Did the Titanic really sink due to a steering mistake will we ever really know the truth

Reports are suggesting that the Titanic hit an iceberg in 1912 because of a basic steering error, and only sank as fast as it did because an official persuaded the captain to continue sailing, an author has reported.

Louise Patten, a writer and granddaughter of Titanic second officer Charles Lightoller, said the truth about what happened nearly 100 years ago had been hidden for fear of tarnishing the reputation of her grandfather, who later became a war hero.

Lightoller, the most senior officer to have survived the disaster, covered up the error in two inquiries on both sides of the Atlantic because he was worried it would bankrupt the ill-fated liner's owners and put his colleagues out of a job.

Instead of steering Titanic safely round to the left of the iceberg, once it had been spotted dead ahead, the steersman, Robert Hitchins, had panicked and turned it the wrong way.
 
I know that there are alot of people who are still interested in all the theories of how and why this magnificent vessell sank, but maybe nobody will ever really know the truth and as it was so long ago it cannot now change anything. We all feel for the families of those that lost their lives back in 1912 but wherever the blame is placed nothing can alter the past and bring them back. Thankfully many lessons were learnt from this terrible tragedy which affect us today and together with changes in working practice and advanced technology our voyages around the globe can be alot safer.

Cruise Ships Design what could they look like in the future

Whilst trawling the internet I came across this picture of a futuristic ship which could be reality for someone with very deep pockets and plenty of ambition.

Could our cruise ships start to look similar to this in the future where the traditional look has gone and instead of cruise lines deciding to go for bigger and better facilities they tone down the facilities and go for a look that you would expect to see on star trek.

I think this look would certainly attract a different clientelle as there are plenty of cruisers who would love to try something unusual for an out of this world experience. Maybe these futuristic ships would be able to submerge and give their guests spectacular views beneath the ocean as well as above ... now that really would be something special.

With todays technology I am sure that it will not be long before we start to see spectacular designs gracing our oceans . I would love to see someone do something totally different to enhance our travel dreams. If Mr Branson can start sending passengers into space then surely it cant be long before we are cruising above and below water.

Liz Smiths Retirement Summer Cruise on BBC four

Last week on BBC Four I was lucky enough to catch a re-run of a documentary made in 2009 of actress Liz Smith's retirement cruise. At the age of 87years she had decided to take a well deserved holiday and had chosen a cruise.

Liz famous for her role as Nana in The Royle Family travelled on a cruise around the Adriatic on the Hebridean Spirit, as much as it was lovely to watch the scenery and admire the ship and all it had to offer what I found most interesting was the story of Liz and the build up to her cruise and all the thoughts she had whilst on board as a single traveller.

So many people who are on their own must have the same thoughts as Liz, she asked all her friends at the retirement flats where she lives for advice before booking her cruise and had discounted some cruises as she really just wanted peace and quiet. We then followed her on her shopping outing to buy a selection of clothes ( she went to Harrods), obviously for most of us that wouldnt be an option.

Although she had a lady with her filming you could sense the nervousness of her being on her own and she even commented that nobody would want to talk to her. This didnt last for long though as she soon found herself entering into conversation with the guests on board and not feeling alone at all. Liz had chosen to cruise on a small ship so of course there is a more intimate atmosphere and therefore in alot of ways it is easier for everyone to get along, but I have many single travellers who tell me similar stories to Liz's and many people who have made friends on cruises and continue to cruise with them after many years.

So I think the moral to this story is your never too young or old to travel alone and make great friends, so nobody should ever be scared of trying. If Liz can do it at the age of 87 then none of us should be afraid to either.

The Queen to launch the new Queen Elizabeth but what other ships has she launched ?

It is so fitting that the Queen will launch the new Queen Elizabeth there really couldnt of been anyone else who could of taken her place.

The Queen has been launching ships since 1947 when she was still a Princess, amazing that she has been launching ships for over 50 years.

The original Queen Elizabeth transatlantic liner was named in 1938 by the late Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth. The present Queen, then aged 12, accompanied her mother to Clydebank in Scotland for the event. She also launched the Caronia in 1947, although at that point, she was still a Princess.


By 1967, the young Princess Elizabeth had become Queen Elizabeth II and named the QE2, also launched at the John Brown & Co Shipyard in Clydebank.

Her Majesty also named Cunard's Queen Mary 2 in 2004, although Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall performed the honours for the company's Queen Victoria in 2007.

Unfortunately I am not one of the lucky ones to be able to attend the opening ceremony, however some of our staff here will be going and what an experience that will be for them.

I have booked many clients on this new ship and I am sure that she will live up to all expectations. The cruise that I have booked the most passengers on so far is the 28th October 2011 cruise that visits Egypt, Cyprus and Greece a wonderful itinerary for 17 nights and this cruise is proving very popular with both previous Cunard guests and new Cunard guests who want to experience the delights that Cunard has to offer and also this fantastic new ship.


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Here we go again BA Crew Vote For Ballot On More Strikes

Yes here we go again just as you think that all is calm more news to start us worrying all over again.

British Airways cabin crew have voted for a ballot on new strike action in the run-up to Christmas and over the festive holidays.

Well it would be at a time when it could cause more worry and misery for passengers.

There are also rumours that BA are looking to take over more airlines....I think they need to sort out the current strike threats first as so many passengers are now wary of booking with British Airways.

Lets hope that all will be resolved so that we can all look forward to a great Christmas.