Selasa, 29 Mei 2012

How much to clean your shirt?


The problem with cruising is that you have to have lots of lovely clothes as dressing for dinner can be a big part of the cruise. However if you're on a fly cruise then your luggage allowance is limited.

P&O cruises offer self service launderettes on board however Royal Caribbean do not and this is a large cause of complaint.

However when I was on board Independence of the Seas I had a peak at the laundry costs and they are not as expensive as I thought, you  wouldn't want to pay them to do all of your washing but if it is just a couple of items then it's not too bad.

Item                   Wash & Press   ($)            Dry Clean & Press ($)
Mens Jacket         -------                                   5.00
Jeans                    3.50
Shirt                     3.50                                     4.00
Tie                                                                   2.25
Trousers               4.00                                     4.50

Blouse                  4.00                                     4.50
Dress                    6.00                                     8.00
Evening dress                                                   9.50
Skirt                      4.00                                     5.00
Suit                                                                   9.00

Now some of these prices are cheaper than I pay locally for dry cleaning, and had I looked earlier I would have had my evening dress cleaned on board before going home. What do you think?

Selasa, 22 Mei 2012

Luggage Delivery Service - Barcelona



The worst thing about the end of a cruise is having to wait for a late flight home. You have to leave the ship by mid morning and you either have to wait at the airport for the day or sightseeing is restricted by having a couple of suitcases and hand bags to lug around for the day.

Some cruises offer full day excursions and your luggage is taken care of but these can be expensive.
I though have just been given details of a luggage delivery service in Barcelona, for just 18 Euros per bag your luggage will be collected from the port and transfered to Barcelona airport for you to join later. This then free's you up for a full day of sight seeing.

For more information or to book just click here

I assume that similar companies exist in other ports, if anyone knows any details please let me know.

Selasa, 15 Mei 2012

P&O offer Tuxedo Hire


P&O Cruises are now offering tuxedo hire from just £79 for a weeks cruise. So if you are trying your first cruise and do not want to commit to buying one then this is a good value and handy solution.

The price includes everything that you need:
  • Dinner Suit Jacket
  • Dress Trousers
  • 2 x Dress Shirts
  • Bow Tie
  • Cufflinks
There is also a choice of black or white tuxedo and there are extras available such as a cummerbund for £5 or shoes for £12.

If you would like more information or to book you can just follow this link:
www.pocruisesblacktiehire.co.uk

Selasa, 08 Mei 2012

What I thought of Independence of the Seas

Well I am now back in the office and I had a wonderful time on Independence last week. The ship was fantastic and I learnt a lot.

She sailed with 4046 passengers on board and check in took a while an hour and a half of queuing  however it was all organised and civilised and I've waited that long at an airport before. I believe this isn't the norm as well, it was just that this was a mini cruise and everyone turned up early. Once on board I had no idea that there were so many people.

My cabin was an inside and had plenty of storage space and I didn't miss the window, although given the choice I would upgrade to a balcony for the additional cabin space. Especially if I travelled with my family.



The ship herself held lots of surprises for me, the main dining room was much grander than I'd expected and in terms of food I thought the menu's were great. There was a good choice each night, with a couple of seafood and fish dishes, a roast, a pasta and and indian dish to choose from amongst other things. I found the offerings more continental and adventurous than on other ships that I've been on. However there were also some British offerings each evening for the less adventurous diner.

The entertainment on board was great, there is so much to see and do  at all times, I particularly enjoyed the cantilever whirlpool at midnight as a great way to end the day. I won't list all the activities as these can be seen in the brochures but I will just mention the things that I didn't know about. One evening the waiters all did a wonderful rendition of 'O Sole Mio' across the 3 floors of the restaurant and on two of the evenings there was a show on the Royal Promenade - the Welcome Aboard party with a free glass of champagne and a Rock and Roll show with singing and dancing.
This is where Royal Caribbean cruises differentiate themselves, they are lively and fun and give that little bit more.

They also surprised me with everything that is included in the price. I have always heard that they are expensive on board and yes they are - wine is $9, cocktails $9.50 and a can of coke was $2.50. However you really don't have to spend much across the day. There is iced water available all day, the Cafe Promenade serves coffee and tea with a choice of at least 20 tea bags and in the Windjammer restaurant there is a choice of 4 different flavours of soft drink. As well as food in the restaurant there is Pizza available 24 hours a day and sandwiches and cakes in the Cafe. On the pool deck you can help yourself to ice cream in a cone with a choice of 3 flavours. I was able to keep myself fed and watered all day without spending a dime. If only I hadn't wanted the alcohol at night.


The age group on board was really mixed, quite a few families with young kids, groups of ladies away for a weekend and elderly couples. This ship really does have something for every one. I came away wanting to go back with my husband and 6 year old and also separately on a girls trip, and with my Mum. I think I'm going to be doing a lot of mini cruises next year.

Read what others think about Independence of the Seas and other Royal Caribbean cruise reviews by visiting Cruise.co.uk.

Selasa, 01 Mei 2012

I'm off on a mini cruise.

I'm really excited as tomorrow I will be boarding Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas for her 3 night mini cruise. We set sail for Le Havre where she will be docked for 2 full days so that we can fully explore Paris.

I am being hosted by Royal Caribbean as part of their Seminar at Sea programme during which I will learn all about Royal Caribbean and how I can sell their products better.  I'm not sure exactly what I'll be doing on this course but it starts with a cocktail party so can't be all hard work.

I haven't sailed on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship before although I was lucky enough to attend Liberty of the Sea's launch party, so as a sister ship I know what to expect of Independence. I am particularly looking forward to trying out all of the food venues especially Johnny Rockets as several customers have recommended it and I would really like a go on the Rock Climbing Wall, although I have been warned that this may make me ache.

I'm away until Saturday and then it's a Bank Holiday weekend so I get an extra day off and will be back in the office on Tuesday 8th May. For any help whilst I'm away please call my colleagues on
0800 408 6088