Thursday, February 24, 2011

CHILDHOOD TRAVEL DREAMS

When I was a young teenager I remember my Mother telling me
about her travel dreams when she was a teenager and about the
travel books she enjoyed reading. Her two main dreams were to
visit China and the Amazon and when I left school at fifteen I went
into the travel business in the hope that I could realise her dreams
for her.

After many years in the business doing various jobs I managed to
secure for her a six week escorted tour of China in the late 1970's.
She was prepared to travel on her own and to meet up with others
in China. She always loved to write about what she did and this trip
was to be no exception and in her perfect handwriting she wrote
dozens of pages about her trip which I still treasure to this day.

Her other dream was the Amazon, but alas before I could arrange
this for her she died suddenly and her dream was unfulfilled.
Nevertheless I was happy that she enjoyed China, and in those days
the cash for the trip was high but she took the bull by the horns, filled
her purse with as much spending money that she could and had the
time of her life.

The reason for this short personal story is that all too often people put
off today in the hope that tomorrow will be a better time to do such an
adventurous trip. This can be a dangerous idea as we are not privy as to
what the future will hold. It could be bad health, bad wealth and a myriad
of other reasons, I have heard them all in my long travel career.

My Mother took every opportunity she could, and some she had to delay
and others which were the long haul trips she would always take even if she
had to scrape the barrel for those extra pennies.

We are here for a relatively short time. Please do not waste the opportunites
when they arise because it has saddened me on many occaisions when
customers have returned to make a holiday booking and they are without
their partner. These are sad stories.

Please realise your childhood dreams and book early. If you have any unique
destinations and need some help, I will be pleased to do so !

Call Tony on 02380 714792

Thursday, February 10, 2011

'Chop Shop Style'Makeover Will Include Piazza Atrium, Tea Lounge, Pizzeria and Nightclub

The most significant transformation ever of a Princess Cruises ship will occur this spring aboard UK dedicated ship, Grand Princess. During a 24-day makeover the ship, which was the prototype for the line’s “Grand Class” vessels, will undergo a remarkable renovation to receive many of Princess’s trademark features introduced since the ship’s 1998 debut, including the signature Piazza atrium. Several new features will be also be added including a unique tea lounge and library called “Leaves”; and “Alfredo’s,” a full-service pizzeria showcasing this renowned Princess dish.

A brand new nightclub called One5, inspired by its deck location, will be created on the top deck of the ship, replacing its iconic Skywalker Nightclub, which has given the ship its distinctive profile. Skywalkers will be removed from its 18th deck perch, with its replacement located on deck 15. This change will significantly improve the operational performance of the ship, including greater fuel efficiency.

“This is the largest makeover we’ve ever undertaken for any of our ships,” said Pieter van der Schee, head of brand marketing Princess Cruises UK. “Grand Princess was the most innovative cruise ship when she was launched and is already very popular in Britain. With the latest innovations from her recent sister ships added she will be an even greater attraction for British cruisers looking for a pampering, relaxing holiday.”

The changes will be made during a drydock from April 11 to May 4 at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport, Bahamas ahead of Grand Princess’s return to Southampton for a programme of summer cruises. Highlights of the dramatic makeover include:

· Crown Grill – A classic steakhouse with rich wood surroundings, this specialty restaurant features an open, theatre-style kitchen where chefs custom-prepare premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, including live lobsters.

· Leaves Tea Lounge and Library – A fusion of tea lounge and library, the new Leaves offers a distinctive opportunity for passengers to custom-blend a variety of base teas with herbs, fruits and spices to create a personalised tea blend. Created in partnership with Mighty Leaf Tea Company, one of the world’s premier makers of artisan teas, Leaves will give passengers an impressive choice of up to 500 different tea blends to suit their palates. A trained tea sommelier will assist passengers in blending a personalized tea creation, which they can enjoy in the midst of the library and a good book.

· Alfredo’s Pizzeria – Known for serving the best pizza at sea, Princess will introduce Alfredo’s, a new sit-down pizzeria with an enticing menu of freshly-prepared individual-size pizzas. Named for the line’s master executive chef, Alfredo Marzi, the pizzeria will feature an open kitchen where passengers can watch chefs create the pizzas they’ll enjoy with a glass of wine or other beverage.

· One5 Lounge – The new One5 lounge will replace Skywalkers as the place to be for nighttime dancing and relaxing. The new lounge on deck 15 (hence its name) takes its inspiration from the chicest urban nightclubs, and will offer a cool vibe, contemporary seating and lighting, and a dramatic back-lit bar.

· Crown Grill – A classic steakhouse with rich wood surroundings, this specialty restaurant features an open, theatre-style kitchen where chefs custom-prepare premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, including live lobsters.

Also part of the renovation will be 10 new suites; remodelled casino, boutiques and art gallery; enhancements to the Horizon Court, Lotus Spa, and wedding chapel; and the addition of Crooner’s Martini Lounge.

The newly renovated Grand Princess will debut in Southampton on 21 May with new itineraries to offer more choice to past passengers, as well as a 3-night Weekend Sampler to offer new customers an opportunity to try out the brand. In addition to her popular 14-night Mediterranean cruises and 7-night short-breaks Grand Princess will sail two 17-night cruises from the UK to the central Med, including Venice, an 11-night cruise to the Canary Islands and Madeira, and a 14-night cruise to Norway and Spitsbergen.

MEDITERRANEAN - Summer / Autumn 2011

Just landed on my desk !

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers for summer / autumn 2011

Now is the time to pppppppick up a luxury bargain !

Sail Date.. Nights...... Itinerary.......... From/availabilty.. Was pp... NOW pp
07 Jun........10.... Rome - Athens........... Balcony (D)....... £5129...... £3334
16 Jul.........10 Istanbul - Venice............ Balcony (F)....... £4999...... £3249
24 Aug...... 10 Athens - Barcelona......... Balcony (G) .......£4749..... £3055
09 Oct...... 10. Monte Carlo - Athens.... Balcony (G) ......£4129...... £3097
19 Oct....... 10... Athens - Istanbul.........Balcony (G)....... £4129.... £3014
10 Nov..... 10... Venice - Rome...............Balcony (G)...... £3189...... £2551

Great Value ! It's a no brainer and thats for sure. Our friendly and helpful
reservation team await your call on 023 80 714790.

These offers will be snapped up so first come first served.

Happy Cruising ! ! !

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE - Cruises

My favourite cruise line for the last twenty five years ! ! !

Spacious elegance sets Holland America Line apart from its contemporaries
in the cruise business. Their spacious and luxurious mid sized ships allow
you to travel effortlessly to new discoveries.

The Holland America experience can be summed up in many ways, and one
of the best is:- 'To feel the sun warm your face and a gracious smile warm
your heart'.

Throughout the fleet of fifteen cruise ships, the public rooms are rich, with
polished woods and comfortable furnishings, create an inviting atmosphere
in which to gather. Lavish, fresh floral arrangements along with museum
quality paintings and a variety of antiques set a luxurious tone. And
everywhere you look you'll sense a meticulous attention to detail that
underscores the pride Holland America takes in its 135 year seafaring
heritage.

From the moment you arrive on board you are welcomed as an honoured
friend would be at a fine private home. Discreet and gracious personal
service is, for many, the ultimate luxury; and the crew at Holland America
Line is the reason so many return to cruise with them, time and again.

I think that life aboard a Holland America Line cruise ship is far less
frenetic than some other lines. You have time to truly relax and enjoy
the ambience of ship board life, superb gourmet meals, a kaleidoscope
of cocktails from the myriad of bars, great entertainment in the ships
show lounges, the tranquility of the library, the activities of the swimming
pool, to name but a few.

Your chosen stateroom or suite is your home away from home, your very
own space which is serviced at least twice a day, a place to remember all
the days activities and to sleep and dream of all the exciting days to come.

The Holland America Line cruise brochure is crammed full of exciting
cruises and destinations, covering the globe and of varying durations.
I have picked a few which I think would be of interest and these are as
follows:-

Around the UK. 11 July 2011. 14 Days. ship: Prinsendam.
Tilbury - Rosyth - Invergordon - Kirkwall - Portree - Fort William -
Londonderry - Dublin - Bristol - Ilfracombe - St.Peter Port - Tilbury.
Inside suite from £2145 pp. (twin share basis).

Mediterranean Medley. 1 May 2011. 20 days. ship: Ryndam
from Dover.

Scandinavian Getaway. 31 Jul 2011. 7 days. ship: Ryndam
from Dover.

Norwegian Fjords. 24 Jul or 7 Aug '11. 7 days. ship: Ryndam
from Dover.

Baltic Adventure. 22 May or 27 Jun'11. 12 days. ship: Eurodam
from Dover.

Fjords & Highlands. 3 Jun 2011. 12 days. ship: Eurodam
from Dover.

Our knowledgeable and friendly reservation staff look forward to
receiving your call on 023 80 714790. They will look after you and
guide you through the booking process.

Happy Cruising with Holland America Line !

Monday, February 7, 2011

SEABOURN CRUISES

Welcome to the Glorious World of Luxury Cruising.

What a wonderful world of choice we have at our fingertips these days,
and it never seems to surprise me that really the world is our oyster.
Today it is the turn of 'Seabourn Cruises' who spend part of the year
cruising the balmy warm, translucent blue waters of the Caribbean.

I am sure you can be tempted to take part in a wonderful Caribbean
cruise with opportunities to visit some of the smaller islands which are
not normally available to the larger cruise ships.

The 'Seabourn' crew will cater for your every need during your cruise,
from champagne and caviar to a gourmet meal fit for a King or Queen.
Your 'suite' staff will pay particular attention to your needs and
requirements as will all the crew.

The yacht like atmosphere of these cruise ships makes you feel like the
'master' of an intimate yacht visiting places inaccessible to others.
Accommodation is all suite and each yacht, has its own marina for
everyone to enjoy the various watersports that are available.

Your cruise price includes your economy flights from the UK and transfers
to the ship, use of all the water-sports equipment, an open bar throughout
the ship, open seating restaurant and sumptuous barbeque dinners.

For the latest available offers please call our reservation team who will be
pleased to assist you, they are friendly and knowledgeable and their
number is:- 023 80 714790

Happy Cruising

Thursday, February 3, 2011

CIRCUMNAVIGATE the UNITED KINGDOM

Sailing around the UK has become a very popular cruise over the last few years as more and more cruise lines offer this facility. We must be interested in other parts of our own country as there are more than fifteen, 'around UK sailings' this year.



Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is no exception, and during late summer this year they are offering two nine day cruises, one departing from Rosyth and the other from Dover. Generally the weather is fine and dry and hopefully will be so when you take the cruise as well.

Details of the two cruises are as follows:-

BOUDICCA. 1st September 2011. 9 nights. Based on twin share.
Rosyth - Kirkwall - Belfast - Dublin - Milford Haven - Guernsey -
Portsmouth - Rosyth.
CABINS: Inside £715 pp. Outside £915 pp. Superior Outside £1049 pp.


BLACK WATCH. 25 September 2011. 9 nights. Based on twin share.
Dover - Milford Haven - Dublin - Belfast - Greenock - Ullapool -
Kirkwall - Dover.
CABINS: Inside £715 pp. Outside £915 pp. Superior Outside £1049 pp.

These are great value prices and are surely to sell quickly and to get these prices you must book by the 28th February. Cabins will be allocated on a first come basis, based on the best cabin available in your chosen grade. And that is a very good reason to book early.

Our helpful and knowledgeable reservations staff are awaiting your call.
Please dial 02380 714790.
Thank you and happy sailing.

LEGENDARY JOURNEYS !

The key to a great adventure cruise holiday is to plan ahead and to do some
reading up on your destinations and make notes as to what you want to see
en-route and that makes planning your FREE shore excursions that much
easier.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises are offering some exciting cruise itineraries
that offer that 'Legendary' status, and brief details are as follows:-

Seven Seas Voyager, All Balcony, All Suite Cruise Ship. Twin Share Basis.
28 Nov 11. Barcelona to Dubai. 21 nights. Penthouse Suite (C) £7989 pp.
Balcony Suite (G) £6199 pp.
19 Dec 11. Dubai to Singapore. 18 nights. Penthouse Suite (C) £8989 pp.
Balcony Suite (G) £7739 pp.
06 Jan 12. Singapore to Sydney.*17 nights. Penthouse Suite (C) £8709 pp.
Balcony Suite. (G) £7459 pp.
23 Jan 12. Sydney to Auckland. 15 nights. Penthouse Suite (C) £8829 pp.
Balcony Suite. (G) £7579 pp.
07 Feb 12. Auckland to Sydney. 15 nights.Penthouse Suite (C) £8829 pp.
Balcony Suite. (G) £7579 pp.
22 Feb 12. Sydney to Singapore.*19 nights.Penthouse Suite (C) £9369 pp.
Balcony Suite (G) £8119 pp.
12 Mar 12. Singapore to Dubai.* 18 nights. Penthouse Suite (C) £8599 pp.
Balcony Suite (G) £7349 pp.

* Includes FREE 3 night pre or post cruise stay. (not combinable)

Seven Seas Mariner. All Balcony, All Suite Cruise Ship. Twin Share Basis.
06 Jan 12. Ft.Lauderdale to Lima. 14 nights.Penthouse Suite. (C) £8789 pp.
G'teed Balcony (G) £5979 pp.
20 Jan 12. Lima to Buenos Aires. 24 nights.Penthouse Suite.(C) £15579 pp.
G'teed Balcony. (G) £10519 pp.
13 Feb 12. Buenos Aires to Rio. 12 nights. Penthouse Suite. (C) £8549 pp.
G'teed Balcony. (G) £5799 pp.
25 Feb 12. Rio to Ft.Lauderdale. 22 nights. Penthouse Suite. (C) £11929 pp.
G'teed Balcony. (G) £8109 pp.


06 Jan 12. Around Sth America. 72 nts. Penthouse Suite. (C) £37179 pp.**
Balcony Suite. (G) £23739 pp.+
** Cash back of £1000 per person. + Cash back of £500 per person.

Your ALL inclusive prices include, FREE economy flights, FREE unlimited
shore excursions, FREE ground transfers, FREE beverages, wine, beer,
spirits and soft drinks, FREE speciality dining, FREE in-suite mini bar,
FREE 24 hour room service, FREE gratuities.

At present you have choices but soon this will not be the case, so if you are
interested and require any further information then please do not hesitate
to contact me, e-mail: tony.musson@oceanworldtravel.com or if you wish
to have a chat please call 023 80 714792.

Looking forward to hearing from you ! ! !