So here's the thing. I truly believe that there are different holiday breaks for different occasions.
There are so many different factors that come into play when considering how you spend those precious days of holiday - not to mention the world being your oyster.
So when I was asked, would I like to escape for a couple of days and try out a long weekend on a P&O cruise to Amsterdam AND take one of my best friends with me to see how it panned out as a girls' weekend away, you can imagine it didn't take me long to say yes.
First up - I should mention I love a cruise. I was introduced to the world of the big ships last year and I am well and truly hooked.
And the idea of a weekend away, with two almost-full days to spend in Amsterdam, as well as two days enjoying the ship, really did seem like an ideal trip - especially considering it as a girls' weekend away.
Let me first give you an idea of what we did. We boarded Azura on Friday at around 1pm - car is valet parked at Southampton and your luggage whisked away on arrival at the port and deposited in your room (LOVE this). Check in, if you've never checked into a cruise is almost identical to checking into a flight but with less queuing at security.
You can then make your way to your room or feel free to explore the ship. We decided to explore and attempt to find our bearings - admittedly I have the sense of direction of a potato and can't master it even after a week - thank the lord for the amazing signage everywhere!
A little glass of fizz in one of the main bars for the Sail Away....
And then it was back to the room for a quick change and then out for dinner.
The food on board is amazing. There are a number of restaurants which are included in your fare and for all the others there is a supplement to pay, but it's minimal in comparison to what I would have thought you would be paying. For example, in the most exclusive fine dining restaurant, which is superb, for a three course meal the supplement is only £28 per person. Fillet steak, lobster, it's INCREDIBLE.
First night though, we dined at The Glass House which has a wine menu chosen by the expert Olly Smith. I should also say that I kept emailing the wine list to my husband (I am an embarrassing luddite when it comes to wine - champagne and cocktails, I'm your girl but a bottle of red and I have NO idea). He was very surprised at how reasonable the wines were in comparison to what you would pay in a supermarket.
Then it was off to see a live music act and then to Manhattan bar for some superb disco dancing.
Next day was up and off to Amsterdam. Now there was a teeny issue with the transport to Amsterdam from the ship as changes had been made so it was a longer coach journey than had been anticipated and it was the first time these arrangements had been made. P&O assured us that on future cruises to Amsterdam, the transfer would involve less queuing and waiting.
We had a tour arranged for us, courtesy of P&O to try out their new on-shore experiences partner Urban Adventures. The rather charming Sean was our very patient and knowledgeable guide for a walking tour of Amsterdam on our first day there.
The tour ended in the Food Hallen in Amsterdam which is an incredible indoor venue of street food stations. A very happy couple of hours was spent there, eating amazing Japanese and dim sum but you really could have got anything - from Indian to Thai, to Mexican, Spanish, Dutch, Italian and the list went on. You name it, they had it. And clearly it was delicious as I *might* have been too quick to hoover it before I remembered to take a photo..!
And a takeaway from here...
A quick tram back to the coach, back onto the ship and a cup of tea in bed watching a movie. I should point out that in the rooms, there is a TV with a variety of movie channels - lots of up to date releases along with a traditional selection and all included. OR you could take advantage of the onboard HUGE outdoor screen, grab a glass of something and sit in the hot tubs on deck watching a new release. If that doesn't take your fancy there are blankets on all the sun beds to snuggle up and watch (my own bed and a nana cuppa were calling though...)
As... the next day it was up and at 'em early for the coach back into Amsterdam to meet Sean and... drum roll... A CYCLE TOUR.
Which was brilliant. I did have my concerns, but genuinely it was great fun and not remotely difficult (a cyclist I am not, I should point out...).
After the three hour cycle fest (I KNOW, RIGHT?!) we went to the incredible Museumfoto where you can dress as your favourite (?!) character from Dutch history. Oh. Hello. WHY do we not have this in the UK? And if there is one in London, could someone please let me know. Anyone looking for a business idea... look no further.
Then time for chips in Amsterdam - something you simply can't not indulge in when visiting the city..
Even if you do end up wearing most of the mayonnaise...
It was then off to a liqueur tasting at the Wynand Fockink Distillery, hidden away in the back streets of Amsterdam. Definitely worth hunting out.
Then back to the ship and quick change for the Black Tie Evening and we had booked into the Fine Dining Restaurant at The Epicurean at Seventeen. It was superb - as good as any top London restaurant.
Lamb Three Ways...
A couple of cocktails in the Planet Bar...
… before heading again to Manhattan and disco-dancing till the wee small hours.
The next day was a day at sea and so we chose to spend it in the spa. I was treated to a Swedish Massage which was SUPERB. We did contemplate a run in the gym which is absolutely massive. Even as one who isn't a fan of gyms, I was impressed. It's at the front of the ship and all the running machines face the way you're sailing - a really great way to jog with the most superb view.
Which we could have done... OR we could have had a sauna and a hot tub with a cocktail. Guess which we chose...
That night we ate in the Sindhu which again has a small supplement but was divine. Top-quality Indian food - on a par with Michelin-starred Indian restaurants that I've eaten in.
Soft shell crab...
It was then time for a cuppa and another movie whilst we packed as you're up and away early on the 5th day.
So let's sum up what I think the advantages of a cruise for the weekend are:-
If you're going away with girls - someone has taken away all the thinking. There are no decisions to make about where to go and eat - you can spread the choice of restaurants over a couple of evenings or if you want to divide and conquer you can . There is definitely something for everyone on board.
Then there is the evening entertainment. No deciding which bar to go, which club to go to, who's going to go in which cab, no having to queue, no having to find a seat in a crowded bar, no deciding who's going to have to leave first with Susan as she's got a headache and wants to leave. And no trying to get a taxi at 3am.
There's also the safety aspect. It's so safe. We danced, abandoning our bags on chairs without a second thought. Everyone you meet is really lovely, friendly and up for banter.
By that same note though, there are enough places on the ship for solitude if that's what you're after. There are quieter lounge bars, there are comedians on board, there are all sorts of shows, there are quizzes, movies - even a casino. And a library with books and games if that takes your fancy.
Plus you also get the two days in a city that you then get to explore either under your own steam or by booking on one of the shore excursions to make the most of the time you have if you're unfamiliar with the city (or just like someone else to take the lead - that'll be me!).
As I mentioned, the food is excellent and the drinks on board are reasonably priced - VERY reasonably priced. Better prices than any bar we have locally and certainly compared to London prices.
I also love the fact that we just drive to Southampton (which isn't that much further than Heathrow for us) and you're on. There's no flying and no hanging around either - once you get to the port you can get straight onto the ship. And at the other end, you can just leave and collect your car. We were home by 10.30am on the Tuesday morning.
Cost wise - it does depend on which cabin you select but there are often great deals to be had, depending on when you book.
We are currently looking to go back with the girls for a 50th birthday celebration so I will keep you posted.
I do hope I've covered everything but ANY questions, do holler and I will try and answer them.
And if you still needed persuading (although I do appreciate, it isn't going to be for everyone..) the sunsets at sea are really super special.
Take me back!
It's on its way. Next week looks like being a complete scorcher and actually, we can almost smell the Summer holidays which are now only a matter of weeks away. Although how...?? Totally scary thought as surely it was only a minute ago that it was half term.
And speaking of which, I thought it was about time I did a blog on my holiday essentials. Those random things that I've realised you might not think about but which really make the difference when you're away on hols.
It's also a perfect time to give you more details of the amazing villa we stayed in and the island of Corfu.
So first up - the villa. Yes, that is the actual view above! As I said at the time, we were very kindly given the villa for a week in return for a review. It was from Scott Williams Villas - a luxury villa company with properties all over Europe for all size groups (Croatia, France, Italy, Greece, Morocco and Spain). So the accommodation was complimentary but we paid for cars, flights, food, boat hire, transfers - absolutely everything else.
Despite booking self catering in the UK (we've been going to Suffolk for a couple of weeks a year for the past 13years), we had never done a villa holiday abroad - have always stayed in a hotel.
I think the main difference was the space, the versatility and the tranquility. The being able to get up at 10am and not having to worry about missing breakfast. Or for the kids to have a quick dip in the pool when it's dark *just because they've never been allowed to before*. Evenings were a lot more flexible too. One could go to bed, one could stay up, one could go for a swim without having to play tag team (or sit on the balcony getting bitten to death by mossies, nursing a glass of wine - with no ice, did I mention ice on tap? - as the children were asleep in the hotel room).
The one reticence I had - the busman's holiday element - was not a problem at all. Thanks to the lovely ladies who came every day to do a couple of hours sprucing and cleaning meaning the villa was immaculate again every morning. Surely there is nothing better than getting into a bed at night that someone else has perfectly made?
There is also the opportunity to hire a chef but luckily my husband is handy in that department. Plus there was a supermarket at the top of the road but we did tend to eat out for one large meal a day and the others were a combination of Greek treats. So many amazing mezze elements, we didn't actually "cook" at all. Yes I came back mostly consisting of Greek yoghurt and taramasalata.
We were given a three bedroom villa - perfect with three children, called Avlaki House in North Eastern Corfu, just above Avlaki Beach. And it's truly luxurious. Absolutely every detail is thought of. That area of Corfu is complete divine. Incredibly unspoilt, no large hotels, a collection of little bays and coves with restaurants and swimming opportunities a plenty.
Best restaurants were Rex in Corfu Town, Cavo Barbaro on Avlaki Beach, Trilogia Restaurant in Kassiopi, Tavernaki in Kassiopi, Taverna Agni in Agni (only accessible by boat) and The White House in Kalami.
We did also spend one night in Corfu Town at The Liston Suites (owned by the same owners of the villa we stayed in). We would have loved to have spent more time there but a delayed flight (thanking you kindly French Air Traffic Controllers) meant that we arrived late and so had time for a lovely meal in the town. The suites are SUPERB. Luxury luxury luxury, amazing location and would be the ideal venue for a long weekend away. Corfu Town is steeped in history, amazing shopping and great restaurants - would make a fabulous short haul destination with a partner or the girls.
We had the Durrell Suite and the Achillion Suite.
Most days at the villa, we would spend a couple of hours by the pool and then go somewhere for lunch or dinner.
We could walk to Avlaki beach (it was good on the old glutes going up and down the hill, I'm not going to like, but the pay off for that is the incredible view) where there were two lovely restaurants. As well as a place to hire kayaks, paddle boards or learn to windsurf.
On the day the family tried out the watersports, I did take one for the team and was Bag Monitor on the beach (proper sunbeds for hire at three euro a day *punches air*).
The other favourite activity was hiring a boat for the whole day.
We hired from Fillippos Boats but we booked through the completely amazing concierge service that comes as part of the villa package - Jo. She was incredible. Organising boats, restaurants and random things like "do you have any more dvd's?".
But obviously, as awesome as Jo was, she couldn't pack for me and bring those gems from home that make a holiday perfect.
So what would my top packing must haves be.
First up towels. Now they did actually have these to use in the villa but I had brought my own with me. I first bought one of these about 4yrs ago from this company and they contacted me before I went to ask if I'd like another. These are also a staple packing purchase for our Suffolk holidays.
Indigo Yildiz Hammam Havlu Towel £30 They're light, they pack super flat, they look gorgeous and they're fully functional. AND they dry super quickly as well. The 11yr old could always be found wearing one blanket stylee of an evening too.
Travel Steamer now only available in grey. I got sent the pink one a couple of months ago and have used it religiously.
Cirrus Steamer in Grey £100 Yes it's an investment but I also use it at home. Especially useful on silk shirts and dresses that I am usually terrified to iron. If I were to tell you an appliance could change your life, would you believe me?
Now I did do a beauty blog here but there are two things that I forgot to mention as total must haves. Well - if you're verging on blue like me.
First up - easy to apply, no bother, perfect for correcting slightly errant tan lines. I was first given this in a goodie bag last year or the year before and have bought it on repeat ever since. It's not cheap but IT WORKS! It's so good. I have tried other body make up products but I still go back and buy this.
Vita Liberata Body Blur in Latte (this is medium and the one I always use) £29.50 Use a mitt.
And then THIS which I have discovered recently (it was sent to me) and shall be taking with me next time I go away. Amazing. Seriously amazing. I get sent a lot of fake tan products but I would only recommend ones that I use again and would happily spend my money on. Life is too short for a bad tan, even if it's free!
Vita Liberata Invisi Foaming Water £25 (I was sent this and got given the Medium/Dark. I think Super Dark is not going to work on any level for me!)
Then I'm finishing with two dresses which I should have included on my last thread but didn't seem them.
They are the perfect throw on holiday dresses. They're a non crease jersey dress. Super glamourous yes but in a really easy to wear fabric. You could wear for breakfast, for a day trip, for dinner. Ideal with flats. Simply perfect. Only decision is whether to go for blue or green. Although probably NOT perfect at all if you are more well endowed in the chest department. SORRY!
Green cowl back maxi dress from ASOS £38 I ordered the 10 and the 12 and the 10 is perfect. It does come up on the larger side.
Or the blue (and this is a tall - although there really isn't that much between them).
Actually they do have the normal size here... to be honest, I think I will order that as opposed to the other which I think is too long!
Orrrr there's this one. OH MY DAYS, it looks pants here, it genuinely is the dreamiest dress ever. Yes it's the same as the green one on the last blog (here) which I procrastinated about ordering and now it's sold out. I am hawking ASOS to see if it comes back into stock (obviously you can't get it at Missguided).
Missguided orange maxi dress £35
You can see pics of all of those over on Instagram stories. Along with others from the last blog I did...
Here's what I DID wear to the party the other evening. Was a fabulous night, took a *little* bit of time to recover yesterday. Had a whole day of meetings planned in London as we stayed overnight and then got a call at 9.30am asking me to pick the smallest one up as he wasn't feeling well. The law of sod!! Or of just having children..!
Dress - DVF (sale ss17)
Bag - Tory Burch Bicester Village (about 5yrs ago)
And then this is what I wore yesterday....
Dress - FCUK (gift aw17)
Shoes - Pretty Ballerinas (gift current)
Glasses - Victoria Beckham from Bicester Village (3yrs ago)
And tomorrow - off to Ascot for Ladies Day which I am obviously ridiculously excited about. Outfit sorted and I'm actually wearing something from a couple of years ago. At least that way I know I won't run into anyone else wearing the same thing. She says...
Friday morning... off to work on pretty much the best project I have ever EVER been asked to work on. Actually keep having to pinch myself that it's going to happen. So just in case it doesn't, I won't mention anything else! (I REALLY hope it does as I'm spending all evening packing and have spent about three hours today sorting childcare.... watch this space!!).
It's travel time. And finally it's time for me to report back on the mini cruise we all did last week.
"Dear family.. would you like to come to work with me next week?"
"Errr.. hmmm... well....."
"It means coming on the largest cruise ship in the world for a couple of days to see what it's like...."
Cue three small children scarpering to google what was involved, followed by immediate packing!
So yes, we were invited on the newest ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet - the Symphony of the Seas, to get a small taster of what a family cruise would be like. (all details to be found by clicking on this link).
And genuinely - I don't know where to start. Surely cruising is for old people having dinner with the captain, geriatrics playing shuffleboard, lots of American in Hawaiian shirts? That's what everyone said to me when I said I was beyond excited at going on a taster cruise - it's something that I've always wanted to do. I have always thought it would offer something for everyone and more. (and yes - getting dressed for dinner with the Captain really appealed to me. I know, I know - I just thought it was all very Agatha Christie and what's not to love about that.)
Turns out, I wasn't wrong (ok so I was about the Agatha Christie thang...).
Let's start with the accommodation. There are five of us, so we had two rooms - one for three and one for two. We stayed in their balcony suites which are suitable for up to a family of four. The standard is easily that of a five star hotel. L'Occitane toiletries in the sizeable bathrooms, kingsize beds for the adults and full size double sofa beds for the children. HUGE tv's, coffee and tea making facilities, walk in wardrobes, room service and a movie list to rent that Blockbusters would have been proud of.
Full size sun loungers on the balcony..
And before we go any further, I should mention the elephant in the room for many... sea sickness. I will hold my hands up and say this was a real concern for me. I'm not great on a ferry, am awful on smaller boats but honestly, a cruise ship of this size, you can't feel it moving. It sounds bizarre but genuinely - there is no rocking or motion at all.
So it was up to the children to create their own motion and there is PLENTY of opportunity for them to do that.
First up the Zip Wire. Yes - a zip wire. Yes THAT high! Yes that is my daughter...
Followed by indoor laser tag. And then it comes to the ones that my children loved the most.
A full sized climbing wall (actually there are two). Whilst we're here - that to the left is a slide, the Ultimate Abyss that goes from the top of the ship right down to the bottom. Can you imagine how over the moon the children were?
Full sized carousel?!
But the jewel in the crown for them was anything water based. Three huge water slides - which they said were as good as any they'd been on.
However it was the Flowriders that they spent most time on. One for surf boards and one for body boards. There is a height restriction - my two older ones were ok for both but the 9yr old could only go on the body board simulator (to be honest, he really wouldn't have been able to cope with standing up on a surf board).
Here they are on their body boards...
And then the 11yr old, rocking it surf style.
Food, the world really is your oyster. I couldn't even count how many restaurants and bars there were but one thing I do know is that there is something for everyone. From Michelin starred quality dining to street style Mexican, diners, pizza places, italian restaurants, ice cream parlours, Starbucks to Japanese. I would go so far as to say there isn't anything you can't get onboard.
One thing that I've only seen on this ship though, is the Robotic bar... perfect entertainment for adults.
Speaking of entertainment for adults, it's not just the kids who will have a ball. So don't laugh, but yes, there's a running track. I KNOW RIGHT?! And me, with my new love of a little jog, couldn't have been happier.
Not to mention, a full size theatre (genuinely bigger than most West End ones I've been into), a casino, acrobatic shows, swimming pools and an adult only relaxing area.
Yes, the adults more than enjoyed themselves...
Yes, the Aperol was flowing. Seriously, as if you needed anything to else to prove how awesome they are.
But of course, I'm sure you're mostly interested in what does one wear on a cruise? That's the best thing - no rules. You can wear what you want on these Royal Caribbean cruises - well.. within reason. Smart casual was the dress code but certainly it wasn't Black Tie (and I'm assuming no one would rock up in a thong and trainers....) For me, it was all about the dresses. Layers are also a good idea. A VERY good idea as it does get chilly on deck when you're out at sea - although I'm sure this will depend on where you cruise and at what time of year. And err the weather obvs!
Jumper - FWP by Rae (gift current)
Skirt - La Double J at Matches (sale aw17)
Trainers - Ishikawa at Quattro Rish (current)
Jacket - Tu at Sainburys (ss17)
Bag - Rae Feather (gift ss17)
Sunglasses - Chloe from Very Exclusive (aw17)
Dress - Lolly's Laundry at Quattro Rish (current)
Mules - Pretty Ballerinas (gift current)
Belt - Topshop (ss17)
Bag - Hill & Friends (gift current)
Earrings - Alice's Wonders (gift current)
Tee - MKT Studio (gift current)
Skirt - Free People from Selfridges (ss17)
Bag - Rae Feather (gift ss17)
Sandals - Aspiga (gift current)
Jacket - Tu by Sainsburys (ss17)
Sunglasses - Chloe from Very Exclusive (aw17)
Dress - Ganni (aw17)
Belt - Topshop (ss17)
Bag - Hill & Friends (gift current)
Blazer - Baukjen (part of paid partnership ss17)
Mules - Pretty Ballerinas (gift current)
And then en famille... we did take the husband - he was Chief Photographer.
We were absolutely blown away by our experience and as a family would love to spend longer on a cruise. We flew to Barcelona and did a little tour in the Balearic Ocean - it was very much a taster of the ship.
For me - the advantage comes in having everything you could want for a family holiday at your fingertips, whilst also being able to explore new places every day. The attraction comes in combining culture (I would love love love to visit European cities of interest that we just haven't taken the children to because they'd only be interested in going for one day) with pure relaxing and unadulterated fun.
I haven't even mentioned the Kids' Clubs as they weren't open because we were on a Press Trip. But they would add a whole new dimension of freedom for both the children and enabling us to have a break as adults. I think they would work for children of any age. The clubs they do usually offer are a Royal Babies and Tots which runs from 6months to 3 yrs old. And then for the older children, from 3 to 11yrs (divided into three age groups within that range) whilst at sea the clubs run from 9 to 5pm and then 7 to 10pm. For the teens, the daytime activities vary but staff hosted night time activities will keep them entertained from 8pm to 1am. BOOM! Mine are all desperate to go on another cruise - just which one do we choose?
Would love to be able to answer any questions you may have - only one that will be tricky is when it comes to cost as that really does depend on when you go, where you go and the accommodation and package that you choose.
This post has been written as part of a paid partnership with Royal Caribbean. All views are my own, unedited.
