Europe & Beyond

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!

How to Find Great Cruise Deals Online

If you’re looking for the latest special cruise offers, the internet is a great place to start. Because websites can give up to date information on what’s available and special offers as they come up, it’s easy to do some online research before making your booking.

The first thing to do when thinking about going away on a cruitse, is to visit the website of various cruise specialists. Usually there will be more than one way of searching for offers; you can search by cruise line if you have a particular preference, the cruise destination you’re interested in, or the dates you wish to travel. You can usually also bring up a list of all the special deals that are available if you’re fairly flexible about dates and destinations and just want to have a look at everything that’s on special offer.

You will often find cruise deals that offer something extra special. Some of these offers will be in the form of special low prices on cruises that are set to travel in the next couple of months, a low cost option of booking a year ahead, perhaps a wedding deal, or a hobby cruise week, where you can develop your artistic skills. Now, Cruise ships supply so many added interest options, such as courses for Wine Tasting, period history or musical appreciation. It’s a great way to learn about a specific topic and see some of the world.

You may also find cruises that have other kinds of added value, such as the option to get a free upgrade on your cruise or spending money to be used on board your cruise. When considering the best option for you, it’s worth weighing up all these offers to make sure you get the best value for money.

You’ll find that there’s a great range of special offers available on-line, as these websites are able to cover many different cruise lines to ensure that all the best deals are represented. Browsing online, is ideal if you haven’t settled on one particular cruise  and want to ensure you have all the best offers on hand to choose the right trip for you! So settle into your seat, choose an area you’re interested and bon voyage!

Cruising in Grand Style

Prepare yourself for unrivalled luxury and indulgence aboard Mariner of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean’s premier cruise ships. Apart from sailing to exotic destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean, Mariner of the Seas offers a fantanstic range of onboard activities to suit both first time travellers and seasoned cruisers.

On Board Choice

Passengers can relax aboard this floating hotel, with attentive staff members catering to their every whim. Enjoy a lavish body treatment in the world renowned spa, savour the chef’s interpretation of local culinary favourites and sip a destination inspired cocktail on deck, as the ship sails towards Italy, the home of la dolce vita.

At each port of call, passengers can enjoy one of the many exciting shore excursions offered by Royal Caribbean. Mariner of  the Seas’ staff members act as passengers’ personal concierge on land, ensuring that their time on shore is exciting and informative.   Cannes,  always a popular destination on Mariner of the Seas’  itinerary, is great for people watching, whilst sipping on a cold drink overlooking the bay.  Discover breathtaking views along the Riviera, or learn the art of wine making in a French vineyard before returning to the ship. The next stop is Spain, where architectural splendours can be found in every old town. The mixture of cultures and cuisines makes for a lively and fascinating country. Barcelona is known for its vibrant city life and festivals – for instance, you could take an evening stroll down Las Ramblas and sample traditional tapas and sherry, as street performers and musicians provide the background entertainment.

There are so many beautiful countries to visit in the Mediterrenean – let Royal Caribbean take you there in high style.

Beautiful Baltic Cruises

A cruise is a memorable way to see the world. If you want a creative holiday that is full of culture, then consider taking the time to go on a Baltic cruise holiday. Once you go on a cruise, you will be hooked. The Baltic is an age-old attraction -  there is nowhere else in the world quite like this place, with its fabulous backdrop of mountains and crystal waters.

Sightseeing Opportunities

There is a lot to see when you enter a Baltic cruise. Here, you can do everything from visit world-famous cities like Stockholm to take part in some rich shopping and dining experiences. Most cruises will plan plenty of stops because they want to ensure that guests get to see as much as possible. Its a bit like having half a dozen vacations all wrapped up into one. Going on a cruise is a great way to see the Baltic area without having to go on many, many trips. Having a cruise ship take you from one port to the next is so convenient and experienced staff work hard to implement tours that enable customers to explore places of interest with ease.

Culture is everything to such a holiday. Here, you can do everything from visit the historically rich ports along the Northern European coast; taking the time to see waters once traveled by the Vikings. Why not see rich St. Petersburg, shop and dine in the capital of Finland, Helsinki, or bar hop and explore Poland’s Gdansk? Cruises make an effort to stop along the major cities and sites of interest along the coast. You’re  sure to see and do new things while learning  a bit about the history of many different countries.

On Board Ship

Cruises are incredibly comfortable. These ships are not just boats, but luxurious liners with a lot of amenities. One can really sit back and relax. Many of the rooms resemble hotel suites, and there are some great services on board: everything from shops to hair salons and even swimming pools and bowling alleys! Kids can spend the day playing sports or going to the movies on board the cruise ship while adults can take aerobics or dance classes or even rock climb.

While on a cruise holiday, one is sure to meet people from around the world. This is something incredibly unique: not only can a person explore age-old cities, but they can meet people from cultures and countries from around the world. Talk about an international experience! Meeting new people is always great, but going on a cruise that visits so many different cities and countries ensures that you will meet people as interested in culture, history, and traveling as you are.

You can do fun things on board the ship – attending lectures, try out new cuisine, get super fit in the gyms and swimming pools,  watch movies and meet new people. If that isn’t enough, you can visit some of the most famous cities and buildings in the world.  A visit to this unique area by cruise ship is is cost effective – and you’ll get to see a whole lot more in the time available!

Fund a cruise to the Baltic coastline if you want to experience this part of the world in a creative and fun filled way!

The Caribbean Cruise: A Getaway that Has it All

If you’re searching for ideas for your next vacation destination, why not consider a Caribbean cruise? It’s the one vacation that has it all.

The Allure of Exotic Destinations

When you set sail aboard a Caribbean cruise ship, you’re headed for the adventure of a lifetime. Sure, there’s plenty to do on board. But once you dock in exotic locals like Barbados, Turks & Caicos, Antigua and St. Lucia, you’re a world traveler. See the tropical island places you’ve always dreamed of. All without flying anywhere. Disembark and enjoy pristine beaches, crystal blue waters, snorkeling, parasailing and scuba diving. Sit down for a meal of the freshest local cuisines. View architecture and buildings of stunning beauty. Check out gorgeous foreign ports that feature world-class shopping for gold, gems, and finery at discounted prices. Or just enjoy a cool drink in the shade. It’s up to you.

The Luxury of All Inclusive Travel

If you’ve never kicked back and enjoyed all inclusive travel, a Caribbean cruise will be a pleasant surprise for you. You’ve got everything you’ll ever need right at your fingertips. You can forget about carrying your wallet and credit cards. You’re a VIP on board a luxury liner. Everything is taken care of for you. Want a snack at midnight? Head to the complimentary all-night buffet. Want to see a show or a movie? Head to the theatre without your pocketbook. There’s so much fun to be had and it’s all yours for the taking. Forget dealing with receipts and dinner checks. You’re on Caribbean time, so relax and enjoy.

The Comforts of Home Base

Your spacious room is a home base. Unlike guided tour vacations or independent travel, you only have to unpack your suitcases once. No rushing from hotel to hotel and scampering from city to city only to pack and repack at every stop. Your stateroom is your private oasis where you can unpack one time, hang your clothes and just sit and relax on your private balcony overlooking the ocean.

Feasting with World Class Chefs

Plan to arrive hungry. You’ll eat as many meals as you like each day with a selection from the world’s most celebrated chefs. Traveling with picky eaters? Kids can find meals geared just for them while the adults can indulge on lobster tails and decadent chocolate desserts. You’ll never hear your stomach growl on a Caribbean cruise. And you never have to wonder who’s picking up the check—it’s all included!

An Affordable Choice

Cruises to the Caribbean are more affordable now than ever! For what you would spend on just airfare to some destinations, you can pay for your entire cruise including all the meals you can eat. Package deals are offered all the time to make luxury travel affordable. It’s the ideal way for an extended family to all vacation together or a group of college friends to reconnect on a girls only vacation. Celebrate a milestone anniversary or birthday in style with to incomparable finery offered on a luxury cruise.

A Family Adventure

Because cruise ships offer so much excitement, there’s something for everyone in the family. Bring the kids along. They can have their own safe, supervised fun while you relax and put your feet up by one of the many pools. You can be sure that with activities, game rooms and exotic off-ship destinations, no one will complain that they’re bored! Head off to the casino while they see a movie or participate in a class. Workout alone while the kids swim under the watchful eyes of caring staff. Or do things together as a family. Everyone will feel like they got to go on their dream vacation!

Cruise Holidays in the Mediterranean

Cruising the Mediterranean means getting to see a wide variety of cultures. You can explore ancient ruins, view magnificent works of art, savour the wonderfully varied cuisine on offer, and take in peaceful village life, as well as the hustle and bustle of modern cities.

The Brand Royal Caribbean Cruises provide a wide range of cruises around the Mediterranean. They have seven great cruise ships who between them offer all their guests the luxury you’d expect from a cruise ship, and some very innovative features. Cruise ships offer different facilities, but some that can be found on the Royal Caribbean Cruise ships which you might not expect are climbing walls, ice rinks and miniature golf courses, solariums, fitness centre, theatre and casinos.

Mediterranean Cruises

There are over 120 different cruises to the Mediterranean offered by Royal Caribbean aboard its seven great ships. For example, sailing with ‘Adventure Of The Seas’ offers a 7 night cruise around the western Mediterranean departing from Malaga, Spain, and calling at Cagliari (Sardinia) and Civitavecchia (Rome) in Italy, Ajaccio in Corsica, Palma de Mallorca in Spain, and back to Malaga once more.

Splendour of the Seas

If you sailed with the ‘Splendour Of The Seas’ you might enjoy a trip around the Greek Isles starting in Venice, and then visiting Split, Croatia; Corfu, Greece; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Mykonos, Greece; Katakolon, Greece; and returning to Venice.

If you didn’t want to travel from the UK by another mode of transport first, you could opt for a trip that begins in Southampton, such as those with the ‘Independence Of The Seas’. These trips out from Southampton into the Mediterranean vary from 10 nights up to 18 nights, and take a variety of different routes. Some take you to the Canary Islands and Spain for a 10 night round trip, while others take you on wider routes where you get to see places like Gibraltar, Corsica, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Tenerife and Gran Canaria.

Independence of the Seas

The ultimate Mediterranean Holiday is on the cruise liner the ‘Independence Of The Seas’ with their 18 night round trip where you get to visit 11 cities in 5 countries

The ultimate Mediterranean Holiday cruise with the ‘Independence Of The Seas’ is their 18 night round trip where you get to visit 11 cities in 5 countries. Beginning from Southampton in England, you sail out to Lisbon in Portugal, on to Palma de Mallorca which is part of Spain, on again in Spain to Barcelona, then it’s Italy with Florence or Pisa, Rome, Naples, Capri and Cagliari. Then Gibraltar which is part of the United Kingdom, back to Spain, this time to Cadiz, and then home to Southampton once more. A trip like this gives you a chance to experience just how different places within the same country can be, and with many excursions onto land, returning to your floating accommodation each night, and plenty of time on the open water as well, the only thing you might find yourself wishing for is that the trip was longer so you could fit even more in.