Travel News

Cuba is seeking to make use of its natural assets by promoting its spectacular coastline and the activities that can be carried out there in the tourist board's latest campaign.

Offerings promoted by various companies in a new advertising push are particularly keen to highlight the glittering azure waters that holidaymakers adore to experience, as well as the pristine beaches and the extensive – yet non-invasive – facilities.

At the head of the effort is the Marlin Nautical and Marinas Entrepreneurial Group, which promotes the Cuban insular shelf as a particular must-see spot for its coral reefs, which foster biodiversity and beauty on a colossal scale.

Snorkelling, diving and kayaking are among the other recommended activities, as is simply enjoying the sun from the beach.

The association is particularly keen to promote Cuba as an all-round nautical adventure, rather than having the sea as something tourists merely dip in and out of.

Such an offering is precisely what is available from Seafarer's Cuba Dream Itinerary, which allows visitors to this stunning country to get an astonishingly in-depth look at the culture by travelling to a number of key locations.

From the turquoise waves of Playa Sirena to the pristine beaches of Cayo Estopa, you can enhance your holiday with a variety of activities like those mentioned above, including a kayak ride through the Mangrove channels.

Snorkelling and swimming also feature heavily in the itinerary, with opportunities to stop off at every location for a dip.

Showing off Cuba's nautical aspects is a great way to pique the interest of tourists looking to experience this fantastic part of the world, but it's worth making sure you get a holiday that really showcases the nautical adventure that Cuba's tourism association is trying to endorse.

When it comes to choosing what to take on a cruise, there are some things that simply can't be left behind. Clothing, sunblock, books, ipods and a full-sized cardboard cut-out of Harry Styles, the cheeky-eyed floppy-haired heartthrob from British band One Direction.

That last one was according to a little girl, who smuggled the item aboard a cruise without her parents' knowledge. But it's surprising how a recent survey from travel experts Bon Voyage revealed Brits love to take a piece of home with them when they go on holiday.

The full list comprises a number of utterly bizarre entries, including a suitcase full of noodles, a Batman costume, a tent, a Piers Morgan poster and a Grow Your Own Boyfriend Kit.

One passenger was particularly intent on offending fellow passengers and had procured a How To Swear Around The World book to help him on his mission.

Another was evidently seeking something of a walk-on-water experience with his zorb ball – a large human-sized hamster ball that is capable of supporting someone's weight when on the water.

Steph Curtin said it was only natural that passengers might want to bring a material possession representing their lives with them, as doing so offers a degree of comfort.

Seafarer Cruises's managing director Chris Lorenzo commented: "With a cruise vessel being one's home away from home, it is understandable that travellers want to take something from within their comfort zone with them on holiday so they can truly relax, from favourite snacks to cuddly toys.

"What's more, with the personal service one can expect on our yacht cruises, the crew will be happy to oblige with things like making tea with your favourite tea bags and such."

If you're planning on taking a cruise with Seafarer or Variety Cruises, you certainly won't want to dress up in your Batman costume – particularly as many of our destinations feature stunning weather and regular opportunities to take a dip in crystal clear waters of picturesque bays.

From exploring the Greek Isles to uncovering the secrets of the Seychelles, you're guaranteed to have an amazing time.

Couples in the midst of planning their honeymoons need look no further for inspiration than Tahiti, which has just been named the top honeymoon destination for 2014 by Brides magazine.

Thanks to its winning formula of sun, sand, crystal clear waters and palm trees, the 118 islands and atolls – which are also referred to as French Polynesia – were determined the most romantic spot to enjoy the newly-wed feeling by the publication.

Brides conducted a survey in which it asked a selection of travel agents employed by Virtuoso to determine where they would recommend loved-up couples to spend their first holiday together as a married couple.

"On behalf of Tahiti Tourism and the Islands of Tahiti, we are honoured to be recognised as the best honeymoon destination in the world,” commented Jonathan Reap, managing director for Tahiti Tourism.

"The islands truly offer the ultimate in romance from the stunning backdrop of lush mountains and turquoise, lapis and aquamarine lagoons, iconic overwater bungalows, world-class resorts and quaint French-inspired restaurants, all add up for the ultimate private honeymoon."

Prominent reasons for selecting Tahiti as the perfect honeymoon destination included the varied landscapes across the islands, from just-above sea level coral atolls and volcanic mountain peaks to long crescents of perfect sand and spectacular turquoise lagoons.

Notable follow-ups on the survey included Italy in second place, with Hawaii beaten into second and then the Maldives and South Africa. 

If you're yearning for something a little different on your honeymoon, why not consider seeing the best of Tahiti via a Tahiti Society Sailing Cruise? Aboard the comfortable and stylish catamaran, you can be sure of an intimate and memorable experience as you explore every inch of this spectacular island paradise.

Those interested in the runners-up are urged to check out Seafarer's holidays in Italy, the Maldives and the Rivers of Africa.

The annual Carnaval International de Victoria has once again proven hugely successful for the Seychelles tourism industry, with many visitors flocking to experience the party atmosphere over the weekend.

Jointly co-hosted by Seychelles, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mayotte, and South Africa KwaZulu Natal, this celebration to end all celebrations, is unique for inviting delegations from major cities to show off their annual carnivals.

Attendees included representatives of the UK's famed Notting Hill Carnival, the Brazil Carnival, the Dusseldorf Carnival of Germany and the Carnival of Indonesia.

The result was a colourful spectrum of performance, dance, music and art that showcased every nation's special culture.

Alain St Ange, the Seychelles minister responsible for tourism and culture, said that the event is important as it allows destinations to be sampled through more than glossy brochures and Google Images.

"Putting one's culture in the forefront brings depth to one's destination," he added. "When one's culture is showcased, we are putting our people at the centre of our tourism development."

Mr Ange also quoted Mahatma Gandhi's famous saying, "The culture of a nation lives in the heart and in the soul of its people" and proclaimed it to be the duty of every government to place people rather than landmarks at the heart of their tourism campaigns.

While the Carnaval International de Victoria may be over for 2014, holidaymakers keen to sample the unique culture of the Seychelles can do so aboard one of our exotic cruises.

As the archipelago is spread over a number of islands, travelling from one landmass to the next is the best way to get a broad look at what the culture is really like. Consult the Seychelles Cruise in the Garden of Eden for more information.

The spiralling popularity of river cruising is showing no signs of slowing down, according to industry experts, with the launch of 30 vessels this summer alone, the holiday type is proving popular with the market.

Indeed, Cruise Critic claim that this could well be one of the biggest years to date for river cruising, which has been fast gaining in popularity over the past decade to the point where growth currently outpaces that of conventional cruises.

In the past five years, river cruises have seen a ten per cent annual passenger increase, while the cruise industry as a whole has seen a lower – but still impressive – seven per cent rise over the same period.

A recent poll from the holiday review website indicated more than 60 per cent of those polled would entertain the idea of trying a cruise on a river as opposed to the open ocean, with many citing the different inland experiences offered by such an itinerary as their primary motivation.

"River cruise lines are working hard to appeal to a broad audience," according to Adam Coulter, UK editor of Cruise Critic. "This is a great time for anyone interested in a river cruise."

There's no denying you get an altogether different experience aboard a vessel sailing a river rather than an ocean, with a greater number of destinations being cited as one of the major motivating factors.

Venture on Seafarer's Classic Rhine Cruise to find out exactly why more people are anxious to experience holidays of this type.

Exploring one of the most visually spectacular waterways in Europe, you'll uncover cultural nuances you never thought existed through our exciting programme of events. Not to mention enjoying the pleasure of travelling aboard the MS Serenade, which has something of a following among regular cruisers.

Turkey's spectacular scenery and fascinating culture could well attract 45 million tourists this year, according to the chairman of the Turkish Tradesmen and Artisans Confederation Bendevi Palandoken.

His statements come off the back of recent statistics published by the government's tourism department, which stated the number of visitors to the nation increased by 7.6 per cent last year to reach almost 40 million.

Of the predicted 45m,  22 million are expected to enjoy the country as part of a cruise in 2014, with Turkey's ports looking more busy and bustling than ever before.

"While world ports expect five per cent growth in the cruise tourism industry, Turkey's growth potential is above the world average," stated the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies in a recently issued report.

According to Mr Palandoken, Turkey' tourism income totalled $32.5 billion (£19.2 billion) last year, with foreign tourists spending an average of $749 each during their time in the nation. It's certainly good news for the country's tourist industry as a whole, which in 2013 supported 1.5 million people.

However, while the chairman was quick to praise the efforts from everyone that had succeeded in making Turkey a viable holiday destination for millions, he added that the entire sector must continue striving for perfection, with the introduction of various measures that could make it a safer and more welcoming destination.

These include clamping down on illegal alcohol sales and employing the electronic visas that have recently been introduced across the borders.

Turkey is a spectacular place to visit, with a jaw-dropping coastline and an East-meets-West atmosphere that is unique to the country. If you're interested in a one-of-a-kind perspective on this incredible nation, consider taking one of our cruises around Turkey, which offer comfort and adventure aboard a traditional Turkish gulet.

When it comes to picking a cruise destination, it can be difficult to decide where you want to plot a course for. However, holidaymakers might be swayed by the fact that very few people are left disappointed by the Maldives, with 98 per cent of visitors saying they would recommend it as a destination.

That is according to the Maldives Visitor Survey 2014, which found that some people loved the island nation so much that they couldn't stay away. Almost a third (31 per cent) of study participants were repeat visitors.

A tried and tested formula of pristine beaches and azure waters has served the Maldives well over the years, proving particularly popular with families and couples who made up 28 per cent and 55 per cent respectively of visitors to the islands. The information also revealed the nation to be a popular destination for honeymoons.

The report is indicative of the Maldives' growing popularity over the years, with arrivals rocketing by 17 per cent between 2012 and 2013, surpassing one million visitors for the first time. In order to account for the projected trend, the current government is seeking to expand bed capacity to support 1.75 million arrivals by 2021.

When asked what their main motivators were for visiting the Maldives, more than half (52 per cent) of tourists said it was the stunning natural environment that attracted them in the first place – the traditional pull of sun, sand and sea.

Enjoy the spectacular scenery in style aboard a sailing catamaran – the only way to witness everything these islands have to offer. From your transportation, you'll be able to indulge in swimming in the glittering waters beneath the sun, eating tropical fruits and lounging around on the beautiful beaches. Find out more about our Dream Yachts Catamaran Sailing Cruise in the Maldives.

The fourth series of hit HBO show Game of Thrones started airing in the US in April, and you can be sure the leaders of Croatia's extensive tourist industry will have been among those watching the debut. 

In much the same way as New Zealand benefited from being the principal location for shooting Peter Jackson's hugely successful Lord of the Rings films, Croatia has similarly attracted thousands of tourists keen to witness first-hand the stunning locations that appear on screen.

According to USA Today, the trend is set to continue as the show becomes ever more popular, with the other locations that feature in the film Iceland and Ireland also competing for tourists bucks on the back of the show's success.

It is an aspect that senior editor for Travelzoo Gabe Saglie acknowledges as essential for Croatia's tourism industry. "Location is an important element in ‘Game of Thrones'. Basically the setting becomes another starring aspect," she said.

Places that feature heavily as awe-inspiring backdrops in the TV series include Dubrovnik and Split, both of which feature in Seafarer's Split to Dubrovnik tour – a firm favourite with clients that features a fascinating insight into the local culture and plenty of opportunities for sun worshipping.

Both of these authentic Croatian towns demonstrate the unique architecture and atmosphere that makes their appearances in Game of Thrones so distinctive. Actually visiting is all the more fun for the aspects that simply don't translate to the screen, including the mouthwatering cuisine and gorgeous weather.

If you fancy seeing Sibenik – another location you'll recognise from the TV series – the Central Dalmatian itinerary showcases this beautiful historic town in all its glory.

What's more, visiting with Seafarer, you can be sure of witnessing these incredible places minus the gruesome battles and murderous characters that feature so heavily in Game of Thrones.

The beautiful white beaches of the Caribbean pull cruise-goers back to the islands every year. They are a unique and a very special part of nature. And yet coastal erosion is slowly but surely eating away at this stunning part of the world,

Barbados is among the first of the islands taking action to save its beaches and the millions in tourist revenue that comes with them, but campaigners say climate change is causing them to vanish ever more quickly.

Ronald Sanders, a former regional diplomat, is making a renewed effort to raise awareness of what global warming is doing to our planet – especially our beloved holiday hotspots.

"We need to be able to preserve those beaches. We need to be able to preserve our coral reefs. We need to preserve the marine life of our country, which is part of what tourists come to the Caribbean for," he told IPS News.

But it isn't just Barbados that needs to be concerned, with other activists calling for a united approach from every Caribbean country.

Foreign Affairs Minister Maxine McLean told the news provider: "Barbados alone can’t act, Antigua alone can’t act, St. Vincent alone can’t act. It’s only if we act together in concert with other countries that have the same problem that people will listen to us."

Cruise holidaymakers may well be asking themselves what they can do to help preserve the state of the coastline in their favourite Caribbean holiday destination, be it Cuba, Martinique or another unspoilt part of this spectacular archipelago.

If you plan on cruising there again, be sure to book with a company that is committed to responsible travel, such as Seafarer.

It's also worth remembering that travelling aboard a smaller vessel impacts much less on the environment than one of the behemoths that so frequently travel to the Caribbean today. Consider the stylish and environmentally-friendly catamarans that we employ on our Cuba Sailing Cruise, for example.

The warm weather is well on its way for Britain, but many are seeking a guaranteed break in the sun this year by heading out on a cruise holiday – just to ensure they get their recommended dose of vitamin D for 2014.

This is according to American Express Travel Insurance, which claims that 32 per cent of its customers have their hearts set on taking a cruise this year. Out of the 250 counsellors surveyed as part of the research, a total of 43 per cent said they had received more requests for cruise bookings in 2014.

A number of further fascinating insights were flagged up in the data, such as the average cruise length that customers sought – seven nights.

Although 27 per cent of agents reported a high level of interest in large-scale vessels, it was the smaller-scale ships that soared in popularity with 36 per cent of customers ready to hop on sailing catamarans and mega yachts which are of course Seafarer's speciality.

Meanwhile, 71 per cent of respondents noted a rise in river-based cruise trips, such as Seafarer's Classic Rhine and Best of Holland and Belgium holidays.

With more choice than ever available, it is no wonder that more people than ever before are jumping on cruise vessels. 

The survey also pointed towards an uptake in cruises for the entire family, with options for customising cabins to suit children and adults proving particularly popular.

"As the travel industry continues to experience exciting changes in 2014, one of the fastest growing trends in travel involves the entire family," said Vicky Garcia of American Express.

"Instead of taking solitary trips, family members are pooling their resources to take advantage of multi-generational travel deals," she added.

Seafarer is currently promoting just such a deal that allows the kids to enjoy the trip for free, paying just flights and and port charges on Variety Cruises when sharing a cabin with a parent.