on a promenade. These ships are built for different durations of cruises. Ships under the Sovereign Class, for instance, are designed for shorter trips, the Vision Class vessels will comfortably ferry holidaymakers from Alaska to Hawaii to Mexico and on to Asia. All ships are replete with balconies from which passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean. WiFi is available for those who have their laptops and must connect with the rest of the world. You will also have access to roaming cellular services to help you keep in touch.

Specifically for lovers of sport, this liners fleet are equipped with facilities such as miniature golf and 40-foot rock walls for climbing. And no, you don’t have to go overboard literally to find waves to ride. The onboard surf simulator fitted on some of the Royal Caribbean fleet projects waves of up to 40 metres in length. Not into hanging ten? Grab a pair of skates and hit the ice rink.

You needn’t burden yourself with lugging your skates from home; you can get a pair on board. Or shoot some hoops, or play volleyball, or spar in the boxing gym. And for those who fear losing their newfound figure as they gorge themselves on the exquisite onboard cuisine, there is a jogging track and a well-equipped gym. There’ll even be a trained fitness instructor to take you through an aerobics or yoga class. If all this still does not quench your thirst for adventure, you can wait until you make a stopover and see what awaits you on dry land.

There are plenty of events on board aimed at occupying the time of passengers and giving them an opportunity to have fun while interacting.

As mentioned earlier, Royal Caribbean Cruises travel to hundreds of destinations on 6 continents. These are all exotic locations with interesting sights.

Mediterranean Cruises

Discover a side of Europe you’ve not experienced before by taking on one of the many Mediterranean cruises available. Visit some of the most beautiful cities in Greece, Turkey, Italy and Spain as you indulge yourself in the pinnacle of luxury. Among the features prepared to ensure you feel properly pampered on board are wonderfully furnished and decorated rooms from which you can still enjoy spectacular views of the sea.

One of the joys of these cruises is the excursions you make inland during stopovers at various ports. Truly Mediterranean cruises offer an all in one package to tourists; apart from the relaxation and comfort of travelling on a floating 5-star hotel, you get to visit acclaimed sites and take exhilarating hikes through the greenery of natural landscapes. To take you through these excursions will be highly experienced guides who can comfortably communicate in a number of languages. You will also get to traipse about in exotic cities such as Istanbul, Rome, Florence and Venice sightseeing and shopping to your heart’s delight. Perhaps one of the most anticipated stopovers is the one at the legendary Cannes, where the annual international film festival is held. This town’s historic centre is full of centuries-old monuments that will intrigue history buffs and curious travellers alike. Of course there’s also the irreplaceable French Riviera. The place is also a venerable shoppers’ paradise. History freaks will also be keen on the Dubrovnik layoff on the Croatian coast. Landmarks dating back to the 14^th century are still there. One of the things you absolutely have to do is walk along the walls of the walled city; a challenging but highly rewarding experience.

The beauty of these packages is that they can be tailor-made to suit your exact needs. You can decide whether or not to include the towering minarets and domes of Istanbul in your trip. While booking with Costa Cruises you can choose to include the wellness package; therapeutic full-body massages and treatments, workouts in a well-equipped fitness centre topped off with a variety of low-calorie foods. If you’re celebrating a special occasion; a birthday, anniversary, honeymoon, etc, you can ask for special arrangements to be made to make it a day to remember. Should you be taking your kids along for the cruise, liners such as Royal Caribbean Legend of the Seas will fully cater to them with a raft of games to keep them occupied besides the on-board swimming pools. Can’t do without a throbbing night scene? No need to fear boredom; apart from a selection of bars, each serving a selection of wicked cocktails, you will be treated to live music and live DJs on most Mediterranean cruises.

While most people dream of a cruise lounging in the lovely summer sunshine, booking your Mediterranean sail in spring is not a bad idea as there are less crowds both on board and when you make stopovers. Also, the weather is still not hostile then. If you’re on a budget you might want to try a winter cruise.

Fjords Cruises

Whenever the word ‘cruise’ is mentioned, most minds usually fly to massive ships drifting on foamy ocean waters. But if you didn’t know, a cruise on the tranquil fjords of Europe or Northern America can be just as enjoyable and probably even more relaxing. Imagine sailing along quiet waters while admiring the unique architecture of hidden towns you will never find on your regular sea or ocean itinerary. You will also be treated to excursions inland where you will get to immerse yourself in cultures you probably never knew existed. If you were looking for a clever way to pop the question, you simply have to book one of these fjord cruises; you are virtually guaranteed a ‘yes’. Looking for a wedding venue that is far from the cliché locations? Here is an option you should consider.

Not convinced? Take the Kenai Fjords for example, tucked away in Alaska. This cruise offers you not only the usual pampering you expect on a cruise, you will get such extras as stunning views of the Alaska glaciers as well as the chance to watch Gray Whales and other forms of marine life such as sea lions and otters. Seeing these magnificent mammals blow up jets of water up to 13 feet high is quite an experience on its own. You will also get to see seagulls, puffins and other rare birds. As you watch nature put on a show you’ll be digging into some tasty Alaska salmon or Alaska king crab.

In a Norwegian fjord cruise you will be able to go on excursions inland including a visit to the Botanical Gardens of Akureyi where you will encounter several different plant species you probably won’t have seen before. A visit to the folklore museum of Laufás will reveal life as it was in a typical farmhouse there in the late 19^th century. Voyagers can expect to see many unique geological features along the way including fascinating lava formations and numerous pseudo-craters. There is a geothermal field littered with attractions such as steam vents, hot springs and sulphur deposits. The glaciers here are also something to behold and tourists who take Norwegian fjord cruises can expect to stop at the Boyabre and Supphelle glaciers. The views here are simply breathtaking. An essential part of the Norwegian experience is spending time in the peaceful little villages. But perhaps the part travellers who book summer cruises look forward to most is the abnormally long summer days in which the sun shines even at midnight. While it is flabbergasting to see a bright sky at 11pm, falling asleep under such circumstance can prove to be a bit of a challenge. And though there are nightclubs complete with DJs on a number of these cruises, trying to party in what seems to be the afternoon can feel a little weird.

To make the most of your fjord trip, try and get up early to savour the amazingly tranquil views of the quiet green mountains and the pure white waterfalls tumbling on their sides. As part of the excursion most fjord cruises allow visitors to explore the landscape and even kayak in the waters of the fjord.

Other than all the above, you will get the usual on-board pampering; air-conditioned rooms, casinos, bars, spas etc.

European Cruises

While you can savour the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea from the beaches of exotic French, Italian, Spanish and Greek locations, a trip aboard a luxury cruise line is arguably a better way to do it. Think about it, how else will you get away from it all and have the endless seas to yourself while savouring the tastiest dishes and sipping cocktails (and probably also relax in a bubble bath). All this while giving the explorer in you a field day, touring the sights and sounds of some of Europe’s most celebrated resorts. There really are few, if any, better ways of spending a holiday.

The Western Mediterranean Cruise offered by the Royal Caribbean Legend of the Seas is one of the most highly rated European cruises. It offers the willing traveller a sweep through some of Italy, France and Spain’s most beautiful cities aboard a beautiful, clean vessel equipped with virtually all the bells and whistles expected of cruise ships. Of your seven-day long cruise, you will spend at least four days wandering through the streets of Barcelona, Naples, Rome and other attraction-laden cities. Among the key marvels of this cruise is the sheer opulence of the rooms guests spend their nights in. A king size bed, a sofa that folds into a double bed and a glass coffee table are some of the elegant furniture items that voyagers will find there. To ensure you’re completely at ease in your room, there is an air conditioner that you can adjust to your liking. To kill those hours before you fall asleep is a TV with a couple of movie channels. But perhaps the best part of these rooms is the balcony that offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.

The ship even has ATM services on board should you want to buy anything or tip the staff. If you have to keep an eye on your email while on holiday you can take advantage of the computers hooked up to the Internet.

Fancy a swim or a poolside lounge as you sail? Feel free to splash about in the on board swimming pools or lie in the lounging chairs that dot the pool deck. If you have your youngsters with you, the shallow pools will be perfect for them to play in.

The bars serve voyagers a large variety of drinks and some smashing cocktails. And with activities such as karaoke and comedy nights, you’re bound to live out some unforgettable moments. There are also numerous other activities organised to help voyagers interact and create some magical moments of their own. Repasts to suit diverse palates are available on robust menus that offer everything from pizza and burgers to seafood.

Further steps have been taken to ensure the total relaxation of visitors with on board spas in which guests can get the kinks rubbed out of their backs by professional masseurs. There is also hydrotherapy available in the spas on some European cruises. Still on health matters, should anything go awry as regards your (or your kids’) health during your dream voyage, you can relax in the thought that fully qualified doctors and nurses form part of the ship’s staff.

Caribbean Cruises

The word ‘Caribbean’ is usually enough to evoke images of crystal clear waters bordered by spotless white sands; the setting sun glowing orange behind silhouetted palm trees. Now, instead of rushing things and jetting into the islands within a couple of hours, why not take a leisurely cruise to the islands aboard a luxury cruise ship? With cruisers it’s not just about arriving, it’s about travelling in comfort and arriving in style. In fact you could say that the unparalleled sense of peace that invades you as you lounge on the deck facing the vast blue sea is the destination for most voyagers. There’s also the added extra of exploring the unspoilt areas off the regular Caribbean tourist beat. Old San Juan, the second-oldest of the European settlements in the ‘New World’, Dominica, the ‘Nature Isle of the Caribbean’ and Barbados’ tropical rain forests are just a few of the discoveries you’ll make as you venture inland with Cruise1st.

An important first step towards enjoying your cruise is booking a cruise suited to your specific needs. Usually there are cruises that are geared towards a specific group; a family cruise, for instance, or one that is targeted at singles.

While you won’t be thrown out if you don’t fall within that particular demographic, you will probably feel awkward and end up not enjoying the cruise you worked so hard for. Some liners will have rules regarding dress code while some will prohibit smoking on board.

Most cruise ships come equipped with ample indoor entertainment to ensure voyagers remain occupied throughout the trip. For those with the cash to spare there is the full complement of slot machines, roulette tables, etc, on which they can chance their luck. There are plenty of games you can try your hand at such as bowling, mini golf, even kickboxing! You are well advised to pack your swimming trunks or bikini right after your travel documents as most cruises will have on-board swimming.

Equally important are your sunscreen, hat and sunglasses so that you can savour the marvellous Caribbean weather without the fear of suffering sunburn. And when the sun disappears behind the ocean, the party gets underway with a variety of on board bars providing a selection of drinks and entertainment, including live music and DJs. When it comes to matters gastronomy, Caribbean cruises like NCL give travellers the option of choosing their own meal times instead of waiting for official diner times. And they have 12 restaurants to choose from; each offering a diverse menu.

On shore activities are rife but you need to plan carefully for you not to miss out. Spas are usually one of the most in-demand cruise activities and if you fail to book well in advance, you might just miss out on this mode of relaxation. Thankfully there is the Internet and online booking.

The reason many holidaymakers opt for Caribbean cruises is total relaxation; the idea of getting away from it all, drifting on calm waters with the only disturbance being a soft breeze brushing the eyelashes. And this you will find in plenty as you will have the entire deck to lounge on as well as the private balconies some cruisers provide.

Canary Island Cruises

Whenever these islands are mentioned, a dreamy film comes over the eyes of most people as they contemplate expanses of gold sand bordering calm azure waters and the gentle whisper of the Atlantic Ocean.

This Spanish archipelago effortlessly fulfils the holidaymaker’s desires, offering wonderful volcanic sights inland as well as some of the finest seafood on the planet.

This alongside a highly conducive environment for water sports and a host of other outdoor activities. While it is easy to simply board a plane and fly into this slice of heaven, wouldn’t it be so much more exciting to sail in the way Christopher Columbus and his comrades did? Not that you’ll be doing so aboard the bare vessels in which these early explorers discovered the world. You’ll be bobbing about the waters in a vessel built with the luxury of its passengers as its chief priority.

There are a wide range of liners offering highly seductive packages of 11 and 14 day cruises taking passengers from Barcelona through the waters of the Mediterranean touching the coasts of Italy, Morocco and such Canary Island cities as Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife before returning to dock in Spain.  Some cruises start all the way in Southampton in the UK such as the Celebrity Eclipse Cruise. During cast-off you and fellow voyagers will be treated to a lavish send-off party on the deck of your cruise ship. More often than not even as you board the vessel, a member of the crew will hand you a smile and a complimentary glass of champagne. The stopovers are some of the most enjoyable part of the cruise experience as is the part where you get to stretch yourself underneath a parasol and laze in the abundant sun. There are also places from which to enjoy amazing views of the distant islands. Many of those who’ve been on Canary Island Cruises never stop talking about the food they were served on board, and rightly so. There is a great variety of meals; from steak to burgers to seafood, done by top-notch chefs and served by amiable staff. You can either go to the designated dining room or have your meal delivered to your cabin. Of course there are fully-stocked bars with every genre of poison; from freshly squeezed fruit juice cocktails to your regular 500ml Heineken.

On board entertainment comes in many flavours and you are sure to have plenty to occupy you for the duration of the excursion. Most ships will be equipped with swimming pools and various forms of indoor entertainment including TVs in rooms, basketball, ping-pong, karaoke and comedy shows. And when the ship docks at the destination, holidaymakers have the option of venturing on shore excursions.

A tip: on many occasions you will meet waiters walking around with attractive, multicoloured cocktails and be tempted to ask for one. Be sure, before you place your order, to confirm if it’s complimentary or you’ll have to sign for it. Having said that, most cruises will serve guests such beverages as milk, coffee and juice on the house. Carbonated drinks and alcoholic beverages will have to be paid for.

So the next time you’re thinking of a way to get away from the hustle and bustle or are thinking of a way to ‘pop the question’, let one of those week-long Canary Island Cruises be at the top of your wish list.