history today - World of Cruising

Transcription

T h e c o m p l e t e c r u i s e g u i d e f o r ag e n t s
history
t o d ay
Interview with
Voyages to Antiquity
D E STI NATION FOCU S
Ex-UK cruises
N E W TO CRUIS E
Cruise and stay
R E VIE W
Emerald Star
I s su e 5 3 l s e p/o ct 2015 l £5. 50
PR EPAR E TO BE
DA ZZLED BY THE
PULLING POWER OF
THE VIK ING STAR
Don’t miss out – entries close October 30
M ADE FOR THE
STAR STRUCK
Sleek, Scandinavian design; cool,
contemporary interiors; all-veranda
staterooms and the first ever glass-walled
infinity pool at sea are just some of
the features that will leave your customers
open-mouthed in wonder.
• An inspiring choice of exciting
itineraries, from Scandinavia and the
Baltic to the Mediterranean and the
Holy Lands
• An average of 11 hours in port,
with an included guided tour in most
• Exceptional service, cuisine and
value for money
The MOST IMPORTANT AWARDS
for the business of cruise holidays
Setting standards, measuring effectiveness, applauding
innovation and recognising excellence across the whole
sector, the all new Wave Awards are open for cruise lines,
travel agents, cruise advisers and destinations.
Start thinking now about how your organisation or team
can participate and receive recognition for excellence at
the first Wave Awards.
KEY DATES
KEY INFORMATION
Entries open NOW
Entries close October 30
To learn all about the Awards, visit
www.thewaveawards.com
The judging will run throughout
November with a short-list declared
by late November.
SPONSORSHIP
The Wave Awards will be presented
at a celebratory Awards dinner on
February 18, 2016 in London.
To become a sponsor, contact
dom.lawrencejones@
cruisetradenews.com
The WAVE AWARDS 2016 are sponsored by
contents
editor's letter
with the holidays over, the kids back at school
and the nights drawing in, clients will be thinking
about their next summer holiday. I wonder if
they’ve considered the option of cruising from
a British port in order to reach sunnier climes.
Factor in that they wouldn’t have to bother with
airports, flight delays and baggage restrictions,
and it’s a good time for agents to start suggesting
they take an ex-UK cruise in this issue. The latest
news and packages to help sell this option is in
an ex-UK cruise feature. The theme continues
in the 3 of a kind feature on UK ports.
There will be lots of activity around the launch
of NCL’s new ship - Norwegian Escape - next
month (October), firing more interest in cruises
and engaging new to cruise passengers. This
time, our new to cruise feature focuses on Cruise
and Stay, a way of allowing clients to dip their
toes into cruising whilst also having the familiar
land-based holiday.
And we have some exciting news of our own
here at Real Response Media. We’re gearing
up for our very first The Wave Awards, taking
place in London in February 2016. However,
you can get involved right now by voting for
your favourites. See details on page 19 and visit
thewaveawards.com.
J i l l S ay l e s
Editor
[email protected]
Jill Sayles t 07769 291608 e [email protected] news editor
Jane Archer e [email protected] commercial director Dominic Lawrence-Jones
t 020 8439 9721 e [email protected] sales & marketing
director Peter Grant t 07483 133 932 e peter.grant@worldofcruisingmagazine.
com sales director Chris Cummings t 07772 564 150 e chris.cummings@
worldofcruisingmagazine.com design consultant Kate Harkus e kate.harkus@
realresponsemedia.com publishing consultant Keith Ellis t 01737 812411 e
[email protected] managing director Chris Pitchford t 020 8444
2554 e chris [email protected] for subscriptions t 020 8444
2554 e [email protected]
o n t h e c ov e r
Aegean Odyssey
editor
Reproduction is not permitted without the express written consent of the editor. All
efforts are made to endure that factual accuracy is correct at the time of publication.
additional photography Shutterstock
p u b l i s h e d by
Real Response Media, 115 Sydney Rd, London, N10 2ND
All Enquires t 020 8444 2554
48
24
7
N e ws
Ocean cruise & industry
River cruise
4
10
regulars
It’s a date
& new appointments 14
Tools of the trade 18
In pictures CMV in the
Norwegian Fjords
20
Q&A with Fred.Olsen’s
Nathan Philpot
22
Land vs River Uniworld land
and river itineraries 24
Agent fam trip review 26
Review Emerald Star 28
At a glance Windstar Star
Legend 30
Industry Insight Titan’s
Edwina Coppock 33
5 of the best Onboard
themed river cruises 34
c o ntr i b u to r s
Jane
Archer
has
been writing about
cruising for both
trade and consumer
papers for almost 20
years. She can tell
you anything about
both ocean and river
cruising. Just don’t
ask her favourite
cruise line.
fe at u r e s
New to cruise
Cruise and Stay Sara
Macefield looks at cruise and
stay options for those new
to cruise
38
Making waves Jos Dewing,
Voyages of Antiquity. It’s out
with the old for the small ship,
cultural cruise line
44
Destination focus
Ex-UK cruises Karl Cushing
updates on the ex-UK cruise
market
48
3 of a kind
UK ports Taking a look at
what’s on offer around the
ports of Falmouth, London, and
Portsmouth
54
C o mme nt
Wilkinson's world
Portside & starboard
It’s all CLIA
Independent voice
Captain Greybeard
Karl
Cushing
No
stranger to cruising,
having previously
edited a quarterly
cruise supplement,
he’ll drop everything
to jet off somewhere
new from trekking in
Peru to a wellness
break in Mauritius
and riding the Seven
Stars train in Japan.
9
16
57
57
58
Sara
Macefield
has been
a travel journalist
for over 20 years,
spending nearly
a decade writing
about the cruise
industry and
exploring the world’s
oceans and rivers
on ships and craft of
all styles and sizes.
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News
3
Ocean news
FURTHER GROW TH FOR CRYSTAL
...and boss promises more expansion to come
three new ships,
a yacht and a move
into river cruising and air travel are just the
start of a major expansion of the Crystal
Cruises’ brand following its acquisition by
Genting Hong Kong in May.
President and chief executive officer
Edie Rodriguez said the company’s aim
is to become the world’s leading luxury
hospitality and lifestyle brand portfolio so
clients can enjoy the Crystal experience
across all their travels.
Rodriguez announced in July that
the company was taking delivery of a
62-passenger yacht, Crystal Esprit, at the
end of this year and was building two river
cruise boats (see separate stories this page
and on p11).
The company is buying a share of the
Lloyd-Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven,
Germany, and has signed a letter of
intent for the construction of three
1,000-passenger ships for delivery starting in
late 2018. They will have ice-strengthened
hulls so they can cruise in polar waters, and
carry inflatable zodiacs and helicopters to
take passengers ashore in remote locations.
The vessels will carry 1,000 crew and
all passenger accommodation will be in
balcony suites. An upper deck will contain
up to 48 apartments – from 600 to 4,000
square feet, available to purchase on a 35year lease.
Also new will be Crystal Luxury Air,
offering 28-night round-the-world flights
on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner configured
to carry just 60 people in all-first class
accommodation, and 14-night journeys on
a second, smaller aircraft.
Rodriguez promises the developments
will not lead to early retirement for the
line's existing ships, Crystal Serenity and
Crystal Symphony.
‘ Sell luxury
to succeed ’
Agents who specialise in selling luxury
travel can be sure of a successful future,
according to the boss of Crystal Cruises.
Speaking on board Crystal Symphony
at CLIA UK & Ireland’s Luxury Expo in Dover
this summer, Edie Rodriguez said the recent
global meltdown showed luxury clients are
recession-proof.
She said: “The luxury customer wants
three things – exclusivity, customisation
and options. Keep that in mind and it will
empower you to make a lot of commission.”
She urged agents to remember that
other customers have aspirations to try
something more upmarket. “Ask the right
questions so you can offer the right options.
Do as many fam trips as possible.”
C rystal di v es i n to the Seychelles
The 62-passenger Crystal Esprit will be joining the Crystal
fleet from December. The vessel has been sailing as MegaStar
Taurus for sister company Star Cruises and is currently being
rebuilt to offer posh suites, modern technology and extreme
features including a two-passenger submarine. It will have a
marina for waterskiing, kayaking, sailing and snorkelling. Starting
4
Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015
December 23, it will be offering island-hopping cruises around
the Seychelles. In summer 2016 it will be cruising the Adriatic
between Venice and Dubrovnik. From $3,467 per person cruiseonly for seven nights in the Seychelles, including two nights in
Dubai. Genting has a second similar vessel which could also
become a Crystal yacht in the near future.
128
World cruise nights on the
Seven Seas Navigator
98
The number of port calls on
Oceania’s world cruise
REGENT SE VEN SE AS
OFFERS WORLD CRUISE
Cruises is offering
its first world cruise for six years in January
2017.
The 128-night voyage, on the
490-passenger Seven Seas Navigator,
departs from Miami and takes passengers
through the Panama Canal and South
Pacific to Australia before returning to the
Florida port via Asia, the Suez Canal and
the Mediterranean.
Prices start from £36,299 per person
including flights, transfers, drinks, shore
excursions, gratuities and wifi. Passengers
booking a suite for the full world cruise
will also enjoy additional perks including
an upgrade to first-class air, and
complimentary visa and laundry services.
The company’s return to world cruising
puts it in a select club occupied by just a
handful of cruise lines including Holland
America, Fred Olsen and Cruise and
Maritime Voyages, which is offering its first
regent seven se as
round-the-world cruise in 2017.
Cunard has three world cruises in 2017,
including one that will see Queen Victoria
cruise the Amazon River as far as Manaus
for the first time. The 120-night voyage
departs Southampton on January 5 2017
and takes in 32 ports in 17 countries. From
Passengers booking
a suite will also enjoy
additional perks
including an upgrade
to first-class air
£12,899 per person cruise-only.
P&O Cruises has two world cruises
round-trip from Southampton in 2017
– a 104-night voyage on Aurora and a
114-night journey on Arcadia. From
£10,299 per person cruise-only on Aurora.
. . . E pic voyage from O ceania
Oceania Cruises has launched a 180-day
round-the-world cruise from Miami on the
684-passenger Insignia, pictured.
It is the fourth time the company has
offered such an epic voyage for those with
the time and money to spend six months
away from home. Most world cruises are a
maximum four months.
The voyage starts on January 6 with
a Panama Canal transit. Insignia then sails
to Hawaii and through the South Pacific
to Australia and New Zealand. The return
journey takes in Indonesia, China, Asia, the
Middle East and Europe and ends in Miami
on July 6.
There are 98 ports of call, with overnights
in 16 ports including Singapore, Yangon,
Haifa, New York and Bordeaux.Benefits when
booking the full trip include flights, transfers,
gratuities, $1,000 credit per cabin, wifi and
laundry. Prices from £25,409 pp.
ST IL L G OING
STRONG
Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Marco
Polo celebrated its 50th birthday last
month with a voyage from the UK to
Montreal in memory of a series of
cruises it sailed between Leningrad
(now St Petersburg) and the Canadian
city in the 1960s when it was called
Aleksandr Pushkin. New for 2016,
the ship will be doing the rounds
of regional UK ports for CMV, with
sailings to the fjords and around
Britain from ports including Bristol,
Hull, Leith and Newcastle.
It ’s a d og ’s l ife
a f te r a l l
t e n m o r e k e n n e l s will be added to
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 during a 25dry dock at the Blohm+Voss shipyard in
Hamburg next May. To help four-legged
passengers feel right
at home on board,
a lamp post and fire
hydrant will also be
installed in the dogwalking area. The
ship will be fitted with
15 single rooms, and
30 more Britannia
Club balcony cabins
will be added.
Ti tan adds c h i l l s to 2016 cruis e b rochure
Titan Travel’s new 2016 Cruise
Compendium features Hurtigruten’s
new cruises to Antarctica on Midnatsol.
The ship will be based in Punta Arenas
in Chile, so passengers will get to cruise the
Chilean fjords on their way to and from the
White Continent. From £5,399 for 18 nights.
The new brochure also includes 14-night
cruises around Iceland and Greenland
on Ocean Diamond from £3,999 per
person. Prices include flights and UK and
overseas transfers.
5
ocean news
£2,295
The price of Swan Hellenic’s
Christmas and NY cruise
3
The number of safari cruises
offered by Voyages to Antiquity
WIN T ER IN T HE
MED F OR MiNERVA
Swan Hellenic is shunning warmer climes in
2016/17 and instead keeping Minerva in the
Mediterranean over winter.
The ship will be sailing a series of 13 to
15-day cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean
and Adriatic in November and December
before heading to the Canary Islands, Cape
Verde and Madeira in early 2017.
Itineraries include a 13-day voyage
through Greece and Turkey departing
November 15 2016 that visits Pella, where
Alexander the Great was born, and stays
overnight in both Istanbul and Kusadasi, the
gateway to Ephesus.
A 14-day Christmas and New Year cruise
departing December 21 2016 visits Valencia
and Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, and
includes a maiden call at Tarragona in Spain.
New Year will be celebrated in Barcelona.
From £2,295 per person including flights,
transfers and shore excursions.
VtA goes on
safari
A PERFECT STORM ON
BOARD HARMONY
r oya l c a r i b b e a n i n t e r n at i o n a l ’ s
Harmony of the Seas will feature the
longest slide at sea when it launches next
May.
The Ultimate Abyss, a dry slide, spirals
100 feet from the top of the Aquatheatre
to the Boardwalk neighbourhood below
and is one of several new features on the
Oasis-class vessel, which joins siblings Oasis
of the Seas and Allure of the Seas as one
of the world’s largest cruise ships.
The vessel will also be home to Royal
Caribbean’s first water slides - Supercell,
Typhoon and Cyclone, which together
have been dubbed the Perfect Storm – and
Splashaway Bay, a children’s’ aquapark
with water cannons, mini slides and a giant
6
bucket that dumps water on unsuspecting
people below.
Harmony of the Seas will also have
several features that debuted on Royal
Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships including
a Bionic Bar with robot bartenders, inside
cabins with virtual balconies, wristbands in
place of key cards to open cabin doors and
sign for drinks, and super-fast internet.
The ship is spending its maiden
season sailing seven-night cruises in the
Mediterranean round-trip from Barcelona
with prices from £1,450 per person
cruise-only departing May 29. It moves to
Fort Lauderdale in October for a winter
season of seven-night Eastern and Western
Caribbean cruises.
Voyages to Antiquity is offering
three safari cruises in South Africa for
the first time in winter 2016-17.
Aegean Odyssey will be cruising
from Malaga to Cape Town for 31
months from November 31 along
the west coast of Africa. It is followed
by two safari cruises round-trip from
Cape Town, and a third from the Cape
along the coast of South Africa to
Colombo in Sri Lanka.
Each will offer included excursions
to Addo Elephant Park, Hluhluwe
Game Reserve, and the St Lucia
Wetlands to see hippos, crocodiles
and bird life.
There are also optional tours to
private game reserves and the chance
to stay at Thanda Tented Camp for
an extra £450 per person during an
overnight at Richards Bay.
Prices start from £2,995 per
person for 14 days departing January
4 including flights, transfers, six
excursions, wine with dinner and
gratuities.
Meet Voyages to Antiquity’s new
managing director Jos Dewing, p44.
£49.99
The price of Costa’s Aspirante
Comandante package
66
ocean news
The amount of nights on Saga’s
voyage to Central America
Saga adds cruises and
wine with me als
ov e r - 50s s p e c i a l i st
C osta k i ds
take the helm
Children sailing on Costa Diadema
and Costa Fascinosa can now sign
up to be captain for a day. They’ll get
a captain’s uniform to wear, learn
nautical terms, how to navigate and
send messages with signal flags.
Prices start from €49.99 for the
Aspirante Comandante package,
and €124.99 for the Comandante
Superiore package.
Saga Cruises
has launched a 2016-17 brochure of
no-fly cruises on Saga Sapphire and Saga
Pearl II featuring nine new itineraries
to destinations as varied as the Canary
Islands, Caribbean and Adriatic.
The programme also includes free
wine with lunch and dinner with all cruises.
Prices already include gratuities, travel
insurance and wifi, and also private return
UK transfers for clients living within 75
miles of the departure port.
The new cruises include a 66-night
voyage to Central America round-trip from
Southampton departing January 11 2017,
that visits Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico,
Guatemala and Nicaragua. The itinerary
includes two Panama Canal transits and
an overnight stay in Havana, Cuba. From
£7,599 per person cruise-only.
A 26-night Springtime in the Adriatic
cruise round-trip from Southampton
departing March 18 2017 spends a day in
Venice and visits Dubrovnik, Rijeka, Zadar
and Hvar in Croatia. From £3,399 per
person cruise-only.
The programme also includes two new
taster cruises from Dover. A four-night
Gallic Getaway to France departing June
14 2016 costs from £549 per person. A
five-night Taste of the Continent visiting
Holland, Belgium and Germany departs
June 18 2016 and costs from £649 per
person.
LOVE MUSIC ?
WA L K T HIS WAY
Holland America Line’s new ship
Koningsdam will feature a Music Walk
where passengers can dip in and out of a
wide genre of live sounds from classical
in Lincoln Center Stage to hits in Billboard
Onboard. The Music Walk also includes
the Queen’s Room, which is transformed
into BB King’s Blues Club (pictured) six
nights a week. Koningsdam launches
next April and will spend its maiden
season in Northern Europe. Prices
from £848 per person cruise-only for a
seven-night Norwegian fjords cruise from
Amsterdam departing May 22 2016.
MSC DRU M S U P
SUP PORT
Cruises never goes the
extra mile for your clients? Musicians
from the British Imperial Marching Band
set a new Guinness World Record for the
fastest one-mile march by a marching
band (14 minutes, 26 seconds to complete
a circuit around MSC Splendida’s pool
deck) to help promote the company’s new
double upgrade offer. It runs to the end of
November and means customers booking
an inside cabin will be upgraded to a
balcony. It means they can snap up a week
in the Mediterranean in a balcony cabin
in December 2016 from £499 per person
including flights and transfers.
w h o s ay s m s c
H ere ’s one we prepared earl ier . . .
Fincantieri chief executive officer
Giuseppe Bono presents Silversea chairman
Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio with a cut-outand-keep Silver Muse during a ceremony to
mark the first steel cutting for the new ship.
The vessel will hold 596 passengers and is
due to enter service in spring 2017.
7
Enriching cultural
experiences aboard
small ship Minerva
Award-winning discovery cruises in
the company of experts
Our inspiring itineraries not only introduce you to a host of
fascinating destinations – they also help you delve into the cultural
quirks and intriguing stories that make each port of call unique.
Joining you on your cruise will be a maximum of 350 like-minded
passengers who share your thirst for knowledge, along with carefully
selected, renowned Guest Speakers. Engaging, approachable and
passionate, their expert talks bring each destination to life, uncovering
layers of intriguing history and transforming your voyage into a truly
enriching journey. Join us and you will discover a cruise experience
that has set Swan Hellenic apart for more than 60 years, and that
continues to set the benchmark for those with a mind to travel.
COUNTRY
HOUSE STYLE
WORLDCLASS GUEST
SPEAKERS
UNIQUE PORTS
OF CALL
INCLUSIVE
SHORE
EXCURSIONS
HOSTED
BRIDGE
PROGRAMME
BEST NICHE
CRUISE LINE
SMALL SHIP
D I S C OV E RY C RU I S I N G
CRAFTED BY US,
TA I L O R E D B Y YO U
ALL FARES INCLUDE
Flights & overseas transfers
Onboard gratuities & service
charges
Cruise with Voyages of Discovery to
discover the world your way. On board
our comfortable small ship Voyager there’s
a friendly atmosphere, with just 540
passengers joining you. All meals, our
award-winning Guest Speaker programme,
flights and transfers are included. And we
offer an exciting programme of optional
shore excursions so you can tailor-make
your perfect holiday.
OPTIONAL
SHORE
EXCURSIONS
LIVELY TALKS
FROM GUEST
SPEAKERS
All meals, entertainment,
workshops & a range of daily
activities
Lively talks by Guest Speakers
ALL TIPS &
TAXES
INCLUDED
3
FLIGHTS &
TRANSFERS
INCLUDED IN
YOUR FARE
DEPARTS
CRUISE
NOV 24
2015
BARBADOS | TOBAGO | SURINAME | FRENCH GUIANA | GUYANA
TRINIDAD | VENEZUELA | GRENADA
GREAT
ACTIVITIES &
ENTERTAINMENT
SOUTH AMERICA’S WILD COAST
JAN 3
2016
RHYTHMS OF THE CARIBBEAN & CUBA
12 MAR
2016
SOUTH AMERICAN EXPLORATION
JAMAICA | TURKS & CAICOS | DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | BAHAMAS
CUBA | MEXICO
COLOMBIA | PANAMA | ECUADOR | PERU
For more information or marketing support contact trade sales on
01858 588 406 or [email protected]
DAYS
13
15
17
2,348
The passenger capacity
on Norwegian Star
Norwegian goes
back to Asia
is returning to Asia and Australia for
the first time in 15 years in 2016-17 with a short season of voyages
on the 2,348-passenger Norwegian Star.
The vessel will leave Europe in November 2016, and sails to
the United Arab Emirates, Oman, India and Sri Lanka before
arriving in Singapore, from where it is operating three cruises to
and from Hong Kong.
Prices start from £829 per person cruise-only for an 11-night
voyage from Singapore to Hong Kong departing December 11
2016.
From Hong Kong there is a 21-day cruise to Sydney and a
12-night voyage to Auckland, after which Norwegian Star returns
to Singapore via Sydney and Indonesia. An 18-night cruise takes it
back to the Middle East.
Norwegian is also swapping ships around in the Mediterranean
in winter 2016/17, with Norwegian Spirit staying in Europe yearround in place of Norwegian Epic.
Spirit will be sailing seven, 10 and 11-night voyages between
Barcelona, Venice and Istanbul from November 2016 and May
2017. From £549 per person for a 10-night cruise from Barcelona
departing January 6 2017.
Norwegian Epic returns to the US for three seven-night
Eastern and Western Caribbean round-trips from Port Canaveral.
210
ocean news
The passenger capacity
on Haimark
wilkinson's world
norwegian cruise lines
H a im ark joi ns US race
Haimark Line is the latest US line to be granted a license to
visit Cuba following the thawing of relations between Havana
and Washington.
Starting February 11 next year, it will offer nine-night
cruises on the 210-passenger Saint Laurent round-trip from
Miami that circumnavigate the island.
Under the terms of the licence, Haimark, which is sold in
the UK by Perl River Cruises, has to offer a cultural exchange
itinerary that encourages passengers to interact with Cubans.
Highlights include tours of Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad
and Santiago de Cuba, and a day trip to Viñales Valley outside
the capital to visit a family-run tobacco farm. There’s also a
chance to learn about honey production in Maria La Gorda.
All m y ow n wo r k
Marine wildlife artist Guy Harvey and
Norwegian Cruise Line president and
chief operating officer Andy Stuart pose
in front of Norwegian Escape’s newlypainted hull in the Meyer Werft shipyard in
Papenburg, Germany. The fishy theme was
chosen because the ship will be sailing the
Caribbean from Miami starting November,
after making a pit-stop in the UK to give
agents and consumers a chance to see new
features.
n i c k wi lk i n so n
director business
development,
Norwegian Cruise Line
I
write this latest column on the verge of one of the
most exciting times I’ve ever had at Norwegian
Cruise Line. The Season of Norwegian has arrived.
This edition, my column will reveal how you can benefit,
using this special period to both enhance your own
knowledge whilst also strengthening relationships with
your customers, and hopefully boosting your sales
as a result.
During September and October we’ll be offering
trade partners a unique opportunity to engage with us in
the next generation of our Try Before you Buy initiative.
Under Partners First there will be 10 dates to come
on board our ships as they visit regional ports across
the UK; whether
that be Norwegian
Star during her
British Isles itinerary,
Norwegian Epic on
her return from dry
dock, or Norwegian
Escape as part
of her inaugural
celebrations.
But it’s not all
about familiarising
just yourself with our fleet. Try Before you Buy gives you
the opportunity to introduce your customers to cruising
with Norwegian before booking a cruise with us. Since
the inception of the initiative at the launch of Norwegian
Getaway in 2014, it has become clear that offering your
customers the chance to experience a brand and a
product before booking is the most effective sales tool
that you have at your fingertips. It only takes a small
taste of an amazing holiday to throw any misconceptions
about cruise out the window – and this is precisely what
we need to do to get those new to cruise customers
booking.
Opportunities exist on all 10 dates between
September 27 and October 28 2015, and in 10 locations
including Portland, Falmouth, Cork, Dublin, Belfast,
Inverness, Edinburgh, Dover, and Southampton. With so
many personal experiences available, now really is the
time to take advantage and get ahead just before the
all-important Wave period begins.
Check out seasonofnorwegian.ncl.eu for more
information and I look forward to welcoming you and
your customers on board very soon.
With Try
Before you Buy,
your customers
can experience
cruising with
Norwegian
before booking
9
River news
CHILD ’S PL AY WITH UNIWORLD
...company to treble multi-generational cruises next year
has more
than trebled its tally of multi-generational
river cruises next year to cope with growing
interest from families.
In all there are 17 departures in 2016,
up from just five this year, on a range of
itineraries on the Rhine, Danube, Seine
and Po in Italy.
Only four coincide with UK school
holidays but that is more than this year,
and means there is more choice for parents
or grandparents who want to introduce
uniworld river cruises
youngsters to river cruising.
The departures are on the Seine on July
31, the Rhine on July 24 and the Danube
and Grand Europe Discovery cruise
departing July 29.
While there are no play areas for
children on Uniworld craft, there will be
child-friendly activities during the multigenerational sailings including pastrymaking and language classes, and tours
with the captain or hotel manager.
Suggested child-friendly tours include
a visit to see the Lipizzaner stallions in
Vienna, learning to make that city’s
famous sachertorte chocolate cake, a
culinary treasure hunt in Heidelberg
and rafting on the River Ilz in Germany.
Families can also borrow their ship’s pedal
bikes free of charge and explore local
areas alone.
Prices start from £2,719 per person
cruise-only for eight days on the Seine in
July sailing round-trip from Paris. Children
aged 4-11 pay 50%.
F r e e dr i n ks f or e a r ly-birds
The River Cruise Line is offering free
excursion or drinks packages on a
selection of 2016 cruises booked by
September 30.
The company has also frozen next
year’s prices at 2015 levels for a limited
10
time and has axed single supplements on
selected 2016 cruises on Serenity.
New 2016 itineraries include two
10-day voyages from Koblenz to
Strasbourg and back departing June 5
and September 20 on the Lady Anne from
£949 including coach and ferry travel.
A new one-week spring-time cruise
around Holland and Belgium round-trip
from Amsterdam departing April 8 on
Serenity costs from £899 including rail
travel from St Pancras in London.
2
The number of Aqua Amazon
river cruise boats
6
The number of nights on the
Seine with Saga
To p-to -toe
r e f u r b fo r
Am a zon du o
refurbished
its two Amazon river cruise boats to
meet client demand for a more luxurious
experience.
All the accommodation on both
the 24-passenger Aqua Amazon and
32-passenger Aria Amazon has new
floors, furniture and amenities, and the
ensuite bathrooms have been completely
redesigned.
The lounge, bar and dining rooms have
been refreshed.
Both vessels now carry a fleet of allterrain bikes and have new 10-seater skiffs
for jungle excursions.
Aqua Amazon and Aria Amazon
operate three, four and seven-night cruises
round-trip from Iquitos that include
fishing trips, skiff rides and walks in the
rainforest.
aq ua e x p e d i t i o n s h as
nig hts on the Sein e with Saga
Chateau La Malmaison, where Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress Joséphine lived,
and a night-time cruise through Paris are among highlights of a no-fly cruise on the
River Seine offered by Saga next May. The six-night trip is on the 50-passenger river
boat Anacoluthe, sailing round-trip from Paris, and also includes a visit to Monet’s
Garden in Giverny. From £1,449 per person on May 21 2016 with return travel on
Eurostar from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet, five excursions, and wine with lunch and dinner.
The new river boats
will have a 'yachtlike' design and hold
just 140 passengers
in 70 suites.
We will be the best on
the rivers, vows Crystal
c r y s ta l c r u i s e s ’ n e w river craft will
have larger suites and a higher space ratio
than any other vessels sailing the world’s
waterways, president and chief executive
officer Edie Rodriguez promised.
The company is initially building two
river boats, which Rodriguez said will
have a ‘yacht-like’ design and hold just
140 passengers in 70 suites. The vessels
will be built at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in
Bremerhaven, Germany, and enter service
in late March 2017.
Rodriguez said the venture into river
cruising comes in reaction to requests from
past passengers who want to emulate the
luxury experience they enjoy on Crystal’s
ocean-going ships on a river cruise.
Suites will measure 250 square feet,
and there will also be two 500 square foot
Penthouse Suites on each vessel. The Palm
Court lounge will have a dance floor and
glass-domed roof, and there will be a ‘wellappointed’ fitness centre and spa.
Itineraries and fares will not be
announced until the beginning of
December, but Rodriguez promised they
would avoid traditional routes and busy
ports. She said they will also include plenty
of daylight cruising so passengers do not
miss the scenery.
There will be overnights in selected
ports, with included excursions to Michelinstarred restaurants, as well as local eateries
and entertainment.
11
Europe’s Finest
Luxury River Cruises
Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Main, Elbe, Rhône, Seine or Douro
Eight days from £1,099pp or 14 days from £1,699pp
Selected departures up to November 2015 and April to November 2016
Experience truly unique cruises with perfectly balanced itineraries, all escorted
by an experienced cruise director.
Why book with us?
• Which? recommended provider for the past
four years, beating all other river cruise lines
• The industry’s finest tour managers*
• One of Europe’s most modern fleets – seven
five-star and three four star superior vessels
• Exceptional cuisine with full board throughout
• More people would travel with us than any of
our competitors*
• A choice of twelve stunning cruises
• All excursions included, often to UNSECO
world heritage sites
*Source - Independent research in Autumn 2014 by PricewaterhouseCoopers
Tour Extensions now available on selected dates and itineraries in 2016
To book or for more information
Call: 01283 744370
Visit: www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents
Holidays organised by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel, ABTA V4744 and ATOL 3430 protected. Price based on two
people sharing a twin cabin. Single cabins and optional insurance available at a supplement. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel.
Additional entrance costs may apply. Cruise duration dependent on selected itinerary.
ABTA No. V4744
302
The length in feet of
the AmaDara
£1,329
river news
For a 10-night Burgundy cruise
with Vantage
AmaDara makes Mekong
deb ut for AmaWaterways
capacity
on the Tonle and Mekong Rivers in
Southeast Asia with the launch of the new
124-passenger AmaDara.
The vessel entered service in August
and is now sailing seven-night cruises
between Siem Reap in Cambodia and Ho
Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
AmaWaterways sells the downstream
voyage on both AmaDara and sister vessel
AmaLotus, while Australia’s APT, which
owns a share of AmaWaterways, sells the
opposite direction.
That changes next August when
AmaWaterways takes exclusive use of
AmaDara and APT switches to AmaLotus
only.
The itinerary includes two nights in
Phnom Penh, as well as visits to floating
villages and markets, and a former Viet
Cong hideout from the war with the US.
Passengers also have the opportunity to ride
on an ox cart and trishaw.
Speaking on board the AmaDara,
AmaWaterways president and owner Rudi
Schreiner said the vessel is the largest ship
on the Mekong at 302 feet long.
a m awat e r way s h a s d o u b l e d
“People choose this cruise for the
destination, but they can still enjoy a nice
home when they are travelling. The bigger
ship creates the same atmosphere on board
as on our Europe fleet and means we can
offer more choices.”
As well as a lounge and dining room,
AmaDara has a speciality restaurant, three
massage rooms and a large sun deck with
The itinerary
includes two nights
in Phnom Penh,
as well as visits to
floating villages and
markets.
a small pool. Suites measure between 226
square feet and 452 square feet and have
split balconies so there is space to sit inside
or out.
Unlike on AmaLotus, the cabins are at
the rear half of the vessel, as is the norm in
Europe, with public rooms at the front.
RIVER DEMA ND
The American Queen Steamboat
Company has extended the season
on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in
America’s Pacific Northwest to meet
soaring demand for its cruises.
Two extra sailings will depart on
November 15 and 22 this year, while
a couple of departures have been
added from mid-March 2016, starting
the season two weeks earlier than
usual.
The one-week cruises, sold in the
UK by Cambridge-based Light Blue
Travel, are on the 223-passenger
American Empress.
A m aSe r ena
g e ts a na m e
AmaWaterways’ co-founders
Rudi Schreiner and Kristin
Karst line up with Cruise
Planners chief executive officer
Michelle Fee, godmother of
new ship AmaSerena, which
was christened in Vilshofen,
Germany, in August. The vessel
is the first in the AmaWaterways’
fleet to offer connecting cabins
to attract families and groups of
friends. Joining the celebrations
are Vilshofen mayor Florian
Gams and second county
commisisoner Rainmund
Kneidinger.
13
river news
£1,329
The cost of a Vantage Deluxe World
Travel 10-night Burgundy cruise
Vantage launches
to UK marke t
a m e r i c a n - b a s e d va n ta g e
Deluxe World Travel has
started selling its river cruises
to the UK market. The line,
which is direct sell only in its
homeland, has appointed small
ship and yacht cruise specialist
Seafarer as UK general sales
agent and will also be working
through selected independent
travel agents.
The initial launch will
focus on Europe, followed by
cruises in India and South East
Asia. The company owns a
fleet of six European vessels,
carrying 78 to 176 passengers,
with another being launched
in spring 2016. Destinations
include the waterways of
France as well as the popular
Rhine, Main and Danube.
With an emphasis on high
quality, leisurely travel for
discerning clients, fares include
all meals, daily excursions,
culture-rich onboard lectures
and wine, beer and soft drinks
with dinner. Cruises can be
booked as cruise only or flight
inclusive packages, with rail
and cruise options also available
on selected sailings. Several
itineraries take 10 days to cover
the same route that other lines
sail in 7, and a typical lead in
price is £1,329 for a 10-night
Burgundy cruise, excluding
flights.
Vantage’s chief marketing
officer, Scott Moore, said:
“We are very pleased to be
Destinations
include the
waterways of
France as well
as the popular
Rhine, Main
and Danube.
launching our river cruises
to the UK market. Working
with our partner Seafarer and
through travel agents will bring
our products to a much wider
audience.”
The line will also allocate
space for agents on future
sailings.
Visit seafarercruises.com
n e w h eig hts f or tauck
Tauck has a new 10-day cruise-and-stay holiday next
year that combines two nights in Bern with a seven-night
Rhine river cruise. In Bern, clients can either join an included
excursion to the Jungfraujoch, 11,371 feet above sea level,
in the Swiss Alps or have a day sightseeing in Bern. They’ll
also spend a morning in Lucerne during the transfer to Basel,
where they embark their river cruise and sail to Amsterdam
(itinerary also operates in reverse). From £3,287 per person.
14
it's a date
Sep t em ber 2 3
CLIA Digital Marketing
Masterclass
Educational aimed at
cruise lines and travel
agents
Melt Content Limited,
Great Guildford Business
Square, London
O c tober 8
CLIA River Cruise
Showcase
Travel agent training and
networking opportunity
Manchester United
Football Club, Old Trafford
O c tober 2 8
Norwegian Escape
Inaugural
UK debut of Norwegian
Escape, Norwegian Cruise
Line’s largest ship to date
Southampton
Novem ber 2 2 -23
CLIA River Cruise
Convention
Two-day networking event
with conference sessions
and multiple ship visits
Amsterdam Cruise
Port/Mövenpick Hotel
Amsterdam City Centre
NE W APPOINTMENTS
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced the
appointment of Duncan Croucher as southern regional
sales manager. Sarah Brooks, is moving to a newly
created role as key account manager. The line’s business
development executive, Caroline Moody, will return this month
in a newly created part-time job-share role, working with Anna
Salter.
Carnival UK CEO, David Noyes has announced a
commercial restructure for P&O Cruises and Cunard
Line. As part of the restructure, sales & distribution
director, Chris Truscott will be leaving the business. Paul Ludlow
has been appointed senior vice-president, sales & marketing for
P&O Cruises as well as sales support on guest insight and digital
teams for both brands. The restructure will also include a similar
SVP sales & marketing role for Cunard, working alongside Rick
Meadows, president, Cunard, North America.
Celebrity Cruises has appointed Sarah Harraghy as
commercial sales director, UK and Ireland, reporting to
UK and Ireland managing director Jo Rzymowska. The
appointment follows the departure of Nicki Tempest-Mitchell.
Following the recent commercial restructure at Carnival
UK, Tony Roberts has been appointed vice president for
Princess Cruises, UK & Europe.
DISCOVER
HIDDEN DEPTHS
TO FAVOURITE
DESTINATIONS
SMALL - SHIP CRUISING FOR CURIOUS MINDS
If your clients’ idea of a holiday is to discover the charms of the Mediterranean, then
our small-ship cruises are the perfect choice. In Venice, Voyages to Antiquity offer an
exclusive, private evening visit to St Mark’s Basilica with special lighting illuminating the
spectacular mosaics. Th is is just one example of our special events across the Mediterranean;
we also provide guided shore excursions and an on-board lecture programme. So our
guests can truly discover hidden depths to their favourite destinations.
W I N N ER
AWARDS
VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY
BEST FOR ADVENTURE
Grand Canal, Venice
REQUEST YOUR
COMPLIMENTARY 2016
MEDITERRANEAN BROCHURE
01865 410105
VOYAGESTOANTIQUITY.COM
ABTA No.Y2206
Comment
The value of choice and offering clients the right cruise
port si d e w i t h . . .
sta rb oa rd with...
Ja m e s Col e
managing director, cruise
division, World Travel Holdings
H
aving worked in the cruise industry for more than 16 years
the one thing that has been a consistent observation of
mine is how crucial it is that retailers and tour operators of
cruise holidays put the right customer on the right cruise, otherwise
the longer term implications can be disastrous.
There is so much choice and variety of product these days that
there is no excuse not to find the right cruise for the customer.
I remember being introduced to some new friends several years
ago who were very excited to tell me that they had just booked their
very first cruise and that they couldn’t wait to get on board. I asked
them what type of holiday they usually booked and they revealed
that they usually go on sailing holidays, hire a villa or book 5-star
hotels. When they told me they were going on a 3 Star all-inclusive
cruise, I had little option but
"Get to know
to nod, smile and wish them
well. Unfortunately they did not
the customer,
enjoy the experience and I have
struggled to convince them to
build a
cruise since.
relationship
Had the retailer who sold
them the cruise done their
and find out
research and found out some
what would
basic information about what
my new friends like to do on
suit them best."
holiday and where they have
holidayed previously, then I am sure that a more suitable cruise line
would have been recommended. They would undoubtedly have
had a fantastic time, have cruised again and told their other likeminded cruise virgin friends how good cruising really is.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of a customer calling, saying that
they want to book a specific cruise and then just booking it for
them. Don’t do it! Get to know the customer, build a relationship
and find out what would suit them best, give them the alternative
suggestion and then get them booked. My guess is that this
approach will lead to higher than average conversion levels, more
repeat customers and more profit too.
16
PRITI MEHTA
head of sales, UK &
Ireland, Oceania Cruises
W
ith the announcement of more new tonnage,
ocean cruise lines venturing in to the world
of river and air, and the cruise sector set to
continue growing at a rapid pace, the value of choice has
never been more relevant - or important.
The cruise industry has undergone an incredible
evolution over the last 10 years with every ship launch
setting new standards of inspired innovation and
technology; luxury and comfort; food and beverages;
service and experiences … the list goes on. New
destinations are being explored as river and expedition
cruising expands, adding to guests’ experiences and
choice of brand.
More cruise lines are offering upgrade packages to
include gratuities, drinks, excursions and internet. Even
the traditional all-inclusive cruise lines are looking at
more creative ways to further enhance experiences and
offer additional value.
So how does the customer choose? For them there
will be a key deciding factor – for example, the itinerary,
the date, whether they can cruise from/to the UK, the
size of the accommodation, cuisine, activities for the
children or perhaps no activities for children!
The customer is faced with so many decisions, it
becomes our responsibility to guide them to ensure all
their needs, wants and expectations are met. There is a
product and ship for everyone, it’s just about asking the
right questions.
Onboard experiences vary between all brands, even
those who are part of the same family. During the day
guests can choose to relax with a book, learn to paint
or brush up on photography skills, even learn to cook,
become an expert mixologist or improve their language
skills.
All of this and so much more, in addition to the
plethora of ever more adventurous shore excursions.
Formal to casual dining, set dining times to open seating,
grand dining rooms to intimate speciality restaurants.
Later in the evening they can choose from understated
shows to full-scale productions, have a flutter in the
casino or a quiet nightcap.
This is our wonderful world on the ocean waves: the
freedom of choice to do as much, or as little as you wish
but always having the option to try something new. No
two days ever need be the same... unless you want them
to of course!
sail
ALL INCLUSIVE
#
Canaries
to the
Aboard Saga Sapphire,
your customers will
enjoy all the advantages
of classic, small-ship
cruising. This elegant
ship boasts surprisingly
spacious cabins, stylish
public rooms, welcoming
bars and superb
restaurants – the perfect
way to discover the sunny
Canaries this winter!
15 NIGHTS FROM
£2,549
Including all this
in the price…
per person
ALL INCLUSIVE#
Return chauffeur service to the
port up to 250 miles each way †
or free car parking
Selected drinks# including beers,
wines, spirits & cocktails
All meals & entertainment,
plus speciality dining
All on-board gratuities
24-hour room service
Daily afternoon tea
Free Wi-Fi
Optional travel insurance &
additional cancellation rights§
including optional travel insurance
or a discount of £53 if not required§
Canary Island Medley
Departing January 10, 2016
aboard Saga Sapphire
Calling at… Southampton, England
• Funchal, Madeira • Santa Cruz, La Palma
• San Sebastian, La Gomera • Santa
Cruz, Tenerife • Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
• Arrecife, Lanzarote • Agadir, Morocco
• Lisbon, Portugal • Southampton, England.
Cruise code: SA292.
SA292
...and
and even more!
Call our dedicated Trade Sales Team
FREE on 0800 074 8021
WINNER
AWARDS
2015
SAGA
SAGA CRUISES
CRUISES
BEST
VALUE
FOR
BEST
VALUE
FOR MONEY
CRUISE
LINE LINE
MONEY
CRUISE
Saga Holidays is a trading name of Acromas Holidays Ltd (registration no. 2174052) and Saga Shipping is a trading name of Acromas Shipping Ltd (registration no. 3267858). Both companies are
subsidiaries of Acromas Travel Ltd (registration no. 00720588). All three companies are registered in England and Wales. Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Sandgate, Folkestone, Kent CT20 3SE. With
respect to general insurance products sold in the UK, Acromas Holidays Ltd is an appointed representative of Saga Services Limited, registered in England and Wales (company number 732602), which is
authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Saga’s holidays and cruises are exclusively for customers aged 50+; a travelling companion may be aged 40+. Fare quoted is per person based
on two people sharing the lowest available Inside cabin, correct at time of going to print and subject to availability and change. §There is a discount available of £53 for Canary Island Medley if you do not need Saga’s optional insurance
and additional cancellation rights. †Private return chauffeur service included up to 75 miles each way, or a shared chauffeur service from 76-250 miles. #All inclusive includes selected wines at lunch and dinner, Saga house-branded
spirits, cocktails containing house-branded spirits, draught beer and lager, non-alcoholic cocktails, all mixers and soft drinks. This is not a brochure. Terms and conditions apply. NHA-CC2158
training & incentives
TOOL S OF
THE TR ADE
Here we reveal the latest cruise training opportunities, incentives and fam trips offers
Win the crown
of Be st C ru ise
C onsu lta nt
Agents from around the world celebrated Crystal Cruises’ 25th anniversary last
month during a Baltic cruise on board Crystal Symphony. Each agent had sold more
than $500,000 of Crystal cruises during 2014. They were treated to a Champagne
reception, a musical evening and a private tour of The Hermitage in St Petersburg
and given insights into Crystal’s development plans from company president Edie
Rodriguez and chief operating officer Thomas Mazloum. A group of 25 agents,
including Matthew and Edwina Lonsdale of Mundy Cruising and The Cruise Portfolio
(Crystal’s GSA for the UK) were presented with bottles of 25-year-old vintage Louis
Roederer Cristal Champagne. Pictured (from left): Edie Rodriguez, Edwina Lonsdale,
Matthew Lonsdale, Carmen Roig, senior vice-president of marketing and sales; Philip
Ordever, vice-president, international sales and marketing.
Crystal o ffe r s s a l e s
to o ls re so urc e s
Crystal Cruises has unveiled
a collection of sales tools for
travel agents. They include
marketing and sales materials,
Crystal Yacht Cruises flyers,
general information on Crystal
Esprit, plus images. The
resources are available from
the UK marketing team by
emailing sales@cruiseportfolio.
co.uk. There’s also access to
the company’s online training,
customised point of sale,
roadshow events, tailor-made
direct mail and other marketing
solutions at discovercrystal.
co.uk. The sales team can also
be contacted on 020 7399
7602.
18
Tr ai ni ng e ve nt s with
RSSC
Regents Seven Seas is offering training modules with
CLIA that give an introduction to the cruise line and its
upcoming ship, Seven Seas Explorer. The company is
also planning a series of training events in the autumn
where agents can learn more about the Regent
experience, Seven Seas Explorer and how to sell more of
the cruise line’s business. These will be as follows:
October 8, 6pm-8.30pm, Glenbervie House Hotel,
Scotland
October 14, 6pm-8.30pm, Rudding Park Hotel,
Harrogate
October 15, 6pm-8.30pm, The Mere Golf & Spa resort,
Knutsford
October 21, 6pm-8.30pm, The Priest House Hotel,
Castle Donnington
October 22, 6pm-8.30pm, Hampton Manor, Solihul
Agents interested in joining an event should email
[email protected]
Agents can nominate themselves, a
member of the team, or someone from
another company in the UK to win
the Best Cruise Consultant category
in The Wave Awards 2016. The first
Wave Awards will recognise the best in
the business of cruise holidays and are
open for cruise lines, travel agents, cruise
advisers and destinations. Entries close
on October 30 and the judging will run
throughout November with a short-list
declared by late November. The awards
ceremony will take place on February 18
2016 in London.
Visit thewaveawards.com
Voyag e s to Ant i q u i t y
l au nch e s o n li n e t r a ining
Voyages to Antiquity has launched an
online training and communication
platform at vtaexpert.com.
Agents can register to get first-hand
information about the travel experience
offered by the small-ship company and
the tools to help travel partners identify
and sell their cruises.
The training comprises a quiz
complemented by video and images.
Once agents have completed the training,
they become Luminary agents and have
access to exclusive offers, notice of new
programmes, special commissions, and a
personalised certificate.
W i n V I P t ic ke t s to se e Dy namo
w i t h MSC
Agents making an MSC
Cruises’ Balcony cabin booking
until September 30 2015 can
enter a free draw to win VIP
tickets to see TV magician
Dynamo at Birmingham NEC
on December 6. It is part of
the company’s autumn ‘Get
the Best’ promotion offering
free balcony upgrades on
cruise-only and fly-cruise
packages, which gives guests the
opportunity to have a balcony
cabin for the price of an inside
cabin.
The offer applies to a
selection of sailings across
the fleet and covers winter
2015/2016, summer 2016 and
winter 2016/2017 itineraries.
Seven-night fly-cruises in
the Mediterranean start at
£499 per person including
return British Airways flights
and overseas transfers (based
on a December 15 2016
departure).To enter, email
the booking reference to
competition@msccruises.
co.uk stating “I want to
win”. The prize includes VIP
tickets to ‘Dynamo Live’ plus
overnight accommodation in
Birmingham.
A
CHANCE
TO SHINE!
The WAVE AWARDS 2016
are searching for the
BEST CRUISE
CONSULTANT
in the UK
Nominate now!
You can nominate yourself, a member
of your team, or someone you admire
from another company. You can also
nominate more than one person.
Viking Cruises recently took a group of agents on a fam trip to
China. The trip was on board the Imperial Jewels of China
Viking River Cruise on the Viking Emerald. Elements of
the trip included an excursion to the Great Wall of China, the
ancient capital of Xi’an and a trip to a local school, supported
by Viking, in Jingzhou. Pictured from left to right are: Heather
Loyd, Viking Cruises; Rachael Howes-Tonks, cruise.co.uk;
Joanne Smithies, Blue Water Holidays; Bianca Le Quesne,
Viking Cruises; Rebecca Hendry, Iglu.
Ce l e brit y C ruise s of f e r s M iam i inc e ntiv e
Any agent who sells a 2016 Celebrity Cruises holiday, featuring long
haul flights with British Airways between September 1 and October
31 2015 has a chance of joining the Celebrity Cruises UK and Ireland
sales team for a long weekend in Miami.
2016 cruise holidays in destinations such as Alaska, the
Caribbean, Asia and Australia are all applicable as part of the
incentive. Agents will be entered into a prize draw to win one of
six places on the fam trip to explore Miami’s beaches, art deco
architecture and its options for cruise visitors.
Six agents will join the trip for three nights, including a day spent
on-board a Celebrity Cruises ship, as well as free time in Miami and
the chance to meet the head office team.
For more information visit cruisingpower.co.uk
Entries close October 30, 2015
www.thewaveawards.com
The WAVE AWARDS 2016 are sponsored by
in pictures
Cruising to
Hardangerfjord for a
brief stop at Ulvik for
passengers doing an
overland tour in Ulvik.
FJORD TIME
Jill Sayles travelled with Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) from
London Tilbury to Norway on board Magellan for its Summertime
Fjordland cruise. Following the first day at sea, the ship visited
Hardangerfjord, Ulvik, Eidfjord, Flåm, and Bergen with a final day at
sea before arriving back in Tilbury. Here’s the trip in pictures.
Magellan has lots on offer to
keep guests occupied during
the two days at sea such as
bingo, quizzes, crafts and
lectures. There’s also a gym and
spa, jacuzzis, pools, a casino, a
library and more. There are six
bars to choose from. Broadwaystyle shows each evening are
performed in the Magellan Main
Show Lounge, then guests can
head to Scott’s Nightclub.
Magellan arrives in Flåm – meaning litte
place between steep mountains. It is home
to the famous Flåm Railway (Flåmsbanen)
opened in 1940, which journeys uphill to
Myrdal station at an altitude of 2,845 ft in 40
minutes. Along the way is stunning scenery,
many waterfalls including the mighty
Kjosfossen waterfall. On the quayside, it’s
possible to visit the shops and the small
Flåm Railway Museum.
20
If not taking an organised shore
excursion, it’s easy to explore
Bergen on foot as the ship arrives in
port just a short walk from the city
centre. Bergen is Norway’s second
largest city and was the inspiration
for the creation of the town of
Arendelle in Disney’s animated
film, Frozen. Take the Mount Floien
Funicular that transports visitors
1,050ft above the city in five
minutes. The medieval Hanseatic
wharf in the area of Bryggen houses
colourful gabled wooden buildings
and shops. The Hanseatic and
Bryggen museums are nearby.
Other places of interest are the Fish
Market, Rozenkrantz Tower and King
Håkon’s Hall.
The three main dining
areas are Raffles Buffet
Bistro, Waldorf Restaurant
and Kensington Restaurant.
Mike Hall, CMV head of
marketing (left) is pictured
with Magellan Maitre’D
Ney Bolanos in Kensington
Restaurant.
Magellan arrives in
pretty Eidfjord cruise
port. A coach ride
to Hardangervidda
Naturecenter showcases
the flora and fauna and
wildlife in Norway followed
by a visit to Fossli Hotel
from where there’s
an impressive view of
Vøringsfossen waterfall.
Sample package: Easter Fjordland departs on March 26 2016
for six nights from London Tilbury on board Magellan. The cruise
visits Ulvik (for disembarking on an overland optional tour), Eidfjord,
Flåm and Bergen. The voyage cruises through Hardangerfjord and
Sognefjord. Prices are available from £649 for the first person and
50% for the second sharing person (£324pp).cruiseandmaritime.
com; 0844 998 3877.
21
interview
q&a
NATHAN
PHILPOT
Q How lo ng hav e you wor ke d
in yo ur curre nt j ob an d w h at
attr acte d yo u to the rol e ?
A Four years. I was attracted to the
challenge of owning assets and the pressure
of filling them which is different to my
previous roles as an operator or agent. I felt
the brand had so much unfulfilled potential
and my skillset could help. And it was a
huge bonus to find a travel role in Suffolk –
just 10 minutes from my home.
Q Wh at do yo u l ike m ost
abo ut th e cru is e in d u st ry ?
sales & marketing
director, Fred. Olsen
Cruise Lines
A The people. The travel industry is a
close knit group and cruise is an even
closer knit sub-set of dynamic, friendly
and fun people - from agents, ports, media,
and destinations – even some of the
competitors!
Q Wh at are you lookin g
forward to most a b out your
job ov e r th e n e xt 1 2 m onths ?
A I love working with the team here to
create amazing itineraries. The destination
and the experiences in that destination are
key to selling cruises and I truly believe we
do it better than anyone else.
Q How has th e c r uis e m a r ke t
chang e d in th e l ast 1 0 y e a r s ?
A The market has been spoilt for choice.
The introduction of new brands and new
ships has shifted the core proposition from
being traditional and exclusive to informal
and ubiquitous, yet we have not witnessed
the same explosive growth in the last five
years as we did in the first five.
Q Wh at is th e ta rg e t m a r ke t
of yo ur co mpa n y ?
A One in 10 of all over 65s are millionaires
(according to research by Prudential), so
we are more than happy to service that
market. However, it does depend on cruise
duration. On our shorter cruises, you will
find a younger more eclectic mix from 35 to
60. Our guests tend to be more traditional,
looking for the highest levels of personal
service.
Q How much pe rc e ntag e of
grow th are yo u ta rg e t in g
22
Cruise Trade News l sept/oct 2015
A None in volume terms. Over 95% of our
guests are already from the UK. We will
look to grow through yield improvement.
Q What i s the b i g g e st
cha lle n g e fac i n g c r u i se
sa le s ?
A To attract new people to cruise. The
product is so good, people will come back.
We have introduced initiatives such as
Fred.’s Enjoyment Promise and yet this year
we are still achieving a 65% repeat rate.
Q H ow d o e s the c o m pa ny work
wi th the t r ave l t r a d e ?
Q How is yo ur c om pa n y
diffe re nt to othe r c r uis e
l ine s ?
A We are the UK’s regional cruise line
sailing from 10 ports around the UK – not
just Southampton – so that 90% of the
UK is within 90 minutes of a Fred. Olsen
ship. We also craft unique itineraries suited
to our smaller ships that reach the places
others cannot. That’s why we talk about
bringing the world closer.
fro m UK & I r e l a n d c u stome rs
e ach ye a r ?
"We want to
support and fund
the travel trade to
find new guests for
Fred. Olsen."
CV
Oct 2011 - Present
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, sales &
marketing director
Jan 2010 - Sept 2011
Page & Moy Travel Group, sales &
marketing director
A We want to support and fund the travel
trade to find new guests for Fred. Olsen.
Once the guest is on board we will wholly
fund discounts to achieve that second
booking and refer it back to the agent with
full commission to create a virtuous circle.
As the third biggest brand in cruise, we
continue to invest in product and brand
advertising which is 100% funded by us and
in turn creates demand for the high street
which we hope agents will fulfil for us.
Q Why sh o u ld ag e nt s se ll
c r u i se r athe r tha n a l a nd
h o li day ?
A How many land-based holidays would
promise to give you your money back if
you didn’t enjoy it? That’s the promise
Fred. Olsen gives and demonstrates the
confidence in cruise backed up by a
phenomenal repeat rate. So if you want a
client to come back to you, year after year
– sell cruise.
Q What sh o u ld ag e nt s focu s
o n wh e n se lli n g c r u i se p r i c e , e x p e r i e nce , e tc ?
Nov 2004 - Feb 2009
WEXAS, marketing director
A Every survey ever done has stated
the main driver for someone to choose a
cruise is the destination, so focus on where
someone wants to go and how cruising is
a more convenient way to discover most
destinations. Some obvious examples are
cruising up fjords and rivers but sailing
into cities like Venice, Stockholm or St
Petersburg is also amazing.
May 2000 - July 2004
Kuoni, head of sales & marketing
Q What i s yo u r favo u r i te
c r u i se d e st i n at i o n so fa r ?
Feb 2009 - Jan 2010
Elegant Resorts, managing director
Jan 1999 - May 2000
Eurotunnel, marketing manager
May 1997 - Dec 1998
Texaco, loyalty manager
Oct 1994 - May 1997
P&O Ferries, marketing executive
A My favourite cruise destination was
also my first - the Caribbean. I had the
opportunity to visit something like 11 or 12
different islands in 14 days. It was amazing
to explore so much of the Caribbean on
one holiday and sample each destination.
I love Barbados and I have returned
many times and I had a great catamaran
experience in Antigua with lobster and
Champagne on a remote beach.
land vs river
Venice
This time we compare Uniworld’s Venice &
The Gems of Italy cruise aboard the River
Countess versus an independent city break
of seven nights in five-star, lagoon view
accommodation at the Hotel Danieli, Venice
I T I NERARY w h at 's i nclud e d
Accommodation RI VER
Included
Day 1 Port/city Venice (embark) Transfers from the airport
Glass blowing & Lace making tour
Day 2 Venice Walking tour of Venice
Visit of St. Mark’s Basilica
Day 3 Venice, Chioggia (Padua), Taglio di Po Walking tour of Padua
Day 4 Polesella (Bologna or Ferrara) Full day excursion to Bologna
Day 5 Polesella (Ravenna), Taglio di Po (Chioggia), Venice Full day excursion to Ravenna
Day 6 Venice (Verona) Full day excursion to Verona
Day 7 Venice Walking tour of Venice
Day 8 Venice (disembark), transfer to the airport Transfers to the airport
Food and drink
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Drinks (soft and alcohol)
C o st s (pe r pe r son) tota l*: 24
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
5 included
7 included
Included
£ 2 ,8 7 9 LA N D
£2,170pp
£45pp
£50pp
£60pp
£50pp
£50pp
£50pp
£50pp
£50pp
£50pp
£45pp
£25 pppd
£30 pppd
£50pppd
£45pppd
£ 3, 610
*based on September 4 2016 departure
Sponsored by
Uniworld’s cruise
came out more than
25% cheaper, so it
represents much
better value
THE RESULT
“We did a detailed comparison with
a land based holiday as we wanted to
demonstrate what exceptional value for
money a Uniworld cruise represents. We
chose our River Po and Venice itinerary,
and looked at what costs you might incur
travelling independently to Venice staying
in comparable five-star hotels, enjoying
quality meals and premium drinks, and
exploring the city and surrounding areas
on excursions with local experts. We found
that Uniworld’s cruise came out more
than 25% cheaper so it represents much
better value, with no compromise in luxury,
quality and service. Guests also have the
benefit of having all of these things already
taken care of and included in their cruise
up front, so they don’t have to think about
arrangements or budgeting while away.”
K at h ryn B e a d le
managing director, Uniworld UK
UNIWORLD’S 2016 EUROPE & RUSSIA
BROCHURE IS OUT NOW!
uniworldcruises.com | 0808 168 9110
25
agent fam trip
p i ct u r e d c lo c k w i s e
Royal suite;
Avalon Tapestry II;
observation lounge;
Warren Miller on board
(back row); bar.
from left
Ian Warren from GoCruise attended an Avalon Tapestry II
fam trip for four nights from Paris to Rouen. He experienced
part of the Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches itinerary
AVA LON
L ANDING
CABINS
There are three types of accommodation,
172 sq ft Deluxe Staterooms, 200 sq ft
Panorama Suites, and the 300 sq ft Royal
Suites.
The Deluxe Staterooms have a high
level window to give natural light, but
aren’t ideal for watching the scenery go by.
The Panorama Suites benefit from floor
to ceiling glass, and are 11 foot wide with
three panels, and rails outside. Two of the
panels slide open, to give a very wide openair balcony. Another benefit in the Suites is
that the beds are angled so that you can see
out of the balcony.
DEC KS
There are four passenger decks, three with
cabins and the public rooms, plus the Sky
Deck, which is where you can relax in the
sun, the whirlpool or play deck chess.
FOO D
The main restaurant is bright and spacious
and all meals are open seating. Breakfast
26
and lunch are self-serve buffets, with some
additional dishes served by the waiters, but
dinner is a fully served meal.
The standard and variety of food was
excellent. The freshly made omelettes at
breakfast were first class. Soft drinks are
complimentary with lunch, soft drinks,
beers and wine are included with dinner.
The Sky Bistro is available up on the Sky
Deck for certain meals.
S PA , GY M , PO O L
There is a small fitness room with
exercise bikes and treadmills, and a
small hairdresser’s salon next to the Club
Lounge. There is also a whirlpool up on
Sky Deck, as well as sun loungers.
L I B RARY
There was a small selection of books and
board games available to borrow in the
Club Lounge, which is also where you
can help yourself to hot drinks, cakes and
cookies. There is a section outside where
you can smoke.
S H O RE E XC URSIO N S
The excursions were excellent. I visited
Claude Monet’s House and Gardens,
but my favourite was a full day excursion
to Normandy’s Landing Beaches. We
visited the British War Cemetery, the
Pegasus Bridge Museum, ‘Gold Beach’
in Arromanches, ‘June Beach’ and its
exhibition centre, and finally the Canadian
War Cemetery.
YO UR I M P RESSI O N S
I was really impressed with the service from
all the staff. There aren’t loads of activities
on board, but that isn’t why anyone takes
a river cruise in my opinion. The ship is
basically a high quality floating hotel, where
you can visit different places each day.
W H O D O ES I T SUI T ?
An Avalon Waterways river cruise is
suitable for people of all ages, but children
under the age of 8 are not allowed to
travel. Although older children can travel,
they may get bored, as there are no
facilities for them.
W H AT E LSE?
I loved the experience and was very
pleased to have been given the opportunity.
Although I do like the large ocean cruise
ships, there is something special about
gliding along a scenic river, and stopping to
visit villages and cities on the way.
B O O K I N G S M ADE
Not yet, but I have given out brochures and
told people about my experience. I have
then sent quotations.
review emerald star
A JE WEL IN THE
DANUBE
A review of Emerald Waterways’ Emerald Star
by J ill S ay l e s
E
merald Star was launched in May
last year by Australian-owned
river cruise company, Emerald
Waterways. It is part of the latest
generation of 135-metre long Star-Ships
by the company. I experienced part of the
Delights of the Danube river cruise from
Budapest to Vienna during three nights.
All meals, onshore excursions, travel and
transfers were included.
ACC O MM O DAT IO N
There are 92 cabins – 90 doubles and two
singles – all river-facing and spread over
three decks. Horizon, the upper deck, has
35 suites in total, eight 210sq ft Grand
Balcony Suites, four 315sq ft Owner’s
Suites, plus 23,180sq ft Panorama Balcony
Suites - a new type of cabin (also to be
found on the middle Vista deck), of which
there are 37. Further accommodation is on
the lower deck, Riviera, where there are 20
staterooms. These include 18 double
cabins which are 162sq ft and two single
cabins at 117sq ft each. There’s access to
28
the three decks via a lift as well as the
staircase.
My Owner’s Suite on Horizon deck
had a separate bedroom and lounge, a
shower room, and walk-in wardrobe. The
indoor balcony in the lounge area had a
floor-to-ceiling window the same as in the
bedroom. The upper half of the windows
lower revealing a good view. I also had
the use of an iPad, complimentary wifi,
an espresso machine, and TV. There were
access, a 24/7 coffee machine and teamaking facilities. There’s also a very small
library area. It is used for activities, lectures,
daily port talks and evening entertainment.
Apart from the resident pianist, during my
stay entertainment and activities included
a Hungarian folklore show and a glassblowing demonstration.
The Terrace at the front of the lounge
offers comfortable seating and a light
breakfast can be eaten there. Reception and
"There are 92 cabins – all river-facing and
spread over three decks."
daily deliveries of complimentary fruit, water, pre-dinner appetizers and after-dinner
sweets. Continental breakfast was offered
in the room if required and Owner’s
Suite guests can have four items of clothes
washed for free per day.
PU B L I C AREAS
The Horizon bar and lounge has wifi
shore excursions desks are in the middle of
the boat on Vista deck. Also on board is a
small shop and a pool. It the evenings, the
pool area becomes the Emerald Café offering a quiet place to sit and it also becomes
a cinema on certain nights of the cruise.
The top Sun Deck contains a seating area,
a mini-golf course, a walking track and the
Navigation bridge.
e m e r al d star
Fast Fact s
Passengers
174
Crew
47
Cabins
92
Cabin size
117sqft – 315sqft
Decks
4
Length
135m
Emerald Waterway's USP
Friendly service, high quality
product, and a pool area
offering a flexible exercise
and entertainment space
c lo c k w i s e f ro m l e f t
FOOD & DRINK
The main Reflections restaurant on Vista
deck serves buffet breakfasts, lunches and
three course dinners, with good choices for
vegetarians. As well as the international
cuisine, there are regional dishes. Emerald
Classics are available each evening as
alternatives to the main courses. These are
poached salmon, rump steak, and grilled
chicken breast. Complimentary beer, wine
and soft drinks are served with lunch and
dinner. Afternoon tea-time is from 4-4.30pm
daily and a late night snack - often a local
dish such as goulash soup - is served in the
Emerald café from 10.30-11pm.
SPA & FIT NESS
On Vista deck, there’s a very small fitness
room next to the beauty and massage room
which has capacity for one guest at a time.
Next door is the lovely pool area with a
retractable roof. The pool isn’t large, but
big enough to share and swim in with a
few others. The flexibility of this space as
a pool, café and cinema is a real highlight.
Owner’s Suite; Emerald Star in Budapest; Reflections restaurant; pool
Fifteen bicycles are available for guests.
E XCURSI O N S
Daily excursions are included. These
are either walking or coach tours and all
with local guides. Optional paid for tours
are offered too. There are daily evening
port talks in the Horizon lounge and
on the day before the excursion. Only
one announcement is made 15 minutes
before each tour departs to avoid multiple
announcements. During my stay, I was
invited to the Sun Deck for a one-hour
Budapest by night cruise, a four-hour tour
in Budapest by bus and on foot, a two-hour
walking tour of Bratislava, plus a homehosted afternoon tea at a local village near
Bratislava. In Vienna, coaches took guests
to the city centre then followed a walking
tour with a guide and free time. The ship
moors close to the city centres, so it’s also
easy to explore independently if you wish.
SERV I CE
All crew speak good English and were very
helpful and friendly. Guests are given name
badges to wear if they want to. Tipping is
included.
SE LL I T
The 8-day Danube Delights is offered from
March to October 2016.
The trip departing March 17 2016
from Nuremberg to Budapest is priced at
£1,445 per person based on two sharing a
Panorama Balcony Suite.
It includes return travel from the
UK, seven nights in a stateroom or suite,
five shore excursions, visits to three
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, three
Emerald Plus activities, 20 on board
meals, complimentary tea and coffee,
complimentary bottled water, on board
evening entertainment, English-speaking
crew and a local guide, complimentary wifi,
all port charges, airport taxes and transfers
within Europe.
For more information call 0800 270 7017 or visit
emeraldwaterways.co.uk
29
at a glance
At a g l ance …
WINDSTAR
STAR LEGEND
Following a transformation in Genoa, Italy this April and a christening ceremony in Rome in
May, Windstar Cruises debuted Star Legend, the third and final of the fleet’s three new all
suite power yachts taking the company’s total fleet to six. Here’s a guide to the ship
P U BLI C
S PAC ES
Yacht Club - observation lounge,
coffee and snack bar
Casino
Library
Compass Rose - seating area for
socializing and live music
Star Bar – outdoor drinks bar
Computer Centre
Fitness Centre
Signature Shop
Meeting Space and screening
room
Sun deck
Veranda
WINDSTAR GUEST PROFILE
30
S PA & B EAUT Y
Pool and whirlpool
WindSpa
Full-service salon
Affluent households
Ages 45 to 65
Primarily married couples
strapline blue strapline black
OP E N B RIDG E
Open Bridge experience invites
guests to come into the Bridge
when the yacht is at sea
AC C O M M O DATION
2 Owner’s Suites
2 Classic Suites
36 Balcony Suites
64 Ocean View Suites
SERV ICES
Reception
Medical centre
Laundry service
Destination services
E XC URSION S
Private Events –complimentary
on each itinerary
DIN I N G
AmphorA Restaurant - dinner
dining
In-room: 24-hour room service
menu
Candles -smaller restaurant
at the aft for breakfast, lunch
buffets, a la carte dinners
Professionals, business owners
Well-educated
Fast Fac ts
Guests 212
Guest decks 6
Crew members 140
Length 440ft (134m)
Speed 15 knots
Tonnage 9,975grt
World travellers
Experienced cruisers
31
2016 – 2017 BROCHURE
OUT NOW
• NEW DESTINATIONS
• UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
NORWEGIAN’S
FREESTYLE CHOICE
ALL FREESTYLE!
FEATURING OUR NEW FREESTYLE
CHOICE EARLY BIRD PROMOTION*
CALL: 0845 201 8900^
VISIT: WWW.AGENTS-UK.NCL.EU
PARTNERS FIRST UK
*Freestyle Choice Early Bird Promotion has full terms and conditions – please see www.agents-uk.ncl.eu. Fares and offers are subject to availability and change and applicable only to bookings made through the Norwegian Cruise Line London office. Norwegian Cruise Line booking
conditions apply – please see www.ncl.co.uk/helpful-information/booking-conditions. ^Calls will cost 2p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge. ©2015 NCL Corporation Ltd. Ship’s Registry: Bahamas & United States of America. 6005.19.09.15
industry insight titan
Xxx
Spirit of Chartwell on the Douro
The e ver- growing le arning
curve of cruise
Y
our customers’ choice of ocean and
river cruise holidays has never been
better, and it continues to grow
year after year with the introduction of
new ships and new destinations around the
world. Becoming an expert – or staying an
expert – seems ever more difficult.
Where do you start? I remember as a
young trainee dreading the arrival of cruise
customers, worried that I wouldn’t have
the knowledge or experience to help them.
These days though, there are so many
opportunities to learn, and so much more
conveniently.
Every cruise line is different, so training
from the operators themselves is essential.
Find out what they stand for, who their
market is, what kind of destinations they
feature and what the onboard experience
is like. CLIA is brilliant too – look out for
their roadshows and online training. In
fact, the internet is perhaps the greatest
information resource of all – visit the cruise
lines’ websites, watch videos, read blogs and
reviews, and so much more.
But when it comes down to it, there is
no substitute for seeing and experiencing
the product for yourself. Cruise lines and
tour operators are really generous when
it comes to fam trips and ship visits, and
CLIA runs a superb annual river cruise
EDWI N A C O P PO C K
agency sales manager,
Titan
convention, where attendees can inspect
as many as six different vessels in a single
visit. I’ve been fortunate to attend these
and accompany several of Titan’s fam trips
– and, though I wouldn’t say I’m quite an
expert, I could certainly face those cruise
customers without fear.
This year, Titan is hosting four special
trips chartered specifically for agents,
including a Douro cruise for 30 aboard
Spirit of Chartwell, the ‘Royal Barge’ from
the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations
in 2012, and a mini-cruise around Croatia’s
breathtaking Bay of Islands aboard the
small ship MS Amalia. Such trips benefit
frontline industry staff by building their
knowledge, and they benefit us, as we
know those staff go on to recommend the
experience to their customers.
Titan also packages cruise itineraries
with a land tour element, for the best of
both worlds, a tour manager for your
customers’ complete peace of mind – and,
of course, our peerless home transfers. It
gives you the best possible choice – book
cruise-only with the operators themselves,
or hassle-free packages from door-to-shoreto-door with Titan!
The cruise market in the UK looks
set to continue growing for years to come
and staying ahead of the learning curve is
key to your success, our success and your
customers’ holiday happiness!
Titan’s new Ocean & River Cruise Compendium
brochure, featuring more than 80 ocean cruise
itineraries and 40 river cruise itineraries, is out
now. Of these itineraries, 28 are new for 2016,
including ‘Grand Discoveries of the Orient’, and
‘The Wine Regions of France and Spain’. Amongst
the new river cruises is ‘A Celebration of Lisbon
and the Douro’, combining a two-night hotel
stay in the Portuguese capital with a seven-night
Douro cruise aboard the exclusively chartered
Spirit of Chartwell.
33
5 of the best themed river cruises
THEMED RIVER CRUISE
Clients can indulge in their favourite passion or pastime, and enjoy beautiful scenery at the
same time, with a growing number of themed river cruises. Here are five to float their boat
UNIWO RLD
ROYA LT Y
Why A reception hosted by a descendant of the Habsburg dynasty,
Princess Anita von Hohenberg, at her baroque castle is the jewel in
the crown of new Uniworld cruises that will provide exclusive insider
access to some of Europe’s rich aristocratic heritage. Bookable
through Titan, the themed cruises will be available on selected
sailings of the European Jewels itinerary in June, July and August
2016. There will also be a behind the scenes tour of Vienna’s
Spanish Riding School, a special piano concert featuring the works
of Liszt, and an onboard patisserie demonstration making Esterhazy
torte, a favourite of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.
titanagents.co.uk
C RO ISIEURO P E
G ASTRON OMY
Why French-owned CroisiEurope prides itself on serving
passengers with authentic French cuisine and quality wines, with
the added bonus of an open bar included in the fare. The four-night
Valleys of the Rhone and Saone itinerary, sailing in April and October
next year, will take passengers on a gourmet journey through
famous winegrowing regions of Cotes du Rhone and Beaujolais, with
vineyard tours and private tastings. The highlight is dinner in a grand
dining room at Abbaye de Collonges, the culinary temple run by Paul
Bocuse, who has held three coveted Michelin stars for 50 years.
croisieurope.co.uk
34
ES
VI K I N G RI VER C RUISES
CHRISTMAS
MAR K E T S
Why Visits to picturesque locations that
inspired some of the greatest French artists,
such as Monet’s garden at Giverny and the
coastal town of Honfleur with its pretty pastel
coloured houses, are showcased in five
Paris and Normandy art itineraries running
between April and October next year. Other
excursion highlights include Auvers-sur-Oise,
home of famous painters such as Vincent
van Gogh, Paul Cezanne and Camille Pissarro.
Afterwards passengers of all artistic abilities
can brush up their own skills and take home
their own masterpiece with step-by-step
classes hosted by an onboard art instructor.
Why Running throughout
November and December,
Christmas markets are the
highlight of Europe’s winter
calendar. With their roots based
in history and tradition they’re
the perfect antidote for anyone
tired of the commercialism
that surrounds the modern
day festive season. Germany
is particularly famous for its
markets and Viking’s Grand
European Tour and Rhine
Discovery and Romantic
Danube itineraries include visits
to Cologne, Nuremberg and
Passau, where atmospheric
stalls sell delightful handmade decorations and unique
gifts, and the air is filled with
the scent of gingerbread
and spices.
amawaterways.co.uk
vikingcruises.co.uk
AMAWAT ERWAYS
ART
AVALO N WAT ERWAYS
GO LF
Why If leaving the golf course at home is too much to bear,
passengers can get into the swing of things on Avalon’s eight-night
golf themed Vienna to Munich cruise in August 2016. Suitable for
golf enthusiasts of all levels, a local golf expert will be on board to
pass on tips and arrange tee times at various courses along the
way. The fare includes transport to and from the golf courses, with
green fees, carts, caddies and equipment available to hire at extra
cost. And golf widows don’t need to worry as there will be alternative
programmes and activities throughout the week for non-golfers.
avaloncruises.co.uk
35
NEW 2016 Titan Cruise
Compendium brochure out now!
Let us be your guide to cruising
the world with nearly 80
ocean cruises and over 35
river cruises across the globe
NEW for 2016
The 2016 Cruise Compendium brochure features
a remarkable 20 new cruise itineraries including
17 new no-fly cruises, 2 new small ship
adventures and 8 new river cruise itineraries
Fantastic special offers if you book before 30 September 2015
• Double onboard credit up to £200pp on a wide selection of Fred. Olsen cruises
• Included special restaurant packages on a selection of Norwegian Cruise Lines holidays
• £100pp onboard credit on Hurtigruten’s Norway Adventure
• £50 Amazon gift voucher with Voyages to Antiquity 2016 cruises
• $200 per stateroom onboard credit on selected 2016 Azamara Club Cruises itineraries
Visit www.titanagents.co.uk
Prices are per person, subject to availability and change. Prices correct at time of print and are confirmed at time of booking.
VIP Home Departure Service
Every cruise booked through Titan
includes our VIP Home Departure Service
from your client’s front door to the airport
or port and back again. Door-to-door
home transfers from every UK address
with no mileage restrictions*
Our Price Promise
Every cruise booked through Titan is
covered by our very special price promise.
Once your clients have booked their
cruise, should we subsequently reduce
the cost then we will automatically refund
the difference! So early bookers always
benefit from the best prices.
Our Cruise Partners
We work with selected cruise partners for ocean cruises offering cruise & tour
itineraries, no-fly cruising and small ship adventuresalong with 17 river cruise lines,
providing superb choice and value.
Visit www.titanagents.co.uk
*VIP from every UK address except Scottish Islands & Sark
new to cruise cruise and stay
From
se a to shore
Increasingly imaginative cruise-and-stay packages are adding
extra pizzazz to the cruising product
by SAR A M ACE F IE L D
Denali National Park, Alaska
38
39
Book Select 2016 cruises by 31 October 2015
and receive:*
1
2
3
4
FREE Signature Beverage Package (up to US$1,400 value)
FREE Pinnacle Grill dinner (US$58 value)
Reduced cruise fares for 3rd/4th guests
50% reduced deposit
Book a suite and receive the above, PLUS US$300 onboard
spending credit per stateroom and a FREE Canaletto dinner!
The first in a new, but still mid-sized Pinnacle class, 2,650-guest
Ms Koningsdam will blend a fresh, contemporary styling in harmony
with our classic elegance. Interiors by Adam D. Tihany, one of the world’s
pre-eminent hospitality designers, will be inspired by the “architecture of
music” – focusing on fluid curves, graceful lines and light-filled places.
The ship’s increased size will mean exciting public spaces, venues and
innovative new features.
The first new ship of any major cruise line to sail in Europe in 2016,
Ms Koningsdam will debut in the Mediterranean cruising from Rome, then
summer in Northern Europe, with convenient departures from Amsterdam.
Winter 2016-7 Caribbean sailings will be from Fort Lauderdale!
M s Kon i ng s daM
Arrives Spring 2016
JUSt A FEw OF thE MAIdEN SEASON ItINERARIES
12-nights
11-nights
Mediterranean Mosaic
Christening Cruise
Roundtrip Civitavecchia (Rome)
Ms Koningsdam
27 Apr*, 12 Oct 2016
• Overnight onboard in Barcelona
CRUISE ONLY
Interior stateroom
Ocean view stateroom
Verandah stateroom
Vista suite
7-nights
Viking Sagas
Civitavecchia (Rome) to Rotterdam
Ms Koningsdam
9 May 2016
• Enjoy pre-Christening Celebrations
FROM PP
£1,399
£1,749
£1,999
£2,699
CRUISE ONLY
Interior stateroom
Verandah stateroom
Vista suite
Roundtrip Amsterdam
Ms Koningsdam 22 May*, 3 Jul, 28 Aug 2016
• Cruise spectacular Fjord scenery
FROM PP
£1,699
£1,899
£2,099
£2,699
CRUISE ONLY
Interior stateroom
Verandah stateroom
Vista suite
FROM PP
£859
£1,009
£1,199
£1,349
PLEASE ASK FOR FLY/CRUISE PRICING
Terms and conditions: Lead in fares are based on dates marked *. Fares are per person based on double occupancy, cruise only basis. Please ask for fly/cruise fares from London and
regional airports. For full Holland America Line terms and conditions, refer to the Holland America Line 2016-7 Worldwide Cruise Holidays brochure. Explore4 terms and conditions apply.
New bookings only. Offers are capacity controlled and may be modified or withdrawn or sailing/departure dates may be substituted without prior notice. Subject to availability. Other
restrictions may apply. It is the responsibility of guests to ensure they have a full passport valid at least 6 months beyond the date travel is to commence.
T
agging a few days ashore on to a
cruise is increasingly being seen as
the ideal hook to entice newcomers
or tempt experienced cruisers
looking for something different.
Cruise-and-stay holidays may only
account for a relatively small proportion of
the market, but with the growth in cruise line
itineraries, options are virtually limitless.
The most popular combination is
arguably the Rocky Mountaineer train ride
through the Rockies to Seattle or Vancouver,
from where travellers cruise to Alaska, but
generally, prime cruise-and-stay destinations
need to be close to established cruise
embarkation and disembarkation points.
They need to have a good range
of hotels, varied local attractions and
comprehensive air links.
Florida is popular thanks to its myriad
attractions and convenient location as a
departure point for Caribbean cruises, with
sailings from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and
Port Canaveral.
The Caribbean also proves a natural
setting for cruise-and-stays with passengers
combining a week on islands such as
Barbados or Jamaica with a seven-night
voyage.
In Europe, Barcelona generally leads the
field as a major cruise departure port with
excellent air links; while the city itself and
surrounding areas are prime tourist traps.
Other potential European cruise-andstay contenders include Venice, Athens and
Istanbul, while Rome is a strong choice as
the cruise gateway of Civitavecchia is 90
minutes away.
But, most importantly, cruise-and-stay
packages put the power of promotion
directly into travel agents’ hands as it
enables them to build their own unique
packages around specific cruise departures.
As a result, specialist cruise agents and
tour operators are becoming increasingly
inventive when it comes to creating one-off
options by taking a sailing and building on
land elements such as hotel stays, theme
park visits or rail trips.
And if agents don’t want to risk putting
together their own packages, they can
sell options now being offered by tour
operators.
Long-haul specialist Kuoni is building
up its Stay & Cruise programme and works
closely with a select group of lines.
“Since we launched the programme
in November 2013, we have seen demand
grow with sales well up on last year,”
explained cruise product executive
Roxanne Howard.
“Due to this, we are recruiting two
cruise sales assistants to help our personal
travel experts and trade call centre with
cruise enquiries and requests.”
Thomson Cruises is another to further
c l o c k w i s e f r o m t o p New York;
Singapore; Universal, Florida
Po p ul a r c ruis e-a n d - stay c omb o s
Venice and a Mediterranean cruise
The romantic squares and bell towers
of this Renaissance city make it an
irresistible add-on to any voyage. But for
an extra classy twist, it can be combined
with a memorable journey aboard the
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to or
from London too.
New York and a transatlantic crossing
Sail to the Big Apple for unforgettable
views of the city as you arrive just after
dawn or sail from the city knowing
you can shop ‘til you drop in the days
beforehand without having to worry
about airline luggage restrictions.
Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska cruise
From one bucket list experience
through the Canadian Rockies, with its
breathtaking scenery and wild bears, to
another as you sail through the grandeur
of Alaska’s Glacier Bay and rich whalefilled waters.
Florida theme park and Caribbean
cruise
Enjoy the theme park thrills of Walt
Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort
et al before cruising from Port Canaveral,
an hour’s drive away, to recover on a
relaxing Caribbean voyage.
Singapore/Hong Kong stay and Asia
cruise
Combine the frenetic buzz of these Asian
powerhouses before sailing away to
explore the Far East’s more inaccessible
regions along the coasts of Vietnam,
Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines.
41
CRYSTAL – THE NEXT CHAPTER
THE WORLD’S BEST CRUISE LINE INTRODUCES
THE WORLD’S BEST YACHT EXPERIENCE
Crystal Cruises has been voted the World's Best more than any other cruise line,
hotel or resort in history. That's why we're confident that Crystal Esprit - our
new, luxurious small ship - will redefine the luxury yachting experience.
DUBROVNIK TO VENICE
7 night itinerary includes:
• Dubrovnik • Croatia • Kotor, Montenegro •
Split, Croatia ( ) • Zadar, Croatia • Opatija,
Croatia • Piran, Slovenia • Venice, Italy ( )
* Sunday departures. Southbound itinerary also
available
●
●
●
Sleek and nimble, the yacht will sail with just 62 discerning passengers to
visit the Seychelles & the Adriatic, all in complete exclusive luxury.
New itineraries, excursions and activities – all designed with the yacht’s
size in mind – enable you to maximise your experiences in each
destination.
ROUND-TRIP VICTORIA, SEYCHELLES
7 night itinerary includes:
• Mahé, Victoria • St. Anne Island ( ) • La Passe,
La Digue ( ) • Baie St. Anne, Praslin ( ) • Laraie
Bay, Curieuse Island • Anse Saint Jose, Curieuse
Island • Cousin Island • Baie St. Anne, Praslin ( )
• Aride, • Big Sister Island • Desroche Island
• Mahé, Victoria ( )
Designed for warm-water destinations, the Crystal Esprit features a
variety of watersports equipment that can be used from the onboard
Marina; snorkel or swim; water ski and jet ski, or paddle a kayak in the
early morning quiet.
* Sunday departures from Mahé.
( ) = Overnight stay
Meet the team that will provide you with the very best support to maximise your sales and to ‘Crystalise’ your business potential.
Mick Dupont
Head of Sales
Tel: 07921 949469
[email protected]
Natalie Read
Regional Sales Manager – South
Tel: 07896 971316
[email protected]
Jon Schofield
Regional Sales Manager – North & Scotland
Tel: 07841 921533
[email protected]
Joanne Imeson
Trade Sales & Marketing Support Manager
Tel: 07772 714983
[email protected]
Nan Short
Representative for NI & EIRE
Tel: 02890 642252
[email protected]
All ship image renderings and floor plans at this time are artists’ conceptual drawings and are subject to change.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO
MAKE A BOOKING, PLEASE CALL:
020 7399 7601
www.crystalcruises.co.uk
21 years
20 years
ABTA No.V8548
Terms & Conditions: All fares, offers and itineraries are subject to change and availability and can be withdrawn at any time. Fares are only available to UK & Eire residents. Restrictions apply. See crystalcruises.co.uk for complete terms and conditions of all
offers. (c) 2015 Crystal Cruises, Inc., Ships' registry: The Bahamas.
develop its cruise-and-stay offering with a
new Cruise and City Breaks programme
for 2016, enabling passengers to combine
one-week sailings with stays in the likes of
Palma and Dubrovnik.
It is also introducing the Costa del Sol
as a cruise-and-stay spot for passengers
wanting to add a few days to its ex-Malaga
sailings.
Celebrity Cruises is another to have
seen demand rise for such packages.
“Cruise and stay has grown for us
in recent years,” said Celebrity’s UK &
Ireland managing director, Jo Rzymowska.
“It is important for us and our travel
agent partners that it is always considered
as part of the overall package when guests
consider itineraries. Celebrity’s increase in
seven-night Europe itineraries in 2016 is
partly to cater for this growing market.”
Holland America Line is one of the
market leaders to Alaska, with its Land
+Sea Journeys offering various options to
best explore this remote region.
“A growing part of our business, our
Land + Sea Journeys are hugely popular
and allow guests to easily explore Alaska
and the Yukon in depth,” said HAL UK
managing director Lynn Narraway.
“They really appeal to many first-time
cruisers as the packages enable them to
discover all the must-see aspects of the
Alaska region, including those that can
only be seen by ship – making the cruise an
integral part of discovering the destination.
“Cruise-and-stay holidays such as these
enable agents to upsell and demonstrate
their expertise,” she stressed.
Princess Cruises is another with a large
presence in the region, offering “cruisetours” that combine its glacier cruises with
stays in wilderness lodges in the Denali
National Park.
However, other lines have taken a
different tack as increased interest in foodie
cruises has prompted Oceania Cruises to
introduce two-night Culinary Creations
land tours that include visits to markets to
sample local specialities, tastings, food and
wine pairing meals and learning how to
prepare traditional dishes.
An increase in cruises along the
f r o m t o p APT River Cruises - Vietnam and Cambodia;
Explore Cape Town in South Africa with Fred. Olsen;
European river sailings with Scenic
coastline of Southern Africa has opened
up this region’s natural appeal with lines
increasingly incorporating safari stays into
their offerings.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has added
safari stays from Durban along with a fournight pre-cruise stay in Cape Town and a
two-night package featuring an overnight
stay on South Africa’s iconic Blue Train.
Silversea Expeditions has boosted
land stays with its new Grand Expeditions,
ranging from 18 to 34 days. The five
packages to South America take passengers
from sea to land to sea on two voyages,
interspersed by an onshore adventure.
Crystal Cruises continues to build on
its overland adventures, offering extended
stays in Canada and more than a dozen
options on its 2016 World Cruise.
The line’s new mega-yacht Crystal
Esprit, which launches in December, twins
Dubai stays with its Indian Ocean sailings.
Meanwhile, MSC Cruises reports strong
demand from customers wanting to twin
its new Cuba sailings with stays on the
Caribbean island.
River cruise companies are jumping on
the cruise-and-stay bandwagon with lines
such as AmaWaterways and Scenic offering
packages incorporating European river
sailings with stays in cities and APT, Viking
River Cruises and Avalon Waterways
including hotel stays along the Mekong.
sell it
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines offers a 30-night
sailing from Southampton on Boudicca to
southern Africa, finishing in Durban, from
where passengers can add a three-night
stay at the Thanda private game reserve.
Departing on January 5, 2016, the cruise
and stay costs from £4,498pp, including
game drives. Return flight not included.
0800 035 5242
fredolsencruises.com
Princess Cruises offers a six-night land tour
in the Alaskan wilderness combined with a
seven-night cruise that visits the Glacier
Bay National Park and stops at Skagway,
Juneau and Ketchikan. The package is
offered between May and September 2016,
with prices from £3,019pp, including flights.
For further information:
0843 374 2401
princess.com
The River Cruise Line offers a 10day Danube Discovery cruise and stay
comprising three nights in Budapest and
a four-night sailing to Passau. It departs
on June 5, 2016, and costs from £749pp,
including return coach travel and an
overnight hotel stay on the outbound and
inbound journeys.
0844 544 7580
rivercruiseline.co.uk
43
making waves voyages to antiquity
a ne w dawn
Voyages to Antiquity ticks all the right boxes for so many people, they
just don’t know it… yet, says new managing director Jos Dewing
by Ja n e A rc h e r
Aegean Odyssey aft deck
C
ultural cruise line Voyages to
Antiquity has been relaunched
to the trade as a small ship
experience as part of a strategy
to raise its profile.
Jos Dewing joined the company in a
sales and marketing role last December,
44
but with a view to taking over as managing
director when the then MD David Yellow
retired in 2016.
In the event, Dewing was able to call
on past experience at specialist agency The
Cruise Line, as the UK launch general sales
agent for Oceania Cruises and as a director
for All Leisure Group to show himself
ready to take the helm after just six months.
So it’s been all change at the top of
Voyages to Antiquity. Yellow remains an
active director, but handed over the reins
to Dewing early, giving him a free hand to
introduce new strategies to raise awareness
of the company among both consumers
and agents.
It’s a two-pronged approach. On the
one hand he has been pulling on past
experience as owner of web development
company Cruisetech to develop Voyages
to Antiquity’s first agents’ training
programme. On the other he believes
it important to change the cruise line’s
message.
Dewing said: “The name Voyages to
Antiquity is a barrier as both agents and
consumers think it must be high-brow and
therefore with limited appeal. But while
a lot of our shore excursions do visit sites
linked to ancient civilisations, it’s not just
about that.
Ti me fo r chang e
“Things have changed, evolved, since the
cruise line started and our marketing needs
to focus less on the antiquity and more on
the good-value small ship experience.
“It’s the whole mix that makes this such
a good product – the guest speakers, the
shore excursions team, the fact there is no
selling on board so passengers can relax
and enjoy their cruise. And yes of course,
the destinations.”
For those unfamiliar with the company,
Voyages to Antiquity launched five years
ago with one ship, the 378-passenger
Aegean Odyssey. Initially it operated only
in the spring, summer and autumn, and
only in the Eastern Mediterranean, which
is chock-full of sites that date back to the
ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine
civilisations.
Shore excursions were included in the
price (and still are) because sightseeing is
an important part of the cruise, and flights,
transfers, gratuities, drinks with dinner and
pre and post-cruise hotel stays were also
integrated into the fare, making it one of
the most inclusive and good-value cruise
lines around.
Sales took off and it soon developed
into a year-round product, with cruises in
Asia in winter. This November, Aegean
Odyssey is sailing a short season of safaribased voyages in South Africa before
heading east to Myanmar, Thailand,
Malaysia and Singapore.
The product is also broadening in the
Mediterranean, with cruises to France
and Spain new this summer and a debut
visit to the UK in June 2016. A two-week
cruise from Seville takes Aegean Odyssey
to Falmouth, Dartmouth and Dover, with a
15-day voyage taking the ship from Dover
to Lisbon.
"Training is
a significant
investment for
us but we want to
show agents what
makes our cruises
different."
Jo s D e wi n g
managing director,
higher than Australia and the US, but we
should be doing more. We need to grow
here and that will come through agents.”
Which is where the new training
programme comes in. Launching to
coincide with Cruise Week from September
19-27, it has been built from scratch
and uses video to educate agents about
the product and how to sell it. There is
also a course for agents to take; if they
pass they will be issued with a certificate
acknowledging their expertise.
Dewing said: “The training is a
significant investment for us but we want to
show agents what Voyages to Antiquity is
about and what makes our cruises different.
It is more engaging than traditional
training and we will be continually
updating content so there is a reason to
keep coming back.”
He admitted Voyages to Antiquity is
difficult for agents to understand but said
it is important for them to learn because
the product works on so many levels. “It’s
a perfect fit for people who have cruised
before and are looking for a more refined
product but also for customers used to
taking land tours or river cruising.”
He said it is also ideal for single
travellers because Aegean Odyssey attracts
people with common interests, creating a
friendly atmosphere on board. Importantly,
the ship has 26 single cabins and the
company doesn’t charge a huge supplement
for solo travellers. Some cruises even have
low or no supplements.
N o -fly c r u i se s
Dewing said cruise specialists including
Reader Offers, Iglu and Planet Cruise
are now selling Voyages to Antiquity.
Trailfinders is also on board, while Great
Rail Journeys has taken space on three
cruises next summer that it will be selling as
rail-sail holidays for clients who don’t want
to fly.
Also, next May, the Brandenburg
Choral Festival of London will be holding
the final event of its spring series on
Aegean Odyssey while cruising from
Piraeus to Venice. There’ll be singing
workshops each day and a final concert in
Ravenna, Italy.
Dewing said: “Aegean Odyssey works
well for groups. They can bring their own
lecturers and we can organise separate
shore excursions. Agents should be thinking
about groups interested in history, wildlife,
gardening, in fact a whole range of specialinterest subjects.”
A partnerships manager is being
appointed this month to develop this side
of the business, and Voyages to Antiquity
is also taking on two more people in
marketing and an extra reservation-cumpassenger services manager.
Dewing promised: “There will be more
appointments to come. I want to get the
product out there and make sure everyone
knows Voyages to Antiquity.”
Aegean Odyssey in Delos, Greece
UK oppo rtunit y
Dewing said: “The UK cruises are a great
opportunity for us to showcase the ship.
The UK is our biggest market, about 10%
45
advertisement feature
VOYAGES TO A N T IQUIT Y
– A DEEPER IN S IG H T
By Ant ho ny N ic hol as
T
he Voyages to Antiquity experience, showcased
in the company's boutique, small- ship Aegean
Odyssey, is a combination of immersion and
inclusivity that offers cruise tours at a price that
make it one of the best value buys in the contemporary
travel market. And one of the lesser known gems for
agent sales.
The ship was refurbished at huge expense. Every
third cabin was replaced to create two larger ones. A
series of expansive cove balcony cabins were created
in the aft part of the ship. And, throughout, the Aegean
Odyssey was redecorated. There are 26 sole occupancy
cabins and single supplements are low too.
This intimacy of scale allows the Aegean Odyssey
to slip neatly into ports that the larger, more crowded
ships have to bypass. With a maximum capacity for
380 passengers, the ship features an onboard lecture
programme that brings to life the sights, sounds and the
history of the places that people will see over the course
of each voyage.
All meals can be taken either indoors or outside, on
an aft deck terrace. The food is upscale with Asian twists
on offer. Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks are
served throughout the course of lunch and dinner.
Entertainment is low key and there is almost a total
absence of loudspeaker announcements.
All flights, hotel stays and transfers are included too,
with company representatives there to meet and greet
you on arrival, to ensure your smooth transfer to the ship
or hotel. In most cities, the company offers an inclusive,
two or three night pre and/or post cruise stay in quality
hotels such as the Fairmont in Singapore, or the Ritz
Carlton in Istanbul, together with included excursions.
The value extends to the inclusion of all shore
excursions in each port of call. All excursions operate in
small groups, with a 'Quietvox' headset.
From the glut of history to be found in the Greek
islands, to the golden spires and monasteries of ancient
46
Burma, the Aegean Odyssey experience really gets
under the skin of the culture, history and heritage of
some fascinating places.
From cruising inland waterways from the
Guadalquivir to the Yangon, the Aegean Odyssey offers
scenery that only a small ship can really achieve. Take a
series of big game drives in southern Africa, get close to
ancient Delos, or see the petrified temples and palaces
of Sicily. For a change of pace, take in an evening's
people watching in Mykonos or Sorrento.
Education. Fascination. Inclusivity and intimacy
offered up in the setting of a small-ship experience, with
fine food and a sense of style, fun and flair, in a nutshell,
is the essence of the Aegean Odyssey experience.
Take a look at the new travel agent and training
website at www.vtaexpert.com
c lo c k w i s e
from top
Aegean Odyssey;
lunch on aft
deck; on board
entertainment; on
board lecture.
FARES I NCLUD E
Scheduled flights and free
regional connections
Pre & Post-cruise land tours or
premium hotel stays
Shore excursions with guides
World leading lecture programme
All gratuities on board
Transfers and baggage handling
Benefits and discounts for past
passengers
For more information call
0845 437 9737 or visit
voyagestoantiquity.com
advertisement feature
VOYAGES TO ANTIQUIT Y
– A DEEPER INSIGHT
T
By Ant ho ny
Nicho l as
46
he Voyages to Antiquity experience, showcased
in the company's boutique, small- ship Aegean
Odyssey, is a combination of immersion and
inclusivity that offers cruise tours at a price that
make it one of the best value buys in the contemporary
travel market. And one of the lesser known gems for
agent sales.
The ship was refurbished at huge expense. Every
third cabin was replaced to create two larger ones. A
series of expansive cove balcony cabins were created
in the aft part of the ship. And, throughout, the Aegean
Odyssey was redecorated. There are 26 sole occupancy
cabins and single supplements are low too.
This intimacy of scale allows the Aegean Odyssey
to slip neatly into ports that the larger, more crowded
ships have to bypass. With a maximum capacity for
380 passengers, the ship features an onboard lecture
programme that brings to life the sights, sounds and the
history of the places that people will see over the course
of each voyage.
All meals can be taken either indoors or outside, on
an aft deck terrace. The food is upscale with Asian twists
on offer. Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks are
served throughout the course of lunch and dinner.
Entertainment is low key and there is almost a total
absence of loudspeaker announcements.
All flights, hotel stays and transfers are included too,
with company representatives there to meet and greet
you on arrival, to ensure your smooth transfer to the ship
or hotel. In most cities, the company offers an inclusive,
two or three night pre and/or post cruise stay in quality
hotels such as the Fairmont in Singapore, or the Ritz
Carlton in Istanbul, together with included excursions.
The value extends to the inclusion of all shore
excursions in each port of call. All excursions operate in
small groups, with a 'Quietvox' headset.
From the glut of history to be found in the Greek
islands, to the golden spires and monasteries of ancient
Burma, the Aegean Odyssey experience really gets
under the skin of the culture, history and heritage of
some fascinating places.
From cruising inland waterways from the
c lo c k w i s e f ro m l e f t
Aegean Odyssey;
lunch on aft deck; on
board entertainment;
bar area; on board
lecture.
Guadalquivir to the Yangon, the Aegean Odyssey offers
scenery that only a small ship can really achieve. Take a
series of big game drives in southern Africa, get close to
ancient Delos, or see the petrified temples and palaces
of Sicily. For a change of pace, take in an evening's
people watching in Mykonos or Sorrento.
Education. Fascination. Inclusivity and intimacy
offered up in the setting of a small-ship experience, with
fine food and a sense of style, fun and flair, in a nutshell,
is the essence of the Aegean Odyssey experience.
Take a look at the new travel agent and training
website at www.vtaexpert.com
FARES I NCLUD E
Scheduled flights and free regional connections
Pre & Post-cruise land tours or premium hotel
stays
Shore excursions with guides
World leading lecture programme
All gratuities on board
Transfers and baggage handling
Benefits and discounts for past passengers
For more information call 0845 437 9737 or
visit voyagestoantiquity.com
47
ex-uk cruises
CLOSER
TO HOME
The popularity of cruising from UK ports
is set to spiral in 2016
by K AR L CU S H ING
48
49
ex-uk cruises
I
t’s official: 2016 is set to be the year for
ex-UK cruising with a bumper boost
in capacity and some exciting operator
firsts teeing up a potential sales
bonanza for agents.
Sailing from the UK may add sea days,
not to mention the occasional rough North
Sea or Bay of Biscay crossing, but for many
the convenience of simply rocking up to
a UK port and kicking off your holiday as
soon as you embark – even using sterling
on board – is a compelling proposition, and
not everyone likes flying of course.
Even so, the growth of the ex-UK
cruise market is staggering, having risen
from 91,500 passengers in 1986 to 1.64m
in 2014, according to figures from industry
body CLIA. This despite experiencing a
4.8% fall in demand last year, the first since
1986, due to a temporary fall in capacity,
strongly reversed for 2015/16.
Underpinning this demand is the
continued investment in UK ports.
Alongside Southampton and Dover, with its
four and two cruise terminals respectively,
there’s Portsmouth and a wealth of options
from Hull and Harwich to Greenock and
Glasgow, with a feasibility study planned
for a new cruise terminal in Plymouth.
More ports mean more options for clients,
and operators such as Cruise & Maritime
Voyages (CMV) and Fred. Olsen Cruise
Lines, which sail from eight and ten UK
ports respectively, make much of this fact as
a selling tool.
Lol Nichols, general sales manager at
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, who describes
the market for ex-UK cruises as “buoyant”
and “very competitive”, believes the
operator’s focus on regional ports helps
it avoid discounting while offering agents
the chance to reduce clients’ sea time, for
example by offering northern itineraries out
of northern ports.
“By offering convenient departures
from a choice of eight British ports CMV
brings cruising closer to home, with hasslefree joining and embarkation – as opposed
to flying,” says CMV’s head of marketing
Mike Hall, adding, “And two and three
night cruises to European cities are a great
alternative for a city break.”
Andy Harmer, the director of CLIA
in the UK & Ireland, believes the wealth
of regional departure points is a great
sales tool for local agents, aided by CLIA’s
ex-UK cruises training module and search
facility [cruiseexperts.org].
“Sailing from a UK port remains
incredibly popular with figures showing
more than 730,000 Brits choosing to begin
their cruise holiday this way last year,” says
Fred.Olsen Boudicca
MSC Splendida
Harmer. “There’s no shortage of choice in
size and style of ship, nor in destination.
And 2016 will be another exciting year with
a number of firsts, including Fred. Olsen
Line’s first departure from Newcastle for
its ship Balmoral, and Disney Cruise Line
offering its first British Isles itinerary on
Disney Magic.”
Ch oic e s, cho ic e s…
Most itineraries focus on the British
Isles, Western Europe and the Med,
and Northern Europe and the Baltic.
Norwegian Fjords cruises remain popular
with 2016 options from Southampton
on Celebrity Eclipse, Britannia and
Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral, whose offerings
include an eight-night Waterfalls, Fjords &
Glaciers itinerary, and Disney Magic sailing
a seven-night cruise from Dover on May
29 calling at Stavanger, Alesund, Geiranger
and Bergen.
British Isles cruises are hotter still
with ship options for 2016 ranging from
Oceania Nautica, Seven Seas Voyager
and Seabourn Quest to family-friendly
Disney Magic, which will run its first
CMV Magellan
K id le ss
cruising
Operators worth a look for
clients who prefer to cruise
without the little ones include
Fred. Olsen, which has added
18 additional sailings for 18+
passengers in 2016/17, and
P&O, whose fleet includes three
adult-only vessels — Arcadia,
Adona and Oriana. CMV’s fourstrong fleet includes the adultonly Marco Polo, and its themed
cruises such as the 15-night
TV Soap Legends cruise to the
Canary Islands & Madeira on
Magellan, departing Tilbury on
October 14, 2016, attract an
older crowd. All Leisure Group’s
Voyages of Discovery, Swan
Hellenic and Hebridean Island
Cruises lines are also purposely
designed with adults rather than
children in mind, although the
latter does accept over nines.
51
ex-uk cruises
Fred.Olsen Balmoral in Norway
Magellan
top
right
Small pool,
ever round-Britain tour out of Dover
on June 5. Crystal Cruises has a 14-day
Grand Britannia round-trip from Tilbury,
departing July 23 (from £4,191, cruiseonly), while Oceania’s offerings include the
12-Day British Isles Tapestry on Nautica,
a round trip from Southampton departing
June 1 2016, bolstered by a range of
options which fly out or back one way,
including Southampton to Stockholm
and Southampton to Copenhagen (www.
oceaniacruises.com).
Nice twists include Voyages of
Discovery’s 12-day Britain’s Beautiful Isles
cruise on Voyager, which takes in islands
from Scilly to the Shetlands (from £1,277
cruise-only, departing Harwich on June 9,
2016; voyagesofdiscovery.com), while Fred.
Olsen’s options range from a seven-night
Easter Ireland sailing on Balmoral to the
festive 11-night Tinsel & Hogmanay on
Black Watch.
Cool Britannia
Following the return of ships such as Royal
Princess this year, 2016 is set to be bigger
yet. Operators offering ex-UK options
next year range from Royal Caribbean
and Celebrity Cruises to Holland America
and Cunard Line, while Princess Cruises’
expanded ex-UK programme for 2016
features everything from a three-day ‘taster’
cruise in April to increased Med sailings
between April and September and a
48-night epic from Southampton to Sydney.
Hot tickets include the trio of five- to
seven-night European sailings on Royal
Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, which
will sail out of Southampton next April
and May before relocating to China.
As a Quantum Class ship Ovation is
big on onboard fun and activities and
will also feature the line’s new luxurious
Royal Suite Class offering. Another great
family-friendly option is P&O’s Britannia
which returns to Southampton in March
for a full season of ex-UK sailings,
including a British Isles cruise on July 6.
Accommodating 3,647 passengers the ship
boasts the fleet’s biggest spa and a fantastic
Cookery Club space, with occasional classes
and demos led by P&O’s ‘food heroes’ such
as celebrity chef James Martin.
Despite ending its ex-UK programme
earlier this year, and having put back its
return to full season of ex-UK sailings until
2018, MSC Cruises will offer a selection of
short sailings from Southampton next year
on MSC Splendida. Standouts include its
first ex-UK Britain Isles cruise (see box).
Giles Hawke, executive director MSC
Cruises, UK and Ireland says: “Operating
ex-UK itineraries on a Fantasia class ship
for the first time, in 2016 and beyond, will
offer UK cruisers an opportunity to truly
experience our product.”
Fred. Olsen’s bumper 2016/17 cruise
season include Balmoral’s first ever
programme from Newcastle, featuring 11
departures; Boudicca’s inaugural sailings
from Falmouth, including an adults-only
12-night Canaries & Portugal Spring Break;
and an increase in sailings from Tilbury to
six. Looking ahead operators are suitably
bullish, not least Nichols. “For the 2016/17
cruise season we are already well-ahead in
terms of bookings and sales – particularly
looking at where we were a year ago. We
are therefore very confident that 2016 will
be a strong performing year.”
sa m p l e packag e s
Disney Cruise Line has a 12-night
British Isles cruise on Disney Magic
departing Dover on June 5, 2016, priced
from £1,782pp full-board based on two
adults and two children sharing an inside
cabin. Ports include Newcastle, Liverpool,
Invergordon, Greenock, Dublin and St Peter
Port, Guernsey; disneyholidays.co.uk
P&O Cruises has a 13-night Canary
Islands cruise on Britannia departing
Southampton on May 16, 2016 priced from
£1,049pp for an inside cabin, including full
James Martin on board Britannia
board meals and afternoon tea, kids' clubs
and entertainments. Plus celebrity chef
James Martin will be aboard. Ports include:
Madeira, La Palma, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote,
Agadir and Lisbon; pocruises.com
MSC Splendida’s first ex-UK sailing in
2016, departing May 6, will be an 11-night
round-Britain cruise calling at Hamburg,
Invergordon, Kirkwall, Dublin, Greenock
and Cork before returning to Southampton.
Prices start from £899pp; msccruises.
co.uk
53
3 of a kind
UK PORTS
Whether stepping on board in one of these ports
or spending a day, there is so much to see and
do that a return visit is almost a must. These
destinations offer history in abundance
To soak up the
atmosphere of
London, jump on a
red bus or one of the
river boats
by Su san Parke r
Po rt s m o u t h
Population
210,000
Tourism
visitportsmouth.
co.uk
Fast facts
Portsmouth was
granted city
status in 1926
The Emirates
Spinnaker Tower is
170 metres tall
54
Portsmouth has roots steeped in maritime
history. I recommend the Mary Rose Museum,
opened last year, for starters. Located in the
Historic Dockyard just metres from Nelson’s
flagship HMS Victory, the ship was raised from
the seabed in 1982 having sunk off the coast
in 1545. A short walk away is HMS Warrior,
Britain’s first iron-hulled, armoured warship
launched in 1860, as well as the National
Museum of the Royal Navy. For families a visit
to Action Stations where visitors can battle
with the Royal Marines, command a warship
or fly a helicopter. A 45-minute harbour tour
providing great views of Britain’s warships as
well as the historic buildings of the city is also
an option. Following the theme of war, the
D-Day Museum houses unique archive film
as well as memorabilia and an LCVP landing
craft. For a bit of shopping and a lunchtime
stop, Gunwharf Quays where you’ll find the
Emirates Spinnaker Tower also houses 90
designer outlets as well as bars and restaurants,
a cinema, bowling complex, comedy club and
casino. For Charles Dickens’ fans it is possible
to visit the bedroom where he was born. On
certain days the Dickens Fellowship dress up in
period costume and conduct readings. Outside
the city, World Heritage site Stonehenge dating
back as far as 2,500BC with a new visitor centre
is within easy reach.
Lond on
The Royal Borough of Greenwich has recently
announced the go-ahead to London's first ever
passenger cruise terminal built in the borough.
The development at Enderby Wharf will
include a commercial cruise liner terminal expected to be up and running by 2017.
Greenwich’s heritage and its riverfront
already receive millions of tourist visitors
each year.
The borough has much to offer: the world’s
only surviving tea clipper Cutty Sark, the Royal
Observatory of Greenwich Mean Time fame
and the National Maritime Museum. It has
more of a village feel, a wonderful market and
local pubs.
To soak up the atmosphere of London,
jump on a red bus or one of the river boats,
hail a black cab, or book a coach tour. London
Walks are also a great option providing a couple
of hours on subjects as far afield as
the Tower of London and Thames
beachcombing. Well-known attractions
such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben,
Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace
are obvious places to visit. The smaller cruise
ships come right up the Thames and moor
close to the Tower of London. From here there
are many sights within easy reach such as St
Paul’s Cathedral, art gallery Tate Modern and
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. If you want to
Population
8.3m
Tourism
visitlondon.com
Fast facts
Greenwich has a
longer riverfront (9
miles) than any other
London Borough
Maritime Greenwich
was inscribed on
UNESCO’s World
Heritage Site in
1997
Fa lmouth
get a view from above, the London Eye is an
option, but if you want to add in a culinary
experience the Shard, offers a choice of three
restaurants, Oblix, Aquashard and Hutong,
plus The Sky Garden.
Falmouth is a picturesque town and harbour.
It’s easy to stroll through the town dipping
in and out of local shops. Look out for the
Falmouth Art Gallery and shop. En route stop
off at one of the many outlets for a Cornish
pasty or cream tea. Begin or end your visit at
the waterfront which is not far from one of
the circular shuttle bus stops. Stunning classic
yachts are often moored alongside and the
National Maritime Museum Cornwall covers
everything from search and rescue to the history
of packet ships. At nearby Rick Stein’s Fish
you can pick up a takeaway fish and chips or
take your time in the restaurant. Look out for
the Falmouth Ambassadors, volunteers dressed
in pale blue, who come out on cruise days to
share information and local knowledge. For a
bit of history nearby Pendennis Castle was built
by Henry VIII to defend the Carrick Roads in
1540. Further afield there are some beautiful
gardens including Trebah and Trelissick. For
the literary author Rosamund Pilcher has roots
in the region or for the artistic St Ives, complete
with art gallery Tate St Ives, is worth the trip.
The tidal island of St Michael’s Mount is a
pretty special place but make sure you head
back to the mainland before the tide comes in.
Population
25,223
Tourism
falmouth.co.uk
Fast facts
The HMS Beagle
anchored at
Falmouth at the end
of its voyage around
the world in 1836
The Falmouth Docks
were developed
from 1858
55
There’s an easier way to
get your own copy
Register for free and never have to share again
www.cruisetradenews.com/registration
Comment
tAKING A LOOK AT THE LUXURY
CRUISE MARKE T
it ' s al l CLIA
w it h a n dy H a r m e r
director, CLIA UK
& Ireland
T
here has been much to get everyone excited in
cruise this year – but one sector we have heard
less from over the past couple of years has been
the luxury and ultra-luxury end of the market.
But based on new announcements this year, it is now
clear that this part of the industry is about to undergo a
complete transformation too.
There are new luxury ships coming from Regent
Seven Seas with Seven Seas Explorer arriving summer
2016; Seabourn Encore and Ovation coming 2016
and 2018; Silver Muse coming in 2017; Oceania
Cruises Sirena in spring 2016; Azamara is completely
refurbishing its fleet starting later this year; and we have
had the rapid growth and refurbishment of Windstar’s
fleet too.
Meanwhile, Crystal Cruises has announced three
new ocean ships - a new yacht, its own Dreamliner
and the creation of its own river cruise product in
Europe.
Of course the luxury cruise sector does not solely
rely on new ships to grow and attract guests. Cruise lines
like Hebridean also demonstrate the breadth of cruise
product available, and all cruise lines enjoy great repeat
business. I think it fair to say that just given the number
of new ships coming to this sector in the coming years,
the sector is very much enjoying a renaissance the likes
of which we have not seen at least since the economic
crash of 2008.
It is also fair to say that luxury ocean cruising is
about to evolve and challenge not just the rest of the
ocean cruise sector, but also the whole of the luxury
travel sector too.
And that excitement is continuing in the luxury
river cruise sector too with continued growth and
expansion across the board in new ships, new ports, new
excursions and new rivers. Luxury travellers are seeing
the same upmarket treatment as they would expect
elsewhere, but with all of the added advantages that
travel by river has to offer.
The changes in the luxury sector illustrate the overall
robust growth shown across the cruise industry in a
year when for the first time over 23 million people are
expected to take a cruise holiday. These are exciting
times for the whole industry.
i n d e p e n d e nt vo i c e
wi t h C LAIRE B RI G H TO N
senior commercial manager,
Advantage Travel Partnership
L
uxury is a term that tends to be used quite widely in the
travel industry and this is no different in cruising, with
terms such as ‘ultra luxury’, ‘six star’ and ‘modern luxury’
all appearing regularly, but what makes a cruise luxury? I saw a
quote recently from the CEO of Panerai Watches who I think has
captured this nicely when it comes to the brands that we would
associate with luxury cruising - “Luxury is attention to detail,
originality, exclusivity and above all quality”.
The luxury cruise lines are not always ones that will sell
hundreds of passengers for every agent, by definition they are
more exclusive than this, but the majority of agents will have some
luxury clients on their database and it is clear that customers are
increasingly looking for better and different experiences than they
were 10 years ago.
Over the last few years the value for money offered by the
luxury cruise lines has increased, with them including everything
from drinks, speciality
dining and shore excursions
"The luxury
and whilst this may initially
sector is more
look more expensive to
a customer these are all
exciting than
elements that in general they
ever with new
will take advantage of on
their cruise and often this
ships coming all
could be a better deal for
the time"
your customers.
The luxury sector
is more exciting than ever with new ships coming all the time.
Regent Seven Seas says its Seven Seas Explorer will be “the most
luxurious ship ever built” and I was recently lucky enough to visit
the shipyard and see the cabins which look fantastic! There’s also
the recent news of Crystal Cruises’expansion and the launch of
the Silver Muse and Seabourn Encore. This shows how committed
the luxury brands are to growing their business but also how much
demand there is for products like this.
I am sure I can hear all the agents now saying: “That’s great
Claire, but what’s in it for us?” Higher average selling prices mean
higher earnings, on average you could earn somewhere in the
region of £400 - £600 per passenger commission. The luxury
lines are also usually very pleased to work with you on events for
your database that reflect their brand in order to attract your more
discerning customer. Last but definitely not least, the experience
that your customers receive on board is of a very high standard
meaning you should have very happy customers that will return to
you again and again.
57
comment captain greybeard
ca p ta i n g r e yb e a r d
jo h n h o n e y we ll
editor, World of Cruising
China crisis ?
What China crisis ?
T
he cruise industry’s passage to the Orient is
going through the sort of bumpy seas that
deter nervous passengers from crossing the Bay
of Biscay.
Early forecasts were good, and eager executives
looked forward to making millions by attracting just
a tiny fraction of China’s billions of newly affluent
consumers.
Royal Caribbean were the boldest, sending the
nearly-new Quantum of the Seas to Shanghai.
Next year, a second Quantum-class vessel, Ovation
of the Seas, will be sailing from Chinese ports along
with Mariner, Voyager, and Legend. Costa Cruises plans to have four ships – Fortuna,
Serena, Atlantica and Victoria – in the region; Princess,
another early player, will base Golden Princess in
Tianjin and Sapphire Princess in Shanghai. They will
later be joined by the latest Royal-class ship – it’s not
yet been named, but the keel-laying ceremony in an
Italian shipyard was celebrated by a traditional Chinese
lion dance.
Latest to join the fray is MSC, whose newly-stretched Lirica is scheduled to arrive in Shanghai
on 1 May, 2016.
As the cruise lines are discovering, catering for the
Chinese market involves more than just stripping out a
burger bar and replacing it with a noodle shop – which
is what happened when Kung Fu Panda kicked Johnny
Rockets out of Quantum.
West End shows such as Quantum’s Mamma
Mia! have made way for “international” theatre
presentations; on Costa this might even involve topless
burlesque dancers.
The Chinese itineraries may earn more per day
in fares than in traditional areas such as the Med and
the Caribbean, and the Chinese passengers may spend
more on board – with the casinos and shops making up
for lower bar takings – but it comes at a price.
58
There was near-mutiny when Quantum returned
to Shanghai from a weather-affected voyage that substituted ports of call in South Korea for the expected
destinations in Japan.
Most of the Chinese passengers expect to spend
thousands of dollars in Japanese stores, buying luxury
goods, electronics and cosmetics that are far more
expensive back home, and some had to be forcibly removed from the ship when their demands for compensation were not met.
The recent devastating explosion at Tianjin port –
the closest cruise terminal to Beijing – will be seen as a
minor inconvenience compared to the dramatic events
affecting the Chinese economy, which could undo
many long-term forecasts of growth.
So what do the cruise lines make of it all?
Tony Kaufman, senior vice-president in charge of
Princess’s Asia operations, told me: “We believe the desire to travel, specifically the new opportunity of cruises
in China, will continue to be a priority for consumers.
“Currently, China represents the largest outbound
travel market in the world. We believe in the long-term
growth of leisure travel and we also have a long-term
commitment to the China market. We try to avoid taking a short-term view based on what the market is doing
in one region or another at any given point in time.”
Giles Hawke, UK & Ireland managing director
for MSC Cruises, said: “China is, and will remain, a
particularly attractive market for leading global cruise
lines, especially where they are able to design a product
– as we did with our partners – that truly caters for the
needs of the local consumer.”
I had hoped to be able to report on the views of
Royal Caribbean. Sadly, despite repeated requests,
Dominic Paul, senior vice-president, international, was
unable to offer any comment. For a moment, I began
to understand how those thwarted Quantum passengers might have felt…
nTs
I s s ue 53 l se p/oct 20 1 5 l £5 .5 0
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Comment
tA K I NG A LO OK At t H E LUXU RY
CR UISE M ARK E t
Service is beyond what is expected. Dedication beyond
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In 2016 Seabourn features some incredible cruise
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i T ' s a ll C li a
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director, CLIA UK
& Ireland
Lynn Narraway - Managing Director UK & Ireland
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t
here has been much to get everyone excited in
cruise this year – but one sector we have heard
less from over the past couple of years has been
the luxury and ultra-luxury end of the market.
But based on new announcements this year, it is now
clear that this part of the industry is about to undergo a
complete transformation too.
there are new luxury ships coming from Regent
seven seas with seven seas explorer arriving summer
2016; seabourn encore and ovation coming 2016
and 2018; silver Muse coming in 2017; oceania
cruises sirena in spring 2016; Azamara is completely
refurbishing its fleet starting later this year; and we have
had the rapid growth and refurbishment of Windstar’s
fleet too.
Meanwhile, crystal cruises has announced three
new ocean ships - a new yacht, its own Dreamliner
and the creation of its own river cruise product in
europe.
of course the luxury cruise sector does not solely
rely on new ships to grow and attract guests. cruise lines
like Hebridean also demonstrate the breadth of cruise
product available, and all cruise lines enjoy great repeat
business. I think it fair to say that just given the number
of new ships coming to this sector in the coming years,
the sector is very much enjoying a renaissance the likes
of which we have not seen at least since the economic
crash of 2008.
It is also fair to say that luxury ocean cruising is
about to evolve and challenge not just the rest of the
ocean cruise sector, but also the whole of the luxury
travel sector too.
And that excitement is continuing in the luxury
river cruise sector too with continued growth and
expansion across the board in new ships, new ports, new
excursions and new rivers. Luxury travellers are seeing
the same upmarket treatment as they would expect
elsewhere, but with all of the added advantages that
travel by river has to offer.
the changes in the luxury sector illustrate the overall
robust growth shown across the cruise industry in a
year when for the first time over 23 million people are
expected to take a cruise holiday. these are exciting
times for the whole industry.
i N de p e N de N T vo i C e
w i Th C l a i r e B r i Gh To N
senior commercial manager,
Advantage Travel Partnership
L
uxury is a term that tends to be used quite widely in the
travel industry and this is no different in cruising, with
terms such as ‘ultra luxury’, ‘six star’ and ‘modern luxury’
all appearing regularly, but what makes a cruise luxury? I saw a
quote recently from the CEO of Panerai Watches who I think has
captured this nicely when it comes to the brands that we would
associate with luxury cruising - “Luxury is attention to detail,
originality, exclusivity and above all quality”.
The luxury cruise lines are not always ones that will sell
hundreds of passengers for every agent, by definition they are
more exclusive than this, but the majority of agents will have some
luxury clients on their database and it is clear that customers are
increasingly looking for better and different experiences than they
were 10 years ago.
Over the last few years the value for money offered by the
luxury cruise lines has increased, with them including everything
from drinks, speciality
dining and shore excursions
"The luxury
and whilst this may initially
sector is more
look more expensive to
a customer these are all
exciting than
elements that in general they
ever with new
will take advantage of on
their cruise and often this
ships coming all
could be a better deal for
the time"
your customers.
The luxury sector
is more exciting than ever with new ships coming all the time.
Regent Seven Seas says its Seven Seas Explorer will be “the most
luxurious ship ever built” and I was recently lucky enough to visit
the shipyard and see the cabins which look fantastic! There’s also
the recent news of Crystal Cruises’expansion and the launch of
the Silver Muse and Seabourn Encore. This shows how committed
the luxury brands are to growing their business but also how much
demand there is for products like this.
I am sure I can hear all the agents now saying: “That’s great
Claire, but what’s in it for us?” Higher average selling prices mean
higher earnings, on average you could earn somewhere in the
region of £400 - £600 per passenger commission. The luxury
lines are also usually very pleased to work with you on events for
your database that reflect their brand in order to attract your more
discerning customer. Last but definitely not least, the experience
that your customers receive on board is of a very high standard
meaning you should have very happy customers that will return to
you again and again.
57
T h e c o m p l e T e c r u i s e g u i d e f o r ag e n
history
t o d ay
Interview with
dE stiNatioN FoCU s
Ex-UK cruises
NE W to CrUisE
Cruise and stay
rE ViE W
Emerald Star

history today - World of Cruising

Transcription

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