Travel Tuesday looks at what’s new this summer on VM1 Elaine

This week on the Elaine Show I’m taking a look at what’s new in travel this summer at home and abroad and I’m starting with the arrival in Europe of Celebrity Cruises new ship Celebrity Edge. This cruise line excels in modern luxury and this new class is a notch up on what is available in the cruise market. Edge will be sailing out of the Eastern Mediterranean this summer and taking passengers to popular ports such as Rome and Barcelona.

Celebrity Cruises Brings their new ship Edge to Europe

If you’ve never been on a cruise and want to try it for the first time then I recommend going with Celebrity. The only problem is it’s a bit like having Brad Pitt for your first boyfriend because it will ruin you for any other cruises. Here’s 7 reasons how Celebrity Edge is setting itself apart from the rest of the field at sea.


1. Magic Carpet – An experience on the Edge
With open-air panoramic and outward-facing views over the ocean, the Magic Carpet is a game changer to modern luxury cruising. An incredible engineering feat it is the world’s first cantilevered, floating platform that reaches heights of 16 storeys above sea level. Curated in collaboration with renowned British architect, Tom Wright – also the brains behind the Burj Al Arab in Dubai – the space can be repositioned alongside several decks and features interiors masterminded by Kelly Hoppen. When the Magic Carpet is positioned at the very top it becomes an extraordinary, exhilarating experience known as Dinner on the Edge

 

2. Transformational accommodations
adjoining cabins for multi generation.  Designed by Kelly Hoppen, Celebrity Edge’s accommodation has been evolved to dramatically expand the size of staterooms and offer guests the perfect balance between the excitement of travel and the comfort of a luxurious personal space.  The new Edge Stateroom with Infinite Balcony turns guest quarters into a seamless space, from the room’s door all the way to the water’s edge. The simple touch of a button gives guests open-air access to the sea, bringing the outside in and the inside out. Guests can take complete control of their stateroom and personalise everything from lighting, shades, temperature and service – even choosing a setting to tuck them in or gently wake them.

3. The Garden of Eden – need we say more?
Featuring the largest window to the world at sea, Eden is a unique venue where ultra-modern design is fused into every element, including cuisine served by ‘Edenists’,  performing artists who deliver experiential and sensory dishes to your table. Another highlight, is the Library of Plants which towers 18-feet above Eden Bar, offering its bounty of fresh ingredients and garnishes for hand-crafted, artisanal cocktails. Spanning three decks at the aft of the ship with almost 7,000 square feet of glass, Eden is a masterpiece created by internationally renowned designer Patricia Urquiola and Scott Butler of Wilson Butler Architects.

4. The world’s first Le Petit Chef at sea
To completely redefine dining at sea, Celebrity Cruises is bringing table tops to life in partnership with TableMation Studios, featuring Skullmapping’s world-famous Le Petit Chef. An animated 3D character, Le Petit Chef appears right on guest’s plates and prepares each course right before their eyes, offering an immersive fusion of entertainment and dining bespoke to Celebrity Edge.

5. Inspired by the Sea
With more than 22,000 sprawling sq. ft. for guests to renew, restore, and reinvigorate, The Spa on Celebrity Edge was inspired by nature, and masterfully designed by world-renowned designer Kelly Hoppen, MBE, and features beauty and fitness experiences never before offered at sea in collaboration with industry-leading partners.

6. All about crystals on Edge
Inspired by the natural elements, Celebrity Cruises has curated a selection of crystal treatments, in a collaboration designed to transform guests’ emotional state through the power of holistic healing. Treatments include the Crystalarium, MLX Quartz Table, Poultice-Powered Muscle Release, Hot Mineral Body Boost, as well as a crystal thumbstone for all guests to take away with them after their journey.

7. Celebrity throws away the theatre curtain
With its transformational design, Celebrity Edge’s entertainment on board is just as game-changing as the ship itself. Guests will experience the brand’s most technologically advanced main theatre, the most production shows of any ship in the brand’s history, the largest cast of world-class performers on any premium cruise ship, and more entertainment venues than ever before.
Check out www.clickandgo.com Call 01 699 5186 to speak to their cruise team


Mediterranean Cruise

Celebrity Edge

Travel 20th July or 3rd August

Ocean View Stateroom: €2,199

Balcony Stateroom: €2,399

Price Includes

  • Flights to Barcelona, return from Rome
  • Carry-on luggage
  • 7 night sailing in Ocean view stateroom
  • All meals & snacks
  • Classic All Inclusive Drinks Package
  • Gratuities

Itinerary: Barcelona, Spain – Valencia, Spain – Ibiza, Spain – Marseilles, France – Nice, France – Florence /Pisa, Italy – Rome, Italy

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Portaventura Spain New Ride Street Mission

If you haven’t been to Portaventura yet there are lots of good reasons to go including the addition of a new theme park ride inspired by Sesame Street. It’s not just for little ones either and with Ferrari Land and the Caribe Aquatic park there’s so much to enjoy.i popped over for the opening of street misssion where some cookies have gone missing and Grover has to search with his pals Ernie and Bert for the culprit! It’s easy to guess who is responsible but great fun in the process.

Even Teens will love the Sesame Street Themed land in the park

Portaventura World has some of the scariest rollercoasters in Europe and with the edition of some terrific Wild West themed hotels it makes the perfect fun filled family holiday and a nice change from Disney with a world wide theme around the park

 

 

Click and Go have these offers for a family with 2 adults and 1 child.

4* El Paso Hotel, Salou-PortAventura, Salou

Holiday includes:

  • Return flights
  • Airport transfers
  • 7 nights in the 4* El Paso Hotel
  • All Inclusive Offers
    • Included with the hotel:
      • Unlimited access to PortAventura theme park (subject to opening calendar)
      • 1 day admission to Ferrari Land included per stay and per person
      • Discounts on Portaventura Caribe Aquatic park tickets (check with reception for details)
      • Special discounts on Express Premium wristbands and passes for theme park
      • Pick-Up service at park shops: delivery of your purchases to the hotel
      • Preferential booking in restaurants with table service
      • PortAventura Pass. Pay for your purchases in the theme park with your room key
      • Free WiFi

June from €1,929 per family https://www.clickandgo.com/design-your-own-holiday/details/2019-06-05/7/2:11:0/AI/DUB/0/46/50/1928?search=all/Salou/2019-06-05/7/2:11:0//DUB/0

Sept from €1,629 per family https://www.clickandgo.com/design-your-own-holiday/details/2019-09-23/7/2:11:0/AI/DUB/0/46/50/1624?search=all/Salou/2019-09-23/7/2:11:0//DUB/0

 

We also have an offer that is only a 15 min walk to PortAventura theme park.

4* Dorada Palace Hotel, Salou Town, Salou

Holiday includes:

  • Return flights
  • Airport transfers
  • 7 nights in the 4* Dorada Palace Hotel
  • Half Board Basis

June from €1,199 per family – https://www.clickandgo.com/design-your-own-holiday/details/2019-06-17/7/2:11:0/HB/DUB/0/10541/22372/1217?search=all/Salou/2019-06-17/7/2:11:0//DUB/0

Sept from €949 per family – https://www.clickandgo.com/design-your-own-holiday/details/2019-09-28/7/2:11:0/HB/DUB/0/4173/125/946?search=all/Salou/2019-09-28/7/2:11:0//DUB/0

Check out the MyClick&Go facility on our website!

 

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Ireland Centre Parcs will open this summer!

http://www.centerparcs.ie

About Center Parcs

Center Parcs currently has five destinations across the UK; Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, Elveden Forest in Suffolk, Longleat Forest in Wiltshire, Whinfell Forest in Cumbria and Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire and as the leader in the UK short break holiday market, welcomes more than 2.1 million guests each year, with 96% of guests expressing an intention to return

Center Parcs Ireland has announced the latest dates available to book a break to the luxury forest resort, opening in Longford Forest this summer. Bookings for short breaks from the 16th of August 2019 onwards can now be made atwww.centerparcs.ie with the official launch date to be announced in the coming months.

With prices for a family of four starting from just €299 for a four-night midweek stay, families can start their new year by securing their first exciting escape to the resort. The €299 price includes accommodation for four people in one of the resort’s two-bed Woodland Lodges and access to Ireland’s largest waterpark, the Subtropical Swimming Paradise so families can splash their days away in the beautiful surroundings of Longford Forest.

 

Subtropical Swimming Paradise

The Subtropical Swimming Paradise will be Ireland’s largest waterpark and promises to offer Irish families a slice of paradise in the heart of the island. Heated to 29.5oC all year round and nestled amongst lush green tropical plants, the 3,500m2 Subtropical Swimming Paradise will provide endless hours of fun for all the family.

 

Guests to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise will be able to take a dip in the large family wave pool, tackle the Wild Water Rapids, make a splash in the children’s water play areas or relax in the tranquil whirlpools. The indoor waterpark will come complete with 350m of exhilarating rides and flumes suitable for all ages (and the daredevils!). Coming to Center Parcs Longford Forest are the Tropical Cyclone, a family raft ride with a gravity-defying drop; the Typhoon, a two-seater ride with drops, swings and speeds of up to 45km/ph; and the Twister a thrilling family body slide.

 

A break at Center Parcs includes unlimited free entry to the Subtropical Swimming Paradise which is open from 10am – 9pm every day!

 

 

Aqua Sana

Aqua Sana is Center Parcs’ very own spa retreat in the forest. Tucked away, surrounded by trees, Aqua Sana offers a sensory escape in the heart of the forest giving guests at Center Parcs Longford Forest an unparalleled spa experience, the opportunity to relax, unwind and treat themselves to some ‘me time’.

Measuring over 2,500 square-meters and costing €10m, Aqua Sana Longford Forest is set to be Ireland’s largest stand-alone spa, boasting 14 treatments rooms and 23 unique spa experiences.

 

Activities

Center Parcs has announced a raft of exciting activities that Irish families can expect to see and enjoy at the much-anticipated Longford Forest Resort. Over 100 indoor and outdoor activities will be available to choose from, ranging from Aerial Tree Trekking, for the daredevils at heart, to Pottery Painting, for those who prefer to keep their feet on terra firma. From Aerial Adventure and Laser Combat to Archery or the Indoor Climbing, there is something for even the most adventurous of families. Those with a creative spark can let their imagination take the lead with some Cupcake Decorating or Willow Weaving or, for those with a penchant for the great outdoors, there’s Den Building or a range of wildlife and nature walks. In fact, whatever your age or the weather, there will be plenty of activities for all the family to choose from:

Indoor activities include: Indoor Climbing Wall, Chocolate Chefs Academy, Sensory Play, Fencing, Table Tennis, Bowling and Badminton.

 

Accommodation

Set amongst 400 acres of woodland, each lodge at Center Parcs Longford Forest has been specifically designed for families. There will be three types of lodges to choose from – Woodland, Executive and Exclusive – all of which will offer the space, comfort and privacy that families desire. There will also be an additional 30 apartments, suitable for couples.

A home away from home, the Center Parcs lodges are designed with ultimate comfort and quality in mind. Each lodge will feature stylish, child-safe interiors with spacious open plan living, a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances, comfy sofas and a log-burning fire. The Executive Lodges will feature a games room with pool table and games console and a private sauna, and the Exclusive Lodges provide the added luxury of a steam room and outdoor hot tub. Every detail has been carefully considered so that families can make the most of their time together.

 

About Center Parcs

Center Parcs currently has five destinations across the UK; Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire, Elveden Forest in Suffolk, Longleat Forest in Wiltshire, Whinfell Forest in Cumbria and Woburn Forest in Bedfordshire and as the leader in the UK short break holiday market, welcomes more than 2.1 million guests each year, with 96% of guests expressing an intention to return.

 

 

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail