Rough Guide to Caribbean Cruise Holidays with Cunard

When you are considering a cruise in the Caribbean, the most beautiful and interesting half of it is probably the Eastern Caribbean. Cruise holidays with Cunard take you on typically seven day itineraries that leave from Southeastern Florida ports like Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. For you who long for more time ashore to shop, sight see, or sunbathe, the Eastern Caribbean destination is a very good choice. The islands here prove to be smaller and closer together, making for more time in ports of call. While there are a variety of possible stops along the way, the two most common and popular stops are St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands and St. Maarten/St. Martin.

 St Thomas

The U.S. Virgin Islands are undoubtedly the most popular stop for American cruisers because they can feel the exotic nature of a tropical Caribbean island with distinctive culture at the same time as they remain safely within the United States. There is far more than this to recommend St. Thomas as a port of call though. Eastern Caribbean cruises stop here most often because this is the shopping capital of the Caribbean. Besides the fact that it offers world class beaches, beautiful flowers, and a turquoise Caribbean Sea, it also boasts fascinating history and architecture. It is no accident that a greater number of cruise ships call in at Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas' capital, than at any other West Indies port. Between the gorgeous beaches and incredible chances for shopping, it really is a no contest match up.

Charlotte Amalie

St. Thomas also offers several attractions. Charlotte Amalie is a three hundred year old Danish built city that can be conveniently explored on your feet. Every significant attraction and all of the major shopping destinations are found after a short walk. The warehouses that once stored trading, sugar, and pirate wealth now host shopping outlets and treasures of a different nature. The island also offers Coral World. This marine complex provides you with an observatory under the sea to let you view amazing sea life without having to get wet. Found next to Coki Beach, Coral World gives you the time to see their displays and get in a romp along the sand or sea as well.

Charlotte Amalie

St. Maarten/St. Martin is actually two distinctive destinations in one small island. The Dutch and French have shared rule of the island peacefully for over three hundred years now. On the Dutch side at capital Phillipsburg, you will find the major cruise ship port and most of the Caribbean outlet shops. These are mostly laid out along Front Street, while you can find the aptly named Back Street a block inland. Brightly painted houses are a standout landmark of this charming Caribbean town.

St. Maarten Dutch Side

The French side of the island is called St. Martin, and its capital is the lovely French Riviera like village of Marigot. Marigot is considerably smaller than Phillipsburg, but not less charming or appealing. It boasts French restaurants, cafes, and Parisian shops that are sure to delight you at every turn.

 Marigot

Sometimes you will find attractive values on European luxury items in the French boutiques here too. In the mornings, Marigot puts on a lively market that is full of street vendors offering a wide variety of locally made goods. Besides shopping and sight seeing, the island boasts many white sand beaches. Among these are Mullet Bay on the Dutch side, and Oyster Pond Beach, Dawn Beach, and Baie Longue on the French side.

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Christmas Markets - Shop, Eat, Drink and Be Merry!

The festive season is very much upon us, and many towns and cities come alive with the sight of twinkling Christmas lights, the sounds of carol singers and the aroma of freshly cooked festive treats from around Europe, all served from little wooden chalets as traditional Christmas markets continue to boom in popularity.

Continental Christmas markets are now popular across the world, from sleepy little towns around the UK to New York City to down under in sunny Sydney. These markets help to add a bit of festive flavour to host cities around the world, attracting hordes of shoppers keen to make the most of their festive city breaks to UK locations such as York, Lincoln and Birmingham, but also to European cities such as Munich, Vienna and Prague.

Take in a bit of Christmas shopping as you peruse and purchase hand-crafted trinkets, locally produced preserves, honey and stocking fillers including wooden toys, before stopping for a break and warming up with some mulled wine and a plethora of delicious foodstuffs.

Here are just a few ideas of what’s on offer to get your mouth watering:

Savouries

Bratwurst – cooked on a circular grill suspended over hot coals, these traditional German sausages are usually served in a bun with a selection of toppings, including sauerkraut and mustard. These sausages can also be sliced and served as Currywurst – topped with a tomato-based sauce and a sprinkling of curry powder.

Spätzle – Spätzle are soft noodles, similar to an Italian gnocchi, made of eggs, flour and salt. This batter is then put through a device that resembles a potato ricer, producing small noodles. Usually served with meat-based sauces, you can find stalls selling these delicious little noodles with cheese, ham and sauerkraut (pickled cabbage) in edible savoury bowls.

Schnitzel – these meat escalopes usually consist of veal or pork fillets, which are then fried in breadcrumbs and can be served a number of different accompaniments – including fried potatoes, potato salad and sauerkraut.

Sweet Treats

Lebkuchen – soft gingerbread that is a traditional Christmas food in Germany. This spiced gingerbread can be bought as decorations to hang from your Christmas tree, and larger biscuits are available shaped and decorated with personalised messages, usually in the shapes of hearts and Christmas trees.

Stollen – another traditional German Christmas food, stollen loaf is a sort of fruit loaf that is flavoured with spices such as cinnamon and cardamom and dusted with icing sugar.

Strudel – this tasty pastry roll is usually filled with an apple, raisin and cinnamon mixture that is then served with whipped cream or custard, and provides a filling dessert after a plate of spatzel or a bratwurst roll.

Poffertjes – these small fluffy pancakes from the Netherlands are available fresh from market stalls and are usually served with a dusting of icing sugar. You can get around a dozen of them per portion and with a number of different toppings to accompany them, including sweet fruit purees and melted chocolate.

Crepes – made fresh in front of you and available with a selection of fillings, from sweet fruits to a slathering of Nutella, or you could just have them with a dash of lemon juice and sprinkled with sugar.

Roasted nuts – roasted chestnuts are a festive favourite that can be bought from carts around the market, but you can also find stalls which sell something a little sweeter, including caramelised almonds, honey cashews and chocolate Brazil nuts.

Cheeky Tipples


Gluhwein – mulled wine is the drink of choice at a Christmas market, providing a sweet and spicy beverage that helps warm you up after a days shopping in the city. Made with red wine and flavoured with spices such as cinnamon and cloves as well as citrus fruits, Gluhwein is usually drank neat, or some places will offer an extra shot of rum or other liqueur for an additional cost, this added extra is known as ‘Gluhwein mit Schuss’.

Beer and Ale – you’ll find a whole host of different tipples to try during your visit to a Christmas market, and you’ll have plenty to choose from depending on which one you visit. From continental beers to ales from local breweries, some of which offer gift sets containing a couple of bottles and a personalised glass for the occasion, you’re bound to find something to quench your thirst this holiday season.

Eierpunsch – a combination of egg yolks, tea and white wine mixed with sugar and spices, this festive drink is similar to eggnog and is usually served accompanied by ginger biscuits.

Trinkets and Crafts

Of course it’s not all about the food at a Christmas market, there’s still a bit of shopping to be done, and you’ll find plenty of stocking filler ideas during your visit. From little wooden toys to hand-crafted glassware and decorations for your Christmas tree, with the chance to personalise some gifts and make it that more special for a friend or loved one this festive season.

So why not get festive during your next visit to a major city? Peruse the stalls and take home some treats for yourself and your family, or treat yourself with some delicious foodstuffs and a nice cup of mulled wine to finish the day.

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Raddisson Blu Competition

We have found another cool travel competition to enter. Radisson Blu hotels are running a competition for a chance to win a whole host of cool prizes. Entering is easy, just take part in a 3 question quiz and when you're finished, you get an entry into the competition.
 
The Competition
The Radisson Blue Quiz competition entry is as simple as it gets. Simply answer 3 questions. If you answer the 3 questions correctly, you will participate in a random draw to win a prize in the form of a gift card. The prize details are found below.

Our Favorite Radisson Blu Hotel - Berlin
The Radisson Blu Hotel in Berlin is our favorite hotel in Berlin with its spectacular AquaDom. Situated on the River Spree, directly across from the Berlin Cathedral it appears from the exterior to be just another ordinary luxury hotel. Once you enter the hotel, nothing prepares you for the sight of the giant cylindrical Aquarium towering 25m (82 feet) smack in the center of the lobby.

Prizes
So, what prizes can you win in this competition? Weekly, until January 3rd, Radisson Blu are giving away a weekend for two at one of the following wonderful Radisson hotels:

• Milan
• Madrid
• Berlin
• Helsinki
• Hamburg

But there's even more of an incentive to swot up on your European geography! Contestants who get all three answers correct are entered into a prize draw to win one of 1,000 Radisson Blu giftcards over the campaign period. These include: 860 worth €20 120 worth €50 20 worth €100

Terms and Conditions

• Competition entrants must be at least 18 years of age

The Weekly Prize is a weekend stay for 2 persons (2 night accommodation for 2 persons in standard room incl. breakfast) at a Radisson Blu Hotel at the following destinations:

Week 1 – prize draw December 7th – weekend stay in Milan
Week 2 – prize draw December 14th – weekend stay in Berlin
Week 3 – prize draw December 21st – weekend stay in Helsinki
Week 4 – prize draw December 28th – weekend stay in Madrid
Week 5 – prize draw January 3rd – weekend stay in Hamburg

The total value of a Weekly Prize is approximately 400 EUR, all taxes and fees chargeable to the weekend stay are included. There are 5 Weekly Prizes in a total.
Weekly prizes will be drawn on December 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th 2010 and January 3rd 2011
The weekend stay must be utilized within 2 years from 3 january 2011, i.e. any unused weekend stay will expire on 1 january 2013.

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For the geeky traveller - the hotel room of the future

Forget WiFi internet access and cable TV - the hotel rooms of the future are decked out in the gadgetry galore. We're talking screens behind the bathroom mirrors and surface interfaces for computing. This is the geeky traveller's dream accommodation.

Hotel Room of the Future
The Hotel Hospitality and Design expo (to be held in Sydney for 2011) features a unique Hotel Room of the Future that gives exhibitors the opportunity to demo the latest technology available in the hospitality industry. Last year's room of the future catered to technophiles with more ways to plug in, turn on and get surfing than ever. With so many interactive features - you'd be hard pressed to find any time for actual "holidaying".

Some of the most unique room features include:

• Set the mood - guest can control every aspect of their room including the colour of the lighting. Give your room a night club feel with blue hues or set the mood for romance and some red lit passion. 

• Double take - think you're checking out your reflection in the bathroom mirror? The mirrors actually morph into TV screens so you can stay up to date on the latest stock prices while you're in the shower.

• Fold out gym - too lazy to go to the hotel gym for your workout? (Ironic much). The hotel room of the future includes a foldaway kinetic machine in the walls, so your full gym workout is ready right in your room!

• Mini bar security - the snazzy technology isn't just for the guests. For those that are used to "replacing" mini bar items before they check out - the hi-tech mini bar reads what guests have consumed with a built in touch monitor.

In this following video, Dr. Neil and Ted Horner speak about the opportunities for Microsoft Surface in the hospitality industry.

While the hotel room of the future may not be on offer in the near future, there are plenty of hotels already stepping up to offer the latest state of the art technology to their guests. Even cheap accommodation in Perth will offer free internet and WiFi connectivity throughout the premises, hi-speed Ethernet - with some premises even offering exclusive hotel deals, giving their guests the use of smart phones during their stay.

The Tribeca Grand in New York has a dedicated iStudio room for all things Apple and of course, many will offer gaming systems like Wiis and Xboxes galore.

What gadgets and technology do you want in your accommodation?

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The Coolest Winter Holiday Destinations in the world

All too often the focus of a winter break is to head off somewhere hot and sunny and tropical, leaving the cold far behind. However, Winter can be a magical season, all frosted trees, cozy drinks in warm bars and twinkling lights. This year, instead of escaping the cold, embrace it in one of these enchanting destinations:
 
Montreal
A cosmopolitan metropolis in Canada’s Quebec province, Montreal is a buzzy, creative melting pot where the wine is always flowing and the bars are always rocking, even as temperatures plummet to Arctic depths. Canada’s cultural capital has a cutting edge art scene, great live music and delicious food: be sure to try the Poutine: a thoroughly comforting concoction of French fries, gravy and cheese. To experience Montreal spirit in all its glory, head to Igloofest which takes place over nine nights towards the end of January. It may be -35C but this music festival keeps the heat up with performances from new and established electronic music acts plus ice sculptures, caribou (a heady Québécois drink) and fancy dress contests. If raving is not your thing try the, more February’s, more sophisticated, High Lights festival which features food, wine, performing arts and all night bar crawls!

New York
New York owns Christmas and, though it may be a cliché, as a festive winter getaway it cannot be beaten. From the gigantic ice rink by the Rockefeller to the tinsel strewn decorations that bedeck the windows of Macy’s and Saks, New York is winter is its entire commercial, fairy-lighted, Christmas carols on a loud speaker, glory. If you head out after Christmas day you’re in for a treat: Christmas sales galore and an epic New Year’s Eve.

Whistler
Whistler is the winter sports capital of the world and, as such, was the venue for the 2010 Winter Olympics. As well as first class skiing and snowboarding facilities for all levels, Whistler excels in alternative winter sports such as the adrenaline boosting heli-skiing (not for the faint hearted!), ziplining and snow tubing. The nightlife is also unparalleled as far as ski resorts go making it the best place in the world for a sporty getaway.

St Petersburg
St Petersburg in winter may be bitterly cold, but it is also pure fairytale. More Westernised than Moscow, whilst still retaining that quintessential ‘Russian-ness’, St Petersburg is one of the most evocative cities in the world and a great place to get in touch with the labyrinthine history of Russia. From baroque palaces to frosted squares and canals; the ‘Venice of the North’ is elegant, exotic and the perfect place to get in touch with your inner Anna Karenina.

Miami
Ok so Miami is far from cold, however it does provide the opportunity to wander the snow covered streets of one of the most famous, and most magical, villages in the world. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter boasts a life sized replica of the legendary Hogsmeade village, complete with a Three Broomsticks pub in which to sample the, much-lauded, Butterbeer. Perfect if you’d like a little bit of frosty enchantment without having to sacrifice sun and sand.


This is a guest post written by Helen Cross who works for travel site Simonseeks; where you can find holiday inspiration and expert rated London hotels.

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Top 10 Luxury and Romantic Ski Hotels in the world

Here are our top 10 choices for most romantic and luxurious ski hotels from around the world.

Post Hotel, Lake Louise, Canada
Perched at 1,500 meters amidst the natural wonders of Banff National Park you will find this cherished Alpine chalet. Canada’s largest ski area is just minutes away and the abundance of snow is just one reason a growing number of European skiers visit the area each winter.



Pan Pacific, Whistler, Canada
The Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside Hotel is Whistler’s best address, ideally located in the heart of the pedestrian-only Whistler Village and the closest you can get to both the Whistler and Blackcomb gondolas. This award winning, full-service, boutique whistler hotel offers an intimate ambience while featuring 121 well-appointed luxurious hotel suites all complete with full kitchen, fireplace, balcony, floor-to-ceiling windows, deluxe Aveda salon amenities and spectacular valley or mountain views.



Four Seasons, Jackson Hole, USA
This hotel has the Four Seasons luxury with ski-in/ski-out access in Wyoming’s spectacular Teton Mountains. During warmer months you can play golf, fish or hike in unspoiled natural wilderness. Breathe in the fresh alpine air. Marvel at a sky full of stars. And savour exquisite dining wrapped in panoramic mountain views.

Stein Eriksen Lodge, Park City, USA

For over 27 years, the Five-Star, Five Diamond Stein Eriksen Lodge has been the premier resort destination for both leisure and business travelers alike. Located mid-mountain at Deer Valley, USA. The hotel is a sanctuary for those seeking the ultimate in hospitality, accommodations, fine dining, spa services and year-round recreation.



Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Beaver Creek Colorado, USA
Experience an exceptional Beaver Creek resort at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch. This hotel is located in a year-round destination and this luxury hotel offers guests an unforgettable escape in the heart of the majestic Rocky Mountains. With ski-in-ski-out access, Colorado’s highest-rated golf course, a world-class spa and fine dining at Wolfgang Puck’s renowned Spa.



Four Seasons, Whistler, Canada
Experience one of North America’s top year-round mountain resorts, wrapped in the famous Four Seasons comfort and intuitive care you can enjoy a superb spa and mountainside dining experience, plus easy access to the awe-inspiring ski slopes of Whistler Blackcomb, site of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.



Little Nell, Aspen, USA
Nestled at the base of Aspen Mountain with ski in/ski out privileges, The Little Nell also sits next to the dynamic center of Aspen itself. Minutes away from the luxurious lobby, you’ll find the Rocky Mountains’ finest year-round recreational opportunities await you. Guests have immediate access to a wealth of Colorado’s premier ski areas - “The Power of Four,” Aspen’s four incredible ski areas - Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk as well as a full range of luxury hotel services and facilities.



Lodge and Spa At Cordillera, Vail, USA
From its lofty position atop a privately owned mountain the lodge rises in magnificent splendor to look out over the verdant Vail Valley. Its been consistently honored with a AAA Four-Diamond award for 16 consecutive years and this exceptional chateau-style Vail luxury hotel is an intimate mountain hideaway, offering exemplary personal service with a warm Western touch. Embrace the casual elegance of this intimate Vail Colorado luxury hotel, honored as one of the top 25 ski resort accommodations in North America by Conde Nast Traveler



Sundance Resort, Utah, USA
At this hotel you can watch the moon climb over Utah's Mt. Timpanogos from your cottage patio, or enjoy a fireside dinner with new-found friends in a mountain home, and you'll begin to appreciate what Sundance is all about. Each of the lodging units is uniquely appointed in a style that integrates with our mountain environment, including rough hewn wood warm tones.



St Regis Resort, Aspen, USA
The St. Regis Aspen Resort, in the majestic and historic town of Aspen, is a perfect environment for superb winter skiing, summer sports and the arts. The hotel delivers a benchmark of personalized service and unending attention to detail amidst the relaxed spirit of the Rocky Mountains. The 179 guestrooms and suites, heated outdoor pool, Rem de Spa and 20,000 square feet of function space ensure that our guests can expect nothing less than a remarkable experience.

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