Since moving back to Stockport, we have been very busy in our office, meeting clients both old and new and it’s great to be back. Once again, we have been busy with elements beyond our control such as the recent ash cloud, which threatened to change many travellers’ plans, but stopped throwing out ash as quickly as it started which was a huge relief. So it’s business as usual and we have some great late availability holidays, just right to get away from the current chill that has arrived. Call us for the latest offers. If you prefer to plan ahead, we now have rates at some of our most popular properties for the winter, including the Cordial properties in Gran Canaria and Tenerife and will soon be getting summer 2012; call us to register your interest and we will keep you informed once they do go on sale, as a preferred supplier, we get the very best in early booking discounts at many properties in the Mediterranean and around the world.

Following on from the ash cloud, cruising has been a huge success not only for clients who do not wish to fly, but also to avoid the potential disruption caused by ash and airline strike action. New ships are being launched on a  regular basis and only this week, P & O cruises announced their new liner which will come into service in 4 years’ time. One of our colleagues, Amanda at Miss Ellies Travel, lives near Southampton and was invited to visit the renamed Adonia. 

Amanda writes:

At first glance, the Adonia is small by comparison to some of the large liners that frequent Southampton’s Mayflower Cruise Terminal, but with  Dame Shirley Bassey as your Godmother and one of the nation’s favourite singers, matched by  the nations favourite cruise line you are sure to be hit!

This ship was launched as the Minerva in 2001 and has become the latest addition to the P & O fleet and also the smallest. Exclusively for adults, and carrying just 710 passengers with 385 crew, she radiates small ship charm and an almost country house feel, with traditional artworks, a grand staircase and wooden panelling, though with a modern twist. The size of the ship allows for an intimate ‘family’ feel, being surrounded by familiar faces.

For the Adonia’s maiden season, three types of cruising are on offer, departures from Southampton, fly cruises to the Mediterranean and the world cruise which will be heavily focussed in South America and at 87 days in length will attract passengers of retirement age, shorter  duration, worldwide fly cruises for those passengers who have less time to holiday. Due to the reduced  draught , the Adonia can visit ports where larger ships cannot visit such as Georgetown in Guyana and Salaverry in Peru,  allowing passengers to visit places that few other cruisers have been able to do.

There are many  places to dine on board and passengers have a choice of club dining in the Pacific Restaurant or The Conservatory,   as an alternative, passengers can choose one of Adonia’s  two Select dining options, The Sorrento or Ocean Grill. 

Daytime entertainment when at sea include: fitness classes, sports competitions, pampering spa treatments , port talks, galley walk-throughs, dance classes and even a short jogging track for those determined to keep the pounds off, despite the culinary delights available.

Evening entertainment follows dinner in either the Curzon lounge or the crow’s nest for exotic cocktails, fine wine, pianists, comedians and theatre shows.  In additions there are three bars to enjoy a quiet drink, Andersons, Raffles and The pool Bar.

There is a great selection of cabins and suites available , some with balconies , some without and spacious inside cabins sleeping up to 4 passengers.  One of my favourite cabins had a huge porthole window with no balcony but plenty of room inside the cabin…There are also several cabins for less mobile passengers so there really is something for everyone.

This is a wonderful ship for those who enjoy a more intimate cruise experience but with all the facilities and entertainment of the same high standards you would expect of P & O.  Call us now for details of sailings and availability and I would be delighted to discuss the Adonia if you are considering a cruise aboard. 

So please come and visit our offices today as we look forward to welcoming you to our office.
Denise