V I K I N G I N R U S S I A | X M A S M A R K E T S | S AG A R I V E R
THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES
N O V E M B E R 2019
Did you know?
On every Viking river and ocean cruise, everything you need is included Inspiring destinations. Exciting excursions. Stylish ships. Fabulous food. Warm service. Worldwide awards. Your Viking journey is defined by all these things, and something else too. Great value for money. From onboard gratuities to onshore excursions, there are a host of ‘extras’ that won’t cost you a penny more. We call it Viking Value. You’ll call it brilliant.
RETURN FLIGHTS FROM THE UK Fly from London and, on selected cruises, from a choice of regional airports at no extra cost. And when you arrive at your destination, a Viking representative will take you to your ship or hotel, and back to the airport at the end of your cruise.
A CHOICE OF STATEROOMS AND SUITES All our staterooms offer all the amenities of a first-class hotel. Staterooms on our river ships are all outside with a view, like the French Balcony stateroom above. And on our ocean ships, every room has a private veranda.
ONBOARD GRATUITIES Viking is renowned for its exceptional service, so it’s reassuring to know that on every cruise, your onboard gratuities are taken care of.
FREE WI-FI ON BOARD Stay online on board and stay connected to friends and family.
EXPERT GUIDED EXCURSIONS Explore the places you visit with a free excursion almost every day, including visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and unique cultural experiences.
ALL ONBOARD MEALS
QUALITY WINE, BEER AND SOFT DRINKS
Your ocean ship offers a choice of included restaurants, alfresco venues and 24-hour room service. Relax in the warm ambiance in The Restaurant on your river ship, or dine alfresco on The Aquavit Terrace.
What could be nicer than a lovely glass of wine with your meal? How about another lovely glass of wine. Feel free to pick up a bottle of wine on your travels. We will happily serve it for you and not charge corkage.
THE SPA The award-winning Nordic spa on our ocean ships is guaranteed to put a spring in your step and, because it’s free, a smile on your face.
ONBOARD DISCOVERIES From cooking classes, fascinating talks and demonstrations during the day, to relaxed entertainment in the evening. Take a drink at the bar, or take to the dance floor.
November 2019 | Forward EDITOR’S LETTER
The revolution in Russian river cruise CRUISE ADVISER
The longest river in Europe, the Volga stretches some 3,530km, flowing through central Russia and into the Caspian Sea. With 11 of the 20 largest cities of Russia, located in its drainage basin, it’s no exaggeration to say the river is the country’s lifeblood. Given two of these cities are the capital Moscow and St Petersburg, a river cruise is a great way to explore this fascinating and often esoteric country. It’s no suprise to learn that numbers were up 70 per cent between 2016 and 2017, according to Clia. On p36, Rebecca Barnes sets sail with Viking Cruises, discovering a country that’s full of delights – from Soviet-era ice cream in Moscow to an evening of ballet in St Petersburg. Elsewhere in this issue,Gary Buchanan joins Crystal on a Christmas market river cruise (p42) and our regular columnist, Avalon’s Janet Parton, looks at why they’re a great option on p12, while we head to warmer climes with this month’s Port of Call feature, basking on the white sand, sunkissed beaches of the Mexican island of Cozumel. We’ve also got all the latest news (from p9), plus new hires, incentives and details of our upcoming cruise adviser Xmas Bash (p13). We hope you enjoy reading and good luck selling!
THIS MONTH WHAT WE LEARNT
P10
V I K I N G I N R U S S I A | X M A S M A R K E T S | S AG A R I V E R
THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES
N OV E M B E R 2 0 19
ODYSSEY OF THE SEAS WILL BE FUN-PACKED Royal Caribbean’s latest mega-ship, which launches next year, boasts bumper cars and VR games
P36
THE MOTHER VOLGA STATUE IS MASSIVE The 70m-high monument was built in 1953 and symbolically guards the Russian river in Rybinsk
P42
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CRUISE ADVISER
Publisher Sam Ballard sam@cruise-adviser.com Publisher Anthony Pearce anthony@cruise-adviser.com
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COLOGNE’S CHRISTMAS MARKET IS BEAUTIFUL The city’s famous cathedral provides the perfect backdrop as you sip glühwein and chomp on a bratwurst
CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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Ho Chi Minh City in Vietman features in Jane Archer’s How to sell: River (p45)
Contents MIDSHIP 26
30
Best of British Emily Eastman joins Princess Cruises for a trip around the UK and Ireland, often overlooked as a cruise option Cruising to a bright future Anthony Pearce looks at the changing demographics of who cruise holidays appeal to
and how to tempt these newto-cruise customers on board 36
From Russia with love Rebecca Barnes sets sail on the Volga to discover a country full of delights, from Soviet-era ice cream in Moscow to an evening of ballet in St Petersburg
CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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42
Christmas markets Gary Buchanan sails along the Rhine to sample the glühwein
45
How to sell: river Jane Archer’s guide to river cruises for all budgets Turn over for more
November 2019 | Forward
FORWARD 5
Editor’s letter
9
News Saga announces its first ever new-build river ship; Royal Caribbean unveils the features on its new Odyssey of the Seas; a look at how Brexit is affecting travel bookings
14
New hires A round-up of the latest industry appointments
15
Incentives The latest trade initiatives
18
Interview Sam Ballard talks to Tarn Pilkington about his role in the activities programme at Aurora Expeditions and why anyone can join in
21
Antartica preview A look ahead to Sam Ballard and Anthony Pearce’s once-ina-lifetime trip to Antarctica on Aurora Expeditions’ new ship Greg Mortimer
22
Ports of call: Cozumel Sam Ballard profiles the Mexican island in the Caribbean which boasts a mix of beaches and Mayan history
Cozumel is profiled in Ports of Call (p22) and Tarn Pilkington from Aurora Expeditions talks Antarctic activities (p21)
AFT 49
Directory All the cruise line contact details in one place
54
Know your… cruise ship spas
55
Gamesroom Try your hand at our crossword or sudoku, or give the quiz a whirl
57
Lookout Some photos from our recent cruise adviser Adventure Bash. Were you there?
58
Final word Anthony Pearce looks back on five years of cruise adviser Email info@cruise-adviser.com to share your thoughts
CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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Alaska, by Cunard. Breathtaking scenic voyages, immersive Alaska experiences and unforgettable Cunard style.
Stateroom upgrades, additional money to spend on board, and a low 5% deposit now available on Alaska voyages. Example below based on Alaska Roundtrip Q017. Stateroom chosen
Stateroom paid for
Cunard Fare
Additional money to spend on board
Oceanview
Inside
ÂŁ2,249pp
$200pp
Flights and transfers are included in the Cunard Fare. Money to spend on board amount shown includes the Cunard Fare benefit of on board spending money.
Remember, you’ll earn Shine points with every Cunard Fare booking you make. Redeem them on a host of rewards - from electronics and beauty products through to experience days and even Cunard cruises.
Visit shinerewardsclub.com to find out more.
Book between 6th September 2019 and 30th November 2019 to receive additional money to spend on board, applicable to new Cunard Fare bookings on selected 2020 voyages. Stateroom upgrades applicable on new Cunard Fare bookings made between 1st May 2019 - 31st Dec 2019 on selected voyages, subject to availability. 5% deposit applicable to Cunard Fare stateroom bookings made between 1st October 2019 and 30th November 2019 on Canada, Alaska and Europe voyages departing between 1st May 2020 and 13th December 2020.
CLASSIC STYLE & ENRICHING JOURNEYS OUR IN-DEPTH CARIBBEAN
Beyond the Caribbean’s beautiful beaches lie little known island secrets and off the beaten track surprises. Here too Mexico, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal. With Holland America Line, visitors may discover these tropical gems in greater depth through inside stories, regional cuisine and authentic destination experiences. At our award-winning private island of Half Moon Cay, a protected sanctuary for wildlife, they might quietly count egrets, swim with curious stingrays, play in the water on Sunfish sailboats or relax on a crescent of perfect white sand beach.
11-NIGHT SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN WAYFARER
Cruise from
£1,049 per person
*
Fly/cruise from
£1,729
pp Includes hotel and transfers
Departs: 4*, 22 Dec 2019: 22 Jan; 12 Feb, 4 Mar 2020
Koningsdam DEPART:
FT LAUDERDALE
THE HOLLAND AMERICA LINE DIFFERENCE Perfectly-sized, elegant ships Spacious staterooms and suites, many with private balcony Nearly one crew member for every two guests Fine dining with casual to formal options Regional cuisine, Explorations Central destination experiences and more Every cruise calls at our private island, Half Moon Cay Long days and overnight stays in hand- picked destinations
14-NIGHT WESTERN & TROPICAL CARIBBEAN
Cruise from
£1,129 per person
*
Fly/cruise from
£1,769
pp Includes hotel and transfers
Departs: 30* Nov; 21 Dec 2019: 18, 25 Jan; 15, 22 Feb; 14, 21 Mar 2020
Nieuw Amsterdam ARRIVE:
FT LAUDERDALE
DEPART:
FT LAUDERDALE
10-11-NIGHT CARIBBEAN & PANAMA CANAL SUNFARER
Cruise from
£1,129 per person
*
Fly/cruise from
£1,859
pp Includes hotel and transfers
Departs: 1*, 11 Dec 2019: 4+, 15+, 26 Jan; 5 Feb 2020
Eurodam ARRIVE:
FT LAUDERDALE
DEPART:
FT LAUDERDALE
ARRIVE:
FT LAUDERDALE
VISITS: St Maarten, St Lucia, scenic cruising Soufriere Bay, Barbados, Martinique, St Kitts, St Thomas, Half Moon Cay.
VISITS: Half Moon Cay, Falmouth (Jamaica), Grand Cayman, Cozumel (Mexico), Ft Lauderdale, Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Key West.
VISITS: Half Moon Cay, Aruba, Curacao, Cartagena (Columbia), Scenic cruising Panama Canal & Gatun Lake, Colon (Panama), Puerto Limon (Costa Rica).
Itineraries may vary. *Lead fare based on 4/12/19 sailing
Itineraries may vary. *Lead fare based on 30/11/19 sailing
*Lead fare based on 1/12/19 sailing. +11-night sailings
Reservations Online POLAR Online: via www.hollandamerica.co.uk and click on partnerships Reservations by Phone Call 0344 338 8600 Terms & Conditions *ALL LEAD PRICES STATED ARE CRUISE ONLY OR FLY/CRUISE FROM LONDON AIRPORT IN GBP Sterling. Please ask for other regional airports. Featured fares are per person based on double occupancy and include Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses. Subject to availability. Other restrictions may apply. It is the responsibility of guests to ensure they have a full passport valid at least 6 months beyond the date travel is to commence. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.
NEWS
Do you have a story for us? Email info@cruise-adviser.com
RIVER
Saga to launch first new-build river ship ‘Boutique’ Spirit of the Rhine will set sail on the Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube from 2021 and takes inspiration from Saga’s two new ocean ships Saga has announced has announced plans to launch a new-build boutique river cruise ship in 2021. The new vessel will be named Spirit of the Rhine and follows Saga’s new ocean cruise ship, Spirit of Discovery, which launched earlier this year, and Spirit of Adventure, which arrives in the summer of 2020. It will echo the luxury styling of its ocean-going counterparts with almost all of the 17 square metre cabins boasting a French balcony and floorto-ceiling windows. There will be a lounge with bar, a separate library area and a main restaurant as well as a reservation-only restaurant with show cooking. Outside there will be a large sun deck with Jacuzzi, barbecue and an extensive seating area. In addition, Spirit of the Rhine will also have a small onboard gym and
free wifi will be available throughout. The new ship is currently being built by Vahali, a Dutch-founded company which has been building river vessels since 1923. “I am delighted to announce that we are using our experience in ocean cruise to design a bespoke ship for those guests who want a luxurious, boutique river cruise experience,” said Robin Shaw, CEO of Saga Travel. “This launch of Spirit of the Rhine heralds a step change in the future of river cruise and, when it comes to the onboard experience, our boutique approach to cruising will ensure that our guests have an experience that combines unrivalled, first class service with bespoke authentic experiences that are tailored just for them.” Spirit of the Rhine will be sailing on the Rhine, Moselle, Main and
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Danube as well as the waterways of Holland. Saga is promising a variety of innovative itineraries that will feature popular destinations in addition to some less familiar ports of call. Itineraries will also be tailored to offer exclusive excursions as well as multiple options in key ports giving guests more opportunities to make the most of them. All cruises will be full-board and include wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, gratuities will also be included and VIP transfers will be included as standard. Agents who would like further information about Spirit of the Rhine can register their interest with Saga now. Bookings will be taken following the publication of the first itineraries on December 2.
November 2019 | Forward ROYAL CARIBBEAN
New features for Odyssey of the Seas revealed Royal Caribbean has revealed the new features that will be available on board Odyssey of the Seas, the brand’s second Quantum Ultra class ship, which launches in November 2020. Highlights include SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea, which features a full-sized sports court, bumper cars, VR games and augmented reality walls and floors. There will also be a reimagined Adventure Ocean for youngsters and a teen lounge with gaming consoles, music and movies. The food offering includes the new Teppanyaki restaurant serving Asian dishes and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. Onboard entertainment includes the Two70 venue, which at night becomes a multidimensional theatre – where music and special effects are combined with live performers and acrobats.
A-ROSA
AZAMARA
New ‘E-Motion’ family suites unveiled
Azamara files lawsuit against US arm of Cox & Kings as land operator’s stock value plummets
A-Rosa River Cruises has released a rendering of the family cabins that will debut on the line’s new ‘E-Motion’ ship in spring 2021. The ship, which will sail on the Rhine, is aimed at the family and multi-generational market. The 28 square metre family cabins will sleep up to five people and feature a double bed, sofa bed and two bunk beds. There will also be a play area with a toy box in every cabin filled with age-appropriate toys for the little guests. The cabins will be located in a dedicated family area, next to the kids’ club. The ship will also have a children’s swimming pool and a kids’ area in the restaurant.
Azamara has filed a lawsuit against Cox & Kings in the US, alleging the firm took payment from passengers but did not pass the money on to local suppliers. The filing was made in the Federal Court’s Southern District of Florida. The news comes as the stock value of Cox & Kings, which was founded in 1758 and is headquartered in India, plummeted. In the last six months the company’s stock value has gone from 135.25 Indian rupees to just 2.4 Indian rupees, a more than 99 per cent fall. In October, Ravindran Menon, the company’s CEO and executive director, quit, citing poor health. Azamara announced its deal with Cox & Kings in June this year
revealing it would be adding 1,700 land tours on to its cruises. A statement from Azamara read: “Following our debut of the largest selection of pre-and-post voyages in the cruising industry in June, the brand is no longer working with Cox & Kings. This subset of land programs will be operated by other operators who have a known history with Azamara, and guests who are currently booked will still be able to enjoy these unique experiences. We are committed to bringing Destination Immersion experiences to our guests and will continue to do so through our 1,700 plus land offerings.” Cox & Kings have been approached for comment. CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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November 2019 | Forward BREXIT
MARELLA CRUISES
Poll finds ‘half of people’ worried about Brexit impact on travel plans
New US itineraries from Port Canaveral revealed Marella Cruises will be heading to the US from summer 2021 as Marella Discovery will sail a number of itineraries from Port Canaveral taking in destinations including New York City, Miami, Orlando, Tampa and New Orleans. Chris Hackney, managing director of cruise for TUI UK & I said “Expanding our programme provides an opportunity for cruisers to sample the American Dream.”
NORWEGIAN
$100m revitalisation for Norwegian Spirit
New research has revealed that, when considering the impact that Brexit will have on them, more than 28 million people are most concerned about their travel plans and the exchange rate. The research was carried out by peer-to-peer currency exchange platform WeSwap, and revealed that more than half (54 per cent) of those asked are “most concerned” about the impact on their travel plans when considering the effects of the UK leaving the European Union. When questioned, almost a third believe that Brexit will cause more problems for their holidays than any other aspect of their life. When split into age categories, 63 per cent of millennials are concerned that the cost of their holidays will go up. Of those aged between 18 and 34, 43 per cent believed that their travels abroad would be the area of their lives that would be most affected by the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
While among those aged 55 and above – the age group who overwhelmingly voted to leave the European Union – only 24 per cent believe that Brexit would not make their holidays more expensive. In terms of location, almost two thirds of Londoners and 60 per cent of Scots fear that the cost of holidaying in general will become much more expensive. WeSwap chief marketing officer Rob Stross offers the following advice: “It is near impossible to predict exactly how Brexit and upcoming political events will impact our everyday lives and our freedom to travel to all corners of the globe. “For those who are still planning on booking a winter break, it is best to prepare as early as possible for any possible outcome. From travel insurance, checking passports to buying foreign currency, preparing these as early as possible is more likely to mitigate risk.”
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Norwegian Spirit will enter dry dock in Marseille, France in January for a $100 million revitalisation. Following the work, the ship – which was originally launched in 1998 – will have 14 new venues, additional staterooms and an expanded Mandara Spa. New complimentary dining venues will be introduced including an additional main dining room, Taste. It will also feature contemporary hull art.
VIRGIN VOYAGES
On-demand champagne delivery announced Virgin Voyages has revealed its on-demand champagne delivery service, Shake for Champagne. It allows ‘sailors’ to have Möet Chandon Impérial instantly delivered to them anywhere onboard Scarlet Lady at the push of a button on the Virgin Voyages sailor app. The new line, which launches in 2020, has also announced details of Sip, its luxury champagne lounge and caviar bar.
November 2019 | Forward
OPINION
UNIWORLD
Never too early to sell Christmas cruises Janet Parton, sales director, Avalon Waterways
At what point in the year is it acceptable to start mentioning the ‘C’ word? I’m talking about Christmas, of course. Decorations, stores piled high with tubs of chocolates and crackers, it moves forward every year. I even heard a Christmas carol in September this year! But when it comes to cruising over the Christmas period, it’s never too early to start thinking about promoting.
“Festive cruises are in high demand, despite often being more expensive than cruises at other times of year” Festive cruises are in high demand, despite often being more expensive than cruises at other times of year. However, this offers greater commission earnings for you. They are suitable for all guests, from solo travellers to multi-generational families, coming together on board for the holidays. And why wouldn’t you opt for Christmas at sea? Guests travelling at Christmas enjoy someone else doing the cooking and washing up while they take the time to relax and put their feet up, all while watching the world go by. Cruise lines go to great lengths to make sure that their ships are
looking the part with Christmas trees, decorations, gingerbread houses, ornaments and wreaths. Some provide gifts for guests, show Christmas movies, and of course indulge in special Christmas menus, meals and drinks. Children are well taken care of with festive activities, too. The religious aspect doesn’t have to be missed either, with many cruise lines offering services on board. Promoting festive cruises early is important to secure the customer’s preferred ship, itinerary and the more affordable air fares (if on a fly-cruise). Choosing the right itinerary is important, some people may want to spend Christmas day at sea, some may want to be ashore. Cruises are limited, especially those sailing over Christmas and New Year’s Day. Booking at least nine to 12 months out is recommended, so the New Year is a great time to start promoting. Festive cruises aren’t just about being away on the big day itself. Some guests may just like to travel on the lead up to Christmas, exploring the Christmas markets in Europe in search of unique presents (or just to drink the glühwein) or enjoying some winter sunshine and popping the fizz corks in the Caribbean, Mediterranean or Canaries for New Year. Whatever it is, start dropping the idea to your customers early on. For some people, the break in tradition will take some getting used to and they may not have thought about festive cruising before. For others, they may have had a Christmas with the in-laws that they never want to repeat! Talk about the positives and benefits of being away at sea or on a river. It doesn’t mean that Christmas is left behind – it’s just viewing it from a different perspective.
SS São Gabriel renderings revealed
Uniworld has released renderings of its new Super Ship, SS São Gabriel, which will debut in Portugal in April 2020. One of four Super Ships launching next year, the vessel will join fellow new SS Sphinx, Mekong Jewel, and SS La Venezia. “Expanding upon our commitment to transform our entire fleet to Super Ships in the coming years, we’re thrilled to share a first look at the stunning SS São Gabriel,” said Ellen Bettridge, president & CEO of Uniworld. “Evoking a fresh new design inspired by the majestic landscapes in Portugal and adorned with gorgeous Portuguese tiles, the SS São Gabriel will bring the destination to life for our guests, while maintaining the highest calibre of service and personalisation.” SS São Gabriel will sail the Unesco-designated Douro River Valley on an 11-day Portugal, Spain & The Douro River Valley itinerary sailing from Lisbon to Porto. “We have been partnering with The Travel Corporation’s family brands since 2017 and this year we are delighted to partner with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection to support the launch of their new super ship in Portugal,” says Miguel Moraes, Global Trade marketing director at Visit Portugal. “We look forward to welcoming the SS São Gabriel in 2020 and the guests it will attract from the USA, Canada, UK and Australia.” CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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CHRISTMAS BASH 2019 You are invited to join us for a night of networking, fun and festive cheer to celebrate our fifth birthday
TUESDAY DECEMBER 10 KING STREET TOWNHOUSE 10 BOOTH ST, MANCHESTER M2 4AW 18:30 – Drinks reception 19:00 – Introduction 19:15 – Networking 21:00 – Prizes 23:00 – Close Held in one of Manchester’s most impressive boutique hotels, travel agents are invited to meet the Cruise Adviser team and our sponsors to celebrate the festive period Availability is limited, so please RSVP to info@cruise-adviser.com as soon as possible to secure your place
November 2019 | Forward
NEW HIRES
Maria Ersmarker joins growing sales team at AmaWaterways
New expedition sales manager for Silversea Silversea has appointed Danny Giles as its new expedition sales manager. Danny Giles left his role as explorer manager at Hurtigruten after the line decided to restructure its sales team and has taken up the position vacated by Akvile Marozaite who has moved to an operations role at Silversea. Erin Johnson, Silversea’s UK director of marketing, said: “He will really help put Silversea expeditions on the map.”
Kelly Cookes joins Advantage Travel
AmaWaterways welcomes Maria Ersmarker as its new business development manager for the southeast and Channel Islands. She moves from Hurtigruten, after eights years in various roles, including, most recently, national events and sales manager. Earlier this year, the luxury river cruise line company announced it was doubling the size of its UK sales team.
This started with the appointment of Jon Knight as national sales manager, who Ersmarker will report to. Jamie Loizou, sales, marketing and digital director, said: “The expansion of our sales team reinforces our commitment to the UK trade and underpins our objective to offer outstanding service and support to our existing travel agent partners, while widening our trade distribution.”
Kelly Cookes, former head of Thomas Cook-owned Freedom Travel Group, is to join Advantage Travel Partnership as leisure director. Cookes had just been promoted to head of commercial partnerships and sales planning at Thomas Cook when the company collapsed in September. The new role follows a restructure which split management of Advantage’s leisure and business agents. Simon Bennett also recently started as head of business travel, commercial and innovation.
Samantha Gibbs recruited as business development manager by GoCruise & Travel to develop growth within the non-cruise area of the business Samantha Gibbs has joined GoCruise & Travel – the franchise business that is owned and operated by Fred Olsen Travel – in the role of business development manager. Her retail experience includes 10 years with Tui and, more recently, six years at Midcounties Co-operative, where she recruited and supported Personal Travel Agents. Gibbs will be responsible for developing growth within the noncruise area of the business and will be targeting land-based sales.
She said: “After many successful years at Midcounties Personal Travel Agents, I have learned so much about homeworking and also working for an independent agent. “I’m excited to bring my experience to help GoCruise & Travel expand the travel side of the business. “Working with self-employed agents to grow their businesses along with building relationships with tour operators is a great part of what I do. “I’m very much looking forward to helping grow the number of
agents and help those current agents increase their travel sales.” Steve Williams, Fred Olsen Travel managing director, said: “For more than a decade we have established ourselves and continued to grow our business as specialists within the cruise industry. “However more of our franchisees have identified their clients do more than just cruise so the chance to work with someone of Sam’s experience and contacts within travel is a very exciting opportunity for us.” CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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November 2019 | Forward
INCENTIVES
Free oceanview to balcony upgrades on Celebrity Apex
Celebrity Cruises is offering free oceanview to balcony room upgrades on selected sailings out of Southampton on Celebrity Apex, the line’s latest Edge-class ship, when it launches next year. Included in the offer is the ship’s inaugural eight-night itinerary to Spain and Portugal, which departs from Southampton on April 5, 2020.
Prices start from £1,799 per person in an upgraded Balcony Stateroom (based on two people sharing) and the cruise makes calls at Bilbao, Lisbon, Porto and Le Havre (for an excursion to Paris) before returning to Southampton. For more information or to book, call 0800 441 4054, visit celebritycruises.co.uk.
Titan announces two-month long agent incentive offer Escorted holiday specialist Titan Travel has launched a special two-month incentive campaign, exclusively for the trade, which will be available throughout November and December. With a focus on more far-flung destinations, all agents who confirm a new booking on a Titan long-haul holiday will receive a £50 lifestyle voucher. Titan offers everything from African safaris and adventures in Costa Rica to grand tours of Australia in its portfolio. Agents will also receive a £25 lifestyle voucher for every short-haul booking made within the campaign time-frame. The incentives are available on all new bookings made from until December 16, 2019. All vouchers must be claimed by emailing agentincentives@ titantravel.co.uk within seven days of making the booking. For any queries, please call Titan Travel Agency Sales on 0800 988 5166 or visit titanagents.co.uk for more information and full terms and conditions.
Royal Caribbean launches its new travel agent platform LEARN, offering content tailored for retail, call centres and home workers Royal Caribbean has launched its new travel agent platform, LEARN. LEARN, which is an acronym for Learn Everything About Royal Now, will use artificial intelligence and machine learning to evolve and change – offering different users a different experience when it comes to training. The platform will offer content specifically tailored for retail, call centres and home workers allowing agents to see what is popular with the rest of the travel agent community.
LEARN offers three modules – We Are Royal, Allure of the Seas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay – and is accessible through Club Royal and will link through to Club Rewards – events and earning accelerators will be unlocked by completing modules. Martin MacKinnon, sales director Royal Caribbean UK & Ireland said: “We’re aware how pressed for time our agent partners can be, so LEARN takes a micro approach to learning, with each module taking no more than five minutes to complete.”
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Allure of the Seas ‘amplified’ for the Med in 2020 £100 off for the first 50 Touchdown bookings Exclusive Touchdown prices from £386pp Up to 45% off for travel industry staff 7 night Western Med sailings from May to October Brave the tallest slide at sea in the Ultimate Abyss™ Biggest and most innovative ship in Europe
Barcelona Palma Marseille La Spezia (Florence/Pisa) Civitavecchia (Rome) Naples Barcelona Call Touchdown, quoting CA100 on 0800 619 0900 www.touchdown.co.uk
#ExclusivelyTravelIndustry
November 2019 | Forward
INTERVIEW
“I think people can do anything…” Tarn Pilkington from Aurora Expeditions tells Sam Ballard how the expedition line’s Antarctic activity programme is open to all ages and abilities Expedition cruises are all about the destination. When you make a landing in Antarctica you want to get off the ship and onto the ice. Of course, once you’re on the ice, what then? These are trips that attract people who not only want to see the destination but want to experience activities there. And, whether it’s skiing, mountain climbing or kayaking, Aurora Expeditions has you covered. We sat down with Tarn Pilkington, who helps Aurora put its activities programme together, to find out more about what’s available and the levels of fitness needed. cruise adviser: Tell us what your role at Aurora entails. Tarn Pilkington: It’s primarily that of activity guide. I look after on-land activities like skiing, guided climbing, snowshoeing, rock climbing and trekking. I’ll also be driving Zodiacs and interpreting experiences for our guests. I’m also an adviser and help them put the entire programme together. What’s your history? I started in 2004 as a mountain guide. Greg Mortimer, a well-known mountaineer, wanted to introduce
people to the Antarctic mountains. I came along and I kept coming back – helping to formalise things a little more. We’ve introduced a lot of additional programmes, many of which we were the first ones to offer. How much experience do guests need to take on the activities? It depends on what the activity is. For instance: skiers and snowboarders need to have done it before, but we can teach you to snowshoe within an hour. Climbing you can also take up with very limited experience. In certain destinations, for instance Greenland, we want you to know what you’re doing a little more, but someone who is athletic can be taught to climb straight away. Is there a level of fitness you would recommend? I think people can do anything. I’ve just taken a 73-year-old rock climbing in Greenland. We have 70-year-olds signing up for activities all the time. Some of them may have previous experience, but having an adventurous attitude and some basic fitness is all we look for. The message we put out there, regardless of age,
is that if you want to participate then you can. We hire professional mountain guides and this is what they do for a living. How about for snowshoeing? For snowshoeing we ask for people who walk regularly. Not an athlete, but someone who can move. As with any new activity there are not only the physical challenges but the mental ones. If you’re walking with people tied by a rope then you don’t want to be the slowest. If you turn up with a bit of fitness then it’s a secondary worry to your skill level. We do each activity with two guides so we can have a group that is really fit and a group that doesn’t want to go as far. How much do activities cost? All activities attract a surcharge but they differ in price. Snowshoeing costs $370pp while kayaking costs about $1,200 per person. People apply before they come on the ship. Most people will do the activity at every opportunity they get – perhaps five to seven times across the 10 days. However, you don’t have to do the activity and that’s fine. It’s drop in and drop out.
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November 2019| Forward
ANTARCTICA
All aboard for the inaugural sailings of the Greg Mortimer Accepting a dream invitation from Aurora Expeditions, Sam Ballard and Anthony Pearce will be exploring the many wonders of Antarctica on the new-build ship Five years ago, when we first launched cruise adviser as a print magazine, Anthony and I made a pact that if we were ever lucky enough to get the chance to go to Antarctica, we would do whatever we could to both go. It was an immaterial agreement, because the likelihood of us getting invited seemed pretty far off. Over the years we’ve written about regions all around the world – and have been lucky enough to visit many of them – few hold as much allure as Antarctica. It’s not just us who are fascinated by it, either. The expedition cruise sector is booming. By 2022 there will be a 30 per cent increase in capacity, according to Clia. There is growth from the luxury operators and the expedition lines that have been operating in the region for decades. The growth isn’t surprising. These are once-in-a-lifetime voyages that
take passengers to the end of the world, after all. So you can imagine our surprise when Aurora Expeditions gave us a call and invited us on one of the first sailings for its brand new ship, the Greg Mortimer. It will surprise you less to learn that we accepted. The 120-passenger Greg Mortimer, named after the company’s founder, is one of the most exciting Antarctica launches of recent years – and comes with a raft of its own technological game-changers, too. The most obvious of these is the much hyped X-Bow, the pointed tip of the vessel, which will see it cut through the Drake Passage’s notoriously choppy waters – giving passengers a much smoother ride. The journey over the body of water between the southern tip of Argentina and the Antarctic Peninsula is also made shorter because the Greg Mortimer will not have to slow down – meaning more
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time on the Peninsula, while also reducing fuel. Our sailing will see us leave Ushuaia on November 9, crossing the Drake Passage before calling at the South Shetland Islands. From there we will continue on to the Antarctic Peninsula, to spend five days making landings across the frozen continent. Guests will be taking part in an activity programme that includes kayaking, climbing, scuba diving and snowshoeing. There will also be the chance to do the polar plunge – jumping into the icy water in just your swimming gear… It’s going to be a phenomenal experience and one that we’re very much looking forward to writing about in these pages. Keep your eyes on our social media channels, too. Primarily to find out whether we are brave enough to take the plunge – and to find out what an Antarctic voyage entails.
November 2019 | Forward
PORTS OF CALL
Cozumel This magical Mexican island has stunning beaches, scuba diving and Mayan history, writes Sam Ballard Whether it’s scuba diving with endangered turtles or learning about ancient civilisations, the island of Cozumel is one of the jewels of the Caribbean Sea. Those who have been are not likely to forget it in a hurry. Caribbean holidays are synonymous with beaches, and Cozumel has its fair share. Many of them can be found on the east coast, including Punta Morena, Playa Bonita and Playa Chen Rio but there are others closer to the cruise port on the western seaboard. Playa Azul, Paradise Beach and Playa Uvas are all within half hour of where the ships dock. The island, which sits just off the coast of Mexico, claims to have some of the best diving in the Caribbean. Aficionados of life underwater can explore the vast Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which numerous varieties of turtle (green sea, leatherback and hawksbill) call home. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors website (padi. com) says that there are sites suitable for every level of diver – although the more adventurous might want to book between November and March, during the bull sharks breeding season. If you don’t fancy scuba diving – or indeed sharing the water with bull sharks – then Stingray Beach in San Miguel offers the chance to snorkel, or even just paddle, among less scary marine life. Arguably the most famous excursion offered from Cozumel is a day trip to Chichén Itzá, one of the new wonders of the world. It’s a bit of a trek – 45-minute ferry ride to Playa del Carmen on the mainland followed by a two-hour drive – but it’s worth it.
Chichén Itzá is the name of a more than 700-acre ancient city – not the pyramid, as many wrongly assume. The site, which dates back 1,500 years, includes pyramids, temples and even a sports court. Most visitors flock to the famous El Castillo pyramid, which towers 30m above the ground. It is a mathematical marvel – part religious structure, part calendar. There are 365 steps to the top (taking in all four sides), 18 terraces (one for each Mayan month) and, during the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun somehow casts a shadow of a serpent on the pyramid. Impressive stuff. Then there is the Great Ball Court – set over a vast area of 168m by 70m – where Mayans watched two teams slug it out during matches that could last for days at a time. The aim was to get a rubber ball through the hoop without using your hands or feet. The winning captain was sacrificed to the gods. It appears that sport has always been more than a game for some people. It’s worth noting that you can visit Mayan sites on Cozumel itself. San Gervasio is a much more manageable 30-minute drive from the cruise terminal. It’s small compared to Chichén Itzá – only about 125 acres – but is perfect for those who want to see Mayan ruins but would like to be back on the ship for lunch. Given Cozumel’s relatively diminutive proportions, the island packs a punch. And, if you don’t fancy doing any of the above, just pull up a bar stool, order a bottle of Victoria beer and a bowl of tortillas with spicy salsa, and enjoy some Mexican hospitality.
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BRITISH ISLES
Best of British With the world more accessible by ship than ever before, a cruise around the British Isles might seem a little familiar, but agents shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss home shores. Emily Eastman joins Princess Cruises, one line reinventing the cruise experience as it sails British waters
November 2019 | Midship
Clockwise from left: Crown Princess; St Peter Port, Guernsey; the harbour in Cobh, County Cork; the Ocean Now app
There’s a sea change in appetite for British Isles cruises: an ex-UK, round-UK voyage eliminates the hassle of flying, does away with currency concerns in light of a weak pound, and offers an opportunity to experience more of our shoreside towns and cities. To see if demand and experience align, I’m joining Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess for a segment of its Round Britain itinerary, travelling to ports of call from Southampton to Liverpool, where I’ll disembark before the ship sails onwards to Scotland, Paris and back to Southampton. Crown Princess is one of three Princess ships – alongside Grand Princess and Island Princess – that will be based in the UK from 2021, increasing ex-UK capacity by nine per cent. The move reflects increasing demand for no-fly cruises and is part of a wider industry trend towards greater ex-UK options.
First stop is Guernsey, where I take a tender to St Peter Port to join a cycling excursion with Outdoor Guernsey. It’s a good option for those of reasonable fitness keen to learn about the history of this channel island – our guides, Skip and Alfie, share fairy tales, witch folklore and mysteries from neighbouring islands. There’s a stop for coffee and Guernsey ice cream (the cows here are renowned for their creamy milk), and we duck into a German bunker to learn about the island’s wartime role. To get back on board, a digital sensor registers my Ocean Medallion – a digital, wearable accessory that replaces cruise cards and connects to an app, Ocean Now, on your smartphone. The medallions are handed out at check in and enable guests to order food and drinks to wherever they are on the ship; set alerts for the many activities and shows; track down travelling
companions; unlock their stateroom hands-free; and play interactive games with cute maritime avatars. Crown Princess boasts 7,000 medallion sensors, and I test them out by ordering sustenance on the move. Despite some teething issues (it takes 15 minutes for a Coke to arrive when I’m sitting opposite the bar), it’s easy to see the appeal of placing an order without having to move or attract someone’s attention. This appeal is felt most acutely in the ship’s many bars, where I order in comfort – there’s a generous wine list at Vines, a lengthy cocktail list at Crooners and classic options at Good Spirits. The food is equally impressive. At Sabatini’s – an Italian speciality restaurant and executive chef Federico Femiano’s onboard favourite – there’s artichoke soufflé, rich pasta dishes and chocolatewalled tiramisu. In Crown Grill, we dine on lobster with garlic-herb fries, CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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while in The Salty Dog Gastropub, it’s possibly the world’s best breadsticks dunked in beer-cheddar fondue followed by white-tomato soup, beef short rib poutine and crab cakes. The main dining room is just as good, with succulent steak – “so good I don’t need the peppercorn sauce” according to a travel companion – and wipe-thebowl-clean seafood pasta. The service is speedy and friendly, leaving us sated before each evening’s entertainment. Crown Princess has a packed schedule of shows, with Sweet Soul Music in the main theatre and, on the night we’re docked in Dublin, Irish Dreams, a local production with West End stars who come aboard to perform for one night only. We skip dessert to catch it, and I’m so glad: it’s a celebration of Irish culture, with music, dancing and history rolled into one captivating, uplifting performance.
Dublin itself is the third port of call, following Cobh for Cork. Cobh stands out as a favourite destination – you step off the ship straight into the town where you can visit the Cobh Heritage Centre to learn about Annie Moore, the first immigrant to be processed at Ellis Island; immerse yourself in the Titanic Experience; or head into Cork proper for Blarney Castle. We opt for Spike Island, originally a monastic settlement and subsequently a prison and defensive fortress. Dubbed ‘Ireland’s Alcatraz’, the island has a grisly history as a notorious prison harbouring political prisoners and those convicted of petty crimes during the Great Famine. Dublin, too, has a huge variety of excursion options. The Book of Kells Exhibition & Old Library tour at Trinity College is a real treat, offering an insight into the Christian Gospels and an opportunity to marvel at the Long Room, which has a copy
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of every book published throughout Ireland and the UK. From Trinity, we head to Dublin Castle, where a private guide shares ancient and contemporary tales. Under bright autumn skies in Liverpool, guests bustle off the ship for The Beatles Story – unsurprisingly a popular option – but there’s also the Royal Albert Dock, a Unesco World Heritage Site, the city’s two cathedrals and even a trip to the Lake District, where guests can try a different kind of cruise along Windermere, England’s longest lake. It’s easy to see the beauty of a British Isles cruise – it feels leisurely: distances between ports are short and there’s plenty of time to spend at each. A short train ride through the British countryside and I’m home, having avoided airports, with no currency to change up, and having seen a bit more of what our isles have to offer.
NEW-TO-CRUISE
Cruising to a bright future Once someone has taken a cruise, they will often come back time and again. Anthony Pearce looks at the changing demographics that cruise holidays appeal to, and how to tempt them on board
November 2019 | Midship
Five minutes was all it took. I was sat on deck, basking in the sun, beer in hand, watching the Kent coastline disappear beyond the ship’s wake and I realised that everything I’d thought and said about cruise was wrong. I’d always been dismissive of it as a holiday choice: I thought I would be bored, everything would be too regimented, the food would be bad, and I’d feel restricted by the lack of space. I’d even gently ribbed my parents when they booked their first cruise as they approached 60. I didn’t understand why they, and two million other Britons, enjoy a cruise each year: but it’s fun, relaxing and often luxurious – a holiday like no other. My story is a familiar one (although being in my late 20s at the time, I was younger than most first-time cruisers): I tried cruise and I loved it, as most do. Cruise has an incredibly high retention rate, but remains a relatively small part of the industry, which is why we often talk about the new-to-cruise – or yet-to-cruise – market. Many of these first-timers will become regular cruisers – it’s just a case of getting them on board. Here, we take a look at those who are yet to cruise in different demographics – from Baby Boomers to Gen Zers, as well as sectors such as luxury and adventure.
Younger cruisers
Much is made about the market of potential younger cruisers. It can sometimes seem a distraction given that most cruisers are older, but for the industry to grow it must look outside its normal demographics. According to Abta, the number of millennials (and Gen Zers) taking a cruise is growing. Its Holiday Habits report states that more than a quarter (28 per cent) of 18-34 year olds took a cruise in the year to July 2019, a six per cent rise. The actual numbers may not translate to that amount, but there is undoubtedly growing demand. Interestingly, more than a quarter (27 per cent) of 25-34 year olds who are interested in going on a cruise would like to take an expedition trip (see great adventures, below). Cruise lines such as U By Uniworld and Virgin Voyages are specifically catering their products to this market, the former hosting silent discos and excursions based around street food, the latter with celebrity tie-ins such as music producer Mark Ronson, while there are even plans to put a vinyl record store and a tattoo parlour on board. For older millennials with children, there are operators such as Holland America Line, which, with its excellent BB King’s Blues Club, interesting itineraries, kids’
clubs and excellent food, combine everything that’s great about cruise, but in a sophisticated way that cultural millennials will appreciate. As well as its famed Alaska cruises, Holland America Line also has cruises that take in Canada & New England (taking in the likes of Montreal, Halifax, and Quebec City) – an 11-day cruise starting at £919pp is great value. Sister brand Princess Cruises, although occupying a more traditional part of the market, again strikes a great balance, offering a great mix of fun, luxury and adventure. Curiously, millennials may be a harder sell than Gen Zers, who are more likely to have experienced cruise ships as children. This is down to the relatively recent growth of the family sector and the theme-park-at-sea type ships, such as Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis and Quantum-class ships, which now dominate new-builds. While Gen Zers may be priced out of cruises for a while (unless travelling with their parents), they may be more likely to cruise at 30 than millennials have been.
The grey pound
While the likes of Virgin Voyages are trying to redefine what a cruise is, there are plenty of lines out there
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November 2019 | Midship who are unashamedly aiming their cruises at an older market. It’s worth remembering that, even though over 60s are the most likely demographic to have cruised, the majority of people of that age are yet to try one. With Saga having launched its boutique Spirit of Discovery (and with Spirit of Adventure on the way), ex-UK cruise options have never been stronger. Cruise & Maritime Voyages has reinvigorated the market by making great use of cruise ports up and down the country, whether that’s London Tilbury, Aberdeen, Belfast or Hull. Along with Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, which sails from Liverpool and Newcastle, its affordable cruises open up a whole new market. For customers with mobility issues these cruises are a stress-free way of travelling. According to the charity Scope, 45 per cent of pension-age adults are disabled in some way; cruise could be the perfect option for them.
Great adventures
Friends often tell me that they don’t fancy a cruise holiday, but like the idea of travelling by ship (but that is a cruise, I usually reply). These are often people who would be horrified by the idea of travelling around the Med on a mega-ship, but would love the chance to visit the Galápagos, Alaska, Antarctica or the Arctic Circle
– destinations that you can’t really explore unless you’re going by ship. For those adventurous types who have graduated from backpacking to adventure touring, cruises make a lot of sense. Intrepid and G Adventures both now offer cruises as part of their portfolio, demonstrating how the demand for ship-based travel is growing among a younger and more active demographic. As we pointed out in our recent Adventure Guide, the sector is booming: guests can now join Australis in the Chilean fjords, Aurora Expeditions in Antarctica, Hurtigruten in northern Norway and UnCruise in Alaska. There is also a growing trend for warm-sea adventure: Coral Expeditions in the Maluku Islands (formerly called the Spice Islands), or the likes of Aranui 5, a cargo ship that takes passengers around French Polynesia, while the likes of Cape Verde are now being explored. Silversea’s epic Expedition World Cruise further demonstrates the demand. Silver Cloud will depart Ushuaia, Argentina, on January 30, 2021 and, over 167 days, take in 107 ports of call in 30 countries across six continents – a total of 39,000 nautical miles. Cruise lines in general are gravitating toward more active voyages – whether that’s yoga classes, bikes on river ships or
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hiking excursions, cruise has woken up the idea that not everyone wants to flop and drop.
Luxury lovers
The luxury sector is one of the fastest growing in cruise, with all the major protagonists, from Cunard to Uniworld, launching new ships over the next few years. Many first-time luxury cruisers graduate to luxury lines having cruised before. These are often empty nesters who are now paying for two guests, rather than four, and can afford to book a higherend cruise. The likes of Seabourn will tell you that they also look outside former cruisers, targeting well-heeled travellers who book the best hotels on land and expect the same at sea. The rise of yacht-style ships, pioneered by Seabourn and continued by Scenic, Crystal and, soon, Ritz-Carlton, provide an ultraluxury experience at sea, which compares to any hotel experience on land. In fact, given the staff to guests ratio (sometimes as high as one-to-one), there is little on land that can compare. As Seabourn’s Lynn Narraway has written in cruise adviser: “Agent partners should be selling cruises as an ultra-luxury lifestyle experience, featuring incredible destinations, accommodation, dining and service, all rolled into one fabulous trip.”
November 2019 | Promotion
Brand new itineraries for Crystal Esprit unveiled for 2022 and early 2023 seasons The magnificent mega-yacht, which has capacity for just 62 guests, will be visiting exclusive ports of call in the Mediterannean, Arabian Peninisula, Seychelles and the Holy Land
Crystal Cruises has revealed the brand new itineraries for its magnificent mega-yacht, Crystal Esprit, and they’re the best yet. From the deep blue Aegean Sea to the stunning Indian Ocean, these are adventures that your clients are unlikely to forget in a hurry. The all-suite ship, which has capacity for just 62 guests, boasts the highest guest satisfaction levels across Crystal’s entire fleet – which itself is the world’s most awarded luxury cruise line. The ship offers
unparalleled levels of luxury and service – there are 90 staff on board to cater for guests’ every need – not to mention water skis, wake and paddle boards, kayaks, jet skis and snorkel gear. Those who want to see something completely different can board Esprit’s submersible, for an additional charge, and explore the ocean floor. The 55 new itineraries cover Esprit’s 2022 and early 2023 seasons. Starting in Europe with cruises in beautiful Mediterranean destinations
such as Greece, Italy and Croatia, Esprit will return to the Mediterranean Riviera for the first time in three years. The ship will then sail east for the winter, cruising the Arabian Peninsula, Seychelles and the Holy Land. “Travellers continue to rave about their experiences aboard the awardwinning Crystal Esprit and for good reason, as she takes them on journeys to both iconic and idyllic destinations, as well as those less visited by larger ships that offer more off-the-beaten-
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path adventure,” said Mark Spillane, Crystal Yacht Cruises’ director of sales and marketing. “We are thrilled to unveil the 2022 and early 2023 itineraries, as it speaks directly to what travellers have expressed they want most. We will continue to listen to our guests and offer them the kind of superlative luxury journeys they expect from Crystal.” These journeys are once-in-alifetime adventures. In the Arabian Gulf, passengers will get the chance to embark on experiences like visiting the new Louvre in Abu Dhabi City or going on a nature hike on Sir Bani Yas Island. Other ports of call include Manama, Bahrain; Doha, Qatar; and Khasab, Oman – these are destinations that other, bigger ships will often not call at, giving your clients a better experience of the region. If further proof was needed of Crystal’s luxury credentials, the company took home three Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards at this year’s ceremony. The triple win
saw Crystal win best medium ship cruise line, best small ship cruise line and best river cruise line – every award that the company was eligible for. It’s the 26th year that Crystal has been recognised at the event, one of the most celebrated in the industry. The awards are particularly meaningful as they recognise each part of Crystal’s business – ocean, yacht and river. Crystal Symphony and Serenity, the line’s ocean-going ships, have undergone extensive renovations within the last few years and have emerged better than ever. New penthouses mean more butler accommodation while rejuvenated restaurants mean that guests eat in beautiful surroundings, akin to Michelin-style restaurants on land. “We are honoured and humbled by this recognition and thrilled that our mission of delivering the world’s best holiday experiences is being fulfilled,” said Crystal’s president and CEO, Tom Wolber. “Accolades such as these, which are voted on by travellers themselves, are a testament that we
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have truly connected with our guests in the most meaningful ways. “This is the central tenet of everything we do at Crystal, as we strive to create memorable luxury travel experiences that speak to the individual wishes of our guests,” Wolber added. “Though each Crystal Experience has its own distinct character and highlights, what remains steadfast is our commitment to providing our guests with an unwavering standard of excellence.”
RUSSIA
From Russia with love Rebecca Barnes sets sail on a Russian river cruise to discover a country that’s full of delights, from Soviet-era ice cream in Moscow to an evening of ballet in St Petersburg
November 2019 | Midship The largest country in the world and covering 17.1 square km, Russia doesn’t do things by halves. It’s also a country full of surprises – Vladimir Putin once recorded a judo DVD, while wealthy Russians are reputed to hire fake ambulances to beat the capital’s notorious traffic jams. Even Winston Churchill famously described it as, “a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma”. So when I signed up for a river cruise sailing from Moscow to St Petersburg on Viking River Cruises’ 204-passenger Viking Akun, one of five ships sailing the network of Russian waterways, I never expected to find myself queuing for ice cream in a glitzy department store in Moscow. We’re in the metropolis for three days, ticking off the highlights including the Kremlin, Red Square and the onion-domed St Basil’s Cathedral. We also ride on the ornate, Art Deco influenced Moscow Metro, otherwise known as the People’s Palace, and make the most of some priceless photo opportunities. The GUM department store houses high-end designer labels and gourmet food in an OTT shopping mall interior. Its artisan Soviet-era ice cream follows the same 1954 recipe – renowned for its quality, it was as sought-after back then as it is today. Many of Moscow’s key attractions are actually within walking distance. At the sprawling walled city the Kremlin, which we visit as one of Viking’s free excursions, we’re lucky enough to catch one of the changing of the guard ceremonies. Another highlight is the Armory, which houses Fabergé eggs, magnificent royal crowns and thrones, and grand imperial horse carriages. Back on the ship, and the next unexpected scenario sees us in the midst of a rippling freshwater lake as immense as an ocean. There’s no land to be seen for miles. Located in the northwest of the country, east of St Petersburg and close to Finland, the navigable Lake Ladoga is the largest lake in Europe. The landscape is striking, with marshy wetlands, dense pine forests and monasteries lining the banks (when you can see them).
Clockwise: St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow’s Red Square; one of the city’s stunning metro stations; St Isaac’s Cathedral in St Petersburg; the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg
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It’s incredible to think this vast stretch of water freezes over in the winter when the temperature plummets. We sail past fishermen in tiny boats and marvel at the diverse architecture – crumbling buildings stand next to modern houses and austere, high-rise apartment blocks. But behind the tranquil beauty lies a somewhat chequered past. During the Second World War, Lake Ladoga was a vital lifeline for supplies during the Siege of Leningrad, while in the 1950s, the northern part of the lake was used by the Soviet military to test nuclear weapons. Today the water is said to be moderately polluted, thanks to the industrial and agricultural companies that use the lake for waste storage and don’t tend to have proper cleaning systems. This does not, however, prevent people enjoying recreational time on the shores of the lake. Along with several locks, there’s so much history on the Volga-Baltic Waterway. A 70m statue of Mother Volga commands the riverbank of the Moscow Canal, appearing to greet the passing ships. En route to St Petersburg, we stop at villages including Kizhi Island, a Unesco World Heritage Site featuring distinctive ancient wooden architecture – the otherworldly Transfiguration Church was actually built without a single nail. We also visit the Golden Ring cities of Uglich and Yaroslavl, both abundant in colourful churches and cathedrals, wide boulevards and grand, yet often faded buildings. On Viking river cruises, each passenger receives an included shore excursion in almost every port. A memorable time was spent with a Russian family at home in Uglich,
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November 2019 | Midship where we break bread with our host Ludmilla over tea, cake and shots of punchy homemade grain vodka. When we’re not ashore sampling the countless cultural experiences offered on this cruise, we’re indulging in the local fare on board the ship. The food takes its cue from the hearty highlights of traditional Russian cuisine, once relied on by peasants – pelmeni (filled dumplings), sour cream-topped blinis, goulash soup, potatoes and, of course, vodka. Viking gives you lots of opportunity to eat like a local: there’s a regional specialities tasting menu in the dining room each day, and I make a point of visiting the tea and coffee station each day when I discover the delicious Russian oatmeal cookies. You’re never at a loss for things to do when sailing. To complement the onshore enrichment, there are free talks and lectures to attend, given by the knowledgeable tour escorts. These range from Russian cuisine to President Putin. Programme director Margo also hosts Russian language lessons, port and excursions talks and presentations on Russian souvenirs and food culture. There are also a number of excursions that encourage you to step out of your comfort zone. In the small, purpose-built village of Mandrogy, I spend an enjoyable and surprisingly competitive couple of hours at a workshop painting my own trio of Matryoshka dolls. Some of the other guests visit a traditional Russian banya – a sauna, steam bath, birch broom massage and cold water plunge that’s said to encourage purification. Our final stop, St Petersburg, is no less impressive than the rest of this fascinating cruise. Lavish and opulent with grand boulevards and winding canals, Russia’s ‘Venice of the north’ offers big-hitting cultural experiences including the Hermitage, Catherine Palace in Pushkin and Peterhof Palace. What is arguably Viking’s most magical excursion so far, an evening of world-class ballet set in an exquisite theatre, is a more than fitting finale to the cruise, which is truly an authentic and immersive Russian voyage of discovery.
Two of the many delights of St Petersburg: the Grand Cascade at Peterhof Palace and (below) Alexander Park
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November 2019 | Midship
THE WATERWAYS OF THE TSARS MOSCOW – ST PETERSBURG
Viking operates this cruise between May and October, and includes an included shore excursion in almost every port. From £2,795pp including return flights. For British passengers, a Russian visa is required to enter the country as a tourist, although cruise ship passengers don’t need one if they take an organised shore tour in St Petersburg and stay for up to 72 hours on a No-Visa Entry basis.
THREE RUSSIAN RIVER CRUISES 15 days in Imperial Russia
13 days to St Petersburg
14 days to Astrakhan
Scenic – Scenic Tsar Moscow-Stalingrad (Volgograd) September 20, 2020 From £5,190pp
Volga Dream – MS Volga Dream Moscow-St Petersburg June 4, 2020 From £1,745pp cruise only
Vodohod – Nikolay Chernishevsky Moscow-Astrakhan September 8, 2020 From £4,160
Luxury and laid-back meander through Imperial Russia, taking in Moscow, the Lenin memorial complex in Ulyanovsk. Includes return flights from 10 UK airports.
This itinerary has plenty of time each end to explore the delights of both Moscow and St Petersburg, and includes stops at Uglich, Yaroslavl, Goritsy and Kizhi along the way.
Enjoy the local hospitality onboard while learning folk dances and how to speak (and sing) in Russian. Stops along the Volga include Nizhny Novgorod, Samara and Kostroma.
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November 2019 | Midship
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
The delights of Christmas time cruising along the river Rhine What could be more festive than enjoying glühwein at the many festive markets from Amsterdam to Cologne? Gary Buchanan samples a Rhine river cruise The phenomenal rise in the popularity of European river cruising has prompted many agents to ensure they’re skilled in all aspects of this niche product. The Rhine and Danube account for almost 60 per cent of all European river cruises and there’s a multitude of vessels to meet demand. Sailings normally operate without any issues and clients return impressed with their waterborne meander past bucolic vistas and historic cities. However, operational problems with low water levels are rearing their head, and 2018 certainly had its challenges. I was looking forward to my first ‘Christmas Time on the Rhine’ cruise
with ultra-luxury line Crystal River Cruises. The seven-night itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam was to visit the festive markets of Strasbourg, Germersheim, Rüdesheim, Koblenz and Cologne. Three weeks prior to my cruise I was notified that, due to low water levels on the Rhine upstream from Cologne, my sailing would now be a round-trip voyage from Amsterdam visiting Antwerp, Kinderdijk, Cologne and Nijmegen. A quick Google search revealed there were famous Christmas markets in Amsterdam and Antwerp as well as Cologne, where Yuletide festivities come in spades. With the revised itinerary offering overnight stays
in both Amsterdam and Cologne, I pressed ahead and Crystal River Cruises promptly re-routed my flights. When I embarked I discovered that 62 passengers, mainly from the US, Canada and Mexico, had accepted the revised itinerary; with just 20 guests swapping to another sailing date. Low water levels on European rivers typically occur during September and October, but in 2018 the unusually warm and dry summer had a further impact on the cruising calendar. Autumn rains were not sufficient to swell the Rhine and the Danube, plus snowfall came later than usual. When water levels are too low, some river cruise lines will
The Christmas market next to Cologne’s celebrated cathedral
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November 2019 | Midship
Amsterdam is especially beautiful at Christmas time
often swap sailing for endless coach trips and hotel stays. Fortunately for me, Crystal River Cruises had the foresight to swap the itinerary to one which allowed maximum enjoyment of both the creature comforts on board Crystal Debussy and a range of festive markets. Walter Littlejohn, vice-president and managing director of Crystal River Cruises, told cruise adviser, “Our operations team has been closely monitoring the unseasonably dry conditions in central Europe this season and have been implementing contingency plans across the fleet to deliver the best experience for our guests. If we do change an itinerary, we operate with the philosophy that our guests are seeking a river cruise vacation during which they want to see as many charming destinations in the region as possible. Accordingly, we deviate itineraries when necessary and avoid operating a ‘bus tour’ with multiple stays at moderate hotels. He continues, “We also try to avoid cancelling cruises. Any alternative itineraries we offer provide the superlative Crystal experience guests can expect aboard our voyages,
and have been well received. When there is a change of embarkation or disembarkation port, Crystal provides a generous allowance to change flight arrangements or to purchase new flights. Finally, guests are always extended compensation (in the form of future cruise credit) as a gesture of goodwill.” The festive decorations set the tone for my voyage. One of four identical sister ships – the only allbalcony, all-suite, butler-serviced river ships cruising on European rivers – Crystal Debussy entered service in April 2018. Conveying 106 passengers in all-inclusive luxury, I was looked after by a convivial crew of 68 who understood guests’ preferences with unerring instinct. Boasting the largest accommodations in the river cruise industry, Deluxe Suites are 253 square feet and two-bedroom Crystal Suites a generous 70.5 square metres. All categories of suites are situated above the waterline – another industry first. All come with butlers and feature king-size beds with panoramic balcony windows and walk-in showers.
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I enjoyed the award-winning gourmet modern-tasting menu alongside classical, regional cuisine in the Waterfront Restaurant; as well as globally-inspired tapasstyle dinners in the Bistro. The glass-ceilinged Palm Court is the social hub for afternoon tea and cocktails, as well as the most sophisticated entertainment on the rivers of Europe. In Amsterdam I headed to the Museumplein where a village of wooden chalets serve oliebollen (doughnuts) and mulled wine; while the Yuletide scene in Antwerp’s Grote Markt was straight out of a fairy tale, I also visited Het Steen Castle glowing with blue lights. The Dom, Cologne’s imposing Gothic cathedral, offered an impressive backdrop for the 160 tastefullydecorated stalls draped by a huge canopy of sparkling lights. Here I sipped some warming glühwein, sampled traditional Bratwurst sausages and Weihnachtsstollen – made with candied and dried fruit, nuts and marzipan; before stocking up on unusual Christmas gifts and novel decorations.
Save up to
35%
*
Plus, book and pay today to save an extra
£250 per couple
^
2020 EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES From the rolling vineyards of Southern France, and the culture-rich cities on the Danube, to Portugal’s charming townships and fairy-tale fortresses along the Rhine, our award-winning river cruises ensure your customers see the very best of what Europe has to offer, with all of them offering generous inclusions – all part of our exceptional EmeraldVALUE. The stylish, contemporary décor of our Star-Ships provides a wonderful setting for watching the beautiful river views pass by. From the illuminated atrium, to the crisp, clean linens in each of our suites and staterooms, to the centre point of our dining experience - Reflections Restaurant, it’s easy to see why our Star-Ships are award-winning.
No Fly Option
8-Day Jewels of the Rhine
8-Day Danube Delights
Amsterdam to Basel
Budapest to Nuremberg
Departing May - October 2020
Departing April - November 2020
From £1,220 per person
From £1,020 per person
No Fly Option
8-Day Sensations of Lyon & Provence
8-Day Secrets of the Douro
Arles to Lyon
Porto to Porto
Departing April - August 2020
Departing May - September 2020
From £1,270 per person
From £1,620 per person
Exceptional EmeraldVALUE So much is included Return flights from a choice of up to 15 UK airports ■ Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship ■ Stylish accommodation on board our innovative Star-Ships ■ Spectacular innovations like an indoor pool which transforms into a cinema at night† ■ All on board meals ■ Complimentary wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner ■ Enjoy an EmeraldEXCURSION almost every day of your cruise ■ Extra-special EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences ■ Complimentary Wi-Fi on board ■ Complimentary bicycles† on board ■ All airport taxes and port charges ■
PLUS ALL TIPS ARE INCLUDED
Emerald Waterways
Best River Cruise Line for Value
For marketing support, training and online booking, visit our Agent Portal at www.emeraldwaterways.co.uk or contact your local Sales Manager at agencysales@emeraldwaterways.co.uk Terms and conditions: All of our holidays are subject to availability. Prices are correct at time of going to print (1st November 2019) and are per person, based on two people sharing our lowest priced available cabins, departing in 2020, in low season and include relevant discounts. Supplements apply for single travellers, upgraded cabins and other departure dates. All offers are valid for new bookings only, made between 1st and 30th November 2019. *Savings of up to 35% are valid for new 2020 European river cruise bookings only. ^Savings of an extra £250 per couple Early Payment Discount are valid for new 2020 European river cruises only when the balance is paid in full by 31st December 2019. Our offers are not combinable and we reserve the right to withdraw our offers at any time. Our itineraries, hotels, dates and inclusions are subject to change. We recommend guests seek independent advice regarding visas and vaccinations. Flights may not be direct and may incur a supplement. †Emerald Radiance sailing the Douro River does not have bicycles or an indoor pool/cinema, instead there is a spa-style Serenity Pool on the Sun Deck. For full booking conditions visit emeraldwaterways.co.uk. E&OE
SELLING TIP – A river cruise is the easy ‘unpack once’ alternative to coach tours
HOW TO SELL
River cruise
Jane Archer is the authority on all things cruise. This issue, she looks at river cruise itineraries which are growing in popularity for those seeking adventure
The Danube
p46
The Mekong
p47
The Douro
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After years in the backwaters, river cruise has become the star performer in the travel industry, recording annual double-digit growth (131,300 in 2013 vs 232,300 in 2018, according to Clia) that shows no sign of slowing. Much has to do with the stylish vessels that have launched of late, bringing
grand suites with balconies, multiple dining options and butler service to the rivers and attracting a new audience of luxury travellers looking for a different way to see the world. As the market has matured, so have their choices. Whether clients want everything included in the cost of their cruise, fancy taking the kids,
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or are interested in history, culture, wine, gardening or wildlife, there is a river cruise to suit. Passengers can explore Europe, Asia, India and the US, and now Egypt is back as demand for the Nile picks up after years in the doldrums. Here we take a look at options on the Danube, Mekong and Douro in Portugal.
November 2019 | Midship
The Danube With the magnificent cities of Vienna and Budapest, scenic valleys and gilded abbeys as its headline attractions, it’s no wonder that the Danube is the top-selling river cruise in the UK. First-timers choose the upper reaches of the river, sailing through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, but the Lower Danube is equally beguiling – a fascinating journey through Eastern Europe that brings together everything from impenetrable fortresses and whip-cracking cowboys to tales of life under communism.
Good value Who? A-Rosa Cruises When? April 19, 2020 How long? Seven nights How much? From £1,621pp including flights Engelhartszell in Austria is the start and end point for this cruise, which is packaged with drinks and guided tours in Vienna and Budapest by Newmarket Holidays. It’s on A-Rosa Donna, for German and English speakers, and includes overnight stays in Vienna and Budapest, a day in the scenic Slovakian capital of Bratislava and free wi-fi.
Go large Who? AmaWaterways When? April 26, 2020 How long? Seven nights How much? From £2,176pp including flights A wine festival in the Austrian town of Spitz and a tour of Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna feature
on new Danube cruises between Vilshofen and Budapest on AmaMagna, a double-width river ship that brings the trappings of ocean cruise to the rivers. Prices include a tour, drinks with lunch and dinner and wifi. Flights included for bookings made by December 31.
All-inclusive Who? Crystal River Cruises When? April 3, 2020 How long? Seven nights How much? From £3,110pp cruise-only Crystal brought its own particular style of luxury to the rivers two years ago when it launched the first of four identical all-suite vessels. This Delightful Danube itinerary, which sails between Regensburg and Budapest and viceversa on Crystal Ravel, calls into Passau, Melk and Dürnstein and overnights in Regensburg, Vienna and Budapest. Fares include selected excursions, drinks, gratuities and wi-fi.
SELLING TIP – Several lines have no single supplement deals for clients travelling alone
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November 2019 | Midship
The Mekong The Mekong has rocketed to the top of the Asian river cruise charts over the past decade thanks to its spectacular variety of attractions. Clients can explore Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, ride in ox carts and tuk-tuks, be blessed by monks, visit markets and see lively Phnom Penh after dark. In response to demand, river cruise lines of every hue have launched here, with vessels and prices to suit all tastes and pockets.
Adventure Who? Pandaw When? April 12, 2020 How long? Seven nights How much? From £1,999pp cruise-only Tending fields, cooking classes and home visits are on the agenda with Pandaw, which pioneered river cruises on the Mekong. This departure, from Siem Reap to My Tho, comes with kids’ go free and no single supplement offers. It is on Tonle Pandaw, a 56-passenger colonial-style vessel. Prices include local transfers, tips and wi-fi.
Sail in style Who? Emerald Waterways When? August 26, 2020 How long? 15 days How much? From £3,495pp including flights Emerald Waterways ventured outside Europe this summer with the launch of the
84-passenger Emerald Harmony, which combines modern looks and Asian style. This departure pairs a week sailing from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap with pre and post-cruise hotel stays. Prices include transfers, excursions, drinks with lunch and dinner, tips and wi-fi.
A taste of luxury Who? APT When? November 26, 2020 How long? 15 days How much? From £5,995pp including flights Vietnamese-Australian celebrity chef Luke Nguyen, APT’s ambassador, is the host for the first few days of this holiday, which pairs a one-week Mekong river cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap with overnights in each city. The cruise is on the new AmaMekong, which launches in October 2020. Prices include transfers, excursions, dinner at Luke’s Vietnam House restaurant, drinks, tips and wi-fi.
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SELLING TIP – Suggest a river cruise to seasoned sailors looking for a new adventure
November 2019 | Midship
The Douro Lush vineyards, cute quintas and the prospect of visiting the cities of Porto in Portugal and Salamanca in Spain made the Douro the fastest-growing river with UK cruisers in 2018 (up 15 per cent to 23,800, according to Clia). It’s not just the Brits who have succumbed to its charms, though, which is why AmaWaterways and Viking have just increased capacity, Uniworld River Cruises is going upmarket with the new São Gabriel in 2020, and fresh faces are entering the market – A-Rosa this year, Tauck next April.
Good value Who? CroisiEurope When? July 20, 2020 How long? Eight days How much? From £1,008pp cruise-only French river cruise line CroisiEurope operates a fleet of six vessels on the Douro. This cruise, on the 138-passenger Infante Don Henrique, a standardrated vessel with four single cabins, sails round-trip from Porto with calls into Régua, Pinhão and Vega de Terron. Tours are extra, prices include drinks and wi-fi.
Added extras Who? Viking River Cruises When? July 20, 2020 How long? Eight days How much? From £2,395pp including flights Viking designed a cut-down version of its Longships (106
passengers instead of 190) to cruise the Douro, and added a sun-deck pool. This cruise, on Viking Helgrim, is a round-trip from Porto with calls into Régua, Pinhão and a day-trip to Salamanca. Prices include excursions, drinks with lunch and dinner, tips and wi-fi.
All inclusive Who? Scenic When? April 3, 2020 How long? 11 days How much? From £3,945pp including flights With a choice of shore excursions, drinks, tips and wi-fi included in the price, clients can easily walk away from a Scenic cruise with a nil bill. This voyage, on the 106-passenger Scenic Azure – one of the newest and most luxurious on the Douro – is a round-trip from Porto and a couple of days longer than most itineraries, allowing passengers extra time to immerse themselves in the small towns and villages along the river.
SELLING TIP – Inclusive fares make it easy to budget
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November 2019 | 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
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November 2019 | Aft Celebrity Cruises Katherine Hulatt, trade support 01932 834 379 (option 2) salessupport.uk@rccl.com
A
A-Rosa River Cruises Simon McDermott, business development manager 07340 719746 simon.mcdermott@arosa-cruises.co.uk
Celestyal Cruises Jo Reid, UK and Ireland country manager 07368 207 881 J.reid@celestyalcruises.uk
Amadeus River Cruises Natalie O’Mahoney, head of sales 0800 035 6411 sales@fredrivercruises.co.uk
Coral Expeditions Amy Sharpe, UK sales manager 020 3934 7170 UKSales@coralexpeditions.com
AmaWaterways Jamie Loizou, sales, marketing and digital director 033 3305 3902 jamieloizou@amawaterways.com
Cosmos Janet Parton, sales director 020 8315 4545 agencysales@cosmos.co.uk
American Cruise Lines Hannah Logan, product manager 0800 035 0237 sales@americancruiselines.co.uk
CroisiEurope John Fair, sales director 020 8328 1281 jfair@croisieurope.com
American Queen Steamboat Company Rupert Thomson, managing director 01223 568 904 r.thomson@aqgsa.com
Cruise & Maritime Voyages Lisa Jacobs, head of trade sales 0844 414 6140 lisa.jacobs@cruiseandmaritime.com
APT Touring Jessica Shelton-Agar, national sales manager 01494 736 147/07584 057 341 jessica.shelton-agar@aptouring.co.uk
Crystal Cruises Mick Dupont, head of UK sales 020 7399 7602 mick@cruiseportfolio.co.uk
Aurora Expeditions Talia Schwartzman, sales executive +61 2 9252 1033 agents@auroraexpeditions.co.uk Craig Upshall, sales director UK/Europe 07824 305 232 craig@auroraexpeditions.co.uk
Cruising Excursions Simonne Fairbanks, chief operating officer 0800 091 8274 traveltrade@cruisingexcursions.com
Avalon Waterways Janet Parton, sales director 020 8315 4545 agencysales@avaloncruises.co.uk
Cunard Line Victoria Snelgar, business manager – sales operations 07773 253 279 victoria.snelgar@cunard.co.uk
Azamara Lori Scanella, business support executive 01932 834 379 salessupport.uk@rccl.com
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Disney Cruise Line Juliet Holden, account executive 080 0171 2317 juliet.holden@disney.com
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Belmond Yann Guezennec, worldwide director of sales & marketing, trains & cruises 020 3117 1395 yann.guezennec@belmond.com
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Emerald Waterways Lewis Quigley, trade marketing executive 0161 233 1988 lewis.quigley@scenic.co.uk
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Carnival Cruise Line Luke Smith, head of UK & international sales 020 7378 4660 carnivalsalesuk@carnival.com
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November 2019 | Aft European Waterways Mark Robinson, sales and reservations manager 01753 598 555 sales@europeanwaterways.com
Lucy Harris, business development representative 0344 338 8600 lucy.harris@hollandamerica.co.uk Hurtigruten Anthony Daniels, UK general manager 020 8846 2666 anthony.daniels@hurtigruten.com
E-Waterways Joanna Paslawska, sales and marketing 0808 168 1458 salesuk@ewaterways.com Exotic Heritage Group Marco Rosa, UK representative 07973 876 967 marco@plateauinternational.com
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Intrepid Travel Andrew Turner, head of industry sales 080 8274 5719 ukbdm@intrepidtravel.com
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Far Horizon Hannah Logan, product manager 0800 035 3189 sales@fredrivercruises.co.uk
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JTA Travel Dave Green, managing director 0121 508 5567 dave.green@jtatravel.co.uk
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Geoff Ridgeon, head of sales 01473 746164 cruise.sales@fredolsen.co.uk
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Katarina Line Olivera Lesinger, head of UK & overseas +38 5 51 603 409 olivera@katarina-line.hr
Fred River Cruises Hannah Logan, UK Sales Manager 0800 035 3189 hannah@fredrivercruises.co.uk
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G Adventures Stuart Darnley, national sales manager 07964 983 842 sdarnley@gadventures.com
Latin Routes Jessica Dennison, director 020 8546 6222 info@latinroutes.co.uk
Great Rail Journeys Lindsay Dixon, head of trade sales 01904 527 180 lindsaydixon@greatrail.com
Leger Holidays Ashley Dellow, head of retail sales 01709 385 811 retail.sales@leger.co.uk Lindblad Expeditions Jacinta McEvoy vice-president global sales +1 212 261 9000 jacintam@expeditions.com
H
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Aishling McLoughlin, sales representative UK & Ireland 07852 488 471 aishling.mcloughlin@hl-cruises.com
Lotus Cruises Marco Rosa, UK representative 07973 876 967 marco@plateauinternational.com
Hebridean Island Cruises Lisa White, reservations manager 01756 704 704 lisa.white@hebridean.co.uk
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The Majestic Line Louisa Grant, cruise co-ordinator 01369 707951 louisa@themajesticline.co.uk
Heritage Line Joanna Paslawska, sales and marketing 0808 168 1458 salesuk@ewaterways.com
Manatee Amazon Explorer Joanna Paslawska, sales and marketing 0808 168 1458 salesuk@ewaterways.com
Holland America Line James Scott, business development representative 0344 338 8600 james.scott@hollandamerica.co.uk
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November 2019 | Aft Marella Cruises Andrew Isherwood, commercial support team 020 3451 2762 commercial.support@tui.co.uk
Pearl Seas Cruises Susan Shultz, director of sales +1 203 458 5280 susan.shultz@pearlseascruises.com
MĂśvenpick Cruises Marco Rosa, UK representative 07973 876 967 marco@plateauinternational.com
Ponant Nabil Maillard, sales manager UK and Ireland 020 7092 6663 nmaillard@ponant.com
MSC Cruises Victoria Taylor, sales operations manager 020 7092 8182 ukinsidesales@msccruises.co.uk
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
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National Geographic Expeditions Simon Chambers, operations manager 01473 242 636 sales@fredholidays.co.uk
Princess Cruises Mark Lowman, manager – sales operations 023 8065 6531 mark.lowman@princesscruises.co.uk
Noble Caledonia Agency sales, 020 7752 0000 agencysales@noble-caledonia.co.uk
Pullmantur Cruises Dave Chidley, agency sales manager 0800 021 3180 sales@fredholidays.co.uk
Norwegian Cruise Line Eamonn Ferrin, VP & managing director for UK & Ireland 023 8124 5000 eferrin@ncl.com
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O
Quark Expeditions Christiane Bach, business development manager +1 416 645 8248 christiane.bach@quarkexpeditions.com
Oceania Cruises Lisa Clarkson, national accounts manager 07809 351 545 LClarkson@OceaniaCruises.Com Agency Sales, 0345 505 1920 AgencySales@OceaniaCruises.Com
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One Ocean Expeditions Debra Taylor, new business development 07956 852 197 debra@toucanmoon.com
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
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P&O Cruises Brodie McIntosh, trade engagement manager 023 8065 5780 brodie.mcintosh@cunardpocruises.com
Riviera Travel Darren Mussell, agency sales assistant manager 01283 744 307 agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk
Pandaw Hannah Logan, product manager 020 8396 7320 uk@pandaw.com
Rocky Mountaineer Steven Harris, regional sales director 07970 519 164 sharris@rockymountaineer.com
Paukan Cruises Marco Rosa, UK representative 07973 876 967 marco@plateauinternational.com
Royal Caribbean International Trade support team 01932 834 379 salessupport.uk@rccl.com
Paul Gaugin Mick Dupont, head of UK sales 020 7399 7602 mick@cruiseportfolio.co.uk
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November 2019 | Aft Travel2 Colin Currie, head of sales 07891 257 160 colin.currie@travel2.com
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Saga Travel Sukina Fagg, national account manager 080 0074 8021 sukina.fagg@saga.co.uk
Travelsphere & Just You Sarah Weetman, head of trade sales 07748 843 244 sarah.weetman@travelsphere.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
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SeaCloud Anja Ringel, vice-president, international marketing and sales +49 40 3095 9217 aringel@seacloud.com
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SeaDream Yacht Club Mark Schmitt, sales director 07904 068 407 mschmitt@seadream.com
Victoria Cruises Tom Antonucci, sales manager +1 212 818 1680 tom@victoriacruises.com
Shearings Michael Bowers, national sales manager 01942 823 449 sales.support@shearings.com
Victory Cruise Lines Dave Chidley, agency sales manager 0800 038 1665 sales@fredholidays.co.uk
Silversea Sales support 020 7340 0700 salesuk@silversea.com
Viking Cruises Andrew Schweitzer, key account manager (south) 07825 986 996 andrew.schweitzer@vikingcruises.com Jenny Wade, regional sales manager (north) 07966 995 012 jenny.wade@vikingcruises.com
Uniworld Rachel Healey, national sales manager 07408 855 544 rachel.healey@uniworld.com
Variety Cruises Chris Lorenzo, managing director, Seafarer Cruises 020 8324 3114 info@seafarerholidays.co.uk
Star Clippers Danielle Dudley, UK sales manager 077 6585 2116 danielle@starclippers.co.uk
Volga Dream Hannah Logan, product manager 0800 021 3186 sales@fredrivercruises.co.uk
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Tauck UK country manager 080 0810 8020 tauckreservations@tauck.co.uk
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Windstar Cruises Sales team (The Cruise Line) 0800 852 7248 windstarUK@cruiseline.co.uk
Titan Travel Edwina Coppock, agency sales manager 012 9345 0726; 078 3465 2135 edwina.coppock@titantravel.co.uk Touchdown | Travel Industry Services Robbie White, head of cruise product 020 8607 3805 rwhite@touchdown.co.uk
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November 2019 | Aft
KNOWLEDGE
Know your ... cruise ship spas It’s the best place to be pampered, but be aware of any extra charges Spas are an absolutely vital part of the cruise experience. Once a novelty, they are now ubiquitous: you’ll find them on the largest to the smaller ships. Even expedition operators are beginning to add them to their vessels and, while you won’t necessarily find a pool or steam room on river ships, most now offer a massage room. Although many cruise line spas are operated by the same company, Steiner, they differ in terms of decor and size line to line. Often, they can feel like a different world to the rest of the ship – particularly during the summer holidays when they offer some much needed peace and quiet. However, while they are a very welcome addition to the cruise experience, they can be confusing for customers – even before trying to decode the difference between, say, a remedé customised facial and
a tri-enzyme resurfacing facial. Even on ultra-luxury lines, spa treatments cost extra – although sometimes the spa area, including the sauna, steam room and pool are included in the price, often they cost extra and are mostly adults-only. To take P&O Cruises as an example, a Swedish massage costs £72 for 50 minutes, £108 for 75 minutes and £129 for 90 minutes, which is fairly typical. Spa passes are available on board its ships, which allow guests to access to The Thermal Suite, where they can take advantage of the aromatic showers, steam room, saunas and hydro-pool. For Azura, Arcadia and Ventura, they cost £30; for Britannia, they are £35. On Viking Cruises’ ocean ships, which you voted as Best Spa in our recent Cruise 20 Awards, access to the steam room, sauna and pool are free,
as well the plunge pool and ice room – Nordic hot-cold-relax treatments said to help circulation. Meanwhile, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub on Celebrity's Solstice-class ships and, in particular, its AquaClass-suites, allow for a cruise anchored around relaxation. Celebrity describes it as the most comprehensive spa at sea. Customers should be aware that, on many cruise lines, post-massage, staff will try to sell oils and ointments – which can be frustrating when you have already paid for an expensive treatment and can make you feel considerably less relaxed. This is something that cruise lines should look to move away from. With the trend for wellness holidays, spas are becoming an ever more important part of the cruise experience – it’s important to know the best place to be pampered.
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November 2019 | 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
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2. Longtime Cuban leader (5,6)
8. Public pools or beaches (5)
3. Flag flown at a ship’s stern (6)
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15. Croatian Adriatic destination (5)
12. Ship movements likely to cause mal-de-mer (5)
18. Bingo (5)
13. Legged it (3,3)
19. Oil source (5)
16. Inn-keeper (4)
20. Picturesque Italian Riviera resort (9)
17. Wager (3)
LOOKING FOR THE ANSWERS? —
See the next cruise adviser in December for the answers
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November 2019 | Aft
QUIZ See bottom of page for answers
1. Arthur Fleck is better known as which comic book villain? 2. And who plays him in the new film, directed by Todd Phillips? 3. Leah Bracknell, who died last month, played Zoe Tate in which soap? 4. Which band from Oxford had their first Number One album last month? 5. And which singer’s song Someone You Loved recently hit the Number One spot in the American charts? 6. This year’s Celebrity Masterchef was won by which Olympic gold medallist? 7. Which football team recently equalled the Premier League’s biggest victory by beating Southampton 9-0? 8. Which former football player turned TV presenter made his senior debut for the same team in 1979? 9. What bizarre flavour of crisps were launched in the UK in 1981? 10. The riverside area of which UK city was made a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2004? 11. Chichén Itzá is an ancient city built by the Mayan people in which country? 12. Which Russian city was known as Leningrad from 1924 to 1991? 13. At 3,530km, what river is the longest in Europe? 14. What is the name for the small savoury pancakes popular in Russia and Ukraine?
QUIZ ANSWERS
15. War and Peace and Anna Karenina were written by which Russian novelist?
1. Joker 2. Joaquin Phonix 3. Emmerdale 4. Foals 5. Lewis Capaldi 6. Greg Rutherford 7. Leicester City 8. Gary Lineker 9. Hedgehog 10. Liverpool 11. Mexico 12. Saint Petersburg 13. Volga 14. Blinis 15. Leo Tolstoy
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November 2019 | Aft
LOOKOUT
All the pictures from the latest cruise events Agents join suppliers at the cruise adviser Adventure Bash at Soho House 76 Dean Street in October. Cruise lines at the event were headline sponsor Coral Expeditions, Silversea, Crystal, Riviera Travel, Aurora Expeditions, Australis, Quark and Poseidon. Jenny Southan, founder of travel forecasting agency Globetrender, spoke at the event about the latest trends, including and wellness and nomadic families. The next cruise adviser Social is our Xmas Bash in Manchester. See p13.
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November 2019 | Aft
FINAL WORD
Now we really are contenders After another successful night at the Travel Media Awards, Anthony Pearce looks back over five years of cruise adviser and its parent company Waterfront Publishing Just over five years ago in a brewery in Flåm, west Norway, one afternoon midway through a cruise, we had the wild (and, admittedly, drunken) idea to launch a publishing house. cruise adviser already existed as a website, launched a year earlier by my soon-to-be business partner Sam Ballard, but here began the story of Waterfront Publishing. The name came about because I was doing absolutely terrible impressions of Marlon Brando’s “I coulda been a contender” line in the classic movie On The Waterfront – but it seemed to fit perfectly. A few months later, we launched the first print edition of cruise adviser, and Solus and our contract publishing stable, eventually including ABTA Magazine, followed. It’s been an amazing five years, and we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved,
particularly as we’ve remained 100 per cent independent – Waterfront remains solely owned by Sam and I. To celebrate five years of the cruise adviser print magazine and, because it’s approaching the festive season, we’ll be hosting a select group of agents in Manchester at the luxurious King Street Townhouse on December 10. See p13 for more details and reserve your place at info@cruise-adviser.com. It will be a night of networking, fun and, of course, Christmas jumpers.
Winning streak at the Travel Media Awards We’re also delighted to tell you that two Waterfront publications have been recognised at this year’s prestigious Travel Media Awards in London. Sue Bryant won the award for Best Trade Feature for her review
of Celebrity Cruises’ innovative Celebrity Edge in Cruise Adviser, while ABTA Magazine won Trade Publication of the Year (Print). We received eight nominations across four categories: cruise adviser was also nominated in the category of Trade Publication of the Year (Print), ABTAmag.com and cruise-adviser. com were nominated for Trade Publication of the Year (Online), and Sam was nominated for Trade Writer of the Year. It is the third year in a row that cruise adviser has won Trade Feature of the Year, and the third year in a row it has been nominated for Trade Publication of the Year. We’d like to extend a massive congratulations to Sue Bryant for a much-deserved win for Trade Feature of the Year and say thank you to all our readers for supporting us over the last five years. Here’s to five more!
COMING NEXT TIME Aurora in Antarctica
The year in review
The Clia River Conference
We take a once-in-a-lifetime voyage to Antarctica on Aurora Expeditions’ new ship, Greg Mortimer. Read our eight-page feature
We look back at another monumental year in cruise – an industry that continues to grow and defy expectations
Emily Eastman joins Clia as the River Conference returns to Amsterdam. She reports on the latest trends and keynote speeches
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FEATURES | R O OM S ERV I C E M ENU | S H OR E EXC UR S I ON S
Explore
GLOBE
ISSUE ONE
Issue One
PREVIEW EDITION
December 2016
D E C E M B E R 2016
WATERMARK YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST HOLIDAYS IN THE WORLD
WHY ARE CRUISES M A K I N G WAV E S ? SAILING SOLO O F F T H E B E AT E N T R AC K WHY ARE CRUISES M A K I N G WAV E S ? SAILING SOLO O F F T H E B E AT E N T R AC K
FJORD FOCUS A JOURNEY TO WEST NORWAY
Give back with trips that support the local host communities
Roam Russia
Discover the grand delights of St Petersburg and Moscow year-round
New routes
Low-cost carriers are mapping their way in long-haul airspace
WONDERFUL WORLD FOUR BUCKET-LIST STOPS
Solus
I SS UE 0N E
thevillagepost Amazing Grace Introducing Tauck’s new ship on the mighty Rhine
Turning the tide An in-depth look at MSC Cruises’ forthcoming Seaside
Issue two
A world of luxury We consider the benefits of all-inclusive river cruising
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SECRETS OF THE DOURO Explore the wonders of Porto with our new itinerary for 2017
MEET THE FLEET Introducing a trio of new ships: Emerald Radiance, Liberté and Destiny
RAISE A GLASS Enjoy the world’s finest wines during our new cruise on the Rhône
WHICH RIVER ARE YOU? Find out which Emerald Waterways cruise best suits your personality
thetravelvillage
Travel industry insights / September 2018
Soak up the colour, culture and energy of Argentina’s pulsing capital – an unforgettable introduction to the sensual appeal of Latin America
Stepping lightly
ON THE HORIZON THE LATEST CRUISE NEWS
EMERALD WATERWAYS AN IN-DEPTH LOOK
thecruisevillage
Buenos Aires
CRUISE & MORE HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME
EMERALD EXPLORER
Eastern promises Sailing Asia’s majestic Mekong with APT Touring
thevillagepost American Queen A music-themed tour of the Deep South on the mighty Mississippi
Fire and ice Explore the Galápagos and Antarctica with our handy guide
Issue three
Capital concerns Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest with Scenic on the Danube
All around the world These epic cruises and flights will take you across the globe
Win!
vouchers
thevillagepost
in
thevillagepost
£100
THE GREAT BEYOND WHY TRAVELLERS OF ALL AGES ARE HEADING OUT ALONE
issue 3
issue 2
A new trade magazine from the team at cruise adviser
Issue three
Page 1
ISSUE TWO Issue two | Section Name
H E L P I N G YO U S E L L S O L O T R AV E L
FROM THE TEAM
SOLUS
AT
INDIAN SUMMER WE EXPLAIN WHY THE COUNTRY IS BACK ON THE MAP FOR SOLOS
THE ABTA MAGAZINE GUIDE TO
THE ABTA MAGAZINE GUIDE TO THE
THE ABTA MAGAZINE GUIDE TO
MURCIA
CARIBBEAN
CRUISE 2018
U By Uniworld Innovation at sea European river guide
Incredible cuisine Pulsating carnivals Authentic adventure
Discover Spain’s best kept secret
1
LUXURY GUIDE 2018
A Z A M A R A P U R S U I T | L E L A P É R O U S E | S P I R I T O F D I S CO V E R Y
C E L E B R I T Y E DG E | F R E D O L S E N R I V E R | B U DG E T C R U I S E
THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES
THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES
ISSUE THREE
PRE & POST GUIDE 2018
H E L P I N G YO U S E L L S O L O T R AV E L S E P T E M B E R 20 18
OC TO B E R 20 1 8
WIN!
TO 9-DAY TRIP COSTA RICA WITH RETURN FLIGHTS p49
HIGH LIFE
ON THE HIGH SEAS The dazzling rise of luxury cruise
Fields of Bali
Island life
Sam Ballard sails on Star Clipper in Indonesia
T H E Y E A R I N R E V I E W | TO K YO | C L I A R I V E R CO N F E R E N C E
THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES
THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES
N O V E M B E R 2018
THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES
D E C E M B E R 20 18
CRUISE & MARITIME VOYAGES
AU R O R A E X P E D I T I O N S | R I T Z - C A R L TO N | C R Y S TA L R I V E R C R U I S E S
Anthony Pearce explores the Caribbean with Viking Cruises
HOW TO MAKE A CRUISE
EVEN BETTER
EXPRESS YOURSELF WHY RAIL HOLIDAYS ARE IN A CLASS OF THEIR OWN
The added extras that can transform your clients’ holidays
INFOCUS: G ADVENTURES DISPELLING SOLO TRAVEL MYTHS COACH TOURING IN AUSTRALIA
ISSUE FOUR
F E AT U RE S | R O O M SE RV I C E M E N U | SH O RE E XC U R SI O N S
ISSUE TWO
GLOBE
THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES
YO U R O N B OA R D M AGA Z I N E
M A R C H 20 1 8
JA N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y 20 18
GLOBE
WIN!
Dive in Down Under
Sue Bryant sails on Celebrity Edge, the much hyped new ship that could change the future of cruise
A NIGHT ON MSC’S BRAND NEW SHIP BELLISSIMA
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
PARADISE FOUND We return to the Caribbean with P&O Cruises and find it very much open for business after last year’s hurricanes
PLUS HOW TO SELL: EX-UK PORTS OF CALL: COPENHAGEN WAVE: SPECIAL OFFERS ROUND-UP
EMPIRE OF THE SUN A TRIP DOWN MEXICO WAY 02
James Litston casts off with Coral Expeditions to encounter the rich, diverse marine life of the Great Barrier Reef
Edge of tomorrow
Jeannine Williamson joins CroisiEurope in the heart of Prague, before exploring the lesser-known Elbe en route to Berlin PLUS 10 OF THE BEST WILDLIFE CRUISES EXCLUSIVE RITZ-CARLTON INTERVIEW CRUISE & MARITIME VOYAGES IN AMSTERDAM
WATERFRONT CREATES BEAUTIFUL MAGAZINES FOR THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY. Email info@waterfront-publishing.com to find out more, or call 020 3865 9360.
BRILLIANT BANGKOK INFOCUS: INTREPID COACH VS CRUISE HOW TO SELL: SOLO TRAVEL
WHY THE THAI CAPITAL IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A BACKPACKER HAVEN
COASTAL WILDS OF TASMANIA
For true explorers
Join an expedition cruise to the wilderness areas of Australia’s most southerly coast. With just 72 guests aboard Coral Discoverer, our expert expedition guides take you to some of the most pristine landscapes on earth. As conditions allow, spend two days hiking, kayaking, and bird-spotting in Port Davey and the Southwest Wilderness. Encounter native wildlife as you explore Wineglass Bay, Maria Island National Park, and Tasman National Park. Come back after the day’s excursion and relax at Coral Discoverer’s panoramic Explorer Bar to taste Tasmania’s gourmet fare, complemented with cool-climate wines and locally-crafted brews. Our new expeditions allow even more time to explore and relax in surroundings of remote beauty.
COASTAL WILDS OF TASMANIA
> 10 Nights Hobart to Hobart, Australia > Departs January to March 2021 > Staterooms still available on 2020 departures
REQUEST YOUR BROCHURE call +44 (0) 203 934 7170 visit www.coralexpeditions.com email explore@coralexpeditions.com