Travel digest

START NEW YEAR WITH CRUISE ON MEDITERRANEAN

SUNWAY offers a nine-night cruise on board the Norwegian Jade, starting January 4 from Barcelona, calling to Lanzarote, Tenerife, Madeira, and back to Barcelona via Malaga. Prices from €665 including return flights. Details on www.sunway.ie or phone [phone]

LOW €100 DEPOSIT FOR FLORIDA BOOKINGS

AMERICAN Holidays has introduced a new low €100 deposit for all 2012 Florida bookings. The company has a seven-night stay in the International Palms Resort from €695 per person, based on two adults and two children travelling. Details on 01-6733840.

RIDE THE WAVES IN PORTUGAL POST-CHRISTMAS

POST-Christmas, surfing enthusiasts can indulge in their passion and take some sun as well in Lagos, Portugal, from €467 plus air fares. Included is seven night’s accommodation in Lagos, a six-day surf course and New Year’s Eve dinner. Details on www.surfholidays.com.

NEW SERVICE PAMPERS AIR PASSENGERS

FOR those who need help or who want pampering, there’s a new service at Dublin Airport, called airportgenie.com. The new operation covers a range of services at costs starting from €7.50 to €26 per person. Check out www.airportgenie.com or call 01-9056350.

CHECK OUT YOUR SCOTTISH ANCESTRY

ARE you a McDonald, McDougal, Burns or a McIntyre? VisitScotland has launched a guide to trace Scottish ancestry which will highlight the unusual and surprising places people can go to learn more about their ancestors. Download from www.visitscotland.com/surprise