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seacations Cruise lines have sprung into action since the UK’s roadmap to recovery was revealed, adapting summer 2021 programmes to offer domestic cruises. Kerry Spencer looks at the options Why sell it With the UK’s Covid-19 vaccination programme well underway and the roadmap to recovery set out by Boris Johnson opening up domestic tourism from May 17, things are finally starting to look up for British holidaymakers and travel agents. Richard Courts, the UK’s Minister for Aviation & Maritime, has tentatively given the go-ahead for domestic cruises to restart from the same date, a move welcomed by CLIA UK & Ireland and the UK’s Chamber of Shipping. In response, cruise lines have been quick to unveil British Isles programmes to entice cruisers this summer. Princess Cruises unveiled a comprehensive domestic cruise programme featuring 22 departures from Southampton on Regal and Sky Princess, but strictly for COVID-19 vaccinated UK residents. Tony Roberts, Princess Cruises UK & Europe VP, says: “While international travel remains uncertain, these new cruises mean that UK residents can take a well-deserved holiday around the UK. “We are also delighted that our new cruises will offer the choice between scenic voyages and port-of-call itineraries where guests can visit the historic UK cities of Liverpool, Belfast and Glasgow.” It also presents agents with an opportunity
Cruisers can tick stone henge off the bucket list
Craggy Cornwall is one of England’s most Scenic Shorelines
to entice non-cruisers who perhaps want to “still feel as if they were overseas”. Then there’s clients who might want to dip their toe into the cruising world with a UK sailing the perfect way to convince them to give it a try. If they like it, agents may have a repeat cruiser for life!
What to sell With miles of scenic coastline, chocolate box villages and historic ports, a British Isles
Fred. Olsen’s Spirit of Adventure
cruise offers a bucket list-worthy holiday and the chance for Brits to get back on some of their favourite cruise lines. A boon for travel agents is the sheer scope of domestic cruises available — both this year and next. From short cruises on the Jurassic Coast to port-intensive sailings, every type of cruiser is covered. There are caveats, though, with some lines only offering scenic cruises with no port stops. Among those lines planning on it being several months before international cruises can resume is Cunard, which has pivoted with domestic sailings by repositioning the Queen Elizabeth from the Med to the UK. Simon Palethorpe, Cunard President, says: “With the UK Government confirming that domestic travel is likely to happen we are introducing a series of exciting, shorterduration trips for Brits looking for the perfect staycation in Cunard luxury. These will be sailings from Southampton, for UK residents, around the UK and will make the very most of the summer sunshine.”
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