THE ABTA MAGAZINE GUIDE TO
CRUISE 2018
U By Uniworld Innovation at sea European river guide
ALWAYS CRUISING TO OUTSTANDING DESTINATIONS JUST SOME OF OUR UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • 5-day pre-cruise land tours of Classical Greek destinations
As winner of ‘Best for Shore Excursions’ Small Ship in the UK Cruise Critic Awards 2017, VTA continues to deliver a truly pioneering range of inclusive voyages and land-tours to the most historic and stunning ports-of-call across Europe, Southeast Asia and Africa. Our elegant and multi- awardwinning ship, Aegean Odyssey, hosts an average of 350 passengers and is versatile enough to navigate from oceans to rivers, exceeding the expectations of the world’s most demanding cultural travellers.
GREAT FOR GROUPS
• A magical overland tour of Morocco from Fez to Casablanca & Marrakesh • Cruising the Yangon River to berth in the heart of Burma INCLUDED IN THE FARE: Shore Excursions Wine with dinner Onboard gratuities Flights & transfers Hotel stays where applicable
UK CRUISERS’ CHOICE
2017
Voyages to Antiquity Aegean Odyssey Best Small Ship: Shore Excursions
To order brochures and discuss promotional opportunities email Amy Sykes, Partnership Manager: a.sykes@voyagestoantiquity.com Sign up to VTAExpert.com for online training plus incentives, competitions and ship visit information. www.voyagestoantiquity.com Reservations 01865 302550 Follow us on
#VTAsales
ABTA Cruise
THE ABTA MAGAZINE GUIDE TO
CRUISE 2018
Introducing the ABTA Magazine Cruise Guide 2018
O
nce a much maligned holiday, cruising has now entered the mainstream. Whether it’s Jane McDonald exploring European rivers and the Alaskan fjords on Channel 5, the hugely successful P&O Cruises adverts featuring Rob Brydon, or headlines about Royal Caribbean International’s latest record-breaking ship, you’re never far away from hearing about cruising. As Andy Harmer, boss of the Cruise Lines International Association, UK & Ireland (Clia) tells us on page 11: “Cruise has broken through the glass ceiling.” While there is still a way to go break down some lingering misconceptions, cruise is steadily becoming vogue once again, harking back to an era when ship travel was the most opulent and exclusive way to see the world (page 13). Part of this change in attitude is down to vast amounts of investment – and innovation (page 17) – by the cruise lines, who have expanded their offerings, and their fleets, exponentially. Each sector of the cruise industry – be it river cruising, small ship and expedition voyages or those aimed at families – has grown, with considerably more on offer than there was a decade ago. The food and entertainment, once synonymous with poor quality, have also improved beyond belief, while stylish and minimalist interiors are increasingly common. But for all of the advancements on board, what is often forgotten is that a cruise is a fantastic way to sample the world, offering multiple destinations in a single holiday. What’s more, it is one of the most trade-friendly sectors of the travel industry, and that is something to be celebrated and applauded. We hope you enjoy reading.
U By Uniworld Innovation at sea European river guide
Three things you (probably) didn’t know about cruise… Cruise lines are no longer competing with each other, but luxury hotel brands
13 ABTAmag.com
The industry belies its image by leading the way with innovations and technology
On a Danube river cruise you can visit five European capital cities on one holiday
22
28 July 2018 3
A new era in cruising is closer than you think… There’s only a year to go until Spirit of Discovery takes to the oceans. Heralding a new era in British luxury cruising, she will provide your customers with all the design cues, cuisine and levels of service of the world’s finest boutique hotels, whilst visiting a host of stunning destinations. Each luxury boutique cruise will include: • Return chauffeur service up to 250 miles† • All balcony cabins
• 24-hour room service • Wine with lunch and dinner • On-board gratuities, and more.
• Complimentary speciality dining
Call FREE on 0800 074 8021 or visit saga.co.uk/agents Or call Agency sales FREE on 0800 068 8732 Find us on social media Saga Trade Team †Private chauffeur service up to 75 miles each way or shared chauffeur service from 76-250 miles. Please call for further details. Saga’s holidays and cruises are exclusively for the over 50s. A travel companion can be 40+. NHA-SC9859.
ABTA Cruise
In the guide
13
20
24 ABTA Magazine is created by Waterfront Publishing on behalf of ABTA Waterfront Publishing Arch 462, Kingsland Viaduct 83 Rivington Street London EC2A 3AY waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 9360
Director Sam Ballard sam@waterfront-publishing.com Director Anthony Pearce anthony@waterfront-publishing.com Head of sales Simon Leeming simon@waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 9337
ABTAmag.com
03
Editor’s letter Cruise is now a mainstream holiday choice and a trade-friendly sector
07
News Royal Caribbean buys a stake in Silversea; MSC orders a new ship
12
Comment Andy Harmer, boss of industry body Clia, explains why cruise’s time is now
13
The new golden age Sam Ballard looks back to see how cruise became fashionable once again
17
Millennial bug A trip on U by Uniworld, the new brand giving river cruise a youthful makeover
20
Full speed ahead Trying out some of the latest gadgets and gizmos offered on cruise ships
24
Go with the flow Jane Archer profiles four European rivers that are popular with UK travellers
Media sales executive Bryan Johnson bryan@waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 9338
Martyn Cornell, Tom Hensby
Account manager Emily Snipe emily@waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 4815
ABTAmag.com info@ABTAmag.com Twitter: @ABTAMagazine Facebook: ABTAMagazine
Head of design Billy Odell billy@ABTAmag.com Business travel editor Jenny Southan jenny@ABTAmag.com 020 3456 7899 Sub-editors Nathaniel Cramp, Emily Eastman,
With thanks to: Jill Sayles, Jane Archer, Sara Macefield
ABTA 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ Chief executive Mark Tanzer Chairman Noel Josephides
July 2018 5
RIVER REWARDS & MORE
Earn luxury prizes with every booking riverrewards.cruises
WHERE 6-STAR LUXURY MEETS DISCOVERY Guests can explore beyond the horizon as luxury and discovery combine on board Scenic Eclipse. Your customers can make this year one to remember when they book their place on the World’s First Discovery Yachts™, home to a wealth of world-class facilities and amenities, as well as a helicopter and seven-seat submarine exploring places previously inaccessible to the ordinary traveller. The Scenic Eclipse 2019/20 collection is now available with exciting new itineraries from the Russian Arctic to the Mediterranean.
East Coast USA 12 Day Itinerary New York City > Nassau
Norwegian Fjords Uncovered 14 Day Itinerary Copenhagen > Tromsø
Save upto 13%
Save upto 13%
PLUS
PLUS
$1,000
on board credit
NEW FOR 2019/20
$1,000
on board credit
Scenic’s expert local guides will bring the From Copenhagen to above the rich and complex history of the quaint Arctic Circle, guests can explore Viking Colonial towns and vibrant cities to life. history and towering fjords carved out of glaciers.
From £6,395† per person From £9,675† per person Departs 28 September 2019
Departs 8 June 2020
Call: 0161 233 1988 or Email: agencysales@scenic.co.uk Call reservations on: 0808 115 0463 Terms and Conditions: Terms and conditions: All prices per person, twin share in GBP with economy flights departing London Heathrow, subject to availability. Prices advertised are based on the lowest category suite available and are subject to availability at time of booking. Suite upgrades at additional supplement. Offers are valid for new bookings only made on sailings from our 2019/20 brochure made between 4 June and 30 July 2018. Savings messages differ per suite category and the full saving includes an early payment discount of £350pp if cruise itinerary is fewer than 11 days or £500pp for cruise itineraries of 11 days or longer, which can only be redeemed if balance is paid in full by 31 October 2018. Private door-to-door transfers are complimentary within a 75 mile radius and are subject to availability. For guests who live outside of this 75 mile radius, an additional supplement of £2.00 per mile will be charged thereafter, UK mainland only. All drinks are included on board except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits. $1,000 on board credit is per suite on selected sailings only and must be used on the sailing booked within this promotion. No cash or credit alternative. Offers can be withdrawn at any time. Full terms and conditions can be found at scenic.co.uk
EXCLUSIVE
SAVE UP TO 13% ON SELECTED 2019/20 SAILINGS PLUS
$1,000
PER SUITE ON BOARD CREDIT ON SELECTED 2019/20 SAILINGS
Truly All-Inclusive On board
Spacious all-verandah suite accommodation Personal service with an almost 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio Butler service for every guest All-inclusive dining and beverages Spa Sanctuary, gym, yoga and Pilates studio Indoor and outdoor swimming and plunge pools Expert Discovery Leaders on all cruises Daily entertainment and education program Complimentary Wi-Fi
Onshore
Comprehensive choice of all-inclusive shore excursions Active discovery excursions by Zodiac, kayak, helicopter^ and submarine^ Exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences Scenic Freechoice activities Expert Discovery Team and local guides
Before the cruise
Return flights from the UK Return airport transfers Pre-departure hotel stay
All tipping and gratuities on board and onshore
ABTA Cruise
News
Looking at the latest launches, innovations and destinations
Oprah ships out Media star to christen Holland America’s new vessel before cruise
Royal buys Silversea The company is set to acquire a 66.7% stake in what it’s calling the “crown jewel” of luxury cruising By Sam Ballard Royal Caribbean Cruises is set to acquire a 66.7 per cent stake in Silversea Cruises. Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, said: “Silversea is a crown jewel and the acknowledged leader in luxury and expedition cruising, two key markets that are poised for growth. Uniting our two companies presents an extraordinary opportunity to
expand vacation options for guests and create revenue in strategic growth areas.” Royal Caribbean currently consists of three brands – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises – it also has stakes in Spanish line Pullmantur and Tui Cruises, which focuses on the German-speaking market. The acquisition adds both an expedition and ultra-luxury dimension to Royal Caribbean’s roster. ABTAmag.com
By ABTA Magazine staff Oprah Winfrey has been announced as godmother of Holland America Line’s newest ship, Nieuw Statendam. She will christen the vessel in a private ceremony. The cruise line and O, The Oprah Magazine have also unveiled a three-day Girls’ Getaway cruise on the ship. Winfrey will embark on the cruise on January 30, 2019, joined by members of the magazine’s editorial staff, who will host presentations and events on board the ship, which is currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy. ABTAmag.com
ABTAmag.com TRAVEL NEWS
The latest news, from hotels to cruises. See ABTAmag.com/news
ABTAmag.com
EXPERT OPINION
Get it from the top names in travel ABTAmag.com/comment
July 2018 7
2019 RIVER CRUISES Portugal’s River of Gold 10 days, 8 guided tours Departing March to December 2019
From £1,945pp Elegant Elbe 10 days, 7 guided tours Departing March to November 2019
From £2,345pp Rhine Getaway 8 days, 6 guided tours Departing March to December 2019
2019 Viking river cruises
From £1,445pp Romantic Danube
save £750pp – prices from £1,345pp
8 days, 6 guided tours Departing April to December 2019
With the world’s largest fleet of innovative river ships – including our multi award-winning Viking Longships – only Viking can promise you more. More comfort, more quality, more style and more choice of cruises across Europe, Russia and Asia. Relax in spacious, contemporary surroundings. Indulge in fabulous, freshly cooked food and thoughtfully selected wines. Explore the cultures, customs and cuisines of the places you visit on expertly led tours. And discover a unique and exciting new view of the world.
Châteaux, Rivers & Wine
GREAT VIKING VALUE – SO MUCH INCLUDED P Return scheduled flights from London and a choice of up to 14 regional airports at no extra cost P River-view stateroom P All meals on board including wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner P Free Wi-Fi on board* P An included excursion in almost every port
From £1,345pp 8 days, 7 guided tours Departing March to November 2019
From £1,995pp Waterways of the Tsars 13 days, 10 guided tours Departing May to October 2019
From £3,045pp Passage to Eastern Europe 11 days, 7 guided tours Departing March to November 2019
From £2,095pp Imperial Jewels of China 15 days, 11 guided tours Departing March to November 2019
From £3,145pp Lyon & Provence
P Free tea, coffee and snacks any time on board
8 days, 7 guided tours Departing March to November 2019
P All port charges, government taxes and overseas transfers
From £1,895pp
Call now on 020 8780 7985 or visit vikingcruises.co.uk *Restrictions apply. Prices correct at time of going to print but are subject to availability and change. From prices are per person and based on two people sharing the lowest grade stateroom available, departing on selected dates in 2019. Prices valid until 31 July 2018. Single supplements apply. Please note on selected cruises a visa may be required and is at the passengers own expense. For more information please visit vikingcruises.co.uk/terms-conditions or call us.
ABTA Cruise
MSC adds a fifth Meraviglia class Company places €900m order for new liquefied natural gas-powered ship with French shipyard By Sam Ballard MSC Cruises has signed a €900m order for for the construction of a fifth Meraviglia-class cruise ship. The ship, due to be delivered in 2023, will be equipped with a new generation of dual-fuel engines designed to run on liquefied natural gas. She will also feature other innovative environmental technologies, notably including an advanced wastewater treatment system compliant with the world’s most stringent regulatory standards. The ship will be built by STX France at the St Nazaire
shipyard, where three other cruise ships are currently being constructed for MSC: the MSC Virtuosa; the MSC Grandiosa; and the MSC Bellissima. MSC Bellissima will be the first ship to feature a digital cruise personal assistant, Zoe, for use in the cabins. It will be available in seven languages. Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ executive chairman, said: “Our fifth Meraviglia class ship will bring a new generation of cutting-edge environmental technology to the market. This will help us further reduce our environmental footprint and advance in our journey of improvement.” ABTAmag.com
Chef on the river Raymond Blanc stars on gastronomic trip
By ABTA Magazine staff Raymond Blanc will join Scenic’s gastronomic river cruise to share his love of French cuisine.The chef, author and presenter will join the Scenic Diamond voyage at Cadillac in Bordeaux for two days and take part in a talk and Q&A about his life and career. ABTAmag.com
More Ritz-Carlton yachts Managing director Douglas Prothero says as many as eight ships could be built By Sara Macefield Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has announced plans to expand its fleet of luxury mega-yachts to as many as eight – before its first one has even entered the water. With the first super-yacht debuting in Miami at the US Super Bowl in February 2020,
ABTAmag.com
managing director Douglas Prothero said the second and third yachts would follow in 2021, with at least one new vessel a year after that. “We think the limit is not how many we can sell, but how long this market is still a niche,” he said. “The luxury space is now building ships in the range
of 800 to 1,000 berths. Ours is under 300 so barely touching it.” Protheroe predicts that up to a third of the operation’s business will be whole-yacht charters, with loyal customers of the Ritz-Carlton group and parent company Marriott accounting for a third of bookings. ABTAmag.com
July 2018 9
ABTA Cruise
Aqua Expeditions reveals major expansion plans The boutique river cruise company embarks on the biggest expansion since its launch 11 years ago, adding three more vessels on the Amazon and Mekong By Sara Macefield Boutique river cruise company Aqua Expeditions is stepping up its UK marketing efforts as it embarks on the biggest expansion since its launch 11 years ago. Founder and chief executive Francesco Galli Zugaro confirmed that the upscale operator planned to add three more vessels to its two-strong fleet, which currently comprises the Aria Amazon on the Peruvian Amazon and the Aqua Mekong, which sails on the Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia. Financing for the new 20-cabin vessels is still being
10 July 2018
negotiated, but he hoped this would be completed by the end of the year, with the new luxury river craft following in 2019/2020. “We are not only looking at river cruising, but coastal cruising, too,” Zugaro confirmed. The company is keen to build UK business through the trade, having appointed its first full-time UK sales manager, Katerina Gavrilova, last September. Gavrilova, who is based in London, also looks after the Russian market. Aqua Expeditions will unveil an improved travel agent portal on its website at the end of July, giving agents more control over
bookings from start to finish and allowing them to book larger numbers of passengers in one hit. “This integrated agent portal will enable retailers to make bookings, check space, block it off for a week with no commitment and then confirm,” Zugaro explained. “Ninety days out, they can do online check-in and print off whatever they need.” The UK is Aqua Expeditions’ third-largest market, along with Australia, with both accounting for 10 per cent of the company’s business. The two main markets – the US and Canada – account for around 50 per cent between them. ABTAmag.com
ABTAmag.com
ABTA Cruise
Ponant’s Explorer Le Lapérouse is the first of six new ships
Holland America delves deeper The line is to run a series of 12 destination rich EXC In-Depth Voyages from September By Sam Ballard Holland America Line is to run a series of destination rich cruises on board the Maasdam called EXC In-Depth Voyages – taking the concept of its new destination lounges even further. The 12 cruises – which will launch in September with a 48-day itinerary from Fort Lauderdale to Polynesia via Easter Island – include 154 ports in 36 countries, with 28 either maiden calls or ports that Holland America has not called at for years. Each cruise – with the exception of one repeat cruise in Tahiti – will be unique. The 1,200-passenger Maasdam will be running with just 1,000 people on board for the EXC In-Depth Voyages and also be fitted with eight inflatable zodiacs. The EXC concept on Holland America Line began with the company installing interactive touch screens in the Crow’s Nest which offer destination information. Shore
ABTAmag.com
excursions were renamed EXC Tours to reflect a more engaging experience while the lounge was manned by EXC Guides. EXC Encounters also took place with local people coming on board. “The reception to EXC has been so positive that we decided to experiment with one of our ships, taking it one giant step further,” explained Bill Fletcher, Holland America Line’s senior director of destinations. “We’ve designed itineraries that are specific to a destination focused cruise experience. These cruises are for seasoned travellers who seek deeper connections with the places they visit. They want to see, touch and feel the places that they go to on vacation. They also want to go to places that are further off the beaten path than our other itineraries.” The EXC In-Depth Voyages will come in at a higher price point than Holland America Line’s other cruises. ABTAmag.com
By Jill Sayles Ponant has announced the arrival of its new vessel, Le Lapérouse, the first of the six Ponant Explorer class ships which are all under construction. The cruise line took delivery of Le Lapérouse from Ålesund, Norway on June 15 and it reached Reykjavik, Iceland on June 19 for the start of its maiden cruise. The inauguration will take place on July 10 in Reykjavik. The vessel has 92 staterooms and suites all with a balcony or private terrace and features innovations such as the ‘Blue Eye’ underwater lounge (see page 20). ABTAmag.com
July 2018 11
ABTA Cruise
Comment
Andy Harmer, senior vice-president membership and director, Clia UK & Ireland on why cruise’s time is now
C
ruise has broken through the glass ceiling – it’s no longer a specialist holiday, it’s moving into becoming a mainstream holiday choice. There is still some work to do from the global industry to overcome misconceptions about a holiday at sea or on the river, but we are definitely moving in the right direction. Globally, there were 26.7 million cruise passengers last year, up 6.3 per cent on 2016, and just under two million of these were from the UK and Ireland. An incredible number considering the small base it started from just 50 years ago. With $60 billion invested globally in new ship orders, the time to encourage first-time cruisers to set sail is now, as there has never been more choice. Putting innovation at the heart of efforts to entice more people to cruise for the first time is crucial; it’s the quality of both the onboard experience and the land-based excursions that will draw newcomers in. For cruise customers it’s about the overall holiday experience, so conversations are now moving away from the physical narrative of a cruise – for example, sailing across the Atlantic for seven days – and more towards what happens onboard and during the sailing. When listening to today’s customers talk about cruises you’re more likely to first hear incredible experiential references first, such as visits to private Caribbean islands, bars staffed by robots, food cooked in the restaurant of a celebrity chef,
12 July 2018
visiting relatively unknown and exotic climes and a raft of adventurous adrenaline-filled sports such as zip-lining. All non-traditional cruise expectations and all largely experiences you’re unlikely to get with a land-based holiday. In the UK, the average age of the cruise customer is 56, but for some lines this is at least a decade younger as more and more families set sail. Much is being done by cruise lines, both ocean and river, to lower the average cruise age. However there needs to be a careful balance struck between attracting new younger cruisers and those in their mid-50s and older; after all, they have the time, inclination and money to cruise – more than most other demographics. Millennials are starting to cruise and for them the most important aspects are value for money – not necessarily a low price point – plus a great sociable experience, both onboard the ship and on land. This is set to be the biggest and most affluent generation in years to come and they will cruise. We just need to work out how best to talk to them. Travel agents sell the vast majority of cruises in the UK, as customers rely on them for expert knowledge and guidance through a sometimes overwhelming booking process with myriad cabin types to choose from, plus hundreds of enticing itineraries and exciting ships. So, the time is definitely now. We need to pull together to show the British holidaymaker just how incredible a cruise is, no matter what your age. ABTAmag.com
ABTAmag.com
ABTA Cruise
The new golden age Just as it was in the early 20th century, cruise has once again become fashionable. Sam Ballard explains how perceptions were changed
A
couple of months ago, the V&A Museum in London held an exhibition that looked into the so-called golden age of the cruise industry. The show, Ocean Liners: Speed and Style, gave us a closer look at ships such as the Queen Mary and the SS United States – floating palaces that made an indelible impact on our cultural landscape. Within them was
ABTAmag.com
sumptuous art deco furniture, held in vast ballrooms and sophisticated cocktail bars – the photos and footage look like a scene out of The Great Gatsby. This was how the rich and famous travelled during the roaring ’20s – well-oiled on magnums of champagne and feasting on mountains of caviar. These ships became symbols of the progress of the 20th century.
This all changed when air travel became more accessible. Suddenly, the adventure was to be found in the destination, rather than the weeks it took to get there. It is during this period – from the ’60s through to relatively recently – that the modern cruise industry was born. Lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean were joined by the old heritage
July 2018 13
ABTA Cruise
companies such as P&O, Cunard and Holland America Line – they had been moving people and freight to the new world for years, but now they were now tour operators. As the industry changed, so did its image. No longer was it seen as being the exclusive domain of film stars and royals. A cruise was now baked Alaska parades and all-day buffets. The industry developed a reputation and it was not for being exciting or dynamic. That brings us up to the modern day and an industry that has changed its spots. The question of when the cruise industry started to improve its reputation is an interesting one. For many people, it is around the turn of the century. This is around the time that Royal Caribbean launched its famed
14 July 2018
Voyager class (with firsts such as rock climbing walls and ice rinks) and Norwegian Cruise Line started freestyle cruising – a concept that did away with set dining times and made the entire experience more akin to a land-based resort. More innovations followed and not just in resort-style cruising. River has become a mainstream holiday option, with lines even marketing to non-traditional groups such as millennials and families; expedition cruising has opened up remote corners of the world; and luxury cruising has become one of the most indulgent holiday options available anywhere in the world. Chris Austin, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Seabourn, knows more than most about
the changing image of the cruise industry. Austin joined Seabourn from Starwood, one of the world’s most renowned hotel brands. He argues that his new company is now challenging his old employer, as well as the likes of RitzCarlton and Four Seasons. “I wanted to join the cruise industry because of the great momentum and vision that the industry has,” he explains. “It’s become dynamic and that pace of change is only growing. “We are now attracting guests who previously went on land-based holidays. The experience we can offer, both on and off our ocean-based resort, is getting deeper, through the partnerships we have with the likes of Sir Tim Rice and Unesco, but also the luxury of our resort itself.”
ABTAmag.com
A brand new Australian Adventure sets sail
0
TENDER BOAT 2
1
TENDER BOAT 1
PILOT ACCESS
4500 A.B.L
4500 A.B.L
EXPEDITIONS DEPART AUSTRALIA TO: > THE KIMBERLEY > PAPUA NEW GUINEA > NEW GUINEA CIRCLE > SULAWESI / INDONESIAN ARCHIPELAGOS > KOMODO DRAGONS AND KRAKATOA
Introducing Coral Adventurer Our brand new 120 passenger ship is built to take you closer to unspoilt vistas and places rarely seen in comfort, style and safety. A culmination of two years of design and over three decades of passion for expedition cruising – Coral Expeditions is proud to invite you to experience the Coral Adventurer.
Built for Discovery We started our design process around our dual Xplorer tenders. These are the safari jeeps of the sea. Rugged and comfortable, they take you up rivers, onto beaches and through narrow shoals to get you up close and personal with nature. We aim to get you ashore at least twice a day with ease.
Crewed for Exploration All of our crew are a part of the expedition experience. They wake early and prepare you for the day. Our specialists drive zodiacs, map tides and present lectures. They are experts in their craft and they aim to deliver you a unique travel experience.
BOOK NOW FOR 2019 DEPARTURES > find out more at www.coralexpeditions.com > reservations@coralexpeditions.com > call us on +61 7 4040 9999
Worldwide Cruise Collection 2019/20 BUY ONE GET ONE
• Scenic cruising holidays from 14 ports throughout the UK and Ireland • Traditional British cruise experience • Six smaller to mid-sized classic ships • Half price single offers • Discounts and free places for groups
Programme Highlights • 75th D-Day Anniversary Cruise • Arctic & Greenland Expedition • Canada in the Fall • Land of the Northern Lights • Vasco da Gama Maiden Voyage • Columbus 2020 Grand World Cruise • Grand Africa & Indian Ocean Voyage
FREE on selected cruises
Columbus
Magellan
Marco Polo
Astor
Astoria
Vasco da Gama
Norwegian fjords – Baltic Cities – British Isles – Iceland – Canary Islands & Madeira – European Cities – Short Breaks – Round the World Cruise – Arctic & Greenland – Grand Circle South America – Caribbean & Mexico – Trans Panama – Africa & Indian Ocean - Voyages to/from Australia & New Zealand – Christmas & New Year and Festive Breaks
12.5% Enhanced Basic Commission+ • Promotional support • No direct booking discounts
Book Online at: www.cruiseandmaritime.com Call: 0844 414 6161 Agency Sales: 0844 414 6140 Brochures: www.trade-gate.co.uk +Applies to sales achieved over £5k for 2017/18 cruises. Subject to availability. Terms & Conditions apply. Offers may be withdrawn without notice. Offered for sale in the UK by South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages. ABTA V9945. ATOL 4619. Calls cost 5p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge. 4224
ABTA Cruise
Millennial bug Sarah Macefield heads to Amsterdam to see how U by Uniworld is rocking the river cruise scene
U
by Uniworld is the latest – and coolest – new kid setting sail on the river cruise scene with its on-trend twin ships, The A and The B. This hip alter ego of more traditional sister brand Uniworld is targeting millennials with activity-
ABTAmag.com
packed immersive river cruises along the Seine, Danube and Rhine, offering a new take on entertainment, cuisine and adventures ashore. From the moment I clap eyes on The A in Amsterdam, it stands out in mean and moody matt black with futuristic purple neon strip lights.
July 2018 17
ABTA Cruise
Pictured
Previous page: The ship’s sleek interior. Above: Amsterdam, one of the departure points for U by Uniworld’s ship The A. Right: the chilledout top deck and Ice Bar
18 July 2018
Inside, the cool, clean lines of slate and ivory give it the feel of a stylish boutique hotel, with Andy Warhol trademark Marilyn Monroe prints adding splashes of colour along with colour-changing mood lights and retro furnishings. In line with the brand’s eco-friendly hi-tech credentials, check-in is a near paperless operation. Crew members in black hoodies take my email and mobile details for the WhatsApp group that connects me with The A’s crew and the other passengers. Tour confirmations and the daily programme are sent electronically, while display
screens around The A carry details of activities and menus. The onboard wi-fi is free and fast and social media fans wanting to stay plugged in while ashore can hire a personal router for eight euros a day. There is also a surfeit of USB ports and charging points in cabins and lounges. Dining is another area of difference with two, instead of three, meals a day starting with brunch from 10am until 1pm, though pastries are available at the bar for earlier risers. During my short stint aboard, complimentary bar snacks, such as beef sliders and sausage and chips, were offered
ABTAmag.com
ABTA Cruise
in the afternoon, before dinner was served from 7pm to 9pm in the main restaurant, aptly named Dine, which has the feel of an upscale bistro with tables set underneath strings of hanging light bulbs. It makes for a sociable ambience, aided by tasty sharing platters of grilled veggies, smoked salmon, cured ham and artisan cheese. Venturing ashore is another area where U by Uniworld promises to break the mould, with graffiti tours, vineyard hikes and cycling trips on the The A’s fleet of mountain bikes. My chance comes on the sands of IJmuiderslag, where
ABTAmag.com
I try blokarting, which proves to be fantastic fun. But there’s much to enjoy on board The A, with a gym, plus yoga and body-balancing classes. The outside deck is the ultimate chill-out zone with pod loungers and chic cabanas. On warm evenings films are shown on a blow-up movie screen, while guests can pay for moonlight massages and sleep outside under the stars in a tent made for two. The cabins are a study in pared-down chic, while the sumptuous marble bathrooms are a reminder of when this 124-passenger vessel was part of the main Uniworld fleet.
Most are compact standard and balcony categories, although there are four spacious suites. I like the two triple studio cabins where each bunk-bed even has its own flat screen TV and USB port. At night the top deck Ice Bar comes alive with laser star lights and a silent disco, where I wear headphones to join groovers soundlessly throwing shapes to a mix of reggae and house music. It’s a world away from traditional river cruising, but perfectly illustrates how U by Uniworld is jazzing up this sedate sector with its own distinctive tempo.
July 2018 19
ABTA Cruise
Full speed ahead From go-karts to wearable gizmos, cruise is one of the most innovative travel sectors. Sam Ballard looks at some of the latest developments
F
or an industry that is traditionally seen as catering for a much older generation, save for honeymooners, there is an awful lot of cutting-edge technology pushing it forward. Much of that misalignment comes from the typical myths that still exist around cruise, but it’s a lazy assertion. Recent enhancements to the passenger experience have been exceptional. Entertainment is no longer
20 July 2018
washed up comedians, it’s original productions and shortened versions of West End shows – with amazing sets and high production values. The theatres themselves are more technologically advanced than land-based venues could even dream of. An example is Royal Caribbean International’s Two70 – a lounge that has floor-to-ceiling windows that transform into a 30m wide, high definition screen (twice that of an Imax) – bolstered
by six more screens that come attached to robotic arms. Meanwhile, Celebrity Edge is redefining cabins with its Infinite Verandas. Inspired by the French balconies on European river ships, the ship will move the balcony area inside the cabin – allowing the top portion of the window to be lowered and the area separated by bi-folding doors. This results in an additional 23 per cent of floor space in the cabin and means that the space can still
ABTAmag.com
ABTA Cruise
be utilised even if the weather isn’t great. When it comes to much of the innovation on cruise ships, it is sometimes hard to filter out the genius from the gimmicky. Submarines, speedboats and go-kart tracks could be put into either camp depending on your disposition. Ponant’s Blue Eye Lounge – an underwater
venue that will include huge windows to view marine life – is an amazing installation, especially on ships that will be able to handle polar ice, but the vibrating seats that mimic the underwater noises may stray too far in the other direction. Much of the innovations that are being pioneered by travel companies come down
to an ambition to improve one thing in particular: making experiences more personal for guests. This is easier said than done, especially when you’re dealing with thousands of people. But it is that search for personalisation which has seen other companies innovate. Carnival Corporation set tongues wagging last year
Pictured Above: the race track on Norwegian Bliss. Left: Carnival Corporation’s Ocean Medallion. Over: Cirque du Soleil on MSC Meraviglia
ABTAmag.com
July 2018 21
ABTA Cruise
when it announced it would be launching Ocean Medallion – a small disc that holds details about the holder and thus enables a world of experiences to be opened up. Staterooms unlock when you come within a certain distance, barmen know your favourite drink and security staff can verify your identity as you approach them. Screens will display your own personal avatar. Tests are currently being carried out on Regal Princess after delivery was delayed earlier this year. These moves haven’t gone unnoticed at Carnival’s main rival, Royal Caribbean. Although there is one big
22 July 2018
difference in the way both companies are approaching the next stage of their passenger experience – namely that Royal are creating an app, rather than a piece of wearable technology. Although in its infancy, the idea behind the Royal Caribbean app is simple: it will allow check-in, frictionless boarding (with the aim of getting guests from car to bar in 10 minutes) while also enhancing the onboard experience, potentially replacing the cruise card for those who want it. Everything from surfing classes to spa treatments will be bookable, while the company is also
planning a new on-ship location finder that works with a drinks-ordering function and a messaging service – useful if you’re trying to keep an eye on your kids. They’re aiming to have it rolled out to half the fleet – including Celebrity and Azamara – by the end of 2018. It’s no secret that the cruise industry has upped its game in the past 10 years or so. The perceptions about a stale sector will die away as more and more innovative lines increase their publicity. The message coming from all of the different lines is uniform: the competition is no longer other cruise lines, it’s land-based resorts.
ABTAmag.com
Promotion
Free to do what you want to do Book your customers before July 30 and they’ll pay just £50 deposit*, giving them the chance to experience total freedom at sea with Norwegian Cruise Line
N
orwegian Cruise Line is the true innovator in cruise travel with a 51-year history of breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising. The company revolutionised the cruise industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal holiday on its schedule with no set dining times, a variety of entertainment options and no formal dress code. Today, Norwegian invites guests to enjoy a relaxed, resort-style cruise holiday on some of the newest and most contemporary ships at sea with a wide variety of accommodation options, including The Haven® by Norwegian, a luxury enclave with suites, private pool and dining, concierge service and personal butlers. Norwegian sails the globe, offering guests the freedom and flexibility to explore the world on their own time and experience up to 28 dining options, awardwinning entertainment, superior guest service and more across all of the brand’s 16 ships. What’s more, if you book your customers before July 30, 2018 they’ll pay just £50 per
ABTAmag.com
person deposit* and, thanks to the Book with Confidence pledge, they can cancel and transfer their deposit to a new cruise up to 120 days before departure.
PREMIUM ALL INCLUSIVE Norwegian offers unparalleled freedom with almost everything included in the fare: premium branded alcoholic beverages in all bars, lounges and restaurants; a wide choice of soft drinks; speciality Lavazza coffee served at meal times; 60 minutes of free ship wide wi-fi per person per cruise; plus, service charge and tips are included. Norwegian also has the best entertainment at sea with Broadway award-winning shows such as Rock of Ages and Jersey boys, as well as the youngest fleet, which boast revolutionary features including a race track. With more than 275 ports of call across 85 countries, Norwegian offers incredible freedom for all the family. Book today! Call 0333 336 0815 or visit agents-uk. ncl.eu. *T&Cs apply, see ABTAmag.com or NCL.co.uk
July 2018 23
ABTA Cruise
Go with the flow River cruises are growing in popularity and shedding their sedentary image. Jane Archer profiles four waterways popular with British holidaymakers
RHÔNE/SAÔNE Typical itineraries: The Saône rises in France, meets the Rhône at Lyon and together they flow south, emptying into the Mediterranean near Arles. Most cruise lines offer one-week sailings between Lyon and Avignon or Arles. A few include a couple of nights on the Saône as well. Why go? History lovers can visit Roman amphitheatres and temples in Vienne and Arles, while 30 minutes outside Avignon the stunning Pont du Gard aqueduct – a Unesco World Heritage site built by the Romans in the first century AD – has three tiers of arches and stands nearly 50m high.
24 July 2018
In Lyon, known as the gastronomic capital of France, foodies can tuck into Michelinstarred meals at top-rated restaurants or try local dishes in one of the many bouchon eateries that serve local dishes. Sightseers will love the white Basilica of Notre Dame that sits high above town, the Roman theatre next door and exploring the maze of narrow streets and alleys in the old town. Lyon would be the highlight of the cruise – except there are so many others. In Avignon, tours visit the Popes’ Palace, where seven pontiffs lived in the 1300s; sleepy Viviers houses France’s smallest working cathedral; in medieval Cluny, there are outings to the remains of what was once the largest church in the world.
There is wine-tasting in Chateauneuf du Pape and Tain L’Hermitage, yummy choccies at Valrhona chocolate shop in Tournon and reminders of Van Gogh throughout Arles as storyboards highlight scenes from his famous paintings including The Café Terrace and The Yellow House. River cruise lines: Amadeus River Cruises, AmaWaterways, APT, Avalon Waterways, Emerald Waterways, Riviera Travel, Scenic, Tauck, TravelMarvel by APT, Uniworld River Cruises, Viking. Sell to: Experienced river cruisers, wine lovers, Van Gogh enthusiasts, foodies, history buffs, Francophiles.
ABTAmag.com
ABTA Cruise
RHINE Typical itineraries: The Rhine rises in Switzerland and flows through France, Germany and the Netherlands, where it empties into the North Sea. Most itineraries are oneweek sailings from Amsterdam to Basel – and vice-versa – but there are plenty of variations. Some cruises start and end in Cologne, others combine the Rhine with the Moselle or Main Rivers, while two-week sailings on the Rhine, Main, MainDanube Canal and Danube link Amsterdam and Budapest. Seven-night tulip-themed cruises in the Netherlands and Belgium happen in spring and Christmas markets cruises in November and December. Why go? One of the big attractions is Amsterdam, where a canal cruise and the Rijksmuseum are on the must-do list. If time allows, suggest clients pre-book a slot to visit the Anne Frank House. It is easily done online, but they need to book early as it is very busy. Many itineraries include a night in the city, before sailing to Cologne, a city with a magnificent cathedral, chocolate museum and a beer called Kölsch. The Documentation Centre in a
ABTAmag.com
former Gestapo prison records the horrors of Nazi rule. The Rhine Gorge is the most scenic part of the river, passing beneath more than 40 medieval castles and fortresses, as well as the Lorelei Rock, where legend has it a beautiful maiden threw herself to her death over a faithless lover. Clients will cruise past steep vineyards, see a 450-yearold bible printed by Johannes Gutenberg, the father of the printing press, ride a cable car in Rüdesheim and explore Strasbourg, a fabulous city with canals, half-timbered houses and a grand cathedral with an ancient astronomical clock. Highlights for those pairing the Rhine with the Moselle include the Reichsburg Castle in Cochem, the imposing Porta Nigra (Black Gate) in
Trier and the house, also in Trier, where Karl Marx was born 200 years ago. Tulip cruises visit Keukenhof Gardens, where more than seven million flower bulbs bloom each spring. Cruise lines: Amadeus River Cruises, AmaWaterways, APT, Avalon Waterways, Crystal River Cruises, Emerald Waterways, Fred River Cruises, Riviera Travel, Saga, Scenic, Shearings, The River Cruise Line, Tauck, Titan Travel, TravelMarvel by APT, U by Uniworld, Uniworld River Cruises, Viking. Sell to: First-time river cruisers, citybreak clients, wine lovers, keen gardeners, history enthusiasts, art connoisseurs.
July 2018 25
ABTA Cruise
DANUBE Typical itineraries: Most Danube cruises are oneweek sailings from Budapest in Hungary to Passau or Vilshofen in Germany, or vice-versa. There are also seven-night cruises between Budapest and Nuremberg, also in Germany, and round-trip from Passau or Budapest. Clients can also cruise the Lower Danube – a fascinating journey through Eastern Europe that takes in Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania and is becoming increasingly popular among those seeking new places to explore. Why go? Vienna is the jewel in the crown on the Danube, with grandiose palaces – the Hofburg in the centre of the city, from where the Habsburgs ruled Austria for 700 years, and Schönbrunn, their summer residence, as well as
26 July 2018
many ornate private residences – and monumental architecture. But it has some stiff competition. While not as blue as Johann Strauss would have us believe, the Danube is one of the most attractive rivers in Europe, flowing past five capital cities and through the beautiful Wachau Valley in Austria and Iron Gate Gorge separating Serbia and Romania. Budapest is memorable for its waterfront, which is beautiful by day but spectacular after dark; Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, has quirky statues and a pretty old town; back in Vienna, cruise lines stay late so passengers can attend Mozart and Strauss concerts in one of the dazzling palaces. In Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, highlights include Sveti Sava, the world’s biggest Orthodox church, while tours in Bucharest visit the vast Palace of
the Parliament built by former Romanian dictator Nicholas Ceausescu. Tours visit a few of its 3,000 opulent rooms. Away from the capitals, clients can see where Mozart was born on trips to Salzburg, hear the largest cathedral organ in the world in Passau and climb to the rock fortress of Belogradchik in Bulgaria. Cruise lines: Amadeus River Cruises, AmaWaterways, APT, Avalon Waterways, Crystal River Cruises, Emerald Waterways, Fred River Cruises, Riviera Travel, Saga, Scenic, Shearings, The River Cruise Line, Tauck, Titan Travel, TravelMarvel by APT, U by Uniworld, Uniworld River Cruises, Viking. Sell to: First-time river cruisers, citybreak clients, history enthusiasts, music lovers, foodies.
ABTAmag.com
ABTA Cruise
DOURO Typical itineraries: The Douro flows through northern Portugal, emptying into the Atlantic at Porto. Vessels follow one route, sailing from Porto to Vega de Terrón on the border with Spain and back, a distance of 210km (130 miles). Cruises are mostly one week, although some cruise lines extend the trip by adding a few extra nights on board in Porto. One-way cruises pair the river with a few nights in Lisbon and Madrid at the start and end. Why go? Whichever itinerary clients choose, they will have time in Porto, which sits at the mouth of the Douro, and the Spanish city of Salamanca, reached on excursions from Vega de Terrón. Both are spectacular, with beautiful churches, imposing architecture and grand squares. Tours in Porto visit Gaia, for tastings in one of the port wine lodges. In Salamanca, clients can peek inside the ‘old’ 12th century Romanesque cathedral and ‘new’ Gothic-style basilica, which despite its name dates back 500 years. Outside the big cities, life on the Douro slows down, with time to admire the stunning scenery and visit sleepy towns and medieval villages.
ABTAmag.com
Guimarães is where Portugal was ‘born’ when, in 1128, Afonso I became the country’s first king, Regua has an excellent wine museum. In Lamego, tours visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies pilgrimage church built atop a baroque staircase with 680 steps. There are also outings to the Mateus Palace, the manor house depicted on the label of bottles of Mateus rosé wine. Anyone expecting a tasting will be a tad disappointed as the
wine isn’t made there; instead tours of the house reveal a priceless collection of books, furniture and reliquaries. Cruise lines: AmaWaterways, APT, Emerald Waterways, Riviera Travel, Saga, Scenic, Titan Travel, TravelMarvel by APT, Uniworld River Cruises, Viking. Sell to: Older couples, port wine lovers, sun worshippers, city-break clients.
July 2018 27
YOU R WOR L D. YO U R WA Y.
Welcome to the world of Oceania Cruises where an array of diverse and exotic destinations is just waiting to be discovered.
Tr avel Partnership Hub We have recently launched a new UK Travel Partnership Hub where you, our valued agents, can be rewarded, do your online training and create customisable marketing collateral. RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Our online training platform, learn from a distance in your own time. OLIFE REWARDS Our reward scheme designed to help you grow your business MARKETING PORTAL A one-stop shop marketing tool for all you need to promote Oceania Cruises.
Visit www.oceaniacruises.com/agent. New agents can register via agencysales@oceaniacruises.com ENJOY THE FINEST CUISINE AT SE Aâ„¢ ABOARD OUR INTIM ATE AND LUXURIOUS SHIPS. C ALL O CE ANIA CRUISES AT 0345 505 1920 | BO OK ONLINE AT O CE ANIACRUISES.COM /AGENT OR ORDER BRO CHURES FROM AGENC YSALES @ O CE ANIACRUISES.COM