We have been taking a fresh look at the cruise holiday options available recently and there is a pleasantly modern approach from some operators, in stark contrast to the stuffy offerings from some of the longer established lines, who want their clients to fit in with a rigid timetable. I know someone who is going on an old-style cruise this year and she is dreading the thought of having to dine with the same group of people every day for a fortnight. Suppose you do not get on with them or they tell long boring stories every night? The destinations and cruise itineraries from companies like Norwegian Cruise Line appeal to my individualist nature. There are no formal dress codes or fixed meal sitting times, which is far more appealing.
I think that Royal Caribbean Cruise Line also has a lot to offer. Their liners are true floating hotels, with the best entertainment, food and activities to keep you occupied all day and all night. And of course you wake up in a different place every morning. Royal Caribbean visit some of the best cruise destinations in the world, including duty free islands like Bermuda, which is on my list of places to see. If you thought cruises were just for superannuated ballroom dancers, think again - and check out the websites for Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines.
Posted May 15, 2008 
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Later this month I have a little challenge, as I have to stay in Birmingham, England’s so-called second city, for a week to attend a training course. As usual I am looking for a dog friendly hotel, of course I need internet access from the room and I want to be located quite centrally so that I can walk the dog safely at night on my own. As I am staying there alone I do not want to get ripped off for single room rates, either. When you want to stay in a city you can use one of the price search engines like HotelsCombined to save you time and find a shortlist of places to stay. I was quite pleased when the first search returned 26 hotels, priced from £25 per night. But when I looked at the hotels individually I found that the filter had not worked completely: the first hotel listed stated clearly that pets were not accepted. Read more »