News

‘First Mates’ head to Dover to join Virgin Voyages’ new Scarlet Lady VIRGIN VOYAGES

Aurora Expeditions has launched a dedicated UK website (auroraexpeditions.co.uk) with a live booking portal, which now quotes rates in GBP for their European and Arctic programmes.

The Australian line said it was created in response to UK trade demand. The site allows agents to book direct and reserve places with real-time availability, live o ers, selection criteria searching and activity requests and now a rate in the enquirer’s local currency.

The operator has also announced it is o ering solo guests travelling on selected voyages sole use of a cabin with no single supplement. The itineraries are: West Greenland Explorer (May 18), Iceland Circumnavigation (June 2), Inuit Arctic and Beyond (September 23). AURORA EXPEDITONS Adventure line launches new UK trade website

Virgin Voyages has hosted its fi rst agent guests on board Scarlet Lady in Dover, before it makes its way to Liverpool and the United States.

The new 2,770-guest, adults-only ship will be based out of Miami and sail four, fi ve and seven-night itineraries, all of which will call at Virgin’s private Beach Club at Bimini. The company’s early ambition was to create a new category within the industry. All restaurants are included within the fare, as are gratuities, wi-fi , exercise classes and “basic beverages”, which include fi ltered still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and drip co ee.

The food o ering is particularly strong given the ship has more than 20 di erent places to eat, including Razzle Dazzle, a vegetarian restaurant; Gunbae, a Korean BBQ; Pink Agave, an upscale Mexican; and Extra Virgin, an Italian restaurant. There is no main dining room or bu et, although The Galley is a food option with numerous made-to-order food stations within one space. All alcohol is chargeable.

The ship comes with a number of unique o erings, including Squid Ink, a tattoo parlour, and retail options that stock brands making a positive impact – such as sunglasses made of upcycled ocean plastic. The ship is also plastic and tree free.

Group exercise classes are included while the ship also has a vast gym. Entertainment is immersive and there are specially designed shows in The Red Room, a transformational entertainment space. Beyond that, drag queens and resident artists roam the ship. However, there was concern regarding some of the features on board, including the size of cabins (particularly bathrooms) and the swimming pool. All non-suite cabins have a bed that is turned into a sofa during the day.

Feedback from agents was that the ship would be perfect for guests who typically enjoy stays in the likes of Ibiza or Las Vegas.

8 CORAL EXPEDITIONS Autralian line to explore world’s small islands

Coral Expeditions has launched its Small Islands of the World series, which comprises 16 new voyages across four regions. The new itineraries are part of Coral’s celebrations for its 35th year of expedition cruise.

The line’s expedition ships Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer will take guests to explore the islands of the Pacifi c Ocean, including British Overseas Territory the Pitcairn Islands; Japan, including the Ogasawara Islands, dubbed the Galápagos of the Orient; the Philippines; and into Micronesia and New Guinea, where guests can immerse themselves in tribal cultures.

Bookings made before April 31 are eligible for a 10 per cent discount.

The art of slow travel OPINION

Will Sarson, brand comms and specialist product, Riviera Travel

As the travel industry contends with over-tourism, under-tourism, climate change and the concept of wellness in travel, slow travel has emerged as an incredibly infl uential travel trend that is likely to dominate the travel agenda for the coming years.

Slow travel not only focuses on the journey itself (be it by rail, cruise or foot), but it also encourages travellers to fully engage with the destination they are visiting. The more considered journey allows the traveller’s mind to disconnect, wander and dream, giving travellers a tangible sense of rejuvenation – the kind which can only be achieved with a signifi cant change in pace. The cruising ethos perfectly aligns with the notion of slow travel. Journeys taken at a tranquil tempo and longer itineraries are the ultimate manifestation of this trend. At Riviera Travel we have been breathing and living slow travel long before it made Abta’s 2020 Travel Trends list. We truly believe that there is no better way to experience Europe’s rich cultural heritage than sailing along the Danube and taking in the grand baroque architecture, medieval cities and quaint hamlets.

Sail and rail packages also allow guests to indulge in the pleasure of slow travel. Again, is there a better way to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Swiss Alps than on the Bernina Express or sailing serenely through the Rhine Gorge, taking in the view from our panoramic lounge with a glass of G&T in hand. These transformative experiences provide a sense of wonderment the traditional ‘fl y and fl op’ simply cannot deliver. Additionally, Riviera Travel’s expert tour managers really get under the skin of a destination. Our cultural, historic and foodie tours allow guests to really connect with the place that they are visiting by learning about the history of destination through exploring Unesco sites or architecture of note, sampling local food and meeting people who live and work in the area. We provide the inside track to a destination. Cruising perfectly combines relaxation and discovery.

The slow travel movement is an exciting opportunity for the cruise industry to create rewarding itineraries that unveil new destinations and revive old favourites. Value added options, smaller ships and longer itineraries all encourage traveller to reacquaint themselves with the lost art of repose.

Extra commission and new agent events announced SEABOURN & HAL

Ultra-luxury line Seabourn – and its sister company Holland America Line – are o ering a bonus four per cent commission to agents on selected 2020 sailings.

The incentive is part of Seabourn’s third annual Global Partner Appreciation event.

The event runs until April 30 and will see the line’s sales teams reinforce and strengthen their commitment to travel partners through complimentary events to showcase the latest Seabourn news, including the upcoming launch of the expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, in the summer In the UK, the events will take place in a number of towns and cities between March 2 and April 22. For further information, or to register, email salessupport@ seabourn.co.uk.

“We are truly excited about sharing Seabourn’s news, immersive videos and sales tools with agents across the UK,” said Wendy Lahmich, director of sales UK & Ireland. “We are looking forward to meeting up with our valued partners and new-toSeabourn agents who will learn more and enjoy a few surprises.”

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