Princess Cruises Name the new ship

Today, Princess Cruise lines have officially welcomed their new ship to the princess fleet - The Regal Princess.

She was named by the cast of the popular TV series, The Love Boat, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with a stylish celebration ceremony attended by some of the shows best loved actors and actresses, travel agents and media.

Regal Princess will embark on a full winter season of 7-night Eastern Caribbean sailings followed by Summer season based in Scandinavia and Russia.

The 'Cruise International Awards; named Princess Cruises as the best cruise line in 2014 as well as best food and the Regal Princess as the best new ship in 2014.

This is the start of a whole year of 50th Anniversary celebrations for Princess Cruises.

Regal Princess

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She has arrived...... The Quantum of the Seas

The Quantum of the Seas has finally arrived!!!

Robot bartenders, virtual balconies and a glass capsule 300ft over the ocean? The worlds first smart ship has arrived in the UK for its maiden voyage.

Quantum of the seas is the Third largest cruise ship in the world. And yes, Royal Caribbean do own the other 2 largest, the Allure and the Oasis of the seas.

The ship docked in Southampton yesterday where it will now take its maiden voyage over to the Caribbean for the 2014-15 season.

She is the most high-tech cruise ship in the world, boasting wristbands that serve as room keys, fastest wifi at sea, virtual balconies in inside staterooms, the first dodgem ride at sea and a skydiving simulator. These are just some of the amenities on board making her the worlds first smart-ship!

Robot Bartenders on board the Quantum of the Seas

Robot Bartenders on board the Quantum of the Seas

The brand new ship has been named as one of the most luxurious in the world with 18 decks accommodating 4,180 guests.

Being a HUGE Royal Caribbean fan myself, I am very eager to try out the new ship and I have already been planning my cruise on her hopefully in 2015. 

The North Star

SkyDiving

The Quantum in the Evening

The Dodgems

http://youtu.be/7INoSLaqJo8?list=UUTwYjM0oRaPxRViVb39l0fg 

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Newcastle to New York non-stop service

United Airlines have announced their new seasonal service between Newcastle (UK) and Newark (New York, US).

A new non-stop service between Newcastle and New York will be on sale from today with United Airlines. The service will operate between 23rd May and 7th September 2015 (Westbound).

United Airlines will use Boeing 757-200 aircraft for this route, which features 16 United BusinessFirst, 45 Economy Plus and 108 United Economy seats.

This is great news for passengers looking to travel to other places in the USA as United airlines provide over 300 daily connections between Newark airport and 85 airports within the USA.

The new route will be the first scheduled non-stop transatlantic service from Newcastle.

Route	Flight Number	Aircraft	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Flight Time	Service Frequency	Effective date
Newcastle to Newark	159	757-200	09:10	12:00	7 Hours 50 minutes	Daily except Wednesday and Thursday	23rd May 2015
Newark to Newcastle	160	757-200	19:20	07:30	7 Hours 10 minutes	Daily except Wednesday and Thursday	22nd May 2015

Currently United Airlines fly to Newark (New York) non-stop from Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Birmingham and London Heathrow.

Thomas cook recently announced their non-stop service between Manchester Airport and New York, as well as Manchester to Miami. 

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Brand new Costa Diadema

Costa Cruise Lines brand new ship, Costa Diadema, will be launched this year, offering 6-9 night Mediterranean cruises as of the 1st November 2014. Have you booked your spot?

With the launch of the new ship becoming closer, more and more passengers are getting their cruise booked for the Diadema. The 4* Italian cruise line carry millions of passengers each year on board their ships, which include the NeoCollection; a smaller fleet of ships with no set dining times, and spend longer duration in the ports.



The Diadema is set to be bigger and better than any other ship in the Costa fleet. Being 306 metres long and weighing 132,500 gross tonnage its the largest cruise ship to fly the Italian flag. The ship is said to have cost the cruise line a whopping €550 million.



The ship is the same size as the carnivals 'Dream' class of ship and will be the most modern and most spacious ship Costa have to offer.

Capacity: 3,947

Crew: 1,253

Cabins: 1,854

Decks: 20

Of the 1,854 cabins, 852 will be private balcony cabins and 61 will be Balcony suites. 254 will be outside cabins with ocean view and 684 will be inside cabins.

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Florida - Cruise and Stay

The Sunshine State with Sunshine Cruises 

As with millions of other people, cruising is my favourite way to holiday. What I like even more is having additional nights in the place I Embark and Disembark the cruise. As Caribbean cruising is what I do most each year, the place I stay most is Florida.

Orlando is of course most famous for the Theme Parks but people don't realise there is so much more to do in Orlando and the surrounding areas. The nearest cruise port to Orlando is Port Canaveral which will take you around 50 minutes by car. This is perfect for travellers looking to have a cruise and stay with Orlando.

Port Canaveral is home to the Kennedy Space Centre as well Cocoa Beach, where sun worshippers and surfers take to the waves. Many cruise lines offer Caribbean cruises on a daily basis from port Canaveral. This is a great place for any traveller looking to relax prior to their cruise as hotels here have brilliant cruise and stay packages.

The ports in Florida with most on offer are Miami and Fort Lauderdale. These are both in the South of Florida and can get extremely hot here in the summer months. Both places have brilliant nnight-life to offer with Miami being the most popular. Hotels, Restaurants and Bars are abundant in both places.

Passengers cruising out of Tampa can take advantage of the shopping, sightseeing and museums the city has to offer. As well as some top zoos, Tampa is home to the world famous Busch Gardens. Located just one hour by car from Orlando, Tampa is a very convenient port to use whilst staying in Orlando and the surrounding areas.

The port of Jacksonville is the most northern cruise port in Florida, located North of Cape Canaveral. Jacksonville port offers cruises from Carnival Cruise lines. With under 200,000 passengers travelling through the port each year, this is the least popular port in Florida. The port opened in 2003 and is known as JAXPORT.

Florida's Five Ports:

* Miami - Port of Miami

* Fort Lauderdale - Port Everglades

* Tampa - Port Tampa Bay

* Cape Canaveral - Port Canaveral 

* Jacksonville - Jacksonville Port

My recommendations for places to stay.........

Orlando is a huge City with lots on offer, in different areas. My favourite area to stay is Lake Buena Vista, home to Disney. You do pay more of a premium for hotels in this Area but I would recommend it for all travellers wanting nice surroundings and easy access to all of the sights in Orlando.

The Hotel I find myself returning to the most is the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress hotel. A brilliant hotel year round with fantastic amenities on offer for all!

Cocoa Beach is a great place to stay if you are looking for a beach break, but not wanting to pay Fort Lauderdale or Miami hotel prices. Cocoa Beach have great stuff to do including the Casino Cruise - which is just as it says. This is a Casino on board a small ship where you are taken to sea for a day of gambling. Food and beverages are supplied on board. This is a lot of fun!!!

On my last trip to Florida I stayed at Vero Beach which is south of Orlando but North of Fort Lauderdale. Here, I stayed at The Coste De' Este Beach resort, a hotel owned by the one and only Gloria Estefan. This hotel was absolutely wonderful. Greeted by a stunning exterior and beautiful entrance, from the moment I arrived, to the moment I left, there was nothing I could fault with this hotel. The area is more residential as there are only a handful of hotels surrounding. I would highly the hotel to anyone looking for a luxurious relaxing break, and the Area is a well known place to visit for fisherman.

Florida is endless fun for all ages and I would recommend a Cruise and Stay in Florida to anyone looking at taking a Caribbean Cruise.

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Why I Choose to Cruise

Working in the Travel Industry can sometimes be tougher than you think. Why? When the time comes for booking your personal holidays, it seems to be one of the hardest decisions to make....

You would think working in travel on a day to day basis would make it easier when I look at booking my own holiday. Think again, I struggle more than ever! With so many places to choose from and so many resorts on offer, like everyone else, I want to get the best and the most value for my money. This is why I choose a cruise every time!!

I took my first cruise when I was 17 years old and have never looked back since. This was a Caribbean cruise with Ocean Village (no longer sailing). I realised the value for money was just phenomenal. Not only was my food included throughout the entire cruise, I was able to tour 5 different Caribbean islands in a week.

Since then I have gone on to take a cruise at least once a year and have now completed 9 cruises. 8 being the Caribbean and 1 around the Mediterranean.

I have stayed in a variety of Staterooms from Inside to Suite Categories and I have never had a complaint for any cabin.

My top 5 reasons for cruising:

1. The unbeatable value for money. Cruise lines pride themselves on their food, included 24 hours of the day it really is fantastic value for money. Pretty much all activities are included and also the fitness centres on board the ships are high quality and again included in your cruise price. Food, Service and what the Ship itself has to offer. Dependent on the particular ship and what they have to offer, there is so much to do on board and I never find my self getting board. Even if you wish to just want people doing activities this can sometimes be just as fun as joining in.

2. The fantastic destinations you get to see with unpacking just the once. Most people say "Once you have seen 1 Caribbean island - you have seen them all!" - Not in my opinion. Each port of call has its own story to tell and the locals will be more than happy to let you in on their countries history. You can pick up hand made gifts that you wont find anywhere else - they make great gifts for people and of course supporting local economy. I bought a Hand made bamboo wind chime from an outside beach market in Tobago around 7 years ago. This is still hanging strong and cost just $20.00!

3. I can do as little or as much as I want during a cruise. 99% of activities on board of a cruise ship are included in the price you pay. With more and more being added onto ships these days, you can practice your swing with Golf simulators and even mini-golf courses on board some ships. I took the zip-line on the Oasis of the Seas cruise ship and went over the Boardwalk! Very Scary!!

4. Service with a smile - I can be sure no matter which Cruise line I cruise with, I will always receive the best service on board. Staff on board the ships will go out of their way to ensure you have a fantastic cruise vacation. If they don't have something on the dinner menu, or even the drinks menu, They will always do their very best to get it for you or an alternative. They take care of you from the moment you step on board the ship.

5. Fellow passengers - You can be sure to meet some interesting people from around the world and sometimes make life long friends. Passengers that tend to cruise more than holiday more at an All Inclusive resort seem to stay in touch with fellow cruisers. I have met some wonderful friends from around the world and plan on taking future cruises together. Of course, some people prefer to be alone and on board a cruise, no matter the size, you will always have your privacy.


When passengers have taken a cruise, they are generally pleasantly surprised. People seem to have the perception that cruises are for the older generation with nothing to do on board. This couldn't be any further from the truth. As I pointed out above, I was 17 when I took my first cruise and I haven't looked back since.

Of course they do have the quieter piano bars on board the ships, or cigar bars for that quiet drink in the evening. But, they do have the late nightclubs on board most ships for the younger or more energetic passengers. Some ships will make the top deck of the ship an outside 'Miami-style' nightclub until early hours of the morning.

Shows on board are included in the price you pay of your cruise and are of a very high standard. They don't just have one showing per voyage, they give guests plenty of chances to catch the shows and fit them around their own itineraries.

 

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American Adventures with Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line

Unlike traditional cruise lines such as Cunard, Princess and P&O Cruise lines. Carnival take a much more fun and relaxed view on cruising. Tuxedos and Ball gowns wont be found on board a Carnival cruise ship.

Sailing for over 40 years and with 23 Ships already afloat, and one under construction (Carnival Vista), Carnival are the largest cruise line in the world, offering 3 night to 16 night cruises around the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii. 

90% of the guests aboard carnival ships are American with the other 10% from around the globe. They take over 4 million passengers annually on their cruise ships.

Young Couples, Older Couples and families are the majority of passengers aboard the ships with plenty to do for all. 

What makes carnival unique?

* Complimentary Adult only Serenity Retreat for passengers 18 years and over.

* WaterWorks - On board water park for all

* Twister Water slide - Highest water slide at sea 

* SportsSquare - Volleyball, Basketball, Dodge-ball, SkyCourse and Mini-golf

* SkyCourse - A rope assault course suspended high above the SportsSquare

* Seuss at sea - Dr. Seuss characters on board for dining and photo opportunities

* Hasbro The Game Show - A game show involving guests, designed by Hasbro.

* Two speciality restaurants offer complimentary lunch 

*Guys Burger Joint - 'Dives Diners and Drive-ins' presenter Guy Fieri's Burger Bar created for Carnival cruise lines. This is complimentary for Lunch.

* Carnival Live - Live concerts from a number of A-List celebrities whilst in port

and much much more!!!

Numerous ships across the Carnival fleet have recently been refitted with new refurbished furnishing on board and most with new activities added!

Carnival offer a number of staterooms including the Cloud 9 Spa staterooms. These are spa-style staterooms and suites that include a number of extras. With a Cloud 9 Spa stateroom guests will receive private spa access, special amenities and priority spa reservations.

Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms are available on all ships with a Cloud 9 Spa and across the full range of stateroom types: interior, ocean view, balcony and suites.

Carnival are the best value cruise line at sea today. With their low prices and endless inclusions on board, there is no better time to book a Carnival Cruise.

Call me direct on 0161 798 2512 to book your Carnival Cruise today.

Where do they go?

Carnival Freedom

Destination: Caribbean

Departs: Fort Lauderdale, Galveston 

Durations: 2-5 Days, 6-9 Days. 10+ Days

Carnival Sunshine:

Destination: Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean

Departure: Port Canaveral

Durations: 2-5 Days, 6-9 Days

Carnival Breeze:

Destination: Caribbean

Departure: Miami

Durations: 6-9 Days

Carnival Magic:

Destination: Caribbean

Departure: Galveston

Durations: 2-5 Days, 6-9 Days

Carnival Triumph:

Destination: Caribbean

Departure Port: Galveston, San Juan

Durations: 2-5 Days, 6-9 Days, 10+ Days

Carnival Glory:

Destination: Caribbean

Departure Miami

Durations: 2-5 Days, 6-9 Days

Carnival Conquest:

Destination: Caribbean

Departure Port: Fort Lauderdale, Miami

Durations: 2-5 Days, 6-9 Days

Carnival Dream:

Destination: Caribbean

Departure Port: New Orleans

Durations: 6-9 Days

Carnival Ecstasy:

Destination: Bahamas, Caribbean

Departure Port: Miami

Durations: 2-5 Days

Carnival Spendor:

Destination: Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England Caribbean

Departure Port: Miami, New York, Norfolk, San Juan

Durations: 2-5 Days, 6-9 Days

Carnival Valor:

Destination: Bahamas, Caribbean

Departure Port: Port Canaveral, San Juan

Durations: 2-5 Days, 6-9 Days

Carnival Legend:

Destination: Alaska, Hawaii

Departure Port: Seattle, Vancouver

Durations: 6-9 Days, 10+ Days

Carnival Liberty:

Destination: Bahamas, Caribbean

Departure Port: Port Canaveral, San Juan

Durations: 2-5 Days, 6-9 Days

Carnival Pride:

Destination: Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean

Departure Port: Baltimore, Tampa, San Juan

Durations: 2-5 Days, 6-9 Days, 10+ Days

Carnival Elation:

Destination: Caribbean

Departure Port: New Orleans

Durations: 2-5 Days

Carnival Victory:

Destination: Bahamas, Caribbean

Departure Port: Miami

Durations: 2-5 Days

Carnival Miracle:

Destination: Hawaii, Mexico

Departure Port: Los Angeles

Durations: 6-9 Days, 10+ Days

Carnival Fascination:

Destination: Bahamas

Departure Port: Jacksonville

Durations: 2-5 Days

Carnival Fantasy:

Destination: Bahamas, Caribbean

Departure Port: Charleston

Durations: 2-5 Days, 6-9 Days

Carnival Sensation:

Destination: Bahamas, Caribbean

Departure Port: Port Canaveral

Durations: 2-5 Days

Carnival Inspiration:

Destination: Mexico

Departure Port: Los Angeles

Durations: 2-5 Days

Carnival Imagination:

Destination: Mexico

Departure Port: Los Angeles

Durations: 2-5 Days

Carnival Paradise:

Destination: Bahamas, Caribbean

Departure Port: Tampa

Durations: 2-5 Days

Carnival Vista is currently under construction.

Set to sail in April 2015....

Further details on the sailings and amenities on board will be advised in the future....

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