THIS WEEKS AMAZING CRUISE DEALS - Sail away from £679!
If you're keen to sail away with a bargain here are just a small selection of our top offers, hand-picked by our cruise experts. Whatever your choice of cruise, our travel specialists are here to offer you outstanding service, unbiased information and the best deals available! We have selected some of the newest offers available as well as some sailings that are just too good to miss.
Join our Global Community on Twitter and Facebook and catch up with all the latest news, competitions,reviews, deals and much, much more...
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£799 - 7 night on Celebrity Equinox - Mediterranean - 2nd September 2010
Fantastic Late Deal
Click here
£1,195 - 14 nights on Independence of the Seas - Italian Med - 25th September 2010
Great Low Fare
Click here
£699 - 7 nights on Costa Concordia - Mediterranean - 1st October 2010
Magnificent Med Deal
Click here
£891 - 14 nights on Fred Olsen's Boudicca - Western Med - 5th October 2010
Sail from Newcastle!
Click here
£1,695 - 30 nights on P&O Cruises Aurora - Caribbean - 16th October 2010
Only £56pp per night!!!
Click here
£699 - 7 nights on Celebrity Constellation - Mediterranean - 16th October 2010
Classic Med itinerary
Click here
£999 - 12 nights on Queen Victoria - Mediterranean - 19th October 2010
Unbeatable low fare
Click here
£699 - 7 nights on Costa Serena - Eastern Med - 31st October 2010
Amazing Itinerary
Click here
£1,369 - 15 nights on P&O Cruises Ventura - Caribbean - 19th November 2010
Up to £400 FREE on board spend*
Click here
£1,399 - 15 nights on P&O Cruises Azura - Caribbean - 26th November 2010
Up to £400 FREE Onboard Spend*
Click here
£1,299 - 15 nights on Sea Princess - Caribbean - 29th November 2010
Up to £400 FREE Onboard Spend*
Click here
£679 - 11 nights on Independence of the Seas - Canaries - 10th December 2010
New Reduced Fare
Click here
£969 (balcony) - 5 nights on Queen Victoria - Christmas Markets - 15th December 2010
Buy one, get one free! - Exclusive to Ideal Cruising
Click here
£899 - 7 nights on MSC Magnifica - Eastern Med - 19th December 2010
Christmas Cruise! £200 FREE on board spend*
Click here
If you can't see the sailing you're looking for then call or go online today!
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Don't forget! Princess 2011/12 Exotic On Sale Now!
For further information on any offers please visit our website at http://www.idealcruising.co.uk/index.php?source=blog or call us on 0845 296 1864
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We look forward to hearing from you,
Ideal Cruising
Terms & Conditions:
Terms and conditions apply, please call for more details. All offers are subject to availability and can be withdrawn without notice. Offers available for new bookings only. Prices are per person and based on 2 sharing the lowest available cabin, unless stated. *Free spend is per cabin, based on 2 sharing and only applicable to certain dates and cabin grades, amounts may vary by cabin grade. Savings already included in prices. Flights based on London, regional flights available, airline may vary and supplement may apply. Prices are based on a fluid pricing system and may vary. If you are paying on a credit card a 2.5% surcharge does apply.
Wednesday, August 18
Thursday, August 12
New Kids on the Block Carnival Cruises Concert
I wasn't much of a 'New Kids on the Block' fan to be honest, when I was younger I preferred the English boy bands however I know I was the odd one out. My friends all had the posters, had the keyrings, knew all the words to every song. Bordering on the obsessional. And so, time has moved on, they're married, a few have had kids and now my friends have blossomed into seasoned cruisers. So, as you can imagine I'm actually quite scared to tell them about the concert that will be held on Carnival Cruise line in May 2011.
This will be the 3rd time NKOTB have performed at such an event at sea and by all accounts you don't just see them perform then never catch them, again - oh no, something far worse happens... they hang around, they host competitions, you'll see them at the bars and restaurants and even hosting poolside games.
Last year their cruise sold out in a matter of hours just proving there's life in the old (sea) dogs yet!
I fear all this will all be far too much excitement for my ageing friends but worse than that, I fear those poor lads will be hounded by them the entire trip. So, my decision is made, my lips are sealed and theres no-one but me and you going to ever know *wink*.
http://tiny.cc/cruiseholiday
This will be the 3rd time NKOTB have performed at such an event at sea and by all accounts you don't just see them perform then never catch them, again - oh no, something far worse happens... they hang around, they host competitions, you'll see them at the bars and restaurants and even hosting poolside games.
Last year their cruise sold out in a matter of hours just proving there's life in the old (sea) dogs yet!
I fear all this will all be far too much excitement for my ageing friends but worse than that, I fear those poor lads will be hounded by them the entire trip. So, my decision is made, my lips are sealed and theres no-one but me and you going to ever know *wink*.
http://tiny.cc/cruiseholiday
USA ESTA Applications
Quick message about the USA ESTA - From September 2010 the USA will be charging $14 per person to obtain the ESTA Visa, this is currently free of charge to UK citizens and is valid for 2 years. If you are looking to travel to or via the USA in the next 2 years it would make sense to apply now, the form can be found at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/esta.html
It takes just a few minutes to complete and in most cases the visa is issued instantly.
It takes just a few minutes to complete and in most cases the visa is issued instantly.
Wednesday, August 11
UNBEATABLE 2-for-1 Cunard Christmas Markets Cruise Offer!
Get a BALCONY cabin for 2 people for just £969... bear in mind Cunard's own website is advertising the same cabin at £875 for 1 person!
This package includes a 5 night sailing on Cunard's Queen Victoria from Southampton, full board accommodation inclusing 24hour dining and a balcony cabin for two. Remember, you wont need flights as this cruise sails back into Southampton.
The itinerary will take you to Amsterdam, then Zebrugge (for Bruges and Brussels) then on to Le Havre for Paris before sailing home.
The joy and atmosphere of Christmas Markets really is unsurpassable. This prices makes this an incredible offer - please share it with your friends as all booking must be made before 18th August - thats if it doesnt sell out before!
View the Cunard Christmas Markets Cruise offer here.
This package includes a 5 night sailing on Cunard's Queen Victoria from Southampton, full board accommodation inclusing 24hour dining and a balcony cabin for two. Remember, you wont need flights as this cruise sails back into Southampton.
The itinerary will take you to Amsterdam, then Zebrugge (for Bruges and Brussels) then on to Le Havre for Paris before sailing home.
The joy and atmosphere of Christmas Markets really is unsurpassable. This prices makes this an incredible offer - please share it with your friends as all booking must be made before 18th August - thats if it doesnt sell out before!
View the Cunard Christmas Markets Cruise offer here.
Tuesday, August 10
Friday, August 6
Tour & Lunch onboard Holland America Maasdam
This week I got to take a look at Holland America's Maasdam while it was docked in Dover. Luckily for me it was just before the rain came, the sun was high in the sky and not a cloud to be seen so I got to see the ship in all her glory.
This was my first time on a HAL ship so I was intrigued to see how it would match up to the company ethos. Now I know I chose one of the older ships in the fleet but that didnt matter to me - if anything it made more sense, this way I get to see the service and atmosphere onboard for what it is. All without being seduced by new furniture and sparkly decor.
The ship was pretty easy to navigate my way around due to the size and layout. Most of the facilities were grouped towards the center of the ship on levels 6,7 & 8 then other facilities either side of the Lido pool. There was notabley plenty of space on the deck areas which were filled with comfortable loungers.
I got to have a sneaky peak into one of the few empty outside twin staterooms while I mooched around the lower decks. The spaciousness of the cabin was such a breath of fresh air to me - having been stuck in pokey cabins on other cruise lines. The decor wasn't necessarily to my taste but I am one of those aweful creatures that prefers minimal, modern, beiges and curves.
The kind staff in the spa took me for a mini tour of their facilities including the Thermal room - I particularly liked the idea of relaxing on heated stone loungers in a steamy room whilst staring out through the large windows to sea. Dipping into the whirlpools every 10 minutes to reveive my senses.
The fitness area was suprisingly large and found it to contain all the equipment the avid gym-goer would need.
The most modern and the most recent additions to the ship were the culinary arts center, wine tasting and Explorations library/cafe. The culinary centre was set up like a small theatre with a purpose built kitchen taking the centre stage. Any demonstrations there would, im sure, be easy to view and feel like you are part of the process rather than just a spectator.
The library was larger than expected, a very comfortable area that exuded a scerenity that masde me want to drop my backs and put my feet up with a coffee and the latest hardback!
All in all, my tour showed me that even the older ships on the Holland America fleet have an undefined charm that cannot be overtaken by the lures of any new ship. Long may Maasdam sail the seas and fly the flag of excellence.
This was my first time on a HAL ship so I was intrigued to see how it would match up to the company ethos. Now I know I chose one of the older ships in the fleet but that didnt matter to me - if anything it made more sense, this way I get to see the service and atmosphere onboard for what it is. All without being seduced by new furniture and sparkly decor.
The ships staff were very attentive which ever part of the ship I happened to be, but of course I noticed the service most at lunch. My waiter was gracious and ready to answer any of my queries or requests. He brought more bread without asking, topped the wine before I'd noticed the level going down and brought out the food in a timely and effortless manner. I was more than impressed.
The lunch itself was just delicious - i'm not really a beef lover but i (rather wisely) chose the filet mignon which turned out to be cooked to perfection, medium but with no blood, simply full of melt-in-the-mouth flavour. As HAL has a good reputation for food, the quality of my lunch only served to reinforce that.
The ship was pretty easy to navigate my way around due to the size and layout. Most of the facilities were grouped towards the center of the ship on levels 6,7 & 8 then other facilities either side of the Lido pool. There was notabley plenty of space on the deck areas which were filled with comfortable loungers.
I got to have a sneaky peak into one of the few empty outside twin staterooms while I mooched around the lower decks. The spaciousness of the cabin was such a breath of fresh air to me - having been stuck in pokey cabins on other cruise lines. The decor wasn't necessarily to my taste but I am one of those aweful creatures that prefers minimal, modern, beiges and curves.
The kind staff in the spa took me for a mini tour of their facilities including the Thermal room - I particularly liked the idea of relaxing on heated stone loungers in a steamy room whilst staring out through the large windows to sea. Dipping into the whirlpools every 10 minutes to reveive my senses.
The fitness area was suprisingly large and found it to contain all the equipment the avid gym-goer would need.
The most modern and the most recent additions to the ship were the culinary arts center, wine tasting and Explorations library/cafe. The culinary centre was set up like a small theatre with a purpose built kitchen taking the centre stage. Any demonstrations there would, im sure, be easy to view and feel like you are part of the process rather than just a spectator.
The library was larger than expected, a very comfortable area that exuded a scerenity that masde me want to drop my backs and put my feet up with a coffee and the latest hardback!
All in all, my tour showed me that even the older ships on the Holland America fleet have an undefined charm that cannot be overtaken by the lures of any new ship. Long may Maasdam sail the seas and fly the flag of excellence.
Monday, August 2
7 of our Favourite Cruise Ship Cakes
Its probably no secret that we like cakes in the Ideal Cruising office. Thats why we decided to put together a slideshow of our favourite cruise ship themed cakes accross the world wide web.
And lets not forget that we owe a big thank you to Kelly Tayor, one of our multi-talented cruise specialists, for her special cruise ship themed birthday cake (photo on the right). Made specially for Ideal Cruising's 6th birthday. This photo was taken with a bity of a dodgy phone camera - within and hour there were barely crumbs left. Yum, thanks again Kelly!
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And lets not forget that we owe a big thank you to Kelly Tayor, one of our multi-talented cruise specialists, for her special cruise ship themed birthday cake (photo on the right). Made specially for Ideal Cruising's 6th birthday. This photo was taken with a bity of a dodgy phone camera - within and hour there were barely crumbs left. Yum, thanks again Kelly!
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This week's Top Offers, Exclusives & Late Deals
This week we have some great cruise deals lines up for you. If you have any questions or you would like to book one of the Top Cruises, please call our cruise specialists on 0845 839 9344
- 'Sale' Away in 2011 - Independence of the Seas
April - December 2011
FREE Spend upto $200 (selected sailings)
FREE Car Parking (selected sailings)
3 - 18 nts now... from £276
View this cruise deal here - P&O Early Booking Sale March 2011 - March 2012
FREE Onboard Spend up to £250 per cabin
FREE Parking or Coach Transfers (selected sailings)
PLUS Extra Savings on Balcony cabins
2 nights only... from £179
View this cruise deal here - Prices Too Low to Show!
Brand New Celebrity Eclipse
Selected dates, Aug & Sep 2010
Limited Cabins - Don't Miss Out!
View this cruise deal here - 2011 Sale Bonanza - Early Booking Spectacular!
FREE Onboard Spend up to $900
FREE Parking or Coach Transfers (selected sailings)
PLUS Savings up to £1,000 per cabin
3 - 29 night now...from £333
View this cruise deal here - Exotics Double Bonus - Queen Mary 2 & Queen Victoria
November 2010 - March 2011
COMPLIMENTARY Hotel Stay - Up to 3nts
PLUS New Discounted Prices
11 nights now...from £1,375
View this cruise deal here - 2011 Triple Bonus Deals
Celebrity Eclipse - Apr - Oct 2011
FREE Onboard Spend up to $200
FREE Car Parking (selected dates)
FREE Cabin Upgrades (selected dates)
4 - 16 nts now...from £368
View this cruise deal here - Fantastic New Offer - Celebrity Constellation
25th Sept, 9th & 16th Oct 2010
Exclusive Offer to Ideal Cruising
Cabins are Limited - Don't Miss Out!
7 nights now...from £699
View this cruise deal here - Cunard 2011 Mega Sale
April 2011 - December 2011
FREE Onboard Spend upto $2,560 per cabin
FREE Car Parking (on selected sailings)
PLUS Early Booking Savings upto £800 per cabin
2 nights from £338
View this cruise deal here
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