Relax in Luxury on a Cruise...

Thomson know all about luxury cruises, on which you will be pampered and surrounded by pure luxury on board some of the most fantastic cruise ships in their fleet.

People usually choose, when on holiday, to either be adventurous or to relax. They can, of course, do both; usually at different times and cruise holidays are no different. You don’t always have to be taking part in sports or enjoying a show on a cruise, you can also relax your way to serenity.

Whether you choose to go on a Mediterranean or Caribbean cruise, you can chill out while sipping cocktails by the outside pool, lazing on loungers whilst listening to music or read the latest bestseller while the world, quite literally, drifts by.

If you fancy some real ‘me time’, book into the spa and have the most fantastic massage, manicure or facial that will relax you more than you could have ever imagined.

Of course, not only you will be completely pampered, you will also be wooed by the sense of luxury onboard your Thomson cruise ship. You can arrange a deal and stay in the best accommodation the cruise ship has to offer or enjoy a few ‘extra’ luxuries that will make your cruise holiday even more special.

Enjoy benefits like priority check-ins, having your luggage delivered to you before anyone else and enjoy Thomson Cruises exclusive concierge service. You can also book special extras that will really make you want to make cruising the only type of holiday you ever go on; anything from chocolate-dipped strawberries to a bouquet of flowers sent to your loved ones cabin.

Cruise holidays for groups...

In order to obtain the best cruise deals, there is no better way than to be part of a group. Every major line knows the importance of catering to group cruises and if your party is large enough, you can almost have entire ships all to yourself.

Theme cruises are a popular way of discovering different parts of the world and are often aimed at groups. There is no better way to boost camaraderie and moral than booking a themed cruise holiday and even if you book with friends and family you could stand to save a substantial amount on the listed ticket price.

Music, sports, lifestyle and gay and lesbian cruises are just some of the themed holidays on offer. Whether you are planning a big family reunion or taking your club or society on a big bonding break, theme cruises are highly recommended.

Also popular are the many excursion cruises that are available. Antarctica, Alaska and Caribbean cruises are just some of the sought after options in this category, but you can rest assured that you will be able to find a suitable adventure to suit everyone’s tastes.

Some solo travellers organise groups especially for cruise holidays and this is a great way to bring down the cost of your holiday, as well as meet new people. There will always be special cruises deals available for groups, but last minute cruise deals, may be less easy to find.

Cruising with Royal Caribbean Cruises...

Royal Caribbean cruises are nothing short of perfect and by sailing with them you will have a massive choice, with pleasure and excellent service being guaranteed at all times.

Royal Caribbean have a fleet of 21 ships and as they operate one of the world’s freshest, youngest and extremely innovative cruise fleet, they are extremely proud of the service they offer each and every customer.

With amazing itineraries to the most beautiful destinations, fantastic activities events both on and off the ship, your time as a guest of Royal Caribbean will be unforgettable.

Independence of the Seas is royal Caribbean’s newest addition to their already massive fleet. This is currently the world’s biggest cruise ship and features 15 decks of show-stopping activities to pass the time between ports. Sailing from Southampton, the Independence of the Seas will be operating in the Mediterranean and around Europe.

Royal Caribbean Cruises believe that you shouldn’t be spending most of your holiday flying to ports of departure or arrival, which is why they have more departures from the UK and around Europe than other cruise companies.

The onboard experience on Royal Caribbean ships will have you playing brilliant games of bingo, singing classic hits at karaoke nights, busting those moves you have just learned at the dance classes and with many more activities to take part in, you will never be short of something brilliant to do.

Sailing with Royal Caribbean is a breeze and also promises fun for all the family.

Lake Baikal in Russia...

Lake Baikal is one of Russia’s most popular natural tourist attractions. Not only is it the deepest and oldest lake in the world, it is also one of the clearest and most voluminous. Located in the southeast of Russia’s Siberian region, Lake Baikal is also home to thousands of plant and animal species.

Whether they are adventure seekers or nature lovers, visitors to the lake and its surrounding area will be dazzled by the natural beauty of one of Russia’s most special destinations. The mystery and charm of the lake is reflected in the locals themselves. Their way of life is still permeated by traditions and rituals which developed due to the lake’s ancient role as a holy place of worship. As such, the local culture is distinctly different from that found in the rest of Russia.

As well as the stunning landscape and unique culture of the region, there are also plenty of activities to pursue. The area is perfect for camping, trekking, biking, mountain climbing, kayaking and fishing, all of which can be arranged in the nearby settlements. Most tourists head to Lake Baikal in the summer to avoid the freezing winter. However, winter visits are gaining in popularity due to activities such as skiing, dog-sledging and ice-fishing.

The fastest way to reach Lake Baikal is by plane. Flights to the nearby towns of Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude are available from all of Russia’s major cities. The Trans-Siberian railway route also runs through Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude. Roads lead from both these towns to the lake itself, the eastern shore being the most easily accessible overland.

Saving on Your Cruise Holiday...

Many holidaymakers can be a little wary of the cost of going on a cruise, but if you know when and how to spend your holiday cash, you might be surprised by how much you can bring down the cost. As always, preparation is the key to success and knowing what to expect will make reducing your cruise holiday expenses so much easier.

Before you book, rule number one is that you never pay the brochure price. The major companies always release fancy brochures with sample pricing for their cruise holidays, but if you shop around for deals you will see that these are significantly over-estimated. Also, if you have some spare time and a lot of friends who you can rely on, it’s even possible to get a free cruise. ‘Group Planners’ who get at least 16 passengers signed up for a cruise are often rewarded with their own cabin, free of charge.

Another area to look at is what destinations are covered en route. Of course, the majority of cruise ships will visit tourist-focused destinations with high prices, but if you do your homework, you will be able to hunt down better deals and also stock up on necessities, instead of paying higher prices on board the ship.

Lastly, wining and dining is an expense that can quickly eat into your holiday budget. Many holiday cruises now provide drink-discounts, whereby you can have a bottle of wine or champagne for each day of the trip for a set price. It is also possible to find offers for non-alcoholic beverages.

Saudi Arabia – Getting around...

Getting around Saudi Arabia is relatively easy.  The bus service is run by the Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company.  All vehicles are equipped with air conditioning and as standing is not allowed, there is always a seat.  For those using the buses for long journeys all are equipped with toilets and they make regular rest stops.  Information on timetables and fares is available in both Arabic and English from the bus company.

Unchaperoned foreign women are able to use the buses if they carry a residency permit or their passport and visa.  Women have the seats at the front of the vehicles and men have the seats at the back.  The buses travel both within Saudi Arabia and internationally. 

Car hire services are available in the larger towns and locally run services are usually cheaper than the big companies.  When hiring a car it is necessary to check if the cost includes full insurance.  Women are not permitted to drive, so are unable to hire a car if they are on their own.

Saudi Arabia boasts the only train services in the Arabian Peninsula.  The service runs from Riyadh to Dammam.  When using the service it is a good idea to make sure you have up to date information as the services change frequently.  There is a luggage weight limit and luggage is transported in a different carriage to passengers.   Luggage and passengers are subject to police checks and x-rays so it is recommended that passengers arrive early. Tickets cannot be purchased without a passport or residency permit.

Disney Cruises – ideal for families...

Travelling with the Disney cruise line, you can experience superb parts of the world and the magic of all things Disney. A Disney cruise really is the pinnacle in fun, entertainment and adventure for all the family.

For both the young at heart and the young, Disney will offer a cruise experience no one will ever forget. With entertainment shows that rival Broadway, Disney cruises will capture your heart and your imagination.

Adults will still enjoy a relaxing cruise, with spa treatments, great meals and quiet parts of the ship, while the children, of whatever age, will love the magic of Disney. Younger children can take part in stimulating activities in safe areas, while the teenagers enjoy playing all the latest video games or chill in a New York style lounge club.

There is something for everyone on a Disney cruise and it is the finishing touches that make it really special. For example, there are digital portholes that show you some familiar faces along with sea views, Disney characters onboard the ship and other fantastic features that will help to make this a most magical holiday.

There are a number of fly cruises and fabulous itineraries available on Disney cruises, which will show you the most amazing parts of the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Most of their cruises take you to Castaway Cay, a magical and picturesque retreat that is exclusive to Disney.

Lose yourself in the magic of Disney onboard a stunning cruise ship and give your family a holiday that they will never forget.

Why go on a Cruise...

A cruise is not only a trip to some amazing and exotic destinations, but it’s also a journey you will never forget. You only have to unpack once when on a cruise and you can relax knowing everything is taken care of.

Believe it or not, your money often goes further when cruising than on a land-based holiday. Everything you could ever wish for is included in the one-time price of your cruise. Food, drinks, entertainment and stunning locations are all part and parcel of your cruise holiday.

Companies such as P&O, Carnival Cruises, Thomson and others, all want your cruise holiday to be as special as possible. That’s why they include what would normally be charged as extras on a ‘normal’ holiday; spacious and luxurious staterooms, mouth-watering food, entertainment both day and night, youth programmes, qualified babysitters, children’s clubs, fitness centres and more, are all included in the price of your cruise.

When cruising for the first time, the first thing to do is to narrow down exactly where you want to go. Select a suitable itinerary, the length of holiday and your port of departure and arrival.

After that, you can book your stateroom, choose the location of the cabin, depending on where on the ship you wish to be and arrange for connecting rooms if you are travelling in a party.

After that comes the easy part, book the cruise holiday of a lifetime and wait for the departure date to come around. You can book through your travel agent, online at reputable holiday dealers or direct with the cruise company.

Getting Around in Egypt...

Most major commercial flights to Egypt land at Cairo International Airport, located about 24kms from the city centre. Borg El Arab, in Alexandria and Luxor airport are the other two large airports in the country serving international travellers.

A valid passport is required for visitors from the United States, Canada and all EU countries. Visa requirements change on short notice, so it’s best to check out current conditions before departing on flights to Egypt.

Domestic flights, within the country, are plentiful and can save lots of time for travellers looking to explore Egypt. National carrier, Egypt Air, handles most domestic flights and while flying from place to place is not the most cost-effective option, it can get you where you want to go, very quickly.

Public transport, throughout the country, is generally safe and reliable. Buses are affordable and run on efficient, well-maintained routes that go to almost every major attraction. Train travel is also reliable, but can be the slowest method of transport. Rail travel, in non-stop, air-conditioned cars, is far better for longer trips than taking the slower trains that make local stops.

The taxi service is readily available and safe. This is an inexpensive option and taxis operate from all the main tourist destinations. Some services even offer large vehicles capable of transporting up to a dozen people. The only real downside of travelling by taxi is that you won’t have much control over when you leave, especially if you’re on board a large, group service vehicle. It is also difficult to discover how long it will take to get to your next destination.

Find a luxury cruise with Carnival Cruises...

If you are looking to save on your cruise holiday this year, Carnival will come highly recommended. Not only can they offer all the popular destinations of other cruise operators, but you can often find the same cruise for a significantly cheaper price – provided you book at the right time of course.

Carnival cruises have one objective on mind – fun. Each ship of their impressive fleet can provide an exhilarating selection of activities and entertainment that is sure to appeal to all members of the family.

Their ships are separated into different classes, to differentiate between size and capacity, and there are some truly spectacular boats on display.

One of the highlights is the Carnival Valor, which is part of the Conquest Class. The Ivanhoe theatre is easily the glamorous centrepiece, but other attractions include the Twister waterslide, the Carnival Valor Shogun Club Casino and the Valor Spa.

If you are looking for a cruise holiday for the family that will also give you some time to yourself, the Valor will be the perfect choice. As well a host of clubs and venues that are strictly ‘kids-only’, there are some real luxurious restaurants and bars that will be perfect locations to while away an evening.

Carnival Cruises know that the cruise market is changing – more and more young travellers are being attracted to holidays on the seas. However, they can still appeal to experienced cruisers and know exactly what to provide for an unforgettable experience. Carnival will be a great choice to suit everyone’s requirements.