Blogs > Martin's Blog > April 2012

April 2012

Check the Cupboards This Weekend

27th April 2012

I can categorically say there is nothing of historical value in my flat, in fact the oldest thing you’ll find routing through my cupboards would probably be an old copy of Now That’s What I Call Music 10!

However, I’ll be having a cheeky look through the parents dresser next time they’re away on holiday after the excellent story yesterday about the pearl and diamond earrings that were sold at auction in Salisbury for £1.6million! The original estimate was somewhere closer to £500,000.

They'd been hiding in a draw for 35 years!

It’s a real life Only Fools and Horses moment….

Good luck checking the cupboards this weekend – let me know what you find!

Posted by Martin Starke at 6:42am

Independence of the Seas

22nd April 2012

For what seems like an eternity, people have been asking me “Who’s on the Cruise” and, for today at least, the answer was me!

Duncan Harrison may have been the lucky winner of a 14 night cruise in our recent competition, but today 50 lucky guest of Bath Travel got to explore all that Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas has to offer with a VIP tour and lunch on board the ship between turnaround in Southampton.

The weather arriving at Dock Gate 10 was glorious, although the shadow cast over the dockside by the vast ship was the first indication of the sheer size of the vessel.

Once through security, we were greeted by our guides and escorted onto the ship and up to the 13^th floor (!!!) to begin the tour.

I caught up with a number of key staff to find out more about Royal Caribbean and Independence of the Seas, starting with the main man, Captain Teo Strazicic…

The ship is obviously full of innovation and an amazing use of space with everything from a boxing ring, ice rink and a full scale theatre that can boast productions which wouldn't seem out of place in London's West End.

And then there was the climbing wall... mini golf... spa and fitness centre... and casino, not to mention the 8 restaurants and 13 bars!

Strolling past the shops in the Royal Promenade you could be forgiven for thinking you were in nearby West Quay instead.

Cruising really has changed so much over recent years and you get the impression from the moment you step on board that this really is a ship designed with the whole family in mind – although I think my first stop would be one of the adult only relaxation areas or the day spa!

James Thomas is a Senior Guest Services Officers on board and Donna Horlock is the Executive Sous-chef, they both told me about what guests can expect onboard...

I get the impression that 10 nights is not enough to see all that this magnificent ship has to offer, which explains the vast number of ‘return cruisers’ that are being greeted by the now familiar faces of the check in staff as we mingle amongst those who are excited to be heading off to the Canaries for some much needed sun.

Cruise Director Luke, told me more about what the passengers can get up to...

Now, maybe it's because I was born in Southampton, but I’ve always had a fascination with the sea and today has certainly done nothing other than whet my appetite more!

Who’s coming with me?

Thanks to everyone at Bath Travel in Salisbury and Royal Caribbean.

Posted by Martin Starke at 7:10pm

Dirty Dancing

6th April 2012

The iconic Dirty Dancing arrived at The Mayflower Theatre this week, so I popped down to Southampton to catch up with the cast and find out more about watermelons, the lake scene and putting Baby in the corner…

Dirty Dancing