The Norwegian Epic took the cruising world by storm back in 2010 when it was launched by NCL Cruises. The brand new ship, with her sleek design, award winning entertainment and innovative features the ship truly is a world apart from all of her competitors.

Weighing in at an impressive 156,000 tonnes and carrying 4,200 passengers, this is one ship NCL can certainly be proud of. She offers 19 decks full of family friendly activities, world-class entertainment, exceptional freestyle dining venues and state-of-the-art staterooms.

Delightful dining…

The Epic has an amazing 21 different dining options to choose from so you have no need to worry about reserving a table aboard the Epic - and with NCL’s freestyle cruising option, you are free to dine whatever time you like! Whether it’s the Japanese-style Teppanyaki grill, Cagney’s Steakhouse, the Chinese restaurant Shanghai, upmarket French restaurant “Le Bistro”, or the Italian “La Cucina” the choice is yours! And this is just a small slice of what you can expect on board this amazing ship.

Non-stop activities…

Searching for a cruise ship that caters for the entire family can be tricky, but with the Epic on hand to offer endless activities, you certainly won’t have to worry. The only problem that may arise is how on earth do you fit it all in? For those who have an adventurous streak she offers ‘Spider Web’ which is their innovative new climbing cage and a climbing wall. The Aqua Park has swimming pools for both the kids and grownups alike and even features a host of waterslides which slide from deck to deck. The fitness centre is ideal for working off all those extra calories you’ve indulged in at dinner and if you prefer to unwind and relax then you can do just that in her sumptuous spa, with an array of soothing spa treatments to choose from, you could spend hours in here alone.  The kids will simply love their kid’s zone which features Wii and PlayStation games, a climbing maze, a ball pit and a dance floor and during the evenings the teens can hang out in their very exclusive teen nightclub.

Award winning entertainment…

It is at night when The Epic truly comes alive and with a vast array of live action theatre, comedy and music you are sure to find some of the best entertainment currently afloat. The highly acclaimed Blue Man Group are certainly not to be missed on the Epic as they offer an incredible theatrical show which cleverly combines music, comedy and acrobatics all in one show! That’s not all though, other entertainment highlights include a comedy troupe called Second City; musical performances at the Fat Cats Jazz and Blues Club; and hilarious celebrity impersonations at Legend in Concert.

Raising the bar…

There are countless bars and lounges on board the Epic. One of the most impressive is of course the Svedka Ice Bar which is a bar that is entirely created from ice! From the furniture to the artwork, there really is nothing quite like it. Epic offers a wealth of other bars too including; a whiskey bar, martini bar, a cigar lounge, or she even has nightclubs perfect for dancing the night away to all of the latest hits – and some golden oldies.

Serenity in your stateroom…

Whether you are a solo cruiser or travelling with a huge family, there is a room perfect for everyone. If you fancied splashing the cash then you can choose to stay in your very own private villa complete with a butler service or there are the innovative New Wave Standard rooms which are anything but standard. With modern curved walls, sleek dark wooden designs and every amenity that you could ever need, it would seem that NCL have really created a voyage of epic proportions.

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Found in West Sussex, Amberley is a beautiful little village – it will steal your heart right away. Sprinkled with captivating thatch cottages, Amberley is, without doubt, one of the most picturesque villages in West Sussex – and Amberley offers visitors plenty to see and do too.

First up is Amberley Castle with its 900 years of history. Used as a luxury hotel and wedding venue rather than an historic monument, the Castle can be found nestled in the shadow of the lovely South Downs. It’s certainly mesmerising to look at – the medieval architecture is breath taking.

Why not stop by and explore the magnificent 14th century walls and battlements whilst you’re here? Or perhaps check in for a few nights.

Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre is another place of interest. A fascinating place to visit, the 36 acre site - set in the South Downs National Park – is dedicated to the industrial heritage of the South East.

Displaying industrial history through historic buildings, working exhibits and demonstrations of craft skills, Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre makes for a thoroughly interesting visit. There’s also the opportunity of riding on a steam train or an old tram, too.

Another attraction in Amberley is the Wild Brooks nature reserve. A vast area of flood meadows, the nature reserve is one of the richest wetlands remaining in SE England. And, as its part of the Arun Valley, it floods here each winter making it a paradise for birdlife. It’s certainly no surprise that bird lovers flock to Amberley each year.

Nearby to Amberley is the market town of Arundel. A place full of fantasy and enchantment, whilst you’re in Arundel stop by at the 1,000-year-old Norman Arundel Castle – it looks like something just plucked out of a storybook. This pretty place has a lot more to offer too – it’s definitely worth venturing to.

Other attractions include Arundel Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre - an important bird life conservation centre; Amberley Industrial Museum; and Parham House - a beautiful Elizabethan mansion house.

Or, if you’re feeling active, why not climb up to the top of Amberley Mount? Once you reach the peak you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Weald of Sussex to the north and the Arun Valley to the south.

Arundel is also conveniently placed for Boxgrove Priory, the Roman Villa at Bignor, Chichester Cathedral and, not forgetting, the sailing and wildlife opportunities at Chichester Harbour. And, as Arundel is home to many artists and sculptors living or working in the town, Arundel is the perfect place to pick up a unique gift or souvenir too.

Where to stay in Amberley

Once home to the Bishops of Chichester and twice voted one of the world's Top 20 Leisure Hotels by readers of Condé Nast Traveller Magazine, makes a stay at the historic Amberley Castle a must. Amberley Castle is home to 19 luxurious hotel bedrooms and suites, two award winning restaurants, and an 18-hole professional putting course.

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Exploring the historic castles of Great Britain is a firm favourite of many, because let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to play king or queen for the day? From the grand turrets and medieval drawbridges to the acres of beautiful gardens and the historical influences, a castle truly offers an enchanting experience quite like no other.

Today it would seem that more and more castles are now opening their doors for overnight stays, so let’s take a step back in time and visit some of the best castle stays in the UK.

Ackergill Tower

One of Scotland’s, if not the world’s, best kept secret, this 5 star luxury hotel is nestled in private acres of countryside and lakes in Caithness. Boasting 27 individually designed bedrooms, they are draped in antique furnishings, yet modern twists are hidden throughout.

The 15th century tower offers a wealth of history and exploring the grounds offers a playground of activities including; archery, beach bonfires, clay pigeon shooting, cycling, walking trails, croquet and golf to name just a few.

When it comes to dining you will be treated to the finest and freshest produce, all prepared by world famous head chef, Kevin Dalgleish.  If you are looking for a peaceful stay in one of Britain’s finest castles then Ackergill Tower is most definitely worth a visit.

Amberley Castle

Set in the picturesque village of Amberley in the chalk South Downs, Amberley Castle is a luxurious hotel with beautiful gardens and breath-taking landscapes. You may think you have stepped back in time as the castle is approached by a long drive with immaculate gardens at either side.

You are then greeted with the magnificent twin towered gate house taking you through to beautiful well tendered gardens. The two dining rooms that you can dine in are ‘The Restaurant’ and the ‘Mistletoe Lodge’.

All of the menus are freshly prepared by highly trained chefs and reflect that of the castles history, yet still keeping a contemporary influence throughout.

Dalhousie Castle

One of the finest luxury hotels in Scotland, Dalhousie Castle is a 13th century fortress that lies on the banks of the river Esk. Boasting a warm and friendly atmosphere, the hotel is the perfect place for a relaxing retreat whether it’s making use of the library, spending a few hours pampering in the spa or having a quiet drink next to an open fire.

The castle has seen its fair share in historical moments and its medieval architecture gives the castle that special character and charm that truly makes this a unique stay in the countryside. Each room is individually designed giving you a variety of choice when selecting the themed room that’s right for you.

When it comes to dinner, dining in the dungeons is far from ordinary as you are taken down an ancient stone stairway and served up the finest cuisine that Scotland has to offer.

Thornbury Castle

Thornbury Castle is a luxurious hotel which boasts a whole wealth of history and culture as kings and queens once called this place their home. The 500 year old castle offers guests beautiful parklands, a vineyard and stunning architecture.
You can even enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep in the same room as King Henry VIII once stayed. The accommodation is quite simply stunning, with five options to choose from, and each room offering something a little bit different to the next.

Dining at the castle is just as superb, with a whole host of traditional English favourites to choose from, all made from the finest ingredients.

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Found in the far north of Scotland, Caithness is an area of unspoilt, dramatic scenery that needs to be seen in order to be believed. Home to a beautiful countryside, spectacular coastline and wonderful accommodation - including Ackergill Tower – it comes as no surprise that Caithness is a firm favourite destination with many.

Castles can be found in stunning locations on the cliffs in Caithness. Mostly ruins, the huge number of them never fails to amaze visitors to these parts. And, with over 4000 monuments dating from Prehistoric right up the more recent Highland Clearances era, Caithness certainly has a fascinating tale to tell. The monument sites can mostly be found in spectacular coastal sites, near rivers and in the low hills.

An unspoilt, beautiful place, Caithness is certainly a picturesque place. During your time at this beautiful location, take a stroll along the craggy coast and take in the stunning scenery. And, don't forget to explore the inland areas of desolate peat bog - these areas are actually part of the world's best preserved area of natural peat bog. Home to an array of flora and fauna, these inland areas attract many nature lovers.

Home to...

Many rare mammals, birds and fish have been spotted in and around Caithness waters. When looking from the shore - or from a boat - keep your eye out for harbour porpoises, dolphins (including bottle-nosed, Atlantic white-sided and white-beaked dolphins) and long-finned pilot whales. Both grey and common seals are known to come up close to the shore so they can feed, rest and raise their youngsters. Otters can also be seen near to river mouths in some of the more secluded locations.

If you plan to come here in the springtime, you'll get to watch in awe at the thousands of nesting seabirds at Dunnet or Duncansby. Being the unspoilt place that it is, there are many other great places in Caithness where you can go bird and wildlife spotting.

Caithness's other attractions...

Other attractions in Caithness include The Castle of Mey - which is the biggest tourist attraction in the area. Her Majesty Queen acquired the castle, and the Queen Mother renovated and restored it and created the most beautiful gardens there. For almost 50 years, the Queen Mother spent many blissful summers here and shorter visits at other times of the year. The castle is definitely worth a visit during your time in Caithness.

John O'Groats is another tourist hotspot - which is the most northerly place to be found on mainland Britain. It attracts large numbers of tourists from all across the world - all year round. There are regular boat trips from here - perfect if you want to view the diverse wildlife which can be found along the spectacular coastline. Venture further along the north coast and you can immerse yourself in the most dramatic landscape. Indented by deep sea lochs, you'll come across stunning, secluded beaches... it's your very own slice of paradise. The Orkney Islands are another major attraction- day trips can be had here in the summer and early autumn.

Keen golf players won't be disappointed either - there's a variety of golf courses to choose from in Caithness, including Wick, Brora and Struie.

Where to stay?

There's something to suit everyone in Caithness. A particular favourite is Ackergill Tower - a luxurious Scottish castle found by the sea. Located north of Wick, Ackergill Tower is a category A listed building and is the perfect place to stay if you want to completely immerse yourself in the history of Caithness. There are a number of other fine hotels in Caithness to choose from, as well as Bed and Breakfast and Self Catering accommodation.

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In my opinion the best cruises in the world are those that combine spectacular locations, amazing itineraries, beautiful ships and knowledgeable crew. Below I have listed six stunning cruises that I feel combine all these factors.

Nova Scotia and Labrador Tall Ships, Canada

Enjoy the exhilaration of the wind rushing through the ship’s sails as you cruise the beautiful eastern coast of Canada. This tall ship cruise will let you engage with Canada’s seafaring heritage and some cruises offer the opportunity for you to sign on as a crew member. This cruise is also great for nature lovers and thrill seekers as when docked there are ample opportunities for hiking, sea kayaking and pick fresh fruit.

San Juan Islands, Washington

Cruise between the islands in the San Juan Archipelago off the coast of Washington State aboard one of the classic wooden vessels. This cruise offers breath-taking views of the rugged unspoilt wilderness that makes this area famous. During the day, you can explore the protected waters surrounding the islands on guided kayak tours.

Pirate Cruise, Grand Cayman Island

This cruise is certainly a journey of a lifetime for children young and old. This cruise round the Caribbean takes place on a replica 17th century Spanish galleon. The ship comes complete with firing cannons, planks to walk, and sword-fighting so you can fully immerse yourself as a Pirate of the Caribbean.

Star Clipper to French Polynesia                   

Turn you wildest daydreams into a reality with a seven day cruise round the spectacular and breath taking paradise that is the Polynesian Islands. The cruise leaves from Tahiti, and visits Huahine, Bora-Bora, Moorea, and several other Polynesian islands. The boats combine the advantages of a modern cruise liner with the class and heritage of a sailing ship.

Junk Cruise, Andaman Sea, Thailand          

As you cruise round the Andaman Sea marine park and its 3,500 islands you will encounter exotic and rare seabirds such as Hornbills and Fish Eagles, secluded romantic beaches, and impressive limestone stalactites. The Andaman Sea marine park also offers excellent snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam One of the best ways to explore the some 3,000 steep and strangely sculptured limestone islands and small floating villages of Ha Long Bay, in Vietnam, is on board a traditional Vietnamese junk. The best time to visit Ha Long Bay is in spring and early summer when the water is particularly calm and clear. Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most cruises include an overnight stay anchored in Ha Long Bay.

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Truly unspoilt!

That is the only way I can describe Sicily, one of my favourite holiday destinations in the world. The combination of stunning scenery, wide range of activities, enviable climate, friendly locals and excellent cuisine, make Sicily one best places to enjoy a week or two. In the following article I would like to discuss some of my favourite things to do while on holiday on Sicily.

Sample The Local Wine                                                                                        

Sicily is a famous wine-producing region, so one of the best ways to spend a day in Sicily is by indulging in some wine-tasting and a tour of a vineyard. If you are an absolute novice or fancy yourself as a bit of a wine connoisseur you could take a wine-tasting course and learn all about the region’s best grape varieties, such as the Nero d’Avola red grape and the Inzolia white grape. The towns of Messina, Marasala, Noto and Ragusa are some of the most popular wine towns in Sicily.

Visit Ancient Sites and Ruins

If you love exploring archaeological ruins and historic sites, Sicily is the place for you. Sicily contains some of the finest examples of archaeological ruins in the world. I recommend that all history enthusiasts visit Agrigento to witness classic Greek architecture at the Valley of the Temples and then head to Taormina to watch film or theater events in the ancient Greek theatre. Syracuse is famous for its role in Greek mythology and was once a mighty city which rivalled Athens. At Syracuse you will find 6th century ancient ruins as well as the Temple of Apollo and the Doric temple. For a more unnerving experience, investigate the Catacombs of the Capuchins, where around 8,000 bodies are buried in underground passageways beneath the city of Palermo.

Immerse Yourself In The Godfather Films                                         

 For something a bit more quirky and off-the-wall, you can go on the Godfather Sicily Tour which takes you to various locations used in the movie. You’ll be taken to Savoca and Bar Vitelli, which has a collection of photographs from scenes in The Godfather II. You’ll then go to the medieval hamlet of Forza D’Agro, which was used for scenes in The Godfather III.

Mount Etna

Tours of Sicily would not be complete without a tour  of Mount Etna and I personally recommend that you climb to the top to get the full experience. In addition, the mountainous landscape of Sicily also makes it a good destination choice for people who like adventure sports such as hiking, walking, cycling, climbing and there are even opportunities for skiing during the winter months.

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In today’s modern world time spent travelling in between destinations is often seen as an inconvenience that most like to minimise as much as possible. However, I believe train journeys can often offer a return to more leisurely days, when travel was an enjoyable adventure rather than a nuisance in between home and holiday. Below are some of my favourite train journeys where the rail trip is as enjoyable as the actual destination.

The West Highland Line

The West Highland Line in Scotland, which is 164 mile long, runs from Glasgow to Mallaig and runs by the stunning Loch Long, Loch Lomond and Loch Eil. The West Highland Line also crosses the world’s first concrete rail viaduct at Glenfinnan, which was made famous by the Harry Potter films. In 2009 the West Highland Line was voted the best rail journey in the world by independent travel magazine, Wanderlust and when you witness the breath-taking and varied scenery, it is easy to see why.

Train to the Clouds

Completed in 1932, the Train to the Clouds in Argentina is one of South America’s best railway journeys. Departing from the city of Salt, the 270 mile round journey takes 16 hours.  The line passes through tobacco fields, ranches, 29 bridges and 21 tunnels, before crossing the La Polvorilla viaduct at a height of more than 4,200m. The Train to the Clouds is the third highest railway in the world. The stunning combination of gorgeous scenery and exhilarating heights make this journey one of the best in the world.

Pride of Africa                     

Run by Rovos Rail, the Pride of Africa runs from Dar es Salaam to Cape Town and is one of the finest ways to experience the beauty and majesty that the continent has to offer in the upmost luxury. Passing such iconic landmarks as the Kruger National Park and Victoria Falls, this train journey is not to be missed by nature lovers.

The Bernina Express

The Bernina Express is an express train that connects Switzerland with Italy, by crossing the Swiss Alps from north to south and a journey aboard the Bernina Express is considered as one of the greatest rail trips in the world. All carriages have panoramic windows that offer excellent views of the stunning mountain scenery.

Trans-Siberian Railway

Passing through eight time zones and travelling over 600 miles, the Trans-Siberian Express is undoubtedly the ultimate train journey in the world in terms of distance covered. Linking Moscow with Vladivostok, the Trans-Siberian express highlights the beautiful vastness of Russia.

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In the last couple of years, river cruises have seen a dramatic increase in popularity as people seek a more intimate experience than larger sea cruises.  The earliest European river cruises were on the Rhine and it’s not surprising to see why! The River Rhine is dotted with romantic castles, medieval towns, stunning cathedrals and truly magnificent scenery. Below, I have listed some of my top tips for a Rhine Cruise.

When to Go

One of the best times to take a Rhine Cruise is between July and August. In particular, look out for a “Rhine in Flames” cruise when hilltop castles and palaces are lit up at night with fireworks in spectacular displays that are a sight to behold.

For something a little bit different, take a cruise along the Rhine during the Christmas holidays. During this period, seasonal markets fill the squares and at night the seasonal lights form a magical backdrop. One of the best Christmas markets is located in Cologne.

What to Do

The Rhine is lined with numerous spectacular palaces, castles and churches. One of the most impressive castles you will pass is the Marksburg Castle, near Koblenz. It is the only hill castle on the Rhine never to have been destroyed. Spend a day wandering around this magnificent castle and admiring the huge array of middle aged artefacts that are on display.

Stop at the town of Rudesheim for a Rudesheimer coffee which are served in red and white cups decorated with scenes from the Rhine. The coffee is made with sugar and the local Asbach brandy and topped with whipped cream and is sure way to warm up.

A must for chocolate lovers is a trip to the Lindt chocolate museum in Cologne. The museum is located on the riverfront and was opened by Dr Hans Imhoff in 1993. The museum charts the 3000 year history of chocolate and the entry price of £6.40 is well worth it.

Finally, I recommend taking a cable-car ride over the vineyards at Rudesheim. The cable car ride offers spectacular views of the vineyards and the Niederwald monument that honours the German nation. For the more energetic, a ringtrip ticket includes a cable car ride for two, a walk back down from the top through the vineyards and a short boat ride back to Rudesheim.

Rhine cruises offer a varied and unique cruise holiday destination that displays the best this magical region has to offer.

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With Fred Olsen offering sailings in 2013 from Harwich, we decided to take a glimpse into the history of the up and coming port.

Meaning "military settlement, Harwich is a busy coastal town and international port found on the in north-east Essex, just on the estuary of the rivers Stour and Orwell. The port is particularly famous for the phrase "Harwich for the Continent” – which can be seen on road signs and on various advertisements – including posters produced for London & North Eastern Railway promoting rail and sea services via Harwich.

A historically significant town and port…

Harwich has played a very important role in Britain’s nautical history for centuries – it was particularly appreciated in the 19th century by captains sailing ships looking for shelter.

In the second half of the 19th century, the Great Eastern Railway Company decided that the port should be transformed - this is how the world-class deep-water facility, Harwich International Port, came about.

Following the port’s success, Great Eastern Railway wanted to expand its operations further – so created a whole new port on the marshland of Ray Island. The new port, Parkeston Quay, was officially opened in 1883 by Charles H. Parkes, Chairman of theGreat Eastern Railway Company. Soon after, it became one of Britain’s most important passenger ports – as it links England with Belgium and the Netherlands.

Throughout the 20th century and into the 21st, Harwich Port has kept its close connections with Europe. Today Harwich Port’s activities include liquid and dry bulks, general cargo, containers - as well as being a thriving cruise business. And, with Fred Olsen offering selected sailings in 2013, Harwich Port just keeps growing and growing. 

A new chapter in the port’s history…

In 1998, Harwich International Port was taken over by Hutchison Ports (UK) Ltd – the world’s largest private port owner and operator. Since then, Harwich International Port continued to bloom. Today, Harwich is one of the UK’s leading cruise ports.

A look into the historic town…

Historically important, as well as being one of the UK’s most deep-water harbours, the old town of Harwich is a conservation area – it is here you will find a whole host of historic buildings, each with a tale to tell. Highly regarded for its architectural heritage, you’ll discover many notable public buildings, including the parish church of St. Nicholas (1821) and the Guildhall of 1769, the only Grade I listed building in Harwich. On the quayside, the Pier Hotel of 1860 and Great Eastern Hotel of 1864 can be seen. These two buildings reflect the town’s new found importance to those travelling - thanks to the arrival of the railway line from Colchester in 1854.

Other places of interest include the High Lighthouse, the Treadwheel Crane and the Electric Palace Cinema. One of the oldest purpose-built cinemas, the Electric Palace Cinema comes complete with its original projection room as well as a whole host of other original features. Other must see sights include the Old Custom Houses on West Street and a selection of Victorian shop fronts.


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