Pirates Strike MSC Cruise Ship

Following on from my post earlier this year when Somalian Pirates attacked a Fred Olsen cruise ship, they have struck again!

This time the victim was MSC ship 'Melody' whilst on a 22 day cruise from Durban to Genoa. Despite the ship altering her course she was attacked 600 miles off the Somalian coast at 7.35pm local time on Saturday.

Gun fire caused minor damage to the ship which was carrying 994 passengers and around 500 crew. Due to recent attacks on a US cargo ship the Melody chose to sail further from the coast than normal, adding an extra 400 miles to the journey and also cancelling a planned stop at the port of Safga in Egypt.

A spokeswoman for MSC confirmed Israeli security guards on board the ship had expelled the pirates. Passengers were asked to remain in their cabins and there were no injuries reported. The owner of MSC Gianluigi Aponte praised his staff for their professionalism during a critical situation.

Racing through the streets of Bangkok on a Tuk-Tuk ride

Travelling to Bangkok and not taking a Tuk-Tuk ride is like travelling to London and not experiencing the Underground.

In exchange for a few coins, you step aboard what can only be described as a motorised Rickshaw and your driver will treat you to the most exciting form of public transport you will have ever experienced.

Like a real life game of Cat and Mouse your Tuk-Tuk scurries through the traffic seeking the quickest route to your destination. Hold on to your seat as you weave through back streets and don't be surprised if your driver offers to take you t his brothers shop en-route to purchase souvenir's.

You arrive at your destination safe in the knowledge that if you had taken a cab you would have arrived atleast ten minutes later.

Gazing at Kauai from above

As only 10 percent of Kauai is accessible by road, it comes as no surprise that a helicopter trip is the best way to explore this beautiful paradise, known as the 'Garden Island'.

Fly as the crow flies over cascading waterfalls that glisten under the Polynesian sun. Meander through the valleys of the Waimea canyon, catching glimpses of the distant ocean as you rise above the mountainous landscape.

Climb towards the peaks of Mount Waialeale, said to be one of the wettest places on Earth, before making your descent towards the Napali coast with its pristine beaches, a masterpiece created by the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean.

After experiencing a Roller Coaster ride of natural wonder you head back with lasting memories of your aerial adventure.

Sinking a Singapore Sling in The Long Bar, Raffles Hotel, Singapore

There is no better place to sink a Singapore Sling other than the Bar in which it was invented. Step into the Long Bar at the iconic Raffles Hotel and journey back to Singapore's colonial past.

Revel in the atmosphere as tourists review their Singapore experiences and Expats reminisce their war-time exploits.

Relax in a bamboo chair, under the cooling breeze of wicker fans swaying on the ceiling above, as you sip your famous cocktail.

In a city where dropping litter is a crime, the Long Bar has a custom where it is tradition to throw peanut shells on the floor- A surreal yet enjoyable experience.

Cruise Holidays Best Value In 2009

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!

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.

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.