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Worldwide cruising
Globe hopping Ocean cruising / 19
When the ships come in
From the family-friendly shores of the Caribbean to enigmatic Asian destinations, clients are looking for memorable cruises that make up for lost time, says Jeannine Williamson
glassy clear waTers of The caribbean
As we pass the lush mangroves and head out into the open sea i feel the warm afternoon breeze on my face. the only sound is the splash of the paddles in the water as we follow in the wake of kayak expedition leader, Garth.
Stopping for a breather I drift along on the gentle current. Gazing into the clear shimmering water I can see the outline of the coral reefs. I know, from an earlier talk, that the 64 square miles of Caribbean Sea surrounding the island is now protected and home to 88 species of fi sh. Loggerhead turtles have also returned to lay their eggs on the beach close to where we set off .
Looking across the pristine sands, palm trees and pastel-coloured wooden buildings on Ocean Cay, MSC Cruise’s private island in the Bahamas, it’s hard to believe this was once an old sand mine.
Later, as the sun dips over the horizon, the balmy air fi lls with the unique tropical sound of Junkanoo music. Colourful dancers sway in time to the drumbeats and it’s impossible to stop my feet moving – less expertly – to the infectious rhythm.
“Demand is increasing not just for cruises for summer 2022 but well into 2023,” says Antonio Paradiso, Managing Director MSC Cruises UK & Ireland. “Cruise has always been unique when it comes to early booking, and since opening the sales of our 2023 itineraries we have already seen strong demand with particular interest in our ex-UK programme on MSC Grandiosa,” adds Paradiso.
Passengers are now “aiming high”, according to Ben Bouldin, Vice President EMEA at Royal Caribbean.
“The lifting of travel restrictions across the world makes it a perfect time to recommend ocean cruises, with more options available than ever,” he says. Consumers are looking to splurge their savings on a bucket list
princess cruises hopes To sail Japan This suMMer
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Towering spires in Tallin, esTonia MeeT The locals in The caribbean longoZ orManlari swaMpland, Turkey
Ben Bouldin, Vice President EMEA, Royal Caribbean
trip, bigger and better than before, to make up for the memories missed over the last few years. We saw the beginning of this trend after announcing our Ultimate World Cruise which sold over 70% in the first week.
“We’re excited to be able to offer a full European season this year, with eight ships sailing in Europe.”
At Celebrity Cruises, Jo Rzymowska, Vice President and Managing Director EMEA, says that with six ships in Europe for the summer, including the new Celebrity Beyond launched in Southampton and spending a maiden season in the Mediterranean, the Med was a top seller, while Alaska and the Galapagos were popular with adventure-seekers.
“Family and friends keen to make up for lost time are booking trips of a lifetime to all corners of the world, and what better way to see it than on a cruise,” she says. “Our first priority is the health and safety of our guests and crew, which is why all of our crew and eligible guests are fully vaccinated. We want our guests to have the very best holiday knowing that it is also the safest holiday so they can relax.”
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has also seen a trend for bucket list trips and Head of Sales, Geoff Ridgeon, comments: “The uptake we have had on our summer 2023 cruises shows people are already planning their travels for next year. People are also looking at once-in-a-lifetime trips so our longer grand voyages and world cruises are continuing to peak interest. We are also seeing demand continue to rise for our shorter sailings to Norway, with Rosyth departures proving particularly popular.”
princess cruising Milford sound in new Zealand
Caribbean
Providing guaranteed winter sunshine and affordable fares at other times of the year, the Caribbean ticks all the boxes when it comes to palm-fringed beaches and warm waters that are fantastic for diving and snorkelling. The beauty of this region is that while all the islands share a tropical climate, they are all very different, from the spice island of Grenada to one-of-a-kind Cuba.
Many lines have their own private islands and Caribbean cruises are a top choice for families. Large ships have fantastic kids’ clubs and cruises can be sold with a stay in Florida to visit the theme parks.
AzAMARA
The 670-passenger Azamara Onward is the latest vessel to join the destinationfocused line. Its classic look will appeal to lovers of traditional vessels. A 10-night round-trip Miami eastern Caribbean voyage in December 2022 starts from £954pp. azamara.co.uk
Asia
Nowhere else in the world offers the contrasts that can be found in enigmatic Asia. In rural villages there are timeless floating markets where locals buy their
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wares and a few hours away some of the most cutting-edge cities on the globe.
Home to some of the world’s oldest civilisations, adventurous and curious clients will discover ancient history and modern innovations everywhere they go.
This is a destination for food-lovers, with the chance to try authentic Asian cuisine. Recommend excursions featuring food tours and tastings or cookery classes.
CElEBRity CRuisEs
Cruising allows clients to experience different cultures in one trip which would be impossible on a land tour. A 12-night sailing in December 2022 on the
Geoff Ridgeon, Head of Sales, Fred. olsen Cruise lines
sail The TradiTional way wiTh sTar clippers Msc docked aT ocean cay, The cruise line’s privaTe island
2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice starts from Hong Kong and visits Vietnam and Thailand before ending in Singapore. Prices start from £1,185pp. celebritycruises.com
Australia and New Zealand
A cruise down under is a once-in-alifetime journey and full of big-hitting sights including the Great Barrier Reef, which is the largest in the world, and Sydney Opera House, one of the world’s most instantly recognisable buildings, while in New Zealand Napier is famous for its amazing Art Deco architecture.
A destination for seasoned cruisers, consider packaging cruises with railway journeys, such as The Ghan train from Darwin to Adelaide or the Marlborough Flyer steam train from New Zealand’s cruise terminal at Picton.
This is also a fantastic destination for wine lovers and shore excursions include vineyard visits and tastings.
PRinCEss CRuisEs
As clients are travelling such a long distance suggest a cruise tour so they can enjoy the best of both worlds. A 17-night Australian outback tour and cruise combines a six-night Australian land stay with a New Zealand cruise aboard Majestic Princess. Departing in December 2022, prices start from £3,810pp. princess.com
Mediterranean
It’s easy to see why this vast cruise region, covering nearly one million square miles, is a perennial favourite with Brits. Teeming with history, it’s an ideal recommendation for culture vultures who can explore cities such as Rome and Florence which are living museums. With a wide range of cruises on ships ranging from luxury yachts to action-packed mega-vessels, Med sailings are also perfect for new-to-cruise clients.
They are generally divided into eastern (Greek Islands, Turkey, Cyprus and Israel) or western (Spain, France, Italy, Gibraltar and Morocco) itineraries, which also helps find the perfect fit for customers.
RoyAl CARiBBEAn
The line’s newly launched 5,448-passenger Wonder of the Seas, the world’s largest-ever cruise ship with a new all-suite neighbourhood, is sailing the Mediterranean for its maiden season with two alternating itineraries departing from Rome and Barcelona. With departures until October 2022, a sevennight sailing is priced from £679pp. royalcaribbean.com
souTh aMerica is a Top cruise for wildlife
South & Central America
From the steamy tango in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires to the samba in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, this exotic cruise area is filled with natural and man-made marvels. Some sailings feature a transit through the Panama Canal, a bucket list experience for many cruisers.
The diverse and dramatic scenery is famous for its wildlife, a huge cruise selling point. Animals have no fear of humans in the Galapagos Islands, providing incredible photographic opportunities, while in Costa Rica national parks are home to red-eyed tree frogs, tapirs, sloths and brightly coloured birds.
stAR CliPPERs
After almost a decade, tall ship line Star Clippers is returning to Costa Rica from November 2022 to March 2023. The 166-passenger Star Clipper will sail on two itineraries along the Pacific coastline, using wind power as much as possible. A seven-night sailing starts from £1,500pp. starclippers.co.uk •
Back to Nature in
Globe hopping Six of the best... / 23
British Columbia
Following a renewed focus on health and wellness, clients can find themselves in Canada’s nature hotspot and discover ‘The British Columbia Effect’ first-hand, says Charlotte Flach
Whale of a time
Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours has launched a Whales, Wildlife and Culture Tour, which combines wildlife sightseeing with Indigenous storytelling. Clients will marvel at humpback whales while exploring culturally significant sites such as the Discovery Islands. The area has a rich Indigenous heritage with occupation by the people of the Homalco, Klahoose and other First Nations. homalcotours.com
Bear necessities
Deep in the coastal wilderness of Desolation Sound, only accessible by boat or seaplane, the Klahoose Wilderness Resort is BC’s newest Indigenous cultural experience. Owned by Indigenous peoples, the luxury all-inclusive eco-resort hosts its first season this May. Guests can take a boat ride in Toba Inlet, to see grizzly bears, visit thundering waterfalls on a rainforest hike or go sea kayaking. Klahooseresort.com
Tree hugging
Talaysay Tours has debuted a new Talking Trees tour at the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre in Whistler. Guided by Lil’wat Elder and plant specialist Lucille Joseph, guests will learn about the medicinal and culinary uses of local trees and plants. There’s also the new Kees and Claire Hut at Russet Lake, situated along Spearhead Traverse, a 40-kilometre route which crosses 13 glaciers between Whistler and Blackcomb. spearheadhuts.org
Sustainable solutions
In the heart of the West Kootenays, close to the bohemian town of Nelson, the newly opened Bear Spring Eco Retreat takes travellers off grid. Stay in glamping tents, charming cottages or the lodge itself. The retreat uses only solar lighting and boasts edible food gardens, with 300 acres of land allowing for foraging, hiking, swimming, skiing, snowshoeing and brushes with wildlife. Bearspringeco.ca
Indigenous immersion
Step into the wild at the new Nemiah Valley Lodge – planned to open June 2022. Located in the rolling valley and beside BC’s Ts’ilos Provincial Park, the all-inclusive lodge will offer activities such as guided hikes, cultural interpretations, archery, fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding. There’s also the chance to become fully immersed in the lives and traditions of the Xeni Gwet’in people. nemiahvalleylodge.com
Peak practices
High up in the Skeena Mountains, near Terrace, is the new Northern Escape mountain lodge. The ideal base for exploring the wild north of BC, guests will discover world-class steelhead and salmon fishing plus the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary and coastal whale watching for orcas and humpbacks. Adventurers can hit the trails on an e-mountain bike or paddle the surrounding lakes. summer.neheliskiing.com
D ESTINATION BC/@ MIRAECAMPBELL
