Planning your itinerary with ocean cruises and adventure breaks
Two words that are often deemed to be slightly boring are planning and organisation, but if you're to enjoy either your holiday at sea or an adrenalin fuelled break to one of Bulgaria's premium resorts to the fullest, then being well organised and prepared will stand you in good stead. For instance, it's no good just throwing your passport, your ATM card and a few clothes into your bag and hoping for the best! You need to think about climate and banking facilities and the like. And with lines like Princess cruises visiting so many glamorous locations and hosting a wealth of onboard galas, packing a few grubby T shirts simply won't do! Likewise when you book a penthouse in Bansko, one of Bulgaria's top ski and adventure resorts, you need to make sure you pack according to the activities you've have planned for the duration of your stay. Being an all year round resort means there will be plenty to keep you occupied in this most beautiful of mountain retreats as far as both day time and night time activities are concerned. Don't forget, organisation is the key to all successful trips and if you want to ensure your cruises from Southampton are successful ones, then doing some research on the destinations and ports your ship will be calling at on the voyage is not only sensible but essential! Of course, before you even get to the packing stage there's the small matter of choosing your destination to consider!
"We enjoyed a cocktail as we sailed away, had some great inclusive excursions, the gala dinners were stupendous (up to 9 courses starting with caviar), a dessert buffet one night with everything you could wish to eat for dessert - including enough chocolate choices even for me!" - Andrews, Beeston on 18th May 2009 (Peter Deilmann)
On land or sea, the choices are mouth watering
It may seem surprising but many of us simply get into a rut where our annual holiday is concerned. This is a shame really seeing as there is a wealth of different vacations on offer out there. Celebrity cruises offer one such alternative and if you'd enjoy a fun filled entertainment package onboard some of the finest vessels afloat, then you should certainly consider booking your next holiday with them. With such diverse destinations as the Mediterranean and Alaska included in their comprehensive catalogue, there's a holiday for young and old alike. If you decide upon the Alaskan option, don't forget to pack some warm clothing! As warm and cosy as their glorious ships are, it can get a tad chilly when set ashore on one of the numerous excursions that they offer. And similar to voyaging on Fred Olsen cruises, those visiting the gorgeous mountain paradise of Bansko need to prepare for every eventuality before they set off on their impending adventures. Of course, if you've booked some luxury penthouse accommodation, warmth is never going to be a problem when you're relaxing by the roaring open fire. But with a wealth of outdoor activities and bars and restaurants available for your enjoyment, you need to pack some decent clothing and accessories. When you travel with MSC cruises, you will also be faced with numerous events and activities to consider and being an Italian vessel you can guarantee everything will be carried out with more than a hint of style.
"We have just returned from a 2 weeks cruise on Ventura. On arrival at Southampton we found ita very efficient procedure before boarding the ship and were in our cabin within an hour of parking our car. Our cabin on D deck was a delux balcony and lived up to all expectations." - Bowman-Taylor, Minehead on 18th May 2009 (P&O Cruises)
Destinations and activities for all seasons
The beauty of booking trips to both Bansko and exclusive sea voyages is that they can be enjoyed at any time of the year and, where as a summer holiday is generally reliant on the weather holding out, these alternative holidays take all that nature has to offer and embrace it! Where sunshine is concerned, if you're looking for a break from the excesses of a Northern European winter, then Caribbean cruises could well provide to be the tonic you're looking for. It goes without saying, of course, that the sun isn't always a necessity when it comes to enjoying your holiday but fine blue skies certainly help! And crisp mountain air and clear skies is definitely what greets you when you first arrive at your penthouse accommodation in Bansko! With room for up to eight guests, this really is the perfect location to enjoy some great outdoor fun. Royal Caribbean cruises do, of course, offer a very different style of break. Their ships, being veritable floating cities, offer ever facility you could ever dream of from promenade cafes, pizza parlours and some excellent duty free shopping, no one is left wanting. Visitors to Bansko can enjoy such diverse activates as 4x4 off road adventures and mountaineering where as Cunard cruises offer a completely different approach when it comes to high sea adventures! From informative onboard lectures to sumptuous a la carte dining experiences, this most famous of lines offers the ultimate voyage experiences which, incidentally, grow ever more popular.
"Our beautifully fitted mini suite was a model of comfort and a real delight, and our enjoyment of it was assured by the careful and caring assistance of a wonderful steward. Everything possible was laid on, the facilities were exquisite, and even the in-cabin information was a model of its type." - Mitchell, Derby on 18th May 2009 (Princess Cruises)
Mountain vistas and exotic ports, pure delight for all
It's hard to imagine anywhere as stunningly beautiful or as interesting as the Mediterranean. With its tranquil waters and a lofty reputation as the birthplace of the 'civilised' world, it's a destination that is hard to beat on so many fronts. And quite possibly the best way to enjoy this stunning region of the world is to embark on an all encompassing Mediterranean voyage. Doing so with P&O cruises not only gives you the chance to enjoy sailing on the high seas, but also to experience the eclectic mix of ports you will visit. You can tailor your individual trip to your exacting needs, just as you can with your adventure trip to Bansko! A visit to this mountain paradise in the gorgeous mountains of Bulgaria, if planned correctly, can offer you and those accompanying you the adventure of a lifetime. Sorting out your accommodation couldn't in fact be easier as the Bansko all seasons resort offers you all your heart could desire both in terms of comfort and facilities. As far as comfort goes, NCL cruises certainly don't 'skimp' when it comes to offering their passengers cabin accommodation and amenities of the highest order. Their Norwegian Jewel is a regular visitor to the Mediterranean and makes for the perfect way to enjoy the delights of this wonderful area. So, why not take the plunge? It's worth remembering, of course, whether you're going quad biking in Bansko or enjoying a voyage in an exotic location, it's always best to plan ahead!
"The boat was lovely and was very clean and we could not fault the cabins, in fact our cabin steward was excellent, and kept it spotlessly clean we didnt see a lot of him but during breakfast and meals bathrooms/beds/towels changed in a jiffy. The food was very good, in fact we could not find a fault with it - just like eating in a 5* hotel and was very hot and quickly served." - Bithray, Kettering on 18th May 2009 (P&O Cruises)