Festive cruise: Get Christmas all wrapped up
BARGAIN BUYS
Relax and get your party tan on a Caribbean cruise on board Celebrity Eclipse (0845 456 0523/celebritycruises.co.uk).
The ship has more than 15,000 square feet dedicated to boutiques and there is a team of personal shoppers ready to help you pick perfect presents.
Goodies range from Bulgari jewellery and Michael Kors handbags to Dior aftershave and silk ties, all tax free.
Ashore in Charlotte Amalie Harbour in St Thomas you can’t miss the designer stores of Yacht Haven Grande shopping village, a short stroll from the ship. Other ports of call are Puerto Rico and St Maarten.
A nine-night Eastern Caribbean Getaway fly-cruise sailing from Miami from £1,314pp (two sharing), full board. Price includes return flights from London and one-night pre-cruise hotel stay. Departs Miami, December 7.
SOUK-STYLE STOCKING FILLERS
Snap up bargains in the souks and armfuls of gifts in glossy designer carrier bags from swish malls on a round trip cruise of the Gulf.
Italian ship MSC Lirica (MSC Cruises 0844 561 1955/msccruises.co.uk) has an overnight stay in Dubai, giving plenty of time to shop and visit Palm Island and Burj Khalifa skyscraper, at 2,717ft the tallest building in the world.
In contrast Muscat’s sweeping corniche in Oman is guarded at each end by historic fortresses and the alleys of the souk are bursting with silver jewellery, pashminas, spices and leather slippers.
Back on board the exotic Aurea Spa beckons, softly candlelit and scented with essential oils.
A seven-night Dubai cruise from £699pp (two sharing), full board. Price includes return flights from various UK airports. Departs Dubai, December 14.
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