Cruise Adviser – December 2018

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

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D E C E M B E R 2018

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Edge of tomorrow Sue Bryant sails on Celebrity Edge, the much hyped new ship that could change the future of cruise

A NIGHT O N MSC’S BR AND NEW SHIP BELLISSIM A

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December 2018 | Forward EDITOR’S LETTER

Looking back, but still full steam ahead CRUISE ADVISER

Welcome to the December 2018 issue of Cruise Adviser, in which we look back at another groundbreaking 12 months for the cruise industry. The year, which has seen exciting launches, multi-million pound refits, new routes opening up and a few big-name moves, is ending in a fitting manner: with the launch of Celebrity Edge, one of the most anticipated ships in memory. The introduction of Edge of Celebrity Cruises’ Edge class – with its eye-catching Magic tomorrow Carpet and innovative Infinite Verandas – promises to be a landmark moment, so we sent one of our roving reporters, Sue Bryant, to experience the ship first-hand. You can read her feature from p38.

Elsewhere, our publishers Sam Ballard and Anthony Pearce share their personal highlights from 2018 – from the return of Independence of the Seas to the launch of Norwegian Bliss – and provide a run-through of all the year’s big news, from p33. We also have an amazing 25 cabins on another new ship, the yet-to-be-launched MSC Bellissima, up for grabs in our competition (p55).

There’s also another cause for celebration: this issue marks four years since we launched Cruise Adviser as a print publication. Since 2014, we have gone from strength to strength: back then we published six issues a year, next year we will publish 11; we’ve won multiple awards; and this month we will host our first agent event in London’s Shoreditch. We’ve loved every minute of it – and owe all of our success to you, our readers. We look forward to working with all of you in the new year: happy selling and a Merry Christmas.

THIS MONTH WHAT WE LEARNT

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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

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 18

DECEMBER 2018

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A NIGHT ON MSC’S BRAND NEW SHIP BELLISSIM A

CA-31

Sue Bryant sails on Celebrity Edge, the much hyped new ship that could change the future of cruise

TOKYO HAS THE MOST MICHELIN-STAR RESTAURANTS There are 230 in and around the Japanese capital – including 13 three-star eateries P33

SYMPHONY OF THE SEAS IS REALLY BIG We all knew this already, but it bears repeating – 228,028 gross tons is absolutely massive!

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is brought to you by Waterfront Publishing

CRUISE ADVISER

Sales manager Emily Norris emily@waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 4815 Sales manager Bryan Johnson bryan@cruise-adviser.com 020 3865 9338

Publisher Sam Ballard sam@cruise-adviser.com Publisher Anthony Pearce anthony@cruise-adviser.com

Head of sales Simon Leeming simon@cruise-adviser.com 020 3865 9337

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THERE REALLY IS A CRUISE FOR EVERYONE There are itineraries based around everything – from cricket and golf to soul music and archaeology

WIN!

A NIGHT O N MSC’S BR AND NEW SHIP P55

Tokyo is a magnificent modern city, p28

Contents MIDSHIP 28

33

Ports of Call: Tokyo The Japanese capital is a city with something for everyone and also an increasingly popular cruise hub The Year in Review Sam Ballard and Anthony Pearce, publishers of Cruise Adviser, look back over 2018

and select their highlights from a memorable year 38

Celebrity Edge Sue Bryant boards the game-changing new ship in Fort Lauderdale and asks whether it can possibly live up to the hype. The answer – thanks to a combination of

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

5

cool design, cutting edge technology, entertainment and fine dining – is a resounding yes 45

CMV Cricket Cruise Sara Macefield bowls around northern Europe in the company of cricket legends on a themed itinerary

December 2018 | Forward

FORWARD 3

Ed’s letter

10

News Thomas Cook announces a plan of action following losses in 2018; new president and CEO for Clia; awardwinning Kinky Boots musical to debut at sea on the new Norwegian Encore

18

Clia River Cruise Conference Anthony Pearce reports from the annual event, which was held this year in Paris

21

New crew The big cruise industry hires this month

22

Fam trips / incentives We round up all the latest incentives and agent news

AFT 49

Directory All the cruise line contact details in one place

54

Games room Unwind with our crossword, challenge yourself with sudoku and win a night on MSC’s brand new ship, the beautiful Bellissima

56

Recipe Try your hand at Avalon Waterways’ crème brûlée

57

Lookout The latest pictures from industry events. Can you spot yourself on there?

58

Final word Sam Ballard looks ahead to what the industry can expect in 2019, following the publication of Abta’s annual Travel Trends report Email info@cruise-adviser.com to share your thoughts CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

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NEWS

Do you have a story for us? Email info@cruise-adviser.com

THOMAS COOK

Profitability in sharp focus as travel giant suffers £160m losses Lessons are learnt from 2018 as the operator revamps its core holiday offering

Thomas Cook is embarking on a plan of action for its UK tour operating business following a reported annual loss of more than £160 million.

Despite the losses, chief executive Peter Fankhauser has confirmed that no shop closures are planned and told the BBC that there was no drop in consumer confidence for 2019.

The operator is now implementing a clear plan of action “centred on driving awareness and take-up of own-brand hotels; reducing our committed risk capacity and replacing it with more non-risk, dynamically packaged product; introducing new automated yield

systems; combining our retail stores business with Thomas Cook Money to optimise store profitability; and targeting a best-in-class cost base”.

Thomas Cook’s focus will now rest on boosting airline capacity and promoting higher-quality, highermargin hotels and destinations.

It intends to engender “clearer processes and incentives to ensure these are prioritised through our retail and online sales network”.

Looking ahead to next year, Thomas Cook expects to deliver progress on underlying earnings, leading to “substantial progress” on reported operating profit. The

operator revealed that online sales increased in all segments in 2018, with particularly strong growth in the UK – up almost 30 per cent year-on-year. Online sales now account for 48 per cent of all bookings across the group.

Fankhauser said: “Across the group, we will continue to streamline our cost base and manage our capacity to give us greater operational flexibility and financial discipline, while focusing the team on delivering performance improvements and giving customers more reasons to holiday with Thomas Cook.”

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December 2018 | Forward CLIA

Association appoints new president and CEO

New hire brings more than 15 years of experience to the role Cruise Lines International Association’s (Clia) Global Executive Committee has appointed Kelly Craighead as its new president and CEO. Craighead starts in the role from January 1, 2019 and brings more than 15 years’ experience, having recently served as deputy assistant secretary for travel and tourism in the US Department of Commerce. She was previously first executive director of the National Travel & Tourism Office, where she led initiatives that generated more than $250

billion annually from international visitors to the US. Craighead is active in global tourism efforts and is engaged with several international organisations focused on advancing travel and tourism priorities.

“I am extremely pleased that Kelly will be joining Clia to support the global cruise industry during this golden age of cruising,” said

Arnold Donald, Global Clia chairman and president & CEO of Carnival Corporation & PLC. “Her experience in the hospitality and travel industries, combined with her leadership skills and passion for results, are second to none. This is an exciting time for our industry, steeped in opportunity and I look forward to working with Kelly in the years to come.”

TURKEY

MSC CRUISES

VIRGIN VOYAGES

Viking set to return to country in 2021

Newest mega-ship named MSC Seashore

Branson’s cruise line goes on sale in February

Viking returns to Turkey in January 2021 with a new 11-day ocean cruise itinerary, Greek Odyssey.

Sailing round-trip from Athens, the itinerary features three new ports of call for Viking: Volos, Thessaloniki and Nafplio in Greece, in addition to a stop in Ephesus.

Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking, said: “Our guests are curious explorers who want opportunities for learning while they travel in comfort. We offer our guests more time in port, enriching cultural experiences and the best-designed ships at sea with no children, no casinos and no nickel-and-diming.

“We look forward to helping our guests explore [this] culturally rich region.”

The first of two new mega MSC Cruises Seaside EVO cruise ships will be named MSC Seashore.

Scheduled to debut in spring 2021, the 169,400 gross ton, 5,632-passenger ship will enhance MSC’s Seaside class. It will be joined in autumn 2022 by a second Seaside EVO ship. Both are part of a ten-year development plan for 17 additional new mega-ships.

Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises’ executive chairman, said, “MSC Seashore is an example of our commitment to bringing the most innovative and technologically advanced tonnage to the sea, and will be bestowed with the latest and best maritime and environmental technology available.”

Virgin Voyages’ debut cruises will go on sale on February 14, or February 5 for those holding pre-sale deposits.

The line also revealed plans for a Virgin Voyages Terminal at PortMiami – scheduled for completion by November 2021 – and plans for a fourth ship.

Richard Branson, Virgin Group founder, said: “With our new terminal and a long-term commitment to PortMiami, we also announced that our first ship, the Scarlet Lady, will continue to sail to the Caribbean from Miami throughout 2021.

What’s more, we are starting work on our fourth ship, as we seek to build Virgin Voyages into a fleet of the finest ships on the seven seas.”

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December 2018 | Forward CARNIVAL UK

OPINION

The trends making waves in cruising Janet Parton, sales director, Avalon Waterways

It truly has been all hands on deck in the world of cruising in 2018 with a plethora of new ships – both ocean and river – coming to market. Here’s my review of five key developments, observations and trends from the past 12 months, along with some highlights of what to look forward to in 2019.

1. Increasingly, customers are looking for more sophisticated itineraries on more technologically advanced ships that take them further afield to hard-to-reach destinations, such as Antarctica and the Galápagos.

Specifically, expedition cruising has seen a sharp spike in popularity and, by 2022, 32 expedition ships are set to be on the water. Agents keen to learn more about this sector of cruising should sign up for Clia’s inaugural expedition cruise event in London next year. Coupled with more stylish ships and unusual itineraries is the move to make vessels more environmentally friendly. Pioneering this move is Virgin Voyages. Its new vessel, Scarlet Lady, is due for delivery in 2020 and will be the first of a threestrong fleet that puts environmental sustainability first and foremost.

2. As the cruise industry continues to strengthen, so too does the call from agents for itineraries that will help cruise lines both retain their existing customers but also attract a new-to-cruise audience. Customers increasingly want ‘young at heart’ itineraries that help them really get under the skin of a destination. At Avalon, the introduction of our Active Discovery programme this year was

in response to this trend and gives customers sailing on the Danube and Rhine the opportunity to enjoy excursions and activities, such as a canoe trip through the Gorges de l’Ardéche and a painting masterclass at Van Gogh’s former home. Following the programme’s success, we are also expanding it to the Rhône in 2019.

3. It’s been great to see cruise lines continue to invest in agent training, whether online, face-to-face or via ship visits, conferences and events.

While this will continue, it’s vital that agents are also proactive in their learning by regularly attending industry events. Knowledge is power in a constantly evolving sector.

Looking ahead, agents should make use of Clia’s new and unique training tool, the ‘Cliasaurus’, which will launch by the end of 2018.

This ‘cruise fact finder’ will provide information on specific ships, themed itineraries and celebrity ambassadors.

At Avalon, we have updated our travel agent portal to allow the trade to make bookings and access a range of marketing and sales materials.

4. The importance of brand ambassadors has grown with an increasing number of cruise lines wanting a celebrity as the face and voice of their product. For example, TV presenter and adventurer Ben Fogle has expanded his thrill-seeking excursions with Celebrity Cruises, while P&O Cruises has revealed six agent ambassadors for its new ship, Iona, ahead of its launch in 2020.

5. Finally, this year has seen the continued growth in popularity of cruising on Asia’s waterways – and it was good to see Clia hold its first Asiabased conference this year. At Avalon, in light of this trend, we’ve introduced a new ship, Avalon Saigon, on the Mekong this autumn – and for 2019, the Ganges is now available as a new river for our customers to book.

Moves in Carnival shake-up

Carnival UK has promoted Paul Ludlow and Simon Palethorpe to the roles of president P&O Cruises and Cunard respectively as part of the company’s restructure – moves that will see vice president of marketing Christopher Edgington and Cunard vice president of UK sales and international development David Rousham leave the company.

Ludlow and Palethorpe will continue to report to Carnival UK president Josh Weinstein and will be responsible for overall brand leadership, the end-to-end guest experience and future strategies, Carnival UK said.

Elsewhere, Alex DelamereWhite will add marketing communications, CRM and digital to his P&O Cruises trade relations responsibilities, with an expanded team reporting to him. Cunard’s current vice president of marketing, Angus Struthers, will take on an additional new UK sales role effective from December 1, 2018.

Delamere-White and Struthers will each take the title vice president sales and marketing and will continue to report to Ludlow and Palethorpe respectively.

Weinstein said: “These moves enable us to sharpen our focus, strive towards our long-term goals and progress our talent within the business.”

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

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December 2018 | Forward NORWEGIAN

Musical debuts at sea

Award-winning line-up, including Kinky Boots, on Norwegian Encore Norwegian Cruise Line has announced an award-winning entertainment billing and leading recreational amenities during the keel laying ceremony for Norwegian Encore.

When the 4,000-guest-capacity ship debuts in autumn 2019, it will debut the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Kinky Boots at sea – a revelation made by a surprise performance at the ceremony featuring the lead character, Lola. “[The] surprise Kinky Boots performance showcases the evolution of the meaningful and

unforgettable experiences we are dedicated to providing our guests.

We are very excited to be the first to feature this award-winning musical at sea,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.

The new ship will also feature unparalleled entertainment options,

with an enhanced two-level go-kart race track – the largest at sea, an open-air laser tag arena themed around the resurrected lost city of Atlantis, a virtual reality complex and the Aqua Park, with multi-storey water slides, one of which extends 11 feet over the edge of the ship and loops down to the deck below.

DESTINATIONS

HURTIGRUTEN

CRUISE NATION

Abta names its 2019 Travel Trends top 12

MS Fram gets makeover as an expedition ship

Agency recruits for new North East call centre

Abta has launched its Travel Trends 2019 report, naming its key trends for 2019 and 12 destinations to watch in the new year.

The 12 destinations making the list are: Bulgaria; Costa Rica; Denver, Colorado; Durban, South Africa; Galicia, Spain; Japan; Jordan; Madeira; Poland; Thessaloniki and the surrounding area; Uzbekistan; and Western Australia.

Victoria Bacon, Abta director of brand and business development, said: “This year’s 12 destinations to watch showcase the diversity available to UK holidaymakers, including a range of vibrant cities, rich cultures, incredible countryside and stunning beaches – all readily accessible from the UK.”

Hurtigruten’s MS Fram will reemerge as a brand new expedition ship following a large-scale refurbishment project.

Ahead of the 2020 season, MS Fram will undergo a total renovation, upgraded with new suites and cabins, more environmentally friendly engines and a total makeover of all public areas, including new restaurants and Hurtigruten’s signature high-tech Science Center.

The ship is custom-built for exploring the Arctic, Antarctica and other expedition destinations, and the Science Center is an entertainment area where guests and staff can meet, mingle and gain a deeper understanding of the regions explored by MS Fram.

Cruise Nation is expanding into the North East from its Swansea head office, with a call centre due to open in Newcastle in January.

The company has begun recruiting for six sales agents to staff the city centre office, which could accommodate up to 18 employees.

Owner and managing director Phil Evans has said he wants to tap into the workforce of experienced agents in the north. “We want people with travel experience, and who can hit the ground running in January. Agents need knowledge of all the cruise lines as well as the systems, so experience is essential.

“I think we’ll be one of the top payers in the industry up there – about £40,000 a year is achievable.”

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

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December 2018 | Forward

CLIA RIVER REPORT

Going with the flow in Paris Anthony Pearce attends the annual Clia River Cruise Conference and finds the mood to be largely celebratory as the sector marks a successful year After eight years in Amsterdam, Clia moved the River Conference to Paris this year. On the first evening, as we sailed past a glittering Eiffel Tower on CroisiEurope’s tiny Raymonde barge, it became clear that this was a good idea. Although the Dutch capital has charm in abundance, the City of Light provided a fantastic alternative.

The decision to return the conference to two days, the ease of the Eurostar and the city location made it an enjoyable event. That’s not to say there weren’t a few logistical problems because of the navigability of the Seine, meaning transfers were required when visiting ships on the Sunday: CroisiEurope’s Raymonde and Renoir, Avalon Tapestry II and Uniworld’s Joie de Vivre were docked together; Scenic Gem and Amadeus Diamond further up the river; A-Rosa Viva, the largest ship on display, was docked in Saint-Denis.

The conference itself was mostly celebratory. This is a sector that has gone from strength to strength, particularly in Europe. According to Clia’s most recent figures, last year passenger numbers rose by 21 per cent and total bed nights were up by 24 per cent against 2016. Some 210,400 Britons took a river cruise last year – the first time passenger numbers have broken 200,000. At 188,000 passengers, European river cruises accounted for 90 per cent of those bookings.

That’s not to say river cruise hasn’t faced its challenges this year, and next year’s figures may reflect that.

Low water levels have disrupted many cruises. Giles Hawke, CEO of Cosmos and Avalon Waterways, said: “You can have high water levels, you can have low water levels. You can have high water levels where the ships cannot get underneath the

bridge. Conditions can change almost overnight.” He went on to say that the industry had to be prepared to make decisions quickly.

In a session shared with John Fair, CroisiEurope’s UK sales director and Paul Melinis, APT’s UK regional director, Hawke said that the growing popularity of river cruise could change its complexion. He said that he “would put money on the fact that there will be consolidation”, noting that he could see “companies coming in and buying river cruise lines and forming massive fleets”. He said it was “only a question of when” an ocean cruise line would buy a river line.

Hawke added that destination was behind the growth: “We can get into tiny places [because of the size of the ships] without having an impact on a local village – it doesn’t overcrowd the place. Size is a bit of red herring.”

Andy Harmer, director, Clia UK and Ireland

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

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December 2018 | Forward This year, there was less talk of attracting millennials and more of the importance of baby boomers – a cash and time rich market. APT’s chief commercial officer Debra Fox said: “Baby boomers are a critical market to connect with. To know how to talk to them, we have to know how they think and what’s important to them.”

She described how this was a generation who was now more interested in creating memories than owning possessions. She said they don’t want “cookie-cutter” holidays, but tailor-made experiences.

“We have this wave of people who are right in the sweet spot of getting into river cruising,” she explained. “Research suggests that in the next seven to eight years, the amount spent on travel for experiences is going to double.”

One of the key selling points of the River Cruise Conference is that it demonstrates the amount of diversity in the sector, even on individual rivers. In his talk, Stuart Perl, managing director of AmaWaterways, added that it was key to understand these differences and pair customers to the correct product. “When you’re talking to new-to-river customers, find out everything you can about them. Make sure you get them on the right brand,” he said.

Stuart Perl, managing director, AmaWaterways

(Left to right) Phil Nuttall, The Cruise Village; Claire Dutton, Shearings; Lucia Rowe, A-Rosa; Michael Bowers, Shearings

River Cruise Excellence Awards winners

Best River Cruise Newcomer: Cruise1st Best Overall Performance (North): Connoisseur Travel Best Overall Performance (South): Fred.Olsen Travel Best Marketing Promotion of River Cruise (Online): Rivercruising.co.uk Best Marketing Promotion of River Cruise (Homeworker): Go Cruise Best Marketing Promotion of River Cruise (Retail): Miles Morgan Travel River Cruise Ambassador of the Year (Agency): Ponders Travel River Cruise Ambassador of the Year (Agent): Margaret McCorriston, Planet Cruise Special Recognition Award: James Hill, Go Cruise

James Hill from Go Cruise (second from left) picking up his Special Recognition Award

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December 2018 | Forward

NEW HIRES

Danielle Kerton joins Carnival Cruise Line as account manger

Travelzoo appoints James Clarke as GM James Clarke has joined Travelzoo as its new general manager, UK. Clarke has spent 12 years at London-based travel company Fleetway, becoming CEO in 2015.

“James has a strong track record in delivering profitable business growth.

His knowledge in sourcing deals will ensure Travelzoo continues to provide outstanding and high-quality travel experiences,” said Dr Holger Bartel, global CEO of Travelzoo.

Barrhead to expand cruise division

Carnival Cruise Line UK has employed Danielle Kerton as account manager, international sales.

Danielle reports to Luke Smith, head of international sales, having joined last month from Thomas Cook, where she held the position of contact centre training expert. She previously held roles within the Thomas Cook Cruise & Stay team selling dynamically packaged cruise holidays.

Danielle’s account portfolio includes Barrhead Travel, Cruise Nation, Travel Counsellors, US Airtours, Cruise.co.uk, Inteletravel, Jetline and Travelbag.

“We are delighted to welcome Danielle to the Carnival family,” said Smith. “This appointment is further demonstration of our commitment to providing the best service to the travel agents we work with.”

Barrhead Travel will expand its cruise segment in 2019 after reporting “double-digit” growth.

The Glasgow-based agency said its luxury and river cruise market has grown at a rapid pace this year.

Staff have been recruited and there will be further appointments and expansion over the next 12 months.

Catriona Parsons, cruise director, said: “Exciting times lie ahead as we refocus our cruise growth strategy to mirror the opportunities to innovate in the cruise sector.”

ITC Travel Group recruits Pete Wellman as its first-ever cruise consultant as part of its bid to quadruple turnover over the next 12 months ITC Travel Group has recruited its first cruise consultant as it looks to quadruple its turnover across the business over the next 12 months.

Pete Wellman has joined the luxury specialist tour operator after five years at OTA Cruise.co.uk, where he held the same position, to help boost cruise trade sales.

Director of agency sales Lee Marshall said appointing Wellman was a “natural step” and a necessary one because growth was impeded without having someone in the role.

Marshall said: “He is our outwardfacing advocate for cruise. Twenty people [at ITC] sell cruise, but they service it with other luxury holidays.”

Wellman has been tasked with developing partnerships with river, expedition and premium lines that do not consider themselves luxury brands. He said: “It is a really good chance to grow something as ITC is looking to invest heavily in the trade.”

Wellman, who will primarily be home-based, will report to sales manager for homeworkers, Claire

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Hancock. He was introduced to agents on a fam trip to Mallorca to see Regent Seven Seas’ Explorer and Voyager ships last month.

Next year, ITC will start hosting meet-the-team events quarterly at its Chester headquarters, where agents can meet Wellman.

“I think it is about raising our visibility,” Marshall added. “We are starting to see cruise business from those agents who work with competitors that do not have the same breadth of product as us.”

December 2018 | Forward

FAM TRIPS / INCENTIVES

Norwegian Cruise Lines offer agents a trip to space

Free drinks and tips from Fred Olsen Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is offering guests free drinks and tips on more than 150 ocean and river cruises in 2019/2020. They can take advantage of Fred’s all-inclusive drinks upgrade aboard its entire ocean fleet – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch – and a free dining drinks upgrade on a number of Brabant river cruises. All gratuities will also be paid by Fred Olsen.

Win a free holiday with American Cruise Lines

Following its recent announcement of £99 round-trip airfares from the UK for sailings in Europe, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced an exciting new incentive for UK travel agents, including a once in a lifetime opportunity of a trip to space.

Bookings made as part of the £99 round-trip airfare offer will make agents eligible for prizes.

For five or more bookings agents can win a Time Together giftbox, with a choice of 975 experiences, including a champagne helicopter tour. For ten or more there’s an iFly Indoor Skydive and three-course meal for two.

If agents complete 499 bookings they can win an awe-inspiring Edge of Space flight, flying up to 22km above the earth in a Russian jet.

American Cruise Lines has launched its 2019-2020 cruise guide – the line's first in association with its new UK sales agent, Fred River Cruises.

To celebrate the launch, all agents making an American Cruise Lines booking by December 31, 2018 will receive a £10 Love2Shop voucher and will be entered into a free prize draw to be in with a chance of winning a balcony stateroom for two aboard American Song, the operator’s flagship 2018 modern riverboat, which will sail the Columbia and Snake rivers in 2019.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises recognises UK travel trade with the new Regent Recognises agent award – and offers places on their newest luxury ship Luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises is launching Regent Recognises, a new agent award to celebrate the UK travel trade.

The winner of the award will be given two places on a pre-inaugural mini-cruise of the line’s latest luxury ship, Seven Seas Splendor.

To be in with a chance of winning, UK travel agents simply need to be nominated by one of their satisfied clients. The client can nominate by telling Regent Seven Seas Cruises how their agent ‘went the extra mile’

and ‘above and beyond’ in organising a memorable Regent Seven Seas Cruises holiday in under 100 words.

The winning entry will be chosen by the cruise line’s judging panel.

“The travel industry is incredibly lucky to have the most passionate, hard-working travel trade and we truly appreciate their efforts and believe they should be celebrated,” said Paul Beale, head of sales UK, Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “We’ll ask our guests to nominate their own unsung holiday hero and I would

also encourage our travel partners to contact their most valued clients to ask for a nomination. It’s a chance for travel professionals to show the fantastic customer service they provide, plus they could be crowned the winner, securing a place on a preinaugural mini-cruise of Seven Seas Splendor, which will be a once-in-alifetime experience.”

Nominations can be made at rssc.com/regentrecognises until December 14. The winner will be announced in January.

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Promotion

Trade staff – sign up to Touchdown for money off cruises and more The company arranges travel for more than 35,000 people from the industry – along with their friends and family – every year, saving clients up to 70 per cent on their holidays Touchdown | Travel Industry Services is the only provider of discounted cruises, resorts, flights and holiday extras for the travel industry.

Touchdown now arranges travel for more than 35,000 travel trade staff each year, saving clients up to 70 per cent on their holidays.

What’s more, friends and family can travel, too – often without a member of travel industry staff – and Clia members enjoy more savings.

Travel industry employees can access the exclusive rates once they are registered via Touchdown’s website. The company sends out weekly emails with the latest offers for cruises, resorts and flights.

They work closely with a number of airlines, including Virgin Atlantic

and British Airways and, for cruise lovers, there’s an incredible amount of choice. Touchdown now has more than 25 ocean and river cruise lines to choose from, including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Silversea, MSC, Norwegian and AmaWaterways – with even more river options being added in 2019. Prices are updated daily with the latest #ExclusivelyTravelIndustry rates.

Look out for their roadshows, with prize draws, and new bi-annual magazine for even more offers.

The story so far…

Touchdown and Travel Industry Services have remained at the forefront of travel industry staff holidays for nearly 30 years. Earlier

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this year, they joined forces to create a one-stop travel shop for travel industry professionals.

The company now has 50 staff based at offices in Twickenham and Gatwick. Clients can book with confidence as it is a member of bodies such as Abta and Atol.

“Our mission remains unchanged.

We will simply have more resources to continue building products that delight our customers,” says Touchdown and Travel Industry Services managing director, Nigel Smithson, “and cruise is a significant and ever-growing part of our product portfolio.”

Call free on 0800 619 0900; visit touchdown.co.uk

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RIVER CRUISING THROUGH THE HEART OF EUROPE

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EUROPE’S MOST LUXURIOUS RIVER CRUISES

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Reap the rewards by hosting an event with Regent Seven Seas Cruises The ultra-luxury line will help you with the location and the logistics and allow your clients to get to grips with the their six-star product – booking rates and commissions are high

When it comes to selling Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a six-star proposition like no other, nothing beats the personal touch. That’s why Regent will source venues, book and host events for your clients – allowing them to get to grips with the product.

Regent will provide templates for invites and collateral to promote the event, and work with agents to create a step-by-step action plan.

By hosting it and presenting the event, Regent will also will pay for the event (which is free to Cruise Adviser

readers), and offer on-the-day booking incentives and bonus commissions.

Hosting a combined event, Regent’s events team will bring the cruise line’s all-inclusive cruise experience to life, showcasing the Regent experience, while helping you develop your businesses – and help you sell more Regent cruises.

The results are amazing. At least two in 10 invitees book from an event, meaning agents can see immediate rewards. Remember, the average commission payout with Regent is

£1,200. Members of Regent’s sales team attend – helping assist with any queries your clients may have.

Some of the previous events have been in incredible locations, such as Kilworth House, a country house hotel dating back to 1890, which is set on 38 acres of landscaped parkland in Leicestershire; and the beautiful Hazlewood Castle in Yorkshire.

The ideal size for events is between 20 to 40 guests as this enables everyone to have a chance to speak to a Regent representative. If you’re CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

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Promotion

Exclusive to Cruise Adviser Earn extra bonus commission post event when you book your free event with Regent* Quote Cruise Adviser when you email salessupport@rssc.com *Event minimum of 20 persons (or costs may apply)

concerned you have very few guests who would be interested in a Regent cruise, you could always consider collaborating with another branch or travel agency and host your own table at the event. Regent will help you choose the right people to invite – maximising the chances of getting bookings and earning commission.

The Regent experience

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the world’s most inclusive luxury experience, with a five-ship fleet that visits more than 450 destinations around the world.

The final phase of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ $125 million fleet-

wide refurbishment was recently completed, elevating the elegance of its fleet to the standard set by the all-balcony, all-suite Seven Seas Explorer, which entered service in 2016.

Seven Seas Explorer is joined by its all-balcony, all-suite sisterships Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, plus the all-suite, 90 per cent balcony Seven Seas Navigator. The newest addition to the fleet, Seven Seas Splendor, will be launched in early 2020.

Email salessupport@rssc.com to find out how Regent can host an event for your clients

Introducing the Regentrade Hub Demonstrating its commitment and support to agents, Regent recently announced the launch of the Regentrade Hub. The Regentrade Hub is an online centre bringing together many of the Regent’s easy-to-use resources all in one place.

Toolkits, downloadable customisable content, images, videos and everything in between can be found in the hub, along with a new training library.

You can watch videos and take quizzes to update your Regent knowledge.

Each module can be completed in a tea break – giving you the chance to win some amazing prizes.

Visit regentrade.com

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December 2018 | Midship

PORTS OF CALL

Tokyo Anthony Pearce profiles the Japanese capital – an incredible and impeccable modern city, with something for everyone and an increasingly popular cruise hub There is very little in Tokyo that is very old. The victim of fires during the Edo period, the Japanese capital was also twice razed during the 20th century, first by the Great Kantō earthquake of 1923 and then by firebombing by American forces during the Second World War. But unlike some other modern cities, Tokyo has charm in abundance: it’s a place where intrigue exists in even the most mundane details.

For a city of its size and population, visiting is a remarkably enjoyable experience. It’s friendly, the crime rate is low, it’s clean (you’ll be unlucky to spot litter anywhere) and public transport works like a dream. At the same time familiar and completely different to anywhere else, Tokyo lives up to its billing as one of the world’s top destinations.

Served by two international airports, Narita and Haneda (Japan

Airlines, ANA and British Airways all fly direct from the UK), Tokyo is also an increasingly popular cruise hub, with many of the major cruise lines and smaller operators now calling there on cruises that circumnavigate Japan or explore the wider region.

It is served by the Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal and Yokohama, which is approximately 40km from the city and where most cruise ships dock.

In March and April 2019, for example, Silver Muse and Silver Whisper (Silversea), Star Legend (Windstar), Insignia (Oceania), Azamara Quest and Seven Seas Mariner (Regent) will all sail from the city. The likes of Diamond Princess, Columbus (Cruise & Maritime Voyages), Quantum of the Seas (Royal Caribbean), Westerdam (Holland America Line) and Queen Elizabeth (Cunard) all call at Yokohama during the same period.

Cultural capital

Very little English is spoken in the Japanese capital, meaning that escorted tours are a good way to see the city with ease, although given its excellent public transport, it’s easy (and can be more fun) to go off alone.

Tokyo is often said to be a city of niches: no matter what your interests are, Tokyo can deliver. Some of the best coffee, whiskey and of course food can be found here. There are more Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo than anywhere else in the world, but anywhere you eat is likely to be exceptional, whether you want ramen, curry, sashimi or sushi.

The old town Edo is the heart of central Tokyo, famous for its Imperial Palace and surrounding parks. Shoppers should head to the Ginza district, while in the north of the city you’ll find Ueno Park (shrines, tombs, pagodas), the Tokyo National Museum (archaeological artefacts and Japanese art) and Sensō-ji temple. No trip to the city would be complete without visiting the neon-lit areas of Shibuya and Shinjuku. In the former you’ll find the famous crossing, said to be the busiest intersection in the world, while in the latter there’s the Golden Gai area, home to dozens of tiny ramshackle bars (each with room for about six people and decorated differently to the next), and kushiage restaurants (that serve fried meat on skewers).

The Tokyo prefecture contains four national parks, including FujiHakone-Izu. During cherry blossom season (usually in late March or early April), Inokashira Park, Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden are at their very prettiest – although the scenery can be quite breathtaking in autumn, too.

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Promotion

Travel to the remotest corners of the world in total luxury An expedition cruise on Silversea is tailored to immerse you in some of the most secluded and beautiful destinations that you wouldn’t usually even dream of seeing – and always in the utmost comfort An expedition cruise with Silversea is an experience like no other. These are trips that immerse travellers deep in a destination by giving them the tools they need to get right to the heart of a country’s history, culture and nature.

With sailings to all seven of the world’s continents – from Antarctica to the American West Coast – there is a voyage to suit every explorer, regardless of where you want to go.

These are sailings that have been developed through a decade of experience, with Silversea’s expert team completing comprehensive scouting missions over years and years to make sure that they curate an expedition that will be like no other.

Through that time and on-the-ground research, they have managed to unlock the secrets that these rarely touched destinations hold, such as on far away Pacific Islands, where warriors still follow local traditions and challenge all newcomers on the beach, or Unga Island off the coast of Alaska – where all that remains now is a ghost town.

Experiences are tailored for the curious, discerning traveller. This is achieved on multiple fronts – be it through guidance from experts from the Royal Geographical Society delivering lectures and leading expeditions to the sumptuous food that Silversea is renowned for serving.

In October, the company announced that it would be building its first purpose-built ship for the Galápagos. Silver Origin will be able to accommodate 100 guests and is set to redefine immersive travel – allowing passengers to see the islands’ famous wildlife that helped Charles Darwin establish the theory of evolution. From blue footed boobies to marine iguanas – it is like no other place on Earth.

More details will be released soon.

The destinations offered are matched only by the clever itineraries that bring them all together. From the incredible Russian Far East to beautiful South America. There are even voyages that follow in the

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footsteps of famous explorers, such as a cruise through the fabled North East Passage. The route, which has only ever been completed by a handful of vessels, will travel from Alaska to Norway – across the icy crown of Europe and Asia – from August 10, 2019, a journey that will take 25 days to complete. Fares start at £31,050 per person.

Silversea is also offering an extensive programme in the Far East.

From 13-day voyages between Guam and Kobe, Japan, with calls at active volcanoes and tranquil gardens; to 15-day tours of Indonesia that will visit little known islands such as Leti and Anano, where guests will discover the treasures that lie below the crystal clear waters.

There are also Wild Expeditions, a set of carefully curated experiences that allow guests the opportunity to get even deeper in a destination.

When it comes to expedition cruises, it would be remiss not to mention Antarctica. For many people, the frozen continent is a once-ina-lifetime destination – top of the bucket list. There you can see vast colonies of penguins in their natural habitat, towering icebergs – and the opportunity to walk on the ice, an

experience many can only dream of.

As Conrad Combrink, senior vice president of strategic development expeditions and experiences at Silversea, says: “The experiences that we have delivered to our guests were once considered untenable in a luxurious context. Yet we have transformed the industry to enable travellers to reach the world’s most beautiful and secluded destinations in utmost comfort. Our new Explorer’s Collection is the ultimate in Silversea

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expedition and I am excited to share these experiences with our guests.”

Silversea is a world leader in luxury travel. From an original mission of unlocking the world’s most authentic travel experiences, they have been delivering on that promise for a decade. The world is waiting to be discovered.

For more information visit Silversea’s website at silversea.com or email salesuk@silversea.com

SEATTLE Your Gateway to Alaska!

seattle-washingtonstate.co.uk

December 2018 | Midship

YEAR IN REVIEW

Cruise highlights of 2018 We take a look back over another memorable 12 months for the industry, which have seen the launch of the largest ship in the world and the rise of the rivers What a year it has been for cruise, an industry that continues to grow at an incredible pace. We’ve seen new ship launches across the year, and in every sector: from the small-expedition ship Ventus Australis in January to Symphony of the Seas, the largest ship in the world, in March; Seabourn Ovation, one of the most luxurious ships on the market, in May; right the way through to Celebrity Edge, the game-changer from Celebrity Cruises (see our cover feature, p38) at the end of November.

Then, there was new capacity on the rivers, from the Avalon Saigon on the Mekong to Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel in Europe, to Viking Ra on the Nile, a river that – although still nowhere near its 2012 high – is growing steadily. It’s been one of the success stories of the year.

The industry made a concerted effort to be more green as many operators announced plans to ban single-use plastic, and Hurtigruten turned (fish) heads by promising to use “dead fish and waste” to power ships. The luxury sector also continued to grow – Ritz-Carlton rolled out its first mega yacht (due for launch next year), and MSC Cruises announced plans for its own moves into the market.

It was a big year for Clia, which held its first Asia Conference, first Luxury Showcase, its first roundtables and moved its River Conference to Paris (see our report on p18).

The industry continued to grow and grow: 2018 numbers aren’t out yet, but all signs point towards another good year in what are difficult conditions. Brexit has loomed large

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over the travel industry and the weak pound it has created, which, coupled with a hot summer (and World Cup), has meant fewer people have been taking holidays. That said, the cruise industry is resilient – particularly when it comes to currency changes, given so much is included.

One positive was cruise lines’ continued commitment to the trade: Royal Caribbean’s Club Royal continued to grow, Cunard announced it would be joining the Shine Rewards Club and Regent announced the Regentrade Hub, giving agents more opportunities to enjoy their success.

Here’s hoping that 2019 brings more of the same.

Overleaf, Anthony Pearce and Sam Ballard, the publishers of Cruise Adviser, share their own highlights.

December 2018 | Midship Anthony Pearce, CRUISE ADVISER, co-publisher With bigger, better and more luxurious ships being launched all the time, it’s no surprise that new-builds grab the headlines. But innovation in the cruise industry isn’t just about brand-new hardware – it’s also about charting new routes, adding new technology and building upon what’s already out there.

Two of my highlights of 2018 were joining ships already well known to the UK market: Royal Caribbean’s new-look Independence of the Seas and Azamara Pursuit, which previously sailed as Adonia under P&O Cruises. Both of these ships – despite being first launched in 2008 and 2001 respectively – have brought something completely new

to UK customers. As Larry Pimentel revealed during Pursuit’s christening ceremony in Southampton in August, the ship is being embraced enthusiastically by Brits, who at one point made up more than half of all bookings. Although the vessel’s redesign was more evolution than revolution, Azamara Club Cruises is a very different product to what P&O Cruises offers with its ‘destination immersion’ mantra and understated luxury. Similarly, Independence of the Seas, although not as shiny as the Oasis or Quantum-class ships, is unlike anything else sailing regularly from Southampton. The addition of the Sky Pad simulator, Battle for Planet Z laser tag and Escape Room to a ship that already has a climbing wall, surf simulators and robotic barmen makes for an incredibly fun

experience. It’s easy to be snobby about the large mass-market ships, but I defy anyone not to enjoy themselves on a sailing on Indie.

Another highlight of the year was the recent Clia River Conference, which was in Paris, having moved from Amsterdam. The Dutch capital may have charm in abundance, but the change in location was a welcome one: especially as we sailed past a glittering Eiffel Tower on CroisiEurope’s tiny Raymonde barge. The vessel, which holds just 18 guests, served as a reminder – as did the conference as a whole – to the diversity on offer on European waterways, one of the big growth areas in the UK cruise market. It’s no wonder that the number of Brits taking river cruises on the continent has more than doubled since 2012.

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December 2018 | Midship

Sam Ballard, CRUISE ADVISER, co-publisher The last 12 months have been a whirlwind for the world of cruise as the sector has continued to pioneer and reinforce its position as the most exciting part of the travel industry. Nowhere is this more tangible than in the new hardware being brought to market.

The year has seen plenty of highlights but two of the biggest for me are undoubtedly getting on board two ships that epitomise innovation: Royal Caribbean International’s Symphony of the Seas and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss.

Symphony of the Seas, which launched in the spring, is a big deal

by anyone’s standards. For one, it’s the biggest cruise ship in the world.

At 228,081 gross tons – compare that to the 154,407 gross tons of Independence of the Seas and you can get an idea of the size – it has made a real splash. Anyone who has been on an Oasis-class ship will know that there is little that can compare to it. From the Royal Promenade, with its classic carousel surrounded by burger joints and sports bars, to the Ultimate Abyss – a 10-storey-high slide that is not for the faint of heart, you can’t help but be amazed by the sheer scale of the whole operation.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss was another thrill – particularly the free-falling water slide Ocean Loops, which uses nature’s force and your own

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body weight to see you round a 360-degree loop. Add to this the Waterfront restaurants, Cavern Club (with a Beatles cover band) and the largest race track at sea and it’s no wonder why the ship has been the most successful in Norwegian Cruise Line’s history.

The tie up with Frank del Rio (owner of luxury lines Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises) is evident throughout the ship, too – particularly in the opulent Observation Lounge, which is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy the ship’s Alaskan itineraries.

In an industry moving so quickly, it’s hard to pick just a couple of highlights. However, what’s clear is that there are bigger things coming in 2019. And I can’t wait for them!

Promotion

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

Kirsty Webb, business development manager, NCL Sam Ballard joins Norwegian Cruise Line for a day around the travel agencies of the North West to celebrate the launch of the line’s European £99 flight offer Norwegian Cruise Line have always turned heads in the cruise industry – but the latest slew of announcements means that they’re getting more attention than usual. With a fleet of new ships announced to at least 2027 – and no doubt more soon – as well as the decision to go Premium All Inclusive, it’s no wonder that Norwegian is now challenging the on-land resorts, rather than other cruise lines. We joined Kirsty Webb, the company’s business development manager, on the road to visit three agencies in the North West to deliver the line’s £99 flights message.

12.30pm Blackpool We started our day by visiting the newly refurbished Travel Village store in Blackpool. Jess Clayton, pictured below, said that the Norwegian Cruise Line £99 flights offer was a “big, bold campaign that we can really get behind”. The cupcakes didn’t go down badly, either.

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Promotion 2.30pm Trafford Centre The team at Thomas Cook in the Trafford Centre were very interested in the £99 offer – which includes departures from five regional airports. Amanda Tollerton, right, also had a quick walk through of NCL-U, Norwegian’s agent portal, and learnt more about the six ships that will be in Europe next year: Jade, Spirit, Pearl, Star, Getaway and Epic.

4pm Lowry Outlet The final stop of the day was the Cruise1st concept store in Salford’s Lowry Outlet. The space, which is filled with huge screens and equipped with virtual reality headsets feels more like an Apple store than a travel agency. Matthew Roberts, of Cruise1st, said that because 90 per cent of the company’s business was based around repackaging, it was the opportunity to get a pre-cruise stay in Rome that particularly interested him – a possibility because of flexibility around the flight departures.

Would you like the Norwegian team to visit your store? If so email ukpartnershiprelations@ncl.com to book an appointment and hear about the line’s exciting new ships and offers

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Map data ©2018 Google

CELEBRITY EDGE

Edge of tomorrow Sue Bryant sails on Celebrity’s new ship and asks whether it can possibly live up to the hype. The answer is a resounding yes

December 2018 | Midship Has a ship ever been so hyped? Four years in design and construction, a string of technological firsts, a famous designer, new dining and entertainment concepts – could Celebrity Edge live up to expectations?

Happily, the answer is a resounding yes. I joined the 2,918-passenger ship for its first cruise carrying ‘real’ passengers, sailing out of Celebrity’s swish terminal at Fort Lauderdale.

I stepped on board and was wowed by the striking, three-deck Grand Plaza, at its heart a vast LED chandelier, shimmering in changing colours.

Edge is a big ship, at 129,500 GT, but it exudes serenity. Everything feels luxurious, curvy, touchable. The colour scheme bears many hallmarks of Kelly Hoppen, the interior designer responsible for the staterooms, suites and spa; soft greys, cream, taupe and splashes of burnt orange, rich mauve and aquamarine. Everything whispers ‘quality’, something of which CEO and president Lisa Lutoff-Perlo is proud.

“Every time I look up, I realise the attention to detail and design didn’t stop at the ceiling, which on many ships it does,” she says. “Even the staircases are works of art.”

With Edge, Celebrity is going all out for high-spending customers.

There are 176 suites, representing 12 per cent of the accommodation – double the amount on Celebrity’s other ships. No expense has been spared. Six two-deck Edge Villas have an outdoor plunge pool and sell for upwards of an eye-watering £24,300 for a week. Two stunning Iconic Suites sit on top of the bridge wings with masses of private deck space, day beds, an outdoor hot tub and uninterrupted views on three sides.

All the suites share The Retreat, a beautifully designed sanctuary with concierges, a lounge, the Luminae restaurant and an exclusive outdoor deck. Oversized rattan loungers with grey and white striped cushions give the impression of a cool beach club, made more fun by swinging basket chairs suspended over the pool.

The big talking point beyond the suites is the 918 Infinite Veranda staterooms. There’s a similar concept on some riverboats, where half the wall of glass slides down at the push

Just some of the features on Celebrity Edge (clockwise from above): the Magic Carpet; colourful arches near the pool; the pool deck at night; the bedroom in the Edge Villa

of a button to create a balcony effect, but achieving this on a big oceangoing ship is no mean feat. The whole supporting spine of the ship had to be moved inwards, involving extensive 3D modelling. Because the balcony is an integral part of the overall space, these cabins are 27 per cent bigger

than regular balcony accommodation – and you really feel it. Even the bathrooms are spacious, with generous walk-in showers. Equally pleasing is the fact that the lights and the shutter can be controlled by the Celebrity app on your phone, which also opens the cabin door.

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Around the ship, the headlinegrabbers come thick and fast. You could identify Edge from a great distance thanks to a bright orange structure attached to the starboard side (although Lutoff-Perlo insists the colour is tangerine, not orange).

A 90-ton, tennis court-sized platform,

the Magic Carpet moves up and down with different functions depending on where it sits. On deck two, it creates a spacious tender embarkation area, so no more queuing down the stairs. On deck five, it’s an al fresco dining extension of the Raw on 5 seafood restaurant.

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On deck 14, it sits alongside the pool deck, while twice a week, it becomes a restaurant for Dinner on the Edge, high up on deck 16. I had wondered whether the Magic Carpet would turn out to be just a gimmick, but it’s fabulous. The sea-facing side is pure glass, so you really have a sense of nothing between you and the ocean, and the deck furniture is, of course, infinitely stylish, with big, squashy sofas in grey, white and orange. On a sunny sea day, there would be no better place to lounge.

When Celebrity launched its Solstice-class ships 10 years ago, the big talking point was the half acre of living lawn, and very lovely it was, too. The Lawn Club is gone on Edge, though, replaced with the Rooftop Garden, a bar and grill, dancefloor, big screen and general outdoor living room, a mixture of quiet little enclaves and long, wavy wooden benches that give the whole place the feel of a posh park.

Sculptured wooden ‘trees’ are dotted around to create shade and serve as wind breaks, and the whole area is lush with big potted shrubs. When I visited, a guitarist was perched on a platform under one of the trees, playing gentle Spanish classical melodies; a pleasing change from the thumping music by the pool.

This theme of nature is even more apparent in Eden, a dreamy lounge spanning three decks, supported by skinny, tree-like columns, filled with tropical plants and surrounded by the tallest wall of glass at sea, so you almost feel part of the ocean.

A walkway spirals around the whole complex space, giving it an almost organic feel. “The shipyard said this was the most complicated space they had ever built,” says Lutoff-Perlo.

Eden is inhabited by a team of ‘Edenists’, ethereal creatures who waft around all day, striking poses, dancing and occasionally performing aerial stunts from a swing suspended high above the diners below. After dark, things hot up with lighting effects and writhing as the Edenists tell the story of the Garden of Eden, often selecting members of the audience to participate, something I’m not sure reserved British cruisers

December 2018 | Midship will appreciate. I had dinner there and was relieved not to be dragged up to ‘perform’, leaving me free to tuck into my fish with white asparagus, followed by a white chocolate dome, melted with hot chocolate sauce.

Dining on Edge is quite a departure from Celebrity’s other ships. The main dining room has been replaced by four separate restaurants, with some common menu items and some unique to each restaurant. Cyprus is Mediterranean; Tuscan is a nod to the Tuscan Grille on Celebrity’s other ships; Cosmopolitan is modern American and Normandie, French.

All the restaurants feel more chic boutique hotel than cruise ship.

Passengers can sign up for fixed dining, which means you always eat in the same restaurant, or Select Dining Plus, which is open seating in any of the four, which I’d recommend.

In addition, Celebrity regulars will recognise Blu, the healthy restaurant reserved for Aquaclass passengers; Café Al Bacio, for snacks and gelato; and the light, airy main buffet, the Oceanview Café. Everything else, though, is new. There’s steak at The Fine Cut Steakhouse ($55); piles of seafood at Raw on 5 (a la carte pricing); BBQ-style at the Rooftop Garden Grill ($45); and French classics in the Grand Bistro ($25).

If you suggest clients splash out on one speciality restaurant, though, make it Le Petit Chef, which costs $55. A section of Le Grand Bistro has special tables, where 3D cartoon figures are projected onto each plate.

Four virtual mini-chefs bustle around, preparing food, performing stunts, squabbling and creating each of four dishes on your plate. Once the dish is ready, waiters appear bearing an exact, real-life version for you to eat.

It’s completely enchanting.

My verdict? I believe that the combination of cool design, cuttingedge technology, entertainment and dining makes this ship special – and perfectly positioned to attract younger cruisers. Other ships in Celebrity’s fleet may be more suitable for traditional, more conservative clients, but if you could lure a reluctant new-to-cruise customer onto Edge, they’d be blown away.

The impressive LED chandelier in the Grand Plaza and (below) a seating area in the three-deck Eden

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FEEL FREE TO CRUISE THE WORLD. With Norwegian Cruise Line, your customers are free to discover all the amazing beauty and exciting adventures the world has to offer. They’ll cruise through history and marvel at the architectural masterpieces and stunning vistas in the Mediterranean and along the shores of the Baltic Sea. Admire spectacular natural scenery as they journey through Norway’s magnificent fjords. Unravel the mysteries of the Far East or head to Australia and New Zealand and explore dynamic cosmopolitan cities and learn about the unique wildlife. Or they can find their slice of paradise on an idyllic island in the Caribbean, Bahamas or Bermuda, explore the treasures of Hawai’i or enjoy the vast landscapes and exciting rhythms of South America. In Alaska, they’ll witness the awe-inspiring scenery and catch sight of the animals that roam the unspoiled wilderness. With Norwegian, the world is theirs to discover.

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L AT ES T D E P LOYM EN T S. Norwegian Getaway takes over from her sister ship Norwegian Breakaway and sails the Baltic Sea out of Copenhagen in summer 2019.

Discover the brand new Norwegian Encore with her maiden voyage sailing from Southampton for a Transatlantic to Miami on 2nd November before beginning her Caribbean season.

ARRIVING OCTOBER 2019

In winter 2019/20 Norwegian Star will set sail for Cape Horn on 14-day cruises between Buenos Aires and San Antonio.

PREMIUM ALL INCLUSIVE

FLEET ENHANCEMENTS

Your customers will enjoy much more at no extra cost, like complimentary drinks throughout the cruise, service charge and tips on included services and those little extras like free Wi-Fi minutes.

Experience the innovations and enhancements of The Norwegian EdgeÂŽ, designed to bring the complete fleet up to the premium contemporary standards of our newest ships.

WORLDWIDE DESTINATIONS

FAMILY CRUISING

Our new itineraries offer even more opportunities to discover the world, from more choice in Europe and Australia to truly exotic ports like Hawai‘i and the South Seas.

We bring the best family holiday ever with action-packed, complimentary youth programmes, flexible family accommodation and fun activities all over our ships

Your customers can feel free to set their own schedule because that’s the beauty of cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line – no musts, no deadlines, just a perfect chance to escape and a unique feeling of freedom. So they can just go with the mood of the moment… Join the party people or chill on their private balcony, take in a show or take time out. Dress up a little and dine somewhere special or grab a bite from the buffet.

COSMOPOLITAN DINING

EXTRAORDINARY ENTERTAINMENT

Freestyle Dining offers a world of taste sensations in exciting venues all over their ship. And with no fixed dining times or pre-assigned seating they‘re free to go wherever and whenever their mood takes them.

They‘ll be dazzled by award-winning entertainment like blockbuster Broadway musicals, eye-popping stage and dinner shows, live music, comedy and parties like no other.

DAY BY DAY

TIME FOR BED

We‘ve got it all, sports and spas, Aqua Parks and ropes courses, race tracks and luxurious spas, cool beach clubs for adults and endless supervised fun and games for kids. So they can jump right in and seize the day.

Relax in stylish staterooms, ultra-luxe Suites or in The Haven by Norwegian® – an enclave of exclusivity.

Go solo in a hip Studio or spread out in specially designed family accommodation.

P R E M I U M A L L I N C LU S I V E. Customers can stay connected while at sea, sharing their holiday moments with friends and family back at home. With Premium All Inclusive, they can now enjoy 60 minutes of FREE Wi-Fi per person to use throughout the ship

EN H A N C E M EN T S FRO M B OW TO S T E R N .

Take a dip. Bask in the sun. Feel refreshed on the newly upgraded pool deck on Norwegian Jade, just one of many guest enhancements that can be experienced on board.

Discover centuries-old cities and cultural icons while cruising to new European ports on Norwegian Spirit in 2019.

Customers can join their friends for a sampling of fine wines from our extensive collection in The Cellars, A Michael Mondavi Family Wine Bar, new on board Norwegian Dawn.

SIX SHIPS IN EUROPE IN 2019 Awarded the accolade of Europe’s Leading Cruise Line for 11 consecutive years at the World Travel Awards, we’re building on our success by bringing an unprecedented six ships to Europe in summer 2019. That means more choice of exciting itineraries, more fabulous ports to discover and a ship to suit every customer’s style. Highlights include Norwegian Getaway back cruising the Baltic Sea from Copenhagen and Norwegian Pearl sailing from Amsterdam to scenic ports in Northern Europe. They can cruise roundtrip from Southampton aboard Norwegian Spirit and see more of the Med than ever. With the unparalleled freedom and choices of Premium All Inclusive cruising there’s no better way for your customers to experience the history, culture, landmarks and flavours of Europe next year.

SEE BELOW FOR OUR 2019 EUROPEAN CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS - FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK, CALL 0333 241 2319 OR VISIT AGENTS-UK.NCL.EU

NORWEGIAN EPIC 7-DAY WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN

7-DAY WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN

Sailing various dates from 15 May to 30 Oct 2019

Sailing various dates from 12 May to 3 Nov 2019

FROM ROME (CIVITAVECCHIA)

FROM BARCELONA

Florence/Pisa (Livorno) Cannes Barcelona

•

• • Palma,

•

Rome (Civitavecchia)

•Naples

Majorca Mediterranean Sea

NORWEGIAN GETAWAY 9-DAY SCANDINAVIA, RUSSIA & BALTIC FROM COPENHAGEN

Sailing various dates from 07 Jun to 11 Oct 2019

Helsinki

Stockholm (Nynashamn) Copenhagen

• •

Balt ic S ea

•

• •St. Petersburg •Tallinn

Berlin (Warnemünde)

NORWEGIAN PEARL 14-DAY SCANDINAVIA & RUSSIA FROM AMSTERDAM Sailing 25 May 2019 St. Petersburg Helsinki Stockholm

•

• • • Tallinn

•• •Gdynia

Riga

• •

Amsterdam

Copenhagen

Klaipeda

Berlin (Warnemünde)

Cannes

•

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Florence/Pisa (Livorno)

•

Barcelona

• •

Palma, Majorca Mediterranean Sea

•

Rome

• (Civitavecchia) •Naples

NORWEGIAN STAR 7-DAY GREEK ISLES FROM VENICE

Sailing 02 Jun, 06 & 27 Oct 2019

Venice

•

Dubrovnik

••Kotor •Corfu •Argostoli •Santorini Mediterranean Sea

NORWEGIAN JADE 10-DAY GREEK ISLES & ITALY FROM ROME (CIVITAVECCHIA) Sailing various dates from 23 May to 03 Oct 2019 Florence/Pisa (Livorno)

Rome (Civitavecchia)

•Naples

• Malta•

Messina

Mediterranean Sea

Athens (Piraeus) Mykonos

•• • • Santorini Chania/Crete

VENICE, ITALY

NORWEGIAN SPIRIT 14-DAY ICELAND, IRELAND & NORWAY

12-DAY SCOTLAND, ENGLAND & IRELAND

Sailing 01 Sep 2019

Sailing 21 Jul 2019

FROM SOUTHAMPTON Reykjavik

Kirkwall

•

Norwegian Sea Geiranger

North Sea

• • Dublin

• • Bergen

Belfast London (Southampton)

FROM SOUTHAMPTON

North Atlantic Ocean Glasgow (Greenock)

• Inverness • (Invergordon)

•• • Dublin• •Holyhead Cork (Cobh)• Belfast

Edinburgh (Newhaven) North Sea

Iri sh Se a

• •

Amsterdam (Ijmuiden)

• (Zeebrugge) • •Bruges

Portland

••

London (Southampton)

17 SHIPS. 123 COUNTRIES. OVER 300 PORTS OF CALL. EUROPE THE C ARI BBEAN AL AS KA HAWAI `I

AU S TRALIA & NEW ZEAL AND ASIA BAHAMAS & FLORIDA

CU BA

SOUTH AMERIC A

BERMUDA

PAN AMA C AN AL

C AN ADA & NEW EN GL AN D

ME XIC AN RIVIERA

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK, CALL 0333 241 2319 OR VISIT AGENTS-UK.NCL.EU

PACIFIC COAS TAL

RIVER CRUISES FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS Due to phenomenal demand we have launched extra dates and availability for our exclusive solo traveller departures.

Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg Eight days from only £1,799pp A luxurious river cruise to Heidelberg and Strasbourg, enjoying escorted tours to the magnificent cathedral city of Cologne and the beautiful Alsatian town of Colmar, these cultural centres are matched equally by the natural splendour of the meandering Rhine Valley.

Departing 21st October 2019

The Blue Danube Eight days from only £1,449pp Soak up all that Europe’s most cultured river has to offer, with its wealth of grand baroque architecture, medieval cities, picture perfect towns and the sights that inspired Strauss and Mozart. Stepping aboard you will appreciate the superb surroundings of your floating luxury hotel for the next seven nights with spacious and well-appointed cabins or suites, private bathrooms and meticulously prepared fine cuisine.

NO SOLE-OCCUPANCY SUPPLEMENT ON ANY CABIN OR SUITE!

Departing 4th November 2019

The Douro, Porto & Salamanca Eight days from only £1,799pp One of Europe’s best kept secrets in one of its most undiscovered corners, explore the sleepy villages and medieval towns unchanged for centuries, amongst the breathtaking rolling hills and terraced vineyard slopes of the stunning Douro Valley.

Departing 8th November 2019

SO MUCH IS INCLUDED • Fascinating tours and excursions with expert guides • The services of an experienced cruise director and tour manager throughout • Return flights from a selection of UK airports or standard class seat on Eurostar from London St Pancras with regional rail connections available (dependent on itinerary) • Spacious and beautifully appointed suites or cabins with hotel-style beds and river views • All meals on board including welcome dinner on the first night to get to know your travelling companions • Complimentary on-board tea, coffee and Wi-Fi

YOUR FRIENDLY AGENCY SALES TEAM

Contact our agency sales team: 01283 744307 Visit: www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents Email: agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk Riviera Travel booking terms and conditions apply.

ABTA No. V4744

Darren

Tamzin

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Britain’s leading independent cruise line

New 2019 Cruises BUY ONE GET ONE

FREE* Columbus

• Traditional British cruise experience • Smaller to mid-sized classic ships • Half price single offers • Discounts and free places for groups

Magellan

Vasco da Gama

Five new cruises for 2019 British Isles Discovery & River Seine Experience from £669pp Wednesday 3rd April 2019 - 10 nights aboard Magellan from London Tilbury

Marco Polo

Majestic Fjordland from £499pp Saturday 13th April 2019 - 7 nights aboard Magellan from London Tilbury

Hidden Baltic Treasures from £799pp Saturday 20th April 2019 - 12 nights aboard Magellan from London Tilbury

Astor

South Norway Discovery & Oslo from £399pp Sunday 3rd November 2019 - 6 nights aboard Columbus from London Tilbury

Grand Canary Islands & Madeira, Iberian Treasures & Morocco from £999pp Sunday 10th November 2019 - 19 nights aboard Columbus from London Tilbury

Astoria

12.5% Enhanced Basic Commission+ • Promotional support • No direct booking discounts

Book Online at: www.cruiseandmaritime.com Call: 0844 414 6161 Agency Sales: 0844 414 6140 Brochures: www.trade-gate.co.uk * Book by 24th Dec 2018.+Applies to sales achieved over £5k for 2018/19 cruises. Subject to availability. Terms & Conditions apply. Offers may be withdrawn without notice. Offered for sale in the UK by South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages. ABTA V9945. ATOL 4619. Calls cost 5p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge.

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THEMED CRUISES

Howzat for a memorable five-night cruise to Hamburg and Amsterdam?

Sara Macefield has a good innings with Devon Malcolm, Mike Gatting and others on a cricket-themed itinerary with Cruise & Maritime Voyages We’re cruising through the English Channel on a blustery autumnal day, and the talk on our ship is all about square leg, mid-off and third man.

To the uninitiated it’s like a foreign language and I’m feeling totally stumped, but it’s only to be expected on this cricket-themed voyage where such terms are bandied about with ease, much to the delight of the 400 or so fans among the 1,400 passengers on board.

When former England cricket captain Mike Gatting and fast bowler Devon Malcolm take to the stage in the theatre to talk about their

colourful careers, it’s almost a full house and everyone listens with rapt attention. Even I, as a non cricket fan, find it fascinating as they give their insights on the sometimes notorious stories that made headlines in the 1980s and 1990s.

This is just one of the events centred around the ‘gentleman’s game’ during our five-night Cruise & Maritime Voyages sailing on board Columbus and deftly compered by TV wit Nick Hancock of They Think It’s All Over fame.

Former Essex county players Ray East, John Lever and Graham Napier

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plus ex Kent and Sussex stalwart Alan Wells also take to the stage for their own informal chat about the game.

However, it’s the two meet-andgreet sessions that are a hit with passengers, as they mingle with their cricketing heroes who, in-between signing autographs and posing for pictures, are happy to chat.

Such sporting diversions bring added interest on this European Cities voyage, where Amsterdam is our first port of call, although the relatively short stop in the Dutch capital (we leave at lunchtime) sadly cuts my sightseeing options.

December 2018 | Midship Thankfully there’s more time to explore Hamburg, a city rich in maritime heritage dating from the middle ages, although music fans shouldn’t miss the infamous Reeperbahn where The Beatles and other famous wannabes cut their teeth in the clubs during the early ’60s, before hitting the big time.

On a cold and windy October evening, I wonder if I’ve made the right choice by opting for a €28 walking tour of the district’s gaudy neon streets, but my doubts quickly evaporate as our engaging guide Stefanie Hempel leads us on a fascinating trip along memory lane to The Beatles’ old haunts.

A singer-songwriter herself, and passionate Beatles fan, she brings the tour alive with absorbing anecdotes, some gleaned from former friends and acquaintances of the Fab Four, and at each stop bursts into a Beatles song while strumming her ukulele.

Our final port, Antwerp, is full of medieval charm bolstered by ancient legends, and one of the tallest Gothic cathedrals in Europe housing major artworks including four masterpieces by eminent Flemish artist Rubens.

As this is Belgium, there’s an obligatory beer-tasting stop at the famous De Koninck brewery, dating from 1833, which serves up a fun interactive tour for €12.

Attractions on Columbus are varied, with a packed programme of events on our sea day ranging from lectures and craft classes to ballroom dance sessions and bridge seminars, though I decide to hone my juggling skills at a circus workshop before joining the morning quiz.

Mealtimes are another draw as there are two speciality dining spots: the Grill steakhouse, which costs £24.90pp, an appealing cosy venue where I tuck into a delicious surf and turf, and Indian speciality Fusion, costing £14.90pp, located just off the buffet restaurant, which scores top marks for cuisine, but could do with improving the ambience.

The main Waterfront Restaurant stands out as one of the most stylish areas of the ship, where I enjoy impressive five-course dinners, but my least favourite dining spot is CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

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December 2018 | Midship

the Plantation Bistro, as insufficient seating often means this buffet venue gets overcrowded, making it virtually impossible to find a table.

Columbus was originally launched in 1988 as Sitmar FairMajesty, and as an older ship does seem a little dated in some areas, but it boasts standout features that include the elegant atrium and light and airy Connexions Lounge, while my cabin is reasonably spacious with a walk-in wardrobe.

The traditional-style Taverner’s Pub is a lively social hub, and also the venue for some amusing karaoke sessions, although I feel one of the biggest plusses is the cost of drinks – with cocktails costing less than £5 and beers from £2.80.

These keen prices are not only reflected across the ship’s bars, but in the spa where massages start at an extremely reasonable £38, leading me to reflect that, cricket fan or not, such value for money is enough to bowl everyone over.

THREE THEMED CRUISES Soul Legends in the fjords

Golf cruise along the Danube

Archaeology in the Greek islands

Cruise & Maritime Voyages – Columbus Tilbury (round-trip) September 29, 2019 From £579pp

Amadeus River Cruises – Amadeus Star Budapest-Passau May 17, 2019 From £2,969pp

Star Clippers – Star Flyer Athens (round-trip) May 4, 2019 From £1,490pp

Enjoy a soul celebration at sea with The Three Degrees and other guests, with cabaret performances, celebrity interviews and specialist talks.

Get into the swing of this river cruise at courses in Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Bavaria with tee times, transport and green fees included.

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Historian and author Renate Scheiper will shine a light into the history of Ancient Greece and its treasures on this voyage that includes the islands of Patmos, Amorgos and Spetses.

CHRISTMAS BASH 2018 You are invited to join us for a night of networking, fun and festive cheer to celebrate our fourth birthday WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 THE LIBRARY, SHOREDITCH HOUSE, LONDON, E1 6AW 6.30pm – Drinks reception 7pm – Introduction 7.15pm – Networking 9.30pm – Prize draw 11pm – Close Held in one of London’s most exclusive private members’ clubs, travel agents are invited to meet the Cruise Adviser team and our sponsors before the Christmas break Availability is limited, so please RSVP to info@cruise-adviser.com as soon as possible to secure your place Headline sponsor

Drinks sponsor

RIVER CRUISES

December 2018 | 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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December 2018 | Aft

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A-Rosa Lucia Rowe, head of sales UK and Ireland 078 4202 6013 l.rowe@a-rosa.de

Carnival Cruise Line Luke Smith, head of UK & international sales 020 7378 4660 carnivalsalesuk@carnival.com

Amadeus River Cruises Natalie O’Mahoney, head of sales 0800 035 6411 sales@fredrivercruises.co.uk

Celebrity Cruises Katherine Hulatt, trade support 01932 834 379 (option 2) salessupport.uk@rccl.com

AmaWaterways Jamie Loizou, sales, marketing and digital director 033 3305 3902 jamieloizou@amawaterways.com

Celestyal Cruises Marios Polydorou, senior manager sales +30 216 400 9631 m.polydorou@celestyalcruises.gr

American Cruise Lines Hannah Logan, product manager 0800 035 0237 sales@americancruiselines.co.uk American Queen Steamboat Company Rupert Thompson, managing director 01223 568 904 r.thompson@aqgsa.com APT Touring Jessica Shelton-Agar, national sales manager 01494 736 147/07584 057 341 jessica.shelton-agar@aptouring.co.uk Atlas/Kompas Predrag Krivokapic, president +1 954 258 8531 / +385 9 1975 1735 kompas@kompas.net Aurora Expeditions Talia Schwartzman, sales executive +61 2 9252 1033 agents@auroraexpeditions.co.uk Craig Upshall, sales director UK/Europe 07824 305 232 craig@auroraexpeditions.co.uk Avalon Waterways Janet Parton, sales director 020 8315 4545 agencysales@avaloncruises.co.uk

Coral Expeditions Jan Jepsen, UK and Europe representative 07702 714 150 jan@intouchrep.com Cosmos Janet Parton, sales director 020 8315 4545 agencysales@cosmos.co.uk CroisiEurope John Fair, sales director 020 8328 1281 jfair@croisieurope.com Cruise & Maritime Voyages Lisa Jacobs, head of trade sales 0844 414 6140 lisa.jacobs@cruiseandmaritime.com Crystal Cruises Mick Dupont, head of UK sales 020 7399 7602 mick@cruiseportfolio.co.uk Cruising Excursions Simonne Fairbanks, chief operating officer 0800 091 8274 traveltrade@cruisingexcursions.com

Azamara Club Cruises Lori Scanella, business support executive 01932 834 379 salessupport.uk@rccl.com

Cunard Line Victoria Snelgar, business manager – sales operations 07773 253 279 victoria.snelgar@cunard.co.uk

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Belmond Yann Guezennec, worldwide director of sales & marketing, trains & cruises 020 3117 1395 yann.guezennec@belmond.com

Disney Cruise Line Juliet Holden, account executive 080 0171 2317 juliet.holden@disney.com

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December 2018 | Aft

Heritage Line Amy Sharpe, sales and marketing 0808 168 1458 salesuk@ewaterways.com

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Emerald Waterways Lewis Quigley, trade marketing executive 0161 233 1988 lewis.quigley@scenic.co.uk

Holland America Line James Scott, business development representative 0344 338 8600 james.scott@hollandamerica.co.uk Lucy Harris, business development representative 0344 338 8600 lucy.harris@hollandamerica.co.uk

European Waterways Mark Robinson, sales and reservations manager 01753 598 555 sales@europeanwaterways.com E-Waterways Amy Sharpe, sales and marketing 0808 168 1458 salesuk@ewaterways.com

Hurtigruten Anthony Daniels, head of sales 020 8846 2666 anthony.daniels@hurtigruten.com

Exotic Heritage Group Marco Rosa, managing director 07973 876 967 marco@plateauinternational.com

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Intrepid Travel Andrew Turner, head of industry sales 080 8274 5719 ukbdm@intrepidtravel.com

Expair Tours Marco Rosa, managing director 07973 876 967 marco@plateauinternational.com

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JTA Travel Dave Green, managing director 0121 508 5567 dave.green@jtatravel.co.uk

Far Horizon Hannah Logan, product manager 0800 035 3189 sales@fredrivercruises.co.uk Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Mike Evans, head of sales 01473 746164 cruise.sales@fredolsen.co.uk

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Katerina Line Dea Baretincic, sales manager +385 51 603 409 dea@katarina-line.hr

Fred Olsen River Cruises Hannah Logan, UK Sales Manager 0800 035 3189 hannah@fredrivercruises.co.uk

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Latin Routes Jessica Dennison, director 020 8546 6222 info@latinroutes.co.uk

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G Adventures Stuart Darnley, national sales manager 07964 983 842 sdarnley@gadventures.com

Leger Holidays Ashley Dellow, head of retail sales 01709 385 811 retail.sales@leger.co.uk

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Lindblad Expeditions Jacinta McEvoy vice-president global sales +1 212 261 9000 jacintam@expeditions.com

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Aishling McLoughlin, sales representative UK & Ireland 07921 223 176 aishling.mcloughlin@hl-cruises.com

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Hebridean Island Cruises Lisa White, reservations manager 01756 704 704 lisa.white@hebridean.co.uk

The Majestic Line Marie McGhee, sales manager 01369 707951 info@themajesticline.co.uk

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December 2018 | Aft

Manatee Amazon Explorer Amy Sharpe, sales and marketing 0808 168 1458 salesuk@ewaterways.com

Paukan Cruises Marco Rosa, managing director 07973 876 967 marco@plateauinternational.com

Marella Cruises Andrew Isherwood, commercial support team 020 3451 2762 commercial.support@tui.co.uk

Paul Gaugin Mick Dupont, head of UK sales 020 7399 7602 mick@cruiseportfolio.co.uk

MĂśvenpick Cruises Marco Rosa, managing director 07973 876 967 marco@plateauinternational.com

Pearl Seas Cruises Susan Shultz, director of sales +1 203 458 5280 susan.shultz@pearlseascruises.com

MSC Cruises Victoria Taylor, sales operations manager 020 7092 8182 ukinsidesales@msccruises.co.uk

Ponant Stephen Winter, international sales director 0800 980 4027 swinter@ponant.com

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Poseidon Expeditions Alexandra Prokopyeva, sales and marketing 020 3808 7787 sales@poseidonexpeditions.com

National Geographic Expeditions Simon Chambers, operations manager 01473 242 636 sales@fredholidays.co.uk Noble Caledonia Agency sales 020 7752 0000 agencysales@noble-caledonia.co.uk Norwegian Cruise Line Nicky Foot, director of business development UK & Ireland 07408 855 679 nfoot@ncl.com

Ports Direct Karl Lapage, managing director 0843 0843 003 karl@portsdirect.co.uk Princess Cruises Mark Lowman, manager – sales operations 023 8065 6531 mark.lowman@princesscruises.co.uk Pullmantur Cruises Dave Chidley, agency sales manager 0800 021 3180 sales@fredholidays.co.uk

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Oceania Cruises Lisa Clarkson, national accounts manager 07809 351 545 LClarkson@OceaniaCruises.Com Agency Sales 0345 505 1920 AgencySales@OceaniaCruises.Com One Ocean Expeditions Debra Taylor, new business development 07956 852 197 debra@toucanmoon.com P

P&O Cruises Brodie McIntosh, trade engagement manager 023 8065 5780 brodie.mcintosh@cunardpocruises.com Pandaw Andre Dreyer, sales & marketing manager +841 1 664 836 482 andre@pandaw.com

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Quark Expeditions Pushparaj Shetty, senior distribution manager +1 416 645 8248 push.shetty@quarkexpeditions.com R

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Caroline Moody, business development executive 023 8068 2283 agencysales@rssc.com Anna Salter, business development executive 023 8068 2283 agencysales@rssc.com Riviera Travel Darren Mussell, agency sales assistant manager 01283 744 307 agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk Rocky Mountaineer Steven Harris, regional sales director 07970 519 164 sharris@rockymountaineer.com

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December 2018 | Aft

Royal Caribbean International Trade support team 01932 834 379 salessupport.uk@rccl.com

Touchdown | Travel Industry Services Robbie White, head of cruise product 020 8607 3805 rwhite@touchdown.co.uk 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

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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

Uniworld Rachel Healey, national sales manager 07408 855 544 rachel.healey@uniworld.com

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Variety Cruises Chris Lorenzo, managing director, Seafarer Cruises 020 8324 3114 info@seafarerholidays.co.uk

SeaCloud Anja Ringel, vice-president, international marketing and sales +49 40 3095 9217 aringel@seacloud.com

Victoria Cruises Tom Antonucci, sales manager +1 212 818 1680 tom@victoriacruises.co.uk

SeaDream Yacht Club Mark Schmitt, sales director 07904 068 407 mschmitt@seadream.com

Victory Cruise Lines Dave Chidley, agency sales manager 0800 038 1665 sales@fredholidays.co.uk

Shearings Michael Bowers, national sales manager 01942 823 449 sales.support@shearings.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

Silversea Sales support 020 7340 0700 salesuk@silversea.com 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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Voyages to Antiquity Amy Sykes, partnerships manager 01865 302 2565 a.sykes@voyagestoantiquity.com

Tauck Kathryn Coles, UK country manager 080 0810 8020 tauckreservations@tauck.co.uk Titan Travel Edwina Coppock, agency sales manager 012 9345 0726; 078 3465 2135 edwina.coppock@titantravel.co.uk

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Windstar Cruises Sales team (The Cruise Line) 0800 852 7248 windstarUK@cruiseline.co.uk

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December 2018 | Aft THINGS TO DO

GAMESROOM

Each month, we bring you a selection of things to do on your lunch break or journey to the office

CROSSWORD See the next Cruise Adviser in January for the answers

NOVEMBER SOLUTION

ACROSS

DOWN

7. Self-esteem (3)

1. Testify (4,7)

8. Attack (7)

2. Cabin attendant (4,7)

9. City of Seven Hills (4)

3. Large liquid container (3)

10. Ollie’s oppo (4) 13. One way to disappear (4,4,3) 14. It breaks daily (4) 15. Golda ____, former Israeli PM (4) 18. Some shipping routes (7) 19. Pale or brown beverage (3)

SUDOKU

See the next Cruise Adviser in January for the answers

4. Put into action (3) 5. Port at the tip of Chile (5,6)

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6. Travel plans (11)

4

1

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11. When a ship should arrive (1,1,1)

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12. Knight's honorific (3)

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16. Billy Connolly, the Big ___ (3)

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5 NOVEMBER SOLUTION

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17. Cleo’s killer (3)

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December 2018 | Aft

COMPETITION TIME!

50 places on MSC Bellissima up for grabs MSC Bellissima is the latest in MSC Cruises’ Meraviglia class ships and will enter service next year – and you can be one of the first people to spend the night on board, following its naming ceremony in Southampton on March 2.

There are 25 double occupancy cabins up for grabs – just answer the following question and send your answer to info@cruise-adviser.com with the subject line “December competition”.

What does the Italian word ‘Bellissima’ mean in English?

Terms and conditions apply, see cruise-adviser.com/ terms-conditions. Winners must be willing to share a cabin with a fellow agent.

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December 2018 | Aft

THREE FOODIE CRUISES Flavors of Portugal & Spain

RECIPE

In the galley The best recipes to be found at sea. This month: Avalon Waterways’ mouthwatering crème brûlèe AmaWaterways – AmaVida Porto-Vega de Terrón April 2, 2018 From $2,999pp This cruise along the delightful Douro includes a chance to sample local delicacies and also the region’s wine.

There’s an option to extend the holiday with stays in Lisbon and Madrid.

Burgundy & Provence

Uniworld – SS Catherine Avignon-Lyon May 5, 2019 From £3,499pp

Ingredients 250 ml milk 250 ml cream 125g sugar 6 egg yolks 1 vanilla pod 50g brown sugar Method Pour the milk and cream into a saucepan, split the vanilla pod and scrape the pulp into the mixture. Stir well. Preheat the oven to 150°C. Bring the milk mixture slowly to the boil.

Meanwhile, mix together the egg yolks and sugar in an ovenproof

bowl. When the milk has reached boiling point, pour it into the egg yolk mixture, stirring all the time to make a custard. Place the bowl containing the custard mixture in a bain-marie, and then put it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes, remove from the oven, and allow to cool before placing the custard in the refrigerator for 4at least four hours.

When the custard is cold, sprinkle brown sugar over the top and use a kitchen blowtorch to caramelize the sugar topping. Make sure you serve the crème brûlée immediately after the sugar has caramelized.

This cruise ends in Lyon, home of the late Paul Bocuse, one of the brains behind nouvelle cuisine. Guests will visit l’Institut Paul Bocuse and go in search of “black diamonds” at a truffle farm.

Vineyards & Castles

Oceania – Marina Amsterdam-Lisbon September 17, 2019 From £2,989pp On this itinerary guests will have the chance to join Oceania’s executive culinary director Jacques Pépin for exclusive signature menus, lectures, cooking demonstrations and more.

For more recipes, see cruise-adviser.com/tag/recipe

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December 2018 | Aft

LOOKOUT

1

Images from the latest industry events 1. Guests on board a recent Quark Expeditions trip to Antartica were treated to the sight of some new arrivals on Snow Hill Island.

2. Shearings Holidays and A-Rosa River Cruises recently hosted 20 agents on a fam trip on board A-Rosa Viva sailing on the Seine and visiting Vernon, Rouen and Paris. Enjoying the nice autumn weather on the sundeck are: (left to right) Phil Nuttall, The Cruise Village; Teresa Williams, Hays Travel homeworker; Michael Bowers, national sales manager at Shearings Holidays.

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3. Selina, AmaWaterways’ fitness guru, gives Giles Hawke, CEO of Avalon Waterways and Cosmo, a lesson on stage at Clia’s River Cruise Conference in Paris…

4. …plus, delegates at the River Conference join the networking session in between speakers at the event at the Novotel Tour Eiffel.

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5. The proud graduates from the inaugural Fred Olsen Women’s Leadership Network course receive their certificates at the Woburn Hotel, Woburn, Bedfordshire in November.

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December 2018 | Aft

FINAL WORD

What trends to expect as we sail into 2019 Sam Ballard looks at Abta’s Travel Trends and – from the rise of wellness holidays to technological innovations – sees that the cruise industry is ahead of the curve As we come to the end of the year, our thoughts naturally stray to the next and, for the purposes of this article, what is going to be big next year.

Countless organisations and media outlets have tried to predict the big trends of 2019. Few elicit much excitement. However, there is one list that is always worth reading: Abta’s Travel Trends.

The travel association doesn’t make its move without doing ample research and it shows. Last year, some of the trends they predicted included a taste for alternative destinations, responsible travel, luxury providing escapism and package holidays providing certainty to travellers.

This year, the list includes a commitment to holidays, especially Europe, wellness travel on the rise and the resurgence of the trusted travel expert. All of this bodes well for the cruise sector, not to mention the travel agents that sell into it.

The cruise industry has long been ahead of the curve. According to Clia’s 2017 Cruise Review the Mediterranean was the most popular destination for Brits in 2017 – representing 37 per cent of the entire market. It also grew by 12 per cent year-on-year. Northern Europe, the second most popular destination, also saw double digit growth.

Wellness has also become big business. Most river cruise lines offer active excursions for those who want to do a bit of walking or cycling in a destination as opposed to being bussed about. We ran a feature earlier in the year on AmaWaterways dedicating entire programmes to wellbeing and fitness. New ships – including the focus of this month’s cover feature, Celebrity Edge – have state-of-the-art gyms and dedicated spaces for yoga and pilates. The first Virgin Voyages ship, Scarlet Lady, will have an elevated running track.

And, being a specialist area of travel, the industry has long pushed the envelope when it comes to travel agents building their knowledge and becoming experts. There is a cruise for everyone, as the old adage goes, and, with the right amount of training, agents can get their customer on a cruise.

Another Abta Travel Trend is technology supporting a seamless holiday experience. Again, cruise is leading the way – whether it’s Zoe, MSC’s voice-activated digital assistant, Carnival’s Ocean Medallion or Royal Caribbean’s game changing app – the industry is investing millions.

So, with that in mind, here’s to a prosperous 2019 and a successful wave period. This year won’t be without its challenges – from Brexit on down – but if we’ve learnt anything over these past four years it’s that this industry is one of the most resilient out there.

COMING NEXT TIME Where next for cruise?

A-Rosa on the Danube

The class of 2019

Andy Harmer, Joseph Grimley, Antonio Paradiso and more share their predictions for the year ahead in cruise

Nathaniel Cramp sails the Danube with A-Rosa, the German-based river cruise line looking to target the UK market

From MSC Bellissima to Spirit of Discovery, we consider all the ship launches to look forward to next year

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