Caroline Howden - Travel Counsellors - Cruise Specialist

26/10/2024

There is always one clock somewhere that you forget or can’t remember how to change the time. It is the cooker for me!

24/10/2024

P&O now on sales for their new program for cruises sailing October 2026 to March 2027, including flying to Barbados or Tenerife or sail from Southampton.
Early booking reductions and low deposit- book by 09 December.
Christmas 2026 already busy!
Book early to get what you want not what is left.
Call me for everything you need to know.
01425 639155

The first holidays are here from our new winter 2026/27 collection 🎉

From today, your customers can feast their eyes on the first releases in our wonderful new winter 2026/27 holiday collection. Departing October to December 2026, the new dates and destinations are now on sale and are sure to be seasonal sensations.

Find out more at Shine Rewards Club: https://bit.ly/3Bibvy3

14/10/2024

Today is the day that I can share everything you need to know about P&O Cruises new program for cruises from October 26 to March 27.
I have all the details you need, dates, destinations & prices. Early booking offers and low deposit book by 09 December.
Get in touch to advance register with me.
These new cruises are on sale next week.
Book early for singles, adapted cabins, cabins for 3 or 4 and for peak season school dates.
Call me on 0800 093 1320 or 01425 639155

09/10/2024

Today is the day Cunard release details of their new program for cruises from October 2026 to April 2027, on sale next week.
Get in touch if you would like to know more.
01425 639155
[email protected]

10/09/2024

I have recently returned from a 5 night trip on Virgin Voyages onboard Resilient Lady one of 4 ships Virgin currently have. The ship is 110,000 tonnes with less than 3000 passengers onboard.
We left from Portsmouth to visit Amsterdam and Bruges.
I must admit I wasn’t sure what to expect, I had heard a lot about this newish cruise brand, the opportunity to see for myself was well worth it.
To start with the process began with the Virgin Voyages App which you put on your phone, register your self, upload a photo and register a payment card, your booking will be there plus lots more pre cruise information including a plan of the ship and all the facilities onboard. You can pre book excursions and dining reservations and purchase a bar tab if you want to. If you prefer you can pay for drinks as you go. As you get closer to your sailing date more information comes through on the App. Nothing is on paper, bag tags are issued at the embarkation port.
Included in your fare will be gratuities, basic WiFi, tea, coffee and water. You can upgrade your WiFi onboard which I did for $20 a day.
At check in you are given a wrist band which stays on all the time, this is your ID to get onboard, you open your cabin door with the band and use the band to pay for anything onboard.
Virgin Voyages were always going to shake things up, for example no key cards, no dress code, come as you are, no set meal sittings, no formal nights. Passengers are sailors and onboard credit is sailor loot. Crew are all informally dressed. This creates a relaxed atmosphere onboard.
Multiple dining venues onboard, no cover charges for any venue, some you pre book via the app or when you are onboard, some you walk in.
Anything from Pizza, Burgers, food to grab and go, Ice Cream, The Galley with multiple areas to find what you want. Extra Virgin Italian, The Wake Mediterranean, Pink Agave Mexican, Gumbae table based Korean BBQ, The Test Kitchen (think Heston Blumental meets Science Lab) literally something for everyone whatever your tastes. All food is free of charge other than a few highlighted items on any menu.
Outside deck space spreads across 2 decks, sun beds , cabanas and jacuzzis and pools along with bars just waiting for you. Don’t forget the sports deck for the runners and walkers or the sports courts.
Inside you can find numerous different areas and bars and areas to sit, some almost hidden, some have a few seats some have many more. A games area with board games and jigsaws, this place was always busy.
Not forgetting an extensive spa and gym area, yoga areas inside and outside.
Shops and more shops plus a tattoo place, very Virgin.
Happy smiley staff everywhere on hand to help.
Virgin are quite techy onboard, I have mentioned the wrist band (photo below) small tablet in the cabin controls the TV, room lighting and facilities, you can contact sailor services for help, contact your cabin steward. Quite easy to use.
The daily program A Hoy Sailor, can be found on the TV or the App or a paper copy is issued everyday to collect from various points around the ship.
Entertainment happened all over the the place, quizzes daytime and evening, later in the day a single guitarist playing, or a full on immersive performance in one of the multi use venues. Lot to chose from, or simply sit in one of the many bars, what you want to do.
As you would expect a range of cabins onboard, I was in a Sea Terrace with the red hammock on the balcony, all balcony cabins have their own hammock!
There are also Rock Star suites, the higher grade cabins get you exclusive access to Richard’s Roof Top, a retreat style area with key entry.

The big night on a Virgin Voyage is Scarlet Night, many onboard wear red, some all in red some just a splash of red. The atmosphere builds inside, then the party moves out on deck to be around the pool with a show from the singers and dancers.
Virgin want you to be relaxed and comfortable onboard, you being you they say. You can easily find quiet parts of the ship at any time of day or you take part in everything and party all day, if that is what you want.
Virgin do have some sailings from Portsmouth, during the summer fly cruising to the Mediterranean then winter in the Caribbean, Far East and Australia feature too, other destinations are planned along with a 5th ship in 2025.
If you would like to like to know more about a Virgin Voyage get in touch.
You can call me on 0800 093 1320 or 01425 639155.

04/09/2024

Have you ever thought of a Azamara cruises, small ships, port rich itineraries to all corners of the world, lots included in the price.
If you would like to know more about this cruise line get in touch and get onboard.
You can call me in 0800 083 1320 or 01425 639155 or you can email me [email protected]

17/08/2024

I have recently returned from Norway with another cruise line, Hurtigruten are a special way to travel, a genuine voyage along the coast of Norway.
Inspiring scenery, fjords, waterfalls, mountainous cliffs, multi coloured coastal villages and much more.
Hurtigruten travel every day Bergen on a 12 round trip or you can do a 6 night shorter version.
Get in touch to find out more.
Caroline Howden. 01425 639155 or 0800 093 1320

Ready to explore Norway? 🇳🇴

Join Hurtigruten on the Coastal Express and explore Norway's stunning coastline like never before! From the charming city of Bergen to the Arctic beauty of Kirkenes, enjoy a 12-day voyage packed with breathtaking landscapes, fascinating culture, and unique experiences.Our Travel Counsellors care more than anybody else about making your adventure dreams come true. To find out more, speak to your personal Travel Counsellor today 👉https://www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/how-it-works/

04/08/2024

I have recently returned from my own holiday to Norway onboard Aurora.
Aurora is one of 2 adult only ships that P&O Cruises have, also the smallest in the fleet, Aurora was launched in 2000, she carries around 1900 passengers.
You could say Aurora is a more traditional style cruise ship, she maybe smaller but still has all the facilities you need to have a great holiday.
British GBP is the currency along with family British plugs.
Dining: 2 main dining rooms, Medina and Alexandria for either fixed dining (1st and 2nd sitting) or Freedom dining.
Horizon buffet which offers food at various times of the day in a more casual way.
3 speciality restaurants which do carry an extra charge, Sindu with eastern influences, Glass House Gastro Pub and Beachhouse steaks, BBQ and fish.
These can be booked when onboard.
Cabins: You chose a cabin to suit you and your budget, they range from inside and outside cabins or a balcony or a suite. There are also adapted cabins for wheelchair passengers and single cabins too.
What to do onboard: Plenty, 2 show lounges Carmens and Curson Theatre for stage shows, singers, magicians, dance classes, guest speakers and much more. Arts and Crafts, Card games, deck sports, pools (one with a roof), Gym and Spa.

Aurora offers cruises from Southampton all year round, often cruises more than 14 nights to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and the Baltic, Spain, Portugal and Canaries, USA & Canada and the Grand Tour of 65 nights to South America plus others to Norway for the Northern Lights or the Fjords.
In amongst the longest cruises you can also find 3, 5 and 7 nights cruises to Europe.
Plenty of cruises to suit everyone.
If you would like to more about Aurora, get in touch.
01425 639155 or 0800 093 1320.
[email protected]
I have atttached a selection of photos of Aurora as well the beautiful Norwegian Fjords.

01/08/2024

If you are thinking about a cruise to Alaska then Princess Cruises are the perfect place to start, Princess have long been experts in this amazing destination.
If you would to know more about Princess in Alaska or indeed any of their worldwide destinations, get in touch and get onboard.
Call me on 01425 639155 or 0800 093 1320.

Alaska 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ is now LIVE 🗻

Your guests can book their Alaskan Princess adventure now! All cruises and cruisetours are now available to book 💙🚢

To find out more, head to our handy agent toolkit: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/gVrUYTTuei

12/07/2024

Delighted to share this great news, proud to have been part of the company for more than 22 years.
Get in touch, let me arrange something for you. Cruising is my specialty, having said that I can and book holidays on land rather than on water!
01425 639155 or 0800 093 1320
[email protected]

We’ve done it again! We’ve been named best ‘Homeworking Agency of the Year - Large Agency’ at the Travel Weekly UK Agent Achievement Awards – which celebrates excellence in the travel industry 🎉

This award, voted for by our valued supplier partners, is a testament to the comprehensive support we give to our independent business owners, our world-class technology which enables them to be their best, and our supportive, caring community.

Congratulations to all the other winners 🏆

08/06/2024

Yesterday I was in Southampton having been invited to spend a few hours onboard Queen Anne Cunard’s newest addition to the fleet, increasing the fleet to 4. Queen Anne joins fellow Queens Victoria, Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2.
Queen Anne is the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag and the first new ship for 14 years.
Queen Anne is a large modern spacious ship, 113,000 tonnes with a maximum capacity of 3000.
If I was to describe this ship in a few words I would say, elegant, understated elegance along with quiet sophistication.
A modern ship but with links to Cunard’s long heritage, red, white and blue colours in show, Commodore Lounge, Queens Room, Carinthia Lounge, Golden Lion Pub, Grill Restaurants, Sir Samual’s Steakhouse. Beautiful art work and sculptures around the ship.
Muted colours, subtle coordinated colours.
I was struck by the space, multiples places to find a quiet place, a range of places to eat many included in the price, others where you can chose to pay a cover charge.
As you enter the ship you are met by the Grand Lobby which spans 3 decks, here you will find, bars and lounges, shops, future cruise sales, excursion desk and the pursers desk.
The famous Queens room well known for entertainment through out the day and of course the famous afternoon tea.
The Carinthia Lounge is at the top of Grand Lobby a great view point.
Where to eat, you are spoilt for choice, the main Britannia Dining Room, Artisans Food Hall, The Pavilion Wellness Cafe and The Golden Lion Bar all included in the fare you paid.
If you wanted to experience the speciality restaurants which do carry a cover charge US $. Tramonto - Mediterranean theme, Aranya- Indian, Aji Wa- Japanese and Sir Samuel’s Steakhouse and Grill.
A quiet place in the Wellness Centre, a fantastic looking spa and gym/fitness facilities.
As you would expect a selection of cabins to suit all tastes and budgets.
Standard inside, outside and balcony cabins. Some balcony grades do have an obstructed view. Above the standard balcony are Club Balcony cabins these offer the benefit of open dining at your own table in the Britannia Club Restaurants. The next level up would be the Princess and Queens Grill suites, these suites come with their own restaurants and terrace.
You will find entertainment all over the ship particularly in the Bright Lights Society, a new show bar, different shows each evening offering an interactive immersive performance.
Queen Anne also has a 2 level Royal Court Theatre, no pillars to obstruct your view.
Queen Anne will sail from Southampton for 2024 before her maiden World Cruise.
Lots to enjoy.
If you would like to more about Queen Anne or about any of the Cunard ships do get in touch, let me arrange that for you.
01425 639155 or 0800 093 0320
[email protected]
I have included a selection of photographs taken during my visit yesterday.

29/05/2024

How good does this look? This is Edge Class from Celebrity Cruises, fantastic looking ships, destinations around the world including Apex sailing from Southampton for the summer.
Not forgetting the other Celebrity ships to chose from.
Want to know more? Get in touch and get onboard.
01425 639155 or 0800 093 1320

07/05/2024

If you are looking for a Princess Cruise for 2025 or 2026 you can book on 08 or 09 May for just £1 per person deposit.
This is an extremely short term offer.
Get in touch if this if interest to you.
01435 639155 or 0800 093 1320
[email protected]

01/05/2024

Great entrance for Queen Anne into Southampton yesterday ready for her maiden cruise leaving 03 May 2024.
I will be able see her on 07 June, I look forward to sharing lots of photos and more information about this addition to the Cunard fleet.
If you would like to know more about Cunard and where they can take you, get in touch.
01425 639155 or 0800 093 1320
[email protected]

25/04/2024

How does a Cunard cruise sound? 4 world class ships, worldwide destinations, from Southampton or fly to start your journey.
Get in touch to find out more.
[email protected] or 01425 639155 or 0800 093 1320

19/04/2024

Great News for Cunard, Queen Anne is officially part of the fleet.
Maiden voyage 03 May, if you would like to know more about Cunard and where the 4 ship go to.
Get in touch and get onboard, call or email.
01425 639155 or 0800 093 1320
[email protected]

29/03/2024

Beautiful ships going to beautiful places. All inclusive luxury cruise product.
Get in touch to find out more.
01425 639155 or 0800 093 1320.
[email protected]

10/02/2024

How fabulous does this look? If you have a bucket list this should be on it.
This amazing experience has been shown on Channel 5, grab a cuppa and catch up. 2nd part next week.
If you have ever wondered what a trip to Antarctica is all about then this is the perfect way to do that. This is an exceptional trip on a very special ship.
If you would like to know more get in touch.
You can call me on 0800 093 1300 or 01415 639155