Unique New York stay with Bermunda cruise

Travelling this September, 11 nights including 3 free nights and NYC and upgrade from Outside to Balancy on the wonderful Holland America. I'm thinking of going on this one, it's so good. My cousin lived in Bermuda a few years back, it's only a tiny island, but lots of sunshine and very laid back. Lots of insurance companies base there now, but don't let that put you off!
www.idealcruising.co.uk/cruise-special-offers-820.html

Havana's a must go

For anyone looking for a unique experience on a cruise, I'd strongly recommend an itinerary that includes Havana, capital of Cuba, not just the biggest island in the Caribbean but by far the most interesting. In Havana you can witness life in one of the few remaining Communist countries in the world. You can also see the previous Spanish colonial influence with the stunning yet crumbling architecture. There's just no money available to restore the buildings, but almost that's what give Havana's old town it's unique look and feel. The images you see of Havana with 1950's American cars driving around is actually very real, yet there is something surreal about the whole place. The legendary Fidal Castro has now handed over the running of the country to his "younger" brother, who will be 80 next year! Change will be coming to Cuba when a new generation takes over, so I'd recommend you go see it before it changes. If you dislike loud Amercians then Cuba' s the place for you as they don't let them in (even the quiet ones!). Subsequently it is only non-US cruiselines that can call in to Havana, so it's Fred Olsen, Thomson and specialist Voyages of Discovery.

Culinary Arts

Watching the World Cup Final on Sunday night reminded me of my night on board MS Niew Amsterdam when we watched Holland's semi-final win over Uruguay in of all places the Culinary Arts Center which is a fabulous facility on Deck 2. The place was packed with Dutch draped in their bright Oranje. You couldn't help form an affection and bond with the Dutch that night, as we celebrated Van Bronckhorst's 30 yard screamer. Only the thing is that I've fallen out of love with the Dutch after their displays of thuggery in the final. How ironic that the game be displayed on a large screen in a room entitled the Culinary Arts Center, 'cos there was nothing artistic about the Dutch on Sunday night! The master chefs on board demonstrate their culinary techniques in this room, but I think that butchery would be a more apt analogy to the Dutch performance in the final. But whilst I've fallen out of love with Holland's team, I certainly haven't with Holland America

Amazing Azamara Offer

The adjective "amazing" is often over used, but not this time. It's rare that something like this comes along, and it's only on offer until 15 July 2010. A seven night five star plus Azamara cruise for £1009 BUT you also get $1000 free on board spend! http://www.idealcruising.co.uk/cruise-special-offers-586.html

Heaven's Kitchen

Just as the celebrity chefs fight it out on TV over who's the best, so it appears that cruise lines are competing hard on dining options on board their ships. The bar just seems to keep going up and up, which is great for customers and for the whole cruise sector. Having just returned off Holland America's Nieuw Amsterdam luxury liner, I can confirm that their restaurants are right up there. The service is super slick, with attentive waiting staff without being intrusive. The fare in some of the speciality restaurants is nothing short of exceptional. Over a 3 day trip we tried three specialist restaurants, starting with the Canaletto which unsurprisingly features classic Italian food. The pasta was aldente, the antipasti a delight with softly roasted aubergines and grilled artichokes. Next up, Tamarind, a pan-Asian affair. The decor is amazing, you really feel like you're in the orient - and of course most of the waiters are Asian - adding to the authenticity. We has the most sumptuous dim sum, and fabulously fresh tempura, topped off with an exotic mix of spiced sauces. Finally the aptly named Pinnacle Grill. Gourmet grilled steaks, and succulent seafood kebabs delivered with panache, and washed down with a spectacular Californian Beringer Cab Sauv! Nieuw Amsterdam's raised the bar again for sure.

Brand Nieuw Amsterdam

With the style and class of a Gerorge Clooney movie, the organisation a German football team, the relaxed atmosphere of a Sanctuary Spa and the gastronomic options that even Michael Winner would say nice things about, the MS Nieuw Amsterdam is a very special experience. Whilst the whole of Holland was celebrating their arrival at the world cup final, we were celebrating the arrival of Holland America's brand nieuw ship. Holland America is something of a hidden secret in the world of mass cruising, though with a heritage of well over 100 years it has plenty of legacy. It's top quality but not snobby, it's entertaining but not in your face, it's got tradition but modern. Overall it's good value for money, for example beers are under $5, you can get a cocktail for $6, and there are plenty reasonably priced wines, as well as some really premium bottles if you want to celebrate in style. I am now a fully fledged Holland America advocate.
http://www.idealcruising.co.uk/holiday-ship-details-265.html