Latest news with #P&OCruises
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Advertising feature from Pride of Britain winner sets sail for ‘magical' reward After years as an NHS campaigner, Michelle Tolley couldn't believe she had been gifted a P&O Cruises holiday NHS campaigner Michelle Tolley fought for answers for the more than 30,000 people affected as part of the Infected Blood Scandal (Image: P&O Cruises)
When Michelle Tolley won an award at the Daily Mirror's Pride of Britain Awards for her campaign work, she was on top of the world. But there was another surprise in store for her. The 60-year-old (or as she likes to say, '59 plus one') has been a tireless campaigner, fighting for answers for the more than 30,000 people infected with HIV and Hepatitis C as part of the Infected Blood Scandal. Last year, she won a Pride of Britain Special Recognition Award alongside fellow campaigners Andrew Evans and Jason Evans, and was surprised with a P&O Cruises holiday from awards sponsor P&O Cruises. 'We were backstage and at first I thought they were telling us that fellow winner, midwife Agnes Nisbett, who was on stage, had been given a cruise,' says Michelle. 'And I was so happy for her. Then they said, 'No, all of you have won a cruise!'' It was the culmination of decades of ill health and hard work supporting fellow victims and holding the government to account. Michelle was infected with Hepatitis C when she received a blood transfusion following the birth of her first child in 1987. She endured 28 years of fatigue and illness, her symptoms dismissed by a doctor, before she was eventually diagnosed. And it was another year until she began treatment. 'I was so angry. I said to my husband Dean, I have to channel this into something good, or I don't know what I will do.' Michelle went on to manage a support group for fellow sufferers, worked alongside the fantastic Hepatitis C Trust, and presented at the official government enquiry. Michelle and Dean hadn't been abroad since they were married in 1984. 'I said to Dean, either I'm going on my own or you'll have to come with me,' laughs Michelle. 'We booked a Canary Islands cruise for May. It was the week before our 40th wedding anniversary, and I told P&O Cruises that if I had realised, we could have renewed our wedding vows. 'They called me back and said, 'you mentioned renewing your vows, we've organised that for you'. 'They did everything. They gave me the most beautiful bouquet of flowers, did our photographs, gave us a beautiful framed photo, and even treated us to two lovely meals.' The couple travelled aboard Ventura. Michelle's only cruise reference was a journey she took when she was nine years old in 1976, and she couldn't believe the difference. 'The enormity of seeing the ship was just mind-blowing,' she says. 'It felt like Christmas day and seeing all your presents. I had a childish urge to squeal. 'I just couldn't believe it; it was just amazing. I felt like welling up with emotion.' As well as their special vow renewal, Michelle and Dean made the most of all the facilities on board, enjoying the incredible food, the cinema and theatre, and exploring Madeira and the Canary Islands. 'At our first port of call in Madeira, I've never seen so many banana trees in all my life. I thought we'd just have a wander, but then I saw a taxi and asked him, 'how much for an hour?'. His name was Manuel, and he gave us a great price and took us on a tour of the island.' By the end of the cruise, Michelle and Dean were such converts that they booked another one right away. Now, they're getting ready for a Mediterranean cruise, escaping to the Caribbean in winter, and in 2027, they have a true adventure planned - a 108-day round-the-world cruise with P&O Cruises. After years of campaigning, Michelle is enjoying a new chapter of life. 'If you've never been on a cruise, I'd say do it,' she says. 'The facilities are fantastic, everyone is so nice, and it is great value for everything you get.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Saints tease black and red brand announcement with new social media clip
SAINTS have teased a black and red brand announcement to take place on Thursday, July 31, with a new video on their social media accounts. The 15-second clip posted on X shows a black armchair inflating on a red background, with the Saints badge and the date 31/07/2025 later projected onto the seat. The retro-style video features a timer that starts at 20:01 and stops at 20:13, prompting questions from some curious supporters in response. Saints did a similar thing with their away kit, which turned out to be a reimagining of the yellow and blue shirt they wore between 1995 and 1997. Southampton donned a black and red away shirt during the 2001/02 Premier League season, and could serve as the foundation for their latest retro-inspired kit. The St Mary's side have also launched their new home kit, which is a reimagining of the white and red striped shirt first worn in 1976/77. Both the home and away kits feature new principal front-of-shirt sponsor P&O Cruises, who have replaced Rollbit ahead of the Championship season.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
World's 'most beautiful cruise port' is tucked away in city that's UNESCO site
Cruise passengers never fail to be impressed as they sail into the breathtaking harbour in the European city so pretty the entire place has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site The world's most beautiful cruise port has been revealed, and the good news for Brits is that they won't need to sail too far to enjoy the views. That's because they'll simply need to pick cruises sailing along the Mediterranean with a port of call to Malta, as Valletta Cruise Port has been named the prettiest in the world. With its eye-catching historic buildings, traditional boats moored in the harbour and sun-soaked weather, it's not difficult to see why Valletta never fails to be a hit with holidaymakers. In fact, the city is so beautiful the entire place has been given UNESCO World Heritage status. Cruise expert says 'mega ships' will soon rival cities and carry 35,000 passengers Beautiful white sand beach is one of 'best in Europe' with crystal-clear waters According to new rankings from cruise specialists at AllClear Travel Insurance, Valletta gives the best first impression from the water as ships arrive. (Meanwhile, eagle-eyed TV fans may recognise it as one of the settings for King's Landing in Game of Thrones). To determine which ports were the prettiest, researchers conducted an "eye-tracking study that compared a variety of the world's most scenic ports and monitored which caught travellers' eyes the quickest, and for the longest amount of time". They explained: "A UNESCO World Heritage Site, our study's most beautiful cruise port is a masterpiece in harbour aesthetics. Its combination of golden limestone reflecting off the glistening water provides the ultimate, jaw-dropping arrival into this exciting mediterranean city, and with the longest fixation time of any port in the study, Malta certainly earned its place as our number one." One top tip from fellow cruise fans? "Walk into the historic town in just 15 minutes and explore St John's Co-Cathedral with its Baroque artwork, or head to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic views of the harbour itself." P&O Cruises, Fred. Olsen, Royal Caribbean, TUI's Marella Cruises and MSC Cruises. It's not difficult to see why it's so popular with intrepid explorers too. Highlights for GoT fans include the gates of Mdina and St Dominic's Convent, both of which served as filming locations in the show, while a boat trip to the nearby islands of Gozo and Comino allows you to take in the views of lagoons with azure waters that look like the stuff of postcards (Gozo's submerged Azure Window is a must-visit). History buffs won't be disappointed either courtesy of the numbers of temples and catacombs that can be explored. It wasn't just Valletta which impressed in the study. Out of the top 10 spots, the majority of the world's prettiest ports were in Mediterranean locations, including the likes of Italy and Croatia. You can check out the top 10 list below. Valletta Cruise Port, Malta Port of Ushuaia, Argentina Port of Palermo, Italy Stadsgården Cruise Terminal, Sweden Nassau Cruise Port, Bahamas Aruba Cruise Terminal, Aruba Lisbon Cruise Port, Portugal, and Sydney's Overseas Passenger Terminal, Australia Port Sultan Qaboos, Oman, and Ege Port, Turkey Port of Gruž, Croatia Cape Town Cruise Terminal, South Africa
Telegraph
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Five essential things to know before you board a Princess Cruises ship
Founded in 1965 and later acquired by British-owned P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises was swallowed up by US giant Carnival Corporation in 2003. Eschewing the swagger of other American lines, Princess wears its heritage in a more refined way, while rolling out inventive concepts that have helped change the face of the cruise industry. Princess led the way in incorporating more private balconies on ships (its fleet still has one of the highest percentages of balcony cabins) and was the first to bring al fresco movie screens on board, with its Movies Under the Stars programme. Other innovations include the exclusive, adult-only Sanctuary deck space, a concept later adopted by rivals, and a wearable device called Ocean Medallion that lets passengers order food and drinks from around the ship and acts as a cabin door key. The California-based line has built up a solid reputation for offering a premium, 'classic cruising' ambience. Its ships are known for popular features such as the central atrium hub, the Piazza, and eateries including Sabatini's Italian trattoria and Crown Grill steakhouse. These are complemented by a signature chef's table and balcony dining experiences. Underpinning all of this is Princess's Love Boat legacy. The line became a household name in the 1970s when its ships Pacific Princess and Island Princess took viewers to exotic destinations for the popular American TV series. Set on Pacific Princess, the show is credited with bringing cruising to a new audience, and Princess still references its Love Boat connections today. 1. Where does Princess Cruises sail? The line's 16-strong fleet covers the world, with sailings to all seven continents and port calls at more than 330 destinations. The Mediterranean and the Caribbean (private resort Princess Cays is located in the Bahamas) are strongholds in summer and winter, respectively, although Princess is also known for imaginative itineraries, particularly to Japan and Australia (where it bases ships), the Panama Canal and Hawaii. Alaska is another region that it dominates, claiming to take more guests to the region than anyone else. Sailings to Alaska can also be combined with stays at the five wilderness lodges it owns. These 'cruise tours', combining cruises and land tours, are also offered in Europe, South America, Australia and New Zealand and Japan. Sailings vary from two-night mini-breaks to grand voyages and world cruises. Princess also bases ships in Southampton – three will be home-ported there in summer 2025. It also offers a handful of departures from Dover. 2. Who does Princess Cruises appeal to? Princess's elegant ships, high-end ambience and varied itineraries appeal to well-travelled couples in an older age range (the average is 59.4) than you would find on livelier lines like Royal Caribbean International or Carnival Cruise Line. Families are catered for with nurseries that take babies aged from six months to teen hangouts that cater for youngsters up to 17. While Princess ships lack the watersides and rides of other family-focused lines, Caribbean Princess has an interactive children's splash zone. Family-friendly accommodation, shore excursions and entertainment also make the line popular with multi-generational groups. Princess was the first line to offer weddings at sea and offers three wedding packages as either legal or symbolic ceremonies. It's worth noting the relatively steep gratuities that will be added to the final bill. 3. Princess Cruises' fleet There are 16 ships in the Princess fleet, though its ranks will be swelled by the arrival of the second Sphere-class ship Star Princess in September. Other ships are grouped as Royal, Grand and Coral. Sphere class Star Princess (4,300 passengers), Sun Princess (4,300 passengers) The newest and ground-breaking ship class for Princess feels more spacious and has a livelier vibe. When Sun Princess launched in spring 2024, it was hailed as the largest and most innovative Princess ship yet, with many new features. The enlarged Piazza is housed in a glass sphere, the main theatre has been replaced by smaller performance venues, including the Princess Arena and The Dome, and there is a themed magic experience called Spellbound by Magic Castle. Favourite restaurants have been joined by new additions, including the romantic Love by Britto, offering a romance-inspired fixed-priced menu. The Sanctuary private deck area has been expanded to The Sanctuary Collection offering a private sun deck with pool and a dedicated restaurant and lounge. Sails to: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal Royal class Discovery Princess (3,660 passengers), Enchanted Princess (3,660 passengers), Sky Princess (3,660 passengers), Majestic Princess (3,560 passengers), Regal Princess (3,560 passengers), Royal Princess (3,560 passengers) These ships have more space than their predecessors, with a larger atrium, a glass-bottomed walkway on the top deck called the SeaWalk, extending over the edge of the ship, private poolside cabanas and a live TV entertainment studio, Princess Live! Dining options include Chef's Table Lumiere – a custom-made table surrounded by a shimmering curtain that encloses diners in a curtain of light. All outside staterooms on these ships also have balconies. Sails to: Alaska, Asia, Australasia, the Pacific coast, Caribbean, US Eastern Seaboard, Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Europe, Canary Islands, British Isles, Hawaii, Pacific coast, Australasia Grand class Emerald Princess (3,090 passengers), Ruby Princess (3,080 passengers), Crown Princess (3,090 passengers), Caribbean Princess (3,140 passengers), Diamond Princess (2,710 passengers), Sapphire Princess (2,680 passengers), Grand Princess (2,610 passengers) These popular ships encapsulate many of the activities and facilities for which Princess is known, while offering a more intimate ambience. The heart of the ship is the atrium and piazza, which is a gathering point for drinks, coffee and live performances. Entertainment is spread across the main theatre and lounges and the line's most popular restaurants are on board. Diamond Princess has features which appeal to the Japanese market, as the ship is largely based there, while Caribbean Princess has a family pool deck. Sails to: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean, Panama Canal, West Coast US, the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Alaska, Pacific Coast, Hawaii, Australasia, World Cruise, Asia, Caribbean, South America, Antarctica, Europe, US Eastern Seaboard, Australasia Coral class Coral Princess (2,000 passengers), Island Princess (2,210 passengers) These are the smallest ships in the fleet. The trade-off is facilities – while there is a good line-up, it doesn't match those of larger, sister ships. Coral Princess and Island Princess generally offer more destination-rich itineraries, along with world cruises and long voyages. Sails to: Pacific Coast, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, the Caribbean, Australasia, Asia (Coral); Panama Canal, the Caribbean, US Eastern Seaboard, Hawaii, Pacific Coast, Alaska, Mediterranean 4. Loyalty scheme Princess's Captain's Circle programme has four tiers, starting with Gold for one sailing, and progressing to Ruby, Platinum and Elite – the highest level reached after 15 cruises or 150 cruise days. Benefits range from early access to new itineraries and members-only events, to discounts on shore excursions and at on-board shops, and priority disembarkation. 5. Access for guests with disabilities Ships have accessible staterooms and public areas. Braille and tactile signage is available on all ships and hearing telecommunications with advance notice. Service animals are welcome. For more details, see or call 0344 338 8663.
Daily Record
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Lanarkshire theatre group Ups and Downs celebrate Pride of Scotland award
The group for young people with Down's syndrome and their families earned the P&O Cruises inspiration award in their 30th anniversary year A much-loved Lanarkshire theatre company is celebrating after earning a prestigious Pride of Scotland award. Ups and Downs, made up of young people with Down's syndrome and their siblings, was awarded the inaugural inspiration category prize sponsored by P&O Cruises at the glittering annual awards ceremony in Glasgow – where members then 'stole the show' with their impressive rendition of The Greatest Showman hit This Is Me. The group's representatives were given a standing ovation from a capacity audience packed with celebrities from across Scotland as they received their glittering trophy from Coronation Street actor Liam Bairstow, Strictly Come Dancing star Dr Punam Krishan and Wellerman singer Nathan Evans, of Airdrie. Now the group is planning a special celebration at Hamilton racecourse later this month to mark their achievement and to be able to celebrate with all of the organisation's members and families. Ups and Downs are celebrating the group's 30th anniversary in 2025, staging their special annual show to mark the milestone at Hamilton town house in March. They also have an exciting engagement in the diary for later in the year, as group patron Calum Beattie has invited the Ups and Downs performers to join him on stage by opening for him at his forthcoming show at the Hydro in Glasgow. Guests at the Pride of Scotland awards ceremony saw a special video showcasing the group's busy and fun rehearsals, with performers and their families speaking about the close-knit atmosphere, support among members and their loved ones and 'joyful' times together – with long-standing member Joanne Toner saying: 'I treat my Ups and Downs peers as family.' The group was first formed by three music teachers who had noted recognised that young people with Down's syndrome in the schools where they worked had a particular musicality and love for theatre; and now more than 70 young people plus their siblings come together for weekly rehearsals to show their creative talents and get set for their much-anticipated annual shows. Winning members were interviewed on stage at the awards event in Glasgow by Scots stars Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli – and group member Ellis Leggatt, 26, told them: 'Ups and Downs have been the most amazing friends of mine for 20 years and it's been so much fun.' He has been involved with the group since the age of five and mum Lorna, who now serves as club president, added: 'Rehearsals are the most uplifting thing and when you come to see the show it is the best feelgood factor you could hope to have. 'The joy that Ups and Downs are capable of spreading, and the idea that the rest of Scotland can get to hear about us and we can spread that joy, is just incredible. 'Young people with Down's syndrome can be funny, frail, musical, mischievous, wilful and witty just like everyone else. They're individuals with their own strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, hopes and dreams and, above all, they love to sing and dance – Ups and Downs allows them to show off their passion and they thrive on it.' The inspiration award winners' performance of This Is Me at the awards ceremony was described as 'spellbinding' and , fittingly, 'one of the most uplifting moments of the night'; while Lanarkshire musician Nathan said: 'When they sang everyone in the room got goosebumps.' Calling Ups and Downs 'amazing', he added: 'They are pure joy to watch; I had a lump in my throat. Their enthusiasm and passion is absolutely incredible.' Actor Liam said he was 'so honoured' to present the group with their Pride of Scotland award, while Dr Punam told members: 'Words that come to me are talent, heart, sparkle, joy – you are all so inspiraitonal. You've been lighting up the stage, lighting up lives and Scotland is so proud of all of you.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
