
Anna and Christine recently attended a UK Cruise Convention in Southampton.Chris is an experienced “Cruiser” and knows all about the product,Anna was keen to learn as much as possible.
I think it is fair to say from her report below,that Anna is truly a Cruise convert now!If you have wondered about Cruising but perhaps have had some reservations,please read on:
“Well,end of June and I’m still here,just over a year since I joined the team at Ocky White Travel.Still enjoying every minute and still learning more every day.So much changes in the travel industry from one day to the next.
One of the most significant changes to have happened for me is Cruising!
Have you ever said that I will never go on a cruise?? Me too!!!
The brochure’s can be difficult to understand.My main issue is that I had never seen,let alone been on a cruise ship.If you had asked me which ship I would go on,my honest answer would have been “none!”-I don’t have the best sea legs!!!
But ask me now and the problem would be to stop me talking.This all changed when Christine(our cruise specialist)and I went to Southampton in April for the 2011 Cruise Convention.
After meeting Chris,we had a nice easy four hour drive down to Southampton.On our first night we were to stay at one of the port hotels.After checking in we decided on an evening stroll along the front to see if any of the ships were in.
Reminding you that I had never seen a Cruise Ship,imagine my surprise,and delight,when I saw the funnel over the hotel roof tops………..”Hey Chris,look there it is,that must be the Royal Caribbean ship”
I could not understand why she was laughing????
“Chris,what’s so funny?” “Have I missed something?”
I did feel little silly when she finally stopped laughing and said……
“Anna, that’s the P&O ferry!!!”
We had a lovely evening in sunny Southampton eagerly awaiting the next day.
Up nice and early we sat on the bus and Chris said” Hey Anna,look what’s in!”I looked up and honestly it took me a minute to realise that hotel wasn’t there the previous evening!The Independence of the Seas had docked during the night and is ABSOLUTELY HUGE!!!
We spent the day being shown around the ship.We saw the ice skating rink,the surf rider,the gym,the spa,the theatre,the promenade,the list is endless.So many features I could go on and on.I just could not get over the size and how wonderful this ship is.It was like a small country!!
Cruising is for older people…………DEFINITELY NOT !!
What was the best part? I couldn’t tell you,it was all just so amazing!!
Cruising is an expensive holiday……….DEFINITELY NOT!!!!There is so so much included,it is exceptional value for money!!
As we sat for our lunch we discussed what we had seen.The state rooms are all very well designed to give you as as much space as possible.The promenade was fab,the size of a football pitch!This is where the parades take place in the evenings.We saw one of the shows-fantastic entertainment!We had a delicious lunch on board and of course sampled the wine!
The following day we saw “Aurora”,one of the P&O Cruise fleet.This was a very different ship to the previous day.Still the same fantastic value for money,with entertainment,facilities,first class food and even delicious chocolates made on board.The state rooms were also amazing.The whole ship had a different feel to it.It was very British with its elegant staircase and stripey deck chairs.A different ship for a different client.
Here is where I realised that it’s not just about finding the right itinerary,but also the right ship.
No other holiday can offer such a variety of things to do!
You will unpack only once,but visit a new country every day!
Do things that you never thought possible at sea!
If you are interested in a cruise,or still need to know what’s included in the price of your cruise,pop in to Ocky White Travel and see my scrap book of pictures and just try to stop me talking.
I can’t wait for February 2012 when I will be taking my family on our first cruise.As for my sea legs,I now realise that there is a vast difference between a Ship and a boat!!!!
Bon Voyage Sailors!! ”