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By Alan, on March 12th, 2012
The cruise ship experience is one that is only increasing in popularity, and as a Centennial Celebration the Vancouver Sun is inviting its readers to join in a seven-day cruise to Alaska on Holland America’s 1,432-passenger ship MS Volandam.
The Sun’s publisher, Kevin Bent, says this is a fabulous opportunity not only to visit some of the world’s most incredible scenery, but to get acquainted with the newspaper’s most popular columnists and writers, Mr. Bent will also be aboard, for his first cruise.
There will be plenty of excitement right from the start of the voyage on September 12, with a cocktail reception aboard where passengers will meet the Sun personalities they’ll get to know as the trip goes on. Along with stops at scenically stunning spots like Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway, a Salmon Bake ashore and other highlights, the Sun’s own stars will hold forth on their respective areas of expertise.
In other cruise ship news, the Carnival line is showing more interest in Europe as a cruising destination.
Up until now, their new ships built in European shipyards would schedule a few ‘local’ cruises following launch in the spring or early summer, and then in the fall head for North America as their permanent base.
The report is that Carnival Legend will spend the whole season of 2013 in Europe, forsaking its old home base in Tampa. The Legend will leave Tampa in April 2013 on a transatlantic crossing that concludes in Barcelona 15 days later. Stops on the way will include King’s Wharf in Bermuda, Ponta Delgada in Portugal, and Malaga and Palma de Mallorca in Spain.
Carnival will be extending its European cruise itineraries to include the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas and more comprehensive UK routes. England will also be getting a new Celebrity ship, the Infinity, that will be based in Harwich.
By Alan, on March 9th, 2012
 As tensions continue to mount between the UK and Argentina over the Falkland Islands, the South American country has refused to allow two British ships to enter the Ushuaia port.
The Star Princess, Princess Cruise vessel and the Adonia P&O Cruise ship were both denied entry at the port after they first stopped by the Falklands the previous Saturday.
As the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War approaches, Argentina has expressed their dismay that the Duke of Cambridge was deployed. The Star Princess has continued on its voyage that promises 14 nights in South America and the Adonia is now heading towards the Chilean port of Punta Arenas.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office stated that they are concerned to hear that the Star Princess and Adonia were not allowed into the Ushuaia port and that even if they are upset this is not a reason to interfere with legitimate and free commerce.
The spokesperson added that British diplomats that are in Argentina are working hard to figure out why these incidents occurred and working with Carnival Cruises to get the exact details of the occurrence. At the moment, the FO does not advise against British travel to ports in Argentina, but does recommend that operators first check with the local agent before they embark on a trip.
By Alan, on March 7th, 2012
 A cruise trip which lasts 124 days, is being offered by Six Star Cruises and it is going to cost £1 million for every couple who buy a ticket.
The cruise is going to involve stays in some of the world’s best hotels and VIP transportation everywhere.
Those who purchase the ticket, are going to be treated to an opulent experience from the very moment the cruise begins. They are going to be picked up by helicopter from their home and taken to an airport in the UK. While on the plane they will enjoy some of the worlds best caviar, tea, and champagne.
Those with tickets, will be taken by private jets to Los Angeles, and on the air plane they will have a meal created by a Michelin star chef. On the cruise ship itself, guests will have a 1000 square foot suite with the most luxurious amenities, as well as two bedrooms. Each suite includes a separate dining area and two separate balconies.
The trip involves a tour around Mauritius, Malaysia, and New Zealand, as well as 25 other countries. The cost of the trip equates to approximately £8000 every single day. Before actually departing on the cruise, guests will stay at one of the best hotels in Los Angeles, and after the cruise they will stay in one of the most expensive apartment buildings in the world, which costs over £7000 every night
By admin, on March 6th, 2012
Most parents work hard to make their family holiday experiences delightful, exciting and unforgettable. When they are successful they create many happy memories, not only for themselves but also for their children. Sometimes, finding the perfect family getaway can be difficult and it is often necessary to think about destinations and modes of travel that are somewhat different to the norm. One way to make a change from the usual beach holiday is to take a cruise. There are special all-inclusive cruises that have activities for all ages, making them perfect for families. Whether you have very young children or teenagers, everyone in the family will find something that is fun to do on a cruise holiday.
The unforgettable family experience
Many cruise lines provide holidays for adults only, however, more cruises than ever before are now available that are specifically designed for families. During these cruises there are entertainments and events that are suitable for the entire family to enjoy. These all-inclusive cruises also focus on stopping off at locations where there are suitable activities and sightseeing opportunities to interest holidaymakers of all ages.
Family cruise ships also serve food that children will actually eat and enjoy. Instead of being served food that is unfamiliar to them and that they are reticent to try, they are served dishes they are used to seeing that they will eat without complaint. At the same time, these relaxed cruises still offer the quality and variety of food for the adult palate that you would expect to find on any cruise ship.
Best cruise holidays in 2012
One of the most popular all-inclusive 2012 holidays for families is the Disney cruise. The 11-deck Disney Wonder cruise ship provides families with the same family centred experience they have come to love with the Disney movies, retail stores and amusement parks. The 950 members of the cast and crew ensure that families are superbly catered for and are kept fully entertained whilst on the Disney Wonder. The participation of the Disney characters in all the fun family events ensures that the entire family will have a holiday experience they’ll never forget.
The cruise ship the Carnival Freedom appeals to families with young children and those in their early teens. A focus is placed on a gaming centre and recreation parlour for the youngsters. The entire cruise is focused around family friendly activities.
For a luxury family cruise experience, look no further than Liberty of the Seas. As part of the Royal Caribbean international fleet, it is one of the best cruise holiday ships for families currently available. From golf to ice-skating and deck sports to free Wi-Fi, families can stay busy and create some lasting memories.
For some of the best family friendly cruise stops, Mediterranean cruises are perfect. The climate remains mild for cruises at any time of the year. Most Mediterranean cruise liners focus on family holidays, as the shore excursions are perfect for all ages. The all-inclusive cruises that are readily available offer the best deal for family groups.
Why cruises are popular with families
Cruise holidays offer parents an all-in-one package to keep the entire family entertained. Planning an itinerary for a land-based holiday means scouring through activity options, finding a location that appeals to all family members, and can mean that everyone has to enjoy the same things at the same time. Cruises have on-board activities suitable for everyone, plus a wide variety of meals to choose from and interesting shore excursions. No one in the family ever wants a cruise like this to end. With all-inclusive cruises, parents can enjoy the holiday without worrying about escalating extra expenses. One all-encompassing price and a great choice of destinations – what more could you want when considering your next family holiday?
Article for Co-op Travel
By Alan, on March 1st, 2012
 The long-running dispute between Southampton and Liverpool took another turn recently, when cruise ship company was forced to issue an angry denial that they were planning to move their trans-Atlantic base to the northern city.
Cunard, which operates three trans-Atlantic vessels from Southampton, the Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, denied recent reports that it was planning to run cruises from Liverpool to the US at any time in the future.
Southampton has been Cunard’s UK base for many years, and the company has no plans to disrupt a successful working relationship. Some within the industry believe the reports may have started in Liverpool itself, which is currently calling for its newly-renovated port to become a turn-around base for cruise ships, as an alternative to the existing south coast dominance.
The government has yet to agree to these plans, despite providing much of the funding for the expansion and improvement of the docks in recent years. Other UK docks are angry that public money has been used to improve facilities at what is in essence a private business, as they have to rely on their own income and private investors to carry out any improvements on their own facilities.
Southampton is only asking for all ports to be treated equally, with either Liverpool having to pay back the public money from its profits or all UK harbours being provided with government funding for development.
By Alan, on March 1st, 2012
 Cruise companies have been expanding into new regions over the last few years and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is the latest to announce a new route which takes in some unusual destinations.
The Braemar, which has been removed from its usual Caribbean route because of the increasing costs of trans-Atlantic flights, will now be based in the Canary Islands, off the west coast of Africa.
Main port Las Palmas has been a standard port of call for passenger ships heading to South Africa and Brazil for some time, but the new Braemar route is set to take passengers off the beaten track to destinations such as the Cape Verde Islands, Senegal and the Gambia.
Customers booking onto one of the seven two-week cruises that will be departing Las Palmas between January and March will even avoid the notoriously choppy Bay of Biscay crossing, as the Braemar will be permanently based in the Canaries, with passengers flying out to the islands from either London or Manchester.
Nathan Philpot, sales and marketing director at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is excited about the opportunities that the new route opens up for passengers. As well as offering exotic and unusual destinations, the short flight time to the Canaries means that customers can be on the ship and relaxing within a few hours, rather than having to endure a stressful and tiring long-haul flight.
He added that the new destinations should also help travel agents sell the cruises to younger passengers, who might well be drawn by the idea of a holiday to these more independent destinations. A seven night cruise to islands such as Lanzarote and Madeira costs just under £800 including flights, while the most expensive option is a two-week voyage calling in at Senegal, the Gambia, Cape Verde and Fuerteventura, costing almost £1,300.
By admin, on February 29th, 2012
Not so very long ago, a majority of cruises took passengers from one tropical Caribbean island to another. Now, however, tourists interested in a cruise holiday have varied options that also include the Mediterranean and the Far East. But how can prospective passengers know in advance which cruise is right for them?
One of the best ways to answer that question is to consider the shore excursions and attractions of each region.
Mediterranean cruises
A typical cruise through the Mediterranean Sea allows passengers to visit several different European nations during one holiday. Mediterranean cruises tend to focus on either the western or eastern regions of this large sea. Most cruises of the eastern Mediterranean begin in the port cities of Athens, Venice, or Istanbul, though some also now begin in Rome. Cruises of the western Mediterranean take passengers to the beautiful coastline of nations such as France and Spain, sometimes sailing eastward as far as Rome.
Mediterranean cruises provide passengers with the opportunity to see some of the hallmarks of Western civilization, including the Parthenon in Athens and the Coliseum in Rome. Not all the attractions of such a cruise are based in history studies as passengers can also spend a few relaxing hours on one of the beaches along the French Riviera or explore the coastal villages on the Mediterranean islands that seem to change hardly at all from one decade to the next.
Caribbean cruises
Many tourists considering a Caribbean cruise only think about the various islands they might visit, but some cruise lines serving the Caribbean also stop at ports along the eastern coast of North America. Other popular ports of call include Bermuda, the Bahamas, Jamaica, St Kitts, and Puerto Rico, to name just a few.
Tourist activities vary hugely across the region. On St Thomas, for example, passengers can try snorkelling in Turtle Cove or visit the mangrove lagoon at Coral World Marine Park. In San Juan, Puerto Rico, tourists can explore El Morro, a dramatic coastal fort that once protected the city from pirates, while Cozumel, Mexico offers the opportunity to descend into the watery deep aboard the Atlantis Submarine.
Caribbean cruises sometimes depart from US cities such as Tampa, Florida or Baltimore, Maryland, home to the National Aquarium of the United States.
Far East cruises
Most exotic of all perhaps, are cruises to the Far East, which visit such ports of call as Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Phuket, Thailand; Hong Kong, China; and Singapore. Tourists interested in Far East cruises can take advantage of flights to Bangkok as the first leg of their journey to the Orient.
Far East cruises allow tourists to explore the cultures of the various Asian nations they will visit. In Xiamen in China, passengers can visit the Wushipu Oil Painting Village or examine the Nanputuo Temple, which began as a cave dwelling for monks and evolved into the home of more than 50,000 Buddhist manuscripts. Okinawa, Japan, in contrast, offers tourists the chance to see Shuri Castle, meticulously rebuilt to reflect centuries of history after it was destroyed during World War II.
Whether you choose to sail through the waters of the Mediterranean, Caribbean, or Far East, a cruise holiday will provide you with the convenience of an all-inclusive holiday combined with the charm and glamour of the locales you will visit.
Article for Dialaflight
By Alan, on February 29th, 2012
 Biggest cruise show of the head will be sailing into London If you are looking for a holiday with a difference in 2012 then take a trip to The Telegraph’s Cruise Show that is being held at London’s Olympia on March 24-25, and get to meet over 100 major cruise lines and specialist cruise operators all under the one roof.
Not many realise that in recent years there has been something of a cruising revolution as a new generation of travellers have now discovered what a joy it is to take a holiday on the ocean waves and the cruise lines with smaller ships have started visiting off beat destinations to both excite and stimulate the passengers.
The options available these days are fantastic; tranquil cruises along Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River calling in on world heritage sites, join an Antarctic cruise expedition, sail around the glorious South Pacific, spot some unique wildlife in the Galapagos Islands and even enjoy some pampering while at sea in the luxurious on board spas.
Of course, if lying by the pool and sipping cocktails all day appeals, you can do that as well. How about island-hopping in the sunny Caribbean? Or combining lazy days at sea with exciting days ashore exploring some of Europe’s iconic cities on a Mediterranean or Baltic cruise?
Whatever floats your boat, you can be sure to find it at The Telegraph CRUISE Show, where it is so easy to discover a world full of different cruise travel ideas.
Whether you want to research and plan your first ever cruise or you are a seasoned cruiser looking for your next big cruising adventure, The Telegraph CRUISE Show is the place to be.
You’ll save thousands of pounds with the exclusive show-only offers, while leading cruise experts will be on hand to offer inspiration, tips and advice about your next exciting getaway.
So go on, make a visit to the UK’s biggest cruise showcase your number one resolution for 2012. It’s the one promise to yourself you’ll love keeping.
Come and see the biggest cruise showcase in Olympia’s Grand Hall!
Olympia, London 24 – 25 March 2012
Tickets cost £6 in advance and£10 on the door, under 16s free; for full details and to book tickets visit www.cruisingshow.com
By Alan, on February 27th, 2012
 Passengers Vote says that Thomson Cruise Entertainment is the best Thomson Cruises have taken 4 out of the 5 top positions in the 2012 Cruisers Choice Awards entertainments category. Their flagship cruise liner, the Thomson Dream, was named the winner in a whole host of categories at the Cruisers Choice Awards, including taking first place in the Best Overall Mid-Sized Ship international class. It was also rated top for Best Cabins (UK), Shore excursions (UK) and services.
These awards are considered particularly important as the results are compiled by Cruise Critic and are based on reviews and ratings that have been submitted by its 800,000 members.
The 1,506-passenger Thomson Dream was also awarded first place in the ‘Best Entertainment’ category scoring 4.7 out of 5 in the awards. The Thomson Destiny came in third with 4.4 out of 5, the Thomson Celebration gained fourth place with 4.3 out of 5, and the Thomson Spirit took fifth place with 4.2 out of 5. Thomson Cruises took four of the top five places in this category, making them the most entertaining fleet of ships nominated at the awards. Customers on board the Thomson Dream this winter in theCaribbean, got something extra from their entertainment too, as Ashanti, the winner from Sky 1’s reality TV show Showboater’s, joined the show team.
Fraser Ellacott, Managing Director of Thomson Cruises, says “We pride ourselves on offering the whole package but to be regarded top in entertainment for all our ships is fabulous. We are also thrilled that the Thomson Dream has come out on top in five categories. Winning awards voted for by our passengers is fantastic and we are very pleased.”
By Alan, on February 27th, 2012
 Turkey Gulet Cruises prices slashed by Voyager Travel Direct Voyager Travel Direct have announced that they have slashed the prices for their Turkey Gulet Cruises for this coming summer season by up to £300 per person. The
Turkish Gulet Cruises offer travellers a week long opportunity to take in the stunning coastline of Turkey.
The cruise takes place at a very relaxed pace and passengers can bask in the sun on deck as they float along to their next destination.
Voyager Travel Direct offers a wide selection of cruises down the Dalaman and Bodrum coastlines. Gulet cruises are great for families, groups or couples and as most of the Gulet ships offer 8 cabins they are also a great option for the single traveller. All the cabins offer either double or twin accommodation with ensuite facilities.
For those considering taking a Gulet Cruise holiday, it is recommended that casual clothes, plenty of swimwear, beach towels and a Turkish phrasebook are all packed. Storage space is limited so clothes and belongings should be kept to a minimum. There are no plug sockets on board the cruises so electrical items should be left at home. Hairdryers are provided on board.
Verity Eyre, General Manager of Voyager Travel Direct says: “Gulet Cruises offer an excellent and relaxing way to explore the Turkish coastline without breaking the bank. With flights, cruise and 3 meals a day included in the price, a Gulet Cruise of Turkey offers really good value and with the current pricing being so low we are finding many clients are choosing the Gulets over standard holidays to Turkey.”
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