Cruise Adviser

CRUISE ADVISER

THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES MARCH 2017

FIRST LOOK: SEABOURN ENCORE HAVANA GREECE DESTINATION FOCUS FAMILY CRUISE SPECIAL

CLUB WIN! A NIGHT ON MSC Cuba with Star Clippers MERAVIGLIA IN LE HAVRE THE WORLD’S TOO BIG to stay in once place.

The world is a big, vibrant place where no two destinations are alike - and no two Uniworld voyages are either. Your clients can choose their elegant stateroom; indulge in a premium cocktail; savour world-class dining. Then step into the world with our one-of-a-kind Exclusive Experiences, providing them with cultural opportunities they won’t ﬁnd anywhere else in a host of amazing destinations throughout Europe, Russia, Asia, India & Egypt.

2018 OUT NOW BOOK EARLY & SAVE 10%*

0808 168 9110 | Uniworld.com @UniworldTradeUK | Uniworld Trade UK | UniworldTradeUK

*Deposit required at time of booking. 10% saving is based on the cruise-tour portion (including category upgrades and single supplements) and does not apply to the port charges. Expires 30 June 2017. For complete terms and conditions please visit uniworld.com.

ABTA No.Y6200

ABTA No.Y6200 March 2017 | Forward

ED’S LETTER THIS MONTH

Now is the time to WHAT WE FOUND set sail for Cuba OUT IN THIS ISSUE P34 CRUISE ADVISER Cuba is ship company that is among the most THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES MARCH 2017 undoubtedly the extraordinary offerings available at hottest destination sea, and with whom we decided to in cruise right explore Cuba. You can read Jeannine now. In December, Williamson’s excellent piece on p28. five cruise lines Elsewhere, we taking a closer – two from Royal look at family cruise. We speak to

FIRST LOOK: SEABOURN ENCORE HAVANA GREECE DESTINATION FOCUS FAMILY CRUISE SPECIAL

CLUB WIN! A NIGHT ON MSC Caribbean Cruises MSC Cruises’ Steve Williams on p34, Cuba with Star Clippers MERAVIGLIA IN LE HAVRE and three from check in with Princess Cruises to take MSC IS GROWING Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings – in their selling tips on p41, and, on Between now and 2026 were given the green light to sail to p36, explore why river cruise lines MSC Cruises will launch the Caribbean island from the US, increasingly have families in their 11 ships – including two months after Carnival Corporation’s sight. Outside of that, Gary Buchanan (MSC Meraviglia and MSC historic voyage with Fathom. The shares his thoughts on the exquisite Seaside) this year thaw in relations between the Seabourn Encore (p23), plus we countries began during the Obama declare our love for all things Greek in era and continues now as American this month’s Ports of Call (p18). For P18 tourists start to descend – so now more, see contents starting p4. truly is the time to visit. Cruise Adviser is here to help But with all the commotion around you sell more cruises, so your input these five cruise lines, it’s easy to is truly valued. Please send your overlook the fact that other operators comments and suggestions to us at have been calling there for a few years [email protected]. now. One is Star Clippers, the tall- We hope you enjoy reading.

ISLAND HOPPING There are, depending on who you ask, anywhere between 4,000 and 6,000 Greek islands – just 227 of them are inhabited

P56

CHOCOLATE HEAVEN cruise adviser is brought to Sales executive Bryan Johnson facebook.com/cruiseadviser you by Waterfront Publishing [email protected] twitter.com/cruiseadviser Sachertorte was invented +44 (0)7532 709 734 Sign up to our weekly update at cruise-adviser.com/subscribe in Vienna by the chef Franz Publisher Sam Ballard Art director Jensen Brianson Sacher in 1832. Austrians [email protected] Sub-editor Nathaniel Cramp +44 (0)7809 622 541 [email protected] cruise adviser is published ten love it so much there’s even times a year by Waterfront Publisher Anthony Pearce cruise adviser Publishing Limited (registered an official Sachertorte [email protected] Collective Temperance Hospital number: 08707515). All rights Day (December 5, in case +44 (0)7835 768 383 110 Hampstead Rd reserved. Reproduction in London, NW1 2LS whole or in part without written you’re wondering) Head of sales Simon Leeming permission is strictly prohibited. [email protected] Digital cruise adviser is printed by +44 (0)7532 712 476 cruise-adviser.com Wyndeham Grange

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 3 March 2017| Forward

Singapore, p23 Contents Midship How to Sell: family cruises

28 InFocus 36 River cruise 42 Multigenerational Sam Ballard profiles MSC We investigate how river Why cruise is the perfect Cruises as it prepares to cruise lines are finally holiday for kids, parents take a bigger slice of the UK following their ocean and grandparents. Plus, market with new ships, new counterparts and embracing Princess Cruises shares its staff and new offices the family cruise selling tips on p40

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 4 March 2017 | Forward March 2017 | Section Name

FORWARD

3 Ed’s letter Why now is the perfect time to set sail for Cuba

8 News Reports on MSC Cruises’ incredible start to 2017, plus Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ships and Holland America Line’s hook-up with Oprah Winfrey

13 Opinion Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways, explains why river cruise has become such big business

18 Ports of call Greece has something for everyone – from idyllic islands to bustling party 56 Recipe cities. All tastes, from ancient How to make the classic to modern, are catered for Austrian chocolate covered dessert, Sachertorte 21 Interview AmaWaterways and LGT 57 On the road Golf explain why they have AFT Gemma Ashworth from joined forces Carnival Cruise Line on why 46 New crew she hates traffic jams, but 23 Seabourn The latest staff news loves Rod Stewart Gary Buchanan reports from Singapore where the 47 Fam trips / incentives 62 Final word ultra-luxury line’s new game- The best agent opportunities cruise adviser comment: changing ship Seabourn Why travel agents are so Encore was christened 48 Jargon buster important in bringing people Mealtimes digested together following new US 27 Choosing Cruising President Donald Trump’s Robbie White explains how 53 Directory controversial travel ban on his company has grown Got a query? Let us assist you several Muslim countries

28 Cuba 54 Games room What are your thoughts on Jeannine Williamson sails Win a cabin for two for one the new-look cruise adviser? to Cuba – and into the past – night with MSC Cruises on Share them with us by emailing with Star Clippers board MSC Meraviglia [email protected]

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 5 3412 - Cruise Adviser DPS.qxp_3412 - Cruise Adviser 17/02/2017 16:46 Page 1

Worldwide Cruise Collection 2018 - on sale now!

Exceptional value cruising holidays from Britain’s leading independent cruise line. Traditional British Cruise Experience BUY ONE GET ONE FREE Book by 30th May 2017

Columbus Amazing Early Booking Offers Buy One Get One Free on all summer cruises Amazing Half Price deals for single travellers

6 night European Cities cruise from just £379pp Additional savings and FREE places for groups Magellan Eight multi-generational cruises. Kids from £99

Programme Highlights

• No-fly cruises from nine UK ports Marco Polo • New! Mediterranean Odyssey • Multi-generational cruises in school holidays • New! North Cape, White Sea and Murmansk • Columbus’ Grand Round the World Cruise 2018 • New! Hidden Baltic Treasures & Kiel Canal • Voyages to/from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa Astor • New! Grand Scottish Lochs, Glens, Islands & Ireland

Sail direct from: London Tilbury, Harwich, Bristol Avonmouth, Bristol Port, Cardiff, Liverpool, Hull, Newcastle Tyne and Dundee. Plus, Dublin and Cobh in Ireland. Astoria

Book online at: www.cruiseandmaritime.com Call: 0844 414 6161 12.5% Enhanced Basic Commission+ • Promotional support • No book direct discounts +Applies to sales achieved over £5k for 2015/16 cruises. Subject to availability. Terms & Conditions apply. Offers may be withdrawn without notice. Offered for sale in the UK by South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages. ABTA V9945. ATOL 4619. Agency Sales: 0844 414 6140 Brochures: www.trade-gate.co.uk Calls cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge. 3412 3412 - Cruise Adviser DPS.qxp_3412 - Cruise Adviser 17/02/2017 16:46 Page 1

Worldwide Cruise Collection 2018 - on sale now!

Exceptional value cruising holidays from Britain’s leading independent cruise line. Traditional British Cruise Experience BUY ONE GET ONE FREE Book by 30th May 2017

Columbus Amazing Early Booking Offers Buy One Get One Free on all summer cruises Amazing Half Price deals for single travellers

6 night European Cities cruise from just £379pp Additional savings and FREE places for groups Magellan Eight multi-generational cruises. Kids from £99

Programme Highlights

Sail direct from: London Tilbury, Harwich, Bristol Avonmouth, Bristol Port, Cardiff, Liverpool, Hull, Newcastle Tyne and Dundee. Plus, Dublin and Cobh in Ireland. Astoria

Book online at: www.cruiseandmaritime.com Call: 0844 414 6161 12.5% Enhanced Basic Commission+ • Promotional support • No book direct discounts +Applies to sales achieved over £5k for 2015/16 cruises. Subject to availability. Terms & Conditions apply. Offers may be withdrawn without notice. Offered for sale in the UK by South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages. ABTA V9945. ATOL 4619. Agency Sales: 0844 414 6140 Brochures: www.trade-gate.co.uk Calls cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge. 3412 NEWS March 2017 | Forward Do you have a story for us? Email [email protected]

EXCLUSIVE MSC Cruises reveals huge increase in year-on-year sales The company has its “best ever January” after seeing a 55 per cent rise in sales in the first month of 2017 following the restructuring of UK sales team

MSC Cruises has confirmed that its presence in Northern Ireland for MSC Magnifica, its first vessel to January sales have increased by 55 the first time and a head of retail, homeport in the UK. per cent year-on-year. Andrea Stafford, who is charged “We have small pockets of agents Speaking exclusively to Cruise with developing the company’s high who really, really get what we do and Adviser, MSC’s director of sales Steve street strategy. sell us in huge numbers,” Williams Williams said: “The new sales team “When I joined the company said. “However, outside of this, there are almost all in place, we’ve been in October my main remit was to is a lack of awareness about what we out for the last three months and restructure the sales team to offer are. My job over the next two to three have just had our best ever January. the UK trade the same level of years is to re-educate or educate the The guys are already having a huge service that we already offered the trade and tell them how we differ impact on the trade just from being Irish trade, albeit on a bigger scale,” from other cruise lines.” out, going to cruise events, being in Williams added. He also stressed how important travel agents doing training. We’ve It was also revealed that the the trade was to MSC’s growth plans: already, very quickly, seen the benefit company’s e-learning tool is “My job will be trade. We are 100 per of doing that, which is fantastic.” currently being overhauled to take cent trade friendly, almost all of our MSC now has a team of six into account the 11 ships that it has business comes through the trade regional managers – including a on order, as well as a module on and I am totally trade focused.”

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 8 March 2017 | Forward

EDUCATION

Silversea launches HOLLAND AMERICA LINE HAL announces Oprah new training portal magazine hook-up Holland America Line has announced a partnership with O, The Oprah Magazine. Oprah Winfrey, the talk show host, and the magazine’s editor at large Gayle King will join the inaugural Share the Adventure Cruise, which will set sail to Alaska this July. There will be four additional Adventure of Your Life sailings throughout 2018. “We are deeply honoured that O, The Oprah Magazine chose Holland America Line as its first cruise line partner to further our shared belief that travel and wellness have the power to open minds, build connections and inspire shared humanity,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line.

Silversea Academy includes online training modules, news and exclusive resources RIVIERA TRAVEL

Ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea “With our new flagship Silver Travel agents named has launched Silversea Academy, an Muse ready to make her maiden as godmothers innovative new online training portal voyage in less than two months and for travel agents. the transition of Silver Cloud to the Riviera Travel has named the travel The portal, which includes expedition fleet set for November, agent godmothers for it two new training modules, a news section the launch of the new Silversea five-star river cruise ships. Christina and exclusive resources, is now live Academy couldn’t come at a better Astill from Go Cruise and Tracey at silverseaacademy.com. Agents time,” said Connie Georgiou, Scales from Travel Counsellors were are able to complete the Silversea Silversea’s head of trade sales and picked as the godmothers of the Graduate module and Silver Muse partnerships, UK and Ireland. MS Emily Brontë and MS Thomas module. According to Silversea, more Elsewhere, Silversea has also Hardy, respectively, following a will soon be released. revamped its travel agent portal competition. The pair will be flown to To celebrate the launch of the MySilversea. The site allows agents the Netherlands on February 24 for Silversea Academy, agents who to view and manage bookings, the christenings. achieve 100 per cent on the Silver review recent marketing material Riviera has also announced that Muse module before March 31, 2017 and emails, and access promotional it will be running Christmas market will be entered into a prize draw to flyers which allow their own contact cruises for the first time this winter. win a cruise on board the new ship. details to be added. The five-day itinerary on MS Emily Brontë and MS Thomas Hardy will The winner will be among the first to Silver Muse will be seasonally run between December 1 and 14 experience Silversea’s flagship, which homeported in Fort Lauderdale’s Port and take in Cologne, Frankfurt and is due to launch this April. Everglades for two years, beginning Rüdesheim. Prices start at £499 per Embarking in Rome on the July 27, in October 2017. The 596-guest, person and include meals, transfers 2017, the winning agent will enjoy all-suite ship is scheduled to sail and travel to port of embarkation. the ultra-luxury Silversea experience five itineraries from the US port, on a 12-day voyage to Venice with beginning October 2017 with a cruise return flights included in the prize. from Florida to Valparaiso, Chile.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 9 March 2017 | Forward

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE Four next gen ships on order

The vessels will be delivered from 2022 Norwegian Cruise Line has ordered fewer passengers than the existing Line, added: “For the past 50 years, four new 3,300-passenger ships, with Breakaway Plus class. Norwegian Cruise Line has been the option for two more. “This new class of ships will continue focused on offering our guests the The vessels, which will cost about the Norwegian Cruise Line brand’s very best in cruise. €800 million each, will be delivered legacy of introducing meaningful “It is with great excitement that in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. If the innovation to the cruise industry,” said we look ahead to our next 50 years, option is take up, the additional ships Frank Del Rio, president and chief which includes this next generation will be delivered in 2026 and 2027. executive officer of Norwegian Cruise of ships that will offer guests the The new ships mark a change of Line Holdings Ltd. innovative experiences that have policy for Norwegian Cruise Line, Andy Stuart, president and chief come to define the Norwegian Cruise with each one holding about 1,000 executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line brand.”

EDUCATION CUBA

Clia adds a new selling Carnival Cruise Line tool to Agent Toolbox follows Fathom’s lead

Clia (Cruise Lines International Carnival Cruise Line has received Association) has added a new approval to sail to Cuba following the selling tool to its Agent Toolbox historic launch of cruises from the US in partnership with Full Picture, a to the Caribbean island on Carnival visual conversation tool. Corporation’s Fathom brand last year. The resource will enable agents Overnight visits to Havana will be to send photos, videos and other featured on 12 four and five-day cruises assets to their customers’ screens in on board the line’s 2,052-capacity real-time in order to enhance the Carnival Paradise departing from the customer experience. port of Tampa, Florida starting June 29, The technology, which is available 2017 and calling at either Cozumel or free of charge and is exclusive to Clia Key West en route. combined with the fun, relaxed member travel agents, can be found “Cuba is an island jewel unique ambience and wide variety of amenities at cruiseexperts.org. from anywhere else in the Caribbean and features offered on Carnival Clia said that with the service, and we are thrilled to have this rare Paradise, will make for a truly one-of-a- calls are proven to convert into opportunity to take our guests to this kind vacation experience,” she added. bookings 30 per cent more than fascinating destination,” said Christine For more information about cruises regular calls and with a sales value Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. to the country, see our cover feature, of up to 22 per cent higher. “The opportunity to visit Havana, Setting Sail for the Past, on p28.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 10 20 YEARS OF EXPLORING THE WORLD IN COMFORT 1997 - 2017

create your own marketing with Viking Cruises

We’ve made making your own Viking press ads, shop posters, direct mail and e-shots simple. So whether you’re creating your marketing piece from scratch, or adding Viking product to an existing template, downloading the right images, copy and logos is a doddle. You’ll find everything you need – including easy-to-follow instructions – in the ‘RESOURCES’ section of our madefortrade.co.uk website. All you need to do is register with your email address, create a password and let the magic happen.

For business development opportunities call Jenny on 07966 995 012 or Andrew on 07825 986 996 For agency sales call Kelly on 020 8780 7968

@VikingTradeUK #madefortrade madefortrade.co.uk

VRC_CruiseAdvisor_FP_170x245_Mar2017.indd 1 15/02/2017 17:33:41 March 2017 | Forward

The owner of Tom Harper Cruises, a US tour operator, has been jailed for 46 months and ordered to pay $2.9 million for defrauding customers. Bret Gordon took $2.3 million from the company’s bank account and used it in casinos, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. Tom Harper sold river cruises in Europe, Asia and Africa on CroisiEurope vessels and the Zambezi Queen in Botswana. About 400 customers were left without the river cruises they had booked. Gordon had exclusive access to the company’s bank account, according to court documents. Most of the funds were customers’ deposits. TOM HARPER CRUISES Tom Harper Cruises filed for bankruptcy in June 2015. In November 2016 Gordon pleaded US tour guilty to six counts of wire fraud and two counts of filing a false personal tax return. operator The Boston Globe spoke with two passengers who were in Scotland the night before they were due to board. Mark Binderman said: “Emotions jailed for ranged from what I would call a quiet seething rage, where you think someone’s head is going to explode, fraud to grim resignation. “Our tour guide operator broke Company owner took millions down in tears. He said he’s never seen and used it in casinos anything like this happen before.”

Win! A cabin for two on MSC Going overboard... Cruises in Le Havre, see p55

We bring you travel’s Dubai, shortly before giving birth to more unusual news a baby girl. “The work was a distraction from See p46 for new hires and p47 for A homeworker managed to sign off the pain,” Linney joked. “I don’t details of fam trips and incentives. £9,000 worth of business – moments suppose many people would do it, before giving birth. but I would not have been able to Visit cruise-adviser.com for more Toni Linney, 27, who runs the cope in bed all day doing nothing cruise news, and sign up to the cruise franchise Not Just Travel Northwest “My laptop goes everywhere with adviser mail out at cruise-adviser. in Liverpool with her partner Ben me. We try to respond as quickly as com/subscribe Rood, was working on her laptop possible and like to get quotes out in from beside her hospital bed. half an hour.” For cruise line listings, see Directory, The diligent travel agent took Linney eventually gave birth to beginning p49 worked on quotes for a couple and baby Florence Evelyn Rood after a family of four to go on holiday to more than 30 hours’ labour.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 12 2018 RIVER CRUISE PROGRAM ON SALE 4TH MARCH 2017

or the 2018 season Riviera Travel will be operating a ﬂ eet of 12 ﬁ ve-star and 1 four-star superior ships Falong the iconic rivers of Europe. Our river cruise program goes from strength to strength with more passengers from the UK now choosing Riviera Travel’s European river cruises than any of our competitors.

We are committed to expanding our ﬂ eet and our horizons and are delighted to announce the introduction of another brand new ﬁ ve-star ship for 2018, the MS Robert Burns. We will also be taking passengers on a brand new exciting journey from Budapest to the Black Sea.

New for 2018 Brand new ship - The ﬁ ve-star MS Robert Burns Brand new cruise - Amsterdam, Kinderdijk and the Dutch bulbﬁ elds - 5 days from just £699pp Brand new cruise - Budapest to the Black Sea, Gems of Eastern Europe - 15 days from just £2,299pp Optional drinks package - Included with lunch and dinner: Draught beer, non-alcoholic beer, soft drinks and juices, red, white and rose house wine and the wine recommendations from the menu 4 nights - £59 7 nights - £99 14 nights - £199

Bulk supplies of our brand new Cruise Compendium brochures will automatically be sent to independent agents w/c 20th March. In addition to our new 2018 River Cruise itineraries they will include for the ﬁ rst time all of our Cruise Collection including Mekong and Ganges River Cruises, Tall Ships NEW cruises, Ocean cruise and Tour BROCHURE and Dalmatian Coast Yacht cruises. Coming Soon

For more information on Riviera Travel’s extensive cruising range, contact: [email protected]

Riviera Travel booking conditions apply. See our website for full terms and conditions. Prices correct as of 15/02/17. March 2017 | Forward

OPINION Patrick Clark The managing director of Avalon Waterways explains why river has become such big business

It’s no secret that the river industry off and you are immediately in has undergone a renaissance of late. the middle of a small, charming New competitors have shaken up the town. It’s all-inclusive whereas touring business for 85 years. We’ve market, but the rise of river cruise has with ocean it can all start to add up. got all of this experience on land with mostly been driven by experiences in The other thing that river cruise hotels, developing itineraries, shore the ocean cruise market. About 80 per lines are doing differently now is excursions, local guides – what that cent of river cruise passengers have seeking ways to differentiate. does is give us a slight advantage previously been on an ocean cruise, With Avalon, the way in which we compared to firms who just do river that’s the same when it comes to any set ourselves apart is with our ship cruise. You know when that really river cruise company. design. We introduced the Panorama helps? When there is an issue. Ocean passengers have a huge Class, which is truly unique. We Like a water level problem – you amount of choice – from multiple enlarged our bathroom and changed have to wait for the water level to restaurants to theatres and gambling. our beds so that they faced the go down. Well, we’ve got all of these We can’t replicate that on the rivers window – not the wall like on most hotel contracts, so we are able to put because space is very clearly defined, cruise lines. That means you have this people up at short notice. but it has led to attempts to add huge panoramic view when you open The ships are like a box. There is amenities to river vessels. You will your eyes in the morning and when a limit to what you can do. People are now see multiple dining venues, an you go to sleep at night. We placed trying new things – from wine bars improved quality and selection of a small couch, table and chair by the to swimming pools – but they are meals, more choices for excursions window so you can enjoy the view incremental changes. Unless you wanted and more entertainment. Ocean while you’re having a cappuccino in to completely revolutionise the design cruising has driven that. the morning. To this day, no one else and say we’re not going up and down The difference with river cruise has incorporated this design. the river at all – and then you would just is that we are smaller and offer a The other thing that is unique to be creating hotels or casinos. It’s more intimate ambience. You step us is the group. We’ve been in the a challenge for a river cruise company.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 14 March 2017 | Forward

It’s not been an issue so far because the they’ve met this brilliant couple from effort to engage with the travel agent growth has been so dramatic. Australia, they’re the same age, both community more and more. In other There are about 23 million ocean have kids who have grown up and markets, 90 per cent of our business cruise passengers and about a third now stay in touch. comes from agents. It’s not that in the of them have said they are interested They might not know that before UK but certainly when you look at the in river cruising. There are 600,000 they get on board, but they do know efforts being made it is clear that we river cruise passengers from English that they don’t want to be taking a are pushing for more engagement. speaking markets, so the upsides are cruise with 3,000 other couples and It’s a great opportunity to agents. good and the demographics are still be sitting in a queue of 50 coaches Within the UK we package our baby boomers. outside Rome. products with a home pick-up service When it comes to attracting new There is definitely a challenge when passengers are within 100 miles to cruise passengers, highlighting for all of us to reach younger of the airport. It’s a big thing for a lot the destination is key. The rivers demographics – we all need to of customers. If agents let us package were the original highways of Europe attract future cruisers. However, that up for them, our research shows anyway. All of the major ports and even among baby boomers we have that they love it. cities are along the rivers. Unlike been told that river cruise was too The special interest products we sell going on a coach tour, you don’t sedentary. That’s why we’ve created are increasingly popular, too. It’s a great have to keep unpacking, so the more active excursions. It’s a trend way for agents to sell a cruise knowing convenience factor is also there. we’re seeing across the industry. that their client has a particular There is also the opportunity to Travel agents are becoming interest, be it wine or cooking. meet like-minded travellers. I keep increasingly important to us. Within Sometimes it’s made the difference meeting past customers who will say the UK we have embarked on an when it comes to making the booking.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 15 COMING SOON

CHILEAN PATAGONIA

Adam Coulter journeys through the stunning Chilean fjords with Australis. Read about his journey to the end of the world, only in next month’s cruise adviser

March 2017 | Forward

PORTS OF CALL Greece From thousands of idyllic islands to the party city of Athens, Greece has a lot to offer for cruise customers

From the crumbling Acropolis of Athens of Celestyal Cruises, which is based in to the blue-tipped villas of Santorini Cyprus and specialises in Greek cruises. and the unspoiled beaches of Rhodes, “We combine Greece’s iconic ‘greatest Greece is a destination of enduring hits’ such as Athens and Mykonos and appeal. With 6,000 islands in total, Santorini, with idyllic hidden marvels scattered across the Aegean and Ionian like Milos, with its volcanic landscapes, seas, and divided into groups including and evergreen Samos and its azure the Cyclades, Dodecanese and Sporades, waters,” says Anastassiadis. there’s enough to keep you exploring for “Our medium-size ships allow a lifetime. These islands, which range us to visit destinations that others from Alonnisos (130 sq km) to Crete cannot, while our service and onboard (8,336 sq km), make up almost half of experience is exemplary. The Aegean the country’s near 14,000 km coastline. is our home and our mission is to Greece is thus a sun-worshipper’s broaden the portfolio of destinations, paradise, but there’s much more to the increase the diversity of itineraries country than its beaches: Athens is a and give our passengers the unique fascinating, chaotic but brilliant city opportunity to discover these where ancient monuments and modern unknown treasures.” life mix through al fresco dining, art and While most cruise lines will call at a lively café culture, while each of the least one Greek port (such as Mykonos country’s 227 inhabited islands boast or Crete) on an Eastern Mediterranean charms of their own. itinerary, Celestyal dedicates entire “Greece is one of the world’s most cruises to exploring islands, spending beloved destinations, because it a little amount of time in each port, provides beautiful yet diverse nature as allowing guests to explore more of the well as culturally fascinating places,” region (its Iconic Aegean cruise takes in says Kyriakos ‘Kerry’ Anastassiadis, CEO six ports in just three days, for example).

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 18 March 2017 | Section Name

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 19 March 2017 | Forward

Similarly, Variety, which operates far smaller ships than Celestyal (Celestyal Crystal holds 2,000 guests compared to Variety Voyager’s 72), focuses on the islands, most of them outside of the standard tourist trail. Its Jewels of the Cyclades starts and ends in Athens, taking in the likes of Poros, Poliegos, Folegandros and Antiparos among the better known stops of Santorini, Mykonos and Syros. Pick any of these islands – such as Folegandros, with the quaint hilltop village of Chora, or the uninhabited, beguiling Poliegos – and you’re likely to be delighted. Seabourn and Azamara, which operate similarly-sized ships (Azamara Quest holds 686 guests; Seabourn Encore 604), also take a more in-depth look at the islands, calling at some of the better-known destinations, such as Santorini, perhaps the most celebrated of the Greek islands. home to Chania and Heraklion, both with a transport system not befitting of While best known for its famous of which are called at by well-known a capital. Much of that has now changed villas (and the white church with a blue cruise lines. From the former is the and getting to and from the port – as dome overlooking the sea), the island chance to visit the 4,000-year-old well as to the key sights – is easy. No is of great geological interest. It was Minoan ruins at Knossos. trip is complete without taking in the destroyed by volcanic eruption in the Piraeus, the port that links to Athens, Parthenon, Acropolis and Theatre of 16th century BC, which helped create is unsurprisingly a regular call on both Dionysos, which is why an overnight its steep banks and majestic underwater Greek island cruises and itineraries here is more important than on the caldera. Many cruise lines offer an that explore the wider Mediterranean. Greek islands. The ancient may grab excursion to the excavation of Akrotiri, Like Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome) your attention, but the modern is not to an ancient fishing village discovered and Venice, it’s a port of call many be overlooked. Recession may have hit under a mountain of volcanic ash. itineraries begin or end in – be it the country hard, but the capital remains Crete, Greece’s largest island, is one Princess, Viking or Oceania. a fun place to be (it’s undoubtedly a the most popular destinations in the Prior to the Olympics in 2004, the party city) with great, wholesome and world for British holidaymakers, and is city was notoriously difficult to navigate unpretentious food to boot.

THREE GREEK CRUISES

Eight days around the Cyclades Seven days in the Aegean 20 days around the Mediterranean

Variety Cruises — MS Galileo Celestyal Cruises — Celestyal Nefili Seabourn — Seabourn Odyssey Athens (round-trip), August 18, 2017 Athens (round-trip), June 30, 2017 Barcelona-Valetta, July 16, 2017 From €1692pp From €989pp From £5,799pp

This tour of the Cyclades takes in This voyage takes in ten stops in just This epic Mediterranean trip on Mykonos, Santorini and Syros as well seven days, including Syros, Kos and Carnival’s ultra-luxury line starts in as the uninhabited Poliegos on board Ios as well as Kusadasi and Cesme in Spain and ends in Malta, taking in six the tiny, 25-cabin MS Galileo. Turkey, plus Mykonos and Santorini. Greek ports as well as France and Italy.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 20 March 2017 | Forward

INTERVIEW Meandering along the fairway Samuel Ballard sat down with Stuart Perl of AmaWaterways and Nicholas Boekdrukker of LGT Golf to find out more about their new partnership

When AmaWaterways announced its partnership with LGT Golf, few were surprised. The deal will see golf fanatics offered the chance to play on five European Tour class golf courses while taking a Danube cruise between Prague and Budapest. The courses (the Albatross, in the Czech Republic; Hartl, in Germany; Diamond, in Austria; Penati, in Slovakia; and the Pannonia in Hungary) are a dream for golf lovers. Plus any partners who don’t want to hit the fairways can stay on board and enjoy the ship. Available on any seven-night sailing between April and October, the product is also fully commissionable to agents. We sat down with Nicholas Boekdrukker, the managing director of LGT Golf, and Stuart Perl of AmaWaterways, to find out more. off, but with river it is a completely new do what we are doing on your own. proposition. It makes far more sense. That’s the beauty of this product. This cruise adviser: How did LGT Golf is a chance to play European Tour come about? What is LGT offering? golf courses. These aren’t just five- Nicholas Boekdrukker: It developed Nicholas: We have five European Tour star courses – they are the same ones as a result of me playing golf all around class courses along the Danube. We that the European Tour selects for its the world. I previously worked in the pick our guests up in the morning from championships. It’s not The Open, travel industry for ten years and I always the AmaWaterways ship in a luxury I appreciate that, but the course we wanted to go into business for myself Mercedes van and take them to one play in Germany is the Porsche Open. and create a product that was unique, of these incredible courses. They then luxurious but affordable, and certainly play golf, have lunch at the course while What do customers get for the price not mainstream. In England you are our staff clean their clubs and put them of the ticket? spoilt for choice when it comes to quality back in the van so they don’t have to do Nicholas: Transportation to and from golf courses. The rest of the world isn’t so anything. Their practice balls will have the golf courses, a welcome packet (with lucky. People do go to other destinations been set up. Everything will be taken golf balls, club cleaning brush, pitch – be it Thailand or Spain – and they will care of. They will come back to the repair tool), green fees, practice balls, play one or two golf courses. If they are ship in the early afternoon and be able the use of a pull trolley, lunch at the club adventurous they will take a 10-minute to spend the rest of the day with their house with alcohol (within reason) as cab and play another one. I started partner. They can then enjoy a glass of well as their cruise of course. thinking about how I could connect up champagne on deck and everything all of the great courses across Belgium, there is to do on AmaWaterways as the How can the trade get involved with Germany and the Czech Republic and ship meanders down to the next golf selling this product? that’s how I met Stuart. course where the same driver is there Stuart: It’s being communicated to waiting for them. the trade via our agency sales reps and Why was AmaWaterways interested there are brochures available online. in the partnership? So you are taking the difficulty out We understand that it’s not going to be Stuart Perl: We are delighted to offer of it for the golfer? a core product, but this is for the really golf holidays on board our ships. Nicholas: Exactly. It’s the access and serious golfer. They could do a holiday They’ve been done before on ocean local knowledge that we have. It would for £499, but this is the luxury option, ships and they’ve not necessarily taken be a logistical nightmare to try and with us taking care of all of the logistics.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 21 March 2017 | Forward

What advice would you have for travel agents selling this? Nicholas: This is the perfect opportunity for the trade or homeworkers to harness any relationships they have with golf clubs where they can hold events to really push this. The beauty is that, not only is it unique to AmaWaterways, but it is a unique product to the entire river cruise industry. That gives them access to a completely new market: the golfer. Agents can now approach them and say you may not have ever thought about taking a cruise, but if I can give you access to five European Tour golf courses, on a luxury holiday and you can take your partner who might not be interested in golf. It’s a win for everyone.

Why is this better than a golfer trying to do it themselves? Nicholas: It’s five of the best courses in Europe and one luxury floating hotel with gourmet restaurants and chefs’ tables and all of the other experiences you can have on board. With little old LGT picking them up and taking them back. It’s the best of all possibilities.

Are you looking at any other potential itineraries? Nicholas: Yes we are – Amsterdam to Basel and Amsterdam to Budapest. The latter will be in 2018 and would be an insanely intensive golf holiday with anything between eight and ten golf courses.

THREE GOLF CRUISES

Ten nights in the Arabian Gulf 11 days on the Danube 12 days in the Mediterranean

Azamara Club Cruises – AmaWaterways – AmaCerto SeaDream Yacht Club – SeaDream II Azamara Journey Prague-Budapest, June 2, 2017 Cannes-Civitavecchia (Rome), Dubai (round-trip), November 14, 2017 Fare from £2,898pp, golf £1,845pp May 29, 2017 From $2,875pp See website for details This European golf tour calls at five Azamara has partnered with PerryGolf courses. Guests will have the chance Taking in six of the Med’s best courses to offer golf cruises. This departure to play on some of the continent’s best with SeaDream’s golf partner PerryGolf, covers five rounds of golf in the Gulf. fairways with LGT Golf. from Monte Carlo to Sardinia.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 22 March 2017 | Forward

SEABOURN “Seabourn Encore is a milestone in the evolution of cruise” Gary Buchanan travelled to Singapore to witness the christening of the Carnival- owned brand’s latest ship that is set to launch a new era of ultra-luxury cruise

The latest addition to the ultra-deluxe, Singapore – Seabourn Sojourn was also The design of the Italian-built ship all-inclusive Seabourn Cruise Line in port for the occasion. “Vast itinerary was undertaken by Adam Tihany, a fleet was christened in Singapore in possibilities, excellent airlift and a noted New York-based designer who early January. During the inauguration favourable climate are all conducive to has created a clutch of the world’s most ceremony, Arnold Donald, president cruise flourishing here,” he said. celebrated contemporary restaurants and chief executive officer of Carnival After the Godmother, soprano and hotels. However, this was the Corporation said: “Seabourn Encore is Sarah Brightman, activated a lever that first time the design guru had been a milestone in the evolution of cruise.” smashed the nebuchadnezzar of Nicolas commissioned to create the entire To the audience of more than 1,000 Feuillatte champagne onto the side of interior of an ultra-deluxe cruise ship. Seabourn passengers, local dignitaries the hull, Cruise AdvisEr caught up with Tihany boasts that he envisaged and cruise media gathered in the Marina Seabourn president, Rick Meadows. something “a bit sexier” than the Bay Cruise Centre, the eloquent Carnival “We have been looking forward to this Odyssey-class ships. He told Cruise Group chief explained: “There’s a day for over two years,” he proudly Adviser: “I watched how guests and romance and excitement to cruising that boasts. “Seabourn Encore is our fourth crew interacted with the Odyssey-class you have to experience to understand. ultra-luxury vessel and marks a major ships. I was adamant that my vision of Our crew is unequalled in their ability to step forward in terms of growth for the a Seabourn ship would be more fluid inspire a next generation of cruisers.” company. This ship is beautiful and I and sleek. To achieve this I swapped Singapore’s minister of trade and know guests are going to be absolutely the Nordic-style elements for a more Industry, Mr Iswaran highlighted the captivated as they step on board and curvaceous and sinuous realisation of “significant and growing role” that see it first hand. Guests will be equally a luxurious Italian yacht.” Carnival brands play in the region’s impressed with the Seabourn Ovation There’s also a different colour palette cruise business, noting that they account which launches in spring 2018 and will across all ten passenger decks. Out are for 20 per cent of all cruise arrivals in spend its first summer in Europe.” the cool ash wood and honey-coloured

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 23 March 2017 | Forward

tones, replaced with darker hues of blues, browns and whites as well as mahogany accents that help to enhance the nautical feel. The 300 spacious veranda suites come in 12 categories, ranging in size from 251 to 1,306 sq ft and include Penthouse Spa Suites; Signature Suites and Wintergarden Suites. There are seven lounges and bars including The Club and Observation Bar. In addition to the elegantly appointed Restaurant, The Grill by Thomas Keller, that made its debut on Seabourn Quest last year, showcases the culinary prowess of the Michelin-starred chef. There’s also the on trend Sushi where specialist chefs prepare sashimi, nigiri and sushi – a first for Seabourn. Another new facet is The Retreat – a top-deck eyrie ringed with 16 private cabanas. Seabourn Square – the social hub of every ship in the fleet – has been perfectly re-imagined by Tihany. With its living-room ambience, this concierge lounge now also boasts a library, boutiques, coffee bar and outdoor terrace. On the entertainment front, a new production show An Evening with Tim Rice tops the bill in the Grand Salon, which is the venue for revue-style shows, cabaret performances and virtuoso singers. The lavish Spa at Seabourn maintains the company’s emphasis on well-being. Seabourn Encore will arrive in the Mediterranean in May and then undertake a series of varying duration cruises until late September when the ship will head to the Arabian Gulf before setting the compass to India, the Far East and Australia. Lynn Narraway, Seabourn’s managing director for UK and Ireland, was also in Singapore for the christening. Cruise Adviser took the opportunity to ask her why agents should sell Seabourn as opposed to other luxury lines. She explained: “Our overall objective is to grow the luxury cruise sector, not by taking guests from other cruise lines but by attracting more luxury travellers to the concept of taking a cruise with Seabourn through our incredible service, culinary, lifestyle and destination experiences.”

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 24 THREEMarch 2017 CRUISES | Section THAT Name CALL AT SINGAPORE

16 days across Asia

Seabourn – Seabourn Encore Dubai-Singapore, October 25, 2017 From £5,999pp

This incredible cruise takes in the United Arab Emirates, Oman, India (Mumbai, Mangalore and Chochin) and Sri Lanka before arriving in Singapore. The following cruise (from £12,585pp) heads from there to Sydney.

38 days from the UK

Princess Crusies – Sapphire Princess Southampton-Singapore, October 21, 2018 From £3,518pp

This special cruise gives guests the opportunity to cruise from the UK all the way to Singapore – calling at 17 ports over 38 days. The (slightly different) return is from £3,178pp.

Four nights to Thailand

Royal Caribbean – Mariner of the Seas Singapore (round-trip), March 5, 2018 From £466pp

Departing from and returning to Singapore, this mini-cruise on Royal Caribbean takes in Port Klang (Malaysia) and Phuket (Thailand). Upgrade to a balcony room for an extra £200pp.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 25 March 2017 | Forward

COMING SOON First look: Saga’s new ship Saga has released artist’s impressions of its first purpose-built cruise ship, which is due to be launched in summer 2019

Saga has released images of its a sophisticated look in what is an being finalised. The whole ship forthcoming purpose-built ship, due exciting move for the company. SMC, certainly has the ‘wow’ factor.” in 2019. Carrying fewer than 1,000 the agency responsible for Viking’s Andy Yuill, managing director passengers, the as yet unnamed vessel much-heralded class of ocean ships, is of SMC, added: “I think people are will benefit from single-sitting dining pioneering the design. going to be surprised by what Saga with numerous speciality restaurants, David Pickett, Saga’s new build will deliver with this ship – expect both indoor and outdoor pools, a spa director, said: “A huge amount of the unexpected! We are maintaining and a selection of bars. Every cabin will thought and detail has gone into the the best bits of the existing brand, also have a balcony, while 15 per cent design and construction. We’ve just but introducing new and unexpected of rooms will be for solo travellers. finalised the sizes of the restaurants elements. It’s a ship built for a British The double-tiered dining room and the theatre. The designs of the company, with the customers at the and vast central atrium give the ship stunning balcony cabins are also forefront.”

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 26 March 2017 | Forward

The regeneration of choice Robbie White of Choosing Cruising explains how his family-run company has grown and developed new products to reflect the ever-changing cruise industry

Who are Choosing Cruising? How can it help the trade? in interest for cruises on every river we We are an independent business I have been told that Choosing Cruising display and I can understand why, given providing comprehensive details on is known by travel agents as “the the ever-improving ships and products cruise operators, offers, ships, itineraries oracle of cruise information” and we on offer. Statistics on our websites and ports. We were founded in 2001, are enormously proud and humbled show more demand for smaller, niche when there were few cruise databases when we meet industry colleagues who products than ever before and we have available on the web and since then we say they could not operate without added options under our ‘Speciality’ have established a unique position and our website. We have been extremely cruise section because of this. There reputation within the cruise market. busy over the last year improving our is a cruise product out there for all layouts, travel agent content and our customers and we show every type of What is your USP? relationships with cruise line partners, cruise – the way we’ve built our database We display more cruises than any other to continue to provide the fastest cruise enables us to drill-down by date, no-fly, website, with over 140 cruise lines, search on the web. We have brand new ocean, river, seasonal, speciality, port, 1,000 offers, 5,000 ports and 30,000 search filters, price breakdowns and destination and theme to find exactly cruises – all of which are easy to find each client can now choose what sort the right cruise to suit the holidaymaker. using our plethora of site navigation of pricing is displayed on their own options. Our content is perfect for website. We are also delighted to power What’s next for Choosing Cruising? e-shots and online marketing campaigns the Cruise Search and Ship Finder A lot of our development is based on as our itineraries all have a unique products on the Clia Members Hub. clients speaking to us about what would URL that can be linked to and sent to be helpful for their customers and we customers. We are a family-run business What trends have you noticed over then implement this, where possible, on and our levels of customer support and the last year? all our Choosing Cruising websites. Now service are something that we are proud I have been really impressed with the we’ve created something completely of – we have worked with many of our number of river cruise enquiries this new. With so many innovative things clients for over 15 years. year. We have seen a dramatic increase happening on board, cruise lines and travel agents want to show them off to customers so they make the choice that’s right for them – so, we have designed a product called Expert Cruise Finder. This new-look website combines Choosing Cruising’s existing cruise database with a huge number of additional images, videos, itinerary maps, deck plans, cabin descriptions and destination information. The product has already been integrated into many UK travel agent websites and it can also be provided as an API for agents who want to create their own unique cruise system. I look forward to working with more agents and cruise lines over the next year and I hope we can help boost their sales through our range of products.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 27 March 2017 | Section Name

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 28 CUBA Setting sail for the past Jeannine Williamson heads for Havana on board Star Clippers’ four-mast ship Star Flyer for a Caribbean cruise with a difference

SELLING TIP

Marriage blessings are conducted by the ship’s captain with uniformed crew in attendance – a romantic recommendation for newlyweds and honeymooners March 2017 | Forward

I am standing on the crow’s nest high above the wooden deck and releasing my inner Captain Jack Sparrow. Ahead, ABOUT THE the sparkling waters of the Caribbean AUTHOR stretch as far as the eye can see, and behind me 16 cream sails propel the ship further away from Havana and onwards to our next Cuban destination. It might not be the Black Pearl, but Star Flyer could easily be straight out of a film set and it’s a world away from the image that automatically springs to mind at the mention of cruise ships. There’s no rock climbing wall, Broadway-style entertainment, casino or multiple dining venues. Instead, the various activities, A former newspaper journalist, such as climbing the mast, are totally in Jeannine is now an award- keeping with this modern-day recreation winning travel writer and cruise of a clipper; the sleek vessels with lofty specialist contributing to trade and consumer magazines, canvas sails that ruled the waves as the newspapers and websites. world’s fastest oceangoing vessels in the Her worldwide travels range mid-19th century. from paddling a canoe along Cuba is fascinating, and totally unlike the Mississippi to sailing in the world’s largest ships. anywhere else in the Caribbean. Sultry, pastel coloured colonial Spanish cities are filled with cigar sellers, salsa beats and growling American cars from the 1950s, a living legacy of the trade embargo that severed US imports after the late communist leader Fidel Castro came to power. However, shortcomings include a lack of good quality hotels and service standards on a level with other Caribbean islands, along with things often running to flexible local time – if at all. All of this makes a cruise a hassle- free way to experience Cuba. Following the relaxation of travel arrangements for American citizens, the floodgates have opened with a number of US-owned cruise lines now setting sail to Havana. But for a really authentic experience that’s a perfect fit in a country where the clock often stands still, Star Clippers really fits the bill. We boarded Star Flyer in Havana for an 11-night sailing around Cuba and to other Caribbean destinations. Launched in 1991, the ship was the realisation of a childhood dream for Swedish entrepreneur Mikael Krafft. The 170-passenger, four-masted vessel – technically a square-rigged barquentine for those in the nautical know – was later joined by sister ship Star Clipper and the 227-passenger Royal Clipper. A fourth ship, the 300-passenger Flying Clipper, is scheduled to launch next year.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 30 March 2017 | Forward

Star Flyer might have been dwarfed by the huge cruise ship moored alongside, but the first glimpse made a big impression with the elegant sweep of its hull, masts topped by twinkling lights and a welcome cocktail and nibbles in SELLING TIP the teak-decked al fresco Tropical Bar. For clients that enjoy fresh air From the maritime knots that form and a real feeling of being at sea, patterns in the carpet to nostalgic suggest cabins that open directly seafaring paintings and a wealth of onto the deck polished brass and varnished wood, the ship’s interior has a lovely retro feel. This extended to our cosy cabin with its round porthole. A total of 79 of the 85 cabins are outside facing and they range in size from 97 sq ft, for the inside cabins, to the 226 sq ft owner’s stateroom. There are seven cabin grades and all feature bathrooms with a shower, ample storage, TV, DVD player, hairdryer and safe. Extras in category one cabins include a mini-bar and bath. After settling in, it was time for our first meal in the restaurant which serves buffet breakfast and lunch, with live cooking stations, and a waiter-served evening meal. A bell heralded the start of mealtimes and – synchronised exactly with the first peal – the onboard musician Jerry struck up on the white grand in the namesake Piano Bar, wishing everyone a cheery “bon appetit” as they went downstairs. Although there’s a generous time slot for meals, we ended up like Pavlov’s proverbial dogs as it was hard to resist the call of the culinary bell. To whet appetites further, sample dishes are set out next to the menu in the Piano Bar prior to dinner so you can decide what to choose. We spent our first day in Havana, where the cruise terminal is conveniently situated in the old city. If you decide not to take the optional excursion it’s easy to get around on your own. The vintage cars are everywhere, from spluttering taxis to gleaming models in a kaleidoscope of colours which are used for tourist tours of an hour or more. We can’t resist a bright pink 1950 open-top Cadillac and set off on a tour of the city’s highlights, which include enormous Revolution Square where Castro addressed more than one million supporters. Afterwards we stroll around narrow streets that are refreshingly free from famous name fast food chains and coffee shops, stopping

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 31 March 2017 | Forward

for an inexpensive mojito and to listen to a live band that has people dancing in the street at 11am. That night brought the spectacle of our first sailaway, with 36,000 square feet of sails unfurling to the rousing sound of the 1492: Conquest of Paradise theme by Vangelis. It’s a real goose-bump moment. Although motorised, Star Flyer sails by wind power wherever possible and that was around 70 per cent on our cruise. The focus is firmly on the Star Clipper experience, rather than the man-made attractions you find on large cruise ships. All free onboard activities complement this philosophy, from the mast climbing to lying out on the bowsprit nets, watersports, stargazing sessions, talks by the captain and low-key entertainment, such as quizzes and nightly music. The social hub is the Tropical Bar where passengers – around 60 per cent repeaters – gather to swap seafaring tales over the cocktail of the day, enjoy generous complimentary pre-dinner snacks and mingle with crew and off-duty officers, the latter a pleasant surprise for anyone used to the ‘upstairs-downstairs’ hierarchy on large ships. There is also an open bridge policy and you’re welcome to drop by and chat to the captain and officers at any time, except when Star Flyer is manoeuvring in and

5 REASONS TO SELL STAR CLIPPERS

1. Authentic sailing experience

2. Will appeal to clients who don’t like to do mainstream cruises and also repeat cruisers looking for something new

3. No fixed demographic

4. Able to visit smaller ports larger vessels can’t reach

5. Laid-back, friendly atmosphere with no formal dress code

32 March 2017 | Forward

out of port. Even during these times, the captain often provides a brief explanation about what’s going on. There are many shore highlights, including a stop at upmarket Grand Cayman where we take the excursion to Stingray City. In Jamaica we quickly fall into the famously laid-back lifestyle by taking a lazy raft trip along a tranquil river lined by lush forest outside Montego Bay. Back in Cuban waters, Star Flyer’s tenders ferry passengers back and forth to islands with pristine powder sand beaches, such as Cayo Largo with its turtle sanctuary, and Cayo Rico where the crew cook up a fantastic beach barbecue. Our planned stop on Isla de la Juventud, with a national park and dive sites, is scuppered by the vagaries of the Cuban authorities. By way of an apology, the captain throws an impromptu cocktail party and everyone is happy. Whatever the many delights on dry land – and Cuba is a captivating destination – this is a cruise where the joint star of the show is the ship. One day, with no sight of land, we’re offered the chance to go out in the tender to photograph Star Flyer under full sail. It’s yet another wow factor moment on this amazing cruise with a difference.

Star Clippers’ Cuba itineraries range from seven to 11 nights (prices from £1,705pp). For more information see directory, p53

THREE MORE CRUISES TO CUBA

71 nights from the UK Seven nights from Havana Five nights from Miami

Fred Olsen – Black Watch MSC Cruises – MSC Opera Royal Caribbean – Empress of the Seas Southampton-Malaysia, January 5, 2018 Havana (round-trip), February 3, 2018 Miami (round-trip), April 19, 2017 From £8,199pp From £499pp From £1,125pp

This epic cruise leaves from the south MSC has two ships homeported in Fathom’s historic voyage from the US coast and takes in pretty much Cuba. This cruise includes two nights to Havana has paved the way for other everywhere – including an overnight in in Havana before taking guests to the lines. This inaugural sailing for Royal Havana. It works out at £115 per night. Cayman Islands, Jamaica and back. Caribbean will be a special moment.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 33 March 2017 | Midship

INFOCUS MSC Cruises Sam Ballard profiles the company as it prepares to take a bigger slice of the UK cruise market with new ships, new staff and a new, more anglicised outlook

“In 2002, when we started the business, passengers per year to five million by “I have put in a team of six regional we were carrying 80,000 passengers 2026 we should focus on the countries sales managers and a head of retail, a year,” explains Antonio Paradiso, where we see huge potential.” who they all report into, and who is managing director of MSC in the UK For MSC that growth plan means responsible for developing our high and Ireland. “Today we are hosting targeting the world’s most established street strategy where we really see 80,000 passengers a week. By 2026 we cruise markets – the UK, USA and some big opportunities – through will have 120,000 passengers a day.” Australia where, in previous years, the multiples and the consortia,” The incredible speed of MSC’s the company hasn’t made as much Williams explains. expansion has been nothing short of of an impact as it has done in Italy, “We’ve been out for the past three breathtaking. The company currently France and Spain. months and we have had our best ever has 11 ships on order, an investment Having taken over the UK brief in January. We are 55 per cent up in the that runs into many billions of euros. 2016, Paradiso has already overseen UK and Ireland. So, already, the team “We went from an Italian company to the company’s move to new premises are having a huge effect on the trade, a Mediterranean company and we are close to Heathrow and hired Steve just being at cruise events, being at now a global player. MSC is currently Williams as director of sales. Williams, travel agencies and doing training. the biggest cruise line in Europe, South who was with Royal Caribbean for We’ve very quickly seen the benefit. America and South Africa,” he adds. ten years, is the one challenged with “My job over the next two to three “With 11 more ships coming, if increasing trade engagement and years is to educate and re-educate the we’re supposed to go from 1.8 million ultimately sales. trade. To tell them that we can offer

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 34 MarchMarch 2017 2017| Section | Midship Name

them something new, exciting and fresh – be that through existing ships and itineraries or new ones.” When it comes to new hardware, no one has a tougher job than MSC. With Meraviglia launching in June and Seaside launching in December. The process of education is going to be continual one. Training platforms have been taken offline while they are given a spruce up by the global head office. “The new ships that we have coming up are revolutionary,” Williams adds. “Meraviglia is a game-changer. Seaside is going to change the whole industry. With so many new ships now you don’t even know you’re at sea. Seaside turns that entirely on its head. The restaurants and bars are down low with big wraparound decks, it’s al fresco. We have lawn balconies. We are really changing what cruising is about.” The company is also putting its money where its mouth is in terms of UK deployment. Next year Magnifica will be based in Southampton from April until the end of October. The ship will retain its Mediterranean influence but “20 per cent” will be anglicised – from kettles in the staterooms to draft lagers in the bars. English will be the first language on board, too. “You can see things are changing because we are starting to use English names,” says Paradiso. “We now need to change people’s perceptions.”

THREE MSC CRUISES

Seven nights in Europe Seven nights in Europe 21 days across the Atlantic

Magnifica Preziosa Seaside Southampton (round-trip), April 2, 2018 Southampton (round-trip), Venice-Miami, December 1, 2017 From £699pp September 6, 2017 From £1,209pp From £649pp Join MSC Magnifica as it embarks on Seaside is the ship that MSC says will its first ever ex-UK season. The voyage MSC’s current flagship, Preziosa, will change the cruise industry. This 21-day marks a seachange for MSC as it aims to be in Southampton in September for trip leaves Italy and heads across the take a bigger slice of the British market. a series of cruises to Northern Europe – Atlantic to Puerto Rico. An impressive The cruise calls at France, Belgium, the giving British customers the chance to price for such a long cruise – especially Netherlands and Germany. see the best of what the line has to offer. on its maiden voyage.

35 March 2017 | Section Name

RIVER CRUISE Family fortunes Anthony Pearce reports on the river cruise lines who are finally following their ocean counterparts and embracing the next generation of customers

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 36

March 2017 | Midship

From white-knuckle water-slides to big- budget theatre productions, Xbox-lined games rooms and top-notch kids’ clubs, the modern cruise ship has redefined the family holiday. These floating theme parks, with dozens of dining venues and spacious cabins, are built with children of six months too teenagers in mind, with plenty for mum and dad to do, too. The same cannot be said for ships found on the river. With low bridges, shallow waters and narrow locks dictating their size and design, these vessels are a far-cry from the likes of Anthem of the Seas and Carnival Vista. There’s not a robotic bartender in sight on the Rhine. This may be part of the reason why the river cruise industry has failed to pick up the family as quickly as its ocean cousins. It’s also the reason why it has failed to shake off its image of being exclusively an old person’s holiday the way ocean cruise has. It’s true that a restless teenager who may have adored the activities and entertainment on the latest mega-ship may find river cruise a culture shock, but its benefits are clear – regardless of age. With more included than on many ocean-going ships, river cruises are also faster-paced (despite their reputation as being a holiday for the infirm), with less time waiting for tenders or relying on coaches (and often expensive shore excursions) and more time exploring the cultural highlights of the likes of Amsterdam or Vienna. For children – particularly teenagers – who are budding explorers, keen to learn more about the world and experience it for themselves, it actually makes a lot of sense. And with no sea days, there’s less chance for kids to complain that they’re bored. Given the history of the towns and cities that line Europe’s waterways, a river cruise promises to be educational as well as entertaining. The informal atmosphere on board and the smaller ships may also suit families who would prefer to spend a relaxing holiday together, rather than at each end of a 350m long ship. And it makes sense for the cruise lines, too. “It’s important in the river cruise market to think about our next generation,” says Kristin Karst,

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 38 March 2017 | Midship

It’s not just about inviting kids on board, but keeping them happy once they are there. The ultra-luxury line provides kid-friendly menus and invites children to join cooking classes – baking strudels or mini-pizzas – as well as a chance to go foraging for mussels. On select itineraries and departures, children aged between four and 18 cruise for half price. Kathryn Beadle, managing director of Uniworld UK, says that river cruises, with their regular stops, are not only a great way to introduce youngsters to the delights of travel, but also to provide a unique educational experience. “A river cruise is a great way to give younger generations an insight into different cultures as they travel to new cities, quaint villages and traditional towns on a truly memorable holiday,” says Beadle. “All age groups can enjoy the leisurely pace of a Uniworld river cruise and enjoy the variety of onboard entertainment and onshore excursions which have been specially designed with families in mind.” Tauck, the American tour operator and river cruise line, offers family itineraries that it promises have “just the right balance of shared activities, downtime, culturally immersive experiences and sheer family fun”. This year, Tauck will launch a new family river cruise in France. The eight-day Family Fun Along the Seine trip includes a full-day excursion co-founder of AmaWaterways, one ideas ocean cruise embraced a long to Normandy’s D-Day Beaches and a of the first river lines to embrace time ago. As Karst points out, it’s also guided visit to artist Claude Monet’s the family cruise. “We will welcome great for multi-generational cruise house and gardens in Giverny. It is AmaChristina in 2017 and AmaLea in (see p42). Tauck’s fourth river cruise designed 2018, both of which are sister ships The line has also entered into specifically for families. to the AmaViola and the AmaStella, partnership with Adventures by One river cruise line that is the two ships we welcomed this year. Disney, which promises immersive particularly impressive for families They are the first of our ships with a adventures for families, although is A-Rosa, which generously lets set of connecting doors, and a cabin these holidays are not currently children under 15 cruise for free (one with a third bed. The suites are even available to UK travel agents. per paying adult) on all its itineraries, able to accommodate four guests, Another line that has embraced across all dates. The line has five which is great for families.” family cruises is Uniworld, voted by international ships from a fleet of 11. The ships have 12 staterooms Travel + Leisure readers as number With most river lines still only that can sleep up to three family one in the World’s Best River Cruising operating limited family-friendly members, and six sets of adjoining for Families category for four years itineraries, there is clearly a long cabins that can be connected by an in a row. The line has added sailings way to go. But, a step in the right internal doorway to accommodate such as an eight-day Paris and direction has been made over the last families of up to five, plus four suites Normandy cruise, an eight-day Basel few years, and offerings such as the have convertible sofa-beds that can to Amsterdam itineraries and a ten- above could soon become the rule, be used for families of up to four – all day Budapest to Prague trip. rather than the exception.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 39 March 2017 | Section Name

TOP TIPS FOR FAMILIES GOING ON A CRUISE

1. Pack swimwear in the hand luggage, so as soon as you are on board the ship the children can go to the swimming pool, rather than having to wait an hour or so for their luggage to be delivered to the cabin.

2. When watching an evening theatre show, get to the theatre early to make sure that you have the seats you want.

3. Book your holiday early as the availability of cruises in the school holidays goes quickly. Booking early also means you can secure your preferred cabin.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 40 March 2017 | Midship

FAMILY CRUISE How to sell to first-time families Princess Cruises’ sales manager Karen Farndell reveals how to tempt new to cruise customers

“When a customer is thinking about recommend that they book on a cruise clubs. The fleet-wide programme will booking a standard package holiday, that sails roundtrip from Southampton. see Princess introduce The Treehouse for example flights and an all-inclusive That way there will be no stress with (three to seven-year-olds), The Lodge hotel in Spain, compare the option going to or from the airport. Within an (eight-12) and the Beach House (13- to what they will receive if they book hour of arriving at the cruise terminal, 17) as well as changing the name of its a cruise,” explains Karen Farndell, sales the family can start their holiday. youth programme to Camp Discover. manager for Princess Cruises. “Break “Agents should also involve children For Farndell – who has cruised down both holiday options and show in the booking process. Getting the with her own family to the Caribbean, what is included in each. Comparing children excited about going on a Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the two options is a great and easy cruise will in turn make the parents the Baltics and the Canaries – a cruise way to demonstrate the value for want to book the holiday. Tell them is clearly a no-brainer. “Focus on ship money cruises offer.” about the children’s centres and the features that both parents and children Farndell, and the rest of the Princess fun activities and games that they can can enjoy together,” she advises. Cruises team, are in the middle of take part in, as well as showing them “My son is 11 and food is one of his a major push on the British travel images so they can get a better idea. favourite things about a cruise. He trade. The reason? The company has Once the family has booked onto a loves trying new things and so will recently announced that 2018 is going cruise, they can see what activities always order the most unusual thing to be its biggest year yet for ex-UK will be offered each day through their on the menu! departures. Interestingly, the company Cruise Personaliser, so the children “If agents want to become more sees families as one of the key areas for can choose what they would like to do knowledgeable about what Princess growth within the area. And it is agents before they even step on board.” Cruises can offer for families they who are going to help them deliver. The company, which offers can do so by completing the Princess “Cruises offer even more value for everything from Movies under the academy modules on onesource.com,” money when you sail from the UK as it Stars (with complimentary popcorn, Farndell adds. “This will help you excludes flight costs,” she says. “When cookies and milk) to dance classes, get a much greater understanding of selling a cruise to families, especially also recently announced that it would the brand and learn more about the those who have never cruised before, be redesigning its onboard children’s destinations that Princess visits.”

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 41 March 2017 | Midship

MULTIGEN Something for everyone Why cruise is the perfect holiday solution for families looking to go away with the kids and the grandparents but still keep all ages amused

A customer wants a holiday: this shows, waterslides, dodgems and summer, with the wife, the kids, and dozens of dining venues, it’s no gran and granddad are coming, too. surprise that youngsters, for the first They want good food, great weather time, have embraced the cruise. and a bit of culture to go with it. The But it’s not just the kids – it’s the entertainment needs to be top-notch parents and the parents’ parents who – the teenager is restless, to say the have fallen in love with a holiday least – but safety, especially with once reserved for the old. their young one, is paramount. The fact that large ships offer If you’re not screaming the word a whole range of different holidays, ‘cruise’ by now, you should be. In depending on what you’re after, have recent years, the family holiday has led to the rise in multigenerational been reinvented by ambitious cruise cruises, which allow the perfect lines, which have taken everything amount of quality family time you might want from a package with the space to breathe and do holiday, built on it, and put it on a your own thing, too. moving hotel. With these state-of- “Our holidays offer a whole host of the-art ships boasting West End-style onboard activities and excursions to be enjoyed by the whole family,” says Adam Sharp, head of key accounts WHAT IS at Royal Caribbean International. MULTIGEN? “Thrill-seekers of all ages can enjoy amazing onboard features from our FlowRider surf simulator to the Ultimate Abyss slide and my personal favourite, the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator. For those wanting to relax, grown-ups can enjoy our Vitality Spa while the kids are kept entertained by the onboard Adventure Ocean programme, which has a number of programmes for all ages, developed alongside partners including DreamWorks.” “Off the ship there are also plenty ‘Multigenerational’ cruise of shore excursions for all ages. has become one of the industry’s most commonly Adults can embark on trips such heard buzzwords. In short, as our Tuscany art of wine-making cruises are increasingly being excursion or families can choose marketed as the perfect excursions like our Gladiator for holiday for grandparents, parents and children. It’s the a day experience in Rome – there latter two groups that have really is something for everyone.” come around to cruise. Turn over for five reasons why cruise is perfect for the whole family.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 42 March 2017 | Midship

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 43 March 2017 | Midship

The onboard entertainment has dramatically improved. Once ‘cruise ship entertainment’ was a catch-all phrase to describe any stage show that was, well, a bit naff. But in recent years, as cruise lines attempt to outdo each other by attracting the biggest and best-known shows, things have changed. From Grease (Royal Caribbean) to Rock of Ages (Norwegian Cruise Line) and Disney Dreams (Disney Cruise Line), there’s now top-notch entertainment on board that all the family can enjoy. Many of the largest cruise lines also have separate kids’ entertainment and adults-only comedy (on Carnival Cruise Line, for example).

Even the most fussy young eaters will be catered for. Ocean or Norwegian’s Splash Academy embracing healthy-living. MSC Cruises’ On some of the larger ships, it’s not – are generally excellent. The latter, for Wellness Experience (run in association uncommon to see ten or more dining example, is divided into four groups: with Technogym) is aimed at gym venues, and even the main dining room Guppies (for six-month to two-year- fanatics who don’t want to let their menu will cater for most tastes, and olds – parents required), Turtles (three regime slip because they’re on holiday. have extensive kid-friendly menus. to five), Seals (six to nine) and Dolphins These large spaces offer the chance to sit (ten to 12), and there’s Entourage – a …and plenty to relax. together, even if you’re in a family group special area for teens. Kids can enjoy a The spa is another area that has grown of six or seven. Increasingly, fast-food little independence, while parents and with cruise ships. Once seen as a novelty, venues are springing up on cruise ships, grandparents can do their own thing. spas (like gyms) are now a necessity. and lines such as Norwegian (with its While prime position, pool-side loungers Freestyle Dining) has helped relax the There are lots of opportunities are always fought over, cruise ships are entire eating experience. to be active… generally well equipped with enough Whether hitting the running track, chairs and the growing number of pools Kids’ clubs on ships are some of the taking advantage of the included gym or (often three or four per ship, some best anywhere trying out the climbing wall, there are adults-only), also means that all 2,000 Kids’ clubs on cruise ships – be it many ways to stay active on board cruise to 3,000 guests aren’t all scrambling to Princess’s Youth Center, Carnival’s Camp ships, many of which are increasingly get on a single diving board.

THREE CRUISES PERFECT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Nine nights in the Caribbean Seven days in the Mediterranean Seven days in Alaska

Royal Caribbean – Anthem of the Seas Norwegian Cruise Line – Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Legend New Jersey (round-trip), August 3, 2017 Norwegian Epic Seattle (round-trip), August 15, 2017 From £1,559pp Rome (round-trip), August 2, 2017 From £7,045pp From £909pp The Quantum-class ships have bumper Who says summer holidays have to be cars, West End-style shows and a This affordable summer trip takes in spent in the Caribbean or Med? This trip tranquil Solarium area. This trip, during Florence, Naples and Barcelona – plus combines fun with expedition in a way August, is ideal for the summer break. the ship’s Aqua Park is ridiculously fun. that all the family will enjoy.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 44 Founded in 2014, cruise adviser brings together For the latest cruise news and interviews visit the most insightful commentary, news and cruise-adviser.com (compatible on smartphone analysis for those looking to sell cruise holidays and tablet)

Published ten times a year, cruise adviser You can find us on Twitter is aimed at front-line travel agents (@cruiseadviser) and Facebook and other sellers of cruises (facebook.com/cruiseadviser)

Following this March 2017 issue, For more information about print and look out for the new guide — arriving in online marketing, please email travel agencies on April 1, 2017 [email protected] March 2017| Aft

NEW CREW New sales and marketing RCI hires UK sales director and director for Fred Olsen strategic account manager Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has announced the appointment of Justin Stanton as its new sales and marketing director, reporting into Mike Rodwell, managing director. Stanton has been head of marketing for Fred Olsen Cruise Lines since 2012. “I am very pleased to have the opportunity to further develop Fred. Olsen’s position as a leader in smaller- ship cruising. We have fantastic support from our trade partners, who are vital to our business,” he said.

Scenic and Emerald expand UK team

Scenic and Emerald Waterways have promoted Angela Sloan to head of Royal Caribbean has hired Amanda Long will offer bespoke product advice sales UK, while Chris Barker has been Darrington as sales director UK & to enable agents to sell Royal Caribbean appointed as head of marketing, in an Ireland, replacing Ben Bouldin, who holidays and keep them informed of expansion of their UK team. Sloan was was recently promoted to managing training, events and other incentives. formerly the company’s national sales director and associate vice president. Speaking of the appointment, Ben manager. Barker has previously worked The company also announced the Bouldin said: “Amanda is the perfect at Manchester Airports Group and appointment of Rosie Long, who will person to lead our sales team into 2017 Shearings Holidays. Chris Townson, join the UK and Ireland sales team as and beyond so it’s with great pleasure UK managing director, said: “We have strategic account manager for Thomas that we welcome her onboard.” the right balance of determination, Cook (TCCT). Darrington was formerly Darrington will start her role leading brand and, most importantly, people to sales director for Funway Holidays. the 30-strong sales team on April 24. continue on this amazing journey.”

Chris Austin joins Seabourn from luxury hotel chain Riviera Travel hires new as senior vice president, global sales and marketing product manager

Seabourn has named hospitality capacity,” said Richard Meadows, Riviera Travel has announced the executive Chris Austin as senior vice president of Seabourn. “He is appointment of Lucy Goodman as president, global sales and marketing. passionate about people, which is product manager, working within Austin, a Brit who spent the past vital from a guest and trade relations the long haul product team headed 30 years of his career with Starwood standpoint. Moreover, his significant up by Hercules Zeris. Goodman, who Hotels & Resorts, will be responsible experience in the luxury travel has worked overseas for two UK tour for Seabourn’s overall marketing category will help us further expand operators in destinations from the efforts, brand management, sales, our leadership position in the ultra- Balearics to South East Asia, said: and public relations. luxury travel segment.” “I’m excited to have joined the team “Chris is a perfect fit to lead our To read more about Seabourn’s here at Riviera – there is such a fantastic global sales and marketing efforts expansion read Gary Bucahanan’s array of choice for customers.” during a period where we are report on the launch of the Seabourn expanding our fleet and overall Encore in Singapore on p24.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 46 March 2017| Aft

FAM TRIPS Avalon launches group offer APT offers exchange rate for 2018 programme freeze on 2018 cruises APT is offering agents an early saving discount on European and Russian river cruising from its 2018 programme. The company is offering an “exchange rate freeze” on 2018 prices, basing all quotes on pre-EU referendum exchange rates. A 15-day Amsterdam to Budapest cruise is priced at £2,595 per person if booked before April 29, 2017.

MSC offers agents chance to see flagship

MSC Cruises will be running “in excess of 1,000 ship visits this year,” according to Steve Williams, the company’s director of sales. They will include visits on Preziosa, the fleet’s current flagship, in Southampton, Dublin and Cork in May and September. The number of ship visits in 2018 will be ramped up Avalon Waterways has launched its Janet Parton, Avalon’s head of trade with MSC Magnifica being based in 2018 river cruise programme with a sales commented: “For the first time, Southampton from April to October. £110 per person discount for all group we are offering agents the opportunity bookings made before April 28, 2017. to benefit from a free group place to One in every ten passengers travels pass on to their customers, or for the free on Avalon’s Panorama Suite Ships agency to benefit from a staff member CMV fill half of places and one in eight on each Avalon Deluxe being able to experience an Avalon on 2017 trade visits Ship. The company also enables agents cruise with just the flight and transfer to hold bookings for up to 28 days. costs to pay.” More than half of the places on Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ 2017 ship visits have been filled up, the company has confirmed. Azamara offers monthly events for the travel trade The line had set aside 700 places for travel agent visits across nine ports Azamara Club Cruises is offering agents Richard Twynam, managing director around the country. Agents will be the chance to sample its Cruise Global, of Azamara Club Cruises UK & Ireland treated to a presentation, refreshments, Connect Local cultural immersion events said: “We couldn’t have asked for a a tour and a five course lunch on board. around the UK. better start to 2017. Not only have Agents should email agents@ The name of the programme is an we reaffirmed our commitment to cruiseandmaritime.com for more details umbrella for 13 groupings that include destination with the new developments or call 0844 414 6140. Eat Local, Eco Local, Stay Local and Golf of Stay Longer, Experience More, but Local. An event will now be held each we have also seen January sales rocket. month with between 12 and 15 agents This reflects the great confidence that invited to each one. Celebrate Local will consumers have in our brand, and we Don’t forget to enter our competition on be held at Royal Ascot. continue to be grateful to our trade p55 to win a cabin for two on MSC’s latest Azamara confirmed sales for January partners for their ongoing support in launch. For more on the latest fam trips were up 85 per cent year-on-year. ensuring this is the case.” and incentives visit cruise-adviser.com

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 47 March 2017| Aft

JARGON BUSTER Please be seated for your meal… not once, but twice Why cruise lines have resisted the move towards flexible dining for so long

The theatre of the evening meal is one of the great joys of cruise. Traditionally, guests have had just a few options: one of two sittings in the main dining room, or a more relaxed meal at the buffet. In order to fit guests in and ease congestion in the kitchen, cruise lines have divided sittings to first (about 6.30pm) and second (about 8.30pm). Guests are given the same table each night, meaning they get to know fellow guests and their waiters and can plan their day around the meal – opting for a pre-dinner spa treatment or post-dinner show. However, in recent years, there has been a move towards flexible dining times (Norwegian Cruise Line calls it Freestyle Dining), where diners can turn up and eat when they want. It at optimum times like 7.30pm, with Increasingly, even small and mid- it also means guests don’t have to sit queues a possibility. In fact, some sized cruise ships will offer more than with the same people every night – cruise lines have already backtracked, the buffet and main dining room, with meaning you’re not at risk of getting with Royal Caribbean reining in its several speciality restaurants, often stuck with some veteran bore. Dynamic Dining programme and a French, an Italian and a steak house, Many guests prefer this freedom, creating My Time Dining in two of its that sometimes incur an extra cost or but the main hall can get very busy restaurants instead. can only be booked once per cruise.

THREE STUNNING MAIN DINING ROOMS

Eight nights across the Atlantic Nine days on the Mississippi Seven nights in Alaska

Cunard – Queen Mary 2 AQSBC – American Queen Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Solstice Southampton-New York City, New Orleans (round-trip), Seattle (round-trip), July 14, 2017 August 4, 2017 December 25, 2017 From £1079pp From £1,149pp From $1,799 The Solstice-class Main Dining Room “Where grandeur and occasion The JM White Dining Room is among on Celebrity Cruises boasts an combine,” says Cunard of its stunning the most impressive main dining rooms incredible room-spanning chandelier Britannia Restaurant (main picture). you’re likely to see on any river. and a two-storey glass wine tower.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 4848 March 2017| Aft

DIRECTORY Got a cruise query? Let us assist you. The cruise adviser directory provides you with the vital contact details for all major cruise lines operating in the UK – meaning trade sales support is never more than a phone call away

CRUISE LINES! Information missing or out of date? Email [email protected]

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 49 March 2017| Aft

A [email protected] Tom Dumbrell, sales manager — Afloat in France A-Rosa 020 3117 1408 Lucia Rowe, head of sales UK and Ireland [email protected] 078 4202 6013 [email protected] C

Amadeus River Cruises Carnival Cruise Line Brooke Daniels, UK sales manager Luke Smith, senior partnership manager 080 0035 6411 020 7378 4660 [email protected] [email protected]

AmaWaterways Celebrity Cruises Jamie Loizou, sales, marketing and digital director Isabelle Charlton / Victoria Shipp 033 3305 3902 01932 834 379 (option 2) [email protected] [email protected]

American Cruise Lines Celestyal Cruises Susan Shultz, director of sales Andreas Genthe, country manager sales +1 203 453 6800 +30 216 400 9633 [email protected] [email protected]

American Queen Steamboat Company Coral Expeditions Katrina Weston, general manager Jan Jepsen, UK and Europe representative 01223 568 904 07702 714 150 [email protected] [email protected]

APT Touring Cosmos Tours & Cruises Kate Ashman, sales and commercial specialist James Mortimer, agency sales executive 01494 736 147 020 8315 4585 [email protected] [email protected]

Atlas/Kompas CroisiEurope Predrag Krivokapic, president Gabrielle Alam, head of +1 954 258 8531 / +385 9 1975 1735 sales and marketing UK [email protected] 020 8328 1281 [email protected] Aurora Expeditions Talia Schwartzman, sales executive Cruise & Maritime Voyages +61 2 9252 1033 Lisa Jacobs, head of trade sales [email protected] 0844 414 6140 [email protected] Avalon Waterways James Mortimer, agency sales executive Crystal Cruises 020 8315 4585 Mick Dupont, head of UK sales [email protected] 020 7399 7602 [email protected] Azamara Club Cruises Lori Scanella, business support executive Cruising Excursions 01932 834 379 Martin Lomax, sales director [email protected] 0800 091 8274

[email protected] B Cunard Line Belmond Natasha Richardson, director of sales operations Alexis Viols, director of sales – Road to Mandalay 023 8065 7259 and Belmond Orcaella [email protected] +66 2 267 4881 2 Ext 19

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 50 March 2017| Aft

D Hebridean Island Cruises Lisa White, reservations manager Disney Cruise Line 01756 704 704 Juliet Holden, account executive [email protected] 080 0171 2317 Heritage Line Andreas Schroetter, director of sales and marketing E +84 120 395 2242 [email protected] Emerald Waterways Lewis Quigley, trade marketing executive Holland America Line 0161 233 1988 James Scott, business development representative [email protected] 0844 338 8600 [email protected] eWaterways Cruises Lucy Harris, business development representative Emma Wild, head of sales 0844 338 8600 0808 168 1458 [email protected] [email protected]

Hurtigruten Anthony Daniels, head of sales F 020 8846 2666 Far Horizon [email protected] Brooke Daniels, UK sales manager 0800 035 3189 [email protected] I

Intrepid Travel Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Andrew Turner, senior business development Becky Smith, trade support manager manager 01473 746 164 080 8274 5719 [email protected] [email protected]

Fred Olsen River Cruises Brooke Daniels, UK sales manager K 0800 021 3172 [email protected] Katerina Line Dea Baretincic, sales manager French America Line +385 51 603 409 Kevin Griffin, director [email protected] 020 7723 2450 [email protected] L

G Lindblad Expeditions Jacinta McEvoy vice president global sales G Adventures +1 212 261 9000 Jerrine Barnett, new business development [email protected] manager 07432 429 836 / 020 7243 9870 ext. 9948 [email protected] M

The Majestic Line H Marie McGhee, sales manager 01369 707951 Hapag-Lloyd Cruises [email protected] Mike Flanagan, sales representative UK and Ireland MSC Cruises 07921 223 176 Victoria Taylor, sales operations manager [email protected] 020 7092 8182 [email protected]

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 51 March 2017| Aft

N 0870 068 9142 [email protected] Noble Caledonia Agency sales Princess Cruises 020 7752 0000 Victoria Snelgar, sales operations manager [email protected] 023 8065 6613 [email protected] Norwegian Cruise Line Jeremy McKenna, head of sales UK and Ireland Pullmantur 07408 805 216 Simon Chambers, operations manager [email protected] 0800 021 3180 Karen Kundi, partnership relations manager [email protected] 023 8124 5242 [email protected] Q

O Quark Expeditions Pushparaj Shetty, senior distribution manager Oceania Cruises +1 416 645 8248 Priti Mehta, head of sales UK and Ireland [email protected] 023 8024 8604 [email protected] R

One Ocean Expeditions Regent Seven Seas Cruises Debra Taylor, new business development Caroline Moody, business development executive 07956 852 197 023 8068 2283 [email protected] [email protected] Anna Salter, business development executive 023 8068 2283 P [email protected]

P&O Cruises Royal Caribbean International Natasha Richardson, Trade support team director of sales operations 01932 834 379 023 8065 7259 [email protected] [email protected]

Riviera Travel Pandaw Darren Mussell, agency sales assistant manager Marco Rosa, vice president sales and marketing 01283 744 307 07973 876 967 [email protected] [email protected]

The River Cruise Line Paul Gaugin Rebecca Brett, agency sales manager Mick Dupont, head of UK sales 07824 337 290 020 7399 7602 [email protected] [email protected]

Pearl Seas Cruises S Susan Shultz, director of sales +1 203 458 5280 Saga Travel [email protected] Sukina Fagg, national account manager 080 0074 8021 Ponant [email protected] Stephen Winter, international sales director +33 6 4803 7931 Scenic [email protected] Lewis Quigley, trade marketing executive 0161 233 1988 Poseidon [email protected] Alexandra Prokopyeva, sales and marketing

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 52 March 2017| Aft

Seabourn U James Scott, business development representative Uniworld Boutique River Cruises 084 4338 8600 David Chidley, national sales manager [email protected] 07408 855 544 Lucy Harris, business development [email protected] representative 084 4338 8600 V [email protected] Variety Cruises SeaCloud Chris Lorenzo, managing director, Seafarer Cruises Anja Ringel, vice president, 020 8324 3114 international markting and sales [email protected] +49 40 3095 9217 [email protected] Victoria Cruises Tom Antonucci, sales manager SeaDream Yacht Club +1 212 818 1680 Mark Schmitt, sales director [email protected] 07904 068 407 [email protected] Viking Cruises Andrew Schweitzer, regional sales manager Shearings (south) Michael Bowers, national sales manager 07825 986 996 01942 823 449 [email protected] [email protected] Jenny Wade, regional sales manager (north) 07966 995 012 Silversea [email protected] Sales support 020 7340 0700 Volga Dream [email protected] Brooke Daniels, UK sales manager 0800 021 3186 Star Clippers [email protected] Danielle Dudley, UK sales manager 077 6585 2116 Voyages to Antiquity [email protected] Michelle Daniels, head of groups and partnerships 01865 302 2565 T [email protected]

Tauck Kathryn Coles, UK and Ireland sales manager W 080 0810 8020 [email protected] Wendy Wu Tours Adam White, trade support and marketing Thomson Cruises executive Andrew Isherwood 020 7939 9560 Commercial support team [email protected] 020 3451 2762 [email protected] Windstar Cruises Sales team (The Cruise Line) Titan Travel 0800 852 7248 Edwina Coppock, agency sales manager [email protected] 012 9345 0726; 078 3465 2135 [email protected]

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 53 March 2017| Aft

THINGS TO DO

EachGAMESROOM month we will bring you a selection of things to do on your lunch break or journey to the office

CROSSWORD See the next cruise adviser in April for the answer

FEBRUARY SOLUTION S1 E A2 B O3 U R4 N A5 F T 6 O I K E O7 A U8 N D E R S T A N D L T A A I T L H C9 H A D I A10 B S11 E N12 C E R N M A E N I 13 R A14 N P I V T O G 15 16 17 18 T L E A P U A N O O D A19 Z O R E S N20 O R W A Y I K C

ACROSS DOWN 7. Spanish island off 1. Rural industry (11) Northwest Africa(4,7) 2. Marine trail sometimes SUDOKU See the next cruise adviser in April for the answers 8. Separate article (4) luminous at night (4) 9. City on the Tagus (6) 3. Polar (3) 11. World’s largest economy 4. What makes a vessel go (1,1,1) (7) 4 1 13. Ram’s dam (3) 5. Peninsula between the 1 2 4 5 8 14. To the rear, at sea (3) Red Sea and the Persian 9 8 15. Hose (6) Gulf (6) 16. Where you can sun 6. Conscientious (11) 1 7 5 3 9 FEBRUARY yourself afloat (4) 10. Get cracking! (3,2,2) 8 1 4 5 SOLUTION 19. Understanding (11) 12. Sea with Greek and 2 6 7 8 4 8 1 2 6 5 9 7 3 4 4 3 6 2 1 7 9 5 8 Turkish shores(6) 5 9 7 3 4 8 1 6 2 6 3 7 6 3 4 9 2 5 8 1 17. The Emerald Isle (4) 1 4 8 5 7 6 3 2 9 7 4 9 1 2 2 5 9 1 8 3 6 4 7 18. Shipboard rendezvous 3 2 1 9 6 4 8 7 5 9 7 4 8 3 5 2 1 6 after a hard day’s 6 3 6 8 5 7 2 1 4 9 3 cruising (3) © Kevin Stone

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 54 March 2017| Aft

QUIZ See bottom of page for answers

1. What does the Scoville scale measure? 2. Who wrote the 1960 novel To Kill A Mockingbird? 3. What is the most abundant pure element on earth? 4. Which British artist’s work includes a tiger shark in formaldehyde and a diamond-encrusted platinum skull? 11. The character Shylock appears in which 5. Entomophobia is the fear of what? Shakespeare play? 6. Who wrote an autobiography called 12. The classic 1990s Channel 4 sitcom Losing My Virginity? Father Ted was set on which fictional 7. Popty ping is the Welsh word for which island off the west coast of Ireland? common household appliance? 13. On which studio album does The Beatles’ 8. What is the largest class of cruise ships song Eleanor Rigby appear? in the world? 14. Seaside will be the second new ship of 9. Who invented the jet engine? 2017 for which cruise line? 10. To which planet does the moon 15. Which of the following is not a Greek Phobos belong? island: Zakynthos, Tzatziki, Santorini?

Competition time!

Win a cabin for two for one night with MSC Cruises on board the incredible new MSC Meraviglia – “the ship for all seasons” – when the ship is launched in Le Havre on June 2, 2017. The lucky winner will be collected from London or Manchester and treated to a champagne breakfast coach journey through the Eurotunnel directly to Le Havre, before experiencing MSC’s first of 11 next generation smart ships. The ship combines timeless elegance with cutting-edge design, innovative dining venues and spectacular entertainment including two new shows from Cirque du Soleil exclusively designed for MSC Meraviglia.

To enter, name the city pictured below and send your answer to [email protected] with the subject line as ‘March competition’.

Terms and conditions apply, see cruise-adviser.com/terms-conditions/

15. Tzatziki Tzatziki 15. Island Craggy 12. Whittle Frank Sir 9. Branson Richard 6. Nitrogen 3.

14. MSC Cruises MSC 14. Venice of Merchant The 11. class Oasis Caribbean’s Royal 8. Insects 5.

QUIZ ANSWERS Lee Harper 2.

13. Revolver Revolver 13. Mars 10. Microwave 7. Hurst Damien 4. chillies of heat The 1. 55 March 2017| Aft THREE CRUISES FOR FOODIES

RECIPE 14-day transatlantic voyage In the galley The best culinary delights at sea. This month: Viking Cruises’ mouthwatering Sachertorte

Viking Ocean – Viking Sky Miami-Barcelona, March 4, 2018 From £3,475pp

This special transatlantic voyage ends in Barcelona, one of the best cities in the world for food. There are some real treats on board, too. One way to spend the days at sea are cookery lessons at the excellent Kitchen Table.

11 days on the Douro

Scenic – Scenic Azure Porto (round-trip), November 7, 2017 From £2,995pp

The Scenic Azure is the only Scenic ship sailing this majestic river — at just 96 passengers, it’s far smaller than other ships This cruise includes the Ingredients Cream together the butter and icing Sundowner – an exclusive cocktail event at the Regua Museum. For the cake: sugar, then mix in the egg yolks, one 140g butter, softened at a time, until very creamy. 35 days to Brazil 100g icing sugar, sieved Melt the chocolate in a heatproof 8 eggs, separated bowl placed over a pan of simmering 140g dark chocolate water. Add the melted chocolate into 80g plain flour the mixture, then fold in the flour. 100g sugar In a separate bowl, beat the egg 2tbsp apricot jam whites until they form soft peaks then fold in the sugar. Combine this For the glaze: mixture with the chocolate mixture. 225g dark chocolate Pour the cake mixture into the 2 tbsp butter prepared tin and bake for about 50 minutes to an hour until springy to Oceania Cruises – Sirena Method the touch. Remove from the pan and San Diego-Rio De Janeiro, Originally created by chef Franz cool on a wire rack. Heat the apricot December 16, 2017 Sacher in 1832, this most famous of jam and smooth over the entire torte. From £6,269pp Viennese desserts should be served For the glaze, melt the chocolate Starting on the west coast of America with a pile of whipped cream. and butter together in a bain-marie and taking in Mexico, Costa Rica and Preheat oven to 190 degrees and until smooth. Pour all over the cake Nicaragua before Brazil.Oceania is grease and line a 23cm cake tin. and allow to cool before serving. recognised for the quality of its food.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 56 March 2017| Aft

ON THE ROAD Gemma Ashworth, 33, Carnival Cruise Line We speak to the people who make your job easier. This month: Carnival’s senior account manager

What does your job entail on accounts as possible and offers a day-to-day basis? a personal touch. As senior account manager for Carnival Cruise Line, UK & international, What’s the worst? I manage several top agent accounts There’s nothing worse than being stuck including Thomas Cook, Virgin Holidays in traffic! amazing to work with and provide and Advantage. So, although I am not agents with the best level of service necessarily on the road day in day out, Favorite place to visit? through engaging, educational and I do spend a lot of time travelling from I don’t have a favourite place I like to exciting events. place to place visiting these agents all visit, just my favourite people, which over the country. are all my agent accounts. Biggest myth about Carnival? The biggest myth I hear about Carnival How long have you worked in travel? What do you listen to in the car? is that we’re all about the ‘party cruise’ I have worked in the travel industry for My personal playlist which can range which just simply isn’t true. We offer over 15 years, starting out as a travel from as far as Rod Stewart all the way a wide variety of entertainment and adviser at the TUI call centre, working to Justin Bieber. facilities onboard to suit every customer, at First Choice’s Island Cruises as including couples and families. weddings and groups coordinator, One thing you couldn’t live without moving into Thomas Cook’s product on the road? If agents want to find out more, department, before I landed into a I couldn’t live without my satnav, what should they do? fantastic job with Carnival Cruise Line. because I am rubbish with directions! If you would like to find out more information about Carnival Cruise What’s the best thing about being What’s your favourite thing about Line from me and the team, contact on the road? working for Carnival? us on 0208 940 4460 or email It’s a great opportunity to visit as many I love our Carnival Fun Team, they are [email protected].

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 57 March 2017 | Aft

FINAL WORD Fight the Trump slump Why travel agents must be on the front line in the war against bigotry

The executive order enacted by the on American soil since the September tourism with a 6.5 per cent fall in new President of the United States, 11 attacks have all been carried out flight reservations year-on-year in Donald Trump, on January 27 that by either American citizens or legal the eight days following the executive stopped citizens from seven mostly residents, according to the thinktank order. In Western Europe the picture Muslim countries travelling to the New America. was twice as bad, with bookings US was as controversial a piece of The fact that the terrorists actually down 13 per cent. legislation as has ever been put into responsible for the September 11 Terrorism is clearly a global threat force. It was condemned both at attacks were from Saudi Arabia, and one that isn’t going to go away. home and abroad and, here in the the UAE, Egypt and Lebanon (all However, to ban every citizen from a UK, it inspired the petition to prevent unbanned countries) is an irony that country is not the way to deal with it. Trump from making a state visit to the wasn’t lost on The Washington Post Working in the travel industry United Kingdom and speaking to the which noted that Trump registered you will know that meeting and House of Commons. eight new companies in Saudi Arabia interacting with people from other The reasons why it was so widely in August 2016. At a campaign rally cultures is one of the best ways of criticised were manifold – not only in Alabama he bragged about selling gaining new experiences, of opening was it wrong, but it would probably “$40 million, $50 million” apartments up your mind and of doing away with do the US more harm than good. to the Saudis. “Am I supposed to prejudices, which are often delivered It is also unlikely to make America dislike them?” he asked. to distract people away from the real safer – indeed, the resentment it Travel makes the world a better issues affecting countries. will engender could well have the place. It opens minds and helps to As travel agents you are on the opposite effect. create a shared sense of belonging. front line of the war against bigotry. In the last decade there have been Shutting down borders or building Tell your customers about the no terrorist attacks committed by walls only serves to magnify the amazing places they can visit, the nationals from the seven banned differences between us. wonderful things they will see, the countries (Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, From a tourism point of view fantastic food they will try and the Somalia, Sudan and Libya) in sending out this sort of message does wonderful people they will meet. America. In fact, the 12 deadly acts not help anything. There is already a The world is a far better place of terrorism committed by Muslims so-called ‘Trump Slump’ for American when we all get along.

COMING NEXT TIME

InFocus: Azamara Club Cruises The Chilean fjords Grand designs

We check in with Royal Caribbean Cruise Critic’s Adam Coulter heads off The biggest, best and most beautiful Cruises’ luxury line, Azamara, for our on a once-in-a-lifetime cruise taking the ultra-luxury cruise market has to latest InFocus piece. in the scenery of Chilean Patagonia. offer when it comes to interior design.

58 CRUISE-ADVISER.COM 58 Are you speaking to your clients enough?

waterfront-publishing.com

In a world where brands compete for digital clicks club with Waterfront, the publisher behind Cruise and shares, high-quality print magazines can help Adviser, Travelzoo Experience (Travelzoo), The you stand out from the pack. Village Post (The Travel Village), Watermark (Clia) Almost two thirds of people still prefer reading and Explore (Advantage). print publications, meaning they’re a great way of communicating your message. For more information contact, info@waterfront- Make your customers feel part of an exclusive publishing.com Where the waters of Skógafoss are delivered by nature and the grapes of Champagne are delivered by your dedicated sommelier.

Intimate ships Award-winning cuisine Open bars & fine wines All suite

EXTRAORDINARY WORLDS

Reservations: 0844 338 8686 seabourn.co.uk email: [email protected]