Editor's Pick
by: JohnCollins
posted by coach1
on 20 Aug 11:10 AM
posted by Daisymay
on 19 Aug 12:45 PM
posted by vpatel
on 19 Aug 12:37 PM
posted by Smiley_Sally
on 18 Aug 08:37 PM
posted by Laura Scott
on 17 Aug 03:31 PM
Ultimate Cruise Itineraries
“Cruise once, and you will never choose a land based holiday again…”
Ok, you should never say never, but it is true that the cruising industry attracts a very high percentage of repeat customers. You only have to consider the great value a cruise holiday offers to understand why people make this choice to cruise time and time again.
However, with this popularity comes a need for continual advancement; once you have done the Caribbean, ventured up North and exhausted the Med, you may be looking for something a little different. But, before you claim you are done with cruising, take a look at our ultimate cruise packages to reignite a fresh interest in cruising.
Queen Mary 2 Return Transatlantic with Stay in New York City
Once the only way to cross the Atlantic, today, sailing from Southampton to New York onboard the Queen Mary 2 is the greatest way to indulge in true ocean cruising. Six days at sea, just you, your fellow passengers and the beautiful QM2 alone in the middle of the great Atlantic Ocean; a recipe for a truly magical experience. Team this up with an exciting five night stay in New York, and this is an adventure of a lifetime.
Your westbound journey will begin in Southampton where you will board the 148,000 ton luxury liner. Your free days onboard can then be spent exploring the ship, viewing the only planetarium at sea, relaxing in the spa or taking part in the enrichment programs which include lectures, readings, art workshops and plays.
As evening arrives, the ship will be transformed into a glamorous stage for socializing and extravagance; fine foods, excellent service and absorbing entertainment will eventually lead you to a satisfying slumber.
Once you reach the shores of the big city you will be ready for the contrasts that five nights in New York will offer. Enjoy Broadway shows, endless shopping opportunities and delight in exploring one of the most exciting cities in the world; by day five you will be welcoming the slower pace of life found onboard you transportation back home.
When to go: The QM2 operates regular crossings from April through to November, however, the best time to do this trip is during the summer months from late May into late August, this is also the best time to see whales and dolphins during the crossing.
Alaska Cruise with Rocky Mountain Land Tour
Alaska is a magical place where animals outnumber people, sunlight shines at midnight and some of the world’s most beautiful natural architecture can be witnessed in the form of glaciers. Whilst these magnificent ice formations are best viewed from a cruise ship, Alaska has far more to offer which can’t be explored during a seven night cruise.
Princess Cruises offer a number of land tours which can be added on to your cruise to complete your trip to Alaska. These tours range from four to ten days and include a trip on the Rocky Mountaineer Train, luxury secluded accommodation in the heart of the mountains and tours to Banff National Park.
When to go: June to August is the best time to visit Alaska when the temperature is warmer, the days are light for longer and the bears come out!
Disney World Stay and Cruise
Whether it’s the excitement of having breakfast with Mickey Mouse and his friends at Magical Kingdom, or trying out the thrilling rides at Hollywood Studios, a trip to Disney World has to be every child’s dream holiday destination. Infact I think a fair few adults wouldn’t mind stepping back into their youth for a week or so of unadulterated fun either!
The action starts when you arrive in Orlando for a weeks stay at your choice of hotel. For true fans of all things Disney, treat yourself to a Disney themed hotel which will be located around the theme park itself, and may include entrance to the attractions.
After a week of play at Disney World you may feel ready for a break, but your ultimate holiday package has not yet finished, and part two is just as exciting. Transfer from Orlando to the port of Tampa, around a 90 minute drive away, and step onboard your Carnival cruise for seven nights sailing around the Caribbean, but be prepared, they don’t call these ships ‘fun ships’ for nothing!
When to go: The Disney resorts are open year round, but the best time to go is from November through to April when temperatures will be pleasant and the hurricane season has passed in the Caribbean.
World Cruise
You choose the ship, your accommodation and the route you wish to circumnavigate the world on your three month, once in a lifetime, adventure; this has to be the ultimate cruise. Once onboard, the ship will become your floating hotel for the next few months, taking you to all corners of the globe in luxury and ease.
There are so many aspects which make such a trip so special; the fascination of the oceans you will cross, the variety of destinations you visit and the life long friends you will meet along the way.
Anyone contemplating a world cruise will need to consider the itinerary carefully, check the number of ports, the length of time in each port plus the number of sea days. Furthermore, the right accommodation is an important choice; could you really cope with an inside cabin for three months? My advice is to get the best accommodation your budget will stretch to.
A world cruise is wonderful way to leisurely explore the world for those who are lucky enough to have the time and the money to take a few months off work. And how much does this indulgent trip cost? As a guide for a typical three month voyage you can expect to shell out around £10,000 per person for a basic inside cabin.
For those whose bosses aren’t willing to accommodate a three month gallivant across the ocean, you could look into doing a sector of the world cruise instead.
When to go: World cruises tend to commence their journey in January or February each year.