Recipe of the week: Sea bass with sauce vierge by Marco Pierre White

I found a great recipe book in my desk draws from P&O Cruises and thought I would share some of the entires with you. The following is a recipe by Marco Pierre White.

About Marco
By the age of 33, Marco Pierre White had been awarded three Michelin stars, becoming the youngest Briton bestowed with this accolade. Just last year Marco was the Head Chef in ITV's 'Hell's Kitchen' and has been dubbed the ‘godfather of modern cooking’.
The P&O Cruises fleet has three venues featuring Marco Pierre White's cuisine; The White Room on board Ventura, Cafe Jardin on board Oceana and Cafe Bordeaux on board Aurora. Simple, yet beautiful dishes will be the order of the day – classic Italian fare at its very best.


Sea bass with sauce vierge

Ingredients

• 8 small vine tomatoes
• 150ml olive oil, plus extra for brushing and cooking
• Pared zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 2tsp coriander seeds
• Handful fresh basil leaves
• 4 handfuls rocket leaves
• Handful fresh chervil
• 200g cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 fennel bulb, quartered
• 4 small sea bass, cleaned and heads removed
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling

Method

• Preheat the oven to 180C/fan 260C/gassmark 4
• Place the vine tomatoes in a bowl, pour over boiling water and leave for 30 seconds
• Drain and refresh under cold water then peel off the skins
• Deseed and chop the tomatoes then put in a pan over a low heat with olive oil, lemon juice, coriander seeds and basil.
• Warm through for 15 minutes
• Season well. In a bowl, mix the rocket, chervil, cherry tomatoes and lemon zest.
• Heat a griddle pan over a medium heat, brush the fennel with a little oil and griddle for 5-6 minutes, turning occassionally. Set aside.
• Season the sea bass. Heat a little oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat. Fry the fish fish for 1 minute each side, then place on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes.
• Divide the salad, fish, sauce vierge and fennel on plates and drizzle the salad with extra-virgin olive oil.

Enjoy!

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE TO BUILD TWO NEW NEXT GENERATION FREESTYLE CRUISING SHIPS

Following the successful launch of Norwegian Epic, the Company’s largest and most innovative ship to date, Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it has reached an agreement with MEYER WERFT GMBH of Germany to build two new next generation Freestyle Cruising ships for delivery in spring 2013 and spring 2014, respectively.

Each of the 143,500 gross ton vessels - the largest passenger cruise ships to be built in Germany - will have approximately 4,000 passenger berths and a rich cabin mix. Additional details about each ship’s new and exciting features will be released as construction progresses. The contract price for the two vessels is approximately €1.2 billion. The Company has committed financing in place from a syndicate of banks for export credit financing in connection with this project.

“We have always been focused on a disciplined approach to capacity growth. Our decision to add two new ships reflects the significant progress we have made in improving our operating performance and repositioning the Company over the last several years, as well as the strong market demand we are seeing for Norwegian Epic and our other ships,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer.

“Building on the incredible success and popularity of Norwegian Epic, we are taking the best of what our newest ship has to offer, as well as drawing on our legacy of innovation in the cruise industry, in creating a new class of Freestyle Cruising vessel that is sure to provide our guests with the unparalleled freedom and flexibility they have come to expect with Norwegian Cruise Line.”

“We are excited to be returning to MEYER WERFT and are confident that their rich ship building history and expertise will bring our vision to fruition,” added Sheehan.

MEYER WERFT, based in Papenburg, Germany, most recently built Norwegian Cruise Line’s four Jewel-class ships – Norwegian Gem delivered in 2007, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Jade delivered in 2006, and Norwegian Jewel delivered in 2005. These new vessels are the eighth and ninth that the Company will build with MEYER WERFT.

“Norwegian Cruise Line and MEYER WERFT have a long history of working together. We are thrilled to continue our partnership. Our teams work very well together and we are looking forward to building this new, exciting and innovative class of vessels,” said Bernard Meyer, managing partner of MEYER WERFT.

“In addition, the 21,000 employees of the yard and its supplier companies* involved in the construction of the ships appreciate the new project from one of our longstanding customers.”

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the concept of Freestyle Cruising and currently offers guests the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their cruise on their own terms, including multiple dining venues, relaxed attire, a variety of accommodations and world-class entertainment. The Company took Freestyle Cruising to the next level with the introduction of Norwegian Epic in June 2010. The 4,100 passenger vessel has been called the “entertainment ship” with a variety of shows and venues that trump land-based resorts like those found in Las Vegas. Headliners include Blue Man Group, Cirque Dreams™ & Dinner, Legends in Concert, The Second City® Comedy Troupe, Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos and Slam Allen Blues Band.
In addition, the ship features Nickelodeon™ at Sea as part of its wide-range of family offerings. Further innovations include the largest spa at sea, the first true ice bar at sea and The Studios, which are staterooms designed and priced for solo travellers, along with The Villas, the largest suite complex at sea.
“We are bringing this spirit of innovation to these two new build ships, as Norwegian continues to offer our guests new and exciting ways to enjoy their Freestyle Cruising vacation,” said Sheehan.
Click here for great deals from Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Afternoon Tea with Holland America Line

I am just off to our first Ideal Cruising afternoon tea event! There will be presentations from Holland America Line and ourselves and some yummy treats to snack on while we talk cruise.
Fingers crossed it all goes well so that we can start rolling them out with more cruise lines and, hopefully, around the country. Watch this space for piccies but in the mean time, here is my favourite sailing we are offering with Holland America Line - 11 night Bermuda Cruise & New York stay

Announcing Celebrity Reflection

I've just read that Celebrity Cruises has announced the name of the fifth Celebrity Solstice Class ship - Celebrity Reflection.

Michael English, Head of Field Sales for Celebrity Cruises, UK & Ireland, stated "I’m excited to announce the fifth Solstice Class ship will be named ‘Celebrity Reflection.’ Further details to follow soon."

 

Celebrity Reflection will be joining Celebrity Solstice, Equinox, Eclipse and the shortly awaited Solstice as the fifth of the class. As names go, it's not my favourite but the class she is joining definately gets top marks. I've been on Equinox and Eclipse and can not fault anything. There is a certain 'je ne sais quoi' as soon as you step on board; with some of the most attractive features I've seen on a ship, fantastic staff, and exceptional food.

All the ships offer great itineraries and Celebrity Eclipse sails straight from Southampton meaning you can step into the 5* luxury without the hassle of a flight!

To pre-pay or not to pre-pay, that is the question...?

Over the last couple of months Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have been encouraging UK customers (through agents) to pre-pay their gratuities before they get on board. It's turned out to be a bit more controversial than I expected.

The UK and the US have very different habits when it comes to the subject of tipping, otherwise known as gratuities. In the US they are accustomed to tipping for anything and everything, and at least 15%. In the UK we tip for good service and probably more around the 10% mark and we generally dont appreciate when it's included in the bill regardless of the standard of service given. So what about on cruise ships?

Pluses...

• Avoid the hassle whilst you're on board
• Great for budgeting
• Utilise the more flexible dining options (e.g. My Time Dining with Royal Caribbean)
• Generally benefit from better currency conversion rates so you save money
• You get given vouchers to allocate out as you wish
• You still still have the option to remove it or reduce it should you feel that the service you have been given doesn't meet your standards

Negatives...

• .....I can't think of anything!!! Unless you have a personal dislike for doing it this way, as far as I can see there is no down side.

Generally speaking Royal Caribbean add on about £5 per day. When you think of all the people that you would tip on a normal cruise (your canin steward, waiters, bartenders, etc), I think this is a really reasonable amount when you think of what you would spend normally.
People also think that they would get a reduced level of service because the crew have 'nothing to prove' but they are made aware if you have paid already and are generally happier beacuse they know that they are going to get it at the end of the voyage rather than potentially nothing at all.

So, in short, would I pre-pay my gratuities before cruise? The answer would have to be yes!

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have great offers on for September including free parking, free spend and some complimentary upgrades. These offers end 30th September after which prices are set to rise!

National Cruise Week - 19-26 September 2010

National Cruise Week has come around again and is promising to be bigger and better than ever!

The main aim of the week is to bring cruising to the forefront and increase awareness of the excellent value for money that these holdays offer.

Here is ten grest reasons to cruise...

1. You can visit a number of places, without the hassle of packing and re-packing. There is a cruise for everyone; whether you're looking for a 6* luxury voyage or a 2 night mini break to Cork. Regardless of the number of ports, you'll only need to unpack once!

P&O Cruises sail out of Southampton all year round. Click here for more information.

2. Freedom! When you're on board a ship, travelling from port to port you have the freedom of the ship and all its amenities, most of which are free of charge, which beats being stuck in a single seat on a flight each time. You can even sail straight from Southampton, avoiding flying completely should you wish.

3. Meet like minded people are you feast on delicious courses around a shared table, sipping a cocktail at the bar or lazing on a lounger by the pool. There are loads of on board enrichment programmes that you can sign up for (some free, some do cost) where you can meet new people with shared interests.

4. Cashless system on board. Don't worry about counting the coins out of your purse every time you want a drink. Cruises are generally full board, your accommodation, entertainment and dining is included in the price of your ticket as well as most on board activities so all you need to account for is the additional spend of drinks (for which there are discounted packages), any shore excursions (which you can do yourself) and speciality dining (definately worth the cover charge for a great night out). You can also add your gratuities on before you leave, reducing the cost of you on board account and the worry of double tipping. Many cruise lines now offer on board credit when you book your cruise.

Azamara Club Cruises have a great promotion on at the moment with up to $1,200 on board spend!!! Baring in mind your gratuities are already included as well as all your soft drinks and house wine with lunch and dinner, this is an amazing amount of money to spend. Click here for more details on their offers - deal does end 23rd September though.

5. Take the red tape. Some places are difficult to gain visas for, St Petersburg for example. When you take an excursion with a cruise line you are noramlly covered by their visas. This not only saves you money but also takes a lot of the hassle and inconvenience away from you.

6. A great choice of entertainment. Like to dance the night away? See a West End-style show? Or catch a comedy act? Most ships have such a wide variety of entertainment choice, something for every taste and age.

Royal Caribbean's ship are renowned for their on board activites; from climbing walls to surf simulators and mini-golf. Click here to find out more.

7. It's all about the food! If you wanted to you could have bfreakfast, brunch/elevenses, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, supper and a midnight snack. Should your belt strap allow it you could eat 24 hours a day, included room service free of charge. From relaxed burgers at a the Lido restaurant to a formal 4-course meal, the choice is yours. Most ships have speciality dining on board which does have a cover charge but these are often worth a try as the food is stunning!

8. Kids clubs are available on almost all the ships. If your kids are within the age groups specified, there are kids clubs to entertain and stimulate them while you are relaxing on deck with a drink in hand. There is often babysitting services as well so you can enjoy a night out without worrying what the little nippers are up to.

9. Tick off your to do. If you have a wish list of places to visit you can work your way through them with just one cruise! From a 103 night full world cruise to an exotic voyage to the Far East or a 14 night calling at the iconic ports of the Med.

10. Designed for you. If you can't decide between a land-based holiday and a cruise, why not have the best of both worlds and book a cruise and stay. Add a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay in port for a couple of nights, exploring the best of the destination and the fun of the cruise. New York is a particular favourite of mine.

Any more questions? Just ask.

Queen Elizabeth - here I come!!!

I've just received my invite to an agent overnight on board the brand new Queen Elizabeth! Watch this space for my review and, for my sins, the updated 'Steak Stakes'!

Anyone for a cocktail?

There is nothing better than sitting out in the sun with a chilled cocktail in hand. Having worked my way through many cocktail menus there is a definate winner....

The Caipirinha

Should you wish to try making one yourself, here's the recipe....

Ingredients
2 limes, chopped into segments

3 tsp white granulated sugar
65ml Cachaca
large handful ice - preferably crushed

Using a muddle or the end of a wooden rolling pin/spoon, mash the limes and the sugar together. Add the Cachaca and some some of the ice cover and shake. To serve simply pour into a highball glass and serve - lime skins and all.

Have a play around, I prefer more lime in mine as cachaca can be a little strong. Enjoy!

The Crown Princess - a feeling of déjà vu

I visited the Crown Princess last week for the morning. It was the first Princess ship that I had been on and, generally, I liked it. A lot of people I have spoken to who have cruise on a number of brands have rated Princess really highly. As a result I had high expectations.

Wondering through the ship I liked a lot of the features but I couldnt shack a feeling of Déjà vu....until it struck me, I'd wandered the same corridors on Azura earlier this year! The layout is incredibly similar, down to the speciality restaurants being in the same place. This isn't necessarily a bad thing though I think I prefer Azura (it might have something to do with the magpie in me liking the new, shiney features!). Talking of bling - check out the atrium, possibly one of my favourite.

Here are, in my opinion, the best bits of the Crown Princess;

• Movies Under The Stars - I could really imagine laying on a sun lounger in the middle of a Caribbean cruise, sipping a cocktail and watching a movie - a great area for all the family.



The Lotus Spa Pool

• The Sanctuary - an adult only 'oasis of tranquility'. This is a great area to get away from kids. Not having any of my own at the moment my tolerance of screaming kids running around is slight! At a cost of $10pp for half a day I thought this was quite reasonable.
• Lotus Spa - really nice area to have a treatment or two after working up a sweat in the fully-equipped fitness centre.
• The Premium Suite (L106) - the layout and size of this cabin far outshone the Penthouse suite (the grade above). The view was obstructed but the cabin more than made up to it

• Sabatini's (& Adagio) - this speciality restaurant and bar had a great atmosphere, and space to sit outside with a waterfountain. If there is a large group as well, there is a chance that you could book out a section, or all of Adagios. There is a cover charge of $20 for this restaurant and definately worth every penny.
• The Atrium - bling, bling, bling!

The general atmosphere on board was bright, airy and a touch of luxury without the snobbery. I would definately consider going on a cruise with Princess.

There are some great deals with Princess Cruises at the moment. Click here for more information

'The Steak Stakes'

I've just got back from the Crown Princess. Lunch was served in the Botticelli Dining Room. It was a four course menu of shrimp and melon, pasta with elephant garlic(!?) and a tomato sauce, followed by chateubriand and a chocolate souffle for pudding.

The Chateubriand on Crown Princess

All round the service and the food was at a good standard and the dining room itself was pleasant.

The 'Steak Stakes'...

1. Celebrity Equinox in the Silhouette Restaurant
2. NCL in the Churrasceria restaurant (here they keep bringing the meat around until you say stop!)
3. Celebrity Eclipse in the Moonlight Sonata Restaurant
4. Azura in the Peninsular Restaurant
5. Azamara in Prime C
6. Queen Mary 2 in the main restaurant
7. Crown Princess in the Botticelli Dining Room
8. Queen Victoria in the main restaurant
9. MSC in L'Edera Restaurant

Introducing the Steak Stakes!

Every ship I visit or cruise on I have the steak - there is nothing like a steak on board a cruise ship. After chatting to my lovely mum about this blog, she came up with the 'Steak Stakes'. On every ship visit I will force myself to partake in the mourish steak (subject to availability) and rate it against the others I have had the joy of sampling.

Fillet Mignon at Price C

The 'Steak Stakes'...

1. Celebrity Equinox in the Silhouette Restaurant
2. NCL in the Churrasceria restaurant (here they keep bringing the meat around until you say stop!)
3. Celebrity Eclipse in the Moonlight Sonata Restaurant
4. Azura in the Peninsular Restaurant
5. Azamara in Prime C
6. Queen Mary 2 in the main restaurant
7. Queen Victoria in the main restaurant
8. MSC in L'Edera Restaurant

I'm on Crown Princess tomorrow for a ship visit so I'll update this once I've had the difficult task of sampling their steak! - it's a hard job but someones got to do it :-)

A taste of the exotic with Princess Cruises

I have spent most of September pouring over images of far off, exotic destinations. Princess Cruises launched their 2011/12 exotics brochure and it features some amazing itineraries as well as additional tours to bolt on. I've always fancied travelling South America so some of the itineraries really appealed to me.

I have had a taste of South America. Last year I went to Brazil with a group of friends just before Christmas for a wedding and visited the iconic Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls.
Rio is a city like no other that I've seen. Walking along the streets the locals just ooze confidence (occanssionally boardering on arrogance!) and they are all so proud of their nationality. 'The Brits' unfortunately brought the rain with us but the monsoon weather didnt stop us exploring.

Rather that write down everything I did, here is my Top 5 things to do in Rio:
- Drink a Caipirinha from a hut along Copacobana or Ipenema beach (or any beach really, Caipirinha's are almost cheaper than water to drink out there)
- Take a cable-car up to the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain. I actually hiked up the first mountain which was amazing but I would only suggest it if you are fit and have a guide, it would be easy to get a bit lost along the trail, especially if its wet.
- Eat at a comida à quilo (literally meaning food by the kilo). Here you pile your plate with as much food as you can cope with. They work out the price based on the weight of the plate. These were the best places to eat for the vegetarians in the group.

- Take the tram up Cocorvado to visit Christ the Redeemer. This has the best views of the city on a clear day but if the clouds are in then there is no point. I didn't make it up during my stay because every time I tried the clouds came in. At times it was so thick I could barely see a couple of meters in front.

- The Lapa steps. I loved Lapa. It was one of the only areas in the city that had any history. The beautiful building were run down but still had so much about them. In this district, down a few random streets, there is the Lapa Steps; a set of steps decorated using old baths covered in tiles from around the world. The artist still lives half way up the flight and is more than happy to stop an chat with passers by, my friends and I had our picture taken with Selaron. Lapa is also the place to go for a visit to a Samba club. They get hot and sweaty, and there is no such thing as personal space but that is the beauty of the places. They are all about getting together with friends and letting go. There's often food and drink to help re-fuel after an attempt at Samba.

The Worlds Best Brownies

If you love cruising then, like me, you love food! I recently stumbled across the worlds best brownie recipe and thought I would share it with you. It's not the height of sophistication that you would find on board a cruise ship but give it a go. Brownies can be notoriously hard to get just right but this recipe has produced great treats everytime! Enjoy.

Ingredients
• 2 free-range eggs
• 130g/4¾oz caster sugar
• 20g/¾oz butter
• 200g/7oz plain chocolate, broken into pieces
• 30g/1oz plain flour, sifted
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• pinch salt
• 50g/2oz chopped nuts
• And/or 50g/2oz chopped white/milk chocolate

Preparation method
1. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.
2. Whisk together the eggs, sugar until it becomes thick, well combined and lighter in colour. Put this to one side
3. Melt the plain chocolate in a bain marie (or a microwave though watch you don’t over cook it). Stir regularly to avoid burning the chocolate and until it is all combined. Allow to cool.
4. Once cool add the egg and sugar mixture to the chocolate mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Fold the flour, baking powder and salt into the mixture until well combined.
6. Then add the nuts and chopped chocolate.
7. Line a baking tinwith greaseproof paper and pour the mixture in.
8. Place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the brownie biscuits have risen and cracked slightly and are crispy on top but soft in the centre and the tops have.
9. Set aside to cool and harden on a wire rack before serving.

Hint!: As irresistable as these treats will look after they come out do leave them for at least 15 minutes if not longer. If you dive in too early they wouldn't have set and you'll end up with very gooey fingers.

The best meal I've had on a cruise ship was on board Azamara Journey. We ate in the Aqualina restaurant and I died and went to foodie heaven. The waiters were the best, offering advice when my fellow diners and I couldn't decide and bring out additional dishes for us to sample throughout the courses. The cover charge is $15 and I would have happily paid that to eat there every night.
If you are interested in sampling this fine cuisine on board these beautiful boutique ship visit Ideal Cruising.

Azamara Cruises becomes "Azamara Club Cruises"

From April 2010 Azamara Cruises – the two-ship brand launched in 2007 with the 694-guest Azamara Journey and sister ship Azamara Quest – became “Azamara Club Cruises,” with a newly refined focus, and a series of new innovations designed for upmarket, experienced travelers.

“This isn’t a strategy of going ‘from good to great’,” said Azamara Club Cruises President & CEO Larry Pimentel. “This is about taking an already great product and making it exceptional.”

“Today’s cruisers have incredible new vacation options – like Celebrity’s stunning Solstice Class, and Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas,” said Pimentel. “Azamara Club Cruises will distinguish itself by delivering the destination like no other line.”

Azamara Club Cruises will visit 140 ports in 50 countries in 2010, with itineraries featuring more overnight stays to allow guests to immerse themselves in communities and cultures. Among the overnight locations are Istanbul, Turkey; Sorrento, Italy, which offers a host of tour options along the Amalfi Coast and Capri; a full three days and two nights in St.

Petersburg, Russia, on Azamara’s Scandinavia and Russia Itineraries; and multiple overnight stays in Azamara’s Southeast Asia region, including Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong.

“We’re going to slow down the tempo, and allow our guests to not just see the destination, but to live it,” said Pimentel. “Consider destinations like St. Tropez or St. Petersburg, Russia. If you’ve experienced them only by day, you haven’t really experienced them. With Azamara, through more overnight stays and late-night stays, you can.”

The destination focus of Azamara Club Cruises inspired the brand’s new tagline – “You’ll love where we take you” – and will extend to its shore excursions, too, an essential ingredient to allow guests to truly experience a community and its culture.

Azamara has created distinctive two-day packages tailored to the overnight destinations, to make it easy for guests to immerse themselves in each location, whether it’s Dubrovnik, Croatia; Odessa, Ukraine; Livorno (Florence), Italy, Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany, or London, in addition to Sorrento and St. Petersburg.

Azamara also will offer experiences such as a two-night package from Bangkok to Laos; an overnight tour from Hiroshima to Osaka via bullet train; a three-night experience from Mumbai including a visit to the Taj Mahal; overnight tours in Israel between Ashdod and Cairo, and a Grand Egypt tour featuring the best of both Luxor and Cairo.

Among Azamara’s specialty tours include a Ferrari driving tour in Civitavecchia, Italy; a walk down memory lane in Liverpool with the “In the steps of The Beatles” tour; a private demonstration of chocolate flavors in Dubrovnik; a “Theatre A La Carte” evening in London; Croatian liqueur tasting in Zadar; an Imperial Russian Court evening at Tsarskoye Selo in St. Petersburg; an evening gondola serenade in Venice; and high tea at the Burj al Arab Hotel in Dubai.

Praised for its dining experience since its founding, Azamara will continue to place a heavy emphasis on fine cuisine, and will expand its focus on wine to include vintages from boutique wineries around the world. Guests will have the opportunity to taste high quality wines that may be unavailable at home, because the selected vineyards produce a strictly limited quantity each year, distributed primarily locally. The featured wines will be offered complimentary at lunches and dinners on every sailing.

Wellness and vigor will be a core component of the Azamara Club Cruises experience, too, with onboard and land-based experiences designed to help guests feel and look healthier and more youthful. Azamara’s aim in wellness and vigor is to help guests balance their physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual needs through massages, facials and other spa treatments, as well as acupuncture, yoga, Pilates, and enrichment programs.

The newly refined brand also is intensely focused on offering an intangible attribute essential to a successful upmarket product: exceptional service.

“Extraordinary service is paramount with Azamara Club Cruises,” said Pimentel. “We know every travel and hospitality organization proclaims it’s committed to great service, so what will make Azamara stand out? First, our butlers will be trained to be true English butlers, to offer that fine balance of anticipatory, pampering, yet non-intrusive service to guests in every suite.” Guests in staterooms will be served by the line’s host of experienced stateroom attendants.

Azamara Club Cruises also will offer many inclusive amenities, with the following included in the cruise fare beginning with the first voyages in April 2010 on Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest: a specific brand of bottled water offered at no charge throughout the voyage, whether in public venues or in staterooms; specialty coffees and teas; housekeeping and dining gratuities; shuttlebus service to/from port communities, where available; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programs; most meals and room service; house wine at lunches and dinners; and self-service laundry. Specialty dining in Azamara’s intimate Prime C steakhouse and the Mediterranean-influenced Aqualina will be complimentary for suite guests for the duration of their cruise.

For amazing Azamara offers click http://www.idealcruising.co.uk/cruise_line/azamara

Back by popular demand...

From 2011 Celebrity Century will living the life of 'fire & ice'. Summering in the spectacular destination of Alaska before heading down under to Australia and New Zealand and along to Indonesia and French Polynesia.

Like the iconic boomerang believed to have originated in Australia, Celebrity Cruises today announced plans to return to the region in 2011-12, with an enticing new series of vacations on Celebrity Century. Inspired by guest demand, the new itineraries will feature 36 ports in six countries

Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Dan Hanrahan has said “We’re thrilled to return to Australia and New Zealand. It’s a region our guests and trade partners around the world have said they wanted to experience again with Celebrity, pairing our award-winning dining, exceptional service and high style with the beauty, charm and diversity of the area. This move further exemplifies our ‘Designed for you’ platform, and how we fulfill what cruisers desire.”

The lineup will include10 distinct itineraries, with six varied departure ports, including Sydney and Perth (Fremantle), Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; Honolulu, Hawaii; San Diego, California, and Ensenada, Mexico.

This exciting new chapter will start 2nd October 2011, with two consecutive 15-night Hawaii sailings from San Diego, followed by a 10-night Hawaii cruise from Ensenada to Honolulu. An 18-night “Pacific Jewels” voyage departs Honolulu November 11, followed by five 12- and 13-night New Zealand cruises between Sydney and Auckland, including a festive holiday sailing departing Sydney December 24. These offer a more destination-rich experience for cruisers, with only three days at sea, versus five on most competing lines’ itineraries.
If you are looking for that holiday of a life-time the 36-night circumnavigational voyage – a first for Celebrity – could be the answer! Sail around the southern portion of Australia, featuring an overnight stay in Sydney and transits through three sounds – Milford, Doubtful and Dusky – in New Zealand’s World Heritage-designated Fiordland National Park. The second half takes you around Australia’s northern coast, and features a visit to the idyllic island of Bali, Indonesia – marking yet another first for Celebrity.

Among the ports Celebrity will visit for the first time are Geraldton, Broome, Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane, Adelaide, Albany, Bunbury and Perth, Australia, in addition to Burnie, Tasmania, and Bali.

The 1,814-guest Celebrity Century is ideal for offering guests spectacular views of the scenic region, having been refitted in 2006 to add 314 new verandas, along with the elegant Murano restaurant and the truly “cool
Martini ice bar.

Celebrity Cruises is designed for discerning cruisers, with modern, sophisticated environments, impeccable service, enriching and inspiring onboard programs, and world-class cuisine. The ultimate in premium cruising, Celebrity sails in Alaska, California, Canada/New England, Europe, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Caribbean and the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Canada, Europe and South America.

Sailings will go on sale 29th July 2010 and will feature fantastic on board spend so watch this space! 

If you have any questions on Celebrity Cruises or on the Australia sailings, just ask or go online to http://www.idealcruising.co.uk/

If you are in to your cruises then chances are you've heard about the brand new Norwegian Epic, launched at the end of June and I was one of the lucky agents that was on board for a 2 night sailing around the Solent. Norwegian Cruise Line is probably one of the lesser known names in the UK so I took the opportunity to get an interview with Nick Wilkinson, Head of UK Sales for the cruise line. Here is what he had to say...

Norwegian Cruise Line is still relatively unknown in the UK, can you explain the essence of Norwegian Cruise Line?
Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the contemporary Caribbean cruise more than 40 years ago and has a history of exciting, industry-first innovations, from the first private island to the first Kid’s Clubs at sea. Today, our contemporary fleet of 11 big, modern ships offers a luxurious resort-style experience with world-class dining, headline entertainment and a huge range of accommodation.

Who would Norwegian Cruise Line appeal to?
Norwegian Cruise Line appeals right across the board from long-time cruisers to new-to-cruise guests attracted by the resort-style ambiance. Our ships are perfect for family cruising with flexible, adaptable accommodation, exciting Kid’s and Teen’s Clubs and activities and round-the-clock dining choices. High end guests are attracted by our private ship-within-a-ship complex of luxurious Suites and Villas with its own pool, sundeck, butlers, concierge service and more.

What is Freestyle Cruising?
Freestyle Cruising is all about freedom and flexibility. The freedom for guests to plan their days on their schedule, enjoy an unparalleled degree of independence and be as active or as lazy as they choose. We offer the most exciting and varied dining experience at sea with as many as 21 deliciously different global dining choices, the freedom to dine somewhere new morning, noon and evening and at least one restaurant open 24 hours a day. Evenings can be casual dress or formal, just as the guest chooses.

Who are Norwegian Cruise Line main competitors and what makes Norwegian Cruise Line unique?
Our main competitors are Royal Caribbean International and Princess Cruises. What makes us unique is Freestyle Cruising. Every ship in the fleet was purpose built for this very different, creative product that gives guests an unprecedented degree of independence and choice. They can relax and enjoy their holiday, their way.

Why do you think Norwegian Cruise Line offers value for money?
We have a strong commitment to offering great value with a whole range of outstanding dining choices included in the cruise fare. Others, including gourmet experiences, such as Japanese Teppanyaki, Steakhouses and Fine French food are available at a small supplement – much less than one would pay at a land-based resort. Traditional cruising ‘treats’ like 24-hour complimentary room service are available on board all our ships.

Can you tell us about Norwegian Cruise Line itineraries and best destinations?
We cruise in Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, New England in the Fall, Hawaii, the Panama Canal and across the Atlantic. We have a strong commitment to Europe for our UK guests with cruises to the Baltic Capitals and throughout the Mediterranean, including new Egypt and Holy Land cruises in winter 2011/12. In summer 2011 we are bringing the incredible new Norwegian Epic to Europe for the ultimate Western Mediterranean cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Line has just launched the brand new Norwegian Epic. What makes this ship different from the others?
Norwegian Epic, launched in June, is the most eagerly awaited ship of the year. Weighing in at over 150,000 tonnes, she has a wealth of exciting innovations, including more than 20 dining choices, the first genuine Ice bar at sea, six bowling lanes, climbing and abseiling walls, a multi-slide Aqua Park. Accommodation includes a private Courtyard pool complex with deluxe accommodation, exclusive bar and restaurant; Spa Suites and Staterooms; and Studios with keycard access lounge – designed and priced especially for solo travellers.

What is your favourite element of Norwegian Cruise Line?
For me, it’s the on-board resort atmosphere – elegantly relaxed and casual with no deadlines or timetables. It just makes it so easy to unwind and chill into holiday mood the minute you step aboard.

In one sentence, why should people cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line?
Every guest is different and has their own idea of the perfect holiday and that’s why Norwegian Cruise Line offers endless choices, unparalleled freedom and the flexibility to make it just that - perfect.

Any questions or feedback?
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