Richard Twynam

l The complete cruise guide for agents Issue 52 july/august 2015

CMV CLOSE-UPInterview with Chris Coates

NEW TO CRUISE How to sell expedition cruises DESTINATION FOCUS Caribbean rides high 8 OF THE BEST Onboard entertainment www.rssc.com DIP INTO A POOL OF INFINITE POSSIBILITIES

SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER ® IS COMING Be a part of our ‘Countdown Campaign’

Chalk 20 July 2016 on your calendar as that’s the date we launch our brand new ship, Seven Seas Explorer®. As we begin our 1 year countdown, join our campaign today and prepare yourself for the arrival of The Most Luxurious Ship Ever Built.

EXPLORER FACT

REGISTER NOW! FOR THE CHANCE TO: Did you know? The agent who the top booked – WIN 100’s of luxury prizes Explorer’s suite on sailing inaugural – Be the first to hear our Explorer announcements earned in commission!£14,850 – Join exclusive webinars, starting on 20 July 2015 (register below) – Receive invitations to our Explorer Events for you and your clients

THE MOST LUXURIOUS SHIP EVER BUILTTM

_Regent_CTN_15_07_17.indd 1 17/07/2015 16:21 editor's letter

, we’re in the height of summer and whether it’s hot and bright or a damp, rainy squib of as i write a day as you’re reading this, you’ll – hopefully – have packed off many a client on a sunny cruise! Some clients, of course, will already be thinking about escaping the cold and getting away from it all on a winter break – perhaps to the Caribbean. For them, and you, our dedicated Caribbean focus feature will offer a guide through what’s out there in terms of new cruise product and packages to sell. The more adventurous customer, however, might be thinking about an expedition holiday – but I’m sure that not many of them will have considered doing this on a ship. Well, that’s now changing. Expedition cruises are a great way of getting to those less discovered places. Customers wanting this type of break could be persuaded to experience it on a cruise holiday as discussed in the new to expedition cruises feature. Also in this issue, our columnists get us thinking about setting the holiday scene and creating events to attract sales. Plus, there’s a lot to keep your diary full, with CLIA events and the announcement of its New to Cruise Summit on September 15. Meanwhile, there are various training opportunities and incentive schemes to help you sell more holidays. Enjoy the rest of the summer and here’s hoping you continue to reap the rewards from those cruise bookings!

Jill Sayles Editor [email protected]

contents

News features Ocean cruise & industry 4 New to cruise Expedition cruises 38 River cruise 11 Making waves CMV’s Chris Coates 44 Destination focus Caribbean 48 regulars Tools of the trade 18 Comment Diary It’s a date & new appointments 20 It’s all CLIA 10 Q&A Azamara Club Cruises’ Richard Twynam 23 Portside & starboard 16 In pictures Cunard 175th anniversary 24 Wilkinson's world 20 Agent fam trip review MSC Fantasia 26 Industry insight Celebrity Cruises’ Claire Stirrup 33 At a glance Viking Star 28 Industry opinion 56 8 of the best Onboard entertainment 30 Independent voice 57 Review A-Rosa river cruise 34 Captain Greybeard 58 Land v river Tauck land and river itineraries 54

p u b l i s h e d by Real Response Media e d i to r Jill Sayles t 07769 291608 e [email protected] n e w s e d i to r Jane Archer [email protected] c o m m e r c i a l d i r e cto r Dominic 115 Sydney Rd, London, N10 2ND Lawrence-Jones t 02084399721 e [email protected] s a l e s & m a r k e t i n g d i r e cto r Peter Grant t 07483 133 932 All Enquires t 02084442554 e [email protected] s a l e s d i r e cto r Chris Cummings t 07772 564 150 e [email protected] d e s i g n c o n s u lta n t Kate Harkus e [email protected] p u b l i s h i n g c o n s u lta n t Keith Ellis t 01737 812411 e keith.ellis@ cruisetradenews.com m a n ag i n g d i r e cto r Chris Pitchford t 02084442554 e chris [email protected] f o r subscriptions t 02084442554 e [email protected] Reproduction is not permitted without the express written consent of the editor. All efforts are made to endure that factual accuracy is correct at the time of publication.

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 3 Ocean news

Hurtigruten goes soft on Antarctica

a second vessel journey to and from the White Continent. UK country director Cecilia Abert said: hurtigruten i s m ov i n g to the South Atlantic next winter to offer a A 14-day cruise departing November “Having the two ships in Antarctica means new soft adventure cruise to Antarctica. 10 2016 costs from £3,896 per person we can offer two very different experiences. Midnatsol, a working ferry currently including return flights from Santiago de Fram appeals to more adventurous sailing the Norwegian coastal route Chile to Punta Arenas. International flights travellers.” between Bergen and Kirkenes, relocates cost extra. On board Midnatsol, there’ll be an south in September 2016, unusually Midnatsol will carry up to 500 interactive science laboratory, lectures moving to Punta Arenas in Chile rather passengers – the maximum allowed to about the geography and wildlife, as well than Ushuaia in Argentina, from where make landings in Antarctica and more as photography workshops and polar film most cruise ships sail to Antarctica. than twice as many as Fram, Hurtigruten’s shows. It means passengers can enjoy a expedition ship, which is based in Ushuaia cruise through the Chilean fjords as they each winter. Focus on adventure cruising, p38.

VoD’s animal magic

An overnight safari at Thanda Private Game Reserve and two days in Yangon, Myanmar, are among highlights of Voyages of Discovery’s return to Asia in winter 2016-17. Voyages will be heading east in October 2016, for a programme of cruises that includes a 16-day voyage from Hong Kong to Singapore in February, with visits to Halong Bay and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Prices from £2,099 per person including flights, transfers and gratuities. The ship returns to Europe via South Africa and a 22-day journey from Cape Town to Tenerife departing April 1 2017. From £1,899 per person with inclusions as above.

4 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 2 of sails the Royal Clipper The starting price of CMV’s 6,350m will have £8,999 World Cruise

STAR CLIPPERS ADDS NEW SHIP AND RETURNS TO ASIA sailing than 6,350 square metres of sails. t h e l a r g e s t s q ua r e - r i g g e d ship today is under construction in Croatia The ship will have three pools, a rear and due to enter service for Star Clippers in watersports platform for use when it is at the second half of 2017. anchor and hold 300 passengers in 150 As yet unnamed, the five-masted cabins including 34 suites with balconies barque will be the company’s fourth ship and four owners’ suites. As with Star and first new vessel for 15 years – Star Clippers’ other sailing ships, it will rely on on track Clippers’ 227-passenger Royal Clipper wind power wherever possible. entered service in 2000. It is modelled on Meanwhile, Star Clippers is returning with Vista the 1911-built France II and will have more to Southeast Asia for the first time since pulling out in 2010 due to fears of piracy in Carnival Cruise Lines has launched the Gulf of Aden. a new video of Carnival Vista through The 170-passenger Star Clipper will be the build process at the Fincantieri, based in Phuket between December 2016 Monfalcone, Italy shipyard. The ship and March 2017 and sail two seven-night was floated out in June and launches round-trip itineraries that visit islands in May 2016. It will spend its inaugural off Thailand and Malaysia as well as six summer in the Mediterranean, and will one-week cruises between Phuket and have the first IMAX cinema at sea, and Singapore. recumbent pedal bikes hanging from Prices start from £1,290 per person an 800-foot-long track. From £537 pp cruise-only for a one-week north-bound cruise-only on September 23 2016 for voyage round-trip from Phuket departing eight days round-trip from Barcelona. December 2 2016.

CMV WORLD CRUISE HITS THE MARK passengers booked m o r e t h a n 100 Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ first world cruise within four days of it going on sale on May 21, with another 36 signing up for the full circumnavigation by mid-June. The cruise, on the 1,250-passenger Magellan, the former Carnival ship that joined CMV in March, will visit 43 ports in 120 nights. Departing Tilbury on January 5 2017, Magellan heads west through the Panama Canal and South Pacific to New Zealand and Australia, returning home via Asia, India and Suez Canal. Head of marketing Mike Hall said: “A world cruise is obviously on many bucket Take the tour with lists. It’s as though people were waiting for this to react so quickly.” Celebrity website The voyage was launched in CMV’s new 2016/17 programme, which also Celebrity Cruises’ agent shore excursion website has been relaunched features cruises from seven regional ports with new tours including a three-hour family flamenco dance-off in on Marco Polo and a selection of itineraries Barcelona, a treasure hunt in Copenhagen and a six-hour tour that from Avonmouth on Astoria, the new name incorporates a helicopter ride over the French Riviera followed by a four- for the Azores. course lunch at La Bastide de Moustiers, Alain Ducasse’s restaurant in Prices start from £939 for two people Provence. The updated website now lists top-rated tours by region and for a seven-night Scottish Isles and Faroes features group sales information, training materials and video of the tours. cruise from Hull departing June 16 2016. World cruise prices start from £8,999 pp.

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 5 ocean news

The number of passengers the The percentage growth of MSC 5,179 MSC Seaside will hold 800% Cruises in the past 10 years

MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato signs his name on a silhouette of MSC Seaside at the steel-cutting ceremony. MSC thinks global

investing in its product headquarters where we can tutor employees Onorato said: “With this new design m s c c r u i s e s i s and crew so it can do a better job catering in the demands of different nationalities.” we are putting passengers close to the sea. for the 150 or more different nationalities Onorato was speaking at a keel-laying The décor is more trendy boutique hotel it carries. ceremony for the new MSC Seaside at the than traditional cabin balcony and we have Chief executive officer Gianni Onorato Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. chosen a name everyone will understand, said: “We want to be a global cruise line Launching in 2017, the 154,000-ton no matter their language.” offering an elegant Mediterranean style ship – the biggest ever built in Italy - will Seaside (and a sister ship launching that can be adjusted to suit local markets. It hold up to 5,179 passengers. It will have in 2018) is designed to follow the sun, is not a new strategy but we will do it better. a 360-degree seafront promenade, indoor while in the STX shipyard in St Nazaire, “We are appointing more and better and outdoor restaurants, cabins that can be France, MSC is building two all-weather English-speaking staff and have set configured to hold up to 10 people, a water 5,700-passenger Vista-class ships. The first, up a new department at our Geneva park and two-storey apartments. MSC Meraviglia, is on sale now.

MSC to return to no-fly cruising

One of MSC Cruises’ new ships will be been designed for year-round cruising in based in the UK, MSC Cruises executive any destination but still have ‘generous’ chairman Pierfrancesco Vago has outside spaces. Features include plenty confirmed. of dining and entertainment options, an Vago refused to comment on aft lounge with sea views and three-deck whether the UK would get one of MSC’s interior promenade. new all-weather Vista-class ships, Vago said MSC needs to look at but said: “It will be a premium product expanding into Asia but that even with the that meets expectations. It will be a four new ships due to launch by 2019, it new-generation ship, but we need to would not yet have enough tonnage. “For take deliveries before making any firm Asia, it has to be the right ship built for decisions.” that market.” MSC has already announced that MSC Cruises has grown 800% in the MSC Meraviglia, its first Vista-class ship, past 10 years to carry a total 1.7 million will spend its inaugural summer in the passengers. This figure will double by Mediterranean starting May 2017. 2019, when the four new ships on order The two new Vista-class ships have have been delivered.

6 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 ocean news

The number of new Viking River nights on the new Disney 4 itineraries in 2016/2017 12 Cruises UK-round trip

A taste of Asia for Azamara duo à la carte restaurant will a n e w as i a n be added to Azamara Club Cruises’ two 686-passenger ships during multi-million- dollar bow-to-stern refurbishments in 2016. The new eatery, Kibo, will be in the al-fresco dining area of the Windows Café and serve dishes from Japan, Vietnam and Korea at dinner time only. Work is scheduled to take place on Azamara Journey during a dry-dock in the Bahamas in January 2016, with Azamara Quest to be upgraded in Singapore in April 2016. Azamara president and CEO Larry Pimentel said: “Each corner of the ships Regent offers a taste of will have a new look and feel, setting a brighter, more contemporary ambiance, Asia while the new venues will bring guests fresh experiences.” An Asian restaurant will be joining the line-up of dining options on Among other changes, the pool grill Seven Seas Explorer, the new Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ ship launching will be expanded to have an outdoor dining next July. Called Pacific Rim, it takes its design inspiration from various room that’s open for dinner, and a new corners of the Far East, including a Tibetan prayer wheel, entrance doors wine and tapas bar will be opened in the reminiscent of an Asian temple, windows designed after a Lotus shape Looking Glass Lounge. and Chinese screens. Regent has already announced the ship will have a The spa will have new manicure, Prime 7 steakhouse and French restaurant Chartreuse. pedicure areas, a medi-spa and acupuncture clinic. Cabins and suites will be refurbished.

Viking sets sail for the Land of Milk and Honey has launched a Kusadasi in Turkey. v i k i n g r i v e r c r u i s e s new 15-day Mediterranean voyage that The cruise is one of four new itineraries spends three days in Israel - two in Haifa in 2016 and 2017. A 22-day voyage from and one in Ashdod - for excursions to Barcelona to Stockholm allows passengers Jerusalem, Nazareth, the Roman city of to tick off leading cities including Lisbon, Caesarea and the Sea of Galilee. Paris, Amsterdam and St Petersburg. Fairytales in The 15-day Ancient Empires and Viking Ocean Cruises, a sister to Holy Lands cruise from Civitavecchia (the Viking’s river cruise company, launched in the fjords port for Rome) to Istanbul, new for 2016, May with one ship, Viking Star. A second also visits Naples, Rhodes, Heraklion and vessel, Viking Sea, launches in 2016, with Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Magic ship number three, Viking Sky, due for kicked off its 2015 Europe season delivery in 2017. with its first-ever visit to Geiranger, Viking Cruises chairman Torstein the Norwegian fjord that inspired Hagan said the new itineraries have been the fairytale kingdom of Arendelle in designed around the company ethos of the Disney film Frozen. The ship will giving passengers a good-value cruise with be back there in 2016 on a seven- more time in port. night cruise round-trip from Dover Prices start from £1,490 per person departing May 29 and priced from for an eight-day Secrets of the Southern £2,193 for two people. Magic’s 2015 Mediterranean cruise from Civitavecchia summer season also includes a to Barcelona including flights and transfers, new 12-night cruise around the UK one excursion per port (others are available roundtrip from Dover costs from but cost extra), wine or beer with lunch and £4,619 for two people. dinner, speciality dining and wifi.

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 7 ocean news

makeover undergone on The age range of £8.5m Windstar’s Star Breeze 18-25 Millennials Failure is an option

a chance and travel more than older generations and use s u c c e s s m e a n s ta k i n g not being afraid to make a mistake, says "Agents have to be agents more than other age groups but they Celebrity Cruises’ US sales boss Dondra innovative and stand want to know they are talking to an expert. Ritzenthaler. “Just talking about price is not being Speaking at the CLIA UK & Ireland out" an expert. You have got to speak their Cruise Convention in Southampton in Dondra ritzenthaler language, make it real, love what you do. May, Ritzenthaler, Celebrity’s senior US head of sales, Celebrity Cruises They make their decisions based on other vice-president, sales, trade support and people’s comments so use Twitter and service, told agents they would not thrive by business as you were five years ago you are Instagram all the time.” standing still. not just red, but rotten.” She urged all agents to do something She said: “You have to be innovative Ritzenthaler told agents that millennials new and different, adding: “It doesn’t and stand out. Be the green apple in – the term used to categorise people aged matter if you make a mistake, but you have the bushels of red. If you are still doing 18 to 25 – have a high disposable income, to take a chance.”

P&O loses Adonia to new voluntourism cruise line

P&O Cruises next and cruise each week to Amber Cove, a new any other cruise passenger would. Prices a d o n i a i s l e av i n g year to launch a new US-based cruise line $85 million cruise port Carnival is opening start from $1,540 per person cruise-only dedicated to voluntourism for the firm’s in the Dominican Republic this year. including volunteer excursions. parent company Carnival Corporation. During two days at sea, passengers can Adonia, which holds just 710 Called fathom, the line is aimed learn skills such as how to teach English or passengers, will have a makeover next at people who want to give their time cultivate seedlings; in Amber Cove they will March to reflect the new ethos. Among and skills to help those less well-off than have three days to put their new talents to changes, there’ll be low-key entertainment themselves. Adonia will be based in Miami use and also enjoy the destination just as including Dominican movies.

Nice and Breezy

Star Breeze, one of three former 212-passenger Seabourn ships acquired by Windstar, was renamed at a gala ceremony in Nice, France – but not before it had undergone an $8.5 million makeover. All public areas have been refurbished, the dining room has been renamed AmphorA and given a new seating layout, and there is a new speciality restaurant, Candles, which opens each evening in the Veranda self-service. Three weeks after Breeze took centre stage, Star Legend, the former Seabourn Legend, was renamed in Civitavecchia. The last of the three sisters to join Windstar, it has undergone a similar $8.5 million makeover.

8 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015

ocean news & comment

Destinations visited on the 62 Silversea World Cruise 2017

clia it's all

with andy Harmer director, CLIA UK & Ireland

t was great to see so many faces, both familiar and new, at this year’s record sell-out Selling Cruise bookings start IConference which had the theme of DESTINY running through the three days. for world cruise D stood for Destinations and we enjoyed a really taking reservations for its World Cruise s i lv e r s e a c r u i s e s i s interesting presentation and Q&A from TV wildlife expert 2017, a 116-day ocean voyage from San Francisco to Monte Carlo Nigel Marven who showed that cruise guests can enjoy on board Silver Whisper (above). some amazing animal experiences on many shore The trip will encompass 62 destinations in 25 countries, with excursions – he actually travelled with Azamara and came late-night and overnight stays to allow ample time to see the sights. across cobras, elephants and whales to name just a few! Departing January 6 2017, the all-suite Silver Whisper will sail While not all potential customers are looking for from San Francisco Bay for Hawaii and cross the International wildlife, one thing for sure is that destination is the driving Date Line to the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia. force behind their choice of holiday. It will then sail through Bali and Sandakan, arriving Shanghai, And selling a cruise holiday presents a different Hong Kong, and Singapore, before setting a course for India, type of challenge when talking about destinations. Arabia and the Mediterranean. Generally speaking, most land-based holidays are just The cruise line is enhancing the perks it offers in 2017 with the in one or possibly two resorts, unlike a cruise, which can addition of complimentary dry cleaning service and free unlimited take in as many as 11 or 12 different destinations in a wifi. two-week holiday. In addition, three on shore events will be available on a That’s why we at CLIA are constantly updating our complimentary basis to full-cruise guests, and two Silversea destination training in a way which is accessible and I Experiences will be complimentary for guests sailing 50 or more believe enjoyable. Selling with knowledge and passion is days. over half the battle. All-inclusive fares for the World Cruise 2017 start at £39,750 per person, based on double occupancy. “Destination is the driving force behind customers' Princess gives agents choice of holiday.” onesource In the coming months we are introducing five new Princess Cruises has launched a new trade website that agents can destination courses, the first of which is based on the use for everything from making bookings to downloading marketing Baltic. Others to follow are the Pacific Islands, Eastern tools and brochures. Canada and New England, Norway and Australasia. Called onesourcecruises.com, the new website comes after a Each of these courses will provide an overview of survey showed agents did not properly understand the brand. Head the total cruise experience – the itinerary, excursions of sales Alex White said: “Our priority from the results was to become available, the main points of interest and importantly, easier to do business with.” those types of customers who are likely to be interested The website features an expanded and refreshed training in such a holiday. I’m sure not many of us have sold programme with bite-size modules that agents can do in their own holidays to a whole region so it’s crucial to understand time, a FAQ section with selling tips, a brand library highlighting key the whole cruise experience both ashore and onboard. features on the company’s ships, and details of price campaigns and We have also introduced monthly downloadable agent competitions. Destination Guides, providing insights into the To help improve agents’ understanding of the brand, Princess is different cruising regions – the last guide focussed on offering twice as many opportunities to visit ships this year as last. Scandinavia and the next will look at the Northern Lights. Details can also be found on the new website. Alongside our guides, we are also asking you to share White said: “The improvements are based on agents’ feedback your own destination tips and information so please do and there are more changes to come. This is a huge step forward for visit cruiseexperts.org. the brand that will help the trade get ahead.”

10 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 River news

American Queen embarks on Mississippi epic

Steamboat person for the August voyage including are up about 75% on the same time last t h e a m e r i ca n q u e e n Company is offering two blockbuster flights and one-night hotel accommodation year, with strong demand from independent cruises covering the length of the pre-cruise. agents and newly-signed escorted tour Mississippi from St Paul in Minneapolis to The company has increased the operators including Riviera Travel and New Orleans in Louisiana next year. number of seven-night voyages between Saga. New this year, passengers booking The 24-night Mighty Mississippi Memphis and New Orleans from 27 this suites have access to a 24-hour butler who voyages are on the American Queen, a year to 30 next, and reintroduced cruises will unpack and repack suitcases, launder 436-passenger paddlewheel steamboat that on the Cumberland River, sailing between and press clothes, and reserve seats in the spearheaded a return to cruising on the Big St Louis to Cincinnati, and between St Grand Saloon theatre. Passengers can also Muddy in 2012. Louis and Clarksville (for Nashville) and request breakfast, afternoon tea and dinner The south-bound cruise departs August Memphis and Clarksville. be served in the suite. 14, with a voyage back up north departing American Queen’s UK-based GSA September 4. Prices start from £4,995 per Light Blue Travel said bookings this year Visit americanqueensteamboatcompany.com

Uniworld heads to the Raj

Uniworld has added cruises on the Ganges in India to its 2016 Asia river cruise programme. The company is offering seven-night voyages on the river, the most sacred in India, packaged with a five-night land tour that takes in Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Cruises, round-trip from Kolkata, are on the all-suite Ganges Voyager II, which holds just 56 passengers and launches January 2016. Prices for the 13-day holiday start from £5,169 per person cruise-only departing January 9 2016 including soft drinks, local beers and wine with dinner.

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 11 river news

The number of new dates for The passenger capacity on 3 the Captain’s Choice cruise 8 European Waterways' new barge

Barge giant adds a touch of Finesse e u r o p e a n wat e r ways i s launching a new eight-passenger hotel barge on the River Saône and Canal du Centre in France in May 2016. Currently under construction in Belgium, the Finesse will be sailing six-night cruises in Southern AVALON LAUNCHES Burgundy between Montchanin and St-Jean-de-Losne. SPRING ITINERARIES Highlights along the way include an excursion to Dijon and launched a Belgium cruise, also between Amsterdam wine-tasting in Beaune followed ava lo n wat e r ways h as new eight-day river cruise around Holland and Brussels, on the 138-passenger Avalon by a private lunch prepared by a and Belgium on the 166-passenger Avalon Luminary visits the battlefields of Ypres and Michelin-starred chef. Passengers will Illumination. Eastern Flanders as well as including guided also visit the 14th-century Chateau Sailing between Amsterdam and tours of Maastricht, Antwerp and Ghent. de Germolles, once home to the Brussels, the journey takes passengers to Prices start from £2,069 per person Dukes of Burgundy, and the former the historical cities of Antwerp and Ghent, departing April 4, which has been medieval pilgrimage town of Paray- and the windmills of Kinderdijk. A spring- designated a themed World War One le-Monail. time visit on the itinerary, to see the tulips voyage and will additionally include expert Finesse will have four air- displays in the Keukenhof Gardens, where onboard lectures about the conflict. conditioned en-suite cabins, inside around seven million bulbs are planted Two new launches in spring 2016 – the and al-fresco dining, five crew each year, will be replaced the rest of the Avalon Passion and Avalon Imagery II, and a demonstration galley where year by a tour of Delft. respectively sailing on the Danube and passengers can watch the chef at Prices start from £2,046 per person Rhine – will take the number of Suite work. Prices start from £3,950 per departing April 15 including flights, UK Ships in the Avalon fleet to 12, with a total person including all meals, and also and overseas transfers, wine with dinner 16 vessels altogether. Each of the new craft drinks, excursions and local transfers and gratuities. has two decks of 200 square feet suites with between the barge and Lyon. New next April, a nine-day Pride of wall-to-wall sliding panorama windows.

NEW CAPTAIN’S CRUISE DATES

The River Cruise Line has added three departure dates to next year’s new eight-day Captain’s Choice cruise through Holland. The company said it has been overwhelmed by demand for the cruise, which is on the Lady Anne and visits Captain Wido Arts’ favourite places in the Netherlands. It was devised to celebrate his 15 years at the helm of the 106-passenger vessel. The new itinerary, sailing between Nijmegen and Rotterdam, visits less well-known spots in his home country including Arcen, Grave, Heusden and Dordrecht. A total five departures are now on offer in June and July 2016. From £739 per person including coach and ferry travel from the UK.

12 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 Europe’s Finest Luxury River Cruises Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Main, Elbe, Rhône, Seine or Douro Eight days from £999pp or 14 days from £1,399pp 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 • A choice of twelve stunning cruises four years, beating all other river cruise lines • Exceptional cuisine with full board throughout • One of Europe’s most modern fl eets – seven • All excursions included, often to UNSECO fi ve-star and two four star superior vessels world heritage sites • More people would travel with us than any of our competitors* Tour Extensions now • The industry’s fi nest tour managers* available on selected dates and itineraries in 2016 *Source - Independent research in Autumn 2014 by PricewaterhouseCoopers

To book or for more information, call: 01283 744370 Visit: www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents or e-mail [email protected] to speak to a member of our agency sales team

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 number of days on 11 Scenic’s Douro cruise

DOURO debut FOR SCENIC

its debut on the Douro River in Portugal next s c e n i c i s m a k i n g April, on the 96-passenger Scenic Azure. Currently under construction, the vessel is modelled on the company’s self-styled Space Ships but custom-designed to fit in the Douro River’s smaller locks. It will be sailing an 11-day cruise from Porto to Vega de Terron and back that spends a day in Salamanca in Spain, and also visits Régua, where there is a choice of complimentary tours to Lamego or the Mateus Palace. In Pinhão, there’s a tour to the village of Provesende and a port wine tasting in the vineyards at a nearby quinta; from Pocinho, passengers can go canoeing on the Sabor River; in Porto, there’s dinner and Fado music at the Burmester Cellars, carved into the rock at Vila Nova de Gaia. Prices start from £2,495 per person departing July 25 including flights, transfers, alcoholic and soft drinks, all shore tours, excursions and gratuities. Scenic is also offering a 14-day tour that combines a Douro cruise with three nights in Lisbon, with free time to explore and an included tour to the seaside town of Cascais and Estoril. From £3,290 per person departing July 2 with inclusions as above. For more details visit scenic.co.uk

14 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 The number of suites on the agents expected to attend CLIA 22 Amazon Discovery 50 river training

NEW HAIMARK AMAZON DISCOVERY is launching a luxurious expedition river u s - b as e d h a i m a r k boat to cruise the Peruvian Amazon this autumn. The Amazon Discovery is due to enter service in October and will be offering seven-night cruises round-trip from Iquitos. Highlights on the journey include a visit to Monkey Island, Discover Egypt home to eight species of endangered Peruvian primates, a hike along the Yarapa River and a piranha-fishing expedition. LAKE cruises The week-long voyage also includes a visit to a Manatee Rescue Centre, a tour of Iquitos and a trip to the confluence Discover Egypt has launched four- of the Ucayali and Marañon Rivers, which is considered to be night cruises on Lake Nasser that can be where the Amazon begins. combined with pre and post-cruise stays Haimark, which is sold in the UK through Perl River in Aswan and Cairo. Available from late Cruises, said the vessel will be luxurious yet suited perfectly to September 2015 to April 2016, the cruises the wild environs of the river. It will hold 44 passengers in 22 are on the 160-passenger Steigenberger suites measuring from 237 to 597 square feet, all with floor-to- Omar Khayam. Prices start from £1,499 ceiling windows. per person for a seven-night holiday that It will also have an outdoor spa and carry a team of sandwiches a four-night cruise between English-speaking naturalists to guide the excursions. Prices this three-night pre and post-cruise stays at year start from $3,799 per person cruise-only including daily the Movenpick Resort in Aswan. Flights, trips ashore, soft drinks, local beer, cocktails, wine with and transfers and excursions are included in the bottled water. price, and clients can upgrade to all-inclusive drinks package for £112pp.

OLD TRAFFORD FOR RIVER EVENT will be taking its river c l i a u k & i r e l a n d cruise training to Manchester for the first time in September. Some 12 different companies will be joining Clia for the showcase, at Old Trafford on September 17 between 6pm and 9.30pm. About 50 agents are expected to turn out for the event, which will include presentations from the cruise companies as well as an update from Clia on its river cruise training modules and upcoming convention in Amsterdam. That will be held on November 22 and 23, and be a chance for agents to tour seven AmaWaterways doubles up on river craft including five that will be making a debut appearance at the event, now in its the Mekong fourth year. The newcomers are Amadeus River AmaWaterways is doubling capacity on the Mekong River in August when it Cruises’ Amadeus Silver II, Scenic launches the new AmaDara. The 124-passenger vessel will be sailing seven-night Tours’ Scenic Jasper, A-Rosa’s A-Rosa cruises between Siem Reap in Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam alongside Viva, Tauck’s Inspire and Uniworld’s the AmaLotus, which has the same capacity but smaller suites and lower deck cabins River Empress. They will be showcased with a porthole. During the cruise, passengers will ride in an oxcart and trishaw, visit alongside AmaWaterways’ AmaCerto and monasteries, floating markets, museums and temples, and stay two nights in Phnom CroisiEurope’s Lafayette. Penh. October prices start from £1,818 per person cruise-only including local wine As well as ship visits, there will be a and soft drinks, wine with lunch and dinner and bottled water. trade fair and conference sessions aimed at helping agents understand the market.

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 15 Comment

portside with... starboard with...

SIMONE CLARK Bernard CARTER managing director, managing director, EMEA, Iglu.com Oceania Cruises

any people who haven’t yet enjoyed the experience of he true greatness of the cruise industry, and a cruise holiday have many misconceptions – believing everyone that works within it is our collective that all ships are claustrophobic, lots of queuing, group M Tability to adapt. I can still remember, 20 years ago activities, old people etc. The truth is that cruising is many different (just!) when the electric typewriter and the Telex machine things and the trick is to sell those different experiences. were the height of technology. That was when I met a certain charismatic A city break… gentleman by the name of Bob Duffet who introduced Rather than three days in one city, enjoy a Med cruise that takes me to the wonders of the cruise industry during a PSARA in several of Europe’s historic cities. I went on Princess Cruises’ training session. Grand Mediterranean Cruise and in 12 nights visited Barcelona, OK, so those who know Bob will all say he can be Venice, Istanbul, Marseille, Florence, Rome, Naples, Istanbul very persuasive, but what caught my attention even then and Athens! We used the ship as a base for exploring and it was was the choice that was already available for anyone wonderful waking up in a new, exciting destination every day and contemplating moving away from a land-based holiday. then returning in the evening to relax and enjoy drinks and dinner Fast forward 20 years and there is now a cruise as we set sail. On days when we stayed on board we were virtually product for everybody, but still many people do not the only people on a 3000 passenger ship. realise it ... and that is where the cruise industry really comes into its own. A family resort holiday… Cruise lines and travel agents work together to Now we’ve got a three-year-old son, we are looking for different educate the uneducated, to show the couple who love things from holidays. Last year we enjoyed a few days in Barcelona boutique country hotels that there is a cruise for them, followed by five nights on Oasis or the family with children that they can go to water of the Seas, one of Royal "You travel parks, complete with water slides, they can surf, ice- Caribbean’s biggest ships. Our skate and even sky-dive, all in the comfort and safety son loved all the entertainment and see many of an enclosed resort that just happens to be based on board: swimming pools, places on one at sea. kid’s club, diving show, and CLIA has also just announced its first New to Cruise Dreamworks characters. holiday…" Summit, taking place on September 15 in London aimed at helping travel agents to break into the market sector. Exploring the World The human appetite for new experiences is Ocean and river cruises are fantastic ways of exploring new parts insatiable, and ever more immediate which is why we of the world. You travel and see many places on one holiday now see well over 400 ships travelling to the four corners and can then decide which places you enjoyed most, with a view of the globe, and working tirelessly to open up new to visiting longer. We’re seeing a big increase in cruise-and-stay destinations to both satisfy the demands of long- holidays in exotic locations such as the Far East. Nearer to home, standing cruisers and create interest for a whole new a cruise is definitely the best way to explore Scandinavia and the market. fjords. Life is about facing and overcoming challenges. The challenge for the cruise lines? To continue A once in a lifetime event introducing ever-improving choices. Many cruises now arrive in destinations for famous events such as The challenge for you, the travel agent? To identify the Edinburgh tattoo, Rio Carnival, Cannes Film Festival and also potential new-to-cruise guests and then to book them prestigious sporting events such as the Grand Prix. It’s a really onto their first - but almost certainly not their last - relaxing way to experience these events and much cheaper than cruise. booking hotels when they are at a premium. I’ve just returned from Oh yes, I almost forgot. You can rest assured that a five-night cruise on Azamara that took in the Monaco Grand we, the cruise lines will support your efforts more than Prix. It was amazing and there was a really lively, younger crowd any other sector of the industry because we understand on board. While everyone else was queuing to get out of Monte that we as a single collective are stronger than the sum Carlo post race, we were relaxing on our balcony with a glass of of the individual parts. Champagne – very civilised!

16 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 5 reasons why Holland America Line is the No 1 choice for premium Caribbean cruising!

1 Half Moon Cay Nearly every HAL Caribbean cruise will spend a full day at our award-winning private island, only 3% of which is developed! Imagine two miles of perfect white sand beach. On a Bahamian island so pristine it’s been designated an international wild bird preserve. Brimming with all manner of watersports and luxurious lounging.

2 Choice Eight HAL ships cruise the Caribbean from Oct-Apr – from 7-night Eastern & Western cruises to 14 and 16 night itineraries calling at less visited idyllic islands.

3 “On Location” We bring local culture right onboard: steel drum lessons poolside, Caribbean cuisine and much more.

4 More Balcony Staterooms…. Vista & Signature class feature deck upon deck of spacious staterooms with private verandahs plus private cabanas on deck - all designed for sunning and the best Caribbean views!

5 Collector Voyages Create 14-21 night Southern/Eastern Collectors Voyages for your clients by combining cruises together – with no repetition of dining, entertainment or ports…

7-night cruises from £399pp Fly/cruise fares on request

Ways to book: POLAR online – register on [email protected] Reservations by phone – 0844 338 8600 Online training – www.halacademy.co.uk Visit www.hollandamerica.co.uk

Cruise Trade News_July15.indd 1 15/07/2015 18:02 training & incentives

TOOLS OF THE TRADE Here we reveal the latest cruise training opportunities, incentives and fam trip offers.

five new MS Lafayette. Travel agents will be able c l i a i s introducing win a cruise holiday for two worth £3,000, destination courses, the first of which is to take advantage of a trade fair and to mark the launch of its new Cruise Plus based on the Baltic. Others to follow are conference sessions covering how travel mini-brochure as well as a 58% increase in the Pacific Islands, Eastern Canada and agents can grow their share of this market. cruise holiday bookings year on year. To be New England, Norway and Australasia. Meanwhile, the organisation has entered into the More Than Just Cruise prize Each of these courses will provide an announced its first ‘New to Cruise Summit’ draw agents need to make any Cruise Plus overview of the total cruise experience aimed primarily at those travel agents who brochure booking with Travel 2 before July – the itinerary, excursions available, the do not yet sell cruise holidays and also 31. Highlights from the new brochure include main points of interest and those types of those who wish to increase their share of the 15-day Orlando Adventure and the customers who are likely to be interested the market.The event, run in association 16-day Singapore to Sydney getaway. Visit in such a holiday. The association has with Puerto Rico Tourism and CLIA travel2.com for more details. also introduced monthly downloadable member cruise lines, will provide a mix of Destination Guides providing insights into training in cruise sales techniques, current the different cruising regions including industry trends, product training and how announced the c rys ta l c r u i s e s h as Scandinavia and the Northern Lights. to capitalise on the resources available to return of the “Sell 3/Sail Free” and “Sell Tickets have also gone on sale for the reach new customers. The New to Cruise 6/Sail PH” incentive programmes. These fourth CLIA River Cruise Convention Summit, which is also open to those agents promotions reward travel agents selling on November 22 and 23. It will showcase who want to increase their cruise sales, will three staterooms on any 2017 World Cruise seven ships including five that are new take place in London on September 15 segments with a complimentary voyage to the event. They are Amadeus River and is open to both CLIA and non-CLIA for two; and those selling six staterooms Cruises’ Amadeus Silver II; Scenic Tours’ members. For further information and to on 2017 World Cruise segments with Scenic Jasper; A-Rosa’s A-Rosa Viva; book visit cruiseexperts.org Penthouse accommodations. Agents Tauck’s Inspire and Uniworld’s River can choose to sail on Crystal Symphony Empress. They will be joined by AMA (pictured opposite page) and Crystal Waterways’ AmaCerto and CroisiEurope’s Travel 2 is giving agents the chance to Serenity voyages from April-December

Pippa Booker from Southampton City College; Adele McGough of Pictured at the recent CLIA Selling Cruise Broadway Travel; Claire Brighton from Advantage Travel Partnership; and Conference are Mike and Lesley Davies from Debbie Watson of Broadway Travel are at The Cookery Club on board GoCruise on board Anthem of the Seas. Britannia at the CLIA Selling Cruise conference.

18 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 Crystal Symphony

Nigel Waters from Norseman Travel recently won Siversea’s Silver Ticket trade incentive scheme. His prize was a Silversea Mediterranean cruise for two on board Silver Spirit in November. Nigel is pictured being presented with his Silver Ticket by Julie Nunes, Silversea regional sales manager for the North East.

2017, excluding holiday sailings.The cruise New shore excursions the agency name and ABTA number. Star line has also added offers for travellers Tours by region Clippers will then log the bookings and who book a verandah stateroom or above Special offers notify winners. The promotion will run for on four select Crystal Serenity voyages Group sales information eight weeks. A week’s sailing from Phuket from the 2017 South America collection. Training materials on Star Clipper, departing December 16 They can extend their Crystal holiday with Downloadable flyers 2016, costs from £1,310; flights are extra. special complimentary land expeditions Videos To book, call 0845 200 6145 or visit to Machu Picchu or Iguazu Falls. The Commission opportunities starclippers.co.uk. company has also introduced savings for new-to-Crystal guests - up to £2,920 Visit celebrityshoreexcursions.com. per person for a 2017 Full World Cruise. AmaWaterways has launched a loyalty Combined with the line’s “Book Now” scheme for agents which delivers rewards savings, first-time Crystal guests can save the launch of its new i n celebration o f for every booking made. on select 2017 voyages in Asia, Australia/ programme of cruises from Thailand and The scheme which started on July 1, South Pacific, South America, South Singapore, Star Clippers is offering the offers ten prizes, from a bottle of champagne Africa and the Caribbean. For further first ten agencies to book ten passengers for one booking, rising to a luxury hamper for information call 020 7399 7601 or visit on the Asian sailings, which start in three, an iPad Mini for seven, a Champneys crystalcruises.co.uk. December 2016 and are on sale now, the spa day for eight and the top prize, a cabin chance of winning a team night out at for two on one of the company’s European a Thai restaurant. Separate incentives ships, for 15 bookings. Celebrity Cruises has relaunched its are being offered for online agencies and Each booking made gets the participant shore excursion website specially created homeworkers. The cruise line will provide to the next reward level. For example, an for travel partners. Following the recent web banners and editable e-shots for agents agent may want to cash in after one booking unveiling of a newly designed shore to use – and the most proactive online in exchange for a bottle of champagne, excursions programme with new special- agency or home worker, as judged by the or wait until the fifth booking, which can interest categories and more destination Star Clippers sales team, will be included be traded for a £100 shopping voucher. experiences, the interactive hub provides in the competition. In addition, there are Following each cash-in, they start again content for planning clients’ holidays. prizes for the best-dressed agency windows, at the basic level. There is no limit to the The online resource is a one-stop shop using window posters, flyers, brochures number of prizes that can be claimed – for travel agents, providing access to all the and some special Thai-themed accessories provided bookings with AmaWaterways latest information on the luxury cruise line’s that Star Clippers will provide to agencies cruises are continued. destination experiences. Travel agents can requesting assistance in promoting the A loyalty card will be provided to log also learn more about the advantages of Asia programme. Participants should send booking reference numbers. The scheme booking Celebrity Cruises shore excursions, in photos of their window displays and runs for one year, until June 30, 2016. see tour clips, plan their clients’ personalised the best five will receive a fridge-load of To receive a card, email rewards@ destination experiences based on their Singha or Chang beer. To take part, email amawaterways.co.uk or speak with Hannah interests. The website offers: [email protected] with Logan on 01473 242665.

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 19 diary & comment

wilkinson's † world SAVE up to £200pp it's a date on ocean and river cruises with Titan nick wilkinson director business development, Norwegian Cruise Line Ocean Cruises

ith the summer now upon us it is important Treasured Islands Th e Wonder of the to take a moment to reflect on the year so Key Largo and a Southern Northern Lights Wfar and plan ahead for the winter season Caribbean Cruise and beyond. So far this year the cruise industry has Magical aurora borealis July 26 – 27 continued to thrive and we are in a strong position to 16 days from £2,399 in the Arctic Circle CLIA Luxury Cruise Expo take advantage of the increased exposure of cruise SAVE up to £200pp 6 days from £1,449 Dover thanks to the ship launches we have seen already this year. on selected dates SAVE up to £100pp September 15 Although as an industry we are venturing into Departure on selected dates CLIA New to Cruise Summit new markets and destinations, ships are becoming 13 November 2015 Departure London destinations in their own right and have taken their place 25 January 2016 as an important differentiator for customers. September 17 And, with so many options available in the CLIA River Cruise Expo marketplace we are in a great position to talk to Manchester customers about ship innovation, especially since having seen what Britannia, Anthem of the Seas, and in October Norwegian Escape, bring to the table. From River Cruises robotic barmen to skydiving experiences and cooking classes to on board craft breweries, there really is so much to do and see. NEW APPOINTMENTS Each ship offers guests something different so it is Th e Enchanting A Danube Waltz important to establish what each customer is looking River Douro Exclusive Titan charter SeaDream Yacht Club has appointed Mark Schmitt as for from their cruise holiday. Getting to the heart of the on the Filia Rheni II The vineyards of Portugal UK sales director. He will be responsible for developing customer and finding out individual preferences will 7 nights cruise relationships with the luxury travel trade. provide indicators on which product and brand is the with a visit to Salamanca best fit in order to sell the cruise package that is perfect 7 nights cruise 8 days from £1,499 Voyages to Antiquity has promoted Jos Dewing as for them. managing director to replace David Yellow, who led the But of course, we still mustn't forget about the 8 days from £1,349 SAVE up to £150pp business since its launch in 2009 and is stepping down as destination and its influence on customer decision- SAVE up to £100pp on selected dates MD as he transitions towards retirement. making. Recent CLIA stats have shown that 51% of on selected dates Departure customers say destination is key when choosing a cruise 31 July 2016 Steve Odell will be joining Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings holiday, and so when talking to customers this should be Departure Ltd from October 1 this year as senior vice president and one of the main considerations. 21 April 2016 managing director Australasia following the announcement But how do we bring the destinations to life for that the company will open a sales office in Australia. those who haven't visited them before? Or for those who already have their own perceptions on certain places? The Cruise Portfolio has announced Jon Schofield as With so many research tools available it is now regional sales manager for Northern England and Scotland. even more important than ever to highlight the strength He joins from Silversea Cruises. of travel agents and the added value that customers Every ocean and river cruise with Titan includes get from booking through them. It is also vital that • VIP door to door transfers* Tauck’s Ray Steward has been appointed to the Executive agents start to think outside the box when introducing Committee of CLIA UK & Ireland. Steward takes on the role customers to something new. For instance, CLIA has • Scheduled  ights and resort transfers at a time of continued growth in the river cruise market. put together a series of online destination videos to showcase exactly why some destinations are the • Titan tour manager throughout Oceania Cruises has announced the appointment of Priti perfect complement to a cruise holiday, and they are • Free regional  ights for customers in Mehta as head of sales, UK & Ireland. Bernard Carter, who a great selling tool when appealing to the senses of Northern England, Scotland & N.Ireland has headed up the cruise line in the UK & Europe since 2005 customers. has taken on Africa, as well as activities in the UK, Europe, Middle East. Take advantage of the tools available, and use your expertise to guide customers through the holiday booking process; and let’s make this summer more ✁ Visit www.titanagents.co.uk for further details send us your appointments [email protected] successful than ever.

*(except Scottish Isles and Sark) † Save up to £200 per person on selected tours and dates

20 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015

CTN 210x280 July15.indd 1 14/07/2015 15:09 SAVE up to £200pp† on ocean and river cruises with Titan

Ocean Cruises

Treasured Islands Th e Wonder of the Key Largo and a Southern Northern Lights Caribbean Cruise Magical aurora borealis 16 days from £2,399 in the Arctic Circle SAVE up to £200pp 6 days from £1,449 on selected dates SAVE up to £100pp Departure on selected dates 13 November 2015 Departure 25 January 2016

River Cruises

Th e Enchanting A Danube Waltz River Douro Exclusive Titan charter on the Filia Rheni II The vineyards of Portugal with a visit to Salamanca 7 nights cruise 7 nights cruise 8 days from £1,499 8 days from £1,349 SAVE up to £150pp SAVE up to £100pp on selected dates on selected dates Departure Departure 31 July 2016 21 April 2016

Every ocean and river cruise with Titan includes • VIP door to door transfers* • Scheduled  ights and resort transfers • Titan tour manager throughout • Free regional  ights for customers in Northern England, Scotland & N.Ireland

✁ Visit www.titanagents.co.uk for further details

*(except Scottish Isles and Sark) † Save up to £200 per person on selected tours and dates

CTN 210x280 July15.indd 1 14/07/2015 15:09 Crystal_CTN_Ad__July15_Crystal_CTN_Ad__July15 10/07/2015 16:11 Page 1 QUITE SIMPLY – THE BEST.

21 years 20 years

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Our ALL-INCLUSIVE experience includes: NOBLE NORTH SEA ● Fine Wines, champagne and ● Pilates, yoga and spinning classes COPENHAGEN TO AMSTERDAM – CRYSTAL SYMPHONY VOYAGE 5220 | 7 NIGHTS | 23 AUGUST 2015 premium spirits ● Golf clinics with PGA instructors ● Gratuities for all dining, bar staff, Itinerary includes: ● Full-size paddle tennis courts Copenhagen, housekeeping and Penthouse butler o Edinburgh, ● Spacious 360 teak Promenade Deck service (overnight), ● Experiences of Discovery® theme Newcastle upon ● Bottled water, soft drinks and Tyne, Hamburg cruises speciality coffees (overnight), ● 100% indelibly soft cotton linens Helgoland, ● Dining by Reservation™ Amsterdam ● EXCLUSIVE Magic Castle® at Sea ● Up to eight evening dining options All-Inclusive Fly-Cruise Fares including Silk Road & The Sushi Bar ● EXCLUSIVE Rocket Man! production Deluxe Stateroom (E2) from £2,742 per person by Nobu Matsuhisa and Prego Italian ● EXCLUSIVE Diva! production Verandah Stateroom (B2) from £3,526 per person restaurant ● EXCLUSIVE iLuminate production GRAND CANAL TO GRAND BAZAAR ● Daily afternoon teatime ● EXCLUSIVE Interactive Ocean VENICE TO ISTANBUL – CRYSTAL SERENITY ● 24-hour room service Views™ VOYAGE 5320 | 7 NIGHTS | 6 SEPTEMBER 2015 ● Early embarkation with champagne ● EXCLUSIVE Local Insights Itinerary includes: Venice (overnight), lunch ● EXCLUSIVE USC School of Cinematic Dubrovnik, Mykonos, ● Award-winning entertainment Arts Izmir, ● State-of-the-art ﬁtness centre ● EXCLUSIVE Digital Filmmaking Istanbul (overnight) ● Open bar service throughout the Programme ship ….and so much more ● Ambassador Host & Hostess All-Inclusive Fly-Cruise Fares Deluxe Stateroom (C3) from £2,306 per person programme on every voyage Verandah Stateroom (B3) from £2,916 per person

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] FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A BOOKING, PLEASE CALL: 020 7399 7601 www.crystalcruises.co.uk ABTA No.V8548 BEGIN A NEW STORY. Terms & Conditions: Fares are per person, fly/cruise in UK sterling based on double occupancy in an outside stateroom for the first two full-fare guests in stateroom and include return economy class flights from London and select UK regional airports, overseas transfers and port, security and handling charges, which vary by departure. All other stateroom grades are available on request. All fares, offers and itineraries are subject to change and availability and can be withdrawn at any time. The above fares are available to new bookings only made before 31 August 2015 and 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. q&a

Q How long have you worked Euro this year, that is under pressure across in your current job and what the industry. attracted you to the role? q&a A I started in January 2014 and what Q How does the company work attracted me was the opportunity to grow with the travel trade? this gorgeous destination-focused cruise line Richard A The trade is vital for Azamara. We in the UK. get more than 90% of our business via Twynam travel agents, so we spend a lot of time Q engaging with them. When we set up the What do you like most managing director about the cruise industry? dedicated Azamara team in January 2014, A The breadth of product for the UK & Ireland, we put four people on the road and have consumer is unrivalled, from big ships to Azamara Club Cruises a dedicated marketing resource too, which small ships, mainstream to boutique luxury, means that we can support the trade more all visiting different destinations every day. . widely as a sales and marketing function. Azamara also recently joined the Club Q What are you looking Royal incentive scheme, so agents can earn forward to most about your money by selling Royal or Azamara. job over the next twelve months? Q Why should agents sell A The UK is in fantastic shape and cruise rather than a land we have just announced our new ship holiday? upgrades, so I am excited to see this A With Azamara, they do not have to be enhancement along with launching our mutually exclusive. Azamara is a fly-cruise new Virtual Reality Azamara 3Di into the proposition, and therefore we encourage UK and putting 2018 voyages on sale. our trade partners to sell land-based elements to their customers’ cruise holiday Q How has the cruise market either pre or post the cruise. A city break, changed in the last 10 years? or a tour is a great way to start or finish A The breadth of choice, the quality of keeping fit and more than 50% of our your Azamara holiday. the hardware, and the volume of people. guests repeat with us. Cruise is now a $36 billion business. Q What should agents focus Q What is the biggest on when selling cruise - Q What is the target market challenge facing cruise price, experience, etc? of your company? sales? A With Azamara it's simple as we A We label our customers as curious A Currently for UK-based offices, it is the ask agents to think about Destination explorers. They tend to be over 50, affluent decline in the Euro meaning that land- Immersion, the LMN as we call it: and erudite. They like understated informal based holidays in the Mediterranean are Longer Stays luxury complimented by outstanding far cheaper. Cruise has been the best value More Overnights service. They enjoy cooking, reading and play for years, but with the decline in the Night Touring

CV "The breadth of December 2013 – Present product for the Azamara Club Cruises, managing director, UK & Ireland consumer is

June 2013 – December 2013 unrivalled." Kuoni Travel UK, interim consultant

October 2010 – April 2013 Virgin Holidays Cruises & Fast Track Ski, managing director

October 2007 – August 2010 Tui Specialist Division, director

September 2004 – September 2007 Air New Zealand, head of sales, UK and Hong Kong

June 1998 – September 2004 Cathay Pacific Airways, leisure sales manager and sales executive, UK

January 1994 – May 1998 Travelbag, manager

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 23 in pictures

24 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 CUNARD CELEBRATES

For the first time, Cunard’s Three Queens fleet gathered together in Liverpool, where the company began, as it marked its 175th anniversary on May 25 this year. The event culminated with Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria lined up across the River Mersey as the Red Arrows performed a fly-past overhead to 1.3 million spectators, making it the biggest crowd for a maritime event in history. Travel agents were invited to enjoy the celebrations from special vantage points. Here’s the event in pictures.

Agents enjoying the celebrations… Pictured left to right are Jayne Drury-May from Vision Cruise; Pictured from the left are Louise Webster, Michelle Hallett, Karen Richard Cross and Dominic Tolley from Holiday & Cruise Channel; Hogan and Steve McGinn, all from Travel Counsellors. with Hayley Edwards of Cunard.

july/august 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 to p l e f t Atrium, MSC Aurea Spa, Red Velvet restaurant, Dione McGregor, MSC Fantasia

SPA Dione McGregor, a Cruise Plus consultant at Travel 2 in I booked into the Aurea Spa for a package Glasgow, recently attended a familiarisation trip on board that included a body scrub and then a full the MSC Fantasia to the Western Med. Here’s her feedback. body massage. The masseuse was really lovely and took me to a spa room which looked out to sea, enriching the experience.

SHORE EXCURSION FAM-TASTIC The experience off the ship was also excellent and while in Naples we did the Pompeii tour. Our tour rep was superb. EXPERIENCE She is from the area of Pompeii and started setting the scene for the tour the minute we sat on the coach. joined 45 other agents aboard MSC couple or with other passengers. Fantasia for the MSC Cruises Megafam. WHAT ELSE? As part of our Cruise Plus product There are plenty of amenities on board I POOL AREAS at Travel 2, we have recently launched a The main pool area is spacious and is to keep you entertained and I had the dedicated MSC brochure which has proven great for adults and children with its water pleasure of trying the 4D experience. I took extremely popular with our agents. fountains, Jacuzzi, pool and bar area. a space roller coaster ride which had me Through selling MSC and as a result The ice-cream parlour there has the screaming and laughing in equal measure. of many training events, I felt my product best ice cream I have tasted, and the The kids areas are fantastic for families and knowledge for MSC was strong. However, additional €3 charge at the Nutella crepe cater for all ages. I was still amazed when I saw the ship and station was worth the money. There is My last day was spent on the top Sun amenities on board. also a large indoor pool with a retractable Deck (18) and it’s a must for €10 for a full roof. day. This adult-only haven was the best day CABIN at sea for me as the peace and tranquillity I had a balcony cabin which was extremely THEATRE of the place is just bliss. generous in size with a flat screen TV and We saw some shows in the huge theatre and a minibar. they were all brilliant. The highlight for me WHO DOES IT SUIT? was the Michael Jackson tribute. I would recommend MSC for all travellers FOOD as there are so many different activities on The selection of food both hot and cold BARS the ship and so many different areas you was fantastic. The 'best pizzas at sea' is a The bars are plentiful and the Allegrissimo can spend your time. You would definitely bold claim but I’m definitely in agreement package, a standard all-inclusive package never be bored and the food is fantastic. with the MSC team here! for European itineraries offering alcoholic I will be returning in the future with my At night we ate in the speciality drinks, soft drinks and ice cream plus family as the staff and ship are great. restaurant Red Velvet, where a set seven- speciality coffee, is well worth the extra €30. course menu is on offer. This is a waiter I would definitely recommend this as the BOOKINGS MADE service. It is a much more personal dining cocktails are fantastic and the bar is stocked Since returning from the trip, I’ve booked experience and you can choose to dine as a with all the brand names. four couples with MSC.

26 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 New! EXEXTRAORDINAORDINORDINARY OOFFOFFERFFERS

POINTS OF DISTINCTION FREE AIRFARE* on every voyage

M id-size, elegegant ships catering to just 684 or 1,250 guests 8 F inest cuisine at sea, served in a variety FREE Airfare of distinctive open-seating rerestaurants, FREE InInternenet at no adadditional charge FREE Gratuities FREE House Beverage Package G ourmet culinary programme crafted Available on Veranda Staterooms and above on select voyages by world-renowned Master Chefhef House Beverage Package includes unlimited cchhampagne, wine and bebeer with luncnch and dinner Jacques Pépin 8 S pectacacularar port-intensive ititineraries featuring overninight visits and When your clients reserve a Veranda Stateroom extended evenining port stays or above on any Oceania Cruises’ C ountry club casual ambbiiance; Summer 2016 voyage tuxedos and gowns are never required to Europe, Alaska or Canada.* T he Culinary Centre – the only Fares begin at £2,249 per guest hands-on cooking scchhool at sea+

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CALL 0845 505 1920 OR CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL AGENT CALL 0845 505 1920W ORWW WW.OCEANIW.OCEANIACRUISES.ACRUISES.COMCOM/AGENT

*OLife Advantage amenities are subject to change and apply to Veranda Staterooms and above. For OLife Advantage mention Promotion Code: OLIFE. Free Internet applies to one guest per stateroom. Free Beverage package applies to rst two full-fare paying guests of 21 years of age or older per stateroom. Not all promotions are combinable. “Free Airfare” promotion does not include ground transfers and applies to coach,economy, roundtrip roundtrip ights ights only only from from select select gateways. gateways. For For details details visit visit OceaniaCruises.com/terms. OceaniaCruises.com/terms. Ships’ Ships’ Regist Registry: ry:Marshall Marshall Islands. Islands. PRO40712 PRO40712

PRO40712 Travel Weekly OLife Ad_V2.indd 1 7/2/15 11:31 AM at a glance

At a glance… VIKING STAR

Viking Ocean Cruises‘ first ship the Viking Star embarked on its maiden voyage from Istanbul to Venice and was christened in Bergen on May 17. It’s the travel industry’s first entirely new cruise line in a decade with a focus on destination cruising, smaller in size so as to reach the destination more easily. Here’s a guide at a glance.

EXCURSIONS More than 350 excursions offered

ROOM Pools SERVICE 3 pools 24-hour room service Glass-backed infinity pool cantilevered off the stern Outdoor pool Dining Plunge pool in the spa 9 different dining experiences including World Café, Mamsen’s, Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant, Kitchen Table 3 alfresco choices - The Restaurant, Aquavit Terrace, The Pool Grill

on board 10,000 plates washed a day 800 loaves of bread baked per day 4,200-5,400 eggs used per day 3,350 pieces of luggage moved per cruise 440 lbs of potatoes prepared per day 9,000 uniforms pressed per day

28 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 Cabins

Total passengers 930 Staterooms 465 Veranda 42 PUBLIC AREAS spa Deluxe Veranda 272 Explorers’ Lounge LivNordic Spa with more than 30 spa Penthouse Veranda 104 Viking Living Room treatments using the Nordic ritual of a Penthouse junior suites 32 Wintergarden hydrotherapy pool and the first Snow Explorer suites 14 Wrap-around promenade deck Room at sea Owner’s suite 1 The Theater

Fast Facts

Speed 20 knots Steel 11,484 tons Tonnage 47,800 Hours to build 1.8m Crew 497

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 29 8 of the best

ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT Cruise ship entertainment now rivals anything that you find on dry land. As the sun goes down, the curtain rises on dazzling shows and spectacles. Here's our guide to eight of the best ships.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE DISNEY DREAM Not surprisingly, Disney Cruise Line knows a thing or two about entertainment, with captivating shows to enchant all ages. Disney’s Believe is a 50-minute musical spectacular that includes 300 costumes alone. It’s a heart-warming tale of a workaholic father who reconnects with his daughter through the power of magic and learns about what’s important in life. More than 20 Disney characters take to the stage including Cinderella, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, Belle from Beauty and The Beast and Rafiki from The Lion King. In another venue, Tangled: The Musical takes the songs and characters of the animated feature film and brings them to life.

disneycruise.com

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL ANTHEM OF THE SEAS The pioneer of showcasing West End and Broadway musicals at sea, Royal Caribbean is currently staging the Olivier Award-winning Queen tribute musical We Will Rock You. Written by comedian and author Ben Elton, the instantly recognisable score includes smash hits such as Radio Ga Ga, I Want to Break Free, Bohemian Rhapsody and, of course, We Will Rock You. The feel-good show shares the limelight with Spectra’s Cabaret, a unique multimedia extravaganza exclusive to Anthem of the Seas that combines cinema and music, and The Gift, another original production that takes passengers on a fantastic musical journey.

royalcaribbean.co.uk

30 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 ONBOARD ENTERTAINMENT

P&O CRUISES BRITANNIA P&O is continuing its partnership with Strictly Come Dancing into 2016, immersing passengers in a world of glamour, glitz and glitter balls. The themed cruises are joined by four of the show’s professional dancers, with guest judges such as Anton du Beke and Arlene Phillips. There are sizzling performances, classes, book signings and costume displays. Dance enthusiasts can become one of the stars of the onboard competition, culminating in a live final. Whether clients want to learn to tango or quickstep, or simply sit back and soak up all things Strictly, these cruises offer a unique experience.

pocruises.com

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES NORWEGIAN GETAWAY Be totally amazed with a magic-infused meal in the Illusionarium. Featuring top magicians and illusionists, the circular entertainment venue is the first of its kind at sea. A three-course dinner is served against an atmospheric backdrop while a mystical storyline plays out around the room, with images screened onto a video dome above the heads of diners. To add to the experience, tables in the back rows of the Illusionarium rise and fall during the performance, and some seats even shake – so be careful when you sip your soup! Also exclusively on Getaway is the seven-time Tony Award-nominated Legally Blonde: The Musical.

ncl.co.uk

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES CARNIVAL BREEZE Carnival takes fun and games at sea to a new level with Hasbro, The Game Show, where favourite family games come to life in a TV- style onstage gaming show. From Sorry! Sliders to Yahtzee Bowling, Connect 4 Basketball, Operation Slam Dunk and Simon Flash, passengers can team up with friends and family to win great prizes – all in front of a live audience. For more amusement, Carnival’s ‘curator of comedy’ is American funny man George Lopez who has helped select talent for the Punchliner Comedy Club. Breeze is also one of the vessels that features Carnival Live concerts with big name stars.

carnival.co.uk

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 31 8 of the best

STAR CLIPPERS ROYAL CLIPPER Star Clippers offers a totally different cruising experience aboard its beautiful tall ships. There’s no room for a theatre on the 227-passenger Royal Clipper, so people can expect a very different style of entertainment in the teak deck bar where the accent is firmly on light-hearted fun. Pirate night is a regular event and guests have the option to dress up and join members of the crew in suitably swashbuckling gear. The music quiz sees different nationalities running into a chalk circle to ring a brass bell and answer the questions, and frog racing with hardboard amphibians is also very amusing.

starclippers.co.uk

CUNARD QUEEN MARY 2 Clients are guaranteed to have stars in their eyes on Cunard’s flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2. The ship features a host of highly acclaimed guest speakers, and the line-up for 2016 includes best-selling author Bill Bryson, sports ambassador Dame Kelly Holmes and journalist Martin Bashir. This autumn, Crosby Stills and Nash and Natalie Cole, daughter of the legendary Nat King Cole, will be performing on transatlantic crossings from New York to Southampton. Stars of a different kind can be found in Queen Mary 2’s planetarium, the only one at sea, with dramatic productions focusing on the night sky.

cunard.com

VIKING CRUISES VIKING STAR The line best-known for its river vessels cuts a class act with its first seagoing ship Viking Star. Instead of the usual rows of fixed seats in the main theatre the ship has soft and spacious sofas to see the comedy and musical shows in comfort. There are also two cinemas to watch new and classic films. Elsewhere the entertainment includes a sophisticated classical trio, pianist and guitarist, who play in different lounges and public areas including the airy ‘living room’, which is the atrium area. Passengers can also expect surprise ‘pop up’ acts around the ship, such as the pair of resident dancers performing the tango or flamenco, and eloquent poetry readings.

vikingcruises.co.uk/oceans

32 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 industry insight celebrity cruises

Family tour challenge, FlamencoXxx dance off

Setting an unforgettable holiday scene for clients

s summer gets well and truly designed by intrepid explorer Ben Fogle underway, one thing I’m looking such as speeding around the sunny seas Aforward to is the influx of movie of Croatia on a RIB or donning a wetsuit blockbusters hitting the cinema screen. and snorkelling with salmon in Norway. Much like a holiday, a trip to the cinema Plan a series of hijinks where the kids carries us away into a world removed from challenge mum and dad to learn Flamenco our everyday lives and when I’m not on in Barcelona and the whole family teams the road for work I like nothing more than up against another in a fun-filled dance off. some quality family time with my husband Or simply design a story that indulges in and son. Whether we are jetting off to a the romance of it all and features sipping galaxy far, far away or getting lost in a on a glass of wine picked out by renowned world filled with genetically engineered CLAIRE STIRRUP expert, Oz Clarke as the guest lounges on a dinosaurs, it is sharing the journey and head of sales, UK & Ireland, private balcony overlooking an all-star cast being able to recount our favourite Celebrity Cruises of destinations in one luxurious escape. memories of that journey that counts. With the world, quite literally at your “Do you remember that sunset we fingertips you don't need to be a Spielberg watched as we sailed out of Mykonos?”, or a Scorsese to craft a story that will live “How about when we spent a day in Venice Set the scene; will your lead characters on in clients' memories. And agents who and learned how to be a gondolier?” be setting sail from home or headed for are registered to the Celebrity Cruises Family memories of treasured moments further-flung adventures in the sun-drenched Celebrity Rewards loyalty programme will turn into the stories we share over and Caribbean, taking in the breathtaking views earn points as they sell holidays and these over with others. In selling a holiday and of Alaska, exploring the Arabian coast can be used to redeem on crafting their creating the itinerary for a client, agents from Abu Dhabi or even all the way Down own Oscar worthy holiday script. are drafting the screenplay to the latest Under to Oz? And all of the major genres instalment of escapism and a story that are there for the taking. Craft a James For more information on what’s available to offer they will cherish for years to come. Bond style action adventure with escapades clients visit: cruisingpower.co.uk

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 33 review a-rosa flora

A NEW KID ON THE BLOCK A review of the A-Rosa Flora, now being sold in the UK.

by Jeannine Williamson

ounded in 2000 to cater for its deck and 27 on the lower deck. The 77 and flowers, fruit basket replenished daily, domestic German market, most standard staterooms measure 156 square stocked minibar, robe, slippers, additional British travellers - and agents - feet and have French balconies, with large toiletries, complimentary laundry and Fwill not know the A-Rosa name. panoramic windows that open, or fixed ironing service and reserved tables in the However, that’s changing as the line is now windows on the lower deck. There are two smaller dining area. marketing in the UK and selling selected junior suites that measure 226 square feet cruises through Titan Travel. and have French balconies, plus two suites Public areas Sailing on the Rhine, Moselle, Main, that are 312 square feet and have a walk- The ship is imaginatively divided into Danube, Rhone and Saone, A-Rosa offers out veranda and French balcony. There different areas, rather than the cavernous some standout features in the ever-growing are two twin-bed cabins and the remainder lounge and dining room set-up on many river cruise market. These include proper spa facilities, included drinks throughout - the day and relaxed, adaptable itineraries. "A Rosa offers some standout features in the Launched in 2013, A-Rosa Flora is the ever-growing river cruise market." newest ship in the 11-strong fleet and one of the ‘international’ vessels with a dedi- have fixed double beds. vessels. This creates more of a cosy, hotel- cated host for English-speaking passengers. Cabins are light and brightly decorated. style feel. Rose-themed colours of pink and And with a pair of bright red lips holding Nice touches include a canopy over the bed green, combined with modern artwork, a rose on the bow, you certainly can't miss and stem vases filled with water waiting in create a modern vibe. The upper deck this distinctive looking ship. the cabins - all passengers are given a red panoramic lounge bar, with a small dance rose on arrival. Standard cabin amenities floor, has a mix of comfy chairs, window Accommodation include TVs, hair dryer, telephone, safe seats, bar stools and tables. The sun deck is All 83 cabins are river-facing, with 26 and air conditioning. Benefits for suite a lovely spot, with chairs, tables, loungers on the upper deck, 30 on the middle guests include welcome sparkling wine and a bar. There is no lift.

34 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 A-ROSA FLORA Fast Facts

Passengers 186 Crew 50 Cabins 83 Cabin size 156 -312 square feet Decks 3 Length 135m (443ft)

A-Rosa USP Flexible, value for money cruises offering passengers the freedom to pick and choose what they want to do.

fa r l e f t A-Rosa Flora l e f t French balcony stateroom to p A-Rosa Flora's bar and lounge a b ov e Cooking station on the innovative buffet

Food and drink spa and fitness overly ‘organised’ and prefer to do their In another break with the norm, virtually Flora boasts more facilities than most river own thing. As Flora moors in the heart of all meals are buffet-style with food vessels, with a stand-alone spa that includes towns and cities it’s usually very easy to presented in a well laid out walk-through a massage room, sauna, gym, showers, explore independently. area separate from the main dining room. changing room and peaceful relaxation This will particularly appeal to clients who area. There’s a heated pool on the sun deck, Sell it prefer informal dining arrangements and large enough to swim around, and a fleet of Titan Travel features a selection of A-Rosa less rigidly enforced mealtimes. bicycles used on guided tours and available itineraries including festive markets on the There is a wide choice of international for passengers to rent at other times. Danube and Rhine and cruises in Belgium, food and regional specialities, plus plenty the Netherlands and southern France. of vegetarian and healthy choice options, Service New for 2015, the four-night Enchanting including A-Rosa’s trademark rye bread Although there is a special host for English Christmas Markets on the Rhine, departing which passengers can buy to take home. speakers, the friendly and attentive crew on December 3 and 11 on A-Rosa Flora, There are served dinners, usually three members all speak excellent English. leads in at £729pp based on two sharing, a week, themed to a different cuisine. Tipping at the end of the cruise is including all meals and drinks throughout These take place in the intimate, small discretionary. the day (excluding Champagne and some 36-seat dining room and numbers are premium brands), one shore excursion, limited. Shore Excursions complimentary wifi, flights (with free International passengers receive one There’s only one included shore excursion connections from regional airports) and complimentary a la carte dinner and per cruise, leaving passengers to decide Titan’s door-to-door VIP Home Departure can book others on a chargeable basis. whether they want to pay to join other Service. All drinks, with the exception of a small group tours. This policy means fares are number of premium brands, are included reasonably priced and the arrangement is For further information call 0800 988 5166 or visit in the fare. ideal for clients who don’t like feeling titanagents.co.uk

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 35 made for the star struck Prepare to be dazzled by the pulling power of the Viking Star

Sleek, Scandinavian design; cool, contemporary interiors; all-veranda staterooms and the first ever glass-walled infinity pool at sea are just some of the features that will leave your customers open-mouthed in wonder. Add to that: • An inspiring choice of exciting itineraries, from Scandinavia and the Baltic to the Mediterranean and the Holy Lands • An average of 11 hours in port, with an included guided tour in most • Exceptional service, cuisine and value for money

Get on board with Viking Ocean Cruises and you could be looking at your new star seller. Call our sales team seven days a week on 020 8780 7985 or visit vikingoceancruises.co.uk. It’s made for agents like you.

CTN_210X288_DPS_v4.indd 2-3 17/07/2015 10:50 made for the star struck Prepare to be dazzled by the pulling power of the Viking Star

CTN_210X288_DPS_v4.indd 2-3 17/07/2015 10:50 new to cruise expedition cruises

38 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 Into the unknown

If clients don’t fancy joining the millions cruising the Med or Baltic, send them on an expedition cruise. Only the adventurous need apply. by Jane Archer

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 39 new to cruise expedition cruises

p r e v i o u s pag e Silversea Silver Explorer c lo c k w i s e f r o m l e f t Sea Lion, Galapagos; Hurtigruten MS Fram; Hurtigruten Midnatsol

hat are the main reasons your clients won’t consider going on a cruise? That it’s Wnot very adventurous? Too formal? Too regimented? The ships are too big and full of old people? If they quote just one of these excuses, they are prime candidates for an expedition cruise to one of the more remote places on the planet. They are certainly adventurous – even today very few people can say they have been to the polar regions, sailed around the Galapagos islands, through the Northwest Passage or cruised the Kamchatka Peninsula (in fact, most people probably can’t even locate the latter on a map). Ships that go off the beaten track are small, attract people who might not be in their first flush but are certainly young at heart, looking for an adventure and prepared to expect the unexpected. excluding flights. While luxury lines such as Silversea and However, if the usual cruising Seabourn have jumped into the market, Hurtigruten paradigm works – that once people have they offer an adventurous experience goes exploring taken their first holiday at sea, they will be that has stayed faithful to the expedition back for another – everyone’s a winner. philosophy. in Norway The client has found a holiday to love, So on board you find expedition teams Hurtigruten has revamped its agents earn good commission and the of botanists, naturalists and geologists who Norwegian coastal voyage cruise industry has hooked a new follower. lecture about the flora, fauna and geology programme to offer more expedition- of the places being visited instead of a style cruises for those in search of Pole to pole troupe of singers and dancers and glitzy adventure. The polar regions are the top choices when shows. They also lead trips ashore – usually Starting January 2016, three it comes to expedition cruising thanks to landing by inflatable craft on to beaches or of Hurtigruten’s working ships nature documentaries on TV, Disney’s rocks. (Nordnorge, Nordkapp and Nordlys) film Happy Feet and the excitement of Clients heading to the Galapagos will will be sailing the coastal voyage from following in the footsteps of explorers such need beach shoes for wet landings; those Bergen to Kirkenes and back with as Sir Ernest Shackleton. packing for Antarctica or the Arctic need an expedition team on board who Cruise lines heading to the South Pole to swap posh suits and frocks with jumpers, will organise hikes and lecture about mainly sail around the Antarctic Peninsular, woolly hats, scarves and gloves. Many everything from the local flora and allowing passengers to go ashore and walk cruise lines sailing to the White Continent fauna to Viking history and climate on the snow among the penguins. For those have Wellington boots for hire (either change. who want to explore deeper into the ice, complimentary or for a charge); if not, Prices are the same as the Quark Expeditions has a few cruises that go clients will need those too. traditional coastal voyage – from south of the Antarctic Circle. Expedition cruises are not cheap – a £689 per person cruise-only for a Most visitors to Antarctica are cruising 10-day voyage around Spitsbergen on seven-day Classic Voyage North on small ships that hold 500 passengers Silversea’s Silver Explorer in June 2016 or less, as they are the only ones allowed xel. M Mosler xel. from Bergen to Kirkenes departing costs from £5,150 per person excluding November 21 2016 – but clients will to operate landings (the likes of Holland flights, Ponant’s 10-night Emblematic have to buy a hiking pass, payable America Line and Azamara Club Cruises Antarctica cruise departing in December locally. can cruise to the peninsular but only offer

Richard Freitag; A Freitag; Richard 2016 costs from €5,860 per person sightseeing voyages).

40 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 AN ELEGANT WAY TO DISCOVER THE WORLD A small-ship discovery cruise gives passengers access to many off-the-beaten-track ports that larger vessels simply cannot reach. On board the ships a host of excellent facilities are complemented by an award-winning Guest Speaker programme, and a friendly and intimate atmosphere prevails.

Hebridean Princess accommodates fewer than 50 guests in unrivalled luxury, while Voyages of Discovery’s Voyager and Swan Hellenic’s Minerva take 540 and 350 passengers respectively to a host of amazing destinations across the globe in style and comfort.

For more information or marketing support contact trade sales on 01858 588 406 or [email protected]

MB_1189 TW Small Ship Advert 280x210.indd 1 16/07/2015 14:34

new to cruise expedition cruises

Passengers can also stay ashore only one hour, which is usually quite long enough as landing sites are small and there are tight restrictions on where they can walk. Antarctica cruises are usually 10 days round-trip from Ushuaia in Argentina, but there are longer cruises that take in the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, to see where Shackleton is buried, and the South Shetland Islands. c lo c k w i s e f r o m a b ov e Top 50 Years Victory, Quark Starting September 2016, Hurtigruten Expeditions; Silversea Kimberley cruise; 50 Years Victory is basing a second ship in the region and offering new two-week cruises to the White Continent from Punta Arenas in Chile (see news, p4). Also new, Ponant’s new ship Le Lyrial makes its Antarctica debut in winter 2016/17 and will be one of three sister ships the French company has in the region. Where Antarctica is all about penguins and visited in our winter (the austral summer), the Arctic is the land of the polar bear and visited in summer. Expedition There are also expedition cruises teams take trips ashore here too, but only around Iceland that nip and out of fjords once they have made sure the area is clear and visit Akuyeryi for excursions to Lake of prowling bears. Once on land, it is Mytavn and to see boiling mud pool and important passengers keep together under steaming sulphur pits. From €2,860 per the protection of armed guides. person for a seven-night voyage round-trip Most cruise lines visiting the Arctic from Reykjavik with Ponant departing July can get as far as the northern edge of 27 2016. Spitsbergen, the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago; for clients with deep Turn up the heat pockets in search of the ultimate extreme But adventure cruising does not have to adventure, Quark has voyages to the North mean icebergs, snow and ice – and clients Pole on Russia nuclear icebreaker 50 Years are not restricted to choosing an ocean of Victory. voyage. The vessel carries just 128 passengers; Aqua Expeditions, Avalon Waterways many are a lot smaller - and visit two at the North Pole they can celebrate with a and Rainforest Cruises, for instance, have landing sites each day so folk can see a ride in a helicopter or hot air balloon over adventure cruises on the upper Amazon good cross-section of wildlife, from giant the snowy wastes. From $28,745/£18,467 River, where passengers can walk through tortoises and marine iguanas to booby birds per person for 14 nights departing June 26 the jungle, visit native villages and see and lava lizards. From £4,450 per person 2016 including pre and post cruise nights monkeys, piranha fish, pink river dolphins, cruise-only departing October 10 for a in Helsinki and return flights from Helsinki and exotic birds, and much more. Starting seven-night cruise plus two nights in Quito to Murmansk. International flights are not October, US-based Haimark is launching and return flights between Ecuador and the included. seven-night voyages on the Peruvian islands. Quark also has an extreme adventure Amazon round-trip from Iquitos on the In the Pacific, Silversea has expedition cruises in the Arctic on Kapitan new 44-passenger Amazon Discovery (see cruises in Alaska, Japan, in Eastern Russia Khlebnikov that take passengers through p15). (including to the Kamchatka Peninsula), the Northeast Passage (across the top of Clients can get up close to exotic birds and the Kimberley - for those still Russia). From $29,995/£19,270 per person and giant tortoises on Variety Cruises’ looking, it’s in Northern Australia - on the for 26 days cruising from Anadyr in Russia seven-night voyages around the Seychelles 100-passenger Silver Discoverer. to Longyearbyen in Spitsbergen departing on the 46-passenger Pegasus, sold in the Clients choosing the Kimberley cruise July 10 2016. UK by Seafarer Cruises and Saga Cruises. will fly over the beehive-like Bungle For clients who have cruised the poles, Silversea and Celebrity Cruises are Bungle mountain range, splash through suggest Greenland or the Northwest among companies that offer voyages the Horizontal Falls on Zodiacs and see Passage, the sea route from Canada to around the Galapagos, an archipelago of the spectacle of seeing the Montgomery Greenland discovered by Norwegian islands 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador Reef appear to rise out of the water. From explorer Roald Amundsen on an expedition where visitors can get up close to the £6,550 per person cruise-only for a 10-day between 1903 and 1906, and offered by the animals as they have no fear of humans. voyage from Darwin to Broome including likes of Ponant, Quark and Hapag-Lloyd Ships sailing in the Galapagos are all soft and alcoholic beverages and Cruises. allowed a maximum 100 passengers – gratuities.

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 43 making waves cmv

now we are four And with a river arm as well… Cruise & Maritime Voyages had already shown there was a gap in the market for its British-style lower premium product – and then along came Magellan

by JANE ARCHER

ruise & Maritime Voyages is such Marco Polo, which was based year-round in of German operator Transocean, and a successful fixture in the UK Tilbury, and Ocean Countess, which sailed opened offices in the US, Australia and cruise industry it’s a surprise to a summer season of cruises from regional Germany. Cbe reminded that the company, ports around the UK. Fast forward five It is meteoric growth by anyone’s which targets retired British holidaymakers, years and CMV not only owns three ships standards, all the more remarkable given has only been around since 2010. and charters a fourth, but it has also moved the UK was still going through a major Back then it was chartering two ships - into river cruising through the acquisition financial crisis when CMV first went on

44 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 c lo c k w i s e f r o m l e f t Magellan at sea, the reception and bar

customers who want to British-style cruise Bristol Avonmouth, Leith, Liverpool and on a larger ship but don’t like the big vessels Greenock) and also hosting a Dad’s Army now we are four sailing from the UK. The ship is 95% sold legends themed cruise, with stars from the for this year and passengers who have sailed classic TV show and a new feature film on her are already booking again for 2016. that hits the box office on February 8. The “She is fresh, spacious and has a six-night fjords voyage departs Tilbury on relaxed feel, but with the cruise traditions April 4 2016. of fixed dining and formal nights. Magellan Ever since its launch, CMV has is attracting slightly younger passengers [in supported the trade, paying a generous CMV speak, that means people aged 60 12.5% base commission and referring instead of 65]. We find the ‘emerging greys’ bookings back to the agent who introduced like tradition, but want different music in a client if that customer subsequently books the shows – more 1960s than Vera Lynn.” direct. The payback is that 80% of sales are Not everyone is a fan. Coates said through the trade. some past passengers find Magellan too big, but that’s no problem as CMV still has the much-loved 800-passenger Marco Polo, which this year is celebrating her 50th anniversary. “We will continue to operate Marco Polo as long as she keeps running and there is strong demand for her,” said Coates. “And there really is huge demand. People like her traditional charm, the fact she is homely and a real ship. We put on one 50th anniversary sailing this year and had to add another as it was so popular.” Now usurped as CMV’s flagship, next year Marco Polo will instead sail the company’s regional cruise programme, replacing the 550-passenger Azores, which the company charters and is being sub- chartered to Paris-based Rivages du Monde "Magellan is a game- from May 2016. Coates said: “We launched our 2016 changer for us." sale, and due, no doubt, to offering the programme at the end of May and are on Chris Coates right product (traditional British cruising) at course to sell 30% of our total capacity by commercial director, the right price (the average for nine nights the end of July, so we do need more space Cruise & Maritime Voyages is a very affordable £1,000 per person) at but Azores (which is being renamed Astoria the right time. at the end of this summer) is small and But commercial director Chris Coates, a smaller ships are expensive to operate. We Coates said: “We have never reduced cruise industry veteran who has clocked up are in growth mode, but we need the right commission or tried to tell agents how they 32 years’ experience in various chartering, capacity to satisfy demand.” should manage their margins. We get as sales and broking roles, also picked out two CMV’s fourth ship, the 600-passenger many agents as possible on board to see key moments he believes have played a vital Astor, offers liner voyages between Britain, the ships and have a big trade sales team role in the company’s success. Australia, New Zealand and South for the size of the company.” Lisa Jacobs, One was in 2011, when Greek America in winter, but spends summer head of trade sales, is responsible for eight company Global Maritime Group bought sailing for Transocean’s German-speaking people. a 50% stake in CMV and moved it from customers. Although the commission is paid on chartering ships to owning them. The other Marco Polo might have been demoted competitive prices, with buy-one-get-one- was in March, when the 1,250-passenger from flagship status, but Coates stressed free offers at launch and discounts through Magellan joined the fleet. that regional departures are as important the year, an agent who gets to know the She wasn’t a new ship – she celebrated to CMV as its traditional small-ship style product and drives volume sales can make her 30th birthday in July, when by an and keen prices. “Our passengers can a healthy income. incredible co-incidence was in Aalborg, drive to the port, where we usually have Coates said: “We aim to reward early Denmark, where she was built (CMV the terminal to ourselves so embarkation is booking and it works. It’s a competitive organised for 200 of the former shipyard easy. Compare that to an airport or having market and you have to be switched on to workers to come on board for lunch) – but to get to Southampton. It is a huge selling deliver the right prices, but our target is to as a former Carnival Cruise Line vessel, she point and an area we want to develop, have 70% of our 70,000-passenger capacity has raised the bar for CMV. along with more themed cruises.” sold for 2016 by the end of this year. Based “Magellan is a game-changer for us. For 2016, Marco Polo will be visiting on current sales, I am confident it can be She is bringing a lot of business from new eight UK ports (Tilbury, Hull, Newcastle, achieved.”

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 45 CMV launches 2016/2017 Complete Cruise Collection

sailing from London Tilbury on January 5 2017 for 120 nights taking in the Caribbean, Australia and Asia at prices from £8,999. The Marco Polo, celebrating her 50th Golden Anniversary this year, will be operating from more UK ruise & Maritime Voyages recently launched ports in 2016. London Tilbury, Hull, Newcastle, Edinburgh its 2016/17 cruise brochure. The programme Leith, Glasgow Greenock, Liverpool and Bristol offers cruises featuring itineraries and Avonmouth are all included for next year. durations from eight British ports. It includes Astor has a programme of long-haul premium all four ships in the CMV fleet, Marco Polo, Astor, Astoria, voyages to and from Australia and New Zealand. It is and the latest addition, Magellan. possible to combine these itineraries with sectors COn all cruise departures, incentives are available of Magellan’s World Cruise allowing passengers the for booking by July 31 2015, with most on a buy one opportunity to do more touring or visit friends or get one free basis equating to reductions of up to 50%. relatives. Prices start from £149pp for a two-night cruise from Azores is being renamed Astoria next year and London Tilbury to Amsterdam. will have a programme of departures from Bristol Launching the new brochure, CMV’s head of trade Avonmouth. sales, Lisa Jacobs, said: “CMV has now established Also included in the brochure are details of scenic itself as a firm favourite for those seeking a traditional river cruises under the CMV Signature River Cruises British cruise experience. We operate a fleet of small to brand. Three premium vessels are in the river cruise medium-sized cruise ships, so we are able to offer value fleet; Bellejour, Belvedere and Bellefleur, offering a range and personal service with the aim of providing a leisurely of itineraries including the Rhine, Danube, Rhône and ‘country house’ style cruise experience. More intimate Saône. ships allow us to visit places that are not accessible to Highlights from the new brochure include: the larger ships. The new brochure features even more Early booking ‘Buy One Get One Free’ offers sailings from regional ports as our passengers enjoy the Fjordland cruises from £429 per person convenience this brings.” Deals for singles – save up to 50% On board Magellan, the cruise line has introduced Group benefits for 12 adults or more 150 superior grade cabins available at a 25% Magellan’s Grand Maiden Round the World supplement for single travellers. Most Magellan cruises Cruise 2017 will depart from London Tilbury but also from Newcastle Premium voyage service to and from and Dundee. Australasia The company has also recently announced that CMV Signature River Cruises – river cruises of the ship will make her maiden Round the World voyage, distinction

46 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 advertisement feature

c lo c k w i s e f r o m l e f t Magellan; Columbus lounge, Marco Polo; small pool, Magellan; Marco Polo; Sirens lounge, Astoria.

CMV gets closer to the travel trade “Since we added the 1,250 passenger Magellan to our fleet, we have been able to offer our travel trade partners much increased capacity and therefore more sales opportunities. Whilst maintaining CMV’s traditional British cruise experience, Magellan brings a more contemporary look, yet retains the smaller ship benefits that many of your customers still prefer. Among the best deals for 2016 are the Majestic We now have a team of eight experienced and talented individuals Fjordland, from April 9 2016 for seven nights aboard to support the travel trade and drive sales. We are passionate about Magellan from Newcastle, full fare from £999pp - buy engaging further with all our partners and building relationships with one get one free deal equal to £499 per person. new ones. We provide a dedicated trade website, book online and Scottish Isles & Faroes, June 16 2016 for six nights cruise management technology, co-operative marketing support, a aboard Marco Polo from Hull, full fare from £939 - buy comprehensive ship visits programme and attractive cruise concessions. one get one free deal equal to £469 per person. We are also investing in developing a new training programme, regular Prices are per person based on two people sharing travel trade newsletters and educational opportunities. We believe that an inner cabin on a full board basis excluding gratuities at our commercial terms are among the best in the industry and it is our £5pp per night. aim to continue to provide a consistent and sustained level of support Check online for all details of CMV cruises to mutually grow our businesses. Thank you for all your past custom; we and for more information and other departures at look forward to working together in this exciting new era for CMV in British cruiseandmaritime.tv or at cruiseandmaritime.com. cruising.” For trade sales call 01708 893 102. Lisa Jacobs, head of trade sales, CMV.

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 47 caribbean

Royal Caribbean's ship Majesty of the Seas sails during sunset

48 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 Caribbean rides high

This tropical region rules the waves for the British market after being the only sector to notch up an increase in 2014. by SARA MACEFIELD

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 49 Introducing

Setting standards, measuring e ectiveness, applauding innovation and recognising excellence across the whole sector. The all new Wave Awards are open for cruise lines, travel agents, cruise advisers and destinations. Start thinking now about how your organisation or team can get involved and be celebrated for excellence at the ﬁ rst Wave Awards.

KEY DATES KEY INFORMATION Entries open June To learn all about the Awards, visit Entries close September www.thewaveawards.com

The judging will run throughout SPONSORSHIP October with a short-list declared To become a sponsor, contact by mid-November. dom.lawrencejones@ The Wave Awards will be presented cruisetradenews.com at a celebratory Awards dinner on February , 6 in London.

The WAVE AWARDS 6 are sponsored by

WaveAwards_210x280.indd 1 13/07/2015 13:11 caribbean

c lo c k w i s e f r o m to p NCL Compass Point, Nassau, Bahamas; Disney Aqua Duck; MSC Poesia he Caribbean continues to reign as the undisputed queen of the global cruise industry, accounting Tfor more than a third of total capacity, despite growing competition from other destinations across the world. Its winning combination of beautiful surroundings, year-round tropical climate and ease of access from US ports continues to help this exotic playground ride high, encouraging cruise lines to introduce more varied itineraries and invest in new facilities. Last year, the Caribbean enjoyed something of a success story from the UK with a 12% rise in passengers to 205,000 – making it the only region to notch up an increase during a year when the total British cruise market fell by five per cent to New islands 1.64 million. The Caribbean is the only cruising region hideaway situated on two adjoining islands This year, hopes are high that the in the world where cruise lines lease or own and NCL has invested $50 million in a growth will continue due to a reduction so many desert island-style retreats. water sports lagoon, an island-style village in the controversial Air Passenger Duty In all there are six such destinations, and other attractions. following amendments to the charging but this tally is rising with the addition of Carnival Corporation is adding Amber bands. two more hideaways. Cove, a new private retreat near Puerto Families, in particular, are set to Norwegian Cruise Line, which is Plata on the north coast of the Dominican benefit as children under 12 have also claimed to have started the trend after its Republic. been exempted from the tax, and this is predecessor, Norwegian Caribbean Line It welcomes its first ship – Carnival being extended to under 16-year-olds from bought Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, Cruise Lines’ Carnival Victory in October – March 1, 2016. is adding a second offshore retreat off the and will also host calls from other Carnival This is expected to give a shot in coast of southern Belize. brands such as P&O Cruises and Carnival’s the arm to fly-cruises from Caribbean Harvest Cay is a 75-acre eco-friendly new social impact brand, fathom. departure ports, such as Barbados, Jamaica, Cuba and Puerto Rico, which are increasingly being offered for cruise departures. Norwegian Cruise Line business development director for the UK, Ireland and Scandinavia, Nick Wilkinson, said the company had seen strong demand for the Caribbean with its newest ships, while its New York departures were also proving popular. “The Caribbean is looking extremely positive,” he added. “We’ve had a lot of success with bookings through agents passengers. Lauderdale for its maiden season. thanks to our Freestyle Choice campaign Norwegian and Carnival offer regular However, Miami continues to rule the which has given guests more benefits and sailings from the Big Apple to the Bahamas roost when it comes to cruise departures a greater ability to customise their holidays and the Caribbean, while RCI departs from for the Caribbean and this is where with packages such as free unlimited nearby Bayonne in New Jersey. Norwegian’s newest, and largest, ship premium drinks, free speciality dining or In October 2016, Disney Cruise Line Norwegian Escape will sail from when it free shore excursion credits.” returns to the city for a series of sailings launches this October. Tall ship line Windstar Cruises is to the Bahamas and Florida, enabling The 4,200-passenger vessel will be offering its first series of sailings from passengers to visit Walt Disney World – an based at the port year-round for Eastern Puerto Rico’s capital San Juan in 2016, hour’s drive from Port Canaveral. Caribbean itineraries. In late 2016 it will be while Norwegian is offering new itineraries Florida’s so-called Space Coast port joined by Disney Cruise Line for its debut from there. Royal Caribbean International is also gaining a higher profile for cruise season of Eastern and Western Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines also have departures, something that is likely to be voyages from Miami. regular departures from the island. fuelled by the arrival of RCI mega-ship MSC Cruises will also be returning in New York is being increasingly twinned Oasis of the Seas, which moves to the 2016 when it deploys MSC Divina for year- with Caribbean sailings as the prospect of port in winter 2016/17, as new sister round sailings and has recently announced a city-beach combination finds favour with ship Harmony of the Seas shifts to Fort that its 2,120-guest MSC Opera will

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 51 WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN FROM BARCELONA • 7NT FLY-CRUISE

SEE EUROPE Florence CANNES Pisa LIVORNO CIVITAVECCHIA BARCELONA Rome NAPLES DIFFERENTLY PALMA Pompeii

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

SHIP: NORWEGIAN EPIC WITH NORWEGIAN DEPARTURES: JUL – NOV 15 £ FROM 884pp* PRICE BASED ON 30 AUG 2015 7NT FLY-CRUISE FLIGHTS FROM LONDON GATWICK. £ BALTIC CAPITALS FROM 884pp* FROM COPENHAGEN • 9NT FLY-CRUISE NORTH SEA HELSINKI STOCKHOLM ST. PETERSBURG Only Norwegian Cruise Line brings your customers the endless TALLINN COPENHAGEN BALTIC SEA ® possibilities of Freestyle Cruising . With as many ways to have fun WARNEMÜNDE as there are tempting restaurants to dine in, they can escape the Berlin SHIP: NORWEGIAN STAR everyday, experience things and places they’ve only ever dreamed of DEPARTURE: JUL – SEP 15 and enjoy the freedom to create their best holiday ever. £ FROM 962pp* PRICE BASED ON 6 SEP 2015. FLIGHTS FROM LONDON GATWICK.

AEGEAN SEA FROM VENICE • 7NT FLY-CRUISE

VENICE SPLIT

DUBROVNIK

Athens KUSADASI PIRAEUS Ephesus MEDITERRANEAN SEA

SHIP: NORWEGIAN JADE DEPARTURE: JUL – OCT 15 £ FROM 1020pp* PRICE BASED ON 12 SEP 2015. FLIGHTS FROM LONDON GATWICK.

GRAND MEDITERRANEAN FROM VENICE/BARCELONA • 12NT FLY-CRUISE

VENICE Florence TOULON Pisa LIVORNO ISTANBUL Rome BARCELONA Athens CIVITAVECCHIA NAPLES Pompeii PIRAEUS KUSADASI Ephesus MEDITERRANEAN SEA MYKONOS

SHIP: NORWEGIAN SPIRIT DEPARTURE: AUG – OCT 15 £ FROM 1272pp* PRICE BASED ON 6 SEP 2015. FLIGHTS FROM LONDON GATWICK.

EXPLORE, BOOK & LEARN: www.agents-uk.ncl.eu CALL: 0845 201 8900^

NCL_UK PARTNERS FIRST UK

*Fares and offers are guideline prices, subject to availability and change at any time. Except where indicated all fares are per person based on £GBP, based on double/twin occupancy of an inside stateroom, including Government Taxes, Port Expenses & Fees, overseas transfers and flights from London Gatwick. Fares do not include regional flights, travel insurance, drinks, hotel meals, shore excursions, personal expenses, cover charge at selected restaurants, discretionary daily service charges payable on board or in advance, auto gratuity charges payable on board & any other item not expressly included in the fare. On board service charges are additional, applicable to the cruise (currently £8.25 per person per day in the following categories: Studio, Inside, Oceanview, Balcony & Mini Suite; £9.50 per person per day in Suites & The Haven Suite; no charge for children under 3) and will be added to the holiday price and shown separately on the confirmation invoice. All prices exclude discretionary daily service charge payable on board or in advance and auto gratuity charges payable on board. Fares shown are applicable only to bookings made through the Norwegian Cruise Line London office. Norwegian Cruise Line Booking Conditions apply – please see www.agents-uk.ncl.eu. Fares are correct at time of going to print July 2015. ^Service cost is 2ppm plus your access provider charge. ©2015 NCL Corporation LTD Ship’s Registry: Bahamas and United States of America. 5974.07.15

5974_Fi_CruiseTradeNews_FP_July_2015.indd 1 10.07.2015 16:33:17 caribbean

WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN FROM BARCELONA • 7NT FLY-CRUISE

SEE EUROPE Florence CANNES Pisa LIVORNO CIVITAVECCHIA BARCELONA Rome NAPLES homeport from December this year in DIFFERENTLY PALMA Pompeii Havana for the winter 2015-16 season. MEDITERRANEAN SEA Sixteen Caribbean cruises will be on SHIP: NORWEGIAN EPIC offer including visits to Jamaica, the WITH NORWEGIAN DEPARTURES: JUL – NOV 15 Cayman Islands and Mexico, with two £ nights and two and a half days in the FROM 884pp* PRICE BASED ON 30 AUG 2015 Cuban capital. FLIGHTS FROM LONDON GATWICK. When it comes to cruises with a 7NT FLY-CRUISE difference, the Caribbean has been BALTIC CAPITALS chosen as the testing ground for Carnival £ FROM COPENHAGEN • 9NT FLY-CRUISE Corporation’s new voluntourism voyages FROM 884pp* with its new brand fathom. NORTH SEA HELSINKI STOCKHOLM The seven-night “social impact” ST. PETERSBURG TALLINN sailings from Miami to Amber Cove in the Only Norwegian Cruise Line brings your customers the endless to p CMV Marco Polo COPENHAGEN BALTIC SEA Dominican Republic are due to start in l e f t ® Carnival Breeze possibilities of Freestyle Cruising . With as many ways to have fun WARNEMÜNDE April next year, using P&O Cruises’ vessel Waterworks as there are tempting restaurants to dine in, they can escape the Berlin Adonia. And if the concept takes off, it will be expanded through the Caribbean. everyday, experience things and places they’ve only ever dreamed of SHIP: NORWEGIAN STAR DEPARTURE: JUL – SEP 15 Celebrity Cruises is also changing its and enjoy the freedom to create their best holiday ever. £ Caribbean offering by introducing extra FROM 962pp* overnight stays on more than 40 sailings PRICE BASED ON 6 SEP 2015. FLIGHTS FROM LONDON GATWICK. from January 2016, which it claims will give it more overnights in the region than any other cruise line. AEGEAN SEA “Guests and travel agents love our FROM VENICE • 7NT FLY-CRUISE overnight programme in Europe, Asia and VENICE SPLIT around the world and this demand led us DUBROVNIK to revisit our Caribbean itineraries and add even more overnights,” explained the Athens KUSADASI PIRAEUS Ephesus line’s president and chief executive Lisa MEDITERRANEAN SEA Lutoff-Perlo. Among UK lines, this winter represents has joined the line’s other ship Marco Polo She promised that guests would now the final Caribbean fly-cruise programme by offering round-trip West Indies sailings SHIP: NORWEGIAN JADE be able to enjoy evenings “like a local” in a aboard P&O Cruises’ boutique ship Adonia from the UK. DEPARTURE: JUL – OCT 15 string of destinations including St Maarten, before it moves across to fathom next The line is also one of the few to visit £ Aruba, Curacao and Barbados. spring. the region’s more off-the-beaten-track FROM 1020pp* PRICE BASED ON 12 SEP 2015. Boutique line Paul Gauguin Cruises Sister ship Azura’s winter 2015 fly- spots such as Iles du Salut in French FLIGHTS FROM LONDON GATWICK. is adding a new itinerary for 2016 aboard cruise programme of 14-night sailings Guyana, Kingstown in St Vincent and the Tere Moana which stays overnight in each from Barbados includes the newly-opened Grenadine isles of Bequia and Mayreau. GRAND MEDITERRANEAN port on three stops in the British Virgin private retreat Amber Cove on the Thomson Cruises is building on the FROM VENICE/BARCELONA • 12NT FLY-CRUISE Islands, plus Anguilla, and St Barts. Dominican Republic. In December 2016, popularity of its Cuba sailings with a new Meanwhile, Oceania Cruises is it debuts a 14-night Caribbean itinerary Cuban Revolution itinerary this winter. VENICE Florence TOULON Pisa debuting the Dominican Republic resort of visiting islands including Antigua, St Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, which is LIVORNO ISTANBUL Rome Punta Cana on three of its autumn 2016 Kitts and Tortola before finishing in New sailing its first Scottish-Caribbean voyage BARCELONA Athens CIVITAVECCHIA NAPLES Pompeii PIRAEUS KUSADASI sailings, while Windstar Cruises claims to Orleans. from Greenock on November 10, also Ephesus MEDITERRANEAN be the first line to call regularly at the tiny Cruise & Maritime Voyages is upping reports strong demand for Caribbean fly- SEA MYKONOS outpost of Montserrat since its Soufriere its Caribbean coverage following the cruises this winter with two of the voyages SHIP: NORWEGIAN SPIRIT Hills volcano first erupted in 1995. addition of new flagship Magellan which among its top five best-sellers. DEPARTURE: AUG – OCT 15 £ FROM 1272pp* PRICE BASED ON 6 SEP 2015. FLIGHTS FROM LONDON GATWICK. SELL IT

EXPLORE, BOOK & LEARN: www.agents-uk.ncl.eu NCL offers a nine-night Eastern Caribbean Thomson Cruises offers a seven-night Celebrity Cruises offers a 12-night fly- CALL: 0845 201 8900^ fly-cruise on the Norwegian Escape. One- Cuban Fusion fly-cruise from £937pp. The cruise from £1,759pp which comprises week round-trip sailing from Miami to St round-trip sailing from Montego Bay to a 10-night round-trip sailing from Fort Thomas, US Virgin Islands, Tortola, British Playa del Carmen, Mexico; Havana (where Lauderdale to St Kitts and St Thomas, NCL_UK PARTNERS FIRST UK Virgin Islands and Nassau. From £1,475pp, it overnights), and Georgetown on Grand Barbados, Dominica and St Maarten. departing January 29 2016, including Cayman, departs on February 9 2016. Departs UK on March 3 2016, includes an *Fares and offers are guideline prices, subject to availability and change at any time. Except where indicated all fares are per person based on £GBP, based on double/twin occupancy of an inside stateroom, including Government Taxes, Port Expenses & Fees, overseas transfers and flights from London Gatwick. flights and a hotel stay pre-cruise. 0871 230 2800 overnight hotel stay pre-cruise. Fares do not include regional flights, travel insurance, drinks, hotel meals, shore excursions, personal expenses, cover charge at selected restaurants, discretionary daily service charges payable on board or in advance, auto gratuity charges payable on board & any other item not expressly included in the fare. On board service charges are additional, applicable to the cruise (currently £8.25 per person per day in the following categories: Studio, Inside, Oceanview, Balcony & Mini Suite; £9.50 per person per day in Suites & The Haven Suite; no charge for children under 3) and will be added to the holiday price and shown 0845 201 8900 thomson.co.uk/cruise 0844 493 2092 separately on the confirmation invoice. All prices exclude discretionary daily service charge payable on board or in advance and auto gratuity charges payable on board. Fares shown are applicable only to bookings made through the Norwegian Cruise Line London office. Norwegian Cruise Line Booking Conditions ncl.co.uk cruisingpower.co.uk apply – please see www.agents-uk.ncl.eu. Fares are correct at time of going to print July 2015. ^Service cost is 2ppm plus your access provider charge. ©2015 NCL Corporation LTD Ship’s Registry: Bahamas and United States of America. 5974.07.15

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 53

5974_Fi_CruiseTradeNews_FP_July_2015.indd 1 10.07.2015 16:33:17 land vs river

land versus river

Looking at a land tour and a river cruise itinerary to showcase how they compare ecent research conducted by YouGov and commissioned by Amadeus, revealed that nearly half of UK holidaymakers (42%) would Rconsider a cruise holiday and 30% would consider swapping an all-inclusive land holiday with an all-inclusive cruise holiday of the same value. The research also showed that there is an opportunity to educate the marketplace about the benefits of cruise travel as cruise holidays are still perceived as costly by 50% of respondents. Meanwhile, almost a third of respondents don’t think that they’ve been marketed to in a way that makes cruise seem more appealing. Here we show how a land holiday compares with a river cruise on itinerary, what’s included and prices to show if the perception that cruises are expensive is correct. This time, we asked Tauck to give details of one of its land tours and a comparable river cruise. The operator provided the 10-day Imperial Europe land tour – Culturious - and the 12-day The Blue Danube – Westbound river cruise.

LAND ITINERARY

The 2015 lead-in price for music in Budapest & Pusza the 10-day Imperial Europe- horsemen Culturious – land tour visiting Stay Le Meridien Budapest Budapest, Vienna and Prague Eat Breakfast, lunch, dinner is £3,380 per person (based on included double occupancy). Day 4 Day 1 Tour Surrealist art and a strudel Arrive Culturious Vienna, lesson in Budapest, then coffee Prague and Budapest holiday house conversations in Vienna Eat Breakfast, lunch included Day 9 begins: 6pm Stay Hotel Imperial Vienna Tour Prague touchstones and a Stay Le Méridien Budapest. Eat Breakfast, lunch, dinner Day 7 private concert farewell A transfer is included from included Tour The Wachau Valley to Stay Mamaison Suite Hotel Budapest Ferihegy International Cesky Krumlov Pachtuv Palace Prague Airport to the hotel Day 5 Stay The Hotel Ruze - Cesky Eat Breakfast, dinner included Eat: Dinner included Tour Lippizaners at the Spanish Krumlov Riding School and waltzing in Eat Breakfast, dinner included Day 10 Day 2 Vienna “Sbohem”… goodbye to Prague Tour From Heroes’ Square to Stay Hotel Imperial Vienna Day 8 Eat Breakfast included “ruin pubs”… Budapest through Eat Breakfast, dinner included Tour Medieval moments in Tour ends in Prague Fly home the decades. Cesky Krumlov and mysteries in anytime. Executive car transfer Stay Le Meridien Budapest Day 6 Prague is included from Mamaison Suite Eat Breakfast included Tour A Schönbrunn Palace Stay Mamaison Suite Hotel Hotel Pachtuv Palace Prague to exclusive and Jewish & Cold War Pachtuv Palace Prague the train station or Václav Havel Day 3 legacies in Vienna Eat Breakfast, lunch, dinner Airport Prague. Flights for 2015 Tour Hungarian flavours Gypsy Stay Hotel Imperial Vienna included not included.

54 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 river ITINERARY

The 2015 lead-in price for the 12-day The Blue Danube –Westbound river cruise is £3,145 per person (based on double occupancy).

Day 1 The Blue Danube river cruise, starts at 6pm. Arrive Budapest and a special welcome at the Akadémia Club Stay Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest. A transfer is included from Budapest's Ferenc Liszt Day 5 Day 9 Airport or Keleti train station to Tour A day in Imperial Vienna – Spend the day in Passau and the hotel. Flights for 2015 not music and more cruise the Danube included. Stay Aboard the riverboat Stay Aboard the riverboat Eat Dinner included Eat Breakfast, lunch, dinner Eat Breakfast, lunch, dinner included included Day 2 Tour Discover the landmarks Day 6 Day 10 of Pest Tour Explore Vienna and journey Tour Explore ancient Stay Kempinski Hotel Corvinus to Dürnstein Regensburg and on to Prague Budapest Stay Aboard the riverboat Stay: InterContinental Prague Eat Breakfast included Eat Breakfast, lunch, dinner and Prague Marriott Hotel included Eat: Breakfast included Day 3 Tour Explore Buda and embark Day 7 Day 11 your riverboat Tour Explore Dürnstein then Tour Behind the scenes in Stay Aboard the riverboat cruise the Wachau Valley Prague, past and present Eat Breakfast, lunch, dinner Stay Aboard the riverboat Stay InterContinental Prague included Eat Breakfast, lunch, dinner and Prague Marriott Hotel included Eat Breakfast, dinner included Day 4 Tour Ancient Bratislava, yet Day 8 Day 12 young at heart Tour Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov Journey home Stay Aboard the riverboat Stay Aboard the riverboat Eat Breakfast included Eat Breakfast, lunch, dinner Eat Breakfast, lunch, dinner Tour ends in Prague. Fly home, included included flights for 2015 not included.

THE RESULT The details show that the river cruise at £3,145 is not more expensive than the land tour at £3,380, and in fact, you get more days, meals and drinks (Tauck offers unlimited Moet & Chandon It’s always Champagne and premium spirits on its river cruises) included on the cruise. It’s always worth looking at the cruise option for clients, worth looking especially if they haven’t cruised before on the basis that they believe it will be too expensive. at the cruise Ray Steward, Tauck UK & Ireland country manager, said: option for “One of the most popular advantages of river cruising is the opportunity to settle in as you sail on to different cities and clients, countries, while your “hotel” travels with you. But besides especially if featuring the welcome convenience of unpacking just once aboard an elegant riverboat custom-designed for your cruising they haven’t comfort, Tauck river cruises are packed with inclusive value from cruised before ship to shore.”

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 55 comment industry insider

"This move is bad news for smaller ports that the big ships can’t enter"

WILL CARNIVAL’S SMALL SHIPS end IN NORTHERN EUROPE?

knew something was up! It’s not like P&O to launch However, other Carnival operators are redeploying a main summer brochure with one of its ships ships away from northern Europe. Holland America Iomitted, unless a big change was coming. I looked which has operated the 1,266 passenger Ryndam from at its website at the beginning of June after brochure Dover, is now redeploying the ship down to Australia, publication. A further clue! unlikely to return. Princess Cruises has sold its relative “Adonia cruises in 2016/17. We are currently tiddler Ocean Princess (a sister-ship to Adonia), a developing an exciting new set of itineraries for feature in northern European waters, to rival Oceania. Adonia. Unfortunately, for reasons outside of our What are the odds that its last remaining small ship, industry control, we are unable to make these itineraries public Pacific Princess, will be the next candidate for fathom insider at the moment. Although our plans are moving quickly operation? david selby we have not been able to finalise them in time for the This move is bad news for smaller ports that David Selby is a publication of the 2016/17 brochure. We did not want the big ships can’t enter. For many people, ships of cruise industry to wait any longer to tell you about the rest of the 1,000 passengers or less hold an appeal that the big management wonderful holidays that will be available from P&O ships don’t and it’s the same regarding these so called consultant and Cruises in 2016/17. What we can tell you is that we are “boutique” ports of call that accommodate them. former managing currently planning for Adonia to spend the summer of Ask cruise line itinerary planners and all say that they director of 2016 in the Caribbean and we look forward to sharing prefer planning for the smaller vessels, as there is a Thomson Cruises more detail in the very near future.” more exciting variety of destinations to which ships can The recent introduction of Carnival’s fathom get up close and personal to. brand (fathom.org) using Adonia as transport from Saga Cruises is considering expansion once again. Miami to - and accommodation at – the Dominican In addition, Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) goes Republic and Cuba for paying volunteers to support from strength to strength with Fred Olsen sailing from local activities that focus on improving environmental, more UK ports each year. educational and economic conditions, is the first real So there is still plenty to choose from in small ship organically created brand since Ocean Village in 2001. cruising, but as Richard Branson has just announced It is unlikely to be a one-ship operation, but Carnival his 2,900 berth boutique ships to be built for 2020 has stated that it is unlikely to commit its biggest ships onwards, it is clear that today’s mid-sized ship is very

a b ov e Adonia to the project – certainly in the short to medium term. much yesterday’s large ship.

56 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015 comment independent voice

THINK BEYOND THE OBVIOUS TO ATTRACT CRUISE BUSINESS

here’s no denying that cruise sales are opportunities that are available and affordable to you if challenging for us all at the moment. However, you think outside the box. Take a look at the key selling Treading all social media forums etc., the business points of a cruise line and see how you can make them is definitely there for the taking — but only if you work in your area. go and get it. If you are sitting in your office or shop Do you have a wine shop you could work with to and waiting for a customer to walk through the door host a wine tasting evening similar to one you may find and ask for a cruise rather than proactively going and on board to attract wine enthusiasts to book and work finding them, the chances are they will have booked with a cruise line that fits this best? You could use both independent with someone else who is doing that. It is up to you as the wine shop’s database and your own. voice an agent to go out and remind these customers that you Sometimes it is difficult to recreate onboard events Claire can book their cruise holiday, but it is also time to think like Seabourn’s Caviar in the Surf, but how about Brighton beyond the obvious emails and window posters in order senior commercial to reach both existing and new to cruise customers. "Take a look at the manager for I was lucky enough to spend some time with key selling points of a Advantage Travel the Celebrity Cruises team at the Taste of London Partnership festival where they hosted a Lawn Club experience cruise line…" and included a tasting menu paired with drinks from a selection of restaurants featured on board their ships. looking at hosting a small champagne afternoon tea Listening to the customers sitting around the tables it served by ‘butlers’ to give a six-star experience? Why was interesting to hear comments from people who not speak to a local art group and suggest customers have both cruised and previously not even thought think about an art cruise offered by lines such as Fred. about cruising, but because they are foodies and this Olsen and Crystal or maybe even a local dance group? was the sort of food they could expect to get on board, Cruising is so diverse that there are endless it completely changed their mind set to think about a opportunities and in general cruise lines are happy cruise in the future. to work with agents on events from a resource and I am not suggesting that each agent out there can a financial point of view providing the agents are afford or deliver this level of activity but there are other prepared to match this commitment.

Celebrity Cruises team at the Taste of London festival

july/august 2015 l Cruise Trade News 57 comment captain greybeard

captain greybeard john honeywell editor, World of Cruising

IS IT ACROPOLIS NOW FOR CRUISE NUMBERS?

’m not a great fan of statistics, it must be said. Too lead without the need for a penalty shoot-out. often they are manipulated or used selectively to But I had reckoned without the might of TUI and Iprove someone’s point, or to disguise the truth. Aida which just keep on building new ships for their During a TV news discussion about the Greek national market (the order book now goes up to Mein financial crisis – or Acropolis Now as I like to think of Schiff 8 for TUI new builds). It seems Germany will it – one figure hit me in the face like a plate of cold keep its nose in front for a while yet. moussaka. Fair enough, if we resort to statistics again, we find British tourists account for 1.7 million of the annu- there are 80 million people living in Germany, whereas al total of holidaymakers visiting the bankrupt country the population of the UK stands at 64 million; as a per- each year. centage of the total number, more Brits take holidays Hang on a minute. That’s a familiar number! Why? at sea than our rivals. Because among the flurry of statistics compiled on a regular basis by the Cruise Lines International Associ- "1.7 million is not even the ation (CLIA) it’s the number of British passengers who take a cruise each year. true number of people who After years of sustained growth – there were fewer take cruises" than 800,000 British cruise passengers in 2001 – the total has hovered around 1.7 million for the past couple There’s no room for complacency, however: 1.7 of years. It’s not even the true number of people who million Brits account for about 3 per cent of the total take cruises because so many take two, three or even UK holiday market, whether they visit Greece or take more a year. a cruise. Last year the UK was overtaken by Germany as Fact is the cruise lines and travel agents have a the biggest source market in Europe; I held out hope huge opportunity to persuade more Brits to conquer that this statistic was just a blip, and the arrival of their prejudices or fears, or whatever it is that stops Britannia, Anthem of the Seas, and Royal Princess in them from taking a cruise. Southampton this summer would take us back into the Still, look on the bright side. We’re not Greece.

REACH OUT FOR A SICK BAG

Statistics are not my only bugbear. I spent more than have seen only in the cruise industry, and it is trotted out 40 years working in the newspaper industry, where I whenever a problem of any kind arises on a ship. It might took pride in the use of the English language. I accept be a mechanical breakdown, an outbreak of infection, that it changes and develops with time, but some of or simply the cocktail waiter has run out of limes. If the today’s buzzword phrases set my skin crawling. People cruise has to be cancelled, delayed or foreshortened, or in the PR industry never phone or talk nowadays when if the bar has to be closed for an hour, it is always done they want a comment or an answer. They “reach out “in an abundance of caution.” Ugh! Pass the sickbag, for a response.” Worst of all, however, is a phrase that I please.

58 Cruise Trade News l july/august 2015