Sail with Sharon

03/09/2024

Getting prepared!!!

31/08/2024

There are sooooo many cruise lines out there to choose from, all offering 'amazing experiences', the best food at sea, the best entertainment around and beautiful ships to sail on, so how do you choose the right one for you?

Do you just 'stick with what you know' for the security of knowing that you like it?

Or are you someone that will give anything a go once?

Some of my clients base their choice of cruise entirely on the destinations and ports of call fitting with their dates, and really aren't at all bothered about the ship itself, others are the total opposite and will only cruise on certain cruise lines/ships - happily revisiting the same ports of call again as it's about being on a cruise for them!

Which camp do you sit in? What's the most important part of choosing your next cruise for you?
⛴🛳

31/08/2024

Not long now 🛳🛳
Off on our Not Just Travel Conference😁

30/08/2024

Obviously cruising is not all about the ship. Our cruise was a short one this time, just 4 nights. However, on this occasion I'm not sure I could have coped with any longer as I was eating and drinking too much lol!!!!!!

Our first stop was Rotterdam. From here there are many excursions on offer, whether you choose to take a cruiseline excursion or go off on your own steam if you are adventurous.

Word of warning ...... if you take an excursion not organised by the cruiseline and you are late back the ship will not wait for you!

From here you could go to Amsterdam or Delft but this time we stayed in Rotterdam and walked over 21000 steps that day. Don't worry you don't have to do that many!!!

Take a look in to Cube Houses and have a stroll around the indoor food market. We even had a stroll around the park Don't forget to try a Stroopwaffle - yummy!!!

30/08/2024

🍾 Cunard Queen Anne's - Maiden Transatlantic Crossing 🍾

🚢 SOUTHAMPTON TO NEW YORK 🚢
Fred. Holidays Discover Collection
📅 9th Jan 2025
🛏️ 13 nights
🚢 Southampton

FROM £1,799PP

Join Queen Anne for her maiden Transatlantic Crossing, sailing westbound from Southampton to New York.

Spend eight days indulged in Queen Anne's opulence. Enjoy white gloved afternoon tea, fine dining, enriching lectures and entertainment before arriving into the 'Big Apple', New York.

Disembark Queen Anne and head to your New York hotel where you’ll spend three nights.

Enjoy time exploring the ‘city that never sleeps’, from shopping to sightseeing and iconic landmarks, you’ll be sure to create unforgettable memories on this adventure.

HIGHLIGHTS
✅ Queen Anne's Maiden Transatlantic Crossing
✅ 3 night 5-star hotel stay in New York, USA

WHAT'S INCLUDED
🚢 9 night full board cruise aboard Cunard's Queen Anne
🚌 Private transfer from the Cruise Port to your New York Hotel
🌆 3 night 5-star hotel stay in New York, USA

✈️ Flight from New York to London, UK. Regional flights on request, please ask for more details.

💵 ABTA and ATOL bonded for your financial protection

Terms and conditions apply, based on 2 sharing. Price is subject to availability and can change at anytime.

07307 201884 📞

27/08/2024

Good job I have another 4 booked over 2025 and 2026 isn't it? 🤣🤪🛳

27/08/2024

Good morning Southampton.
One last breakfast and then the journey home.
Until next time Cruisers 🛳🛳

More sharing to come once home!!!

26/08/2024

Let's talk about food!

On Celebrity Apex you can eat in Ocean View Restaurant which is the main buffet restaurant. We ate here for breakfast and most lunches and thought the choice and quality was exceptional. I'm not a fussy eater at all but honestly I would have no qualms about eating here for every meal on my cruise and would find it strange if anyone didn't rate the food on offer here. 10/10 for me.

There are 5 or 6 speciality restaurants onboard which require extra payment and reservations but guests are all given the option to eat in four main dining restaurants also every evening anytime between 6pm and 9pm.

1. Cosmopolitan - American
2. Tuscan- Italian
3. Cyprus - Mediterranean
4. Normandie - French

We ate in 3 out of 4 of these and thoroughly enjoyed both the food and service.

I honestly did think why would you pay for speciality dining with main dining of such a high quality and included in your cruise package? Absolutely amazing 👏

25/08/2024

Day 2 and just sailing a few pics from around the ship. Today was a day at sea so lots of exploring and utilising the upgraded premium drinks package!!!!

Started the day with a gym session (hence very achy legs today!!

Discovered the Eden Bar at the aft of the ship with its garden theme and a fab viewing inside verandah to the outside. Really lovely vibe and even better Campari Spritzers!!!!

Spent a time laid by the pool in the Solarium chilling and also used the hot tub. What I am loving is I'm not experiencing any issues when it comes to finding seats in bars and near pools etc.

We used our on board credit to put towards an evening at Le Petit Chef (pics to follow).

Ended the night with a good old silent disco which, as ever, we loved😍

I'm finding there is plenty to do on board and there is a good old fashioned sheet left in your cabin every evening advising of the next day's activities available so easy to make a plan.

25/08/2024

🛳️ WOW WOW WOW! 🛳️

This is a bank holiday offer not to be missed! Check out this offer for the ship I AM ON RIGHT NOW. ANY QUESTIONS ASK AWAY!

Celebrity Apex is one of the most luxurious and cutting edge ships at sea, and in 2025 is sailing out of Southampton for the 2nd year running!
Sister to the Celebrity Edge, which is the only ship ever to be listed on the Forbes Top 100 luxury places to visit list - you are promised a sailing in true luxury, and these prices are super rare!

Ship Highlights
🍲 29 Dining Venues to choose from, including Le Grand Bistro, which has the flavors of a French boulangerie-patisserie, and Raw on 5, an intimate eatery with fresh fish, oysters, crab, and lobster. There's also a Rooftop Garden Grill for backyard barbecue with ocean views, and a Mast Grill by the pool for burgers and drinks
Magic Carpet: A cantilevered platform that extends over the ocean, offering stunning views and a variety of activities.

Eden: A stunning indoor/outdoor garden space with a retractable roof.

Infinite Veranda: Spacious balconies that can be fully opened to create a seamless indoor-outdoor experience.

The Retreat: An exclusive enclave for suite guests, offering a private pool, sun deck, and lounge.

If this offer isn't quite right for you but you LOVE the look of this ship - please get in touch and I can offer you a range of alternative sailing dates, destinations and durations throughout Summer 2025!

📆 24th April 2025 | 9 Nights

📍 Sailing from Southampton to Brugge | La Coruna | Porto | Vigo | Bilbao | returning to Southampton

🥂 All Inclusive - Drinks, Wifi & Tips are in!
🛌 Deluxe Inside from £1459pp & $50pp Onboard Spending
🛌 Prime Oceanview from £1489pp & $50pp Onboard Spending
🛌 Infinite Edge Veranda from £1879pp & $100pp Onboard Spending

💰 Deposits only £150pp

How to book:

Message me on Facebook Sharon Grove
📱 WhatsApp me on 07307.201884
✉️ Email [email protected]
🛜 View the itinerary, ship detail and enquire on my website:

https://notjustcruise.co.uk/tc/SharonGrove/cruises/CELEBAX09M312-240425/

25/08/2024

Will be showing more of the beautiful Celebrity Apex later but forgot to say how busy Southampton was on Friday. First to depart was P&O Aurora then us leaving Disney Dream behind and passing Fred Olsen's Borealis.
🛳
We are now docked in Rotterdam this morning and just enjoying a cuppa before getting ready to Disembark for our day of discovery!

24/08/2024

Day 1 consisted of a very quick Embarkation. Suitcases where literally taken from the boot of the car and that's the last we saw of them until they turned up outside our room mid afternoon.

As soon as we boarded we were allowed to drop any extra bags into our room before heading to our first stop which happened to be the Martini Bar where I introduced my daughter to cruising all inclusive. However, within moments, Patrick, our bartender, had convinced us to upgrade from the basic Beverage package to the Premium due to the much better choice of cocktails available


After a Martini cocktail we tried out the onboard buffet restaurant which was fab. The food choices were amazing and we were able to get a seat with no issues.

Spent some time getting our bearings and also collecting our free charm to go onto our complimentary EFFY jewellery tracker that Celebrity were giving away to celebrate an anniversary 😀

It's also great that the speciality coffees are included in the drinks package at the Cafe Al Bacio. Really enjoyed a Pistachio Latte here. Definitely not my last😀

Our first evening dining experience was in the restaurant Normandie, obviously French.

Finished the evening off with some classic cruiseline entertainment in The Club at the 80s Flashback competition and disco!!!

Lots of opportunity to take part in entertainment but also sit back and relax if you want to. Very happy so far 😀

23/08/2024

Loving the Infinite Veranda cabin. Literally a balcony within the room but both blinds and doors to close it off. Very nice x

23/08/2024

Just boarded the beautiful Celebrity Apex.
Only been on 15 mins and already convinced to to upgrade to the Premium Drinks Package 🍾

Starting with the traditional first drink of Prosecco

23/08/2024

🛳As you know I am a keen cruiser nowadays.

In the last few years I've managed to clock up a few sailing onboard

⛴️MSC
⛴️Virgin Voyages
⛴️NCL
⛴️Fred Olsen

I have also managed to have a few ship visits, but not sailed on, P&O, Royal Caribbean, Ambassador and Holland America.

I've not yet managed to get onto Princess or Marella 🙏 both of which I would love to experience as extremely popular cruiselines especially with Marella offering flight connections from Exeter and Bristol (my local regionals)

However, I've not been on a Celebrity Ship - UNTIL TODAY!!!!

I'm very excited to be boarding Celebrity Apex this afternoon and even more so as taking my eldest daughter on her very first cruise experience (just a short 4 nighter to Belgium and the Netherlands). Nevertheless it's with Celebrity who are a 5* ship.

🛳WHY DO I LOVE CRUISING YOU MAY ASK?

❤️Honestly, you may think I'm making excuses but if I've sailed it I can sell it!!! If I've been through the pre-boarding process I am confident in helping my customers to do the same.

❤️If I've been on board for a visit it helps get my head around the different ships and how they feel as different ships suite different clientele.

❤️If I've sailed on it I can be confident of what happens onboard, what the shows are like and the bars and restaurants and can make recommendations accordingly.

❤️Waking up in a different destination every day and deciding if I want to get off and explore or whether I want to stay onboard and relax and make the most of the ship being quieter.

❤️So many food options 🤪 and I don't have to cook!!!!!

❤️There's always something to do if you want it including entertainment.

❤️Very comfortable beds!! I always sleep better on a cruiseship

So I know many of you say "you're always away Sharon". Yes I am but sometimes for research purposes too!🤣

I also say Do Something You Love as life's too flipping short ❤️

So keep an eye out on this page over the next few days for a few piccies of my trip and a few observations/blogs of the ship.

As always get in touch if you want to know more about any cruise or just to chat if you're still unsure whether to give it a go.

23/08/2024

🎄🥂 ⛴️
Celebrate Christmas 2025 in Antarctica!

Depart from UK on 18 December
Embark Fridjoft Nansen for a 10 night sailing on 20 December.

Flight inclusive prices from £9,129 per person

What’s included?
✈️International flights
🪟lead in prices are for ocean view cabins on these sailings
🚣‍♀️Daily expeditions & activities
🍳 Breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday
🏊🏼‍♂️ A warm welcome to the sauna, hot tubs and more
🍺Soft drinks, wine, beer and spirits throughout the day and evening
🧥Expedition gear relevant to destination
📸 Professional photos of your trip from our onboard photographer
🛜 Starlink WiFi
🧾Gratuities
🔬Full access to our science centre

*Terms and conditions apply

*************************************
To book👇
☎️07307 201884
📱Send a message
📧 [email protected]

✅ Member of Hays Travel IG
🌐 ABTA K9413
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Rated 5 star on Trustpilot

18/08/2024

Tonight at 8pm on Channel 4 get a taste of the Royal Caribbean experience with the Icon of the Seas Documentary ‘The Worlds Biggest Cruise Ship’ 🛳️❤️

Don’t miss it 😉🥳

12/08/2024

🛳A NEW TAKE ON NORWAY🛳

⚓️Hurtigruten have launches two new sailings to tantalise the tastebuds of adventure enthusiasts.

⚓️The Svalbard Line and North Cape Line itineraries are expansions of the brand's former routes which sail from the Norwegian Capital Oslo.

⚓️Each itinerary has been thoughtfully designed to ensure guests embark on a journey that captures the essence of Norway's coastal charge and heritage.

⚓️Highlights include tailored itineraries with longer port stays, allowing travellers more time to explore each destination.

⚓️Guests will enjoy all-inclusive meals and premium drinks, while an expanded Coastal Experience Team provide insights into Norway's culture, history and natural wonders.

⚓️The voyages also offer activities such as guided hikes, lectures and photography workshops.

👀Additionally, the line has extended its Northern Lights Promise, which guarantees that if the aurora doesn't make an appearance, you will receive a complimentary 6 or 7 day trip to try again the following season!

For details of these itineraries and a free quote please get in touch.

Call me on 07307 201884 or message
Email - [email protected]

08/08/2024

Lets get to know P&O Iona. With handy sailings from Southampton it couldn't be any easier
P&O Cruises

As the first British cruise ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), Iona is one of our greenest, largest and most innovative ships yet. With her luminous glass-roofed SkyDome, on-board gin distillery and whole world of dining and entertainment on board, Iona has a host of surprises in store.

See extraordinary entertainment
Let us entertain you like never before. Head for entertainment hub SkyDome, home to top acts and live shows. In the Grand Atrium, aerialists and pop-up performances will add drama to your days and nights, while Headliners theatre is the home of exciting shows for all the family.

Introducing dining on Iona
From healthy to decadent, from hearty to delicate, there’s a menu and a venue for every mood. With modern British classics, flavours from around the globe and menus inspired by your destinations, Iona is sure to excite even the pickiest of palates and unexpected of days. So, what do you fancy?

Iona's Grand Atrium
Iona’s Grand Atrium sits on decks 6, 7 and 8 and boasts three-deck-high glazed walls and a contemporary design that brings uninterrupted panoramic sea views and natural light into the space.

Spotlight on spa and wellness
Iona takes restoration and relaxation to a whole new level with a fabulous array of spa and wellness facilities, letting you max your me-time from Southampton to the sun. Whether you want to maintain your fitness regime or start a new one, Iona’s on-board gym and fitness studio has what you need for a workout that works.

Want to check out Iona's sailings (or any other P&O sailing) please get in touch on 07307 201884.

Don't forget that you can sail from Southampton if you dont wish to fly but fly-cruise also available.

Check out the video below for a ship tour:-

Join Andy Harmer as he welcomes you onboard the stunning P&O Cruises Iona as she visited Southampton all ready to welcome her latest guests who looked forwar...

08/08/2024

⚓️Check out River Cruising benefits with Riviera

⚓️Great solo traveller deals
⚓️Tour Manager to meet you at the airport or Eurostar
⚓️Small groups
⚓️All Inclusive packages
⚓️Excursions
And more ......

Want to know more please get in touch

☎️07307 201884
Email - [email protected]

07/08/2024

👀CRUISE NEWS

⚓️Marella Cruises have revealed that Marella Discovery will call at two new ports from December 16th, 2025, as it released its 2025-2026 winter programme.

⚓️The new ports - Isla Catalina in the Dominican Republic and Ponce in Puerto Rico - will be on the Tropical Isles itinerary, which also visits the US Virgin Islands.

⚓️From January 8th 2026 Marella Discovery 2 will operate an Exotic Islands cruise to Barbados, St Lucia, Curacao and Grenada (fancy that one myself!!!!).

⚓️There will be new overnight onboard stays available in Willemstad, Curacao, and also cruise-and-stay options in Barbados.

⚓️The winter collection also features sailings in the Canaries and Madeira with Marella Voyager and adult only ship Marella Explorer 2.

⚓️Meanwhile, for those of you favouring River Cruise - TUI River Cruises is offering new sailings on the Danube for winter 25/26 plus new shorter 4 night sailings.

Want any more information on any of these please do get in touch.

Message or call me on 07307 201884☎️
Email: [email protected]

06/08/2024

🌟☀𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 S𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬.
🌟☀𝐂𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐒 𝐔𝐏 𝐓𝐎 𝟔 𝐏𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐋𝐄
🌟𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 !

⚓♥NORWEGIAN FJORD CRUISE⚓♥

😀Families just love MSC Virtuosa, she offers great fun with Water Parks, High Ropes, theatre shows and around the clock entertainment INCLUDED.

Check out this amazing family deal :-

☀MSC Virtousa
☀ Norwegian Fjords
☀30th August 2025
☀7 nights
☀ Sail from Southampton
☀ Full board
☀Gym
☀Spa
☀Casino
☀Kids clubs and disco
☀ Child age up to 17 WOW !!!!
☀ Option to add All Inclusive drinks package for the whole family. ( please call for prices)

⚓ Sail Southampton - - Haugensund - Maloy - Flaam - Kristiansand - @ sea - Southampton.

Based on Fantastica experience ( so bookings can be linked )

🌟 Twin occupancy Inside from £909pp
Balcony from £1149pp
Yacht Club from £1899pp

🌟Family of 3 Inside from £2207 total
Balcony from £2787 total
Yacht Club from £7197 total

🌟 Family of 4 Inside from £2596 total
Balcony from £3276 total
Yacht Club from £8776 total

ALL YACHT CLUB SUITES INCLUDE DRINKS, WIFI and BUTLER SERVICE.

🌟 Family of 5 Ocean view £3625 total
Suite Balcony £5485 total

🌟 Family of 6 Ocean View £4094 total
Suite Balcony £6194 total

♥MSC PAST CRUISERS/ VOYAGER CLUB MEMBERS RECEIVE A VOYAGER EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT.♥

Subject to availability, terms and conditions apply.

☎️Call or message me to discuss on 07307
201884

👀Please note we can always take direct debit payments to spread the cost at no extra charge

05/08/2024

🌊⚓️ Did You Know?

Split’s Diocletian's Palace is so iconic it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and served as a set for "Game of Thrones"! 🏰✨

Our Split, Dubrovnik, and the Splendours of Dalmatia Yacht Cruise on the MS Adriatic Sun is calling you 🚤

Tour Split and Emperor Diocletian’s monumental palace, one of the greatest structures of the Roman Empire 🏛️

Sail the stunning Dalmatian coastline 🌊

Discover the lush Pelješac Peninsula 🌿

Explore the charming islands of Hvar and Mljet 🌺

Walk in the footsteps of Marco Polo in Korčula 🗺️

Each evening, we dock in picturesque ports, perfect for an after-dinner stroll. This isn’t just a holiday, it’s the holiday—think shorts and t-shirts, laid-back vibes, and unforgettable memories.

8 days from £1899pp
(Based on 13/05/25)

Other departures between May and September 2025

⚓️At a glance
· 7 nights on a four-star yacht
· Return flights & transfers
· 6 tours & visits plus swim stops
· Daily breakfast, 7 meals & Captain’s Dinner
· Expert Tour Manager
· All port charges & airport taxes
· Checked luggage

⚓️Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Split
Day 2 - Split - Korčula
Day 3 - Korčula - Mljet - Dubrovnik
Day 4 - Dubrovnik
Day 5 - Dubrovnik - Peninsula Pelješac
Day 6 - Pelješac Peninsula - Hvar
Day 7 - Hvar - Bol - Split
Day 8 - Return home

✈️DEPARTURE AIRPORTS:
- Bristol
- London Gatwick
- London Luton
- London Stansted
- Manchester

For more information call or message me on 07307 201884

05/08/2024

November 2025 will see TUI Maya make her TUI River Cruises debut on the Danube, with a range of four and five nights itineraries available throughout the festive season.

This will give customers the chance top explore even more cities during the festive period for the very first time

By introducing the new four night sailings down the Danube, and the Rhine, it will offer a chance for new-to-cruise customers to experience the fleet for the first time for a shorter duration.

Itineraries are now on sale alongside Marella Cruises winter 2025 programme.

For further details please do get in touch or message me on 07307 201884

02/08/2024

**NEW for 2026**

Sail in the shadow of the sun on a 2026 Solar Eclipse cruise.

Whether you view this celestial event from off the coast of Spain or Iceland, our ships' roomy wraparound decks guarantee them a front-view seat to this awe-inspiring cosmic phenomenon!

It's the perfect way to escape the lights and distractions of the shore and enjoy expert narration throughout the eclipse from our onboard astronomer

ON SALE NOW with Holland America

Contact me for information
☎️07307 201884

🌖🌗🌘🌑🌒🌓🌔

01/08/2024

Have you listened to our awesome podcast yet?

If not head to your favourite podcast app and search The Travel Podcast and give us a listen! We have a superb episode all about P&O Cruises, plus more from Virgin Voyages, Fred Olsen and many others alongside worldwide destinations and brands!

Recorded in the heart of Southampton's maritime heritage,

Eamonn Holmes and Hayley Marie Sparkes dive into the iconic history and allure of the UK's favourite cruise line. From its beginnings in 1837 to its status as a holiday staple, we explore the quintessentially British onboard experience, stunning destinations, and top-notch service. Plus, we uncover celebrity collaborations, dining delights, and the surprising meaning behind the name.

01/08/2024

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE VIRGIN VIBE? WHY’S IT SO DIFFERENT? WHAT’S THE FOOD LIKE? WHAT'S THE ENTERTAINMENT LIKE?
HOW DO I BOOK THE DINING? WHAT ARE ALL THE DIFFERENT RESTAURANTS ACTUALLY LIKE??

WELL, THIS IS WHY I CREATED A DEDICATED VIRGIN VOYAGES GROUP - TO GIVE YOU THE FULL LOWDOWN ON ALL THESE SUBJECTS AND ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS ON THE VARIOUS HIGHLIGHTS OF SAILING ON A VIRGIN VOYAGE!

Check out my group - Cruise Virgin Voyages with Sharon

If there’s one word to sum up the Virgin brand it’s this: different.

😎 Of the more than 40 companies that fly the Virgin flag, all of them have made a point to shaking things up.... It’s almost as if they take a look at their competitors and then purposefully do it differently!

⚓When it comes to the it's cruise line, Virgin Voyages is no exception.

🛳 Hence, regular cruisers should consider themselves first-timers if they’ve never experienced the Virgin version of cruising.

⚓ And if you’ve never cruised before, it’s best to leave any preconceptions of cruising on shore because, quite frankly, Virgin is in an ocean all of its very own 😁

🤔 And when you first step onboard, then you should definitely be asking yourself: how different is different?

Here's a little taste of what you can expect!

31/07/2024

Your ultimate guide to adult-only cruising

It’s time to escape the kids and step on board an adult-only cruise. Here’s where to start 👇

Fancy the idea of a cruise yet cringe at the thought of being trapped on board with other people’s kids? We feel your pain.

29/07/2024

Comment the answers below 👇👇