Cruise Blog

National Cruise Week 19th – 26th September 2010

Thursday, August 26th, 2010 - 10:14 am by admin

CHECK OUT THE AMAZING OFFERS AVAILABLE DURING NATIONAL CRUISE WEEK:-

Here are just some of the offers available for bookings in this week. Terms and Conditions vary depending on the individual Cruise Company.

P&O Cruises – National Cruise Week – CASHBACK!

P&O Cruises will offer one lucky winner their cash back, for any booking on an Early Booking Spectacular 2011 departure, made within National Cruise Week with an ACE travel agent.

The Early Booking Spectacular includes all P&O Cruises holidays departing from Southampton between March and October 2011, excluding the world cruise programme.

Holidays range from two night weekend cruises, to 14-night Mediterranean summer holidays to 24-night USA and Canada explorations. Families, couples and singles alike are eligible for the P&O Cruises cashback promotion.

Terms & conditions

1. To enter, once a qualifying booking has been made the ACE travel agent should email the booking reference and lead passenger name to ncwcashback@pocruises.com

2. Only new bookings made within National Cruise Week, September 19 – 26, 2010 may enter the draw. Each booking represents one entry.

3. There will be one winner chosen at random from all entries on September 28, 2010.

4. The total cost of the winner’s cruise booking will be refunded to the person who paid for the booking.

5. The winner will still be required to pay for their on board spend, gratuities, transport to and from Southampton, car parking and travel insurance.

6. The winner will be notified by October 1, 2010.

7. The winner will make themselves reasonably available for publicity purposes, if required.

8. The promoter is Carnival plc trading as P&O Cruises, Carnival House, 100 Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1ST

Azamara Club Cruises – FREE Cruise Prize!


Cruise for Two onboard Azamara Quest on 20th November 2010 for a 7 night Europe cruise.

This complimentary cruises is cruise-only and includes the NCCF (non-commissionable cruise fare) but the guest is responsible for the additional Taxes & Fees, Fuel Supplement Charges (when applicable). Bookings are based on double occupancy; however, third and fourth guests may be added at the prevailing rate, subject to availability. In general, standard outside space will be assigned but is ultimately based on availability. Please note Taxes and fees, flights, airport transfers or items of a personal nature such as shore excursions, beverages, gratuities (except for housekeeping and dining), photographs, medical services, etc… are not included.

APT Waterways – £100 per person bonus discount!


£100 per person bonus discount (combinable with current 2010 & 2011 promo’s)

Validity: Book within 7 days of Cruise Week (19 – 26 September 2010 ), Product: Selected APT European River Cruise departures 2010, 2011

Viking River Cruises – £50 per cabin on board spend & extra commission!


£50 per cabin onboard spend offered for any Viking River Cruise sold between 19-26th September 2010.

Carnival Cruise Lines – Early Saver Fares for National Cruise Week!

Carnival’s message for National Cruise Week is “It pays to BOOK EARLY”. Carnival Early Saver rate guarantees that you are getting the absolute lowest rate. If, after you book your cruise, you find a lower Carnival advertised fare, we will match the rate and issue the difference in onboard credit! Simply plan ahead and book at least 5 months in advance!


All guests booking their Carnival cruise during National Cruise Week will receive an early booking discount by way of the Carnival EARLY SAVER FARE:-

• Book at least 5 months in advance and receive the Early Saver fare

• Price Protection* – Find a lower Carnival advertised rate after you’ve booked and we’ll refund the difference in Onboard credit!

Offer applies to new bookings made during National Cruise Week – 20th-27th September 2010, with a few exclusions^.

Holland America Line – Free Parking for National Cruise Week!

Holland America Line

– MS Eurodam & MS Ryndam – Free Parking Offer!

Holland America Line is offering FREE PARKING at the port of Dover for all new bookings* made during the period of 20th-27th September on 2011 ms Eurodam & ms Ryndam round trip ex-UK cruises.

*Offer applies to ms Eurodam and ms Ryndam round trip 7-12 night ex-UK cruises departing 22th May, 03rd , 15th & 27th June, 24th & 31st July, 07th & 12th August only. Offer applies to new bookings in a balcony stateroom or higher, confirmed during National Cruise Week only.

MSC – National Cruise Week CASHBACK!

MSC – National Cruise Week 2010 – Cash back prize for ex-UK booking!!

MSC Cruises will be offering a ‘cash back prize’ to one booking chosen at random. The booking must be an Ex UK from Southampton 2011 onboard MSC Opera, made during National Cruise Week.

Hurtigruten – On Board Credit

£50 OBC per cabin for all bookings made in National Cruise Week.

NCL – National Cruise Week CASHBACK!

CASHBACK on a 7-night Western Mediterranean cruise – cash back would be for cruise only and relevant to the level of stateroom booked.

Cruise & Maritime – National Cruise Week CASHBACK!

The Cruise & Maritime Voyages 2011 programme of traditional style ‘no fly’ cruises from a choice of six British ports, is on sale now! To secure the cruise and cabin of your choice, we strongly advise that you book early. So, we’re going to give away a FREE CRUISE in our ‘Cashback’ Prize Draw.

All you have to do is purchase a 2011 cruising holiday with Cruise & Maritime Voyages on or between 19th – 26th September 2010 and you will be automatically entered to the Free Prize Draw.

There couldn’t be a better time to book!

Free Cruise ‘Cash Back’ Prize Draw Terms and Conditions

1) The prize draw is open to adults aged 18 or over excluding employees of Cruise & Maritime Voyages, its tour operator and travel agent partners or anyone involved in the running of this promotion.

2) To enter the prize draw entrants must book a 2011 Cruise & Maritime Voyages cruising holiday between the 19th September and 26th September 2010.

3) The lead name passenger on the booking will be entered into the prize draw and the winner will be chosen at random from all eligible entries.

4) Upon receipt of their final balance, the winner will receive a credit to their booking of the cruise fare paid for up to 2 adults in category 9 cabin accommodation. If the cruise booked is of more than 12 nights duration, a maximum equivalent value of a 12 night cruise in category 9 cabin accommodation will be credited. The prize excludes port parking, coaching, excursions, gift packs, gratuities and onboard purchases.

5) Entries are limited to one per booking.

6) Any entry that does not meet the eligibility rules, is fraudulent or which otherwise does not comply with these rules will be disqualified.

7) The draw will be made within 21 days of the closing date and the winner will be notified in writing.

8) The winner may be required to participate in after event publicity and hereby consents to this and the use of their name and location. The winner’s name and town/county will be available on our website at: www.cruiseandmaritime.com

9) No alternative prize is available and the prize is non transferable. There is no cash equivalent.

10) To win the lead name passenger must have either paid a deposit or full payment, and the cruise holiday must not be cancelled.

11) All entrants agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of the prize draw.

12) The decisions of the promoter are final and no correspondence will be entered into. The promoter is Cruise & Maritime Services International Ltd trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages.

Crystal Cruises – FREE FLIGHTS for National Cruise Week!

Free flights to New England (22nd Oct departure). Free flights on all 2011 European sailings

Compagnie Du Ponant

150 Euros per cabin onboard spend offered on any Compagnie du Ponant cruise booked between 19-26 September 2010.

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Seabourn Expands Its Roster Of ‘Masters and Commanders’

Thursday, August 26th, 2010 - 9:02 am by admin

As The Yachts of Seabourn expands its fleet of intimate, all-suite vessels, the company adds to its roster of on board senior officers. The ultra-luxury line continues to attract the cruise industry’s most respected and popular captains and with its new recruits has built a seafaring ‘dream team’ to oversee its award-winning fleet.

The latest staff to join Seabourn is Captain Dag Dvergastein, a well-known Norwegian seaman, most recently with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. His appointment follows that of Englishman and Captain Ian McNaught, a longtime favourite of guests aboard the Cunard liners.

Also joining the roster in 2010 is Scotsman Captain David Bathgate and Captain Sean Whalley an Englishman whose 25-year career includes commands in the Falkland Islands Fisheries Patrol.

“With the addition of Seabourn Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest, we have created new opportunities for the right sort of senior officers,” notes Pamela Conover, Seabourn’s president and CEO. “With a complement of just 200 to 450 guests, our six intimate yachts offer an unusual degree of accessibility that really appeals to captains who like to socialise with guests and share their adventures, “she adds.

Captain Mark Dexter, an Englishman who now lives in New Zealand, joined in 2007 and sailed Seabourn Odyssey into his hometown of Christchurch during the yacht’s maiden World Cruise in 2009. Captain Hamish Elliott, who also joined in 2007, lives in County Durham and has worked on an array of passenger vessels from the smallest (Sea Goddess), to what was at the time the world’s largest (Queen Mary 2), before taking command of Seabourn Pride.

The Yachts of Seabourn’s fleet consists of Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend, each offering 104 ocean-view suites and Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Sojourn, with 225 ocean-view suites. A third 225-suite vessel, Seabourn Quest, will debut in June 2011. Seabourn’s captains command award-winning crews, passionate for delivering outstanding service.

Posted in Yachts Of Seabourn | No Comments »

Seabourn Quest Arrives In Genoa

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 - 2:21 pm by admin

Seabourn Quest has made her journey around the boot of Italy and arrived at the Mariotti shipyard in Genoa. She is now alongside the fitting out dock where workers, ship designers and engineers will be busy over next nine months outfitting the newest addition to our family. Here are some great aerial shots of Quest, including a great one of the bow. Although the whirlpool isn’t in place yet, we can already imagine soaking in the tub or relaxing on a lounge chair and reading a book at sea.

Posted in New Ships, Uncategorized, Yachts Of Seabourn | No Comments »

US Visa (ESTA) charges come into play!!!

Monday, August 23rd, 2010 - 3:21 pm by admin

ESTA – Electronic System for Travel to the US. From September 8th 2010 onwards, a charge of US $14 (approx £9) applies for each ESTA and can be paid for using major credit cards. Traveller’s should be aware that no other charges apply for completion of an ESTA. However several official looking websites offer ESTA services for which an unnecessary charge is made. These sites are not approved by the US Government and should be avoided at all times.

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

August 2010 Newsletter!

Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010 - 10:05 am by admin

Check out our latest newsletter now. Be the first to preview before it hits the doorsteps on 9th August. Let us know what you think?
CC BROCHURE_10-11

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Exciting opportunities coming your way!!

Saturday, July 24th, 2010 - 1:38 pm by admin

Cruise Connections is pleased to announce their new cruise partners APT & AMAWATERWAYS and the magical world of Disney Cruise Lines. For more details on either of these companies please visit their websites.

APT & AMAWATERWAYS
www.apttouring.co.uk

DISNEY CRUISE LINES www.disneycruise.disney.go.com

If you would like a quote on either of these then please do not hesitate to contact us on 01524771701.

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Summer Newsletter

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010 - 3:55 pm by admin

I can’t believe its that time of year again as it only seemed like yestrday that I was preparing the January Newsletter. We have got some great offers in there so please register your full address with us to receive this newsletter.

Michaela and Sue are off to Liverpool tomorrow to check out the Crown Princess so will update you on this as soon athey are back also early warning of National Cruise Week which commences 20th September 2010 so watch this space for some amazing deals.

Talking of deals Seabourn have just given us a whole load of guarantee deals that go on sale on Monday26th July for one week only. Prices from £1399 cruise only for 7 nights or £1649 with flights thats amazing value for money as Seabourn are a fantastic cruise line. Check them out at www.seabourn.com.

Julie McIntyre (Marketing)

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Queen Mary 2 v Celebrity Eclipse

Saturday, June 26th, 2010 - 6:43 pm by admin

Having been in Southampton for a few days at the annual Cruise Convention I was very privileged to visit both the Queen Mary 2 and Celebrity Eclipse for a tour of the ship and lunch.

I have to say they both have their positives and I am at a loss to find any negatives with either of them.

QM2 was very traditional as you would expect from a stalwart such as Cunard. The public areas and corridors were full of traditional wood bulk heads. However it is truly difficult to get a true feel for a ship without actually sailing on board.

What I did think was stunning was the library which apparently is the largest at sea although the notice that the author of, ” How to survive coronary disease” was on board left me wondering if he knew something I didn’t.

The main atrium of the ship is stunning and we were lucky enough to be on the same ship as Princess Anne on the day we visited due to her holding a charity luncheon onboard. So I believe I am within my rights to say that I have dined with royalty albeit they were in a different restaurant!!!!

We were able to visit the Princess Grill and the Queens Grill however without dining in them I am unable to comment although what I can say is that I was not overly impressed with the Grills decor although this is probably an unfair comment without the privelege of experiencing the service.

The Planetarium was very interesting and I would have liked to have been able to view the lecture in here. Also I enjoyed the Red Lion Pub and the Chart Room which I thought were lovely venues for an evening drink or two. I loved the traditional red pillar post box outside the Red Lion.

Dining was served in the Britannia Restaurant on the upper level and the dining room was stunning and again very traditional. The waiters were very good although we seemed to encounter a huge delay between starter and main course.

As we were disembarking the ship we were greeted with a trolley full of hissing cats and barking dogs ready to be treated as 5 start guests in the ships kennels. The QM2 is the only ship to offer this to passengers sailing Southampton to New York and vice versa.

All in all would I recommend Cunard – this would really depend on the type of passenger as I felt that this is ship would not suit a family.

Celebrity Eclipse was stunning and surpassed any other ships that I have seen at sea. We were welcomed on board by an entourage of officers and after ascending the gangway were greeted with either a Mimosa, Champagne or Orange Juice. What an experience and it just kept getting better.

I would love to say that this had only been done for us as travel agents to impress us but this is a Celebrity standard!

I thought the Bar with the ice top was excellent and the vodka bar with 100 different varieties was amazing. I did not know there were that many flavours. The living tree in the middle of the Atrium was spectacular although I would love to know how it was watered.

The dining venues were unbelievable with the likes of Qsine being a cross between the science of Heston Blumenthals cookery skills and the IT expertise of Bill Gates. I will be uploading images to the website next week.

What impressed me the most all the way was the attention to detail and the number of staff members around every corner with a welcome smile upon their faces.

Each dining venue was beautifully decorated with mouth watering menus and thee seemed to be a sense of pride with the staff who worked in these areas.

Lunch was served in the Moonlight Sonata and we were welcomed by a sea of smiling faces showing us to our tables. The venue was stunning with a mixture of chrome, crystal and white linen. The service was outstanding and the food was better than any Michelin Star restaurant I have eaten in. Speaking of which good luck to Celebrity in their attempts to gain the first Michelin star at sea.

The Celebrity Eclipse by far is the most beautiful ship I have seen both from its sleek exterior and innovative interior and I cannot wait to have a proper chance to really experience the real soul of the ship.

Posted in Celebrity Cruises, Celebrity Eclipse, Cunard, QM2 | No Comments »

Sailing at last…….

Saturday, June 26th, 2010 - 4:59 pm by admin

Our second day onboard Norwegian Epic begin for me in a very relaxing way. As I was up early I decided to go check out the spa and decided to book a manicure as I have finally given up biting my nails. I was able to be seen immediately and had the most wonderful experience of a Fire and Ice manicure which cost $50 for 1 hour and 20 minutes. The manicurist was a lovely lady from Jamaica and I can honestly say it was the best manicure ever.

Janet came up to meet me and we headed to the Garden Cafe for breakfast where there was a wide variety of cereals , fresh fruit, pancakes, pastries and cooked breakfasts to name but a few. After this we decided to go and lie in the wonderful sun. We decided to lay near where one of the water flumes came out-bad mistake as we kept getting the spray from the ride although very cooling in the heat.

We sailed out of Southampton at 1pm and headed out round the Isle of Wight!! The deck area has three water slides and a childrens area as well as two small pools which I personally thought were a little inadequate for the size of the ship. At lunchtime we had the joy pf listening to a Caribbean style band whilst relaxing. At three o clock most people heade to the aft end to H2O where there was a large screen showing the England match. I am surprised the ship did not tip with the amount of people trying to see the screen. At least Engkland won – roll on Sunday!!!

This evening we had pre booked the Blue Man Group for 7pm and as a headline act and the fact that they have played Vegas we were really excited about seeing them. All I can say is WEIRD!!!!! I think I liked them but really not sure. Their act was a variety of drumming, spitting food and paint out of their mouts and covering the whole audience in toilet roll!

After this we experienced Morenos (Speciality Restaurnat) which is a Churrascaria. This means that you help yourself to the salad bar then when you are ready to receive the meats you turn over a ticket on your table from red to green to alert the Pasadores (waiting staff) to start serving you. They then come around with skewers of meat which they slice on to your plate at the table and when you have had enough to eat you turn the card over to red.

We certainly enjoyed the experience of the ship and are sorry we cannot cover it in more detail however if you need any advice then please do not hesitate to call either myself, Julie McIntyre or my partner in crime, Janet Baren.

Posted in Entertainment, Family Cruising, NCL, New Ships, Norwegian Epic | No Comments »

Dining, bar and entertainment venues!

Saturday, June 26th, 2010 - 4:31 pm by admin

Well have finally managed to get a few minutes to tell you all about the Epic.

Epic is certainly a great name for this magnificent ship with its 21 dining venues and 20 bars there is certainly something for everyone.

Janet Baren and I (Julie McIntyre) were only on for 2 nights and although we tried to get round every bar and dining venue I am afraid we failed miserably.

Embarkation for us should have been at 1pm but due to propulsion problems with the ship coming from Rotterdam we did not get onboard until 6pm. Note to anyone considering an inaugural or shakedown cruise – BE AWARE THAT THERE STILL MAYBE TEETHING PROBLEMS ONBOARD. Fore warned is fore armed.

As I have discussed the cabins on a previous blog I will concentrate more on the public rooms. As I said earlier the choice is staggering but if you do want to eat in a speciality restaurant, see the show in the Spiegel Tent or Blue Man Group or go in the Ice Bar. ENSURE THAT THESE ARE PRE BOOKED BEFORE YOU EMBARK TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.

First evening we dined in one of the main dining rooms, Taste, the other being the Manhattan Room with the Legends show. The food and service was excellent.

A must do is the Ice Bar which has a cost of $25 per person which does include a drink. Unfortunately we were unable to do this as it was fully booked and we were unable to just take a peek as the air temperature inside is very carefully monitored.

Shaker’s Martini Bar was our favourite bar with lots of different Martinis on offer with our favourite being Chocolate Raspberry. I do have to say that we saw a couple of our competitors of the male sex having very pink girly drinks in the bar. We have promised not to tell their colleagues!!!! You know who you are!!

Entertainment after dinner is varied and the first night we went to Fat Cats Jazz Club followed by Headliners Comedy Club. Later on janet, the party animal, persuaded me to go to Bliss which was the nightclub which was amazing. You entered via asmoky curtain with a projected image of the DJ on it. As you entered you were greeted with a DJ on stage with passengers dancing around him, over sized seats and in fact two seats that resembled double beds along with a dancing cage at each side of the bar. We did not stay too long and managed to get back to our cabins at a very respectable 1.15am.

Posted in Family Cruising, NCL, New Ships, Norwegian Epic | No Comments »

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