Vacation Planners: Luxury Cruises and Private Rentals are Tops!

We all know the feeling; that sense of utter exhaustion and fatigue. We also know what it means: it's time to relax and recharge. Vacation! But where to go? What about the cost? That and the planning alone can sap the fun right out! Before we get too carried away, let's look at two very popular options that are sure to rejuvenate us, give us that trip of our lives, and assure the best value for our money. First, we must decide what type of vacation experience we are looking for. Would we prefer a setting that is private and solitary or social and mingling? If we are looking to truly get away from it all - and everyone - then a private property rental is the sure way to go. However, if meeting new friends and enjoying group activities is our forte, then a voyage at sea is what we need. Now, before we rush off and contact Princess cruises, let's take time to explore both options and make an informed decision. Both offer many of the same luxuries and creature comforts, but vary greatly in the style in which they are delivered. Customers of Fred Olsen cruises enjoyed incredible accommodation, exciting activities, world-class meals, unbeatable service and unforgettable views in an active, social atmosphere. These are all the same amenities enjoyed by those who lavished in a custom villa on an exotic beach, but enjoyed them in the quiet tranquillity of a remote location. Let's take a closer look in order to make our decision, shall we?

Wonderful Britannia Restaurant

"The ship herself is magnificent and it was easy to forget you were on board at times. The crossing was smooth and the accommodation excellent." - Burnett, Nottingham on 16th Jun 2009 (Cunard Cruises)

No Luxury Overlooked

While on vacation, you are not only getting a break from work and the daily grind of commutes and routines, but also from "typical" living. You expect to be pampered in luxury, regardless of whether you are trekking the seas on Cunard cruises with other adventurers or enjoying the quiet and solitude of a villa on Phuket Island. Both options offer incredible cuisine, with meals being prepared by some of the world's best chefs. If you are looking to explore the culinary world for yourself, you can get a villa with a kitchen and opt to experiment with local herbs and produce to create a new masterpiece yourself. Ocean voyagers can enjoy cooking classes while aboard many of the Caribbean cruises as well as legendary meals served in themed dining rooms. Now that the food is settled, let's move on to the accommodations. Both venues offer the highest quality amenities, from the softest cotton sheets and exquisite decors, pampering baths, massage and spa services to spacious lounging areas with beautiful sofas and entertainment centres that bring you everything from international news to global entertainment. Email and web services are also available; sea goers on Royal Caribbean cruises enjoy full wireless connectivity for reasonable rates, and most rental villas now offer the same, regardless of location. One of the greatest indulgences is a massage and spa treatment. Most luxury villas are staffed with certified masseurs or have one on-call, while cruise guests can enjoy room service or a trip to the ship spa to experience every soothing technique.

Well-arrange sets on the cruise hallway

"We visited the theatre to see the plays put on by RADA which were abridged versions, but nonetheless excellent." - Sumner, Tillingham on 16th Jun 2009 (Cunard Cruises)

Activities that Suit You

Activities are one of the most important parts of the vacation experience. Whether it is sight-seeing, taking in a performance, enjoying a day hike, or taking that first yoga class, all styles offer limitless activity possibilities. It's vacation - let's try something we have always wanted to, but have never had the time! On the ship alone, guests aboard Celebrity cruises can choose from a diverse menu of activities at almost any time of day or evening, including entertaining Vegas-style shows and performances, classes in aerobics, cooking, arts and culture, sports, and even lectures covering the local histories and geographies of ports visited. That's only the half of it - there are the land and port activities as well! These are diverse, from trips to museums and historical landmarks to seasonal sports and cultural activities. Similar itineraries are offered by P&O cruises. For those enjoying the privacy of their own villa, there are always lots of activities to look forward to, usually provided by the locals. Often, there are guided treks and hikes available, cars, with or without drivers, for hire, as well as classes in local sports, pastimes, language and culture. Often, when booking rental properties, optional activity packages are already available, assembled by local experts. So whether it is a scheduled itinerary, like that aboard one of the MSC cruises or one that you have put together yourself utilizing local businesses and talents, you are sure to find everything that suits your style and ability level.

Thomson Spirit pool deck 1

"We had a fabulous time on the Black Watch cruise, as always with Fred Olsen the entertainment crew were so friendly with good shows every night." - Ray, Hutton, Brentwood on 16th Jun 2009 (Fred. Olsen Cruises)

Either Way, Your Time will be Superb!

Which ever style you choose, whether you hop one of the cruises from Southampton, or go it a bit quieter with a private villa on an exquisite beach in Southeast Asia, you are sure to have an incredible experience at an incredible value for the money spent. If we browse the internet, for say NCL cruises, we see that fares are extremely affordable at the present time, and that great deals are there to be had. The same goes for private luxury villas. Anywhere, from Phuket to the Caribbean, all over the world, excellent vacation opportunities await you at prices that can't be beaten. Remember, a slow global economy means low prices on travel and tourism. This means savings to you when it comes to taking that dream vacation. Everything from fares to souvenir prices are below bargain prices. You can even afford more of a trip now than perhaps in the past, with base rates so low, upgrades and extras are more affordable than ever. You can add those guided tours, take some extra days in a place of interest, get better seats or take in shows and entertainment that would have been out of reach before. Imagine coming back rested and rejuvenated, with more cash and more of a vacation than you had ever dreamed was possible! Nothing adds to the feeling of satisfaction as knowing you got an amazing deal, so the time to act is now.

Celebrity Mercury in Huatulco

"First of all the booking in for the Queen Victoria was the quickest and easiest we have ever experienced." - Gibbons, Torquay on 16th Jun 2009 (Cunard Cruises)