onboard

IT’S 11pm and I’m at the all-night cafe in pyjamas and slippers, unsure whether to order six or eight chocolate-chip cookies.  

The lady next to me, by contrast, is dressed in a glamorous ballgown and buying an espresso. 

Peering down into the Piazza below — my eight cookies in hand — I spy a lively crowd who are throwing their best shapes to dance music at the silent disco. 

A cruise is like no other holiday. 

While I was preparing myself for a girls’ night in, with room service and a movie, other passengers were rolling out of glitzy restaurants and heading off in search of late-night fun in the Piazza or pouring out of the theatre after another West End-style show. 

Couples were taking a stroll around the outside deck in the warm Mediterranean air and the casino’s bright lights were still drawing in crowds.

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Where else can you get such varied fun rolled into one small(ish) space? 

That’s why, when it came to deciding our girls’ trip this year, a voyage on the high seas came out on top.

My work pals and I can’t take credit for coining the girls’ trip at sea. 

More and more women are swapping long weekends sipping pina coladas in Marbella for action-packed sailings. 

And major cruise lines, including Princess Cruises, have begun flogging packages designed solely for female groups — championing the on-board shopping and sleek bars and the appeal of the multiple destinations in one trip. 

Princess Cruises’ Suzanne Korff says: “It’s the ultimate girls’ trip — the perfect blend of luxury, laughter and adventure, all with incredible value.”  

It’s certainly true that cruises offer more bang for your buck — a huge perk in a time when people are more cash-strapped than ever.

My week’s Mediterranean sailing on board Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess cost my pals and I around £900 per person.

When we weren’t pounding the sunny streets of Palermo in Sicily, or gobbling up pizza in Naples, we were aboard the 21-deck ship soaking up the sun.  

That included not just our flights and cabin, but all of our food and all the entertainment — from Broadway musicals in the large theatre to Celtic bands in the traditional Irish boozer. 

When we weren’t pounding the sunny streets of Palermo in Sicily, or gobbling up pizza in Naples, we were aboard the 21-deck ship soaking up the sun.  

And there were plenty of places to gather for a good dip and gossip.

There are two sparkling pools on the Lido deck, complete with plenty of loungers, as well as a fantastic Wake View pool with infinity edge overlooking the back of the ship. 

Mixologist tricks 

For those chillier, early-morning swims, the indoor/outdoor pool in the glass-ceilinged Dome was perfect — again with plenty of places to chill with your pals. 

Those wanting to really up the ante can splash out on a suite, which will give you access to the Sanctuary Club.  

Think your ultimate Mediterranean beach club but with a chilled, tranquil atmosphere and cushioned beds and loungers, scattered between hot tubs. 

There’s also a decent-sized pool, as well as a bar that can whip up all manner of cocktails, including an excellent frozen daiquiri.

Some afternoons, a DJ or live singer appear, perfect to lull you into a serene snooze while you tan.

But the highlight of this exclusive zone is undoubtedly the prosecco wall.

Several times a day, during the afternoon, guests are encouraged to ring a large bell protruding from a plant-covered wall.

Moments later, a hand will emerge from the shrubbery, as if by magic, clutching a complimentary flute of prosecco for the bell-ringer.  

On sea days, the magical wall even serves up mimosas from 9.30am to 11am. 

Of course, drinks can be delivered directly to your sunbed. Food can be ordered anywhere within the Sanctuary Club, too, so you really needn’t lift a finger. 

But with 30 restaurants and bars on board, you would be mad not to dine around.  

Among complimentary options are Soleil and Eclipse dining areas, each serving a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner in a grand two-level setting.  

For something more casual, The Eatery is Sun Princess’ take on a buffet, where you can flit between Mexican, Italian, American and almost every other cuisine imaginable.  

Elsewhere there’s sushi, pub grub and a gelateria, all included in the price of your cruise. And that’s before you get to the specialty joints, for which guests pay extra.  

Spellbound, created in partnership with American arts venue Magic Castle, is a speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar where mixologists perform tricks. 

The teppanyaki restaurant is well worth the dosh. Sat at a horseshoe-shaped bar, around a huge steel griddle, we watched as our chef turned dinner into a show — tossing eggs with a flick of his fish slice and transforming an omelette into a snake that slithered before our eyes. 

The magic did not end there, though. What makes this cruise ship truly stand out lies behind an unassuming door on the eighth deck.

Spellbound, created in partnership with American arts venue Magic Castle, is a speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar where mixologists perform tricks. 

Welcomed into a cosy, low-lit room with a flickering fireplace and panelled walls covered in black-and-white photographs, we were transported back in time to the roaring Twenties.

We were listening as an ominous voice recalled the story of a family of magicians — when suddenly the wall ahead slid open, revealing a hidden bar. 

Every detail within, from paintings that follow you while you walk, to the ghost of a pianist who even takes song requests, has been carefully schemed. 

And the sorcery doesn’t end there. Smoke-billowing cocktails are accompanied by card tricks — leading up to a grand finale that will have you gasping in awe. 

Not even the sunrise view from our cabin balconies could top that magic. 

A NUMBER of airlines are set to join the masses in banning a popular item on flights.

A handful of Australian airline companies are set to ban power banks on their flights within the next few weeks.

Qantas and Virgin Australia will ban the useful charging item after one caught fire in an overhead locker onboard a Virgin Australia flight in July.

The new rules mean that passengers will be limited to what size the portable charger is and they must be easily accessible within a passenger’s luggage.

Passengers will also be limited in how many portable chargers they take onboard to just two.

Virgin Australia’s chief operations officer Chris Snook said: “Globally, more lithium battery-powered devices are now being carried by travellers, and while these items are generally safe when packed and handled appropriately, this move will minimise any potential risks associated with these devices.”

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Changes in policy for Virgin Australia will come into force on December 1.

Passengers will be limited to a power bank capacity of 100 watt-hour – anything more than this and special approval will be needed.

As for other Australian airlines, the ban will take effect from December 15 for Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar and the maximum capacity of a power bank allowed will be 160 watt-hour.

The ban will apply to all international and domestic flights.

In an announcement last week, the airlines confirmed that power banks will still be allowed on flights, they just need to be somewhere accessible – so ideally in you underseat bag in front of you or the pocket in the back of the seat.

Virgin Australia flights will also not allow power banks to be stored in the overhead compartment.

Power banks will also be banned from checked-in luggage.

If a passenger needs to charge their device during a flight, they can use the in-seat USB ports.

The Australian airlines are not the first to introduce limits on power banks, as a number of other airlines have already introduced rules such as Emirates and Singapore Airlines.

If you want to know whether your power bank is allowed on a flight you are due to catch, first have a look at your airline’s website to find out its capacity limits on power banks.

Then, to calculate the watt-hour of your power bank, multiply the battery capacity (mAh) by the voltage (V) of the internal lithium battery and divide by 1,000.

Australian airlines introducing new rules on power banks follows a statement made by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) in the US, back in September, after 50 incidents had been reported concerning power banks onboard flights.

The FAA said: “Lithium batteries stored in passenger overhead bins and or in carry-on baggage may be obscured, difficult to access, or not readily monitored by passengers or crewmembers.

“Because of this, detection of thermal runaway and firefighting measures may be delayed in flight, increasing the risk to safety.”

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The Disney Destiny has a heroes and villains theme with plenty of fun character interactions, a new Hercules show, and themed bars including one inspired by Cruella DeVil

I’d barely been onboard the Disney Destiny for a few hours but I’d already seen Marvel villain Loki attempt to take command of the ship, eaten my weight in ice cream while looking out at sea, and searched out my go-to cocktail spot in the ship’s Cruella DeVil themed bar.

I was lucky enough to be one of the first people onboard Disney Cruise Line’s seventh ship ahead of its sailings from Florida this month, and very quickly, it was obvious that it offers up a huge amount of fun for guests.

One of the biggest underrated perks of a Disney cruise is the character meet and greets. There are so many slots available throughout the day, and you can check the Disney Navigator App to see when and where your favourite characters will appear. Just on a two-day sailing I managed to meet Cruella DeVil, Maleficent, Belle, Mickey, Captain Hook and Smee, as well as getting a cheeky dance in with Mickey, Donald and Goofy at one of the onboard dance parties for families.

I later heard from other passengers that there’s even a secret parlour on board where you can meet the Princess and the Frog’s Dr. Facilier; but be warned, only a handful of guests can get in, and they’ve all been warned to stay tight-lipped about what awaits!

It’s the sort of character time that any Disney fan dreams of – but in the parks sometimes it can be tricky to fit them in amongst trying to get on all of the rides too, so here it’s a much more relaxed way to have those magical moments.

There’s so much more to the ship than just the characters though. The top deck boasts multiple pools including one right by a huge screen where you can watch Disney films, while the adults-only areas include plenty of loungers and breathtaking ocean views for a bit of peace and quiet. (If you’re after the latter, then don’t miss out on a trip to the spa!).

Throughout the day there are plenty of fun events including Disney and Marvel themed quizzes, live music, and fun activities including a ‘Diaper Dash’ where parents can race their babies which is inevitably adorable and chaotic.

I managed to also brave a ride on the AquaMouse water slide where you’re in a dinghy being propelled around the tubes above the ship. A word of warning; you get absolutely drenched, but then again who wants to go on a water slide and stay dry?

Come evening time, you can sip on cocktails at DeVil’s or brave mortals can head to the Haunted Parlour where paintings come alive, ghostly apparitions make themselves known, and the cocktails are so pretty you’ll want to take a million photos before you drink them. At DeVils, a cosy lounge inspired by Cruella with live piano music, you’ll find a creative drinks menu including the Fearless Sir Galahad, a smokey mocktail resembling an Old Fashioned, and the Perfectly Wretched which served alongside ‘edible’ make-up treats.

For us Brits, the Cask and Cannon pirates-themed pub is a must visit – and yes, you can get a decent pint!

For those who love the theatre, the brand new Hercules show that’s exclusive to the Destiny is a must-watch. The cast were brilliant, the atmosphere was so fun and some of those special effects were genuinely jaw-dropping. The theatre feels very ornate so you forget you’re on a cruise ship and not in the West End.

There’s also an impressive production of Frozen which again does the film justice with a talented cast, special effects and plenty of fun surprises for the audience (I won’t spoil it!).

I was impressed by how much is actually going on in the evenings, from the pirates’ night with a whole show and live music, to those all-important fireworks at sea! (Disney Cruise Line is currently the only cruise line to offer this). Even when we set off, there was a fun Sail Away party with Mickey and friends appearing for a cute little dance show.

All of that fun and activity can work up an appetite, but don’t worry; you can absolutely eat your way through this holiday. Marceline Market is the main buffet (head here for Mickey waffles at breakfast), while Mickey’s Festival of Foods has stalls serving up everything from tacos to barbecues.

For evening meals, what’s great about Disney cruises is that you’re on ‘rotational dining’, so you’ll get a spot at the main restaurants without needing to fight for a booking. Disney Destiny is the first ship to offer the Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King restaurant, where you get to listen to live performances of the film’s iconic songs while tucking into your food, while World of Marvel offers up some fun interactions including a chance to show off your Marvel knowledge with a quiz.

If you fancy an adults-only meal (because these cruises don’t just cater to families), then the all-inclusive brunch at Palo Steakhouse is a must. Honestly, I thought they were kidding when they told me I could order a bit of everything, so I did – I practically had to roll out of that restaurant but it was so worth it. Don’t expect small portions! It’s worth noting that while most food is included in your Disney cruise price, Palo Steakhouse comes at an additional cost.

As for those with a sweet tooth, there is so much ice cream available around the ship that I honestly believe that by the time I left I was about 80% sugar. (Edna A La Mode Sweets is a must-visit to build up your own epic treats).

When that sugar crash inevitably hits, the Destiny’s staterooms have everything you could need to unwind. Big bed? Check. Heroes and villains theming? Check. Bathrooms, amenities, and plenty of storage? Check, check, check. My stateroom had a balcony and I was impressed by how large it actually was – the perfect spot to take in those ocean views especially when we sailed towards Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay!

Book the holiday

Virgin Atlantic Holidays offers four nights on the Disney Destiny from £5,384 for a family of four. Includes direct Virgin Atlantic Economy Classic flights from London Heathrow to Miami, room-only stay at Sonesta Fort Lauderdale in a Deluxe 2 Double Ocean View Room for one night before boarding, followed by a Disney Destiny sailing visiting Nassau and Castaway Cay.

Price is based on a family of four (two adults and two children aged 3–11) travelling and sharing an Inside Stateroom and includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges. Price is based on a departure on 30th September 2026.

Virgin Atlantic Holidays is a member of ABTA and is ATOL protected. To book, visit Virgin Atlantic Holidays or call 0344 557 3859. Prices subject to change and availability. Virgin Atlantic Holidays terms and conditions apply.

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AS I walked down the gangplank, I felt green – no not seasick, ENVY!

I’m taking a look at the latest vessel to join the Ambassador fleet, its first fly-cruise ship.

Renaissance was setting off from London Tilbury on a cold afternoon to spend the winter cruising the Caribbean – sadly, without me.

The first guests were already having fun at Le Lido with its lovely swimming pool and two whirlpools, under an impressive retractable roof.

There is another outdoor pool at the stern.

Renaissance is British-French owned and recently renovated – and it shows. Not glitzy, not modern, just effortlessly chic.

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Top-notch dining

It can carry 1,100 guests who will fly/cruise from Barbados on 14-night itineraries, which include visits to St Kitts, Martinique, Antigua, St Maarten and Curacao.

The cruise line has chartered Virgin Atlantic flights from Heathrow or Manchester to fly you in style to join Renaissance for the winter season, with four choices of seating class.

Renaissance will then head to Blighty for the summer to join sister ships Ambience and Ambition with exciting new itineraries.

A peek at the choice of cabins impressed me. Even the inside one is spacious, light and airy, with serious amounts of storage – and enough hangers!

This is not a super- luxurious expensive cruise line, but it offers a great-value opportunity to escape the British winter.

The inside cabins were the best I have ever seen. The suites? Well, with a super-spacious private balcony, I would have had to drag myself away to enjoy the onboard entertainment. They were very good value.

There are of course porthole and window cabins, some balcony, and even cabins with sliding doors onto the outside deck.

The theatre was gorgeous – elegant and comfortable, West End glamour – without the queue for the Ladies!

A large gym, and free access to the spa suite promised opportunities to keep fit. Lots of lounge and library space too.

And there are plenty of top-notch dining options.

The impressive Valet main dining restaurant covers two decks and offers great sea views.

The Belle Vue buffet restaurant is great for casual dining and there are three speciality venues at a small extra cost plus a signature Chef’s Table seven-course dining experience.

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Kreole will serve up a vibrant menu reflecting Caribbean culinary traditions, Lotus has Pan-Asian options and Terre et Mer will feature a six-course extravaganza.

I was sad Renaissance sailed without me this time but you don’t have to miss the boat, there are Christmas and New Year cruises as well as lots more dates to discover the delights of Ambassadors’ Renaissance in the Caribbean in 2026.

A MAJOR airline has revealed plans to restart UK flights – and you might just get the best sleep onboard.

Air New Zealand last had flights between the UK and New Zealand back in 2020.

However the route – which went via Los Angeles – was axed during Covid.

The London-Auckland route first launched in 1982, and was the first commercial airline to welcome a royal when the Queen broke with tradition in 1995 to travel onboard.

And now the airline’s new CEO has revealed future plans to start up again, alongside a number of routes in India.

Nikhil Ravishankar told local outlet Stuff: “Places we would go tomorrow if we could, and we want to get there as quickly as we can, would be London [and India] – those are places that we know New Zealanders are interested in being connected to.

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“I think all three of those are equally important for us, but India and London are top of the list.

“There are a lot of reasons why New Zealand should be connected to the United Kingdom – it’s a very, very important, almost a cultural highway for us, and so we need to get that route up and running.”

It isn’t clear when this could restart, or where the airline will connect via.

Due to the long nature of the flight – often taking around 24 hours – connections are often in destinations such as Singapore or Hong Kong.

If it does restart, its good news for passengers as Air New Zealand is the only airline in the world set to have bunk beds onboard.

Launching in early 2026, the Skynest will include six bunk bed sleep pods that both economy and premium economy passengers will be able to book.

Each bed can be booked for a four hour slot, and will have new pillows, sheets and blankets per passengers, as well as earplugs, charging points and a personal light.

A curtain will be able to be closed to offer some extra privacy.

They were initially set to launch in 2024 on flights from New York to New Zealand but have since been delayed.

While prices are yet to be confirmed, it was previously suggested that the four hour sessions could be between NZ$400-$600 (£173-£260).

However, you can only book one slot per flight – so make the most of the four hours.

Otherwise there is also the Skycouch, where you can turn a row of three sets into a lie flat bed.

Rather than pay for three seats, passengers can buy two seats and then upgrade to the Skycouch, with then includes the third seat.

Passengers don’t need to buy three seats – instead, you pay for two seats and then upgrade to the Skycouch which automatically includes the third seat.

Prices start from £104 each way.

In the mean time, Brits can fly to New Zealand with other airlines such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific.

Flights include stopovers in Dubai, Singapore, Doha and Hong Kong, respectively.

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