There's no problem a cruise can't sort out...

That's what my dad used to say. He used to love travelling anywhere and everywhere and would try his best to bring my sister and I along. We travelled to a lot of places when we were younger including Colombia, Mexico, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. The right holiday at the right time can prove enjoyable, eye-opening and inspirational.

My mother, sister and I have just been on a 5* plus luxury cruise around the Eastern Mediterranean for 10 nights. The service was impeccable, the decour was luxurious and the food incredible. The name of the ship was the Equinox, and is one of the new solstice-class ships for Celebrity Cruises, owned by Royal Caribbean.

It is perfect for relaxation and new experiences. Complete strangers are seen as fellow travellers. Every member of staff enquires 'how ya doin?' in the corridors, while every passenger asks the same in the lifts. It is a very American ambience onboard - it is an American company.

The itinerary proves an experience as well. Santorini makes an impact from the start with rough weather and a storm. Locating from the ship to the shore is a task in itself. Once on land, we realise the only way to admire the town - which stands at a mountain cliff-top - is an unusually fast cable car. The lady in front of us hesistates before us and soon opts for the mountain stairs. Once at the top, however, the views are breath-taking.

I love the old town of Rhodes. The whole place oozes templar history. Castle walls and churches mix with modern gift-stalls which sell lots of products. They sell replica artefacts that bear the templar cross - all the more fascinating for someone who grew up with many cultural references to the mysterious Knights Templar.

Another destination that harbours some hidden gems is Ephesus where we took a shore excursion. It proved a wise choice as it includes some great places such as the house of the Virgin Mary, the church of St John and the famous ruins of the Arcadian Way where Anthony and Cleopatra once paraded through.

Still, happily, you can meet some interesting people on-board and get to know them. Every time I think of our friends now I long to be back as we re-enter reality. Plus my photos were rubbish, but, anyway, I recommend a cruise to anyone who has a spare two-grand on them

Just when you thought it was over...

Currently, there are back-room deals taking place between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. Can David Cameron persuade Nick Clegg to get into bed - offering vote reform to a degree as well as meeting half-way on issues such as tax-reform.

Yet, significant differences remain between the two parties. The euro, entering the European Union, and immigration. These are big differences and the deal from David Cameron won't last forever. Understandably, a few hours will pass before Lib-Dem headquarters can take this massive decision.

As for Gordon Brown, he stays in number 10, for now, probably waiting for his opportunity to speak to Nick Clegg. Playing the waiting game like a lot of the media. The one trump-card Gordon Brown now holds is the offer of proportional representation - changing the electoral system in this country so each vote counts towards the main parties.

Nick Clegg has to keep the Lib-Dem supporters in mind and ask what they will think about his decision. There are a number of possibilities during this important period, however, the rapid open offer by David Cameron to invite Nick Clegg is the strong focus at the moment.

Other outcomes include the Conservatives going it alone but incurring much opposition and obstacle - no doubt resulting in the need for another election and campaign (which I think the Tories would win outright). Or they could try and form other alliances with other parties in order to get the majority. Or even Labour could try to ally with the other minor parties such as Labour-loving Scotland where they have Scottish National Party seats.