Cruise Review Feb 2015

CRUISE REVIEW FROM WWW.CRUISESHIPNEWS.CO.UK

FEBRUARY 2015

Extraordinary cruise food you just want to taste

Independence of the Seas food showcased with a taste to leave you wanting more.

Pages 6 - 9.

Celebrity Cruises - Qsine offers a culinary journey that delivers elements of surprise and delight. This is something you’ve never experienced before—on land or at sea.

Leave any preconceived notions behind. Dig in and try new things. It’s time your palate got a wakeup call. The iPad menus make your dining experience even more fun and interactive. Read more on www.celebritycruises.co.uk.

CRUISE REVIEW

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CONTENTS At the forefront of travel digital marketing, Cruise Review strives to bring its readers the latest on cruise ships, industry news, destinations and planning, in a format that delivers the best in ease of use for the reader.

Every monthly issue of the publication not only brings the latest cruise news, event dates, and industry features, but is also supported by a well followed cruise news website.

Publishing Director Daniel Chubb 01843 601539 web@dansway.info

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Kerry Chubb 01843 601539 kerry@cruiseshipnews.co.uk

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Industry News - The Majestic Line adds a new addition to its small ship cruising fleet.

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Cruise Food Feature - Independence of the Seas has introduced some great new dining options.

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Misconceptions about Cruising - What the public really think about a cruise holiday.

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Meet Carnival Vista - Plenty of family and kid-friendly spaces like the first IMAX at sea.

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The Majestic Line - New Boat Announcement - February 2015

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Industry News

The Majestic Line sets sights on new horizons Small ship cruising company The Majestic Line has unveiled a new addition to its fleet.

The romance of a cruise, the sense of adventure and the intimacy of a floating house party with fine dining is what makes a cruise from The Majestic Line around Scotland’s west coast and islands truly unique.

For the 2016 season, The Majestic Line is introducing a third vessel to its fleet, expanding the range of cruises and destinations. The MV Glen Etive will launch in April 2016 and will complement the two existing refurbished traditional fishing boats which have delighted passengers over the last ten years.

Currently under construction by Ardmaleish Boatbuilding Co. Ltd on the Clyde, with funding assistance from Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the bespoke MV Glen Etive has been designed in the style of a 1930’s gentleman’s motor yacht, and will feature high quality traditional marine finishes in natural wood and brass, along with a steel hull. Spacious and comfortable, with accommodation for twelve guests in seven en-suite cabins – two reserved for solo travellers at no additional supplement – the MV Glen Etive will add longer cruises and new destinations, including the breathtaking St Kilda world heritage site.

Six and ten night cruise itineraries are planned and whole boat private charters are also available. Cruise itineraries range from the Small Isles and Skye, visiting Eigg, Rum and Canna, to the Shiant Islands and the Isles of North and South Uist.

Small ship cruising is a mixture of relaxation and adventure, with exclusive access to some of Scotland’s most stunning island beaches and hideaway locations that are only accessible by smaller vessels. Service is discreet and very personal from the friendly crew of four, including an informal fine dining menu created daily by the on board chef using local produce and catering for personal preferences. Accommodation is cosy and comfortable in well-appointed cabins. The dining room and observation saloon offer panoramic views of the constantly changing scenery, and the sheltered deck is perfect for al fresco drinks and relaxing.

These are truly unique experiences, with seasonal rates starting from £1050 per person.

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Cruise Food - Independence of the Sea

After being renewed throughout, Independence of the Seas has introduced some great new dining options. You can experience a wide variety of culinary experiences, from Italian home cooking at Giovanni’s Table, to burgers and milkshakes at Johnny Rockets, the ‘50s style diner.

The Main Dining Room delivers attentive service and flexible dining options, and the Speciality Restaurants offer a range of different culinary experiences. For casual dining experiences explore the buffet at the Windjammer Café or enjoy a salad or sandwich at the Park Café.

Chops Grille A high-end grill where you’ll find filet mignon and mesquite-grilled salmon on a menu that changes daily There’s no better place for a special occasion – great steaks and seafood are the speciality.

Johnny Rockets Burger and fries with a milkshake in a ‘50s-style diner that’s all about friendly and fast service – this is a taste of the old-school, all-American traditional burger joint.

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Cruise Food - Independence of the Sea

Sorrento’s Perfect pizza with daily specials in a laid-back Italian pizzeria setting.

Giovanni’s Table Savour great Italian home cooking in this family-friendly restaurant specialising in the traditional dishes of Tuscany.

Ask for what’s not on the menu If you fancy something and it’s not on the menu, just ask. During our review of Independence of the Seas, we asked if any restaurant serves Lobster and the speciality dining option we chose managed to deliver just that. It wasn’t even on the menu.

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Cruise Food - Independence of the Sea

We just couldn’t get enough of the food on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas, even Lobster.

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Cruise Food - Independence of the Sea

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Cruise Misconception

Misconceptions about Cruising Travelbag Cruise reveals what the public really think about a cruise holiday. Thousands of people book cruise holidays every year but there are still misconceptions as to what a cruise trip is really about.

Recent findings from a survey by Travelbag Cruise revealed that the biggest and most consistent perception was around the age of a cruise goer. Just under 80% of people questioned think that only 65 year olds and over enjoy cruises with only small minorities believing they are for couples, families and young groups.

Travelbag Cruise’s sales data show that even though older generations are avid cruisers there has been an increase in younger travellers booking cruise holidays, with many cruises focusing on family friendly facilities and attractions.

Younger people, aged 18-24, seem to have good views of cruise holidays with just under half of them viewing a cruise trip as an opportunity to see more of the world and 40% saying there are lots of activities to keep you occupied while on-board.

People aged 35-44 came out as the hardest audience to please as 15% are under the impression that there is nothing to do on a cruise compared to all other age groups where a minority of less than 10% were of the same opinion.

With over three quarter of those surveyed (76%) saying they would love to travel to multiple destinations if they were all easy to reach in one holiday, now really is the time for cruise companies to banish those stereotypes and look to broaden their customer base.

Sean Keddy, Head of Marketing at Travelbag Cruise says, ‘Our research demonstrates that the perceptions of a cruise holiday still don’t meet up to the reality, giving plenty of opportunity for cruise companies to change these opinions and show the world what cruising is really about.’ www.travelbagcruise.co.uk

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www.royalcaribbean.co.uk

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Meet Carnival Vista

Built to bring you closer to the sea, Carnival Vista opens things up with outdoor spots like Havana Bar & Pool, SkyRide at SportSquare, and Seafood Shack… plus plenty of family- and kid-friendly spaces like the first IMAX at sea. They’ve even got custom staterooms for Cuban culture lovers, or just families that like to stay close. Join Vista on this journey — follow along as they build something great.

Consider your Carnival Vista Havana stateroom or suite your own island resort with its own great location: just steps from the Havana Bar and Pool. To the right in “fiesta central” you’ll find exclusive private pool access throughout the day. Inside, all Havana staterooms feature a unique Cuba-inspired décor, but step up to a Havana Cabana to add an extra-large outdoor lounging space. Step into a Havana Cabana Suite for a luxurious rain shower inside, plus a lounge-ready hammock outside.

(All Havana stateroom guests must be 12 or older.)

All-new Family Harbor staterooms, with a unique nautical décor, can be found near Carnival Vista’s Family Harbor Lounge, an exclusive 24-hour spot with breakfast, snacks during the day, concierge service… plus Hasbro board games, family movies, video games and more. The benefits don’t end there — your kids eat free in most specialty onboard restaurants and get a free evening of Night Owls babysitting service, so you can enjoy a little alone time.

Find out what’s new, see what’s hot, and learn just what it takes to bring this massive ship to life. www.carnival.com

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Meet Carnival Vista

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