QUEEN VICTORIA SEA TRIALS

Queen Victoria has successfully completed her sea trials. She is seen here (see right) being put through her paces in her first photograph at sea.

Sea trials are undertaken to ensure that ships operate safely and efficiently and as such, the performance is tested in order to identify and correct any equipment issues before the vessel enters service.

The various trials test the maximum speed achievable and manoeuvrability to evaluate the ship’s capabilities, putting stress on the major engine components to ensure they work under the most extreme conditions.

“Queen Victoria has successfully completed her first venture out to sea and now, back at the yard, her magnificent public spaces, luxurious suites and staterooms are coming to life with the addition of intriguing art work, elegant features and classical furnishings,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line.

Queen Victoria is scheduled to arrive in Southampton for the first time on Friday, December 7, this year, where she will be christened by Her Royal Highness, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at a regal ceremony on Monday, December 10, which will also be attended by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

SILVERSEA ACQUIRES ADVENTURE SHIP

Silversea Cruises has purchased small expedition ship World Discoverer for an undisclosed sum. The vessel will undergo a multi-million dollar refurbishment before it enters service with the four-ship luxury line in spring 2008.

World Discoverer will accommodate around 140 guests (reduced from current 175), in ocean-view cabins, including Owner's Suites, Grand Suites, and 12 yet-unnamed suites that will be similar to the line's popular Silver Suites offering a "club-like ambiance".

The 6,072-ton vessel has a strengthened hull appropriate for navigating waters in some of the world's most remote regions, including Antarctica.

The addition of Discoverer is in addition to Silversea's plans to purchase one 540-passenger, ultra-luxury vessel from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2009 and an option for a sister ship.

Silversea chairman Manfredi Lefebvre said: "We're very excited about this acquisition, as it means we'll be able to further tap that segment of the luxury travel market that is adventure driven.

"We have been looking into this segment for quite some time. When we were informed about the opportunity to buy World Discoverer, we took immediate action in a matter of days.

"We believe that exploration cruises can combine extremely well with an utterly exclusive product.

"With the addition of World Discoverer, our current fleet increases to five ships and to six from 2009, offering a more-expansive cruise schedule that encompasses all seven continents."

The line's president Amerigo Perasso added: "We will be unveiling more details about World Discoverer, including the new name, in the next few weeks, when all the elements of the project will be finalised.

"However, at this time, I can advise that the refurbishment will extend to virtually every area of the ship.

"Although we will maintain much of the vessel's current configuration, which features all ocean-view accommodation, we will dramatically enhance and redesign a number of public spaces, as well as some of the accommodation, and even some aspects of the ship's external appearance.

"This will bring World Discoverer in line with our usual high standards, but with some modifications to better adapt the ship for the special needs of expedition cruises."

SENSATIONAL NEW ALASKA DEAL WITH NCL

We have just started to promote an 11 night package to Vancouver which includes 3 nights hotel stay in Vancouver and a 7 night Alaska cruise from only £899pp in May 2008. The cruise is on board the NCL Sun.

Norwegian cruise Lines are ideal for people who do not want set dining times and tables to sit at for dining on board. NCL promote a freestyle approach to cruising where each ship has several smaller restaurants on board for greater choice, freedom and flexibility for dining. In turn this allows you to enjoy your cruise in your own time frame and at your own pace with out having to fit everything around set dining times. Some restaurants are buffet style, the rest are waiter service where you make reservations as you would in a restaurant at home.

Onboard the NCL Sun choose from:

• Le Bistro - French Restaurant.
• Il Adagio - Italian restaurant
• Ginza - Asian Fusion
• East Meets West - with its Sushi bar and Teppanyaki area - cooked at your table!
• Pacific Heights
• Garden café
• Las Ramblas - Tapas Bar
• Four seasons restaurant
• Seven Seas restaurant.
  

Also look out for our fabulous late booking Caribbean offers onboard the NCL Sun in November this year. 11 nights from only £699pp.

NEW CELEBRITY SHIP TO HAVE BIGGER CABINS

The average size of cabin on Celebrity Cruises's new ship Solstice will be 15% larger than the rest of the fleet.

Additional storage space is being built in to the cabins as well as more specious bathrooms with glass-fronted showers and fog-free mirrors.

The changes follow feedback from a panel of five women selected by the line for their "distinct points of view".

Women were chosen as they are the primary cruise planners and are the most discerning passengers when it comes to cabins, according to the company's marketing senior vice-president Ellen Taaffe.

The 2,850-passenger Solstice is the first in a new class of 122,000-ton vessel being built for the premium cruise company.

It is due to enter service on December 14, 2008, sailing from Fort Lauderdale in Florida on a seven-night eastern Caribbean itinerary until April 5, 2009.

An alternating cruise calling in Puerto Rico, St Maarten, British Virgin Islands and the company's private beach in Haiti will run from April 12, 2009.

by Phil Davies

AN EXPERIENCE NOT TO BE MISSED

We always though that a transatlantic cruise to New York was an extremely expensive way to spend either 6 nights on holiday or as a means of getting to New York. But when we came up with a price of just £69 pp for a 6 night Transatlantic cruise from Southampton to New York plus 2 nights hotel stay in New York and a return flight back to London - then a Transatlantic voyage has become an extremely attractive late holiday for this year. Particularly when it is on board the world famous and upmarket Cunard Queen Mary 2.

Not only is a great way to take a late holiday this year for 9 nights it is also extremely inexpensive -being less than a first class flight seat to New York and a great way to do some Christmas shopping and take in the sights of New York at the same time.

These are the lowest prices we have ever seen and is an experience not to be missed.

Our £699 price is available on 13th Oct this year or we have a £799 price on 22nd April next year.

Arriving and departing from New York is absolute fun and a highlight of the cruise.

On a West bound cruise from Southampton to New York it is a pleasure to board in Southampton and start your experience immediately without having to go through lengthy check in and security procedures at the airport then waiting around in the lounges before boarding your flight to the US. Your 5 days at sea are 25 hours long to make up for the time difference between the UK and the USA. Everyone gets up at 5 in the morning on the last day to watch the Statue of Liberty glide pass as the sun rises behind the picturesque Manhattan skyline. On arrival at Brooklyn ( only 20 minutes by taxi to Manhattan) you are in tune with US time and ready to enjoy a full day shopping , enjoying the sights and nightlife this city has to offer.

On an East Bound cruise from New York to Southampton and after a frantic time fitting all of the shopping and sightseeing in – it is an utter relief to board the Queen Mary 2.. Throughout your time in New York there is great realisation in the fact that you have not got to endure the laborious check in and security procedures at the airport then a cramped and impatient overnight flight back to the UK. Everyone joins in the sailaway party in the afternoon celebrating the farewell to New York and the ultimate landmark sailing under the bridge as the ships horn blows for a final goodbye to the continental USA. Each day on board your clocks are adjusted by an hour so that you arrive in Southampton in tune with UK time – with no jet lag!

INCREASED DEMAND FOR CRUISING, OCEAN STYLE

A trend in cruising: leisurely Ocean crossings between continents with few if any ports of call.

These trips, known as repositioning cruises, are a look back to a bygone era when plenty of onboard time added to the mystique and romance of a high-seas adventure.

No fewer than 15 major players, each a member of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), will soon move their fleets from summer seasons in Europe, Alaska and Canada to winter itineraries in the Caribbean, Mexico and elsewhere.

A total of 50 ships, ranging in size from intimately small to mega-liners, will be offering fall transatlantic or Pacific Ocean voyages this year, says Cruise travel columnist Michael Coleman.

"One of the world's most popular cruise lines, Princess, might be the busiest," he adds.

The luxury lines, are also repositioning their fleets.

Report by David Wilkening

LOW PRICED CARIBBEAN CRUISES

Just out - Incredibly low prices for one of the best Caribbean crusies around. This Southern Caribbean 11 night cruise takes you from San Juan to St Maarten, St Lucia , Barbados, Antigua, Curacao, Aruba and Isla Margarita. Do the complete Caribbean visiting the big name islands from an amazingly low £799pp for a 13 night fly cruise package. Sailing on board the very friendly RCI Empress of the seas this price is lower than the 9 night packages to the less exotic and lesser known islands of the Eastern or Western Caribbean itineraries.

CARNIVAL UK CLAIMS SOUTHAMPTON PASSENGER RECORD

A record of more than 28,000 passengers on seven Carnival UK ships passed through the port of Southampton the weekend before last.

Between Friday, August 31 and Sunday, September 2, the company handled a total of 28,319 passengers in the port, breaking previous records.

These included a call by QE2 on the Friday and three ships each on the Saturday (Oriana, Sea Princess, Oceana) and on Sunday (Aurora, Arcadia, Grand Princess.)

Carnival UK CEO David Dingle said: "This is a spectacular result, both for our cruise brands and for the port of Southampton and seals Southampton's rightful place as the home of UK cruising. With some of our passengers less than a year old it also demonstrates the popularity of cruising across the generations.

"With the launch of P&O Cruises Ventura sailing from Southampton from
next April and the launch of Cunard's Queen Victoria this December, these numbers can only increase.

"It is further evidence that cruising has become a mainstream holiday choice and with the crowds and delays at airports people are recognising the benefits of ex-UK cruising."

by Phil Davies

‘SS OCEANIC' REVIEW

Originally intended for Transatlantic service, the delightful 39,000 ton ‘SS Oceanic’ entered service in 1965, but with the dramatic downturn in demand for such liner voyages in the mid 60’s, she effectively went straight into the embryonic cruise industry as a new build.

I have experienced the considerable pleasure of cruising on ‘SS Oceanic’ in 2003, 2004 and 2005. Indeed at his table on Gala Dinner evening in 2005, Captain Roman Krstanovic declared : “This ship is a masterpiece – she has the most beautiful and perfect hull, and after forty years is still a perfect cruise ship!” His admiration and affection for the last remaining of the great Italian liners of the 60’s is eminently understandable. She is every inch a classic, and the ship has proven to be a great success for her current owners, the Spanish company Pullmantur, now part of the ‘RCCL’ empire.

Sailing on her regular Western Mediterranean weekly schedule, departing Barcelona every Monday, she has acquired a formidable reputation for excellence throughout the Spanish cruise market, and is often booked to capacity. Her loyal followers embrace all age groups, and there is usually a sizeable group of British ‘expats’ on board.

Language is simply not a problem. All the officers and most of the crew speak English, and the daily cruise news and all menus are produced in both English and Spanish.

Being powered by steam turbines, Oceanic does not suffer from any of the unpleasant vibration sometimes associated with diesel propulsion. This is particularly beneficial in the cabins overnight, when you sometimes wonder if the ship is actually moving at all! Being built originally for the North Atlantic, she is fully stabilized, and has very good ‘sea-legs’!

Food is generally excellent, and certainly lives up to the ship’s four star rating. Drinks are on an ‘inclusive’ basis, and this means very acceptable wines – a good Rioja for example - with lunch and dinner, along with branded whisky, gin, vodka, brandy and liqueurs on demand from the ship’s bars. There is a nominal charge for certain premium brands.

The ship is very well appointed and maintained throughout, and certainly does not show her age! She was also the very first ocean liner/cruise ship to be built with a large retractable ‘magrodome’ roof over her upper deck, enclosing when necessary the Riviera Pools, and providing a very flexible space which is used to the full for everything from sunbathing, through buffet dining, to the Captain’s Gala Cocktail party.

I recommend Oceanic without hesitation – she is a graceful and elegant vessel externally, but with a friendly and wholly unpretentious atmosphere within. Her passengers clearly know how to enjoy themselves – sometimes noisily – and Pullmantur certainly knows how to manage a successful cruise operation. Oceanic is a truly wonderful experience – enjoy her while she is still around!

Colin R. Miell, July 2007.

Jetline Cruise are offering Amazing ALL INCLUSIVE 7 Night MED cruises on the Oceanic from only £399pp.

RCI RHAPSODY 15 NIGHTS - 13TH JANUARY 2008

Far East cruises to - Hong kong, Vietnam, Thailand , Cambodia and Singapore.

RCI have just dropped their special offer price for this cruise by a further £250 pp. This represents a great saving and incredible prices to the Far East from only £1299pp including direct flight to Hong Kong and overnight hotel accommodation. This is a great opportunity to escape the post Christmas blues and get away from the winter weather in the UK. Plus Jetlin cruises are also offering an additional $50 on board credit toeards your bar bill on selected cabin grades.

H.R.H. THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL TO NAME CUNARD’S NEW QUEEN VICTORIA

Cunard Line is delighted to announce that Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, will attend a ceremony in Southampton on 10th December 2007, to mark the introduction of Cunard’s new 90,000-ton liner Queen Victoria. At this ceremony, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall will perform the Naming of the ship.

This naming will be a milestone in both Cunard and British maritime history, and will be a major event of worldwide interest, with over 2,000 VIP guests from around the globe in attendance at the prestigious ceremony.

Carol Marlow, President and Managing Director of Cunard Line, comments:

“This will be an historic occasion. We are most honoured that Their Royal Highnesses have accepted our invitation and that Her Royal Highness will name our newest Cunarder. Every one of our Cunard Queens has been named by a member of the Royal Family and we are therefore delighted that Queen Victoria will follow in that tradition. In addition, this particular ceremony will mark the beginning of a new era, as it will be the first time in our 168-year history that we will have three Cunard Queens in service at the same time”.

Queen Victoria will not only be a classic Cunard ocean liner, offering the very best of our heritage and traditions, but will also be the second largest Cunarder the company has ever built. She will be in Southampton for four days, during which time over 7,000 guests from around the world will visit the ship. She will depart on her Maiden Voyage on Tuesday 11 December 2007.

CARNIVAL’S SPANISH JOINT CRUISE BRAND TO LAUNCH WITH THREE SHIPS

The Iberocruceros joint venture combines the two vessels run by Spanish partner Orizonia and a vessel from the Carnival group – the 1,486-capacity Celebration.

The fleet will consist of Orizonia's 1,244-passenger Grand Mistral and 834-passenger Grand Voyager, with Celebration scheduled to enter service in late spring 2008 after a refurbishment. Itineraries will be announced shortly.

The details emerged as Orizonia, Spain's largest travel company, and Carnival finalised agreements for the previously announced multi-ship cruise brand serving the Spanish market.

Carnival will own three quarters of the joint venture and Orizonia the remaining 25%.

MSC FLAGSHIP TO BE NAMED IN DOVER

MSC Cruises' new flagship MSC Poesia will make its debut in Dover next spring.

MSC Poesia, the sister ship of the MSC Orchestra and MSC Musica, will be named by Sophia Loren before sailing on a pre-inaugural voyage on April 6 from Dover to Venice.

The ship will then offer eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean for the summer 2008.

MSC Fantasia will then take the fleet to 10 ships with its debut in November 2008.

MSC Armonia will offer 13 sailings from Dover between May and August, 2008 with itineraries ranging from the Baltic, North Cape to the Norwegian Fjords.

The ship will sail from Genoa to Dover on April 23 visiting Malaga, Casa Blanca, Lisbon, Vigo, La Coruna, Le Havre on an 11-day voyage. The sailing will feature a special Hobbies theme.

To further demonstrate the Italian line's commitment to the UK market, MSC Opera will sail from Rio de Janeiro to Dover on April 1 on a 19-day voyage via the Brazilian coast, Cape Verde, Tenerife and La Coruna.

UK and Ireland managing director Claudia Baino said: "Having pored over every detail of our 2008 brochure and our new itineraries, we are proud and delighted to have achieved our most inspirational selection yet and we're looking forward to hearing what our regular and new customers think.

"2008 is such an important year for MSC Cruises as we launch two new ships and will be able to offer more itineraries to a broader clientele than ever before."

MSC Poesia and the MSC Musica will both sail from Venice on Saturdays and Sundays respectively next summer. MSC Poesia will visit Bari, Olympia, Izmir, Istanbul and Dubrovnik, while MSC Musica will visit Bari, Olympia, Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, Corfu and Dubrovnik.

In addition to Dover, MSC Armonia will operate from Genoa to the Black Sea and visit Naples, Athens, Yalta, Odessa, Istanbul, Messina and Salerno on 12-day cruises in April, September, October and November.

MSC Sinfonia will sail from Civitavecchia on Sundays, running eight-day itineraries visiting Genoa, Monte Carlo, Valencia, Malta and Tunis. The ship sails at 20:00 allowing for more flexible flight alternatives.

by Phil Davies

(Courtesy of Travelmole)

Jetline Cruise have been lucky enough to be invited to the steel cutting ceremony and floating in February 2008.

P&O SMOKING INFO

P&O Cruises – Designated Smoking Areas by Ship

In view of the UK legislation in favour of a ban on smoking in public spaces and for the safety and comfort of all our passengers, we only allow smoking in the following areas: in cabins (including cabin balconies), on certain areas of the open decks and in the designated smoking areas of one or two public rooms. Smoking will not be permitted in any other areas.

Please find refer to the table below for details on the designated smoking areas by ship:

	Smoking is allowed in the following areas:	Smoking is allowed at designated tables only in the following areas:
Arcadia	All cabins and cabin balconies Deck 12 - Portside Sky Deck (deck 11) - Portside Sun Deck (deck 10) - Portside Promenade Deck (deck 3) - Portside open deck	Spinnaker's (deck 2 aft) Rising Sun (deck 2 fwd) Aquarius (deck 9 aft)
Artemis	All cabins and cabin balconies Portside open decks	Horizon Lounge (forward port side)
Aurora	Sun Deck (deck 13) - Portside Lido Deck (deck 12) Riviera Pool area, portside Aft open decks- Decks 9,10 and 11 portside Promenade Deck (deck 7) - portside open deck All cabins and cabin balconies	Crows Nest (deck 13 forward) - portside Pennant Bar (deck12 aft) - portside Andersons (deck 7 forward) - portside, including the bar counter in the smoking section
Oceana	All cabins and cabin balconies Outer decks 7, 12 (not at the Riviera Bar counter) 14 not at the teak tables used by Plaza/Horizon Grill and not at the Terrace Bar counter), 15 (not at Pennant Bar counter) - Portside	Winners Bar - Mid section between the support columns (not at the bar counter) - tables will have a 'designated smoking area' sign and ashtray on them. Yacht & Compass Bar - starboard side (tables will have a 'designated smoking area' sign and ashtray on them)
Oriana	Lords Tavern (deck 7) - Portside Andersons (deck 7) - Starboard side Aft end of outer decks 9, 10 and 11 - Starboard side All passengers cabins and cabin balconies	Promenade outer (deck 7) - starboard side Riviera Bar (deck 12)- portside Crystal Pool Area (deck 12)- starboard side Terrace Bar (deck 12) - starboard side

ALASKA - THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION

Being a veteran of nearly 40 cruise holidays my husband talked me into going to Alaska for a cruise. Being in our mid 30's with a couple of kids the idea of being on a ship looking at scenery for a week did not appeal. After much badgering from my husband I relented and went on the Mercury in mid May.

All I can now say is WOW.

After a little searching around my husband came up with a deal from http://www.adorecruises.co.uk/ For 2 nights in Vancouver and the cruise including flights came up at an amazing £799pp. In all my years of cruising I have never seen a deal as cheap as this. Personal experience is the cheapest I have seen is £999 with NCL so to get such a good ship was a bonus.

Now to the holiday. As mentioned above looking at scenery was not/is not for me but after my little one got me up at 5am on the first morning I was in the captains club looking for whales. There was an intense buzz of the other people in there as the fantastic naturist Brent Dixon ( The US equivalent of Steve Irwin) was chatting from the bridge looking out for whales and other wildlife.

The site of the first whale created a huge buzz, everyone run to one side on the first sighting. Seeing a spout of water into the air and then the huge arc of a tail come over was truly magnificent. This was the first sighting of many but each and everyone was special in its own way.

Things to do at the places you visit.
Ports of Call and Excursions

The three main ports that you will be stopping at are Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. At each of them Celebrity will offer you an abundance of tours ranging in price from $30 to $500 per person. You can book Whale Watching, Helicopter Tours and Float Planes departing from all ports. There are also tours and places of interest specific to each destination.



Juneau

Juneau is the capital of Alaska and is completely land-locked. The main attraction is the Meldenhall Glacier. Celebrity charge around $50-60 pp. for a small tour and trip to the glacier, but this can be done more cheaply independently. You should make your way to pier D (opposite the Alaska T shirt company) where you will find an abundance of Tour sellers. You can organise your own excursions and typically a 45 minute tour of Juneau and a trip to the Glacier is $25 pp. If you don’t want the tour but only a trip to the glacier this is only $12 pp.


Skagway

Skagway is an historic Gold mining town and is the furthest north of the ports. The town has tried to maintain its roots and the atmosphere is of the old Wild West. The main attraction in Skagway is the White Pass railway. This is a train ride and replicates the route used for transportation during the gold rush. This tour, even if booked independently, is the same price as Celebrity at $112pp for the 3½ hour tour. There is an alternative road trip called “To the Summit” which costs only $38 pp. This follows the same route as the train, with stops so you can take photos, and is considerably cheaper. There is always good feed-back about the train trip as being well worth the money, but if you are looking for an alternative we can highly endorse the coach trip.


Ketchikan

Normally the last port of call is Ketchikan. This is the smallest port and is the gateway to the Misty Fjords. Whilst on the cruise and you plan to take one large tour during your cruise i.e. Whale Watching, Float Plane, Helicopter ride rather than a number of smaller ones, this is the place we would recommend. The town is quite small, and you can cover it in around an hour. We can recommend the Lumberjack show for an hour of fun and entertainment. We have also received good feed-back on the float plane to the Misty fjords which is reported to be spectacular.

If you don’t want to book your excursions on the ship, there is a large building outside on the pier where you can purchase all your excursions from local operators. They are normally slightly cheaper but availability cannot be guaranteed.

Other must do's
In the package we booked we extended our stay in Vancouver and was offered a Rocky Rail tour to Whistler. If you think Alaska was good this is just as amazing and ranks for me as good as the cruise experience. Whatever you do if you can afford it book the Glacier Dome (Gold Leaf)). This is, in effect, a first class service all the way through. The main differences being considerably larger windows (nearly double the size of the standard Coast Classic); bigger seats; more leg room; better food and complimentary bar service. The cost to upgrade is in the region of £50-60pp.
The Whistler experience begins when you are picked up in Vancouver. Do not worry if you have not booked a Rocky Mountaineer pick-up hotel as the city is very condensed and one of the pick up points would generally be within a 5 minute walk.

When you arrive at Whistler village you will have free time of just over 2 hours. You do have enough time to go up in the Gondola and have some breath taking sights of the Village.
Whistler

Whistler is the premier ski resort in the whole of North America and is hosting the 2010 winter Olympics. During the summer it hosts numerous mountain activity events. If you are adventurous and sports minded and want to stay somewhere other than Vancouver, then this is the place. Activities range from summer skiing/boarding on the glacier; mountain biking; river rafting; zip lining; trekking and bear hunting.
Vancouver

There are many highlights but I would like to give you my own recommendations to enhance your holiday experience.

Take one of the bus tours i.e. Gray Line or the Big Bus. The cost is approximately $35pp which is valid for two consecutive days. If you ask they will allow you to split them up if you have a rocky mountaineer trip in the middle. These buses follow a loop and are hop-on hop-off. They also provide a full narration of all the places of interest. They cover all the major tourist areas of Stanley Park, Gas Town, Robson Street and China Town. For you own safety I recommend that you do not get off in China Town as it only one block away from Hastings which is the least desirable area of Vancouver. Also Chinatown is not like those in London, New York or San Francisco and is very disappointing.

Other major highlights in Vancouver are the Capillano suspension bridge and Grouse Mountain. These are located in North Vancouver, reached by taxi, or the Sea Bus which is located right next to the cruise pier and a much cheaper option. You then need to take a number 8 bus which is included in your Sea Bus ticket (purchase all Zones). This goes up to Grouse Mountain via the Capillano suspension bridge and returns via there as well so iIt is up to you in what order you do them both.

Grouse Mountain offers views over Vancouver and you get a cable car to the top. At the top there are two cinema shows, a bird of flight live show and also a Lumberjack show including in the cost. If you have not already seen any bears during your trip, they do have a bear enclosure where they keep their two residents.

I can also endorse the restaurant at the top of the mountain for good food. If it is a hot day we advise you to request a table outside as it will be cooler than eating inside. If you get a chance say hi to the manager, Starr.


Capillano Suspension Bridge

The Capillano suspension bridge spans a gorge with a 250 drop either side. It is a little rickety and I would advise anyone with walking difficulties not to attempt the crossing. (If you are registered disabled, do take your badges they will let you in free-of-charge).

Once you have crossed the bridge you find numerous activities where the highlight is a treetop canopy where you actually walk in the trees.

What is the weather going to be like?

All my friends who have now booked to go on this cruise keep askign the question.

Packing for this holiday is one of the hardest parts especially if you are staying in Vancouver before or after your cruise. Vancouver weather during the summer can be very similar to the U.K.. One day raining the next day 80 degrees. You will need layers, and a waterproof.

Alaska weather can be wet; if you are cruising with Celebrity they do provide umbrellas in the stateroom. Even though misty and damp it is not very cold from May onwards but if you are going up on the Glaciers, warmer layers will be required. If you have forgotten anything, Celebrity has a wide range of clothes which you can buy on-board.

Whistler is generally 5 degrees warmer than Vancouver. If so it is hot and sunny in Vancouver it will most probably be even hotter in Whistler.
Summary
If you are in two minds of doing this cruise just do it. It will be not like you expect but will surpass all of your expectations. Dont worry about it being boring, as you never know what is round the next corner

QUEEN MARY 2… AND NOW WHAT WE REALLY THINK:

Enough of the brochure speak. Having cruised on the Queen Mary 2 several times – this ship is one of our favourites. Here are the myths – exploded :

OLDER SNOBS

Lots of people think Cunard and the Queen Mary 2 will be full of older snobs. On my first cruise it was pleasant surprise to find this was untrue. In fact ( at the age of 40) I met lots of like minded people on board and made some good friends. Holidays on the Queen Mary 2 are not as expensive as many think they are – just take a look at some of the fabulous deals we have negotiated for you. As a result there is a greater mix of people and age ranges on board.

TOO FORMAL

It is no more so than any other cruise ship – in fact you can get away without having to wear a suit on board. They do have dress codes for the main restaurant in the evening which varies from casual , smart casual ( shirt and jacket) and formal (suit & tie). If you do not want to participate simply eat in one of the fabulous Kings Court venues.

SEGREGATED DINING.

If you book a Princess suite – the main restaurant assigned is the Princess Grill which has open dining. If you book a Queens Grill suite – the main restaurant assigned is the Queens Grill – which also has open dining. Everyone else booking anything from interior staterooms to high grade balcony staterooms is assigned to the Britannia restaurant which has 2 sittings.

Having sampled the cuisine in the Queens grill I could not detect a difference to the food served in the Britannia restaurant. There is a larger menu and a more personalised service like flambé and filleting skills at your table side.

There are a number of other dining options throughout the ship which everyone can go to. With so many dining choices available the main restaurant assigned to your cabin is not one you would want to visit every night.

The Kings Court has four distinct and separate areas which are buffet style throughout breakfast , lunch and afternoon tea. These areas have tea and coffee on tap 24 hours per day. In the evening however 3 out of the four restaurants are converted to waiter service on a rotational basis whilst one remains as self service buffet style. For the waiter service ones you have to make reservations and there is no extra charge for this. We particularly recommend these restaurants in the evening if you are looking for an alternative to the main restaurant assigned to your cabin reservation – the menus are impressive and the service superb.

Other dining options include: The Golden Lion pub for traditional pub lunches such as ploughman’s, curry , fish and chips. The Boardwalk café on the top deck for buffet style alfresco dining. Finally the Todd English restaurant where reservations are required for evening dining at a charge of approx $30 pp.

TRANSATLANTIC CROSSINGS ARE BORING

On my first Transatlantic crossing I armed myself with 3 books to read during the 6 night cruise from Southampton to New York thinking I would be utterly bored. The opposite was the case and have since done another Transatlantic cruise. I would happily do another one again as these are the best cruises I have been on. A Transatlantic crossing is not a cruise but a voyage. It is more of an occasion than a journey – rather like a birthday is an occasion. This is the ultimate chance to relax – escape your mobile phone and your laptop, enjoy pampered luxury and self appreciation without the interruption of ports of call.

Your days are taken up deciding on where to eat , plotting your progress across the ocean, wallowing in the atrium pool on the top deck or relaxing in the many areas of the Canyon Ranch Spa. The thalasso therapy pool and relaxation lounge are our favourites. Perhaps having a read in the well stocked library or quiet contemplation in the Commodore Club over a cocktail or coffee on deck 9 at the front ! Go star gazing in the planetarium or take in a lecture from one of the guest speakers on board. When the stars are not out in the Planetarium watch a feature film being screened there. Watch the world go by in the Palm Court over a civilised pot of tea or decide how much or how little you want to work out in the fitness centre. By the end of your voyage you will wonder where the time has gone and will be reluctant to disembark.

Arriving and departing from New York is absolute fun and a highlight of the cruise.

On a West bound cruise from Southampton to New York it is a pleasure to board in Southampton and start your experience immediately without having to go through lengthy check in and security procedures at the airport then waiting around in the lounges before boarding your flight to the US. Your 5 days at sea are 25 hours long to make up for the time difference between the UK and the USA. Everyone gets up at 5 in the morning on the last day to watch the Statue of Liberty glide pass as the sun rises behind the picturesque Manhattan skyline. On arrival at Brooklyn ( only 20 minutes by taxi to Manhattan) you are in tune with US time and ready to enjoy a full day shopping , enjoying the sights and nightlife this city has to offer.

On an East Bound cruise from New York to Southampton and after a frantic time fitting all of the shopping and sightseeing in – it is an utter relief to board the Queen Mary 2.. Throughout your time in New York there is great realisation in the fact that you have not got to endure the laborious check in and security procedures at the airport then a cramped and impatient overnight flight back to the UK. Everyone joins in the sailaway party in the afternoon celebrating the farewell to New York and the ultimate landmark sailing under the bridge as the ships horn blows for a final goodbye to the continental USA. Each day on board your clocks are adjusted by an hour so that you arrive in Southampton in tune with UK time – with no jet lag !

All in all a cruise on the Queen Mary 2 is a memorable experience more for the quality of your time on board and the relaxation … rather than the ports of call and the activities there are to do.