Cruises from Harwich with Fred Olsen

With Fred Olsen offering Cruises from Harwich in 2013 on it's Black Watch cruise ship, we decided to take a glimpse into the history of the up and coming port.

Meaning "military settlement", Harwich is a busy coastal town and international port found on the in north-east Essex, just on the estuary of the rivers Stour and Orwell. The port is particularly famous for the phrase "Harwich for the Continent” – which can be seen on road signs and on various advertisements – including posters produced for London & North Eastern Railway promoting rail and sea services via Harwich crossing the channel to Europe, Belgium and the Netherlands.

A historically significant town and port…

Harwich has played a very important role in Britain’s nautical history for centuries – it was particularly appreciated in the 19th century by captains sailing ships looking for shelter in stormy seas.

In the second half of the 19th century, the Great Eastern Railway Company decided that the port should be transformed - this is how the world-class deep-water facility, Harwich International Port, came about.

Following the port’s success, Great Eastern Railway wanted to expand its operations further – so created a whole new port on the marshland of Ray Island. The new port, Parkeston Quay, was officially opened in 1883 by Charles H. Parkes, Chairman of the Great Eastern Railway Company. Soon after, it became one of Britain’s most important passenger ports – as it links England with Belgium and the Netherlands.

Throughout the 20th century and now into the 21st, Harwich Port has kept its close connections with Europe. Today Harwich Port’s activities include liquid and dry bulks, general cargo, containers - as well as being a thriving cruise business. And, with Fred Olsen offering selected sailings in 2013, Harwich Port just keeps growing and growing. 

A new chapter in the port’s history…

In 1998, Harwich International Port was taken over by Hutchison Ports (UK) Ltd – the world’s largest private port owner and operator. Since then, Harwich International Port continued to find success. Today, Harwich is one of the UK’s leading cruise ports.

A look into the historic town of Harwich

Historically important, as well as being one of the UK’s most deep-water harbours, the old town of Harwich is a conservation area – it is here you will find a whole host of historic buildings, each with a tale to tell. Highly regarded for its architectural heritage, there are many notable public buildings, including the parish church of St. Nicholas (1821) and the Guildhall of 1769, the only Grade I listed building in Harwich. On the quayside, the Pier Hotel was built in 1860 and Great Eastern Hotel was built in 1864. These two buildings reflect the town’s new found importance to those travelling - thanks to the arrival of the railway line from Colchester in 1854.

Other places of interest include the High Lighthouse, the Treadwheel Crane and the Electric Palace Cinema. One of the oldest purpose-built cinemas in the country, the Electric Palace Cinema comes complete with its original projection room as well as a whole host of other original features. Other must see sights include the Old Custom Houses on West Street and a selection of Victorian shop fronts.

Thomson Pushes The Boat Out For Early Booking Offers

Popular British cruise line Thomson Cruises is always looking for new ways to help out customers and attract new cruise enthusiasts. This latest offering should help people who are willing to cruise in the off-season.

Thomson Cruises have launched a brand new winter sailings calendar for 2012 in a bid to bring in more customers.

The British travel company have announced their winter sailings to the Caribbean for December 2012 to April 2013. The brochure consists of many early booking offers which are currently available now for customers to take advantage of.

Their new brochure will be available to the public next month and includes all details of everything that they have on offer.

The travel company have pushed out all the stops this year to entice customers on board their ships. The early booking offers include extending your cruise for an extra week for just £350, cabin upgrades from just £70 and on board credit. They have also included offers for group bookings with one in every ten able to travel for free.

Thomson is not the only company having to reduce pricing for next year.  Many travel companies have seen a significant fall in bookings in the past three years due to the current credit crisis as many Brits cannot afford to go abroad anymore and are choosing to stay in the UK for their holiday.

Holidaymaker, Jan Goodwin said: “Unfortunately we couldn’t go on holiday at all this year because me and my husband simply couldn’t afford it. I have a family of four so it gets extremely pricey when everything adds up. We have to rely on special offers and early booking deals and are hoping to go somewhere nice in 2012!”

The Managing Director of Thomson Cruises, Fraser Ellacott explained that the company are committed to offering good value for money and they know that people are looking for savings at the moment. He said that with no hidden costs, it helps guests to be able to relax.

Bargain hunters can find Thomson Cruises offers at http://uk.cruises.com/cruise-on/thomson-cruise.html

British Cruise Lines

With so many cruise lines currently available today, it comes as no surprise that the majority of British cruisers have been converted to cruising aboard US-style cruise ships, with their larger than life ships. But what about the British companies such as Cruise & Maritime and Thomson Cruises? We take a look at what British cruise lines are doing to entice more guests.

Cruise and Maritime

Cruise and Maritime offer lower fares on their 800 passenger ships, Marco Polo and Ocean Countess. They only offer cruises that sail from the UK which makes them a popular choice for those who do not like to fly, and sail from six ports; London, Hull, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Liverpool. They do not boast the glitz and glam of the larger ships, with no climbing walls or Broadway style shows, but what they do have which is a key difference is a home-from-home atmosphere and the emphasis is very much on a personal service and going that extra mile for you. Due to their smaller size their ships can slip into smaller and more remote ports of call, which they larger vessels cannot reach, making them a firm favourite with those experienced cruisers who are looking for something a little different than the typical cruise.

Both of their ships tend to avoid the Mediterranean which is heavily dominated by larger cruise lines. Instead they tend to focus on cruising to the fjords, Iceland, France, Spain, North Cape, Portugal or around the British Isles. During the festive season, Cruise and Maritime can be found sailing to the Christmas markets in Europe and longer voyages around far out destinations such as the Amazon and West Indies.

Thomson Cruises

Thomson is currently the second largest UK-operated cruise line, carrying a whopping 280,000 passengers a year. Unlike the foreign cruise lines, they don’t continuously buy newer ships, instead they focus their money on the ships they already have, which means better on board dining and entertainment, and is quite probably a reason why they win awards such as ‘UK’s favourite affordable cruise line’.  They have four ships in the fleet, the Thomson Dream, Destiny, Celebration and Spirit and in the summer their ships mainly sail around the Mediterranean to British favourites such as Majorca, Turkey and Corfu. In the winter the ships tend to focus their itineraries on the Caribbean, the canaries and the Red Sea. Thomson has also introduced a test drive cruise to encourage more British cruisers. If you are staying with Thomson at one of their hotel resorts such as Palma in Majorca then you can now take a tour on their ship and see if you like the idea of cruising. They are also offering special deals for those that want to book the cruise, to entice more and more people to sail on a Thomson ship.

Fred Olsen

Quite like Cruise and Maritime, Fred Olsen boasts that warm and welcoming home-from-home atmosphere that the Brits love. They offer traditional cruising upon their fleet of four; the Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch. Their key selling point is that they sail directly from the UK, so can set sail from Portsmouth, Southampton, Falmouth, Greenock, Holyhead, Leith and Liverpool and they offer worldwide itineraries to places such as South America, Singapore and South Africa.

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Must-Have Items on a River Cruise

If you are a first time river cruiser, heading out on your first river cruise you may be struggling to work out what to take with you. Taking the right clothing and accessories with you can, in many cases, make or break your holiday. It is important that you get it right if you are not to be put off river cruises Europe in the future.

For obvious reasons (like icepack in winter) many river cruises tend to run in the summer months. Because of this cruise passengers can generally pack quite light with summer shirts, shorts and skirts. Obviously sun and insect protection is also a good idea. It can be cool in the evening so a sweater and perhaps a light raincoat are also a good idea.

For footwear, it must be borne in mind that these cruises stop and allow passengers to explore multiple ports along the length of a river cruise. Taking good shoes for exploring in is a must. A sure-fire way to ruin your holiday would be to spend it with blisters and sore feet.

When booking your cruise you really need to check if there are formal attire requirements for meals or entertainment. If there are you will probably require evening wear, tuxedo, formal kilt outfit or ball/evening gown. Not all cruise lines have this requirement, although it may be wise to pack a jacket and tie even for an informal cruise.

When considering what luggage to take, bear in mind that your cabin on a cruise ship is not always the most spacious of holiday accommodation available. Rather than taking large, solid luggage that sits taking up room once emptied, consider taking softer pack-away luggage that you can stuff in a drawer once you have unpacked. This will make your cabin more comfortable over the length of your holiday.

No doubt you will go on escorted tours and visit the occasional shop on your shore excursions as part of the cruise. Everyone does it, but if you spend money on souvenirs and gifts to take home you should ensure you have got enough room in your luggage to get it all your purchases home. It is a good idea to fill your outgoing luggage only half full when leaving for your cruise. That way you should have more room to treat yourself and buy some gifts for your family and friends.

Before you leave for your cruise you should carefully lay out all the items you are taking with you and catalogue them. Take photos of these items all laid out and leave the photos at home. Doing this means you have a list of all your luggage items that can be presented to a travel insurance company in the event that your luggage goes missing or is damaged. This applies to all holidays, not just to cruising.

A final consideration is that in most cases your luggage will have to be transferred onto a flight to get you home. You should ensure that you keep within the weight and size limits specified by the airline or you may be hit with a surplus luggage charge at the airport - not a pleasant way to end any holiday.

Discovering Cambodia On An Escorted Tour

In a café in Phnom Penh, on the banks of the mighty Mekong River, I sat and sipped an ice cold glass of water and watched as the world went by in a colourful blur.

Looking back on the previous 14 days, I realised that I had just enjoyed one of the best holidays I had ever experienced. 

Flying from Edinburgh, my girlfriend and I had first flown to London Heathrow and then on to Qatar. After a nine hour stopover in Qatar airport, we excitedly boarded the plane to our final destination, Cambodia for what would be our most memorable escorted tour holiday.

At the airport we were met by our escorted holiday tour guide, Paul, who took care of our luggage and provided us with transport to our hotel. On the way to the hotel we witnessed an absolutely incredible storm. In an instant the sky turned from bright blue to a deep purple, there was a huge clap of thunder, the sky was illuminated by magnificent fork lighting and the heavens opened. Within five minutes the storm had stopped and the blue skies had returned. 

During our two week holiday we enjoyed a range of escorted tours that allowed us to understand and appreciate the history of this beautiful and, at the same time, tragic country. 

The first trip we took was to the Royal Palace of Phnom Penh which was built in 1866 is still the official residence of the King of Cambodia. The palace is divided into three main compounds and is surrounded by lush gardens. 

One of the most memorable trips we took was to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum in Phnom Penh. This former high school was transformed into the notorious Security Prison 21 by the Khmer Rouge regime.  Between 1975 and 1979, an estimated 17,000 people were imprisoned and tortured at Tuol Sleng. The museum gives a truly shocking insight into the terrible atrocities that were committed during this time.

One of the most unforgettable trips of the holiday was to the Angkor Wat temples just outside Siem Reap. The temples were built in the early 12^th century for King Suryavarman II and acted as his state temple and capital city. We arrived at the temples around 5am to catch the magnificent sunrise over the main temple of Angkor. We then spent the rest of the day wandering around the numerous other temples with our guide.

We finished our holiday with a couple of days by the beach at the resort of Sihanouokville. Relaxing by the sea was the perfect to a unique holiday.

Sitting in the café on the banks of the Mekong before our flight home, I felt deeply sad to be leaving this unique country. Cambodia and in particular the people of Cambodia had made an enduring impression on me. 

iPads for All on Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship

A Royal Caribbean cruise ship has announced that it will be including an iPad in every stateroom on board it's Splendour of the Seas ship from February. It's an interesting move and I wonder if it will be rolled out to other cruise ships in the future?

Royal Caribbean are introducing the iPad in every stateroom on their newly restored Splendour of the Seas from mid-February 2012.

This is a cruise industry first and they also plan to add more of the Apple devices to the cabins of five more of its 22 ships within the next two years.

Guests can use the tablet to receive, retrieve and use information such as the daily Cruise Compass of events and activities, personal daily itineraries, shore excursions, monitor their on board account, order room service, view restaurant menus, access the internet and even watch films.

Lisa Bauer, senior vice president, Hotel Operations, Royal Caribbean International, said in a news release: “Based on consumer research, we added the iPads to greatly enhance guest communication, interactivity and to continue to offer industry leading technology that helps enhance the guest experience,"

"This is just one of the many exciting ways that Royal Caribbean continues to provide our guests with the ultimate cruise experience."

As Wi-fi is being installed, guests will be able to use the iPads all over the ship providing easy access where-ever they go and in the next two years Royal Caribbean plan to introduce this to all of the ships in their vision-class fleet.

Royal Caribbean customer, James Harrison said: “I was extremely excited to hear the news that they were added iPads to their stateroom. It truly is about time that these cruise lines started taking advantage of modern technology and I am sure that this will no doubt help boost the sales for Royal Caribbean in 2012.”

If you wanted to try out these iPads in your stateroom aboard Splendour of the Seas then you will find her sailing a variety of South American Itineraries in the summer of 2012 at http://www.cruise118.com/cruise-line/royal-caribbean.html.

A Solstice-Class First for Celebrity’s Silhouette

Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, the Silhouette, has officially set sail in the United States.

The first Celebrity Solstice-Class ship to sail from Bayonne’s Cape Liberty, New Jersey, the Silhouette offers cruisers who reside in this region much easier access when it comes to boarding the Celebrity cruise ship. Celebrity Silhouette’s homeport will be in Cape Liberty - throughout winter 2011-12.

The largest Celebrity Cruises’ ship ever launched, the Silhouette features all the ‘Solstice-Class ground breaking features, including the Lawn Club - a full half-acre of real grass, which has Bocce Courts, a Golf Putting Course and a Hot Glass Show. Other features include The Hideaway, a futuristic tree house-like retreat for Silhouette guests to relax inside and The Alcoves, which are private cabanas that accommodate up to four people.

The Silhouette also boasts veranda views in 85 per cent of the staterooms. There’s a wide choice of speciality restaurants on-board too, including the Lawn Club Grill, Tuscan Grille and Qsine - where guests can order their choice of food and wine from an innovative iPad menu.

As well as the Silhouette, other ships in Celebrity Cruises’ solstice class include Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Reflection and Celebrity Solstice.

Mal Barritt - director of cruises.com, the world’s largest cruise company - says ‘Now that Celebrity Silhouette is setting sail from Bayonne’s Cape Liberty, it will no doubt come in a godsend for those who live in the northeast region. A Solstice Class of ship, the passengers will get to experience the ground-breaking features and facilities on the Celebrity Silhouette cruise too.” 

Viking River Cruises To Build Two New Ships For 2012

Viking River Cruises has commissioned two additional ships in the Longships class for delivery in 2012.

Responding to the current demand, the two ships will be part of the new Viking Longship class – this will bring the total of ships set to launch next year to six. The two ships will be named Viking Aegir and the Viking Embla - and will each carry 190 passengers.

The two new ships will be part of Viking’s $250 million fleet-redevelopment program. The program includes refurbishment of Viking’s existing ships and the introduction of 10 Longships by 2014.

Entering service in July and August 2012, The Viking Aegir and the Viking Embla will join the previously announced four longships: Freya, Idun, Njord and Odin - all of which will are to be launched in March 2012.

What’s more, the ships are being designed by Yran & Storbraaten - the team behind the Yachts of Seabourn; guests can expect state-of-the-art engineering, stylish design and the utmost comfort.

For the full Viking River Cruises itinerary, please see RiverVoyages.com.

Featuring 95 spacious staterooms, the Longships will include two Explorer suites complete with private wraparound verandas, seven Veranda suites and 39 Veranda staterooms - featuring floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors.

The vessels will also have the Aquavit Terrace - an indoor-outdoor lounge space and al fresco dining on the upper decks. Environmentally friendly features will be in place too, including energy-efficient hybrid engines, solar panels and an organic herb garden on the large sun deck.

Mal Barritt, director of cruises.com – the world’s largest cruise company – says “It’s fantastic that Viking River Cruises will introduce two more longships in 2012 – the response so far has been overwhelming – so this will certainly help accommodate demand.”

Viking Sun – Exploring The Treasures Of The Rhine

Built in 2004, Viking Sun is specially designed for sailing on the Rhine. Oozing comfort and elegance, the Viking ship accommodates 198 guests. On board, you can look forward to the most amazing views of the passing scenery; a river cruise on this ship truly offers an amazing journey from start to finish.

A floating hotel, on board the Viking Sun you’ll find ultra-comfy hotel-style beds, French balconies and large picture windows in staterooms. Another favourite feature is the spacious sundeck – a great place to sit whilst you blissfully sail from one place to another.

The observation deck and restaurant feature huge panoramic windows – again, your view of the outside world is never compromised. In addition, the ship’s lobby atrium has a seating area with observation windows as well. The stunning views are always at the forefront of Viking River Cruises’ mind.

Some of the Viking Sun’s Highlights
•    99 staterooms (89 deluxe, 10 standard)
•    All staterooms feature outside views - and many have French windows that open
•    Each stateroom comes with a private bathroom with shower, roomy wardrobe, in room safe, TV with movie channels, radio, hairdryer and individually controlled air conditioning
•    Shore tours are included in the cruise fare
•    Sun deck – which features 360-degree views and sitting area
•    Observation lounge and bar – complete with huge panoramic windows
•    Restaurant – from where great views can also be had
•    On board boutique
•    Fully stocked library
•    Wireless internet service

Dining
The restaurant features panoramic windows - so you will not miss out on any of the scenery or sights whilst you are dining. Seating 198 guests at 29 tables, the dining room is open seating, so you are free to sit where you like - it’s the perfect opportunity to get to know your fellow passengers. And, complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner too.

Entertainment
You’ll discover the entertainment on board focuses on the destinations featured in your itinerary – it’s a great way of learning about each destination you visit. Look forward to guest speakers who are there to provide you with a fascinating insight into the culture and history of the waterways – they’ve all got quite a tale to tell.

Other entertainment includes challenging quizzes or bingo sessions. When it comes to overnight stays, there’s often the opportunity to explore the options that are on offer in the port of call, such as a theatre or concert trip. 

What are fellow passengers typically like on Viking Sun?
Like many of Viking River Cruises’ ships, the Viking Sun generally attracts well-travelled passengers – usually in the 55-plus bracket. Ideal for those who are looking for a comfortable and intimate holiday, the Viking Sun is for those who want to see the fascinating sights, cities and towns that Europe has to offer – all conveniently in one holiday.

Where does she sail?
Sailing some of the most spectacular waterways in Europe, the Viking Sun spends a lot of her time along the Rhine River. Ports of call often include the city of Brugge, Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Germany's Black Forest and Strasbourg.

What Does Ultra-Luxury Mean To You?

Ultra-luxury or six star cruises include brands such as Silversea, Crystal, Cunard and Regent Cruises, but what truly makes these cruise lines a cut above the rest? Today it seems that every cruise line labels their ships as ‘luxury’ and the word seems to have lost all meaning. I take a look at the true meaning of ultra-luxury cruises…

A luxury cruise is the ultimate all-inclusive adventure, on an intimate ship with like-minded people. The majority of the six star ships carry less than 1,000 guests, meaning you get a whole new level of personalised service without feeling crowded. Their intimate size means that these ships can slip into remote ports of call, where the larger cruise lines are unable to go.

The Ultra-Luxury Lines…

Silversea Cruises offers guests large-ship amenities aboard four specially designed intimate vessels. Distinctive European styling reflects the company's true Italian heritage and is evident in every detail, from the sublime all-suite accommodation to the uncompromising service levels. Silver Cloud and Silver Wind are their smallest ships with just 296 guests on board. You can enjoy an array of dining options including the a la carte La Terrazza Italian restaurant, a show lounge which plays host to dancing and live music each night, a casino, an outdoor swimming pool and a therapeutic spa.

Crystal Cruises journey to some of the world's most exotic and breath-taking destinations and their Innovative shore excursions and off-ship adventures add further to the Crystal Cruise experience. Crystal Cruises currently has two ultra-luxurious ships in its fleet – the Crystal Symphony and the Crystal Serenity. Carrying 940 and 1,080 travellers, the ships have one of the highest guest-to-staff ratios in the industry.

Cunard is a highly respected cruise line and has become the byword for comfort, luxury and style. It’s the ultimate travel experience. Cunard currently has three ships in its fleet - the Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Victoria. Children facilities are available on-board the Cunard ships as well as youngsters will be kept entertained with an array of activities – under the supervision of qualified British nannies.

Regent Cruises has three cruisers in the fleet – Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator, and Seven Seas Voyager. Carrying a maximum of 700 travellers, they’re able to offer unique itineraries to must-see cities and hidden gems where larger ships aren’t able to go. You can enjoy menus inspired by the legendary Le Cordon Bleu® of Paris and Prime 7, a classic American steakhouse plus 24-hour in-suite dining and all-suite accommodations which have been designed with luxury and comfort firmly in mind.

This Luxury Is All Included….

Luxury cruises are all-inclusive, they cover everything from drinks to shore excursions and airfare, offering exceptional value for money. Gratuities are often taken care of too, delivering an additional sense of freedom and leaving you to enjoy the flawless service without worrying about tipping. These ultra-luxury ships are your ticket to pure luxury, once you’ve experienced one of these six star floating hotels, you won’t look back. It really is cruising at its best.

Northern India: The Perfect Place For A Guided Tour

Few areas in the world offer as much as Northern India does. The unique culture, exotic food and varied sites make Northern India a fascinating place to visit and, I believe, the best way to sample all that this area has to offer is on a guided tour holiday. Below, I have listed the top five places that should be included on any guided tour of Northern India.

The Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is India’s most recognisable tourist destination and any visit to India would not be complete without a visit to this World Heritage site. Located in Agra, the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal. I recommend rising early to catch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, as the soft morning light encapsulates the Taj Mahal’s extraordinary beauty perfectly.

The Abandoned City OF Fatehpur Sikri

Built in 1571, the city of Fatehpur Sikri acted as Emperor Akbar’s imperial capital until it was mysteriously abandoned in 1586. The city remains in an astonishing state of preservation and walking around the numerous palaces and courtyards with their magnificent architecture and carvings feels like you have been transported back to the 1500s.

The Ranthambore National Park

The Ranthambore National Park is one of the largest national parks in Northern India, covering 275 square kilometres. Ranthambore National Park is one of the best places in the world to see tigers in their natural habitat and safaris run daily. In addition to tigers, the park is also home to 270 different species of birds including crested eagles, as well as leopards, wild boars, sloth bears and monkeys.

The Red Fort of Agra

The Red Fort of Agra was rebuilt by Emperor Akbar using red sandstone and was completed in 1573. The Fort of Agra acted as the headquarters of the Mogul Empire and contained the largest state treasury and mint. The vast size and opulence of the Fort makes it an extremely compelling place to spend a day.

The Jama Masjid Mosque

The Jama Masjid mosque is the largest mosque in India and one of the largest mosques in Asia. It was commissioned in 1644 by Emperor Shan Jahan and the mosque was completed in in 1658. The mosque courtyard can hold up to 25,000 worshippers. The mosque is a great example of Mughal architecture with 260 pillars and 15 domes at various heights.

Escorted Holiday in Morocco

As the world buzzed around in the square two stories below me I sat and sipped a super-sweet mint tea on the roof of a café in the middle of Marrakech in Morocco.

Reflecting back on a wonderful tour lasting 10 days I realised I had just had one of the best holidays I had ever taken.

Leaving from Glasgow, myself and three friends had flown first to London then connected to Casablanca before making a final short flight to Marrakech. At Marrakech airport, the heat hit us like a wall as we stepped down onto the tarmac.

At security we were met by our escorted tour guide who arranged our luggage to be taken care of and came with transport to take us to our hotel. We didn't go straight to the hotel however. Our guide chose to take us directly to the extremely exciting Djemaa el-Fna. Night had fallen in Marrakech and it seemed like the entire city had congregated in the famous square for the evening. As the minibus inched forward past robed and hooded individuals we gazed out upon snake charmers, storytellers and groups of people just hanging out. The square was half covered in tables with outdoors grills and cafes cooking any number of strange and exotic dishes, the wonderful aromas of which wafted through the open windows of the minibus.

Sadly, that evening we didn't stop in the square and were instead whisked off to the 4-star hotel we were staying in. The hotel was stunning with an mosaic fountain and pool in the foyer and exquisite rooms.

Outside the patio doors of my room was a magnificent pool area complete with poolside bar. I had previously wondered if it would be possible to get a beer in a mainly Muslim country, clearly it was.

Throughout our week there we were escorted round royal palace ruins, let lose in the souks behind the square (which we revisited several times) and had one extremely memorable trip into the Atlas Mountains, just a couple of hours drive from Marrakech.

The mountain trip started with a drive to a mountain market which seemed a million miles away from the tourist orientated centre of Marrakech. The stench of some of the meat for sale on the non-refrigerated stalls was overpowering. Our guide kept a close watch over proceedings and provided his own advice and translation when we were interacting with a stall-holder.

Further up the mountain on a decidedly dodgy looking dirt road we came to the village of Imlil in the shadow of Morocco's highest peak, Toubkal. Here we met a mountain guide who personally knew one of my friends in Scotland. We sipped tea with the villagers before returning to Marrakech.

There were many other excursions and meals that were memorable and as I sat in that café on the square for the last time I really felt sorry to be heading home. Morocco had made a deep and lasting impression on me and I couldn't wait to book another trip and head back to discover more of this fascinating part of Africa.

Sail the Ultra-Luxury Way with Oceania Cruises

If you’re after the ultimate holiday experience, why not consider an ultra-luxury cruise holiday? Surely there’s no better way of seeing the world than in complete luxury and style… That’s where Oceania Cruises come in.

Boasting an atmosphere akin to that of a private country club, on an Oceania Cruise you’ll feel relaxed and at home. The calmness of Oceania is reflected in the dress code: elegant, casual and comfortable during the day – and in the evening smart casual. Ideal for middle-aged and older couples seeking relaxation, Oceania is a firm favourite with many avid cruisers. And, carrying up to just 684 guests, you can expect a highly personalised service from start to finish.

Oceania's fleet consists of 4 vessels; the Nautica, Insignia, Regatta and Marina. Each of the ships boast state-of-the-art on board facilities… indulge yourself in Oceania’s Spa, work off those calories in the hi-tech fitness centre, splash the cash (or free on-board spending credit) in the two boutiques, Feeling lucky? Then head to the glitzy casino, or socialise and meet fellow cruisers in one of the bars and lounges.

A new recruit…

The four vessels are set to become five in April with the launch of Marina’s sister ship, Riviera. The Riviera will be christened in Monte Carlo, Monaco on the French Riviera on the 19th April. She’s currently under construction at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Genoa. The Rivera’s maiden voyage will commence on April 24. A 12-day itinerary, Riviera will sail from Athens– and will call at all those delightful ports of call along the way like Alexandria and Port Said, Egypt, Haifa, Jerusalem, Rhodes, Greece, Ephesus and Istanbul. After she’s spent the summer and autumn sailing around the fascinating Mediterranean, the Riviera will then cross the Atlantic where she will spend the winter months sailing around the sun-soaked islands of the Caribbean.

A look into one of Oceania’s ships…

The 66,084 ton, 1,250-guest Marina is currently the newest ship in the Oceania Cruises fleet. Launched in January 2011, the Marina features the most incredible suites – including Owner's Suites which are furnished in Ralph Lauren Home - prepare to be wowed. On the Marina you can look forward to a selection of dining venues – ranging from French to Asian. Restaurants include the Grand Dining Room, Toscana, the Polo Grill, the Asian fusion restaurant Red Ginger, the buffet-style Terrace Café, Baristas and a French restaurant Jacques. The Marina’s amenities will include a magnificent Lalique grand stairway, number of cosy lounges and bars, Bon Appetit Culinary Centre, swimming pool, hot tubs and the Canyon Ranch Spa Club, The Spa features a state-of-the-art spa with gym complete with cardio and weight training equipment and a number of treatment rooms.

As you can see, although Oceania’s ships are comfortably sized, the facilities are not compromised at all. In fact, most of the fabulous facilities you’d expect to find on luxury cruises are all on board an Oceania cruise liner.

Bearing a motto, ‘your world, your way’, with Oceania Cruises you will truly have the holiday of your dreams…

A Norwegian Cruise Adventure

When looking for a 2012 cruise, keep your eye out for Norway – particularly if you’re after a real adventure. Norway cruises also offer the best way to experience the stunning Norwegian fjords -as you’ll get to sail directly through them.

A really unique place, Norway is where you can truly immerse yourself in natural beauty and unspoiled landscapes.

As well as marveling at the sheer beauty, you can look forward to experiencing an adventure of a lifetime too. You’ll have a multitude of activities to choose from, including dog sledge trips, snowmobile safaris, kayaking, mountain hikes and glacier hikes.

These are some of the ports you may visit:

Bergen
The second largest city in Norway, Bergen leads the way to the mesmerising fjords region. Bergen’s also home to a world heritage city, which was built on the site of an original Viking settlement - it’s bursting with historic sites; the most famous site is Bryggen.

Trondheim
An old city in the centre of Norway, Trondheim was the first Viking capital of Norway. Boasting a rich, cultural heritage, the city’s main attraction is its numerous wooden buildings, including the Stiftsgården Palace. During your time here, a visit to the famous Nidarosdomen Cathedral is a must.

Ålesund
Destroyed by a fire in 1904, Ålesund was rebuilt in a decorative Art Nouveau style. That said, the Art Nouveau museum situated in Ålesund is definitely worthy of a visit.

Tromsø
A city in the very northernmost part of Norway, Tromsø is a very charming Norwegian town. Situated just 400 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is the starting point for many Polar expeditions. A popular tourist spot in Tromsø is the Polaria Science Museum.

Hammerfest
Hammerfest is the world’s most northerly town. Its latitude means that the sun never sets here between May 17 and July 28 and never rises between November 21 and January 23. It’s a truly remarkable place.

The North Cape
If you go on a cruise around the North Cape you can look forward to seeing some of the world's most amazing scenery. The nearest village to here is Honningsvag - the world's most northerly village - which is situated well within the Arctic Circle.

And, if you want to experience the natural wonder of the Northern Lights, then a Norway cruise is definitely for you. And, as luck would have it, winter 2011/12 is the best time to go…

NASA’s Prediction
Yes that’s right – 2011/12 really is the best time to go and see the northern lights according to NASA. In fact, NASA has predicted record northern light activity for winter 2011/12. They have confirmed that it will be the strongest in 50 years. So it goes without saying, now is the perfect time to venture to the Arctic to see them. When it comes to the places  to see them, Tromsø is one of the best areas – as it is situated in the very northernmost part of the country. If you don’t want to miss out on seeing the magic of the northern lights, then  consider a cruise to Norway!

Top Cruise Destinations for 2012

Stuck on where you want to go for your next cruise? When it comes to deciding, you just need to bear in mind what you want from a destination. So, to help you choose, let’s take a look into the top 5 cruise destinations and what each of them has to offer.

Norwegian Fjords

This is the place for you if you want to immerse yourself in the most stunning surroundings. From world famous fjords, enchanting wildlife and natural wonders, a Norwegian Fjords cruise offers an experience you will never want to forget. Norway is also where the mesmerising Northern Lights can be seen. And, according to NASA, 2012 is going to be the best year – in fifty years – to see the Northern Lights. This makes the Norwegian Fjords a very popular choice for 2012 cruises.

Caribbean

Think powdery white sands, sparkling blue sea and gorgeous sunshine – that’s the Caribbean. A picture perfect destination, this region’s for you if you fancy sun, sea and sand as you hop from one idyllic island to another. A firm favourite with Water Sports fanatics, the Caribbean has a whole host of activities available including diving, snorkelling, jet skiing and kayaking. Featuring a variety of itineraries, it’s no surprise that the Caribbean is one of the most sought after destinations for cruises 2012.

Mediterranean

With a diverse number of countries to explore and cultures to experience, the Mediterranean offers something for absolutely everyone. Blessed with a year round warm climate and a fascinating past, the Mediterranean offers the perfect place for both sun seekers and history buffs. In the Mediterranean you can explore the most fascinating places like Barcelona, Rome, Venice, the Greek Islands, Turkey and Italy. There’s a variety of cruise itineraries that cover the region – with both fly-cruise options and UK cruises available – making the Mediterranean the perfect solution if you’re not keen on flying. 


Baltics

If you love exploring different cities, a Baltics cruise is for you! Expect to call at cities like Copenhagen, Helsinki, Stockholm and St Petersburg… Each crammed with history and culture; it’s truly fascinating and rewarding to explore each one. And, when you’re after beach time, be sure to head to the beautiful beaches in Kristiansand.

Alaska

One word: Wow. Filled with the most awe-inspiring glaciers, mountains and wildlife, Alaska looks as though it’s just stepped out of a fairy-tale book. A truly magical destination, in Alaska you can marvel at the abundant wildlife – like bald eagles, bears and whales - from the comfort of your very ship. Of course, being the land of adventure that it is, there’s a whole host of amazing shore excursions available from wildlife tours to dog sledding. And, Alaska is steeped in history too – you can learn about the Native Americans who first called Alaska their home. If you want exploration, wildlife, breath-taking scenery – and a bit of history thrown in – Alaska’s the one for you.  It's more than worthy of being in the top five 2012 cruises. The best time to go to Alaska is from May to September.