Chopard at Sea



Before I came to work at cruise.co.uk, I was employed by a large retail jewellery company, as part of their retail management team. Although this was a large company, it sold prestigious brands such as Rolex, Breitling, Tag Heur, and others, So, I know my watches, and jewellery.

I was so pleased, therfore to hear, that the swiss watch, and jewellery brand Chopard, is also going to be available on the new Cunard Queen Elizabeth. The Geneva based company, that has been trading for over 150 years, is producing a limited edition watch, called the Chopard Queen Elizabeth. So, along with Cloggau gold, who have created a speciallly designed limited edition gold pendant, you can go to town, and have the time of your life (apologies for the pun) deciding which item to purchase to commemorate your special journey on board the newest Queen.

So, for a chance to put one of Chopards timepieces on your wrist, call me on 0800 408 6143, or drop me a line at mariannej@cruise.co.uk

Fortnum & Mason. Tea at Sea

Since 1936, when Queen Mary was first launched as a Cunard Queen, they have been famous for offering the best quality brands, and gifts, that can be puchased at sea.

The newest Queen, that will be launched in October 2010, will be no exception.

Onboard the newest ship, Queen Elizabeth, on their Royal Arcade, there will be an iconic range of products from Fortnum & Mason. This company has been the quintessential english store, since 1707, and now you will have the chance to purchase speciality teas, biscuits, preserves, and gifts, whilst surrounded by the oppulance of the newest Cunard Queen.  Personally, I have never shopped in Fortnum & Mason, the closest I have ever got is to walk around Harrods, when I was in London last year.

So, I guess, in a way, this makes it pretty special, as this is a company with more history, and heritage than Cunard.  And they are proving to be just as forward thinking, as any other business, as none of the other cruise lines out there, are offering the same standard of products, to be purchased on board.

We still have some spaces available for her maiden season, so if you want a chance to say 'I was there', then give me a call on 0800 408 6143, or drop me a line at mariannej@cruise.co.uk

And it keeps happening.....

Well, it's true. Over in America, a second oil rig has suffered an 'incident'. The Houston based oil company Mariner Energy have tried to down-play the potential ecolological dangers from the incident. Although, Mariner Energy have stated that the rig was shut down  for maintenence work, according to Homeland Security, the rig was pumping at the time.

All 13 platform workers had to dive into the sea, but thankfully all but one were unhurt.

Now, after all the blame that has been heaped on BP, for the incident at Deepwater Horizon, the US has had two oil rigs blow up, damaging the enviroment in the gulf even further. Not only this most recent incident, on Vermillion 398, as it comes just weeks after the BP Deepwater Horizon well was capped off.

Louisian's Governor Bobby Jindal, is said to be 'furious' as the coast-line,which is just 80 miles from the spill, was informed that seven active wells were shut down after the fire.

Now, it may well be that the 206 million gallon oil leak from the BP oil ig, was the worst in world history, but this latest, might just be the one that adds to all the other damage that is being done.

And, of course, not only the ecological damage, but the financial long term damage that we will all suffer, as the prices continue to rise.

So far, here at cruise.co.uk, the cruise companies don't appear to have been hit all that hard by these developments, but who knows what the future brings....

So, if you want to book a cruise, give me a call on 0800 408 6143, or drop me a line at mariannej@cruise.co.uk

Heading Home

My brother, and niece, are heading home now, and they are doing it the long way, as well. They will drive down to Dover, get the ferry across to France, and then drive down to Spain. They do this every year, during the summer holidays, and for them, it's a great way to see a bit more of the countryside, both in the UK, and in France.

They live in Northern Spain, in the Basque country. I love going over there to visit, as it means I  get to visit the Guggenheim Museum. This marvel of architecture, was designed by Frank Gehry, as a tribute to the sea-faring port of Bilboa.

Here at cruise.co.uk, we have a number of P&O cruises, that take you to Bilbao, as part if the itinerary. If you can get the timing right, then I would recommend a visit to the museum, even if you don't have the time to take a tour, just a walk around the outside of the building, is enough. Not only are there some works of art, but the building itself is spectacular (just my opinion)

If seeing this  is of interest to you, give me a call on 0800 408 6143, or drop me a line at mariannej@cruise.co.uk

Stressful Times....

I read an interesting article in a newspaper the other day, and I am pretty certain a lot of people might agree with the results.
The poll was done by car hire company EUROPCAR. Apparently fear of missing a flight causes undue extra stress for for 25% of British holidaymakers.
The results were that delayed, or cancelled bus, and train services have affected 16%, whereas  taxis that are delayed, or that fail to arrive, have affected 14%. 2 % of holidaymakers, have missed flightscaused by such setbacks, and 1% claim that their most recent journey to the airport was one of the most stressfull experinces to date.
11% of the people polled, fully expect their next journey, to the airport, to be the worst part of their journey.
Here at Cruise.co.uk, we can't promise that every cruise will be stress free, but with cruises leaving from Southampton, we at least have the chance to allow you to unwind sooner.
If you wat this option, rather than fighting the traffic, and those horrendous airport trolleys, then give me a call on 0800 408 6143, or drop me a line at mariannej@cruise.co.uk

Client Opinions

Earlier this evening, I called one of my clients, to wish them 'Bon Voyage' as they are off on a Princess Cruise this weeked. Anyway, as we were talking, I happened top ask which other cruise lines they had been on, and the answer was 'Oh, MSC, Costa, Celebrity, and Aida'

Now, I know that earlier this week, Aida announced the purchase of another ship, to join their fleet, so I asked my client what he had thought of the ship, when he had been onboard. His response was 'If I was going on a cruise with other people my own age, that's who I would go with, as the drinks are all inclusive. It' was a bit of a party ship, and some of the older people onboard didn't look too happy. The food is presented buffet style, and I found that the cabin servive was lacking. The itinerary is comparable to that Of MSC, and Costa, but the tours are all in German'.

So, I suppose, that unless you are German, Dutch, or Netherlads, we won't really see many  of these ships in our locale, which I think is a shame. Their paintwork would definitely compare with some of the other cruise lines.

So, although we can't get you on one of the Aida cruises, we have plenty of others to choose from...

So, drop me a line at mariannej@cruise.co uk, or call me on 0800 408 6143.

Britons, and the Amazon

There is a British ex-soldier, who this week, completed an amazing trek, from the source of the Amazon, all the way to Maruda Beach, in Brazil.

Ed Stafford, has taken over 2 years, to walk the 4,000 miles all from the Peruvian Andes. He was accompanied the majority of the way, by a Peruvian forestry worker, Gadiel 'Cho' Sanchez Riviera. He survived on a diet of Pirahna fish, beans, and rice.

He managed to avoid pit vipers, anacondas, electric eels, and scorpions, but didn't manage to avoid being stung by wasps, and bitten approximately 50,000 times by mosquitos. He also got chased by local tribesman, armed with bow, and arrow.


As a cruise company, we have two cruises that incorprate a small portion of the Amazon, so you would get to see some of the amazing creatures,such as the river dolphin, or the horned toad that inhabit this unique portion of the world. However,, the comfort levels, and culinary delights would be better than he experienced, and somehow, I don't think that any passengers would be chased by tribesmen.

 

So if you want to see some of the unique inhabitants, and experience some of this eco-system, give me a call on 0800 408 6143, or send me an email at mariannej@cruise.co.uk

Darwins Galapagos

I am having a few days off, my brother, and my niece are over from Spain. And this morning, we sat down and watched a CBBC programme about the Galapagos Islands.

Now, I hadn't realised that Darwin, had actually gone to the Galapagos Islands, onboard his ship, The Beagle.

Whilst watching this programme, which although it was focussed towards a younger audience, it gave me some idea as to just how diverse the eco-system of this group of  island is. 

Darwin, the naturalist, figuredout, that the birds on the islands, were all the same species, just evolving differently, according to the enviroment of each island. These amazing birds, are called 'Darwins Finches', and they are just one of the many other birds, and animals that inhabit this group of islands

Now, there are not many cruise companies that visit this natural wonder, but the few that do, we can arrange a cruise that will take in all the natural spleandour of the islands, and let you marvel at all the creatures that inhabit them.

So, I'll be happy to arrange a cruise to these amazing islands. You can call me on 0800 408 6143, or drop me a line at mariannej@cruise.co .uk

Shades of Shirley Valentine....

The daughter of one of my clients called me this week, with a few questions concerning the P&O cruise that her mother, and aunt were going on.

Her aunt has booked a week long cruise, going to Northern Spain, and France.
Whereas her mother has booked a fortnight, down to Italy, and Gibralter. Both ladies are going on each cruise.

One of the question, really made me laugh (as her mother is 86, and her aunt is 90)
Are they likely to pick up any toy-boys?? Now, I have to admit, this is a question that I have never been asked, in this job, and to be honest, I don't actually remember how I answered, as both she, and I were laughing about it.

But it does make you wonder about the souveniers that some people bring home......

Now, I can't promise the souveniers, that's up to you, but if the idea of some sun is what is keeping you going, give me a call on 0800 408 6143, or drop me a cruise request at mariannej@cruise.co.uk

I promise, I'll do my best......

How safe is your money ??

With the collapse of Goldtrail, many customers are asking how safe is their money, when booking a holiday.

Now, as a company, cruise.co.uk is ABTA, & ATOL bonded, but the best advice that we always give our customers, is to take out holiday insurance.


So, if you want peace of mind, and a great holiday, give me a call on 0800 408 6143, or drop me a line at  mariannej@cruise.co.uk

Canal holidays.....A slower pace

Maybe the idea of a holiday, on a canal boat, isn't everyones idea of fun......But this is something that I did when I was younger. Rivers, and canals have a lower speed limit, generally between 4-6mph, (this is to prevent erosoin of the river banks)

Altough it isn't a normal holiday, especially, if as my family did, you stay in this country....But in some ways much more relaxing, beacuse we chose whwere we moored each evening (generally near a pub) and we stuck to places that interested us, but there is nothing to stop you cruising the routes aroud Europe.

If the idea of something different interests you, give me a call on 0800 408 6143, or send an email to mariannej@cruise.co.uk

Cruise Destinations, and places to see

Recently, my collegue James, has posted some pictures for you to guess the locations. I've decided to jump on the band-wagon, but some of these will be a bit tricky. There are 12 pictures below, all of particular locations, that the cruise companies go to.



So, here we go again.....

All answers on a postcard to...only joking

It's all in the name of fun, but if you want to book a cruise, that will take in some of these sightseeing locations, just drop me a line to mariannej@cruise.co.uk, or give me a call on 0800 408 6143

To Wait...or Not To Wait.

Now, I know that we always have some good last minute cruise deals, but sometimes waiting can pay off.

I had a customer, who phoned me at the end of June, wanting a single occupancy cabin, on the Queen Victoria, sailing from Southampton. Now, the problem was, there were no cabins available. So, I put her on the wait-list with Cunard.

On Monday, I had some great news, the cabin was available, and I got the customer booked on it. So, being put on the waitlist does work, but be aware, it won't every time.

If you want a last minute deal, or a great price, then give me a call on 0800 408 6143, or send me a line at mariannej@cruise.co.uk

Dance the night away...

Well, I have just got in, I've been out dancing tonight.

This is something I do a few times a week, keeps me active, stops me sitting in front of the TV, channel-surfing.

Now, I have to admit, the idea of dancing, whilst on a grand lady of the sea, like Cunards' Queen Mary, is something that appeal to me, somehow.

So, although it's not a case of 'tripping the light-fantastic', I still think this is something that will appeal to all of us, that have sat there on a Saturday night, and watched 'Strictly Come Dancing' or the American version.

So, if you fancy dancing like John Travolta (white suit optional)give me a call on 0800 408 6143, or let your fingers 'tap' out my e-mail, mariannej@cruise.co.uk

Until then, keep the rythmn alive.....

From Ventura, to Voodoo

Now, my collegue Simon, posted a blog recently, called Ventura into the French Quarter. Now, I would love to travel to New Orleans, not only for the Jazz, and Blues music, but because of the history of..... Voodoo. How many of us saw the James Bond movie, Live and Let Die, where he meets Solitaire, and Dr Kananga.

The culture of Voodoo was bought to Louisiana, as a byproduct of the slave-trade. But it wasn't until around 1830, that a Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, known as Marie Laveau, came to light.

She successfully encouraged her followers to attend Catholic Mass. Today, she is remembered for her skill, and compassion for the less fortunate, and her spirit is considered one of the central figures of Louisiana Voodoo.

Nowadays, thousands of people visit the tomb of Marie Leveau, to ask her to grant favours, and amazingly, her grave has more visitors then Elvis Presley.

Now, I know this all seems a bit ghostly, and gory, but, as a cultural viewpoint, the people of New Orleans have embraced this part of their heritage, and it's a big business there.

So, if a holiday that allows you to explore a bit of the occult, and have a few stories to tell all your friends, give me a call,  on 0800 408 6143, and I will be happy to arrange a stay in New Orleans, before you cruise away into the sunset

Not So All Inclusive......

Now, I don't know how many of you will  react to this news.... Thomas Cook Airlines have decided to stop the in-flight entertainment. The plan is, they will rent out PSP's, at a charge of £7.50 each. The hand held devices will have a variety of television programmes, movies, and games. This decision was made, after a survey revealed that only 1 in 10 passengers watched the normal in flight entertainment.

This has made me wonder, is there now, still, such a thing as an all inclusive holiday. That rare, elusive creature that we always look for when we go to our local travel agents, or try to locate it on-line.....

I believe that I may have found it.

Silversea offer a fantastic range of all inclusive packages, right down to your own personal butler, and a fully stocked fridge of all your favourite 'tipples',and selected shoreside events. And when you consider how much you can sometimes spend, when you add in your drinks, and your excursions, on a normal cruise,they work out very favourably, as well.

So, if you want to talk about all inclusive, or get it packaged, give me a call on 0800 408 6143, or drop me a line at mariannej@cruise.co.uk, and I will get it sorted for you 

Sick Time......

Now, don't let the title fool you, or put you off.....
I was recently off work, with what I hope was one of thos 24 hour bugs....Or. I gave myself food poisoning, which has only ever happened once before, and my ex-husband suffered last time...

But, whilst I lay there, trying to get the energy together, to keep myself hydrated, I wondered about all the people who have recently suffered from the NOROVIRUS....


So, I dedicate this to all who have suffered.

I mean, It's a pretty nasty little bacteria, that causes gastroenteritus. It thrives in places like hospitals, prisons, and unfotunatly, also on cruise ships. That is why, when, and if it does break out on board, it is imperative that the guidlines are followed, to help prevent it spreading.

Sometimes, it's as simple as remembering to wash our hands after we have used the toilet. General good hygiene rules apply, and then the pesky little bug doesn't get the chance to spread..



I would love to be able to guarantee all my customers, that the cruise thay have booked, isn't going to get hit by norovirus, but if it does, please do follow the hygiene  rules that will be laid out by the cruise company. It will be in your best interests to ensure that it doesn't ruin your holiday.


So, if I can help in any way, and you still want to book a cruise after all this talk of virus, then give me a call on 0800 408 6143, or send me an e-mail at mariannej@cruise.co.uk

A more unusual location.......

Now, I know that the majority of us, when we think of a cruise, would most likely envisage somewhere hot, and sunny, with the options of white sandy beaches, palm trees, and clear blue water.

But for something a bit more unusual, there are a couple of itineraries that have got me interested. Voyages of Discovery do a cruise that will take you from Barbados (the tropical paradise) to cruise along the Amazon River, with stopovers in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Uraguay, to name but a few. This 'Grand Adventure lasts for 79 days, and if you want to add optional extras, you are able to head to the Galapagos Islands, go on an overland tour of Patagonia, or head to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. 

I know that this wouldn't be everyones idea of a cruise,  but that is what is so great about cruising. Not so long ago, no-one was thinking of taking a holiday to Alaska, but with the beautiful scenery that is there in the most unusual of places, why not take a once in a lifetime, unique cruise, that you will be able to tell all your friends about. And with all those stories, would come some fantastic souveniers, and memories that will last a lifetime.

So, if you want a mediteranean cruise, or something a bit more unusual, call me on 0800 408 6143, or drop me a line at mariannej@cruise.co.uk. I am always happy to help, no matter what.

Sex..... and the Cities (Part 4)

Well, here we are. Finally it's Carries' turn to head out on a jaunt.  Now, as we all know, Carrie is a real 'Fashionista'. She is used to turning heads everywhere, in some totally inspired, and inspiring ways. So, given that she is also independent, and savvy, I guess she would head somewhere with style, and glamour....

So, move over Milan...... and forget about Paris.  The new location for style affionados is Sweden.

Its a place that is chic, and inspirational. For the ones who want to shop, there are plenty of choices, such as Odd Molly, for the dresses,  and Jimmy Martin for the bags.

There are the cool nightclubs, the striking art galleries, and once you have had your fill of the shopping, you can sit in a restaruant, and dine on fresh lobster, and have a cocktail, or not...

So, I guess all there is left to say, is 'bon-voyage' to these four women, as they grace the silver screen yet again.

And if you want to try any of the suggested locations, or you have just had enough of it all at the moment, give me a call on 0800 408 6143, or e-mail me at mariannej@cruise.co.uk, and I'll do my best to get you on your way...........

Sex.....and the Cities (Part 3)

So, now we get to Samantha. Well, what can we say about this woman. She's focussed, and determined, but she defintely has a spontaneuos side, so where would a hotshot like her head.

This is a lady who is as serious about her pampering, and passion, as she is about her men, so she would be most likely to head for a location that is full of hot men, and cool hangouts.

One such place I could recomend is Buenos Aires, not only does it have a favourable climate, but it is the birthplace of Tango music.

So, a sophisticated location, that boasts imposing buildings,chic restaurants, and various opportunities to drink a cocktail, or three, before grabbing a man, and strutting your stuff at a tango night, or milonga.

If this has encouraged you to discover a bit more  about Latin America, and the wealth of culture that is there, then give me a call on 0800 408 6143, or e-mail me at mariannej@cruise.co.uk.

Star Princess does a route from Santiago, to Rio de Janeiro, from January to March. The itinerary is as follows,

1-Fly UK/Day Santiago

Day 2-Santiago, Chile

Days 3-5, At sea

Day 6-Puntas Arenas, Chile

Day 7-Ushuaia, Argentina

Day 8-Cape Horn                                                                                     

Day 9-Port Stanley, Falkland Islands

Days10-11, At sea

Day 12- Buenos Aires, Argentina

Day 13-Montevideo, Uraguay

Days14-15, At sea

Day 16-Rio de Janiero, Brazil

Day 17- Arrive UK

Sex...and the Cities....(Part 2)

So, we started with Miranda, from this group of four fabulous women. Now, we move onto Charlotte.

Charlotte is the feminine Park Avenue 'princess', who is original, traditional, and classy. She craves the ideal of an elegant getaway, a holiday that is both family friendly, and postcard perfect. One ideal location for this is the island of Madiera.

This subtropical island just oozes charm. From the beautiful mountain scenery, to the crystal azure waters. The colourful markets, and cobbled streets of Funchal make it seem a world away from New York, but still have the opportunity to 'people-watch'.

So, if this has sparked your imagination, or you are waiting to see where Samantha, and Carrie are heading, then watch this space. Alternatively, you can contact me at mariannej@cruise.co.uk, or on 0800 408 6143, where I will try to match you to a potential cruise.

Sex........and the Cities (Part One)

Now, I don't know about everyone else, but  I don't understand all this hype about 'Sex and the City 2'

But, I do believe that based upon personalities, people making choices, so, I've thought of a few cruise choices, based upon the types of personalities that the four women, Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte have...  First to set sail is Miranda, the others will follow...

So, if you are a 'Miranda' you are inquisitive, independent, and energetic.

 More than likely, a beach holiday would bore you to tears, so why not try

various locations that have masses of culture, like a trip to St Petersburg.

St Petersburg is home to the Hermitage, the largest art museum in the world, and whilst it sits on the Baltic coastline, it is sometimes described as the most western city of Russia. Although it may be hard to believe, it was the capital of Russia for over 200 years.

So, a visit to the Church of the Savior on Blood, or to admire the Bronze Horseman ( a statue in honour of Peter the Great), or a stroll across Palace Square, St Petersburg will appeal to anyone wishing to escape the 'rat-race'.

So, if this has inspired you, or you are waiting to see where Samantha, Carrie, and Charlotte are heading, or you want a cruise with a difference, contact me at mariannej@cruise.co.uk, or call me on 0800 408 6143.

To Cruise.........

Now, I'll admit it.... I'm new to cruising, in fact the closest I've gotten before now, is the ferry, crossing the channel. And, on those, I'm not the best sailor (generally found curled up in a ball) So why am I working at cruise.co.uk???

It's going to give me the change to travel to some of the places that I want to go in my life, albeit, not this year. But I've already decided where I want to go next year (well, at the moment)

My plan is to go to Tahiti & Polynesia, on the Royal Princess. Now, the main reasin for this is, I get to travel to some amazing places, Papeete, Bora Bora, Raiatea, to name but a few, whilst enjoying 5 star accomodation, and best of all, only unpacking the once.

In some ways, it's similar to the last holiday that I took, which was a week in Malta (and I only unpacked once there too) but I'll get to see, and experince so much more this way, so I guess this 'land-lubber' has been converted.

So, if this takes your fancy, email me at mariannej@cruise.co.uk, or call me direct on 0800 408 6143