Worlds most popular cruise destinations

THE world's leading cruise reviews site, Cruise Critic and its online #cruise community, has announced the winners of its third annual Cruisers' Choice Destination Awards, naming the world's most popular cruise #destinations, based entirely on consumer ratings submitted with reviews on Cruise Critic. The awards name the top cruise destinations across 18 regions worldwide. New in 2018, the awards also highlight the best cruise lines to visit each region.

The Eastern Mediterranean port of Kotor, in Montenegro, came out as the number one destination hotspot for UK cruisers. The Baltic Sea port of Talinn, capital city of Estonia, secured second place in popularity, and the Aegean island of Santorini proved third favourite overall, for UK cruise travellers.

Highlighted Awards:

Glacier Bay in Alaska was named the Most Popular Cruise Destination in 2018 – It's one of the best Inside Passage locations for glacier and wildlife viewing, with its Margerie Glacier considered one of the most photogenic glaciers.

Edinburgh secured the top destination award in the British Isles & Western Europe category – for the very first time - beating Barcelona, Rome and Venice, among many others. 

Cuba's capital city of Havana was named the Best Cruise Destination in the Western Caribbean & Riviera Maya for the first time. While international cruise lines have long visited Cuba, U.S. travelers were only able to begin visiting the island once regulations were eased in 2016.

Dubrovnik has been named the Top-Rated Eastern Mediterranean Destination for the past two years, and has done it again this year to score a hat trick.


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Viking's ocean fleet expands

NAMED after the prominent constellation and in honour of Dr. Fisher’s work on NASA’s Orion exploration vehicle project, the 930-guest 47,800-ton Viking Orion arrived in Livorno, Italy on June 16. The ship will continue her maiden season sailing itineraries in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean this summer before heading east to sail Viking’s newest itineraries in Asia, Australia and Alaska.

New ship features include a planetarium-like immersive theatre, an “Explorations in Space” collection conceived as a photographic journal through space, with a broad range of vintage photographs, including astronaut portraits and documents of complex mission activities, produced by NASA and captured by National Geographic photographers.

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Tips for a yacht charter in Turkey

THE Turquoise Coast is one of the top sailing destinations in the world, known for the richly hued and crystal clear waters, smooth pebble and white sand beaches and interesting mix of lively resort towns and quiet fishing villages. If you’ve decided to take spend your holidays in #sailing along the Turkish coast this year then you’re sure to have a fantastic experience but there are a few thing to bear in mind to get the most out of your #holiday and here are the top 5 tips.

Consider Your Options - There are a lot of options from private yacht charter to cabin charter and many reputable agencies to choose from. Private charters are usually for one week or more are ideal for groups who desire the freedom to roam the Mediterranean and Aegean sea. 

All Inclusive or Self Catering - You should check with your specific yachting agency but usually food and drinks are not included in the standard charter fee. 

Research your Route - It’s a good idea to have a little background information on the area you’re planning to be sailing through and while your yachting agency will have recommendations and can point out the ‘top spots’, it’s also worth doing a your own research. 


Choose the Right Yacht - If you’ve ever strolled along the promenade in the harbours of Fethiye, Marmaris or Kas then you will know that #Turkey has no shortage of gulet sailing boats. Most have berths for 12 to 16 passengers although smaller and larger are also available, most also have sun beds, sound system, deck shower as well as cabins with ensuite bathrooms and some yachts are also fitted with air conditioning and equipped with fishing and snorkelling kits to use at your leisure.

Disconnect - By far the best way to enjoy your yacht charter in Turkey is by disconnecting from the stress and hassles of everyday life and engaging with the magnificent scenery of the Turquoise coast as well as enjoying the company of your fellow crew mates. 

www.alaturkaturkey.com

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Glorious views and golf

THE countdown to the 2nd Messinia Pro-Am tournament at Costa Navarino has now begun. Taking place February 21-24 it has already received extensive interest globally, counting participants from 14 countries.

This year has seen a much higher interest from golfers; so far, more than 35 teams have registered. Each of the 50 teams will consist of one professional and three amateur golfers who will compete in three rounds at the two 18-hole signature golf courses. The Dunes Course and The Bay Course are set amidst the eternal olive trees overlooking the stunning views of the Ionian Sea and the Bay of Navarino.

Costa Navarino is a prime, sustainable destination in the Mediterranean, located in the Greek region of Messinia in the southwest Peloponnese. One of the most unspoiled and breathtaking seaside Mediterranean landscapes, this area has been shaped by 4,500 years of history. Its philosophy is driven by a genuine desire to promote Messinia, while protecting and preserving its natural beauty and heritage.

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Corsica: An outdoor paradise

HIKING along some of the most beautiful footpaths in the world, mountain biking through unspoilt forests, horse riding on some of the island’s 2,000 kilometres of bridle paths, or scuba-diving in coral reefs, you’ll soon realise that #Corsica is the perfect playground for adventurers and sports enthusiasts of all levels. Which is why Cotswold Outdoor retailers chose Corsica to shoot their Spring/ Summer catalogue 2017.

From north to south, east to west and from the sea to the mountains, you’ll be stunned by the island’s varied landscapes, with smart coastal towns contrasting with secluded inland villages on this hugely diverse island. And although its beautiful natural scenery is its major attraction, Corsica offers much more than picture-postcard views. Whether you’re keen to explore on land, on sea or even underwater, the island has developed a whole host of leisure pursuits and outdoor activities to be enjoyed with all the family. Tree climbing, botanical walks, farm visits to meet the animals, taking a ride on a tourist train, and even visiting a turtle museum are just some of the land-based activities available.

Enjoy beach activities, jet skiing, fun boarding or underwater fishing, and then at the end of the day go mountainbiking, horse riding, rafting or canyoning in one of the nearby river valleys. Or try your hand at paragliding or via ferrata. A whole host of activities are available on the island, including winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. Options at sea are just as plentiful. The island’s sailing clubs, which are dotted all around the coast, offer a warm welcome and a wide selection of activities for young and old – from beach activities and underwater adventures to learning all about Corsica’s marine environment, the choice is almost endless. 

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Spain & Cyprus Autumn Getaways

THINKING of escaping in the Autumn? Here are two great offers from cheapflights.co.uk. So plan ahead and have something to look forward to.

Seven-night four-star holiday in Costa Dorada, #Spain from just £328pp, including flights and transfers.  Departure on 13 October 2017 via Cheapflights.co.uk.  Located on Spain's glorious Golden Coast, and a stones-throw away from La Pineda beach, Hotel Estival Park and Apartments family-friendly hotel ensures guests will have both a fun and relaxing time. 

Seven-night five-star half-board spa resort holiday in Northern #Cyprus from just £369pp, saving £302pp (45%), including flights and transfers.  Departure on selected dates between November - December 2017 via Cheapflights.co.uk.

Located close to the popular resort town of Kyrenia, North Cyprus, this luxury hotel is situated on the azure waters of the Eastern Mediterranean and is known for having one of the finest, private beaches. Boasting a wealth of facilities, including three outdoor swimming pools, a private beach, an indoor heated pool, a casino, fitness room, and massage and spa facilities.

http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/hot-travel-deals

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Classics in the Med

MALTA and Gozo are gearing up for two major classical musical events next year: the Valletta International Baroque Festival (Jan 12-28), and the International Spring Orchestra Festival (April 28-May 5).

The baroque festival features 25 concerts in eight venues.  The spring festival will have a more intimate nature, with concerts in Valletta’s Teatru Manoel and Casa Pereira. 

They will include international ensembles, conductors, and soloists, culminating with a symphonic concert by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra.

www.vallettabaroquefestival.com.mt
www.isofestival.com
www.visitmalta.com

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Malta voted 3rd best diving destination

Sport Diver Magazine readers voted on their most prized diving destinations around the world and the stunning Maltese Islands claimed ‘3rd best diving destination’ at this years Sport Diver Awards. This places #Malta, Gozo and Comino as the most popular #diving destination in the #Mediterranean.

As a prime dive destination, Malta offers incredible aquatic life, rugged scenic beauty as well as top rated dive resorts and a diverse range of dive sites to suit any skill level. The award had a strong list of contenders battling it out for the top 3 places, Maldives came out on top followed by Egypt who came in at a close second.

Other achievements on the night included Alan Whitehead from Divewise Malta, who was crowned ‘Best PADI Instructor’while Maltaqua was voted runner up for the ‘Best Dive Centre’ award.

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On the water . . .

IN conjunction with the launch of the new 2017 brochure, #Sunsail announced the arrival of 17 brand new 34 and 38 monohull #yachts as well as 21 new 454 catamarans in almost all featured countries listed in the new brochure. 

The first deliveries will be to the Caribbean followed by the Mediterranean in spring and eventually to all other Sunsail destinations. In addition to the brand new models, another 50 yachts will be added throughout the year.

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Cyprus launch for Your Nice Apartment

BOUTIQUE holiday accommodation specialists Your Nice Apartment has added #Cyprus to its portfolio.

‘For years, the accommodation options in Cyprus were limited,’ says Simon Walker, the agency’s co-founder. ‘You either travelled there for a traditional fly-and-flop holiday in large, often dated high rise apartments in coastal resorts or you headed for the foothills and interior, where accommodation often resembled a holiday home your Grandma had styled.

‘In the 15 years since the launch of agri-tourism, though, the accommodation offering has matured. What we wanted to do was curate a property collection which captured the zeitgeist, offering stunning beach front apartments – a slice of California cool – but also work with a new wave of holiday home owners in traditional villages, those who have understood the need to transform historic homes into seriously stylish holiday retreats to attract the UK holiday market.’

The company expects to see a rise in tourists during September and October, when Cyprus is one of the best places in the Mediterranean to catch late summer sun.

‘Nowhere in the Med is warmer or more reliably sunny than Cyprus in September and October,” says Mr Walker, ‘with nine hours of sunshine a day and temperatures of up to 28C. The sea, having been warmed by the searing heat during July and August is like a warm bath.’

Properties range from Delphinium, a £32 per night apartment in Larnaca sleeping four, to the Beach House in Konnos Bay sleeping six from £142 a night.

The agency, which also has properties in southern France and Ireland, will be launching a range of add-ons such as walking, cycling, and wine tours.

Its Cyprus launch coincides with the introduction of UK-Cyprus flights by budget airline Cobalt Air.

www.yourniceapartment.com

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Corsica specialist expands villa options

CORSICAN PLACES has extended its holiday collection in the north-west #Corsica, adding two #villas to meet high demand for holidays in the Calvi and La Balagne region. 

Villa A Pinarella, a four bedroom, high end villa with a pool, has coastal views from its hillside location, and the two-bedroom Bergerie Massoni on the edge of Calvi town has a private pool in spacious grounds.

www.corsica.co.uk

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Thomas Cook Airlines raises capacity and introduces Luton flights

Thomas Cook Airlines is to start flying from the Luton Airport base of easyJet and Monarch in 2017 as part of an expanded flying programme.

The carrier is opening four routes from Luton – to Corfu, Ibiza, Mahon and Palma.

Each Mediterranean destination will be served by weekly flights with Ibiza on Fridays, Mahon on Saturdays, Corfu on Sundays, and Palma on Mondays.

The airline’s summer 2017 flying schedule sees total capacity raised by 150,000 seats and the introduction of 15 new routes. A major focus is on the Balearics and Canary islands, where 100,000 extra seats are being made available.

Flight prices from Luton lead in at £49.99 one way.

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New website for Cyprus tourism

THE #Cyprus Tourism Organization has a new website: www.visitcyprus.com.

The site – in Greek, English, German, French, and Russian –provides comprehensive information for visitors, who can search it based on their holiday interests and preferences.

It includes a daily weather update, practical info on entry regulations, currency, shop openings hours etc., an interactive map, sections on each of the main tourist regions, and updated events listings.

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Maltese Islands best in the Med for divers

THE MALTESE ISLANDS once again claimed third place in the category for 'Best Diving Destination' at the recent International Dive Show in London. The award places #Gozo and #Malta as the most popular #diving destination in the Mediterranean, as voted for by thousands of Diver magazine readers.

The Maltese Archipelago offers a diverse range of diving experiences to suit all levels, from beginners to experienced divers. The islands have a varied marine-life, a choice of submerged wrecks, and almost 50 professional diving centres.

Malta Tourism Authority CEO Paul Bugeja said: ‘The reasons for Malta's popularity are many: the clean and clear waters that surround our islands, the diversity of underwater experiences, and the sterling work carried out by the local diving community in improving the products and services offered. The award continues to prove that Gozo and Malta are must-see diving destinations.’

First place and second places in the DIVER Destination of the Year award went to Egypt and the Maldives respectively.

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Tui confirms sale of Meon Villas

TUI has confirmed it has sold Meon Villas to #luxury #villa specialist Oliver's Travels.

Meon Villas, part of Tui's Specialist Holidays Group, was closed at the end of October last year after a decision to focus on the hotel villas featured by sister brand Sovereign Holidays. Tui said that the villa operator's assets, including its client and trade database and the Meon name, had been sold for an undisclosed sum. It is likely to retain around 15 of the 80 property contracts which Meon had.

Oliver's Travels has villas and chateaux in Europe and the Caribbean. The acquisition will allow it to increase its villa portfolio in key Mediterranean destinations.

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Mr & Mrs Smith reveals portfolio of luxury villas

BOUTIQUE hotel booking service #Mr&MrsSmith is expanding its range to include what it calls “seriously seductive” villas.

Launching with a selection of privately-owned #luxury properties, the initial collection features villas in Ibiza and Majorca. They can be viewed online at mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-villas.

The 100 homes range from a farmhouse in Ibiza to family beachside bolthole.

‘The hotels we work with have their own serviced luxury #villas,’ says James Lohan founder of Mr & Mrs Smith, ‘so we know our customers have an appetite for the flexibility and facilities they provide. We want to continue to offer the absolute best when it comes to stylish stays, so this new collection of independently-owned villas in Ibiza and Majorca, where we have such high demand, means we can find the perfect retreats for an even bigger pool of sun-seekers – be it a love-struck pair looking for total tranquillity or a family looking for room to be rowdy.’

A specialist Smith team of on-island consultants are on hand to support customers during their stay.

A seven-night stay in a Mr & Mrs Smith villa costs from £3,473.

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Simpson Travel expands its Secrets portfolio

SPECIALIST villa and boutique hotel operator Simpson Travel has expanded its Simpson Secrets portfolio, offering a range of hidden gems across the Mediterranean. 

Company chairman Graham Simpson says: 'Over the last two years, we have seen a definite increase in demand for off-the-beaten-track properties, or as we like to say, those on 'the road less travelled'.  All our Simpson Secrets properties are somewhere you can really escape to, get away from daily routine, switch off and unwind.  We call it the Simpson Secrets state of mind. 

‘Traditionally, our Simpson Secrets properties were smaller and more suitable for couples, so we're delighted to now be able to offer the same type of properties to larger groups – be these families or friends travelling together.'

New destinations with Simpson Secrets include Andalucia, France, Italy, and Ibiza, with additional larger properties also being added across the portfolio in Greece, Turkey, and Corsica.  The collection, which was initially launched in 2011, now comprises a range of properties, from one-bedroom hide-aways to grander houses and even a French chateau.

Highlights include:

El Castillo (Andalucia): Set in tranquil countryside close to the village of Gaucín, this house blends traditional Moorish styling with modern-day comfort, plus added extras from cooks and childcare to yoga, guided walks and massage. Sleeping up to 14 people, the house has a private pool and a grand piano.

Villa delle Favole (Tuscany): This former monastery – first inhabited over 1,000 years ago by Camaldolesi Monks – is in a private forest of olive, oak, and beach trees.  Translating as 'Villa of Fairytales', it's a base from which to discover the natural and cultural treasures of both Tuscany and Umbria.

Montpalach (France): This manor house, dating from 1750, is in the peaceful hamlet of the same name. The villa's pool is a gem and the entire garden is enclosed, creating a wonderful retreat.

Villa Lygia (Epirus, Greece): The Epirus coast has been described as one of Greece's hidden secrets, and this house makes the most of it, having been designed to maximize views, light, and the sound of the sea. One of its joys is a path that descends to a sand and pebble beach 98ft below the terrace. It’s possible to hire a boat and moor it here.

http://www.simpsontravel.com/simpson-secrets

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Malta promoted for gay travel

MALTA’S tourism authority has launched a campaign in the US and Canada promoting the island as a ‘winter escape for the #LGBTtraveller’. 

‘LGBT travellers have long been associated with higher-spending brackets of worldwide tourism flows,” says a #Malta Tourist Authority (MTA) spokesman said. ‘This niche has the characteristics of being well-educated, frequent travellers, higher net income earners with a propensity to travel all year round.’

The MTA began targeting gay travellers, focusing particularly on the winter months, last year in the German-speaking market before expanding to the US and Canada this year. Further initiatives are planned for Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK, and Scandinavia.

The Gay European Tourism Association estimates the value of the gay tourism market in Europe at €50 billion (£39. 4 billion) a year, while a study in Philadelphia found that for every dollar invested in marketing gay tourism returned $153 (£109) in spending on shops, hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

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Picture Credit: flickr.com/photos/129285091@N07/23449450385">Streets of Valletta</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin

Save a third on summer sailing holidays

ANTLOS, an online site dubbed the ‘Airbnb of the seas’, is on a mission to offer affordable #sailing #holidays, shunning the belief that boating holidays are for only the rich and famous. The company is planning to ruin what it calls the elitism of private boat charter vacations in the British Virgin Islands and Mediterranean this summer, with prices that offer 33% savings. 

Antlos connects travellers with boat owners and skippers directly, cutting out agents and charter brokers, the ‘middle-men’ it says have kept sailing holidays expensive for so long. The site provides boat and #yacht owners the freedom to set their own rates and offer flexible dates, locations, and customizable itineraries.

For consumers, Antlos has what it says is a showcase of privately-owned and fully skippered boats. Guests can choose from a single place on a boat, a private cabin, or an entire yacht for their exclusive use. Antlos’ prices include fuel, marina fees, food, skipper, and other costs that are usually billed on top by brokers.

www.antlos.com/en

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Malta’s 50c tourist eco-tax expected to raise €6 million a year

MALTA’S tourism minister Edward Zammit Lewis says the 50c (38p) per night tourist eco-tax, which will come into effect in April, is expected to generate approximately €6 million (£4.65 million) annually.

He said the tax will be capped at €5 (£3.88), and that the income would be used for a public-private partnership scheme which will include the #Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association and the government.

It will also be used to refurbish and maintain public spaces in tourist areas.

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