https://Bluesandholidays.co.uk/

Blue Sand Holidays Ltd, Manchester (2026)

04/09/2026

✈️🇬🇷 RHODES… HERE WE COME! 🇬🇷☀️🍹

Yesterday we arrived Rhodes with my beautiful friends — the FABULOUS 5! 👯‍♀️❤️

We’ve been friends for around 30 YEARS 😱 (which quite frankly makes us all sound far too old 😂😂) and we’ve been through so much together. Life, laughs, tears, madness, celebrations and everything in between. ❤️

We support each other whatever the other one decides to get up to… even when we’re probably thinking “Are you sure that’s a good idea?” 🤣🙈

Honestly, I don’t know what I’d do without these girls. 🥰

We try to have a girlies holiday every year, although getting all five of us together is sometimes harder than organising a Royal wedding! 😂👰‍♀️ Sadly, one of our Fabulous 5 couldn’t make it this time, so we’ll definitely be raising a glass (or two!) to her while we’re away. 🥂❤️ You’ll be missed! 😘

And then there’s my bloody elbow 🤦‍♀️😂

After dislocating it in Athens, it’s recovering… slowly. VERY slowly! 🙄 I still can’t do everything I want to, which is incredibly frustrating, but I’m determined to enjoy this holiday and make the most of it. 💪🏼❤️

🇬🇧 MANCHESTER AIRPORT UPDATE!

I know Manchester Airport has had its fair share of problems, but honestly, my experience over the last couple of months has been really positive.

Terminal 2 has been great 👍🏼 and I absolutely love the T2 West Multi Storey car park — so easy and convenient when you’re travelling.

We flew with easyJet today and I have to say, the flight left bang on time and the staff have been absolutely fab. ✈️👏🏼

And of course… we’ve already met some lovely people on the flight! 😂

If you know me, you’ll know I can talk to pretty much anyone 🤣 and thankfully my friends are exactly the same. Put us together and there’s absolutely NO chance of a quiet journey! 😂😂😂

🇬🇷 Now for the exciting bit… RHODES!

We’re spending 7 nights in a villa between Lindos and Pefkos and I honestly think it’s going to be fabulous. ☀️🏡🍷

We absolutely LOVE Greece 🇬🇷❤️ so I’m expecting sunshine, beautiful views, gorgeous food, plenty of wine, lots of laughs and probably a few questionable decisions along the way! 😂🍹

So… Rhodes, the Fabulous 4 have arrived… with one very important Fabulous 5th member there in spirit! ❤️🥂

Let the girlies holiday commence! 💃🏼☀️🇬🇷

✈️🇬🇷☀️🍹

08/08/2026

🔥 OCEANIA MARINA – LUXURY CRUISING JUST GOT EVEN BETTER! 🛳️🥂

✨ 10 NIGHTS FROM JUST £1,980pp ✨
📅 15 November 2026
🍷 Wine & Beer included with lunch & dinner!

If you love luxury, amazing food, beautiful destinations and a more relaxed style of cruising, this could be the one! 😍

🛳️ Spacious & uncrowded
🍽️ All restaurants included – including speciality dining
🥂 Wine & beer with lunch & dinner
📶 Starlink Wi-Fi included
🙋‍♀️ Gratuities included
🍰 Daily Afternoon Tea
☕ Barista coffee & pressed juices
🎭 Evening entertainment
🏊 Pool, Jacuzzis, spa & fitness centre

And the itinerary is FABULOUS! 🌍✨

🇮🇹 Rome
🍕 Naples/Pompeii
🍋 Sicily
🇲🇹 Malta
🇹🇳 Tunisia
🏖️ Sardinia
🇪🇸 Menorca
🌴 Palma
🎨 Barcelona

💙 Veranda Stateroom £1,980pp
💙 Concierge Veranda £2,070pp

And for the ultimate experience, upgrade to All-Inclusive Drinks from £31pp per day 🍸🥂🍷

Oceania is all about the food, the service and the experience — luxury without the fuss. ✨

📩 Want the full details? Message me!

Prices based on 2 sharing and subject to availability/change. Port taxes & fees included. UK flights & transfers available to add.

08/08/2026

🇬🇷✨ ATHENS – BEAUTIFUL, HISTORIC… AND A LITTLE BIT PAINFUL! 😂🫣

It’s been over a week since we came back from our fabulous trip, and I’ve finally got around to sharing a little bit about Athens.

Now, before I get onto the beautiful bits… there is a slightly boring part. 🥱🥱🥱

I slipped and fractured my elbow! 🤦‍♀️🩹

And do you know what this reminded me of? TRAVEL INSURANCE. ✈️🌍

I know I bang on about this all the time, but there’s a very good reason!

I always tell my customers:

👉 If you can’t afford the travel insurance, you can’t afford the holiday.

And please, please make sure you declare ALL your medical conditions and health issues to your insurer — even things you think are completely irrelevant or “nothing to worry about”.

You might feel perfectly well, but if something happens while you’re away, your insurer needs to know about your medical history. Being honest and upfront can make a huge difference if you need to make a claim.

Thankfully, I had insurance in place — and after my little Athens adventure, I was VERY glad I did! 😬

Insurance isn’t just about lost luggage or cancelled flights… it’s about what happens when the unexpected happens. And believe me, you don’t plan for a fractured elbow on holiday! 😂

So, that’s my serious travel-agent hat firmly on for a moment. 🎩😉

Now… back to beautiful Athens! 🇬🇷❤️

We stayed in Plaka, which I would definitely recommend if you want to be right in the heart of Athens. It’s central, full of character and still has that traditional Greek feel, with gorgeous little streets, shops, tavernas and plenty of places to eat. 🍷🍽️

🏨 We stayed at the Electra Palace Athens, and it was lovely. The rooftop pool and bar have an incredible view of the Acropolis, especially when it’s lit up in the evening. 🌅🏛️

Definitely one I’d recommend for a city break!

And of course, you can’t visit Athens without seeing the star of the show – the Acropolis! 🏛️✨

We decided to book a tour guide when we arrived. It was an extra £25 per person and was supposed to be a small group… but somehow it ended up being just the two of us! 😍

Result!

Our guide was fantastic — really knowledgeable and brought the history to life rather than just pointing at old stones and saying “there’s another one!” 😂

The Acropolis is also wheelchair accessible, although there are some practical considerations depending on mobility, so it’s worth checking the arrangements before you go.

We did A LOT of walking around Athens, and it’s such a fabulous city for exploring on foot. History, culture, amazing food, rooftop bars and those gorgeous Greek streets… what’s not to love? 🇬🇷❤️

One final tip from someone who has now tested the theory VERY personally…

👟 WEAR GOOD, NON-SLIP SHOES!

Some of the pavements and polished stone surfaces around Athens can be incredibly slippery — even when they’re completely dry.

Unfortunately, I can confirm this from personal experience. 🫣😂

Would I recommend Athens for a city break?

Absolutely! 🇬🇷❤️

Just take your travel insurance…

…and maybe leave the high heels at home! 😂👟

✈️🌍🇬🇷

02/08/2026

✈️ 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬?

🏝️ Oceania Marina – Western Caribbean 📅 25 January 2027 🛳️ 7 Nights | Roundtrip Miami 💰 From £2,989pp (Veranda Stateroom) ✈️

🌴 Oceania Allura – Western Caribbean 📅 20 January 2027 🛳️ 7 Nights | Roundtrip Miami 💰 From £2,999pp (Veranda Stateroom) ✈️

☀️ Oceania Vista – Western Caribbean 📅 14 December 2026 🛳️ 7 Nights | Roundtrip Miami 💰 From £3,029pp (Veranda Stateroom) ✈️

✨ Enjoy The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, elegant small-ship luxury, enriching experiences and exceptional service throughout your voyage.

02/08/2026

🌎✨ 𝐆𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐬 ✨🌎

𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒂𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒂𝒍𝒅 𝒊𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑰𝒏𝒅𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒂, 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑱𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒏, 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒄𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒅𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑨𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂 𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒔𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅-𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒄𝒓𝒐𝒔𝒔 𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒉 𝑷𝒐𝒍𝒚𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒂, 𝑶𝒄𝒆𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒂 𝑪𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒖𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒋𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒚𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅'𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔.

🛳️ 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐲𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐲 | 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐚

📅 17 November 2026 | 16 Days

From Bali to Sydney, calling at fascinating destinations including Lombok, Komodo, Darwin, Cooktown, Townsville, the Whitsunday Islands and Cairns.

✨ Veranda Staterooms from £3,107pp

🍷 Choice of FREE Wine & Beer by the Glass or US$800 Shore Excursion Credit

🌺 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐢 | 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐚

📅 23 November 2026 | 14 Days

From Singapore to Bali with calls in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Phuket, Jakarta, Surabaya and Semarang.

✨ Veranda Staterooms from £4,074 pp

🍷 Choice of FREE Wine & Beer by the Glass or US$800 Shore Excursion Credit

Prices are per person including all mandatory port taxes & port fees, based on two people sharing a room. Price are subject to change without prior notice. Roundtrip UK flights & transfers are available to add on for an additional fee subject to availability.

Contact details👇

☎️ Maria 07534 361628
⛱ Blue Sand Holidays - A Hays Travel Franchise
🌐 ABTA member (registered no. L3832)
🔒 All flight Inclusive packages are ABTA bonded
📧 [email protected]

01/08/2026

🚢 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐚 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐚 – 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟐 🇹🇷🇬🇷

A little update now we’re back… and yes, we managed to eat our way around the ship! 🤭🍽️

On our final evening, we dined at Polo Grill and it absolutely lived up to the hype. 🥩✨ The food was exceptional, the service was flawless, and it was the perfect way to end our cruise.

I also forgot to mention the Grand Dining Room. The best bit? No reservations needed for dinner, yet the food was every bit as impressive. Oceania is famous for its incredible gastronomy, and it certainly lived up to its reputation. Every meal felt like a special occasion! 👏

And once again, a huge shout-out to the crew. ❤️ Nothing was ever too much trouble, and they always greeted us with a smile. It’s those little touches that make a holiday unforgettable.

One thing that really surprised us was the age profile. People often assume Oceania is only for older travellers, but that wasn’t our experience at all. There was a great mix of ages, from couples celebrating special occasions to groups of friends and plenty of well-travelled guests who simply appreciate fantastic food, exceptional service and a more relaxed style of cruising.

We chose the 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐲 & 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐜𝐞 itinerary because it ticked all the boxes – especially spending two nights in Istanbul and two nights in Athens, giving us much more time to explore these incredible cities. 🇹🇷🇬🇷

Mother Nature had other ideas along the way 🌬️🌊, and a couple of ports had to be changed due to gale-force winds. Safety always comes first, and the captain made absolutely the right decision. The silver lining? We discovered Nafplion and Chania instead… and what beautiful places they are! 😍 They’re both firmly on our list to return to.

Would we sail with Oceania again?

𝐀𝐛𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲! ❤️ If you love outstanding food, attentive service, elegant ships and fascinating itineraries, Oceania should definitely be on your wish list.

Now… who’s ready to book their next adventure? 😉✈️🚢

26/07/2026

✨ Welcome aboard the beautiful Oceania Allura! 🚢💙

This week we’ve been sailing on Oceania Cruises’ stunning new ship, Allura, and she has certainly made a fantastic first impression.

With a maximum of 1,200 guests, she’s perfectly sized - large enough to offer plenty of choice, yet small enough to feel elegant, relaxed and never overcrowded. Best of all… no 6.30am sunbed Olympics! 🏖️😂 There were always loungers available around the pool.

Embarkation in Istanbul was seamless and stress-free, getting our holiday off to the perfect start. 👏

We chose a Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom, which comes with some lovely added extras - including three complimentary bags of laundry. Honestly… coming home with a suitcase full of clean clothes feels like the holiday gift that keeps on giving! 🧺🙌

The cabins are incredibly spacious, with:
✨ Lots of wardrobe and drawer space
✨ A surprisingly large bathroom with plenty of storage for toiletries
✨ Room under the bed for suitcases (because nobody enjoys playing suitcase Tetris!)

As self-confessed restaurant lovers, we couldn’t wait to sample the dining - and Oceania certainly delivers.

🍽️ Even the buffet exceeded expectations, with fresh, high-quality food and an impressive variety.

We’ve already enjoyed three of the specialty restaurants:
🇫🇷 Jacques
🌿 Red Ginger
🇮🇹 Toscana

…and every meal has been exceptional. Still to try is the classic American steakhouse, Polo Grill.

One thing that really stands out is the service. Every member of the crew has been genuinely warm, welcoming and attentive, remembering names, favourite drinks and always greeting you with a smile. It’s these little touches that make a luxury cruise feel truly special.

A few things that make Allura stand out:
⭐ One of Oceania’s newest ships, launched in 2025
⭐ Spacious all-veranda accommodation
⭐ A crew-to-guest ratio that’s among the best in premium cruising, allowing for incredibly personal service
⭐ An emphasis on destination-rich itineraries with longer stays in port
⭐ Renowned for The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, with beautifully prepared, destination-inspired dining

So far… we’re very impressed! If you’re looking for elegant luxury without the crowds, incredible food and first-class service, Oceania Allura is definitely worth considering.

Now, if you’ll excuse me… I think there’s another dessert calling my name. 🍰😉

20/07/2026

🇹🇷 Hello from Istanbul! ☀️💙

We arrived in Istanbul on Sunday evening and are staying at the beautiful Hilton Bosphorus 🏨. It’s in a fantastic location for Taksim Square and makes it really easy to explore the city. We arrived quite late, so we relaxed at the hotel, watched the World Cup ⚽ and got ready for a day of sightseeing!

Today was our one and only day to explore before we join Oceania Allura tomorrow 🚢✨.

📍 Taksim Square is buzzing with life – full of people, shops, cafés and so much atmosphere! From there we walked downhill to the Egyptian Spice Market 🌶️🧿. The walk down is easy enough… but I won’t pretend the walk back up isn’t a workout! 😅💪

🚇 We also used the subway, and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised! It’s nothing like I’d imagined and felt clean, easy to use and even has little shops selling merchandise.

💡 Top Tip: If someone in the Spice Market invites you to sit down for a complimentary piece of baklava and a drink… be prepared! 😂 You’ll almost certainly get the sales pitch. If you’re not interested, just politely say no. If you really do want something, have a wander first and then go back to the stall you liked. 👍

🕌 Next stop was the breathtaking Blue Mosque. Ladies, remember to bring something to cover your head and shoulders, and everyone will need to remove their shoes before entering. It’s absolutely worth a visit. 💙

🌳 We also wandered through the gardens of Topkapi Palace, which were so peaceful and tranquil – a lovely escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

☀️ We thought it would be far too hot for walking, but although it’s definitely warm, there’s been a lovely breeze that has made exploring much more comfortable.

Tomorrow it’s time to swap the city for the sea as we board Oceania Allura! 🚢⚓ I can’t wait to show you what she’s like, so keep an eye on my page for plenty more updates! 😍

Have you been to Istanbul? What’s your favourite place to visit? 🇹🇷👇

14/03/2026

🚢 🚢 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐭’𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮?

Don’t worry… these short cruises are the perfect way to test the waters! 😉

Our 3–4 night river cruises are the ideal introduction to life on the river. Expect luxurious ships, delicious fine dining, and fascinating discoveries with expert local guides along the way. 🗺️🍷

Relax on board, explore beautiful destinations, and enjoy a fabulous mini escape you’ll never forget. ✨

Even better? Our cruises offer unbeatable value, including luxury accommodation, full-board dining, a complimentary drinks package, and the friendly support of a Riviera Cruise Director throughout your journey.

Trust us… you’re going to love it. 💙

💎 What’s included

✈️ Direct flights & transfers
🛳️ Five-star ships with exceptional onboard service
🗺️ Expertly curated itineraries
👣 Daily excursions with local guides
👨‍✈️ Riviera Cruise Director & Cruise Host
🎭 Evening entertainment
🍽️ Full-board dining including Chef’s Dinner
🍸 All-inclusive drinks package
📶 Free Wi-Fi
🧳 20kg+ checked luggage
🇬🇧 24/7 UK-based support

🌊 The perfect way to discover river cruising.

Prices from £1149pp on a 4 night river cruise

Blue Sand Holidays Ltd

04/09/2026

08/08/2026

08/08/2026

02/08/2026

02/08/2026

01/08/2026

26/07/2026

20/07/2026

14/03/2026

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request