A breath of fresh air with Royal Caribbean

In time to help guests set their New Year's resolutions for a healthier lifestyle, Royal Caribbean has announced a new smoking policy on board its ships, effective from January 2008. To bolster the cruise line's new Vitality wellbeing programme, which recently debuted on Liberty of the Seas, Royal Caribbean is increasing smoke-free zones by designating all staterooms and one lounge on each ship in its fleet as non-smoking areas.
Guests wishing to smoke may still do so from starboard outer decks, in designated areas in bars and lounges and on stateroom and suite balconies.

Royal Caribbean's new smoking policy is the topic of this weeks poll. Have your say and vote today!

Take a tour around the Ocean Village Two!

Check out the official images of the new Ocean Village Two or take a virtual tour. Step aboard and you'll soon find that the new ship is kitted out in true Ocean Village style with pools, jacuzzis, bars and restaurants aplenty and is fully geared up to visit some of the hottest destinations in the Med.

The New Generation of Cruisers

Cruises are no longer just for older, rich people who want to wear a tux for dinner! The new generation of cruise lines are attracting a new, younger and informal crowd.

Cruising is the fastest growing area of the UK travel market which means increasing numbers of first time cruisers. Many of these first time cruisers try a cruise and stay option - combining a land and sea based holiday. Cruises now have casual dress policies, flexible dining options, lively and contemporary entertainment.

The best place for a non-cruiser to start would be with Ocean Village - "The cruise for people who don't do cruises". Each ship comes packed with restaruants, boutiques and bars. They feature 24/7 dining and fantastic entertainment. The on shore activities are also aimed at the younger market with mountain-biking, abseiling and even jeep adventures!

Alaskan Adventures

There are some remote corners of the world where the best, and often the only way to travel is by ship. Alaska is one such place. Alaska's sheer wilderness is breathtaking and you are sure to spot much of the native wildlife from brown bears to pods of humpback whales. The wildlife is the main attraction but Alaska has other faces too. Alaskan artitecture is reminiscent of the Gold Rush days and there are colourful totem poles at every stop! The glaciers are one of Alaska's unforgettable sights. Glacier Bay, where 12 glaciers converge into one magnificient fjord should not be missed.

When to go: May to September
What to pack: Fleece, sunglasses, binoculars, zoom lens and walking shoes.
The upside: Fresh air, active days, amazing scenery
The downside: Small ports can get busy and prices on land are expensive.

Adapted from inside cruise article.

QE2 to become a floating hotel

Cunard's longest serving ship, the QE2 is to cease ocean cruises and become a luxury floating hotel. Launched by the Queen in 1967 it is to be sold to a Dubai World Company in a £50 million deal.

It will be berthed from 2009 at a specially constructed pier at the Palm Jumeriah development, the world's largest man-made island.