Mail on Sunday

An Unforgettable Experience

There are many other exotic cruises to choose from, and cruising the Panama Canal is one of the highlights. Construction of the Panama Canal, just 48 miles long, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, was one of the most challenging engineering projects ever undertaken. The French first attempted to create a convenient shipping passage in 1880, but their bid was abandoned, and the Americans resumed construction, eventually opening the canal after ten years' building work, in 1914. Today, yo...

Hawaiian Odyssey ; Pete and Sarah Simmonds Unwind On Board Ship As They Cruise Across the Pacific Towards an Island Adventure

My husband, Pete, has a habit of reminding me of the rather romantic quotation by Mark Twain that concludes, 'Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.' He feels it captures his philosophy of life perfectly - but, better still, it sums up his approach to holidays. We've both fallen in love with cruising, but we differ slightly in our approach: I have a tendency to stick with the familiar: having had amazing experiences in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, I simply want...

Movies Under the Stars

A Mediterranean Medley ; Kirsty and Mike Mandeville Discover a Mediterranean Cruise Is Ideal for a First Holiday Without Their Teenage Children

When Charlotte, 17, and Luke, 15, announced they weren't coming on holiday with us last year, Mike and I realised our annual travel plans would have to evolve. While friends are mourning the passing of family trips, we saw it as an opportunity to tick some European cities off our destination wish list. Our first thought was to travel by train, but Mum suggested a couple of Princess Cruises itineraries she thought we'd like: I never thought I'd say it, but what a stroke of genius!

Contents

3 The celebrity choice Find out who goes where and how to follow in the wake of the A-listers. Sir Terry Wogan sets sail on board Queen Mary 2 for Children in Need, and invites us all to join the party.

What's Inside

Picture your perfect holiday. Take a moment to consider the components: a variety of dream destinations, sumptuous accommodation, captivating entertainment, rest and relaxation, convivial company, delicious dining and the opportunity to indulge in new experiences. Sounds like an idyllic, but perhaps unattainable wish list? Think again. When you book a break with Cunard Line or Princess Cruises, all those boxes will be ticked - and more. Whether you opt to sail on one of the most famous ocean ...

Fabulous Fjords ; Tony and Mary Ward Celebrate Three Decades of Marriage in the Norwegian Fjords, Combining Spectacular Sightseeing with a World- Class Cruise

After enjoying a number of cruises over the past decade, Tony and I now find ourselves reaching for the Princess brochure soon after we return, ready to make a decision on our next trip. So, to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary, we decided to treat ourselves to a bonus break in addition to our annual holiday and travel - appropriately - to the pearl of northern Europe, cruising around the Norwegian fjords. The seven-night itinerary was great value and, although we felt it was a treat, it...

Queen of the Seas ; 'Queen Elizabeth Is the Latest in an Illustrious Line of Majestic Vessels to Proudly Bear the Cunard Name at Sea'

Launched to much media attention by Her Majesty The Queen on 11 October 2010, Queen Elizabeth is the latest in an illustrious line of majestic vessels to proudly bear the Cunard name at sea. Elegant and imbued with an innate sense of history, she will spend her maiden season visiting a number of European destinations, traversing the Atlantic Ocean (to both the northeastern seaboard of the USA and the Caribbean islands), and setting out in January 2012 to circumnavigate the globe on her second...

Exotic Adventures ; Enjoy a Cunard Luxury Voyage to Thrilling Exotic Destinations

Imagine embarking on a three-month voyage that will take you to the far-flung corners of the globe: a journey of discovery that cossets you in luxury while carrying you to pastures new. Picture the scene: you're greeted with Cunard's legendary white-gloved welcome as you embark on Queen Mary 2 or Queen Elizabeth in Southampton, then relax into the refined on-board lifestyle as you begin one of the most awe-inspiring holidays on offer today. The most famous ocean liners in the world each set a...

Queen of the Atlantic ; Take Renewed Pleasure in Travelling Across the Atlantic with a Transatlantic Crossing On Queen Mary 2

In an ag e o f i n s t a n t gratification, the speed with which something is done is often seen as an indicator of its quality and value. But, step back from the hustle and bustle of modern life for a moment and consider the joy of taking things at a slower pace: of having time to appreciate the finer things in life. Imagine, for example, the sheer pleasure of a Transatlantic Crossing that takes six or seven fabulous days rather than a few frenetic hours; where your time is all yours, and yo...

Majestic Mediterranean ; the Wonders of the Ancient World Blend with the Glamour of Understated Elegance On a Queen Victoria Voyage in the Mediterranean

From the moment they are greeted on board Queen Victoria with the customary Cunard white-gloved welcome, guests know they are embarking on a very special seafaring experience. This magnificent introduction to the splendour of Queen Victoria sets the standard for your voyage: every stateroom and dining room, every bar and lounge offers an elegant environment to relax and indulge as you depart for destinations ahead. Steeped in luxury, you'll find plush carpets underfoot, elegant wood finishes,...

A Very Worthwhile, Wonderful,Voyage with Wogan

His dulcet tones may no longer w a k e t h e nation over the airwaves, but Sir Terry Wogan is still a national treasure, anchoring the popular annual BBC Children in Need fundraiser. His loyal army of fans - known fondly as TOGs (Terry's Old Geezers and Gals) - have became part of the fabric of British culture, and Cunard is delighted to once again host them and, of course, Pudsey Bear on a special voyage to raise money for Children in Need. The Togmeister himself will also be on board to hos...

The Celebrity Choice ; Seek Out the Sun On a Princess Cruises Luxury Liner and Follow in the Footsteps of the a-Listers

While we've been digging out our driveways this bitter winter, Simon Co well was riding around shirtless on a jet ski in balmy Barbados, and fellow X Factor judge Cheryl Cole romped on the warm white sands of Malibu. Media mogul Oprah Winfrey cruised around on a 100-foot yacht in the South Seas and talk-show host Ellen Degeneres is seeking sun with her entire family on a Caribbean cruise. Also headed to the Caribbean this February is Hollywood darling Jennifer Aniston, who will undoubtedly di...

See the World in Style ; Not Every Voyage Travels From a to B: Why Not Luxuriate On a Cunard Roundtrip Voyage From Southampton?

For many of us, a holiday that doesn't involve flying has immense appeal, so the option of j o i n i n g a Cu n a r d R o u n d t r i p V o y a g e f r o m Southampton is an attractive proposition. The three most famous ocean liners in the world - Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth - each offer a number of itineraries sailing from their Hampshire home port, so guests can travel under their own steam to Southampton, without any luggage limitations, before embarking on the voyage ...

New Horizons

Queen of the Jungle Takes to the High Seas ; Stacey Solomon Tells Us About a Very Good Year

The 21-year-old Essex girl dubbed 'the Duchess of Dagenham' after last year's X Factor was recently promoted to 'Queen of the Jungle' after handily walking away with the win on ITV's I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!. Having returned from Australia, busy fielding offers for a recording contract, TV presenting and a book deal, Stacey found time to tell us about another recent and very different kind of trip - a Princess cruise to the Mediterranean.

Honeymoon Heaven ; Newlyweds Kate and Tom Andrews Enjoy Their Dream Honeymoon On Caribbean Princess

Tom and I met in South America, where each of us was passing through on gap-year travels, and we both have a passion for being on the move, discovering new places. Now, 12 years down the line, we have finally tied the knot - much to our parents' delight! We wanted a bit of luxury for our once-ina-lifetime honeymoon, but a fortnight in a beach resort would have left us with itchy feet, so a friend who works as cabin crew for a major airline suggested a cruise. 'Honestly, Kate,' she said, as sh...

Wilderness Wonderland

Alaskan Dream ; Trevor Williams Pushes the Boat Out and Takes His Wife Elaine On an Alaskan Cruise for Her 60th Birthday

In my heart of hearts, I knew what the answer would be, but, given my less-thanimpressive track record when it comes to gift- giving, I thought I'd better ask Elaine how she'd like to celebrate her 60th birthday. Over a glass of sancerre, I put it to her that I'd like to push the boat out and make one of her dreams come true. But, before I'd even had the chance to suggest some options, she came back with exactly what I'd predicted: 'Trevor, I think this should be our excuse to go to Alaska!' ...

A Very Elegant Affair ; Add Finesse to a Cunard Voyage by Staying in a Luxurious Grill Suite, Where Supreme Service and World-Class Dining Top the Menu

As any connoisseur of luxury knows, it is the small details in life that turn the every day into the magnificent. On each of Cunard's three ships, those thoughtful touches are in abundance, from the signature white glove greeting at embarkation to the elegant extras that add that je ne sais quoi to your stateroom. This attention to detail is truly in the spotlight in the renowned Cunard Grill suites and penthouses, creating an unrivalled, refined on-board experience for the most discerning of...