Wild at Heart... Anybody thinking Wild at sea?

This Sunday evening, It's all smiles... IT'S BACK! Wild at Heart returns to our screens for the next ten weeks and I enjoy nothing more than this end of weekend drama. As soon as that magical theme tune begins to play with the African Savannah images cunjuring up all those childhood fantasies of a holiday to Africa- It gets me every time!

Having been to Africa several times myself on beach holidays to Egypt. I dream of a holiday to the "real" Africa, like that of Leopards Den and drinks at Fatani's. The images of the dusty plains literally moving with elegant giraffes and dashing zebras gathering around a watering hole... It couldn't possibly be more different to the UK and this is why it is most definitely on my list... An African Safari by the time I am 30!

Well, if you feel the same as me you are thinking..." How amazing, can I combine this with a cruise holiday?"
If you're lucky enough to speak with me then YES YOU CAN! Wild at heart is filmed just outside of Johanasberg in the South African National parks, where I have done my research and you can combine the most amazing ports of call in South Africa filled with breathtaking windswept bright white beaches, crashing waves, penguins- amazing safari experiences and TOP DRAWER LUXURY!


Silversea Cruises  offer some incredible itineraries incorporating some of the most captivating ports of call across Southern and western Africa where safaris are orders of the day. Imagine, A day under the wide open blue skies of Africa...Beautiful grilled lunches at thatched roof restauants and an evening sipping champagne and being waited on hand and foot on a stunning 6star cruise. Now that is what I call a holiday!

Departures vary as do ports of call, but if your an animal lover like me with a passion for nature; Bringing Wild At Heart into our holidays can only bring the most incredible- once in a lifetime memories.

So whether you're celebrating a special occasion, looking for something different or just plain ticking another one off the list of things to do before you die... Why not be "Wild At Sea" with great service, the best deals and the most special cruise you will ever take,

Call me direct on 0800 408 6156

Luxury combined with nature... The finer things in life. Defined

A step back in time, with essences of oranges!

Following a time living and working on the beautiful island of Mallorca before I came to work here at Cruise.co.uk I thought I would tell you about something that has made me very popular with some of my clients of late. Now, Palma de Mallorca is a very popular port of call on a Mediteranean cruise and I am a firm believer that this is by far the most diverse and interesting port of call the med has to offer, Not only does the capital, Palma have amazing shopping, quintessential spanish pavement cafes and the most spectacular cathedral right on the seafront. You also have beautiful white sand beaches, beautiful teracotta towns and for the young and young at heart of us... Magaluf strip. See? Mallorca has something for everyone!

What I am going to tell you about today is an excursion you can do all by yourself at your own pace, whilst docked in Palma and taking in the best landscape of the island; Over 100 years ago, a train was built on the island to transport the fresh oranges grown on the west coast of the island in the mountains around the town of Soller down to Palma where they would be sold. The beautiful old train was electrified in 1912 and still trundles up and down the picture postcard Tramaunatana mountains every day, but no longer to transport the oranges- It is to transport the lucky tourists through the mountains on a lovely 45 minute journey. The train still retains all it's original Mahogany and brass fittings and if you're feeling a little special and like the idea of the first class cabin? WHY NOT? It is exactly the same cost as the other traditional carriages!

The beautiful Soller,Orange Blossom Express train still runs every day from Palma-Soller on the island and you can very easily walk from the cruise port to the station in about 15 minutes or hop in a taxi for around 4euros, before you travel through the pine clad mountains, passing through hillsides broken by white cottages with the smell of the fresh citrus fruits blowing the trees! It's a wonderful afternoon out and the town of Soller is absolutely beautiful with a traditional spanish square (Placa) dominated by the very grand gothic church.

So if you fancy heading into Mallorca's best scenery at your own pace whilst in Mallorca, It has to be the orange blossom express train and it's only 13euros each return, Great Value and something very different I would reccomend it to anyone!

Just make sure, before you depart Palma the return journeys from Soller to make sure you are back at the port in time. A taxi back to the port would cost around 60euros and take around 40 minutes.

I consider myself an "expert" on the island of Mallorca and I am full of further ways to explore this very green and pleasant land and will continue to light up your days with ways of enjoying this mesmorising port.

Enjoy!



My starstruck phone call results in Freestyle with NCL

Several days ago, I answered the phone to a client who was new to cruise and looking to make a booking and seek some advice. We were looking at 2 cabins for a group of 5 people and the gentlemen was considering P&O cruises on a carribbean itinerary and asked my opinion. Initally I discussed P&O cruises with him and we were having a great conversation and I really got the feeling that this guy thought I was giving him great information. Delving a little deeper with my questions, (I like to ask all my clients lots of questions to make sure I am finding them the right cruise!) I realised that  P&O wouldn't be suitable due to the limited dates the customer could travel. We were looking at a Caribbean cruise for around 9 nights. P&O cruises were at the time only offering 14 night voyages around the caribbean for the time we were looking at. The customer mentioned that there were a group of ages in this group and we need something for everyone, and whilst they were looking for something of very high quality- a relaxed atmosphere would be preference.



This is when I suggest... "What about NCL, Norweigan Cruise Line for you there sir?"
" I have never heard of them he replied"
So, I explained the innovative "FREESTYLE" concept that NCL pride themselves on, dine when you want, party when you want, and relax when you want- They have such a chilled atmosphere onboard and the quality of facilities and food is top notch. Most definitely in line with those more well known American cruise lines such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean and the conversation continued to flow as we discussed the cruise further....

Now this is where I am star struck as the customer very quietly slips in the little anecdote, "I used to work for Sky Travel you see, Ben"

"OH MY GOD, I KNOW YOU!" the office heard my scream as I thought straight away- this voice sounds very familiar. As a student, I had a little obsession with travel channels and used to watch them before college, before I worked in the industry. I am very lucky to have been blessed with what I believe to be a photographic memory and I gained a lot of my knowledge on worldwide destinations from watching these programmes and then when I visited them, knowing what was best to see and do there!

This is a big moment for me and I have become very star struck indeed, post discussing colleagues who now have quite high profile television jobs and the customer, very modestly telling me his success in the television industry.

Well we have spoke a lot over the past days and now the customer is all booked up and ready to experience "Freestyle Cruising" one of my, personal favourite products and I am pleased to say I have looked after our famous guest.

You don't have to be a celebrity  however, to get great service from Ben.

Call me direct for your perfect cruise...0800 408 6156

It is all about the Turkey curry!

Well hello there everyone.

For those of you that regularly follow my blog. You will know we like to follow a cooking theme which is one of my hobbies and today... Let's have a chat about the refreshingly light, post christmas, annual Turkey Curry!

So, every year out come the sprouts, the humungous quantities of roasted meats, the wines flow and the tins get lighter and lighter as they fill with empty wrappers as opposed to scrumptious truffles. Well, naturally... even after bubble and squeak and a treat for the dogs. There is always masses of meat left and gravy, vegetables and winter warming roast dinners can begin to wear a little thin on our increasingly large christmas tummies.

So, upon coming home this monday evening... Christmas is nearly over and after a few christmas drinks in the afternoon with my friends, I'm a little peckish. I start off by slicing the turkey into thin little strips and heat along with some, onions, mushrooms and green pepper. Then comes a long the tomatoes, garlic and cream along with a dash of curry powder and some potatoes. It's starting to smell good guys!

I let it stew for a good 45 minutes so all the flavours in the sauce penetrate the meat and the veg and I am starting to hear rumbles from the bottom of my wine-lined tummy! It is time to start dipping and having a  few of those "little tastes" before it is served and the flavours are incredible, and the meat- so, so tender. A taste EXPLOSION! Like the crackers 2 days before... Everyone loves a good curry!

It is the new meal, It is after Christmas, Its light, Its full of flavour and of course. It's made with love.

It is Ben's Turkey Curry.

Once a year, and I love it

Stay tuned for your favourite consultant's top cooking tips as move into 2011... Next time,

Lamb, with red wine sauce and sweet potato mash!

Goodnight to all and to all... A GOOD NIGHT!

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. In the words of Noddy Holder

"ITS CHRISSSTTTMASSSS!"

So, it is time to start wrapping... toasting, eating, opening and most definitely celebrating!!!!

I would just like to wish everybody a wonderful christmas, may the chunky man in the red suit bring you everything you wish for and may the festive period make special memories.

To all my customers of 2010, I would like to thank you for your custom and I look forward to welcoming some more lovely cruisers over 2011

Seasons Greetings to you all

Snow Brings A "mini break" to the Allsopp household! mmmm, caramelised onions!

Due to the incredible snow that we have here in north Worcestershire- I havent been home this week as I live about 15 miles from the office here at http://www.cruise.co.uk/  and have spent the last 3 nights at my Dad's house just round the corner from work.

Well, the first night I stayed- Lin (my stepmom) was working until around 7pm and by 6.30pm, myself and my dad began to get particularly hungry after dealing with all the snow and needed a nice winter warmer dinner. Those of you that follow my blog will know one of my real passions in life, besides travel is cooking. I love to cook! So, I said "right then, im starting the cooking... my speciality sausages and mash?" and off i went, empyting the fridge of some beautiful pork and apple sausages and a mountain of root veg.

Whilst I was cooking one of my signature meals which all my friends love, I though- oooh i could have some nice crispy onions on top of those sausages and red wine gravy and this is where the world of cooking changed:

THE NEW PHENOMENON!


It's Ben's special caramelised onions!

I began hastily with some onions which i peeled into rings and began to cook with butter and a little brown sugar which i simmered for about 25 minutes until they wilted and turned a goregeous golden brown. After whipping the mash made up of potatoes, carrot and parsnip and then topping with sausages... the onions just sat on top creating a nice garnish and also some texture, aboslutely lovely. I was popular that evening!

Then, last night- I chose to leave the idea of chancing the train and made the short journey back to number 2 where i walked in to "What are you making tonight then Ben?" so out came the knives, oven on and once again... We're cooking on gas everybody! Tonight, its carbonara with garlic baguettes- this time white wine was key to the sauce along with fresh garlic (added right at the end to prevent it from becoming bitter) and lashings of cream. The chicken and bacon was a nice compliment and this is when Lin says to me

"Ben, I'ts been like a mini break having you here... You can't go home!"

So, everybody- it turns out not only can I answer all your cruise questions. I'll give you some cooking tips too!

For the youngest and multi talented cruise specialist here in the office. It has to be Ben. 0800 408 6156

Where is my Sangria??

Hola!
For those of you that regularly follow my blog, you will know that i have just returned from a wonderful weeks holiday in the winter sunshine of Fuerteventura. We had a great time!

The weather was in the high twenties every single day and the sangria and pina coladas were flowing like the waters of niagra, we couldnt fault our villa, absolutely huge with 2 terraces and the staircase was outside! (beware after a long night, spiral staircases are not friends!) As mentioned, i went wih a group of friends, 2 guys and 2 girls and we were on holiday on an all inlcusive basis, therefore the food wasn't exactly amazing, however for the amount of money I paid i thought it was excellent value. I mean i was eating 3 or 4 courses 3 times a day for a week, and we absolutely made the most of our all inclusive drinks!

On my blog previously, I told you about the beach and i was expecting it to be absolutely beautiful.  Well, it wasn't- It was INCREDIBLE! I can honestly say that the beach was faultless, it is 32km long, really wide, absoluetly peaceful and the sea was just stunning. really shallow, perfect waves and completely turquoise. I would reccomend the Canary Islands to anyone as they really do have something for everyone, and for about 335 days a year, fantastic weather! For example, we were in a really quiet, very chilled and scenic resort on Fuerteventura called Jandia (abolsutely wonderful for sea front walks either on the beach or across the promenade) here there were wild chipmunks you could feed in the sand dunes and lovely little parrots living in the palms across the beach front.

 

 Here is our group and the view from my bedroom with the El Faro de Morro Jable in the centre ( lighthouse)

And below is a photo i took along the beach directly infront of the hotel, see- i told you it was amazing!

One day we took out our hire car and headed for a day (and night out) we called our little VW POLO "Carlos" and he served us well, we past through the very barren, uninspiring secnery across the centre of the island and were bound for Lanzarote! Along the way across the island, we stopped in the national park just outside of Corralejo in the north of the island, Here another AMAZING beach where it is like being in the desert, the sand stretches inland for miles and extends out to sea to make the most incredible beaches, heres a few photos of it, excuse the slight silliness. I was on my holidays...

So after running around the sandunes for a while, we headed into town to find the ferry to take us to our neighbouring, busier island LANZAROTE! So after the vast white sand beaches and chilled out bars of Fuerteventura, we were struck by little coves and busy towns in Lanzarote where we went to act our age for a night and hit the strip across Puerto Del Carmen. It sure was lively but by the next morning, we were definiitely ready to go back to our peacfl and quiet resort with all the holiday makers asking us "What are you four doing down here?" Well, as i repiled to all of them, "We are young, we DO like to have a good time. But we like nice things and have taste, thats why we are not in Faliraki right now." We just wanted a relaxing holiday and it was perfect for that.

So ultimately, I had a great holiday, It is sad to be home, but its nice to come back to work and plan my next one. Im thinking about booking onto P&O Azura on a carribbean cruise in the early summer. We shall see...

But as I said earlier, Where is my Sangria? I can always pretend I am still there.
                                                                          Can't I?