Imagine the romance of getting married or renewing your vows on board a cruise ship somewhere exotic. There was a time when cruising was the holiday choice of Sweepstakes winners, but not any more. Cruising has become more readily available and prices are now within the reach of many of us. Royal Caribbean offers exceptional value for the old or the young, with entertainment and activities to suit all. Families are well catered for with babysitting service, kids and youth programmes. All the ships have great activities, including pools, gyms, jog tracks and games. Child-friendly ideas from Royal Caribbean include the Soda Fountain Promotion, where from $8 your little darlings can drink as much lemonade or coke as they want. Brochures from your local travel agent.
Whoever thought you could get to New York Washington for £185? Until the end of March you can with Air France. By travelling via Paris they are offering this fare from Dublin: your stay must include a Saturday night. Merrion Travel has more details on (01) 676 3388.
Irish Ferries has been slashing and cutting and chopping its fares to Holyhead for 1998. Low season prices have been reduced to £158 return for a car and five passengers, high season, mid-week fares are now £298. (01) 661 0511, (021) 551995, (053)33158.
Citalia, the Italian specialist tour operator has appointed Budget Travelshop as its agent for Ireland. They offer an extensive range of package and tailor-made holidays to the Italian mainland and islands. They have city break programme to 23 Italian cities, an extensive range of self-catering accommodation on the rivieras, tours to Tuscany and Umbria, cruises on the Italian Lakes and holidays on the islands of Sardinia, Sicily, Ischia and Capri. Brochures from Budget Travelshops, or (01) 661 1866.
The idyllic surroundings of Carriglas Manor, in Longford offer a the perfect ambience for painters of landscape, garden, grand architecture and interiors. In whatever medium you prefer, watercolours, oil, acrylic, gouache or pastel. For Ronald Swanwick teaching is a passion. He works with small groups and his students enjoy a high degree of success with their work. Also during May, Belinda Ballantine will return to do her interesting furniture painting, decoupage and faxus fishishes courses. In true country house style you can enjoy Carriglas Manor while perfecting your hobby. More details from Mrs Tessa Lefroy (043 41026), Carriglas Manor, Longford, or email: lefroyjg@tinet.ie.
In an unusual example of cross-border initiatives, the Minister for Tourism, Dr McDaid launched the Texaco-sponsored North West Passage touring map of Ireland.
Of course, you can ask where's the North West Passage, I did. It starts in Dublin, flows through the plains of Royal Meath, nips across part of Louth, Ireland's smallest county, and onwards across the rolling drumlins of Monaghan before crossing into Armagh, through towns and small villages, lakelands and rivers and lush landscapes of Tyrone before crossing the border again into the beautiful and rugged Donegal, on the north west fringe of Europe. The map is available free from most Texaco stations.