Cruises
If your idea of a holiday is negotiating a crowded airport to get to a crowded destination and stay there for two weeks then a cruise vacation will be a revelation to you. For when you book one of the many enchanting cruise deals on offer you’ll stay at a self-contained floating resort that transports you to the great places of the world in comfort and safety. Consider one of the many trips organised by Fred Olsen cruises, for example. Board your cruise ship in Southampton one day, enjoy a show and fine dinner and the next day you wake up steaming into the Mediterranean en route the sunny Riviera. And on a cruise you have such freedom. You have the total freedom as to what to do on ship – what activities to enjoy, what entertainment events to attend and what to eat and drink. Plus whether to disembark at one of the many ports of call or not is entirely up to you. You may choose just to stay on the ship and relax. Another great thing about cruises is the way you can visit so many destinations on one trip. Take a cruise with Caribbean cruises, for example, and you can visit half a dozen Caribbean islands in a week or ten days. Try that on a regular flying holiday. And one of the best things about cruise holidays is the infinite choice of cruise deals available. In terms of length, destination and ship facilities you have an almost infinite choice.
Jaz bar onboard of MSC Cruise
“What a wonderful ship to travel on and the cruise was so different from the crossing we made before.” - Rogers, Yeovil on 14th Apr 2008 (Cunard Cruises)
Cruise Deals – How to Have a Safe Shore Excursion
Though your ship is comfortable with all the amenities you could ever want, one of the pleasures of cruises is the change to disembark and visit some exotic port of call on a shore excursion. These are often organised by the cruise ship as part of cruise deals. However you are not obliged to join these formal tours. You are free to do your own thing and wander around yourself. It’s all part of the freedom of a cruise holiday from a company such as Celebrity cruises. But before setting off on your own, you should check you’re covered by the ship’s insurance policy if you go alone. And if not, make sure your own insurance covers all eventualities. Also make sure you keep an eye on your watch and it’s set to the local time zone. Missing the departure of your ship could be disastrous. If you do decide to join the ship’s organised tour, remember to book early as they can fill up fast. This is especially true for trips from leading providers such as P&O cruises. You might even want to make your reservations before boarding your cruise ship. If you’re a senior or have any particular health problems make sure the shore excursion is not too demanding for you. Always carry ID and details of your ship and its berth. And bring only as much money as you think you’ll need. Shore excursions can be the highlights of cruises so take care and enjoy yours safely.
Norwegian Jewel Cruise Ship
“If you are looking for higher class and adults only there are plenty more liners available – but for me this was as good as any for the price and the laid back theme! ENJOY.” - Hurd, Manchester on 15th Apr 2008 (Ocean Village Cruises)
Wonders of the Cruise World
One of the incomparable features that make Princess Cruises such special holidays is the chance to see the great sites and monuments of the world. The magic of the cruise is that it seems these sights come to you rather than the other way round. Go to sleep one night in your cabin or stateroom and wake up the next morning to a whole new world – a stunning natural vista or a man made marvel. Take the Panama Canal, for example. This engineering miracle linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans is traversed on trips with such premier operators as Royal Caribbean cruises. Then there’s the Statue of Liberty. This iconic image has stood on its plinth in New York Harbour since the end of the 19th century welcoming visitors to the New World. It’s an awe-inspiring sight on one of the many cruises to the United States. On the other side of America is the Golden Gate Bridge looming over San Francisco Harbour. This magnificent feat of engineering provided a backdrop to many classic Hollywood films. Another iconic image included on many cruise deals is Sydney Opera House, perched in white splendour on the edge of magnificent Sydney Harbour. In fact the whole harbour with its great bridge is a feast for the eyes. Trips with Cunard cruises feature a stopover in Sydney and other cities in Australia and New Zealand. These are just a few of the wonders of the world that make cruise deals so special.
Tango dancing
“Having booked this cruise through the recommendation of friends, boy what a superb holiday!” – Rossiter, Sheffield on 15th Apr 2008 (Cunard Cruises)
South America – Land of Paradise Voyages
South America is a huge continent with extensive coastlines so it’s no wonder it’s a premier destination for cruises. Add to this its incomparable natural scenery, warm climate and fascinating culture and history and you have a slew of great places to visit by ship. South America offers such tremendous choice. Visiting South America by ship offers something for everybody. On trips with MSC cruises, for example, nature lovers can visit the fabulous rainforests, culture and history buffs can visit the site of ancient civilisations such as Machu Picchu and party lovers can get on down at the vibrant cities of Rio and Buenos Aires. Highlights of a voyage to Latin America include viewing Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro. You can visit the world famous statue of Christ the Redeemer, arms held open in a gesture of redemption. Later you can relax on Copacabana Beach. Meanwhile in Lima, capital of Peru, you can visit Pizarro’s Cathedral and marvel at the history of the conquistadors who were lured here in search of gold. Cruise deals also offer the chance to enjoy nature. Other than the rainforests, the continent features awe-inspiring mountains with snow-capped peaks, rivers such as the Amazon, lakes and even fjords. For the real nature buff, there are cruises to the Galapagos Island to marvel at the giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins, fur seals, and marine iguanas. Take one of the many cruise deals from NCL cruises to experience everything this vast continent has to offer.
Onboard the Coral Princess
“I must admit that I’m partial to Holland America. The value for money is notable. The service is excellent and the food is brilliant.” - Grayson, Oxford on 15th Apr 2008 (Holland America Cruises)
