Tropical cruises - Beach hopping by sea
When you imagine a relaxing holiday, it almost always involves powdery sand, swaying palm trees, the sound of gentle waves breaking, and perhaps a frosty cold tropical fruit cocktail. Whether getting lost in the over 7000 tropical islands of the Philippines or soaking up the rays in the shadow of ancient Greek history in the Aegean Sea, there is a beautiful luxury liner that will take you there in style. But don’t think your beach holiday has to be fancy and stuffy. You can island-hop the Caribbean freestyle with NCL cruises’ casual on-board concept that gives you more freedom and choices to enjoy your holiday, your way. With a multitude of on-shore excursions, you’re sure to get your fill of sun, fun, and sand as well as high adventure and getting to know the locals at every stop along the way. Sailing with this company is all about flexibility and having the tropical beach holiday you’ve always dreamed of. And in case you’re wondering, mobility issues are no reason to miss out on the therapeutic warmth of sun heated sands and crystal clear waters. Companies like Celebrity cruises have superb accessibility for seniors and those with mobility considerations. Their vessels are fully equipped to accommodate you. Just inform them at the time of booking and they will ensure your requirements are fulfilled. Whether you’re travelling alone, with your partner, or with the whole family, there are itineraries and tropical destinations that will make sure your beach holiday is everything you imagined and more.
Tango dancing
“The Whale watching trip was exceptional, and the ride on the White pass train very well organised , and a perfect day. An amazing trip to the foot of a glacier rounded off a great cruise.” - Traynor, Widnes on 18th Jun 2009 (NCL Cruises)
Exotic Asia
Favourable exchange rates and absolutely magnificent coconut palm-fringed beaches make Asia one of the best values. Despite the name, Royal Caribbean cruises offers a dizzying array of Asian itineraries. One of the longer itineraries that really give you a taste of this diverse and exotic region is their 13-night Dubai to Singapore journey. Experience the kaleidoscopic cultural hotspot of Mumbai India, join the beach party in Goa, and experience world-class beaches in Thailand before heading south to the nation of Singapore for superb shopping. P&O cruises also has a great selection of journeys that bring you through the beautiful countries of Asia. Their world tours are the ultimate beach-lover’s journey. Sample exotic fruits and fiery cuisines from Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines, as well as the uncountable and unparalleled beaches. Starting in the UK, you make your way through the Caribbean, Panama Canal, and onward to beach paradises that include Hawaii, Samoa, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and dozens more. These 84-night trips explore more than 20 unique countries. Another option is a grand tour of the South China Sea with Princess cruises. Start from Singapore then onward to the thousands of islands of the Philippines where you get your fill of the brilliant tropics before sailing north to Shanghai and Hong Kong for culture and cuisine. On the way back through the idyllic tropics, enjoy stops in stunning Vietnam and finally Thailand. This is a great option for disembarking to soak up the rays on Thailand’s world-famous beaches before heading home refreshed and tanned.
Ventura leaves Gibraltar for Southampton
“I WILL cruise again with Costa and thank you for making our cruise so fantastic.” - O’Malley, Scarborough Queensland on 17th Jun 2009 (Costa Cruises)
Caribbean Diversity
There is no doubt about it. The tropical beach region that inspires the most idyllic images of a beach holiday is the Caribbean. Caribbean cruises are the most popular option in the industry with nearly every major company offering an incredible amount of choices in this diverse and picture-perfect region. Of course the beaches are fabulously breezy, powdery, palm-fringed, and sumptuous. But the interiors of these islands and nations fringed by these beauties are attractions in their own right. From fascinating colonial history to vibrant local cultures, there is plenty to do after you have bronzed yourself at the beach. Onshore you can sample delicious cuisine and shop for local rums and crafts. Offshore you can get up close and personal with the reef citizens with snorkelling and scuba diving or feed your need for speed with water sports and sailing. And for those who want to take it slow and avoid expensive and unpleasant flights, Fred Olsen cruises offers Caribbean destinations that depart from the UK for the ultimate in convenience. This is a great option for those who seek a longer itinerary to take advantage of the pampering and activities on board their luxury vessels. With several cruises from Southampton and Dover that make the transatlantic crossing after stops in Spain, these itineraries are the ultimate at-sea experience. After calling in to perfect beaches of the Barbados, St. Lucia, Tortola, St. Maarten, and Antigua, you make your way back to Southampton by stopping in the Azores for one last Island experience.
Winter Garden
“Our river cruise on the MV Mozart in May this year was the most wonderful experience.” - McCreadie, Mossblown, Ayr on 17th Jun 2009 (Peter Deilmann)
Mediterranean – Beaches and History
For those who want to mix their beach holiday with ancient history and the islands and cities that have inspired classical and modern music, artwork, and poetry, the Mediterranean is the place for you. MSC cruises are the undisputed Mediterranean Sea experts. Their company line is based in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea in Italy. They feature Italian-style hospitality on their luxury vessels and take you to all of the best sights and beaches in the region. Luxuriate on the beaches of the azure-blue waters by day, and by evening experience world-famous cuisines and arts as well as tours to cultural areas. From the throbbing party scene of Ibiza to culturally rich Turkey to amazing Egypt and romantic Capri, there are so many itineraries to ensure you stop in at your ideal beach and ideal see-before-you-die wonders of the ancient and modern world. Cunard cruises, another classy operation, features the perfect itinerary for those who want a balance between beaches and historic sites. This once-in-a-lifetime journey takes you to Naples, Santorini, Istanbul, Athens, and of course, Venice. This is an excellent option for history buffs that want to experience these places as well as perfect their tans on the various beaches this region is equally famous for. And of course you can expect to sample regional cuisine and view the scenic towns and fishing villages that have inspired artists for thousands of years. Between the shore excursions and enrichment programs this company offers, you will come back from your holiday both relaxed and enlightened.
Thomson Destiny in Tenerife
“The food was wonderful, very tasty, probably not as ‘fancy looking’ as you get on Celebrity, but still pretty good.” - Sharp, Stockport on 17th Jun 2009 (Royal Caribbean Cruises)