THE CRUISE GUIDE

WHY VIRGINHOLIDAYS?Travel with Virgin Holidays and we’ll do everything in ourpower to match you with your perfect cruise and thencraft a dream holiday around it.Whether you’re a cruise virgin or veteran, we’ll track down the tripthat ticks your boxes and then tick a whole load more by arrangingyour flights, adding a night or five in a dreamy hotel and organisingtransfers or a rental car. Then we’ll top it off with lashings of Virginperks like cabin upgrades, priority check-in at the cruise terminal andcomplimentary concierge service on selected cruise and stay holidays.The result is a fabulous holiday handcrafted for you by experts. We’lltake care of every detail, from recommending the right cabin for yourfamily to pre-booking restaurants. You can rest assured that we’vetracked down the best-value cruise for you (we’ll refund the differenceif you find it cheaper elsewhere) and relax in the knowledge that everyelement of your holiday is protected.Flying highVIP treatmentWe want you to feel like the star you are while you’re on holiday withus, so we’ll treat you to exclusive benefits while you’re sailing aboardselect ships from some of our favourite cruise lines, including RoyalCaribbean. On these sailings, you can expect a dedicated VirginHolidays Cruise check-in desk, complimentary dinner for two at aspeciality restaurant, priority reservations for speciality restaurants,and an exclusive Champagne reception hosted by a Royal CaribbeanSenior Officer.Or if you want to take the kids to Walt Disney World Resort beforeembarking on a Caribbean cruise, we’re all (mouse) ears. We’ll sort youout with our exclusive Disney Springs Check-In service, which lets youcheck in early for your flight home and leave your luggage with us for ahassle-free last day in the Magic Kingdom. Fancy a few nights of luxuryin Dubai after a voyage around the Middle East? We’ll call our friends atThe Palm. There’s only one thing we love more than a good time, andthat’s showing you one.We’re proud to say that Virgin Holidays is the UK’s most successfultransatlantic tour operator, and the market leader for travel to the USAand the Caribbean. When it comes to delivering unbeatable quality,choice and value when travelling across the pond, it certainly helpsthat we can call one of the world’s favourite airlines, Virgin Atlantic,part of the family. Flying with Virgin Atlantic guarantees you a freelunch, and a tasty one at that; complimentary drinks; a seatback TVwith multiple channels and movies; a complimentary amenity packfor adults and fun-packed goody bags for the kids. Our Virgin Holidaysteam can book you onto Virgin Atlantic flights over 11 months inadvance, well before any other tour operators get a sniff of them.Finally, for truly stress-free travel, Virgin Holidays has several airportlounge options for you, including our v-rooms at London Gatwick† andPeace of mindManchester Airport. These exclusive lounges offer complimentaryfood, soft drinks, internet, newspapers and stuff for the kids, and canbe reserved when you book your holiday.Unbeatable valueIf your flight is cancelled and you can’t reach your destination within areasonable amount of time, you can change to another cruise holidaywith us. If we can’t give you a holiday, we’ll give you a full refund. If yourflight is cancelled, we’ll simply book you a new one with the help of allour airline partners. And if it’s not leaving for a couple of days, neverfear, we’ll assist you in booking a hotel too.Virgin Holidays is ATOL protected, so on our flight-inclusive packagesyou benefit from financial protection. We’re also a member of ABTA,so you can book with confidence knowing we follow their codeof conduct.We’re so confident that we’ll find you the best possible price for yourcruise that we’ll refund you the difference in price if you find theidentical holiday (including a Virgin Atlantic flight) at a lower pricewithin 24 hours of confirming your booking with us.ABTA No.J11389

ROYALCARIBBEANThe future of holidays10

This is the cruise line that prides itself on delivering aholiday for everyone. It’s all about high-octane, high-techentertainment aboard ships that flabbergast with theirsheer size, energy and variety of activities.More than any other cruise line, Royal Caribbean loves going bigand creating ‘firsts’. With seven of the world’s 10 longest cruise shipsamong its 24-strong fleet, Royal Caribbean believes that bigger isbetter because more ship means more choice in cabins, dining venues,bars and entertainment. Twin giants Allure and Oasis of the Seashave over 20 stateroom categories, over 30 cafés and restaurants,and numerous pools, one of which transforms into an open-airamphitheatre at night. The ‘firsts’ are equally mind-boggling andinclude the first dodgems, zip-line, climbing wall and skydive simulator(Ripcord by iFLY ) at sea, and the first robotic bar (Bionic Bar ) probablyanywhere. With so much going on, there really is something foreveryone, whether that means watching a movie under the stars bythe pool or just kicking back on your private balcony. And becausethey sail to hundreds of destinations, Royal Caribbean ensure that theviews from that balcony will never fail to delight, whether you chooseto explore the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and Bahamas, theexotic climes of Dubai and Asia, or even Alaska.What you need to knowWith such an extensive fleet, it’s important to decide what RoyalCaribbean experience you’re looking for in order to pick the right ship. Ifyou and your family have boundless energy and a desire to get the mostfrom every day, plump for an action-packed ship like Freedom of theSeas, Oasis of the Seas or Anthem of the Seas. Looking for somethingslightly smaller, more sedate and elegant? Consider Splendour of theSeas or Serenade of the Seas. Regardless of which ship you choose,you’ll find complimentary children’s clubs, fabulous spas and unrivalledchoice for dining and activities. Even better, Virgin Holidays passengersbenefit from exclusive perks when sailing on selected ships with RoyalCaribbean, such as priority check-in and disembarkation, a Champagnereception and dinner in a speciality restaurant.What’s includedSail with Royal Caribbean and you’ll find all food included in your fareother than meals served in speciality restaurants and cafés. Selectedsoft drinks, tea and coffee are also included, as are ice cream, roomservice, 24-hour snacks, children’s clubs and onboard entertainment,including activities like rock climbing, ice skating and surfing onthe FlowRider . Food, select drinks and children’s clubs are alsoincluded when ashore at Royal Caribbean’s private islands, CocoCayand Labadee.Key embarkation points for featured Royal Caribbean cruisesCEABDA Port Canaveral, Florida – Freedom of the Seas, Caribbean cruise B Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Oasis/Allure of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas,Caribbean cruise C Cape Liberty, New Jersey – Anthem of the Seas, Caribbean cruise D San Juan, Puerto Rico – Adventure of the Seas,Caribbean cruise E Dubai – Splendour of the Seas, Middle East cruise11

CARIBBEANFREEDOM7-night Caribbean cruise and Orlando staySailing on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas Port Canaveral, Florida - CocoCay, Bahamas - Charlotte Amalie,St Thomas - Philipsburg, St Maarten - Port Canaveral, FloridaThere’s something for everyone on this energetic island adventureFancy sipping cocktails on sun-drenched Caribbeanbeaches while the kids are snorkelling? Doing someduty-free shopping while they hang out with Kung FuPanda? Well, you’re only human – and this is the cruise foryou. We’re talking lazy days on a private island, morningsspotting tropical fish from glass-bottomed boats, andafternoons spent riding horses along white sand beaches.In a word: bliss.The following day you’ll visit the tiny half Dutch and half French islandof St Maarten, which has one beach for each of its 37 square miles.Here you can stroll along the bustling Great Bay Boardwalk, spotcelebs in chic Marigot and shop, shop, shop! Yes, St Maarten is a dutyfree shopping paradise, awash with designer boutiques, souvenirshops and bargain outlets. Laden down with goodies and Caribbeanmemories, you’ll have two days of play and relaxation aboard Freedomof the Seas before returning to Florida.CRUISEFreedom to playSailing from Port Canaveral aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of theSeas , you’ll have a full week to explore the highlights of the easternCaribbean, calling at the Bahamas and Virgin Islands. Not donedaydreaming? Don’t worry – there’s a western Caribbean option too.That one will take you to Haiti, Jamaica, Grand Cayman and Mexico.The choice is all yours.Cruising with Royal Caribbean means having just as much fun at sea asyou do on land. This itinerary gives you three days to exhaust the kids(and yourselves) trying out all the activities Freedom of the Seas hasto offer, from rock climbing and surfing to ice-skating and boxing. Orindulge your inner grown-up and stretch out on a sun lounger by theadults-only Solarium pool, soak in a whirlpool high above the ocean,and enjoy a wine tasting at Vintages wine bar.Way down in KokomoOne of the best things about the Caribbean is that it really does deliverBounty-Bar-ad perfection. After an evening roaming the 15 decksof your new floating home, Freedom of the Seas, you’ll wake up inparadise: Royal Caribbean’s private island, CocoCay in the Bahamas.As you step onto cashmere-soft sand, you’ll be transfixed by theisland’s turquoise waters, secluded coves and swaying palm trees.The kids will be silenced (if only temporarily), staring wide-eyed at thePower Wheels track and array of watersports toys. Snorkelling andparasailing kit, pedalos, WaveRunner jet-skis You name it, it’s here.Officially introduced to the Caribbean, you’ll have a full day to enjoyFreedom of the Seas as you sail for the Virgin Islands. Your first portof call will be St Thomas, the preferred haunt of the notorious Englishpirate Blackbeard. Feeling active? Climb to the top of the seventeenthcentury Fort Christian for stunning views of the island, then scalethe 99 Steps (be warned: there are actually 103) to stroll aroundhistoric downtown.12STAYDesert island OrlandoAs if a week’s cruising around the Caribbean isn’t enough excitementfor one family, you can add another week of fun at the WyndhamOrlando Resort. Sticking to the paradise vibe, this fabulous propertyis set in lush tropical gardens, with paths winding around lagoons,poolside restaurants and ice cream parlours. It feels as secluded as adesert island – but you’re actually in the middle of International Drive.Just grab a free shuttle bus or your hire car (included in your package)for short hops to Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando andWet ‘n Wild Orlando. Need more beach time? No problem, we’ll simplyarrange four nights for you at the lush Cabana Beach Resort.Prices shown are guide prices only. Orlando Stay & Cruise is based on 2 adults sharing a Category Z inside cabin and a standard hotel room,departing on 06 Jan ‘16. Price includes return economy flights from a London airport. For full terms and conditions please see page 51 for details.

Don’t forget that Virgin Holidays guests get exclusive perksaboard Freedom of the Seas. As a Virgin VIP you get priority checkin and disembarkation, a Champagne reception and dinner in aspeciality restaurant. Love being in the thick of it? Staterooms on board Freedom of the Seasmay be smaller (and less expensive) than swanky suites, but they’re closeto all the restaurants and kids’ clubs, making them ideal for gettingthe most out of your time aboard. Marvel at tropical fish, sharks and corals at Coral World’s amazingunderwater observatory on Coki Beach, St Thomas.GUIDE PRICE FROM 1,199 PER PERSONBased on a 7-night cruise and a 7-night stay at WyndhamOrlando Resort, including flights and car hire.13

Consider yourself a foodie? Try a walking culinary tour of Nassau duringwhich you’ll visit a “down home” eatery, meet a fair trade chocolatierand try everything from conch fritters to rum cake. Bag yourself a sought-after Aquatheatre Suite for prime views ofthe shows, as well as the Boardwalk and the ocean, from your snazzywrap-around terrace.GUIDE PRICE FROM 1,299 PER PERSON14Based on a 7-night cruise and a 7-night stay at theDoubletree by Hilton at SeaWorld , including flights and car hire.

LIVELARGE7-night Caribbean cruise and Orlando staySailing on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis or Allure of the Seas Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Nassau, Bahamas - Charlotte Amalie,St Thomas - Philipsburg, St Maarten - Fort Lauderdale, FloridaGo big with a Caribbean escape on the world’s largest cruise shipsIf your kids are always the first ones diving into the poolin the morning and the last ones kicking a ball aroundcome dusk, we recommend this trip.CRUISEBecause when it comes to keeping children entertained on cruiseships, size matters – the bigger the better! Cue Royal Caribbean’s Oasisof the Seas and Allure of the Seas : the world’s largest cruise ships.Each as long as five Boeing 747s, these sisters pack in over 30 cafésand restaurants, a zip line, ice rink and numerous pools, one of whichtransforms into an open-air amphitheatre at night.You’ll be spoiled for choice, but it’s still worth dragging yourself awayfrom the 3D DreamWorks cinema to explore your surroundings. Sailingfrom Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral (Winter 2016), you can pickyour Caribbean adventure: go east for Nassau, the vibrant capital ofthe Bahamas, followed by St Thomas and St Maarten, or head west tohit Royal Caribbean’s private resort of Labadee on Haiti, plus Falmouth,Jamaica and Cozumel, Mexico. Both itineraries are offered by Oasis ofthe Seas and Allure of the Seas.Big is beautifulStep aboard the world’s largest cruise ship and start to find yourway around (it might take a while). Both ships are divided into sevendistinct neighbourhoods. This means you can saunter along RoyalPromenade if you fancy some shopping, enjoy a stroll and coffeein Central Park, take the kids to the Boardwalk for ice creams and acarousel ride, or pack them off to the Adventure Ocean children’sarea while you chill out in the Vitality Spa. Even if you do get lost,you’ll find interactive digital maps dotted around the ship to help youfind your way.time to try everything.) Regardless of how long you sail, as a VirginHolidays guest you’ll enjoy exclusive treats such as priority checkin and disembarkation, a Champagne reception and dinner in aspeciality restaurant.*West is best, but east’s a feastThere’s no right or wrong when you’re choosing between Caribbeanvoyages with the region’s expert, Royal Caribbean. An easternCaribbean voyage delivers fun-packed Nassau with its pastel-paintedshacks serving up fresh conch and rum-laced coconut milk, as wellas the cosmopolitan islands of St Thomas and St Maarten. Take yourfamily to the 34-acre Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island off Nassau,Coral World marine park on St Thomas, and wave riding in St Maarten’sLittle Bay, and they’ll love you forever. Will they love you just a tiny bitmore if you whisk them west to Royal Caribbean’s private resort ofLabadee, Falmouth’s Mystic Mountain adventure park and the Xel-Haecotourism underwater park near Cozumel? We couldn’t possibly say.STAYThe mouse and the lionBook a week at the Doubletree by Hilton at SeaWorld and you’llfind yourself in 28 acres of landscaped gardens set halfway betweenWalt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, next door toSeaWorld Orlando and opposite Aquatica . Play some mini golf, splasharound in the hotel’s three pools and grab a free shuttle or your hirecar (which is included in your Cruise & Stay package) to the land of theMouse, knowing that a relaxing spa treatment awaits your return. Fora taste of Africa, head for Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge where zebra,giraffes and gazelles roam free on savannahs below your room.Fortunately, these weeklong Caribbean voyages give you three fulldays at sea to enjoy the eye-popping array of activities offered byOasis and Allure of the Seas. (That said, plenty of people opt forback-to-back eastern and western Caribbean cruises to have morePrices shown are guide prices only. Orlando Stay & Cruise is based on 2 adults sharing a Category Z inside cabin and a standard hotel room,departing on 14 Dec ‘16. Price includes return economy flights from a London airport. For full terms and conditions please see page 51 for details.15

SWEETSERENADE10 or 11-night Caribbean cruise and Miami staySailing on Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Tortola, British Virgin Island - Philipsburg,St Maarten - Fort De France, Martinique - St John’s, Antigua - Basseterre,St Kitts Nevis - Fort Lauderdale, FloridaA little more grown-up, but you’ll still feel like a kid againEasily one of the world’s best cruise lines for families,Royal Caribbean also has plenty to offer adults.Carrying just over 2,000 guests, Serenade of the Seas is a sophisticated mid-size ship that can access smallerports than her big sisters but still offers multiple barsand restaurants, a rock climbing wall and 9-hole minigolf course.CRUISESo, if you’re looking for a sun-kissed, grown-up holiday, look nofurther than this 10-day southern Caribbean voyage. Sailing fromFort Lauderdale, you’ll have four days to luxuriate aboard Serenadeof the Seas and five days to explore the diverse islands of Tortola, StMaarten, Martinique, Antigua and St Kitts. Or for something different,try an itinerary that calls at Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, St Lucia, Barbadosand Antigua.Island hopping, Caribbean styleWith two chill-out days aboard Serenade of the Seas before you touchCaribbean sand, you’ll have adapted to local ‘go slow’ time by thetime you reach the British Virgin Islands. Once here, blend in with theyachties by chatting about the stiff breeze you encountered off Jostvan Dyke as you made your way back from Foxy’s Bar after a Sly Foxrum cocktail. Take advantage of the duty-free shops at St Maarten thenext day and celebrate your retail triumphs with a long French lunchin Marigot.Bring your French dictionary for a day on Martinique and soak up thecultural delights of the island’s capital, Fort de France. Must-see sightsinclude the cathedral, lively covered market and beautiful librarydesigned by Gustave Eiffel. Pressing on to Antigua, continue yourcultural binge by visiting the historic Nelson’s Dockyard, Shirley’sGUIDE PRICE FROM 1,399 PER PERSONHeights lookout fort and Betty’s Hope restored sugar plantation. Hadenough culture? Explore some of Antigua’s 365 beaches – yup, that’sone for every day of the year.There’s more history waiting at St Kitts, notably in the form ofBrimstone Hill Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fascinating38-acre complex of seventeenth and eighteenth-century barracksand fortifications also affords spectacular views of the Caribbean asit stretches out to the horizon. You’ll be a dot on that horizon the nextday, with two days at sea before reaching Florida.Sophisticated sailingWith her elegant Safari Club complete with self-levelling pool tables,suave Hollywood Odyssey cigar and jazz bar, and chic restaurants,Serenade of the Seas is one sophisticated lady. She’s a particular fanof glass: nearly three acres of the stuff have been used to create ajaw-dropping 10-storey atrium, elevators that look out to the sea andpicture windows that reward you with stunning views no matter whereon the ship you are. When you’re not captivated by the views, you’ll bekept busy with educational courses, live music in the Schooner Bar,dancing in the atrium and snuggling up for films under the stars at thepoolside cinema.STAYWelcome to MiamiNobody wants their holiday to end, so postpone the inevitable withtwo extra nights in the Courtyard Cadillac Miami Beach OceanfrontHotel. As the name suggests, it’s located on Mi

Celebrity Cruises Overview 24 Celebrity Eclipse 26 Celebrity Millennium 28 Celebrity Infinity30 Disney Cruise Line Overview 32 . and pre-book plenty of action-packed shore excursions. Myth No.3 The cabins will be cramped Busted