And now for a cruise with a difference . . . calling all Elvis fans for a celebration of the king on the high seas. This six-night cruise of the western Caribbean begins with a welcome-aboard tribute concert followed by a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with the tribute artists, where you can relive the excitement of the King in Las Vegas, young Elvis, music from the movies and more. Other events include Sing like a King on Talent Night and Elvis trivia competitions for prizes. The price, 1,149 pp, includes taxes, return flights ex Ireland, one pre-cruise night and five night's full-board cruise. Call 01 433 1030 or email cruise@americanholidays. com for more information.

Ski's the limit

Club Med has upped its game, having renovated many of their ski clubs for the 2007/2008 season, operating direct from Ireland to 20 ski clubs, including destinations in France, Italy and Switzerland. Prices for the Christmas period start from 1,831 per adult and 1,590 per child. For February midterm, prices start from 1,899 per adult and 1,699 per child to include: flights and transfers, seven nights' accommodation, full board with wine, beer and soft drinks with all your meal, travel insurance, ski school and ski passes, Club Med evening entertainment and mini clubs for children aged four to 11 years old.

Visit www. clubmedireland. com or phone 01-2366800 Slopes in style If you want to stay on the cutting edge of skiing technology, check out Slopeside's VIP treatment.

When you travel to MorzineAvoriaz in the French Alps and avail of this exclusive package before Christmas, you'll get to test drive the latest in ski technology, with a VIP pass to Ski Test 2007, which gives you access to top-of-the-range skis for two days. The package also includes return flight with Aer Lingus, Dublin to Geneva, transfers, three nights' chalet accommodation, breakfast and dinner, wine and mineral with meals and a two-day lift pass . . . all for 445 per person. Visit www. slopeside. ie or call 01 4789501.

Ho ho hotel

If the idea of mince-pie making, house cleaning and Christmas tree decorating is already sending shivers of terror down your spine, remember there is another way. Stay in a hotel.

Preferably somewhere like Aghadoe Heights in Killarney . . .

because once you experience the festive period here, you really will begin to think Christmas at home is entirely over-rated.

Arrive on Christmas eve where you'll enjoy afternoon tea, followed by a seasonal cocktail and dinner in the Lake Room, to the tunes of the resident pianist.

Guests will then be brought to midnight mass in Killarney, should they desire, returning for an Irish coffee and mince pie.

Christmas day starts with a magnificent breakfast, with Santa arriving at noon with gifts, then it's Christmas lunch and a buffet later that evening. St Stephen's Day is all about recuperation, trip to the Spa and a five-course dinner. The package, wonderfully self-indulgent as it is, starts from 1,050 per person sharing. Contact Jacinta on 06431766 or e-mail reservations@ aghadoeheights. com for details.