The Azura Verdict...

Just back from the Azura and have lots of feedback for you as well as some pictures, so you can decide for yourselves if she will be the ship for you in 2010!

I wasn’t too sure what to expect from the Azura, as I had heard very mixed views of the Ventura, the sister ship, as some felt she was proving far too popular with families with young children, so wasn’t to everyone’s taste! I had also heard that P&O were going to try to keep the Azura more traditional and a little less family focused, so it would be interesting to see how they had done this.

So lets start with the cabins; I was allocated one of the JF grade balcony cabins, A602,

Southampton Welcomes the Azura!

Today Southampton welcomed P&O's brand new superliner - Azura. The 116,000 ton ship sailed into the port at around 7am this morning, in preparation to host a number of inaugural events this week.

I am lucky enough to be heading down to join in the celebrations on Friday with my colleagues so we can see first hand what the new addition to the P&O fleet will be able to offer! We will be heading down to Southampton in the afternoon, then spending the night onboard which means we also get to experience the fine dining and of course all the evening entertainment.

I am looking forward to seeing the single cabins - a first for P&O, and also the Indian restaurant - "Sindhu" - which will be Michelin starred chef Atul Kochhar's first ever restaurant at sea.

I will of course be reporting back next week with my thoughts, and lots of photos so you can see what you think of the Azura too!

Ryanair: Need to spend a penny? It may cost you £1!

Some time ago I heard a rumour that Ryanair would start charging customers to use the toilets on board their planes. I think at the time, most people laughed this off and thought it would never happen, but, it seems they are serious and are looking to go ahead with the plans!

It has been suggested that it would make the low cost airline an additional £15 million a year, which they would then pass on to the customers as even lower discounted fares.

I don't know about you, but I would much rather pay a little more for my flight and know that what I have paid for is an "all in" fare. For example, I would rather know that I can get drinks onboard included, or at reasonable prices, seats allocated, no online booking fees or check in fees, and I certainly would not want to have to pay to use the loo! (although personally, I always do whatever I can to not use the toilet on a flight!)

What do you think about these plans? Would you still fly with Ryanair if the plans go ahead? Or would you rather pay a higher price for your flight and make your travel arrangements with another airline?

Epic here I come!

Today I had some very exciting news... I have been invited onboard the Norwegian Epic on 22nd June 2010 to join in the 2 night inaugural celebrations in Southampton!

From what I have heard, this is going to be a spectacular ship with an ice bar, water slides, bowling alleys and, best of all for food lovers - 17 different dining options! I am now reading up on the ship in the brochure, planning exactly what I want to cram in to 2 days.

It will be very interesting as I have never actually been onboard a Norwegian Cruise Lines ship, so I can finally add them to my list of cruise lines I have tried!

Report to follow soon....

Cruising Italian Style!

Another fantastic exclusive offer to tell you about, this time with MSC Cruises on the Armonia.

7 night Eastern Mediterranean cruise sailing from Venice in May, prices start from just £499 for an inside cabin to an amazing £599 for a balcony suite!! This offer includes direct Gatwick flights, all transfers and taxes and fees.

We also have great child prices on this one, but you will need to get in quick to take advantage of the offer, as it wont last long... Call me for more information on my direct line 0845 839 6360.