December

December’s off to a flying start with two cruise-related media events  in London the first week followed by APRO’s Christmas media lunch on the 12th.

The NCL event highlighted the cruise line’s new branding  ‘Cruise Like a Norwegian,’ which embraces and celebrates passengers who seek the freedom and flexibility of an NCL cruise – on ships offering a multitude of activities for all age groups and  freestyle dining options. I must admit to a special interest in the cruise line, being the publisher of Stars, Staterooms and Stowaways, Gary Glading’s popular and entertaining book about his career on cruise ships. Multi-lingual and multi-talented Gary is currently cruise director on NCL’s Jade, sailing out of either Venice or Barcelona on trips to the Canaries and Mediterranean.

After the event, held at the Sanderson Hotel in London, I had a brief tour of the hotel’s Agua Spa – a hedonist’s refuge in the heart of the city – 10,000 square-feet of  pampering and tranquility with miles of diaphanous white curtains, 14 all-white treatment rooms, a chill-out zone and meditation beds. The restful ambience is almost dreamlike! The spa menu offers treatments by top brands such as Jurlique, Natura Bisse, Eve Lom and Aromatherapy Associates. Must add to my list of urban spas to visit – a list that is growing by the day!

APRO events are always an excellent opportunity to network with airline staff and fellow writers. The Christmas lunch is a always well attended, as it offers longer time than usual to catch up with colleagues over a feast of good food. This year the lunch was held at ORA, a new Thai restaurant in central London and the spicy food made a welcome change from the traditional turkey and all the trimmings.