Hannah's Harbours

Another little gem from Austria which I suddenly remembered while I was having dinner at a friends last night. She had made a fabulous watercress and pea soup, into which you put a big dollop of creme fraiche mixed with horseradish. It was absolutely delicious! Anyway, the creme fraiche reminded…

I may have mentioned, on several occasions, the Austrian Meatloaf that I had while cruising along the Danube on the Avalon Tapestry.  Karoly, the Hugarian Chef, produced some amazing food in his tiny galley kitchen but I have to say that this meatloaf was a big favourite of mine. I…

As news came over the weekend of yet another engine fire, this time on the Azamara Quest, my daughter asked me why anyone would even consider cruising in the wake of the events of the last couple of months. She has only been on one cruise, and whilst I know…

For those sceptics amongst you who are yet to dip a toe into the wonderful world of River Cruising, who are still doubting me when I tell you that it is a wonderful experience not to be missed, and definitely one for the bucket list, here is further confirmation that…

Avalon have just launched their 2013 sailings and let me tell you, they have some outstanding preview offers. The Ocean Cruise Lines could certainly learn a thing or two from them - this beats any 'early booking offer' I've seen, and remember, unlike Ocean Cruise Lines, the River Cruise companies…

There is no doubt that river cruising is on the up, infact many river cruises are sold out for 2012, and 2013 is booking up already. But why are Brits in the minority on river cruises? As I may have mentioned on several occasions I have done a river cruise…

As March progresses thoughts as always around this time of year turn to launch which always happens in April. The cruise lines are already starting to send us their itineraries and prices for 2013 - 2014. It is always exciting to see where the ships will be sailing from and…

Branded by the cruise lines as the perfect way to 'manage your own booking' the online Cruise Personaliser has been around for a while now, allowing passengers to check in before they arrive at the port, thus saving them time, and also allowing people to book excursions, pre-book drinks packages,…

Where? Never heard of it! Anyway, if this is a new one to you then it's about halfway up the coast of Norway,on the right heading North. There are some great things to do here. For starters - Lofotr Viking Feast Held at the Lofotr Viking Museum, which is a…

Just saw this advertised for tomorrow night and thought it might be worth a mention. I think it could be very entertaining. Wednesday night 9pm on BBC2. Wonderland is a series of documentaries about all walks of British life , and tomorrow night the programme features Gaby and Tikwah Lock,…