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Having just returned from a fabulous cruise around the Caribbean I really couldn’t recommend it enough as the perfect winter sun destination.

I sailed with Norwegian cruise lines with their relaxed atmosphere, free all inclusive and freestyle dining, however most cruise lines have many ships sailing around the islands between October and March, some even all year round, but our winter is the best time of year to visit the Caribbean. So if you prefer smaller or large ships, formal or informal, loud or quiet there is always an itinerary and cruise line to suit your requirements.

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The Caribbean islands are mainly split into 3 sectors, Eastern, Western and Southern.

My first cruise was to the Western Caribbean, sailing from Miami we visited Jamaica, Bahamas and Cayman Islands. I thought these were stunning with plenty to do, whether lie on the soft golden beaches, climb Dunn’s River falls or shop in the array of tax free shopping I was in heaven. My passenger’s always told me the Southern Caribbean was the place to go, so this was the destination of my most recent cruise and wow, sometimes I feel like I dreamt the holiday now. The pictures that you see are really how these islands look, I was slightly worried with the aftermath of the hurricanes but they have recovered well. We began in Puerto Rico, stopping off at Barbados, St Kitts, Martinique, Antigua and St Thomas. The people are so welcoming and friendly and love us English.

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Southern Caribbean itineraries tend to sail from Barbados (P&O, Carnival and MSC), or San Juan in Puerto Rico (NCL, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity). The most visited islands are Aruba, Bonaire, Martinque, Barbados and Dominica. The islands that mainly cover the Eastern Caribbean are St Martin, St Thomas, St Kitts and US Virgin Islands, with most of the major cruise lines sailing around here you can take your pick from anywhere between a 5-14 night cruise, the longer the cruise the more ports you get to experience.

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Some people have said to me once you visit one Caribbean Island you’ve visited them all, or that they all look the same. I don’t agree, to me each one I have visited has offered something very different. From Volcanic landscapes and lush rainforests, wide long beaches to tiny secluded coves, local rum tasting and traditional bbqs to local culture and dancing, snorkling and swimming with stingrays, or just relax with a cocktail watching the sun set from your private verandah.

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Add on a few days hotel stay pre cruise, go shopping in Miami, or venture around Old San Juan amongst the little art and craft shops and colourful Colonial Spanish buildings. The Caribbean has it all and really is the world in your oyster and I for one am already planning my next trip

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I would love to share stories and hear which islands I need to see next, so for any advise or questions to help plan your perfect Caribbean cruise please get in touch with me

marcia@cruiseclubuk.com or call 0161 798 2516

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Did you know here at Cruise Club UK we have a Loyalty Bonus Scheme. Book your chosen cabin type and you can receive up to 50 Bonus Points (1 Point = £1) That’s a saving of up to £50 off your next cruise booked with us.  

 

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I will be sailing with Norwegian cruise lines on the NCL Dawn, this is a mid sized ship initially launched in 2002 but in 2016 went through an extensive refurbishment, she is known for having some of the largest accommodation at sea, along with over a dozen dining options capitalizing on Norwegians freestyle policy. New features include Los Lobos cantinas, an upscale Mexican restaurant exclusive to this ship, I will definitely be stopping off at The Cellars, a Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar for a wine tasting, and have only heard fabulous reviews about the Teppenyaki restaurant.

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NCL cruise lines are a 4 star cruise line that specializes in Freestyle cruising, there are no set meal times, plenty of speciality restaurants and now they are fully all inclusive including a Premium all inclusive drinks package and gratuities, so plenty opportunity to try a few cocktails and no need to worry about who your going to tip. Their ships stand out mainly for their colourful nature, inside the ship is an abundance of colour, from the main atrium to the cabins and walkways, to the murals painted on the bow of the ship, making them stand out from all other lines.

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Boarding in San Juan sailing 7 night itinerary around the Caribbean Islands stopping at Barbados for our first port of call and one I am most excited about. Barbados epitomises all what the Caribbean has to offer, colourful buildings in Bridgetown itself, but it is the laid back atmosphere and golden sandy beaches that mostly attracts visitors.

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Martinique is our next port, part of the Lesser Antilles Islands and is described as an overseas region of France, its shores are bathed in the West by the Caribbean Sea and in the East by the Atlantic Ocean, there is a distinctive blend of French and West Indian influences in both food and architecture. Fields of bananas and pineapples can be seen whilst driving around the island

St Kitts is mainly known for its mountainous rainforest and vast beaches of white, gray, and black sands from its volcanic structure. Here we have booked an off road 4×4 tour through the island which is going to be an experience never to forget

St Johns in Antiqua has been described to me as paradise and one of the most beautiful islands in the Southern Caribbean, known as a honeymoon island, the beaches are plentiful. Nelsons dockyard is a cultural heritage site and marina, the roads to here offer some of the best on the island

St Thomas in US Virgin Island is one of the most popular cruise destinations, with its crystal clear waters and sandy beaches, and is most suited for beach, boat trips and snorkelling. You can actually walk on the sea bed wearing a helmet, called Helmet diving or even a scooter, it is something I have never seen before and is very intriguing

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So I have a very busy cruise planned, if you too are interested in getting away from this dark British weather to some winter sunshine, email me today. Keep an eye out in December to hear all about how I got on

Email or call me to discuss your dream cruise: marcia@cruiseclub.com 0161 798 2516

Follow us on our social media channels for Exclusive Offers – Cruise News – Blogs – Competitions & much more:

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Did you know here at Cruise Club UK we have a Loyalty Bonus Scheme. Book your chosen cabin type and you can receive up to 50 Bonus Points (1 Point = £1) That’s a saving of up to £50 off your next cruise booked with us.  

 

 

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Counting down to my cruise next week I am excited to visit somewhere new, have a little bit of winter sun and try a new cruise line

After so many of our customers have recommended Norwegian cruise lines and hearing so many good reports I’m taking the plunge and giving them a try

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We have a night beforehand staying at La Concha beach resort in the Condado area, a 5* deluxe resort situated right on the beach. A perfect way to begin our holiday and situated equal distance from the airport and Old Town its the ideal combination of making the most of what San Juan has to offer.

The city appears to me in 2 halves, Old town San Juan, which is the main city center with the port, narrow cobbled streets, colourful old buildings, art and Latin life. Condado is located about a 10 minute drive from the old town, this is a beach front promenade area and strikes me as being more touristy, with an abundance of shops, bars, restaurants, hotels and casinos

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It will be interesting to see how the island has recovered from the aftermath of the recent hurricanes, from reading it seems that most of the large hotels are almost running as normal now with only a handful still remaining closed.

San Juan is the Capital city on the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, it is both an initial embarking port and one of the most popular ports of call for many cruise itineraries. Visiting San Juan offers something for everyone, the long golden beaches, colourful Spanish colonial buildings and La Fortaleza, a huge fortress overlooking the blue ocean, and of course it is the home of rum and Pina coladas so a little sampling will be taking place and a visit to the Barcadi distilery

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Carry on and read my next blog to find out where I will be going on my cruise

Email or call me to discuss your dream cruise: marcia@cruiseclub.com 0161 798 2516

Follow us on our social media channels for Exclusive Offers – Cruise News – Blogs – Competitions & much more:

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Did you know here at Cruise Club UK we have a Loyalty Bonus Scheme. Book your chosen cabin type and you can receive up to 50 Bonus Points (1 Point = £1) That’s a saving of up to £50 off your next cruise booked with us.  

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Royal Caribbean New cruise program 2019-2020:

Quantum class ship for the 1st time in Alaska.

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Ovation of the seas will finish her Asia Pacific cruises and move over to Alaska offering 7 night cruises from Seattle and Joining her will be the Radiance of the seas sailing out of  Seward, Alaska, and Vancouver so an option to board in the port of your choice disembark from another. So Again another frontier opened up for you and Royal.

romeNew European options: 

Oasis of the seas  new to Europe for 2019  7 night options. 

You will have the opportunity to visit a wide range of different ports from the new program with the likes of  Visby, Sweden, Zadar, Croatia, Portofino  Italy: 

 The Oasis of the seas will be doing a 7 nights round trip from Barcelona taking in the western Mediterranean.

Something for all the family.

 New Caribbean options: 

Central Park Neighbourhood on board Oasis Class Ships
Central Park Neighbourhood on board Oasis Class Ships

Oasis Ships:

Harmony, Allure, Oasis, Symphony.

All of the above ships are going to be based in Florida for the 2019-20 season offering eastern & western Caribbean itineraries.

The Oasis of the seas will go in for a Multi-Million make over before relaunch for the Port of Miami sailings for the 2019-20 cruising program.

The new ship Symphony of the seas will re-position back the Miami after the European program has end in fall of 2018 and will be in all year round.

Royal Caribbean will have a lot more option sailing from Galveston Texas, San Juan, Bermuda & Bahamas , Bayonne, and also Boston. 

Mini Cruises in the Caribbean 2- 4 Nights: 

Navigator of the seas & Mariner of the seas:

Mariner has been in the Asia region for a few years and  will be back in the Home port of Miami for the Mini cruise options to Port Canaveral with her sister ship Navigator pf the seas

will be in the home port of Miami throughout the Summer season 2018.

New England Summer & fall:

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  Last but not least the Anthem of the seas offering a 10-11 nights options to Canada & new England with its foliage and beautiful scenery changing before your very eyes:

7 nights you also can choose to sail from Boston on the Serenade of the seas:  

so lets keep you posted on whats happening with Royal Caribbean check out our website:

Follow us on our social media channels for Exclusive Offers – Cruise News – Blogs – Competitions & much more:

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Did you know here at Cruise Club UK we have a Loyalty Bonus Scheme. Book your chosen cabin type and you can receive up to 50 Bonus Points (1 Point = £1). That’s a saving of up to £50 off your next cruise booked with us.  

Email or call me to discuss your dream cruise: Olive@cruiseclubuk.com 0161 798 2546

 

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Visit two islands with one port of call when your next cruise docks in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Being the most southern islands in the Caribbean, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago lies just 6 miles off of the North-East coast of Venezuela, South America.

Parlatuvier Bay, Tobago
Parlatuvier Bay, Tobago

They have two seasons each year: Dry Season, which is the first five months of the year, with the Wet Season being the remaining seven months of the year.

The two ports which are open to cruise ships are; Port of Spain in Trinidad and Port of Scarborough in Tobago.  Being just a twenty minute ferry ride apart, you can plan your visit to whichever of the Twin islands quite easily, due to the very frequent ferries that operate each day. The cost is also very minimal, at just £6 per adult, each way.

Having visited Tobago myself, it is a haven for beach lovers. They offer stunning, relaxing beaches with local crafts and food for sale. They have small markets close to beaches giving you the option to browse for souvenirs at your own freewill. Be sure to try the fruit here, its cheap and so fresh! Just what you need on a hot summers day in the Caribbean.

Cumana Bay, Trinidad
Cumana Bay, Trinidad

Trinidad is of course renowned for their Carnival which is one of THE most attended carnivals in the world, taking place February each year. Here you can witness the most Extravagant-barely there costumes, vibrant colours, dancing, music, food and some of the most beautiful women on the island. Known as “The Original Carnival” it is certainly something to witness if you are sailing here when it is on.

So if you are sailing into one of the beautiful twin islands of Trinidad & Tobago on your next cruise, and you want to see the sister island, take a ferry and explore! Be sure to check your “All Aboard” time, you don’t want to miss the boat!

Follow us on our social media channels for Exclusive Offers – Cruise News – Blogs – Competitions & much more:

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Did you know here at Cruise Club UK we have a Loyalty Bonus Scheme. Book your chosen cabin type and you can receive up to 50 Bonus Points,

(1 Point = £1) That’s a saving of up to £50 off your next cruise booked with us.  

Email or call me to discuss your dream cruise: Michellehaslam@cruiseclubuk.com 0808 278 0342

 

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Wouldn’t it be wonderful to spend 131 night on board a cruise ship, sailing the globe? Well, imagine just how spectacular that would be on board an Intimate Luxury ship with Regent Seven Seas Cruise Line.

The beautiful Seven Seas Mariner cruise ship will be sailing the 131 night world cruise in 2020. This will be a takeover from the current ship, Navigator which is hosting the world voyages in 2018 and 2019.

The intimate ship will dry dock in spring 2018 to get ready for her world voyage. Passengers can sail round trip from San Francisco or Miami.

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San Francisco Skyline

Visiting 66 ports in 30 countries on six continents, the 700 passenger ship will be offering some of the best ports of call in the world. In total, there will be 13 overnight port stops, with passengers have the opportunity to visit 36 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ports of call will include Central America, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Arabian Peninsula, South Pacific and India.

Passengers who are lucky enough to experience the whole world cruise, are also entitled to many other perks which include a Lord of the Rings themes dinner in the Auckland War, and the choice of excursions from a list of over 300 complimentary tours.

One of my favourite perks for the World Cruise Passengers embarking in San Francisco is a California cuisine dinner at the Ritz Carlton. Nice!!!

As well as all the other fantastic perks offered, the full world cruise passengers can have FREE ROUND TRIP first-class airfare. On board medical care, luggage service and unlimited laundry & pressing is another benefit.

Of course, these benefits are all in addition to the standard Regent benefits for all passengers. These include complimentary speciality restaurant meals, gratuities, airport transfers, beverages and WI-FI.

Did you know here at Cruise Club UK we have a Loyalty Bonus Scheme. Book your chosen cabin type and you can receive up to 50 Bonus Points (1 Point = £1). That’s a saving of up to £50 off your next cruise booked with us.  

If you would like assistance with your next cruise booking, or have any questions, please contact me on 0161 798 2512 or email me Michellehaslam@cruiseclubuk.com – I am always happy to help.

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Disney Cruise Lines have announced they are building their SEVENTH cruise ship

Last year, the magical cruise line announced they would have an additional two new ships in their fleet by 2021 and 2023. With the two new ships on order, they have today announced they have up-sized their ship order from two to three new ships.

The third new ship is set to be debuting in 2022.

All three ships are designed the same with around 1,250 cabins on board. This will offer occupancy to 2,500 guests. These are slightly larger than the last two ships from Disney, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy launched back in 2011 and 2012.

The three new ship names, itineraries and designs are all still being developed and are yet to be announced by the family cruise line. It is said that each ship will have its own unique features.

The Chairman of Walt Disney said that two new ships would not be enough to hold all of the new experiences they have been planning for the ships, that is why they have another on the Horizon. The new ships are set to transform the art of cruising and take guests on adventures in a way they have never dreamed before.

Now, I don’t know about you but i am a huge Disney fan and this is very exciting news! Having travelled to the Disney parks in Florida and Los Angeles, i know exactly what this company are capable of and blowing your mind is certainly one thing they do very well.

Did you know here at Cruise Club UK we have a Loyalty Bonus Scheme. Book your chosen cabin type and you can receive up to 50 Bonus Points (1 Point = £1). That’s a saving of up to £50 off your next cruise booked with us.  

If you would like assistance with your next cruise booking, or have any questions, please contact me on 0161 798 2512 or email me Michellehaslam@cruiseclubuk.com – I am always happy to help.

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The Independence of the Seas is undergoing a major face lift, adding some fantastic new features.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line are well known for doing things on a large scale including building the largest ship in the world, the Harmony of the Seas.

As of summer 2018, the Independence of the Seas cruise ship, one of three in the Freedom Class of ships, will offer some first-at-sea stuff on board to passengers.

With a multi-million pound makeover, she is set to blow your minds! Already home to many activities on board, including the Flow Rider, Rock Climbing Wall, Ice Skating, H20 Water zone and large cinema screen on top deck, she will be introducing exciting activities such as Laser Tag, An Escape Room, Trampoline park and a couple of water slides!

Current H20 Zone on board Independence of the Seas

Laser Tag will be fun for all guests on board. Children and Adults alike can play a game of Laser Tag to brighten up there days. Bright Colours will make this a great experience for all.

The Escape room will allow passengers to try themselves and their brains to see if they have what it takes to Escape.

Bounce anyone? It is one of my favourite activities and I am sure most of you enjoy jumping on a Trampoline. With fitness and fun combined, this is a great sport for family and friends.

Adding to the exciting H20 Zone on board for children, there are going to be two wild water slides offered for children AND ADULTS!!!

If she didn’t float your boat before (excuse the pun) she certainly will now. The Independence of the Seas has so much to offer on board for all guests. What are you waiting for? Secure your place on board now.

Did you know here at Cruise Club UK we have a Loyalty Bonus Scheme. Book your chosen cabin type and you can receive up to 50 Bonus Points (1 Point = £1). That’s a saving of up to £50 off your next cruise booked with us.  

If you would like assistance with your next cruise booking, or have any questions, please contact me on 0161 798 2512 or email me Michellehaslam@cruiseclubuk.com – I am always happy to help.

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What is the first thing you do when you embark a cruise ship?

When I embark my cruise, the first thing I do is head straight up to the top deck by the pool and grab a cocktail. I will generally sit and stay here for an hour or so, taking in the new surroundings and people on board. In this time my husband has usually made his way to the buffet restaurant to get a head start on the “eating” week ahead. After an hour or so relaxing and checking out what the top deck has to offer, we make our way down the ship, deck-by-deck. This gives us a chance to see some of the ship before the rest of the passengers are on board.

When we are finished with having a walk around, if our cabin is ready we will go and check it out. Then we will head back up to the top deck to soak up more sun and cocktails.

I am sure most of you agree, one thing I hate to have to do when I embark is go to the muster drill. I feel as though my holiday has just got going and then It is put on hold for a very short while for the drill. Sitting there waiting for the other passengers to arrive at the drill is almost as annoying! I try to be the last one there, so I am the first out. And, lets be honest, the Drill is not the most entertaining to keep your attention.

This is why I think Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd are brilliant to have introduced an eight-minute video for their muster drill, which is designed to bring some fun to the dreaded drill on board!

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All three brands; Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruise Line & Royal Caribbean Cruise Line will all be introducing the new video across their fleets. Azamara Club Cruises and Celebrity Cruise Line have already been showing the video on their ships, RCCL will introduce on their ships this month.

Named as “Operation: Little Bear” – The new muster video is a short film following the adventures of a secret agent who has been sent on board a cruise ship to intercept a gold teddy before it gets in to the hands of the wrong person. The agent on board has an off ship partner who supports her and helps her navigate around the ship and all of the safety procedures she will need to follow along the way.

According to the Cruise Company, the film will dramatize the do’s and don’ts of the safety on board in an entertaining way and promote the recall of safety messages.

So, lets hope the muster drill is no longer dreaded and is more welcomed by passengers.

If you would like assistance with your next cruise booking, or have any questions, please contact me on 0161 798 2512 or email me Michellehaslam@cruiseclubuk.com – I am always happy to help.

 

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Nicknamed as the “Big Easy”, New Orleans is a Louisiana city located on the Mississippi River, close to the Gulf of Mexico.

For the first time in three years, Royal Caribbean will be docking the Vision of the Seas cruise ship here for the 2018/19 winter season, offering seven night sailings to the Bahamas and Mexico.

Prior to moving to New Orleans in December 2018, the ship will sail two 16-night Panama Canal voyages from Miami to Los Angeles, and then from Los Angeles to New Orleans. This will also be the first time in 3 years that Royal Caribbean will offer Panama Canal sailings.

Well known for its vibrant live-music and twenty-four-seven nightlife, New Orleans has lots of offer. The festival spirit will be in full swing when they sail the winter season, with the late-winter carnival renowned for its raucous costume parades and street parties. The French quarter is a great place to hang out with jazz music sounding all day and all night long. Be sure to try the cuisine whilst there, as the city is French-Founded, this has a huge influence over the food.

New Orleans Paddle Steamer (Riverboat)
New Orleans Paddle Steamer (Riverboat)

Music is a Huge part of the New Orleans culture, with a huge thanks to legend Louis Armstrong who was a native of the Big Easy, and now has a public park named after him; Louis Armstrong Park. New Orleans International Airport is named New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport.

Louis Armstrong Statue in Louis Armstrong park
Louis Armstrong Statue in Louis Armstrong park

 

It could be that famous play writer Thomas Lanier “Tennessee” Williams III said it better than anyone: “America has only three cities; New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans.” Even the Bright lights of Las Vegas and the Sky High buildings of New York do not compare to this unique city. New Orleans is a place like no other with a must see SkyLine for everyone visiting.

New Orleans, Louisiana, Skyline
The New Orleans, City Skyline

 

This is a place on my bucket list that I will definitely be visiting and to combine with my favourite cruise line of all time is a must for me. So, if your sailing on the Vision of the Seas from New Orleans, I may see you there.

If you would like assistance with your next cruise booking, or have any questions, please contact me on 0161 798 2512 or email me Michellehaslam@cruiseclubuk.com – I am always happy to help.

 

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