Cruising Archives - Page 2 of 14 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

And how travel on the seas has changed in the last 50 years it’s Panama that and my little Princess.

Long before she came to reign over all of us The Scary One loves to remind us that she sailed the world.

Crossed the Equator, partied with Neptune, the King of the Oceans.

And crossed the Panama Canal.

All on the way back from Australia to England on a working ship with her parents.

The very programme from those halcyon days emerged as we continued clearing The Major’s endless library.

In the pages of the little Princess’s early atlas of the world.

Fifty years of cruising

The programme, of course, is a time capsule of 1974.

With the evening movie on board the western True Grit.

John Wayne apart it appears that what we all enjoyed then we still do today.

Keep fit, deck games, the pool, and, of course, cocktails.

This night’s was Brandy Alexander.

And music, the Fairskys.

And parties, with Neptune heralding the 1974 fare with the promise of Neophites.

The Princess reign

Where once Sitmar took ex-pats back to Britain from Australia our favourite pleasure cruisers Princess have stepped in.

And they have only dropped us details of their September 2027 through April 2028 season programme.

With 22 departures on five ships.

Including Caribbean Princess, Island Princess, Coral Princess, Emerald Princess and the new Star Princess.

And nine itineraries with cruises sailing from Fort Lauderdale.

Or ocean-to-ocean between Los Angeles or Vancouver on the west coast.

And Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral on the east coast.

Tick off your countries

There are 21 destinations in nine countries.

Including seven UNESCrld Heritage sites such as the Port Fortress of Cartagena.

And The Archaeological Site and Historic District of Panama (from Puerto Amador).

While there are more ashore late-night stays including Cartagena, Aruba and Puerto Amador.

Because we all know that Neptune gains his strength from his queen.

And every queen starts off life as a Princess.

We found a sample 12-day Panama Canal with Costa Rica & Caribbean round trip from Fort Lauderdale from $935.

Taking in Aruba, Cartagena, Panama Canal Partial Transit New Locks, Colon, Panama, Limon, Costa Rica, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and Cozumel, Mexico.

MEET YOU ON THE SEAS

Cruising, Ships

Eat like a Princess, the world’s best culinary cruise ship

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And it is always your goal, to ensure she will eat like a Royal Princess, the mission statement of the world’s best culinary ship.

Now Herself loves a good cruise and drops everything when the ship is in dock.

Or we’re asked to give a new cruise the once-over.

Cruiseheads are often maligned as the newly-wed, overfed and nearly dead which our ship pals take in good part.

Of course, anybody who takes to the seas on these floating hotels will soon park those stereotypes.

When they come face to face with the dining and drinking and entertainment and leisure options.

Eat to the beat

So what goes into the pot to make Royal Princess the World’s Best Culinary Cruise Ship in the World Culinary Awards.

Well, we’ll just sit back and let our cruise chums to do the heavy lifting…

Crown Grill, the line’s signature steakhouse features premium aged beef and fresh seafood prepared to order.

The rich wood décor and classically elegant setting is surrounded by an open kitchen.

Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria showcases a refreshed menu inspired by Frescobaldi, Italy’s legendary Tuscan winemakers.

Once per cruise, the restaurant will host a Grand Tuscan Dinner for a multi-course tasting menu with wine pairings.

Lovely bubbly

The Chef’s Table Lumière is a culinary journey with champagne, hors d’oeuvres.

And a multi-course dinner created and hosted by the ship’s executive chef.

Guests can sit back and lap it all up at The Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar.

Where Medallion Man and Woman can enjoy an array of ocean treasures including sashimi, and sushi rolls.

The topper

Caymus Winemaker’s Dinner, featuring chef-curated, multicourse meals paired with selections from the Napa Valley winery Caymus Vineyards.

And the topper is Alfredo’s Pizzeria, voted Best Pizza at Sea.

Serving hand-crafted individual pizzas by 13-time world pizza champion chef Tony Gemignani.

In an open-kitchen setting, paired with beer and wine by the glass.

Up the West Coast

This winter, Royal Princess will sail roundtrip from LA.

Offering a series of California Coast and Mexico itineraries.

Followed by Alaska voyages in summer 2026.

Where guests can enjoy breathtaking scenery, wildlife, and fresh local flavours from The Great Land.

Countries, Cruising, Music, Ships, UK

Inflatable in the Eighties

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It’s inflatable in the Eighties as we go cruising again around Britain, as we did back then, so Relax and read on.

Ambassador Ambition are only offering a Sixty-something’s dream trip, a Back to the 80s Mini Cruise.

Southern comforts

Billed as a nostalgic two-night voyage for less than £10/monthpp or £259pp.

And departing next November 11, you’ll sail from Bristol to London Tilbury.

With the options of £170pp full board or £295pp all-inclusive.

Of course, this being the Eighties you’ll wanna dance (in your Air Jordans) with somebody who loves you.

And Ambassador Ambition’s DJs have all the anthems we rocked the floor to back then.

Dress to thrill

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Eighties-themed party without the opportunity to stick on those leg warmers and leotards.

And there will be plenty of that either on the dance floor.

Or through those energetic on-board workout classes.

Ambassador promise engaging quizzes for you.

And just a tip, just say Jacko, Madonna or Tom Cruise if you’re not sure.

Vogue like Madonna

Or dress like them if you want to win the fancy dress competition.

Although you’re bound to bump into those icons so maybe a Boy George or Cyndi Lauper instead then.

Now, this wouldn’t be our first rodeo off the south coast, having rocked it in the English Channel.

So we’d be looking out for.

And would know what to expect from Ambassador’s spectacular themed cabaret shows and lunches.

While we’re always open to new experiences and would obviously be front of the queue.

For the Captain’s Gala Dinner and Baked Alaska Parade and Captain’s Cocktail Party.

And at the end of it all, you’ll be sent home with a ‘Back to the ‘80s’ cruise badge & decade-themed booklet.

Countries, Deals, Ships, UK

Irish Ferries are in with the bricks for Halloween

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And as we build for Halloween… let’s go Lego and Irish Ferries are in with the bricks for Halloween.

Bringing visitors across the Irish Sea.

With the culture and mores which we’ve all adopted in Britain in our calendar of festivities and celebrations.

Such as Samhain which the Brits and Yanks have repackaged as Halloween and claimed as their own.

Scaring up a treat

Now, of course, we’re all for cross-fertilisation especially when it adds to the enjoyment.

Which our friends at Lego have always done.

And where Irish Ferries are giving us a fresh incentive this Autumn to join in.

As part of their 10% savings on your theme park package break if you book before October 13.

Now we all have our favourites with some parks feeling like they’ve been around since the first Halloween.

Although they never feel old and are always freshening things up.

Particularly around Halloween, one of the biggest dates in the calendar.

On a theme

Thrill seekers can look forward to the return of award-winning Scarefest at Alton Towers,

While we’ve also been alerted to a fang-tastic Halloween at Chessington World of Adventures, HOWL’O’WEEN!

Both of which look frighteningly good and we’d encourage you to check out.

Gruff break: Gruffalo trail in Chessington

Still, we know that those of us who live in the earthly world are a little more limited in our mobility.

So we’re focusing on one theme park from our old stomping ground.

Brick or treat party

My own Scary One’s back yard of Berkshire in the south of England.

And Legoland Windsor which back in our time was a Safari Park.

But which is now the realm of our favourite blockheads.

And which will naturally be throwing a Brick or Treat party.

Cut us in

Best seat in the house: Legoland attractions

And so you can get your Legoland Windsor package at a cut-price €636, down from €706.

You’ll be treated to a return cruise ferry journey.

Stay for two nights at the Novotel Reading Centre

And enjoy a day at the theme park.

All for two adults and two children up to the age of 11.

Countries, Cruising

Plain sailing with the McConaugheys as godparents

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And, of course, I’d never have swapped my own but wouldn’t it be plain sailing with the McConaugheys as godparents?

Which is exactly what Princess Cruises are offering us.

Our old sailing buddies have only brought the Hollywood superstar and his glamorous business partner and wife on board.

With the Princesses: On our cruise ships

As godparents, as is cruise tradition, for their new Star Princess vessel.

To follow in the footsteps of such luminaries as Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren.

And boy are they big shoes for Matthew and his missus to fill.

Hot shots

Now party animals Matt and Camila will bring their own zest to the job.

That zest being their Pantalones Organic Tequila.

Proud Texan that Matthew is it’s little surprise that he slipped that in in his acceptance of the role.

‘With Princess, it’s not just a vacation,’ he said.

‘It’s time well spent, families and friends coming together, meeting new folks, and making memories.

‘This ship’s got that spirit built right in, and we’re proud to be part of her story from the beginning.’

Tequila a week cruising

All on board: Star Princess

And that means Princess serving signature cocktails featuring Pantalones Organic Tequila.

Including the guest favourite 24K Gold Margarita.

Their tequila is also part of Princess’ Love Line Premium Liquors collection.

And that includes a selection of curated wines and spirits, offering both spirited selections and non-alcoholic* creations.

Bubbly Malala

Of course no two godparents are the same and while Matthew and Camilla may be all about the shots and cocktails.

Our own cruise godparent Malala Yousafzai was no less bubbly but without the hard stuff.

When she pulled the lever on the Celebrity Edge launch cruise from Fort Lauderdale to the Bahamas.

Although we made up for it, Alesha Dixon, Mark Wright and a host of invited guests on board, with our own party.

United Stats

Now some background on Star.

It’s a 177,800-tonne, 4,300-guest sister to the award-winning Sun Princess.

And it features 30 distinct dining and bar venues, curated entertainment and activity offerings.

And, of course, luxurious accommodations across a wide range of categories.

Unique to Star Princess and Sun Princess is The Sanctuary Collection.

An elevated private escape at sea with access to an exclusive restaurant; the Sanctuary Club.

It boasts a tranquil, adults-only pool deck.

With more than 1,500 balcony staterooms, guests can enjoy panoramic views from the privacy of their own rooms.

To the ents degree

Standout venues include The Dome, a next-generation relaxation and entertainment space.

The Princess Arena, the most technologically advanced theatre yet.

And The Piazza, the centerpiece of the ship with its dramatic curves, floor-to-ceiling windows and sweeping ocean vistas.

Starting today, October, Star Princess will debut in the Mediterranean, sailing roundtrip from Barcelona.

Before crossing the Atlantic to begin a season of Caribbean voyages from Fort Lauderdale on November 7.

Following her Caribbean season, she will sail through the Panama Canal heading west to begin her inaugural Alaska season.

While 2025-, 2026- and 2027-Star Princess voyages are now available for booking.

America, Caribbean, Cruising, Deals, Ships

Cruise into Cruise Week with Click&Go

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Yes, on land or sea we’re always thinking of our next trip but the industry sets aside a period every year to highlight its offers, and we’re going to cruise into Cruise Week with Click&Go.

The Irish online travel providers, as usual. are ahead of their time with Cruise Week next week, Monday, 15 September to Sunday 21 September.

With fantastic MSC Cruises full fly and cruise packages.

Including return flights from Dublin with checked-in bag, transfers, entertainment gratuities and meals onboard.

Caribbean cruising

For many their first port of entry to cruising is Florida and the Caribbean.

And that’s where we’ll start with a fly/cruise from Dublin to Orlando and the Caribbean.

On board MSC Grandiosa for €1,129pp from January-March.

You’ll get four nights in an Orlando hotel with plenty of time to catch up on our Disney and Universal pals.

And then a seven-night cruise, leaving Port Canaveral and headed for Nassau, Bahamas.

Where we’ve sailed to but like Aaron in the Bible didn’t get to set foot in the Promised Land.

It’s then onto San Juan, Puerto Rico, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and back to Port Canaveral.

The offer is based on 2+2 (aged 2-17 sharing).

And a bite of the Big Apple

This year’s blond: With ‘The Donald’ in New York

Now if you still fancy the Bahamas but think well it’s just down the coast from New York then Click&Go have you covered here too.

They’re offering a fly/cruise on board Meraviglia based on €1,399pp from this October-April.

It includes an overnight hotel stay in New York and a seven-night cruise.

Departing New York for Port Canaveral and then onto Nassau.

And also taking in the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve before it’s back to the Big Apple.

Miami nice

Even closer, of course, is Miami and you can set off from there on board the brand new World America.

Based on €1,549pp with travel from October 2025 – March 2026.

Your trip includes one night Miami hotel stay and the 7-night cruise.

And you’ll get to take in Roatan, Honduras, Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico (areeba, areeba) and the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas.

The bumper 14-nighter

Or the bumper 14-nighter.

Fly out to Orlando before stepping on board the Seashore for €1,599pp with travel from October 2025 – January 2026.

Including seven nights Miami hotel, plenty of time to sample the nightlife, beaches and architecture.

Even if you are prone to go around in circles, like this blogger.

And then the seven-night cruise, leaving Port Canaveral for Nassau.

And on to Cozumel, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas and back to Port Canaveral.

So a good way to start your Monday with our pointer to cruise into Cruise Week with Click&Go.

Countries, Europe, Ships

A bridge over Sicilian waters

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And as no uomo is an island, our Italiani amici are following the modern fashion of linking land, with a bridge over Sicilian waters.

All of which €13.5bn public project money will connect Sicily to Italy 2 miles across the Messina Strait.

The ambition to join Italy and Sicily has been a long-held target.

With the government first proposing the scheme in 1971.

And revising it in 2022 following multiple cancellations on the grounds of hard lira/euro.

With the project to erect the world’s longest single-span bridge starting next May and slated for completion in 2032.

No Ponte

Ferry good: Reggio Calabria to Sicily takes 35 minutes.

Whatever has changed, and cynics might say it’s a politicians’ protection racket, it looks like this time it will go ahead.

And proponents will point to better access for Sicilians to Il Bel Paese, the Beautiful Country, and increased trade with them spitting out 120,000 jobs in the pipeline.

While the romantics will plead that the watery divide is what gives Sicily its very island identity and the bridge will remove that and alter the environment irrevocably.

Mamma mia: Mariolina. Picture: AlJazeera

Only the Sicilians aren’t as easily persuaded with 10,000 out protesting at the weekend waving their ‘No Ponte’ or ‘No Bridge’ placards.

With Mamma Mariolina De Francesco, a 75-year-old resident of Messina whose house lies near the site of one of the bridge’s 399m-tall land towers particularly animated.

Bridge too far: The protests. Picture: AlJazeera

Saying: ‘They could offer me three times the value of my house, but that doesn’t matter to me. What matters is the landscape. They must not touch the Strait of Messina.’

The Sea and the Skye

Now all this is familiar territory for those of us who live on a rock.

With Scotland engineering out Jacobean romance bridging Skye and the mainland.

Because had Bonnie Prince Charlie been fleeing Hanoverian forces in 1746 it would have been a very different escape.

In the boot of a car crossing the bridge rather than dressed up as Flora MacDonald’s maidservant.

On a bonnie boat like a bird on a wing over the sea to Skye.

Jutting out

Now don’t quiz us on this but Copenhagen sticks out for many reasons but specifically because its biggest city and the country’s capital is on an island, Zealand, off the mainland, Jutland.

So that its citizens, such as Hans Christian Anderson’s Little Mermaid had to swim to get anywhere.

All before the 5-mile Oresund Bridge between Zealand and Sweden came along in the year 2000… and blame the Millennium for many of these projects.

Channel your frustrations

And for those of us of a certain age, and the rest who followed the news reel, one of the great engineering vanities, celebrated at the end of the century, was the Channel Tunnel.

All when the English and French, for a brief time, got on with each other in 1994.

And there was great hoopla made of an English workman and a French counterpart meeting at the point where the 31 mile tunnel joined.

Of course modernists will tell you that this has made travel to the continent and for Europeans wanting to get to this island all the easier.

Which may be tree but it is a soulless journey and not without its delays… and you will of course miss that glorious sight of the White Cliffs of Dover.

There’s a black hole over the tunnel entrance to France.. Vera Lynn would turn in her grave.

Naw, give us our ferries, or even better party cruises going around in circles in the Med, a bit like Brexit really.

And if there’s a lesson in there somewhere, you’re welcome.

And a salutary piece of advice for the Italians and Sicilians (and if you’ve ever met any then you’ll know they are very different) about building a bridge over Sicilian waters.

Countries, Cruising

Goodbye to newly wed, overfed and nearly dead cruise cliches

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It was the standard joke but it’s changing and we can now say goodbye to newly wed, overfed and nearly dead cruise cliches.

While our cruising days in our 13 years in our ancestral Irish home were in our early 50s that’s now higher than the average cruise age.

Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) latest annual passenger study has revealed that Irish cruisers are getting younger.

With the average guest age dropping to 46.3 years in 2024 from 46.7 in 2023.

On the up

The finding comes as overall Irish cruise passenger numbers increased last year.

By 11.3% to 65,000, the highest total recorded.

The Mediterranean remains their destination of choice, with 61.3% of all voyages taken.

The Caribbean came in second at 17.7%, while northern Europe was at 6.1%.

The latter scored a 25% uplift in overall journeys taken.

Representing the highest growth among the main cruise itineraries.

With an average length of a sailing is 7.9 days.

Fjord fiesta

Presented with a choice by our pals at MSC to showcase Meraviglia we opted for a cruise around the fjords.

In preference to Europe, having sailed the Western Med, and the Persian Gulf.

While I’d opted to be a landlubber in the Caribbean, Barbados and Tobago.

Now My Little Mermaid soon befriended a Fortysomethings couple on our passage around Denmark and Norway.

And had them upgraded on our hospitality.

In exchange for a crash course in His hobby, tunnelling.

Forties’ forte

Toast of the seas: My date with a Princess

Fortysomethings, and I was one once, come in all shapes and sizes.

And they have all the moves as our cruise crew can testify.

Having partied everywhere from the Med to the English Channel and the Bahamas.

While we don’t even have to leave dry dock as we like to live it up whenever the boat comes in.

Whether Princess, a Royal, a Celebrity or a Swan.

Ship shape

Love me Tender: Celebrity Cruises, Bahamas

And yes, we know that the first rule of cruising is to give Her the deference She deserves as a ship and not a boat.

Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: ‘Cruise is thriving among Ireland passengers.

‘The convenience and value-for-money a holiday at sea offers shining through.’

All of which means we can say goodbye to newly wed, overfed and nearly dead cruise cliches.

Countries, Cruising, Deals, Europe

Monaco Grand Prix at sea

25th May 202525th May 2025 funtime65

It’s the ultimate in affluence… the Monaco Grand Prix at sea.

Because while the sporting action today is around the streets the partying is on the superyachts in the harbour.

And you too can arrive in style off shore on your eight-night ROL all-inclusive cruise for next year’s race.

You’ll fly out from London to Nice on June 1 and overnight at a 4* hotel before transferring to the Azamara Journey.

And a cruise around Italy, the Cote D’Azur and the Balearics, starting in Santa Margherita, a take-off point for trips to Cinque Terre.

And taking in the Gulf of Poets, where Byron and Shelley hung out, in Portovenere, and Firenze and Pisa.

All revved up

Before you head for Villefranche, France to join the starting grid in Monte Carlo and head back after the action.

To partying on your bells and whistles ship.

After all that wining and dining and schmoozing you’ll want an easy cruise… down to Palma, Mallorca.

Before heading back to the party port of Barcelona for your flight back to London.

So, the ideal way to make your grand entrance for the grand prix in Monaco.

Le Grand Tour

And certainly a more leisurely way to leave the party than my first grand depart from Saint-Raphael train station.

When I went AWOL in search of beer only to see the train take off with my pals shouting out of the carriage.

Naturellement, I used my initiative and hopped on the next one and a further train, ferry and overnight bus later.

I was back home in Ecosse where my pal Martin was very glad to hear me on the other end of the phone and not having to explain to my Dear Old Mum why I hadn’t come back with them.

Saving the best until last

Now your Club Oceanview cabin on the Azamara Journey comes in at £4,599 down from £5,449.

And includes return flights from London with regional and premium class flights available on request and overseas transfers.

While there is also an exclusive complimentary on board spend of up to $400 for Club Oceanview Staterooms and above.

All to make your cruise experience special with a Monaco Grand Prix at sea at its centre.

Countries, Cruising, Deals

Live like a Princess for €1

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And what else can you can get for a shiny euro, well you can get a down payment on a cruise and live like a Princess for €1.

Our old pals at Princess Cruises are only bringing back their popular €1 per person deposit offer for three days only.

The limited time offer will run from May 6-8 May and is applicable to more than 1,000 select voyages across the Princess fleet available in 2025, 2026 and 2027.

And what’s more the €1 deposit deal can be combined with Princess’ current offer of savings up to €500 per stateroom across selected cruises.

Star of the sea

The offer includes all voyages on the soon-to-launch Star Princess, which joins the Princess fleet this autumn.

Following two Mediterranean cruises in October, Star Princess will sail her inaugural season in the Caribbean before repositioning to Alaska in spring 2026.

With fares starting from €729pp for a seven-night Alaska voyage. The sailing from Seattle to Vancouver departs on September 20, 2026, and calls in on Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway.

Other sample cruises included in the €1 deposit offer are:

A seven-night Mediterranean with Greece & Italy cruise onboard Sun Princess, sailing from Athens (Piraeus) to Barcelona. Departing Saturday, 13 September 2025, and calling at Barcelona, Corfu, Sicily (Messina), and Mallorca (Palma). Fares start from €868pp.
A 14-night Southeast Asia & Japan cruise onboard Diamond Princess, sailing from Tokyo (Yokohama) to Singapore. Departing Wednesday 25 November 2026, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Ishigaki, Taipei (Keelung), Hong Kong, Da Nang/Hue (Chan May), and Ho Chi Minh City. Fares start from €1,692pp.

The best of terms

Dip your toe in: On deck of Star Princess

And Eithne Williamson, vice president Princess Cruises UK and Europe reminds us that “guests can choose to spread the cost of their cruise with Princess Pay Monthly without any extra fees, providing even more flexibility for their next Princess holiday.

And, of course you’ll be wanting to read through the terms and conditions.

Prices shown are subject to availability based upon two adults sharing the lowest available grade within the stateroom type specified.

The €1pp low deposit applies to all passengers and if the cruise falls within 90 days before departure then the full balance would be required as per standard terms and conditions.

Fine dining: Only the best on Star Princess

The £1 deposit offer is available from May 6-8 May and applies to all cruises in this limited time offer only.

And you can save up to €500 per stateroom on selected voyages, based on a maximum discount of €250 per person, applying only to guests 1 & 2.

Maximum discount of €500 is applicable to voyages of more than 17 nights included in the offer.

The prices shown include discount, and are subject to availability on selected stateroom categories and sailings. The discount varies per stateroom type and duration of cruise.

And it runs until June 30.

Medallion men and women

Phew, now those T&Cs are the only work you will do on Princess.

We all know and have been treated to port visits where we’ve been allowed to inspect.

The well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment.

And check out their exclusive Princess MedallionClass service.

With Princess, of course, sailing the high seas to the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and around the globe on World Cruises.