Top five cruise destinations for 2008

According to a recent survey the top five cruise destinations for 2008 are: 1. Alaska 2. western Caribbean 3. eastern Caribbean 4. Mediterranean 5. southern Caribbean Which is simply a juggling of the results for 2006 and 2007.

In a similar 2007 survey, the western Caribbean topped the charts, but the other three top destinations had the same rankings as for 2008. The weak dollar has brought no real change to the way people are booking their holidays, and it seems likely that Mediterranean holidays continue to grow in popularity with Americans, at around the same rate as people living in Europe continue to travel to the Americas. Alaska as top destination may force changes in both cruise itineraries and international law – too many visitors could bring problems for this fragile region, so in the years ahead, expect to see a quota system operating for Alaskan cruises, and this premium destination becoming a sought after holiday trophy.

Up to 290,000 British tourists visit Kenya every year and until recently the main types of unpleasant incident they suffered were road incidents and muggings. However, the Foreign Office has issued new advice to potential travellers, including those who have fly/cruise or safari/cruise holidays following the continuing serious unrest in Kenya. They continue to advise against all but essential travel to Kenya owing to ‘uncertainty about the security and political situation in the country linked to the disputed presidential election result. On 3 January there were outbreaks of violence across Nairobi between groups of demonstrators and security forces. There have also been violent incidences in Mombasa, Eldoret and Kisumu. If you are in affected areas you should remain indoors.’ Some tour operators are cancelling forthcoming holidays to Kenya and people should talk to their tour operator for confirmation of this. International flights continue to operate but if you are in Kenya you should check with your airline before travelling to the airport.