Are you one of many people who have always written off the idea of going on a cruise but you don’t quite know why?

Could it be because you don’t really know how they work, or you’re not sure what’s expected of you on a cruise and you don’t want to feel awkward and uncomfortable on your holiday?

Part of the problem with people and cruises today is not really understanding what to expect  or what might be expected of you on a cruise ship. Many of us have memories of watching TV programmes about cruises set in the 1970′s where everyone goes for dinner in black tie and begs to get a place on the Captains table where they can live it up in the company of the (always) charming and genial Captain of the ship.

These days the reality is rather different. Some Cruise companies have moved with the times and cruising is no longer the preserve of the landed gentry or people who like to pretend that they are! Normal people from all walks of life and all backgrounds are enjoying amazing cruises every day which go all over the world. Not only that but modern cruise ships are bigger and better than they ever were before. Better facilities, more to do, more exciting food and even more luxury at lower prices than ever before!

One of the new generation of cruise operators are Ocean Village Cruises. In fact, they specialise in NOT being like the old fashioned cruise liners described above. Their mission is to provide fantastic cruise holidays without the stuffiness. And, by booking online you can save 5% off brochure prices. Ocean Village Cruises try to cater specifically for (relatively) younger people. Again, many people have the impression that cruises are only for the very old (as well as the very rich). Ocean Village Cruises on the other hand, specifically try to cater for people between 30 – 50 (though everyone else is welcome too of course!). What this means is that you can expect modern, relevant entertainment and not just songs from the 1920s.

One current promotion is up to £300 off per couple on meditteranean cruises this summer.  This cruise takes you to the big-hitting highlights of Rome, Barcelona and Monte Carlo, gorgeous Greek islands and the must-see sights of Cairo, Venice and Istanbul.

The cruises are not completely all-inclusive but prices do include a lot of what you will need for your holiday (including charter flights, tips and most food). Rather than keep you guessing here is a list of everything that IS included in the price:

• Charter flights to/from the ship including in-flight snacks/meals.
• UK Air Passenger Duty on fly-cruise holidays.
• Cabin accommodation with en suite facilities.
• All meals on board. An extra charge applies for some optional lunch items at La Luna and dinner in La Luna and the Bistro.
• All basic tips on board (but you’re welcome to recognise great service with discretionary tips).
• Use of the on board leisure and sports facilities.
• Evening entertainment including: contemporary acrobatics, stand-up comedians, tribute bands, a deck laser show and quizzes.
• Children and Teenagers’ programme on board supervised by the Youth Team, with an extensive programme of play, sport and entertainment.
• All UK and overseas port taxes.
• All coach transfers between the airport and the ship.
• All transfers from ship to shore when the ship is not berthed at port.

The best thing to do if you want to check out the prices is to go and do a search on the Ocean Village Cruise website because prices obviously vary depending on the time of year, the number travelling, and the choices you make for your cruise.  Going on a stunning cruise might cost a lot less than you think, so click here to find out more about their Cruise holiday prices.

Disneyland Paris lovers will be thrilled to learn about the new changes for Disnelyland Paris for 2010. Advertised as the “New generation” landing this year, this involves new shows, new parades and new characters arriving at Disneyland Paris. So, you may be wondering who the new generation are? Well, the new generation characters are:

• Buzz Lightyear
• Emile
• Lightning McQueen
• Mike Wazowski
• Nemo
• Princess Tiana
• Remy
• Slinky
• Stitch
• Sully
• Woody

Some of these were in Disneyland Paris before but with a less clearly defined role (i.e. Woody and Buzz) but now they’ll have more going on. There are three new Toy Story inspired rides coming this year as well, Toy Soldiers Parachute drop is expected by late 2010, Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin and RC Racer, both of these are also expected to be up and running by late 2010. Needless to say there are some fantastic deals currently on at Disnelyland Paris. One of the most generous is currently the following:

PLUSKids under 7 stay and play free!

Just book by 30th April for arrivals between 5th April 2010 and 8th November 2010. Hit the picture below to find out more about booking your Disneyland Paris holiday for 2010.

Turkey has been popular in recent years because of the exchange rate against the Euro being so poor and because prices are much more reasonable in Turkey than other holiday destinations. In fact, only other non-Euro holiday destinations come close (like Egypt).

Current problems in Europe (and notably Greece) is also causing more problems for Eurozone countries and it has to be said, prices for holidaymakers in Europe are now getting silly with a pint of lager costing 5.5 Euros in many Spanish resorts whereas ten years ago you would have expected to pay 50 pence a pint or less!

The fact that British holiday makers are getting screwed on food, drink and basic grocery supplies (for those who stay in apartments or pensions) means that unless you can get a great all inclusive deal, you’ll probably want to consider Turkey as your choice of resort. So where are the best parts to stay?

Here are three of Turkey’s best beaches. Now if you don’t like package holidays remember you can always try and book your hotel seperately from Alpharooms and then find a flight from Wegolo (see the right of the page for links). You’ll probably end up saving a lot of money on your holiday.

1. Konyaalti beach, Antalya

There is something quite wonderful about city beaches. I love the fact that you can be in a modern shop one minute, and then on a proper beach the next! Antalya is very popular with British tourists and there are tons of places to stay as well as places to eat and drink. The airport is around 20 minutes away as well so this is somewhere you can easily get too by taxi if you are arranging your own holiday.

2. Olympos beach, Olympos.

Olympus is about one and a half hours away from Antalya hence isn’t quite so easy to plan your holiday around. There are buses from Antalya however so it’s not beyond your capability to get there without resorting to a mega expensive taxi ride. Lots to do around Olympos as well and loads of great and reasonably prices restaurant. The beach is a stunner, and very popular – especially with backpackers who don’t mind making the trek to find it.

3. Ölüdeniz Beach, Ölüdeniz.

Probably the best beach in Turkey and one of the best in Europe. Popular with everyone and famous the world over so always busy. It’s about half an hour from Dalaman airport. Getting there is fairly easy because there is a shared taxi that goes to and from the airport. Ask around to find where to catch it and you can get around cheaply. Because it is so popular there is pretty much everything to do there in terms of watersports, leisure, food and drink. Well worth a visit!