Cruises

Following the addition of White Emperor City as an optional excursion featured in Victoria Cruises 2010 Yangtze River brochure, Chinas pre-eminent five-star cruise line has announced a second optional shore excursion for those on the go types who prefer to do and see as much as they can when on vacation. Starting in March 2010, guests on one of Victoria Cruises Yangtze River itineraries can also opt to visit a 12-story red, wooden pagoda at Shibaozhai for $32 per guest.

With the announcement yesterday that British Airways cabin crew have voted in favour of industrial action be assured that Celebrity Cruises will be monitoring the situation very closely.

At the present time no strike dates have been announced. However, if this situation should change then we will be doing all that we possibly can to minimise the effect to our travelling guests.

Cruise vacations have become a popular way to see the world with new ships and themed excursions being added every year. In fact, between 1980 and 2004, the cruise industry has seen an 8.2 percent average passenger growth rate per year. If you've considered a cruise, but feel daunted by choices and questions, use the information below from Orbitz travel expert Heather Leisman to take the mystery out of organizing and preparing for your very own sea adventure

In 1933, two struggling British shipping companies treaded water as the Great Depression sunk hundreds of businesses. Cunard and White Star Lines merged in 1934 and currently operate under the Cunard name, sailing cruise ships you've probably heard of, like the Titanic and the Queen Elizabeth 2, or the QE2, and popularizing the idea of luxury travel by sea.