Ding Dong!

It's only 17 weeks before my big day and I'm getting excited!

The long awaited time is creeping up fast, it was back in November 2009 when my princess said yes in Jamaica. We went straight into planning the big day and within a couple of months everything was sorted.

We found a beautiful venue just north of Birmingham called, Moxhull Hall. Availability was very low and so we have waited until September this year to take advantage of this fantastic venue. Our fingers are crossed to have our ceremony outside in the stunning grounds and then celebrate the day in the marquee with a band and a hog roast!

We then fly out the next day to Mexico to be pampered and spoilt for two weeks, it truly is going to be a fantastic memorable day!

As for the stag do which I posted about earlier in the year. I'm going out for a nice meal with family and friends and maybe a cheeky drink!!

No Sparks for Italian Thoroughbreds!

I Drive an Alfa Romeo and over the last six months it has spent more time in the garage than on the road. It is currently with an auto electrician as I have lost vital electric systems to keep the car working!

Alfa Romeo has a reputation of unreliability, which I can only agree with as I have experienced every possible problem. I write this with the news of an Italian Cruise liner hitting the head  lines as it too has lost vital systems due to an electric fault.

The MSC Operahas been crippled in the Baltic Sea and Tugs have been sent to tow the stricken vessel to a port in Sweden. The Opera has no power and cannot offer it's usual high standards. This a very unfortunate incident and one that very raley happens within the cruising industry. MSC will ensure that all passengers will be taken care off and uphold there strong position within the cruise market.

Every time my car lets me down, I look forward to getting it back as I wouldnt drive anything else. MSC will correct the problems and soon be back on the waters.

It wouldn't be Italian if it didn't break occasionally!

Adonia, Small Ship Charm

 



Not long now before the launch of P&O's latest addition, The Adonia.

Adonia will be the fourth name to be carried by the ship.  She was originally built as the eighth and last of Renaissance Cruises, it then became Minerva II, sailing under the Swan Hellenic flag until that company was sold off.

The ship then joined the Princess fleet, where she was re-named Royal Princess.

Adonia is an exciting introduction to the P&O fleet and one that enables P&O to diversify the range of cruise destinations that they offer.

I have been invited to the Launch on the 20th May with my colleagues. We will have a sneak preview of this newly refurbished ship sampling the food and service, look out for the photos when I get back.

Adonia's cruise calender starts on the 22nd May 2011 with some fantastic intineries. P&O customers have been asking for a smaller ship that is adults only and here it comes.

What are your thoughts about this new ship? Would you like to try it?

This Time Last Year

It was one year ago when disaster struck the travel industry as the volcano in Iceland erupted halting flights all over the world!

I was in Lanzarote at the time and my week long holiday lasted almost 3! It had a big impact on everyone as flights were canceled around the world. Those people not being able to join there cruises were covered but it the economy took a big hit.

I have recently returned from Lanzarote again, my family and I wanted to go back to rest and enjoy it as last year the circumstances led to stress and worry.

We had a fanatastic holiday even with the rain and clouds, it would appear that England was having superb weather whilst we ate tapas and sipped cocktails!

With the worry of flights and strikes hanging over our heads at the moment, cruising out of the UK is becoming very popular and the industry has grown since this time last year.

With companies such as P&O, Fred Olsen, MSC, Princess and Royal Caribbean all offering sailings from various points across the UK. The choice has been broadened and the operators will start offering more sailings to cater for the customer.