Cruising

Cruising is becoming increasingly popular with the British Holidaymaker, and the average age of those who choose to cruise is decreasing. Many cruise companies offer a variety of educational programmes and activities as well as the traditional entertainment programme. Nowhere on land will you find the standards you receive onboard a cruise ship for the same cost. Many of the cruise ships offer healthy eating with a much better choice than you find in a hotel. We keep an up-to-date record of what is happening in the cruise world and we are well qualified to answer all your questions on the subject. Some of our staff are well-seasoned cruise travellers.

We have briefly described below three of the Cruise companies we work closely with.

Silversea Cruises

From the moment you arrive, you discover this ship is luxurious and impeccable throughout, yet comfortably relaxed. Six Star Service meets you at every turn with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that mirrors the smiles of a gracious staff. Elegance reflected in every detail?. The owners are Italian so there is less glitz than larger ships and there is a feeling of spaciousness and quietness throughout the ship.

The company operates four ships: the Silver Cloud and Silver Wind carrying around 300 guests, and the Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper carrying around 400 guests; most cabins have verandas. The company operates a no tipping policy and most wines and drinks are included. Itineraries are vast and the company is unique in offering Personalised Voyages; you choose the ports and you can cruise for as long as you wish providing it is a minimum of 5 nights.

Silversea is for those who like quiet sophistication, low-key entertainment and for those who say they will never cruise.

The Yachts of Seabourn

Described in some circles as the 'World's Best Intimate Ships', intimate they are. Seabourn's three ships: Pride, Spirit and Legend carry only around 200 passengers and their staff-to-guest ratio is practically one-to-one. Half the ship's company when it sails are past guests of Seabourn which speaks highly of the standards they offer. Gratuities and drinks are all included. All suites are quite large, some with French Balconies (not verandas).

For those who wish a more intimate atmosphere on a much smaller traditional ship, sometimes visiting ports other ships cannot reach.

Celebrity Cruises

Royal Caribbean's Prestige brand, Celebrity Cruises is one of the best companies using larger ships. The excellent menus and choices offered (many healthy eating) are planned by Michel Roux, one of Britain's most renowned chefs. A new breed of cruise ship, The Millennium Class, was created by the cruise line to celebrate the new century.

The ships have a high glass Atrium on the port side, with glass elevators connecting all decks. These ships are driven by gas turbines instead of diesel engines, avoiding any vibration problems. This class of cruise ship has one of the most extensive spas of any ship, the 'AquaSpa'; there are also whirlpools, swimming pools and a solarium.

There are many dining options to satisfy the more discerning client. You can enjoy spectacular views from your table in the main dining room built in two tiers. Many of the staterooms have verandas and although the ships are large there is plenty of space and quiet areas to escape to, like the beautiful wood panelled library.

Outdoor and indoor cafes abound on the ship with many individual touches like the Martini and Champagne Bar and the Cognac/Cigar Room. A three-deck theatre provides Broadway type shows and there is a separate cinema.