Canada Calling

quarterly Making the most of time ashore september 2015

canadaMarco Polo at 50 calling

caribbean What's new for winter vietnam cultural cruising River and ocean When the destination really counts DISCOVER HIDDEN DEPTHS TO YOUR FAVOURITE DESTINATIONS SMALL-SHIP CRUISING FOR CURIOUS MINDS

If your idea of a holiday is to discover the charms of the Mediterranean, then our small-ship cruises are for you. In Venice, Voyages to Antiquity offer an exclusive, private evening visit to St Mark’s Basilica with special lighting illuminating the spectacular mosaics. This is one example of our special events across the Mediterranean; we also provide guided shore excursions and an on-board lecture programme. So you can truly discover the hidden depths to your favourite destinations.

WINNER REQUEST YOUR COMPLIMENTARY 2016 AWARDS MEDITERRANEAN BROCHURE

VOYAGES TO ANTIQUITY 01865 410104 BEST FOR ADVENTURE VOYAGESTOANTIQUITY.COM

Grand Canal, Venice ABTA No.Y2206

ABTA No.Y2206 VTA_Ad_Grand_Canal_120x280_v2.indd 1 02/09/2015 18:29

ABTA No.Y2206 editor's letter

to the September issue of Cruise Ports & Destinations. Even in the short hello and welcome space of time since our last issue, the world of cruising has seen all sorts of change, some good, some less so. The Gulf, for example, is making a massive comeback, with more and more lines basing ships there for winter, Thomson being the latest to announce a season of winter sun voyages for 2016/17. Cuba is still on a roll; in fact, if clients want to go there, a cruise may be the only way, as hotels are so full, which is good news for the cruise lines. Our thoughts are with Istanbul, which has lost some of its overnight cruise business due to political instability and, of course, with those in places like Tunisia whose livelihoods depend on tourism. The Mediterranean is certainly a different place nowadays. In this issue, we travel further afield, with a detailed update on what's new in the Caribbean for the coming season. We explore the Mekong river and the coast of Vietnam, and take a look at the rarefied world of cultural cruising and how best to sell it. We hope this issue inspires you and your clients and we welcome your feedback. Just email me any comments at the address below. Enjoy the magazine!

sue bryant Editor [email protected]

contents comment & regulars features promotional features News 6 Focus The Caribbean 26 Discover the world with Fred. Olsen 12 CLIA Andy Harmer 11 Cruise review French waterways 34 Amazing Andalucia 22 Insight Azamara Club Cruises 16 Spotlight Vietnam and Cambodia 38 To Cuba with Thomson 32 Opinion Alison Woodrow 45 How to sell Cultural cruises 42 Port associations 50 Turnaround Miami and Fort Lauderdale 46

16 34 38

e d i to r Sue Bryant t 0208 987 2750 e [email protected] c o m m e r c i a l d i r e cto r Dominic Lawrence-Jones t 0203 829 4003 e dom. [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 0203 829 4002 e [email protected] s a l e s d i r e cto r Chris Cummings t 0333 011 8803 e [email protected] d e s i g n c o n s u lta n t Kate Harkus p u b l i s h e d by Real Response Media e [email protected] m a n ag i n g d i r e cto r Chris Pitchford t 0203 829 4001 e chris [email protected] St Mark's Studios, 14-16 Chillingworth f o r subscriptions t 0203 829 4001 e [email protected] Reproduction is not permitted without the express written consent of the editor. Road, London N7 8QJ All efforts are made to endure that factual accuracy is correct at the time of publication. Additional images throughout: Shutterstock

september 2015 l Cruise ports & destinations 3 VIP Home Departure Service Every cruise booked through Titan includes our VIP Home Departure Service from your client’s front door to the airport or port and back again. Door-to-door NEW 2016 Titan Cruise home transfers from every UK address Compendium brochure out now! with no mileage restrictions*

Let us be your guide to cruising Our Price Promise the world with nearly 80 Every cruise booked through Titan is ocean cruises and over 35 covered by our very special price promise. Once your clients have booked their river cruises across the globe cruise, should we subsequently reduce the cost then we will automatically refund the difference! So early bookers always benefi t from the best prices. NEW for 2016 The 2016 Cruise Compendium brochure features a remarkable 20 new cruise itineraries including 17 new no-fl y cruises, 2 new small ship adventures and 8 new river cruise itineraries Our Cruise Partners We work with selected cruise partners for ocean cruises offering cruise & tour itineraries, no-fl y cruising and small ship adventuresalong with 17 river cruise lines, providing superb choice and value.

Fantastic special oﬀ ers if you book before 30 September 2015 • Double onboard credit up to £200pp on a wide selection of Fred. Olsen cruises • Included special restaurant packages on a selection of Norwegian Cruise Lines holidays • £100pp onboard credit on Hurtigruten’s Norway Adventure • £50 Amazon gift voucher with Voyages to Antiquity 2016 cruises • $200 per stateroom onboard credit on selected 2016 Azamara Club Cruises itineraries

Visit www.titanagents.co.uk Visit www.titanagents.co.uk

Prices are per person, subject to availability and change. Prices correct at time of print and are confi rmed at time of booking. *VIP from every UK address except Scottish Islands & Sark

CTN Ad 420x280 110915.indd 1 22/09/2015 10:51 VIP Home Departure Service Every cruise booked through Titan includes our VIP Home Departure Service from your client’s front door to the airport or port and back again. Door-to-door NEW 2016 Titan Cruise home transfers from every UK address Compendium brochure out now! with no mileage restrictions*

Visit www.titanagents.co.uk Visit www.titanagents.co.uk

Prices are per person, subject to availability and change. Prices correct at time of print and are confi rmed at time of booking. *VIP from every UK address except Scottish Islands & Sark

CTN Ad 420x280 110915.indd 1 22/09/2015 10:51 News

APT to sail from Bordeaux

(www.aptouring. chateau visits, include a day in the wine- Guests also have the chance to enjoy a p t r i v e r c r u i s e s co.uk/royal) has introduced two new growing village of Saint-Emilion; a visit an evening of fine dining at Chateau Pape itineraries out of Bordeaux for 2016, with to Les Baux-de-Provence for a tour of its Clement and taste wine produced from eight and 15-day sailings, departing from castle ruins; a trip to see a working olive 13th century vines, and on the longer April 22 to September 23 on the riverboat mill; and a visit to Saint-Paul de Mausole cruise, a tour of Grignan Castle, followed AmaDolce. Highlights of the cruises, in Asylum, where Van Gogh spent many of by a private cocktail reception. From addition to many tasting sessions and his later years. £1,895 including an early booking offer.

Celestyal extends Turkey operation

Celestyal Cruises is extending its homeporting operation in Turkey for another two years and deploying a newly chartered ship from February 2016. The 1,074-passenger Celestyal Nefeli will be delivered to Celestyal in February and refurbished before the 2016 cruise season. Celestyal Nefeli will replace Celestyal Odyssey, the charter agreement of which will be concluded at the end of October, and will embark passengers in Istanbul, Izmir and Kusadasi, as well as Greek ports. Celestyal Nefeli, like its predecessor, is small enough to dock in lesser- known harbours throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, a key part of the cruise operator's 'immersion' strategy. Since 2014, Celestyal has added 15 new destinations that include Milos, Ios, Kos, Samos, Symi, Chios, Cesme and Syros, all of them off the beaten track for cruising.

6 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 cruise line news

Visitors to Dubai last year - and Ports added by Celestyal in 2015 13m cruise lines are coming back 15 - how many do you know?

win a royal day out with Uniworld To celebrate the launch of Uniworld’s to Europe’s aristocratic heritage on new 2016 brochure and its product two itineraries that take in some of enhancements - including the in-suite Europe’s famous palaces, as well as the butler service on every fully-owned opportunity to be hosted by Princess European ship and the introduction of a Anita Von Hohenberg during a visit to her series of royal-themed cruises - Uniworld Austrian residence, Artsetten Castle. is offering agents the chance to win an exclusive day out at Blenheim Palace in To win a place on the trip, answer the Oxfordshire this November. following question: On November 17, 15 lucky agents What is the name of Uniworld’s will join Uniworld at Blenheim Palace, special royally themed cruises? home of the Duke of Marlborough, for an exclusive tour, followed by the chance Email answers with the name and to train as a butler with Grant Harold, a of Cornwall. The day will then culminate in a address of their agency to former butler and member of the Royal sumptuous afternoon tea. [email protected] by Household of Their Royal Highnesses, Uniworld's new themed cruises, the October 16, 2016. The Prince of Wales and The Duchess Monarch Collection grant exclusive access

More choice in the Gulf

MSC Cruises has widened its itinerary choice and flight options for the 2016/17 winter season in the Gulf, a cruise region fast becoming the hot ticket for winter sun. With the 137,936-ton MSC Fantasia set to operate in the Arabian Sea between December 2016 and March 2017, the cruise line has already committed the largest-ever ship to the region (and if you count the Yacht Club cabins on board, the most luxurious). MSC Cruises will offer guests a choice of three different week-long itineraries which will operate in rotation over the 16-week season. All will include calls at Abu Dhabi’s Sir Bani Yas Island, a desert conservation area and wildlife park that is home to many of Arabia’s native species. Other ports include Manama in Bahrain; Doha in Qatar; Khasab in Oman and Al Fujairah. As for the 2015/16 season, guests will Thomson Celebration to be based have the flexibility to choose their embarkation in Dubai for winter 2016/17 point, with both Abu Dhabi joined the rush to Excursions include the spectacular and Dubai on offer. Fly-cruise thomson cruises has packages sailing from Dubai the Gulf, announcing that Thomson Burj Khalifa in Dubai (the world's tallest will be available using Celebration will be operating from Dubai building) and the Grand Mosque in Emirates flights from for the first time next winter. On sale from Muscat as well as the magnificent Musafi London, Manchester, November 2015, the two seven-night Mountains in Khor Fakkan and the Ferrari Birmingham and itineraries, Arabian Nights and Cities of World theme park in Abu Dhabi. Add-ons Glasgow or to Abu Gold, will overnight in Dubai and visit six include a stay at the spectacular Atlantis Dhabi with Etihad new destinations including Khasab and The Palm hotel and the flight programme Airways flights from Muscat in Oman, Manama in Bahrain, includes departures from Manchester, London, Manchester and Doha in Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Khor Birmingham, London Gatwick, Cardiff, Dublin. Fakkan in UAE. Newcastle and Glasgow.

september 2015 l Cruise ports & destinations 7 port news

Average revenue for Barcelona Nights, on average, spent by £1m earned per cruise ship visit 2.6 cruisers staying on in Barcelona

Legoland is within easy reach of the port Cruise Britain launches new themes

The port association CruiseBritain has launched new two themes to inspire cruise itinerary planners. ‘Festivals’ looks at the wide variety of annual festivals held across the UK, while ‘Film & TV Locations' points to the opportunities to discover screen favourites in real life. Featured festivals cover anything from hot air ballooning to food and drink, while film and TV locations include places where popular films and series like Harry Potter and Sherlock Holmes were shot. CruiseBritain's website already features themes from royalty to gardens and golf. Chair Angie Redhead commented: “Themes bring an added dimension to a cruise holiday and our aim is to provide information that will give an insight to the range of options available from British ports that will create memorable immersive experiences for New partner for our cruise visitors.” Cornwall's Eden Project is a Cruise Baltic popular film location

Fredericia in Denmark has Gry Klok Thomsen, cruise business t h e p o r t o f joined the Cruise Baltic network, bringing manager of Cruise Fredericia, commented: the total membership to 28. The port is “We have experienced two successful located in the centre of Denmark, with seasons as a cruise destination. Through the cruise pier within a short walk of knowledge sharing with the network the centre. Big attractions in the vicinity members we are looking forward to include the original Legoland; and Odense, developing our destination even more in an Hans Christian Andersen’s birthplace. ongoing process.”

Barcelona in numbers

Ever wondered exactly what a ship’s Revenue from cruising in 2014 Total cruise visitors in 2014 call, or an individual passenger is worth? €796m 2,364,292 Here are some hard facts about Barcelona, arguably Europe’s most successful Contribution to the GDP of Catalunya Number extending their stay cruise port, unearthed by Professor Jordi €413m 565,400 Suriñach at the University of Barcelona: Jobs supported Average stay 6,759 2.6 nights

Average revenue per cruise ship call Average daily spend €1m €202

Conclusion? There’s commission to be made from selling add-ons in turnaround ports!

8 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 industry news

Value of the cruise €40.2bn industry in Europe A

Industry leaders gathered in Hamburg for Seatrade CHANCE TO SHINE!

The WAVE AWARDS are searching for the BEST CRUISE CONSULTANT in the UK Nominate now! You can nominate yourself, a member of your team, or someone you admire CLIA chiefs warn of from another company. You can also future challenges nominate more than one person. from infrastructure and constraints m ov e r s a n d s h a k e r s the world of cruising gathered impeding the arrival of more in Hamburg in early September non-EU visitors in Europe at Seatrade Europe to discuss as two big challenges. Ports, the state of the industry. In he said, needed upgrading 2014, Europe’s contribution in order to open new routes was worth €40.2 billion, up 2% and destinations. The second from the previous year. CLIA point concerns visas for Europe has, however, warned incoming tourists. Raphael von that a number of challenges Heereman, CLIA Europe’s threaten to undermine growth secretary general, said: unless action is urgently taken. “Europe is among the world’s Speaking at the opening most restrictive regions in terms session, Pierfrancesco Vago, of visa requirements for foreign CLIA Europe’s chairman, said: nationals and is subsequently “While the long-term trend losing six million potential Entries close October , remains positive, the future tourists every year. The could be much brighter. A proposed EU Visa Code reform www.thewaveawards.com number of critical constraints is a vital start to improving to the industry’s further growth tourism flows in Europe. But need urgent addressing if we EU Institutions must swiftly want to ensure that the cruise adopt and implement the new The WAVE AWARDS 6 are sponsored by industry will continue to be a legislation or risk depriving solid contributor to Europe’s the EU of even more precious economy.” Vago highlighted the tourism revenues when it needs insufficient development of port them most.”

WaveAwards_101.5x280.indd 1 01/09/2015 10:18 promotional feature

Loyal guests sailed to Canada August, 2016: Marco Polo 500 for Marco Polo's 50th 27 embarks on epic Canada voyage

Canada’s beautiful coastline Mathieu D upuis CMV’s Marco Polo turns 50

iconic Marco Polo returns to Canada in nights in port. Other calls include beautiful c r u i s e & m a r i t i m e voyag e s ' Marco Polo celebrated its 50th anniversary 2016 on a four-week voyage retracing the Saguenay, Sept-Îles, Havre-Saint-Pierre, on August 13 with a call at Montréal. transatlantic section of the original journey. Cap-aux-Meules, the second largest island What’s significant about the Canadian port The ship departs Liverpool on August of the Îles de la Madeleine in the Gulf of is that it was to here that the ship first sailed 27 and calls at Belfast before crossing St. Lawrence, and magical Cape Breton in 1966, on a line voyage from Leningrad the Atlantic to St John’s, Newfoundland. Island, renowned for its beautiful Bras d’Or (now St Petersburg), named Alexandr There are visits to Halifax, Prince Edward Lakes. The ship returns to Newfoundland, Pushkin, after the Russian poet. Island, and Gaspé, an ideal spot for calling at Corner Brook and L'Anse aux A 36-night commemorative voyage whale-watching. Marco Polo then cruises Meadows before setting out across the departed London Tilbury on July 24, the St. Lawrence River to Québec before Atlantic to Cobh and back to Liverpool. visiting Iceland, Greenland, Newfoundland, sailing to Montréal, where there are two From £2,999 (cruiseandmaritime.com). Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Québec. The 750 guests on board included 500 regular CMV passengers who are A warm Canadian welcome members of the line’s Columbus Club for Marco Polo loyalty programme. Commercial director Chris Coates said: “This is a proud day for CMV to be here in Montréal for such a memorable occasion. Throughout her 50 years, the legendary Marco Polo has literally sailed the ‘seven seas’ and probably visited more ports of call than any other cruise liner.”

In 50 years, Marco Polo has sailed all Seven Seas

10 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 comment

andy harmer Director, CLIA UK & Ireland

Beyond the Med

Some Mediterranean ports are facing tough times due to conflict, with itineraries being curtailed. But for clients looking for winter warmth, there are alternatives close to home, says CLIA’s Andy Harmer

he Mediterranean is one of those areas almost within the Canaries, including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, purpose-built for cruise holidays and has always Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma and La Gomera. Tbeen a firm favourite for the British – you can But it’s worth knowing that many of the Atlantic visit multiple countries, amazing beaches, wonderful Island cruises also take in such places as Casablanca cities, stunning islands and ancient civilisations. The or Agadir in Morocco, and then there’s Funchal, the region really does have something for everyone. I capital of the 'garden island' of Madeira. Other great believe that ever since cruising records began, this destinations on a cruise to the Canaries can include stunningly beautiful stretch of sea has been far and La Coruna on the northern coast of Spain and the away the most popular for Brits. Therefore it is gateway to Santiago de Compostela, as well as Oporto truly heartbreaking to see at the present time a few and Lisbon in Portugal. Some voyages go as far south Mediterranean countries facing challenging times, largely due to their geopolitical situation. However, I don’t for a minute believe the Med will fall out of I don't believe the Med will favour. Given time, affected destinations will once again fall out of favour. Places open up for the cruise market. But it’s worth pointing out that the Med does not affected by conflict will retain its number one position throughout the year. open up again for cruises Come the cooler months here at home, there are two other favourite regions that come into play: the as the Cape Verde islands, too. Caribbean and the Atlantic Islands. Furthermore, we Also key to this region’s popularity is the choice shouldn’t forget the rapidly growing interest in the Far for customers of both UK departures and fly-cruise East. Just like the Med, these other cruise destinations together with the diversity of cruise companies. have a huge amount to offer the potential cruise The choice of cruise itinerary is hugely important customer and are visited by ships of all styles and sizes. to the customer's overall holiday enjoyment - so Having visited the Canaries many times, I can it is vital to have that destination knowledge. Use certainly vouch for them as being a great cruise publications like this one to keep up to date with the holiday destination. They're not far away and with experiences available in cruise ports and destinations, that wonderful, warm year-round climate, you can and take advantage of the great many learning courses, wear a T-shirt and shorts pretty much at any time. resources and search tools CLIA makes available to And the region has the added benefit that each island members at cruiseexperts.org. offers a different experience. I’m sure many of you That extra knowledge can make all of the are very familiar with the popular cruise destinations difference!

september 2015 l Cruise ports & destinations 11 promotional feature

Discover the world with Fred. Olsen Get ‘closer’ to over 200 destinations with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in 2016/17

Bring the world closer offer a relaxed and informal style of cruising, yet retain Seek out adventure, explore new destinations, soak up those aspects that make a cruise such a ‘special’ form of new cultures and enjoy scenic sailing along rivers and holiday, such as dressing for formal evenings. Guests can through impressive fjords, all on a Fred. Olsen Cruise also enjoy a host of sparkling entertainment, from string Lines' holiday. trios and pianists to musicians, comedians and energetic, For the 2016/17 cruise season, Fred. Olsen’s fleet cabaret-style dance shows. of four smaller, more intimate ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch – will be visiting no fewer than Grand Voyages 253 destinations in 84 countries around the globe. Fred. Olsen’s Black Watch and Boudicca will be Setting sail from a total of 10 convenient UK embarking on two Grand Voyages in January 2017, departure ports – Southampton, Dover, Harwich, Tilbury, visiting a total of 67 ports in 38 countries between them. Falmouth, Liverpool, Newcastle, Rosyth (for Edinburgh), Black Watch will be taking in the exotic destinations Greenock (for Glasgow) and Belfast – it has never been of Hanga Roa (Easter Island), Bora Bora, in French easier for clients to enjoy a Fred. Olsen cruise. Polynesia, and three stops in New Zealand – Auckland, Fred. Olsen ships are ideally suited to the traditional Tauranga and Wellington – as well as some stunning British cruise guest. The Fred. Olsen experience is very scenic cruising of Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and much a ‘home-from-home’ feel, offering unique cruise Dusky Sound, on a 107-night Around the World cruise. holidays, convenient departure ports and award-winning This awe-inspiring journey also takes in a number of customer service and cuisine. Once on board, guests ports in Australia, including an overnight stay in Sydney, will enjoy a friendly and informal ambiance and the crew where guests can visit the famous Opera House, or stroll will quickly get to know them by name. Fred. Olsen ships along the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, plus a call to

12 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 Brisbane for a cruise of the Great Barrier Reef. Guests can choose to take part in a host of spectacular shore tour experiences during this exotic voyage, including a two-night quest to the lost city of Machu Picchu from Callao in Peru, where they will Discover the world uncover the vast jungle, rugged landscape and the Lost City of the Incas. Plus, on a visit to Komodo Island, which is only accessible by sea, guests can take a tour to find the National Park’s most famous – or ‘infamous’ with Fred. Olsen c lo c k w i s e f r o m inhabitant – the formidable Komodo Dragon. scenery. The fleet will be visiting 84 scenic sea passages to p l e f t Cruising Boudicca will be offering a 77-night South American and waterways during its 2016/17 cruise season, the Seine; Braemar Discovery in January 2017, which includes stops in including the 350-mile Strait of Magellan in Chile which in Flam; kayaking Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro and Fernando de Noronha, rich in links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans; Loch Fyne, one in Eidfjord; lush Norwegian scenery; marine wildlife, lush landscapes and idyllic beaches. In of the longest and finest sea lochs; the beautiful Bay cruising the tropics; Buenos Aires, guests can take a tour to the magnificent of Kotor in Montenegro; and the wooded Stockholm exploring the Iguazu Falls. There’s also an overnight in Havana, Cuba’s archipelago. Highlands bustling capital, where a visit to the renowned Tropicana Fred. Olsen’s ships will also be sailing into the heart of Club is highly recommended. cities such as Seville, Rouen and Bordeaux.

The ‘local’ cruise line the best of the Fjords In keeping with its ethos of being the 'local, global cruise Fred. Olsen is offering even more cruises to the line' of choice for UK cruisers, Fred. Olsen has increased Norwegian fjords in 2016/17. With a proud Norwegian its regional coverage during its 2016/17 cruise season. heritage and smaller-sized ships that take guests closer The cruise line’s 1,350-guest flagship, Balmoral, will be to the destination, Fred. Olsen can showcase Norway’s sailing from Newcastle for the first time, with a record scenery in a way that larger cruise ships cannot. 11 departures, including a five-night Norwegian Festival Guests can choose from over 20 Norway itineraries & Fjords cruise, visiting Bergen during the International in 2016/17. In addition to an array of summer voyages, Festival; a 10-night UK Castles sailing; and an 11-night Balmoral’s 13-night Norway Winter cruise from Spain, Portugal & Guernsey cruise. Southampton is the ideal itinerary to take in some of the Boudicca will also be cruising from the port of country’s most outstanding natural wonders, at their Falmouth for the first time in 2016, offering a 12-night beautiful, snow-capped best. There's even a guided trek Canaries & Portugal Spring Break and a 10-night Land’s of Tromsø Island, wearing snowshoes. End to John O’Groats voyage. So, whether your clients are looking for a holiday with In Liverpool, Fred. Olsen will be offering its guests a difference, or a chance to head for the sunshine, Fred. a total of 15 calls on Boudicca, including a 16-night Olsen has the ideal cruise for them. Rugged & Rural Canada journey and an 18-night Canaries Christmas & Funchal Fireworks sailing. In addition, following its inaugural cruise season from Inspirational experiences Tilbury last year, Fred. Olsen has increased its sailings Fred. Olsen’s new cruise programme is bursting with over 100 unique cruise from the port by 50% in 2016/17, with a total of six holidays, offering adventure, exploration, relaxation, sunshine, culture and departures aboard 804-guest Black Watch, including an ‘once-in-a-lifetime' experiences in abundance. adults-only nine-night Cruising the Fjordland voyage and a seven-night European Cities & Waterways experience. Highlights include: Fred. Olsen’s Black Watch will also be setting sail on ★ Two fantastic US adventures on board Balmoral; a 34-night Old England to six cruises from Rosyth in 2016/17, including a nine-night New England sailing, which incorporates two calls in Bermuda, six American A Taste of Iceland cruise and a 13-night Scandinavian states, three maiden calls and three overnight stays – including Boston and Capitals & St. Petersburg sailing. the Big Apple. ★ Or a 46-night Central America & the Mardi Gras cruise, on which guests can Ocean and river visit the NASA rocket launch sites, enjoy traditional Southern hospitality and Fred. Olsen will be making the most of its smaller-sized join in the colourful and vibrant Mardi Gras in New Orleans. ships by offering even more river, fjord and scenic ★ There are even more cruises around the UK and Ireland, including cruising in 2016/17, taking guests close to awe-inspiring Black Watch's 11-night Tinsel & Hogmanay cruise, offering guests an unforgettable Christmas at sea and Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh. Guests don't even need a passport for this voyage provided they have valid photo ID. ★ The chance to explore snow-capped mountains and glaciers, and to spot wildlife on Balmoral’s 14-night The Wonders of Spitsbergen cruise, with a maiden call to Pyramiden, once a Russian mining town, now eerily deserted.

For more information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit fredolsencruises.com. Agents can book online via the Travel Agent Centre at fredolsencruises.com/travel-agent-centre or call Reservations on 0800 0355 242 (Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm; Saturday, 9am-5pm; Sunday, 10am-4pm).

september 2015 l Cruise ports & destinations 13 trends seatrade he Baltic and Norway were hot topics at Seatrade Europe, held in Hamburg in September. At report Tthe Cruise Itinerary and Shorex Development in Europe session, there was much discussion about extending the cruise Ports in northern Europe are hoping to extend season in northern Europe. their season – and promote their diversity Claus Bødker, director Cruise Baltic and Cruise Copenhagen Network, by Susan Parker commented that destinations in the Baltic were prepared to offer discounts to encourage cruise lines to call off season. “One cruise line has said during Seatrade that they will give it a go,” he said. Extending the season by just 14 days in spring and again in autumn, he added, would give more opportunities to passengers and destinations alike. As such, Cruise Baltic, which has 28 member ports, has created a brochure entitled ‘Theme Cruises in the Baltic Sea’ for itinerary planners. “We believe by taking this initiative and producing this new ‘Theme Cruises’ brochure we aim to succeed in conveying to itinerary planners the richness and diversity of our Baltic Sea region, together with the many appealing attractions it has to offer,” said Bødker. “We hope our recommendations featured will prove inspirational to our cruise line partners and that this tool will be a ‘first’ in a series of themed brochures.”

Dhabi Ports last year. Coming from the tourism sector, she is well placed to not only take Abu Dhabi forward but also take an A new dawn active part in Cruise Arabia, the association that includes Oman and Dubai and aims to develop and promote the Gulf region as a winter sun destination. The new cruise terminal is built on the steel structure of an existing warehouse and cruise line feedback has been integral to the development. “We invited 13 cruise line executives on a fam trip in December 2014 and from that we got feedback,” explains Al Dhaheri. “We wanted advice even for the concept design. We didn’t want to build something they didn’t want.” This Skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi is a strategy from which many ports could take heed. bu Dhabi is moving into a Furthermore, a beach area on Sir Abu Dhabi port goes from new era with the opening Bani Yas Island, a popular R&R spot strength to strength with a of a new 7,000m2 terminal 250km south of Abu Dhabi, has been new terminal and a luxury Afor the forthcoming season. developed as an anchorage berth that Masterminding the activity is Noura Al involves a 600m tender ride. Captains beach facility that cruise Dhaheri, cruise terminal manager Abu from Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises, lines will brand as their own Dhabi Cruise Terminal, who joined Abu both of which visit Abu Dhabi regularly,

14 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 Medieval Tallinn b e low r i g h t Winter in Norway seatrade The marketing tool includes information on suggested target groups; report local maps; illustrations; suggestions for activities on board ship; and a contact list of Cruise Baltic partners in the region. Each of the themes works with a seven- night itinerary and includes topics such as wellness; history; lighthouses; Viking heritage; design; and UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as 13th century centre of Tallinn, or Malbork Castle in Gdansk. The Viking cruise highlights attractions were 14 cruises to Norway in February such as the Viking Museum in Oslo and and March (aside from the regular the Viking Village at Frederikssund, while Hurtigruten service that operates year- round). “We do winter as winter should Destinations will be,” she commented, highlighting snow, the Northern Lights, dog sledding and other offer discounts for winter sports, but adding: “Winter cruising low-season calls is not for everybody, it is exclusive.” German line AIDA is visiting Norway design ideas include the Design District this winter and P&O Cruises’ Oriana is in Helsinki and the Volvo Museum in returning. Bratland said: “We have just had Gothenburg. The 'Baltic Wellness Cruise' a request for an 11-day cruise in December. features Rønne in Denmark, with its Yields in winter are sky-high in Norway, enormous Diamond Spa, and Kotka in as opposed to the Mediterranean, where Finland, for yoga at a seaside fortress. yields drop in the winter months.” Norway, too, is looking at a longer and more diverse cruise season. Sandra Bratland, managing director of Cruise For ideas on themes in the Baltic, Norway, explained that the Gulf Stream download the brochure at cruisebaltic. prevents Norwegian ports from freezing com/media/65636/Theme-Cruises.pdf up in the winter. This year and last there

including MSC, Seabourn and Crystal Cruises with a goal of creating a ‘private beach’ experience similar to those in the Caribbean, with activities. Passengers will also be able to visit the island itself on excursions. Established as a nature reserve in 1971, it is now home to cheetah, giraffe, hyena, oryx and ostrich. The Arabian Wildlife Park covers half the island and assists with breeding and rehabilitation as well as allowing thousands of animals to roam freely in the reserve. Created millions of years ago, the island was first inhabited by the Bani Yas tribe and there are numerous Noura Al Dhaheri archaeological sites there, including the remains of a Nestorian Christian were consulted on the development of the monastery dating back to 600AD, adding location. The beach is being run by Abu to the range of tours available. Anantara, Dhabi Port but will be operated by the which has three luxury resorts on the cruise line calling on a specific day so that island, runs all the activities for the cruise the whole beach and barbecue experience lines which include falconry, mountain can be branded accordingly. Twenty-four biking, nature and wildlife walks, land calls are booked for next year from lines sailing, snorkelling and a spa. Sports on Sir Bani Yas Island

september 2015 l Cruise ports & destinations 15 insight

Stay longer, see more

Azamara Club Cruises is on a mission to immerse its guests in local culture

by Gary Buchanan phesus images courtesy of heatheronhertravels.com of E phesus images courtesy

16 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 Clockwise from left: Dramatic Santorini; AzAmazing evening at Ephesus; visit a monastery in Patmos; White Nights party on board; Pyrgos village

here’s a growing trend for ships ‘AzAmazing Evenings’; ‘Nights & Cool to spend more time in port and Places’; ‘Cruise Global, Eat Local’; and Azamara Club Cruises has ‘Insider Access’ tours. Tbeen at the forefront of this. Featured on every cruise, the Company president and CEO Larry ‘AzAmazing Evening’ tours are Pimentel explains: “Cruising has gone from complimentary and have a take-up of exploration by sea to building ships that are around 90%. Recent highly successful destinations in themselves. I’ve reversed this events include a night at Teatro La Fenice trend and at Azamara, we now place the in Venice (the opera house) listening to the emphasis on ‘Land Discoveries’. This has Venetia Antiqua Ensemble; water-jousting proved to be a great success.” in Sète, France; a concert in St Michael’s He continues: “It strikes me as crazy Cave in Gibraltar with music from the when clients sign up for a cruise where Royal Gibraltar Regiment Band; and a ports have an element of culture, only polo match at the Lion Castle Estate in to sail away in the afternoon, denying Barbados. According to Signe Bjorndal, them the opportunity for any in-depth director of global marketing, “These exploration. Consequently, we created evening experiences showcase local culture ‘Destination Immersion’ in our Land in a unique environment. The kudos Discoveries programme by scheduling generated by these events is immeasurable.” multiple overnight stays which allow the Offered during late-night departures rare opportunity for some night-time from ports, ‘Nights & Cool Places’ tours are exploring.” In 2016, Azamara Club designed for up to 15 guests. They offer a Cruises’ ships will have 90 overnight stays less serious look at local culture and are as in ports of call and there will be no fewer likely to include access to a famous night than 177 late-night sailaways from ports spot as they are private visits to museums. such as Cochin, St Maarten and Puerto Immersion in the deepest sense is part Vallarta in Mexico. and parcel of ‘Insider Access’ tours which This forward-thinking cruise line has are designed for six to 15 participants. also put labels on its shore-based activities: “These signature tours delve into local

september 2015 l Cruise ports & destinations 17 insight

Destination immersion in numbers

177 90 $259 $59 $119 1 686

late-night overnight stays for a private visit for a night on for A Crocodile ‘AzAmazing guests on each sailaways in port to the Doge’s the town in Hong Watch River Evening’ on every Azamara ship Palace in Venice Kong Cruise’ in cruise after hours Port Douglas, Australia

life with visits to heritage estates, family farms, monastery communities and local Basilica San Marco, Venice, a city where Azamara's ships Larry Pimentel overnight businesses,” says Bjorndal. “Recent tours have seen guests participating in a creative lithography course at Nessebar in Bulgaria; a Druze culinary workshop during a visit to Haifa; and a private visit to the Prasart Museum in Bangkok.” While fairly expensive at around $190, the take-up by Brits is high. Bjorndal explains, “UK guests have enquiring minds. On a recent tour to monasteries in Yangon, nearly all guests that signed up were from the UK.” ‘Cruise Global, Eat Local’ options “We've scheduled allow guests to cut loose at night. These can be tacked on to the end of an afternoon overnight stays for excursion or as stand-alone visits to a local night-time exploring” restaurant. Guests pay their transport and meal costs direct, while arrangements larry pimentel are made on their behalf by the ship’s President and CEO, Azamara Club Cruises concierge or Land Discoveries team. For Phil Adamson from Harpenden, who has 17 Azamara Club Cruises under of itinerary planning.” grilled lamb chops, followed by baklava and his belt, AzAmazing Evenings pack a lot Ann and Charles Jakeman from all washed down with a most acceptable of punch. “These evening events are a Penicuik, on their 10th Azamara cruise, Santorinian Nykteri dry white wine. nice way of Azamara saying thank you for agree. “AzAmazing Evenings offer an ‘Daily Life at the Monastery of cruising with us and add to the enjoyment experience in a stunning setting you could Evangelismos’ was the billing for our of the cruise,” he says. “The ‘Journey Back never enjoy otherwise. We’re looking ‘Insider Access’ tour on Patmos. A private to Roman Times’ concert at Ephesus was forward to the ‘Insider Access’ tour and guide and minibus took us to see life at magnificent. I previously enjoyed a Three overnight in port during our next cruise to the convent where 40 Greek Orthodox Tenors event in Livorno.” He continues: Bordeaux,” says Ann. nuns pray, garden, paint, keep bees, make “We also rate the ‘Nights in Cool Places’ With such high praise for Azamara liqueur and embroider – although any cruise along the Chao Phraya River and Club Cruises’ ‘Destination Immersion’ meaningful encounter with the nuns was Loi Krathong Ritual in Bangkok which concept, I signed up for a seven-night lacking. There’s also a visit to the House was great value. We love the creativity of cruise from Athens to Istanbul on board of Simandiris in Chora where the same Azamara shore tours and think the late Azamara Journey. Amazingly, Brits were in family have lived for eight generations. It sailaways and overnights are a masterstroke the majority on board – 42% as opposed was a privileged four hours and passengers to Americans, who were 40% of the total. deemed it reasonable value at $189. The average age was between 51 and 65. The Turkish port of Kuşadasi was With a late-night sailaway from our the springboard for our complimentary first port of call at Santorini, there was a ‘AzAmazing Evening’ at Ephesus. As chance to sample the ‘Cruise Global, Eat dusk settled, passengers were greeted by Local’ concept. A private tender took our Roman centurions for their ‘Journey Back small group directly from the ship to the to Roman Times’. Constructed in the 2nd ferry dock at Athenos where a minibus took century AD, the Odeon Theatre was an us to the pretty village of Pyrgos. While still entertainment venue nearly 2,000 years a tad more touristy than I had expected, ago. Here, we enjoyed a private concert by we enjoyed local cuisine in the Kallisti the acclaimed Camerata Izmir Orchestra, Taverna. The meal began with a meze of featuring well-known classical favourites. If white eggplant, fava, and domatokeftedes ever a ship’s excursion ticked all the right (tomato fritters). The main course was tasty boxes, this was it.

18 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015

promotional feature

Amazing AndalucÍa Spain’s sun-drenched southern coast is packed with natural beauty and cultural interest, offering superb facilities for cruise passengers

xploring Andalucia by sea is pure pleasure. The coastline, incorporating both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, extends over 1,000km. With 16 commercial ports and two river ports, cruise lines from all over the world visit Andalucia, taking advantage of modern facilities, a rich cultural and artistic Eheritage, the exceptional climate and astonishing natural beauty. Andalucia is rich in maritime tradition and it’s not difficult to imagine a valiant Columbus setting out from here to discover new worlds, or the pirate Barbarossa attacking the coast around Cadiz. The main commercial ports are Huelva, Seville and Cádiz on the Atlantic coast, and busy Algeciras, Málaga, Motril and Almería on the Mediterranean. All of them are important international holiday destinations with a well- developed infrastructure for cruise tourism.

Huelva

Huelva was originally a Roman colony, later occupied by the Moors. A vast statue of Christopher Columbus marks his famous voyage, which commenced in the nearby village of Palos de la Frontera. Huelva is conveniently located for the virgin beaches of the Doñana National Park, the wooded hills of the Sierra de Aracena and Picos de Aroche Natural Parks and the spectacular Caves of Maravillas. What’s more, the region is known for its wines and the famous Jamón Ibérico ham. Puertohuelva.com

Cádiz

The Puerto de la Bahía de Cádiz occupies a strategic position guarding the Straits of Gibraltar; it’s often featured on itineraries either as part of an Iberia cruise or as a stop on transatlantic voyages. Cádiz itself is a wonderfully atmospheric old sea port with cobbled streets, pretty squares and a magnificent cathedral. Seville and Jerez are both within easy reach. Puertocadiz.com

22 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 Amazing AndalucÍa Algeciras

Algeciras is one of the principal ports serving ships sailing between southern Europe Málaga and north Africa. The port is overlooked by the imposing Málaga is one of the best-located ports in Andalucia, and Rock of Gibraltar and is close in fact, the second busiest in terms of cruise passenger to the beautiful Parque Natural calls. The proximity of the airport means it can be used as de los Alcornocales and the a turnaround port. Attractions in the vicinity include the Parque Natural del Estrecho. Gibralfaro castle, towering above the city, and the Moorish World-class golf at Sotogrande, Alcazaba fortress. The old city is pleasant to walk around and Valderrama, La Cañada and La bears the legacy of Pablo Picasso, who was born here. Málaga Alcaidesa is available and some is also an easy starting point for the city of Granada and lines also offer excursions from its14th century Alhambra’s Palace; and the mountain town of the port to the legendary surf Ronda, surrounded by dramatic scenery and the pretty ‘white beaches around Tarifa. towns’ that characterise this region. apba.es/ puertomalaga.com/

Almería

The Port of Almería lies at the sun- drenched eastern end of Andalucia and is a popular port of call for cruises sailing the western Mediterranean from Gibraltar, Palma de Mallorca or Valencia. Historic Almería, which still today has a Moorish feel, with its whitewashed houses, offers sandy beaches, Arabic castles and a unique fortified cathedral. The city is the gateway to amazing desert scenery; indeed, several spaghetti Westerns were filmed here. Apalmeria.com

f r o m l e f t The dramatic castle in Almeria; Malaga's cruise terminal; the Alhambra Palace in Granada; a sunny square in Sevilla; the ancient city of Cadiz Sevilla Motril Setting of Bizet’s Carmen, the The modern Puerto de Motril is Andalucian capital has an unrivalled 2.5km from the centre of Motril, artistic and musical heritage; it is, a bustling beach resort some after all, the home of flamenco. The 60km from Granada, where the port is situated on the estuary of the Alhambra's Palace is one of the Guadalquivir River. Smaller ships can region's biggest attractions. navigate the Guadalquivir’s canal Motril itself has golden beaches system and dock in the heart of the and beautiful architecture, not city, with easy access to the stunning least Carchuna Fortress and the gothic Cathedral, the Golden Tower, 16th century Casa de la Palma. the Alcazar and the many famed tapas Apmotril.com bars and bodegas. The sightseeing is unrivalled here but simply wandering elegant streets lined with orange trees, or enjoying a coffee in a pretty For information square is just as pleasurable. on all Andalucia apsevilla.com has to offer, visit andalucia.org

september 2015 l Cruise ports & destinations 23 promotional feature

Maore cruiseiming calls and increased turnaroundshigh are among Andalucía's goals

ndalucía has a long-standing “Cadiz alone showed a 29% increase in maritime tradition. All its major cruise visitors for 2015.” cities have modern ports that are The tourist board is confident that ideally suited for cruise tourism. there will be continued growth, for two key As such, the Ports Authorities and Agencia reasons. Muñoz says: “First, an already Pública de Puertos de Andalucía have efficient regional rail structure is being Acreated the association Suncruise Andalucía upgraded to high speed trains to take to promote Andalucía, one of Spain’s 17 visitors to key towns. Already, Seville is autonomous communities, as a destination accessible from the ports of Cadiz and of cruise vessels. Huelva in an hour and Granada from Motril Suncruise Andalucía aims to fulfil two and Almería in the same time. Cordoba, objectives: first, to promote Andalucía as a recognised as Spain's gastronomic centre, destination for holiday cruisers; and second, also can be reached in the same time from to find out and evaluate the needs of cruise smaller ships accessing Seville via the customers in order to improve and adapt the Guadalquivir river.” infrastructure and services. The second, he continues, is the blend c lo c k w i s e f r o m to p The mountain town of Ronda; Manuel Muñoz, director of Andalucia Tourist Board “There is continued growth across the of gastronomy, the cultural legacy and (right), with marketing executive Antonion Martí; the region's ports - overall 15% up on 2014 and mild winter temperatures. “These factors Alhambra's Palace, one of the region's iconic sites total cruise visitors for 2015 are estimated will encourage the move to year-round to be one million,” says Manuel Muñoz, Mediterranean cruising. There are other managing director of Andalucía Tourism. attractions, too, like the riding schools in Cordoba and Jerez. Suncruise Andalucía's ports are already talking to a major UK cruise line about visiting the region for the first time with a possible 80,000 additional passengers calling.” The next step, Muñoz says, is to develop Andalucía’s ports for turnarounds. “Malaga, as an example, is an excellent candidate for this,” he points out. “In the long term, we are seeking to create a cruise destination that ranks in the world's top ten.”

24 cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 There’s an easier way to

get your own copy

CTN_Registration Ad.indd 1 14/07/2015 09:02:38 focus

Adventures ashore

26 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015

Adventures ashore

Passengers to the Caribbean are looking for more activities, longer in port and evening excursions - and cruise lines are responding

by Sara Macefield

september 2015 l Cruise ports & destinations 27 focus

ot content with its crown as the world’s biggest cruising destination, the Caribbean BEST FOR... continues to make waves with N Best for... adventurers new ships and fresh concepts. Dominica – famous as the Caribbean’s This autumn, the region becomes the ‘Nature Isle’ due to its rugged lush interior launch pad for Norwegian Cruise Line’s of rainforest, waterfalls and mysterious newest and largest ship, Norwegian Escape, boiling lake. This makes it prime hiking while next spring sees the unveiling of territory while its offshore waters are Carnival Corporation’s unprecedented renowned for whale and dolphin spotting. fathom brand of ‘social impact’ cruises to Lines calling here include: Carnival the Dominican Republic and Cuba. In fact, Cruises, P&O Cruises, Star Clippers, MSC Cuba is spearheading the latest changes as Cruises and Celebrity Cruises improving relations with the US promise to bring this Communist country in from the cold. But the Caribbean is also enjoying rising cruise numbers from the UK with a 12% jump to 205,000 in 2014. This made it the only area to notch up an increase during a year when the total British cruise market fell by five per cent to 1.64 million, and with a reduction in the controversial Air Passenger Duty, the omens are good. “The Caribbean market is once again on the rise and has become increasingly popular for customers doing Florida stay- and-cruise itineraries,” says Christian Boell, Europe managing director for Norwegian With the recent reduction in APD, the omens are good

Cruise Line. Princess Cruises reports a similar trend, with UK and Europe vice- president Tony Roberts claiming the line has seen “significant growth” on bookings over this time last year. “We have found that our 10-night Caribbean cruises are particularly popular with consumers due to the flexibility of having a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay,” he adds. Imagine Cruising development director Peter Shanks recommends Disney cruise- and-stays which combine the Orlando theme parks with a cruise as offering some of the best options, or Carnival Cruise Best for... sophisticates Line for fun, value-for-money experiences, St Barths – stylish with a capital “S”. Its especially for multi-generational groups. He tiny size makes it easy to explore, but also predicts: “A two-week cruise with P&O this is a place to pose and preen, to be Cruises’ new ship Britannia from Barbados seen and to people-watch – perhaps is the best value this coming winter.” while relaxing at one of chic beach bars MSC Cruises claims its decision to stocking numerous brands of French homeport MSC Opera in Havana this Champagne. winter is paying off with huge demand Lines calling here include: Regent from UK customers. “The introduction Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania, of Cuba cruises has been an incredible Silversea, Azamara Club Cruises, success story for us in the UK as we are SeaDream Yacht Club, Hapag-Lloyd selling more Cuba product than any of the Cruises other MSC overseas offices,” says head of

28 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015

c lo c k w i s e f r o m l e f t Romantic sunset in Cuba; Dunn's River Falls; chic St Barths; lush Dominica; Mayreau beach

Best for... Latin lovers Cuba – the hot flavour of the moment and attracting more cruise lines as it opens up amid thawing relations with America. Ideal for those wanting to absorb its unique Communist and Spanish colonial culture; explore the mountainous interior; or relax on its pristine beaches. Lines calling here include: Saga Cruises, Celestyal Cruises, MSC Cruises, Star Clippers, Thomson Cruises, Cuba

Best for... escapists Grenadines, stretching from St Vincent in the north to Grenada in the south, and off the beaten track of the main cruise routes. These peaceful and romantic retreats include Mayreau, the Tobago Cays and Bequia, where the main activity is liming (that’s Caribbean for chilling out!) with the locals and swimming with tame sea turtles. Lines calling here include: Silversea, Seabourn, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Windstar Cruises, Ponant, SeaDream Yacht Club

Best for... activity fans Jamaica – visitors to this reggae isle can scramble up Dunn’s River Falls; take the bob-sleigh ride at Mystic Mountain; skim treetops on a canopy tour; cycle through the Blue Mountains; or take the “Zion Bus” to reggae king Bob Marley’s birthplace. Lines calling here include: Thomson Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, Crystal Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line

september 2015 l Cruise ports & destinations 29 focus

sales Janet Parton. “This demonstrates the cruised to the Caribbean becoming more incredible appetite that UK guests have for adventurous with their choices and looking sell it! new and innovative itineraries, while our for new destinations to explore.” agent partners have embraced this exciting Paul Gauguin Cruises hopes to satisfy ★ Check whether clients want destination and are driving great business.” this with a new 2016 itinerary on Tere to start their cruise in the Cruise lines are increasingly Moana with overnight stays in every port, Caribbean or sail from the incorporating more port time into including three stops in the British Virgin USA or UK. Caribbean itineraries. Thomson Cruises Islands, plus Anguilla and St Barths. is building on the popularity of its Cuba Cruise & Maritime Voyages is upping its ★ Choose the right style of sailings with an itinerary that includes Caribbean coverage following the addition ship – with so many lines two days in Havana and a range of of new flagship Magellan, by offering sailing to the Caribbean evening excursions in the historic capital, round-trip West Indies sailings from the there is plenty of choice, so not least a visit to the spectacular Club UK. The line is also one of the few to visit match your customer to the Tropicana, a former haunt of Ernest correct vessel. Hemingway. Clients want to Celebrity Cruises is introducing explore the region ★ Examine itineraries: Eastern additional overnight stays on more than Caribbean, Western 40 sailings from January 2016, with new in more depth Caribbean or Southern evening excursions ranging from horse- Caribbean. If customers drawn carriage tours and wine tastings to more off-the-beaten-track spots such as Iles have cruised the Caribbean sunset cruises and beach parties. du Salut in French Guyana, Kingstown before, ask if they want to try Some cruisers have voiced safety in St Vincent and the Grenadine isles of different islands. concerns on message boards about going Bequia and Mayreau. ashore during the evening, but Celebrity Fred. Olsen, which is sailing its first ★ Big ship experience v small Cruises’ head of business development Scottish-Caribbean voyage from Greenock ship experience. Larger Michael English says the late stays have on November 10, also reports strong vessels stop at main hub been driven by customer demand as demand for Caribbean fly-cruises this islands, notably St Thomas, passengers were increasingly keen to winter. Meanwhile, Carnival has expanded Puerto Rico, Barbados, explore destinations in more depth. its shore excursions with family-friendly Jamaica; whereas smaller This is a trend noted by online options and others featuring exclusive craft call at lesser-known specialist agency Cruise1st.co.uk with chief ‘enrichment’ activities including reggae spots, such as the executive Dan Townsley adding: “We are dance lessons in Jamaica and rum tasting in Grenadines, British Virgin seeing more Britons who have previously St Thomas. Islands and Nevis.

★ Add an hotel to make a cruise-and-stay. Combine sailings with an island stay from where the ship homeports, such as Barbados, Jamaica or Cuba. Alternatively do this with US departing cruises. Popular combinations include a week in Orlando for Florida’s theme parks before cruising from Port Canaveral.

★ Remember the peak Caribbean season is winter, when most sailings operate. There are still several departures during summer months, but June to November is hurricane season when tropical storms may force ships to divert, affecting itineraries. Prices are more competitive at this time, so look out for bargains.

30 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 fa r l e f t Santiago de Cuba c lo c k w i s e f r o m a b ov e Anguilla; watersports ashore; Norwegian Escape; soaking up the sun on Tere Moana

New developments

Carnival Corporation’s private retreat, near Cable Beach, Nassau. Amber Cove, near Puerto Plata in the New passenger terminal to open at Dominican Republic, welcomes its first ship Antigua’s VC Bird International Airport. in October and will be the country’s base Opening of St Vincent’s Argyle for new cruise brand, fathom. International Airport able, for the first time, to Norwegian Cruise Line’s 75-acre eco accept direct UK flights. hideaway Harvest Cay, on two adjoining Aruba’s first zip-wire ride near capital islands off the coast of southern Belize, Oranjestad and new hoverboard rides that opens next February, with facilities combine surfing and jet-skiing. including a water sports lagoon and village. New boat trips on a traditional West Indian Baha Mar resort development to open sloop and new nature tours in Anguilla.

september 2015 l Cruise ports & destinations 31 promotional feature

Explore Cuba with Thomson Cruises

Americans are getting excited about the prospect of by McDonalds and Coca Cola and other American icons. cruising to Cuba now that President Obama is working But to see the real Cuba, visitors need to get there before to relax restrictions on travel to the largest island in the that happens. Caribbean. This winter’s cruises on board Thomson Dream Brits have been able to visit unhindered by the trade provide the ideal opportunity, as the ship stays overnight embargo imposed before the 1962 Cold War missile in Havana. Thomson's Cuban Fusion voyage combines crisis – and anyone planning a to travel there now would visits to Jamaica, Mexico and the Cayman Islands with be well advised to get there before the next American the chance to explore Castro’s capital. invasion changes the place forever. There’s no excuse not to take advantage of the night Cubans are a friendly people; despite the fact they in port to visit the amazing Club Tropicana. This is not have to queue at the shops and market stalls for rationed the tame venue from Wham’s 1983 hit, but a dazzlingly food, and often have to go without necessities like soap, glamorous extravaganza of song and dance, sequins and even nappies for their babies, they are eager to show and feathers, seduction and romance - all performed by off their homes and their home city. a cast of hundreds on an open-air stage surrounded by Havana’s El Capitolio building, with its huge white tropical greenery. dome, is a copy of the US Capitol in Washington. Many It’s been going strong since 1939 and among the of the hotels and shops in the nearby streets, though, headliners over the years have been Paul Robeson, need radical surgery to prevent them from crumbling to Carmen Miranda, Nat King Cole and Josephine Baker, dust. Some, no doubt, will be rescued in the near future playing to an audience that has included such legendary

32 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 Explore Cuba with Thomson Cruises

c lo c k w i s e f r o m l e f t swimsuit in their hand baggage for the exhilarating climb Havana's El Capitolio; vintage car; Mojito, up Dunn’s River Falls. the local cocktail; Your customers will have time to explore Thomson watersports on the Dream during a relaxing day at sea before arriving in beach Cozumel, an island just off the Yucatan Peninsula. Here, there’s a chance to visit Mayan ruins and a chance to discover more about the ancient civilisation that practised human sacrifice and was finally wiped out at the end of the 17th century by the Spanish Conquest. The final port of call, Georgetown in Grand Cayman, provides several opportunities for interaction with marine life. Adventurous guests can swim with stingrays, while those who want to keep their feet - and everything else - dry, can take a trip down to the seabed on board a submarine. Its big windows provide excellent viewing of fish, turtles, and the inhabitants of the coral Cayman Wall. If your customers ask which is the best side to sit for optimum views, tell them the inside!

THE SHIP Thomson Dream carries 1,506 passengers in its 753 cabins and is the fleet’s flagship (until next summer’s arrival of Thomson Discovery). There’s a choice celebrities such as author Ernest Hemingway, musician of dining options, from the main Orion restaurant to the Lido buffet and Sammy Davis Jnr and film star Marlon Brando. poolside Terrace Grill, plus the Mistral steakhouse/bistro and the Kora La Asian Passengers on a £78 excursion from Thomson fusion eatery. The ship’s two-deck-high Broadway Show Lounge is the venue Dream will be given a welcoming glass of sparkling wine for glamorous song-and-dance shows and visiting comedians and other and shots of Havana Club rum; for a few dollars more they guest acts from the UK. There’s an extensive casino, too. could travel there in one of the classic American cars so familiar in Havana. It will take them to Sloppy Joe’s, one of Hemingway’s favourite bars, and for a spin along the CUBAN FUSION seafront Malecon before delivering them to the club. From £949, departing January 12 Other excursions in Havana include a four-hour drive through the highlights, including a cigar shop and ★ Day one: Montego Bay, Jamaica the fascinating old town, or Havana Vieja, and a trip to ★ Day two: At sea Hemingway’s one-time home, Finca Vigia, in the fishing ★ Day three: Cozumel, Mexico village of Cojimar which inspired his novella, The Old ★ Days four and five: Havana, Cuba Man and the Sea – plus a chance to drink a Daiquiri in his ★ Day six: At sea favourite bar, La Floridita. ★ Day seven: Georgetown, Cayman Islands There’s more to these cruises than Cuba. If there’s ★ Day eight: Montego Bay, Jamaica time after the flight – from one of seven regional airports in the UK – guests should plan ahead and keep a For more information, visit thomson.co.uk/cruise

september 2015 l Cruise ports & destinations 33 river cruising

34 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 Wine and water

River cruising is enjoying a mini-boom in western France, on the Loire and the Gironde, with vineyards and chateaux in abundance on each

by Sue Bryant

hen it comes to French river cruising, the Rhône and the Seine are already well established in the W review The Garonne, market. The Seine is the obvious choice Gironde and Dordogne for clients who want a couple of nights in Who’d have thought it? I’m tucking into a Paris – and received a lot of attention in plate of corn-fed chicken with asparagus 2014 for the 70th anniversary of D-Day and salty, rich, wild mushrooms. It’s commemorations. The Rhône is ideal for accompanied by what I’d normally see as clients who want late-season sunshine, or a a dessert wine: Château de Myrat 2002, cruise rich in wine and culture, linking the liquid gold, sweet and dense; the flavour magnificent cities of Lyon and Avignon. of sticky toffee. Pairing sweet Sauternes But river cruising is opening out in wines with salty food is a new experience France with dramatic developments on for most of us at this tasting lunch at two lesser-cruised waterways. This year has Château D’Arche, a 17th century manoir seen the first river cruises starting on the in the heart of Aquitaine, surrounded by Loire, thanks to new technology that allows vineyards that stretch in every direction. the first cruise ship to navigate the shallow I’m learning something about wine waters. Further south, three new cruise every day on a a week-long cruise on lines have started sailing out of Bordeaux Uniworld’s River Royale, pottering gently since 2014, with another joining the fray in from Bordeaux along the muddy Garonne 2016. We’ve checked out both itineraries. river into the Gironde estuary and taking a

september 2015 l Cruise ports & destinations 35 river cruising

f r o m l e f t Rolling vineyards; Saint- Emilion; Bordeaux

U-turn back into the Dordogne. Although there’s plenty to do and see, this week is all about wine. Different wines are paired with dinner on board every night, all from Bordeaux, all exceptional quality and all included in the price. Uniworld is not the only line to have established itself in western France; we wave to the passengers on Viking River Cruises’ Forseti, also new last year. CroisiEurope has been here for a while and Scenic Diamond was new in 2015. Next year, AmaWaterways will operate 22 cruises on AmaDolce, also sold by APT and like the others, home-porting in Bordeaux. This is a different kind of river cruising from classics like the Rhine and the sell it! Danube. Distances are short, so there’s little time spent actually sailing. Nor is there ★ Remember that all four waterways river cruising scenery; much of the much dramatic scenery, just salty marshes, – the Seine, Rhône, Gironde and cruising is on broad estuaries so fishing huts on spindly stilts and wooded Loire – are accessible by train for warn clients who may be more banks punctuated by the occasional hamlet. clients who don’t want to fly. used to the craggy drama of the The waterways are broad, the scent of the Rhine Gorge. ocean on the breeze as the two rivers merge ★ All ships on the Gironde follow in the vast Gironde estuary to meet the roughly the same itinerary so the ★ Both Bordeaux (Gironde cruises) Atlantic. difference is in the on-board and Nantes (Loire cruises) make Ashore, there are excursions to offering, which varies from fantastic mini-break cities, so magnificent châteaux and legendary wine- Uniworld’s elaborate and encourage clients to explore producing towns and chateaux, from Saint- sumptuous River Royale to ashore when ships are Emilion to Château de Montbazillac. CroisiEurope’s competitively- overnighting in port. There’s a There are other distractions, too. We priced Cyrano de Bergerac. strong argument for selling wander round medieval Bergerac. I borrow additional nights beyond the one of the ship’s bicycles and pedal for ★ Would a client enjoy the Gironde if cruise. 25km through the vineyards on one of the they don’t like wine? They could, marked bike trails. The boat moors for although it would be a shame not ★ French rivers can be bolted two nights at Libourne, on the Dordogne, to indulge in the tastings. But there together, so for example, sell a and spends three nights of the seven in are chateaux and market towns to week on the Loire and add a Bordeaux, its busy waterfront lined with visit, cycling tours, food tasting Rhône cruise, or combine the grand, 18th century buildings. The cruise and glorious countryside. Rhône and Gironde for wine is an easy way to connect all these places – enthusiasts. The French high- and the biggest advantage is, you can taste ★ Neither the Gironde nor a large speed train network makes it easy all the wine you want without worrying stretch of the Loire offer ‘classic’ to get around. about who’s driving.

36 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 a b ov e Chateau de Azay-le-Rideau r i g h t Loire Princesse b e low l e f t Nantes

sailing west from Nantes to Saint-Nazaire, then back inland to Bouchemaine. The Who goes? longer cruises spend three nights tied up at CroisiEurope is the only line operating Bouchemaine, with forays into the wine- Loire cruises by hotel ship and offers five growing areas and to medieval Angers and and seven-night itineraries on the new Saumur by excursion bus. Loire Princesse. The company has also On my early season cruise, we're a introduced canal barging on the Loire novelty. People line up and wave to us Canal, allowing exploration of a different from the banks, photographing the vessel. stretch of the river, much further inland, Admittedly, she’s a pretty sight, long and on the new 20-passenger barge, Daniele. slender, the twin paddlewheels rotating From Bordeaux, the company offers a hypnotically, churning up the muddy water. five-day Gironde Estuary & Garonne Inside, the look is contemporary and cruise including wine with meals and cool, the neutral palette warmed up with some bar drinks ( (croisieurope.co.uk). review The Loire splashes of colour from expensive-looking Uniworld offers all-inclusive, seven-night The Loire may be France’s longest Missoni throws and cushions. The food is cruises from Bordeaux on the opulent, river but it’s also practically un-navigable. typically French; foie gras, if you’re that 132-passenger River Royale It’s too shallow, too tidal and threaded with way inclined, veal (ditto), fish, fresh from (titantravel.co.uk). sandbanks, which means that anything the Atlantic, fresh croissants for breakfast Viking offers a seven-night cruise on the the size of a normal riverboat would be in and delicious cheeses. Lectures and soft 190-passenger Viking Forseti, with cool, danger of running aground. jazz take place in the bright, airy bar, where contemporary Scandinavian interiors. Yet the Loire Valley has some of drinks are included. Wine with meals and five excursions are France’s greatest attractions: stately, honey- The scenery as we head west isn’t included (vikingcruises.co.uk). coloured chateaux, rolling vineyards of especially inspiring; it’s industrial, with Scenic Tours features 10-night, all- Muscadet grapes and at the other end of warehouses, factories and grain storage inclusive voyages on the new Scenic the scale, the arty, edgy city of Nantes. So vaults. The river is broad here and the Diamond, with butler service and river cruise fans have welcomed the news more bucolic scenes of riverside villages, excursions such as a kayaking trip from that CroisiEurope has finally come up with rolling vineyards where the dry Muscadet Cadillac, foie gras tasting in Bergerac the technology to operate river cruises all wines are produced and fairytale chateaux and a trip to Arcachon to taste the local the way from Saint-Nazaire, at the estuary, are inland. Even here, the castles are not oysters (scenictours.co.uk). to Bouchemaine, near Angers. The French- actually on the river. They’re all visited AmaWaterways starts cruises from owned line launched the 96-passenger on a coach tour: Château d'Azay-le- Bordeaux in 2016 on AmaDolce, The Loire Princesse earlier this year. Rideau (which sits in the middle of the line includes excursions and drinks CroisiEurope actually turned to Indre, a tributary of the Loire), Château with meals. Eight departures have a traditional paddle-wheel technology to de Villandry, with its beautiful, geometric wine tasting theme (amawaterways. design the ship. Giant wheels either side of gardens, and Château d’Ussé, the fairytale co.uk). Some AmaDolce sailings are the ship’s lobby scoop up water, propelling turrets of which are said to have inspired chartered to APT which the vessel forwards. The ship’s draft is the writer of Sleeping Beauty. But the offers a seven-night just 80cm – practically a flat bottom but contrast between the countryside deeper Royal Collection it allows the vessel to navigate the shallow inland, the bustle and attractions of Nantes Grand Bordeaux waters of the river. as a turnaround port and working port of cruise (aptouring. The Loire Princesse is based in Nantes Saint-Nazaire make for a fascinating and co.uk). and operates five- and seven-night cruises, unusual cruise.

september 2015 l Cruise ports & destinations 37 spotlight

c lo c k w i s e f r o m to p l e f t Aqua Mekong; on deck on River Orchid; water lilies; cyclo ride; local woman; village scenery; Angkor Wat; sunset on the Mekong

38 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 Intriguing Indochina

Vietnam and Cambodia are booming as cruise destinations, both for river and ocean lines by Sue Bryant

he allure of Indochina shows no properties in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City sign of abating, with more ships and Siem Reap, a luxury junk in Halong than ever sailing on the Mekong Bay and a choice of imaginative excursions. Ton a variety of routes between APT’s four-star brand, Travelmarvel, uses Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. La Marguerite, a ship originally used by According to the latest figures from AmaWaterways, on the Mekong. CLIA UK & Ireland, river cruising grew Emerald Waterways starts service by 6% in 2014 – yet the Mekong was up on the Mekong in 2016, with packages a staggering 55%, even in the face of including Halong Bay, Siem Reap increased competition from the Irrawaddy and Angkor Wat and a cruise on the as Myanmar opens up to tourism. “The 64-passenger Mekong Navigator, a Mekong is different from the Irrawaddy luxurious ship belonging to US cruise line in that in Myanmar, the price point is Haimark and chartered by Emerald. There quite high,” comments James Hill of are itineraries of 12, 16 or 19 days, the GoRiverCruise. “It’s hard to achieve an most detailed taking in an extensive tour Irrawaddy cruise for less than £3,500 per of Vietnam. Start with two nights in Hanoi person. On the Mekong, you can do one and then cruise on a junk in Halong Bay. night before the cruise and then a seven- There are three nights in the pretty town nighter for less – and there’s a lot more of Hoi An, one in Hue and two in Ho Chi capacity so there are more offers around.” Minh City before the cruise, with all sorts New ships continue to be launched of extras like painting and cookery lessons, on the Mekong, southeast Asia’s longest cyclo tours and an evening sampling river. The most recent is AmaWaterways’ Vietnamese street food. AmaDara, carrying 124 in colonial style. Sister line Scenic is also upping its Each cabin has two balconies: a step-out game on the Mekong in 2016, using the veranda and a French balcony, while 68-passenger, all-balcony Scenic Spirit, there's a speciality restaurant as well as the first ship specifically built for the line the main dining room. Other creature in Indochina. Scenic Spirit is positively comforts include wifi, a spa, a fitness centre palatial – all-suites, all-balcony, multiple and a sun deck with swimming pool. restaurants, a spa, pool and open air AmaWaterways is offering free flights – a cinema. The product is differentiated from saving of £800 per person – on an 11-night Emerald by being completely inclusive, cruise-and-stay taking in Siem Reap and with all drinks covered and a choice of the cruise, now from £2,229. shore excursions. AmaDara and AmaWaterways’ second Other lines operating on the river Mekong ship, AmaLotus, are also sold by include Uniworld, which charters the APT, which offers fully immersive tours Pandaw ship River Orchid, built in 2013 of Indochina, including hotel stays in top and adapted to offer Uniworld’s all-

september 2015 l Cruise ports & destinations 39 spotlight

sell it!

inclusive product. Viking also leases a Why sell cruises to ship, Viking Mekong, from Pandaw, while Vietnam and Cambodia? CroisiEurope uses the four-star Indochine. The Mekong is the most efficient way to The next frontier for Mekong travel travel through Cambodia; it’s effectively is the Upper Mekong. Pandaw, the a highway from which you can observe longest- established of the cruise lines in daily life while enjoying the creature Indochina, is the only operator offering comforts of a luxury ship. expedition cruises from Vientiane to Both destinations feature popular Jinghong in China. New for 2016, the ‘bucket list’ places – Angkor Wat, Ha Long Laos Pandaw offers a 14-night cruise Bay, Ho Chi Minh City. But Angkor Wat operating from September 2016 to April is often sold as an optional add-on to a 2017 with overnight stays in Vientiane, Mekong cruise so be careful clients don’t Luang Prabang, Chiang Saen (for the miss out. Golden Triangle) and Jinghong. Flight Access has improved with Vietnam inclusive prices start from £4,995 per Airlines adding a new Dreamliner and person sharing a main deck stateroom. increasing frequency from the UK; there Even more adventurous is a new cruise in will be daily flights to Hanoi or Ho Chi Vietnam, featuring Halong Bay and the Minh City by summer 2016. Red River, a10-day itinerary from Halong Appeals to the type of cruiser who Where do you go? Bay to Hanoi and on into remote and has discovered river cruising in Europe A typical Mekong cruise sails between undiscovered Northern Vietnamese towns and falls into the ‘You’ll never get me on a Kampong Chhnang, south of the vast Tonle and villages. Flight inclusive prices start at big ship’ category. Sap lake, and My Tho or other ports on the £2,995 per person. Much less packing and unpacking Mekong Delta. Siem Reap, the gateway to Several tour operators also sell Mekong than you’d get on an escorted tour. Angkor Wat, is either a six to seven-hour river cruises, putting a different spin on Brits staying up to 15 days with single drive from Kampong Chhnang, a short some of the packages. Travel Indochina entry into Vietnam no longer need a flight or a sail across the lake, but the visa; so you can fly into Hanoi and join a latter is only a reality a few weeks of the northbound Mekong cruise to Siem Reap year because of water levels. The journey without needing a visa. between the Mekong Delta ports and Ho Chi Minh City is done by road. Typical add-ons include Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital (from where you fly straight to Siem Reap), and Halong Bay, which is close to Hanoi. Other possibilities include extending in Hong Kong, Bangkok or Singapore; staying in a resort on the Mekong Delta for a few days; visiting Laos; touring Vietnam overland; or for the very ambitious, combining an Irrawaddy cruise with the Mekong (essentially joining two completely separate itineraries to create a two-centre).

Who sails the mekong? All the major river cruise lines offer cruises on the Mekong:

Amadeus Cruises amadeuscruises.com Amawaterways amawaterways.co.uk APT aptouring.co.uk Aqua Expeditions aquaexpeditions.com Avalon Cruises avalonwaterways.co.uk CroisiEurope croisieurope.co.uk Emerald Waterways emeraldwaterways. co.uk Pandaw pandawexpeditions.co.uk Riviera Travel rivieratravel.co.uk Scenic scenic.co.uk Uniworld uniworld.com/uk or titantravel. co.uk Viking Cruises vikingrivercruises.co.uk

40 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 has added the chic Aqua Mekong to its Pandaw with excursions such as a visit to a well (Cambodia less so, although several of Luxury Asia River Cruising portfolio – a Cham Tribal village, a ride on a traditional the major cruise lines do call at Kompon new ship with just 20 cabins, highly rated sampan boat, a walk around the village Som for Phnom Penh). The main ports of cuisine created by a top-ranked chef and of Chong Koh to watch the local silk call along the Vietnamese coast are Hanoi, complimentary wine, local beer and soft weavers and a visit to a catfish farm. Other the capital; Ha Long Bay; Da Nang (for the drinks. There’s also a fully-equipped fitness destinations include Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh antiquities at Hue and the charming town centre, library, outdoor evening cinema, City, Angkor Wat and Siem Reap. of Hoi An); Chan May; and Ho Chi Minh observation deck and a river-facing pool at Transindus has launched a new City, or Saigon. Smaller ships sail right up the bow. “Our new 2014-16 Luxury Asia brochure with a wide range of experiential the Saigon River to the city centre, which is River Cruising brochure reflects our efforts preferable to being out at Phu My, 80 miles to source more exclusive experiences for away, where larger vessels have to dock. our customers,” comments Lesley Wright, Smaller ships sail Most ships overnight, as there’s so much to head of Commercial at Travel Indochina right up the Saigon see, from the busy markets and Chinatown UK. “We have developed an extensive to the war museums and trips to the Cu portfolio of quality cruise experiences and River into the heart Chi Tunnels, where the Viet Cong hid carefully-crafted itineraries to offer a wider of Ho Chi Minh City out during the war. Tauck has introduced choice for travellers who prefer this style of a new, 13-day Treasures of Southeast exploration, and really want to get to the tours, from cooking classes in Hoi An or Asia itinerary for 2016, combining Hong heart of Asia.” Luang Prabang to a Vespa tour in Ho Kong with a nine-night Vietnam cruise Wendy Wu Tours has also launched Chi Minh City. An 11-day Discover Laos on Ponant’s L’Austral. Along the way, new river cruises for 2016/17 in its tour costs from £3,090 and includes a guests have lunch at the Press Club in ‘Discovery Tours’ collection, designed to combination of cruising the Mekong on Hanoi, cruise Ha Long Bay, tour Hoi An suit more adventurous travellers. Mekong the 24-passenger Vat Phou and staying in and Hue and sail right into Ho Chi Minh Odyssey is a 21-day epic through Vietnam Luang Prabang. City. Tauck will offer three departures and Cambodia incorporating a seven-night Don’t overlook the fact that Vietnam in October and November, 2016, from Mekong River Cruise on the Mekong is a popular ocean cruising destination as £5,795 excluding airfare.

f r o m to p l e f t Sightseeing in Hanoi; temple monks; Avalon Siem Reap's luxurious cabins; river scenery o p p o s i t e pag e Left: Uniworld's River Orchid Top: Aqua Mekong's pool

Cruise ports & destinations 41 how to sell... cultural cruises

Destination immersion

Where do you turn when a client wants a cruise that goes beyond the beach?

by charlotte thomas

ultural cruises fall into a wide looking to study the antiquities of the Hebridean Island Cruises in its portfolio. spectrum. Some voyages – or Mediterranean on a Carnival or Royal “Our on-road team carry out regular excursions – simply scratch Caribbean cruise, any more than you’d training with our agents and where Cthe surface. Others are full-on, suggest Swan Hellenic to people wanting relevant, we partner with the trade in joint with all tours included, a focus on off- beaches and party nights. marketing activities. These can be anything the-beaten-track ports and an immersive “I would say the biggest obstacle from producing posters for the high street lecture programme on board. How, as an to selling cultural cruises would be the shops to going on the road with our agent agent, do you match the right client to the choices that are out there for a customer partners to speak to their customers about right cruise? in terms of the number of cruise brands,” what it means to cruise with each of our All cruises include an element of says Colin Wilson, group sales director, brands, and how different we are to so culture in what’s offered ashore. But you All Leisure Holidays, which includes many other cruise brands in terms of our wouldn’t put a retired history professor Swan Hellenic, Voyages of Discovery and niche offering.”

42 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 c lo c k w i s e f r o m l e f t Dubrovnik from above with Swan Hellenic; Bergen; Aegean Odyssey off Delos

One of the lines most focused on selling Agents should stress the benefits of a “Our excursions are cultural cruises is Voyages to Antiquity, cultural cruise, including the line’s buying exclusive, private, which concentrates on unusual itineraries power that gives large groups access to top and a comprehensive speaker programme, speakers and behind-the-scenes tours of different.” as well as including all excursions in the popular venues. “A client can do things price. Managing director Jos Dewing says on a cultural cruise that they can’t do Get it right, Wilson says, and the a cultural cruise can be a good experience individually, like a private visit to San rewards are good. “All three of our for first-time cruisers. “You’re selling the Marco in Venice, after hours,” says Dewing. brands benefit from a high rate of repeat concept of the land element of a cruise. “We offer all kinds of excursions like that – customers, currently averaging at 75%, For customers more used to a land-based exclusive, private, different. We go to Greek which is good news for the travel agents holiday than a cruise, selling a cultural islands where you won’t see another ship. that book with us.” voyage can be a way of blending the two.” We have guides who are real experts. Our

september 2015 l Cruise ports & destinations 43 how to sell... cultural cruises

r i g h t The Coliseum in Rome b e low Michelangelo's David; Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon

sell it!

★ The Mediterranean and Asia are ★ Remember that most cruise lines strong on history and culture- offer the option to book private based voyages. The Caribbean guides – or book a car and driver less so; but establish what the direct. The forums on sites like client means by ‘culture’; some CruiseCritic.co.uk are invaluable may want to visit antiquities while resources when looking for others may want to learn more personal recommendations. about food and wine. ★ If a client is dead set on one ★ River cruises offer a strong particular museum, check that element of culture and all the the itinerary falls on an opening luxury lines include excursions, day. For example, the Uffizi and which can mean a big cost the Accademia in Florence are saving. The most inclusive, such closed on a Monday, as is the as Scenic and APT, offer a Picasso Museum in Barcelona. choice of activities. A river cruise is often the most comfortable ★ The best time to take a cultural way to experience the culture of cruise in the Med is off-season, a challenging destination, like when the crowds and the heat China, or Myanmar. are more manageable.

guests feel as though they’re doing things others can’t.” Cruise lines for culture-vultures Something else to remember, Dewing Swan Hellenic’s small ship, Minerva, bolted onto a cruise (and included in the adds, is that a cultural cruise can be a great is possibly the ultimate cultural cruise price, offering great value) and there are solution for a single traveller. “Everybody experience. Itineraries are carefully thought several overnights in port. Fellow guests are has a sense of curiosity, of wanting to out, excursions are included and there are a mix of Brits, Americans and Australians discover things. Everybody mingles; it’s lectures every day. Fellow cruisers tend to (voyagestoantiquity.com). in no way a lonely experience for a solo be high-brow, well-travelled, inquisitive and cruiser.” older. Cruising areas for the coming year Seabourn has an excellent guest speaker The key, though, is the destination, include the Mediterranean, Atlantic Islands, programne, called Seabourn Conversations, which often leads the way in the client’s the Caribbean and central America (offering with speakers from the world of politics, buying decision. “All of our cruises are an unusual opportunity to explore the the arts, food and wine and explorations. destination-focused,” says Wilson. “We culture of places more often associated with ‘Conversations’ are themed around arts, allow the customer to get right under beach holidays), South America, Western food, culture. current affairs and history, the skin of a destination with the help of Europe, the Baltic, Iceland and the Fjords UNESCO and science. You can search on our expert guest speakers and local tour (swanhellenic.com). the website under each category. Seabourn guides. Once an agent has found out the also has a partnership with UNESCO and destination or destinations that a customer Voyages of Discovery offers ‘Small Ship offers excursions based around World is looking to explore, it is then relatively Discovery Cruising’ – immersive itineraries Heritage Sites, such as Machu Picchu, or easy to explain which of our three brands and an excellent guest speaker programme Borobudur in Indonesia (seabourn.com). are going to be the perfect match.” but with less included than Swan Hellenic, so guests can pick and choose what they Azamara Club Cruises do. Destinations include the Mediterranean, helps clients make Central and South America, the Caribbean the most of time and Cuba, western Europe and Asia. The line ashore, with late has one ship, the 540-passenger Voyager night departures, (voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk). overnights in port, immersive (if Voyages to Antiquity operates just one sometimes costly) ship, Aegean Odyssey, which over the themed excursions and coming year will explore the Mediterranean, the popular ‘AzAmazing Morocco, South Africa, southeast Asia, India, Evenings’, offering a cultural Sri Lanka and the Red Sea. Excursions are experience ashore once per included in the price and there’s an intensive cruise (see our feature on page lecture programme. Hotel stays are often 22; azamaraclubcruises.co.uk).

44 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 agent comment

alison woodrow Managing director, Addison Travel

Tourist boards: Why aren’t you helping us?

Why are some tourist boards so short sighted in helping an individual agent gain some product knowledge?

he last issue of Cruise Ports & Destinations gave as they normally include a couple of hotel visits – and eight reasons why agents should promote also the airport to show how far it is from the hotels TMyanmar. But with no help from the tourist for potential land stay clients – as well as several of the board, made worse by the fact that they have no sights. Some have taken me to lunch and then dropped representation in the UK, I’m not sure it can be me at a safe shopping area near the ship so I can walk promoted as well as it could be if UK travel agents back. A combined business and leisure excursion were given just a bit of encouragement. cannot be done any other way. I am going to be in Myanmar for three days on a I’ve been taken to places and hotels that I wouldn’t Holland America Line cruise in December. However, normally have visited in a ship’s tour, an example being having tried to get someone from the Myanmar tourist on Madeira. They included the village of Santana, office to arrange for me to do a one-day familiarisation known for its triangular, thatched houses, which I trip, I have not had any reply. It’s not just Myanmar. Others in the Far East (Phuket, Langkawi, Penang, Port Tourist boards are Kelang, Malacca and Singapore) don’t seem to want to oblige and help me, despite the fact that all the places missing a fantastic I’m going are brand new destinations for me. They are opportunity missing a fantastic opportunity, which is why I’m so surprised at the outcome. really wanted to see and which were not part of a I would have thought it would have been an shore excursion. Clients since have been to see these opportune moment for them to show me, a UK agent, houses, on my advice, and said it was great to have my what their country has to offer my potential clients. knowledge about them. I am a firm believer that nothing beats first-hand Ships excursions, while good, don’t do some of knowledge. the things I would like to see on an inspection visit, like In the past, when I’ve been to new places, I have hotels. Destination training shouldn’t be down to the not had any problems. The various local tourist boards cruise lines alone – and in any case, they will normally have been delighted to arrange a tour and take me only promote their own shore excursions. round. It may be my own holiday but I’m one of those I have clients going to these Asian destinations next agents who wants to continue to discover places, cruise year – clients who were hoping I would come back and excursions and hotels to be able to promote these with advise them. It’s a great pity that nobody is prepared to confidence to my clients. help me. Having so much first-hand knowledge of the I’ve found all the Caribbean islands helpful, as well various Caribbean islands I can easily sell those instead as Gibraltar and Madeira. They have arranged for me of the likes of Penang and Phuket. to be met from the ship by one of their local staff and So come on, tourist boards. You’re missing a great they have taken me on a private tour. This is important opportunity.

september 2015 l Cruise ports & destinations 45 turnaround port

Miami and Fort Lauderdale

Creating a tailor-made add-on in South Florida is straightforward, with a bit of research

by Gary Buchanan

odern-day cruising began (Port Everglades) and the Port of Miami. in 1972 when the start-up With most cruises departing in the early Carnival Cruise Lines’ first evening and flights arriving in the late Mship, Mardi Gras, set sail from afternoon, same-day sailings are out of the port of Miami. Within a couple of the question. Most cruise lines offer an decades, this South Florida gateway had overnight stay in the Miami Airport area been transformed into the world’s busiest if agents book a flight-inclusive package. cruise port. To cope with demand, the city On the return, when cruises disembark of Fort Lauderdale – just 24 miles to the in the early morning, there is often a long north – developed an equally impressive layover before the UK-bound flights depart cruise facility. Miami in the evening. While many cruise As there are no flights direct from lines offer the facility of a shared dayroom the UK to Fort Lauderdale, Miami in a Miami Airport hotel, savvy agents can International is the only flight arrival point create extended stays for their clients to for cruises departing both Fort Lauderdale enjoy the wealth of attractions this sunny

46 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 f r o m l e f t Fort Lauderdale; Downtown Miami; South Beach Miami and Fort Lauderdale

Where to stay Miami has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to international- standard hotels. Top of the range is the Mandarin Oriental (mandarinoriental. com/miami) with its private beach on Brickell Key, while the landmark 1926 Mediterranean-style Biltmore in Coral Gables (biltmorehotel.com) has its own par-71 championship golf course. South Beach is the trendiest area of Miami and nowhere is the vibe more real than at the boutique Raleigh (raleighhotel.com) - an icon since 1940. For a budget hotel brimful of character, the Clay Hotel on Miami Beach (clayhotel.com) cannot be beaten as it was the headquarters of Al Capone’s gambling ring in the 1930s. The first choice for many cruisers staying in Fort Lauderdale is the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 (pier66.hyatt.com), just minutes from the cruise terminal. True luxury is on offer at the Ritz Carlton (ritzcarlton.com) with a superb location corner of Florida has to offer. on Beach Boulevard. Boutique hotel The sun-kissed images of CSI devotees can’t go wrong at The Pillars Miami are everywhere: supermodels in (pillarshotel.com), a chic bolthole in black Porsches, vast Italianate mansions, the heart of the city, while the budget partygoers parading along pastel-clad option of the Ocean Breeze Hotel South Beach, glass-encased skyscrapers (oceanbreezehotel.com) is hard to beat. soaring into the clouds. Fort Lauderdale Transfers from the Fort Lauderdale is more sedate but enjoys a lively beach area to Miami International Airport scene, with superb restaurants and top- take around an hour and keenly-priced notch shopping as well as easy access to the shuttles – costing around $20 per Everglades National Park. person - can be booked through Cruise Agents can tailor-make a pre- or post- Shuttle Florida (cruiseshuttleflorida. cruise stay that will not only earn added com) and South Florida Shuttles commission but is easy to arrange through (southfloridashuttles.com). specialist operators.

september 2015 l Cruise ports & destinations 47 turnaround port

c lo c k w i s e f r o m r i g h t Pretty Fort Lauderdale; colourful lifeguard towers; Little Havana; Ocean Drive; jet boat ride; Collins Avenue, prime retail territory.

Where to eat The MC Kitchen (mckitchenmiami.com) in Miami’s Design District is the in place for refined Italian cooking. In South Beach, the rat-pack head for Tantalize (tantalizemiami.com) for acclaimed pan-Latino cuisine, while Primrose (primrosesouthbeach.com) on Collins Avenue is a great choice for indulging in seafood and Kobe beef burgers with the hipperatti. Las Olas Boulevard is the epicentre of fine dining in Fort Lauderdale. Celebrity photos adorn the popular Floridian diner (thefloridiandiner.com) where the unfancy cuisine is top-notch. At Mangos (mangosonlasolas.com), diners can indulge in people-watching from this cosy, inexpensive choice with live music. The high-end Johnny V’s (johnnyvlasolas. com) is unmatched for Mediterranean- inspired cooking.

Top sights and how to book them Intercruises (intercruises.com) offers a wealth of innovative, commissionable shore excursions in the South Florida region. These tours place an emphasis on the ‘local experience’ with excursions that enable guests to try out the local life. There’s also a range of adventure tours such as treasure hunts, thrilling skydives or off- road explorations. The Original Miami Tour offered by Cruising Excursions (cruisingexcursions.com) lasts 4½ hours and costs £54 per adult and is a perfect introduction to this city. For those in a hurry there’s ‘Tour and Go’ which is ideal for clients killing time before flights home. The Online Ticket Store (onlineticketstore.co.uk/ region/florida) offers the ‘Go Miami Card’ which includes admission to 34 attractions such as Miami Seaquarium, Vizcaya Museum, Biscayne Bay Sightseeing Boat Cruise, plus Everglades Airboat Adventures. Offering savings

48 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 Best beaches Miami and Fort Lauderdale beaches are where locals and visitors go to socialise, sunbathe, surf, swim, and just relax. South Beach ticks all the right boxes but those wanting to escape the fashionistas should head to Bal Harbour or Sunny Isles Beach. Fort Lauderdale’s long, postcard-perfect beach, comes complete with coconut palms and draws an altogether posher crowd than the beaches in Miami.

Top sights and how to book them up to 55%, the one-day pass costs £48 per adult / £40 Beyond the cruise hubs per child; there are also two, three and five-day passes. Many cruise clients are keen Another popular option is the 2½ hour Miami to add on a visit to the huge Culinary Tour of Little Havana (miamiculinarytours. variety of attractions on com/tour/little-havana-food-tour) which costs $59 offer in Orlando, 230 miles and runs Thursdays to Sundays. Dedicated bargain- north of Miami. One of hunters should hop on the Sawgrass Express Shuttle the best options is Virgin (sawgrassexpress.com) that runs from South Beach, Holidays (virginholidays. Downtown Miami, Sunny Isles and Aventura to Sawgrass co.uk) which offers inclusive Mills – the largest mall in Florida with over 350 stores. tours to Walt Disney World History comes to life at Fort Lauderdale’s Stranahan Resort, Universal Orlando House and Bonnet House Museum and Gardens. Other and SeaWorld. Another useful attractions include Butterfly World, Flamingo Gardens resource is Tailormade Florida and Jungle Queen Riverboat trips through the Inter- (tailormadeflorida.com) which Coastal Waterways. One of the most popular trips for offers add-on trips to Busch families is an airboat ride through the Everglades which Gardens in Tampa and the includes an alligator show (destinationlauderdale.com). relaxing Florida Keys.

september 2015 l Cruise ports & destinations 49 port associations

c lo c k w i s e f r o m to p Beautiful scenery calculator and arrivals and departures along Canada's St Lawrence River; information (cruisebritain.org). Sydney Harbour; Burano island, Venice

Cruise Baltic Network Cruise Baltic is a close co- operation between all the major destinations in the Baltic Sea region and aims to be the first point of contact between cruise lines and these destinations. Its members include 28 ports in the Baltic region and the website includes an events calendar, destination and port news and online agent training, with iPad minis to be won (cruisebaltic.com).

Cruise Down Under Cruise Down Under (CDU) is the co- operative marketing brand for Australian and the Pacific region, with 78 members representing regional ports, national and state tourism agencies, shipping agents, and inbound tour operators. The website includes a useful calendar of events for each location as well as detailed information about facilities in each port (cruisedownunder.com).

Cruise Europe A big organisation with more than 100 port members in northern and Atlantic Europe. The website includes detail about all the port members, including maps and cruise terminal facilities for each as well as news and pictures (cruiseeurope.com).

Joining Cruise Norway An association of all the major ports along Norway’s fjord-indented coastline. The website includes port information, arrivals forces and departures, trade news, information for the general public, downloadable pictures and theme ideas, from winter to Viking Port associations can be a mine of information for agents, heritage; some very useful selling tools to offering details of shore excursions, event listings, maps help clients interested in cruising Norway showing where ships dock, live departure and arrival (cruise-norway.no). information and online training. Cruise the St Lawrence A collaboration of nine ports in Canada Atlantic Alliance position. Its excellent website includes and New England who have produced a The Atlantic Alliance is a marketing cruise schedules, facts and figures and superb website, including pre- and post- project bringing together 18 ports along plenty of information and excursion tour ideas, news, pictures, an itinerary Europe's Atlantic and northern coasts. suggestions for each of the member ports simulator and even ideas for visiting The member ports range in both physical (cruiseatlanticcanada.com). crewmembers. There’s an information- size and cruise market penetration but packed section for consumers, too aim to encapsulate the ‘best of Europe in CruiseBritain (cruisesaintlawrence.com). 18 ports’. Members include Amsterdam, CruiseBritain is a joint initiative between Bordeaux, Dover, Hamburg and Lisbon industry, CLIA UK & Ireland and MedCruise and the website includes member news, an VisitBritain. It is focused on raising The Association of Mediterranean Cruise itinerary planning tool and details of shore the profile of Britain as a world-class Ports has 73 members representing more excursions in each port (atlanticalliance.eu). cruise destination and promoting cruise than 100 ports around the Mediterranean holidays as an integral part of the British and offers opportunities for networking Cruise Atlantic Canada leisure travel market, and has 52 port and professional development. The The Atlantic Canada Cruise Association members. The website includes destination organisation has a useful calendar on its is a regional partnership leading growth information, split into themes including website detailing all the cruise events and and development of the cruise industry heritage, outdoor activities and the royal conferences in the Mediterranean region. to enhance Atlantic Canada’s market trail, as well as port news, a distance (medcruise.com).

50 Cruise ports & destinations l september 2015 Don’t miss out – entries close October 30

The MOST IMPORTANT AWARDS for the business of cruise holidays

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 participate and receive recognition for excellence at the ﬁ rst Wave Awards.

KEY DATES KEY INFORMATION Entries open NOW To learn all about the Awards, visit Entries close October www.thewaveawards.com The judging will run throughout November with a short-list declared SPONSORSHIP by late November. To become a sponsor, contact The Wave Awards will be presented dom.lawrencejones@ at a celebratory Awards dinner on cruisetradenews.com February , 6 in London.

The WAVE AWARDS 6 are sponsored by

WaveAwards_210x280.indd 1 21/09/2015 19:57