Cruise deals of the week

It’s been another good year for cruise holidays, and Cruise118.com, which is frequently featured in this column, is celebrating a record trading day, with sales up 360 per cent on a year ago. Gills Cruises, also a regular, says that despite the economic downturn, bookings for balcony cabins are up by 80 per cent.
James Cole of Cruise118 says the launch of Oasis of the Seas last month has helped boost sales generally. “There are many myths that surround cruising, and people often think that it’s simply a holiday choice for retired couples, there’s little to do on board, with regimented activities and terrible entertainment. That’s simply not true, and cruise ships are becoming increasingly popular with young people and families alike.”
This week’s deals:
Fly to Tenerife on January 8 for a seven-night cruise on board the Island Escape from just £489, calling at la Palma, Madeira, Agadir in Morocco, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.
Fares from £489. The same itinerary is avalable from £559 for a February 1 departure. Go to www.cruise118.com or call 0800 280 2614.
Start the New Year relaxing in the Caribbean on a 14-night casual Ocean Village cruise. Ports of call include Barbados, St Maarten, St Kitts, Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada & Dominica. Departures from Birmingham and Manchester on January 27, with fares starting at £1,099. Go to www.iglucruise.com or call 020 8544 6447, quoting ref: 39712.
Sail up the River Amazon aboard Fred Olsen’s Braemar, on a 15-day cruise with flights to Barbados departing from the UK on February 18. Ports of call include Santarem, Parantins, an overnight stop in Manaus and Tobago before returning to Barbados for the flight home. Inside cabins available from £1,149. Go to www.gillscruise.com or call 08456 58 23 23.
Tour the Gulf States in the comfort of Royal Caribbean ship Brilliance of the Seas. Sail from Dubai on February 22 and visit Muscat, Oman; Fujairah, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and
back to Dubai for an overnight stay on board. Fares, including flights, start at £699 for an inside cabin, and £799 for a balcony cabin. Go to www.gillscruise.com or call 08456 58 23 23.
The Italian-run ship Costa Luminosa is sailing a similar seven-night Jewels of the Emirates itinerary during January, from Dubai to Bahrain, Fujairah, Abu Dhabi and Muscat, with fares for the luxury Samsara Spa suites – including two exercise classes and two treatments – starting from £951, cruise-only. Departures on January 9, 16, 23 or 30. Go to www.costacruises.co.uk or call 020 7940 4499.