Swap The Road Trip For A River Trip

Europe is a large, diverse continent. Unlike the US, it is comprised of dozens of different countries each with their own cultures, traditions and customs. The best way to see this beautiful region is by travelling through it. Although you will no doubt want to see its greatest cities, such as Vienna, Rome, Paris and Prague, you’ll also want to see the bits in between that make Europe so special.

Rather than hiring a car and tiring yourself out driving from A to B stopping at various places in between, hop aboard a river cruise and sit back, relax and watch the world go by in style.

River cruising is not what it once was: an elitist holiday that cost a fortune and only really appealed to wealthy, older travellers. These days, river cruising is far more accessible and a lot more affordable. OK, so it’s not the cheapest holiday you’ll ever go on, but everything is included, from the food to the entertainment and once you’ve taken into account the sheer number of places on the itinerary, a river cruise actually works out at great value for money.

River cruise is also ideal if you are looking for a romantic break. Unlike a road trip you won’t get tired, lost or even bored staring at endless miles of motorway. You can cruise along Europe’s greatest rivers, such as the romantic Rhine, in a luxury river-view suite.

Avalon Cruises has been offering Rhine River cruise for decades. It is one of the best providers of river cruise holidays on the market and its itineraries take in all the things you could possibly want to see on a Rhine River cruise.

Great Value

So why is a Rhine river cruise so romantic and great value for money? Firstly, you will cruise past some of the most remarkable, stunning landscapes in Europe. The Rhine flows all the way from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea coast of the Netherlands. You’ll pass by snow-capped mountains and gushing waterfalls; open winelands and lush green pastures; medieval castles, country mansions and prehistoric fortifications; through historic towns, cities and quaint villages and you’ll even cruise through the Rhine Gorge which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique landscape and micro-climate. Find out more about the Rhine Valley here.

Additionally, on a typical Rhine river cruise you’ll call in on some of the regions most captivating and exciting cities such as Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Mainz and Heidelberg. You’ll also wander through Germany’s Black Forest and enjoy private lectures and wine tasting tours. None of that comes with your typical European road trip!

Good Value Cruise Deals That Won’t Break The Bank

Putting up your feet and getting your sea legs on doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg, if you get my drift! Leaving it all behind and setting sail aboard a cruise ship can seem like a bit of a pipe dream. It might seem like a better idea to save your money and buy an inflatable dinghy, a cheap bottle and encourage the kids to row.  If the latter floats your boat, give it a shot, but, if you’re a little savvy and you do your homework, you’d be surprised at how reasonable some cruise deals can get.

What’s In The Cruise Package?

First things first, accommodation, meals and entertainment are almost always included in the price. With P&O cruises, for example, not only are all meals and luxury accommodation included, but you also get an array of entertainment and relaxation/sports facilities included in the price. These include west-end style productions in the on-board theatres, comedy, live music, cinema, dance classes, cookery demonstrations, special interest seminars, saunas, Jacuzzis, steam rooms, swimming pools, a gym and full use of the sports court for playing sports like football and tennis.

With a well-established company like P&O, you can also be assured that you will be getting a great service. It might be tempting to take a cruise with an unfamiliar liner offering enticing prices, but it is worth checking up on some reviews to make sure it really is as good as it sounds. But how to actually get a good deal?

Bag a Bargain Cabin

The thing is, empty rooms on cruise ships are wasted stock and so cruise liner companies are keen to fill their cabins before departure. If you have the means, experts advise people to book as early as possible for two reasons: price and availability. According to agents, the best prices are generally found early on; with prices increasing as departure dates loom closer.

It seems that, in order to secure their costs and give them peace of mind in advance, cruise-liner companies are attempting to attract custom as early on as possible, by offering reduced rates.

Although booking extra early might not get you the absolutely rock bottom price you’re looking for, booking in advance should ensure that you get the right kind of cabin, departure date and special requirements you may want or need.

Prices vary hugely depending on the location of the cruise and the amount of time you spend on-board. If you’re on a budget, why not try a Mediterranean cruise? The costs involved with travelling further afield are, of course, transferred onto the holiday goer and so it seems sensible to explore some of the charms and idiosyncrasies of our neighbouring countries, whilst not missing out on the luxuries offered en-route.

Ask The Experts

The internet is saturated with companies offering cruises, so, if you’re feeling a little lost at sea with where to begin, I would recommend using a company that specialises solely in cruise holidays, utilising their expertise to find the best cruise to suit you. Try looking at cruise1st.co.uk and exploring their pages for their constantly updated cruise deals to suit every kind of budget.

Bon Voyage!

Marvel at the Majesty of Alaska

Thinking of going on a Cruise? Well, think of going way with Alaska cruises. The majestic scenery and surroundings are not the only reason to recommend cruising to Alaska. There are plenty of opportunities to relax on-board ship, hike along paths through the wilderness and experience glaciers up close and personal. With cruises to Alaska being as peaceful or as exciting as you want, there really is something for everyone.

Best Time To Travel To Alaska?

The months of May through September are the only months cruises are available to Alaska. May tends to be the driest month, while June and July are the warmest. Days during the summer are longer, so you will have more opportunities for shore excursions and sight-seeing but there are always plenty of exciting things to do and see in Alaska.

What Types of Cruises Go To Alaska

From large cruise ships to smaller vessels to luxury liners, there is something for everyone. Here’s some background on whats available and the differences are between the various cruises on offer.

Large Cruise Ships

Larger cruise ships such as the Celebrity Silhouette usually have plenty of on-board activities and amenities. You will usually find a large selection of formal restaurants, entertainment, shopping and spas. These types of ships can only visit the larger ports in Alaska, and will have opportunities for shore excursions in Juneau or Anchorage. Some of the most popular larger cruise lines that travel to Alaska are Princess Cruises and Holland America.

Smaller Cruise Ships

A smaller cruise ship will offer slower paced, relaxed holiday, with a fewer number of people on-board the ship. These ships can visit the smaller ports in Alaska, which allows you to see the true beauty of the remote areas in Alaska.

What Should You Pack?

Due to the extreme weather in Alaska, my first recommendation is obviously warm clothing! The weather conditions do fluctuate  so bring items you can layer up on, such as fleece clothing, lightweight jackets and rain gear, as well as hiking boots, hats and mittens.  Don’t be fooled by the colder weather, the UV rays are strong so remember to bring a broad spectrum sunscreen.  Be sure to pack an insect repellent that comes in a pump instead of an aerosol spray can, otherwise your insect repellent may be confiscated before your flight. And if you have problems with motion sickness, take some ginger candy, ginger biscuits, or stem ginger to nibble on – it works wonders!

Alaska is abundant in wildlife, glaciers and breath-taking scenery. You can marvel over the Hubbard Glacier, which is a remarkable piece of clear blue ice located near the Gulf of Alaska. Some travellers find themselves surrounded by humpback whales during their cruise, while others catch a glimpse of brown bears along the southwestern coast fishing for salmon. You will definitely need binoculars to view some of the scenery and wildlife up close.

You won’t be left disappointed on a cruise to Alaska. From the beautiful scenery  to the abundance of wildlife, Alaska cruises give travellers a rare opportunity to marvel at one the most majestic places on Earth.

Embark on a Journey from the Old World to the New

Are you trying to find something different to do on your next holiday? Have you always dreamed of exploring exotic places or immersing yourself in the culture of other countries? If so, I recommend transatlantic cruises. If you live close enough to one of the major ports, such as Southampton, you can have a full no-fly cruise. Your holiday will be spent experiencing all the excitement or relaxation you want on-board the ship, and once you reach your destination, there will be plenty of opportunities for shore excursions. Choosing the best one can seem like a daunting task; however, I can recommend a few transatlantic cruises that may match your interests.

Holland America

I recommend the 32 day Caribbean cruise for those who truly want to immerse themselves in a voyage. This cruise will take you on a journey to Portugal, Barbados and Aruba.  The majority of time will be spent on-board the ship, where you can explore the art gallery, fine dining restaurants, cafes and casino. The ship also has children’s play areas and teenager discos.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Embark on a 16 night journey departing from Harwich. This cruise lets you fully immerse yourself in the journey as you discover the world. Stop at exciting ports in Ireland, Iceland and Newfoundland before finally reaching your destination in Boston. Spend your time on-board the ship at the casino, fitness club, spa or nightclub. It is also worth taking a look at Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises, which are also part of the Royal Caribbean Group

P&O Cruises

There are plenty of options to choose from with P&O Cruise Line. Depart from Southampton and travel to the U.S. or the Caribbean. Trips to the U.S. take you to New York and Boston or to Canada, where you can see Quebec. The shore excursions in New York is fantastic, where you can see the breath-taking skyline and visit the Empire State Building. Travel to the Caribbean on cruises that range from 14 to 35 nights. Cruises to the Caribbean are perfect for all age ranges.  There are restaurants, children’s clubs, play areas, pools, spas and casinos on-board the ship to keep you entertained. Arrive in Barbados and soak up some sun before returning to Southampton.

Cunard Cruise Line

Cunard is one of the best cruise lines for transatlantic cruising. The Queen Mary 2 departs from Southampton on an exciting journey to New York. While on-board the ship, you can browse the largest library collection at sea, have afternoon tea on the Promenade Deck, attend fitness classes, dance in the ballroom or simply relax and take in the sights. A Seven night cruise will take you to your destination, where you can journey home by plane or stay and explore the country. A fourteen night transatlantic cruise will stop in New York and return home to Southampton.

Tips for Transatlantic Cruises

A transatlantic cruise is a true adventure. You are embarking on a journey to see new places, from a fresh perspective. And once you are in port, you’ll be offered plenty of shore excursions. You may opt for a smaller cabin due to the price; however, remember most of your time will be spent enjoying the facilities on the ship. A lovely suite with an ocean view and a balcony will offer you the perfect place for retreating to after a busy day of on-board activities.  Choose the cruise that reflects your interests. If you are hoping for a romantic holiday, find a cruise with ballroom dancing, spas and fine dining. Families can look for transatlantic cruises with babysitting services, children’s play areas and plenty of on-board activities. With options for holidays that are as exciting or as peaceful as you want, you won’t be disappointed on a transatlantic cruise.

P&O Cruises Early Booking Spectacular

P&O are launching a fantastic offer – free return travel from home to ship and discounts of up to 20% on selected bookings.

A holiday doesn’t have to be taxing. And it shouldn’t start with a stress inducing journey.

With this offer, as soon as the booking is made all our customers have to do is start counting down the days until their cruise holiday begins. The stress and costs of getting to the ship are removed as we take care of all the arrangements

Launched on the 1st September and running through until 30th November 2011, P&O Cruises Early Booking Spectacular will offer savings of up 20% on brochure fares, plus free cruise connections (car parking, regional flights or coach transfers) on 2012 itineraries – something we’d call a truly spectacular deal.

So, no matter what the distance, enjoy a complimentary journey from any UK destination straight to Southampton. Leave all your troubles at the quayside, and step into a world of relaxation courtesy of P&O Cruises..

For updates on this and more great deals, visit http://www.facebook.com/pandocruises

The free travel promotion includes everything from free valet parking to domestic and international flights or coach transfers!

They’ve created a video to explain the offer

P&O Cruises Early Booking Spectacular! by pandocruises

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “Never before have we offered such a comprehensive booking package for our customers, transporting them from their home town to the ship at no extra expense.

P&O Cruises will handle all booking arrangements and tickets will be issued with pre-cruise documentation.

“With this offer, as soon as the booking is made all our customers have to do is start counting down the days until their holiday begins. The stress and costs of getting to the ship are removed as we take care of all the arrangements.”

For more information or to book call P&O Cruises on 0845 3 554 444, visit www.pocruises.co.uk or see an ABTA travel agent.

Cruise Ships – Are They Suitable For Children?

Having just recently come back from a splendid camping holiday with my family, I have a case of the holiday blues. I figured the best way to get over the holiday hangover was to start planning for our next holiday and I figured a different holiday experience and a change of scene would be beneficial for the whole family. My friends and family suggested a number of holidays from the bizarre to the ridiculous, and among the ideas suggested were a family cruise. At first I wasn’t too keen, I never quite understood the appeal of sailing the beautiful oceans in a ship packed full of distractions. Would I even have time to admire the deep blue yonder with all the distractions and action onboard the cruise? And would the children enjoy it?

I began researching the different types of cruise ships on offer from the leading brands, and below is a very brief overview of what I learnt from each.

Independence of the seas – Royal Caribbean International Cruises

The world’s largest ship and probably the most innovative, the Independence Of The Seas is a very popular choice among families. The facilities onboard the Independence Of The Seas seems like something conjured up at a dream factory. Two of the most popular facilities include the H2O Zone Waterpark and FlowRider, a favourite among children.

Azamara Journey – Azamara Club Cruises

This ship is catered more towards adults, but young teenagers will still find the onboard facilities ample and the destinations unforgettable. The Azamara Journey is much smaller than most luxury cruises, but its intimate size works to its advantage allowing it to visit destinations other cruises can only dream of.

Disney Dream – Disney Cruises

Sharing your cruise with a man sized mouse might not be your idea of a dream holiday but the children will certainly love it. The ship is filled with rides, such as the Splashtacular AquaDuck, the very first water roller coaster at sea. Disney undoubtedly understands what children like, so this makes for a very good family cruise, if a little cheesy!

Celebrity Silhouette – Celebrity Cruises

The Celebrity Silhouette is Celebrity Cruise’s latest edition to the impressive Solstice Class and probably the most stylish ship at sea. Children can be entertained at the Celebrity X Club Youth Program, where the activities include treasure hunts, raft building and wacky races.  Adults can take a painting class with a master artist, grab a burger at the Lawn Club, unwind in your own private cocoon, order food via an iPad and even have access to over 50 international craft beers.

Thanks to Lucia Monlia for sending in this Guest Post!

Arctic Cruises

Bored with sea, sun, sand and sunbathing as your typical holiday? Whilst you may associate cruises with cabaret, crystal chandeliers and casinos, these trips are becoming far more adventurous and the number of UK passengers cruising this year is expected to rise by another eight per cent to a record, 1.77 million.  This is partly due to the popularity of adventure cruises such as the Arctic cruise. Here winter temperatures can be as low as −40 °C, so pack thermals and waterproofs and prepare for a holiday of a lifetime, sailing the world’s most remote coastlines and viewing an incredible array of wildlife and amazing scenery.  What can you see on an Arctic cruise?

Polar Bears

The main highlight of an Arctic cruise is often spotting the iconic polar bear. Only in the Arctic can you see this amazing creature in its natural habitat and view their full personality. You’ll be impressed by their amazing adaptations to life in the harsh Arctic environment and dependence on sea ice. However, while they look cute and friendly they’re actually incredibly strong and ferocious, measuring up to 3.1 metres long and weighing up to 1,200 pounds. Sadly, these giant beasts are becoming highly vulnerable, threatened with the increasing effects of global warming, which is melting their habitat.

Arctic Foxes

Arctic foxes have stunning coats which tend either to be white or a beautiful blue-grey. As well as being attractive, these coats act as very effective winter camouflage and are the warmest fur of any mammal – even warmer than that of the polar bear. The foxes also have furry soles, short ears and a short muzzle, all of which are important in helping them survive the chilly climate. They are amazing creatures to observe, as the basic social unit is a breeding pair who will remain together in the same territory and den for up to five years.

Svalbard Reindeer

Svalbard has a unique subspecies of reindeer, the Svalbard reindeer which is the smallest species within the deer family. The deer have characteristically short legs but still carry impressive antlers.  They spend their days concentrating on eating as much as possible creating large fat reserves to survive the long Arctic winter. These reindeer are not shy and can be more commonly spotted than the polar bear.

Ice Seals

The Arctic is home to several unique and extraordinary, beautiful seal species, such as: ribbon seals, bearded seals, ringed seals, spotted seals, harp seals, and hooded seals. These seals are often called ice seals because they spend the bulk of their lives either on or near sea ice. They can be spotted along with walrus on ice floes or off-shore islands and so make perfect photographic subjects.

Whales

Whilst some whales may migrate over the severe winters, the bowhead, beluga and narwhal can be seen in the Arctic all year round. The bowhead feeds by swimming with its huge mouth open, taking in enormous amounts of water and trapping copepods and other drifting crustaceans. This is because it is a baleen whale and so instead of teeth, it has several hundred fringed plates, called baleen, that hang down from its upper jaw and filter small prey from the water.

The beluga is a very beautiful creature which is also known as the white whale due to its distinctive white colouring. Belugas are a sociable bunch, often gathering in large numbers so once you spot one, look out for others nearby. You may only need to listen out for them as belugas are quite loud and can often be heard whistling, clicking, and grunting.

What distinguishes the narwhal from the beluga is its magnificent spearing tusk which can extend up to half of the whale’s body weight. Nicknamed ‘unicorn of the sea’, the tusk is actually a long, twisted tooth that is projected up to three metres in front of the whale.

Arctic Birds

There is also a variety of birds which can be seen in the Arctic.  If you cruise during the summer months you may spot the Arctic tern which is famous for its migration, flying from its breeding grounds in the Arctic 44,000-miles to the opposite pole the Antarctic.  Here it will spend September to May before flying back again for summer in the Arctic. This is by far the furthest migration by any known animal and ensures that this bird sees two summers per year and more daylight than any other creature on the planet.

Other birds you may spot are puffins, eider ducks, skuas, sandpipers and auks. The birds in the Arctic are also feeling the effects of climate change; from difficulties in flying in foggy weather to avalanches and new threats such as mosquitoes.

Unspoiled Wilderness

In addition to unique wildlife, an Arctic cruise enables you to sail round some one of the world’s last great wildernesses. The dramatic scenery ranges from ice covered seas, fjords with breathtaking mountain scenery, rarely visited bays and inlets and glaciers flowing into the sea around you.

Reasons To Go On A Cruise Around The Mediterranean

Some people choose a sea cruise holiday, secure in the knowledge that there is every chance there will be sunshine on offer. Together with great food and a daily choice of entertainment, its means you can relax, be looked after and enjoy the journey. Others prefer cruise ships where there are lots of opportunities for sightseeing, visiting  famous tourist attractions and cosmopolitan cities. If you’re undecided between the two types, or want a cruise holiday that has a bit of everything, Mediterranean cruises are ideal, providing you with a wide range of fascinating places to explore and enjoy.

Barcelona and Rome

Barcelona in Spain,  boasts old Bull Rings, Art Galleries and wonderful sea walks.  You can wander through Las Ramblas, and listen to the street musicians over a cup of coffee;  stroll through to the Gothic quarter, and sample a few of the excellent tapas dishes with a glass of iced Sangria.  One of the finest aqauriums in the world is based in Barcelona, great for children and adults alike, and a real must see for anyone interested in architecture are the buildings designed by Gaudi, who created the iconic Sagrada Familia Cathedral.

Rome is one of the most popular destinations in Mediterranean – a cruise stop will give you a chance to see the remains of the once mighty Colosseum, Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. If you have time, you can get to see Trevi Fountain, with its extravagent water theatre, and the well known Spanish Steps of Rome, which comprise 12 flights of steps of varying widths, up a very steep hill, so remember to take comfortable shoes!

Cool Cannes

If you like the sound of the more glamorous locations, then Cannes is a must-see. You can enjoy the laid back café culture or perhaps shop for that long promised bathing suit. For a day trip that’s out of the ordinary, Gibraltar is fascinating to visit. Rich in ancient Greek and Roman mythology, it has a long history with England and Spain.  On a good day you can see the coast of Africa from the top of the “Rock” – but watch out for the monkeys who rule the viewpoint area – you can have your picture taken with them, but they are very bold and won’t hesitate to relieve you of your ice-cream, hat, or sunglasses!

Of course, the Mediterranean is also known for its reliable climate and gorgeous beaches. Valencia features white sandy beaches, perfect for a leisurely swim and sunbathe or a long, long walk.  On an Eastern Mediterranean cruise, the Greek islands are steeped in history, and take in popular holiday destinations such as Mykonos, Crete and Corfu.

The Mediterranean offers a diverse range of places to explore, cultural sites, luxurious beaches and an amazing array of different local styles of cuisine. For a holiday that’s rich and varied, the Mediterranean cruise has it all. Treat yourself!