The Village Post - Cruise & Travel Magazine - January 2017

Issue four

villagepost the

from the family-run travel business that really cares!

Destination

The Big Apple

Solo travel

Discover la dolce vita as we focus on the wonders of Italy

We send a roving reporter on Viking Star in New York

How cruise is finally catching on to the needs of solo travel

The Choice Is All Yours...

Holiday your way with extra on-board spending money for outside cabins, balconies and suites on every cruise Welcome to your holiday. A holiday where the possibilities stretch before you as far as the horizon. Where each and every day brings new adventures and exciting discoveries, and the promise of indulgent pampering and blissful relaxation. A holiday where your evenings are filled with laughter, sparkling conversation and fine dining. A holiday where the choices are all yours.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to tailor your holiday just the way you like it? With extra on-board spending money^ now available on absolutely every Select Price cruise when you book an outside cabin, balcony or suite by 28 February 2017, you can splash out on added luxuries and really holiday your way.

And don’t forget, on a P&O Cruises holiday you pay in £ sterling, from the initial price to any on-board extras. So you need never worry about fluctuating exchange rates and can enjoy your holiday with total peace of mind.

Choose P&O Cruises, and the possibilities are almost endless.

And in 2017 Adonia will return to the P&O Cruises fleet, sailing into some of the world’s most fascinating ports, for some of the most unique experiences, such as a river transit to Bordeaux, or call at Portofino.

Western Mediterranean

Caribbean holiday

Ventura N707 21 MAR 17 | 12 Nights

Arcadia J720 22 NOV 17 | 24 Nights

Outside Select Price from

Outside Select Price from

999pp

£

based on NC Grade

300

with £

on-board spending money per outside cabin*

1,999pp

£

based on NC Grade

600

with £

on-board spending money per outside cabin*

^Bookings on Select Price holidays made by 28 February 2017 include extra on-board spending money in addition to the on-board spending money offered as a Select Price benefit. It can be used for on-board purchases of drinks, speciality dining, spa treatments, hair & beauty, fitness classes, shore excursions, purchases in the shops and photography. *Choice of benefit dependent on cruise type, date, duration and time of booking. E&OE

EDITOR’S LETTER

Welcome to the fourth issue of the village post by The Travel Village Group, featuring all the news, reviews and interviews you need for your next trip

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very happy new year to you, from myself and my team at The Travel Village Group.

I often wonder how many of you read my column and whether it is relevant and interesting! This edition’s column took four attempts to get to print and was completed sitting on a Virgin train from London Euston to Lancaster. It allowed me the time to sit without distraction to reflect on 2016 and look at what we can do better and where we can innovate in 2017.

On a slightly more sombre note, I am (and I use the word loosely!) celebrating my 50th birthday which should hopefully give me the opportunity to visit some places on my ‘bucket list’. Having spent almost 34 years in the travel industry, not only have I seen some incredible changes, I have also given my time, energy and expertise to thousands of people by sending them to some of the most colourful, magical, interesting and, at times, slightly risky destinations on this planet!

On leaving school at the tender age of 16, I walked into the family business in May 1983 when most of my friends went off travelling Europe on an Interrail card. Prior to joining the business, my holidays were spent stamping holiday brochures for my grandfather, receiving 10p for every hundred stamped with the old stamp and ink pads. Names such as Arrowsmith, Intasun, (Freddie) Laker Airways, Wings, Horizon and Clarksons are no longer with us, but some have survived and are still going strong, such as Cosmos, Shearings (Smiths Happiways), Tui (Thomson), P&O Cruises and Cunard.

I remember using the typewriter for every confirmation and balance reminder and holding stocks of blank Cosmos cardboard flight tickets which could be hand written and given to clients for travel. There were no security risks as such in those days and certainly no e-tickets. In fact, it would be another 15 years before Google was born!

Another tedious manual exercise was reading British Rail timetables and writing out tickets with carbon paper between them, one for the customer and one for our records.

Those were the days. We even closed at 1pm for lunch and Wednesday was a half day.

We had to talk to people and build relationships to get things done, nowadays so many people rely on email, texts and social media. I like to think that my business strikes a balance between 'old fashioned' values and modern technology.

Hopefully I will get the chance in my 50th year to spend more time with the family and my grandson and maybe visit one or two places on my wish list. Thank you for your continued support and here’s to a peaceful and successful 2017.

Phil Nuttall, managing director of The Travel Village Group Published by

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NEWS

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

Family line commits to British departures for the 2018 season Norwegian bolsters Southampton deployments after confirming it will return to no-fly cruises from the south of England for the first time in seven years in 2017.

Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed that it will continue to operate voyages from Southampton in 2018.

The company last ran cruises out of Southampton seven years ago.

Norwegian will position the recently-refurbished Norwegian Jade in the UK in 2017 and 2018 for cruises to Northern Europe including destinations such

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as Iceland, Norway and the North Cape. There will also be British Isles cruises available.

The company was also recently given the green light for cruises to Cuba, after being granted approval by the US government. Norwegian Sky will run four and fivenight cruises to Cuba from Miami in May 2017, which will include an overnight stay in Havana.

The company's 201819 season will also include Norwegian Breakaway being based in Copenhagen for Baltic cruises to Russia.

Norwegian Spirit will be based in Civitavecchia, running Mediterranean cruises, further boosting the companies European capacity. The ship will be moved to Barcelona in winter 2018-19 for Canary Island cruises.

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NEWS

UNIWORLD

Luxury firm to target younger river clients Uniworld to make push for younger clientele with new brand U by Uniworld for luxury river holidays Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is to target younger guests with a new brand, called U by Uniworld.

The new offshoot will focus on passengers aged between 18 and 40, with itineraries that include longer stays in port and two updated vessels.

The company will refurbish its two oldest ships, the River Baroness, which was launched in 1997 and the River Ambassador, which launched in 1999, to operate under the new brand.

Brett Tollman, chief executive of Uniworld parent company, The Travel Corporation, said: "U

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by Uniworld is poised to define the river exploring experience for an entirely new demographic."

Ellen Bettridge, Uniworld president and chief executive, said: "U by Uniworld will deliver the same superb quality of authenticity and personalisation that the Uniworld brand is celebrated for, while offering a new way for exploratory, younger travellers to experience the pulse of Europe."

A brochure dedicated to the brand will be released in early 2017.

Follow the hashtag #AllAboutU on social media to find out more.

NEW SHIPS 11 new ocean ships to launch in 2017 Cruise & Maritime Voyages Columbus (June) Linblad National Geographic Quest (June) MSC Cruises MSC Meraviglia (May); MSC Seaside (November) Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Joy (spring) Princess Cruises Majestic Princess (summer) Seabourn Seabourn Encore (January) Silversea Silver Muse (spring) Star Clippers Flying Clipper (late-2017) Viking Cruises Viking Sky (February); Viking Sun (October)

CUBA American cruise lines get approval for Cuba visits A number of Americanbased cruise lines have been granted permission to travel to Cuba from US ports, as relations between the nations begins to thaw.

Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International and Azamara Club Cruises will all begin sailing to the Caribbean island from 2017.

Carnival Corporation's brand Fathom, which sailed to Cuba last year, will now become a shore excursion company instead of a cruise line in its own right.

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––––– INFOCUS P&O CRUISES JEANNINE WILLIAMSON PROFILES THE UK’S BIGGEST HOME-GROWN LINE, PART OF THE WORLD'S OLDEST CRUISE COMPANY STILL IN OPERATION, WHICH CELEBRATES ITS 180TH ANNIVERSARY IN 2017

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ts roots go back to 1837 when the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company started a passenger and mail service from the UK to Spain and Portugal. In 1904 P&O launched ‘pleasure cruises’ and at one time was best known for Canberra, the line’s only ship based in the UK which sailed in the fleet from 1961 to 1997. Today, the line’s fleet of eight ships sail from the Southampton homeport calling at 225 destinations in 90 countries, with itineraries ranging from short taster cruises to round the world voyages.

Taking pride in its heritage, P&O offers traditional-style cruise, with food, entertainment and activities firmly geared towards to the British market.

The majority of passengers are typically a mature, over60s crowd, many of whom are fiercely loyal to P&O and have sailed with the line for years – sometimes even decades. This demographic changes markedly on mini-cruises, which attract hen and stag parties and groups of families and friends celebrating birthdays and anniversaries.

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Paul Ludlow, P&O Cruises’ senior vice president, said: “We are proud to be Britain’s favourite cruise line with one in two ex-UK cruise holidays taken with P&O. "More people realise the value for money, choice and range of dining and entertainment options

available on our ships. Itineraries range from two days to three months and there is a cruise to suit every budget.”

The fleet ranges in size from the intimate 710-passenger adult-only Adonia to the flagship

Britannia, launched in 2015 and currently the largest in the fleet carrying 3,647 passengers and featuring the line’s first single balcony cabins. The other ships in the fleet are the adult-only Oriana, launched in 1995 and the oldest ship in the fleet, and Arcadia, carrying 1,880 and 2,904 passengers respectively.

In addition to Britannia, P&O’s family-friendly ships are the 2,016-passenger Oceana, 3,100-passenger Azura and 3,078-passenger Ventura.

Big news from P&O in 2016 was the announcement regarding the ninth ship entering service in 2020. At 180,000 tons, it will have a capacity for 5,200 guests, making it the largest cruise ship ever built for the British market.

The focal point will be an allweather entertainment hub called The Dome, which has a pool with a retractable stage. The new ship, which is currently unnamed, will go on sale in autumn 2018.

Ludlow added: “Choice, flexibility and the ability to create individual holiday experiences on board will be at the heart of the new ship which, thanks to an innovative use of space, will offer an extensive range of dining, entertainment and relaxing areas.”

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PROMOTION

STARGAZING TO SEAFOOD – PRINCESS OFFERS NEW EXPERIENCES AND GREAT MEMORIES

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iscover new places.

Experience new cultures. Learn more about the world you don’t see every day. A cruise with Princess offers beautiful scenery, brand new experiences and fresh perspectives. You’ll return home with new friendships, new stories to tell and new memories to share. This is our promise – that you’ll come back new.

As well as being voted Best Cruise Line by Cruise International readers three years running, Princess

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is the only cruise line to have been awarded a Reader Recommended endorsement from Good Housekeeping for our onboard food and dining experience for two years running*. Choose from a wealth of dining options, from formal to casual, with delicious cuisine all freshly prepared on board. Celebrate a special occasion at the Crown Grill, serving succulent steaks and sizzling seafood, or try our award-winning pizza at Alfredo’s. Our new

partnership with renowned chef Curtis Stone brings you ‘Crafted by Curtis’ options in the main dining rooms, a new restaurant, Share, on selected ships and a unique Chef’s Table experience, perfect for a special dinner with family and friends.

From spectacular grand ships to elegant smaller vessels, the Princess fleet offers an array of experiences. Come back in awe with Discovery at Sea, a new range of memorable experiences for all the

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Reasons to book your cruise early • Spread the remaining cost of your holiday over a longer period.

• Child places sell out, so booking early allows you to secure the voyage you want.

• Secure your choice of stateroom in the best location on the ship.

Our Mini-Suites, Club Class Mini-Suites and Suites are great value for friends and family.

• Be first to choose dining options – we offer Traditional and Anytime Dining.

• Don’t miss out on the shore excursions you want to take.

• Flights, hotels and transfers may not be available or can be more expensive nearer the time.

• Get excited! Booking early means you have something to look forward to and plenty of time to plan your experience.

family. Discover amazing wildlife with an Animal Planet shore excursion, or learn the secrets of the vast night sky with our stargazing experts. Enjoy fabulous new shows, like Magic To Do, created by award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz. Enjoy a massage in the Lotus Spa, relax in The Sanctuary, soak up live entertainment in the Piazza, or take in the latest blockbuster at Movies Under the Stars.

Princess ships offer a range of staterooms to suit every budget. Our new Club Class mini-suite offers more space with extra benefits including priority embarkation, and complimentary wine and canapés. For the ultimate in luxury why not treat

yourself to a full Suite, with upgraded balcony furniture and bathroom amenities, complimentary mini-bar set up and laundry, exclusive Sabatini’s breakfast and deluxe canapés or afternoon tea.

Princess is the leader in destination cruising, visiting more than 360 destinations worldwide.

With a choice of cruises from the UK or fly-cruises, explore the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, or venture further afield to Alaska, Canada and New England, the Caribbean and the Panama Canal, South America, Hawaii and Tahiti, Japan and Southeast Asia, or Australia and New Zealand. Come back inspired – come back new, from a Princess cruise.

Princess Cruises restaurants have been reviewed by 100 Good Housekeeping readers and awarded the Good Housekeeping Reader Recommended endorsement. *

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PROMOTION TITLE

––––– YOU CAN’T WAIT TO GET THERE, BUT THEN GETTING THERE IS HALF THE FUN… WHAT LESS WOULD YOU EXPECT FROM A CRUISE LINE THAT CONTINUES TO LEAD THE WAY? CELEBRITY CRUISES® OFFER A CHOICE OF OVER 270 DESTINATIONS ACROSS SEVEN CONTINENTS. STEP ON BOARD AND FIND REAL, FINELY MANICURED LAWNS AND AN ICE-TOPPED MARTINI BAR OFFERING OVER 50 VARIETIES OF VODKA MARTINI. AND THAT’S JUST FOR STARTERS

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hy not begin your day with an indulgent spa experience? After all, Celebrity Cruises are home to the largest and most comprehensive spa at sea –

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the Canyon Ranch SpaClub® boasts an unimaginable range of treatments, scrubs and facials. There’s nowhere better to get mind, body and soul in shape for the evening ahead.

And what an evening that will be. A choice of up to 13 deliciously different restaurants awaits – where multi-starred, awardwinning dining is matched with one of the rarest wine collections at sea. Finally, unwind with some shipwide entertainment – from European-style circus acts to edgy adult fairytales – before uncovering the utmost level in luxury accommodation, Suite Class.

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What’s not to love? Modern luxury lives here.

As much as Celebrity Cruises pride themselves on their European holidays, they never stop working to make them better. For the 2017/18 season, the newest ship in the fleet, Celebrity Reflection®, will begin offering brand new, 11-night, Best of the Western Mediterranean sailings, with stops in Italy, France, Spain, and Gibraltar (including an overnight stay in Barcelona).

Each sailing is unique, bringing you Europe like no one else can. In fact, why settle just for one of these unique sailings when you can combine them

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PROMOTION TITLE

THE WORLD IS OPEN. THE SALE IS ON.

and see even more of the Mediterranean? Only have a week? No problem. See Europe’s most iconic cities on one of the seven-night Celebrity Constellation® sailings in 2018.

Another new port for 2017/18 is Sète, France. Nestled on the Mediterranean coast, Sète is both a beach resort and a bustling fishing town, whose canals have drawn comparisons to Venice.

Shop along promenades lined with palm trees.

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Visit the town’s numerous museums. Or make it a beach day and enjoy the crystal waters.

Not only do Celebrity Cruises take you to Europe, they bring Europe to you – right on board. Visiting Rome tomorrow? Twirl up a forkful of hand-made pasta in a sauce made with locally sourced ingredients.

Arriving in Cadiz? Get in the rhythm with an authentic flamenco performance. Or, soak up a crash course in ancient Greece before you step ashore in Athens.

Come on in, to a world filled with possibilities.

Where the bar is made of ice, and the top deck made of grass.

Where you can immerse yourself in a new destination every day.

Where ‘me time’ is all the time.

If you book an eligible Ocean View stateroom or above between December 13, 2016 and February 28, 2017, on selected 2017/18 sailings, you’ll save up to £500 per stateroom, plus enjoy a free Classic Drinks Package for the first and second guest in your stateroom. Third and fourth guests will save up to £100 per person and receive a Non-Alcoholic Drinks Package. See terms and conditions for details.

Classic Drinks Package includes beers up to $6 per serving, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs and frozen drinks up to $8 per serving, and wineby-the-glass up to $9 per serving.

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––––– LA DOLCE VITA –––––

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s there a country in Europe more suited to cruise than Italy?

From exquisite cuisine to ancient history not to mention many miles of coast – the country has style in abundance and offers something for everyone, young and old.

For British tourists, there is little wonder that the Mediterranean is officially the most popular cruise destination in the world. It is generally safe, hot and could rival any

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region in the world for its history and culture.

Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is the jewel in the Mediterranean’s crown.

Ports such as Genoa, Civitavecchia and Venice attract thousands upon thousands of cruise guests every year, eager to see the beauty of Florence or the treasures of Rome, and generating billions of euros for the country’s economy in the process.

It is hardly surprising that Venice has become so popular with tourists, including those who arrive in the city by ship.

It is a magical place. The crumbling, renaissance buildings line the mile upon mile of canals that thread their way through the city’s

islands. Cars don’t exist here; you either get about by water or by navigating the notoriously complex streets on foot. They say that in Venice you can walk from your house to the exact same destination a different route every single day of the year.

It’s not just a destination for ocean cruise guests, though. Uniworld, the luxury river operator, offers a cruise on the Po river out of Venice. The ten-day tour includes hotel stays in Milan, visits to Verona as well as a chance to cruise to less visited towns such as Chioggia, Polesella and Taglio di Po. The cuisine is another reason why Brits are flocking to Italy in record

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ITALY numbers. From eating Neapolitan pizza with tomatoes harvested south of Mount Vesuvius to sipping a cool glass of pinot grigio in Tuscany’s famous vineyards. Italian food has become a staple part of the British diet at home, but there is nothing quite like the real thing.

MSC Cruises, which is headquartered in Switzerland, prides itself on Mediterranean-style cruising, with a pronounced Italian twist.

The company calls at more than ten ports across the country, from its northern hub in Genoa to Palermo, at the northern tip of Sicily.

It is the former that the famous author Gustav Flaubert described as “a beauty that tears the soul”. Its charm is bound up in the old town, which is all winding streets and

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cobbled piazzas. Some say that focaccia bread was invented by the Genoese – a claim that is disputed by others – however it’s still worth sampling some from one of the city’s many fine bakeries.

When writing about Italy, it would be remiss to not include something on the country’s fantastic capital. Rome is a city that will disappoint nobody.

From couples who want to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, to history buffs who want to see the Colosseum or Circus Maximus or art lovers who have always wanted to see Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, tucked away within the Vatican.

One of the most romantic destinations in Italy must be the areas within the Bay of Naples. Stunning towns such as Capri and Sorrento are synonymous

with the glamour of Italian holidays, harking back to a more sophisticated time. With sweeping vistas across sapphire waters, it is like paradise with Mount Vesuvius puffing ominously in the background.

Italy is a cruise destination that can constantly surprise and delight.

From rugged and arid Sicily to the lush lands of the Alpine north. It has ancient sites such as Pompeii and Pisa as well as modern, thriving cities such as Milan and Rome.

There are fashion weeks and ancient universities.

Italy really does have something for everyone.

It’s not a country one can do in one attempt.

However, part of the country’s charm is returning year after year and threading the pieces of its rich tapestry together. n

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PROMOTION

SAILING WITH NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE®

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t Norwegian Cruise Line® we are proud of the fact that – in under 50 years – we have become a global premium cruise line sailing worldwide. We’re always improving, to make your experience on our ships the most memorable.

Norwegian has won the coveted title of Europe’s

Leading Cruise Line at the World Travel Awards for nine consecutive years, and because our European cruises are proving so popular, we’re bringing an unprecedented five ships here for summer 2017.

Sailing from seven different ports to 65 destinations we’ve made sure you’re spoilt for choice. From the

AKUREYRI REYKJAVIK

TLANTIC OCEAN

NORTH SEA LERWICK

KIRKWALL INVERGORDON Inverness NEWHAVEN Edinburgh London SOUTHAMPTON

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ÅLESUND

BERGEN

fjords of Norway, to the Atlantic Isles and across to the Holy Land, we’ve got Europe covered.

And whichever ship you choose, you’ll experience unparalleled freedom and flexibility aboard a stylish contemporary resort packed with innovations and surprises, along with the most exciting dining scene at sea and dazzling entertainment. What’s more, we’re rolling out The Norwegian Edge™ across the fleet. Once completed, this will bring a whole new standard of excellence to every aspect of our holidays.

Feel like doing Europe differently next summer?

Feel Free™. The only way for you to truly discover why we are so critically acclaimed is to set sail on board one of our stylish, premium contemporary ships.

On board Norwegian Jade Norwegian Jade is one of our most popular ships sailing in Europe. Accommodation

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ranges from comfortable Inside Staterooms to spectacular Suites sharing a private Courtyard with pool in The Haven by Norwegian®. Wherever you cruise, you can dine around the world with 17 globally-inspired dining options and make your nights sparkle with 15 bars and lounges and spectacular shows in the Stardust Theatre.

FREE AT SEA

Norwegian Jade’s new Itineraries In 2017 Norwegian Jade returns to Southampton for cruises to the dramatic Norwegian fjords or Iceland, all in the long days of summer. Sail along the English Channel and North Sea coasts to northern Europe, sample a two-night mini-cruise to Hamburg for the Hamburg Cruise Days festival; or take a new view of our shores on an 11-day British Isles and Ireland cruise, with highlights including Edinburgh and Dublin.

FREE 250 Minutes Internet Package

Book a cruise between now and April 7, 2017 of three nights or longer and you can enhance your cruise with: FREE Ultimate Beverage Package FREE Speciality Dining Package FREE $200 Onboard Spending Money per stateroom Book a Studio or Inside Stateroom and choose one of above; an Ocean view or Balcony Stateroom or Mini Suite, choose two offers. Book a Suite or The Haven by Norwegian™ and you get all four offers*!

*Norwegian’s Free At Sea is applicable to new bookings only made between December 1, 2016 and April 7, 2017 for selected sailings of 3+ nights departing on or after December 1, 2016 across selected stateroom grades. For a Studio or Inside Stateroom customers can choose one offer, for Oceanview and above customers can choose two offers and by booking a Suite or The Haven customers receive all four offers. Offer is not applicable to Hawaii (Pride of America) and Norwegian Sky sailings. Full terms and conditions apply – please contact the operator for further information

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PROMOTION

––––– SET SAIL FOR THE INDIAN OCEAN WITH FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES ONCE IN A LIFETIME ACTIVITIES – FROM WALKING WITH LIONS TO SHARK DIVING AND RIDING AROUND CAPE TOWN ON A HARLEY – ARE AVAILABLE ON FRED. OLSEN'S NEW SERIES OF CRUISES TO SOUTH AFRICA AND THE INDIAN OCEAN

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In 2017/18, for the first time, Fred. Olsen is offering a series of stunning cruises to South Africa and the Indian Ocean, which take in destinations including Madagascar, Tanzania, Mozambique, Comoros, the Seychelles, Reunion Island, Cape Town and Mauritius.

Setting sail on board the stylish 880-guest ship Boudicca, guests can enjoy lazy days on white sand beaches, uncovering the lush, volcanic landscapes; learning about the fascinating history and culture of the islands; snorkelling in the region’s largest lagoon; hiking in national parks and seeking out the elusive and beautiful wildlife –

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from ‘walking with lions’ to watching the giant land tortoises!

Cruise guests can choose from seven stunning itineraries departing in autumn and winter 2017/18.

Sailing to the Med, Zanzibar & Mauritius (D1724) Fly-cruise, departing from Liverpool on October 14, 2017 (flying back into London or Manchester).

34 nights from £3,399 per person.

Islands of the Indian Ocean (D1725) Fly-cruise, departing from London or Manchester to Port Louis, Mauritius

on November 15, 2017.

16 nights from £3,499 per person.

Islands of the Indian Ocean (D1726) Islands of the Indian Ocean fly-cruise, departing from London or Manchester to Port Louis, Mauritius on November 30, 2017.

14 nights from £2,449 per person (cruise only – limited availability).

Indian Ocean Islands & Zanzibar (D1727) Fly-cruise, departing from London or Manchester to Port Louis, Mauritius on December 13, 2017.

16 nights from £2,999 per person.

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PROMOTION

Madagascar, Mozambique & South Africa (D1728) Fly-cruise, departing from London or Manchester to Port Louis, Mauritius on December 27, 2017.

16 nights from £3,049 per person.

Cape Town Cruise Safari (D1801) Fly-cruise departing from London or Manchester to Cape Town, South Africa on January 10, 2018. 16 nights from £2,849 per person Cape Town Cruise Safari (D1802) Fly-cruise departing from London or Manchester to Cape Town, South Africa on January 24, 2018. 16 nights from £2,749 per person Once guests have arrived at their destinations, there are a host of ‘once in a lifetime’ activities for them to experience; from spending time on some of

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the world’s most exquisite beaches – such as Flic en Flac, Anse Lazio and Cote D’Or; going in search of the ‘big five’ African game animals by taking a Game Drive at dawn and at sundown; scaling Table Mountain by cable car; tasting fine wines on a tour of Stellenbosch or Constantia; taking a boat ride to spot whales and dolphins; and, for the more adventurous, there are even opportunities to see the sights of Cape Town on the back of a Harley-Davidson; or go shark diving with great white sharks (both optional extras).

Prices are based on two adults sharing a twin-bedded, Interior or Ocean View Room, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, plus port and airport taxes, flights and transfers (unless stated as cruise only).

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ 2016/17 Cruise Sale Award-winning Fred.

Olsen Cruise Lines launched its new Cruise Sale on December 1, 2016, which offers a choice of four fantastic value incentives to tempt you to travel.

Choose from a free upgrade to the ‘all-inclusive’ drinks package, or there are a variety of sailings with no single supplements, when you book by March 1, 2017.

And if you’re ready to book by January 31, then you can take advantage of free onshore spending money or free doorto-door transfers.

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Barcelona

Spain, 10 June 2017, MS Riviera

Culinary Discovery Tours™

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magine you found yourself on a cruise in the middle of the great blue Atlantic with several leisurely days at sea stretching out before you. How would you spend your days? Would you brush up on your bridge and trivia skills? Would you curl up with that book you have been wanting to read? Or would you don a chef hat and apron, and learn how to cook like a pro?

Oceania Cruises’ unique Culinary Discovery Tours™ offer the opportunity to experience first-hand the culinary culture of worldwide destinations.

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DIFFERENCE

Finest cuisine at sea A variety of distinctive open-seating restaurants - at no additional charge Gourmet cuisine curated by worldrenowned Master Chef Jacques Pépin Epicurean enrichment programmes, including immersive Culinary Discovery Tours™ in the world’s most fascinating destinations Award-winning itineraries featuring over 330 alluring destinations Spectacular port-intensive itineraries featuring overnight visits and extended evening port stays Intimate, luxurious ships catering to just 684 or 1,250 guests Exceptional personalised service Country club casual ambiance Acclaimed Canyon Ranch SpaClub®

In local markets you will find the colourful produce, fresh fish and exotic spices used in traditional recipes that inspire people to gather around the table.

Accompanied by a master chef, tour a winery in Madeira or a fish market in Rio de Janeiro, taste the authentic flavours of a region, learn techniques in local cooking classes and then hone your skills at The Culinary Center.

Call our cruise specialists today for more information about Oceania Cruises

 0800 810 8222

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––––– VIKING INVASION ANTHONY PEARCE BOARDS THE VIKING STAR IN NEW YORK TO FIND OUT IF THE SHIP LIVES UP TO THE HYPE

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VIKING

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iking Cruises has always enjoyed being a disruptor.

Having entered the ocean cruise market in 2015, last year the company successfully doubled its ocean fleet. This year, it will add two more ships to its fleet, the Sky and Sun, the third and fourth in its fledgling seafaring division, proving that the company is clearly doing something right. For a line that once christened 18 river ships in a single week, this quick expansion may seem par for the course, but, in reality, it’s nothing short of staggering.

Torstein Hagen, the company’s chairman, promised, rather grandly, to “reinvent” ocean cruise when the expansion was announced four years ago. But it’s fair to say that, even against its own lofty ambitions, Viking Ocean Cruises has enjoyed considerable success since, carving a unique place for itself in the market.

I joined the Viking Star – the first in the fleet – as it sailed from New York City down to San Juan, the Puerto Rican capital, where it is based this winter for the line’s Caribbean itineraries.

Although essentially a repositional cruise, this was too impressive a trip to miss out on. It also gave me chance to finally experience a ship about which I’d

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heard so much.

The day before the Star sailed out of New York for the first time, leaving behind the city’s illuminated skyline, I spent a night in Manhattan in a Midtown hotel, a few blocks from Central Park, the Museum of Modern Art and Tiffany & Co. That evening we dined al fresco at an excellent Italian, in the shadow of the iconic Carnegie Hall, (drawing

some confused looks, given the autumnal weather), allowing us to see some of New York’s eye-catching characters wandering by.

Leaving New York The Manhattan port, where the Star was docked, is remarkably close to the action – a 20-minute taxi ride from our hotel – and backs right onto the city.

That evening, from the aft of the ship, we were able

to enjoy one of the world’s most magical sights: New York City transforming from day into night, lighting up as the sun set. Under this enchanting glow, we set sail, a little later than planned, by which time we were tucking into dinner at Manfredi’s – the magnificent presence of the New York City outside the window. There was tangible excitement as we approached the Statue of Liberty – even among the native New Yorkers on board – making for a truly special moment. Cruise can offer some amazing experiences, and sailing out of this towering city is one of them.

I’d heard so much about the restaurant’s steak – the best at sea, I’d been told more times than I can remember – meaning I didn’t have to consult the menu to pick my main.

The rib-eye that arrived, marinated for four days with salt and chilli flakes, exceeded even those lofty expectations.

Scandinavian design I had not been on Viking’s ocean offering before, but now had four days, with no sight of land, to explore it. It only took about ten minutes to fall in love.

The Star brings the intimacy and the elegance of river cruise to a 930-passenger ocean vessel – and looks beautiful.

True to the company’s Nordic ties is the influence

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VIKING of Scandinavian design on board, as seen on its river cruise Longships, most obviously in the beautiful wooden chairs and tables of the Explorer Lounge and Wintergarden.

It’s much more than that, however. Viking has used the movement’s ethos of simplicity, minimalism and functionality throughout the ship: the Star may be luxurious, but nothing here feels over-the-top.

The attention to detail is so impressive because of the many human touches you find in both the rooms and public areas. My cabin, a massive penthouse veranda, is full of a little surprises: there’s under-floor heating in the bathroom, where the mirror doesn’t steam up and the shower is easy to use; there’s a pair of binoculars hidden away in a

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compartment in the desk.

The more you look around the more you notice these, subtle touches.

Mamsen’s (Norwegian for mum’s) serves waffles using the recipes of Torstein Hagen’s own mother, and there’s even a black and white photograph of her and his daughter on the deli wall, giving it the feel of a family-run café (a surprise for the chairman, I’m told). Nearby, at the entrance to this area, and beyond, in the Explorer Lounge, are illuminated maps of constellations; and, on a huge screen in the atrium, either images

by Viking photographer Alastair Millar or works of art by Edvard Munch are displayed. In fact, all the artwork, like the calming décor, is incredibly tasteful.

Even more impressive is the retractable roof

above the tranquil pool area and the huge amount of outdoor space – on decks two and seven are promenades that loop around the ship.

“No casinos, no umbrella drinks…”

The spa is perhaps the Viking Star’s most impressive area: I spent an afternoon there trying out the Norwegian take on thermotherapy (at first with a little scepticism) of going from really hot places to really cold ones, which is said to aid circulation. That meant luxuriating in the enormous spa pool, Jacuzzi and steamroom and then standing in the snow room (quite literally a room full of snow) or under a bucket of icy water – and feeling, to my surprise, all the better for it (I did, however, wimp out of trying the freezing

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VIKING cold ‘plunge pool’). The rest of the day was spent reading on deck, by the infinity pool, and looking out to sea as the sun set.

Blissful doesn’t even begin cover it.

Compared to some ships, there aren’t tons of features on board. Hagen, who, on Saturday morning, gave an entertaining talk about the company’s 20-year history and expansion from river into ocean, was keen to point out how it is the things that Viking doesn’t do – “no children, no casinos, no umbrella drinks” – that sets it apart.

As soon as I embarked I knew I wouldn’t be bored, that four nights at sea would fly by. I also knew it would mostly be spent eating. After two days of pigging out – steak on Friday, exceptional lobster (followed by New York cheesecake) on Saturday, with burgers, pizzas and pretty much everything else in between – I decided to see it from the other side, taking some cookery classes in the Kitchen Table, an innovative space where guests are invited to help prepare meals. When the ship is in port, customers are invited to head to local markets with chefs to source the ingredients.

Inevitably, I ate more than I cooked, but just watching such an accomplished chef at work was a joy.

A philosophy that works Viking’s ocean offering occupies an unusual

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place in the market. While it doesn’t brand itself as luxury, there is a lot included here. That is: beer and wine with lunch and dinner; one shore excursion option in each port; wi-fi; use of the spa; and access to speciality (it calls them “alternative”) restaurants, including a wine-tasting menu and private dining space. And what isn’t included is affordable: the drinks package of $19 a day is very reasonable and includes premium spirits

(save for a few of the most pricey menu options).

Like the Longship, Viking has found a product that works and now intends to stick to it. The changes to the new ships, Hagen says, will be tweaks, but the rest will remain, meaning guests will enjoy the same high standard regardless of which ship they sail on, allowing them to choose by destination. It’s a philosophy that continues to serve them well.

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ELECTRIC DREAMS WITH NEW MEASURES TO TACKLE ITS CARBON FOOTPRINT, CAN THE CRUISE INDUSTRY IMPROVE ITS NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMAGE? ANTHONY PEARCE INVESTIGATES

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GREEN TRAVEL

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ow environmentally friendly is a cruise?

It’s a question that is asked with increasing frequency, particularly given some of the negative press that often surrounds cruise’s carbon footprint.

The answer hasn’t always been forthcoming: there are many complicated variables, while some cruise lines have been criticised for a lack of transparency. It’s fair to say that, like all tourism, the impact is considerable, but the last few years have seen a change in attitudes Holidaymakers are ever more switched on about green travel and cruise lines have reacted accordingly.

Increasingly, when new ships are announced, operators talk about their commitment to the environment.

For example, when P&O Cruises recently revealed plans to build, what it calls the “largest ship and most ambitious ship ever built for Britain”, its environmental impact was at the heart of the story.

The ship is set to be powered by liquefied natural gas, as are two ships from sister company Carnival Cruise Line, while Royal Caribbean International is also getting in on the act with its Icon class ships.

Richard Branson has said that his cruise line, Virgin Voyages, will adopt a new clean energy technology called Climeon Ocean when it launches in 2020. The

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ships, he says, will be the first to transform waste heat from engines into electricity for onboard use.

Tom McAlpin, president and CEO of Virgin Voyages, told The Village Post: “The entire Virgin Group is committed to changing business for good and Virgin Voyages will be no exception and we are inspired by Richard Branson’s leadership on the global issue of creating more sustainable businesses.

“Virgin Voyages is excited to be the first cruise line to work with the smart people at Climeon.

They have found a way to efficiently turn heat waste into electricity, saving stacks of CO2. It’s just one thing we’re doing to meet our commitment to launch one of the cleanest fleets to sail the seven seas.”

The news was hot on the heels of Hurtigruten’s announcement to build hybrid-powered expedition ships – the first of which are called Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen. The company says the technology will make sailing with electric propulsion for 15-30 minutes a reality and will reduce emissions from the ships by 20 per cent.

Friends Of The Earth, which monitors cruise lines’ environmental performances in its annual reports card, welcomed the move. Marcie Keever, oceans and vessels programme director,

told The Village Post: “Hurtigruten has also committed to not using heavy fuel oil in the Arctic, which is another positive thing it’s doing.

“One of the things we have been working on, particularly in the Arctic, but worldwide is to reduce this. By law, it’s allowed to be extremely dirty, at the moment it can be 35,000 parts per 1,000,000 sulphur; on road, diesel is 15 parts per 1,000,000. But, you have to get this down 1,000 if you’re in the US or at port in the EU, but worldwide it’s allowed and is incredibly damaging, both for health and the environment.

“In the Arctic, soot tends to sit on the ice and actually exacerbates melting, so when a company such as Hurtigruten commits to cleaner fuel we’re very happy about this.”

Keever points to Friends Of The Earth’s report card, which it has been running every year since 2009. In 2016, it graded 17 cruise lines and 171 cruise ships, focusing primarily on the largest lines.

It doesn’t make great reading for cruise lines, particularly upon first glance. Keever points to a problem with transparency, which brings the overall score down – but notes there are clear differences.

“If you look across our whole report card, you will see Disney Cruise Lines very high up, and some

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very low. There are positive environmental stories and negative ones. Across the industry there is a balance, which we think should be leaning towards the higher end. We’re always pushing for all cruise lines to do better,” she adds.

“Transparency is a problem, but over 60 per cent of cruise ships on a report card have installed advanced sewage treatment systems, there’s that kind of positive story.

On the air pollution side, there are ships that are using cleaner fuel, they’re installing scrubbers, taking advantage of shore power.

“There are positives. In particular, Princess Cruises gets the highest grade for air pollution, almost every ship they have is fitted with shore power.

“Royal Caribbean International is getting an A with sewage treatment; I think they have just one ship to upgrade of its fleet of 25. It’s leaps and bounds better than older technology.”

Companies such as Hurtigruten and other

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smaller-ship cruise lines are not included on the Friends of the Earth list, and so the report is distorted by the lack of smaller, often more environmentally friendly cruise ships.

But even among the bigger lines there are differences, says Keever.

“There are comparisons that people can make, which is why we did the report card. Passengers are saying, ‘OK, which cruise lines are better?’ It’s not just about choosing where you are going, what activities you are doing – it’s also about who is doing better from an environmental perspective.

“Like most industries, cruise lines are being pushed by national and international bodies to do better.

"Unfortunately, shipping and aviation were actually left out of the Paris agreement on CO2. The International Maritime Organisation, which is an arm of the UN, sets standards for shipping.

“Richard Branson has just announced the waste-heat

recapturing programme [for Virgin Voyages]. There are lots of things that the industry is looking at.

“Of course, it’s really challenging for an industry that runs entirely on petroleum at the moment.

It’s difficult to know what will happen, because the industry is so reliant on fossil fuel.

“No-fly cruises are a good thing, because you don’t need an aeroplane to get there, but of course it’s still energy-intensive to get a ship through the ocean.

It’s difficult to nail down comparisons between this and land-based tourism but of there are a number of factors.

“I definitely think we are moving in the right direction,” she adds.

“I think with efforts like ours, and from other groups, that try to push the industry to improve regulation – which, in my opinion, the industry should really stop fighting – you can already see the differences, even between different cruise lines.”

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––––– THE GATEWAY TO THE WORLD FROM THE BIG APPLE TO THE NORTHERN LIGHTS, VILLAGE POST EXPLAINS HOW YOU CAN GET PRETTY MUCH ANYWHERE FROM SOUTHAMPTON

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SOUTHAMPTON

W

hen it comes to international hubs, few can compete with Southampton for the sheer diversity of destinations on offer. You might be able to fly to any number of destinations from Heathrow or Gatwick, but from Southampton’s cruise terminals you can travel to anywhere in the world.

Thank about it — from short, mini-cruises hopping across the English Channel to France or Belgium to full-blown world cruises of more than 100 days, including calls at dozens of countries and several continents.

While that’s two of the more extreme examples of English Riviera departures, the holidays on offer from Southampton cover both, as well as pretty much everything in between.

Not only that, but you can travel in any direction too – be it across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean or United States, south to the Canary Islands and the

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Mediterranean or east out to Northern Europe and beyond.

The Mediterranean has proved to be the most popular cruise destination in the world for British passengers. With countries such as Italy, France and Greece offering warm weather, plenty of history and incredible food, there’s little wonder so many Brits are casting anchor and heading out to its crystal clear waters. While you can fly straight to the likes of Rome or Barcelona, many people would rather avoid airports altogether. And, who can blame them? P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Celebrity Cruises all offer amazing itineraries out of Southampton for holidaymakers looking to get away for a couple of weeks over the summer.

Celebrity offers a late summer 14-day cruise in September from Southampton with calls at Gibraltar, Villefranche (Nice), La Spezia (Florence), Civitavecchia

(Rome), Genoa, Malaga and Lisbon before returning to Southampton. If there’s an easier way to see some of the best cities in Europe, we haven’t heard about it.

There are a number of obvious benefits to cruising out of a British port. For starters there’s dodging the airport itself, which we’ve mentioned.

Secondly, there’s the luggage restrictions. Or lack thereof. Companies like Cunard incredibly will let you take as much baggage on holiday as you can fit into the cabin, which is rather generous.

The Queen Mary 2 even has kennels on board if you can’t bear going away without your prized pooch.

The company specialises in transatlantic cruises between Southampton and New York – one of the most iconic trips around.

A third major advantage to taking a cruise out of a British port might sound obvious – but it’s the immediacy of your holiday.

As soon as you arrive at

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the port and check onto your ship – you can begin relaxing. Sit on deck and watch as your floating hotel slowly sails out of British waters and takes you to some of the world’s most interesting places – all while only unpacking once. Perfect.

Three or four-night cruises are the ideal introduction to holidays on the water. Or rather, perfect for introducing a slightly sceptical loved one. The fact is that most people who cruise tend to go on more than one per year – once you’ve got the cruise bug, it’s with you for life.

A mini-cruise will typically call at charming port towns such as Honfleur in France or Bruges in Belgium. The latter of which is planning to construct a vast beer pipeline below the city – to stop the breweries having to transport their amber nectar by tankers. If you needed a reason to visit, there’s a big one!

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Another one of the most popular destinations for British passengers departing from the UK is a cruise to see the northern lights. The aurora borealis, as they are officially known, are one of the most spectacular sights on earth. The light show is best viewed in the far northern territories around the likes of Iceland, Sweden and Norway.

While cruise lines have traditionally kept away from promises that guests will see the northern lights, Hurtigruten – a specialist in cruises around Norway – offers a Northern Lights Promise that guests who don’t see the spectacle on certain cruises will receive a free cruise.

Get in touch to find out more as they don’t cruise out of Southampton, but there are plenty of other companies that do.

Many people also fall in love with the Norwegian fjords.

These vast arteries cut

through the country’s pristine coastline – offering incredible vistas from on top of the mountainous fjords. The air feels like the cleanest you will ever breath.

For centuries the small settlements that sit prettily by the water were connected by fjord only – roads and bridges to connect them were too much of an engineering feat. The region cultivated a fine maritime history, which is evident from the moment you enter the fjords themselves.

During the Victorian era, Southampton adopted the nickname ‘Gateway to the Empire’, upon which the sun never set. With its network of railways connecting it to the rest of England, you’re never more than a few hours away from England’s south coast. Once you’re there, a cruise ship can take you to anywhere in the world.

Call 0800 810 8222

37

––––– MAKING WAVES SAMUEL BALLARD INVESTIGATES HOW CRUISE IS FINALLY LEARNING TO ACCOMMODATE THE SOLO TRAVELLER

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W

hen it comes to solo travel, cruise is notoriously off limits.

It’s the economics of the industry, the cruise lines say. Cabins are sold on the basis of double occupancy, or to take the jargon out of it: two people share one room. It’s arguably the most fundamental part of the sector’s business plan. From those double occupancy estimates the cruise lines are able to work everything else out – revenues, profits and where (and how much) they can spend on driving sales. If they start allowing solo travellers to take up an entire cabin, well, revenues will literally half.

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However, it’s worth noting that real life isn’t played out on a company balance sheet. The fact is that the average age of a cruise passenger is somewhere in the mid-60s. When a couple cruises into old age and one of them passes away, why shouldn’t the newly solo traveller wish to continue their decades-old tradition of seafaring holidays? Why, when one half of a couple passes away, should a cruise line virtually insist that it loses the business of both of them?

This is one of the reasons single supplements were brought in, with cruise lines often having charged as much as 100 per cent for a person to travel alone.

Understandably, with the exception of a few wealthy patrons, it has put a lot of solo travellers off taking cruise.

Well, there is something in the air, and it seems that more and more cruise lines are coming round to the fact that solo travellers are going to be an increasingly important factor in their future business.

Saga is one of the cruise lines to recently realise the potential of solo travellers.

On October 14, 2016 it ran its first river cruise purely for solos, welcoming 52 passengers on board the Arlene, for a cruise down the Rhine.

Andrew Iwasyszyn, product and purchasing

39

SOLO manager for rivers at Saga, says: “While we do offer many single cabins on all of our departures, we found that some people wanted something more tailored to the independent traveller.

“There is often real camaraderie among solo holidaymakers so by dedicating exclusive departures for them, they know that they will be able to enjoy their trip with others who travel independently. It has even encouraged people to travel who otherwise might not have done so.”

The cruise has proved so popular that Saga will be expanding solo departures on future river programmes.

Other river operators who offer seriously good value for solo travellers include

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Amadeus, Tauck and Riviera Travel. Indeed the latter has created a real buzz within the river market because of its growing fleet of ships that focus on British passengers, even including kettles and PG Tips in its cabins. Not only that but many of its river vessels are named after famous British authors, from the Lord Byron and Jane Austen to the Thomas Hardy.

The company has garnered a huge amount of praise for putting together its own programme of solo holidays too. With special itineraries for those travelling alone.

Few lines can compete with Tauck when it comes to luxury, however. To bolster that, the company said it won't charge solo travellers

a single supplement on any European river cruise in 2017 when staying in category one cabins.

In the world of ocean cruising, Cruise & Maritime Voyages has placed a huge value on solo travellers, given its emphasis on the no-fly market and attractiveness to the older market. The company puts on optional events for those holidaying alone in a bid to make it easier for them to meet up and socialise.

However, the choice is firmly with the individual.

“Recognising the need to offer attractive deals for solos, we have set aside 150 twin cabins for single occupancy on board Magellan and Columbus priced with just a 25 per cent single supplement on

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CRUISE

“

There is real camaraderie among solo holidaymakers so by dedicating exclusive departures for them, they know that they will be able to enjoy their trip with others who travel independently

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SOLO the equivalent category twin share fares,” says Chris Coates, the company’s commercial director.

“In addition, our special onboard singles programme of events including a welcome cocktail party and get-togethers will ensure the opportunity to meet like-minded travellers and make new friends.”

As more and more cruise lines realise the needs of solo travellers, many have been left in Norwegian Cruise Line’s wake. The company installed an exclusive wing of Studio cabins on Norwegian Epic in 2010, essentially a purpose-built area — complete with private lounge and bar — for solo travellers. It is only accessible with keycard access.

“We’ve worked very hard on our studio concept,” explains Francis Riley, senior vice president of international at Norwegian Cruise Line. “The lounge

42

area is a great place for solos to meet like minded travellers. We haven’t announced anything yet, but the studios are definitely part of our plans for future ships.”

Since many of the Studio staterooms are connecting, there is also the opportunity for friends to travel together while giving each their own private space.

Each cabin is about 100 square-feet and boasts customisable lighting. The cost for the Studios is far cheaper than those who would have previously forked out a single supplement on board.

They have become so popular that Norwegian now has them on Norwegian Breakaway (59 cabins), Norwegian Getaway (59 cabins) and the recently launched Norwegian Escape (82 cabins). Pride of America also features

four studio cabins.

Explaining why other lines haven’t traditionally got on board with solo travellers, Christian Boell, Norwegian’s European managing director, says: “The marketplace is different across the world, and even Europe. The UK has a long tradition of cruise, so a lot of ships haven’t been made with a solo traveller in mind.

“Countries such as Spain are now beginning to cruise more, with a younger audience and travelling solo isn’t as much of a novelty for them.”

As the industry develops, it is clear that cruise is wanting to take a piece of the solo traveller pie. It’s unusual now to see new ships being built without solo cabins. P&O has single cabins across five ships — two of which (Arcadia and Britannia) even have single balcony cabins.

It won’t be long until more follow their example.

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EXPLORE THE NORWEGIAN WAY

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Expedition suites available Choice of preferred dining time Complimentary tea and coffee Complimentary Wi-Fi

Terms & Conditions: From prices quoted are in GBP and are per person, based on full occupancy of an unspecified inside two-berth cabin, on a full-board basis. Single supplements may apply. Cabins and excursions are subject to availability. Hurtigruten operates a flexible pricing system and prices are capacity controlled, correct at time of booking. Not included: travel insurance, luggage handling, international flights, optional excursions or gratuities. Flights booked with Hurtigruten are ATOL protected (ATOL 3584). All itineraries are subject to change due to local conditions. See website for full itineraries and full booking terms and conditions.

If undelivered please return to: The Cruise Village, 298 Highfield Road, Blackpool, Lancashire. FY4 3JU

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