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.