Cruise into Christmas

WITH Christmas looming (so the shops tell us anyway), many will be contemplating whether to spend the festive season in warmer climes; however, travel availability can be difficult around New Year, particularly to destinations such as the Canary Islands and Portugal.

One festive holiday option is a Fred Olsen cruise; the company will operate two direct Dublin departures to the Canaries at Christmas and New Year: the first from December 19 to January 4 and the second from January 4-18; ports of call will include: Madeira, La Palma, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Morocco and Lisbon; lead-in prices are €1,175 and €2,620 and include port taxes, all onboard meals and entertainment.

For further details, call Fred Olsen Cruise Lines on 0044 1473 742424, email [e-mail] or contact your travel agent.

Slatterys South Africa operates Ireland’s only direct flights from Dublin to Cape Town and will recommence the route on October 27, with prices from €494 (taxes and surcharges not included).

For full details, phone Slatterys on 066 7186 200, log on to www.slatterys.com or email [e-mail]

As its customers become increasingly adventurous and wish to travel further afield, Great Rail Journeys (phone [phone] or log on to www.greatrail.co.uk) is doubling its Pacific expeditions next year.

Introduced to the company’s Worldwide Holidays by Rail programme are two new escorted tours: the Sunlander to the Barrier Reef hugs the eastern coastline of Australia, while Adventures in New Zealand showcases the very different beauties of the North and South Island — from the steaming geysers to the snowcapped mountains.

Package prices are from Britain and start at around €4600 (per person, sharing) for the 18-day Australian adventure with departures on May 13, September 16, October 7 and October 21; the 19-day New Zealand adventure costs around the same, with departures on February 8, March 8, October 11 and November 1.

Classed as the most electrifying show on earth, Blackpool’s world famous Illuminations will light up the autumn sky from now until November 5.

The show sees Blackpool’s famous Promenade transformed into a blaze of colour that guarantees to take your breath away — for those who’ve never experienced the Illuminations, it’s an experience not to be missed.

No other resort in Europe can rival Blackpool — according to some — its tacky reputation has been banished and a new wealth of entertainment and attractions offer everything for adults and children alike.

For further details, log on to www.visitblackpool.com or phone

Blackpool Tourism on 0044 1253 478 222.