How was it for you?? Write a Review!

How was your cruise recently? Did you have a truly magical experience or was it not 100% up to scratch? Whatever your thoughts were we always want to hear about them!



Here at cruise.co.uk we pride ourselves on having one of the most informative websites in the business, you can view the latest deals, read real life reviews written by customers who have travelled and experienced the cruise line for themselves, you can even see cruise photo's posted by customers and ask a question in our questions and answers section.

This is where we need YOUR help to build up our reviews. It can be for ANY cruise that you have been on - whether it was 2 weeks ago or 6 months ago it really doesn't matter.

Share with us the highs and the lows, but remember that what may, or may not, have suited you might not be the same for others, so please BE FAIR, HONEST and FACTUAL in the description of your cruise experience.

So what's in it for you I hear you ask? Well as a big Thank You we are sending you a FREE Fodor's European guide to cruising worth £16.99!

Just drop me an email once you have written your review and I will personally make sure it gets posted out to you.

Just click on the link below to start your words of wisdom - its dead simple!

http://www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-reviews/write/details/  

Of course please feel free to get in touch with me if there is anything at all I can help with any future cruises you may want to plan!

Regent Review...Dont just take my word for it...

From my previous blogs on Regent Seven Seas cruises you will probably have guessed by now that I am a bit of a fan of this cruise line or an ambassador if you like and everything that it has to offer, with practically everything included....but don't just take my word for it....


In the Daily Telegraph Travel section today they have dedicated a review of the Regent Seven Seas Voyager and I am more than pleased to say that she scored a very respectable high average of 8/10!

You can read the full review by clicking here but the results included an overall score of 9/10 for the ship and accommodation and 8/10 for the food, service and entertainment.


She has been recommended as best for mature cruisers, singles and couples.

The Telegraph Cruise Expert, Douglas Ward, has quoted "Regent Seven Seas Cruises has clearly moved into a new breed of larger ships that are more economical to operate and provide more choices for passengers."

If anybody has even sailed on the Voyager please let me know your thoughts with a comment on this blog and whether you agree with this review?

Happy Halloween.....!

Today is Halloween - or All-Hallows-Eve as it was originally known - where traditionally we like to dress up in scary costumes and carve out pumpkins into scary faces! It is a night of spookiness and ghouls and ghosts so prepare to be scared.....!


Lots of children will be out undertaking the American tradition of Trick or Treating. I had my first trick or treaters visit my house on Saturday night but they didn’t even dress up!

Soooooo what have I been doing to get into the spirit of things?? Well Saturday night I went to my friends spooky 30th Birthday Party where we celebrated with all of our close friends. Everyone really got into the spirit of things and made so much effort....here we are on our spooky fright night.....Considering I am petrified of spiders I think my outfit was quite a brave choice.....

HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO YOU ALL......

Regent to add to the fleet??

Talk on the high seas is that Regent Seven Seas cruises are thinking about adding another ship to there 3 strong luxury fleet.

Regent's President Mark Conroy was speaking at the Ensemble Travel Group Conference on the 20th October and announced that the cruise line is currently in the "talks" stage with a European ship yard regarding the building of a new ship for them and that if they do decide to place the order we can expect the new addition sometime in 2014.

The vessel would be similar in size to Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ three current ships, which will be approximately 50,000 gross tonns and carry 700 passengers onboard and take on all of its 6* signature luxury. This new addition, should it happen, will be the first since 2003 when the Voyager was launched. This is rather surprising to me since the sister cruise line Oceania has had the Mariner and the anticipated launch of the Riviera next spring.

Apparently 2010 and 2011 have been the BEST YEARS EVER for Regent Seven Seas which is great news in such hard economic times at the moment. I am certainly a huge fan of Regent and their "It's All Included" policy, they are a 6* cruise line that everybody should try at least once!

Become a Regent Ambassador! Seven Seas Society

You have sailed on the stunning cruise line that is Regent Seven Seas....you know how wonderful they are and the first class service you receive from them...the value for money you get where its " All Included" so why not share this with your family and friends and be rewarded greatly for doing so!

You can become a Seven Seas Society member by recommending family/friends to Regent Seven Seas. If you recommend a new guest to them YOU will receive $250 per suite as a future cruise credit. The new guest will in return get a nice little treat of $200per suite as shipboard credit.


In order to claim these rewards you must mention the Ambassador Programme at the time of booking*

If you are recommending Regent Seven Seas to your friends/family then don't forget to mention these all important points:

ITS ALL INCLUDED

• Free return economy flights on every sailing.
• Unlimited Excursion - take as many as your time and energy will permit!
• Dining in ALL restuarants onboard including speciality. In-suite dining for breakfast
• Fine wines with your evening meals as well as coffees, teas, juices, cocktails, premium spirits, whiskeys and much more...
• Gratuities
• All onboard activities
• Entertainment

It really is 6* cruising at its very best with Regent Seven Seas Cruises and with this great programme loyalty as a returning customer is rewarded generously.

* other terms and conditions apply - click here for full details

Book your shore excursions with me!

Are you the sort of person who likes to make the most of your time in each port of call by taking advantage of organised shore excursions but don't like paying the cruise lines premium prices? Then worry no more as you can now book your shore excursions through cruise.co.uk!

By logging onto our website and clicking the red box "shore excursions" you can now view a great variety of popular excursions by searching your individual sailing - ship/sailing date. This is a very user friendly system allowing you to view your full itinerary where you can click on each day in port, which will then pull up all of the excursions available - simple!



For Example.
If you are travelling on the Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas on the 28th April you can choose from a list of 84 excursions in Rome on your port day on the 1st May, with prices starting from as little as £25.99 there is certainly something to suit all budgets!



If you are not a whiz on a computer then feel free to call me and I would be happy to go through your options and get you booked on your excursions choice for your cruise holiday :-)

Clever Cloggs part 2

Following on from my previous blog Clever Cloggs where I was proud to announce that my boyfriend had successfully completed his LPC (Legal Practice Course) on his road to becoming a fully fledged solicitor, I am now even prouder to announce that he received a letter from The Birmingham College of Law confirming that he was indeed the highest marked student in the Country for his Property Law and therefore will be receiving a prize award in November. Last year this was £2000 I believe so we may well be taking our dream holiday of Las Vegas and New York next year :) well I can only hope! But even if it is just £50 I am still very proud of all his hard work and efforts.

The award is sponsored by one of the biggest law firms in the UK - Squires Sanders Hammonds - and is being held on the 28th November at the Birmingham College of Law.

MSC Yacht Club Experience it for yourself....

As you may or may not know I was on board the MSC Spelndida back in July experiencing the 6* luxury of the exclusive Yacht club they have on board. This experience was amazing and you can read for yourself in my previous blog what my thoughts really were click here but it doesn't really give you the full insight into the day on the life of being a Yacht club passenger.....

So here I want to share a video experience with you which will really make you feel like you are a part of it all. The first section of the video will delve into the finer details of the Yacht Club and then you will be shown around all the exclusive areas you have access to being a Yacht Club member.

The second part of the video shows a typical day of an MSC Yacht Club guest specifying what services are included and what are exclusive with all amenities and comfort that can be found on board.

Please click on the link below and download the video for your Yacht Club experience
https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1226996180/d1061f2a9ba66c0d884600f4b0e3bf76

I really hope this gives you a good insight and of course maybe tempts your taste buds into trying the experience for yourself as take it from me, it really is fabulous!

A Menu to die for!

What did I do on the dull Monday just gone? Well I was sampling a 7 course 6* lunch that's what!
I was lucky enough to travel down to Dover and board the Oceania Insignia which is a beautiful 6* ship, for a full ship tour (perk of the job I know)

The ship was stunning and had a very sumptuous feel to it, but what I wanted to rave about first of all was the 7 course lunch that I was treated to. The menu was simply to die for and I am a rather fussy eater too, so very hard to please!

The Menu in question!

(Served on Versace plates)

Warm Crushed Baby Potato with Caviar

Echire Butter and Fresh Chives

Risotto all'Aragosta

Arborio Rice with Lobster Medallions in Lobster Broth Reduction

Den Miso Glazed Seabass

Wrapped and Cooked in Banana Leaf

Seventy two hours Slow Cooking Short Rib "Perigourdine"

Semolina Gnocchi, Vegetable Casserole and Crispy Parmesan

"Gold Bullion" of Valrhona Jivara Chocolate Mousse

Praline, Exotic Fruit and Amarena Cherries

Petit Fours and Macaroons

Seved with Coffee

Tempting???

The Sea Bass was something I had never tasted before in my life....it was baked slowly for 2 hours and covered in a mouth-watering Miso glaze, this is something you would expect to be served in a Michelin star restaurant.

Oceania cruises are all about the food; there no 1 priority is to serve the best food at sea bar no other cruise line! They are also the only cruise line who hangs the Beef for 28 days where it is then vacuum packed and sent to the ship. Then they cook it so slowly (72 hours usually) that by the time it is served to you, you can literally cut it with your fork (I tried and tested this and it is true!)

If for you the food is the most important part of a cruise then Oceania are the only cruise line to do....you really must try it at least once to believe it.

Best time of year for Norway?

I often get asked this question when clients book or are looking to book a cruise to Norway - what is the best time of year to go? The answer is simple, any time of year as it is beautiful all year round. It really depends on what you want to see and what really floats your boat (pun intended!)

WINTER

During the Winter you will get some amazing scenery with snow capped peaks and powder white snow or you can marvel at the amazing Norther Lights (aurora borealis) in Tromso (weather permitting) the best time to experience this is September - April. You will also have the opportunity to do some fantastic trips during the winter months such as a dog sled rides across the crystal white landscape or snow mobile your way across! The weather can get as cold as -25 in places though so be prepared to take your thermals and wrap up!

    

      

SPRING

Some might say Spring would be the best time of year to go and I would have to say I may be inclined to agree. May - Mid June is when the scenery in Norway is at its most spectacular with trees and flowers waking into life. With the abundance of water due to the melting snow the waterfalls are always at their best cascading down. There is plenty of sunlight and the temperatures rise fairly nicely. There are also several public holidays in May, and the Norwegians make full use of them to celebrate springtime after a long winter.

You can also experince the land of the midnight sun June-July where you can sit up until the early hours and still feel like it is the middle of day...

SUMMER

Late June to early August is when the weather is warmest and the days are long and bright. Temperatures in July and August can reach 25°C - 30°C. At the same time there is hardly any humidity in the air so you can get some relaly beautiful weather. On the flip side the summer weather can be wet and changeable especially in Fjord Norway. If you want to experience the Land of the Midnight Sun you will have to travel to the northern part of the country in June - July.

AUTUMN

In the autumn the landscape is painted in golden colours very much like what you would find in Canada and New England. The temperature drops slowly through September, making for good berry and mushroom picking weather.

During autumn the land areas lose more heat than the sea, and eventually the coastal areas have the highest temperatures. In September the outer part of the Oslofjord usually has the highest mean temperatures. Later in the autumn, the warmest areas are usually found on the coast of Rogaland and Hordaland.


So as you can see there really isn't a 'best' time to go as each season in Norway holds something a little bit special for you. With cruise lines such as Hurtigruten who specialise in Norway and Cruise and Maritime there are lots of choices and itineraries to choose from so if you are thinking about a cruise to Norway then hopefully this has helped in deciding for you when would be the best time for you to go.

Paul Gauguin Cruises...who are they?

Most of you probably won’t have even heard of this cruise line let alone know what they are all about....want to know more?

Paul Gauguin cruises is a big player in the luxury cruise market. With a newly refurbished ship for 2012 the M/S Paul Gauguin, they operate in the untouched and simply stunning destinations of Tahiti, The French Polynesia and The South Pacific including the Cook Islands offering a truly deluxe experience.

The ship was originally part of the Regent fleet so started off as a very high standard anyway. The ship was named after the French Impressionist painter who travelled to the French Polynesia to create some of his masterpieces. You will receive 5* luxury services onboard this friendly and welcoming ship with a relaxed informal atmosphere. A wonderful way to sail the beauty of the South Seas....

Onboard there is a water sports marina deck a choice of dining areas and a fully equipped Spa are offering some relaxing treatments, Blue-Ribbon service, luxurious amenities and spacious staterooms. The Troupe of Gauguines is a local Tahitian group which include members of staff, entertainers and even story tellers who all add a touch of Tahiti to all cruises.

For 2012 they have some fantastic things in store to include the multi-million dollar refurbishment of the ship and 40 stunning itineraries...
• 20-night South Pacific Discovery cruise and land package which allows guests to discover the scenic splendours of Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands and the Society Islands


• 11-night whale-watching itinerary in September taking in Rurutu, Bora Bora and Moorea.


• Seven-night Society Islands voyage on 2nd June taking in the transit of Venus


• Two new Fiji voyages in October and November visiting Fiji, Tonga and the Cook Islands.


• Unique Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Programme to operate onboard between 2nd June and end August 2012. This groundbreaking programme introduces travellers to the extraordinary natural wonders of French Polynesia and aims to give young participants aged nine to 17 direct, hands-on, interactive experience with knowledge of marine and island ecosystems.

     

Onboard each cruise guests can expect Marine Biologists, Environmentalist, Naturalists, Historians and special guest speakers so that you can take full advantage of the places you are visiting and learn all about the environments and history of each island.

You will get to really immerse yourself in some of the world’s most enchanting destinations when you sail onboard a Paul Gauguin cruise. Call me for more details and cruise deal prices of these beautiful itineraries.

I have just been on MSC Yacht Club!

And what a truly amazing experience it was too!

From the moment I arrived at the port I felt like some kind of Celebrity, I was showed to a designated area for Yacht Club members where a line of immaculately dressed Butlers were waiting to greet me. Then I was led to the check in desk, priority of course, and even offered a drink whilst I waited - don't mind if I do! My Butler then guided me through the ship, the Amazing Splendida, to the Yacht Club area and showed me to my suite.....

My suite was positioned facing forwards at the front of the ship, and was huge! I had a bottle of Wine and a tasty fresh fruit basket in the cabin (which I later made full use of) it had everything I needed and more right down to some slippers and luxury dressing gown and wait for it girls.....a walk in wardrobe!

The Yacht Club can only be accessed by using your Yacht Club key card in the lifts which makes you feel very important indeed, it's probably what the Cunarders feel like when they are travelling in the Grills as you can't help but feel a little bit special. It is set out over 2 levels with a stunning sweeping Yellow Swarovski Crystal stair case the Elegance of the ship certainly shines through. You get your own bar/lounge area called the Top Sail Lounge were you have panoramic views of the Ocean, here all drinks are included and they serve afternoon tea (which was very delightful I may add being the tea lover that I am) and continental breakfasts including smoked salmon, pastries and fruit, yummy.

The ship itself....well what can I say.... by far one of the most innovative and stunningly designed ships I have ever been on. The decor was contemporary without being too much and very welcoming. She still felt very new. My favourite part of the ship though has to be the main atrium area where the Swarovski Crystal staircases take centre stage - there are about 8 of them! With a grand piano which is also emblazoned with Crystals, every girls dream!

The Ship was well equiped for children with lots of fun things to do onboard. There is a real Formula 1 simulator which makes you feel like you are actually in a racing car! And a 4D Cimema experience, yes 4D what is this I hear you ask?! Well it is 3D but with the 4th Element of feelings so your seat moves and you feel wind and water droplets as if you are really there! It is a very strange but great experience! The childrens club looked really fun and on one of the evenings they had them all up on the stage doing a song and dance routine which was really sweet.

The food was absolutely yummy I didn’t have one gripe about it. I have to admit, like many others, I had heard bad things about the food on MSC things like it being served too cold but everything I had was very tasty and of a really good standard! See for yourself....

I have to give a very big Thank You to the Concierge in Yacht Club who was very concerned to learn I had lost my phone whilst on board and made it a point to try and contact as many people as possible to try and help find it for me and when this was not possible arranged a lost item form for me to use for my insurance, he really was second to none with his service and a credit to the Yacht Club!

Overall my experience of MSC was that of one of the best I have had onboard a ship, the food, the staff, the ship itself was all 100% and I would certainly recommend it to any of my customers in future when looking for cruises.

Yachts of Seabourn are having a huge SALE week at the moment and I just wanted to share this truly amazing deal that I have packaged for the Quest on the 22nd August for 7nts. It really is 6* luxury at its absolute best!


Why cruise Yachts of Seabourn? Well cruising with them is unlike any other form of travel it will be luxurious in that you would expect from a 6* cruise line BUT it is relaxed and casual so you won’t feel out of place and uncomfortable in anyway. They have intimate Yachts rather than large ships so you should expect to receive a unique style of heartfelt hospitality from the staff that will be very personal feeling.

What you get included

Return flights from with all transfers included.

In suite Bar and refrigerator stocked with your preferences.

Complimentary fine wines at lunch and dinner and open bars throughout the Yacht.

All dining venue including speciality

Gratuities

24 hour room service

Wi-Fi access throughout the Yacht

V1 - Veranda suite - £2229pp

PH - Penthouse Suite £3229pp

This really is amazing value for money when you consider you will not need to spend hardly anything onboard. If you compare it to some of the mainstreem cruise lines where you have to buy all your drinks which can become rather costly!

These prices are only valid until MONDAY 28TH MARCH 2011 so dont miss out on this little piece of luxury call me today to take advantage of the great cruise deal....

MSC Yacht Club here I come!

I will be out of the office from today until Monday 18th July as I am going to be lording it up in the MSC Yach Club onboard Splendida!! I will be sure to tell you all about my luxurious pampering when I get back in a full blog but in the meantime here is a little taster for you on what I can expect....

Back from my travels...

Well, I am back to work now after my lovely Spanish holiday, see my previous blog busy busy busy, where I spent a week on the Costa Del Sol with some of my family including my Mum, Sister, Brother in Law and my little Niece and Nephew. And what a wonderful time I had!

I would like to say it was a relaxing holiday but with a 3yr and 9yr old to entertain every day it was far from that....although I did manage to steal a day by the pool relaxing with a good book. The weather was beautiful for most parts apart from the first day I arrived which was rather overcast, although I did still manage to get burned! There was me thinking my mum's saying "it’s not the sun that tans you it’s the wind" was a load of old tosh but perhaps she has been right all these years!

The view from our penthouse apartment was absolutely amazing we could see right down to the Ocean if we looked to the right and the mountains were on our left...

We visited a water park one of the days and a fun fair but I am a huge wimp when it comes to water and heights so I left it to the kids!

One evening we decided to take a little boat trip which took us out to see from the Marina...it was very relaxing and included some free bubbly which is always nice :)

I am back at work now and settled back into my Specialist Cruise Consultant role (feels like I never left!) so, whether you are looking for a last minute cruise deal or you would like to look at your next cruise options feel free to call me and I will, as always, be delighted to help!

I am out of the office...

I break up today for 2 weeks annual leave :)



I have a few exciting things planned as my Birthday is on Tuesday 21st June - Midsummers day no less - then I travel down to London on Thursday to see a band called Kings of Leon in Hyde Park (hoping it doesn't rain!) then Saturday the 25th I will be embarking on my little Spanish adventure with my family - see my blog busy busy busy for a week in the sunshine!



I shall be returning back to work on the 3rd July of July so you will be able to get in contact with me from then, If you have any urgent matters that need dealing with then please call the main line on 0800 408 6200 and my colleagues will be able to assist you.

Bon Boyage!