Treated 'Royally' on Princess

Well I have just returned from an overnight on Princess' Royal Princess.  What can I say, well stunning is a good word.

Embarkation at Southampton was well handled, and as soon as I got to my cabin my stateroom attendent welcomed me by my surname.  The balcony cabin I was in C225 was in an excellent position however I thought the room was a little small and the balcony only had enough space for two chairs and a small table.

The ship was very spacious, and had many lounges and eateries.  The beautifil spiral staircase leading fron the Piazza up three decks was a sight to see.

And as I said in my previous blog the Movies Under the Stars looks very exciting, relaxing back on the loungers and watching a movie on the huge screen.

The food and entertainment was excellent and we even had a set by Lemar (Formally off Fame Academy).  The only think I can think of that was not too great was the carpets on the ship.  You walked from nice smooth tiled floor onto a small carpeted area.  Now on formal night, and this is especially for the ladies with high heels who have had a few drinks, watch out because you could stumble a bit!!

I'm going on Royal Princess

I am off to sample the hospitallity on board Princess' new ship Royal Princess on Saturday for an overnight of fun and lovely food.

I have never been on a Princess ship before so it will be interesting to see how the ship's lay out compares to P&O or Celebrity.  Looks like Princess have some special features on this vessel which look quite interesting.

Now i'm not talking about the different bars on board (like some other agents will) however there is -

CROONERS MARTINI BAR- While passengers try to choose there favourite from the bars famous selection of more than 50 martini varieties, the resident entertainer will keep the crowds singing along.

OUTRIGGER BAR-This top deck bar celebrates throughout the day and includes a Margarita Bar starting at lunchtime  accompanied by made to order Burritos, fresh tortilla chips and guacamole and salsa dips to keep the mexican flava right into the night.

The features i'm looking forward to see are -

Movies under the stars on board where a huge screen will light up the Lido deck and you can kick back and relax, with free popcorn I may add.

The Sanctury which is adult only with an adult only pool.

There is also the 'Seawalk' which is a glass bottomed walkway which canterleavers out from the Lido deck.  That should be interesting after Outrigger Bar I guess.

I will be taking pictures and blogging about this visit soo so watch this space!!!

Cunard release 'Getaways' for final quarter of the year.

Cunard and P&O have today released thier 'Getaway' Fares for sailings between September and December 2013.



In the previous three quarters of the year their Getaway offers were based on 2 people sharing.  After many complaints from single passengers and families looking for cruises, directly to these cruise lines and to us here at cruise.co.uk, it looks like they have finally listened to us. Cunard and P&O have decided to allow single, three and 4 berth cabins to book on the Getaway offers but only for cruises between September and December 2013.  Hooraaah you may say, well yes but always ask because sometimes the Vantage fare is a better deal than the Getaway fare at the moment.

These cruise lines need to get their act together because from talking to clients it seems that loyal passengers are now thinking that Cunard and P&O are pulling a fast one with these ' great new fares',

Always ask me what the best fare is because sometimes I can get better than what you expected.

Views from different cruise ships

I have many people ask me what are the views like from certain cruise ships.  It depends on what ship and the position you are in.  Many cruise lines have guaranteed cabin grades where we as agents, cannot say where your cabin will be.

For instance, below is an obstructed view on Celebrity Solstice class.

Here is another on the Solstice class on a 2C grade.

Below is a part obstructed view on Emerald deck on Caribbean Princess cabin E320

Below is P&O Ventura on E deck obstructed view ocean view.

Cunard Queen Mary 2 obstructed balcony cabin

So you can see you get the natural light into your cabin however the view outside can be completly different depending on what ship you are on and what cabin grade you go for.  You will find on 'Guaranteed or Getaway' fares these prices are cheaper however you will be told you could posssibly get a resstricted view.

You have to remember, part of cruising is not to be confined to your cabin, I say 'your cabin is somewhere to sleep and rest your eyes'. 

So if you go for a reduced fare and you hear the words 'your cabin could be a restricted view' you can see what you might get.

Visa's are a minefield

Cruises can take you to some fantastic ports of call.  However did you ever think about entry into those ports?

Most people know that for St Petersburg, if you take a tour with the cruiseline then you go under the ships visa.  However if you wanted to explore Russia on your own you need to apply for your own Russian visa.

USA you require an ESTA which can be obtained from the U.S Government website, it costs around £15 per visa.  Australia is the same now.  This used to be free however with the influx of holiday makers, the Australiaan government have decided to charge for entry.

Vietnamese visa's can normally be obtained on the cruiseship you are on at approximately $60 per person.  For places like Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia as long as you have a full 10 year British Passport with at least 6 months validity on it you should be ok.

Alwayss check with us regarding Visas' especially if you are on a foreign Passport as you could be denied onto you cruiseship.  It has happened and will happen again if the correct questions are not asked.

Air Maid Siren!!

A low cost airline in China are to make their attendants dress up as maids and butlers to encourage passengers to book their flights!

Spring Airlines started operations on 18 July 2005 and the first flight on that day was between Shanghai and Yantai.

Pilots are encouraged to dress up as butlers too. 

Now you have heard how certain fads go global within days from East to West (look at PSY Gangam Style http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bZkp7q19f0)

Do you really think BA and Virgin will follow suit? Hmm I doubt it, mind you flight attendants dressed as maids and butlers serving you your inflight meals on Virgin might be a little different!!  What about Easy jet? I'll stop now otherwise I'll get myself into trouble.

Fred Olsen release 2014 sailings

Fred Olsen cruises have today released thier 2014 sailings.

One of the new departure ports include Tilbury where Black watch will have a 'Mystery cruise' on 15th November.  You will not know the Itinerary! This will be revealed as the cruise progresses.

Would you like to go on a cruise not knowing where the ship is taking you? Even I don't know as an agent.

Prices are starting for an inside cabin £1196.86 per person.  This includes car parking at Tilbury, £100 per cabin onboard spend and an all inclusive drinks package.  All I can say is,  it is a 14 night sailing.  Thats it no more information.

Are you willing to risk your hard earnt savings on an Itinerary which you might not like or are you the exciting cruiser who likes the mystery?

Call me up for further stateroom availability.