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SHOPPERS CAN STILL GRAB A CHRISTMAS BARGAIN IN NEW YORK

BARGAIN-HUNTING Britons can save up to 65% on designer labels and 51% on toys in New York, according to research for the 11th annual Post Office Travel Money Christmas Shopping Guide.

With sterling now 8% stronger than a year ago, holiday shoppers visiting the Big Apple can benefit on a range of goods.

The Post Office research found that many New York stores have cut prices to below 2016 levels to compound the benefit of the stronger pound for UK shoppers. As a result, 80% of the 150 items surveyed are far cheaper in New York than in London. This includes ‘must have’ brands like Victoria’s Secret, Abercrombie and Fitch, GAP, Hollister, Banana Republic and J.Crew, together with this year’s ‘must-have’ toys and the latest Apple iPad Mini.

HARBOUR HIGHLIGHTS

A £25million superyacht-inspired luxury hotel, above, is now open at the Ocean Village Marina in Southampton.

The five-star landmark Harbour Hotel & Spa hotel features 85 rooms, three dining experiences, the city’s first destination rooftop bar, a spa and health club, private cinema and Solent views. Rates start at £185 a night B&B. Visit southampton-harbour-hotel.co.uk

SHIP SHAPE AND BRISTOL FASHION

FRED OLSEN is giving three of its fleet of four ships a multi-million pound dry dock refit this winter ahead of the 2018/19 season. Braemar and Balmoral will get their nine-day makeovers before Christmas, while Boudicca’s 13-day upgrade is planned for March. The other member of the fleet, Black Watch, was refurbished at the end of 2016.

The ships will all head to the renowned Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg with the schedule including improvements to cabins and public areas, new restaurants and a gelato bar on Balmoral, a new dining room on Boudicca, and a buffet restaurant on Braemar (fredolsencruises.com).