The Grand Princess: Mark Ellis finds his Mediterranean odyssey to be the ...

27.09.09

Cruise ships work a magic all their own and passengers just keep coming back for more.

The Grand Princess is no exception and almost every other passenger you meet has sailed on her before and many several times.

Even after a short time on board, at the start of our 4,386-nautical mile odyssey from Southampton to the west Mediterranean and back, it's easy to see why she is so popular.

A lot of thought has gone into taking away some of the worries you might have about cruises.

Those thorny questions: Will I get stuck with people I might not like at dinner? How much should I tip? And will I get a sunbed?

The Grand Princess has come up with some pretty impressive answers...

There are still the traditional fixed dining times where you can keep the same table, partners and waiters during the cruise.

Or opt for restaurant-style eating where you just turn up between 5.30pm and 10pm at two magnificent dining rooms. We picked the charming Michelangelo and stayed for the duration. Under the watchful eye of our waiter Nelson from Portugal, we enjoyed dinners you would only get at the best restaurants at home.

You could also try Sabatini's, an upmarket Italian trattoria serving risotto and fresh pasta, or New Yorkstyle diner The Painted Desert.

Sunbeds are plentiful but you could join the more exclusive Sanctuary, where, for a small fee of $10 (£6) a day, you get your personal deep-cushioned lounger set amid palms and fake grass.

You get a free Bose headset, drinks are delivered to your table and you're within easy striking distance of the adults-only pool. That tipping dilemma is eliminated as the ship adds a discretionary charge of $10-a-day per person.

The cabins are called state rooms and are well-appointed with all mod cons. Like the best hotels, you get nice little touches like evening bed turn-down and faultless room service.

It's no wonder people keep coming back for more - and their loyalty is repaid with membership of the Captain's Circle - a card for gold, platinum and elite (16-plus cruises) members offering discounts, upgrades and general VIP treatment.

Another joy was joining the ship without suffering the long queues, luggage restrictions and endless delays at airports... you start your holiday from our shores. We arrived at Southampton just a couple of hours before our departure and within seconds of arrival at the cruise terminal our bags were on a conveyor belt and did not stop moving until they were in our cabin.

Our check-in was just as swift and after showing our papers we picked up our swipe cards, which open the cabin door and pay for all drinks onboard.

If you think this hassle-free start to your holiday is attractive, you won't be alone. Last year, a record 600,000 holidaymakers sailed away from a UK port as no-fly cruises become increasingly popular.

By the time you have slipped into the comfortable life onboard, the Grand Princess is slowing down for the first port of call, Gibraltar. For spectacular views head for the 1,396ft summit of this natural fortress and see Africa eight miles across the sea.

Mirror.co.uk

Family Friendly Mediterranean Holiday Cruises From Friendly Planet ...

by Melissa

Looking for a way to beat the cold temperatures over the holidays?  Friendly Planet has announced two family friendly Mediterranean holiday cruises for under $1300 .   Both cruises allow travelers to sail to some of the best ports in the Mediterranean and also enjoy two free nights in Rome.

The Mediterranean Highlights program offers an exciting itinerary that celebrates the cultural riches and natural beauty of the western Mediterranean, with port calls in Italy, France, Spain, Tunisia, and Malta. On the Iberian Coasts program, port calls include Italy, France, Morocco, Gibraltar, and Spain. On both cruises, travelers will enjoy pampering aboard the M/V Louis Majesty as they explore the historically rich ports-of-call. Mediterranean Highlights features six days of cruising plus two bonus nights in Rome, starting at just $1,299, while Iberian Coasts features eight days of cruising plus two bonus nights in Rome, starting at just $1,399.  See the Friendly Planet blog for more information on prices, including discounted child rates and free cabin upgrades for all passengers.

The cruises embark from Genoa, Italy. At the conclusion of each cruise, travelers fly to Rome for two additional days of exploration and relaxation. The first departure of Mediterranean Highlights runs from Dec. 19 – Dec. 28, with six additional departures throughout 2010. The first departure of Iberian Coasts runs from Dec. 25 – Jan. 5, 2010, with four additional departures throughout 2010.

Family Friendly Mediterranean Holiday Cruises From Friendly Planet ...

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