Select cruises mean truly travelling in style and that includes pens and stationery!
In today’s world, hundreds of liners belonging to numerous companies ply routes across pretty much every ocean and around each continent, not excluding the Arctic and Antarctic. The magnificent multi-storey luxury vessels of modern times are impressive by anyone’s standards with the newest, like those of Royal Caribbean cruises, featuring increasingly sophisticated and wide-ranging amenities. The early days were a different matter, however. Originally, passenger ships were nothing more than a means of getting from A to B and the time ‘trapped’ on board had to be stoically endured for as long as it took to reach one’s destination. A far cry from what you can experience these days if you sail with Fred Olsen cruises, for example. The idea of making these ocean trips more palatable for the passenger, not to mention more lucrative for the operator, originated on transatlantic crossings which lasted four days or more. The addition of sumptuous accommodation, fine dining and casinos engendered an image of luxury and exclusivity. And quite rightly so, since in former times, these remarkable craft were the sole domain of society’s elite. But the picture has changed quite dramatically since then with an entire industry operating worldwide and providing pleasure voyages to suit every budget. Nor are holidaymakers restricted in their choice of itinerary duration with anything from weekend cruises from Southampton to 100 day circumnavigations of the planet! But if you are looking to travel in the lap of luxury, you need look no further.
Our cabin friend
"We boarded Independence of the Seas in Southampton on 27th May 2009 and were very impressed with the layout and facilities on board." - Jones, Liverpool on 16th Jun 2009 (Royal Caribbean Cruises)
Staterooms and suites
A successful businessman who drives a top-of-the-range Porsche and hard bargains wants to know that when he does finally get down-time there will be people on hand to take care of his every need, almost intuitively. No need to worry on a first-class trip such as one of Cunard cruises’. Staff members are highly trained, usually with many years experience in the hospitality industry. And if style is important to you, your office, as much as your home, is an aesthetically pleasing environment. If form is as important as function when it comes to your domestic appliances and you would never settle for a cheap, plastic ballpoint when a limited-edition, white gold fountain pen with matching roller ball and mechanical pencil could bedeck your office desk, you will not be disappointed by the accommodation and its accessories aboard a superior Princess cruises liner, for example. These come replete with king-size bed, sofa, walk-in closet, workspace, private veranda with table and chairs, and in the bathroom, a whirlpool, bath and double vanity unit. Not forgetting the butler service. Sheer, unashamed indulgence! From the moment of embarkation when you are greeted with a complimentary bottle of champagne, fresh succulent fruit and a beautiful exotic flower arrangement, you know you are going to enjoy. No wonder more and more couples are choosing to tie the knot at sea and simultaneously commence their dream honeymoon. Just imagine the bliss of returning to your home away from home after a hard day’s sight seeing.
Thomson Spirit Casino
"First time we had been on this ship but have cruised on Black Watch & Black Prince before. Balmoral is a beautiful ship - certainly the best we have been on!" - Peck, Southend on sea on 16th Jun 2009 (Fred. Olsen Cruises)
Other on-board amenities
And once you’re fully rested or done penning your personal travelogue you have the rest of the marvellous ship to enjoy. The design of so many custom-built ships is quite awe-inspiring. There’s the gleaming wood, Italian marble and grandiose sweeping staircases of MSC cruises, for instance. On a trip of this calibre, you wouldn’t expect anything less than world-class chefs providing exquisite gourmet dining with unforgettable sea views. After taking advantage of room service to enjoy an alfresco breakfast on your private veranda, you can pretty much eat your way through the cuisine of the world at lunch and dinner times whilst experiencing professional, white-glove table service. Many lines like Celebrity cruises offer an extensive wine list to accompany their first-class menus and you’ll be attended by knowledgeable sommeliers. In between mealtimes, there’s plenty of opportunity for working off the calories, pampering or both. Tranquil spas with exotic interiors can provide the latest techniques in lavish beauty treatment and whatever style of massage you prefer, be it Thai, Swedish, Ayurveda, or whatever else. Treat yourself to the works with a manicure, pedicure, facial, body therapy, make-up, hair-styling and even teeth whitening to emerge feeling rejuvenated in body, mind and spirit. To get that aerobic work-out you can enjoy more sea views from the gym, on-deck track or rock-climbing wall. And whilst sophisticated casinos have long been a liner’s recreation mainstay, since NCL cruises introduced the first shipboard art auctions, they too have caught on like wildfire. Never a dull moment, guaranteed!
Ventura at Norway
"My Partner and I cruised on the Ventura in April of this year to the Med. We both found that the ship was superb." - Stayt, Ivybridge on 16th Jun 2009 (P&O Cruises)
Stepping ashore
Any one company will have several different ships in their fleet operating along specific routes. Most are so vast they can accommodate 3000 passengers or more and provide such amazing facilities as ice-rinks, water parks and entire shopping malls. However, if you would prefer something of a smaller, more intimate scale, it is certainly not difficult to come across deluxe models that carry just a few hundred. These may have an even more favourable staff to customer ratio. Whatever the vessel, the itineraries and the shore excursions are equally thrilling. Take Caribbean cruises on an island-hopping odyssey and doze under the swaying palms in between intermittent sips on a refreshing tropical cocktail. Believe it or not, some lines have their own idyllic private islands with cosy little beach cabanas and the perfect opportunity for snorkelling or parasailing. Alternatively, an equally popular choice is to head up to the Nordic lands with P&O cruises to witness the breathtaking fjords and the enchanting beauty of the midnight sun. A tour of the Mediterranean will immerse culture vultures in ancient history and diverse traditions. Those of a more studious persuasion may be inspired to sign up for an on-board foreign language or fiction writing course with free high quality pens provided! And it’s little wonder when you witness the magic of fairytale castles, ancient Roman ruins, the waterways of Venice and the vibrant bazaars of Morocco to mention but a few of the extraordinary sights to be seen. For unabashed opulence take a floating palace from Aruba to Zanzibar or anywhere in between.
Waterslide on Victory
"We chose a 14 night Mediterranean cruise on the the Independence of the Seas for our first ever cruise; and what a fantastic choice that turned out to be!" - Fowler, Sheffield on 16th Jun 2009 (Royal Caribbean Cruises)