Many UK holidaymakers are warming to the idea of a cruise holiday in 2009 to avoid losing out on the poor Euro rate.
As we are all fully aware, travel to Euro-Zone countries in 2009 is going to be expensive with the rate rarely moving above 1.050 to the pound.
Holidays with British Cruise Lines offer a cost effective alternative as the currency used on board is Sterling. This means drinks are comparative to UK pub prices and you can pay for your excursions without having to worry about the rate of exchange.
P&O, Cunard and Fred Olsen are offering a huge range of itineraries in 2009 including trips to the Mediterranean, the Baltic, Norwegian Fjords and the Canary Islands.
So if you have never tried a cruise, now seems to be the best time!
Monday 30 March 2009
Friday 20 March 2009
NCL to pull out of Southampton
This week brought the news that NCL Freestyle Cruising will stop operating sailings from Southampton in 2009. As a result the Norwegian Jade will be based in Barcelona and the Norwegian Gem will sail from Venice.
There is huge competition with many new ships entering service from 2010 which could have influenced NCL'S decision.
The Norwegian Jewell will continue to offer its Baltic itinerary from Dover.
There is huge competition with many new ships entering service from 2010 which could have influenced NCL'S decision.
The Norwegian Jewell will continue to offer its Baltic itinerary from Dover.
Tuesday 17 March 2009
Benidorm Clubbing Paradise Vs Gods Waiting Room
Benidorm- The epicentre of everything that is British in Spain. Fish and Chips, Sunday Roast, British Tabloid Press, Sun wrinkled groups of bridge playing pensioners and of course drink induced party animals.
British pensioners tend to migrate to the warmer climes of Benidorm at the start of November when it becomes too cold for their limbs to operate in the UK. They then hibernate at one of the resorts large hotel blocks until it is safe to return home in spring. During their stay, in the daytime they enjoy leisurely promenade walks, green bowling and a traditional siesta (afternoon nap!). Nights are spent around a bridge table or wailing out their favourite hits on Dave's Karaoke.
In contrast the summer months attract a different breed of British tourist. From May to October Benidorm is graced by British teenagers seeking the ultimate clubbing holiday experience. The likes of Club 18-30 lure the British youth with the promise of Sun, Sea, Sex and an all round drunken unconscious blur. Days for most are spent recovering from the night before on a sunbed until the reps round them up for another evening of drunken euphoria.
So on the whole Benidorm is a great destination for all ages. Just make sure you pick the right time of year to visit.
British pensioners tend to migrate to the warmer climes of Benidorm at the start of November when it becomes too cold for their limbs to operate in the UK. They then hibernate at one of the resorts large hotel blocks until it is safe to return home in spring. During their stay, in the daytime they enjoy leisurely promenade walks, green bowling and a traditional siesta (afternoon nap!). Nights are spent around a bridge table or wailing out their favourite hits on Dave's Karaoke.
In contrast the summer months attract a different breed of British tourist. From May to October Benidorm is graced by British teenagers seeking the ultimate clubbing holiday experience. The likes of Club 18-30 lure the British youth with the promise of Sun, Sea, Sex and an all round drunken unconscious blur. Days for most are spent recovering from the night before on a sunbed until the reps round them up for another evening of drunken euphoria.
So on the whole Benidorm is a great destination for all ages. Just make sure you pick the right time of year to visit.
Saturday 7 March 2009
Man Overboard!
Yes it was a case quite literally of Man overboard earlier this week in the port of Palma, Majorca. A passenger on MSC cruise ship Fantasia had to be rescued from the water after a gangway collapsed due to strong winds on the Spanish island.
The man was rescued by members of the ships crew and then taken to hospital to recover from the shock of the incident.
Strong winds caused mooring bits on the pier to come loose and the ship strayed away from the quay resulting in the gangway collapsing.
The ship was later moved to a different port and a spokeswoman from MSC cruises confirmed that the company had lodged a formal complaint to the port authority.
The ship was in the middle of an eight night Mediterranean itinerary.
The man was rescued by members of the ships crew and then taken to hospital to recover from the shock of the incident.
Strong winds caused mooring bits on the pier to come loose and the ship strayed away from the quay resulting in the gangway collapsing.
The ship was later moved to a different port and a spokeswoman from MSC cruises confirmed that the company had lodged a formal complaint to the port authority.
The ship was in the middle of an eight night Mediterranean itinerary.
Thursday 5 March 2009
Pirates Strike Again!
The last thing you expect when sailing the seas on a luxury cruise liner is to be targeted by Captain Hook! Well that's exactly what some UK cruisers experienced earlier this week.
Reports have emerged over the last couple of days that Fred Olsen Cruise liner 'Balmoral' was targeted by Pirates on the 3rd March 2009 in the waters off Somalia. According to the U.K publication Metro, the Balmoral reported "suspicious" activity after two small vesseles followed the ship in the Gulf of Aden.
A tannoy announcement was made in a nervous voice asking the 1000 passengers to remain below deck, while the ship steered away from the suspicious craft. Reports in the Sun suggested that gun fire had been heard and that some had watched through binoculars men with AK-47 rifles and even rocket launchers just 400 metres away. It remains to be seen if this report is true and predictably Fred Olsen have played down the whole situation on their website.
This is the latest in a number of pirate attacks which have taken place in these waters recently. In the last year 42 hijackings have taken place off the coast of Somalia with ship owners paying over £100million in ransom money.
Reports have emerged over the last couple of days that Fred Olsen Cruise liner 'Balmoral' was targeted by Pirates on the 3rd March 2009 in the waters off Somalia. According to the U.K publication Metro, the Balmoral reported "suspicious" activity after two small vesseles followed the ship in the Gulf of Aden.
A tannoy announcement was made in a nervous voice asking the 1000 passengers to remain below deck, while the ship steered away from the suspicious craft. Reports in the Sun suggested that gun fire had been heard and that some had watched through binoculars men with AK-47 rifles and even rocket launchers just 400 metres away. It remains to be seen if this report is true and predictably Fred Olsen have played down the whole situation on their website.
This is the latest in a number of pirate attacks which have taken place in these waters recently. In the last year 42 hijackings have taken place off the coast of Somalia with ship owners paying over £100million in ransom money.
Grab A Thai Bargain
The Tourism Authority of Thailand have confirmed that they are set to launch a campaign promoting the destinations value following a drop in passenger numbers in 2008.
The country welcomed around 700,000 British tourists in 2008, which is 50,000 less than 2007, however official figures have not yet been confirmed.
On this occasion it is not the current economic downturn which is to blame, as the political protests which caused Bangkok's international airport to close for several days last year are said to be the main cause.
It is thought that the promotional campaign to lure tourists back is being funded by the Thai Government to the tune of around $34 million, which could also lead to some bargain holidays being available from the UK this year.
Funway holidays have recently been advertising in the Mail on Sunday lead in prices from £699 per person for an 8 night beach stay, which represents excellent value for money. Thailand is known as the 'Land Of Smiles' and it seems 2009 could be a fantastic opportunity to sample this fascinating country.
The country welcomed around 700,000 British tourists in 2008, which is 50,000 less than 2007, however official figures have not yet been confirmed.
On this occasion it is not the current economic downturn which is to blame, as the political protests which caused Bangkok's international airport to close for several days last year are said to be the main cause.
It is thought that the promotional campaign to lure tourists back is being funded by the Thai Government to the tune of around $34 million, which could also lead to some bargain holidays being available from the UK this year.
Funway holidays have recently been advertising in the Mail on Sunday lead in prices from £699 per person for an 8 night beach stay, which represents excellent value for money. Thailand is known as the 'Land Of Smiles' and it seems 2009 could be a fantastic opportunity to sample this fascinating country.
Monday 2 March 2009
Travel To Kauai - Hawaii's Garden Island Paradise,
Working in the travel industry, many of my clients are looking for new and exiting destinations. When I suggest holidays to Hawaii many of them reply by saying "Isn't it expensive"? Maybe there was a time when travel to exotic destinations such as Hawaii would exceed most peoples travel budget, but times are changing.
In this blog I am focusing on the beautiful garden island of Kuaui, the oldest and the most northerly of the main Hawaiian islands. Kauai is known as 'The Garden Isle' due to it's lush green vegetation and plant life. The island is roughly 550 square miles (1430 square km) in area, stretching from the picture postcard Hanalei Bay on the wet north shore, to the beautiful beach of Poipu on the south.
The blue pacific ocean laps the shore of the stunning Na Pali coast with it's towering cliffs, emerald canyons, lava tubes and pristine beaches. This area is best enjoyed by helicopter from above, or the more adventurous will enjoy Kayaking along this beautiful coastline.
Western Kauai boasts an abundance of natural wonders, cultural landmarks and above all the spectacular Waimea Canyon. A vast 16km (10 miles) in length and 1038 m (3600 ft) in depth, this natural wonder is best appreciated when struck by the colours of the rainbow. Rainbows are of plenty in this area and onwards towards the peaks of Mt Waialeale, which is claimed to be one of the wettest places on earth, with an average of 460 inches of rain a year.
In this blog I am focusing on the beautiful garden island of Kuaui, the oldest and the most northerly of the main Hawaiian islands. Kauai is known as 'The Garden Isle' due to it's lush green vegetation and plant life. The island is roughly 550 square miles (1430 square km) in area, stretching from the picture postcard Hanalei Bay on the wet north shore, to the beautiful beach of Poipu on the south.
The blue pacific ocean laps the shore of the stunning Na Pali coast with it's towering cliffs, emerald canyons, lava tubes and pristine beaches. This area is best enjoyed by helicopter from above, or the more adventurous will enjoy Kayaking along this beautiful coastline.
Western Kauai boasts an abundance of natural wonders, cultural landmarks and above all the spectacular Waimea Canyon. A vast 16km (10 miles) in length and 1038 m (3600 ft) in depth, this natural wonder is best appreciated when struck by the colours of the rainbow. Rainbows are of plenty in this area and onwards towards the peaks of Mt Waialeale, which is claimed to be one of the wettest places on earth, with an average of 460 inches of rain a year.
Kauai is an Island of beauty as you seem to be able to visit one amazing sight after another. It has so much to offer, whether your looking for a relaxing beach stay, romantic honeymoon or thrill packed adventure break this Island simply has it all.
The best time of year to visit Kauai is during the UK summertime (April-October) when rainfall is at it's lowest.
Where to stay?
I have provided below a list of links to some beautiful hotels to suit all budgets where a warm Hawaiian welcome is Guaranteed.
http://www.resortquesthawaii.com/
http://www.sheraton-kauai.com/
http://www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/lihhi-kauai-marriott-resort-and-beach-club
Other useful links that might help you plan your trip to Kauai include,
http://www.cheaptourshawaii.com/
I hope you have enjoyed this blog and that it helps those of you out there who are planning a trip to Kauai. I will be posting other articles and guides over the coming months so please visit my blog again. For now though what more can I say than Aloha!
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