Costa Rica Anyone ???

Costa Rica is a very up and coming destination with us Brit's and more and more cruise lines are recognising this fact and offering more itineraries there.
In Costa Rica the visitor can enjoy lovely tropical beaches, the grandest adventures, the wonders of nature, scintillating culture, all the necessary
components of an ideal vacation.

Costa Rica is a land of volcanoes, rain forests, waterfalls, and rivers. Adventure travelers can choose from a variety of activities such as rafting, snorkeling, kayaking, sport fishing, surfing, and lots more. The most challenging activity will be choosing what to do!

The Caribbean region of Costa Rica stands out for its variety of aquatic ecosystems and its beautiful white and black sand beaches, providing an ideal setting for sun bathing. The Pacific coast concentrates big tourist centers and its beaches are very popular for surfing, for example Esterillos, Jaco, Hermosa, Boca Barranca. In the Golfito region, near the Marino Ballena National Park, surfing fans can find the famous "long lefthander wave."

And great news Star Clippers have introduced Costa Rica as its new destination for winter 2012


For those of you that do not know much about Star Clippers it is very different from your normal Princess, P&O, Cunard cruise line experience. These are the largest, fastest sailing ships the world had ever seen!

Discover a new age of sail on authentic Tall Ships, where the traditions of the past are combined with the modern comforts and amenities of the present.

On board you will enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, friendly crew, and international cuisine, all in pampered comfort. If you're a boating enthusiast, you can choose to lend a hand hoisting the sails, you can climb the mast, or you can just lay back in luxury and let the crew do all the work.

For more information email or call me today!

Cunard Queens Meet

Today Cunard's brand new ship the Queen Elizabeth was joined in Sydney by its big sister the Queen Mary 2, where the pair met for the first time and cruised together through the harbour. What a sight it would have been.

I think you can nearly see all those lucky passengers on their world cruise sipping an ice cold cocktail on the deck :-)

Both ships are midway through their world voyages, Queen Elizabeth having sailed from New Zealand while Queen Mary 2 arrived from Adelaide. 

A special remembrance service will be held on board Queen Mary 2 on Wednesday as a tribute to "Australia’s Finest Generation", many of whom sailed to war on the original Cunard Queens. 

“Sydney is always a highlight port for our Cunard world voyage guests but marking an historic Royal Rendezvous with our two Queens certainly adds to the attraction,” Shanks said. 

Cunard have got some cracking deals around at the moment they have reduced certain sailings by more than 12% so now know one will miss out!

Our Cruise Forum !

Here at Cruise.co.uk if you do not know already we have a Cruise Forum.

Now I know that our website is full of fantastic discounted deals already, but if you did not know already there is a section on the forum where me and my colleagues put all the super deals that we find on a day to day basis. It is most definitely worth taking a sneak peek at now and again as you never know what you will find on there.

We also try to put deals on there that are a bit out of the ordinary like my recent Polar Circle post, click below to have a look

The Polar Circle - Who's been there?

On top of all the fantastic deals on there you can also chat, catch up on cruise news and check out reviews

Happy Cruise Hunting

The New Grand Princess !

Princess is about to make one of the biggest changes to Grand Princess they've ever undertaken on any ship in a dry dock . Grand Princess is to under go a dramatic 24-day transformation makeover, which will include the Piazza Atrium, Tea Lounge, Pizzeria and Nightclub, from April 11 2011 to May 4 2011 at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas. The newly renovated Grand Princess will debut on May 5 in Ft. Lauderdale where the ship will depart on a transatlantic crossing for her summer and fall home port of Southampton, from which she will cruise a variety of European itineraries.

Highlights of the dramatic makeover include:

New Piazza atrium -- The atrium space of Grand Princess will be completely rebuilt to include this signature Princess feature -- a multi-faceted social hub of the ship combining always-changing quick bites and light meals, beverages, entertainment, shopping and guest services. The Piazza will feature the International Café for pastries, grilled panini sandwiches, salads, fresh-baked cookies and a variety of coffee drinks. Passengers will also enjoy a new Vines wine bar offering a selection of more than 30 wines by the glass, plus a selection of tapas and sushi, and a wine shop where passengers can purchase their favorite bottle.

Leaves Tea Lounge and Library -- A fusion of tea lounge and library, the new Leaves offers a distinctive opportunity for passengers to custom-blend a variety of base teas with herbs, fruits and spices to create a personalized tea blend. Created in partnership with Mighty Leaf Tea Company, one of the world's premier maker of artisan teas, Leaves will give passengers an impressive choice of up to 500 different tea blends to suit their palates. A trained tea sommelier will assist passengers in blending a personalized tea creation, which they can enjoy in the midst of the library and a good book.

Alfredo's Pizzeria -- Known for serving the best pizza at sea, Princess will introduce Alfredo's, a new sit-down pizzeria with an enticing menu of freshly prepared individual-size pizzas. Named for the line's master executive chef, Alfredo Marzi, the pizzeria will feature an open kitchen where passengers can watch chefs create the pizzas they'll enjoy with a glass of wine or other beverage.

One5 Lounge -- The new One5 lounge will replace Skywalkers as the place to be for nighttime dancing and relaxing. The new lounge on deck 15 (hence its name) takes its inspiration from the chicest urban nightclubs, and will offer a cool vibe, contemporary seating and lighting, and a dramatic back-lit bar.

Crown Grill -- A classic steakhouse with rich wood surroundings, this specialty restaurant features an open, theater-style kitchen where chefs custom-prepare premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, including lobster.
Also part of the renovation will be 10 new suites; remodeled casino, boutiques and art gallery; enhancements to the Horizon Court, Lotus Spa, and wedding chapel; and the addition of Crooner's Martini Lounge.

"This is the largest makeover we've ever undertaken for any of our ships," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. "When Grand Princess was launched she was the most innovative ship at sea, and now we're adding some of the later innovations we introduced on subsequent ships."

I can't wait to see the new Grand Princess !!!

Palaces, Temples & Skyscrapers!

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I have not long come back from a 3 week holiday around Thailand, Singapore & Dubai and I must admit after seeing this tailor made package I wish I had done it this way!

Here at Cruise.co.uk we have been putting some fantastic tailor made holidays together just for you guys and check this out………

1st March 2012 the trip of a lifetime begins

Fly Emirates to Bangkok for 4 Nights in the 5* hotel Chartium Suites

In your 4 days in Bangkok your package will include the Floating Market tour, Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha tour and also the River Kwai wonders tour.

Bangkok is a vibrant city that will certainly open your eyes to different cultures and ways of life, it’s not to be missed.

On the 6th March 2012 you will then be transferred to the port to board P&O’s legendry Cruise ship the Aurora.

Choose your cabin type and spend 10 glorious nights on board being pampered watching west end shows, dining in silver service restaurants and of course you will visit

Ko Samui (Stunning beaches), Singapore (Make sure you pop to Raffles Hotel for a Singapore sling), Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Colombo, Cochin, Mumbai, Abu Dhabi and finally arrive in Dubai where your Arabian adventure begins!

You will spend 3 nights in the 5* Samaya Hotel. I fell in love with Dubai it is now most probably one of my favourite destinations. I can definitely recommend the Desert Safari which is included in this package, it’s a great memorable day.

Also included is a Dubai City tour, it’s simply fascinating driving around the city the skyscrapers are so detailed it will actually take you breath away. Make sure you visit the Madinat resort at Jumeirah Beach preferably at night time. It is a magnificent tribute to Dubai's heritage and is styled to resemble an ancient Arabian citadel. Luxurious and ornate, combining the height of opulence with an overwhelming sense of tradition. Meandering waterways transport guests to all parts of this intricate city of senses.

And sadly like all things it must come to an end and you will fly home from Dubai with Emirates on the 25th March 2012, I am sure full of stories ready to tell your friends and families just like me.

Want More Time In Port - AZAMARA

Azamara is the new, deluxe cruise experience for discerning travelers who long to reach out-of-the-ordinary destinations and indulge in amenities and service unparalleled on the high seas. The unique offerings of Azamara are beyond compare: butler service is provided in every suite; shore excursions (they prefer to call them shore immersions), are designed to let guests become part of the fabric of life in each destination, instead of merely being an observer; the enrichment programs offer everything from culinary to photographic explorations; the two specialty restaurants provide the finest cuisine at sea; live entertainment can be enjoyed nightly; and the level of service offered is unmatched.

199 Ports

75 Countries

Longer Stays

Unique Destinations

Uniquely Delivered

More over-night and multiple-night stays in port

Recent news states Azamara Club Cruises move to increase over-night stays in ports has attracted the highest number of first-time cruisers in the line’s history. Since Azamara introduced more over-night and multiple-night stays, it found it was attracting some 15-17% of guests who had never cruised. Also the age of the guests has also dropped by around 10 to 11 years, because they have introduced a lot more active shore excursions, such as walking and biking.

Azamara Cruises consists of two intimate ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest. Each can carry 694 fortunate guests to discover the hidden corners of the world that larger cruise ships simply cannot reach. In addition to offering a more personalized experience, the ships have recently undergone a $17.5 million revitalization with new European bedding and soft goods, flat screen televisions, new veranda decking and furniture, and wireless Internet service in all staterooms and public areas. Plus, 93% of the staterooms offer ocean views and 68% have a private veranda.

An example itinerary below, just look how much more time you spend at your ports of call:

AZAMARA QUEST Itinerary

Cruise Line : AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES Date : Sun 15 Jul 2012

Cruise Length : 7 Nights

Date	Port	Arrival	Boarding	Departure		Remark
Sun 15 Jul	ATHENS (PIRAEUS) - GREECE		19:00	22:00		DOCKED
Mon 16 Jul	HYDRA - GREECE	08:00		22:00		TENDERED
Tue 17 Jul	SANTORINI - GREECE	08:00		23:00		TENDERED
Wed 18 Jul	MYKONOS - GREECE	08:00				DOCKED
Thu 19 Jul	MYKONOS - GREECE			01:00		DOCKED
Thu 19 Jul	PATMOS - GREECE	08:00		18:00		TENDERED
Fri 20 Jul	LESVOS (MITILINI) - GREECE	08:00		14:00		DOCKED
Sat 21 Jul	ISTANBUL - TURKEY	08:00				DOCKED
Sun 22 Jul	ISTANBUL, TURKEY					DOCKED

Call or email me today for more information!