Tunisia

Having come back from Luxor a few months prior; I was intrigued to see what Tunisia was like as a comparison. It was not a place I had thought to visit but as a way to broaden my knowledge on the destination I thought it was wise to find out, the pros and cons of the location. Especially as the trip gave quite a wide area to explore. I had been missing out and was not aware of the heritage of the country.

So where did I go and what did I experience?

Rome- Bus Tour, Nationazle museum, Leanardo's Exhibit & the Pope is elected

It was conclave when we went out to Rome, we thought that it would be a while before the pope was elected but we were fortunate enough to be in the area when it was announced.
It was an incredible experience as we were about 10 mins walk from the Vatican and the bells

Casablanca and the Algarve- Hot Offer

Fancy trying a cruise; for this offer you just can not afford to miss it.

Sail from Dover
19th November 2013 for 7 nights

EPIC Sailing -22 September Sale now on!!!!!!

 With the 7 day sale that NCL are currently running it means there are some fabulous offers; I have just booked a Western Mediterranean from Barcelona cruise on the Epic doing this itinerary

The best Complaint letter ever!!!!

I have to share this as I loved this article from TTG digital


A UK man’s letter to Caribbean airline Liat has gone viral after Sir Richard Branson held it up as an example of “how to write a complaint letter”.

The open letter, written by Lonodner Arthur Hicks, appeared in the weekly British Virgin Islands newspaper, the BVI Beacon, earlier this year, and was noted by Branson in his blog over the weekend.
“Having once received what many regard as the world’s best complaint letter, I was tickled to see another brilliant note to a different airline,” Branson wrote.
Among the points noted with more than a hint of sarcasm in Hicks’ letter were several plane changes, six airport stops with security scanners and pat-downs at each airport, a missed ferry departure, and a lost bag.

Current Egypt Advice

The FCO travel advice for Egypt has been updated.
The level of advice has changed. The FCO now advise against all but essential travel to Egypt with the
exception of the Red Sea resorts.

Air Strike Action

The FCO travel advice for France has been updated to state that there will be industrial action by air traffic controllers from 11 to 13 June 2013 which is expected to have a major impact on flights to, from and over French airspace.
Customers who have booked flight only;
Customers departing within the next three days who are due to travel to or over French airspace are being advised to check with their airline before travelling. Cancellation fees are as per airline cancellation policy.

18 nights cruise sailing from the UK

Another cracker of a deal saving £1400.00 per person departing the 16th June 2013

Great Family of 3 deal Departs 24 June 2013

I just looked at this holiday for a customer and though the price was excellent, the cost of food in Bulgaria is relatively in expensive.

Sun Village

Regent Cruises

I thought I would share this with you all as I found it an interesting concept for Regent and it made me smile.

Disney Cruise Line-Magic get a face lift

At the grand old age of 15 years the Disney’s Magic is about to get a face lift.

She is Disney cruise line oldest ship and as off September she will get the make over. So what’s happening.................

Free Tomorrow???

I have a great egypt offer off if you are Free? ....................

Cardiff to Sharm El Sheikh ReturnDepart 29th Apr 2013, 09:00, Arrive 29th Apr 2013, 15:25

Return 11th May 2013, 20:40, Arrive 12th May 2013, 01:15

Falcon Hills, Sharm el Sheikh
29th Apr 2013 to 11th May 2013 (12 nights)
1 x All inclusive Bronze - Garden/Pool View Room

Transfers included

The price based on two people sharing is £675.00 in total

Hotel Details:

Sandals and Beaches Almost 2 for 1 Sale.

Sandals and Beaches have started there promotion for the year

I think no introduction is required for Sandals the name speaks for itself when it comes to Luxury all inclusive resorts, they pretty much invented the concept. Beaches are the family friendly alternative.

They have just Launched there Annual sale:

Bangkok & Koh Samui

I am putting a nice little twin centre together for a customer that has come out at an amazing price:

Departing in March 2014 from London they are having 3 nights in the Rembrandt Hotel and Towers in Bangkok which is an excellent hotel. It offers a central position with modern luxury including great views of the city.

Ship Launches

There are a number of New Ship Launches this year. 2013 had gone a bit mad for it.
With Viking River cruises inaugurating the most ship in one day in March 2013.  An unprecedented 14 vessels in ceremonies that spanned Europe from Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Rostock, Germany. Crazy stuff.

I am about to go on NCL Breakaway on the Monday and cannot wait to see what she is going to be like. I am looking forward to freezing in the ice bar, seeing the amazing entertainment put on, among other things, I love looking and hopefully (if time allows) experiencing the spa treatments- some which offer to loss inches off your waste line.

I will not go to much into it as I will pop pictures and blog about it late Tuesday /Wednesday so watch this space and remember to call me for details on 01922 705983.

With the group I have on Crown princess I thought that I better nip and see her as well considering she is in Port on the Tuesday I will call in and snap a few shots.

Later in the Year I am on Royal Princess which should be a joy. Watch this space for more information.

Quantum of the seas

With the recent introduction of Royal Caribbean's Quantum of the Seas sailing in the New York area for 2014, it's interesting to see how they keep reinventing themselves.

I always get reminded of the Big Bang Theory when the lads go roller skating in disco lyre gear when I see a roller skating rink. (Only in America) , but yes there is one on board.

So what else have they added........

Compensation for Flight delays

Recently I got a call from a customer with regards to delays on his flight from last year, and how he wanted to claim for a 2 hour flight delay; as he saw something on day time TV. So I had a look and there was a Ruling for customers who have been delayed for over 3 hours in the last 7 years.

This has opened the doors to some compensation. For passenger who have holidays or business trips hit by delays to claim compensation.

Sunny Days

It is sometimes difficult to get great deals out of Belfast International; I recently quoted customers for Sunny Beach and was impressed at the deals, take a look for yourself:

 

Sunny Day Hotel

Sunny Beach

The Sunny Day Hotel lies in close proximity to the beach and is conveniently located in this up and coming resort, near local shops and restaurants. Guests can wander into the resort centre or use the bus stop directly outside the property, to take a trip to the nearby resort of Nessebar.

£299.00 for how many nights cruise!!!!!!!!!!!

Sometimes even as a travel agent you have to ask twice, yep I have found the offer of the year on a Fjordland Cruise

Courage and Determination-Transforming lives together

As part of www.cooptravel.co.uk commitment to the society the staffs gives time and support for fundraisers for charities and good causes.  Over the last two years www.cooptravel.co.uk sponsored Women’s Aid and Raised a whooping £330,000 through various events, be it coffee mornings, fun runs, or in store events.

This year our main Charity of the year has been chosen and it is

Teenage Cancer Trust.

I can not do it justice by my feeble attempts, therefore follow the link, watch the videos and read on………………………

http://www.teenagecancertrust.org/

Watch this space for local Coop events in your area.

Good for your disposition- Egypt summer sun

A week prior to Christmas my husband and I sailed down the Nile, It was great to get some winter sun. Also As it’s the first year I have not had the dreaded flu bug in years, which I believe is a direct result of gaining some Vitamin D. 

They did used to prescribe better climates to improve your disposition, perhaps there is something in it. I will be looking to leave the Great British weather behind next year, if I can convince my better half.

We sailed with Discover Egypt on the Royal Viking. The staffs were lovely and got to know your drink order, the cabin steward was good overall, but what I did like was the animals you find in your room. I will not say more, that but much better than the ocean cruise ships.

Having sailed on the Rhine I had an idea what to expect, however

Vatican Museum, Pantheon, Piazza Novona, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain

After the sites of the morning in we decided it would be a shame to go all that way and not go into the Vatican museum, due to conclave the modern arts exhibition and the Sistine Chapel was closed. This was disappointing, but afterwards we decided it was a good job as we struggled to take everything in, after 4 hours of culture and the evening had drawn in when we got out.

From start to finish the whole museum was impressive, decorated in rich vibrate colourers with art work adorning the ceilings and walls, the eyes could not take in the feast of colours and exquisite works, be it the painting, tapestries or sculptures.

 

Advoid the Airport Queues

EasyJet has offered free online check-in service for several years. Building on the success of this service, they are now moving to online check-in only. During April they plan to transition away from airport check-in and from 30 April all airport check-in desks will be replaced by Bag Drop desks. To encourage customers to check in online during the transition period. They advise It’s quick and easy, saving you time at the airport. From 30 April, all customers must check in online.
If this effects you please check in for your easyJet flight online at Check-in online or Manage Bookings on www.easyJet.com.

Cruises are all launched for 2014/15-Main CCS Highlights

P&O Cruises Cunard cruises & Princess cruises 2014/15 Programme Launch Bookable now!!!!!!

P&O Cruises are thrilled to reveal a stunning new programme for 2014 and into early 2015. As well as adding a host of maiden calls to there itineraries, P&O have announce year round fly-cruising with the introduction of Ventura’s first Mediterranean fly-cruise season. New for 2014, Ventura will be based in the Mediterranean between late March and October embarking on a choice of seven and 14 night itineraries. Regional airport departures enable passengers to hop on a plane in the UK and embark Ventura just a few hours later in either Savona or Venice.

Adonia will be visiting some smaller ‘discovery’ ports that are unique to her itineraries, as well as introducing some real highlights including river cruising into the heart of Seville and Bordeaux and visiting Kiel during their ‘Kiel Week’ festival. We also welcome the return of Strictly Come Dancing cruises and will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Music Festivals at Sea programme, plus our celebrity chefs will be making a number of appearances on board.

Cruise company contact details for Car parking and Coach Transfers

Coaches services all have various pick up point in the UK, please find below the contact details should you require to book the services:

Royal Connections

Royal Connections provides the coach transfer service for Royal Caribbean cruisers.

Tel: 0131 226 8515

Email: royalconnections@intercruises.com 

Celebrity Connections 

Oasis of the Seas to come to Southampton 2014

Yes, at long last this beast of a ship is venturing into UK waters.

With the recent launches of Royal Caribbean international 2014 sailings it was also announced the as of September 2014 she will be in Europe.

Aquia Arina excellent offer

I was searching for a family offer in a four star hotel for crete and was so surpised how reasonable they were for a family of four:

This is by no means the cheapest offer but the hotel is good:

Gatwick to Crete Return
Depart 14th May 2013, 07:30, Arrive 14th May 2013, 13:25
Return 21st May 2013, 14:40, Arrive 21st May 2013, 16:45
Aquis Arina Sand, Kokkini Hani for 7 nights
1 x All Inclusive - Bungalow room - Private Bath, Shower, Toilet, Balcony, Sea View, Air Conditioning

Aquis Arina Sand- All inclusive

 

Dogs on Transatlantic crossings

Dogs at Sea!?!

My mum has a Shih-Tzu that has a four poster bed; she treats it as one of the Grandchildren. Trying not to sound bitter of the little bitch, but I was astounded to find out she is setting sail shortly on the Qm2.

She has her own Kennel- my mum did try to get her in the cabin with her, thankfully Cunard declined and advised they are well cared for in the kennels. They also have there own deck for walks and there own Lamp post and a person scooping the poop, I wish we all got such service; I will just have to wait until I am in a old peoples home, and lost my faculties.

What did surprise me was the price was only $300.00 for her, (the dog not my mum)

Aurora 2 Night Cruise- Bruges

I was recently on the Aurora for a 2 night cruise over to Bruges. It was excellent to be back on board her. Having now sailed on her 3 times I can not help but love her.

This time I was in an outside cabin, rather than a balcony. I opted for this as I like to see what the weather is like, so I can dress accordingly.

The balcony was great last time as we had the little one with us so it was easy to have a drink on the balcony while he was sleeping.

I have been to Bruges a few times before the last was on the NCL Jade a few years back so I knew what to expect.  The best thing about this was;

Rome-St Peters Dome and Basilca de San Pietro

Having booked Rome for my sons 13th Birthday it was crazy to find out that Conclave was taking place the same week.

In some ways it was great as we got to see the pope, in others it was a bit of a shame as we did not get to see the Sistine chapel, which I was hoping to see.

Charlie had long since decided that he wanted to go to the Colosseum, so as he only turns 13 once why not, and it allows me to better advise on where to stay and understand the layout of Rome.

We stayed at the Hotel San Remo, It'sas you would expect for a 3 star hotel, a place to lay your head, breakfast was ok, location turned out to be very good. The staffs was friendly, the receptionist all spoke good English. The room was a triple which was big enough and clean, the shower was good but the furniture as a bit tired.

I have never done so much in such a short space of time. But we were on a mission;