l l The complete cruise guide for agents Issue 53 sep/oct 2015 £5.50
history todayInterview with Voyages to Antiquity
DESTINATION FOCUS Ex-UK cruises NEW TO CRUISE Cruise and stay REVIEW Emerald Star Don’t miss out – entries close October 30 PREPARE TO BE GET ON BOARD WITH DAZZLED BY THE MADE FOR THE VIKING OCEAN CRUISES PULLING POWER OF AND YOU COULD BE THE VIKING STAR STAR STRUCK LOOKING AT YOUR NEW STAR SELLER. Sleek, Scandinavian design; cool, contemporary interiors; all-veranda Call our sales team seven days a staterooms and the first ever glass-walled week on 020 8780 7985 or visit infinity pool at sea are just some of vikingoceancruises.co.uk. the features that will leave your customers It’s made for agents like you. open-mouthed in wonder. • An inspiring choice of exciting The MOST IMPORTANT AWARDS itineraries, from Scandinavia and the Baltic to the Mediterranean and the for the business of cruise holidays Holy Lands Setting standards, measuring e ectiveness, applauding • An average of 11 hours in port, innovation and recognising excellence across the whole with an included guided tour in most sector, the all new Wave Awards are open for cruise lines, travel agents, cruise advisers and destinations. • Exceptional service, cuisine and Start thinking now about how your organisation or team value for money can participate and receive recognition for excellence at the fi rst Wave Awards.
KEY DATES KEY INFORMATION Entries open NOW To learn all about the Awards, visit Entries close October www.thewaveawards.com The judging will run throughout November with a short-list declared SPONSORSHIP by late November. To become a sponsor, contact The Wave Awards will be presented dom.lawrencejones@ at a celebratory Awards dinner on cruisetradenews.com February , 6 in London.
The WAVE AWARDS 6 are sponsored by
WaveAwards_210x280.indd 1 21/09/2015 19:57 VRC CTN_2015CruiseTradeNews_Barndoor_August2015_AW.indd 1 04/09/2015 15:33 contents
editor's letter
, the kids back at school with the holidays over and the nights drawing in, clients will be thinking about their next summer holiday. I wonder if 48 they’ve considered the option of cruising from a British port in order to reach sunnier climes. Factor in that they wouldn’t have to bother with airports, flight delays and baggage restrictions, 24 and it’s a good time for agents to start suggesting they take an ex-UK cruise in this issue. The latest news and packages to help sell this option is in features an ex-UK cruise feature. The theme continues 7 New to cruise Cruise and Stay Sara in the 3 of a kind feature on UK ports. Macefield looks at cruise and There will be lots of activity around the launch News stay options for those new of NCL’s new ship - Norwegian Escape - next Ocean cruise & industry 4 to cruise 38 River cruise 10 Making waves Jos Dewing, month (October), firing more interest in cruises Voyages of Antiquity. It’s out and engaging new to cruise passengers. This regulars with the old for the small ship, time, our new to cruise feature focuses on Cruise It’s a date cultural cruise line 44 and Stay, a way of allowing clients to dip their & new appointments 14 Destination focus toes into cruising whilst also having the familiar Tools of the trade 18 Ex-UK cruises Karl Cushing land-based holiday. In pictures CMV in the updates on the ex-UK cruise Norwegian Fjords 20 market 48 And we have some exciting news of our own Q&A with Fred.Olsen’s 3 of a kind here at Real Response Media. We’re gearing Nathan Philpot 22 UK ports Taking a look at up for our very first The Wave Awards, taking Land vs River Uniworld land what’s on offer around the place in London in February 2016. However, and river itineraries 24 ports of Falmouth, London, and Agent fam trip review 26 Portsmouth 54 you can get involved right now by voting for Review Emerald Star 28 your favourites. See details on page 19 and visit At a glance Windstar Star Comment thewaveawards.com. Legend 30 Wilkinson's world 9 Industry Insight Titan’s Portside & starboard 16 Edwina Coppock 33 It’s all CLIA 57 Jill Sayles 5 of the best Onboard Independent voice 57 Editor themed river cruises 34 Captain Greybeard 58 [email protected]
editor Jill Sayles t 07769 291608 e [email protected] news editor contributors Jane Archer e [email protected] commercial director Dominic Lawrence-Jones t 020 8439 9721 e [email protected] sales & marketing Jane Karl Sara director t e Peter Grant 07483 133 932 peter.grant@worldofcruisingmagazine. Archer Cushing Macefield com sales director Chris Cummings t 07772 564 150 e chris.cummings@ worldofcruisingmagazine.com design consultant Kate Harkus e kate.harkus@ has No has been realresponsemedia.com publishing consultant Keith Ellis t 01737 812411 e been writing about stranger to cruising, a travel journalist [email protected] managing director Chris Pitchford t 020 8444 cruising for both having previously for over 20 years, 2554 e chris [email protected] for subscriptions t 020 8444 2554 e [email protected] trade and consumer edited a quarterly spending nearly Reproduction is not permitted without the express written consent of the editor. All papers for almost 20 cruise supplement, a decade writing efforts are made to endure that factual accuracy is correct at the time of publication. years. She can tell he’ll drop everything about the cruise additional photography Shutterstock you anything about to jet off somewhere industry and
Aegean Odyssey Aegean p u b l i s h e d by Real Response Media, 115 Sydney Rd, London, N10 2ND both ocean and river new from trekking in exploring the world’s All Enquires t 020 8444 2554 cruising. Just don’t Peru to a wellness oceans and rivers c ov e r ask her favourite break in Mauritius on ships and craft of t h e cruise line. and riding the Seven all styles and sizes. o n Stars train in Japan.
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 3 Ocean news FURTHER GROWTH FOR CRYSTAL
...and boss promises more expansion to come , a yacht and a move 1,000-passenger ships for delivery starting in t h r e e n e w s h i p s ‘Sell luxury into river cruising and air travel are just the late 2018. They will have ice-strengthened start of a major expansion of the Crystal hulls so they can cruise in polar waters, and to succeed’ Cruises’ brand following its acquisition by carry inflatable zodiacs and helicopters to Genting Hong Kong in May. take passengers ashore in remote locations. Agents who specialise in selling luxury President and chief executive officer The vessels will carry 1,000 crew and travel can be sure of a successful future, Edie Rodriguez said the company’s aim all passenger accommodation will be in according to the boss of Crystal Cruises. is to become the world’s leading luxury balcony suites. An upper deck will contain Speaking on board Crystal Symphony hospitality and lifestyle brand portfolio so up to 48 apartments – from 600 to 4,000 at CLIA UK & Ireland’s Luxury Expo in Dover clients can enjoy the Crystal experience square feet, available to purchase on a 35- this summer, Edie Rodriguez said the recent across all their travels. year lease. global meltdown showed luxury clients are Rodriguez announced in July that Also new will be Crystal Luxury Air, recession-proof. the company was taking delivery of a offering 28-night round-the-world flights She said: “The luxury customer wants 62-passenger yacht, Crystal Esprit, at the on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner configured three things – exclusivity, customisation end of this year and was building two river to carry just 60 people in all-first class and options. Keep that in mind and it will cruise boats (see separate stories this page accommodation, and 14-night journeys on empower you to make a lot of commission.” and on p11). a second, smaller aircraft. She urged agents to remember that The company is buying a share of the Rodriguez promises the developments other customers have aspirations to try Lloyd-Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, will not lead to early retirement for the something more upmarket. “Ask the right Germany, and has signed a letter of line's existing ships, Crystal Serenity and questions so you can offer the right options. intent for the construction of three Crystal Symphony. Do as many fam trips as possible.”
Crystal dives into the Seychelles
The 62-passenger Crystal Esprit will be joining the Crystal December 23, it will be offering island-hopping cruises around fleet from December. The vessel has been sailing as MegaStar the Seychelles. In summer 2016 it will be cruising the Adriatic Taurus for sister company Star Cruises and is currently being between Venice and Dubrovnik. From $3,467 per person cruise- rebuilt to offer posh suites, modern technology and extreme only for seven nights in the Seychelles, including two nights in features including a two-passenger submarine. It will have a Dubai. Genting has a second similar vessel which could also marina for waterskiing, kayaking, sailing and snorkelling. Starting become a Crystal yacht in the near future.
4 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015 World cruise nights on the The number of port calls on 128 Seven Seas Navigator 98 Oceania’s world cruise
REGENT SEVEN SEAS OFFERS WORLD CRUISE Cruises is offering round-the-world cruise in 2017. r e g e n t s e v e n s e as its first world cruise for six years in January Cunard has three world cruises in 2017, 2017. including one that will see Queen Victoria The 128-night voyage, on the cruise the Amazon River as far as Manaus 490-passenger Seven Seas Navigator, for the first time. The 120-night voyage departs from Miami and takes passengers departs Southampton on January 5 2017 through the Panama Canal and South and takes in 32 ports in 17 countries. From Pacific to Australia before returning to the Florida port via Asia, the Suez Canal and Passengers booking STILL GOING the Mediterranean. Prices start from £36,299 per person a suite will also enjoy STRONG including flights, transfers, drinks, shore additional perks excursions, gratuities and wifi. Passengers including an upgrade Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Marco booking a suite for the full world cruise Polo celebrated its 50th birthday last will also enjoy additional perks including to first-class air month with a voyage from the UK to an upgrade to first-class air, and Montreal in memory of a series of complimentary visa and laundry services. £12,899 per person cruise-only. cruises it sailed between Leningrad The company’s return to world cruising P&O Cruises has two world cruises (now St Petersburg) and the Canadian puts it in a select club occupied by just a round-trip from Southampton in 2017 city in the 1960s when it was called handful of cruise lines including Holland – a 104-night voyage on Aurora and a Aleksandr Pushkin. New for 2016, America, Fred Olsen and Cruise and 114-night journey on Arcadia. From the ship will be doing the rounds Maritime Voyages, which is offering its first £10,299 per person cruise-only on Aurora. of regional UK ports for CMV, with sailings to the fjords and around Britain from ports including Bristol, ...Epic voyage from Oceania Hull, Leith and Newcastle.
Oceania Cruises has launched a 180-day round-the-world cruise from Miami on the 684-passenger Insignia, pictured. It is the fourth time the company has It’s a dog’s life offered such an epic voyage for those with after all the time and money to spend six months will be added to away from home. Most world cruises are a t e n m o r e k e n n e l s maximum four months. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 during a 25- The voyage starts on January 6 with dry dock at the Blohm+Voss shipyard in a Panama Canal transit. Insignia then sails Hamburg next May. To help four-legged to Hawaii and through the South Pacific passengers feel right to Australia and New Zealand. The return at home on board, journey takes in Indonesia, China, Asia, the a lamp post and fire Middle East and Europe and ends in Miami hydrant will also be on July 6. installed in the dog- There are 98 ports of call, with overnights walking area. The in 16 ports including Singapore, Yangon, ship will be fitted with Haifa, New York and Bordeaux.Benefits when 15 single rooms, and booking the full trip include flights, transfers, 30 more Britannia gratuities, $1,000 credit per cabin, wifi and Club balcony cabins laundry. Prices from £25,409 pp. will be added.
Titan adds chills to 2016 cruise brochure
Titan Travel’s new 2016 Cruise in Chile, so passengers will get to cruise the cruises around Iceland and Greenland Compendium features Hurtigruten’s Chilean fjords on their way to and from the on Ocean Diamond from £3,999 per new cruises to Antarctica on Midnatsol. White Continent. From £5,399 for 18 nights. person. Prices include flights and UK and The ship will be based in Punta Arenas The new brochure also includes 14-night overseas transfers.
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 5 ocean news
The price of Swan Hellenic’s The number of safari cruises £2,295 Christmas and NY cruise 3 offered by Voyages to Antiquity
WINTER IN THE MED FOR MiNERVA
Swan Hellenic is shunning warmer climes in 2016/17 and instead keeping Minerva in the Mediterranean over winter. The ship will be sailing a series of 13 to 15-day cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean and Adriatic in November and December before heading to the Canary Islands, Cape Verde and Madeira in early 2017. Itineraries include a 13-day voyage through Greece and Turkey departing November 15 2016 that visits Pella, where Alexander the Great was born, and stays overnight in both Istanbul and Kusadasi, the gateway to Ephesus. A 14-day Christmas and New Year cruise departing December 21 2016 visits Valencia and Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, and includes a maiden call at Tarragona in Spain. New Year will be celebrated in Barcelona. From £2,295 per person including flights, transfers and shore excursions.
VtA goes on safari
Voyages to Antiquity is offering three safari cruises in South Africa for the first time in winter 2016-17. Aegean Odyssey will be cruising from Malaga to Cape Town for 31 months from November 31 along the west coast of Africa. It is followed by two safari cruises round-trip from A PERFECT STORM ON Cape Town, and a third from the Cape along the coast of South Africa to Colombo in Sri Lanka. BOARD HARMONY Each will offer included excursions to Addo Elephant Park, Hluhluwe bucket that dumps water on unsuspecting r oya l ca r i b b e a n international ’ s Game Reserve, and the St Lucia Harmony of the Seas will feature the people below. Wetlands to see hippos, crocodiles longest slide at sea when it launches next Harmony of the Seas will also have and bird life. May. several features that debuted on Royal There are also optional tours to The Ultimate Abyss, a dry slide, spirals Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships including private game reserves and the chance 100 feet from the top of the Aquatheatre a Bionic Bar with robot bartenders, inside to stay at Thanda Tented Camp for to the Boardwalk neighbourhood below cabins with virtual balconies, wristbands in an extra £450 per person during an and is one of several new features on the place of key cards to open cabin doors and overnight at Richards Bay. Oasis-class vessel, which joins siblings Oasis sign for drinks, and super-fast internet. Prices start from £2,995 per of the Seas and Allure of the Seas as one The ship is spending its maiden person for 14 days departing January of the world’s largest cruise ships. season sailing seven-night cruises in the 4 including flights, transfers, six The vessel will also be home to Royal Mediterranean round-trip from Barcelona excursions, wine with dinner and Caribbean’s first water slides - Supercell, with prices from £1,450 per person gratuities. Typhoon and Cyclone, which together cruise-only departing May 29. It moves to have been dubbed the Perfect Storm – and Fort Lauderdale in October for a winter Meet Voyages to Antiquity’s new Splashaway Bay, a children’s’ aquapark season of seven-night Eastern and Western managing director Jos Dewing, p44. with water cannons, mini slides and a giant Caribbean cruises.
6 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015 ocean news
The price of Costa’s Aspirante The amount of nights on Saga’s £49.99 Comandante package 66 voyage to Central America
Saga adds cruises and wine with meals Saga Cruises ov e r - 50s s p e c i a l i s t has launched a 2016-17 brochure of no-fly cruises on Saga Sapphire and Saga Pearl II featuring nine new itineraries to destinations as varied as the Canary Islands, Caribbean and Adriatic. The programme also includes free wine with lunch and dinner with all cruises. Costa kids Prices already include gratuities, travel insurance and wifi, and also private return take the helm UK transfers for clients living within 75 miles of the departure port. Children sailing on Costa Diadema The new cruises include a 66-night Venice and visits Dubrovnik, Rijeka, Zadar and Costa Fascinosa can now sign voyage to Central America round-trip from and Hvar in Croatia. From £3,399 per up to be captain for a day. They’ll get Southampton departing January 11 2017, person cruise-only. a captain’s uniform to wear, learn that visits Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, The programme also includes two new nautical terms, how to navigate and Guatemala and Nicaragua. The itinerary taster cruises from Dover. A four-night send messages with signal flags. includes two Panama Canal transits and Gallic Getaway to France departing June Prices start from €49.99 for the an overnight stay in Havana, Cuba. From 14 2016 costs from £549 per person. A Aspirante Comandante package, £7,599 per person cruise-only. five-night Taste of the Continent visiting and €124.99 for the Comandante A 26-night Springtime in the Adriatic Holland, Belgium and Germany departs Superiore package. cruise round-trip from Southampton June 18 2016 and costs from £649 per departing March 18 2017 spends a day in person.
LOVE MUSIC? WALK THIS WAY
Holland America Line’s new ship Koningsdam will feature a Music Walk where passengers can dip in and out of a wide genre of live sounds from classical in Lincoln Center Stage to hits in Billboard Onboard. The Music Walk also includes the Queen’s Room, which is transformed into BB King’s Blues Club (pictured) six MSC DRUMS UP nights a week. Koningsdam launches SUPPORT next April and will spend its maiden season in Northern Europe. Prices Cruises never goes the w h o s ays m s c from £848 per person cruise-only for a extra mile for your clients? Musicians seven-night Norwegian fjords cruise from from the British Imperial Marching Band Amsterdam departing May 22 2016. set a new Guinness World Record for the fastest one-mile march by a marching band (14 minutes, 26 seconds to complete a circuit around MSC Splendida’s pool Here’s one we prepared earlier... deck) to help promote the company’s new double upgrade offer. It runs to the end of Fincantieri chief executive officer November and means customers booking Giuseppe Bono presents Silversea chairman an inside cabin will be upgraded to a Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio with a cut-out- balcony. It means they can snap up a week and-keep Silver Muse during a ceremony to in the Mediterranean in a balcony cabin mark the first steel cutting for the new ship. in December 2016 from £499 per person The vessel will hold 596 passengers and is including flights and transfers. due to enter service in spring 2017.
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 7 Enriching cultural experiences aboard small ship Minerva Award-winning discovery cruises in the company of experts Our inspiring itineraries not only introduce you to a host of fascinating destinations – they also help you delve into the cultural quirks and intriguing stories that make each port of call unique. Joining you on your cruise will be a maximum of 350 like-minded passengers who share your thirst for knowledge, along with carefully selected, renowned Guest Speakers. Engaging, approachable and passionate, their expert talks bring each destination to life, uncovering WORLD- INCLUSIVE HOSTED layers of intriguing history and transforming your voyage into a truly COUNTRY CLASS GUEST UNIQUE PORTS SHORE BRIDGE HOUSE STYLE SPEAKERS OF CALL EXCURSIONS PROGRAMME enriching journey. Join us and you will discover a cruise experience that has set Swan Hellenic apart for more than 60 years, and that continues to set the benchmark for those with a mind to travel.
BEST NICHE CRUISE LINE
SMALL SHIP ALL FARES INCLUDE Flights & overseas transfers DISCOVERY CRUISING Onboard gratuities & service CRAFTED BY US, charges Cruise with Voyages of Discovery to All meals, entertainment, TAILORED BY YOU discover the world your way. On board workshops & a range of daily our comfortable small ship Voyager there’s activities a friendly atmosphere, with just 540 passengers joining you. All meals, our Lively talks by Guest Speakers award-winning Guest Speaker programme, flights and transfers are included. And we offer an exciting programme of optional shore excursions so you can tailor-make 3 your perfect holiday.
FLIGHTS & OPTIONAL LIVELY TALKS ALL TIPS & TRANSFERS GREAT SHORE FROM GUEST TAXES INCLUDED IN ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS SPEAKERS INCLUDED YOUR FARE ENTERTAINMENT
DEPARTS CRUISE DAYS
NOV 24 SOUTH AMERICA’S WILD COAST BARBADOS | TOBAGO | SURINAME | FRENCH GUIANA | GUYANA 13 2015 TRINIDAD | VENEZUELA | GRENADA
JAN 3 RHYTHMS OF THE CARIBBEAN & CUBA JAMAICA | TURKS & CAICOS | DOMINICAN REPUBLIC | BAHAMAS 15 2016 CUBA | MEXICO
12 MAR SOUTH AMERICAN EXPLORATION 17 2016 COLOMBIA | PANAMA | ECUADOR | PERU
For more information or marketing support contact trade sales on 01858 588 406 or [email protected]
MB_15_1590_NI Travel News Advert 210x280_v2.indd 1 22/09/2015 09:19 ocean news
The passenger capacity The passenger capacity 2,348 on Norwegian Star 210 on Haimark
wilkinson's Norwegian goes world back to Asia is returning to Asia and Australia for n o r w e g i a n c r u i s e l i n e s the first time in 15 years in 2016-17 with a short season of voyages on the 2,348-passenger Norwegian Star. nick wilkinson The vessel will leave Europe in November 2016, and sails to director business the United Arab Emirates, Oman, India and Sri Lanka before development, arriving in Singapore, from where it is operating three cruises to Norwegian Cruise Line and from Hong Kong. Prices start from £829 per person cruise-only for an 11-night voyage from Singapore to Hong Kong departing December 11 2016. write this latest column on the verge of one of the From Hong Kong there is a 21-day cruise to Sydney and a most exciting times I’ve ever had at Norwegian 12-night voyage to Auckland, after which Norwegian Star returns ICruise Line. The Season of Norwegian has arrived. to Singapore via Sydney and Indonesia. An 18-night cruise takes it This edition, my column will reveal how you can benefit, back to the Middle East. using this special period to both enhance your own Norwegian is also swapping ships around in the Mediterranean knowledge whilst also strengthening relationships with in winter 2016/17, with Norwegian Spirit staying in Europe year- your customers, and hopefully boosting your sales round in place of Norwegian Epic. as a result. Spirit will be sailing seven, 10 and 11-night voyages between During September and October we’ll be offering Barcelona, Venice and Istanbul from November 2016 and May trade partners a unique opportunity to engage with us in 2017. From £549 per person for a 10-night cruise from Barcelona the next generation of our Try Before you Buy initiative. departing January 6 2017. Under Partners First there will be 10 dates to come Norwegian Epic returns to the US for three seven-night on board our ships as they visit regional ports across Eastern and Western Caribbean round-trips from Port Canaveral. the UK; whether that be Norwegian With Try Star during her Before you Buy, British Isles itinerary, Haimark joins US race Norwegian Epic on your customers her return from dry can experience Haimark Line is the latest US line to be granted a license to dock, or Norwegian visit Cuba following the thawing of relations between Havana Escape as part cruising with and Washington. of her inaugural Norwegian Starting February 11 next year, it will offer nine-night celebrations. cruises on the 210-passenger Saint Laurent round-trip from But it’s not all before booking Miami that circumnavigate the island. about familiarising Under the terms of the licence, Haimark, which is sold in just yourself with our fleet. Try Before you Buy gives you the UK by Perl River Cruises, has to offer a cultural exchange the opportunity to introduce your customers to cruising itinerary that encourages passengers to interact with Cubans. with Norwegian before booking a cruise with us. Since Highlights include tours of Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad the inception of the initiative at the launch of Norwegian and Santiago de Cuba, and a day trip to Viñales Valley outside Getaway in 2014, it has become clear that offering your the capital to visit a family-run tobacco farm. There’s also a customers the chance to experience a brand and a chance to learn about honey production in Maria La Gorda. product before booking is the most effective sales tool that you have at your fingertips. It only takes a small taste of an amazing holiday to throw any misconceptions about cruise out the window – and this is precisely what we need to do to get those new to cruise customers All my own work booking. Marine wildlife artist Guy Harvey and Opportunities exist on all 10 dates between Norwegian Cruise Line president and September 27 and October 28 2015, and in 10 locations chief operating officer Andy Stuart pose including Portland, Falmouth, Cork, Dublin, Belfast, in front of Norwegian Escape’s newly- Inverness, Edinburgh, Dover, and Southampton. With so painted hull in the Meyer Werft shipyard in many personal experiences available, now really is the Papenburg, Germany. The fishy theme was time to take advantage and get ahead just before the chosen because the ship will be sailing the all-important Wave period begins. Caribbean from Miami starting November, Check out seasonofnorwegian.ncl.eu for more after making a pit-stop in the UK to give information and I look forward to welcoming you and agents and consumers a chance to see new your customers on board very soon. features.
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 9 River news
CHILD’S PLAY WITH UNIWORLD
...company to treble multi-generational cruises next year has more youngsters to river cruising. a visit to see the Lipizzaner stallions in u n i wo r l d r i v e r c r u i s e s than trebled its tally of multi-generational The departures are on the Seine on July Vienna, learning to make that city’s river cruises next year to cope with growing 31, the Rhine on July 24 and the Danube famous sachertorte chocolate cake, a interest from families. and Grand Europe Discovery cruise culinary treasure hunt in Heidelberg In all there are 17 departures in 2016, departing July 29. and rafting on the River Ilz in Germany. up from just five this year, on a range of While there are no play areas for Families can also borrow their ship’s pedal itineraries on the Rhine, Danube, Seine children on Uniworld craft, there will be bikes free of charge and explore local and Po in Italy. child-friendly activities during the multi- areas alone. Only four coincide with UK school generational sailings including pastry- Prices start from £2,719 per person holidays but that is more than this year, making and language classes, and tours cruise-only for eight days on the Seine in and means there is more choice for parents with the captain or hotel manager. July sailing round-trip from Paris. Children or grandparents who want to introduce Suggested child-friendly tours include aged 4-11 pay 50%.
Free drinks for early-birds
The River Cruise Line is offering free time and has axed single supplements on £949 including coach and ferry travel. excursion or drinks packages on a selected 2016 cruises on Serenity. A new one-week spring-time cruise selection of 2016 cruises booked by New 2016 itineraries include two around Holland and Belgium round-trip September 30. 10-day voyages from Koblenz to from Amsterdam departing April 8 on The company has also frozen next Strasbourg and back departing June 5 Serenity costs from £899 including rail year’s prices at 2015 levels for a limited and September 20 on the Lady Anne from travel from St Pancras in London.
10 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015 The number of Aqua Amazon The number of nights on the 2 river cruise boats 6 Seine with Saga
Top-to-toe refurb for Amazon duo refurbished aq ua expeditions h as its two Amazon river cruise boats to meet client demand for a more luxurious experience. All the accommodation on both the 24-passenger Aqua Amazon and 32-passenger Aria Amazon has new floors, furniture and amenities, and the ensuite bathrooms have been completely redesigned. The lounge, bar and dining rooms have been refreshed. nights on the Seine with Saga Both vessels now carry a fleet of all- terrain bikes and have new 10-seater skiffs Chateau La Malmaison, where Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress Joséphine lived, for jungle excursions. and a night-time cruise through Paris are among highlights of a no-fly cruise on the Aqua Amazon and Aria Amazon River Seine offered by Saga next May. The six-night trip is on the 50-passenger river operate three, four and seven-night cruises boat Anacoluthe, sailing round-trip from Paris, and also includes a visit to Monet’s round-trip from Iquitos that include Garden in Giverny. From £1,449 per person on May 21 2016 with return travel on fishing trips, skiff rides and walks in the Eurostar from St Pancras or Ebbsfleet, five excursions, and wine with lunch and dinner. rainforest.
The new river boats will have a 'yacht- like' design and hold just 140 passengers in 70 suites.
Bremerhaven, Germany, and enter service in late March 2017. Rodriguez said the venture into river cruising comes in reaction to requests from past passengers who want to emulate the luxury experience they enjoy on Crystal’s ocean-going ships on a river cruise. Suites will measure 250 square feet, and there will also be two 500 square foot Penthouse Suites on each vessel. The Palm Court lounge will have a dance floor and glass-domed roof, and there will be a ‘well- appointed’ fitness centre and spa. Itineraries and fares will not be announced until the beginning of December, but Rodriguez promised they We will be the best on would avoid traditional routes and busy ports. She said they will also include plenty the rivers, vows Crystal of daylight cruising so passengers do not river craft will The company is initially building two miss the scenery. c rys ta l c r u i s e s ’ n e w have larger suites and a higher space ratio river boats, which Rodriguez said will There will be overnights in selected than any other vessels sailing the world’s have a ‘yacht-like’ design and hold just ports, with included excursions to Michelin- waterways, president and chief executive 140 passengers in 70 suites. The vessels starred restaurants, as well as local eateries officer Edie Rodriguez promised. will be built at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in and entertainment.
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 11 Europe’s Finest Luxury River Cruises Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Main, Elbe, Rhône, Seine or Douro Eight days from £1,099pp or 14 days from £1,699pp Selected departures up to November 2015 and April to November 2016 Experience truly unique cruises with perfectly balanced itineraries, all escorted by an experienced cruise director. Why book with us? • Which? recommended provider for the past • The industry’s fi nest tour managers* four years, beating all other river cruise lines • A choice of twelve stunning cruises • One of Europe’s most modern fl eets – seven • Exceptional cuisine with full board throughout fi ve-star and three four star superior vessels • All excursions included, often to UNSECO • More people would travel with us than any of world heritage sites
our competitors* *Source - Independent research in Autumn 2014 by PricewaterhouseCoopers
Tour Extensions now available on selected dates and itineraries in 2016
To book or for more information Call: 01283 744370 Visit: www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents
Holidays organised by and subject to the booking conditions of Riviera Travel, ABTA V4744 and ATOL 3430 protected. Price based on two people sharing a twin cabin. Single cabins and optional insurance available at a supplement. Images used in conjunction with Riviera Travel. Additional entrance costs may apply. Cruise duration dependent on selected itinerary. ABTA No. V4744 river news
The length in feet of For a 10-night Burgundy cruise 302 the AmaDara £1,329 with Vantage
AmaDara makes Mekong debut for AmaWaterways capacity “People choose this cruise for the amawaterways h as d o u b l e d on the Tonle and Mekong Rivers in destination, but they can still enjoy a nice Southeast Asia with the launch of the new home when they are travelling. The bigger 124-passenger AmaDara. ship creates the same atmosphere on board The vessel entered service in August as on our Europe fleet and means we can and is now sailing seven-night cruises offer more choices.” between Siem Reap in Cambodia and Ho As well as a lounge and dining room, Chi Minh City in Vietnam. AmaDara has a speciality restaurant, three AmaWaterways sells the downstream massage rooms and a large sun deck with voyage on both AmaDara and sister vessel RIVER DEMAND AmaLotus, while Australia’s APT, which The itinerary owns a share of AmaWaterways, sells the The American Queen Steamboat opposite direction. includes two nights Company has extended the season That changes next August when in Phnom Penh, on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in AmaWaterways takes exclusive use of America’s Pacific Northwest to meet AmaDara and APT switches to AmaLotus as well as visits to soaring demand for its cruises. only. floating villages and Two extra sailings will depart on The itinerary includes two nights in November 15 and 22 this year, while Phnom Penh, as well as visits to floating markets. a couple of departures have been villages and markets, and a former Viet added from mid-March 2016, starting Cong hideout from the war with the US. a small pool. Suites measure between 226 the season two weeks earlier than Passengers also have the opportunity to ride square feet and 452 square feet and have usual. on an ox cart and trishaw. split balconies so there is space to sit inside The one-week cruises, sold in the Speaking on board the AmaDara, or out. UK by Cambridge-based Light Blue AmaWaterways president and owner Rudi Unlike on AmaLotus, the cabins are at Travel, are on the 223-passenger Schreiner said the vessel is the largest ship the rear half of the vessel, as is the norm in American Empress. on the Mekong at 302 feet long. Europe, with public rooms at the front.
AmaSerena gets a name
AmaWaterways’ co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst line up with Cruise Planners chief executive officer Michelle Fee, godmother of new ship AmaSerena, which was christened in Vilshofen, Germany, in August. The vessel is the first in the AmaWaterways’ fleet to offer connecting cabins to attract families and groups of friends. Joining the celebrations are Vilshofen mayor Florian Gams and second county commisisoner Rainmund Kneidinger.
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 13 river news
The cost of a Vantage Deluxe World £1,329 Travel 10-night Burgundy cruise it's a date Vantage launches to UK market itineraries take 10 days to cover a m e r i ca n - b as e d va n tag e Deluxe World Travel has the same route that other lines started selling its river cruises sail in 7, and a typical lead in to the UK market. The line, price is £1,329 for a 10-night which is direct sell only in its Burgundy cruise, excluding homeland, has appointed small flights. ship and yacht cruise specialist Vantage’s chief marketing Seafarer as UK general sales officer, Scott Moore, said: agent and will also be working “We are very pleased to be September 23 October 28 through selected independent CLIA Digital Marketing Norwegian Escape travel agents. Destinations Masterclass Inaugural The initial launch will Educational aimed at UK debut of Norwegian focus on Europe, followed by include the cruise lines and travel Escape, Norwegian Cruise cruises in India and South East waterways of agents Line’s largest ship to date Asia. The company owns a Melt Content Limited, Southampton fleet of six European vessels, France as well Great Guildford Business November 22-23 carrying 78 to 176 passengers, as the popular Square, London with another being launched CLIA River Cruise October 8 in spring 2016. Destinations Rhine, Main Convention include the waterways of and Danube. CLIA River Cruise Two-day networking event France as well as the popular Showcase with conference sessions Rhine, Main and Danube. Travel agent training and and multiple ship visits With an emphasis on high launching our river cruises networking opportunity Amsterdam Cruise quality, leisurely travel for to the UK market. Working Manchester United Port/Mövenpick Hotel discerning clients, fares include with our partner Seafarer and Football Club, Old Trafford Amsterdam City Centre all meals, daily excursions, through travel agents will bring culture-rich onboard lectures our products to a much wider and wine, beer and soft drinks audience.” with dinner. Cruises can be The line will also allocate booked as cruise only or flight space for agents on future inclusive packages, with rail sailings. NEW APPOINTMENTS and cruise options also available on selected sailings. Several Visit seafarercruises.com Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced the appointment of Duncan Croucher as southern regional sales manager. Sarah Brooks, is moving to a newly created role as key account manager. The line’s business development executive, Caroline Moody, will return this month in a newly created part-time job-share role, working with Anna Salter.
Carnival UK CEO, David Noyes has announced a commercial restructure for P&O Cruises and Cunard Line. As part of the restructure, sales & distribution director, Chris Truscott will be leaving the business. Paul Ludlow has been appointed senior vice-president, sales & marketing for P&O Cruises as well as sales support on guest insight and digital teams for both brands. The restructure will also include a similar new heights for tauck SVP sales & marketing role for Cunard, working alongside Rick Meadows, president, Cunard, North America. Tauck has a new 10-day cruise-and-stay holiday next year that combines two nights in Bern with a seven-night Celebrity Cruises has appointed Sarah Harraghy as Rhine river cruise. In Bern, clients can either join an included commercial sales director, UK and Ireland, reporting to excursion to the Jungfraujoch, 11,371 feet above sea level, UK and Ireland managing director Jo Rzymowska. The in the Swiss Alps or have a day sightseeing in Bern. They’ll appointment follows the departure of Nicki Tempest-Mitchell. also spend a morning in Lucerne during the transfer to Basel, where they embark their river cruise and sail to Amsterdam Following the recent commercial restructure at Carnival (itinerary also operates in reverse). From £3,287 per person. UK, Tony Roberts has been appointed vice president for Princess Cruises, UK & Europe.
14 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015 DISCOVER HIDDEN DEPTHS TO FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS SMALL-SHIP CRUISING FOR CURIOUS MINDS
If your clients’ idea of a holiday is to discover the charms of the Mediterranean, then our small-ship cruises are the perfect choice. In Venice, Voyages to Antiquity o er an exclusive, private evening visit to St Mark’s Basilica with special lighting illuminating the spectacular mosaics. is is just one example of our special events across the Mediterranean; we also provide guided shore excursions and an on-board lecture programme. So our guests can truly discover hidden depths to their favourite destinations.
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Grand Canal, Venice ABTA No.Y2206
ABTA No.Y2206 VTA_Ad_Grand_Canal_120x280_Final_0915.indd 1 09/09/2015 09:49
ABTA No.Y2206 Comment The value of choice and offering clients the right cruise
portside with... starboard with...
James Cole PRITI MEHTA managing director, cruise head of sales, UK & division, World Travel Holdings Ireland, Oceania Cruises
aving worked in the cruise industry for more than 16 years ith the announcement of more new tonnage, the one thing that has been a consistent observation of ocean cruise lines venturing in to the world mine is how crucial it is that retailers and tour operators of H Wof river and air, and the cruise sector set to cruise holidays put the right customer on the right cruise, otherwise continue growing at a rapid pace, the value of choice has the longer term implications can be disastrous. never been more relevant - or important. There is so much choice and variety of product these days that The cruise industry has undergone an incredible there is no excuse not to find the right cruise for the customer. evolution over the last 10 years with every ship launch I remember being introduced to some new friends several years setting new standards of inspired innovation and ago who were very excited to tell me that they had just booked their technology; luxury and comfort; food and beverages; very first cruise and that they couldn’t wait to get on board. I asked service and experiences … the list goes on. New them what type of holiday they usually booked and they revealed destinations are being explored as river and expedition that they usually go on sailing holidays, hire a villa or book 5-star cruising expands, adding to guests’ experiences and hotels. When they told me they were going on a 3 Star all-inclusive choice of brand. cruise, I had little option but More cruise lines are offering upgrade packages to to nod, smile and wish them "Get to know include gratuities, drinks, excursions and internet. Even well. Unfortunately they did not the customer, the traditional all-inclusive cruise lines are looking at enjoy the experience and I have more creative ways to further enhance experiences and struggled to convince them to build a offer additional value. cruise since. relationship So how does the customer choose? For them there Had the retailer who sold will be a key deciding factor – for example, the itinerary, them the cruise done their and find out the date, whether they can cruise from/to the UK, the research and found out some what would size of the accommodation, cuisine, activities for the basic information about what children or perhaps no activities for children! my new friends like to do on suit them best." The customer is faced with so many decisions, it holiday and where they have becomes our responsibility to guide them to ensure all holidayed previously, then I am sure that a more suitable cruise line their needs, wants and expectations are met. There is a would have been recommended. They would undoubtedly have product and ship for everyone, it’s just about asking the had a fantastic time, have cruised again and told their other like- right questions. minded cruise virgin friends how good cruising really is. Onboard experiences vary between all brands, even It’s easy to fall into the trap of a customer calling, saying that those who are part of the same family. During the day they want to book a specific cruise and then just booking it for guests can choose to relax with a book, learn to paint them. Don’t do it! Get to know the customer, build a relationship or brush up on photography skills, even learn to cook, and find out what would suit them best, give them the alternative become an expert mixologist or improve their language suggestion and then get them booked. My guess is that this skills. approach will lead to higher than average conversion levels, more All of this and so much more, in addition to the repeat customers and more profit too. plethora of ever more adventurous shore excursions. Formal to casual dining, set dining times to open seating, grand dining rooms to intimate speciality restaurants. Later in the evening they can choose from understated shows to full-scale productions, have a flutter in the casino or a quiet nightcap. This is our wonderful world on the ocean waves: the freedom of choice to do as much, or as little as you wish but always having the option to try something new. No two days ever need be the same... unless you want them to of course!
16 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015 sailALL INCLUSIVE# to theCanaries Aboard Saga Sapphire, 15 NIGHTS FROM your customers will Including all this £2,549 per person in the price… enjoy all the advantages ALL INCLUSIVE#
including optional travel insurance Return chauffeur service to the of classic, small-ship † or a discount of £53 if not required§ port up to 250 miles each way cruising. This elegant or free car parking ship boasts surprisingly Canary Island Medley Selected drinks# including beers, wines, spirits & cocktails Departing January 10, 2016 spacious cabins, stylish All meals & entertainment, aboard Saga Sapphire public rooms, welcoming plus speciality dining Calling at… Southampton, England All on-board gratuities bars and superb • Funchal, Madeira • Santa Cruz, La Palma 24-hour room service restaurants – the perfect • San Sebastian, La Gomera • Santa Daily afternoon tea Cruz, Tenerife • Las Palmas, Gran Canaria Free Wi-Fi way to discover the sunny • Arrecife, Lanzarote • Agadir, Morocco Optional travel insurance & Canaries this winter! • Lisbon, Portugal • Southampton, England. additional cancellation rights§ Cruise code: SA292. ...and even more!
Call our dedicated Trade Sales Team FREE on 0800 074 8021
INNER W
AWA RDS 2015
SAGASAGA CRUISESCRUISES BESTBEST VALUE VALUE FOR MONEYFOR MONEYCRUISE CRUISE LINE LINE
Saga Holidays is a trading name of Acromas Holidays Ltd (registration no. 2174052) and Saga Shipping is a trading name of Acromas Shipping Ltd (registration no. 3267858). Both companies are subsidiaries of Acromas Travel Ltd (registration no. 00720588). All three companies are registered in England and Wales. Registered Office: Enbrook Park, Sandgate, Folkestone, Kent CT20 3SE. With respect to general insurance products sold in the UK, Acromas Holidays Ltd is an appointed representative of Saga Services Limited, registered in England and Wales (company number 732602), which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Saga’s holidays and cruises are exclusively for customers aged 50+; a travelling companion may be aged 40+. Fare quoted is per person based on two people sharing the lowest available Inside cabin, correct at time of going to print and subject to availability and change. §There is a discount available of £53 for Canary Island Medley if you do not need Saga’s optional insurance and additional cancellation rights. †Private return chauffeur service included up to 75 miles each way, or a shared chauffeur service from 76-250 miles. #All inclusive includes selected wines at lunch and dinner, Saga house-branded spirits, cocktails containing house-branded spirits, draught beer and lager, non-alcoholic cocktails, all mixers and soft drinks. This is not a brochure. Terms and conditions apply. NHA-CC2158 training & incentives
TOOLS OF THE TRADE Here we reveal the latest cruise training opportunities, incentives and fam trips offers
Win the crown of Best Cruise Consultant Agents can nominate themselves, a member of the team, or someone from another company in the UK to win the Best Cruise Consultant category in The Wave Awards 2016. The first Wave Awards will recognise the best in the business of cruise holidays and are open for cruise lines, travel agents, cruise Agents from around the world celebrated Crystal Cruises’ 25th anniversary last advisers and destinations. Entries close month during a Baltic cruise on board Crystal Symphony. Each agent had sold more on October 30 and the judging will run than $500,000 of Crystal cruises during 2014. They were treated to a Champagne throughout November with a short-list reception, a musical evening and a private tour of The Hermitage in St Petersburg declared by late November. The awards and given insights into Crystal’s development plans from company president Edie ceremony will take place on February 18 Rodriguez and chief operating officer Thomas Mazloum. A group of 25 agents, 2016 in London. including Matthew and Edwina Lonsdale of Mundy Cruising and The Cruise Portfolio Visit thewaveawards.com (Crystal’s GSA for the UK) were presented with bottles of 25-year-old vintage Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne. Pictured (from left): Edie Rodriguez, Edwina Lonsdale, Matthew Lonsdale, Carmen Roig, senior vice-president of marketing and sales; Philip Voyages to Antiquity Ordever, vice-president, international sales and marketing. launches online training Voyages to Antiquity has launched an online training and communication platform at vtaexpert.com. Crystal offers sales Agents can register to get first-hand tools resources Training events with information about the travel experience Crystal Cruises has unveiled RSSC offered by the small-ship company and a collection of sales tools for Regents Seven Seas is offering training modules with the tools to help travel partners identify travel agents. They include CLIA that give an introduction to the cruise line and its and sell their cruises. marketing and sales materials, upcoming ship, Seven Seas Explorer. The company is The training comprises a quiz Crystal Yacht Cruises flyers, also planning a series of training events in the autumn complemented by video and images. general information on Crystal where agents can learn more about the Regent Once agents have completed the training, Esprit, plus images. The experience, Seven Seas Explorer and how to sell more of they become Luminary agents and have resources are available from the cruise line’s business. These will be as follows: access to exclusive offers, notice of new the UK marketing team by October 8, 6pm-8.30pm, Glenbervie House Hotel, programmes, special commissions, and a emailing sales@cruiseportfolio. Scotland personalised certificate. co.uk. There’s also access to October 14, 6pm-8.30pm, Rudding Park Hotel, the company’s online training, Harrogate customised point of sale, October 15, 6pm-8.30pm, The Mere Golf & Spa resort, roadshow events, tailor-made Knutsford direct mail and other marketing October 21, 6pm-8.30pm, The Priest House Hotel, solutions at discovercrystal. Castle Donnington co.uk. The sales team can also October 22, 6pm-8.30pm, Hampton Manor, Solihul be contacted on 020 7399 Agents interested in joining an event should email 7602. [email protected]
18 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015 Win VIP tickets to see Dynamo A with MSC Agents making an MSC the fleet and covers winter Cruises’ Balcony cabin booking 2015/2016, summer 2016 and CHANCE until September 30 2015 can winter 2016/2017 itineraries. enter a free draw to win VIP Seven-night fly-cruises in tickets to see TV magician the Mediterranean start at TO SHINE! Dynamo at Birmingham NEC £499 per person including on December 6. It is part of return British Airways flights the company’s autumn ‘Get and overseas transfers (based the Best’ promotion offering on a December 15 2016 free balcony upgrades on departure).To enter, email cruise-only and fly-cruise the booking reference to packages, which gives guests the competition@msccruises. opportunity to have a balcony co.uk stating “I want to cabin for the price of an inside win”. The prize includes VIP The WAVE AWARDS cabin. tickets to ‘Dynamo Live’ plus The offer applies to a overnight accommodation in are searching for the selection of sailings across Birmingham. BEST CRUISE CONSULTANT in the UK Nominate now! You can nominate yourself, a member of your team, or someone you admire from another company. You can also nominate more than one person.
Viking Cruises recently took a group of agents on a fam trip to China. The trip was on board the Imperial Jewels of China Viking River Cruise on the Viking Emerald. Elements of the trip included an excursion to the Great Wall of China, the ancient capital of Xi’an and a trip to a local school, supported by Viking, in Jingzhou. Pictured from left to right are: Heather Loyd, Viking Cruises; Rachael Howes-Tonks, cruise.co.uk; Joanne Smithies, Blue Water Holidays; Bianca Le Quesne, Viking Cruises; Rebecca Hendry, Iglu.
Celebrity Cruises offers Miami incentive Any agent who sells a 2016 Celebrity Cruises holiday, featuring long haul flights with British Airways between September 1 and October 31 2015 has a chance of joining the Celebrity Cruises UK and Ireland Entries close October , sales team for a long weekend in Miami. www.thewaveawards.com 2016 cruise holidays in destinations such as Alaska, the Caribbean, Asia and Australia are all applicable as part of the incentive. Agents will be entered into a prize draw to win one of six places on the fam trip to explore Miami’s beaches, art deco The WAVE AWARDS 6 are sponsored by architecture and its options for cruise visitors. Six agents will join the trip for three nights, including a day spent on-board a Celebrity Cruises ship, as well as free time in Miami and the chance to meet the head office team. For more information visit cruisingpower.co.uk
WaveAwards_101.5x280.indd 1 01/09/2015 10:18 in pictures
Cruising to Hardangerfjord for a brief stop at Ulvik for passengers doing an overland tour in Ulvik.
FJORD TIME
Jill Sayles travelled with Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) from London Tilbury to Norway on board Magellan for its Summertime Fjordland cruise. Following the first day at sea, the ship visited Hardangerfjord, Ulvik, Eidfjord, Flåm, and Bergen with a final day at sea before arriving back in Tilbury. Here’s the trip in pictures.
Magellan has lots on offer to keep guests occupied during the two days at sea such as bingo, quizzes, crafts and lectures. There’s also a gym and spa, jacuzzis, pools, a casino, a library and more. There are six bars to choose from. Broadway- style shows each evening are performed in the Magellan Main Show Lounge, then guests can head to Scott’s Nightclub.
Magellan arrives in Flåm – meaning litte place between steep mountains. It is home to the famous Flåm Railway (Flåmsbanen) opened in 1940, which journeys uphill to Myrdal station at an altitude of 2,845 ft in 40 minutes. Along the way is stunning scenery, many waterfalls including the mighty Kjosfossen waterfall. On the quayside, it’s possible to visit the shops and the small Flåm Railway Museum.
20 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015 If not taking an organised shore excursion, it’s easy to explore Bergen on foot as the ship arrives in port just a short walk from the city centre. Bergen is Norway’s second largest city and was the inspiration for the creation of the town of Arendelle in Disney’s animated film, Frozen. Take the Mount Floien Funicular that transports visitors 1,050ft above the city in five minutes. The medieval Hanseatic wharf in the area of Bryggen houses colourful gabled wooden buildings and shops. The Hanseatic and Bryggen museums are nearby. Other places of interest are the Fish Market, Rozenkrantz Tower and King Håkon’s Hall.
The three main dining areas are Raffles Buffet Bistro, Waldorf Restaurant and Kensington Restaurant. Mike Hall, CMV head of marketing (left) is pictured with Magellan Maitre’D Ney Bolanos in Kensington Restaurant.
Magellan arrives in pretty Eidfjord cruise port. A coach ride to Hardangervidda Sample package: Easter Fjordland departs on March 26 2016 Naturecenter showcases for six nights from London Tilbury on board Magellan. The cruise the flora and fauna and visits Ulvik (for disembarking on an overland optional tour), Eidfjord, wildlife in Norway followed Flåm and Bergen. The voyage cruises through Hardangerfjord and by a visit to Fossli Hotel Sognefjord. Prices are available from £649 for the first person and from where there’s 50% for the second sharing person (£324pp).cruiseandmaritime. an impressive view of com; 0844 998 3877. Vøringsfossen waterfall.
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 21 interview
Q How long have you worked from UK & Ireland customers in your current job and what each year? attracted you to the role? q&a A None in volume terms. Over 95% of our A Four years. I was attracted to the guests are already from the UK. We will challenge of owning assets and the pressure look to grow through yield improvement. of filling them which is different to my NATHAN previous roles as an operator or agent. I felt Q PHILPOT What is the biggest the brand had so much unfulfilled potential challenge facing cruise and my skillset could help. And it was a sales & marketing sales? huge bonus to find a travel role in Suffolk – A To attract new people to cruise. The just 10 minutes from my home. director, Fred. Olsen product is so good, people will come back. Cruise Lines We have introduced initiatives such as Q What do you like most Fred.’s Enjoyment Promise and yet this year about the cruise industry? we are still achieving a 65% repeat rate. A The people. The travel industry is a close knit group and cruise is an even Q How does the company work closer knit sub-set of dynamic, friendly with the travel trade? and fun people - from agents, ports, media, A We want to support and fund the travel and destinations – even some of the trade to find new guests for Fred. Olsen. competitors! Once the guest is on board we will wholly fund discounts to achieve that second Q How is your company booking and refer it back to the agent with different to other cruise full commission to create a virtuous circle. lines? As the third biggest brand in cruise, we A We are the UK’s regional cruise line continue to invest in product and brand sailing from 10 ports around the UK – not advertising which is 100% funded by us and just Southampton – so that 90% of the in turn creates demand for the high street UK is within 90 minutes of a Fred. Olsen which we hope agents will fulfil for us. ship. We also craft unique itineraries suited "We want to to our smaller ships that reach the places Q support and fund Why should agents sell others cannot. That’s why we talk about cruise rather than a land bringing the world closer. the travel trade to holiday? find new guests for A How many land-based holidays would Q What are you looking promise to give you your money back if forward to most about your Fred. Olsen." you didn’t enjoy it? That’s the promise job over the next 12 months? Fred. Olsen gives and demonstrates the A I love working with the team here to confidence in cruise backed up by a create amazing itineraries. The destination phenomenal repeat rate. So if you want a and the experiences in that destination are client to come back to you, year after year key to selling cruises and I truly believe we CV – sell cruise. do it better than anyone else. Oct 2011 - Present Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, sales & Q What should agents focus Q How has the cruise market marketing director on when selling cruise - changed in the last 10 years? price, experience, etc? A The market has been spoilt for choice. Jan 2010 - Sept 2011 A Every survey ever done has stated The introduction of new brands and new Page & Moy Travel Group, sales & the main driver for someone to choose a ships has shifted the core proposition from marketing director cruise is the destination, so focus on where being traditional and exclusive to informal someone wants to go and how cruising is and ubiquitous, yet we have not witnessed Feb 2009 - Jan 2010 a more convenient way to discover most the same explosive growth in the last five Elegant Resorts, managing director destinations. Some obvious examples are years as we did in the first five. cruising up fjords and rivers but sailing Nov 2004 - Feb 2009 into cities like Venice, Stockholm or St Q What is the target market WEXAS, marketing director Petersburg is also amazing. of your company? A One in 10 of all over 65s are millionaires May 2000 - July 2004 Q What is your favourite (according to research by Prudential), so Kuoni, head of sales & marketing cruise destination so far? we are more than happy to service that A My favourite cruise destination was market. However, it does depend on cruise Jan 1999 - May 2000 also my first - the Caribbean. I had the duration. On our shorter cruises, you will Eurotunnel, marketing manager opportunity to visit something like 11 or 12 find a younger more eclectic mix from 35 to different islands in 14 days. It was amazing 60. Our guests tend to be more traditional, May 1997 - Dec 1998 to explore so much of the Caribbean on looking for the highest levels of personal Texaco, loyalty manager one holiday and sample each destination. service. I love Barbados and I have returned Oct 1994 - May 1997 many times and I had a great catamaran Q How much percentage of P&O Ferries, marketing executive experience in Antigua with lobster and growth are you targeting Champagne on a remote beach.
22 Cruise Trade News l sept/oct 2015
land vs river
Venice
This time we compare Uniworld’s Venice & The Gems of Italy cruise aboard the River Countess versus an independent city break of seven nights in five-star, lagoon view accommodation at the Hotel Danieli, Venice
ITINERARY what's included RIVER laND Accommodation Included £2,170pp
Day 1 port/city Venice (embark) Transfers from the airport Included £45pp Glass blowing & Lace making tour Included £50pp Day 2 Venice Walking tour of Venice Included £60pp Visit of St. Mark’s Basilica Included £50pp Day 3 Venice, Chioggia (Padua), Taglio di Po Walking tour of Padua Included £50pp Day 4 Polesella (Bologna or Ferrara) Full day excursion to Bologna Included £50pp Day 5 Polesella (Ravenna), Taglio di Po (Chioggia), Venice Full day excursion to Ravenna Included £50pp Day 6 Venice (Verona) Full day excursion to Verona Included £50pp Day 7 Venice Walking tour of Venice Included £50pp Day 8 Venice (disembark), transfer to the airport transfers to the airport Included £45pp
Food and drink Breakfast Included £25 pppd Lunch 5 included £30 pppd Dinner 7 included £50pppd Drinks (soft and alcohol) Included £45pppd
Costs (per person) total*: £2,879 £3,610 *based on September 4 2016 departure
24 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015 Sponsored by
Uniworld’s cruise came out more than 25% cheaper, so it represents much better value
THE RESULT “We did a detailed comparison with a land based holiday as we wanted to demonstrate what exceptional value for money a Uniworld cruise represents. We chose our River Po and Venice itinerary, and looked at what costs you might incur travelling independently to Venice staying in comparable five-star hotels, enjoying quality meals and premium drinks, and exploring the city and surrounding areas on excursions with local experts. We found that Uniworld’s cruise came out more than 25% cheaper so it represents much better value, with no compromise in luxury, quality and service. Guests also have the benefit of having all of these things already taken care of and included in their cruise up front, so they don’t have to think about arrangements or budgeting while away.” Kathryn Beadle managing director, Uniworld UK
UNIWORLD’S 2016 EUROPE & RUSSIA BROCHURE IS OUT NOW! uniworldcruises.com | 0808 168 9110
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 25 agent fam trip
p i ct u r e d c lo c k w i s e f r o m l e f t Royal suite; Avalon Tapestry II; observation lounge; Warren Miller on board (back row); bar.
SHORE EXCURSIONS Ian Warren from GoCruise attended an Avalon Tapestry II The excursions were excellent. I visited fam trip for four nights from Paris to Rouen. He experienced Claude Monet’s House and Gardens, part of the Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches itinerary but my favourite was a full day excursion to Normandy’s Landing Beaches. We visited the British War Cemetery, the Pegasus Bridge Museum, ‘Gold Beach’ in Arromanches, ‘June Beach’ and its AVALON exhibition centre, and finally the Canadian War Cemetery.
LANDING YOUR IMPRESSIONS I was really impressed with the service from all the staff. There aren’t loads of activities CABINS and lunch are self-serve buffets, with some on board, but that isn’t why anyone takes There are three types of accommodation, additional dishes served by the waiters, but a river cruise in my opinion. The ship is 172 sq ft Deluxe Staterooms, 200 sq ft dinner is a fully served meal. basically a high quality floating hotel, where Panorama Suites, and the 300 sq ft Royal The standard and variety of food was you can visit different places each day. Suites. excellent. The freshly made omelettes at The Deluxe Staterooms have a high breakfast were first class. Soft drinks are WHO DOES IT SUIT? level window to give natural light, but complimentary with lunch, soft drinks, An Avalon Waterways river cruise is aren’t ideal for watching the scenery go by. beers and wine are included with dinner. suitable for people of all ages, but children The Panorama Suites benefit from floor The Sky Bistro is available up on the Sky under the age of 8 are not allowed to to ceiling glass, and are 11 foot wide with Deck for certain meals. travel. Although older children can travel, three panels, and rails outside. Two of the they may get bored, as there are no panels slide open, to give a very wide open- SPA, GYM, POOL facilities for them. air balcony. Another benefit in the Suites is There is a small fitness room with that the beds are angled so that you can see exercise bikes and treadmills, and a WHAT ELSE? out of the balcony. small hairdresser’s salon next to the Club I loved the experience and was very Lounge. There is also a whirlpool up on pleased to have been given the opportunity. DECKS Sky Deck, as well as sun loungers. Although I do like the large ocean cruise There are four passenger decks, three with ships, there is something special about cabins and the public rooms, plus the Sky LIBRARY gliding along a scenic river, and stopping to Deck, which is where you can relax in the There was a small selection of books and visit villages and cities on the way. sun, the whirlpool or play deck chess. board games available to borrow in the Club Lounge, which is also where you BOOKINGS MADE FOOD can help yourself to hot drinks, cakes and Not yet, but I have given out brochures and The main restaurant is bright and spacious cookies. There is a section outside where told people about my experience. I have and all meals are open seating. Breakfast you can smoke. then sent quotations.
26 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015
review emerald star
A JEWEL IN THE DANUBE A review of Emerald Waterways’ Emerald Star
by Jill Sayles
merald Star was launched in May the three decks via a lift as well as the access, a 24/7 coffee machine and tea- last year by Australian-owned staircase. making facilities. There’s also a very small river cruise company, Emerald My Owner’s Suite on Horizon deck library area. It is used for activities, lectures, EWaterways. It is part of the latest had a separate bedroom and lounge, a daily port talks and evening entertainment. generation of 135-metre long Star-Ships shower room, and walk-in wardrobe. The Apart from the resident pianist, during my by the company. I experienced part of the indoor balcony in the lounge area had a stay entertainment and activities included Delights of the Danube river cruise from floor-to-ceiling window the same as in the a Hungarian folklore show and a glass- Budapest to Vienna during three nights. bedroom. The upper half of the windows blowing demonstration. All meals, onshore excursions, travel and lower revealing a good view. I also had The Terrace at the front of the lounge transfers were included. the use of an iPad, complimentary wifi, offers comfortable seating and a light an espresso machine, and TV. There were breakfast can be eaten there. Reception and ACCOMMODATION There are 92 cabins – 90 doubles and two "There are 92 cabins all river-facing and singles – all river-facing and spread over – three decks. Horizon, the upper deck, has spread over three decks." 35 suites in total, eight 210sq ft Grand Balcony Suites, four 315sq ft Owner’s daily deliveries of complimentary fruit, wa- shore excursions desks are in the middle of Suites, plus 23,180sq ft Panorama Balcony ter, pre-dinner appetizers and after-dinner the boat on Vista deck. Also on board is a Suites - a new type of cabin (also to be sweets. Continental breakfast was offered small shop and a pool. It the evenings, the found on the middle Vista deck), of which in the room if required and Owner’s pool area becomes the Emerald Café offer- there are 37. Further accommodation is on Suite guests can have four items of clothes ing a quiet place to sit and it also becomes the lower deck, Riviera, where there are 20 washed for free per day. a cinema on certain nights of the cruise. staterooms. These include 18 double The top Sun Deck contains a seating area, cabins which are 162sq ft and two single PUBLIC AREAS a mini-golf course, a walking track and the cabins at 117sq ft each. There’s access to The Horizon bar and lounge has wifi Navigation bridge.
28 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015 emerald star Fast Facts
Passengers 174 Crew 47 Cabins 92 Cabin size 117sqft – 315sqft Decks 4 Length 135m
Emerald Waterway's USP Friendly service, high quality product, and a pool area offering a flexible exercise and entertainment space
c lo c k w i s e f r o m l e f t Owner’s Suite; Emerald Star in Budapest; Reflections restaurant; pool
FOOD & DRINK Fifteen bicycles are available for guests. helpful and friendly. Guests are given name The main Reflections restaurant on Vista badges to wear if they want to. Tipping is deck serves buffet breakfasts, lunches and EXCURSIONS included. three course dinners, with good choices for Daily excursions are included. These vegetarians. As well as the international are either walking or coach tours and all SELL IT cuisine, there are regional dishes. Emerald with local guides. Optional paid for tours The 8-day Danube Delights is offered from Classics are available each evening as are offered too. There are daily evening March to October 2016. alternatives to the main courses. These are port talks in the Horizon lounge and The trip departing March 17 2016 poached salmon, rump steak, and grilled on the day before the excursion. Only from Nuremberg to Budapest is priced at chicken breast. Complimentary beer, wine one announcement is made 15 minutes £1,445 per person based on two sharing a and soft drinks are served with lunch and before each tour departs to avoid multiple Panorama Balcony Suite. dinner. Afternoon tea-time is from 4-4.30pm announcements. During my stay, I was It includes return travel from the daily and a late night snack - often a local invited to the Sun Deck for a one-hour UK, seven nights in a stateroom or suite, dish such as goulash soup - is served in the Budapest by night cruise, a four-hour tour five shore excursions, visits to three Emerald café from 10.30-11pm. in Budapest by bus and on foot, a two-hour UNESCO World Heritage Sites, three walking tour of Bratislava, plus a home- Emerald Plus activities, 20 on board SPA & FITNESS hosted afternoon tea at a local village near meals, complimentary tea and coffee, On Vista deck, there’s a very small fitness Bratislava. In Vienna, coaches took guests complimentary bottled water, on board room next to the beauty and massage room to the city centre then followed a walking evening entertainment, English-speaking which has capacity for one guest at a time. tour with a guide and free time. The ship crew and a local guide, complimentary wifi, Next door is the lovely pool area with a moors close to the city centres, so it’s also all port charges, airport taxes and transfers retractable roof. The pool isn’t large, but easy to explore independently if you wish. within Europe. big enough to share and swim in with a few others. The flexibility of this space as SERVICE For more information call 0800 270 7017 or visit a pool, café and cinema is a real highlight. All crew speak good English and were very emeraldwaterways.co.uk
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 29 at a glance
At a glance… WINDSTAR STAR LEGEND
Following a transformation in Genoa, Italy this April and a christening ceremony in Rome in May, Windstar Cruises debuted Star Legend, the third and final of the fleet’s three new all suite power yachts taking the company’s total fleet to six. Here’s a guide to the ship
PUBLIC SPACES Yacht Club - observation lounge, coffee and snack bar Casino Library Compass Rose - seating area for socializing and live music Star Bar – outdoor drinks bar Computer Centre Fitness Centre Signature Shop Meeting Space and screening SPA & BEAUTY room Pool and whirlpool Sun deck WindSpa Veranda Full-service salon
WINDSTAR GUEST PROFILE Affluent households Ages 45 to 65 Primarily married couples Professionals, business owners Well-educated World travellers Experienced cruisers
30 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015 strapline blue strapline black
OPEN BRIDGE Open Bridge experience invites guests to come into the Bridge when the yacht is at sea
SERVICES ACCOMMODATION Reception 2 Owner’s Suites Medical centre 2 Classic Suites Laundry service 36 Balcony Suites Destination services 64 Ocean View Suites EXCURSIONS Private Events –complimentary on each itinerary
DINING AmphorA Restaurant - dinner Fast Facts dining In-room: 24-hour room service Guests 212 menu Guest decks 6 Candles -smaller restaurant Crew members 140 at the aft for breakfast, lunch Length 440ft (134m) buffets, a la carte dinners Speed 15 knots Tonnage 9,975grt
WINDSTAR GUEST PROFILE Affluent households Ages 45 to 65 Primarily married couples Professionals, business owners Well-educated World travellers Experienced cruisers
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 31 2016 – 2017 BROCHURE OUT NOW • NEW DESTINATIONS • UNIQUE EXPERIENCES NORWEGIAN’S ALL FREESTYLE! FREESTYLE CHOICE FEATURING OUR NEW FREESTYLE CHOICE EARLY BIRD PROMOTION*
CALL: 0845 201 8900^ VISIT: WWW.AGENTS-UK.NCL.EU
PARTNERS FIRST UK
*Freestyle Choice Early Bird Promotion has full terms and conditions – please see www.agents-uk.ncl.eu. Fares and offers are subject to availability and change and applicable only to bookings made through the Norwegian Cruise Line London office. Norwegian Cruise Line booking conditions apply – please see www.ncl.co.uk/helpful-information/booking-conditions. ^Calls will cost 2p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge. ©2015 NCL Corporation Ltd. Ship’s Registry: Bahamas & United States of America. 6005.19.09.15
6005_19_Fi_FYW_CruiseTradeNews_210x280.indd 1 10.09.2015 15:36:06 industry insight titan
Xxx
Spirit of Chartwell on the Douro 2016 – 2017 BROCHURE The ever-growing learning OUT NOW curve of cruise • NEW DESTINATIONS our customers’ choice of ocean and small ship MS Amalia. Such trips benefit • UNIQUE EXPERIENCES river cruise holidays has never been frontline industry staff by building their Ybetter, and it continues to grow knowledge, and they benefit us, as we year after year with the introduction of know those staff go on to recommend the NORWEGIAN’S new ships and new destinations around the experience to their customers. ALL FREESTYLE! world. Becoming an expert – or staying an Titan also packages cruise itineraries FREESTYLE CHOICE FEATURING OUR NEW FREESTYLE expert – seems ever more difficult. with a land tour element, for the best of Where do you start? I remember as a both worlds, a tour manager for your * CHOICE EARLY BIRD PROMOTION young trainee dreading the arrival of cruise customers’ complete peace of mind – and, customers, worried that I wouldn’t have of course, our peerless home transfers. It the knowledge or experience to help them. EDWINA COPPOCK gives you the best possible choice – book These days though, there are so many agency sales manager, cruise-only with the operators themselves, opportunities to learn, and so much more Titan or hassle-free packages from door-to-shore- conveniently. to-door with Titan! Every cruise line is different, so training The cruise market in the UK looks from the operators themselves is essential. set to continue growing for years to come Find out what they stand for, who their and staying ahead of the learning curve is market is, what kind of destinations they convention, where attendees can inspect key to your success, our success and your feature and what the onboard experience as many as six different vessels in a single customers’ holiday happiness! is like. CLIA is brilliant too – look out for visit. I’ve been fortunate to attend these their roadshows and online training. In and accompany several of Titan’s fam trips Titan’s new Ocean & River Cruise Compendium fact, the internet is perhaps the greatest – and, though I wouldn’t say I’m quite an brochure, featuring more than 80 ocean cruise information resource of all – visit the cruise expert, I could certainly face those cruise itineraries and 40 river cruise itineraries, is out lines’ websites, watch videos, read blogs and customers without fear. now. Of these itineraries, 28 are new for 2016, CALL: 0845 201 8900^ reviews, and so much more. This year, Titan is hosting four special including ‘Grand Discoveries of the Orient’, and VISIT: WWW.AGENTS-UK.NCL.EU But when it comes down to it, there is trips chartered specifically for agents, ‘The Wine Regions of France and Spain’. Amongst no substitute for seeing and experiencing including a Douro cruise for 30 aboard PARTNERS FIRST UK the new river cruises is ‘A Celebration of Lisbon the product for yourself. Cruise lines and Spirit of Chartwell, the ‘Royal Barge’ from and the Douro’, combining a two-night hotel *Freestyle Choice Early Bird Promotion has full terms and conditions – please see www.agents-uk.ncl.eu. Fares and offers are subject to availability and change and applicable only to bookings made through the Norwegian Cruise Line London office. Norwegian Cruise Line booking tour operators are really generous when the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations stay in the Portuguese capital with a seven-night conditions apply – please see www.ncl.co.uk/helpful-information/booking-conditions. ^Calls will cost 2p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge. ©2015 NCL Corporation Ltd. Ship’s Registry: Bahamas & United States of America. 6005.19.09.15 it comes to fam trips and ship visits, and in 2012, and a mini-cruise around Croatia’s Douro cruise aboard the exclusively chartered CLIA runs a superb annual river cruise breathtaking Bay of Islands aboard the Spirit of Chartwell.
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 33
6005_19_Fi_FYW_CruiseTradeNews_210x280.indd 1 10.09.2015 15:36:06 5 of the best themed river cruises
THEMED RIVER CRUISES Clients can indulge in their favourite passion or pastime, and enjoy beautiful scenery at the same time, with a growing number of themed river cruises. Here are five to float their boat
UNIWORLD ROYALT Y Why A reception hosted by a descendant of the Habsburg dynasty, Princess Anita von Hohenberg, at her baroque castle is the jewel in the crown of new Uniworld cruises that will provide exclusive insider access to some of Europe’s rich aristocratic heritage. Bookable through Titan, the themed cruises will be available on selected sailings of the European Jewels itinerary in June, July and August 2016. There will also be a behind the scenes tour of Vienna’s Spanish Riding School, a special piano concert featuring the works of Liszt, and an onboard patisserie demonstration making Esterhazy torte, a favourite of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.
titanagents.co.uk
CROISIEUROPE GASTRONOMY Why French-owned CroisiEurope prides itself on serving passengers with authentic French cuisine and quality wines, with the added bonus of an open bar included in the fare. The four-night Valleys of the Rhone and Saone itinerary, sailing in April and October next year, will take passengers on a gourmet journey through famous winegrowing regions of Cotes du Rhone and Beaujolais, with vineyard tours and private tastings. The highlight is dinner in a grand dining room at Abbaye de Collonges, the culinary temple run by Paul Bocuse, who has held three coveted Michelin stars for 50 years.
croisieurope.co.uk
34 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015 VIKING RIVER CRUISES THEMED RIVER CRUISES CHRISTMAS MARKETS Why Running throughout November and December, Christmas markets are the highlight of Europe’s winter calendar. With their roots based AMAWATERWAYS in history and tradition they’re the perfect antidote for anyone ART tired of the commercialism Why Visits to picturesque locations that that surrounds the modern inspired some of the greatest French artists, day festive season. Germany such as Monet’s garden at Giverny and the is particularly famous for its coastal town of Honfleur with its pretty pastel markets and Viking’s Grand coloured houses, are showcased in five European Tour and Rhine Paris and Normandy art itineraries running Discovery and Romantic between April and October next year. Other Danube itineraries include visits excursion highlights include Auvers-sur-Oise, to Cologne, Nuremberg and home of famous painters such as Vincent Passau, where atmospheric van Gogh, Paul Cezanne and Camille Pissarro. stalls sell delightful hand- Afterwards passengers of all artistic abilities made decorations and unique can brush up their own skills and take home gifts, and the air is filled with their own masterpiece with step-by-step the scent of gingerbread classes hosted by an onboard art instructor. and spices.
amawaterways.co.uk vikingcruises.co.uk
AVALON WATERWAYS GOLF Why If leaving the golf course at home is too much to bear, passengers can get into the swing of things on Avalon’s eight-night golf themed Vienna to Munich cruise in August 2016. Suitable for golf enthusiasts of all levels, a local golf expert will be on board to pass on tips and arrange tee times at various courses along the way. The fare includes transport to and from the golf courses, with green fees, carts, caddies and equipment available to hire at extra cost. And golf widows don’t need to worry as there will be alternative programmes and activities throughout the week for non-golfers.
avaloncruises.co.uk
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 35 VIP Home Departure Service Every cruise booked through Titan includes our VIP Home Departure Service from your client’s front door to the airport or port and back again. Door-to-door NEW 2016 Titan Cruise home transfers from every UK address Compendium brochure out now! with no mileage restrictions*
Let us be your guide to cruising Our Price Promise the world with nearly 80 Every cruise booked through Titan is ocean cruises and over 35 covered by our very special price promise. Once your clients have booked their river cruises across the globe cruise, should we subsequently reduce the cost then we will automatically refund the difference! So early bookers always benefi t from the best prices. NEW for 2016 The 2016 Cruise Compendium brochure features a remarkable 20 new cruise itineraries including 17 new no-fl y cruises, 2 new small ship adventures and 8 new river cruise itineraries Our Cruise Partners We work with selected cruise partners for ocean cruises offering cruise & tour itineraries, no-fl y cruising and small ship adventuresalong with 17 river cruise lines, providing superb choice and value.
Fantastic special off ers if you book before 30 September 2015 • Double onboard credit up to £200pp on a wide selection of Fred. Olsen cruises • Included special restaurant packages on a selection of Norwegian Cruise Lines holidays • £100pp onboard credit on Hurtigruten’s Norway Adventure • £50 Amazon gift voucher with Voyages to Antiquity 2016 cruises • $200 per stateroom onboard credit on selected 2016 Azamara Club Cruises itineraries
Visit www.titanagents.co.uk Visit www.titanagents.co.uk
Prices are per person, subject to availability and change. Prices correct at time of print and are confi rmed at time of booking. *VIP from every UK address except Scottish Islands & Sark
CTN Ad 420x280 110915.indd 1 22/09/2015 10:51 VIP Home Departure Service Every cruise booked through Titan includes our VIP Home Departure Service from your client’s front door to the airport or port and back again. Door-to-door NEW 2016 Titan Cruise home transfers from every UK address Compendium brochure out now! with no mileage restrictions*
Let us be your guide to cruising Our Price Promise the world with nearly 80 Every cruise booked through Titan is ocean cruises and over 35 covered by our very special price promise. Once your clients have booked their river cruises across the globe cruise, should we subsequently reduce the cost then we will automatically refund the difference! So early bookers always benefi t from the best prices. NEW for 2016 The 2016 Cruise Compendium brochure features a remarkable 20 new cruise itineraries including 17 new no-fl y cruises, 2 new small ship adventures and 8 new river cruise itineraries Our Cruise Partners We work with selected cruise partners for ocean cruises offering cruise & tour itineraries, no-fl y cruising and small ship adventuresalong with 17 river cruise lines, providing superb choice and value.
Fantastic special off ers if you book before 30 September 2015 • Double onboard credit up to £200pp on a wide selection of Fred. Olsen cruises • Included special restaurant packages on a selection of Norwegian Cruise Lines holidays • £100pp onboard credit on Hurtigruten’s Norway Adventure • £50 Amazon gift voucher with Voyages to Antiquity 2016 cruises • $200 per stateroom onboard credit on selected 2016 Azamara Club Cruises itineraries
Visit www.titanagents.co.uk Visit www.titanagents.co.uk
Prices are per person, subject to availability and change. Prices correct at time of print and are confi rmed at time of booking. *VIP from every UK address except Scottish Islands & Sark
CTN Ad 420x280 110915.indd 1 22/09/2015 10:51 new to cruise cruise and stay
From sea to shore
Increasingly imaginative cruise-and-stay packages are adding extra pizzazz to the cruising product
by SARA MACEFIELD
Denali National Park, Alaska
38 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015 sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 39 Book Select 2016 cruises by 31 October 2015 and receive:* 1 FREE Signature Beverage Package (up to US$1,400 value) 2 FREE Pinnacle Grill dinner (US$58 value) 3 Reduced cruise fares for 3rd/4th guests 4 50% reduced deposit Book a suite and receive the above, PLUS US$300 onboard spending credit per stateroom and a FREE Canaletto dinner!
The first in a new, but still mid-sized Pinnacle class, 2,650-guest Ms Koningsdam will blend a fresh, contemporary styling in harmony with our classic elegance. Interiors by Adam D. Tihany, one of the world’s pre-eminent hospitality designers, will be inspired by the “architecture of music” – focusing on fluid curves, graceful lines and light-filled places. The ship’s increased size will mean exciting public spaces, venues and innovative new features. The first new ship of any major cruise line to sail in Europe in 2016, Ms Koningsdam will debut in the Mediterranean cruising from Rome, then summer in Northern Europe, with convenient departures from Amsterdam. Winter 2016-7 Caribbean sailings will be from Fort Lauderdale!
Ms KoningsdaM Arrives Spring 2016
JUSt A FEw OF thE MAIdEN SEASON ItINERARIES
12-nights 11-nights 7-nights Mediterranean Mosaic Christening Cruise Viking Sagas Roundtrip Civitavecchia (Rome) Civitavecchia (Rome) to Rotterdam Roundtrip Amsterdam Ms Koningsdam 27 Apr*, 12 Oct 2016 Ms Koningsdam 9 May 2016 Ms Koningsdam 22 May*, 3 Jul, 28 Aug 2016 • Overnight onboard in Barcelona • Enjoy pre-Christening Celebrations • Cruise spectacular Fjord scenery CRUISE ONLY FROM PP CRUISE ONLY FROM PP CRUISE ONLY FROM PP Interior stateroom £1,399 Interior stateroom £1,699 Interior stateroom £859 Ocean view stateroom £1,749 Ocean view stateroom £1,899 Ocean view stateroom £1,009 Verandah stateroom £1,999 Verandah stateroom £2,099 Verandah stateroom £1,199 Vista suite £2,699 Vista suite £2,699 Vista suite £1,349 PLEASE ASK FOR FLY/CRUISE PRICING Terms and conditions: Lead in fares are based on dates marked *. Fares are per person based on double occupancy, cruise only basis. Please ask for fly/cruise fares from London and regional airports. For full Holland America Line terms and conditions, refer to the Holland America Line 2016-7 Worldwide Cruise Holidays brochure. Explore4 terms and conditions apply. New bookings only. Offers are capacity controlled and may be modified or withdrawn or sailing/departure dates may be substituted without prior notice. Subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply. It is the responsibility of guests to ensure they have a full passport valid at least 6 months beyond the date travel is to commence.
Cruise Trade News advert_Sep15.indd 1 18/09/2015 15:35 new to cruise cruise and stay
agging a few days ashore on to a cruise is increasingly being seen as c lo c k w i s e f r o m to p New York; Singapore; Universal, Florida the ideal hook to entice newcomers Tor tempt experienced cruisers looking for something different. Cruise-and-stay holidays may only account for a relatively small proportion of the market, but with the growth in cruise line itineraries, options are virtually limitless. The most popular combination is arguably the Rocky Mountaineer train ride through the Rockies to Seattle or Vancouver, from where travellers cruise to Alaska, but generally, prime cruise-and-stay destinations need to be close to established cruise embarkation and disembarkation points. They need to have a good range of hotels, varied local attractions and comprehensive air links. Florida is popular thanks to its myriad attractions and convenient location as a departure point for Caribbean cruises, with sailings from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral. The Caribbean also proves a natural setting for cruise-and-stays with passengers combining a week on islands such as Barbados or Jamaica with a seven-night voyage. In Europe, Barcelona generally leads the field as a major cruise departure port with excellent air links; while the city itself and surrounding areas are prime tourist traps. Other potential European cruise-and- stay contenders include Venice, Athens and Istanbul, while Rome is a strong choice as the cruise gateway of Civitavecchia is 90 minutes away. But, most importantly, cruise-and-stay packages put the power of promotion directly into travel agents’ hands as it enables them to build their own unique packages around specific cruise departures. As a result, specialist cruise agents and tour operators are becoming increasingly Popular cruise-and-stay combos inventive when it comes to creating one-off Venice and a Mediterranean cruise breathtaking scenery and wild bears, to options by taking a sailing and building on The romantic squares and bell towers another as you sail through the grandeur land elements such as hotel stays, theme of this Renaissance city make it an of Alaska’s Glacier Bay and rich whale- park visits or rail trips. irresistible add-on to any voyage. But for filled waters. And if agents don’t want to risk putting an extra classy twist, it can be combined together their own packages, they can with a memorable journey aboard the Florida theme park and Caribbean sell options now being offered by tour Venice Simplon-Orient-Express to or cruise operators. from London too. Enjoy the theme park thrills of Walt Long-haul specialist Kuoni is building Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort up its Stay & Cruise programme and works New York and a transatlantic crossing et al before cruising from Port Canaveral, closely with a select group of lines. Sail to the Big Apple for unforgettable an hour’s drive away, to recover on a “Since we launched the programme views of the city as you arrive just after relaxing Caribbean voyage. in November 2013, we have seen demand dawn or sail from the city knowing grow with sales well up on last year,” you can shop ‘til you drop in the days Singapore/Hong Kong stay and Asia explained cruise product executive beforehand without having to worry cruise Roxanne Howard. about airline luggage restrictions. Combine the frenetic buzz of these Asian “Due to this, we are recruiting two powerhouses before sailing away to cruise sales assistants to help our personal Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska cruise explore the Far East’s more inaccessible travel experts and trade call centre with From one bucket list experience regions along the coasts of Vietnam, cruise enquiries and requests.” through the Canadian Rockies, with its Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. Thomson Cruises is another to further
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 41 Crystal_CTN_Ad__Aug15_Crystal_CTN_Ad__Aug15 16/09/2015 18:20 Page 1
CRYSTAL – THE NEXT CHAPTER THE WORLD’S BEST CRUISE LINE INTRODUCES THE WORLD’S BEST YACHT EXPERIENCE Crystal Cruises has been voted the World's Best more than any other cruise line, hotel or resort in history. That's why we're confident that Crystal Esprit - our new, luxurious small ship - will redefine the luxury yachting experience.
DUBROVNIK TO VENICE 7 night itinerary includes: • Dubrovnik • Croatia • Kotor, Montenegro • Split, Croatia ()• Zadar, Croatia • Opatija, Croatia • Piran, Slovenia • Venice, Italy () * Sunday departures. Southbound itinerary also available
● Sleek and nimble, the yacht will sail with just 62 discerning passengers to visit the Seychelles & the Adriatic, all in complete exclusive luxury.
● New itineraries, excursions and activities – all designed with the yacht’s size in mind – enable you to maximise your experiences in each ROUND-TRIP VICTORIA, SEYCHELLES destination. 7 night itinerary includes: • Mahé, Victoria • St. Anne Island ()• La Passe, ● Designed for warm-water destinations, the Crystal Esprit features a La Digue ()• Baie St. Anne, Praslin ()• Laraie Bay, Curieuse Island • Anse Saint Jose, Curieuse variety of watersports equipment that can be used from the onboard Island • Cousin Island • Baie St. Anne, Praslin () Marina; snorkel or swim; water ski and jet ski, or paddle a kayak in the • Aride, • Big Sister Island • Desroche Island • Mahé, Victoria () early morning quiet. * Sunday departures from Mahé. ()= Overnight stay Meet the team that will provide you with the very best support to maximise your sales and to ‘Crystalise’ your business potential.
Mick Dupont Natalie Read Jon Schofield Joanne Imeson Nan Short Head of Sales Regional Sales Manager – South Regional Sales Manager – North & Scotland Trade Sales & Marketing Support Manager Representative for NI & EIRE Tel: 07921 949469 Tel: 07896 971316 Tel: 07841 921533 Tel: 07772 714983 Tel: 02890 642252 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
All ship image renderings and floor plans at this time are artists’ conceptual drawings and are subject to change. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING, PLEASE CALL: 020 7399 7601 21 years 20 years
www.crystalcruises.co.uk ABTA No.V8548 Terms & Conditions: All fares, offers and itineraries are subject to change and availability and can be withdrawn at any time. Fares are only available to UK & Eire residents. Restrictions apply. See crystalcruises.co.uk for complete terms and conditions of all offers. (c) 2015 Crystal Cruises, Inc., Ships' registry: The Bahamas. new to cruise cruise and stay develop its cruise-and-stay offering with a new Cruise and City Breaks programme for 2016, enabling passengers to combine one-week sailings with stays in the likes of Palma and Dubrovnik. It is also introducing the Costa del Sol as a cruise-and-stay spot for passengers wanting to add a few days to its ex-Malaga sailings. Celebrity Cruises is another to have seen demand rise for such packages. “Cruise and stay has grown for us in recent years,” said Celebrity’s UK & Ireland managing director, Jo Rzymowska. “It is important for us and our travel agent partners that it is always considered as part of the overall package when guests consider itineraries. Celebrity’s increase in seven-night Europe itineraries in 2016 is partly to cater for this growing market.” coastline of Southern Africa has opened Holland America Line is one of the up this region’s natural appeal with lines market leaders to Alaska, with its Land increasingly incorporating safari stays into +Sea Journeys offering various options to their offerings. best explore this remote region. Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has added “A growing part of our business, our safari stays from Durban along with a four- Land + Sea Journeys are hugely popular night pre-cruise stay in Cape Town and a and allow guests to easily explore Alaska two-night package featuring an overnight and the Yukon in depth,” said HAL UK stay on South Africa’s iconic Blue Train. managing director Lynn Narraway. Silversea Expeditions has boosted “They really appeal to many first-time land stays with its new Grand Expeditions, cruisers as the packages enable them to ranging from 18 to 34 days. The five discover all the must-see aspects of the packages to South America take passengers Alaska region, including those that can from sea to land to sea on two voyages, only be seen by ship – making the cruise an interspersed by an onshore adventure. integral part of discovering the destination. Crystal Cruises continues to build on “Cruise-and-stay holidays such as these its overland adventures, offering extended enable agents to upsell and demonstrate stays in Canada and more than a dozen their expertise,” she stressed. options on its 2016 World Cruise. Princess Cruises is another with a large The line’s new mega-yacht Crystal presence in the region, offering “cruise- Esprit, which launches in December, twins tours” that combine its glacier cruises with Dubai stays with its Indian Ocean sailings. stays in wilderness lodges in the Denali Meanwhile, MSC Cruises reports strong National Park. demand from customers wanting to twin However, other lines have taken a its new Cuba sailings with stays on the different tack as increased interest in foodie Caribbean island. cruises has prompted Oceania Cruises to River cruise companies are jumping on introduce two-night Culinary Creations the cruise-and-stay bandwagon with lines land tours that include visits to markets to such as AmaWaterways and Scenic offering sample local specialities, tastings, food and packages incorporating European river wine pairing meals and learning how to f r o m to p APT River Cruises - Vietnam and Cambodia; sailings with stays in cities and APT, Viking prepare traditional dishes. Explore Cape Town in South Africa with Fred. Olsen; River Cruises and Avalon Waterways An increase in cruises along the European river sailings with Scenic including hotel stays along the Mekong. sell it
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines offers a 30-night Princess Cruises offers a six-night land tour The River Cruise Line offers a 10- sailing from Southampton on Boudicca to in the Alaskan wilderness combined with a day Danube Discovery cruise and stay southern Africa, finishing in Durban, from seven-night cruise that visits the Glacier comprising three nights in Budapest and where passengers can add a three-night Bay National Park and stops at Skagway, a four-night sailing to Passau. It departs stay at the Thanda private game reserve. Juneau and Ketchikan. The package is on June 5, 2016, and costs from £749pp, Departing on January 5, 2016, the cruise offered between May and September 2016, including return coach travel and an and stay costs from £4,498pp, including with prices from £3,019pp, including flights. overnight hotel stay on the outbound and game drives. Return flight not included. For further information: inbound journeys. 0800 035 5242 0843 374 2401 0844 544 7580 fredolsencruises.com princess.com rivercruiseline.co.uk
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 43 making waves voyages to antiquity
a new dawn Voyages to Antiquity ticks all the right boxes for so many people, they just don’t know it… yet, says new managing director Jos Dewing
by Jane Archer
Aegean Odyssey aft deck
ultural cruise line Voyages to but with a view to taking over as managing for All Leisure Group to show himself Antiquity has been relaunched director when the then MD David Yellow ready to take the helm after just six months. to the trade as a small ship retired in 2016. So it’s been all change at the top of Cexperience as part of a strategy In the event, Dewing was able to call Voyages to Antiquity. Yellow remains an to raise its profile. on past experience at specialist agency The active director, but handed over the reins Jos Dewing joined the company in a Cruise Line, as the UK launch general sales to Dewing early, giving him a free hand to sales and marketing role last December, agent for Oceania Cruises and as a director introduce new strategies to raise awareness
44 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015 of the company among both consumers keep coming back.” and agents. He admitted Voyages to Antiquity is It’s a two-pronged approach. On the difficult for agents to understand but said one hand he has been pulling on past it is important for them to learn because experience as owner of web development the product works on so many levels. “It’s company Cruisetech to develop Voyages a perfect fit for people who have cruised to Antiquity’s first agents’ training before and are looking for a more refined programme. On the other he believes product but also for customers used to it important to change the cruise line’s taking land tours or river cruising.” message. He said it is also ideal for single Dewing said: “The name Voyages to travellers because Aegean Odyssey attracts Antiquity is a barrier as both agents and people with common interests, creating a consumers think it must be high-brow and friendly atmosphere on board. Importantly, therefore with limited appeal. But while the ship has 26 single cabins and the a lot of our shore excursions do visit sites company doesn’t charge a huge supplement linked to ancient civilisations, it’s not just for solo travellers. Some cruises even have about that. "Training is low or no supplements. a significant Time for change No-fly cruises “Things have changed, evolved, since the investment for Dewing said cruise specialists including cruise line started and our marketing needs Reader Offers, Iglu and Planet Cruise to focus less on the antiquity and more on us but we want to are now selling Voyages to Antiquity. the good-value small ship experience. show agents what Trailfinders is also on board, while Great “It’s the whole mix that makes this such Rail Journeys has taken space on three a good product – the guest speakers, the makes our cruises cruises next summer that it will be selling as shore excursions team, the fact there is no different." rail-sail holidays for clients who don’t want selling on board so passengers can relax to fly. and enjoy their cruise. And yes of course, Jos Dewing Also, next May, the Brandenburg the destinations.” managing director, Choral Festival of London will be holding For those unfamiliar with the company, Voyages to Antiquity the final event of its spring series on Voyages to Antiquity launched five years Aegean Odyssey while cruising from ago with one ship, the 378-passenger Piraeus to Venice. There’ll be singing Aegean Odyssey. Initially it operated only workshops each day and a final concert in in the spring, summer and autumn, and higher than Australia and the US, but we Ravenna, Italy. only in the Eastern Mediterranean, which should be doing more. We need to grow Dewing said: “Aegean Odyssey works is chock-full of sites that date back to the here and that will come through agents.” well for groups. They can bring their own ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine Which is where the new training lecturers and we can organise separate civilisations. programme comes in. Launching to shore excursions. Agents should be thinking Shore excursions were included in the coincide with Cruise Week from September about groups interested in history, wildlife, price (and still are) because sightseeing is 19-27, it has been built from scratch gardening, in fact a whole range of special- an important part of the cruise, and flights, and uses video to educate agents about interest subjects.” transfers, gratuities, drinks with dinner and the product and how to sell it. There is A partnerships manager is being pre and post-cruise hotel stays were also also a course for agents to take; if they appointed this month to develop this side integrated into the fare, making it one of pass they will be issued with a certificate of the business, and Voyages to Antiquity the most inclusive and good-value cruise acknowledging their expertise. is also taking on two more people in lines around. Dewing said: “The training is a marketing and an extra reservation-cum- Sales took off and it soon developed significant investment for us but we want to passenger services manager. into a year-round product, with cruises in show agents what Voyages to Antiquity is Dewing promised: “There will be more Asia in winter. This November, Aegean about and what makes our cruises different. appointments to come. I want to get the Odyssey is sailing a short season of safari- It is more engaging than traditional product out there and make sure everyone based voyages in South Africa before training and we will be continually knows Voyages to Antiquity.” heading east to Myanmar, Thailand, updating content so there is a reason to Malaysia and Singapore. The product is also broadening in the Mediterranean, with cruises to France Aegean Odyssey in Delos, Greece and Spain new this summer and a debut visit to the UK in June 2016. A two-week cruise from Seville takes Aegean Odyssey to Falmouth, Dartmouth and Dover, with a 15-day voyage taking the ship from Dover to Lisbon.
UK opportunity Dewing said: “The UK cruises are a great opportunity for us to showcase the ship. The UK is our biggest market, about 10%
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 45 advertisement feature
VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY – A DEEPER INSIGHT By Anthony Nicholas
he Voyages to Antiquity experience, showcased in the company's boutique, small- ship Aegean Odyssey, is a combination of immersion and inclusivity that offers cruise tours at a price that make it one of the best value buys in the contemporary travel market. And one of the lesser known gems for Tagent sales. The ship was refurbished at huge expense. Every third cabin was replaced to create two larger ones. A series of expansive cove balcony cabins were created
in the aft part of the ship. And, throughout, the Aegean c lo c k w i s e Odyssey was redecorated. There are 26 sole occupancy Burma, the Aegean Odyssey experience really gets f r o m to p cabins and single supplements are low too. under the skin of the culture, history and heritage of Aegean Odyssey; This intimacy of scale allows the Aegean Odyssey some fascinating places. lunch on aft deck; on board to slip neatly into ports that the larger, more crowded From cruising inland waterways from the entertainment; on ships have to bypass. With a maximum capacity for Guadalquivir to the Yangon, the Aegean Odyssey offers board lecture. 380 passengers, the ship features an onboard lecture scenery that only a small ship can really achieve. Take a programme that brings to life the sights, sounds and the series of big game drives in southern Africa, get close to history of the places that people will see over the course ancient Delos, or see the petrified temples and palaces of each voyage. of Sicily. For a change of pace, take in an evening's All meals can be taken either indoors or outside, on people watching in Mykonos or Sorrento. an aft deck terrace. The food is upscale with Asian twists Education. Fascination. Inclusivity and intimacy on offer. Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks are offered up in the setting of a small-ship experience, with served throughout the course of lunch and dinner. fine food and a sense of style, fun and flair, in a nutshell, Entertainment is low key and there is almost a total is the essence of the Aegean Odyssey experience. absence of loudspeaker announcements. Take a look at the new travel agent and training All flights, hotel stays and transfers are included too, website at www.vtaexpert.com with company representatives there to meet and greet you on arrival, to ensure your smooth transfer to the ship or hotel. In most cities, the company offers an inclusive, FARES INCLUDE two or three night pre and/or post cruise stay in quality hotels such as the Fairmont in Singapore, or the Ritz Scheduled flights and free Transfers and baggage handling Carlton in Istanbul, together with included excursions. regional connections Benefits and discounts for past The value extends to the inclusion of all shore Pre & Post-cruise land tours or passengers excursions in each port of call. All excursions operate in premium hotel stays small groups, with a 'Quietvox' headset. Shore excursions with guides For more information call From the glut of history to be found in the Greek World leading lecture programme 0845 437 9737 or visit islands, to the golden spires and monasteries of ancient All gratuities on board voyagestoantiquity.com
46 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015 advertisement feature
VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY – A DEEPER INSIGHT
he Voyages to Antiquity experience, showcased in the company's boutique, small- ship Aegean Odyssey, is a combination of immersion and inclusivity that offers cruise tours at a price that make it one of the best value buys in the contemporary travel market. And one of the lesser known gems for Tagent sales. The ship was refurbished at huge expense. Every third cabin was replaced to create two larger ones. A series of expansive cove balcony cabins were created in the aft part of the ship. And, throughout, the Aegean All flights, hotel stays and transfers are included too, Odyssey was redecorated. There are 26 sole occupancy with company representatives there to meet and greet cabins and single supplements are low too. you on arrival, to ensure your smooth transfer to the ship This intimacy of scale allows the Aegean Odyssey or hotel. In most cities, the company offers an inclusive, By Anthony to slip neatly into ports that the larger, more crowded two or three night pre and/or post cruise stay in quality Nicholas ships have to bypass. With a maximum capacity for hotels such as the Fairmont in Singapore, or the Ritz 380 passengers, the ship features an onboard lecture Carlton in Istanbul, together with included excursions. programme that brings to life the sights, sounds and the The value extends to the inclusion of all shore history of the places that people will see over the course excursions in each port of call. All excursions operate in of each voyage. small groups, with a 'Quietvox' headset. All meals can be taken either indoors or outside, on From the glut of history to be found in the Greek an aft deck terrace. The food is upscale with Asian twists islands, to the golden spires and monasteries of ancient on offer. Complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks are Burma, the Aegean Odyssey experience really gets served throughout the course of lunch and dinner. under the skin of the culture, history and heritage of Entertainment is low key and there is almost a total some fascinating places. absence of loudspeaker announcements. From cruising inland waterways from the
46 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015 VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY – A DEEPER INSIGHT
c lo c k w i s e f r o m l e f t Aegean Odyssey; lunch on aft deck; on board entertainment; bar area; on board lecture.
Guadalquivir to the Yangon, the Aegean Odyssey offers FARES INCLUDE scenery that only a small ship can really achieve. Take a series of big game drives in southern Africa, get close to Scheduled flights and free regional connections ancient Delos, or see the petrified temples and palaces Pre & Post-cruise land tours or premium hotel of Sicily. For a change of pace, take in an evening's stays people watching in Mykonos or Sorrento. Shore excursions with guides Education. Fascination. Inclusivity and intimacy World leading lecture programme offered up in the setting of a small-ship experience, with All gratuities on board fine food and a sense of style, fun and flair, in a nutshell, Transfers and baggage handling is the essence of the Aegean Odyssey experience. Benefits and discounts for past passengers Take a look at the new travel agent and training For more information call 0845 437 9737 or website at www.vtaexpert.com visit voyagestoantiquity.com
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 47 ex-uk cruises
CLOSER TO HOME
The popularity of cruising from UK ports is set to spiral in 2016
by KARL CUSHING
48 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015 sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 49
ex-uk cruises
t’s official: 2016 is set to be the year for ex-UK cruising with a bumper boost Fred.Olsen Boudicca in capacity and some exciting operator Ifirsts teeing up a potential sales bonanza for agents. Sailing from the UK may add sea days, not to mention the occasional rough North Sea or Bay of Biscay crossing, but for many the convenience of simply rocking up to a UK port and kicking off your holiday as soon as you embark – even using sterling on board – is a compelling proposition, and not everyone likes flying of course. Even so, the growth of the ex-UK cruise market is staggering, having risen from 91,500 passengers in 1986 to 1.64m in 2014, according to figures from industry body CLIA. This despite experiencing a 4.8% fall in demand last year, the first since 1986, due to a temporary fall in capacity, strongly reversed for 2015/16. Underpinning this demand is the continued investment in UK ports. Alongside Southampton and Dover, with its MSC Splendida CMV Magellan four and two cruise terminals respectively, there’s Portsmouth and a wealth of options from Hull and Harwich to Greenock and Glasgow, with a feasibility study planned for a new cruise terminal in Plymouth. More ports mean more options for clients, and operators such as Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, which sail from eight and ten UK ports respectively, make much of this fact as a selling tool. Lol Nichols, general sales manager at Harmer. “There’s no shortage of choice in Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, who describes size and style of ship, nor in destination. Kidless the market for ex-UK cruises as “buoyant” And 2016 will be another exciting year with cruising and “very competitive”, believes the a number of firsts, including Fred. Olsen Operators worth a look for operator’s focus on regional ports helps Line’s first departure from Newcastle for clients who prefer to cruise it avoid discounting while offering agents its ship Balmoral, and Disney Cruise Line without the little ones include the chance to reduce clients’ sea time, for offering its first British Isles itinerary on Fred. Olsen, which has added example by offering northern itineraries out Disney Magic.” 18 additional sailings for 18+ of northern ports. passengers in 2016/17, and “By offering convenient departures Choices, choices… P&O, whose fleet includes three from a choice of eight British ports CMV Most itineraries focus on the British adult-only vessels — Arcadia, brings cruising closer to home, with hassle- Isles, Western Europe and the Med, Adona and Oriana. CMV’s four- free joining and embarkation – as opposed and Northern Europe and the Baltic. strong fleet includes the adult- to flying,” says CMV’s head of marketing Norwegian Fjords cruises remain popular only Marco Polo, and its themed Mike Hall, adding, “And two and three with 2016 options from Southampton cruises such as the 15-night night cruises to European cities are a great on Celebrity Eclipse, Britannia and TV Soap Legends cruise to the alternative for a city break.” Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral, whose offerings Canary Islands & Madeira on Andy Harmer, the director of CLIA include an eight-night Waterfalls, Fjords & Magellan, departing Tilbury on in the UK & Ireland, believes the wealth Glaciers itinerary, and Disney Magic sailing October 14, 2016, attract an of regional departure points is a great a seven-night cruise from Dover on May older crowd. All Leisure Group’s sales tool for local agents, aided by CLIA’s 29 calling at Stavanger, Alesund, Geiranger Voyages of Discovery, Swan ex-UK cruises training module and search and Bergen. Hellenic and Hebridean Island facility [cruiseexperts.org]. British Isles cruises are hotter still Cruises lines are also purposely “Sailing from a UK port remains with ship options for 2016 ranging from designed with adults rather than incredibly popular with figures showing Oceania Nautica, Seven Seas Voyager children in mind, although the more than 730,000 Brits choosing to begin and Seabourn Quest to family-friendly latter does accept over nines. their cruise holiday this way last year,” says Disney Magic, which will run its first
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 51
ex-uk cruises
Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, which will sail out of Southampton next April and May before relocating to China. As a Quantum Class ship Ovation is big on onboard fun and activities and will also feature the line’s new luxurious Royal Suite Class offering. Another great family-friendly option is P&O’s Britannia which returns to Southampton in March for a full season of ex-UK sailings, including a British Isles cruise on July 6. Accommodating 3,647 passengers the ship boasts the fleet’s biggest spa and a fantastic Cookery Club space, with occasional classes and demos led by P&O’s ‘food heroes’ such as celebrity chef James Martin. Despite ending its ex-UK programme earlier this year, and having put back its to p Fred.Olsen Balmoral in Norway r i g h t Small pool, return to full season of ex-UK sailings until Magellan 2018, MSC Cruises will offer a selection of short sailings from Southampton next year ever round-Britain tour out of Dover on MSC Splendida. Standouts include its on June 5. Crystal Cruises has a 14-day first ex-UK Britain Isles cruise (see box). Grand Britannia round-trip from Tilbury, Giles Hawke, executive director MSC departing July 23 (from £4,191, cruise- Cruises, UK and Ireland says: “Operating only), while Oceania’s offerings include the ex-UK itineraries on a Fantasia class ship 12-Day British Isles Tapestry on Nautica, for the first time, in 2016 and beyond, will a round trip from Southampton departing offer UK cruisers an opportunity to truly June 1 2016, bolstered by a range of experience our product.” options which fly out or back one way, Cool Britannia Fred. Olsen’s bumper 2016/17 cruise including Southampton to Stockholm Following the return of ships such as Royal season include Balmoral’s first ever and Southampton to Copenhagen (www. Princess this year, 2016 is set to be bigger programme from Newcastle, featuring 11 oceaniacruises.com). yet. Operators offering ex-UK options departures; Boudicca’s inaugural sailings Nice twists include Voyages of next year range from Royal Caribbean from Falmouth, including an adults-only Discovery’s 12-day Britain’s Beautiful Isles and Celebrity Cruises to Holland America 12-night Canaries & Portugal Spring Break; cruise on Voyager, which takes in islands and Cunard Line, while Princess Cruises’ and an increase in sailings from Tilbury to from Scilly to the Shetlands (from £1,277 expanded ex-UK programme for 2016 six. Looking ahead operators are suitably cruise-only, departing Harwich on June 9, features everything from a three-day ‘taster’ bullish, not least Nichols. “For the 2016/17 2016; voyagesofdiscovery.com), while Fred. cruise in April to increased Med sailings cruise season we are already well-ahead in Olsen’s options range from a seven-night between April and September and a terms of bookings and sales – particularly Easter Ireland sailing on Balmoral to the 48-night epic from Southampton to Sydney. looking at where we were a year ago. We festive 11-night Tinsel & Hogmanay on Hot tickets include the trio of five- to are therefore very confident that 2016 will Black Watch. seven-night European sailings on Royal be a strong performing year.”
sample packages
Disney Cruise Line has a 12-night James Martin on board Britannia board meals and afternoon tea, kids' clubs British Isles cruise on Disney Magic and entertainments. Plus celebrity chef departing Dover on June 5, 2016, priced James Martin will be aboard. Ports include: from £1,782pp full-board based on two Madeira, La Palma, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, adults and two children sharing an inside Agadir and Lisbon; pocruises.com cabin. Ports include Newcastle, Liverpool, Invergordon, Greenock, Dublin and St Peter MSC Splendida’s first ex-UK sailing in Port, Guernsey; disneyholidays.co.uk 2016, departing May 6, will be an 11-night round-Britain cruise calling at Hamburg, P&O Cruises has a 13-night Canary Invergordon, Kirkwall, Dublin, Greenock Islands cruise on Britannia departing and Cork before returning to Southampton. Southampton on May 16, 2016 priced from Prices start from £899pp; msccruises. £1,049pp for an inside cabin, including full co.uk
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 53 3 of a kind
To soak up the atmosphere of London, jump on a UK PORTS red bus or one of the river boats Whether stepping on board in one of these ports or spending a day, there is so much to see and do that a return visit is almost a must. These destinations offer history in abundance by Susan Parker
Portsmouth London Portsmouth has roots steeped in maritime The Royal Borough of Greenwich has recently Population history. I recommend the Mary Rose Museum, announced the go-ahead to London's first ever 210,000 opened last year, for starters. Located in the passenger cruise terminal built in the borough. Tourism Historic Dockyard just metres from Nelson’s The development at Enderby Wharf will visitportsmouth. flagship HMS Victory, the ship was raised from include a commercial cruise liner terminal - co.uk the seabed in 1982 having sunk off the coast expected to be up and running by 2017. Fast facts in 1545. A short walk away is HMS Warrior, Greenwich’s heritage and its riverfront Portsmouth was Britain’s first iron-hulled, armoured warship already receive millions of tourist visitors granted city launched in 1860, as well as the National each year. status in 1926 Museum of the Royal Navy. For families a visit The borough has much to offer: the world’s to Action Stations where visitors can battle only surviving tea clipper Cutty Sark, the Royal The Emirates with the Royal Marines, command a warship Observatory of Greenwich Mean Time fame Spinnaker Tower is or fly a helicopter. A 45-minute harbour tour and the National Maritime Museum. It has 170 metres tall providing great views of Britain’s warships as more of a village feel, a wonderful market and well as the historic buildings of the city is also local pubs. an option. Following the theme of war, the To soak up the atmosphere of London, D-Day Museum houses unique archive film jump on a red bus or one of the river boats, as well as memorabilia and an LCVP landing hail a black cab, or book a coach tour. London craft. For a bit of shopping and a lunchtime Walks are also a great option providing a couple stop, Gunwharf Quays where you’ll find the of hours on subjects as far afield as Emirates Spinnaker Tower also houses 90 the Tower of London and Thames designer outlets as well as bars and restaurants, beachcombing. Well-known attractions a cinema, bowling complex, comedy club and such as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, casino. For Charles Dickens’ fans it is possible Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace to visit the bedroom where he was born. On are obvious places to visit. The smaller cruise certain days the Dickens Fellowship dress up in ships come right up the Thames and moor period costume and conduct readings. Outside close to the Tower of London. From here there the city, World Heritage site Stonehenge dating are many sights within easy reach such as St back as far as 2,500BC with a new visitor centre Paul’s Cathedral, art gallery Tate Modern and is within easy reach. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. If you want to
54 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015 Population 8.3m Tourism visitlondon.com Fast facts Greenwich has a longer riverfront (9 miles) than any other London Borough
Maritime Greenwich was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site in 1997
Falmouth Falmouth is a picturesque town and harbour. It’s easy to stroll through the town dipping Population in and out of local shops. Look out for the 25,223 Falmouth Art Gallery and shop. En route stop Tourism off at one of the many outlets for a Cornish falmouth.co.uk pasty or cream tea. Begin or end your visit at Fast facts the waterfront which is not far from one of The HMS Beagle the circular shuttle bus stops. Stunning classic anchored at yachts are often moored alongside and the Falmouth at the end National Maritime Museum Cornwall covers of its voyage around everything from search and rescue to the history the world in 1836 of packet ships. At nearby Rick Stein’s Fish you can pick up a takeaway fish and chips or The Falmouth Docks take your time in the restaurant. Look out for were developed the Falmouth Ambassadors, volunteers dressed from 1858 in pale blue, who come out on cruise days to share information and local knowledge. For a bit of history nearby Pendennis Castle was built by Henry VIII to defend the Carrick Roads in 1540. Further afield there are some beautiful gardens including Trebah and Trelissick. For the literary author Rosamund Pilcher has roots get a view from above, the London Eye is an in the region or for the artistic St Ives, complete option, but if you want to add in a culinary with art gallery Tate St Ives, is worth the trip. experience the Shard, offers a choice of three The tidal island of St Michael’s Mount is a restaurants, Oblix, Aquashard and Hutong, pretty special place but make sure you head plus The Sky Garden. back to the mainland before the tide comes in.
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 55 There’s an easier way to
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CTN_Registration Ad.indd 1 14/07/2015 09:02:38 Comment tAKING A LOOK AT THE LUXURY CRUISE MARKET
it's all CLIA independent voice with andy Harmer with CLAIRE BRIGHTON director, CLIA UK senior commercial manager, & Ireland Advantage Travel Partnership
here has been much to get everyone excited in uxury is a term that tends to be used quite widely in the cruise this year – but one sector we have heard travel industry and this is no different in cruising, with terms such as ‘ultra luxury’, ‘six star’ and ‘modern luxury’ Tless from over the past couple of years has been L the luxury and ultra-luxury end of the market. all appearing regularly, but what makes a cruise luxury? I saw a But based on new announcements this year, it is now quote recently from the CEO of Panerai Watches who I think has clear that this part of the industry is about to undergo a captured this nicely when it comes to the brands that we would complete transformation too. associate with luxury cruising - “Luxury is attention to detail, There are new luxury ships coming from Regent originality, exclusivity and above all quality”. Seven Seas with Seven Seas Explorer arriving summer The luxury cruise lines are not always ones that will sell 2016; Seabourn Encore and Ovation coming 2016 hundreds of passengers for every agent, by definition they are and 2018; Silver Muse coming in 2017; Oceania more exclusive than this, but the majority of agents will have some Cruises Sirena in spring 2016; Azamara is completely luxury clients on their database and it is clear that customers are refurbishing its fleet starting later this year; and we have increasingly looking for better and different experiences than they had the rapid growth and refurbishment of Windstar’s were 10 years ago. fleet too. Over the last few years the value for money offered by the Meanwhile, Crystal Cruises has announced three luxury cruise lines has increased, with them including everything new ocean ships - a new yacht, its own Dreamliner from drinks, speciality and the creation of its own river cruise product in dining and shore excursions "The luxury Europe. and whilst this may initially Of course the luxury cruise sector does not solely look more expensive to sector is more rely on new ships to grow and attract guests. Cruise lines a customer these are all exciting than like Hebridean also demonstrate the breadth of cruise elements that in general they product available, and all cruise lines enjoy great repeat will take advantage of on ever with new business. I think it fair to say that just given the number their cruise and often this ships coming all of new ships coming to this sector in the coming years, could be a better deal for the sector is very much enjoying a renaissance the likes your customers. the time" of which we have not seen at least since the economic The luxury sector crash of 2008. is more exciting than ever with new ships coming all the time. It is also fair to say that luxury ocean cruising is Regent Seven Seas says its Seven Seas Explorer will be “the most about to evolve and challenge not just the rest of the luxurious ship ever built” and I was recently lucky enough to visit ocean cruise sector, but also the whole of the luxury the shipyard and see the cabins which look fantastic! There’s also travel sector too. the recent news of Crystal Cruises’expansion and the launch of And that excitement is continuing in the luxury the Silver Muse and Seabourn Encore. This shows how committed river cruise sector too with continued growth and the luxury brands are to growing their business but also how much expansion across the board in new ships, new ports, new demand there is for products like this. excursions and new rivers. Luxury travellers are seeing I am sure I can hear all the agents now saying: “That’s great the same upmarket treatment as they would expect Claire, but what’s in it for us?” Higher average selling prices mean elsewhere, but with all of the added advantages that higher earnings, on average you could earn somewhere in the travel by river has to offer. region of £400 - £600 per passenger commission. The luxury The changes in the luxury sector illustrate the overall lines are also usually very pleased to work with you on events for robust growth shown across the cruise industry in a your database that reflect their brand in order to attract your more year when for the first time over 23 million people are discerning customer. Last but definitely not least, the experience expected to take a cruise holiday. These are exciting that your customers receive on board is of a very high standard times for the whole industry. meaning you should have very happy customers that will return to you again and again.
sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 57 comment captain greybeard
captain greybeard john honeywell editor, World of Cruising
China crisis? What China crisis?
he cruise industry’s passage to the Orient is There was near-mutiny when Quantum returned going through the sort of bumpy seas that to Shanghai from a weather-affected voyage that sub- Tdeter nervous passengers from crossing the Bay stituted ports of call in South Korea for the expected of Biscay. destinations in Japan. Early forecasts were good, and eager executives Most of the Chinese passengers expect to spend looked forward to making millions by attracting just thousands of dollars in Japanese stores, buying luxury a tiny fraction of China’s billions of newly affluent goods, electronics and cosmetics that are far more consumers. expensive back home, and some had to be forcibly re- Royal Caribbean were the boldest, sending the moved from the ship when their demands for compen- nearly-new Quantum of the Seas to Shanghai. sation were not met. Next year, a second Quantum-class vessel, Ovation The recent devastating explosion at Tianjin port – of the Seas, will be sailing from Chinese ports along the closest cruise terminal to Beijing – will be seen as a with Mariner, Voyager, and Legend. minor inconvenience compared to the dramatic events Costa Cruises plans to have four ships – Fortuna, affecting the Chinese economy, which could undo Serena, Atlantica and Victoria – in the region; Princess, many long-term forecasts of growth. another early player, will base Golden Princess in So what do the cruise lines make of it all? Tianjin and Sapphire Princess in Shanghai. They will Tony Kaufman, senior vice-president in charge of later be joined by the latest Royal-class ship – it’s not Princess’s Asia operations, told me: “We believe the de- yet been named, but the keel-laying ceremony in an sire to travel, specifically the new opportunity of cruises Italian shipyard was celebrated by a traditional Chinese in China, will continue to be a priority for consumers. lion dance. “Currently, China represents the largest outbound Latest to join the fray is MSC, whose new- travel market in the world. We believe in the long-term ly-stretched Lirica is scheduled to arrive in Shanghai growth of leisure travel and we also have a long-term on 1 May, 2016. commitment to the China market. We try to avoid tak- As the cruise lines are discovering, catering for the ing a short-term view based on what the market is doing Chinese market involves more than just stripping out a in one region or another at any given point in time.” burger bar and replacing it with a noodle shop – which Giles Hawke, UK & Ireland managing director is what happened when Kung Fu Panda kicked Johnny for MSC Cruises, said: “China is, and will remain, a Rockets out of Quantum. particularly attractive market for leading global cruise West End shows such as Quantum’s Mamma lines, especially where they are able to design a product Mia! have made way for “international” theatre – as we did with our partners – that truly caters for the presentations; on Costa this might even involve topless needs of the local consumer.” burlesque dancers. I had hoped to be able to report on the views of The Chinese itineraries may earn more per day Royal Caribbean. Sadly, despite repeated requests, in fares than in traditional areas such as the Med and Dominic Paul, senior vice-president, international, was the Caribbean, and the Chinese passengers may spend unable to offer any comment. For a moment, I began more on board – with the casinos and shops making up to understand how those thwarted Quantum passen- for lower bar takings – but it comes at a price. gers might have felt…
58 Cruise Trade News l sep/oct 2015 l l The compleTe cruise guide for agenTs Issue 53 sep/oct 2015 £5.50 learn the art of selling luxury cruises and win some six star pampering Comment
“We at Seabourn believe that delight is an important art tAKING A LOOK At tHE LUXURY form. We are masters of effortless delight, handcrafting Introducing the all new Seabourn Encore personal experiences for each and every one of our guests through unobtrusive, yet intuitive service. CRUISE MARKEt Service is beyond what is expected. Dedication beyond what is required. Delight beyond destination. In 2016 Seabourn features some incredible cruise experiences onboard our three state-of-the-art six star ships; together with an all-inclusive lifestyle that is truly delightful. Come, enjoy the art of delight” iT's all Clia iNdepeNdeNT voiCe Lynn Narraway - Managing Director UK & Ireland wiTh aNdy harmer wiTh Claire BriGhToN director, CLIA UK senior commercial manager, The stunning new Seabourn Encore will debut in Dec 2016, once again & Ireland Advantage Travel Partnership “Seabourn moments” re-defining the ultra-luxury experience. Modelled after our award- – designed to delight and surprise winning Odyssey-class trio, this striking new ship offers an extra deck, allowing for even more luxury suites, and yet another beautiful, here has been much to get everyone excited in uxury is a term that tends to be used quite widely in the special-occasion dining venue. cruise this year – but one sector we have heard travel industry and this is no different in cruising, with terms such as ‘ultra luxury’, ‘six star’ and ‘modern luxury’ tless from over the past couple of years has been L Favourite features will be realized with the flair of design genius the luxury and ultra-luxury end of the market. all appearing regularly, but what makes a cruise luxury? I saw a Adam D. Tihany, who specialises in developing elegantly spaces for But based on new announcements this year, it is now quote recently from the CEO of Panerai Watches who I think has the world’s most highly rated restaurants and hotels. The ship will feel clear that this part of the industry is about to undergo a captured this nicely when it comes to the brands that we would associate with luxury cruising - “Luxury is attention to detail, more like a luxurious private residential yacht with a new softness complete transformation too. originality, exclusivity and above all quality”. and curvaceous elegance. And, true to his vision, Tihany has enriched there are new luxury ships coming from Regent seven seas with seven seas explorer arriving summer The luxury cruise lines are not always ones that will sell the interiors with an impressive array of unexpected surprises and 2016; seabourn encore and ovation coming 2016 hundreds of passengers for every agent, by definition they are subtle transformations for guests to continually delight in. and 2018; silver Muse coming in 2017; oceania more exclusive than this, but the majority of agents will have some cruises sirena in spring 2016; Azamara is completely luxury clients on their database and it is clear that customers are Inaugural Season - On Sale! refurbishing its fleet starting later this year; and we have increasingly looking for better and different experiences than they history were 10 years ago. ●● 9 unique itineraries with 26 sailings of between 10-60 days had the rapid growth and refurbishment of Windstar’s fleet too. Over the last few years the value for money offered by the ●● Visiting Arabia, South Pacific, Australia & New Zealand Meanwhile, crystal cruises has announced three luxury cruise lines has increased, with them including everything new ocean ships - a new yacht, its own Dreamliner from drinks, speciality today ●● Overnight stays in Singapore and Sydney dining and shore excursions Interview with and the creation of its own river cruise product in "The luxury europe. and whilst this may initially ●● Plus out of the way places like Philip Island in Australia of course the luxury cruise sector does not solely look more expensive to sector is more Voyages to Antiquity a customer these are all where personal touch ●● Look out for Europe 2017 sailings! rely on new ships to grow and attract guests. cruise lines exciting than adds delight to every whim like Hebridean also demonstrate the breadth of cruise elements that in general they product available, and all cruise lines enjoy great repeat will take advantage of on ever with new Seabourn Encore - at a glance business. I think it fair to say that just given the number their cruise and often this ships coming all ●● Arrives: 4 Dec 2016 of new ships coming to this sector in the coming years, could be a better deal for the sector is very much enjoying a renaissance the likes your customers. the time" ●● Ship’s capacity: 604 guests in 302 all veranda suites of which we have not seen at least since the economic The luxury sector crash of 2008. is more exciting than ever with new ships coming all the time. ●● Encore is the evolution of Seabourn’s all suite, all It is also fair to say that luxury ocean cruising is Regent Seven Seas says its Seven Seas Explorer will be “the most inclusive six star cruise experience luxurious ship ever built” and I was recently lucky enough to visit 2014 about to evolve and challenge not just the rest of the the shipyard and see the cabins which look fantastic! There’s also ●● Inaugural season now on sale with cruise fares WINNER ocean cruise sector, but also the whole of the luxury the recent news of Crystal Cruises’expansion and the launch of from £3,999pp BEST SMALL travel sector too. dEstiNatioN FoCUs CRUISE LINE And that excitement is continuing in the luxury the Silver Muse and Seabourn Encore. This shows how committed Ex-UK cruises river cruise sector too with continued growth and the luxury brands are to growing their business but also how much expansion across the board in new ships, new ports, new demand there is for products like this. excursions and new rivers. Luxury travellers are seeing I am sure I can hear all the agents now saying: “That’s great how to sell Seabourn Learn the art of selling six star luxury the same upmarket treatment as they would expect Claire, but what’s in it for us?” Higher average selling prices mean NEW to CrUisE POLAR online is the fastest and easiest way elsewhere, but with all of the added advantages that higher earnings, on average you could earn somewhere in the Visit www.seabournacademy.co.uk region of £400 - £600 per passenger commission. The luxury Cruise and stay to book Seabourn travel by river has to offer. the changes in the luxury sector illustrate the overall lines are also usually very pleased to work with you on events for Simply register by 31st October 2015 to receive Molton Brown toiletries your database that reflect their brand in order to attract your more For agency registration and enquiries robust growth shown across the cruise industry in a Complete the training to receive a complete Molton Brown travel kit year when for the first time over 23 million people are discerning customer. Last but definitely not least, the experience rEViEW e-mail [email protected]. expected to take a cruise holiday. these are exciting that your customers receive on board is of a very high standard Emerald Star e-mail [email protected] when you’ve registered! times for the whole industry. meaning you should have very happy customers that will return to Reservations: 0844 338 8686 you again and again. Sales Team: 0844 338 8690 Reservations: 0844 338 8686 seabourn.co.uk www.seabourn.co.uk sep/oct 2015 l Cruise Trade News 57
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history todayInterview with Voyages to Antiquity
dEstiNatioN FoCUs Ex-UK cruises NEW to CrUisE Cruise and stay rEViEW Emerald Star
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