Hands up if you’ve been to my home town – the Midlands’ gem of Nuneaton? If you had you’d know you’re unlikely to find many men open to alternative therapies. When I was invited to the Sha Wellness Clinic, in Valencia, I felt I was a long way from home! The term wellness clinic suggested hallways thick with the smell of disinfectant, medical types in white coats and dormitory beds where lights out was by 9.30pm.
If you’re in South Africa for the World Cup then you’ll clearly have football on your mind. But with its wild landscape within reach it would be a pity not to take in a safari. Indelibly etched on my memory is the country’s wildlife and in particular my first ever safari. From Bushwillow, a lodge set in a reserve near Hluhluwe Umfolozi in KwaZulu Natal, we had daily encounters with the wildlife that surrounded our accommodation.
With today being American Independence Day its fitting New York’s Macy’s 4th of July fireworks are hosted by Epic, the new ship from Norwegian Cruise Lines. Entertainment is an intrinsic part of cruising and though it can amount to a few cheesy line dancing sessions it’s generally good – very good. But now Norwegian Epic is taking on-board entertainment to another level.
Don’t Stop Believing blared from the stereo. It was fittingly the original by Journey rather than the Glee cover, for this was a 4-Wheel-Drive into Spain’s hinterland and the wind was blowing through what’s left of my hair. On a Jeep safari you need good road music, happily our driver Richie, knew his job.
There was a time when cruising was the domain of the newlywed and nearly dead. But Norwegian Cruise Line seems intent on changing cruising demographics with Epic, their latest ship being christened in New York this afternoon. NCL has done something daring in cruising – introducing 128 staterooms for solo travellers with no single supplement.
I’m a sports fan and love football and the World Cup, but I confess the F1 has never really sparked my interest. I used to live just seven miles from Silverstone and didn’t attend once. So when I was invited to the European Grand Prix I was amused. I couldn’t be bothered to nip up the road to see it but I’d happily fly all the way to Valencia to catch theirs. Still I’m delighted I did.
I recently hopped aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Epic for a nosey round ahead of the ship’s official naming ceremony in New York. The UK launch has been followed up by a fully-booked sailing to the city where Epic will host the 34th Annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks event before heading to its homeport of Miami on July 7 for it’s launch.
I’ve finally made it aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines’ (NCL) latest ship Epic for the European launch and I have to say I’m way more impressed than I thought I’d be. Strangely enough Epic isn’t about size, although it is NCL’s largest ship, but about delivering great design and cool venues in grand style.
It’s an exciting week in travel. Tomorrow a new cruise ship, Norwegian Epic is being launched from Southampton, while Valencia Tourist Board is holding its first ever trip for bloggers. What’s best of all is we’re going to be attending both of these events to bring you all the latest travel news, features and a lil bit of inspiration.
Tucking into my fresh sushi purchased from Bangkok airport I had no idea of the grief it was soon to impart on my body. Food poisoning is never pretty but when you find yourself hogging the toilet at 39,000-ft on a 12-hour flight it’s really unpleasant! But everything in life is an experience and this taught me much about flying.
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