P&O Cruises offers money back during National Cruise Week 2010

1.65 million people can’t be wrong. That’s the claim as a record number of Brits take a cruise this year and P&O Cruises joins forces with the Association of Cruise Experts (ACE) for the third National Cruise Week, 19-26 September.

All bookings made within National Cruise Week will be entered into a draw and one passenger will win back the cost of their entire booking (for all passengers in this cabin), meaning they will only have to pay for their insurance, shore excursions and drinks on board.

The offer extends to all holidays in P&O Cruises Early Booking Spectacular – a promotion encouraging British holidaymakers to book early for their 2011 holiday by offering savings of up to £1,500 per couple, free car parking and coach transfers, free on board spending money of up to £375 per couple and a 5% discount for full cruise payments made at the time of booking.

Early Booking Spectacular includes all holidays departing from Southampton between March and October 2011, ranging from two night weekend cruises, to 14-night Mediterranean summer holidays to 24-night USA and Canada explorations. Families, couples and singles are all eligible.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “We are Britain’s favourite cruise line and our National Cruise Week Cashback competition will enable one lucky passenger to experience our award-winning ships.

“1.65 million Brits are expected to take a cruise this year – more than a seven percent increase on 2009 – and this growth is indicative of the outstanding value for money, choice of product and quality of service offered within the industry.

“P&O Cruises carries more British passengers to more destinations than any other cruise line, offering something to suit every kind of passenger, from those looking for a small, intimate experience – exclusively for adults – to those wanting a big ship experience for all the family.

“We are happy to support National Cruise Week as it celebrates the strength of the cruise industry and raises awareness of cruising as the ideal holiday choice.”

For more information or to book call TRAVEL ADVISORS UK on 01246 555777 an ABTA bonded ACE travel agent.

Olly Smith brews up Autumn cocktail treats

As Hallowe’en on October 31 draws spookily near, TV drinks expert and celebrity Olly Smith has created four new cocktails to warm up those autumn evenings.

Olly Smith, who oversees The Glass House on Azura, Britain’s newest and largest cruise ship, said:

“On a dark, chilly night there is nothing better than gently brewing spices and spirits. They fill the house with the aroma of comfort and a sense of festivity. Autumn evokes magical smells of crackling fires and glorious tastes like ginger parkin and of course, it’s mulled wine heaven. My recipes here are for old favourites with a twist and new ones which will soon become legendary.”

Dragon’s Blood!

My kids love this – serves two.

10 ml Cassis
10 ml Grenadine
200 ml fizzy water

Garnish with a slice of blood orange.

For the full effect, make matching Dragon’s Blood ice cubes (use the above recipe but replace fizzy water for still, pour into an ice cube tray and freeze as normal).

You can always customise it into a more grown up cocktail by adding a tot of blackcurrant vodka or sloe gin!

Mulled Wine

This is a simple drink to create – and you can easily customise your own version. The key is not to boil the wine, just keep it warm. You can add orange juice, brandy and sugar to the base, a clove or two, a knob of fresh ginger, a cinnamon stick and you can load it with oranges, lemons and limes or try using slices of fresh mango for a tropical twist. The rule of thumb is keep tasting until it’s right – and don’t over do the cloves or they make it bitter!

Mulled White Wine

This couldn’t be simpler, choose a fruity leftover white wine, add freshly chopped pineapple, a few lemon wedges, honey and a cinnamon stick. Strain and serve with a sliced lemon garnish and sugar to taste (and you can give it a kick with a dose of leftover spirit – brandy, vodka, or Cointreau for an orangey tang).

Olly’s Secret Punch

Gently heat equal measures of leftover port, Cointreau and Southern Comfort topped up with fresh orange juice in a pan. Don’t let it boil. At the last minute squeeze two halves of blood orange into the pan and toss in the squeezed halves. I prefer not to add sugar as the port makes my secret punch gloriously sweet. Garnish with an orange slice and serve in glass mugs.

Olly Smith will be travelling on Azura regularly throughout 2011 and 2011.

A variety of Olly’s cocktails are available on Azura this autumn.