mississippicruiseguide.com

Cruises from Southampton sail to all parts of the world and, as winter approaches, many people start to think about getting away from the dark and cold evenings.

The Canary Islands are always a popular destination for a winter cruise, offering a subtropical climate and year round sunshine. Cruises from Southampton to the Canary Islands typically call at Madeira, approximately 350 miles off the coast of Morocco.

Often described as ‘the pearl of the ocean’, Madeira is very fertile with lush vegetation and stunning gardens which produce bananas, sugarcane and Madeira wine all year round. Much of Madeira’s income is tourist based and now attracts a much wider age group than in the past, offering water sports from its spectacular beaches, fine restaurants and a variety of nightlife to satisfy most visitors.

After Madeira, a cruise to the Canary Islands will call at several ports on different islands, including La Palma, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Tenerife, each with different visitor attractions, before stopping off at Oporto in Portugal before sailing home to Southampton.

Other popular winter cruises from Southampton call at ports in Greece, Turkey and Croatia. Cruise ships stop at the ancient cities of Ephesus which contains a large collection of Roman ruins near Selcuk in Turkey and at Athens, one of the most historic cities in Greece, to view the ruins of the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

Ports of call include several of the Greek islands, many of which have unique cultures as well as stunning scenery and beautiful beaches while Croatia, which has become a popular cruise destination over the last few years, has over a thousand small islands and numerous marinas sited in the bays and harbours off its Adriatic coast.

A number of late cruise deals offering excellent value are usually available to all these destinations and more.

Find out more about cruises from Southampton.

River cruises of one or two weeks have recently become very popular and, with several super late cruise deals available, are one of the most cost-effective ways of visiting several countries during the same holiday.

For the holidaymaker who enjoys sightseeing, a river cruise has a number of advantages, not least that sipping a cocktail on the deck, while spectacular scenery or ancient landmarks glide slowly by, is one of the most relaxing holidays imaginable.

Many find that a river cruise is a multi-centre holiday without time-wasting transfers between destinations, where clothes need to be unpacked only once and hung in the wardrobe until the end of the holiday.

Ancient settlements grew up on the banks of the world’s rivers and evidence of those civilisations can often best be viewed from the vantage point of the river. As river cruise ships are designed to dock at river ports, shore excursions involve little more than stepping off deck with the minimum of delay, either to explore the local town on foot or to take a bus a little further afield.

River cruise ships are much smaller than the much larger ocean cruise ships, to enable passage under bridges or through narrow straits, and the atmosphere on board is usually less formal and more intimate. Dressing for dinner is not expected, although the standard of cuisine is comparable to that on the best ocean cruise ships, as are the cabins which are comfortable, providing all amenities. Service on river cruise ships is excellent, the smaller number of passengers allowing the staff to offer a very personal service to each guest.

Last minute cruises are always good value and a river cruise combining the glamour and luxury of an ocean cruise with the atmosphere of a niche holiday with an extended group of friends, is two holidays in one!

Find out more about cruises from southampton.

The Mediterranean, Canary Islands and the Caribbean continue to be among the top destinations for cruises in 2012, although as cruises are becoming much more popular, some super cruise deals are available to almost any destination in the world.

Some of the newer destinations popular for 2012 include cruises around the Baltic, calling at St. Petersburg in Russia and magical cruises around the fjords of Norway.

Cruises of just a few nights to France and Belgium are a great way to have a short break, calling at Zeebrugge for excursions to the medieval cities of Bruges or Ghent before stopping in the romantic city of Paris. Even closer to home, short cruises around the British Isles offer views unseen from any other perspective, from the Shetland and Orkney Islands north of Scotland to the Channel Islands just off the coast of France.

Some great late cruise deals are always available for cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean, calling at Cairo with the evocative Pyramids of Giza, and Haifa set against Mount Carmel with excursions to the Sea of Galilee and the Holy Land and Athens in Greece.

Cruises to the Western Mediterranean take in Lisbon in Portugal, the ancient city of Rome with its mysteries and history and the spectacular architecture of Gaudi in Barcelona as part of the itinerary.

The Caribbean islands, with their white sand, blue sea and tropical welcome are always a favourite cruise destination and 2012 is no different. Madeira is often the first port of call en route, famous for its wine and stunning subtropical gardens and then on to the Caribbean islands of St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Antigua, each with its individual flavour.

The Canary Islands of Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria with their constant temperature and diverse landscapes remain very popular, with some super cruise deals available throughout the year.

Find out more about cruises from southampton”.

It is important not to overlook the finer details which can make all the difference between a good trip and the holiday of a lifetime, especially when booking one of the super last minute cruises now on offer.

Many cruise companies have cruise deals to every destination, several offering a range of themes to suit different ages and interests. Careful forward planning is essential, as decisions have to be made depending on the time of year, the ports of call and destination, as well as the choice of cruise liner.

Booking the most appropriate cruise liner depends on the members of the party travelling. Family-oriented cruises offer the best fit for families with children as they cater specifically for all age ranges. There is likely to be a wider choice of on-board entertainment on a large ship, with beauty salons, gyms and ice rinks as well as children’s clubs with a variety of age-specific activities, while smaller ships can be more exclusive, catering to a niche market.

Take suitable clothing as there is nothing worse than being cold. Cruises which call at several ports may encounter very wide variations in weather. You may find that even on a voyage to a warm climate, evenings on deck can be chilly. Several thin layers are more versatile than a heavier jacket, are easier to pack and carry, and can be mixed and matched with several different outfits. Also take into consideration any customs or cultural habits in the ports of call which require a certain modesty of dress, covering hair, shoulders and bare legs, especially if a trip to a religious site is on the itinerary.

Although cruise deals booked well in advance are most advisable for very specific requirements, some super bargains can be snapped up with many of the last minute cruises currently available.

Find late cruise deals or a cruises from Southampton. Visit destinations you may have never dreamed of in pure style and comfort. Find packages to suit you on our website.

Although choosing a holiday destination to suit everyone can pose a problem, one of the late cruise deals available is likely to tick all the boxes, as a cruise gives the chance for all members of the group to find something of interest to them.

A cruise liner which offers a variety of on-board entertainment ensures the holiday starts immediately and, with the range of cruises from Southampton increasing each year, everyone will return home feeling refreshed.

Many of the new cruise ships have fabulous activities and entertainment on board, sometimes of a most unexpected nature! Thrill-seekers can now emulate sailors of yesteryear with a ropewalk of cables suspended above the deck, or can play it safer by participating in the fitness classes which are held on the deck. For the more sedate, a game of mini-golf might be more suitable and, for complete relaxation, why not think about the beauty salon, spa or solarium?

Cruises from Southampton travel across the globe, passing some spectacular landscapes and calling at historic ports all over the world. A cruise round the Indian Ocean is like a step into paradise. The hustle and bustle of modern life can almost be forgotten on the islands of the Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar, with warm blue sea, white sand and palm trees.

The island of Mauritius has some of the most wonderful beaches in the Indian Ocean while Port Louis, the capital, reflects the many cultures which have influenced today’s thriving port, evidenced by Christian, Chinese, Islamic, Hindu and Creole areas.

Madagascar has a heady mix of tropical island climate, modern city, beautiful views, ancient and colonial heritage and cosmopolitan shopping, while the Seychelles, renowned for coral reefs, white sand and the rich variety of marine life has many species of plants, including rare orchids on display in the Botanical Gardens.

Find last minute cruises or a cruise deals from ports all over the UK. Visit destinations you may have never dreamed of in pure style and comfort. Find packages to suit you on our website.

For a different family holiday, why not think of a cruise? Traditionally seen as a holiday suitable for the wealthy retired traveller, there are many cruise deals which cater for a much wider range of holidaymaker, both in age and in interest.

Family cruises are now very popular, with late cruise deals offering a fun-packed time at sea, including games arcades and children’s clubs, with activities throughout the day to amuse children of all ages. For the energetic, why not have a go at ice-skating or try rock-climbing on the high tech climbing wall?

Teenagers are catered for on many cruise deals, with youth clubs offering activities like in-line skating, boxing, a gym and adventure activities while the ladies may prefer to take advantage of the solarium or state of the art spa in the beauty suite.

Entertainment on board includes shopping concessions and an array of performers, from singers and bands to magicians and dancers, while a range of restaurants offer a different cuisine every night. Theatres, cinemas and libraries are available for holidaymakers who want to take time out to relax, while others may like to practise golf on the golf simulator or try their hand at pool, on the self-levelling pool tables.

The choice of destination can offer a complete contrast to the entertainment on board with sightseeing of cultural or natural attractions, or can continue the theme of non-stop active fun.

Spain and the Balearic Islands is a good choice to suit all interests with Gaudi’s spectacular architecture in Barcelona and the Alhambra Palace in Granada a reminder of the region’s Moorish history. The islands of Majorca and Minorca both have beautiful beaches, pavement cafes and sophisticated shops, while the island of Ibiza is famous for its hectic and varied nightlife.

Whatever the preference, there are some super cruise deals to suit every family.

Find last minute cruises or a cruises from Southampton. Visit destinations you may have never dreamed of in pure style and comfort. Find packages to suit you on our website.

Can’t think how to make this Christmas special? Why not consider a cruise – maybe to Scandinavia -for a truly different experience?

Several cruise deals are available over the festive period which offer you the opportunity to take in the Northern Lights, one of nature’s most spectacular shows against a backdrop of fjords and glaciers which form much of the coastline of Scandinavia.

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are formed by solar winds meeting the atmosphere around the magnetic North Pole. The area around the capital city of Tromso in the Arctic north of Norway, offers the best view of the Northern Lights, particularly between November and March, when the hours of daylight are short. More stunning than the most expensive firework display, this is a truly magical experience.

Savour the crisp clear arctic air and combine sightseeing with outdoor activities like dog sledding, skating or skiing, or take a snowmobile safari and visit a native Sami village for a traditional meal.

One of the most unforgettable places to visit must be the Snow Hotel in Kirkenes. Situated close to Russia by the Barents Sea, the hotel is rebuilt each year exclusively of ice and snow and opens to guests each year around December 20. Although snow has excellent insulating qualities, the temperature of the hotel must be maintained at a steady -5C to preserve the sculptures which are created from huge blocks of ice.

Entertainment is always excellent on cruises from Southampton over the winter holiday, with cruises to Norway celebrating Christmas in a traditional Norwegian manner with a choice of Christmas meals, a dinner and dance on Boxing Day and a party to herald in the New Year.

With a wide range of cruise deals to choose from, a trip to the home of Father Christmas and his reindeer in the frozen Arctic north is sure to make Christmas special.

Find last minute cruises and late cruise deals from ports all over the country. Visit destinations you may have never dreamed of in pure style and comfort. Find packages to suit you on our website.

Best known for the spectacular natural phenomenon of the Aurora Borealis, large parts of Alaska are covered by glacial ice and much of the interior of the country is quite inaccessible except by air or boat. Taking one of the late cruise deals on offer to Alaska is the best way to discover this largely unknown country.

With a coastline of 34,000 miles, longer than the rest of the United States combined, Alaska is the largest state in the USA. Situated a mere 53 miles from Russia across the Bering Strait, Alaska has a temperature range from −60 F in winter to over 90F in the summer.

Alaska is a country of great contrasts, with the opportunity to see seals, sea lions, otters and whales along the central Alaska coast and Aleutian Islands. The Inside Passage along the south eastern coast of Alaska takes advantage of the more than 300 small volcanic islands and sheltered bays and is best seen by small boat, with Prince William Sound, Glacier Bay and Kenai Fjords being some of the most popular destinations for watching marine wildlife.

The imposing mountain backdrop is home a large number of endangered species which live undisturbed in their natural and undisturbed habitat. Alaska has a number of national parks, including Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, while Katmai National Park boasts the largest population of brown bears in the world.

Mount McKinley in Denali National Park is the highest mountain at over 20,000 feet and can be seen from Anchorage and Fairbanks, the two largest cities in Alaska. Stunning exhibitions of indigenous history and artefacts are on display at The Alaska Native Heritage Centre in Anchorage and Alaska State Museum.

For an unrivalled holiday experience, one of the last minute cruises available to Alaska is hard to beat.

Find cruises from Southampton and cruise deals from ports all over the country. Visit destinations you may have never dreamed of in pure style and comfort. Find packages to suit you on our website.

Scandinavia, comprising Denmark, Sweden and Norway, is a popular destination for many late cruise deals, offering visitors refined culture and contemporary design set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural scenery.

Renowned for the magnificent fjords surrounding its coast, Norway is the country of the midnight sun with twenty-four hour daylight in the summer. It is also one of the very best locations for a spectacular view of the natural phenomenon Aurora Borealis, otherwise known as the Northern Lights.

Taking a dog sled to a native Sami village, watching the reindeer in their natural habitat, or visiting the fishing villages on remote islands around the rugged coastline of the north gives the opportunity to experience a very different way of life, while the beautiful beaches in the south and the cosmopolitan capital of Oslo demonstrate clearly why Scandinavia attracts so many visitors.

Denmark is a treasure trove of art and history, the statue of The Little Mermaid which sits in the harbour at Copenhagen being a permanent tribute to the great fairytale author Hans Christian Andersen, born in Odense. The Carlsberg Gallery in Copenhagen houses paintings by van Gogh, Monet and other artists, while the National Museum has exhibits spanning many centuries.

Sweden is the largest of the Scandinavian countries. More than half of Sweden is covered in dense and wild forest dotted with numerous lakes. The capital, Stockholm, is set on a raft of fourteen islands and cultural exhibitions dating to the 13th century sit alongside some of the most contemporary art and designs of the day. Gothenburg, the second city in Sweden, dates back to the 17th century with a huge Dutch influence and offers a variety of galleries, cafes and restaurants.

From the Tivoli Christmas Market in Copenhagen to mountain or cross country skiing in Tromso, there are some fantastic cruises from Southampton to every part of Scandinavia.

Find last minute cruises and cruise deals from ports all over the country. Visit destinations you may have never dreamed of in pure style and comfort. Find packages to suit you on our website.

There are a number of cruises from Southampton to Egypt, which has coastlines on both the Mediterranean and Red Seas.

Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is the most densely populated city in Africa and is one of the most often visited destinations in Egypt, renowned for its rich and diverse heritage, with its many mosques, churches and bazaars.

The Pyramids of Giza, just outside Cairo, were built as a burial place for the Pharaohs over 3,000 years ago and are now the most popular tourist attraction in Egypt. Another must when in Cairo is the Egyptian Museum which houses exhibits from the tomb of the boy-king Tutankhamen.

There are many cruise deals to Egypt, which is a land of exotic temples built to honour bygone gods and kings. The Temple of Luxor was built around 1400 BC when the city was ancient Thebes, since when it has been a place of worship for both Christians and Muslims, while the Temple of Karnak nearby was the most important place of worship in ancient Egypt.

Sharm el-Sheikh situated on the Sinai peninsula has become a very popular tourist destination, offering a variety of attractions ranging from local products like pottery, leather goods and jewellery and superb water sports, especially diving.

The ancient city of Alexandria situated 225 km from Cairo was the cultural centre and capital of Egypt for many years. As a result of immigration from southern Europe and the Middle East Alexandria is now a commercial centre with a cosmopolitan culture and bohemian atmosphere.

To the south of Luxor is the city of Aswan on the banks of the Nile, home to the Mausoleum of Aga Khan and the Nubian Museum. Aswan became popular as a winter resort around 1800 and the atmosphere and pace of life still reflects some of that old world charm.

Find last minute cruises and late cruise deals from ports all over the country. Visit destinations you may have never dreamed of in pure style and comfort. Find packages to suit you on our website.