Caroline Howden
I'm based in
New Milton
It's Nice To Meet You
Thank you for visiting my personal webpage at Travel Counsellors. I joined Travel Counsellors in January 2002, having been lucky enough to work within various aspects of the travel business for over 40 years. This has given me a wealth of experience and has allowed me to travel extensively worldwide.
I am a cruise specialist - prior to joining Travel Counsellors I spent the previous 12 years with P&O and Princess Cruises as a sales manager. I have been fortunate to cruise to many areas of the world including the Caribbean, Alaska, Baltic Capitals, Iceland, Norwegian Fjords, Canary Islands and most of the Mediterranean. Cruising is even more popular now and offers a great holiday for everyone; singles, couples and families - there is a cruise out there to suit you everyone.
My job is to find that cruise that is just right for you. That is right in terms of the ship, the cruise line, the destination and duration and of course at a budget to suit you - I will only offer you and cruise that fits what you want to do rather than sell you a particular cruise line just because we work with them.
In fact we work with a huge variety of river and ocean cruise lines big and small, not just the cruise lines everyone has heard of but also the more specialist lines with smaller ships or expedition ships to Antarctica, the Amazon, Galapagos Islands, Svalbard along with Norway and the Artic.
Travel Counsellors are an truly independent travel agency - we can offer you outstanding financial protection.
With us it is personal, we care about our customers, we don't just take the booking and move on, we are here to look after the booking throughout the whole process including completing the online check in procedure and then print and post your travel documents. I am not the internet, I am so much better than that, I do have 24 hours access to all the up to date booking systems, I may not be the cheapest nor would I want to be, the value is me and what I and Travel Counsellors will add to your booking and the whole booking experience.
Read what my customers have said about me and the service I offer.
Working from my home in the New Forest means I give you my undivided attention offering you exceptional customer service. I am available at a time to suit you including evenings and weekends. If you would like to receive regular updates of current cruise offers and cruise news please forward your email address via the above link. You can also find me on Facebook, I have a Facebook business page - look for Caroline Howden Travel Counsellors Cruise Specialist
Since joining Travel Counsellors in 2002 I am honoured to have won the 'Best Cruise' award at our annual conference 9 times, the most recent in 2015. I am also a Gold Travel Counsellor, one of only 170 in the UK. This award recognises high levels of sales each year.
Alongside the cruises I have book I also book holidays to Australia, Florida, Cuba, South Africa and Safaris, New York, Thailand, Mauritius, Canary Islands, Cottages in France and the UK, China and Canada as well as flights to Australia, Dubai as well as various hotels worldwide. I also have the ability to create cruise and stay packages by combining, a flight, cruise, hotel and transfers - to tailor the package to you and your requirements.
I look forward to hearing from you and to be able to arrange your next holiday.
Kind Regards
Caroline
Travel guides
Explore my guides and blogs
Virgin Voyages
I was invited to spend time onboard a Virgin Voyage on a 5 night trip from Portsmouth earlier this month, visiting Amsterdam and Bruges. This was a new experience for me, I had heard a lot about the newish cruise brand, Virgin burst on the the cruising scene amid much publicity. Virgin were always going to do cruise their way. No set meal times, no dress code, no key cards, passengers are Sailors,
18 Sept 2024 3 min read
Aurora to the Norwegian Fjords
I have recently returned from my onw holiday with P&O Cruises onboard Aurora. I left Southampton for a 12 night Fjords cruise with 9 days of ports and scenic cruising and 3 days at sea. We were lucky with smooth seas on the way to and from Norway and sunshine whilst we were there. Aurora is one of the 2 smaller adult only ships P&O have, Aurora sails from Southampton all year round, a wide choice
09 Aug 2024 2 min read
Queen Anne Ship Visit
Yesterday I was in Southampton having been invited to spend a few hours onboard Queen Anne Cunard’s newest addition to the fleet, increasing the fleet to 4. Queen Anne joins fellow Queens Victoria, Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2. Queen Anne is the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag and the first new ship for 14 years. Queen Anne is a large modern spacious ship, 113,000 tonnes with a maximum capa
10 Jun 2024 3 min read
Brand New Ship Explora 1
So what can I say about the ship I saw yesterday, this was a last minute opportunity to see the new ship and a different cruising concept. Explora 1. Explora Journeys are all about being at one with the Ocean, they aim to create an ‘Ocean State of Mind’ to enjoy a fantastic space ratio of 1.25 crew called hosts onboard to the guest. Only 925 guests on a 64,000 ton ships, lots of space onboard to e
31 Jul 2023 2 min read
Ship visit to P&O Cruises Arvia
I took the chance to spend some time onboard Arvia P&O Cruises newest ship when she was in Southampton. When we arrived passengers were leaving after having enjoyed a 14 night Mediterranean cruise - lots of coaches ready to take people home and cars being collected. You are soon impressed by the size of Arvia she and her sister ship Iona are large modern ships, when full Arvia can carry 5200 guest
12 Jun 2023 1 min read
Oceania Vista May 2023
I was recently invited to spend 3 nights on a special preview cruise onboard Oceania Vista - Oceania Cruises newest ship. We joined in Genoa Italy and travelled to Rome stopping at Monte Carlo and Livorno. Oceania Vista is a beautiful ship, 67,000 tonnes with only 1200 passengers onboard, this means plenty of space to enjoy. The feeling onboard is all about subtle intimate luxury, subdued decor.
30 May 2023 2 min read
Seabourn Ovation
I was lucky enough to be invited to spend time onboard Seabourn Ovation during a rare visit to Portsmouth, the visit started in the rain but soon brighten up. Seabourn Cruises have 5 ships, Ovation, Quest, Encore Sojourn and Odyssey and 2 outstanding Expeditions ships, All smaller ships carrying up to 600 passengers. Lovely friendly warm atmosphere onboard, happy smiley staff on hand to help and l
04 Oct 2022 3 min read
Azamara Ship Visit
I was lucky enough to be invited to spend time onboard Azamara Quest during a rare visit to Southampton, the sun was shining which was a bonus. Azamara Cruises have 4 ships, Quest, Onward, Pursuit and Beyond. All smaller ships carrying up to 700 passengers. Lovely friendly warm atmosphere onboard, happy smiley staff on hand to help and look after you. Quest has a number of public rooms, all beauti
30 Sept 2022 2 min read
Celebrity Beyond
I have recently returned from a 2 night stay onboard Celebrity Cruises newest ship Celebrity Beyond, this is the 3rd ship in the Edge class, Edge, Apex and Beyond with 2 more on order. We left Southampton for some time at sea, we were blessed with sunshine on our sea day which let the ship shine. Large modern spacious ship, beautifully designed, quirky art work around every corner. The interior de
26 Apr 2022 2 min read
Iona - 7 night Northern Europe Cruise
I have recently returned from a 7-night Northern Europe cruise onboard Iona P&O Cruises newest ship. I had been on Iona for 2 nights prior to her maiden cruise in August 21, this was a golden opportunity to see how the cruise operates in the ever-changing covid travel world we are all in. I wanted to go through the pre departure checks that my customers go through. I embarked at Southampton, arriv
07 Jan 2022 5 min read
6 star cruising for the weekend!
I was lucky enough to be invited to spend a few nights on board Regent Seven Seas newest ship Splendor. I along with a small group of Travel Counsellors travelled to Ancona Italy where she was built, onto Dubrovnik for some time ashore, a fabulous day at sea in the sunshine and then ending in Rome where sadly we had to leave to come home. This time on board gave us the opportunity to explore the
07 Feb 2020 3 min read
Sapphire Princess ship visit.
Today I was lucky enough to be part of a group of Travel Counsellors able to spend some time on board Sapphire Princess, one of the growing fleet of Princess Cruises, 2 more join over the next 2 years Sky and Enchanted Princess. As the few photos I hope show, Sapphire Princess is a large modern spacious stylish ship. As you would expect as well as a range of cabin grades to suit all budgets and t
31 Aug 2019 2 min read
Vasco Da Gama ship visit.
I was invited to spend time on board a ship which is part of the Cruise and Maritime fleet, this was Vasco Da Gama, their latest ship to join their growing fleet. We were able to be on board for a few hours to have a good look around this 55,000 tonne ships carrying 1200 passengers, 9 passenger decks, accessed by stairs and lifts. I was particularly impressed with the style and design of the pub
28 Aug 2019 3 min read
Celebrity Edge
I was lucky enough to be amongst a group of Travel Counsellors invited to spend two nights onboard this newest addition to the Celebrity Cruises fleet during her maiden call into Southampton in May. What can I tell you about Celebrity Edge - she was launched in November 2018 with 2900 guests at 129,500 tons. Multiple dining venues offering you a wide range of places to eat - anything from a ligh
17 May 2019 3 min read
P&O Cruise Ship Azura
These are a few photographs taken whilst onboard Azura.
28 Jun 2018 1 min read
Azura Baltic Capitals Trip - June 2018
I have recently returned from my own holiday. This time I chose to travel with P&O Cruises on their ship Azura. I picked a 14-night Baltic Capitals cruise from Southampton. 14 nights onboard with only 5 sea days meant lots of ports to explore - Travelmunde Germany, Helsinki Finland, St Petersburg Russia (1 night and 2 days), Tallinn Estonia, Stockholm Sweden, Copenhagen and Skagen Denmark. A lot t
27 Jun 2018 3 min read
Holiday to Majorca
I have recently returned from my own holiday to Majorca, I have been in the travel business many years but have never managed to get to this popular Mediterranean island. For the first part of the week I was lucky enough to stay at the stunning La Residencia hotel up in the mountain village of Deia. This property used to be owned by Richard Branson, it is now a 67-suite hotel part of the Belmon
30 Sept 2017 2 min read
Silver Muse - Southampton
I was lucky enough to be part of a small group of Travel Counsellors invited to spend some time onboard Silversea's newest ship Silver Muse. It is rare for one of their special ships to come into the UK. They do sail from Tower Bridge in London sometimes so this was a rare opportunity to see the ship in Southampton. Silversea are a luxury brand, they do luxury in a discreet understated way. The
12 Sept 2017 2 min read
Holland America Trip - Koningdam Amsterdam 2-3 September 2017
I was lucky enough to be amongst a small group of Travel Counsellors invited to see Holland America's newest ship Ms Koningsdam whilst she was in Amsterdam. Our hosts looked after us very well, treating us to a sightseeing tour as well as an evening dinner cruise also the many canals that Amsterdam is famous for. The ship arrived early in the morning next door to our hotel. A very impressive
04 Sept 2017 2 min read
Regent Seven Seas Explorer - ship visit Southampton.
I was lucky enough to be invited along with a group of fellow Travel Counsellors to spend some time onboard Regent Seven Seas newest and most luxurious ship Regent Seven Seas Explorer. We had a glorious sunny day in Southampton, the best way to see a ship. Explorer is a 56,000 tonnes but only carries 750 passengers all in balcony suites, this means plenty of space to enjoy this beautiful shi
26 Jul 2017 3 min read
Queen Mary 2 - ship visit
I was lucky enough to be invited in a small group of specialist cruise agents to spent time onboard Cunard's flag ship Queen Mary 2 on a grey July day in Southampton. We were particularly fortunate to be able to see both Queens and Princess Grill cabins. Queen Mary 2 has recently had a major refit or Re Mastering as Cunard call it. You can see the improvements that have been made, the ship i
22 Jul 2017 2 min read
Scenic River Cruise - Budapest to Vienna
I have recently returned from a short trip hosted by Scenic River Cruises. I was away with other Gold Travel Counsellors on a celebratory long weekend. We flew to Budapest to join Scenic Jewel, one of Scenic's fleet of Space Ships. These are beautifully well appointed ships, up to 170 passengers, three decks, two restaurants and a spacious lounge and open air sun deck area plus a small spa.
26 Oct 2016 3 min read
P&O Cruise - Azura June 2016
I have just returned from my own holiday on board P&O Cruises ship Azura. I left Southampton on 19 June for a two week trip calling at Belfast, Stornoway, Reykyavik, Akureyi, Isafjordur, Lerwick and Kirkwall - so a real variety and it included five maiden calls for Azura. A very different itinerary and it was this that attracted me to this trip. Check in was very smooth. We had a check in ti
06 Jul 2016 2 min read
Harmony Of The Seas - New Royal Caribbean Ship
WOW! This is how you would describe Harmony of the Seas, what an amazing looking ship. There is no getting away from the fact that the ship is huge, some may say too big. This ship is very cleverly designed, there are numerous places for you to go onboard and spend time onboard, various bars and lounges, many different places to eat or spend time in the lovely spa or get active in the gym. You c
24 May 2016 2 min read
Gold Weekend Tenerife September 2015
Over the weekend of 25-28 September myself and a great group of fellow Gold Travel Counsellors went over to Tenerife for our Gold Weekend, this is a Thank You for doing well doing the year. Many of the company directors and head office staff joined us as well as supplier partners - Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, P&O Cruises and Cunard. We stayed at the lovely Bahia del Duque Hotel in Costa A
04 Oct 2015 2 min read
Anthem of the Seas - April 2015
I was one of 60 Travel Counsellors selected to spend 2 days onboard Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines's brand new ship Anthem of the Seas. This ship is certainly big at 168,000 tonnes and a maximum capacity of 4180, having said that the design is very clever meaning there are numerous places on board you can go to spend some time other than the obvious sunbathing. The interior design is beautifully
23 Apr 2015 3 min read
Britannia Visit March 2016
Last week I was lucky enough to be able to spend 2 nights onboard the latest addition to the P&O Cruises fleet. Britannia is certainly a very impressive ship, the huge version of the Union Jack along the ships means she will not be missed in port. This ship has been designed by a leading hotel designer and that shows, she is sleek, smart and modern. Traditional features such as the Crows Nest
16 Mar 2015 2 min read
Ventura - Mini Cruise
I was lucky enough to travel on Ventura on one of her two night mini cruises. I had seen Ventura before when she was first launched. As she’ recently had a refit I was keen to see what had changed. The whole embarkation process was easy and quick, so in no time at all we were on-board and found our balcony cabin on lido deck. On-board there are maps to help you navigate the ship, failing that t
22 Sept 2013 2 min read
Celebrity Eclipse Ship Visit August 2013
I was lucky to be invited to join a small group of agents to spend time on the Celebrity Eclipse ship and even on a rainy day in Southampton, she was an remarkable sight. All the staff we met were very welcoming, friendly and always smiling. Eclipse is part of the Solstice Class that Celebrity Cruises first introduced in 2008 with the launch of Celebrity Solstice. This was then followed by Equi
18 Aug 2013 3 min read
Royal Princess
On June 8th I was part of a small group of Travel Counsellors who had been invited to a special travel agents event on board Princess Cruises’ newest ship Royal Princess. Royal Princess was in Southampton for a few days prior to her naming ceremony when The Duchess of Cambridge will be officially named as the ship's godmother. If you are a regular with Princess Cruises you will straight away re
14 Jun 2013 3 min read
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