CRUISE ADVISER THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES
DECEMBER 2017
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SA I LI N G I NTO A N E W
GOLDEN AGE OF CRUISE
The new launches, innovations and destinations to look forward to in 2018 PLUS VIKING RIVER CRUISES ON THE DANUBE HOW TO SELL: YOUR FIRST CRUISE PORTS OF CALL: SYDNEY
DISCOVER PREMIUM EXPERIENCES ON BOARD
NORWEGIAN BLISS Meet our newest and most incredible cruise ship, custom-built for Alaska.
DISCOVER PREMIUM EXPERIENCES ON BOARD
INVITE YOUR CUSTOMERS TO EXPERIENCE BLISS That’s what they’ll experience when they holiday on our newest and most incredible ship, Norwegian Bliss, coming to Alaska in 2018. Custombuilt for Alaska, Norwegian Bliss features a revolutionary Observation Lounge to soak in every stunning moment, from bald eagles soaring over glaciers to whales breaching through calm waters in the inside passage. SPECTACULAR ALASKA After launching in Europe, Norwegian Bliss will be making her way to Alaska in June next year. Sailing from Seattle, her itinerary will take in fascinating ports like Skagway, once the gateway to the Yukon Gold Rush and still redolent of that wild era and Juneau, from where excursions include
ALASKA HIGHLIGHTS
a seaplane flight over the 36 named glaciers of the huge Juneau Icefield. And what’s more, your customers will experience a brand new sense of freedom at sea with Norwegian Cruise Line’s Premium All Inclusive. Holiday budgeting has never been easier because there is so much more included in the cruise fare, like soft and branded alcoholic drinks in all bars, lounges and restaurants, service charges, speciality coffees in restaurants and mineral water in staterooms. So, on board they’ll experience the best dining, entertainment and amenities at sea against a backdrop of unrivalled natural beauty. There’s one word to describe the experiences awaiting them on Norwegian’s newest ship: Bliss.
FROM SEATTLE
NORWEGIAN BLISS • 7-DAY CRUISE 01 June – 21 September 2018
SKAGWAY JUNEAU
Sawyer Glacier
KETCHIKAN
PACIFIC OCEAN
VICTORIA SEATTLE
Premium All Inclusive Cruise only price
1,119 p.p.*
from £
Premium All Inclusive Fly-Cruise price
2,718 p.p.*
from £
TO BOOK CALL 0333 241 2319 OR CHECK OUT OUR NEWEST SHIP BY VISITING EU.BLISS.NCL.COM *Cruise fare based on 08 Sep 2018 departure, for double occupancy, depending on availability and subject to change. Including all Premium All Inclusive services at a value of more than £1,200 per stateroom (based on a 7-day cruise in stateroom categories up to Mini Suite and the current retail prices charged on board as well as the applicable discretionary service charge). Please see www.ncl.co.uk for full terms and conditions. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd., Southampton, UK Office 4th Floor | Mountbatten House | Southampton | SO15 2JU. ©2017 NCL Corporation Ltd. Ships‘ Registry: Bahamas and United States of America. 6704.11.17
December 2017 | Forward EDITOR’S LETTER
Setting sail for an exciting future in 2018 Hello and welcome to the December issue of Cruise Adviser, reviewing the year gone by and GOLDEN previewing all AGE that’s in store for 2018. This magazine is a significant one for us in that it marks our third anniversary. Since we published our first issue in December 2014, we’ve grown to become the most widely read trade cruise publication in the UK, with 10 issues a year and a sister publication in Solus (solusmagazine.com). In 2018, we are set to grow again with a range of supplements, events, more competitions, a fresh look and much more. We can’t wait to reveal all. Of course, we’re not the only ones with exciting plans: there are a whole host of new ships launching CRUISE ADVISER THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES
DECEMBER 2017
WIN!
AN iPAD WITH FRED OLSEN! p59
SA I LI N G I NTO A N E W
OF CRUISE
The new launches, innovations and destinations to look forward to in 2018
PLUS VIKING RIVER CRUISES ON THE DANUBE HOW TO SELL: YOUR FIRST CRUISE PORTS OF CALL: SYDNEY
(p13), including Ponant’s new luxury yachts (p38). For this issue, we’ve spoken to some of the industry’s most important figures, including Royal Caribbean’s Stuart Leven and Abta’s Mark Tanzer, to ask them the question: where next for cruise? (p22). This month, our How to Sell guide is aimed at agents who are either new to cruise themselves or have customers who haven’t cruised before; here, we provide nine incredible options to rival any landbased alternative (p40). We’re also giving away an iPad to one lucky reader as part of our competition with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines (p59). We’ll be back in January with a bumper issue for Wave, plus our unique, comprehensive ex-UK guide pullout, produced in association with Choosing Cruising. We hope you enjoy reading.
THIS MONTH WHAT WE LEARNT
P13
CELEBRITY’S NEW SHIP HAS 360-DEGREE VIEWS Celebrity Flora has been designed especially for the Galápagos Islands
P16
SYDNEY IS GETTING MORE POPULAR The number of cruise passengers in the Australian city has grown by double figures for the last 12 years
P31
is brought to you by Waterfront Publishing cruise adviser
Publisher Sam Ballard sam@cruise-adviser.com Publisher Anthony Pearce anthony@cruise-adviser.com
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THE ITALIAN LAKES ARE THE NEW HOTSPOT Holidays on the beautiful Lake Garda, Lake Como, Lake Lugano and Lake Maggiore are in demand for 2018
Exotic Fly-Cruise Adventures Guests Never Forget Fred. Olsen’s passion for showing the very best of the world has inspired an outstanding collection of exotic Fly-Cruise adventures. Your clients can now discover the highlights of South Africa, Indian Ocean Islands, South America or as far afield as Australia. They can fly straight to the heart of their chosen region, and wake each day to the next of their wish-list destinations. Wherever they choose to explore, they can rest assured they’ll enjoy it in the warmer, friendlier atmosphere that’s always found on Fred. Olsen ships.
Win an iPad courtesy of Fred. Olsen
Turn to page 59 for further details
For further information call Trade Support on 01473 746 164
Visit our dedicated agent website at fredolsencruises.com/agent
WIN!
AN iPAD WITH FRED O L S E N! p59 The incredible pool at the Corinthia Budapest hotel, p44
Contents MIDSHIP 22
Where next for cruise? Several leading industry figures talk about what the future holds in 2018 and beyond, looking at changes in innovation, legislation, luxury and family cruises, the rise of river, meeting the needs of millennials and destination hotspots
38
40
InFocus: Ponant A profile of the luxury line that takes French style and sophistication to every farflung corner of the world How to sell: your first cruise Our handy guide shows you how to sell to first-time
families, couples and solo travellers in a few simple steps 44
Danube Napoleon called it the “queen of European rivers� and Sam Ballard finds out why as he joins Viking from Nuremberg to Budapest CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
6
Winter Sun Cruises in the Med
Escape the wet and cold weather and sail warmer Mediterranean destinations on CroisiEurope’s 4-deck Premium ship MS Belle de l’Adriatique. New cruise itineraries include Sicily, Malta, Albania, Montenegro and Cyprus.
HIGHLIGHTS: Incredible places - Irresistible prices • Due to its size, ship docks in small harbours • Fascinating excursions that bring history & culture to life • Unlimited drinks • Superb Gourmet cuisine • Free Wi-Fi
IM067100025 - ©maridav - ©janos gaspard
INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS
✆ 0208 3281 281 resuk@croisieurope.com
www.croisieurope.co.uk
December 2017 | Forward
FORWARD 3
Ed’s letter
12
News Azamara Club Cruises’ plans for a special christening event for Azamara Pursuit in Southampton next year; a full list of 2018 launches; the latest innovations from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity
16
19
Ports of Call: Sydney A profile of Australia’s vibrant largest city with one of the most iconic waterfronts in the world, which is becoming an increasingly popular cruise destination Advantage conference Jeannine Williamson reports from the first at-sea conference held on board P&O Cruises’ Ventura
AFT
60
Recipe James Martin’s scrumptious Scotch egg and vegetable crisps for P&O Cruises
50
New crew All the latest staff news
51
Fam trips / incentives The best agent opportunities
61
53
Directory All the cruise line contact details in one place
On the road Kirsty McIntosh from Norwegian Cruise Line
62
58
Games room / competition Win an iPad courtesy of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
Final word The cruise indusry’s resilience to natural/political disasters
Email info@cruise-adviser.com to share your thoughts CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
8
ALL
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INTRODUCING CRYSTAL RIVER CRUISES.™ THE WORLD'S BEST IS NOW EVEN BETTER. From The World’s Best Cruise Line™ comes an entirely new way to travel. Experience the unrivaled standard in all-inclusive luxury, while exploring the timeless waterways of Europe with unforgettable overnight stays aboard five spacious, all-suite river yachts. Indulge in ever-changing scenery and lush landscapes with uniquely curated shoreside discoveries designed to surprise, enrich and fascinate. And complimentary butler service in each and every suite will make you feel like royalty each and every day. Welcome to the new Crystal®.
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020 7399 7604 ©2017 Crystal Cruises, LLC. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas.
www.crystalcruises.co.uk
ABTA No.V8548
Charms of
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6 DAYS BY COACH FROM
£
999
Departing September 17th 2018
Flanders is a region with a wealth of historic cities. We visit Bruges one of the most perfectly preserved medieval cities in Europe, whilst Antwerp and Ghent are both Flemish gems with their own unique charms.
ALL HOLIDAYS INCLUDE All inclusive board basis • Services of a Shearings Cruise Manager 1 or 2 included excursions • Return coach travel/Regional flights/Rail (from St Pancras) FREE Home connect from selected postcodes • Free drinks on board including beer, wine, selected spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, water and speciality coffee & teas
D U TC H DELIGHTS Departing 15th Sept 2018 Sailing on the MS A-ROSA Aqua Spend time in vibrant Amsterdam Enjoy a relaxing steam train journey through the Dutch countryside
4 DAYS
by coach
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PARIS & THE SEINE VALLEY TO NORMANDY Departing 4th May & 28th Sept 2018 Sailing on the MS A-ROSA Viva Discover Europe's most romantic city, Paris Explore historic Rouen Visit the D-Day landing beaches
9 DAYS
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Subject to Shearings T&C’s and availability. Prices are 'From' and are per person based on 2 people sharing a standard cabin. Single/Cabin supplements may apply.
To request any of our brand new brochures or for sales support call
River Cruising by
5 DAYS by Air FROM £1169 5 DAYS by Rail FROM £1239 Both departing September 18th 2018
Plus enjoy all of this at no extra cost Buffet meals with live cooking Cabins with hotel style beds Spa-Rosa with gym & sauna Indoor & outdoor dining/bars Extensive sun decks
DISCOVER THE MOSELLE Departing 27th July 2018 Sailing on the MS A-ROSA Flora Explore Cochem 'The pearl of the Moselle' See medieval square at Bernkastel-Kues Spend time in charming Koblenz
8 DAYS
by coach
FROM
£1084 Also available by
CHILDREN UNDER 15 CRUISE
FREE*
Childrens meals • Family Cabins Family dining tables Inclusive soft drinks
CHRISTMAS MARKETS ON THE DANUBE Departing 20th Nov & 14th Dec 2018 Sailing on the MS A-ROSA Donna Explore magical Vienna Spend time in captivating Linz Sail along the beautiful Danube
7 DAYS
by coach
FROM
£633 Also available by
Flights/cabin supplements may apply. *When accompanied by one full paying adult - See terms & conditions for full details. Prices correct as of 20/11/17. E&OE.
01942 823449 or e-mail sales.support@shearings.com
NEWS
Do you have a story for us? Email info@cruise-adviser.com
AZAMARA
Azamara to christen Pursuit in Southampton
P&0
New travel agent loyalty scheme launched P&O Cruises has launched a travel agent loyalty scheme. The Shine Rewards Club will give agents points for their interactions with the brand, which can be exchanged for prizes. Speaking to Cruise Adviser, Alex White, Carnival UK vice-president of sales, said: “This is an evolution of the partnerships team concept. We’ve had two record years of sales for P&O and Cunard from a travel agent perspective and we’re now looking to the future for how we’re going to interact with front-line sellers.” White added that travel agents would be rewarded for completing training modules, going on ship visits as well as booking P&O cruises. Agents can register for the scheme online at shinerewards.com from November 20. The club will launch on December 21. See cruise-adviser.com for the full interview with Alex White.
FRED OLSEN
The line reveals that its third ship will be launched at a special two-day event in August 2018 Azamara Club Cruises has revealed that it will be launching its third ship, Azamara Pursuit, at a two-day event in Southamtton in August 2018. Richard Twynam, managing director of Azamara Club Cruises, said: “This is the first christening ceremony in our brand’s history, as Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey went straight into service after being refitted. We are yet to choose the godmother for Azamara Pursuit, but we know that it will be someone who loves travel as much as we do, and who resonates with our destination immersion ethos. “The support from the UK market for our brand is incredible, so we
are delighted that the ceremony will take place here next year. We’ve seen double the UK demand for Azamara Pursuit than we usually see for our other ships and our customer base is growing – it’s a way to show our recognition of this.” Azamara Pursuit was formerly known as P&O Cruises’ Adonia. The company acquired the ship from Carnival Corporation in September. “We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our travel trade partners for their support for Azamara and look forward to continuing to build on this.” Before the two-day launch event, Azamara Pursuit will sail on a 15-night Wonders of Iceland cruise.
Three ships to undergo major refits for 2018 Three Fred Olsen Cruise Lines ships will undergo multi-million pound refits ahead of the 2018 season. Braemar and Balmoral will be refurbished before the end of the year and Boudicca will be upgraded in March. Black Watch already underwent major improvement work late last year. There will be a new restaurant and gelato bar on Balmoral, a new dining room on Boudicca and updates to Palms Café on Braemar. Managing director Mike Rodwell said: “We are very proud of our smaller, classic cruise ships and we recognise the importance of investing in ongoing upgrades to ensure that our guests can continue to enjoy them at their best.” CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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December 2017 | Forward
NEW SHIPS
2018 launches
It’s going to be a busy 12 months for the industry Next year will see a whole host of exciting new ships entering the ocean cruise market – including the world’s largest cruise vessel, Symphony of the Seas. Royal Caribbean International’s latest Oasis-class ship will eclipse Harmony of the Seas, the current holder of the title. New ships will launch in all sectors, from expedition (with the likes of Ventus Australis) to ultra-luxury (Seabourn Ovation) and family (Norwegian Bliss). There are also ships transferring between cruise lines, such as P&O Cruises’ Adonia, which has become Azamara Club Cruises’ Azamara Pursuit.
New builds Australis – Ventus Australis (January 2018) Star Clippers – Flying Clipper (spring) Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Horizon (April) Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Bliss (April) Royal Caribbean International – Symphony of the Seas (April) MSC Cruises – MSC Seaview (May) Seabourn – Seabourn Ovation (May) Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic Venture (June) Ponant – Le Lapérouse (June) Viking Cruises – Viking Orion (June) Hurtigruten – MS Roald Amundsen (July) Scenic
– Scenic Eclipse (August) Ponant – Le Champlain (September) Aida Cruises – AidaNova (autumn) Holland America Line – Nieuw Statendam (November) Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Edge (December) Quark Expeditions – World Explorer (December) Acquisitions Azamara Club Cruises – Azamara Pursuit (March) Marella Cruises – Marella Explorer (summer) One Ocean Expeditions – RCGS Resolute (November).
REGENT SEVEN SEAS
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
CELEBRITY
Second Explorer class ship named Splendor
New innovations unveiled in New York
Cutting edge Celebrity Flora unveiled
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced that its second Explorerclass ship, due for delivery in the first quarter of 2020, will be called Seven Seas Splendor. The name was chosen from more than 14,000 submissions from agents and guests. Jason Montague, president and CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, said: “The extraordinary demand for Seven Seas Explorer has reinforced our decision to expand our fleet and Seven Seas Splendor will offer guests a fifth option that will provide unforgettable experiences in the world’s most compelling destinations, with the high standards of luxury and service that lure guests back again and again.”
Royal Caribbean has highlighted a number of the innovations it is currently working on, including virtual reality dining, frictionless check-in and driverless shuttle buses at an event in New York. There will also be interior rooms which include screens on the floor and ceilings that can be changed to “choose your own environment”. Royal also showcased new fuel cells that will make its three brands greener, as well as micro bubbles that coat the hulls of its ships to make them more fuel efficient. “The pace of change is relentless – and so are we,” said Richard Fain, RCL’s chairman and CEO. “We are harnessing technologies to enhance every facet of our business.”
Celebrity Cruises have unveiled their new vessel, Celebrity Flora. The 100-guest ship is designed for use in the Galápagos Islands and includes anchorless technology that maintains the ship’s position while protecting the sensitive sea floor. It’s outward-facing design gives guests 360-degree views of the islands. “Celebrity Flora marks another example of our revolutionary ship design by allowing the destination to influence every decision we’ve made,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Celebrity’s president and CEO. “From the luxurious all-suite accommodations to eco-friendly innovations, we created a ship that brings a new level of luxury and natural exploration to the region.”
CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
13
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December 2017 | Forward
PORTS OF CALL
Sydney
Australia’s largest city – and its iconic waterfront – is becoming more and more popular for cruises The Sydney waterfront is perhaps the most recognisable in the world, thanks in no small part to its iconic Opera House. One of the incredible things about cruising into the capital of New South Wales is the opportunity to pass by this breathtaking structure and the impressive Harbour Bridge. Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and its port is the busiest cruise destination in a region that is experiencing considerable growth. According to Clia, last year there were 1.2 million Australian cruise passengers, with the 21 per cent increase over 2015 figures continuing a 12-year run of double-digit growth. P&O Australia remains the bestknown cruise lines for Aussies, but other lines are increasingly sending (ever larger) ships Down Under. Royal Caribbean International followed up the deployment of Explorer, Voyager, Radiance and Legend of the Seas in 2015 and 2016 with the summer homeporting of Ovation of the Seas in 2017 and 2018. “The cosmopolitan city of Sydney is an exciting metropolis to explore at leisure on either side of a cruise,” says
Amanda Darrington, sales director UK & Ireland at Royal Caribbean International. “Embarking on a Down Under adventure with Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas opens up possibilities to explore Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. “Extraordinary shore excursions invite guests to see the city’s full charm from day trips to the iconic Bondi Beach and Sydney Opera House, to exploring the wonderful wildlife at Sydney Zoo. And for the adventure-seekers, there’s plenty of opportunity to ride the waves or get out of the city and explore the Blue Mountains on a shore excursion.” It’s not just Royal Caribbean, though. Over the next year, the likes of Columbus (Cruise & Maritime Voyages), Dawn and Sea Princess, Celebrity Millennium, Queen Mary 2 (Cunard) and Marina (Oceania Cruises) will all sail out of the city. In Columbus’s case it’s an epic cruise back to its homeport of Tilbury, but most are round-trip itineraries to ports in Queensland, Tasmania, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands, or longer repositional cruises to ports in Asia.
16
December 2017 | Forward “As one of the world’s most dynamic and beautiful cities, Sydney continues to be a ‘marquee’ port, offering travellers an abundance of pre- and post-cruise ship options,” Adam Marshall, New South Wales Minister for Tourism and Major Events, says. “From the best in art, culture, food, shopping and vibrant events and festivals – Sydney has something for everyone.” There are two ports in the city: Overseas Passenger Terminal (the main port, used by most of the big cruise lines) is on the corner of the Circular Quay, moments from the Harbour Bridge, while the White Bay Cruise Terminal is a little further out. A melting pot of different cultures, Sydney is a fantastic city to eat in – with its street food second to none: try, for example, Spice Alley in Chippendale, where you can find a range of different Asian cuisines, from Singaporean to Cantonese. Of course, Sydney also has some of the word’s greatest beaches: from the bustling to isolated, the best-known (Bondi and Marley) to the more offthe-beaten track (Chinamans Beach, Mosman and Lady Martins Beach, Point Piper). It’s also, of course, an incredible destination for surfing. Simonne Fairbanks, the COO of cruisingexcursions.com, which offers up to 16 per cent commission, said that the city “never disappoints and
the iconic view from the cruise ship as it enters the spectacular harbour just takes your breath away. “One of our most popular excursions takes in 11 of the most popular Sydney attractions and is valid for use over two days – Darling Harbour, The Rocks, the Opera House, Watsons Bay, Luna Park, Shark Island are all included. “My own personal favourite is the ‘Northern Beaches and Ku-ring-gai Tour’. A small group tour visiting 28km of the world’s best beaches
and ocean views. Also taking in the impressive natural beauty of the Ku-ring-gai National Park, with its ancient Aboriginal sites and Aussie wildlife. It is fun also to go to Palm Beach, which you might recognise as Summer Bay from Home and Away.” Sydney may not be the cheapest destination in the world – especially when it comes to dining and public transport – but it’s a port that’s worth embracing. With more cruises calling there than ever, there are plenty of opportunities to see it.
THREE AUSTRALIAN CRUISES 50 nights from the UK
Six nights to Tasmania
Aussie mini-cruise
Cruise & Maritime Voyages – Columbus London Tilbury–Sydney, January 5, 2018 From £6,479pp
Coral Expeditions – Coral Discoverer Sydney–Hobart, 2018 TBC From £2,470pp
Princess Cruises – Sun or Sea Princess Brisbane–Sydney, March 12, 2018 From £189pp
Coral Expeditions, the Australian adventure line, doesn’t do many Sydney calls, but this ‘yachtsman’s cruise’ to Tasmania is a must.
This mini-cruise to the capital of New South Wales begins in Brisbane, where guests can take in Queensland’s dazzling beaches.
This cruise works out at a bargain £130 a day. Before Sydney, it calls at Auckland and the Bay of Islands.
CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
18
December 2017 | Forward
ADVANTAGE CONFERENCE
Cruise conference all at sea Jeannine Williamson reports from Advantage Travel Partnership’s conference which took place over two days on a mini-cruise onboard P&O Cruises’ Ventura The unveiling of a new search tool, inspiring speakers, ‘speed dating’, the forecast that “river is the new ocean”, plus time to enjoy life on the ocean wave and ashore were all part of Advantage Travel Partnership’s first-ever cruise conference at sea. One hundred agents and industry delegates set sail for the fifth annual convention, which was held onboard P&O Cruises’ Ventura. As the ship sailed from Southampton to Bruges, the twonight mini-cruise provided the perfect backdrop for agents to hear about the latest trends. The event was opened by Claire Brighton, senior commercial manager of the UK’s largest independent travel agent group, who presented an overview of the year’s highlights before announcing the ‘big reveal’ to help agents boost sales. Developed by software specialists Widgety, and exclusive to Advantage members, Cruise Finder enables agents to easily locate the perfect cruise for their clients through search filters including cruise lines, ships, itineraries, cruise length and price. The platform also features a ‘brochure rack’ so customers can browse cruise catalogues online. Andy Harmer, SVP membership & director, Clia UK & Ireland, spoke about changes in the exciting and ever-evolving cruise industry – including 74 new cruise ships being built over the next 10 years and the number of UK passengers set to top a record two million in 2017. “Cruise is appealing to a much wider audience than ever before and travel agents are feeling more confident and aware of the different products,” he added. Commenting on the boom in river cruise he said: “River is the new ocean. A total of 180,000 people from the UK now take a river cruise each
year, the same as the number of people who took an ocean cruise 17 years ago. River lines have learned from ocean lines and have started to offer new experiences, including spas, alternative dining and bicycles on board. And expedition cruising is the new river, with lines investing a huge amount of money on new ships and new programmes.” Other experts included Bruce Martin, from social media agency Ginger Juice, who stressed the importance of engaging clients with quizzes, tips and photos rather than just posting deals on Facebook, Twitter and other virtual communities. Bob Morrell and Jeremy Blake, from Reality Training, shared fascinating psychological selling tips, including 15 ways to close a sale. Mick Dupont, Crystal Cruises’ head of sales UK & Ireland, praised the event saying: “The conference not only serves to update us all on the latest cruise activity, but also provides the opportunity to meet one-to-one and network with members. Since agents have invested time and money
CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
19
to attend they are enthusiastic to learn more about our products and how we can best support them to increase their cruise business.” Ponders Travel managing director Clare Dudley said: “I was intrigued to hear that expedition cruise will be a new growth area and will make sure we’re part of that. I gained several good selling techniques for my staff from Reality Training, and most enlightening and valuable was Ginger Juice on social media. I came away with many new ‘must dos’.” The next day, cruise line partners hosted a ‘speed dating’ networking session followed by the Cruise Partner Awards 2017. The accolades, voted for by Advantage members, saw Celebrity winning Cruise Line of the Year for the second year running, Royal Caribbean taking the Cruise Sales Team of the Year award and Silversea being voted Specialist/ Luxury Sales Team of the Year. The Cruise Member of the Year award went to Go Cruise. The conference ended with a Champagne reception followed by a gala dinner.
December 2017 | Promotion
Escape the winter with new cruises to Africa, India and Southeast Asia Voyages to Antiquity has introduced six brand new culturally immersive itineraries for winter 2018/2019, following a selection of no-fly Northern European trips in the summer As the name suggests, Voyages to Antiquity began with the aim of bringing to life the ancient civilisations of the Mediterranean through a unique blend of culturally immersive itineraries, expertly planned shore excursions and onboard guest lecture programmes. In spring and autumn 2018, Aegean Odyssey will once again be revealing the archaeological highlights of Greece, Italy and Croatia in the company of renowned experts. But with the introduction of new Northern European cruises in summer 2018 and six brand new itineraries to Africa, India and Southeast Asia in winter 2018/19, there are plenty more opportunities to enjoy trademark Voyages to Antiquity enrichment in even more exotic and enthralling locales.
A selection of no-fly cruises in June, July and August 2018 focus on the natural beauty and rich mythology of Iceland, the Norwegian Fjords and even our own British Isles. Thunderous waterfalls and towering mountains, rugged islands and characterful wildlife, epic sagas and age-old traditions all await discovery. From December 2018, Aegean Odyssey sets her course east from Athens for enticing far-flung shores. The winter cruise season begins with an unforgettable exploration of the ‘Near East’, a region so packed with millennia-old wonders. Egypt needs little introduction – but to experience its majesty in the company of Voyages to Antiquity experts is to see it with new eyes. Wonder at the scale of the Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, explore the
great necropolis of Memphis and Sakkara (with its distinctive ‘step pyramid’) and admire the priceless funerary treasure of the boy-pharaoh Tutankhamun. Petra, too, is justly famed – the ‘rose red city half as old as time’ cut into the very mountainside of Jordan’s Wadi Musa. The first sight of the Treasury is one of life’s genuinely unforgettable moments. But perhaps Oman is lesser known. The Land of Frankincense is steeped in fable and (having cruised the Red Sea over Christmas) the capital, Muscat, makes a fascinating location in which to see in the new year. Next, the cruise crosses the Arabian Sea to India, with sightseeing by tuk-tuk in Porbandar, birthplace of Gandhi, an overnight in the vibrant metropolis of Mumbai and an overland tour of the iconic Golden Triangle – Delhi, old and new, the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur and Agra, home to history’s greatest monument to love, the breathtaking Taj Mahal. The second winter cruise promises sublime relaxation, following the Golden Triangle with visits to India’s more tranquil coastal provinces of Goa and Kerala, attuning you perfectly to the gentler rhythms of island life just as you reach the Maldives, where a ‘desert island’ beach barbecue is CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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Aegean Odyssey – the joy of small ship cruising
included. From there it is on to Sri Lanka, where the residents of an elephant sanctuary charm visitors, and then to the Andaman Islands and Southeast Asia. This is truly a region of contrasts – on the one hand, rich cultural and colonial histories, ancient traditions and scenes of rural life little changed in centuries; on the other, glittering skyscrapers, technological marvels and a future-setting agenda. This cruise, and particularly the cruise that follows, invite appreciation of both facets in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Yangon. Voyages to Antiquity’s fourth winter cruise crosses the Indian Ocean once again, but with more stops at those idyllic islands scattered like gold-encircled emeralds across the azure. Appreciate the dreamily soft white sands and castaway charm of the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius and Reunion as you cross from Colombo to South Africa, where safari game drives in search of the ‘big five’ add a memorable extra dimension to the experience. Three nights on board in Cape Town concludes this journey and begins the fifth – time enough to make the most of a delightful city, with a cable car ride to the summit of Table Mountain and Stellenbosch wine tasting included. Then cruise five proceeds all the way up the coast
of Africa, south to north, by way of Namibia’s forbidding Skeleton Coast, the Angolan capital, Luanda, the lovely island groups of São Tomé and Princípe, Cape Verde and the Canaries. The imperial grandeur of Morocco and a short crossing to Malaga concludes an epic adventure. Then, by way of an epilogue to this remarkable winter’s tale, the sixth cruise returns Aegean Odyssey from Malaga to its home port of Athens, taking in the marvels of Sicily, Malta, Crete and Santorini en route.
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There is a particular pleasure that comes with cruising on a smaller ship. Hosting an average of just 350 passengers, Aegean Odyssey is no ‘floating city’, She is small enough to pull in at more characterful ports inaccessible to the mega-ships, the service is more personal and you get plenty of time to interact with the onboard experts. But it’s large enough to offer a superb selection of amenities, including two dining venues, several comfortable lounges and bars, a spa centre and well-stocked library. Cabins are spacious, modern and intelligently designed, and 36 cabins across a range of categories are dedicated for sole use at low single supplement. See the full cruise calendar at vtaexpert.com
December 2017 |Midship
WHERE NEXT FOR CRUISE?
Andy Harmer
SVP membership & director, Clia UK & Ireland Over the next few pages, several leading industry figures talk about what the future holds in 2018 and beyond, looking at changes in innovation, legislation, luxury and family cruise, the rise of river, meeting the needs of millennials and the latest destination hotspots. We begin with Clia’s Andy Harmer with an overview of the industry as a whole. With the festive period in full swing and the New Year a matter of weeks away, now is the perfect time to start looking ahead to what 2018 has in store for the cruise sector. I can guarantee that agents keen to showcase the new and exciting cruise experiences on offer to their customers will be spoilt for choice. Whether your clients are considering cruise for the first time or are regulars on the high seas, now is the time to highlight your expertise by broadening their horizons with a new type of holiday. With so many amazing new ships launching, incredible destinations and excursions being added, 2018 really is the time to cruise. There really is a cruise for everyone, and this includes the big growth sectors of family cruise, river cruise and expedition cruise – all of which benefit from new ships in 2018 and beyond; and all of which are segments that are getting lots of media coverage, too. Of course these segments grow alongside a growth in all cruise holidays – but their presence allows us to talk to customers who we may not have spoken to about cruising in the past.
For the family market, Carnival Horizon will feature a Dr Seussthemed water park, as well as an Imax cinema screen, the SkyRide and the LED centrepiece in the atrium. Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship ever built when it launches and will feature a 10-story slide, robot bartenders and an ice skating rink. Norwegian Cruise Line’s first cruise ship built for Alaskan cruises, Norwegian Bliss, which will sail seasonally in Alaska and the Caribbean beginning in summer 2018. The Observation Lounge will be the perfect spot to watch bald eagles soar over glaciers or dolphins splashing in the Caribbean. MSC Seaview will pioneer a new beach condo concept, bringing guests and the sea closer with the design feature of the 360-degree promenade running around the entire ship. Similarly, Celebrity Edge will bring the outside in with their Infinite Veranda staterooms, turning the room into a seamless space from the door all the way to the water’s edge taking guests closer to the sea. The ship will also feature a rooftop garden with plenty of greenery and space for guests to enjoy yoga during the day and films in the evening.
Additionally, Seabourn Ovation’s Retreat will provide the ultimate tranquil setting with 15 private cabanas designed as individual luxury living rooms that each feature a large HD flat screen television and circle the central whirlpool which guests can enjoy. Ponant will also introduce Blue Eye, the underwater passenger lounge which will allow guests to view the fantastic underwater world in complete luxury as they speed through the ocean. With river cruise more popular than ever there’s the launch of AmaWaterways’ AmaLea, sailing on the Rhine and the Danube; Avalon Saigon sailing on the Mekong from autumn next year; CroisiEurope’s four new state-of-the-art ships offering itineraries throughout Europe and Africa and U by Uniworld’s brand new offering for millennials keen to try out cruise for the first time. As well as all of the exciting new ship launches that will be pushing the boundaries in terms of innovation, creativity and design, travel agents should also be highlighting the incredible experiences being added to existing sailings in 2018. New ports of call into the heart of Cuba with Azamara, sailings that take in world sporting events with Amadeus and brand new Star Wars-themed sailings with Disney are just a taster of the 2018 highlights. As always, Clia will be offering weekly online tutorials, training modules, events and resources up and down the country to provide agents with all of the latest information. My advice to all of you would be to update your knowledge and expertise ahead of peaks to ensure that you are equipped to make the most of the busy period ahead. In the meantime, I wish you all a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year! CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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December 2017 | Midship
Mark Tanzer
The chief executive of Abta looks at the new legislation that will affect the industry in 2018 Next year will see a range of new legislation, most of it originating from the European Union, that will have a significant impact on travel agent and tour operator businesses. Travel companies must make sure that they are properly prepared and have incorporated these new requirements into their business practices. The Payment Services Directive 2 comes into effect on January 13 and from this date companies will no longer be able to pass on payment card charges to their retail customers (corporate credit cards are not affected). Travel companies will be particularly badly hit, as high value transactions attract high charges as they are based on a percentage of the transaction cost rather than a fixed fee. Companies that set the costs of their products, such as tour operators, may simply raise their prices across the board, not good for consumers who to date have had the choice of not using a card that attracted fees, but certainly understandable from a business perspective. However, travel agents do not generally have this option and, with
card transaction fees often set at a high level, this change could make significant inroads into their profit margins. Abta has been making the point strongly to the government that this could have a detrimental impact on SME agent businesses and this matter needs to be addressed urgently. In the meantime, companies will need to look at other ways to minimise the financial impact. In May 2018 another substantial piece of European legislation comes into force, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This
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will require companies to have clearer and more robust processes in place when handling the personal data of customers, staff or other people who may come into contact with a business. GDPR is particularly important for travel companies due to the amount of personal data they hold about their customers – names and addresses, passport details, dietary preferences, medical conditions and reports, complaints, photos and videos, financial and payment information. All of this is lucrative information for identify theft and other forms of criminal activity. Once more, Abta has detailed guidance on abta.com. Finally, the revised Package Travel Directive, which has been under discussion and subject to consultations for quite some time, will come into effect from July 1, 2018. Many agents could now find themselves classed as package organisers due to the wider definition of package holidays, with all the subsequent obligations that this will entail. If you have not already, you should be urgently reviewing your selling models to understand how the new regulations will affect them. One of the new requirements is that organisers must let their customers know whether the trip is generally suitable for persons with reduced mobility. Abta has requested guidance on certain aspects of the requirements, but it is essential that organisers have clear lines communication with their suppliers so they can support their customers’ needs. Agents also have a role to play when identifying the needs of customers who may have some form of disability and I recommend the use of our check list, which will help you identify disabled customers’ needs in a structured and sensitive fashion.
a brand new australian adventure is in the making
Crafted for explorers A quiet pioneer
Built for discovery
For 34 years, Coral Expeditions has been true to its small ship expedition cruising roots. With little advertising and mostly word of mouth loyalty, we have been refining the art of small ship cruising. Now we have put all our knowledge and the very latest in shipbuilding technology into our fourth expedition ship – the Coral Adventurer.
The Coral Adventurer features our trademark dual ‘Xplorer’ tenders cradled on a hydraulic platform, enabling our guests to go ashore rapidly and with ease. Together with our renowned expedition staff, she offers unmatched expedition capabilities.
Bigger is not better At a time when cruise ships get larger and glitzier, we remain stubbornly compact and intimate. With only 60 cabins, you will not jostle for space, wait in line, or compete for service. Watch the chefs in the galley, have a chat with the captain, find your quiet corner on deck.
Built for personal service The Coral Adventurer continues our proud tradition of Australian flagged vessels with friendly and professional Australian crew. Enjoy small batch cuisine, a curated Australian wine list and an informal atmosphere onboard. A Coral Expeditions cruise is like no other.
Built for comfort With big ship technology such as active stabilisers to dampen sea motion, mostly balcony cabins, and interiors designed with the colours and textures of tropical Queensland, the Coral Adventurer will take you to remote destinations in grace and style.
Great Barrier Reef > Tasmania > The Kimberley > Cape York & Arnhem Land > Papua New Guinea > Spice Islands & Raja Ampat
introducing Coral adventurer
The world’s most advanced tropical expedition ship
Timor Sea
Triton Bay
Lorentz N.P. Aru East Sangliat Dol Saumlaki
Darwin AUSTRALIA
Ar c
Fakfak
Dobo Kei Island
Raft Point Lacepede Islands
Darwin
Vansittart Bay
Bo na p
WEST PAPUA
Bucc ane er
INDONESIA
go pela chi Ar te r Bigge a Prince Island Regent River o Careening lag Bay pe hi Montgomery Reef
King George River Mitchell Falls
THE KIMBERLEY
Joseph Bonaparte Gulf
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Horizontal Falls
Broome
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
In the Trail of Tasman II
sacred lands of the KIMBERLEY
Unique voyage aboard Coral Adventurer retracing the historic explorations of Dutch explorer Abel Tasman to rarely visited West Papua.
Acknowledged as one of the world’s last, and most beautiful, wilderness areas. Coral Adventurer’s maiden Kimberley season.
> 10 NIGHTS > DEPARTS 13 MAY 2019 > DARWIN TO DARWIN, AUSTRALIA
BOOK NOW FOR 2019 DEPARTURES > +61 7 4040 9999 > reservations@coralexpeditions.com > www.coralexpeditions.com
> 10 NIGHTS > MAY TO SEPTEMBER 2019 > BROOME TO DARWIN, AUSTRALIA OR VICE VERSA
December 2017 | Midship
Phil Nuttall
The managing director of The Travel Village Group explains why river cruise is on the rise River Cruise is no longer considered the poor relation to ocean and this will come as no surprise to those who have been selling river for many years. But it’s not about the river, is it? Sure, each river is different, but it’s where they take you and how you travel that is the real attraction. And here lies the opportunity! Let’s take the travel element and look at how we get there. Some people will not want to fly or have a fear of flying which opens the opportunity to sell a river cruise through one of the specialist coach and/or rail operators. They have excellent packages that are tailormade for those who do not wish to fly. Once we have decided how we are going to get there, we need to find out just what style of holiday the client is looking for. This is our second opportunity – how do our clients wish to travel up and down the river? Just as ocean has a plethora of choices to accommodate every taste and budget, river has just the same on a smaller scale. You can choose from an all-suite butler experience to budget-driven lower
deck cabins depending on your clients’ preference, but one thing remains common throughout – the destinations you visit! Whichever way you look at it, you will arrive at a destination, sometimes with another four or five ships, and the only thing that is different is how you have arrived. Here’s the opportunity to add value to your client and this doesn’t just mean spending more. You will need to know your river cruise product, understand what each operator includes and what their USP
is. This is what will ultimately make you a river cruise expert and convert enquiries into bookings. The Clia river cruise modules are the best place to start and their webinars can also be downloaded to watch at your leisure. Some customers may not see the benefit in an all-inclusive river cruise holiday and instead prefer the choice as to which excursions appeal to them with some lazy free time to explore on their own. They may also not be big drinkers and a glass of wine included in their evening meal is sufficient. Moving away from Europe the opportunities start to become more exotic and more flexible. It is quite strange but, in this industry, we are more familiar with the geography of Asia for example than we are of Europe. This confidence allows creativity in itineraries combining destinations such as Vietnam and Thailand with Mekong and Irrawaddy river cruises. India and the Ganges is a new growth area for river cruise, once again with a huge opportunity to combine iconic destinations which ultimately create bucket list holidays. Next year sees the very first convention outside of Europe with Vietnam hosting Clia’s first Asia river cruise conference in April. This is an opportunity to experience first hand the real difference in cultures, travel arrangements and dining styles for those used to cruising in Europe. There is a river cruise for everyone, but it is important to get familiar with one or two river companies and build up your knowledge and confidence before expanding your portfolio. You cannot be all things to all people. Do your training and get on board a river ship, but above all remember, it’s all about the destination and this is where the opportunity lies with river cruise in 2018. CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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December 2017 | Midship
Jo Rzymowska
Celebrity Cruises’ vice president and managing director, UK & Ireland and Asia, on innovation ‘Where next?’ is a very big question for the cruise sector. The easiest and quickest answer is ‘everywhere!’ Cruise is an innovative and ambitious industry. Throughout my career I’ve never come across anything as dynamic as the cruise business. The pace of change, investment and development is phenomenal. And in 2018 we see these trends intensify. Over the last decade the cruise sector has been very good at playing the long game. Where other industries have hunkered down, cruise has stayed focused on investment in the future. This is paying dividends with a huge number of new ships in 2018 – including Celebrity Edge, which will set sail next year. Plus there’s an ongoing growth in the numbers of those of us taking to the sea, alongside a tangible sense of excitement Like many ships that will be launched next year, there is a huge amount of anticipation over the ever more exciting array of features. From newly designed family accommodation with in-room slides, to on-deck go-kart tracks, there is
something jaw-dropping coming for everyone. New ships bring industry firsts, headlines and ever more pushing of boundaries. While other sectors of the travel industry do bring out new experiences, the cruise industry really does set standards pretty high. If you take all the new hotels around the world in the last 10 years, they probably haven’t boasted as many marvels as just the new ships in 2018 will do. As far as I am concerned, there simply isn’t the level of ground-breaking architecture and
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experiences going on anywhere else. At sea is simply the place to be. For Celebrity Cruises we’ve seen a phenomenal reaction to our Magic Carpet, coming on Celebrity Edge in late 2018. The cantilevered venue is suspended on the side of the ship and changes function with time of day, the deck of the ship it is against, and the guest need. I’m most excited by the ability to press of a button and expand the size of a room thanks to our new infinite balconies. That is both exciting and revolutionary. Perhaps most impressive is that the innovations we know about are probably only about half of what will come from the cruise sector in 2018. I can’t wait to see what comes next – it’s bound to blow our socks off. While as a company – and as an industry – we are building new ships, revamping existing ships and pushing greater cruise growth via new deployment, we’re also working hard on a revolution of another kind. Doing all we can to open up the world and embrace diversity is at the core of all we do. That ranges from being the first cruise line to offer legal same-sex marriages at sea, to setting targets to include our female workforce in technical roles. This year saw the appointment of our second female captain – Nathaly Albàn is the first female captain of a cruise vessel in the Galápagos. In addition, we have developed a partnership with the Regional Maritime University in Ghana to promote female bridge officers from West African nations, including Nicholine Tifuh Azirh. I’m excited to see these developments encouraging the rest of the industry to catch-up. In 2018 we will see the pace of change and transformation accelerate and it couldn’t be more exciting.
December 2017 | Promotion
Get 15% off a new way to see the world Intrepid Travel have been taking people off the beaten track for nearly 30 years and they are currently offering an amazing earlybird discount on all of their 2018 small ship departures Intrepid Travel are pioneering a new way to explore the seas: on small ships (with a maximum of 50 travellers), eating at traditional local restaurants or fresh, locally sourced food on board, and exploring the undiscovered little towns and bays that the bigger ships can’t reach. So why would your customers be interested in their style of cruising? Firstly, it’s all about the destination. Most of the cruising is done overnight or in the early morning, meaning there’s more time for them to explore and immerse themselves at each stop. The opportunity is also there for travellers to expand their palates, with an onboard menu tailored to
reflect each destination. All of their trips come with either half or fullboard options, plus an unforgettable ‘local night’ where the onboard chef will whip up a feast of regional fare. With fewer passengers, your customers can easily hop off and learn about Vikings in Reykjavik, or taste fresh seafood on the Greek islands. They can also swim or kayak to and from the ship when it pulls up in a sheltered bay or anchors offshore. Less people and smaller ships reduce stress on local communities, meaning your customers can travel responsibly as well as comfortably. If you think your clients will love snorkelling in Portugal, kayaking
in Croatia or whale-spotting in the Westfjords of Iceland, then you’ll love Intrepid Travel’s earlybird discount – offering 15 per cent off all 2018 departures. Check out their adventure cruises for your customers now – panama hats and deck shoes optional!
Cruising Iceland’s Wild West Coast
Eight days from £2,545pp*, with departures in July, 2018 – up to £500 off per person Cruising Iceland’s Wild West Coast explores the rugged coast from Reykjavik to Siglufjörður while taking in the striking landscapes of the towering Kirkjufell mountain, the waterfalls of the Snæfellsnes peninsula and the seas of flowers in Pingeyri. Along the way, spot puffins, nesting birds and whales breaching the waves, and with only a fraction of visitors venturing to this remote western region, the lack of tourists make its landscapes and villages a dream to explore. Stop off in the city of Akureyri to pick up some souvenirs from the arts and crafts galleries which line the streets. The holiday includes seven nights’ accommodation aboard a small cruise ship, breakfast daily, plus six dinners, three lunches and most activities. CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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More about Intrepid Travel
Cruise the Hidden Gems of Greece
Eight days from £2,075pp*, with departures in August and October, 2018 – up to £365 off per person Discover another side to Greece on the Cruise the Hidden Gems of Greece tour. Cruise through the Aegean, stopping off to explore the whitewashed villages in Mykonos and Santorini, where it’s possible to take the cable car up to Fira for postcardperfect views. Dine beneath the Temple of Poseidon and visit other ancient archaeological sites, including Delos and Akrotiri, and venture beyond the tourist trail in the hills of Paros, for time to explore the charming town of Marpissa. This holiday includes seven nights’ accommodation aboard a small cruise ship, breakfast daily, plus four dinners, three lunches and most activities.
bars. Soak up the natural beauty of the Algarve coast which plays host to caves and grottoes and stop off in Tangier, Morocco to explore the medinas and sip on the traditional mint tea served in Hafa. Travellers will have the chance to discover the part palace, part fortress that is Alhambra Palace in Granada. This holiday includes seven nights’ accommodation aboard a small cruise ship, breakfast daily, plus six dinners, two lunches and most activities.
Intrepid Travel has been taking people off the beaten track to discover the world’s most amazing places for nearly 30 years. Part of the Intrepid Group, the world’s largest provider of adventure travel experiences, Intrepid Travel offers more than 1,500 trips in more than 100 countries and on every continent. Trips are designed to truly explore local culture, meet local people, try local food, take local transport and stay in local accommodation. Award-winning tour leaders, small group sizes and lots of included activities means travellers can have a sustainable local experience that is great value for money. intrepidtravel.com
Cruising Spain, Portugal and Morocco (Lisbon to Malaga) Eight days from £2,190pp*, with departures in May, 2018 – up to £385 off per person Peregrine’s new Cruising Spain, Portugal and Morocco (Lisbon to Malaga) tour starts in the cosmopolitan city of Lisbon and travels to Granada, famed for its Moorish architecture and tapas
* Prices are non-flight inclusive and dependent on market forces Offer is applicable on bookings made up until December 31, 2017. Terms and conditions apply
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December 2017 | Midship
Stuart Leven
RCL Cruises’ vice president, EMEA and managing director on the future of family cruise Compare the cruise industry and typical cruiser of a decade ago with the guest of today and the difference is striking. Gone are the stereotypes of older passengers, instead cruise holidays are now firmly in the realm of families wanting to enjoy a holiday catered to all ages with all their needs taken care of. Unpack once, wake up in a new destination each morning and be surrounded by so many activities the little ones won’t know where to head first. The UK cruise industry is booming and is set to see a record breaking two million passengers this year – up from 1.9 million in 2016 and, along with that increase, passenger expectations are becoming ever higher. As ships become bigger and bolder, more advanced companies strive to design and build the most innovative and exciting cruise ships possible. At Royal Caribbean, we aim to push every boundary to go beyond those expectations and this will be shown in our latest ship, Symphony of the Seas, which launches in April 2018. The world’s largest cruise ship, it has been designed with families in mind
and features the latest entertainment technology. Robot bar tenders provide cocktails with 30 spirits and 21 mixers to choose from. Wearable technology allows for hands-free payment, to locate family and friends and to tailor onboard experiences. Perhaps where boundaries are pushed most are the onboard activities. On-deck sky dive and surf simulators, zip lines and rope courses as well as self-levelling billiard tables all optimise our guests’ experiences at sea. Looking to the future, technology will also play a major role in making
our customers’ experience as hassle-free, personalised and fun as possible. From an intuitive app that enables guests to sign up for shore excursions, order drinks and make dinner reservations, to banishing check-in lines with the help of facial recognition technology. It’s this attention to detail, from our forward thinking, high calibre teams of architects and designers which drive the advancement of our cruise ships and in turn reach wider, younger more curious audiences who are eager to get onboard to experience extraordinary adventures for themselves. While the average age of British passengers taking a cruise holiday is 55 years old – the lowest in six years – this year, our average adult age for new families booking Royal Caribbean cruises is 42, that’s 13 years younger than the industry average. Our research shows that the rapid industry growth is being driven by new, younger audiences entering the market buying into our increasingly advanced familyorientated ships and families now represent one in four guests on our fleet of 24 – soon to be 25 – ships. We believe our success is down to what we call the ‘Generation Thrill and Chill’ families who make up a quarter of all guests. They want adventure, to be enthralled and excited as well as coming away relaxed, having enjoyed incredible service and feeling revitalised from their cruise holiday and it’s around this that we plan our family cruises. Innovation and investment into meeting the ever-changing needs of both existing and new-to-cruise guests is pivotal. The cruise industry is changing at a rate of knots we’re set to steer it firmly into the family domain. CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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December 2017 | Midship
Dave Mills
The product and commercial director at Iglu.com looks at the new destination hotspots If you’re asking yourself the question ‘where next?’ when it comes to cruise in 2018 the answer is, I’m afraid, that there’s a great deal of choice! With the advent of extra ships there’s an ever-expanding choice of places to see. Azamara alone have recently added 61 new ports to their existing list of destinations and many more have followed suit. In terms of events to help stimulate inspiration, we have the Fifa World Cup in Russia. St Petersburg will host a few big matches and many cruises include at least one overnight during the summer, so it’s definitely a top tip. Following the sports theme, if your customers wanted to see how Lewis Hamilton gets on defending his F1 championship, there are cruises paired with the Grand Prix in Monaco, Catalunya, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Melbourne, Monza, Austin and more. If the jet set lifestyle and life in fast lane of formula isn’t your thing, swap race tracks for rails with one of the phenomenally popular rail and sail packages. Here you can combine stays in unforgettable US cities such as New York, New Orleans, Chicago
and more with fabulous cruises to the Eastern Seaboard or Caribbean, or the Orient Express with a luxury Mediterranean cruise from Venice, Rovos Rail in South Africa with a cruise from Cape Town, Japanese Bullet Trains and, of course, the Rocky Mountaineer and Alaska Cruise combinations, including the Calgary Stampede, still available for 2018. Exploration cruises are becoming increasingly popular, with passengers swapping the large ocean liners for smaller 100-200 guest ‘luxury yacht’ style ships which sail well
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off the beaten track to locations such as Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands, the Arctic Circle and beyond. Exciting new vessels such as Scenic Eclipse launching in 2018 will arrive complete with Blue Planet-style submersibles and two helicopters, enabling views of some of the most stunning vistas and landscapes on the planet, never before achievable from a cruise holiday. Galápagos is proving particularly popular right now, particularly with Celebrity cruises who are adding to their exploration fleet to keep up with demand. Finally, the other new hotspot for cruising next year is the Italian Lakes – which, when combined with a Mediterranean cruise, offer stunning vistas and relaxing opportunities to stroll along the lakeside and stop for an authentic Italian coffee or gelato. Fly into Milan and Lake Como is the closest choice and currently the single most popular option. Dramatically set in the foothills of the Alps it is shaped like an upside down Y. Resorts include Bellagio or Como itself. From this sumptuous base, many take a boat trip to the Villa del Balbianello, one the finest villas that surround the lake with stunning gardens and a large art collection to discover. Also reached from Milan are Lake Maggiore which is the second largest in Italy and Lugano which is a curious mix of Italian and Swiss cultures. Alternatively, fly into Verona for Lake Garda, the largest lake in the Italian lake district, surrounded by the Alps and the Dolomites. Each of these can be paired with cruises from Genoa, Rome or Venice. Part of the reason for the continued growth in the popularity of cruise is the constantly evolving nature of the lines and the destinations unlocked by them – the above is just the beginning of a whole world of exploration.
What’s new for 2018 BUDAPEST TO THE BLACK SEA RIVER CRUISE: GEMS OF EASTERN EUROPE 15 DAYS FROM ONLY £2,999pp Selected departures April to September 2018
On this incredible journey through the Balkans, discover extraordinary scenery, and explore the architectural and cultural heritage of towns and cities that are steeped in history and tradition, once beyond the Iron Curtain.
PRICE INCLUDES: • See Kalocsa cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace and Paprika Museum • Enjoy a guided tour of the historic Pecs and Budapest • Take a scenic drive to the spectacular rock formations at Belogradchik and into the ‘Puszta’ • Tour the historic city of Belgrade seeing the magnificent Kalemegdan Fortress • Cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge and pass through the Djerdap locks • Visit Pleven, the scene of a major battle during the RussoTurkish War • Guided tour of Bucharest, seeing the main sights of this beautiful city
• Visit the ancient Romanian port of Constanta on the Black Sea • Visit Lepenski Vir and the fascinating Veliko Tarnovo • Enjoy a guided tour of cosmopolitan Novi Sad, with its historic Old Town • Return flights from a selection of regional airports • Fourteen nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite, all with river view • All meals on board from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your day of departure (except one lunch), including welcome cocktails and dinner, plus the Captain’s Dinner • Services of a Riviera Travel cruise director and tour manager
To book, call: 01283 744370 or visit: www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents Contact us for agency sales support, email: agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk
MEET THE BRAND NEW FIVE-STAR MS ROBERT BURNS After years of painstaking research to create the most perfect vessels afloat, a new era in river cruising dawns as we introduce our brand new, state of the art, ‘all suite’ ships. Swiss operated and truly worldclass, we are absolutely delighted to present the five-star MS Robert Burns launching in 2018.
DELUXE BALCONY SUITE
STANDARD SUITE BATHROOM
Launching: 2018 Length: 135M Crew: 44 Guests: 167 Decks: 4 Suites: 88
10 reasons to recommend Riviera Travel’s award-winning luxury river cruises to your clients...
We are the only British company offering five-star river cruises tailored towards the UK market.
More customers from the UK now choose our river cruises than any other company.
Our fleet of modern river cruise ships is truly world class.
Direct flights from up to 14 regional UK airports or Eurostar options on many itineraries.
Relaxed itineraries with included guided excursions and also free time to explore at your own pace.
Our optional drinks with meals package is now available to pre-book for 2018 itineraries.
We are the only five-star river cruise company offering complimentary tea and coffee making facilities in all cabins.
Best prices in the sector a french balcony cabin is the same price as a lower deck cabin with other companies.
We never discount - so you don’t have to.
A number of lower deck cabins on all ships with no sole occupancy supplement.
Riviera Travel booking terms and conditions apply. Prices correct as of 22-11-17.
December 2017 | Midship
Chris Townson
The UK managing director of U by Uniworld on how millennials are the future of cruise Young travellers are a generation of adventurers and of experienceseekers – they want to see more, do more and, of course, document more on their social media channels. They want to experience vibrant cities, enjoy the nightlife and tick off those landmarks, but they also want to get off the beaten track, meet locals, enjoy traditional cuisine and generally feel more connected to the places they are visiting. River cruise has been offering these kinds of experiences for years, so it’s not too much of a leap to see that the opportunity for our industry to market and sell to a younger demographic is there. Before bringing U by Uniworld to the market, we conducted research to be sure we were on the right path. As a Travel Corporation company, U by Uniworld’s sister brands include Contiki and Busabout, so we are well positioned to understand what this audience is looking for and create a new cruise experience to match. We were also able to talk to existing customers within these brands to see what they might look for in a cruise.
The data showed overwhelmingly that young professionals are in favour of taking to the waterways, and being able to effortlessly link the hearts of Europe’s most sensational cities with a floating boutique hotel has real appeal. Of particular interest were visiting small towns that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to access, unpacking once at the beginning of the trip and being free to move about and enjoy the ship’s facilities. For agents selling to this market, it is worth remembering these elements, and clearly articulating that
river cruise offers these advantages over other ways to holiday. It’s important to tailor the product you offer to the individual, as one thing that we know about this audience is that one size does not fit all. We’ll be offering lots of choice on board, with a host of included excursions and U Time optionals so that guests can build an experience to suit them. We anticipate that, from the UK, most of our customers will be aged between about 27 and 40. These young professionals are already taking two to three city breaks a year, paired with longer haul and luxury holidays; they have money to spend and are investing it in travel. But planning multiple city breaks can be time-consuming, so the river cruise model is perfect. U by Uniworld will allow guests to visit multiple cities, to stay in a city’s best address (in Paris, for example, this means right by the Eiffel Tower) and the inclusive nature of these experiences means that meals, sightseeing and amazing activities are included upfront. A winwin for agents and their clients. We appreciate that river cruise for young professionals is a new concept so we’ve opened up a number of departures next year for any age group, and we’ve safeguarded these specifically for agents and their clients. Agents can travel at a discounted rate and I would urge those who are curious to get on board. For anyone still unsure of the opportunity, ocean cruise is the perfect case study. Twenty years ago you would never have seen families or younger people cruising. But ocean has changed immeasurably, and the product has evolved to meet the demands of a new, younger audience. We are poised to do the same thing with river cruise, and it’s very exciting for the industry as a whole. CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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December 2017 | Midship
Lynn Narraway
Seabourn’s managing director UK & Ireland on how luxury lines can take things to the next level How do cruise lines keep attracting new customers? Luxury is one of the fasted growing sectors in travel, with affluent consumers increasingly seeking authentic and meaningful experiences. Luxury lines are taking the experience to the next level and enabling guests to engage with the destinations in a more interactive, experiential and participatory way. This creates emotional engagement with the brand and, of course, most importantly, lasting memories. Also, all-suite, all-inclusive ships are stylish and spacious boutique hotels at sea – ideal for those used to high-end products. Investment in new ships means that Seabourn’s oldest ship is just eight years old, and the average age across the fleet less than five years. Luxury cruise lines are also creating powerful partnerships with travel, culinary, experiential and retail brands, which affluent travellers recognise and feel comfortable with. Seabourn Encore for example was created entirely by Adam D Tihany, one of the world’s foremost high end hotel designers; and partnership experiences range from Michelin star
chefs to behind-the-scenes Unesco World Heritage experiences. Then there is wellness travel, which is growing 50 per cent faster than regular travel. Travellers recognise that recharging, refreshing and rejuvenating themselves regularly is part of a healthy work-life balance – and that you can still have fun while you do it. A journey on a luxury cruise ship can be wonderfully healthy – I think it’s about being out in the ocean, which gives you a wonderful sense of freedom and release, and of being in a different world.
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Authenticity is so important: people love to learn about, and get inside the skin of, the places they are visiting. This means engaging experts who travel with the guests, and give the destinations they visit context. Luxury operators make sure they have more surprises and better service: cruise lines are increasingly thinking of ways to delight their customers – to let them really switch off and leave everything to the staff. True luxury is about having time to be yourself and re-engage with the people you want to be with. As in industry, we have to introduce new venues and destinations to enhance the cruise experience. We have to take guests where they wouldn’t normally go on an ordinary land bound holiday. We find that luxury travellers wish to explore further and deeper, to fly to an incredible destination, then join their cruise. We are creating more non-repeating itineraries – we have to keep changing and evolving destinations so our loyal guests will return to discover something new! We are constantly enhancing our Ventures by Seabourn programme – optional activities by kayak and Zodiac that are expertly planned, professionally operated and escorted by skilled guides. Guests travel with scientists, scholars and naturalists, who share their insights through lectures on board. Expedition and adventure is a huge part of luxury cruise: getting this message across is key in attracting new customers. Agents should be selling cruise as an ultra-luxury lifestyle experience, featuring incredible destinations, accommodation, dining and service. Make sure you are knowledgeable, passionate and have completed the cruise lines’ training modules in order to engage these luxury clients.
December 2017 | Promotion
Explore some of the world’s most treasured sites with Seabourn Journeys Seabourn’s new range of superbly crafted pre- and post-cruise extensions allow customers to seamlessly combine land and sea experiences Seabourn Journeys are superbly crafted pre- and post-cruise extensions exploring many of the world’s most treasured locations that cannot be accessed on single-day excursions from a ship, including several iconic Unesco World Heritage Sites. Some Seabourn Journeys are also available for purchase as mid-cruise overnight or multi-day shore excursions. These fully escorted options enable your clients to combine exceptional land and sea experiences seamlessly. Most Seabourn Journeys welcome between two and ten guests, guaranteeing an intimate, personalised adventure. Read on for some important information for travel agents.
Are Seabourn Journeys commissionable? Agency commission on all Seabourn Journeys is 14%, in addition to your cruise commission and payable after your clients have travelled. How many clients will be on a Seabourn Journey, typically? These are small group, fully escorted tours with a minimum of one couple (two guests). What do they include? All Seabourn Journeys are fully escorted and include hotel accommodation, transportation, most meals and the services of guides. The meal plan is shown on the detailed itineraries.
What sort of quality can clients expect on a Seabourn Journey? Seabourn has worked with one of the best tour operators in the industry to create Seabourn Journeys, with hotels chosen based on their reputation and luxury appeal. How can I book Seabourn Journeys? Book Seabourn Journeys via POLAR Online, or by calling our reservations department on 0344 338 8610. Seabourn Journeys are a seamless addition to the cruise booking. Where can I get full details/prices? See pages 39-45 of the Extraordinary Worlds 2018/19 Cruise Collection brochure. Find lead prices on page 179 and full pricing at seabourn.com and via POLAR Online. Pre-stay Seabourn Journeys usually include an additional prestay hotel night therefore are slightly more expensive Contact the sales team: email salessupport@ seabourn.co.uk or call 0344 338 8614
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A world of extraordinary places Excursion highlights South Africa: Cape Town & Kruger Park Safari Lodge Highlights: Robben Island and Cape Town Highlights • Table Mountain by cable car • Two game drives daily in Kruger National Park • Singita Lebombo all-inclusive resort Unesco India’s Golden Triangle: The Taj Mahal & Jaipur Highlights: Delhi – touring and dinner with renowned Indian family • Agra Fort, Taj Mahal • Jaipur – Jantar Mantar, City Palace, Amber Fort and champagne breakfast elephant safari Myanmar: Yangon, Bagan’s Temples & Inle Lake Highlights: Shwedagon Pagoda and the lighting of 1,000 special oil lamps • Hot air balloon ride over Bagan • Sponsor and participate in the Novitiation ceremony of a 12-year-old Burmese boy • Touring the villages on Inle Lake and cooking class with Shan chef Unesco Cambodia: Phnom Penh & The Temples of Angkor Highlights: sunrise viewing of Angkor Wat and helicopter over Angkor Wat • Khmer Rouge, or the ‘Killing Fields’
and Tuol Sleng Museum • Siem Reap and the Cambodia Clean Water Project • Private cooking class with a Khmer chef Unesco Treasure of China: Beijing, Xi’an & Hong Kong Highlights: national guide • Peking duck dinner • Tai chi class at the Temple of Heaven • Beijing touring including: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Hutong Tour, Olympic Village (photo stop) • Great Wall tour – cable car ride up and toboggan down • Terra Cotta Warrior Museum tour • Xi’an Great Mosque and Muslim quarter tour • Hong Kong City tour including Victoria Peak Unesco Sydney, The Red Centre & Great Barrier Reef Highlights: Uluru Sunset on a camel ride and helicopter flightseeing • Sounds of Silence dinner with digeridoo performance and star talk • Thala Beach Nature Reserve • Daintree Rainforest tour • Great Barrier Reef tour on a luxury catamaran Unesco Splendours of Peru: Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu Highlights: Lima City Tour including
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Casa Aliaga and Casa Luna Mansions • Cusco touring including Sacsayhuman • Andean community interaction • Hiram Bingham train to Machu Picchu • Hiram Bingham Train to Cusco Unesco South America: Rio, Iguazú Falls & Buenos Aires Highlights: highlights of Rio • Both sides of the falls – Brazil and Argentina • Helicopter ride over the falls • Buenos Aires touring • Dinner and tango Show Alaska Denali Experience Highlights: flightseeing – Talkeetna to Anchorage • Full day Tundra Wilderness tour • Day at leisure in Denali • Domed rail Anchorage to Denali Antarctica: South Pole Quest Highlights: fly by private jet to Antarctica for six nights (weather dependant) • Step on the Antarctic continent – explore Union Glacier • Sightseeing in Punta Arenas with overnight at Cabo de Hornos • Santiago with overnight stays at W hotel For more information visit seabourn.com
December 2017 | Midship
INFOCUS
Ponant Sam Ballard profiles the French line that adds a certain je ne sais quoi to the luxury market, taking well-heeled guests to the remotest corners of the world With French style and sophistication, Ponant has gathered an increasingly large pool of admirers in the UK. The line, which offers a luxury experience on vessels that are more like megayachts than cruise ships, is one of the biggest operators in Antarctica – highlighting the company’s increasing focus on expedition cruises. Having been founded in the 1980s, Ponant now has a five-strong fleet – however, that is due to increase to nine following on from some serious investment. The new ships – Le Champlain (2018), Le Laperouse (2018), Le Bougainville (2019) and Le Dumont D’Urville (2019) – are all going to have the ability to take the line’s well-pampered guests deep
into the heart of the polar regions, as well as other expedition destinations. However, that’s not all that it has up its sleeve. The Blue Eye Lounge – an underwater area that will be found on board the four new ships – will have a glass window that is so thick it can handle the pressure of polar waters, the same as the ice strengthened hulls around it. Intriguingly, Ponant aren’t able to say how thick the glass is because of patents, although they did say that it took two years to develop. The lounge will enable guests to sit down and see life below the ocean surface – without having to venture out into submarines. What’s even more
exciting is that the whole room will be an immersive sound experience – with “body listening sofas” able to vibrate in unison with the noises outside. That’s a world first. Florence Kuyper, the expedition leader for Ponant, has been at the company for four years and told Cruise Adviser: “When you start an expedition with Ponant it is all about discovery. We will always try and do something new – weather permitting. If we get the chance to go and take a zodiac into an unexplored fjord, then we will do. And we’ll involve passengers, too. “Most people want to start with an Antarctic cruise, but are advised to start with the Arctic. It’s so much
Ponant is expanding its fleet from five to nine ships, with four currently on order
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December 2017 | Midship more accessible for passengers from Britain. However, saying that, I think that Antarctica is the most beautiful place on Earth.” While the company is starting to become renowned as an Antarctic specialist, it also has expedition cruises right around the world – with a programme that becomes increasingly varied as its fleet grows to nine ships. Whether it’s remote pacific islands or deep in to the Amazon, the small ships (Le Champlain will have just 92 cabins) are able to get further into destinations than larger competitors. That’s not to say that you can’t do a week in the Mediterranean or fly out to the Caribbean and just enjoy the ship’s luxurious offering. There’s no doubt that Ponant is part of a market that is growing faster than it has ever done before – with competitors such as Crystal, Scenic, Ritz-Carlton and Pandaw all releasing small vessels that will be taking their well-heeled guests out to remote corners of the world. It’s all about the points of differentiation – in the case of Ponant it is their French heritage. Think fine dining, beautiful interiors and indulgent experiences like only the French know how. All while sailing to some of the most exciting places that expedition cruise has to offer.
THREE PONANT CRUISES 13 days in Spitsbergen
Seven nights in the Caribbean
15 nights to Antarctica
Le Boréal Longyearbyen (round-trip), July 16, 2018 From €12,210pp
Le Champlain Fort de France (round-trip), December 28, 2018 From €3,370pp
Le Soléal Ushuaia (Argentina)-Montevideo (Uruguay), February 28, 2018 From €9,220pp
An incredible cruise around the jewel of Norway’s Svalbard archipelago on the trail of the polar bear.
Spend New Year in the Caribbean, lazing on white sand beaches and observing the incredible wildlife.
A chance to follow in the footsteps of the great explorers to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia.
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YOUR FIRST CRUISE We believe there’s a cruise to rival any land holiday, so, for this How to Sell guide, we’ve picked some great options based on classic holidays. Got customers travelling solo, as a couple or with the family? Are they looking for a city break, sunny getaway or some adventure? Whatever they are after, there are cruise holidays that can totally exceed their expectations. With cruises often a more extravagant and expensive option than package holidays or city tours, they can be a harder sell – particularly to those with reservations about cruise. But with some great commission to be earned and some truly incredible holidays to be enjoyed, we believe it’s worth the effort. We’ve spoken to first-time cruise customers, agents who have moved into cruise and the cruise lines themselves to bring you this How to Sell guide.
How are you travelling?
Solo p41
Couple p42
Family p43
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Solo Solo travel represents a whopping 13 per cent of all UK travel, according to Abta’s latest statistics – a huge and often overlooked area of the market (one of the reasons we launched our sister magazine, Solus). Cruise has traditionally been poor for the solo traveller, but has bucked its ideas up massively in recent years, in both river and ocean. Here we give you three options based on customers who are after a city break, sunny getaway or adventure.
What sort of holiday do you want?
City break
Sunny getaway
Adventure
Who? Tauck Where? The Danube When? 2018 How long? Seven nights
Who? Norwegian Cruise Line Where? Western Mediterranean When? July 18, 2018 How long? Seven days How much? From £1,189
Who? G Adventures Where? India When? July 12, 2018 How long? Nine days How much? From £1,249
The classic Mediterranean cruise on Norwegian Epic starts and ends in Civitavecchia (for Rome) calling at France and Spain. Because of the Studio – n square metre rooms specifically designed for solo travellers – this cruise makes perfect sense for those going it all alone for their summer holiday. Studio guests have access to an exclusive lounge for fellow solo travellers.
India is a perennial favourite with solo travellers, and this small-group tour is a great way to see it. It starts and ends in Kolkata and includes a Ganges cruise and, crucially, has no single supplement. Guests share with another solo traveller of the same gender and similar age, unless that’s not possible, in which case they get their own room.
Tauck, the luxury touring company, offers big savings for solo travellers, echoing the efforts of the river industry in general, where solos have been most keenly embraced. Last year it dropped no single supplement on its European river cruises, including on the Danube – a river that flows through several incredible cities, including capitals Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.
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Couple One of the best things about cruise is how well looked after you are. Even on budget lines, staff are attentive, friendly and eager to help, rivalling the best service you’ll find on land. The fact that you’re made to feel special is why a cruise appeals to many as a honeymoon option. We believe they can be one of the most romantic ways to holiday, so we’ve picked out three great cruises for couples – a city break, sunny getaway and adventure.
What sort of holiday do you want?
City break
Sunny getaway
Adventure
Who? Uniworld Where? Paris and Normandy When? March-November 2018 How long? Eight days How much? From £1,959pp
Who? Celebrity Cruises Where? Greek Islands When? June 7, 2018 How long? Nine nights How much? From £949pp
Who? Scenic Where? Egypt When? April-November 2018 How long? 11 days How much? From £4,595pp (including flights)
The Joie de Vivre, Uniworld’s newest ship, is one of the prettiest, most ornate ships that we’ve seen. It sails the Seine taking in Normandy and Paris – perhaps the world’s most romantic city. River cruises aren’t cheap – particularly in the ultra-luxury sector that Uniworld occupies – but it’s perfect for anniversaries and honeymoons.
What more could you want from a summer holiday? Sun, sea, great good, fascinating history and (affordable) luxury – this cruise has it all. This holiday falls outside of the school summer holidays, making it great for couples without children. This cruise includes calls at Athens, Mykonos and Santorini (as well as Venice and Dubrovnik).
The Nile was once the nonEuropean river of choice for Brits before the revolution of 2011. Over the past year, operators have begun to return – including luxury line Scenic. The tour starts and ends in Cairo (including Giza), with the cruise beginning in Luxor. It’s one for customers with deep pockets – but is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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Family Cruise has embraced the family holiday in a big way. Some ships – which are like floating cities – now offer everything a family could want from a holiday: pools and waterslides, kids’ clubs, theatres and games, great food and incredible destinations. Nowadays, it’s not just the larger ships that have facilities for children, but luxury and river vessels, too. Here we pick three great options – a city break, sunny getaway and adventure – that we believe rival anything you can get on land.
What sort of holiday do you want?
City break
Sunny getaway
Adventure
Who? AmaWaterways Where? Rhine When? December 28, 2018 How long? Seven days How much? From £3,344pp for four guests sharing an interconnecting stateroom
Who? Royal Caribbean Where? Caribbean When? December 17, 2018 How long? Seven nights How much? £2,750 for four guests sharing an inside stateroom
Who? Holland America Line Where? Alaska When? August 17, 2019 How long? Seven nights
This west-bound Rhine cruise starts in Basel and takes in the likes of Cologne on the way to Amsterdam. The cruise also calls at Strasbourg, the Alsace capital – a fascinating place. AmaKristina is one of AmaWaterways’ ships with interconnecting cabins – a rarity in river cruise that makes it perfect for families.
Royal Caribbean International is one of the great family lines (along with Norwegian, Carnival, MSC and the like). It’s proudly over the top and this Caribbean cruise on the world’s largest ship is one kids (and their parents) will love, with robotic barmen, surfing simulators and waterslides, sun and sand.
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Holland America Line has been sailing to Alaska for 70 years, so knows what it’s doing when it comes to itineraries around the vast American state. Educational and adventurous, this is a great holiday for kids, in a destination that can only be truly explored by cruise ship. There are plenty of activities on and off board, including cooking classes for teens and under.
DANUBE
A river runs through it The Danube flows through four capital cities – more than any other waterway in the world. Sam Ballard joins Viking Jarl from Nuremburg to Budapest, taking in coffee and classical music
December 2017 | Midship As we snake our way through cobbled streets past creaking wooden houses in a chocolate box German town, it seems obvious why the Danube is more popular now than it’s ever been. The region is renowned for its history, culture and great wine – crucial components for the success of any river cruise. However, add to this the fact that the Danube is often sold as the ultimate city break – it goes through four capital cities, more than any other waterway in the world – and its case for a place at the top of the pile becomes even more evident. According to Clia’s most recent statistics, the number of Brits choosing to take a cruise on Europe’s famous river has almost trebled since 2012 and is now just behind the Rhine/Moselle. For a holiday so long seen as too sedate to reach mainstream popularity – it seems that attitudes are finally changing. Our trip along the Danube will see us travel between Nuremberg and Budapest, passing from Germany through Austria, Slovakia (although without stopping) and then on to Hungary. We are guests of Viking Cruises on board one of their famed long-ships, the Viking Jarl. The journey begins in Nuremberg, a city made famous for both its medieval history and affiliation with the Nazi party. From 1923 to 1938, Adolf Hitler used the city to host the party’s annual rallies: huge military propaganda events, made up of hundreds of thousands of Nazi party members. It’s one of the reasons the subsequent war trials were held in a Nuremberg courthouse. We are driven through the city and see some of what Hitler’s plans entailed – including an unfinished Congress Hall modelled on the Colosseum in Rome. It is the largest preserved Nazi monumental building and is so big that our coach drives right into the centre of it. During our tour, we are given the opportunity to explore the Imperial Castle, which is almost 1,000 years old. The city was an important seat of power for the Holy Roman Empire in Germany and its fortifications were so well built that it was virtually impenetrable.
Clockwise from above: Nuremberg Castle in Germany; Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna; the Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest
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December 2017 | Midship Nuremberg is an incredibly atmospheric city. The old town is full of wooden buildings that are seemingly leaning into one another. Like much of the area around this part of Europe, part of the appeal is just meandering through the ancient alleyways and soaking up the history. The following day sees us sail into Regensburg and we set out to eat in the Regensburg Sausage Kitchen – one of the oldest restaurants in Germany. It sits next to the city’s famous stone bridge, which was built in the 12th century. Legend has it that the restaurant was originally opened to feed the workers building the bridge itself, 800 years ago. The tiny restaurant (which can only seat about 35 people) also knocks out bratwurst butties – that come with a healthy dollop of mustard and a heap of sauerkraut for good measure. The only thing that would make it more Germanic would be if the frau that was serving us was wearing a dirndl. It helps that, throughout our cruise down the Danube, Viking moors in some of the best spots that the towns and cities we call at have to offer. In Regensburg, we are able to head out on the included tour around the city in the morning, sneak in some pre-lunch bratwurst, walk back to the ship to eat our lunch and then go out under our own steam and grab some chocolates in Cafe Prinzess – which has counters bursting with pralines and caramels. It’s easy to see why people put on so much weight when they’re on a cruise. On board the Jarl we are treated to delicious local wines and cheeses and a special Bavarian-themed night with pretzels, cured meats and pilsner. The staff are extremely accommodating, ferrying desserts back and forth for passengers who insist on not walking up to the buffet counter. Over the next few days we sail through the beautiful Wachau Valley, which is one of the most picturesque spots on the entire river. The lush green banks rise steeply on each side of the Danube, dotted with gothic castles and fortresses. There are plenty of vineyards here too, producing Riesling as well as a number of other varieties. CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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December 2017 | Midship In Krems we tour Göttweig Abbey where monks have lived and worked since 1083. They are renowned for cultivating apricots, and have an entire orchard dedicated to producing their own schnapps. From the monastery’s high vantage point you can see for miles throughout the glorious region, much of which is a Unesco World Heritage site. The last two calls on our cruise down the Danube are the ones I’ve been looking forward to most of all: Vienna and Budapest. The Austrian capital is magnificent. We choose to take one of Viking’s optional tours and watch a classical concert dedicated to two of the city’s most famous residents: Mozart and Strauss. The evening showcases Vienna’s musical heritage in a way that few other cities can contend with as we’re serenaded with the likes of Blue Danube and Requiem. We enjoy a drink in the beautiful Palmenhaus (a grand greenhouse that has been converted into a restaurant) and grab a bratwurst at Bitzinger – a permanent stand that has become something of an institution in the city. Vienna is also known for its coffee houses and we spend a bit of time in the moody Café Hawelka – so dark inside that it takes a while for your eyes to adjust. Coffee here is served Viennese style – strong with a small glass of water on the side.
Clockwise from above: the Széchenyi Chain Bridge in Budapest; a classical concert in Vienna; one of Viking’s onboard food offerings
CORINTHIA BUDAPEST We opted to extend our time in Budapest by a few days with a stay in the luxurious Corinthia Budapest. The palatial property, which first opened in 1986 as the Grand Hotel Royal, is in the heart of the Pest – close to restaurants like Mazel Tov, which is a favourite with hip locals and just down the road from the New York Café – voted the most beautiful café in the world. Be sure to check out the Corinthia’s pool area, too, which feels like its own version of the Gellért Baths.
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December 2017 | Midship The palaces and grandeur of one of Europe’s wealthiest cities – overseen by one of the most influential royal families of all time, the House of Habsburg – are an interesting contrast to Budapest. With plenty of hangovers from the communist era, the city is far rawer than Vienna. From the ruin bars and restaurants – that have overtaken some of the city’s crumbling buildings – to the Gellért thermal baths, which look more like an ancient museum than a swimming pool. Budapest is actually split in two – with Buda on the western bank of the Danube and Pest on the east. It is Buda that includes many of the historical sites of the city, but Pest where most of the fun is to be found. We walk around Buda Castle, which has unbelievable views of the entire city – including the magnificent Hungarian Parliament – from Fisherman’s Bastion and drive over the Széchenyi Chain Bridge. The Jarl is moored just under the bridge itself and that night we dine on the ship’s Aquavit Terrace – and enjoy our meal from the best seats in town. Our experience on the Danube has been nothing short of brilliant. We’ve eaten some of Europe’s finest delicacies, both on and off the ship. Our floating hotel has proved the perfect base for our week-long adventure. Although a diet is now long overdue…
THREE DANUBE CRUISES Romantic
Luxury
Good value
Viking – Viking Longship Atla Nuremberg-Budapest, July 1, 2018 From £2,245pp
Crystal Cruises – Crystal Mozart Vienna (round-trip), April 9, 2018 From £3,602pp
This eight-day sailing takes in the romance of Vienna and also includes options for pre and post-cruise stays in Budapest or Prague.
A 10-day round-trip beginning and ending in the Austrian capital and taking in all the Danube highlights on the luxurious Crystal Mozart.
Riviera Travel – MS William Shakespeare Budapest (round-trip), May 24, 2018 From £1,579pp
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This seven-day cruise starts and finishes in Budapest and includes flights to and from the UK.
December 2017 | Aft
NEW HIRES
New recruits at Cunard and P&O Cruises as sales team splits
Cunard will recruit 18 people to its sale teams, while P&O Cruises has made two senior appointments, as part of the changes at Carnival UK. In September, the company announced it would split the cruise line’s sales team to “solidify brand distinction”. David Rousham, Cunard’s vicepresident of UK sales, said: “I have been asked to build an 18-strong sales team.” “In the past, we have had the same people looking after travel agents for P&O and Cunard.
“We need to establish those relationships directly with the right agents. We feel the way to do that is with our own dedicated team.” Nathaniel Sherborne, director of national partnerships for Carnival UK, will become trade sales director for P&O Cruises, with responsibility for travel agent sales revenue. Shane Riley, currently director of retail, new business and onboard sales for Carnival UK, has been appointed director of trade engagement and onboard sales for P&O Cruises.
Karen Sequeira joins Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line has appointed Karen Sequeira as marketing and PR director, UK & Ireland, the Middle East and Africa. Sequeira was formerly head of marketing and PR for Azamara Club Cruises and has worked for Carnival UK, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Hurtigruten. Sequeira said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining such an innovative business and to support the team in achieving even greater success.”
Saga unveils Iain Powell as head of trade sales Saga Holidays has appointed Iain Powell as head of trade sales for both Saga Holidays and Saga Cruises. Powell joins the company in January from Carnival. Maria Whiteman, MD for Saga Holidays said: “Iain has a wealth of experience that will be a real asset to our business and complement the skills and experience in our team. “We have ambitious plans for growth across our travel divisions and trade sales form an integral part of these future plans.”
Christopher Hackney appointed managing director of Tui’s newly rebranded Marella Cruises Christopher Hackney has been appointment as managing director of Marella Cruises, Tui’s newly rebranded cruise line. Hackney reports to cruise and distribution director Helen Caron, and started the role on December 1. He replaces Richard Sofer, who has become commercial director of Tui UK and Ireland. Hackney, who joined Tui on the graduate scheme in 2001, spent 14 years in the commercial division.
Helen Caron, cruise and distribution for Tui UK and Ireland said: “I am delighted that Chris Hackney is to become the new managing director for Marella Cruises at such an exciting time for our business as we establish the Marella brand in the UK and Ireland cruise market, and launch our newest ship Marella Explorer in spring 2018. “I am confident that under his leadership Marella Cruises will go from strength to strength.” CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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December 2017 | Aft
FAM TRIPS / INCENTIVES
CMV to run 27 ship tours in 2018
Cruise & Maritime Voyages is to welcome 1,000 agents and trade partners on to its ships in 2018 over 27 different dates around the country. Making the announcement last month, Lisa Jacobs, CMV head of trade sales, said: “This year we have seen more than 700 agents on board four of our ships in nine different ports around the UK. It has had an immediate positive effect on our sales a case of now you see it and now you can sell it. All our trade partners have earned good commission with our incentives to book early. In all our advertising we encourage passengers to go to their
travel agent and this also applies to all onboard sales.” New venues for agent visits include Poole, Portsmouth. Greenock, Belfast and Cardiff, while agents will also get the opportunity to tour the ships in Tilbury, Bristol, Newcastle, Dundee, Hull, Invergordon and Liverpool. The visits will take place between March 14 and November 5 next year. Jacobs added: “As with our cruise programme our passengers prefer to cruise from closer to home, hence the wide choice of UK departure points. Our ship visit programme is aimed to make it easy for the trade to come on board and take a look.”
U by Uniworld to get ‘non-millennial’ agents and clients on board with eight special sailings U by Uniworld, the millennialfocused brand by Uniworld, has announced that it will put aside eight sailings next year for the travel agent community. The fam trips, for agents who don’t necessarily have to be in the brand’s 21-45 target age-group, will be on the Seine, Danube and Rhine. Travel agents will also be allowed to book curious clients of any age onto the eight special sailings, none of which will be advertised on the company’s website.
“Travel agents have always been an integral part of our sales strategy and research has demonstrated that millennials increasingly seek experts to help plan their travel experiences,” said Ellen Bettridge, President & CEO of Uniworld. “We want to ensure we are providing travel agents the best opportunities to not only experience this history-making river cruise for themselves, but to also best meet the needs of this diverse millennial generation.”
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Carnival reveals December loyalty offer Carnival Cruise Line has revealed the December incentive for its Loyalty Rocks Club. Agents will be able to earn 15 points per booking – the equivalent of £15 – which they can exchange for prizes. Any agent who makes a December booking will also be in with a chance of winning one of 12 places at the Clia Selling Cruise Conference in May. Carnival will cover the cost of the ticket, as well as three nights’ accommodation in Southampton and a night out. The company also redesigned its goccl.co.uk travel agent website last month. To register for the Loyalty Rocks Club, agents should visit loyaltyrocksclub.redpoints.co.uk.
Club Royal members earn £10 for each booking Royal Caribbean International is offering its Club Royal members the opportunity to earn £10 for every booking made on its new platform, AirWaves. The platform, which launched to all agent partners on 23 November, has been specially designed to help the trade sell more fly-cruises, with an emphasis on the options available from the UK’s regional airports. The offer runs to December 18 and is applicable on all 2018 sailings.
WIN!
AN IPAD WITH FRED O L S E N! p59
Park&Cruise...
There’s no better place to stay Make the Holiday Inn Winchester your pre cruise hotel Stop over in Winchester the night before your cruise and visit some of our fantastic attractions including Winchester Cathedral, The Watercress Line and the Great Hall and King Arthurs Round Table.
• 141 air conditioned bedrooms including twin rooms, double rooms, family rooms and a suite • 4 Star Hotel • Award Winning Morn Hill Brasserie • WiFi throughout • State of the art mini gym
• Spacious bar, lounge and outdoor terrace • Park and Cruise rate includes bed and breakfast, up to 28 days parking and transfers to and from Southampton Docks
To book please call
01962 670700
or email bookings@hiwinchester.co.uk
WINCHESTER WINCHESTER
www.hiwinchester.co.uk Stay at the gateway to the South
AA Rosette Award
December 2017 | Aft
DIRECTORY Got a cruise query? Let us assist you. The cruise adviser directory provides you with the vital contact details for all major cruise lines operating in the UK – meaning trade sales support is never more than a phone call away
CRUISE LINES!
Information missing or out of date? Email info@cruise-adviser.com
CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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December 2017 | Aft
A
C
A-Rosa Lucia Rowe, head of sales UK and Ireland 078 4202 6013 l.rowe@a-rosa.de Amadeus River Cruises Brooke Daniels, UK sales manager 080 0035 6411 brooke@fredrivercruises.co.uk AmaWaterways Jamie Loizou, sales, marketing and digital director 033 3305 3902 jamieloizou@amawaterways.com American Cruise Lines Susan Shultz, director of sales +1 203 453 6800 susan@americancruiselines.com American Queen Steamboat Company Katrina Weston, general manager 01223 568 904 k.weston@aqgsa.com APT Touring Kate Ashman, sales and commercial specialist 01494 736 147 agentclub@aptouring.co.uk Atlas/Kompas Predrag Krivokapic, president +1 954 258 8531 / +385 9 1975 1735 kompas@kompas.net Aurora Expeditions Talia Schwartzman, sales executive +61 2 9252 1033 agents@auroraexpeditions.co.uk Avalon Waterways Janet Parton, sales director 020 8315 4545 agencysales@avaloncruises.co.uk Azamara Club Cruises Lori Scanella, business support executive 01932 834 379 salessupport.uk@rccl.com
Carnival Cruise Line Luke Smith, head of UK & international sales 020 7378 4660 carnivalsalesuk@carnival.com Celebrity Cruises Isabelle Charlton / Victoria Shipp 01932 834 379 (option 2) salessupport@rccl.com Celestyal Cruises Marios Polydorou, senior manager sales +30 216 400 9631 m.polydorou@celestyalcruises.gr Choosing Cruising Robbie White, managing director 07740 368 379 robbie@choosingcruising.co.uk Coral Expeditions Jan Jepsen, UK and Europe representative 07702 714 150 jan@intouchrep.com Cosmos Janet Parton, sales director 020 8315 4545 agencysales@cosmos.co.uk CroisiEurope Gabrielle Alam, head of sales and marketing UK 020 8328 1281 resuk@croisieurope.com Cruise & Maritime Voyages Lisa Jacobs, head of trade sales 0844 414 6140 lisa.jacobs@cruiseandmaritime.com Crystal Cruises Mick Dupont, head of UK sales 020 7399 7602 mick@cruiseportfolio.co.uk Cruising Excursions Simonne Fairbanks, chief operating officer 0800 091 8274 traveltrade@cruisingexcursions.com Cunard Line Natasha Richardson, director of sales operations 023 8065 7259 natasha.richardson@carnivalukgroup.com
B
Belmond Alexis Viols, director of sales – Road to Mandalay and Belmond Orcaella +66 2 267 4881 2 Ext 19 alexis.viols@belmond.com Tom Dumbrell, sales manager – Afloat in France 020 3117 1408 tom.dumbrell@belmond.com
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December 2017 | Aft
Hebridean Island Cruises Lisa White, reservations manager 01756 704 704 lisa.white@hebridean.co.uk Heritage Line Andreas Schroetter, director of sales and marketing +84 120 395 2242 dosm@heritage-line.com Holland America Line James Scott, business development representative 0344 338 8600 james.scott@hollandamerica.co.uk Lucy Harris, business development representative 0344 338 8600 lucy.harris@hollandamerica.co.uk Hurtigruten Anthony Daniels, head of sales 020 8846 2666 anthony.daniels@hurtigruten.com
D
Disney Cruise Line Juliet Holden, account executive 080 0171 2317 E
Emerald Waterways Lewis Quigley, trade marketing executive 0161 233 1988 lewis.quigley@scenic.co.uk eWaterways Emma Wild, head of sales 0808 168 1458 salesuk@ewaterways.co.uk F
Far Horizon Brooke Daniels, UK sales manager 0800 035 3189 brooke@fredrivercruises.co.uk Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Becky Smith, trade support manager 01473 746 164 cruise.sales@fredolsen.co.uk Fred Olsen River Cruises Brooke Daniels, UK sales manager 0800 021 3172 brooke@fredrivercruises.co.uk French America Line Kevin Griffin, director 020 7723 2450 kcgriffin@frenchamericaline.com
I
Intrepid Travel Andrew Turner, head of industry sales 080 8274 5719 ukbdm@intrepidtravel.com J
JTA Travel Anna Perrott, sales and cruise manager 0121 508 5512 anna.perrott@jtatravel.co.uk K
Katerina Line Dea Baretincic, sales manager +385 51 603 409 dea@katarina-line.hr
G
G Adventures Jerrine Barnett, new business development manager 07432 429 836 / 020 7243 9870 ext. 9948 jbarnett@gadventures.com
L
Latin Routes Jessica Bain, director 020 8546 6222 info@latinroutes.co.uk Leger Holidays Ashley Dellow, head of retail sales 01709 385 811 retail.sales@leger.co.uk
H
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Aishling McLoughlin, sales representative UK & Ireland 07921 223 176 aishling.mcloughlin@hl-cruises.com
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December 2017 | Aft
Lindblad Expeditions Jacinta McEvoy vice president global sales +1 212 261 9000 jacintam@expeditions.com
Pandaw Marco Rosa, vice president sales and marketing 07973 876 967 marco@pandaw.com Paul Gaugin Mick Dupont, head of UK sales 020 7399 7602 mick@cruiseportfolio.co.uk Pearl Seas Cruises Susan Shultz, director of sales +1 203 458 5280 susan.shultz@pearlseascruises.com Ponant Stephen Winter, international sales director +33 6 4803 7931 swinter@ponant.com Poseidon Expeditions Alexandra Prokopyeva, sales and marketing 020 3808 7787 sales@poseidonexpeditions.com Ports Direct Karl Lapage, managing director 0843 0843 003 karl@portsdirect.co.uk Princess Cruises Victoria Snelgar, sales operations manager 023 8065 6613 victoria.snelgar@princesscruises.co.uk Pullmantur Simon Chambers, operations manager 0800 021 3180 simon.chambers@fredholidays.co.uk
M
The Majestic Line Marie McGhee, sales manager 01369 707951 info@themajesticline.co.uk Manatee Amazon Explorer Emma Wild, head of sales 0808 168 1458 salesuk@ewaterways.co.uk Marella Cruises Andrew Isherwood, commercial support team 020 3451 2762 commercial.support@tui.co.uk MSC Cruises Victoria Taylor, sales operations manager 020 7092 8182 ukinsidesales@msccruises.co.uk N
Noble Caledonia Agency sales 020 7752 0000 agencysales@noble-caledonia.co.uk Norwegian Cruise Line Jeremy McKenna, head of sales UK and Ireland 07408 805 216 jmckenna@ncl.com Karen Kundi, partnership relations manager 023 8124 5242 kkundi@ncl.com
Q
Quark Expeditions Pushparaj Shetty, senior distribution manager +1 416 645 8248 push.shetty@quarkexpeditions.com
O
Oceania Cruises Priti Mehta, head of sales UK and Ireland 023 8024 8604 pmehta@oceaniacruises.com One Ocean Expeditions Debra Taylor, new business development 07956 852 197 debra@toucanmoon.com
R
Regent Seven Seas Cruises Caroline Moody, business development executive 023 8068 2283 agencysales@rssc.com Anna Salter, business development executive 023 8068 2283 agencysales@rssc.com Royal Caribbean International Trade support team 01932 834 379 salessupport.uk@rccl.com
P
P&O Cruises Natasha Richardson, director of sales operations 023 8065 7259 natasha.richardson@carnivalukgroup.com
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Riviera Travel Darren Mussell, agency sales assistant manager 01283 744 307 agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk
Titan Travel Edwina Coppock, agency sales manager 012 9345 0726; 078 3465 2135 edwina.coppock@titantravel.co.uk Travelsphere & Just You Polly Poulton, national account manager 01858 588 406 polly.poulton@Travelsphere.co.uk
S
Saga Travel Sukina Fagg, national account manager 080 0074 8021 sukina.fagg@saga.co.uk Scenic Lewis Quigley, trade marketing executive 0161 233 1988 lewis.quigley@scenic.co.uk Seabourn James Scott, business development representative 0344 338 8610 james.scott@seabourn.co.uk Lucy Harris, business development representative 0344 338 8610 lucy.harris@seabourn.co.uk SeaCloud Anja Ringel, vice president, international markting and sales +49 40 3095 9217 aringel@seacloud.com SeaDream Yacht Club Mark Schmitt, sales director 07904 068 407 mschmitt@seadream.com Shearings Michael Bowers, national sales manager 01942 823 449 sales.support@shearings.com Silversea Sales support 020 7340 0700 salesuk@silversea.com Star Clippers Danielle Dudley, UK sales manager 077 6585 2116 danielle@starclippers.co.uk
U
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises David Chidley, national sales manager 07408 855 544 dave.chidley@uniworld.com V
Variety Cruises Chris Lorenzo, managing director, Seafarer Cruises 020 8324 3114 info@seafarerholidays.co.uk Victoria Cruises Tom Antonucci, sales manager +1 212 818 1680 tom@victoriacruises.co.uk Viking Cruises Andrew Schweitzer, regional sales manager (south) 07825 986 996 andrew.schweitzer@vikingcruises.com Jenny Wade, regional sales manager (north) 07966 995 012 jenny.wade@vikingcruises.com Volga Dream Brooke Daniels, UK sales manager 0800 021 3186 brooke@fredrivercruises.co.uk Voyages to Antiquity Michelle Daniels, head of groups and partnerships 01865 302 2565 m.daniels@voyagestoantiquity.com W
Wendy Wu Tours Adam White, trade support and marketing executive 020 7939 9560 adam.white@wendywutours.co.uk Windstar Cruises Sales team (The Cruise Line) 0800 852 7248 windstarUK@cruiseline.co.uk
T
Tauck Kathryn Coles, UK and Ireland sales manager 080 0810 8020 tauckreservations@tauck.co.uk
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December 2017 | Aft THINGS TO DO
GAMESROOM
Each month, we bring you a selection of things to do on your lunch break or journey to the office
CROSSWORD See the next cruise adviser in January for the answers
NOVEMBER SOLUTION
ACROSS
DOWN
7. Snaps (11)
1. Impetus (4)
8. Soak (3)
2. Coastal destinations (5,2,4)
9. Portuguese archipelago (7) 10. In a meditational posture (5-6) 12. Sea or street dwellers (7) 14. Saw along the grain (3) 16. Independent (4-7)
SUDOKU
See the next cruise adviser in January for the answers
3. Leeway (4) 4. Slog (6)
2
5. Get-away early in the year (6,5)
4
6. Like Bali Hai, perhaps (6)
2
4 6
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4 9
11. T-bar riders (6)
2
6
15. Slaps affectionately (4)
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13. Cheshire market town? (4)
3
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10. IMF Tom (6)
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NOVEMBER SOLUTION 7
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December 2017 | Aft
QUIZ
WIN! An iPad with Fred Olsen
See bottom of page for answers
1. Strasbourg is the capital of which French region? 2. The Ultimate Abyss is a feature of which cruise line? 3. Which Texan author won the 2017 Booker Prize? 4. Who won the first series of The X Factor? 5. Who is the Premier League’s highest scoring midfielder of all time? 6. What is the capital of Belize? 7. Who wrote One Hundred Years of Solitude? 8. What is the capital of Malta? 9. What will Saga’s second new-build ship be called?
Here is how you can be in with the chance of winning an iPad in association with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines.
10. Brown-throated, pale-throated and three-toed are types of what?
To enter, answer the following question and send your answer to info@cruise-adviser. com with the subject line as ‘December competition’.
11. Are You Experienced is the debut album by which band? 12. Who was named Time Person of the Year in 1939 and 1942?
Which Fred Olsen Cruise Lines ship is sailing to the Indian Ocean in 2018?
13. Which Oceania Cruises ship is homeported in New York City in summer 2018?
Terms and conditions apply, see cruise-adviser.com/terms-conditions
14. The Belvedere Palace is in which European capital? 15. Who created political satire The Thick of It?
QUIZ ANSWERS 1. Alsace. 2. Royal Caribbean International. 3. George Sanders. 4. Steve Brookstein. 5. Frank Lampard. 6. Belmopan. 7. Gabriel García Márquez. 8. Valletta. 9. Spirit of Adventure. 10. Sloth. 11. The Jimi Hendrix Experience. 12. Joseph Stalin. 13. Insignia. 14. Vienna. 15. Armando Iannucci
CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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December 2017 | Aft
THREE CRUISES FOR FOODIES 14 nights in Europe
RECIPE
In the galley This month: James Martin’s Scotch egg with homemade vegetable crisps for P&O Cruises P&O Cruises — Azura Southampton (round-trip), April 13, 2018 From £999pp Two Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar is on this cruise that takes in Spain, France and Italy. It’s also Strictly Come Dancing-themed, so guests can dance off the calories.
Four days on the Rhine
Ingredients (serves four) 6 medium eggs 400g Lincolnshire sausages, skin discarded 50g plain flour, seasoned with salt and freshly ground black pepper 100g fresh breadcrumbs 1 large sweet potato, peeled and finely sliced on a mandolin 2 medium potatoes, peeled and finely sliced on a mandolin 2 raw beetroots, finely sliced on a mandolin 2 carrots, cut into fine slices with a peeler 1 jar of piccalilli, to serve Method Heat a deep-fat fryer to 160°C/320°F. Put four of the eggs into a pan of boiling water and simmer for five minutes until they are soft-boiled. Drain and place in a bowl of iced water for 10 minutes until cold. Crack the shells, then peel. Crack the For more recipes, see cruise-adviser.com/tag/recipe
remaining two eggs into a bowl and beat lightly. Divide the sausage meat into four equal portions and wrap each piece around a soft-boiled egg, pressing gently but firmly to ensure the meat covers the egg completely. Roll first in the seasoned flour, then in the beaten egg and finally in the breadcrumbs. Set aside in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill, then reshape to ensure the meat clings tightly around the egg. Drop them into the deep-fat fryer and cook for seven to eight minutes until golden and the meat is cooked through. Drain on kitchen paper and set aside while you cook the crisps. Drop the sliced vegetables into the fryer in batches and cook for two to three minutes until cooked through and golden. Drain on kitchen paper and season with salt and pepper. Cut the Scotch eggs in half and serve with some piccalilli and the vegetable crisps.
CroisiEurope — MS Léonard de Vinci or Modigliani Strasbourg (round-trip), October 30, 2018 From £787pp Strasbourg has its own unique Franco-German cuisine and the trip includes an evening dinner with the ‘world’s best sommelier’, Serge Dubs.
Seven nights in Alaska
Celebrity Cruises — Celebrity Millennium Seward, Alaska-Vancouver, May 18, 2018 From £819pp This Alaska cruise is on one of the best lines for vegetarians, offering separate menus in its main dining room, with 14 days of variations. CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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December 2017 | Aft
ON THE ROAD
Kirsty McIntosh, Norwegian Cruise Line We speak to the people who make your job easier. This month: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Kirsty McIntosh What does your job entail? Working across a diverse range accounts, from cruise specialists and tour operators to independent and multiple high street agents. My role is to promote our extensive, innovative cruise products, work with agents to create tailor-made packages, devise and deliver marketing plans and ensure front-line teams are fully trained on the high quality services on board one of the most modern fleets at sea. How long have you worked in the travel industry? For over 20 years, starting as a sales consultant, before moving into account management in 2002. In my opinion, cruise is the most exciting sector of the travel industry to work in.
What’s the best thing about being on the road? I love the diversity of working with agents, getting to know their teams, understanding their business strategies, helping them to sell with confidence and celebrating their successes.
What do you listen to when you are in the car? My music playlists vary. At the moment I’m enjoying the Foo Fighters, Coldplay and The Killers – but you really can’t beat a mobile ’80s party while travelling up and down the M6!
What’s the worst? It has to be traffic and constant road works. But then I just think about my favourite holidays and cruises and that makes the time go a bit quicker.
One thing you couldn’t live without on the road? My phone. I rely on it for Google Maps, music and to be contactable if anyone needs me. What’s your favourite thing about Norwegian Cruise Line? Our Premium All Inclusive concept. It takes away the complications of what extras our customers need to pay for, there are no awkward conversations about gratuities and it makes the product so much easier to book for agents.
Favourite place to visit? That’s a tough question to answer; I’ve visited so many amazing places. I love Europe and the United States and I’ve also been lucky enough to explore Asia and walk part of the Great Wall of China.
Biggest myth about Norwegian Cruise Lines? That we specialise in Norway and the northern lights, when we’ve actually got 15 ships sailing to 98 countries globally and have more than 300 ports of call. If agents want to find out more, what should they do? Visit our dedicated agents’ website – it’s full of information, including an online version of our Travel Agent Manual. Or, join our Facebook page, Partners First – Norwegian Cruise Line UK and Ireland. CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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December 2017 | Aft
FINAL WORD
Cruise will always just go with the flow Despite all the political and natural disasters of the past 12 months, and whatever the next 12 throws up, the industry’s resilience remains one of its strongest points Like most years, the past 12 months have had their ups and downs. There have been natural disasters and geopolitical events to contend with. The devastation wrought on a small number of Caribbean islands has meant that people have chosen to stay away from the entire region. Brexit has caused the pound to take a dive. Venice has moved to ban large cruise ships, again. However, one of the most unique things about the cruise industry is its ability to roll with those punches. As Arnold Donald, the president & CEO of Carnival Corporation, said at the Abta Travel Convention, to deal with such issues is built into the company’s DNA. It doesn’t know where they will happen, or what they will be, but it expects them nonetheless. Next year will be no different. There will be unexpected natural disasters and there will be geopolitical events. Certain ports of call will be
taken off itineraries and others will be added. However, we should celebrate the cruise industry’s resilience to those external forces, not enter the new year with trepidation. The sector is founded on a bedrock of moveable assets that can literally plot a new course whenever there is a sign of trouble. As travel agents that stability should encourage you to grow your own businesses. Whether that’s expedition cruises to the farthest flung corners of the world, or cruising on the world’s largest ship – and everything in between – we will be with you every step of the way, reporting on the innovations that the coming year will bring. And there will be lots to talk about, too – from big launches such as Scenic Eclipse and Celebrity Edge to new-builds that we don’t even know about yet, to exciting new destinations.
We’ll keep you updated about any changes in the industry, sharing our advice on what it means for cruise and wider travel, with expert comment and analysis. You’ll be seeing some exciting changes from us, too. We’ll be adding some new supplements to our roster that we think will help make your life that little bit easier. They will all be aimed at helping you get those all-important cruise sales through the door. The first of these will be our ex-UK listings in association with Choosing Cruising, which will arrive with our January/February issue. The supplement contains listings of more than 800 sailings from 23 different UK ports and is designed to be kept and referred to throughout the year. We’ll also be back with more in-depth features, breaking news and exciting competitions in the new year. Thanks for all of your support and here’s to a prosperous 2018!
COMING NEXT TIME Open for business
Ex-UK listings
Ports of call: Copenhagen
Sam Ballard takes a cruise with P&O around the Caribbean after a summer of hurricanes
Our pull-out – in association with Choosing Cruising – features more than 800 cruises leaving from the UK
Our in-depth guide to the effortlessly cool Danish capital and the cruises that sail there
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FINAL ARCTIC FRONTIERS: FRANZ JOSEF L AND & THE NORTH POLE An exciting new era of Arctic exploration has begun. Poseidon Expedition’s exclusive voyages from Svalbard to Franz Josef Land Archipelago aboard the icestrengthened Sea Spirit commenced just three seasons ago, and are not available from any other expedition ship operator. For those who endeavor to go even further into the ice, Poseidon Expeditions presents the final Arctic frontier, our epic expedition voyage to the North Pole aboard the world’s most powerful icebreaker 50 Years of Victory.
+ 44 203 808 7787 poseidonexpeditions.com
20 YEARS
OF EXPLORING
THE WORLD IN COMFORT
1997 - 2017
Easy
to please with Viking Cruises Keeping the customer satisfied is what it’s all about. And so it’s good to know that when you book with us you won’t just be meeting your clients’ expectations, you’ll be exceeding them. State-of-the-art river and ocean ships, super-friendly service, exceptional cuisine, an inspiring choice of itineraries and everything from wine and beer with lunch and dinner to daily excursions included in the price, make Viking Cruises easy to sell and hard to beat.
For business development opportunities call Jenny on 07966 995 012 or Andrew on 07825 986 996 For agency sales call Kelly on 0208 780 7968 @VikingTradeUK
madefortrade.co.uk