I'M probably not the target demographic for a cruise, under a certain age and more of a backpacker than an all-you-can-eat buffet type (as well as being prone to seasickness).
But that didn't stop me going into my first holiday at sea with an open mind, and I'm truly grateful I did.
A week of tempting cocktails, every food option you can imagine, sun, sea and trekking in national parks left me kicking myself I hadn't tried it sooner.
I travelled with my two children from Edinburgh to Malta via Gatwick.
The 115,055 gross-tonnage P&O Azura cruise ship is quite a beast. My 11-year-old son (usually more interested in his phone) actually gasped as we approached the ship.
More than 950ft long and capable of carrying almost 3,600 passengers, it boasts 14 passenger decks, extensive restaurant options, a grand theatre, casino and no fewer than four swimming pools one of which had an open-air cinema. We didn't use it but there was also a free kids' club.
The vessel's interiors were most impressive. Its sleek and contemporary appearance was tempered inside with modern wall art and sculptures, as well as a glitzy atrium full of bling.
Esta historia es de la edición March 13, 2024 de Manchester Evening News.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición March 13, 2024 de Manchester Evening News.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Jude's message to former City star on his retirement
JUDE Bellingham has sent a heartfelt message to Jesus Navas after the former City forward played the final game of his professional career on Sunday.
Pep reiterates how difficult it is to find the right players in a January window
PEP Guardiola said that nobody at City looks as good as normal in their losing run as he picked out two players for their efforts.
County boss gets in the festive spirit
STOCKPORT County manager Dave Challinor insists the Hatters will embrace and enjoy the unique challenges of professional football in England over the festive period.
PEP'S NOT READY TO TAKE KLOPP'S ROUTE OUT
CITY manager Pep Guardiola claimed he would ‘sleep better’ when Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp departs and so far, his comments may not be entirely true.
Lewis focused on the biggest challenge of all
England head coach Jon Lewis says his side are in “a really good place” for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia, which he describes as cricket’s “hardest challenge”.
Draper sets sights on hitting the top
US OPEN SEMI-FINAL GAVE BRITISH TALENT A TASTE OF THE BIG TIME
Retail figures look 'disastrous'
THIS Christmas appears to have been “disastrous” for retailers as households battle with ongoing cost-of-living pressures, new figures suggest.
Loyalty card issue for Morrisons
MORRISONS has cut the price of items including turkeys and Champagne for all shoppers, after a system glitch hit its loyalty card yesterday, but some customers may face delayed Christmas orders.
King's focus is on value of health
THE King’s Christmas message will focus on the efforts of healthcare workers, following a year that saw Charles and the Princess of Wales treated for cancer.
Man denies CEO killing
THE man accused of fatally shooting the chief executive of the United States health insurance provider UnitedHealthcare in New York yesterday pleaded not guilty to murder and terror charges, in a state case that will run parallel to his federal prosecution.
