Cruise Adviser – February 2019 by Cruise Adviser

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F E B R UA R Y 2019

The light fantastic Sara Macefield joins Viking Cruises in Norway in search of the aurora borealis

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Book online at sagaagents.co.uk, call FREE on 0800 074 8021 or contact Agency Sales FREE on 0800 068 8732 Find us on social media Saga Trade Team Terms and Conditions: Every Saga holiday or cruise booked between December 27 to February 28, 2019 will be automatically entered into a weekly prize draw. Entries are unlimited. For full terms and conditions see sagaagents.co.uk/trade/incentives. Saga holidays are for anyone aged 50+. A travel companion may be 40+. NTA-SC1367.

February 2019 | Forward EDITOR’S LETTER

Cruise gets you to those bucket-list destinations In a recent survey of holidaymakers’ habits, 48 per cent of Britons put the northern lights at the top of their bucket list – placing the natural phenomenon above the Pyramids, African safaris and the Great Barrier Reef. This growing awareness of, and interest in, the aurora borealis has seen a tourism explosion in Iceland, a country that has quadrupled the number of annual foreign visitors in the The light last six years, and other parts of the Arctic Circle. fantastic Cruise has played a big part in this growth, and there are now more ways of getting to see the northern lights on a cruise than ever – including ex-UK, expedition and ultra-luxury options. It may come as surprise to learn that Viking Cruises, with its Norwegian heritage and Scandi designs, has not – until now – sailed to this part of the world. We sent Sara Macefield on the line’s very first In Search of the Northern Lights sailing from London Tilbury to Bergen. You can read her review on p30. Elsewhere in the magazine, Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises, shares his thoughts on expansion plans, the future of travel agencies, and how the cruise line is looking to expand its land offerings (p22). We’ve also got all the latest news, new hires and incentives (from p9) as well as our new-look How to Sell section, curated by Jane Archer. This month she looks at the variety of different expedition cruises available, picking options in the Arctic, Antarctica and the Galápagos Islands (p45).

THIS MONTH WHAT WE LEARNT

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L A R R Y P I M E N T E L I N T E R V I E W | B OO K I N G E A R L Y A N A L Y S I S

THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES

F E B R UA R Y 2 0 19

Sara Macefield joins Viking Cruises in Norway in search of the aurora borealis

VIRGIN VOYAGES NEEDS SOME FIRST MATES It’s the line’s name for travel advisers. See also: Shore Things (excursions) and Sailor Loot (onboard credit)

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IT LITERALLY PAYS TO BOOK EARLY Your customers can save money – and have a more enjoyable holiday – if you help them to plan ahead

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GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS WILDLIFE IS FRIENDLY As Darwin discovered, the incredible wildlife on the Pacific archipelago has no fear of humans

Sara Macefield visits the Galรกpagos Islands (p40) and a look at expedition cruises there (p45)

Contents MIDSHIP 30

Northern lights Sara Macefield heads north to the Arctic Circle with Viking Cruises in search of the incredible natural phenomenon Booking early With cruise lines releasing itineraries further and futher

ahead, Sam Ballard looks at the benefits of booking early 40

Galรกpagos Islands Along with her husband and teenage daughters, Sara Macefield visits the island paradise and finds the unqiue wildlife more than justifies the long journey

How to sell: expedition cruise Jane Archer sorts through the wide variety of options that are available for expedition cruises to Antarctica, the Galรกpagos Islands and the Arctic Turn over for more CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

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February 2019 | Forward

FORWARD 3

Ed’s letter

News Royal Caribbean unveil plans for five new private islands; Princess unveils the largest balconies at sea; Tauck announces a new ship and an expansion to the Douro

New hires The latest staff updates from Royal Caribbean, APT, Celebrity and MSC

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

Interview: Larry Pimentel The president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises talks to Sam Ballard about the line’s new ship and why he sees them as a “no-cruise cruise line” because of their dedication to destination

Ports of call: Dubai Jane Archer profiles the increasingly popular Gulf state, where everything is bigger and better than anywhere else

AFT 50

Directory All the cruise line contact details in one place

Games room While away your lunch break with the cruise adviser crossword or sudoku, or try your hand at our quiz

Lookout Can you see yourself in our selection of the latest photos from industry events

Final word Sam Ballard looks forward to the new technology set to revolutionise cruise Email info@cruise-adviser.com to share your thoughts CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

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NEWS

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U BY UNIWORLD

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Royal Caribbean’s 5 year, 5 private islands plan

‘Unrivalled’ exclusive islands will appeal to the UK market, says managing director, Ben Bouldin Royal Caribbean International will open a series of five ‘Perfect Day’ private islands over the next five years. The first launch will be Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas in May; this will be followed by islands in Asia to cater for the Chinese market, one off the coast of Australia and a further island in the Caribbean. For visitors keen to spend a day in paradise, 10 Royal Caribbean ships will feature CocoCay in itineraries this year – ships departing from New York, Maryland and Florida will all call at CocoCay. In 2020, ships will spend longer on the island, often departing in the evening. The following year in 2021, ships will stay overnight. A pier that can accommodate two ships, including one Oasis-class vessel, is being constructed, along with ‘limited overnight accommodation’ on the island, to offer guests a ‘suiteclass experience.’

Ben Bouldin, associate vice president and managing director UK, told cruise adviser: “We’re extremely excited to be launching the Perfect Day Island Collection which will comprise five unrivalled private island destinations around the world. We know that for our UK guests, the destinations we visit are just as important as our extraordinary onboard experience and the Perfect Day Collection aims to provide holidaymakers with their perfect holiday day. “The first of our exclusive Perfect Day destinations will launch this May 2019 at our private destination CocoCay The Bahamas. We know that Perfect Day at CocoCay is causing much interest from UK holidaymakers, both from keen cruisers and also those who are new to the cruise experience and are keen to set foot on this private destination.”

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The B to move to a new home for 2020 season

Following a successful inaugural year, U by Uniworld’s The B will move to central Europe in 2020. With increasing demand for the region, The B will cease operation on the Seine and resume in the 2020 season with new itineraries in its new home – including Brussels to Amsterdam and Amsterdam to Frankfurt. “As a brand, U will always stay true to its ethos as a chic, fun, never-before-seen cruise experience, but we also want to remain open to consumer trends and feedback,” said Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of U. “As we look forward, the demand is pointing towards central Europe, where guests can experience a new city – and sometimes a different country – each day, which simply isn’t feasible on the Seine.”

SAGA

Maritime names for Spirit of Discovery suites Saga Cruises has named the suites on its new-build ship Spirit of Discovery after the various Shipping Forecast areas. Some of the names include Bailey, Fair Isle, FitzRoy, Hebrides, Thames and Trafalgar. Saga chief operating officer Nigel Blank said: “Naming the suites with an original, British maritime theme was one goal, but we also wanted to recognise our heritage and the important names in Saga Cruises’ own history.”

February 2019 | Forward PRINCESS CRUISES

Largest balconies at sea unveiled

New ships Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess will have two Sky Suites Princess Cruises has announced that its two newest ships, Sky Princess and Enchanted Princess, will have the largest balconies ever offered by a cruise line. The two Sky Suites will boast a central location on the ships’ top decks, with one measuring 95 square metres and the other 88 square metres – each around the size of half a tennis court. Sleeping up to five guests and offering 270-degree panoramic views, the Sky Suites will also provide a perfect and private vantage point for the ships’ top deck Movies Under the Stars cinema screen. They will feature two

bedrooms, two bathrooms and a dining area with skylight. Sky Princess will launch in October and sail a short season in the Mediterranean before heading to the Caribbean. Meanwhile, Enchanted Princess will launch in Southampton in June, 2020 before setting sail in the Mediterranean. Both ships will carry 3,660 guests.

Tony Roberts, vice president, Princess Cruises UK and Europe, said: “We can’t wait for guests to experience these new suites, which will set the standard for the premium stateroom experience at sea. The suites will offer the best of both worlds, where guests can relax with friends or family, or host their own en suite celebrations in style.”

SILVERSEA

MSC CRUISES

QUARK EXPEDITIONS

Luxury line launches first expedition world cruise

Celebrities to attend launch of new ship

Polar specialist celebrates steel-cutting of new ship

Silversea Cruises has announced it will operate the world’s first expedition world cruise. The 167day voyage on Silver Cloud will call at 107 destinations, sailing from from Ushuaia, in Argentina, to Tromsø, Norway. Departing on January 30, 2021, Silver Cloud will call at six new ports of call: Naxos, Folegandros and Nafpaktos, Greece; Ksamil, Albania; Bejaïa, Algeria; and Fort William, Scotland. It will allow guests to take in Antarctica, French Polynesia and the Arctic. Silversea will also sail a 150day world cruise in 2021 on Silver Whisper, which will call at 54 ports and depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on January 7, 2021.

MSC Cruises’ latest ship MSC Bellissima will be named at a ceremony in Southampton on March 2, with a host of celebrities set to be in attendance. Hosting the naming ceremony will be TV presenter Holly Willoughby, while Nile Rodgers and his band Chic, along with singer Craig David will provide the soundtrack. MSC Cruises’ godmother, Sophia Loren, will perform the ribbon cutting and officially name the vessel. The ship is set to break records as the largest ever to be launched in Southampton. As part of the event, guests will be treated to an exclusive Cirque du Soleil at Sea performance on the pier.

Quark Expeditions has celebrated the steel-cutting of its new ship, launching in 2020. The ceremony took place at the shipyard of Quark Expeditions’ build partner Brodosplit, and was attended by the president of Quark Expeditions, Andrew White; CEO of DIV Group, Tomislav Debeljak and CEO of Brodosplit, Zoran Kunkera. The new vessel will feature a range of cutting-edge safety features and innovations that will minimise its environmental footprint. White said: “With this new ship, in the hands of the most experienced expedition team in the industry, we will get our guests further into the polar regions in a vessel of exceptional comfort.” CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

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February 2019 | Forward PONANT

TAUCK

Tauck to sail the Douro with new ship

Unlimited wi-fi now available on board French ship operator Ponant is now offering unlimited free wi-fi to all passengers, irrespective of their category of stateroom. Using a satellite connection, the service allows passengers to take to the sea without losing contact, offering free wi-fi access in most of the regions travelled by the company’s ships, including the remotest of locations, and for the full duration of the cruise. The line will launch two ships this year.

CMV

Line looks for regional business manager

The brand new MS Andorinha is being purpose built for the Portuguese river and will launch in 2020 Tauck will offer its first ever cruises on the Douro in 2020, on board a ship that’s being designed and built specifically for the increasingly popular Portuguese river. Tauck said the new ship, MS Andorinha, will defy standard industry practice of maximising passenger capacity to boost revenue, and will instead offer more suites, more spacious public areas, and an intimacy that results from having fewer guests on board. At 84 guests, it will carry fewer guests than any other vessel currently operating on the Douro. “Riverboats sailing the Douro average 80m in length and accommodate as many as 130 passengers,” said Tauck CEO Dan Mahar. “That’s 55 per cent more guests in the same space, and you just can’t deliver the same level of experience or ambiance with those kinds of numbers.”

Mahar hinted that MS Andorinha will also boast a number of design features to make it suited to cruising the Douro. “The Douro is a very different river, and so we’ve been consciously deliberate with the ship’s design,” he said. “In terms of infrastructure, we’re excited to have some surprises in store that will truly differentiate us.” Tauck is collaborating with its long-time partner Scylla AG on the design and construction. The hull will be fabricated at Vahali Shipyard in Serbia, with the final outfitting completed in Hardinxveld, the Netherlands. Tauck’s three new Douro river itineraries will include a 12-day journey that bookends a seven-night cruise with two-night stays in both Lisbon and Madrid; an eight-day ‘cruise only’ itinerary; and an eight-day Tauck Bridges cruise designed for families.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages is looking to hire a new business development manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland, following a period of growth. Lisa Jacobs, CMV’s head of trade sales and groups, said: “Due to our increased business and new regional departures we have restructured our sales distribution. This means we are recruiting a new manager to head up business development.” Overall, 80 per cent of CMV’s business comes from the trade.

SEABOURN

Antarctic explorer to join speaker programme Antarctic explorer Colin O’Brady, who made worldwide headlines when he became the first person to cross the landmass of Antarctica solo – covering the 1,600km in just 54 days, will join the Seabourn Conversations programme for its first Antarctic sailing of the 2019-2020 season. The sailing, a 21-day Ultimate Antarctica & Patagonia itinerary, departs November 28, 2019 from San Antonio (Santiago), Chile.

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February 2019 | Forward

OPINION

VIRGIN VOYAGES

Suite dreams are made of this Janet Parton, sales director, Avalon Waterways

As the move towards laid-back and effortless elegance continues to lead the luxury travel trend for the year ahead, guests can now enjoy “suite” dreams by night, and also by day, as staterooms and suites now work better for them. Cruise companies are now giving even greater thought and consideration to staterooms and suites, designing them with the guest’s user experience in mind. Gone are the days when purely comfort, practicality or interior design ruled. Understanding travellers’ preferences help inform the luxury element, aesthetics and use of

“Cruise companies are now giving even greater thought to staterooms” the room. These all impact the overall experience, maximising opportunities to interact with the waterways both in and outside of the guest room – considerations not to be ignored. As travellers enjoy greater luxury in their everyday lives, ensuring we meet or exceed room expectations as an industry is one of the ‘suite’ spots of successful cruising. Previous years have seen trends towards ‘smart’ cabins and maximising technological advances. Space maximisation and solo cabins have also made waves across industry forums. However, 2019 is the year of the ‘hotel feel’, not compromising

on design, practicality or quality and playing to the cruise industry’s strength of a different view a day. According to a recent survey, 92 per cent of travellers said beds facing the view is “important” or “extremely important” when booking a river cruise. Much like city centre suites that have gone before, in traditional luxury hotels, wall-to-wall, floor-toceiling windows are now available on the waterways, blurring the lines between the inside comforts of the ship and the exotic, enticing or authentic nature of the outside view. Interacting with the destination in a different way. Travel is all about inviting the outside into your eyeline and the travel experience into your heart. The on-land luxuries that guests experience in hotels can now be experienced on the water too, reigniting a love affair with cruising for the experienced cruiser and encouraging new guests alike. This shines a spotlight on the importance of spaciousness while offering an exclusive view of the river. As a move towards creating a greater number of suites on the waterways takes hold, it is time that the choice is as wide as the views themselves. From marble bathrooms and beds facing the view, river cruising is keeping up with the best in on-land accommodation, helping guests fall in love with the waterways of the world, all over again.

Virgin’s mates’ rates

Virgin Voyages has revealed details of how the company will be “brilliant to do business with” for all travel advisors, or First Mates. No part of a booking with Virgin Voyages is non-commissionable, so First Mates will earn across their client’s entire transaction. This includes add-ons like flights, hotel stays, voyage protection, Shore Things (excursions), spa treatments, any premium package, Sailor Loot (onboard credits) and even taxes and fees. Virgin Voyages is introducing a base commission of 10 per cent on the entire transaction, with nothing excluded. In addition, all First Mates or affiliated organisations can earn a Red Hot Bonus on sailed revenue up to an additional six per cent, if they meet certain production thresholds. Virgin Voyages unveiled further details on its value proposition for Sailors, including abolishing gratuities, penalties and change fees. First Mates have the opportunity to sell voyages based on the total value proposition rather than price and to reach a new client base, which translates to more commission earned. Firstmates.com is currently registering travel agencies. It opens for bookings on February 14. CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

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2018

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Fares are per person, cruise only in UK sterling based on double occupancy in an outside stateroom and include port, security and handling charges, which vary by departure. All fares, offers and itineraries are subject to change and availability and can be withdrawn at any time. Fares may fluctuate and should be used as a guide only. Prices may go up or down. You should contact us on 0207 399 7601 before booking, or visit our website www.crystalcruises.co.uk. The fares are available to new bookings only and are only available to UK & Eire residents. Restrictions apply. See crystalcruises.co.uk for complete terms and conditions of all offers. ©2019 Crystal Cruises, LLC. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas.

February 2019 | Forward

NEW HIRES

Royal Caribbean announces new sales team appointments

APT adds to their UK trade support team Chris So Woon Yuen has been appointed as business development Manager at APT. Chris, who has over 10 years’ experience in the industry, will support agents in the central region – from Bedfordshire to Derbyshire. Other changes at APT include the return of the UK trade marketing manager, Laura Picton from maternity leave and the appointment of Mala Mistry as PR manager.

New appointments and promotions at Celebrity

Royal Caribbean has announced the hire of two new, results driven senior sales personnel. Sales director Martin MacKinnon will be joining the Royal Caribbean sales team from early April. With experience of a range of senior commercial leadership roles at Diageo and Kimberly Clark, MacKinnon will be joining the UK and Ireland senior leadership team, and will

report to associate vice president and managing director of UK and Ireland, Ben Bouldin. With a track record of developing and delivering winning sales strategies, Donna Carley will join as head of key accounts in April. Finally, Lauren Mepham, previously retail manager at TUI, has started her role as regional sales manager for London South & the Channel Islands.

Celebrity Cruises is enhancing its sales team with two new appointments, internal promotions and a revised structure. The changes see Celebrity recruiting for two new people – a regional sales manager for the south east, and one for Scotland and Ireland – while Mandy Burrie and Zoe Edwards have moved to new roles as strategic account manager retail north and south respectively. Jonny Peat takes on the position of business development manager.

MSC Cruises aims to build on the success of its landmark year by expanding its UK and Ireland sales team with three new appointments MSC Cruises have announced three new appointments to their sales team. Suzanne Rowe has been appointed to the role of head of sales Ireland, Lisa Burton to regional sales manager for the Midlands territory and Carrie Jordan Dodd becomes regional sales manager for the South West & Wales. Rowe reports to director of sales, Steve Williams, while Burton and Jordan Dodd will both report to head of retail, Andrea Stafford. The announcements follow a landmark year for MSC Cruises, in

both in the UK and Ireland, where the brand has seen growth of 50 per cent. In Ireland MSC Cruises celebrated 10 years trading and its most successful year of sales ever. Rowe comes to the role following 25 years at the helm of Konnections, a well-established Irish-based consultancy firm. Of her appointment Antonio Paradiso, managing director, MSC Cruises UK & Ireland, said: “The cruise industry in Ireland is going from strength to strength and at MSC Cruises, as market leader, we

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want to lead the way in expanding distribution by creating engaging campaigns that inspire consumers to choose a cruise. Suzanne has the expertise across sales, marketing and event management to do this and I look forward to continued success in the Irish market.” Steve Williams added: “Suzanne’s skills will be key to MSC Cruises’ development over the next 10 years as we launch a further 14 ships – including MSC Bellissima and MSC Grandiosa in 2019.”

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For more information visit auroraexpeditions.com.au/europe-uk-agents email: agents@auroraexpeditions.co.uk phone: 0808 189 2005

*Terms and conditions apply. Valid on select ship voyages and select cabin categories. Subject to availability. Offer valid until the 31st March 2019 or until sold out. For full terms and conditions visit auroraexpeditions.co.uk. Zodiac (boat) featured was at a safe distance from glacier.

February 2019 | Forward

INCENTIVES

Enjoy life in The Lap of Luxury in Dubai with Royal Caribbean

Now you can Sell to Sail with Silversea Silversea will reward agents with their very own cruise as part of their Sell to Sail opportunity. To qualify you need to confirm three new suites on select 2019 voyages before February 28. Every agent is able to earn a maximum of one complimentary suite on Silver Discoverer, Silver Exporer or Silver Cloud, but there is no limit to the number awarded to each agency.

APT offers fam trips for agents during sale

Royal Caribbean is offering agents a VIP luxury trip to Dubai as part of its new initiative, The Lap of Luxury. This trip will take place in May, with 15 winners being treated to Emirates flights, a luxury stay at the exclusive Atlantis Hotel and a visit to Royal Caribbean’s cutting-edge new ship Spectrum of the Seas. To be in with a chance of winning a place on the trip, between now and

February 28 agents can earn points through making bookings, answering quiz questions and posting Royal Caribbean content (available via Club Rewards) on social media. The top 14 agents will win a place on the trip, the remainder of the top 25 will race it out for the final place in a high octane play-off at the famous Brooklands circuit at Mercedes-Benz World in Weybridge.

Australian-owned River cruise and ecorted touring specialists APT are offering three fam trips in Europe, New Zealand and on the Mekong – including return flights – to agents who make an APT booking during the company’s sale, which runs until February 28. Agents making an APT booking during this time can enter themselves into the prize draw by heading over to apt-experts.co.uk/incentive. If you make more than one booking you can enter multiple times.

Carnival Cruise Line offers agents an all-expenses-paid trip to Ibiza, in conjunction with the Ibiza Rocks Hotel as part of wave season Carnival Cruise Line has announced details of its wave season booking incentive, which runs until the end of February. During this period, every booking claimed through Carnival Cruise Line’s Loyalty Rocks Club will earn agents 10 points (the equivalent of £10), with the top 20 bookers bagging themselves a fabulous allexpenses paid trip to the legendary Ibiza Rocks Hotel. The trip will take place in June and the prize includes return flights, overseas transfers and three nights’

accommodation at the hotel, with exclusive access to the incredible Ibiza Rocks pool parties. Carnival Cruise Line will also be hosting its Travel Agents Rock Awards in Ibiza during the same week. The awards recognise the dedication of the line’s trade partners throughout the wave season, as well as the performances of its agent partners through incentive programmes and training. The awards will take place at the iconic Pikes Hotel and will be followed by an afterparty.

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Located in the heart of the party town of San Antonio, Ibiza Rocks Hotel is just a short walk to the iconic Sunset Strip, bars and beach. As well as access to the parties, agents will enjoy two sun-soaked swimming pools, plenty of Bali beds and sun loungers, multiple bars and restaurants, a supermarket, Rocks merchandise shop and free wi-fi throughout the hotel. To register for the Loyalty Rocks Club, agents should visit loyaltyrocksclub.com.

Franz Josef Land Archipelago Expedition to the enigmatic glaciated archipelago to explore past the edges of the known world. Paddling adventures here are real and unscripted as guests explore rugged coastlines and hidden coves in this remote Arctic wilderness. Franz Josef Land also offers an abundance of unique photo opportunities. A land of contrasts, it has lush tundra oases amid vast polar deserts, bird cliffs in sight of glaciers, and sea ice any time of year. This enchanting landscape also has photo-worthy geological features such as the stone spheres of Champ Island.

A stone sphere of Champ Island

Unique polar ecosystem Boasting primeval landscapes of incomparable beauty, isolation and tranquility, this pristine polar environment supports a fragile but vibrant Arctic ecosystem. Polar bears, walrus, endangered bowhead whales and other Arctic wildlife can be spotted around the archipelago. Collectors of geographical extremes may note that Cape Fligely on Rudolf Island is the northernmost point of land in the Eastern Hemisphere. Most historically significant places in the High Arctic

Convenient sailing to the wildest region of the Arctic The guests are travelling aboard the small luxury expedition ship Sea Spirit, where comfort, gracious hospitality and sophisticated ambience are the perfect complements to the Polar wilderness outside. Guests aboard the 114-passenger, iceclass vessel are led by an experienced team of naturalists and polar specialists. Give your clients an opportunity to explore this remotest and rarely visited archipelago in comfort they do not even expect to find in high polar latitudes. Walruses reposing on an ice floe

Historical relics and the remains of makeshift dwellings offer striking testimony to the incredible struggles of early explorers such as Fridtjof Nansen, Frederick George Jackson, Julius von Payer and other polar explorers. Unrivalled location for kayaking and photography A variety of ice features and the possibility of encountering seals and walrus make this an exciting place to be a kayaker.

For reservations: sales@poseidonexpeditions.com

Please call + 44 203 808 7787 or visit poseidonexpeditions.com

Cape Tegetthoff, Hall Island

80°05'52'' E 058°00'55'' N

February 2019| Forward

INTERVIEW

“In many ways we are a no-cruise cruise line” Sam Ballard speaks to Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises, about how the increasingly popular line is dedicated to destination Larry Pimentel is a man worth listening to. The president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises has held the top job at luxury lines including SeaDream Yacht Club, Seabourn and Cunard making for a CV which is hard to beat. It also means that he offers a unique perspective when it comes to looking at the luxury sector and the wider travel industry. During a recent conversation which covered everything from his views on the future of travel agencies (“they need to offer a return on life”) to the kind of company Azamara could become (“it’s conceivable we could offer land only holidays”),

Pimentel’s comments were nothing but thoroughly insightful. Azamara Club Cruises is on the verge of its most successful year ever. That comes down to a 50 per cent increase in capacity after the launch of Azamara Pursuit in Southampton last August. Pimentel has often said that if he could launch Azamara again he would make it a British company, such is the enthusiasm that Brits hold for it. British customers are more likely than any other nationality to rebook an Azamara cruise – 56 per cent compared to the company average of 41 per cent. In five years the UK business doubled,

and net yield increased by 15 per cent last year. In January, on the day of Theresa May’s record-breaking Brexit vote defeat, Azamara enjoyed its biggest ever booking day in the UK. But why exactly is Azamara so popular with Britons? “The destination is the number one reason that people book a cruise. That’s been the number one reason ever since I’ve been in the industry,” Pimentel explains. “Our entire product is designed around the destination. Our new brochure is called a Destination Guide, it doesn’t even have the word cruise on the cover. In 2020 we will have more

Azamara Pursuit – the line’s latest former R-class ship – pictured in Norway

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February 2019| Forward

The elegant central staircase on Azamara Pursuit

than 441 late-night and overnight stays. Can you imagine calling at somewhere in the Mediterranean and leaving before evening? It’s when these destinations come to life. “A lot of lines say they do overnights, but my question to them is what do you do overnight? They often don’t have much programming.” With that exposure to destinations – across 2020, 47 per cent of cruises are down as being dedicated to one country (country intensive) plus the company has a burgeoning pre and post-cruise programme – the question arises whether Pimentel could foresee a time when Azamara could offer a holiday that is totally land-based? “I see things like this [land offering] expanding a great deal. So, could we be a land operator? The answer is yes,” Pimentel explains. “We have a very comprehensive offering. Our AzAmazing evenings are products that cannot be Googled.

It’s fascinating how we put bits and pieces together to create an event that culturally connects people. They’re now done in over 80 countries with local companies. This is a brand with a purpose. We are connecting people. “A few years ago the ship went to the Middle East and we went to a Bedouin tented community and stayed overnight. I tasted vegetables and fruits that I have never tasted before. I heard instruments that I have never heard before. This was while on a ‘cruise’. “In many ways we are a no-cruise cruise line. We’re every bit about the destination. People like the ship very much – it gets them there but we’re a hybrid product. Could we one day sell land? I think that’s highly conceivable.” In May, Pimentel will be one of the keynote speakers at Clia’s flagship conference alongside fellow industry luminaries like Virgin Voyages CEO

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Tom McAlpin. Pimentel’s talk will cover future travel trends, including the next generation of consumer and travel seller. “Technology is changing the speed of everything. The market will never be slower than it is today,” Pimentel says. “You will see the elimination of money in your lifetime. We used to carry a huge amount of cash on our ships. Now there is hardly any. “We have technology with Royal Caribbean called Excalibur that uses Face recognition technology. We won’t need you to sign for anything, your bill will go straight to your cabin. We’ll know whether you prefer chicken or beef. You can even check-in to your cruise by just walking through the terminal.” When it comes to travel agents, the future is also going in only one way, Pimentel adds. “Agents will need to be value interpreters,” he says. “You want to

February 2019| Forward go to Venice? There are three choices if you want the best. I think for you this one is perfect. A financial adviser offers a return on investment, a travel agent must offer a return on life. “It’s not about reading the brochure upside down faster. It’s all about knowledge. The future is not in being a generalist. That will be online. Pick and click. EasyJet flights between Manchester and Spain for £29. You don’t need an interpreter for that and the airline industry has developed the technology to handle it.” When it came to his own company’s growth, Pimentel says he would be happy to add to his collection of R-class ships – Azamara Quest, Journey and Pursuit are all R-class – from the now defunct Renaissance Cruises. The rest of the eight ships are spread across the industry with four of them with Oceania Cruises (Insignia, Regatta, Sirena and Nautica) and the Pacific Princess, which is sailing with Princess Cruises. “Let’s just say it’s not a secret to anybody that has an R-class ship I am quite happy to take it,” Pimentel adds. “They can say that it does not work but our numbers show it does work, but we change the product. “I happen to love the ships. I hope that we can get [another].”

An AzAmazing event in Cherbourg at the naming ceremony of Azamara Pursuit in Cherbourg, August 2018

AZAMARA PURSUIT Refitted in Belfast by the MJM Group at Harland and Wolff shipyard to the sum of £50m, Azamara Pursuit is the first modern cruise ship to be entirely refurbished in the UK. The ship was previously known as Adonia and was owned by P&O Cruises, where it was a firm favourite with customers. It has also sailed under Swan Hellenic and Princess Cruises and made history when, operating under Carnival’s ‘social enterprise’ brand Fathom, it became the first ship to sail from the US to Cuba in half a century in May 2016. Pursuit will call at 73 destinations, including 15 maiden ports, such as Agadir, Morocco; Antofagasta, Chile; Fowey, United Kingdom; Lima, Peru; Maceió, Brazil; Seyðisfjörður, Iceland and Spetses, Greece. It will also sail the Beagle Channel at the southern tip of Chile. Itineraries will include 63 overnight stays and 73 late nights. CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

Mykonos, Greece

On over 90 select 2019 & 2020 voyages, with prices starting from £869 for the first guest.

Book a select 2019 voyage from now until 28th February 2019 and earn up to £40** on each Azamara booking you make! PLUS you’ll receive £20 on every other Azamara booking.

Visit our travel agent portal ClubAzamara.co.uk for further details.

Call 0844 481 7698= | Visit AzamaraClubCruises.co.uk Customer Rating based on independent verified reviews.

*Selected 2019 & 2020 Voyages. Offer ends 31st March 2019. Price based on first guest in stateroom with Share & Save promotion applied. Free Wi-Fi is for Ocean View staterooms and above. **T&C’s apply. Visit ClubAzamara.co.uk for details. =Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

February 2019 | Forward

PORTS OF CALL

Dubai

If you want anything, and you want it bigger and better than anywhere else, you’ll find it here, says Jane Archer Love it or hate it, you can’t help but be impressed by Dubai, a tiny state in the Middle East that got rich on oil in the 1960s and has since blossomed into one of the world’s most successful tourist destinations. It’s a world where everything is done to impress, be it the world’s tallest building, scariest water slide or biggest shopping mall. It’s where visitors can be on a desert safari in the morning and skiing in the afternoon. Shoppers in Dubai Mall don’t just splash the cash, but go ice-skating or visit an aquarium with a giant 10 million-litre tank. Most of Dubai’s tourists are flyand-flop hotel guests but the number of cruise passengers is growing fast. Some 750,000 are forecast for the current season, which runs from November to mid-March, with one million targeted within two years. That’s impressive given that Dubai was just a port of call for ships sailing between Europe and Asia until a little over decade ago, when Costa Cruises based a ship there for the first time. This season six ships – including one from P&O Cruises and two from MSC Cruises – are homeporting in

Dubai, and they will be joined in winter 2020 by Royal Caribbean International’s Jewel of the Seas. There is so much to see and do in the emirate that most lines – those with ships based there, or others who are just passing through – schedule a couple of days in port so folk can tick off as much as possible. Whether clients are aged 10 or 70, want activities, thrills or just to see the sights, there is something for everyone, which is all the more impressive given Dubai is no bigger than Cornwall if you exclude all the offshore islands that have been manufactured in recent years. Thrill-seekers can go for a hair-raising 4x4 roller coaster ride through the sand dunes in the desert – afternoon tours usually end at a Bedouin-style camp with a BBQ and belly dancing – or ride the XLine over Dubai marina. It’s a zipline on which ‘flyers’ lie horizontally (think Superman) and go from 170m (roughly the height of London’s BT Tower) to ground level at 60mph. Families can get their kicks on the Riptide FlowRider, scary Jumeirah Sceirah and more serene Burj Surj in

February 2019 | Forward the Wild Wadi Waterpark. Or head to IMG Worlds of Adventure – the world’s largest indoor theme park, which has rides that loop, roll, spin and travel through jungles full of dinosaurs. There are also superheroes to meet and live shows to watch. Visitors can also travel in one of the world’s fastest lifts to the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, to enjoy the views over the city. Atmosphere on the 122nd floor is the highest lounge bar in the world, of course. It’s worth returning to the Burj Khalifa after dark, but staying on the ground to watch a sound, light and ‘dancing’ fountain show at the foot of the building (shows run every half hour from 6pm-11pm). Advise clients to grab a seat at one of the nearby restaurants and try some local cuisine at the same time. Grilled lamb and fish with rice are favourite dishes. There are seaplane rides above the city, a spice market and gold souk to explore and a chance to peek into ‘old’ Dubai in the Al Fahidi district, where a museum in an 18th century fort tells of the rise of Dubai from when it was a fishing village to the discovery of oil and the riches that followed. Skiers can take to the slopes in an indoor resort in Mall of the Emirates that has real snow and a colony of gentoo and king penguins. For

something more refined, there’s afternoon tea in the Skyview Bar on the 27th floor of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel. It costs about £130pp; booking is a must. Cruise lines offer excursions to suit all tastes, but for those who prefer to explore alone, there’s a metro, tram and monorail, as well as buses and taxis (these can be hailed in the street or pre-booked using the Uber app).

Keen walkers or cyclists can get away from the hustle and bustle on a towpath that runs alongside the Dubai Canal – a 3.2km long manmade waterway that runs between Business Bay and the Persian Gulf. At night a colourful curtain of water cascades down from Sheikh Zayed Road and is literally drawn back when a boat approaches. Like with many other things – only in Dubai.

THREE DUBAI CRUISES Dubai & Arabian Gulf

Dubai, Abu Dhabi & India

Oman & United Arab Emirates

P&O Cruises – Oceana Dubai (round-trip) December 11, 2019 From £999pp

MSC Cruises – MSC Lirica Dubai (round-trip) February 29, 2020 From £1,249pp

Ten-night cruise with overnights in Dubai at the start and end. Calls into Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, Manama in Bahrain and Muscat and Khasab in Oman add exotic touches.

This 14-night cruise tags Goa and Mumbai in India, onto a full day and overnight in Dubai, where excursions (extra cost) include swimming with dolphins and lunch at the Burj Al Arab.

Royal Caribbean International – Jewel of the Seas Dubai (round-trip) December 16, 2019 From £399 cruise-only A BBQ dinner and night in the desert is among optional excursions on this eight-day cruise, which visits Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas and Muscat. CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

Your One Stop Shop For River Cruising

We are the General Sales Agents for Amadeus River Cruises, Pandaw and American Cruise Lines and are the preferred suppliers for Far Horizon and Volga Dream Fred.\ River Cruises is proud to offer a wide range of river cruise lines that will help your customers discover a ship and itinerary to suit them, whilst taking into account their likes, dislikes and budget. We can tailor-make cruises for European and Worldwide rivers, with pre/post cruise land extensions and regional flights. Not only that, we can organise all of those little extras that transform a great holiday into an amazing one.

Options to tailor-make river cruises with land stays, excursions, flights, rails and more...

Meet the Fred River Cruises team...

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Sales & Reservations Manager

Senior River Cruise Specialist

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River Cruise Specialist

Administration Assistant

CALL ON: 0800 021 3172 | sales@fredrivercruises.co.uk | www.fredrivercruises.co.uk

NORTHERN LIGHTS

The light fantastic Sara Macefield sails north with Viking Cruises to witness one of the most incredible natural sights â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the aurora borealis

February 2019 | Midship I don’t think I’ve ever felt so cold in my life. It’s minus 32 degrees and every time I take a deep breath, the glacial air stabs deep into my chest like a dagger and freezes the insides of my nostrils. The sky is pitch black, with the only light flowing from a full moon that casts a luminous sheen over the dramatic snow-covered landscape. It feels like the dead of night, yet it’s only mid-afternoon. In the distance, I make out a huddle of dark shapes and, as we get closer, I spot the spiky antlers of a herd of reindeer waiting patiently alongside Santa-style sleighs that have been lined up to transport us into the snowy wilderness. This wintry escapade is one of the many unforgettable highlights of Viking Cruises’ Northern Lights sailings that debuted last month (January), taking passengers to the top of Norway and deep into the Arctic Circle. The chance to spot the dancing displays of the aurora borealis is an irresistible prospect that has tempted me and the other 900 or so passengers on this first sailing. Alas, cloudy skies and disappointing showings mean this natural attraction ends up as more of an also-ran when compared to the spectacular scenery and polar adventures that accompany this

Breathtaking Arctic landscapes are as much of a selling point as the northern lights ; Sara goes dog sledding across the snow; and builds a snowman on deck

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February 2019 | Midship 12-night voyage that takes us from London Tilbury to Bergen. All I spot are wispy pale squiggles that look vaguely green once captured on camera, but this lacklustre effort certainly doesn’t detract from a cruise that fast becomes one of the most memorable I’ve taken. Overnight stops at the pretty Arctic city of Tromsø and the far northern town of Alta – which sits almost midway between Norway’s capital Oslo and the North Pole – open the door to a wintry world of adventures where guests can stay overnight in an ice hotel and a husky camp or speed away on Nordic skiing and snowmobile safaris. I’m spoilt for choice, although the cost of such thrills, from around $300 to nearly $600 (there are cheaper, tamer options from $79), slams the biggest brake on my ambitions. But such bucket list experiences are difficult to resist and the chance to visit a Sámi camp for reindeer sledding, followed by warming bowls of hearty reindeer broth served in a traditional teepee-like Lavvu tent while listening to Sámi herdsmen talking about their lives, make for a fascinating, if chilly, escapade. But the best adventure follows the next morning when I find myself gliding through a winter wonderland of snow-covered trees on a sled pulled by a boisterous troop of howling huskies as the first rays of sun creep over the horizon. It’s a magical feeling watching dawn break in such a northern extremis where, on my January visit, daylight lasts just a few short hours. Our stop in Alta coincides with direct sunlight hitting the snowy mountain tops for the first time since last November as the sun rises at 10.33am before setting all too quickly around two hours later. Days may be scarily brief, but the views are as pristine as you’ll ever see with ivory mountains sitting against a sky that turns every shade from pale rose pink to bright coral as morning builds, before deepening into a rich crimson tide as the short-lived daylight fades into dusk. Our ship Viking Sky makes a perfect viewing platform for such natural CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

February 2019 | Midship phenomena with vast windows and airy interiors that effortlessly flow into each other. As we sail southwards towards Bergen, I spend a lazy morning watching the craggy coastline slip by while curled up on one of the comfy sofas in the Wintergarden, where the glass retractable roof lends a conservatory feel.

“Days may be scarily brief, but the views are as pristine as you’ll ever see” Viking Sky, like its virtually identical sister ships, is a byword for Scandi-style chic thanks to the line’s Norwegian heritage, evident from the artworks and Scandinavian artefacts. A fascinating reproduction of the Bayeux Tapestry depicting the 1066 Battle of Hastings fills the stairwells, while the main reception area, called the Living Room, is a casually elegant space to take coffee, surf the internet (refreshingly, wi-fi is free), or browse books from the onboard library. There’s a real feel of cosmopolitan quality, not just from the casually stylish furnishings and wonderfully luxuriant spa (complete with a snow room filled with white fluffy flakes), but the welcome inclusions. Free wine with meals and a complimentary excursion (normally a coach tour – some average, some excellent) at each port stop are two of the most striking features that Viking has clearly taken from its river cruise operation. Dining is another treat, with no charges for speciality options either. The main venue, The Restaurant, impresses with its wide selection of dishes and good service, although The Chef’s Table with its Mexicanthemed menu and delicious Erling’s Scandinavian Bistro menu showcasing Nordic cuisine is outstanding. Such Norwegian home comforts ensure that cruising through some of the planet’s most inhospitable terrain doesn’t have to be a hardship. It really does leave me feeling on top of the world.

Clockwise from above: The Scandi interiors of Viking Sky; Bryggen in Bergen; and crew clear snow from the top deck

SHIP SHAPE: VIKING SKY The ship was christened in June 2017 at Tromsø and built by Fincantieri at a cost of around $400m. Viking Sky has two pools, a spa, a fitness centre, two restaurants, several lounges and bars, a sports deck, a theatre, and various shops.

Balcony Suites

465

Built

2017

Cabins

465

Capacity

930

Crew

465

Decks

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February 2019 | Midship

THREE NORTHERN LIGHTS CRUISES 13 days with Viking

13 nights with CMV

Hurtigruten Bergen (round-trip), all year, daily departures From £1,180pp

Viking Cruises Bergen to London, March 14, 2019 From £5,345pp including flights

Cruise & Maritime Voyages London Tilbury (round-trip), October 24 2019 From £970pp

Photo by Chloé Bourhis

12 days with Hurtigruten

Discover Norway’s entire coastal route with 34 ports of call and almost 2,500 nautical miles of coastal scenery. Choose from more than 90 excursions.

Cruise far north in Norway’s winter on Viking Sky, experience snow-dusted landscapes, cities hushed in slumber, a sled dog ride and the luminous aurora borealis dancing in the sky.

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Venture high above the Arctic Circle where, by day you can witness scenery including the North Cape, and by night the Northern Lights.

ANALYSIS

Booking early As cruise lines release their itineraries further and further ahead, Sam Ballard looks at the various incentives for agents to book their customers onto cruises as early as possible

February 2019 | Midship When it comes to booking a cruise, does it really benefit the consumer to commit as early as possible? We are often told that it’s the case. Lines are releasing their itineraries further and further ahead – giving competitors a unique insight into their programming and putting pressure on themselves to sell cruises across two or even three years’ worth of itineraries. So, what incentive is there for agents to book their customers out as early as possible? The answer lies in cruise lines following a model similar to airlines, whereby the price of your ticket is only going to rise. Or, at least that’s the theory. The reality is there is much more to it than cruise price alone. One cruise line which follows the airline model is Saga. The firm, which is due to launch its first new-build vessel, Spirit of Discovery, in July, pioneers its very own Price Promise. The idea is that a certain number of cabins from each grade are put aside at a discount – these are then sold on a first come first served basis. As time goes on, the discount reduces – thus the price you pay directly corresponds to when you book. If a cheaper fare is brought in then Saga will return the difference. “We’re very proud of our Price Promise at Saga Cruises, which guarantees that, should we ever cut our prices or bring in a new special offer later on, we’ll work out the difference and pass the value of the saving back to your customers,” explains Iain Powell, Saga’s head of trade sales. “This means booking early with us guarantees the best deals as well

“Cruise lines follow a model similar to airlines, whereby the price is only going to rise. Well, at least that’s the theory” as cabin selection. To my knowledge, we’re one of the only cruise lines offering this promise, which is a massive selling point for travel agents when talking to their customers.”

February 2019 | Midship Ultra-luxury line Crystal Cruises has a programme that provides travellers with a two-month window for the lowest prices possible on ocean, river and yacht. The Book Now Savings offer as much as £1,500 per suite on select 2019 ocean sailings, up to £3,100 per suite on 2020 and 2021 ocean sailings, £1,500 per suite on Crystal River Cruises and up to £785 per suite on Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises. Once expiry dates are reached the savings are no longer available. “It is because of our incredible travel agent partners and the strong demand they continue to generate among the world’s most discerning travellers that such enticing savings are possible on such a grand scale of luxury sailings across the globe,” explains Carmen Roig, Crystal’s senior vice president of marketing and sales. “We are confident that the immense value proposition of Book Now Savings instil a sense of urgency in travellers who might otherwise wait to book their dream holiday and prove that it literally pays to plan ahead.” It’s not just the luxury players that offer hefty discounts to those who book well in advance of the sailing date, as Alla Mozhaarova,

the marketing director of Poseidon Expeditions, the Russian expedition line, explains. “There are a lot of advantages in booking a Poseidon Expeditions polar cruise well in advance of the actual departure,” she says. “First of all, you benefit from the Early Booking discount and save up to 15 per cent from the regular cruise cost. Secondly, if you book early you can usually find

“For those lines that have smaller ships – the fewer cabins there are, the quicker those cabins will book up” space on your preferred departure date, and have your choice of the most popular cabin categories, which usually sell out quickly. Last but not least, when reserving your cruise well in advance, you can book the flights with the most convenient connections and typically at the most reasonable rates. On top of it all, reserving your voyage in advance allows you to relax and enjoy the planning of your trip to the polar regions.”

Mozhaarova’s point about customers securing a favoured cabin category is one that came up time and time again while researching this topic, especially for those lines that have smaller ships. It’s selfexplanatory but the fewer cabins there are, the quicker those cabins will book up. It’s something that sounds obvious but might not immediately spring to mind when your customers are thinking about making a booking. “Whenever a customer is booking with a small cruise line with smaller vessels, they always need to remember that cabin numbers are very limited,” explains Fay McCormack, general manager of Star Clippers UK. “Sailings will sell out very quickly for us as, unlike larger cruise companies, capacity is limited to begin with, so early booking is essential now.” Mike Hall, head of marketing for Cruise & Maritime Voyages, agrees and with good reason: “With 40 per cent of CMV’s customers being repeats, they want to be able to get their first choice of cabin grade and position. CMV operate fluid pricing and have developed a pricing model where we aim to offer the best deal to those who book early. The model

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February 2019 | Midship benefits travel agents as it encourages early booking with attractive fares and a strong marketing offer. “CMV’s Summer 2019 programme, which originally launched in March 2018, is already over 75 per cent sold. Fares have now increased for most of the remaining capacity.” Booking ahead is also crucial for customers who are looking to utilise less busy air routes, for instance when taking an expedition cruise. “When it comes to booking expedition tours, booking early definitely has its advantages,” says Brian Young, managing director of G Adventures. “When operating departures in regions such as Svalbard in the Arctic and Ushuaia to Antarctica, we often see that, due to limited carriers, the flight costs to these regions increase significantly the closer you get to departure.” National Geographic Expeditions, which runs cruises on board the French luxury line Ponant, offers a 30 per cent discount as part of its Ponant Bonus. In a statement the company said: “As it is based on cruise availability, it is likely to change without notice. The Ponant Bonuses for cabins and suites are now separate in order to favour the most discerning customers and those that

book the earliest, particularly on exceptional itineraries.” For Jane Atkins, the managing director of Shearings Holidays, it is about a combination of all of the above: “At Shearings Holidays, we offer great value as standard, but we recommend booking early so that customers get the cruise they want. Customers that book early will not only secure the cabin, transport options, dates and destinations that are best for them, but often, booking early will also give them access to our best deals.” This is essentially true of all holidays and it is the message you

should pass on to your customers. The price of the holiday is only one component of a much larger equation. For one, the longer you wait, the more expensive your airfare will be. Then there’s the fact that the longer you wait, the more likely that your chosen room category or cabin won’t be available – especially if it’s a small ship or your clients are booking a suite (with only one or two on board). Also, if you’re wanting to depart on a popular date during peak season then there’s every chance the whole sailing could book up, too. When it all comes down to it, why risk it by waiting?

How early booking works

French luxury line Ponant offers bonus rates on a sliding scale Ponant Bonus rate

-5% -10% -15% -20% -25%

Date cruise goes on sale

Up to 30% off full price

Cruise availability

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GALĂ PAGOS ISLANDS

Evolution not revolution Sara Macefield, along with her husband and teenage daughters, joins Celebrity Cruises in the GalĂĄpagos Islands and finds that the incredible wildlife more than justifies the long journey

February 2019 | Midship The mockingbird gazes at us curiously, its flamboyant tail feathers waving gently in the breeze as it swiftly hops across the rocks to where we are standing. My heart is in my mouth as it comes ever closer, almost within touching distance, and in an instant, flits boldly between our feet as I stand rooted to the spot in astonishment. I shouldn’t be so surprised. After all, this is the Galápagos, where animals famously have no fear of humans – but nothing can prepare you for that feeling of wonder when they treat you as one of their own. Hikes over the islands’ volcanic terrain turn into magical experiences as we wander past heart-meltingly cute sea lion pups, just two weeks old, some of which are suckling from their mothers just a couple of metres away, completely unbothered by our presence. Large fluffy frigatebird chicks eye us impassively from oversized nests of straggly twigs where they wait patiently for their parents to return; prehistoric-looking marine iguanas slumber in the warm sunshine; and thousands of scarlet crabs scuttle across black volcanic rocks. But on this Galápagos voyage with Celebrity Cruises, it’s the sea that holds the biggest thrills. As I take the plunge on snorkelling adventures with my husband and twin 15-year-old daughters, we spot skulking reef sharks and revel in some thrilling encounters with the cute Galápagos penguins which speed past us like sleek bullets. I’ve never seen such a profusion of marine life, with giant shoals of silvery fish thousands-strong that envelop me like a rippling curtain and turtles ponderously paddling along the ocean floor, stopping only to nibble on gently-wafting seaweed. Yet the real stars of this underwater show are the playful sea lions who prove to be the ultimate aquatic playmates; effortlessly ducking and diving through the water and clearly revelling in their new human friends as they skilfully twist and somersault all around us. Such mind-blowing experiences more than make up for the long

Clockwise from above: a green sea turtle glides underwater; an eye-catching yellow warbler; a giant tortoise at the breeding centre; Celebrity Xpedition; a playful and friendly sea lion; the busy fish stand in Santa Cruz; a bright Sally Lightfoot crab

journey to this remote archipelago, which sits in the Pacific, 1,000km off the coast of Ecuador. The Galápagos may have long been top of our bucket-list, but the 12-hour flight to Ecuador’s capital, Quito, via Amsterdam, and two-hour onward

journey over the Andes mountains to the islands, combined with the time difference and resultant jet lag make it no easy option. With an active programme of early starts followed by hilltop hikes, boat trips and deep-water snorkelling, I’d

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February 2019 | Midship dripping in gold, a legacy of the wealth that was discovered by early Spanish conquistadors. Just outside the city lies the Intiñan Solar Museum, where it is claimed the equator passes through, represented by a painted red line where everyone poses for pictures with a foot in each hemisphere. On arriving at the Galápagos isle of Baltra the following afternoon, we board Celebrity Xpedition and, with its cosy house-party ambience, we soon get to know the other passengers spanning all ages from seven up to 86, with a sprinkling of families and youngsters. Most hail from North America, although Brits make up the secondlargest number and, with shared dining tables, we soon bond over meals of fine food in the main Darwin’s Restaurant and also the al fresco Beagle Grill, which is an ideal lunch spot. Mornings and afternoons are taken up with tours, which are efficiently organised with the procedure of kitting everyone out with wetsuits, getting into Zodiac boats and escorting the tours a smooth-running operation. Our final day is spent on land as we venture into Santa Cruz for a fascinating visit to the giant tortoise breeding centre, but an unexpected highlight comes as we wander past the town’s busy fish stand where, waiting patiently at the feet of the server rather like a begging dog, is a sea lion clearly hoping for fishy titbits. A few metres away is a pelican carefully eyeing proceedings, while a heron stalks the floor nearby pecking up tasty scraps. Customers come and go without a second glance, but I could stay all day, relishing this unique scene which truly sums up the animal magic of these islands.

wondered if it all might be too much for my daughters, Holly and Dani. However, the thrill of exploring this natural treasure chest more than outweighs any negatives. By the time we arrive in the islands, we have enjoyed a two-night

stay in Quito which enables us to get acclimatised and explore this mountainous city on a day-trip that takes us into its colonial heart. A walking tour of the 16th century Old Town reveals unassuming stone churches hiding interiors literally

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An 11-night package comprising the one-week Galápagos Northern Loop cruise, two nights in Quito pre-cruise and one night post-cruise costs from £6,094pp including all flights, drinks, excursions and gratuities. It departs on July 27, 2019, (0800 441 4054; celebritycruises.co.uk)

The Seabourn Difference in the Polar Regions

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Expert guidance from an onboard Expedition team

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Intimate ships with a private club atmosphere

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In depth discoveries via optional Ventures by

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Intuitive, personalised service

tours, zodiacs & kayaks

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All ocean-front suites, luxuriously appointed

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“Caviar on the Ice” and other special deck events

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Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines

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Complimentary Seabourn parka or all-weather jacket

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Tipping neither required, nor expected

Seabourn

ALASKA

ARCTIC

A N TA R C T I C A

Contact your BDM or e-mail Salessupport@seabourn.co.uk Call: 0344 338 8614 Reservations: 0344 338 8610 www.seabourn.com

HOW TO SELL

Expedition cruise

SELLING TIP – Emphasise the sheer thrill of knowing you are cruising to places where few people have gone before

Jane Archer is the authority on all things cruise. Each issue, our new-look section will help you enhance your expertise on specific areas of this growing industry

Antarctica

p46

Galápagos Islands

p47

Arctic

p48

Expedition cruise used to be about roughing it on research ships converted to take passengers to the polar regions. Not any more. More than 25 expedition ships are being built over the next four years – many of them luxurious enough to challenge some of the classiest hotels on land – to cater for a growing

number of travellers who want to combine their creature comforts with once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The choice of where to go is bewildering – expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica are always popular, but clients can also get away from it all in the Galápagos, the Kimberley in Australia and the

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Russian Far East – but all are worth getting to know as the rewards for the trade are big. With average prices of £6,000 and more per person, the potential for agents to profit is huge – a fact not missed by Clia UK & Ireland, which is hosting its first-ever expedition forum for the trade in London in March.

February 2019 | Midship

Antarctica A vast, frozen land 1,000km across the Drake Passage from South America, Antarctica is the top bucket-list destination for every would-be adventurer, whether a cruise passenger or not. To really experience Antarctica, clients must travel on an expedition ship built to withstand ice that carries no more than 500 passengers (anything larger cannot make landings). This is an expensive holiday, but capacity is limited and sells out fast, so early booking is vital. Those who splash out are rewarded with close-up sightings of penguins, giant icebergs, whales and orcas.

Comfort and luxury Who? Silversea Where? Antarctica When? December 5, 2019 How long? 12 days How much? From £10,260pp excluding international flights Silversea launched its first expedition ship a decade ago and now operates four vessels. This cruise is on Silver Cloud, an ultraluxury ship converted into an expedition vessel in 2017. It has an ice-strengthened hull, Zodiacs for shore landings, a mud room for wellies plus butlers for all. Drinks and gratuities included.

Authentic adventures Who? Aurora Expeditions Where? Antarctica When? October 30, 2019 How long? 12 days How much? From $10,500pp cruise-only UK agents can expect to hear a lot more about

Sydney-based Aurora now it has joined Clia. This cruise is on new ship Greg Mortimer, launching in October, that debuts a revolutionary X-Bow said to offer a smoother ride. Good news for those worried about crossing the Drake. Fares include wine, beer or soft drinks with dinner.

All-inclusive yachting Who? Scenic Where? Antarctica/South Georgia/Falkland Islands When? March 16, 2020 How long? 23 days How much? From £18,315 including flights Scenic is moving from rivers to oceans with Scenic Eclipse, an ice-class all-suite yacht launching in April that will be equally at home in the frozen polar regions and swanky marinas in the Mediterranean. This is an epic cruise in the Southern Ocean, where wildlife, great landscapes and the exploits of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton will be brought to life. Fares are all-inclusive.

SELLING TIP – P-p-p-pick up on the polar differences. Clients who want to see penguins must go to Antarctica, for polar bears it’s the Arctic

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February 2019 | Midship

Galápagos Islands The Galápagos Islands lie some 1,000km off the west coast of South America. A couple of islands have hotels so it is possible for clients to stay on land and take boat trips each day. Possible, but not sensible. Ships visit a couple of islands, beaches or bays most days, for walks ashore or Zodiac cruises (all included) to see wildlife that has no fear of humans. This is not a cheap holiday, but clients can save a bit by opting for a less luxurious ship.

Suitably stylish Who? Celebrity Cruises Where? Quito and Galápagos When? October 25, 2019 How long? 10 nights How much? From £8,179pp including flights Celebrity Cruises launched Celebrity Xpedition in the Galápagos 15 years ago and is building a second ship, Celebrity Flora. This outer-loop itinerary with pre and post hotel stays in Quito, is on Flora and visits 12 islands for shore walks, Zodiac cruises and snorkelling trips. Includes drinks, tips and wi-fi.

Seeking adventure Who? Lindblad Expeditions Where? Galápagos When? October 4, 2019 How long? 10 days How much? From $7,290pp excluding international flights Lindblad started cruising

in the Galápagos in 1967 and has two ships there – National Geographic Islander and National Geographic Endeavour II, which accommodate 48 and 96 guests respectively. This trip, on Endeavour II, visits up to 10 islands and adds pre and post-cruise nights in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Taster cruise Who? Avalon Waterways Where? Ecuador and the Galápagos When? February 5, 2020 How long? Nine days How much? From £5,340pp including flights Avalon Waterways is already a major player in the river cruise sector, but here goes in search of culture and wildlife on a four-night voyage around the Galápagos Islands, paired with three nights in Quito. The cruise is on Treasure of Galápagos, a 16-guest Ecuadorian-owned catamaran with all-balcony accommodation. Fares exclude drinks and tips.

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SELLING TIP – Expedition equals adventure. Target clients keen to explore where few men (and women) have been before

February 2019 | Midship

Arctic The Arctic is usually number two on the bucket list after Antarctica, but is actually just as thrilling. This is the realm of the polar bear, the place to spot whales and walruses, get up close to giant icebergs and glaciers, and even go kayaking in the frozen waters. There are cruises in Greenland and the Canadian Arctic, around Spitsbergen and even through the Northwest Passage, the icy sea route between Greenland and Canada. Cruises depart in the summer months. A small expedition ship with an ice-strengthened hull is a must.

Scandinavian style Who? Hurtigruten Where? Greenland When? August 5, 2019 How long? 16 days How much? £7,489pp excluding international flights From its roots as a ferry company, Hurtigruten has become one of the world’s leading (and greenest) expedition cruise lines. This cruise, on the 318-guest Fram, visits Siorapaluk, just 1,362km from the North Pole, and Ilulissat where towering icebergs get wedged in the Isfjord on their way to the open sea.

Expedition style Who? One Ocean Expeditions Where? Baffin Island and Greenland Explorer When? August 9, 2019 How long? 10 nights How much? From US$10,895pp cruise-only Canadian line One

French style

Ocean Expeditions offers polar cruises on two ex-Russian research ships and the 146-guest RCGS Resolute. This voyage, from Iqaluit on Baffin Island to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland, is on the Resolute. It promises polar bears, Inuit culture and a walk on the Greenland ice-cap.

Who? Ponant Where? Spitsbergen When? May 28, 2020 How long? Eight days How much? From €8,070pp including return flights from Paris Ponant is a French-owned cruise line with seven ships and five on order, including Le Commandant Charcot, an icebreaker launching in 2021. Weatherpermitting, this cruise will sail Spitsbergen’s west coast fjords and glaciers. It’s on the expedition ship L’Austral, and includes walks ashore where conditions allow. Fares include drinks and wi-fi.

SELLING TIP – Don’t be fazed by the high price. Clients would not be considering an expedition cruise if they couldn’t afford it

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2019 – THE YEAR OF THE WORLD’S FIRST DISCOVERY YACHTS™

FREE Private Door-to-Door Chauffeur Transfers¥

THE YEAR 6-STAR LUXURY MEETS DISCOVERY 2019 is the year luxury travel is taken to extraordinary new levels. With Scenic Eclipse making her maiden voyage in April, the next generation of ocean cruising has arrived. Setting new standards in exploration, discovery and all-inclusive luxury. From the far ﬂung reaches of Antarctica and the Arctic Circle, to the vibrant Caribbean and South American coastlines, to the culture-rich Mediterranean, Scenic Eclipse takes you on some of the most beautiful journeys on Earth. Inspired by the sleek contours of a sailing yacht, 6-star Scenic Eclipse features sumptuous all-verandah suites, a relaxing Spa Sanctuary and 10 exquisite on board dining experiences. All seamlessly married with state-of-the-art discovery equipment – like our two on board helicopters^ and submarine^. For a travel experience like no other.

Antarctica in Depth 16 Day Buenos Aires > Buenos Aires Departing: 24 Nov, 5, 16 Dec 2019, 1, 12, 23 Feb & 5 Mar 2020

FREE Private Door-to-Door Chauffeur Transfers¥

From £12,285pp

Atlantic Canada & USA 17 Day Quebec City > New York City Departing: 26 Aug 2019

From £9,885pp

FREE Business Class Flight Upgrade on USA & Canada cruises

FREE 20 minute submarine excursion with Ultimate Cruises and Journeys^

Truly All-Inclusive On board Return ﬂights from a selection of up to 16 UK airports Spacious all-verandah suite accommodation Personal service with an almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio 10 dining experiences, from casual to ﬁne-dining Unlimited complimentary beverages# Butler service for every guest

Onshore Comprehensive choice of unlimited all-inclusive shore excursions Exclusive Scenic Enrich experiences and events Expert Discovery Team and local guides The freedom of our e-bikes Pre-departure hotel included as standard on 2019/20 cruises

All tipping, transfers, taxes and gratuities on board and onshore

Book the ultimate in luxury cruising

Email: agencysales@scenic.co.uk | Call reservations on: 0808 115 0463 Terms and Conditions: Prices correct at time going to print. All prices per person in GBP based on two sharing with economy flights departing London Heathrow, subject to availability. # All drinks on board are included except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits. Offers are valid for new bookings only made between 1 February 2019 and 15 March 2019. Pre/Post-departure hotel stay not included on our Ultimate Journeys where the Escorted Land Journey is prior to the cruise. ¥Private door-todoor chauffeur transfers are complimentary within a 75 mile radius and are subject to availability. For guests who live outside of this 75 mile radius, an additional supplement of £2.00 per mile will be charged thereafter, UK mainland only. ^Helicopter and submarine activities are weather permitting, may incur additional costs and are subject to availability. Â 20 minute submarine ride is included on all ‘Ultimate Cruises’ and ‘Ultimate Journeys’ for 2019/20. Submarine excursion may be substituted for on board credit in USD equivalent.

February 2019 | Aft

DIRECTORY Got a cruise query? Let us assist you. The cruise adviser directory provides you with the vital contact details for all major cruise lines operating in the UK â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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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February 2019 | Aft

A-Rosa Lucia Rowe, UK managing director 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 Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

Coral Expeditions Jan Jepsen, UK and Europe representative 07702 714 150 jan@intouchrep.com

American Queen Steamboat Company Rupert Thomson, managing director 01223 568 904 r.thomson@aqgsa.com

Cosmos Janet Parton, sales director 020 8315 4545 agencysales@cosmos.co.uk

APT Touring Jessica Shelton-Agar, national sales manager 01494 736 147/07584 057 341 jessica.shelton-agar@aptouring.co.uk

CroisiEurope John Fair, sales director 020 8328 1281 jfair@croisieurope.com

Atlas/Kompas Predrag Krivokapic, president +1 954 258 8531 / +385 9 1975 1735 kompas@kompas.net

Cruise & Maritime Voyages Lisa Jacobs, head of trade sales 0844 414 6140 lisa.jacobs@cruiseandmaritime.com

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

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

Avalon Waterways Janet Parton, sales director 020 8315 4545 agencysales@avaloncruises.co.uk Azamara Club Cruises Lori Scanella, business support executive 01932 834 379 salessupport.uk@rccl.com

Cunard Line Victoria Snelgar, business manager â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sales operations 07773 253 279 victoria.snelgar@cunard.co.uk

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

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

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February 2019 | Aft

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

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, UK general manager 020 8846 2666 anthony.daniels@hurtigruten.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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February 2019 | 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

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

Ports Direct Karl Lapage, managing director 0843 0843 003 karl@portsdirect.co.uk

Noble Caledonia Agency sales 020 7752 0000 agencysales@noble-caledonia.co.uk

Princess Cruises Mark Lowman, manager â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sales operations 023 8065 6531 mark.lowman@princesscruises.co.uk

Norwegian Cruise Line Nicky Foot, director of business development UK & Ireland 07408 855 679 nfoot@ncl.com

Pullmantur Cruises Dave Chidley, agency sales manager 0800 021 3180 sales@fredholidays.co.uk

O Q

Oceania Cruises Lisa Clarkson, national accounts manager 07809 351 545 LClarkson@OceaniaCruises.Com Agency Sales 0345 505 1920 AgencySales@OceaniaCruises.Com

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

One Ocean Expeditions Debra Taylor, new business development 07956 852 197 debra@toucanmoon.com

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Caroline Moody, business development executive 023 8068 2283 agencysales@rssc.com Anna Salter, business development executive 023 8068 2283 agencysales@rssc.com

P&O Cruises Brodie McIntosh, trade engagement manager 023 8065 5780 brodie.mcintosh@cunardpocruises.com

Riviera Travel Darren Mussell, agency sales assistant manager 01283 744 307 agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk

Pandaw Hannah Logan, product manager 020 8396 7320 uk@pandaw.com

Rocky Mountaineer Steven Harris, regional sales director 07970 519 164 sharris@rockymountaineer.com

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February 2019 | 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

Saga Travel Sukina Fagg, national account manager 080 0074 8021 sukina.fagg@saga.co.uk

Travelsphere & Just You Sarah Weetman, head of trade sales 07748 843 244 sarah.weetman@travelsphere.co.uk

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

Seabourn James Scott, business development representative 0344 338 8610 james.scott@seabourn.co.uk Lucy Harris, business development representative 0344 338 8610 lucy.harris@seabourn.co.uk

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

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

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

Voyages to Antiquity Amy Sykes, partnerships manager 01865 302 2565 a.sykes@voyagestoantiquity.com

Tauck 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

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

February 2019 | Aft THINGS TO DO

GAMESROOM

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

CROSSWORD See the next cruise adviser in March for the answers

JANUARY SOLUTION

ACROSS

DOWN

5. French and Dutch Caribbean destination (5,6)

1. Headwear with a bill (8,3)

7. Spore-producing plants (5) 8. Second-in-command on a commercial ship (4) 9. Shortcut to avoid Cape Horn (6,5) 12. Amorous target of a mythical swan (4) 14. Kingdom in the South Seas (5) 16. Field for grazing (7,4)

SUDOKU

See the next cruise adviser in March for the answers

2. Alleged cause of second Gulf War (1,1,1) 3. Verdi solo (4) 4. Extending over a large area (4-7)

1 6

6. Japanese hitman (5)

1 6

8. Some nights, it's open (3)

10. --- Farrow (3)

2 3

11. Coral island (5)

13. Goods purchased for export are free of it (4)

3 6

4 7

15. Composed of mins and secs (3)

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

2 9

6 8

JANUARY SOLUTION 3

February 2019 | Aft

QUIZ See bottom of page for answers

1. Which 1997 film, loosely adapted from a Marvel comic, won the Oscar for Best Original Song? 2. In the classic 1995 episode of The Simpsons, what is the name of the Freemasons-like secret organisation of which Homer becomes a member? 3. In the Harry Potter books and films, what type of animal is Aragog? 4. Who was the oldest woman and youngest man on this year’s Love Island? 5. By what name is Eric Arthur Blair much more well known? 6. At the 1998 Brit awards, which album beat The Prodigy’s Fat Of The Land to win best album? 7. Dendrophobia is the fear of what? 8. After The Beatles, Elvis Pressley and Michael Jackson, who is the world’s fourth best-selling artist of all time? 9. What is the collective name for a group of jellyfish? 10. Who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922? 11. What is the name of the group 7 elements in the periodic table? 12. Where on the body is the wenis? 13. Whose autobiography is called The Hardest (Working) Man In Showbiz? 14. Who said: “The downside of my celebrity is that I cannot go anywhere in the world without being recognised. It is not enough for me to wear dark sunglasses and a wig. The chair gives me away”?

QUIZ ANSWERS 1. Men in Black; 2. The Stonecutters; 3. Spider; 4. Laura Anderson, 29 and Wes Nelson, 20; 5. George Orwell; 6. The Verve Urban Hymns; 7. Trees; 8. Madonna; 9. A Smack; 10. Howard Carter; 11. The halogens; 12. Bit of loose skin on the elbow; 13. Ron Jeremy; 14. Stephen Hawking

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

February 2019 | Aft

LOOKOUT

All the pictures from the latest cruise industry events 1. The Enchanted Forest theme at Carnival’s UK Cruise Awards at UnderGlobe (under Shakespeare’s Globe theatre in London) 2. Winners on the night from Virgin Holidays, Cruise 118, ROL Cruise, Scotland’s Cruise Centre, Trailfinders, Hays Travel, Bolsover Cruise Club, Imagine Cruises, Six Star Cruises, Sovereign Cruise Club. Anna Perrott of Travelbag (back row, third from right) won the Shining Star award, while Iglu Cruise won Trade Partner of the Year

3. Phil Evans of Cruise Nation, Ian Gilder of Adore Cruises and Phil Nuttall of The Travel Village, also at the UK Cruise Awards 4. Winners of Royal Caribbean’s Club Rewards Escape the Room in Central Park, New York 5. Agents join Hurtigruten on a fam trip from Bergen to Tromsø in Norway 6-7. Agents and the Poseidon Expeditions team and Sea Spirit staff on a recent fam trip

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

February 2019 | Aft

FINAL WORD

The cruise industry sails to the future Sam Ballard is excited about the new technology that is set to revolutionise cruise, and ensure it is the most forward-thinking part of the travel industry Late last month, at an event at London’s Gherkin, MSC Cruises revealed more details about Zoe – its much-anticipated voice activated digital assistant, a first at sea. The technology, which is powered by a subsidiary of Samsung, will allow guests to ask Zoe basic questions about their cruise, such as entertainment programming and port information. It will mean that 6,000 passengers won’t bombard the switchboard or guest relations desk asking what time disembarkation is every single day, which probably comes as some relief to MSC’s guest relation staff. MSC has insisted that the technology isn’t designed to replace guest-crew interaction – but will complement it by allowing staff to spend their time in areas where they can really make a difference. Zoe is the latest element of MSC for Me – the line’s technology platform

built to improve the overall passenger experience. There is also a wearable technology element with wristbands that can be used to track children anywhere on the ship and even open your stateroom door when you are within a certain distance. The technology being brought in by MSC is part of a wider push by the industry to bring its passenger technology up to date. Carnival Corporation has the much publicised new Ocean Medallion, a small disc which will store passengers’ details such as drinks preferences. It will also include a trackable element, which will mean that passengers will be able to order a drink, through an app, anywhere on the ship – with the waiting staff able to track them down. Each passenger will have a ‘tagalong’ character they can interact with on screens around the ship – they will even be able to race them on the big screen out on deck.

Royal Caribbean is also increasing its own technology with an app that allows users to order shore excursions and book restaurants. They can even use augmented reality on certain pieces of art in the ship to discover new secrets – one is a portal to a live camera on the bridge. All of this technology is exceptionally impressive and goes some way to cementing the cruise industry’s image as the most forwardlooking part of the travel industry. It makes it all the more incredible when you consider the fact that this technology has to work at sea – far away from the infrastructure that land hotels can rely on. During this current wave of technological innovation we are seeing an industry that is moving at breakneck speeds make even larger strides. It’s an exciting place to work – and I can’t wait to see what this technology looks like in the flesh.

COMING NEXT TIME Ocean Medallion

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