18 October 2022

Scenic Mekong River Cruise, Cambodia. October 2022 I have come back buzzing from my Scenic trip to South East Asia and the Mekong River. The All Inclusive luxury on the Scenic Spirit combined with the iconic Raffles hotel in Siem Reap, make this a once in a lifetime trip. Never to be forgotten. Scenic’s all inclusive product, including door to door transfers, free flowing beverages, excellent f

25 July 2022

Iona 18 – 25 June 22 Fjords Cruise Cabin 14737 Deluxe with Sofa /Aft of the Ship I wanted to experience cruising now that the World is opening up again and sample for myself what differences there are now post Covid. After a smooth run down to Southampton from Cheshire we parked our car, the keys were left on the dashboard to be taken away to a secure car park and we boarded within 60 minutes of a

09 June 2022

Celebrity Beyond Excited! Affordable Luxury – all inclusive cruise 23 -25 April 2022 Celebrity is one of my favourite cruise lines – as they say affordable luxury and it truly is. On the eve of the cruise launch we were invited to have 2 nights on board to sample this wonder of a ship. Ship Facts : 3,260 passengers / 140,000 tons / Entered Service April 2022 Captain Kate Sky Suite Cabin 9215 (

09 June 2022

Azamara Pursuit All inclusive cruise with drinks, limited wifi and gratuities included. 19-24 March – Test Cruise Itinerary : Lisbon – Malaga – Gibraltar – Portimao (Algarve) – Lisbon Ahead of Covid-19 restrictions being lifted and the resumption of cruising my colleague and I were asked to take part on a ‘test cruise’ on the luxury Azamara Pursuit for 5 night cruise out of Lisbon and this is

07 June 2022

Maldives – OBLU Xperience Ailafushi Gold Trip 18 May to 23 May 2022 We visited this island as part of the ‘Gold’ trip 2022 ahead of the official opening date on 2nd of June. The flight was with Qatar Airways which I have never flown before but I was impressed with the food and service and would not hesitate to travel with them again. A short speedboat transfer (20 minutes) to the island and fir

29 September 2021

New England and New York on Anthem of the Seas. Family holiday to New York for 4 nights, followed by a 10 night cruise on Anthem of the Seas out of New Jersey. Although I have been to New York before, my 2 boys have never been, so we made the most of the 3 full days we had (4 nights) and visited as many of the sights as we could. Top Tip : book an Explorer Pass (bookable via Travel Counsellors)

27 September 2021

Gold Reward Trip to Mauritius! Staying at the all-inclusive Trou aux Biches Beachcomber Gold Resort & Spa. Situated on the north west coast of Mauritius, perfect for the best climate and dramatic sunsets. We currently have nearly 1500 Travel Counsellors across the globe. Every year we are set a goal and target to become a Gold Travel Counsellor which I achieved again this year! On these rewards

25 September 2021

So fortunate to experience the brand new Regent Seven Seas ship (new Splendor). Very luxurious and a beautiful ship. 55,000 tones / 750 passengers and 542 crew If you don’t know Regent Seven Seas is the most inclusive cruise you will find. 'Ultra' all inclusive*- all balcony / suites and including Shore excursions, premium drinks, wi-fi, speciality dining, flights, transfers and more - you nam

25 September 2021

Celebrity Edge Large ship full of innovation. 13,818 tons and carries 2,918 passengers. Would suit younger couples and young at heart alike looking for the Celebrity Modern Luxury. This stunning ship absolutely blew me away. Anyone looking for ‘Modern Luxury’ with activity and entertainment will not be disappointed! New Infinite Balconies – giving the choice of balcony as as part of the stat

24 September 2021

P&O’s newest ship Iona (2021) Large ship, 184,700 tons, capacity 5200 passengers. Should be popular with families, younger couples and first time cruisers. I was invited on the P&O ‘Shakedown’ which is equivalent to a ‘test-run’ of the ship before paying passengers board. Contemporary style with a striking 3 floor atrium which is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows. Guests can enjoy the vi

21 December 2018

2nd - 5th December 2018 Val Thorens, Club Med Sensations in France I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to experience Club Med skiing in the Alps. The Resort of Val Thorens is in the heart of the 3 Valleys. The highest ski resort in the Europe at an altitude of 2300 metres. The Club Med Val Thorens Sensations is a contemporary ski-in, ski-out resort offering exceptional skiing and a

07 November 2017

ORLANDO JUNE 2017 I was lucky enough to be invited to see all the attractions at Universal Studios and view the properties on site. Including the fabulous and world famous Universal Studios, Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Islands of Adventure, CityWalk and the brand new Volcano Bay (opened in June 2017) Staying at the new Loews Sapphires Falls which is one of the amazing Universal Res

27 October 2017

PERU/MACHU PICCHU with Exodus SEPT 2017 Tour Company is Exodus, Highly Recommended. Wow, just can’t believe that Travel Counsellors have given me the chance (with 7 other lucky TC’s) a chance to explore Peru. A full packed itinerary including the famous Machu Picchu of course, Peru has so much more to offer than I imagined. Full of diversity, culture and interesting history (ancient an

05 October 2016

I went along to see the Cruise and Maritime, Marco Polo for lunch and a look around while she was docked in Liverpool. The Marco Polo and the Magellan will have departures out of Liverpool in 2017. Cruise and Maritime are growing in popularity for their good value ex-UK cruises. Home ports include Liverpool, Tilbury, Dublin, Newport, Dundee and Newcastle. Cabins are what you would expec

29 May 2016

Harmony of the Seas - It's not a Ship but a floating resort! With its seven distinctive neighbourhoods there is something for everyone. If you don't like large ships this might not be the ship for you but don't dismiss it yet. Ideal for the young and young at heart, multi generational families will love the choice it provides. If you need to get away from the hustle and bustle there is an

30 July 2015

Cruise and Maritime Voyages - Traditional British Cruise Experience. I was invited to lunch on the Azores at Liverpool and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. 16,000 tons and only 550 guests. Great service - friendly and very attentive. Guests are welcomed by a member of staff and escorted personally to your cabin. The food was very good and the buffet restaurant looked inviting

28 July 2015

Oceania Marina - Ship Visit. My thanks to Oceania cruises for inviting me to lunch on their beautiful ship - the Marina. Mid-size ship at 65 tons with capacity for 1200 guests (meaning lots of space for everyone). Looking around this elegant vessel I get the impression of relaxation and a warm and friendly atmosphere. Oceania pitch themselves in the upper premium bracket (4 star) and cre

25 May 2015

As I retained the coveted Gold Status for Travel Counsellors (among the most successful in the company) we were taken to Cancun. Cancun itself is lively and commercialized but go a little further to Isla Mujeres (45 mins boat ride) and it’s like another world, un-spoilt and quiet. Cancun must have the bluest sea I have ever seen (and I have been to some amazing beaches), it’s like a lagoon.

18 March 2015

Named by The Queen, Britannia is the biggest ship in the P&O Cruises' fleet with 3,647 passengers and weighing 141,000 tons. Britannia is the biggest ship built specifically for the UK market and it shows. Understated luxury is a description frequently used to describe Britannia - it is not showy - with the exception perhaps of the 'Star Burst' centre piece in the Atrium (which was stunning).

03 November 2014

Royal Caribbean - the company that keeps raising the bar for activities at sea - has done it again! The first 'smart ship' has been launched by Royal Caribbean and it is the most high-tech in the world. A handful of agents were welcomed aboard the new Quantum of the Seas to sample what she has to offer prior to its inaugural sailing to New York and I am thrilled to say that I was one of these

22 September 2014

This August I managed to take a week out of this very busy time of year to be treated to a trip to New York to view the Celebrity Summit and see the cruise terminals first hand as well as sample the delights of New York. The last time I was in NYC was about 30 years ago and the city as changed significantly - for the better. There is not enough space for me to detail all New York has to offer h

25 November 2013

I took the opportunity to take a two night break on the Azura in October this year. The stop was Zeebrugge with the option to visit quaint Brugge if you wished. However, as it was pouring with rain that day I just took the free shuttle to Blankenberge and was pleasantly surprised that there was enough to do there to pass away an afternoon. Although not as impressive as Brugge would have been, Blan

26 June 2013

I recently had the privilege to spend a night and a day on the brand new Norwegian Breakaway ship. There were 2,500 agents on board in Southampton before sailing to New York on its inaugural transatlantic sailing. She will sail out of the Big Apple to the sun and fun of Florida and the Bahamas. If you like large, family friendly ships with lots going on, then this ship would be for you. It c

14 June 2013

I was one of 2,500 UK travel agents invited for an overnight stay on board the new Royal Princess at the weekend. Christened in Southampton by the Duchess of Cambridge, the ship has many innovations on board including a walkway with only glass between your feet and the ocean below, poolside cabanas that seem to float on water and the first television studio at sea. However, this ship is classic

02 November 2012

This year I took my family on a fantastic holiday where we cruised in the Caribbean and stayed at the Universal Resort, Orlando, which includes the new “Wizarding World of Harry Potter”. Royal Caribbean packaged the whole trip and the travel arrangements could not have gone more smoothly. You can combine a cruise in the Caribbean with a three, four or seven night pre or post cruise stay (we chose

11 August 2012

P&O Adonia Ship Facts 30,300 tons 710 passengers 385 crew I was lucky enough to be invited to lunch on P&O's newest and smallest addition - the Adonia - today. As soon as you step on board you realise that this is not like any other P&O ship. The atmosphere is one of relaxed charm. With the wood panelling all around the ship and a grand staircase there is a traditional feel. Exclu

14 June 2012

Cunard's Three Queens Diamond Jubilee Celebration - Tuesday 5 June 2012 I was delighted to be one of the 60 lucky travel agents who won a place at Cunard's spectacular Three Queens Diamond Jubilee Celebration on Tuesday 5 June 2012, the final day of the extended bank holiday weekend. This was the first time all three Queens have sailed in together to their home port of Southampton and it w

18 May 2012

I was recently invited to view the Fred Olsen ship Balmoral. It's a relatively small ship but is Fred Olsen's largest in the fleet with 710 cabins and weighing 43,537 tonnes. The ship's facilities include small outdoor swimming pools, jacuzzis, sun decks and a promenade deck. There is a fitness centre (well equipped gym), beauty salon and infrared hot room Restaurants onboard include two

25 October 2011

For those of you looking for an occasional alternative to a cruise, I can thoroughly recommend the superb Likya Residence and Spa in Kalkan, Turkey as a great hotel to relax in and explore the area. It’s an adult only hotel sold on a bed and breakfast basis, in an idyllic position with views across the bay and a short 10 minute walk into the town. This is an upmarket hotel and has a very frien

28 May 2011

I was lucky enough to be invited by Holland America to lunch on board the MS Rotterdam during its port of call at Liverpool. The ship was mid-cruise, and the ship was full so we unfortunately had not chance to see any of the cabins, however we were able to have a good look around the ship and enjoy lunch in the main restaurant courtesy of Holland America. Briefly, the ship was launched in 19

03 December 2010

I was one of a hand full of agents fortunate enough to be selected to attend a 'Seminar at Sea' for Azamara. The name Azamara may or may not be too familiar to you, but is becoming increasingly well known in the industry. The brand has only 2 ships in its fleet and is part of the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity group (although it is run completely separately and has a different concept). The

03 December 2010

I had the fabulous opportunity to be one of the first to see the new Allure of the Seas and this ship has certainly exceeded all my expectations.....! The longest ship in the world (actually 5 centimetres longer than the Oasis) this ship cost $1.2 billion to build and you can see why :- Ship Information Gross Tonnage : 220,000 tons Guest Capacity : 5,402 Total Crew : 2,175 The f

28 October 2010

NCL say that the Epic is the next generation of cruising..........it certainly has many new innovations that are not on any other ship. I would say expect the unexpected on this ship! There is so much on this ship that I don't have space to put everything down but the main features are :- Accommodation : No Oceanview staterooms - all have a balcony New - Studio (TS) Grade - a completel

26 October 2010

I won this trip for the whole family due to my sales with Travel counsellors (I hit 5 million pound in sales in 2006) and P&O donated the prize - it was onderful. The ship: 77,000 gross tons 2016 passengers 870 Crewe Entered service in 2000 Family-friendly mid sized ship: It was half-term week when we cruised and there were alot of children on board so be warned. Excellent choice for f

26 October 2010

Princess Cruises invited me onto the Coral Princess to experience the Majesty of the Glaciers cruise. Cruising out of Whittier and disembarking at Vancouver - this was an experience of a life time. Coral Princess 92,000 gross tons and 1970 passengers / 895 Crew Entered service in 2002 This is a lovely ship - typically Princess with all the amenities you would expect on this size of ship.

25 October 2010

I was one of the agents invited to attend the launch of the Celebrity Solstice in Miami. I joined the ship for 2 nights and can honestly say that it is one of the most beautiful ships I have had the pleasure to visit. The ship is very stylish and has a host of ground-breaking features including the first ever Lawn Club at sea. Tonnage : 122,000 Occupancy 2,850 Entered Service : Nov 08

19 October 2010

I was lucky enough have an invitation for the VIP Agent Overnight on the Azura when she launched in April 10. Ship : 115,000 tons, 3,100 passengers and 1226 crew Billed as Family-friendly larger ship First impressions are that the Azura is a beautiful ship and the public areas are very stylish and sophisticated. Azura is identical layout to Ventura which launched the previous year with a

18 October 2010

I spent one night on this ship as part of the inaugural celebrations. First impressions of the ship were very good - it is the latest 'Musica-class' ship 89.600 tons / 3013 guests Choice of 5 restaurants, numerous bars, an internet cafe and cigar lounge, 1,200 seat theatre, cinema and disco. Buffet for breakfast and lunch with plenty of hot and cold choices alternatively you can use the

18 October 2010

I was invited to look around the ship while docked in Liverpool and my first impression was of a luxury, superior product. Comtemparory style and very elegant. Crystal have 2 ships the other being the Serenity which is slightly larger at 68,000 tons but both are very similar in style. Crystal is regularly voted 'World's Best' by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler. Crystal is not an 'all-incl

15 October 2010

I had the amazing opportunity to experience Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth this weekend (Oct 10) and had dinner and an overnight stay on board. As you would expect from Cunard, this ship takes you back to traditional cruising, lots of art deco and romance mixed in with Hollywood glamour. The epitome of grandeur and elegance. There is a stunning atrium which is reminiscent of the ‘Titantic’ style

14 October 2010

I was fortunate to be invited onboard Celebrity Constellation to attend a ‘Seminar at Sea’ Training event and experience this wonderful ship for myself. I was among 12 fellow Travelcounsellors on board for 7 nights and stayed in an outside cabin on deck 2. The cabin was spacious with a large picture window and I found the cabin very comfortable, in a quiet location, despite being opposite a li