Save money on your parking.

There are some great deals for cruises from Southampton this Summer but as with all great deals there is always a catch, free car parking is not included. C&PS the parking people affliated to P&O at Southampton charge £148 for 2 weeks parking at the docks which adds alot to your holiday cost.

At Cruise.co.uk though we can get you discounted and stress free parking. We offer 'Meet and Greet' parking which is easy and cheap. You just drive up to the ship and meet our man on the ground.
He then parks your car for you and meets you at the end of your cruise with your car at a time to suit you.

The costs for this service are much more reasonable.

Duration       Our price       C&PS price
7 nts              £86
10nts             £95                £114
12nts             £101              £132
14nts             £107              £148
21nts             £129              £213

We also have reduced prices at Dover and airports around the country. Just give me a call for details.

More info on luggage delivery in Barcelona

One of my good customers has just come back from Barcelona and used the luggage delivery service from the port to the airport and has passed on some useful information for us all.

You can prebook this service using the link in my earlier blog, however the staff are actually available at the port and it can be arranged on the day at a cheaper cost. Delivery staff will be waiting by the luggage pick up point at the cruise terminal and they just take your luggage and ask you what time you would like to meet them at the airport. The cost is just 9 euros 70 cents per bag, which is great.

With this is mind you can book a late flight home safe in the knowledge that you can spend the day sightseeing without having to lug your bags about too.

Regent enhance Seven Seas Navigator

Regent's Seven Seas Navigaotor has last week come from dry dock followind a wonderful refit making her even more luxurious.

Her new renovations include the complete redecoration of the ship’s eight Grand Suites and Master Suites and the debut of Sette Mari at La Veranda, an intimate Italian dining experience offering both buffet and a la carte service.

Renovation of the ship’s Grand Suites and Master Suites includes new built-in cabinetry, custom-crafted furnishings including new headboards and bedding, balcony furniture, plush carpeting, designer accessories and original art.
All Navigator Suites have also been refreshed with plush carpeting, wall coverings, new dining tables and outdoor furniture. 

The ship’s popular breakfast and lunch buffet venue, La Veranda, has been masterfully repurposed to create Sette Mari at La Veranda offering an extensive menu of authentic antipasti and Italian specialty dishes available from the buffet and also ordered al momento (cooked to order). Al fresco dining is also available so guests can dine under the stars.

Prime 7, the ship’s modern American-style steakhouse, has also been enlarged to accommodate 70 guests and features a new contemporary sculpture at its entrance. The popular Galileo Lounge has also been renewed and redecorated

At a time when most cruise lines are cutting back and trying to save costs it is good to see that Regent are spending some money and enhancing their fleet.

To receive a brochure or for more information on Regent Seven Seas Cruises just give me a call.

If you need me...

Having worked a couple of Jubilent Bank Holidays I am now taking the rest of the week off to spend with my family. My son had a Wii for his birthday last week so I will no doubt have to spend a lot of time playing games. We also have a trip planned to join friends in their caravan but I am slightly concerned about the weather. Keep you fingers crossed for me.

Whilst I am off please contact my colleagues at Cruise.co.uk on 0800 408 6088 who will happily help you with any new or existing bookings.

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?

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.

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