The Culture Bank

Cruising under sail is a very different way to see the Caribbean.  The slow pace of life, and the wonderful sailing weather experienced in the Caribbean Sea was made for this type of cruising.

Don’t worry – you won’t be asked to pull in the sails or swab the decks.  This is luxury holidays cruising. What could be more indolent than sunbathing on a teak deck with several thousand square feet of sail billowing above you in a clear blue sky?  Life aboard is relaxed and friendly – you could be sailing on your own personal yacht.

Capacity varies, the larger companies can accommodate up to three hundred guests; the smaller ships are by necessity rather more exclusive, so they will be at the very top end of the market. 

Service on these tall ships is exemplary; the crew members are carefully chosen for this type of cruising, and the catering staff, in particular, is of the highest standard.

There is obviously not going to be a wide choice of entertainment, but with such a laid-back atmosphere on board, West End style extravagance and formal gala nights are not necessary. The emphasis is on relaxation with plenty of day time fun exploring reefs, lagoons, quiet beaches, or diving on wrecks, and windsurfing for the more energetic.  Should there be no breeze to fill the sails, auxiliary engines are on hand to convey passengers to the next idyllic destination.

The evenings are spent chatting around the bar; fine dining and enjoying starry Caribbean nights – the perfect ingredients for romance.

A Panama Canal cruise really does offer something different. 

The Panama Canal originally began as a French plan to create an ambitious waterway connecting the Atlantic with the Pacific.  Plagued by mishaps, the completion was finally undertaken by the Americans 24 years after the initial excavations began, and completed ten years later in 1914.

It was, and still is, a fantastic feat of technology, sometimes referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World.

Cutting directly through Central America, Panama Canal cruising offers the most fantastic glimpse into tropical rain forest, dense jungles, exotic ports and widely varying cultures.

Two types of Panama Canal cruise are available.  The first is an entire length cruise, departing from either the Atlantic or the Pacific, which takes in all three sets of locks (an eight-hour experience).  The second is a partial cruise that will depart from the Atlantic or Gulf coasts, down to the lock at Gatun, where the ship will turn around in the Gatun Lake (the world’s largest manmade lake) and return the way it came.

Partial cruises are a much shorter and cheaper option as the full cruise usually takes about 14 days, but if you have the time it is an unforgettable experience.

You also have the choice of large or small cruise ships.  The great advantage of a smaller ship is that it is capable of cruising into narrow waterways en route, which brings you closer into the jungles of Panama and Costa Rica and gives the opportunity to see indigenous animals such as white faced capuchin monkeys and sloths.

For anyone thinking about taking a cruise, the Panama Canal is not often a destination that springs to mind.  However, with cruise operators continually looking for ways to enrich passenger experience, a voyage through the canal can make a fantastic holiday.  Though many of the larger ships cannot access the winding waterway that dissects South America, smaller liners still offer many of the services found on larger vessels.

Hailed as one of the world’s greatest engineering feats, the Panama Canal cuts across the continent of South America, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.  It enables ships to sail the 51-mile waterway rather than having to travel around the entire continent, by way of Cape Horn.  With exotic sights on either bank, cruises along the canal are perfect for a front row view of the glorious destinations on offer.  The Gatun Locks, where ships are hoisted 25.9m to the canal’s main elevation are a tremendous sight, a glorious manmade accomplishment that will provide the experience of a lifetime.  Fascinating Panama City is often included on cruise itineraries and there is lush rainforest just begging to be explored.

There are a number of cruise operators offering voyages through the Panama Canal, providing a range of holidays to suit everyone.  Many leave from the popular US cruise port of Fort Lauderdale, before sailing down the coast and giving passengers not only the opportunity to explore the canal, but also destinations and hotspots along the way, including ports of call such as Aruba and Cabo San Lucas.  With cruise holidays becoming ever more popular, the Panama Canal could offer a vibrant and alternative holiday destination.

For those in search of a quick break from their hectic lives and daily responsibilities, a two-day mini cruise to Amsterdam is just the thing.  Departing from various UK locations, a mini cruise offers all of the luxuries of a cruise along with the opportunity to see European sites without breaking the bank or subjecting you to the stress of navigating international airports.

Whilst in Amsterdam, there are plenty of things to do and see. Amsterdam is awash with creativity of all kinds – industrial design, graphic art, fashion, and architecture.  There are over 40 museums to visit, featuring 15th century works as well as contemporary wonders.

Canal tours allow you to truly see the city, while a visit to Rijksmuseum places you amid the artwork of Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals.  Visit the Hortus Botanicus, a botanical garden dating back to 1638 and the Ann Frank House, a museum dedicated to the Jewish teenager whose diary speaks out for all of victims of the Holocaust.  The Van Gogh Museum features paintings by the city’s beloved Van Gogh while the Leidseplein and Rembrantplein squares allow visitors to enjoy a plethora of restaurants, eateries, bars, discos, and night clubs.

While on the ship, enjoy the shopping, the cinema, the restaurants, the bars, and the live entertainment.  Spend your afternoons on the deck basking in the sun and your nights gambling at the casino or dancing in the disco.

Truly making the most of a short holiday, a mini cruise offers everything but the hassle.

Taking your first cruise can be a fantastic holiday experience.  You might be worried about what to expect, whether you will get seasick, or if you will feel trapped on the boat.  Cruise ships are like cities all to themselves, providing you with hours of entertainment to while away your time at sea, between gorgeous destinations.  Learn what to expect and you will enjoy your cruise from start to finish.

Benefits of Cruising
A cruise is a cost effective way to see multiple cities and destinations on one easy trip.  You stay put on the mobile “hotel” all for your enjoyment.  Choose a cruise with destinations that interest you and with the right feel for your group.  A family may benefit more from one type of cruise, while a group of adults might prefer a cruise with more nightlife.  Either way, the entertainment offered is a tremendous benefit of the cruising experience.

On top of convenience and entertainment, a cruise gives you the chance to feel pampered.  Live in luxury for a few days’ time, sleeping in top-notch accommodation and dining at gourmet restaurants on board.  Getting “dressed up” can be a daily occurrence if that is your preference.

Enjoying Your Trip
Pack all your basic necessities and board the ship equipped with enjoy money or a credit card for the expenses you plan to incur.  Enjoy the shopping and the spa if you so choose, or join land excursions for daily adventures.  Read the cruise programme guide each day to plan what activities you would like to participate in and enjoy!

Ionian cruises are the perfect choice for those wishing to explore the beauty of the Ionian Sea and its surrounding islands. Connected to the Mediterranean Sea, the Ionian Sea is surrounded by a selection of beautiful Greek islands and offers routes to a variety of other locations, such as Albania.

One of the most popular destinations in the Ionian Sea is Corfu. Corfu offers gorgeous beaches and holiday villas as well as stunning views of the islands from its mountain roads. Tourists can enjoy a variety of Greek cuisine or, for those who are less adventurous, there are a variety of cafes that serve English food.

An Ionian Sea cruise is ideal for short and long cruise holidays. Those interested in shorter cruises can take a selection of day and night cruises starting from Corfu to many of the other Greek islands. Day cruises allow you to pack in a bit of exploring on each island. You can even take a day trip to Plataria, a stunning town that has a variety of cafes and souvenir shops.

Albania is the perfect location for those wishing to enjoy a longer cruise. Known for its folk music, Albania is ideal for those who enjoy a thriving nightlife. It is also known for its cuisine, which comprises mainly of meat and vegetables. Tourists can also enjoy a variety of fish dishes as well as a selection of soups.

If you wish to explore the beauty of Greece’s many islands then an Ionian cruise is the perfect choice.

For a relaxing holiday, where you are guaranteed to get plenty of fresh sea air and the chance to take in the sights and delights of multiple locations across a large region in just a week or two, a cruise on a luxury ocean liner is the ultimate choice.

Cruise companies vary substantially in terms of what they offer in their cruise deals, but many are ‘all inclusive’, meaning that food, drink and board is all included in the upfront price. It is worth noting, however, that you will need to take sufficient extra cash or traveller’s cheques along with you, as you will need to pay for day excursions and any extras, such as activities and souvenirs. Passengers can select adult-only cruises and also choose from a number of different accommodation suites – inside cabins are less expensive than outside cabins (which have a view of the sea). Some of these ‘outside cabins’ might be described as ‘deluxe’ or ‘superior’, and some have pricey extras such as a balcony, a Jacuzzi, an extra large bed or even butler service.

One day you might be bartering in a market in the Canary Islands, the next day you could be floating out at sea, perhaps enjoying a glass of champagne in the ship’s bar. There are many cruises specifically tailored for families, with activities to keep children occupied while parents are free to choose what to do for a few hours – perhaps a pampering session in the spa and treatment room on board the ship. When night falls, each ship offers its guests a range of on-board entertainment, from themed parties to cabaret and comedy acts, from classical concerts to quizzes, from dance competitions to movie screenings.

Routes around the East Mediterranean might stop at Athens, Cairo, Istanbul and Malta. Other popular Mediterranean ports include Cannes, Barcelona, Crete, Las Palmas (Gran Canaria), Ibiza, Florence, Tenerife, St Tropez, Casablanca Morocco, Sardinia and Madeira. Every cruise company has a unique fleet of ships serving a choice of different routes. So from admiring the yachts of the rich and famous in Monaco or the Cote d’Azur to admiring the classical art and architecture of Italy’s historic Florence, whatever your preferred choice of route in the Mediterranean, a cruise holiday could provide the experience of a lifetime.

Whilst each person chooses to define “cheap” in a different way, cruises are often an excellent way to take an exotic holiday on a relatively small budget.  Cruise holidays can cost less than £75 per night, often making them cheaper than the hotel fare expense for a traditional holiday.  Whilst these definitions may vary, most people in search for a cheap cruise have one question on their mind: “Where can I find the cheapest cruises?”  Whilst no one set of tips is appropriate for every trip, as a whole, vacationing on a budget is most possible when you follow these guidelines.

When making any travel plans the journey is often just as important as the destination.  This sentiment is all the more true when travelling on a cruise with on-deck entertainment options.  If the destination is more valuable than the journey, a freighter cruise may be an excellent choice.  With a lower cost for a greater number of days at sea, this is an excellent way to travel cheaply.

Once the correct type of cruise has been selected, it is up to the traveller to locate the best travel rates.  Typically, through consulting a cruise specialist you will be able to find empty cabins and last minute deals at a low price.  These half empty cruise lines will cut prices significantly to ensure the accommodation is filled; a patient buyer can reap the benefits.  So shop around on the internet and contact travel agents to secure a good price for your cruise.

The range of Mediterranean cruises on offer has expanded dramatically in recent years, from party cruises stopping at beach resorts, to cultural cruises taking in archaeological sites and smaller luxury ships cruising the Nile or the Greek Islands. You can even book Mediterranean cruises on old style sailing clippers. If you are new to the idea of a cruise holiday in the Mediterranean, here are some tips to help you get the most out of this amazing holiday experience.

Firstly, when you are looking at the cruises on offer, think carefully about the type of ship and the company running it. Big ships will have more amenities but small ships feel more intimate and can go to more places. Each cruise line attracts a different type of clientele, and these people will be your neighbours for the entire trip. Whether you prefer an older, sophisticated crowd, or a younger party crowd, make sure you pick the right ship!

Once you’ve selected the ship and the itinerary, you need to pick a good room. Standard rooms tend to be tight, so it’s worth upgrading if you can. Ocean views are a must-have, as is a location away from noise such as the engine room or the nightclubs. There are usually discounts available, or upgraded rooms, particularly if you book through an agent. Early booking gets the best prices, and last minute bargains are sometimes offered, but the popular cruises will usually be sold out.

Everyone knows what a cruise is. But do you know the meaning of a cruise and stay holiday? Put simply it provides you with another way to enjoy a trip abroad. Many cruise and stay holidays give you the opportunity to forego a stressful flight and head abroad on the luxury of a cruise liner instead. You can hop on board, unpack and relax on your journey to another part of the world.

Typically speaking your average cruise and stay deal will include several nights on board your chosen ship, with another period planned on dry land.  For instance one trip available recently with Virgin Holidays comprised three nights stay in Barbados and seven nights on board a Carnival cruise ship.

Cruise and stay holidays are a good idea if you happen to be going on a cruise for the first time. Some people are understandably unsure of what to expect, and by combining a stay on land with a few days on a cruise ship you can enjoy both experiences in the same holiday.

In addition to this it can be a good way to enjoy something different. It is also ideal for those who are not keen on flying, because you can literally start enjoying your holiday the moment you board the cruise liner. For many people it beats the stress and cramped conditions you will usually end up with on an aeroplane.  A cruise deal could be just what you need.