Cruising Archives - Page 6 of 14 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Friday nighters’ splash in San Antonio

24th May 202324th May 2023 funtime65

So I dipped my toe in the water today on my Texas trip… and happen if I stay to the end of the week I’ll be joining the Friday nighters’ splash in San Antonio.

I got my feet wet but never my trademark Bandana with an early-morning swim in the open-deck pool at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel.

Before taking to the Riverwalk again… on foot.

Obvious you might think but weekend revellers have been known to end up in the drink.

Which we discovered on our excellent Go Rio Cruises jaunt down the San Antonio River.

Margarita time

Most of which I’ve forgotten… you’ll forgive me but booze had been taken, Margaritas in one of those plastic yard glasses.

So beloved in Sin City Vegas.

Now despite being named for a saint, San Antonio’s citizens and visitors here know how to sin with bars hugging the riverfront.

Just as well then that the river was named and blessed by a priest.

With its bridges a favourite vantage point for weddings and Jennifer Lopez and Sandra Bullock chickflicks.

Feathered chicks proliferate on the river, sleepy ducks, well you would be in this 30C heat.

And if you’re lucky you might get to see Mother Turtle and her offspring.

Or the caricature version for the kiddies.

Cruise San Antonio

The riverboat cruise is an absolute pleasure with the knowledgeable guides breezing through San Antonio history.

And pointing out buildings which were physically moved from one point to another on stilts.

This being a river then naturally it has been at the mercy of the elements.

And you’ll learn of the challenges of a flood which rose to 10ft.

It pays then to have God on your side.

And San Antonians built ornate churches by the river complete with gargoyle grotesques carved into the exterior.

Some of which look like me after a night of post-partying at IPW, the American Travel Fair, more of which later.

Fun on the water

Back at the pool: At the Westin Riverwalk

And with that I must return to dry land, another riverside bar or restaurant.

And listen to another mariachi band and keep an eye out for a floral parade which is sure to pass by.

Now taking a bend in thus here tale, much like the San Antonio river did I not set you some homework.

To tell me about a famous fortification where we will bring this party to an end tonight.

The Friday nighters’ splash in San Antonio will have to wait.

Tonight, I’ll get someone to hold my drink, I’m off to fight at the Alamo.

America, Canada, Countries, Cruising

On a Royal Caribbean poop deck

13th May 202313th May 2023 funtime65

We all do it, live vicariously through our friends… your life might be poop but someone’s up on a Royal Caribbean poop deck.

That someone is an old Travel pal who’s only been rubbing it in on a Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas trip from Seattle to Alaska.

We’ll leave John and his lovely wife Karen to their reindeer sausage, wild boar burnt ends and Grizzly Poop (chocolate malt balls).

As they skirt the Eastern Canadian Seaboard and lyrical names like Juneau and Sitka.

And show you what you can get on your bucket list cruise.

Quantum solace

Quantum of the Seas is a seven-nighter Alaska adventure skirting towering glaciers and snow-capped peaks.

Of course this being Royal Caribbean there are special features on board.

From the North Star, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship to the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator.

Now we all know the old adage about cruise being for the ‘newly-wed, overfed and nearly dead’.

John, the oul’ romantic that he is is treating Karen to a special anniversary cruise.

And judging by what he’s been saying they’ve been loving the food… and who can blame them?

Food and fun

Venturing into Alaska, Of course, there’s plenty of Americana fare.

Like Americana steakhouse and classics at Chops Grille.

And fresh hand-rolled sushi at Izumi…. watch out too for those funster chefs getting you involved.

And Tuscan favourites at Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver.

Then cap off your meal with robot-crafted cocktails from the future at Bionic Bar.

Quantum offers original production Starwater.

As it dives into the nature of human emotion in a groundbreaking fusion of live performance and technology.

Top deck

And if we know cruises and Royal Caribbean, and we do, and the Royal Parties…

Then we know they’ll be only too happy to show you around and behind the ship.

So if your life is poop check out what’s happening on a Royal Caribbean poop deck.

Fly to Seattle with Aer Lingus and check out fares and dates online

Countries, Cruising, South America

Brazilliant brio and how we cruise

5th May 20235th May 2023 funtime65

My first cruise captain would regale us with Brazilliant brio and how we all cruise.

He got to know our different nationalities well over steering the big ship and what we each want from a cruise.

An Italian by birth, he had become a naturalised Englishman but was like we all strive to be… a citizen of the world.

And he admitted he took it all on board and off it as his children would point out when he got home.

And he picked them up from school where they would point out his size, him putting on six stone while off on the type of long journey from the UK to Brazil.

Brazil pecs

Cap’n would tell us on our trip around the Western Med of his adventures on the high seas and the people he would meet.

Of the beauty of Santorini, his and many others’ favourite cruise stop, and of the pecadilloes of certain nationalities.

With Brazilians more image-conscious (his words).

And he would tell us that they would forgo the all-you-can-eat stations on board for the gym.

That you could always spot the Brazilians because they would be on deck posing, preening and pouting by the poolside.

And that was just the men!

A melting pot

It’s a similar story too with the Italians, as my old teacher would tell me with her male cousin taking his own vanity case around.

And spending more time in the bathroom than her.

The British and Irish would, of course, be at the buffet and the bar and partying into the night.

And I can vouch from my own experience with MSC in the fjords that the Eastern Europeans love a jostle at the buffet table.

We like the idea of sharing a ship with Brazilians who leave the bar and the buffet to us.

Rio by the sea-o

Particularly as they’re heading back to Brazil.

Which is where Travel EscapesStay are offering.

With 16 nights on board the MSC Grandiosa from €2,089pp, travelling from November 7 and 23 (the latter a very important date on the calendar).

Sail away

Barca bears: And Messi might even return

Like many a cruiser, and like Columbus himself, you’ll set out from beautiful Barcelona.

Your first port of call is Malaga on the Costa del Sol.

You then cruise into the Atlantic to Funchal on the Portuguese island of Madeira before continuing your Atlantic crossing, crossing the Equator before reaching the coast of Brazil.

Your Brazilian adventure begins with a stop in historic Maceio before you cruise on to Salvador.

It’s known for its Portuguese colonial architecture, Afro-Brazilian culture, and tropical coastline.

Your cruise comes to an end as you sail into the iconic bay of Rio de Janeiro, under the watchful gaze of the iconic Cristo Redentor statue

So why not check out Rio by the sea-oh. And look out for Brazilliant brio and how we all cruise.

Countries, Cruising, Deals, South America

World Earth Day on the seas

22nd April 202322nd April 2023 funtime65

It’s never been plain sailing but our cruise friends at Celebrity Cruises have led the way to make this a World Earth Day on the seas.

Fuel-guzzling cruise ships have always been an easy target for the Greta Thumbergs of this world.

And the fartygskam crew, the shipping equivalent of flygskam flying shame… no sniggering up the back!

Now the cruise industry has been taking leaps and strides to clean up the seas afterwards.

Getting the Edge

Celebrity are rightly excited about the fifth ship in their Edge Series.

The ship will be equipped with a new engine model, along with storage and delivery systems.

And listen up here Greta, it will give unmatched fuel flexibility.

With the ability to use three types of fuel, including methanol.

Piping hot: Entertainment with Celebrity

Now we’ve seen, and heard, first hand on the maiden voyage of Celebrity Edge to the Bahamas how committed they are to sustainability.

The bottom line is that they are hell-bent on achieving zero waste across their fleet.

And through their ‘Green Hub’ waste vendor programme, 85 per cent of their waste is recycled.

That and the whole gamut of scientific and technological advances they’ve made certainly gives them the edge.

Message for Greetin’ Greta

Now what Greetin’ Greta and her groaners have to say about the World Wildlife Fund endorsing Celebrity, well…!

Among the bigger shared initiatives, with the sale of merchandise available on select cruises. 100% of the net proceeds will help support WWF’s ocean conservation work.

While you can also join the ‘Walk For Coral’ activity on your next cruise.

And I do owe Coral after standing on her from the Maldives to Barbados and Tobago.

Galapagos glory

All around the world our natural world and those who live in its seas and earth depend on us.

And very visibly in one of the most authentic islands on Earth, the Galapagos.

Aboard the Celebrity Xpedition, Xploration, and Celebrity Flora, Celebrity have planned their Celebrity Galapagos experience in conjunction with the Galapagos National Park.

They’ve also established the Galapagos Fund, an onboard conservation program that gives guests the chance to participate in the ongoing conservation of the islands.

Be a Celebrity

Love me tender: Celebrity Edge and its floating tender

The most popular of Celebrity’s packages is their 10/11 Galapagos & Quito deal from £7,649pp.

Even before you leave for your seven nights cruise to the Galapagos.

You can enjoy two nights pre-cruise luxury accommodations at JW Marriott Quito and a full-day guided tour of the city.

There are round-trip flights between Ecuador and the Galapagos.

And then one or two-night post-cruise luxury accommodations at the Marriot or EB Hotel (depending on guest flight schedules and/or package length.

So, we’re in safe hands on World Earth Day on the seas.

Countries, Cruising, Europe

Portrait of the art cruise

24th March 202324th March 2023 funtime65

Stop-offs mean different things to different folk but we search out museums and paintings when we step off the big liner… and Royal Caribbean International know their passengers which is what’s behind their portrait of the art cruise.

Now we all know where to go when we’re in Amsterdam to seek out Vincent Van Gog.

And it is only truly by seeing the thick encrustations on his paintings that you get a true feel for the Dutch genius.

But, of course, Van Gogh painted many of his most famous works in France.

Including The Yellow House and The Starry Night, and particularly in Provence.

Which is why Royal Caribbean are pointing us there with their seven-night Western Med Cruise from €814.

Symphony of the Seas sets out from Barcelona on Sunday, October 15.

And visits Provence (Marseille), Palma in Mallorca, Florence/Pisa (La Spezia), Rome (Civitavecchia) and Naples/Capri.

Pick of Picasso

Now we all associate Barcelona more with Antoni Gaudi but the Catalan capital has long been a magnet for artists.

And Pablo Picasso left his mark too on the great port.

The Museu Picasso is where you want to go with 4,251 of his works.

Including Man in a Beret and Woman with Bonnet which is Pab’s hands is far more imaginative than its description.

Why not do like us and just sail into Barcelona and wake up to the sight of Christopher Columbus.

Pointing out to America (he’s not really pointing there but we won’t spoil it)?

Royal Caribbean suggests a six-night Med Highlights cruise.

Rhapsody of the Seas sets out from Haifa in Israel and takes in everyone’s pick, Santorini, Greece and Palma on Monday, November 6 from €504.

Leo by the sea-oh

Citavecchia has long been on the cruise route in the Med.

Although understandably most passengers are interested in getting 82kms down the coast to the Eternal City.

Now as the old expression goes Rome wasn’t painted in a day and you’ll never run out of art there.

But did you know Leonardo Da Vinci mapped out the groundworks in Citavecchia?

Royal Caribbean prompts us towards the six-night Italy and Adriatic Cruise with Explorer of the Seas from €654 from Monday, May 8.

With stops in Naples/Capri and Dubrovnik, Split and Koper in Croatia before arriving in Venice (Ravenna).

Now cruise companies are never likely to drop you off somewhere you won’t be dazzled by the natural beauty and the architecture.]

But go into the museums and art galleries like we did in Bergen, Norway.

And you’ll likely bump into special art, like the JS Dahl and Edvard Munch exhibitions we found on our Call of the Fjords.

And delight in the Portrait of the art cruise.

Countries, Cruising, Europe

A royal party on the waves

23rd March 202323rd March 2023 funtime65

Now many are already planning how to flee the hoopla of the day King Charles is crowned but for those who still believe Britain rules the waves, here’s a royal party on the waves.

Princess, appropriately, are marking the occasion of the King’s coronation by signing up a former British Royal Household member as a VIP on one of their sailings.

Grant Harrold, who is a leading etiquette expert, royal commentator, entertainer and broadcaster.

And he will be on board Princess’s seven-night cruise departing May 6 for Spain and France.

And all those etiquette tips will surely come in handy when you get the tap on the shoulder for your dinner at the Captain’s Table.

Grant is just one of a stellar list of celebrities Princess has announced for its summer sailings out of Southampton.

Keep on running

They got off and running by pulling in two of Britain’s greatest runners…

Dame Kelly Holmes MBE: The double Gold medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympics Games.

She is a global inspirational speaker, an award-winning author and an advocate for fitness, wellness and mental health.

Kell, she’s really grounded, will be on board the seven-night Scandinavia cruise departing 22 July with stops in Denmark and Norway.

Dwain Chambers: The sprinter and one of the fastest European sprinters in the history of athletics,

Chambers took part in the latest series of SAS: Who Dares Wins.

The closest we’ll get to that is Who Dares Swims after buffet. Dwain is on board the seven-night Norwegian Fjords cruise (our old fave) departing 12 August.

Mister Motivators

And although you’ll be relaxing on your cruise, your speakers are there to energise you too with these motivational speakers.

Andy Reid MBE: A motivational speaker, writer and war veteran, Reid is the first triple amputee to reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The author of ‘Standing Tall’ and co-founder of the Standing Tall foundation.

A charity that provides veterans free mental health support and counselling.

And he will be onboard 14-night Spain, France and Portugal cruise departing 1 April.

Andy Wyatt: The Red Arrows display pilot and Royal Air Force pilot.

Wyatt’s skills in teamwork, leadership and planning make him a popular speaker.

He will be onboard the 14-night Baltic Heritage cruise departing 8 July with stops in Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Germany, Denmark and Norway.

On the front foot

And for different reasons, two very inspirational figures who overcame either injury, or prejudice, or both.

Simon Weston: A brave survivor of the Falklands War when he was burned head to toe.

He is known for his charity work now and his speaking tours. He will be onboard the 14-night Land of the Midnight Sun cruise departing 19 August.

Warwick Davis: And Britain’s most famous wee actor who self-deprecatingly sent himself up in Ricky Gervais’s Life’s Too Short.

We know him from Harry Potter world in Universal in Orlando and his portrayal of Professor Flitwick.

He will be onboard the 14-night Iceland and Norway cruise departing on 13 May.

And there’s more

And Princess have saved the best announcement for last with two themed cruises as part of the line’s entertainment programme.

Comedians Ed Byrne, Julian Clary and Paul Merton & Suzi Webster form the line-up for the Comedy Stars seven-night cruise.

To Scandinavia, departing Southampton on 1 July.

Big names in the culinary scene, Jean-Christophe Novelli MBE, Si King and Ainsley Harriott MBE will host a series of cooking demonstrations.

Onboard the Culinary Stars seven-night cruise to Spain and France, departing Southampton on 16 September.

And there’s a lot of MBEs in there for those who lap up the royal bit.

So you can have a real royal party on the waves.

Canada, Countries, Cruising

Rideau of your life with Le Boat

30th January 202330th January 2023 funtime65

The French called the twin waterfalls curtains, Le Rideau, and you’ll have the rideau of your life with Le Boat.

Now unless you’ve got a family name behind you, like say a Trudeau.

Then you’ve got to do the whole nine yards.

Or more seeing that this is the second biggest country on earth to get a seat in the Canadian parliament.

Better then getting a relaxing seat on your own boat meandering into Ottawa.

And that’s what Europe’s largest self-drive boating company is offering with its fleet of 32 Horizon cruisers in Canada.

All of which can access the new base on Ontario’s Rideau Canal.

Parlay at the parliament

Le Boat has included Ottawa in its self-drive itineraries since its launch on the UNESCO World Heritage Rideau Canal in 2018.

And the new base is a response to demand generated by Le Boat’s guests to include more convenient one-way trips to the Canadian capital.

And for those who don’t know the capital it’s more than just the parliament, regularly named one of the top ten parliaments in the world.

With its huge clock tower, the Peace Tower, which stands in the middle of the building.

Ottawa features world-class museums, beautiful scenery and a variety of unique neighbourhoods.

On the horizon

And on dry land: Get off your boat and bike it

Le Boat’s guests will benefit from six new itineraries, including convenient one-way trips to Ottawa from its main base in Smiths Falls, Ontario, or vice versa.

For the 2023 Season, Le Boat will be accepting delivery of two new Horizon Plus Cruisers (Horizon 1 Plus and Horizon 4 Plus) from Delphia Yachts.

Bringing their fleet on the Rideau to 32 boats.

The boating season on the Rideau Canal starts on 19 May and ends on 9 October 2023.

Clients will be able to cruise on the Horizon 1 Plus, Horizon 2, Horizon 3 and Horizon 4 Plus from Le Boat’s new base in Ottawa.

And will have the option of choosing short breaks (three to six nights).

Or longer journeys (seven-ten nights one-way or round-trip cruise options) starting in Ottawa or Smiths Falls.

Boating holidays start from just £1,121/€1187 for a four-night cruise.

Or from £1,874/€2161 for a seven-night cruise. Le Boat (+44 (0) 23 922 2177, www.leboat.co.uk)

You’ll certainly have a Rideau of your life with Le Boat.

America, Countries, Cruising

To Miss With Love From Lulu

18th January 202318th January 2023 funtime65

A twist on the old favourite To Sir With Love… To Miss With Love From Lulu.

This Miss is Mississippi and the good news is that Sixties icon Lulu will be rolling, rolling, rolling down the river.

On a cruise along the river and through the American heartland.

Imagine Holidays bills its 12-night package thus: ‘From its rich complex history to its multitude of dialects, bubbling mix of cuisine to its colourful neighbourhoods and passion for music…

‘The bold and beautiful Deep South is a region that dances to its own unique rhythm.’

For anyone who has witnessed the journey of Marie Lawrie (her real name) from wee Glasgow lass to transcontinental superstar will know.

That she has a multitude of dialects as she showed in one return for the 1990 New Year’s Day celebrations in George Square in Glasgow.

Of course, I couldn’t talk… no, literally, I was too far gone to. And when I did find my voice I was speaking in tongues.

Rolling down the river

Lulu, of course, is the consummate professional and she will of course nail it.

The Mississippi is very much on the radar of my own little songbird here at home.

And I have promised to take her out there to Memphis which of course is a hotbed of music.

And that is embedded in the very river itself where one of the bridges is named the Dolly Parton bridge (you work it out yourself).

Memphis magic

Welcome to the Jungle: Elvis’s Jungle Room

You’ll get three nights in Memphis before the off staying in a swanky hotel.

Arriving during the vivid and thrilling Carnival Season, you’ll be immersed in Memphis’s colourful streets, with bunting and festival decor.

Naturally you’ll visit Elvis’s Graceland and learn about the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll during a visit to the Smithsonian Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.

From here, you’ll embark American Queen, the largest steamboat ever built, for a journey along the Mississippi.

The Big Easy

Take in the antebellum mansions, the historical port of Vicksburg, the oldest city on the Mississippi.

St. Francisville boasts a lifestyle of a bygone era, and Nottoway, an exclusive stop where you’ll visit the largest standing antebellum mansion in the south.

Your cruise ends in the unique New Orleans and enjoy two nights in the Big Easy.

Exploring the French Quarter and the charming neighbourhoods of the Garden District and Treme.

Learn about city culture and history as you venture along Frenchmen Street and Esplanade Avenue, and marvel at magnificent sites including St. Louis Cathedral, Cabildo, The Presbytere.

Queen of ships

The American Queen certainly lives up to its name judging by the specs.

We’re encouraged to dine on delectable flavours in the elegant J.M White Dining Room.

Soak up the sun from the top deck and enjoy live music performances including the lovely Lulu.

And expertly crafted cocktails in the Engine Room Bar.

While there’s also award-winning, Broadway-calibre entertainment in the Grand Saloon.

So why not take up the offer To Miss With Love From Lulu. Prices from £3499pp, depart February 16 2024.

Countries, Cruising, Deals, Europe

Split for Croatia

10th January 202310th January 2023 funtime65

It’s certainly worth checking out when a German couple you meet by the Rialto Bridge in Venice tells you that Dalmatia is even better… and you should split for Croatia.

We’ll never downplay the City on the Lagoon of course only I expect Wolfgang and Ingrid were hankering back to another stunning coastline without the hordes.

The good news though is that you don’t have to choose one over the other.

Adriatic see

Game for anything: Croatian Game of Thrones

As our old Irish Travel friends Cassidy Travel know only too well.

They are only offering a luxury Italy & Croatia fly/cruise all-inclusive offer for a week.

For August of this year.

Suite spot

Venice: & let’s catch a gondola to Padova

You’ll sail out from Fusina, across the lagoon on the mainland.

And as well as Venice on your doorstep you’ll visit Trieste with its James Joyce links, Zadar and Hvar.

While ‘the Pearl of the Adriatic’ Dubrovnik, Split and Opatija (Kvarner Bay) are also on your itinerary.

The price includes return flights from Dublin with luggage allowance, private door to door pick-up and private transfers.

Your seven nights cruise will be in a Vista Suite and include all excursions,

You’ll get $300 on board spend and your very own butler!!

And what’s more there is a January sale attached with the price from €4,600pp (Exclusive offer – Save €500!)

Trust Cassidy

Now, of course, the cruise is the ultimate in you-do-it-yourself holiday where every one of your needs is taken care of.

And that’s always best when I try the old independent travel lark.

Having had to depend on my old Travel pal Constance Harris to get me and my pal ‘Dragon’ back on the train to Padova for a function.

While left to my own devices I had to get off my bus from Medjugorje to Dubrovnik because I had my old passport on me.

Best then to let Cassidy look after everything and help you split for Croatia…

And for those who like to hear the friendly sound of your Travel dream-maker at the other end, then call 01 8779890.

America, Countries, Cruising, Europe

2023 will be a cruise

29th December 2022 funtime65

It’s felt pretty bumpy over 2022 so let’s make a promise here… 2023 will be a cruise.

Our old friends Irish travel specialists Cassidy Travel are already on it with a trio of top offers to tease us for next year.

With cruise experts we know and love.

Now while the waters around us are familiar to us we recommend dipping your toe back in for a return visit.

While it’s always worth broadening your horizons.

And we confess that stepping off Huntington Beach into the Pacific we stared out yonder.

And dreamt of the next land ahoy…

So without further ado here is what Cassidy has planned for us.

Med in heaven

And you always remember your first time and journey only we didn’t get the extra Italian helping so that’s reason enough.

Western Mediterranean Fly/Cruise

Royal Caribbean – Symphony of the Seas

Travel 8^th October 2023.

7 Nights – Full Board & Gratuities

From €1539pp (based on 2 people sharing)

Itinerary: Sailing from Barcelona, visiting Palma,

Provence, Florence/Pisa, Rome & Naples

Includes: Flights, baggage, transfers, 7 nights cruise,

full board basis in an interior stateroom & gratuities!

Deposit only €99pp!

Drop into any Cassidy Travel shop or contact our cruise team cruise@cassidytravel.ie or call

01-8779890.

Fjord fiesta

And we’ve a picture by my award-winning snapper above the telly to remind us of an early morning off Geiranger to remind us.

Norwegian Fjords Fly/Cruise

Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Apex

Travel 18^th June 2023.

7 Nights

From €1619pp (based on 2 people sharing)

Itinerary: Sailing from Amsterdam, visiting Kristiansand,

Haugesund, Geiranger & Alesund

Includes: Flights, baggage, transfers, 7 nights cruise,

drinks, wifi, gratuities & $200 on board credit!

Hula lot of fun

Now this would suit my own little Princess who globetrotted as a kid but missed out on Hawaii, the jewel of the Pacific.

Particularly with the Princess of the Seas.

Hawaiian Island Fly/Cruise

Princess Cruises – Emerald Princess

Travel 6^th July 2023.

16 Nights – Full Board

Inside Cabin – Upgrades Available

From €2099pp (based on 2 people sharing)

Itinerary: Sailing from Los Angeles, visiting Hilo, Honolulu,

Kauai, Kahului, Ensenada – Mexico, Los Angeles

Includes: Flights, baggage, 16 nights cruise, meals, snacks & entertainment

Drop into any Cassidy Travel shop or contact the cruise team cruise@cassidytravel.ie or call

01-8779890.

And make sure 2023 will be a cruise.