CLIA UK & Ireland Monthly Newsletter Edition 23

Edition 23 - March 2015

Membership News

CLIA Executive Partners on-board Britannia at her inaugural celebrations - Southampton

We are very happy to present you with March’s CLIA UK & Ireland Executive Partner & Cruise Line Newsletter.

What a month March has been – following on from selling out our Selling Cruise Conference at the earliest point ever, the first CLIA Europe event under the new Executive Partner banner was also a huge success with a number of Gold & Diamond members of our Port & Destination Community joining us for the first Port & Destination Forum. We have then had the fantastic opportunity to experience the launches of the latest ships to enter the UK Market in just one week - P&O Cruises’ Britannia and Cruise and Maritime Voyages’ Magellan. With Anthem of the Seas joining us next month and our River Cruise Weekend coming up, we are sure that the enthusiasm for cruise from our members will continue.

This month we are delighted to announce 3 key dates in the CLIA UK & Ireland Calendar. Firstly, our Annual General Meeting, which will be held at the headquarters of the Daily Mail in London on Wednesday 28th April – invitations for this key event will be coming out soon. Secondly, our Autumn Cocktails, following the huge success of last months Winter Cocktails, will now be held on the 21st of October so we strongly recommend you keep this date in your dirary. Finally, we have now announced that CLIA Cruise Week will be back in September. Following on from the vast success of last year where we reached nearly 7 million people, this year’s event will be held between the 19th – 27th of September so please keep your eyes open for how you can get involved.

Online we have continued to update our page with the latest CLIA Updates, our new Destinations pages and more promotion opportunities, so if you would like to get any promotions online please get in touch, especially as River Cruise Weekend will without doubt drive traffic up on www.cruiseexperts.org. If you need any assistance with your membership or logging in to the website, please contact Augustus, either on alonsdale@cruising.org or 0207 436 2449

European cruise market reaches an all-time high: 6.39 million Europeans cruised in 2014 despite challenging economic conditions • • •

44% cruise passengers’ growth since economic crisis began Support from stakeholders and policy-makers is vital to long-term growth UK market set to grow with increasing cruise ship capacity in 2015

Miami - March 17, 2015 – Pierfrancesco Vago, Chairman of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Europe, announced today from the 31st annual Cruise Shipping Miami Conference that more Europeans than ever booked a cruise in 2014 – an increase of 0.5% compared to the 2013 figures.[1] Since the beginning of the economic crisis in 2008, the European cruise market has grown by 44%, proving the cruise industry’s resilience. According to the latest figures available, the economic impact of the cruise industry in Europe approached €40 billion in 2013, and provided nearly 340,000 jobs.[2] Pierfrancesco Vago, CLIA Europe’s Chairman and Executive Chairman of MSC Cruises, said: “Once again, the number of Europeans choosing a cruise holiday has hit a new record – reaching 6.39 million passengers – despite the on-going economic difficulties in Europe. Thanks to our efforts, cruising has proved once again to be an excellent holiday choice for millions of passengers in Europe and beyond, providing great value for money.”

In 2014 Germany became Europe’s first source country with 1.77 million passengers, while France consolidated itself as the fourth largest source market in Europe, with an impressive growth of 13.7%. At the same time there was a decrease in capacity deployment in the Mediterranean, which affected several markets, due to cruise lines’ individual strategies and a backdrop of continuing economic difficulties in the EU. Talking about the 0.5% growth rate for 2014, Pierfrancesco Vago said: “This may sound like a small achievement, but if we consider the European economic climate, we can see that this is an extraordinary result, and continues our industry’s trend of steady growth year-on-year. While Europe is struggling to recover from the economic crisis, our industry has continued to grow. We have grown by an incredible 44% since 2008.”

Pierfrancesco Vago concluded: “This year’s slower growth rate reminds us that success can never be taken for granted. We are optimistic about the future, we see that the global demand for cruising is growing, and we know that opportunities for Europe are many – from low market penetration rates to new ships to be launched. But we need to work harder with European stakeholders and policy makers to overcome common challenges and increase the pressure for a more business friendly Europe.”

Raphael von Heereman, CLIA Europe’s Secretary General, said: “There are still many challenges we need to face in Europe, and these include the revision of the EU Visa Code. If we do not act swiftly to adopt it, the EU risks losing competitiveness to third countries as well as important revenues in terms of trade, investments and jobs. On the contrary, a timely adoption of a smart Visa Code would boost the European tourism sector, and enable the cruise industry to contribute even more to Europe’s economy and society.”

Largely as a consequence of reduced cruise ship capacity away from UK ports and other popular destinations for UK and Irish consumers such as the Mediterranean, the number of UK and Irish ocean cruise passengers fell by 4.8% to 1.64 million in 2014.

However, the number of UK and Irish passengers taking fly cruises increased 3% in 2014, and the longer term trends demonstrate that the UK & Ireland market remains resilient - the annual average increase in passenger numbers since the start of the economic downturn in 2008 has been 3.3% and, over the past quarter century, there has been ten-fold growth.

Andy Harmer, Director of CLIA UK & Ireland, says: “2015 is all set to be a landmark year with many additional cruise ships sailing from British waters including P&O Cruises’ Britannia, Royal Caribbean International’s Anthem of the Seas, Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess and Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Magellan, and this augers well for a renewed growth in passenger numbers from the UK and Ireland.

“The UK and Ireland continues to have one of Europe’s highest rates of market penetration for cruise holidays. Our industry is putting massive investment into new ships - over US$11 billion in the next two years alone – and we’re confident that the future prospects continue to be bright.”

Key figures released by CLIA Europe: • • •

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6,387,000 Europeans took a cruise in 2014, an all-time high.

This marks a 0.5% growth of Europe’s source market compared to the previous year.

The number of Europeans choosing a cruise holiday has increased by 44% since 2008, when the economic downturn began.

[3] The industry has enjoyed growth year-on-year.

Germany has become Europe’s first source market with 1.77 million passengers, increasing by 5%, mostly due to capacity increases from German cruise lines AIDA and TUI Cruises.

Capacity was moved away from UK ports which, while leading to an increase in fly cruises, resulted in an overall 4.8% decrease in the number of British passengers taking a cruise in 2014.

Italy remains the third largest source market, despite a 3.1% decrease that is explained by the decrease of capacity deployment in the Med. France has achieved impressive growth (13.7%), consolidating itself as Europe’s fourth largest source market.

Spain has continued to decline (–4.5%), due to the decrease in capacity in the Med and the closed operations of Iberocruceros, although this year’s decrease was much softer than the previous two years.

The Scandinavian market has increased by 5.6% this year.

In 2013, last year figures available from our European Economic Contribution Report, the industry in Europe generated over 339,000 jobs and €39.4 Billion of economic benefits annually.[4]

Raising the 175 Anniversary Flag At the Cunard Building Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson and Cunard Director Angus Struthers hoisted a specially-commissioned 175 Flag above the Cunard Building at the Pier Head in Liverpool on Friday 20 February.

Cunard celebrates the 175th anniversary of the departure from Liverpool of its first ship in 2015 and the Cunard Building, its former Headquarters from 1916 to 1967, will play a key role in the celebrations planned to mark this milestone anniversary.

The Building, one of the famous Three Graces on the Pier Head waterfront, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will mark its own 100th anniversary in June 2016.

A new short video is released today telling the story of the Cunard Building, which is free to use – to view please visit the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjHM8zZChwU&feature=youtu. be Angus Struthers, Cunard Director, comments: “The Cunard Building was designed to convey gravitas as a landbased representation of the Cunard ships themselves: solid, reliable, elegant and impressive. For almost 100 years the Building has remained just that and although Cunard moved to another home in 1967, the Building has remained a true statement to the shared history of the company and Liverpool. It is therefore very fitting that the Three Queens of the Cunard fleet will salute the Cunard Building when they gather on the Mersey on 25 May 2015.”

The Cunard Building, now one of the ‘Three Graces’ on Liverpool’s magnificent World Heritage Site Pierhead, was built on the site of George’s Dock. Divided into three sites by the extension of Water Street and Brunswick Street, it was destined to become one of the most famous waterfronts in the world.

The Cunard Building was the third to be built – the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board being the first - and it was a construction on a massive scale, a shoreside version of Cunard’s floating palaces at sea. Built of 180,000 cu feet of Portland Stone, with 50,000 cu feet of Italian marble inside, the building’s design was based on the Farnese Palace in Rome – the family home of Pope Paul III. Only much, much bigger! The third building to be built was the Liver Building. The Cunard Building is in the centre.

The old dock walls were re-enforced with 700,000 cu feet of concrete to prevent the Mersey from seeping in, and the floor of the original dock became the floor of the lower level of two basements.

Built on a huge scale – the 11 floors could accommodate 250,000 people standing – the building’s huge public rooms, corridors and stairways were lavishly decorated with marble columns and arches.

It was clearly the headquarters of a company that mattered.

The Cunard Empire was ruled from the fifth floor, with its Boardroom and the pivotal naval architects’ department. Over 1,000 Cunard staff worked in the building, from hydrographers mapping the world’s tides to the experimental chef who tried out new recipes on employees before they were introduced on board.

On the ground floor was the enormous and magnificent pillared ticket hall and lounge for First Class passengers. Second and third class passengers were dealt with in the first basement – including, for emigrants, compulsory medical examinations.

Shields on the riverside elevation acknowledge the period when the building was constructed, being the arms of countries allied in the Great War – Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Japan, Belgium, Serbia and Montenegro. At each corner is the shield of the Cunard company, supported by an eagle – each weighing 43 tons. And above each third floor window are the arms of the principal passenger ports in the United Kingdom – Liverpool, Bristol, Southampton, Plymouth, Falmouth, Hull, Portsmouth, Newcastle, Glasgow, Leith, Aberdeen, Dundee and Queenstown.

Cunard moved into its prestigious new building, its third and last in Liverpool, in June 1916 and it remained there for over fifty years.

While the Cunard Building was perfect in every way, not just for the reassurance it gave to passengers with its air of permanence, stability and grandeur, and not just from the efficiency of having the staff on one site, but because the directors could look out from the Boardroom window and see the divisions of their empire – the ships – coming and going from the Mersey, the centre of Cunard operations.

But a significant change took place in 1936. Queen Mary, despite having Liverpool imprinted on the stern like the rest of the Cunard fleet, was too big to enter the Mersey – and she never even visited the port. She was based in Southampton, where some Cunard operations had begun a few years earlier, and was followed later by the even bigger Queen Elizabeth.

No longer could the directors view the pride of the fleet from the Boardroom – the major shift had begun.

By 1967, the focus of Cunard activity had shifted away from Liverpool; it remained Cunard’s administrative centre, but everything administered was elsewhere.

However, the histories of Liverpool and Cunard are interwoven and the emotional connection between the city and the company remains as strong as ever today.

Avalon Waterways’ Suite Ships Debut in France This month will see luxury river cruise company, Avalon Waterways debut its Panorama Suite Ships in France.

Avalon Tapestry II will be launched into service on 28 March sailing the ‘Paris to Normandy’s Landing Beaches’ cruise whilst the year old Avalon Poetry II will set sail on 27 March for the ‘Burgundy & Provence’ cruise from Arles to Chalon-sur-Saone on the Rhone.

Avalon’s ‘Paris to Normandy Landing Beaches’ cruise highlights the River Seine from Paris taking in sights such as picturesque Normandy and the poignant WWII landing beaches (full day excursion), the artist village of Auvers-sur-Oise, Claude Monet’s tranquil gardens at Giverny and historic Rouen. Priced from £1329 per person for a 28 March departure.* Avalon Poetry II was christened last year by celebrity godmother, Olympic Gold medallist Katherine Grainger and features lavender coloured interior design to reflect the passing landscape. The 11 day holiday combines the seven night cruise with an overnight stay at the Fairmont Monte Carlo as well as two nights in Paris. Cruise highlights include guided sightseeing in Paris and Lyon, wine tasting in Beaune, visits to the medieval cities of Tournon and Viviers, the fortified city of Avignon and the capital of Provence - Arles.

Priced from £1426 per person for a 10 April departure ** Avalon’s deluxe river cruises take you to the heart of a destination offering a high standard of personalised service, a la carte dining, state-of-the-art design and technology on-board spacious ships as well as fascinating itineraries to experience the highlights of the landscape and iconic sights.

Both ships featured two decks of Panorama Suites sized at 200 square feet each, 30% larger than industry standard. Panorama Suites total 80% of staterooms on each Suite Ship, compared to other fleets which feature just a few premium staterooms. All are well-appointed with wall-to-wall sliding panoramic windows opening to create an open-air balcony, a large private bathroom with full shower, spacious storage, L’Occitane bath products, luxurious Comfort Collection beds and Egyptian cotton linens. Two Royal Suites sized at 300 ft with king-sized bed, full size bathroom and access to in-room Ipads are also featured on each Ship.

Avalon’s flexible approach to river cruising provides passengers with the freedom to chose the dining and sightseeing options which suits them best for a more personalized river cruise experience. Sightseeing is offered at three different levels to suit individuals as well as different dining options from a la carte dining in the panoramic and spacious dining room to a lighter dinner menu featuring regional specialities and wines in the Panorama Bistro and during summer grilled lunches at the open air Sky Bistro.

Active Alliance - Get involved!

This year member ports of the Atlantic Alliance are celebrating the ‘Active Alliance’ and would like to invite cruise lines and their guests to get involved. There are numerous active shore excursions available and the opportunity to sample a whole host of great sporting experiences. A recent Europe wide survey (incorporating all 28 European states) has shown that all of the member states represented by the Atlantic Alliance are by far some of the most active ports in Europe. All eight countries measured considerably higher than average in terms of good health and wellbeing.

For those passengers preferring land-based activities, our member ports are lucky enough to be positioned amongst some of the most breath taking scenery in Europe. Various hiking trails are just a short distance away. Passengers visiting Le Havre have a whole multitude of activities available from horseback riding to Miami. There are some fantastic sports and activities in which bungee jumping. In recent years there has been an increase of cruise passengers can get involved with, when visiting any passengers that are looking to discover the surrounding areas via member port of the Atlantic Alliance. Whether cruise passengers bicycle. Whether it be exploring the winding streets and canals are seeking some adrenaline filled racing, then the world famous of Amsterdam on two wheels, or following one of the stages of 24 hour endurance track, Le Mans, is only a short distance the Tour of Spain, one of the three ‘Grand Tours of Cycling’, the away from Nantes, France. The Formula 1 racing course in SpaAtlantic Alliance ports have something for everyone.

Francorchamps can be reached in less than two hours from Antwerp. Or perhaps, if visiting the shores of the UK, then the The member ports are well positioned to serve even the most Touring Car Championship track, Brands Hatch is located just diverse of active tastes; a visit to Spain and Portugal can offer outside Dover. passengers a one off chance to emerge themselves in the exciting and unique culture surrounding the matador in red and the bull.

A number of the member ports offer passengers the perfect Hamburg and Bremerhaven both offer fast paced horse racing, in opportunity to take to the water. Portland Port, located in addition to some of the high profile sporting events surrounding Portland Harbour, played a key part in the 2012 Olympic Games tennis, soccer and marathons located in and around Hamburg. A Sailing events and is involved in regular world championship selection of exhilarating water sports are popular throughout all of sailing regattas and competitions. Passengers can take to the our French and English ports situated along the English Channel. same Olympic waters that famous sailors such as Ben Aisle Being active and providing the platform for Europe’s greatest regularly frequent. For a more leisurely paced activity, passengers sporting events creates a perfect basis for cruise lines and their stopping off at La Rochelle in France may enjoy the opportunity guests sporting experience. to tour the many canals of the La Venise Verte National Park via canoe, absorbing the wonderful scenery from water rather than Be inspired and follow 18 of Europe’s prime cruise destinations in land.

8 different countries.

P&O Cruises takes delivery of largest ever cruise ship for UK market P&O Cruises has officially taken delivery of Britannia – the largest cruise ship ever designed specifically for the British holiday market.

The handover ceremony took place yesterday (Sunday February 22, 2015) in Italy’s Trieste and was attended by Carnival UK executive chairman, David Dingle, senior executives from P&O Cruises, as well as senior teams from the shipyard Fincantieri, where Britannia was built.

The traditional ceremony included the exchange of flags, in which the shipyard flag is taken down and the P&O Cruises flag is flown.

Britannia’s Captain Paul Brown was also presented with the first water to touch the hull of Britannia during the official float out ceremony.

Other guests at the handover ceremony included some of P&O Cruises Food Heroes; TV wine expert Olly Smith who is represented in The Glass House wine bar and restaurant as well as master patissier Eric Lanlard and cheese expert Charlie Turnbull who are represented in The Market Cafe and Epicurean fine dining restaurant.

Britannia will leave Fincantieri shipyard at the end of this week and arrive in Southampton on Friday March 6. She will be officially named on Tuesday March 10 before her maiden voyage to the Mediterranean on Saturday March 14.

For the latest pictures of Britannia and the handover ceremony visit: www.pocruisespresspictures.com/

CMV supporting Comic Relief

Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) will be using the opportunity next month, when new ship Magellan is officially named at the London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury, to support Comic Relief.

CMV’s Head of Marketing, Mike Hall said “It is an ideal situation for us to help the charity with events taking place on 12th, 13th and 14th March.

Red Nose Day is 13 March so the timing could not be better.”

Mike Hall said “At each event we will offer three cruise prizes – a three night cruise, a six night cruise and a cruise up to 14 nights. A draw will take place during dinner on each evening. We intend placing envelopes on the tables for guests to donate to Comic Relief and thereby enter the draw.

Magellan is the latest addition to the CMV fleet and joins Marco Polo, Azores and Astor. At 46,052 tonnes it is CMV’s largest vessel and takes 1250 passengers. In 2015 cruises will depart primarily from London –Tilbury plus three from Newcastle and Dundee. The first maiden voyage departure sails from Tilbury up to the Faroe Islands aiming to see the Total Solar Eclipse as part of a 12 night cruise.

The itinerary includes Invergordon, Shetland Islands, positioning for the eclipse, Reykjavik, and Tórshavn, Faroe Islands. Current price available is from £799pp

Oceania Cruises introduces new on-board culinary experiences

Oceania Cruises is expanding its innovative culinary curriculum with 20 new classes for the Culinary Centers, on board the mid-sized luxury cruise ships `Marina’ and `Riviera’, including a special two-day culinary immersion programme focused on the life and legacy of Chef Jacques Pépin (Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Director, pictured) and additions to the Gourmet Explorer Series that showcases cooking styles from a variety of international destinations.

Oceania Cruises is widely recognised for its ground-breaking culinary enrichment offerings, including the introduction of the first-ever Culinary Center at sea, equipped with individual induction cook-top work stations.

The new programmes were developed by long-time Director of Culinary Enrichment, Chef Kathryn Kelly. They will debut on Marina and Riviera starting in April 2015.

“In our Culinary Center, guests cook under the instruction of faculty members who are CIA graduates and have apprenticed under a who’s who of renowned chefs,” says Kelly. “We continue to add new topics to keep things fresh for past guests and this year we’re proud to honour our consummate teacher, Jacques Pepin, with a special class.”

Culinary Center Immersion Programme In response to guests’ requests, the Oceania Cruises Culinary Center will offer a special Culinary School Immersion Programme on select itineraries. The curriculum is designed to improve the skills of a home chef by focusing on the essential techniques for creating basic sauces, grilling, preparing vegetables and other culinary skills. The in-depth instruction is spread over a morning and afternoon session and extends for two days, or four sessions in total. (Pictured: the 1250-guest luxury cruise ship `Marina’) The highlight of the culinary immersion programme is a friendly competition where teams of four guests are paired together to prepare a dish that is judged by the faculty and executives from

the shipboard culinary team. All participants receive a special certificate at the end of the programme, while the winning team can claim culinary bragging rights for the remainder of the cruise.

Celebrate Jacques Pépin In collaboration with Chef Pépin, Oceania Cruises is creating an exclusive class that includes recipes from Jacques’ cookbooks and family favourites. The new class “La Technique: A Celebration of Jacques Pépin’s 80th Birthday” covers techniques written in his early book “La Technique,” which remains an indispensable source of culinary knowledge for modern chefs, as well as “Essential Pépin,” a collection of over 700 technique-based favourite recipes that stretches over his six decades in the kitchen.

Guests will learn five basic techniques around eggs, proteins, vegetables, sauces and desserts.

At the conclusion of each class, guests pose for a photo that will be incorporated into a special birthday card for Chef Pépin.

Throughout the spring, summer and fall, these photos along with tales from guests who experienced the class will also be posted on the Oceania Cruises’ blog.

New Regional Classes With an abundance of guests seeking new educational Epicurean experiences, the Culinary Center is introducing 20 new classes as part of its Gourmet Explorer Series. These classes will showcase regional cuisine from Morocco, Peru, the Pacific Northwest and more. The curriculum of the Culinary Center continues to appeal to a wide range of tastes and culinary skill levels by incorporating techniques inspired by the cultures and regions that the ships visit with classes such as Planet Veggie, Viva Tapas, At Home in Sicily, Rock Your Wok, What Mermaids Know, Global Gourmet and the Pizza Master Class.

Depending on the itinerary, classes range from 45 minutes to three hours. For more information about Oceania Cruises or the Culinary Center, or to order a brochure, visit www.oceaniacruises.com or call on 0845 505 1920.

MSC Cruises’ New “Seaside Class” Ship to Sail Year-Round From Miami to the Caribbean MSC Cruises, the largest privately-owned cruise company in the world, announced today that the first of its next generation “Seaside” class ships – set to debut in November 2017 – will be named MSC Seaside. The ship will sail year-round from Miami to the Caribbean.

Underlining its commitment to grow in the US market, MSC Cruises will operate from an expanded and renovated terminal and berth at PortMiami, allowing it to provide a first-class service to guests from dedicated facilities.

As part of the announcement, made at industry trade show Cruise Shipping Miami, MSC Cruises’ chief executive Gianni Onorato revealed the first Seaside-class vessel will boast the most original and interactive aqua park at sea – including the latest in high-tech slides.

“The Seaside class of ships is part of MSC Cruises’ €5.1 billion fleet expansion plan that will allow the company to double its capacity by 2022,” said Onorato. “Today is a very exciting day for the company as this is the first major announcement related to the company’s new builds. It demonstrates our enthusiasm and long-term commitment to continuing to expand our presence in North America.”

“MSC Cruises has the unique opportunity to provide guests with a Mediterranean-style cruise experience that no other line is able to offer as it sails to the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean.”

“Since bringing MSC Divina to Miami in November 2013 we’ve seen significant demand from consumers, excellent support from our travel agent partners and a growing need for additional MSC Cruises ships in the region.”

MSC Cruises announced the construction of two state-of-the-art Seaside-class vessels in May 2014 and the ships were instantly dubbed ‘the iPhone of the cruise industry’ for their radical design. The ships – built by Italy’s Fincantieri – will have a unique low-level promenade filled with shops, bars and al fresco dining options to maximise the outdoor space for guests. They are due for delivery in November 2017 and May 2018 – with an option for one more in 2021.

With the ability to accommodate 4,140 guests [double occupancy] and 154,000gt, the new Seaside ships will be the largest ever built

by Fincantieri.

Following the delivery of MSC Seaside, the ship will make its way to Miami for MSC Cruises’ first ever christening ceremony in the US. Aqua Park features Built to sail to warm weather destinations, MSC Seaside will feature one of the most interactive and originally-designed aqua parks at sea, with four slides and attractions for all ages. Facilities will be built by WhiteWater, the award-winning designer and manufacturer of waterpark attractions.

Slideboarding In an industry first, MSC Seaside will add to the thrills of traditional waterpark fun by offering guests the chance to participate in ‘slideboarding’ – a unique waterslide and interactive video game all in one. Guests race down a two-storey, 112 metre slide on a sleekly designed raft that includes an embedded game controller with coloured buttons. The goal is to match the colour of the flashing strobe lights seen on various sections of the slide with the coloured buttons on the raft. The slide uses a smart gaming system that knows who riders are and tracks their progress and scores over the run down the waterslide.

Duelling High-Speed Aquatubes Sitting in single or double inner tubes guests race against each other through metres of twists, turns and drops on slides that partially extend over the side of the ship and give riders a look at the sea below.

Aqua Play & Aqua Spray To cater for its youngest guests, a portion of MSC Seaside’s aqua park will be designed specifically for tots, featuring an active and colourful water play structure. The AquaPlay area will be complete with tipping buckets, spray cannons, solid stream jets, a rain tree and a mini-slide. In addition, various interactive AquaSpray activities, such as jets, falls, forts and more will be found throughout the water park.

Adventure Trail Directly connected to the aqua park is the Adventure Trail, a ropes course that allows guests to criss-cross between soaring towers, rope bridges, climbs, crawl-throughs and slides as they enjoy an amazing bird’s eye view of the water. Explorers on the trail will need to move quickly though ¬– friends and family below will be able to shoot them with water spray cannons.

For more information see www.msccruises.co.uk or call 020 3426 3010.

Results of Cruise Baltic Market Review 2015 announced at Cruise Shipping Miami Network Cruise Baltic has used the industry platform of Cruise Shipping Miami to announce this week the comprehensive results of its Market Review 2015.

The survey, conducted amongst all the Cruise Baltic destinations (28) – including, for accuracy purposes, data from additional destinations St Petersburg, Kiel and Riga – reports on 2014 actual results and those anticipated for 2015.

The figures presented in the report are based on a collection of data from amongst ports in the Baltic Sea region as of December 2014. A summary includes: • The total number of passengers has decreased by -1.8% % (compared to 2013) • The total number of calls has decreased by -5.3% • The total number of turnarounds has increased by 1.7% From 2000 - 2014 figures: - the number of passengers visiting the region has increased by an average annual rate of 10.3% - from 1.1 million in 2000 to nearly 4.3 million in 2014. (Arendal numbers not included) - the number of calls increased by an average annual rate of 3.3% per year - from 1,533 in 2000, to 2,418 in 2014. (Arendal numbers not included) - the number of turnarounds increased by an average annual rate of 7.6% per year - from 106 in 2000 to 416* in 2014. (*Kiel is not included in this average annual growth rate calculation) In 2014, of the top five ports (most passenger visits) only Rostock saw growth of 5.4%, with 509,000: Tallinn has decreased with -7.8% from 2013 to 2014 = 479,000; Stockholm has decreased in 2014 by -3.2% = 470,000; and Copenhagen, the largest port in terms of passenger through it, has decreased -7.7% decrease compared to 2013 = 739,000.

The number of calls in 2014 decreased in all five of the top five ports. Tallinn decreased the most with -10.0%; then Copenhagen with -9.8%, Helsinki with -7.4%, St Petersburg by -6.0% and Stockholm with -5.4%.

In 2014 Copenhagen was once again the largest turnaround port with 129; Rostock was once again the only destination that experienced positive growth from 60 to 99 turnarounds, representing 65.00%. Malmo reported 10 turnarounds in 2014, as in 2013.

In the Large segment (those with between 50 - 199 calls) comprising Rostock, Oslo, Kiel, Kristiansand, Gothenburg, Klaipeda, Riga, Visby and Gdynia –growth continues at 4.0% in 2014 from 1,530,688 passengers in 2013 to 1,591,361 in 2014.

In the Medium segment - with between 25 – 49 calls – comprising Gdansk and Ronne – an increase of 11.6% has been achieved with 45,815 passengers in 2014, while in 2013 the figures was 41,070. Gdansk has experienced the strongest growth with 42.5%, followed by Ronne with 0.9%. Gothenburg and Klaipeda moved from the Medium segment to the Large, due to an increase of the number of calls.

Gothenburg moved from 39 in 2013 to 73 in 2014; and Klaipeda experienced a growth from 40 to 63.

Overall the passenger figures in the Small segment - 0-24 calls - decreased by -16.3%, however, with great variation within the group.

The ports with the largest contribution to passenger growth were: Skagen + 5,023; Mariehamn + 1,686; and Malmo +1,000.

Looking ahead to 2015: * passengers to the region: a slight decrease in numbers is expected, looking at equalling -1.6% in total * the number of calls: a decrease of -4.5% is anticipated, expecting 2,309 calls. * the number of turnarounds: a decrease of -5.0% is expected in 2015, from 416 in 2014 to an estimated 395 in 2015. * Top five ports – passenger expectations: for 2015 an overall decrease of -1.1% in total is anticipated.

However, the overall passenger figures in the Small Segment – 0-24 calls – will increase considerably in 2015, looking at reaching an increase of 45%. Mainly this will be due to Aalborg expecting 16 calls with a total of 14,263 passengers; Skagen expects 15 calls with 23,713 passengers; and Arendal expects positive growth from 4 – 9 calls, in total 6,770 more passengers.

Says Claus Bødker, Cruise Baltic Director: “As a region we are aware of the potentially negative impact of the new ECA environmental regulations, which have come into effect as of 1 January this year; however, because the Baltic Sea is a strong product with significant customer demand, that is why there is only a marginal decrease in passenger numbers for 2015. I believe the 2014 figures established in this Review represent a realistic reflection of the current cruise industry marketplace.”

For viewing the Cruise Baltic Market Review 2015, go to link: http://www.cruisebaltic.com/reports.aspx

Carnival Sunshine To Operate Unique Schedule of Two 10 Day Voyages Departing June To October 2016

Carnival Sunshine – the first ship to feature all of Carnival’s spectacular Fun Ship 2.0 dining, bar and entertainment innovations – will offer a unique schedule from New York in 2016 encompassing 20 voyages departing between June and October 2016.

This marks the first time that a Fun Ship 2.0-equipped ship will offer such a diverse itinerary schedule from New York with options ranging from value-packed two-day cruises to exciting 10-day Caribbean voyages.

Carnival Sunshine will also offer a series of sailings from Charleston, South Carolina, and Norfolk, Virginia, in summer and autumn 2016, providing exciting new cruise choices in these markets.

Following these departures from New York, Charleston and Norfolk, Carnival Sunshine will return to its current homeport of Port Canaveral, Florida, to offer a schedule of five- to eightday Caribbean voyages from the Space Coast, Florida, beginning in November 2016.

Guests sailing on these voyages can experience all that Carnival Sunshine has to offer, including a stunning three-deck-high Serenity adults-only retreat with its own pool and waterfall. The ship also features one-of-a-kind dining experiences like JiJi Asian Kitchen, a massive WaterWorks aqua park featuring the longest slide in the fleet, a SportSquare outdoor recreation area with a suspended ropes course, and innovative bar concepts like Havana Bar, all of which were added during a ground-breaking $155 million makeover.

Christine Duffy, Carnival’s President said “Carnival Sunshine has an extraordinary array of guest features and facilities and will provide consumers and our valued travel agent partners with a wide range of itinerary choices from these highly attractive East Coast homeports.”

Holland America Line launches new Sip, Savour, Sail culinary themed cruises 17 March 2015 — Holland America Line has just launched Sip, Savour, Sail cruises, giving guests fantastic new foodie experiences that showcase the culinary character of the destinations they are visiting. On these voyages, guests can take part in cookery lessons with guest chefs, tastings with local vintners, mixologists and brewmasters, enjoy special menus, and even go on specially developed shore excursions. Sip, Savour, Sail cruises are available on a selection of five Caribbean, Alaskan and European sailings.

“At Holland America Line, cuisine is an important part of the overall cruise experience, and many of our guests want to learn more about local delicacies and culinary customs,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “The Sip, Savour, Sail itineraries greatly enhance the Caribbean, Europe and Alaska cruises, and our guests are going to get a lot of exciting tips and recipes from the special chefs and mixologists.”

Haitian guest chef spices up Caribbean cruise On ms Maasdam’s 10-day 7 April 2015 sailing in the Caribbean, guests can enjoy classes and special tastings, with the guest chefs even hosting a Calypso Brunch in the Pinnacle Grill.

Chef Natacha Gomez, the catering manager of Kokiyaj Bar and Grill and owner of Chef T Haiti, will also be on this cruise, serving Caribbean inspired cuisine.

Guests can discover the secrets of the cocina criolla (Creole kitchen) in Puerto Rico on the “History & Cuisine of San Juan on Foot” Sip, Savour, Sail shore excursion, or learn more about the history and techniques of West Indian cuisine on the “Caribbean Culinary Experience” excursion in St. Kitts.

Enjoy a taste of Spain and Portugal on ms Ryndam The 4 May 2015 Harwich roundtrip sailing on ms Ryndam will be a Sip, Savour, Sail cruise featuring Antony Bennett, executive chef of La Tasca (authentic-style tapas restaurants) as a guest chef. Bennett will share his passion for Spanish cuisine and tapas, whilst Simon Field and Rebecca Lamont, master of wines and head of wine school, respectively, at Britain’s oldest wine merchant, Berry Brothers and Rudd, will also be onboard to help guests learn about wines from the region through wine tastings and demonstrations.

Several shore excursions will highlight Iberia’s cuisine and culture on this cruise. Guests can enjoy the best local dishes and wine on the “A Taste of Northwest Spain,” excursion to the beautiful town of A Coruña, or enjoy an evening of dancing and tapas on a “Flamenco & Traditional Spanish Meal” evening in Cádiz.

Experience the best of Alaskan local produce On three Alaskan voyages, guests can sail with special chefs and local vintners to savour local fare, from the freshest salmon to local vegetables and fruits, all paired with select wines from north west American wineries and brews from Juneau’s Alaskan Brewing Co. During a “Louder Chowder Cook-Off” competition, the guest chefs will even go head to head, preparing chowder from mystery ingredients.

Ms Westerdam’s 2 May 2015 seven-day departure will feature Jeff Maxfield, executive chef at SkyCity Restaurant, the famous revolving dining room atop the Space Needle, and Drew Johnson, executive chef at Kincaid Grill in Anchorage, Alaska. Wendy Stuckey of Château Ste. Michelle winery will also be on board hosting several tastings and presentations.

The 13 July 2015 sailing on ms Statendam’s will host executive Chef Perry Mascitti, of Tulalip Resort Casino, and Al Levinsohn, of the Kincaid Grill in Anchorage, as guest chefs, along with Bob Betz, founder and winemaker at Betz Family Winery.

The ms Amsterdam 16 August 2015 voyage will feature Kirsten and Mandy Dixon, chefs at both Tutka Bay and Winterlake lodges in Alaska, and chef Roy Breiman, culinary director at Cedarbrook Lodge in Seattle. Along with the chefs, Matt Oakley, winemaker at Long Shadows Vintners, will present a special collection of premium wines during the seven-day cruise.

Alaskan cruises feature a total of 16 Sip, Savour, Sail shore excursions in Juneau, Homer, Kodiak and Ketchikan, Alaska; and Victoria, British Columbia. At Juneau guests can enjoy an outdoor all you can eat ‘Alaska Salmon Bake’ and walk upriver to Salmon Creek where the fish come to spawn.

On the “Exclusive Mountaintop Flightseeing & Crab Feast” excursion at Ketchikan guests experience a flight on a de Havilland Beaver floatplane and dine on Alaskan Dungeness crab at a remote George Inlet Lodge. Or for something totally different, in Victoria, the “Corks and Canvas” tour includes an exclusive art and wine event at the Robert Bateman Center—a gallery devoted to one of Canada’s premier artists.

For more information or to book, contact Holland America Line on www.hollandamerica.com or call 0843 374 2300

Italian Opera Cruises Verona & Venice Music, Museums & Memories!

Hotel barge operator European Waterways has announced details of two Opera cruises in Summer 2015 – departure dates aboard the 20-passenger La Bella Vita are 5 July; and 11 September, both for 7 nights.

Before the cruise from Venice to Mantua begins, guests will be taken from their hotel in Padua to visit the fascinating Arena Museo Opera museum in Verona, followed by dinner in the delightful courtyard restaurant. And then the highlight, front stall seats in the magnificent setting of the Roman amphitheatre, the Arena di Verona, to watch a magical performance of one of the best-known and loved operas, either Puccini’s Tosca, or Verdi’s Nabucco.

After spending a memorable evening in Verona, the next morning guests will be transferred from their hotel and en route to embark La Bella Vita in Venice, enjoy a guided tour of Padua, one of the Veneto’s most charming cities.

During the 6-night cruise, there are visits to some wonderful baroque theatres: Gran Teatro La Fenice, where the premières of operas by composers such as Rossini and Verdi were performed, and the intimate Teatro Bibiena in Mantua, with its bell-shaped interior that opened with a concert by a 13-year-old Mozart in 1770.

And there is a lot more to see while cruising across the Venetian Lagoon past its colourful islands and on through the Po Valley visits to the famous fish market in Chioggia, the Schifanoia Palace in Ferrara and the stunning Ducal Palace in Mantua, as well as wine tastings and dinner in a private stately home where Lord Byron wrote some of his best poetry.

While cruising, delicious Italian food will be prepared daily by the talented on-board chef, accompanied, of course, by fine Italian wines.

Visit: http://www.gobarging.com/opera--itinerary Each opera itinerary is for 7 nights and includes: a one-night stay in a 4-star hotel in Padua; the evening in Verona at the opera; all gourmet meals prepared by the chef on-board; fine wines, an open bar, the daily escorted excursions, admissions and local transfers.

The fully-crewed, 7-night itinerary, based on double occupancy, costs from; £3,240 per person.

For more information on this and other cruises, visit www. gobarging or call 01753 598555. Follow European Waterways on Facebook and Twitter @gobarging.

For Reservations Tel: +44(0) 1753 598555

Start your Cruise Earlier with Free Regional Flights Voyages of Discovery and Swan Hellenic are offering their customers free regional flights from the United Kingdom when booking outside or balcony cabins on selected cruises.

In England and Wales, Voyages of Discovery and Swan Hellenic are offering free regional flights with KLM via Amsterdam from Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Durham Tees Valley, Humberside, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle and Norwich.

Customers departing from Scotland can fly from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow depending on the chosen cruise.

“At Voyages of Discovery and Swan Hellenic, we are constantly looking at ways to enhance our customer’s experience. Shortening the journey time to the departure airport is a great way of ensuring the holiday begins as soon as possible after our customers leave their homes,” said Colin Wilson, Group Sales Director, All Leisure Holidays Group.

The offer applies to 12 cruises operated by Voyages of Discovery including, Colours of the Mediterranean which departs from Marseille on 29th August and sails for 12 days with prices starting at £1,699. Later in 2015, MV Voyager heads to the Southern Hemisphere with the offer extending to cruises such as South America’s Wild Coast, Wonders of Central America and Mexico’s Pacific Shores. Swan Hellenic has seven cruises included in the offer, such as Byzantine Empire and Beyond, Beauty of the Chilean Fjords and Timeless South America.

The offer runs until the 28th February 2015 for bookings with Voyages of Discovery and until 31st March 2015 with Swan Hellenic.

Holland America Line to launch new culinary innovations on board ms Koningsdam When ms Koningsdam joins the Holland America Line fleet in February 2016, the ship will debut the cruise line’s evolving culinary vision with new gastronomic concepts, including a new Culinary Arts Centre with its own ‘green’ area to grow ingredients, a seafood restaurant, sushi bar, and a wine room.

“Koningsdam allows us to leverage our culinary creativity and debut new brand-exclusive venues and magnificent food concepts as well as enhance our current successful offerings,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “We know that guests are going to be excited with our many creative dining choices and appealing new experiences aboard Koningsdam.”

New Culinary Arts Centre becomes show kitchen and dining venue The Koningsdam’s Culinary Arts Centre will boast a show kitchen with individual cooking stations that will be used for cooking demonstrations and hands-on classes from visiting celebrity chefs and the ship’s own experts. Regionally inspired workshops, as well as kids’ and teens’ cooking classes, will also be featured. Lining the entry to the Culinary Arts Centre will be nine interactive displays that allow guests to explore the lives of food and wine luminaries, their culinary secrets, recipe tips, favourite dishes and more.

In the evening, the Centre will transform into a new dining concept called Dinner, a farm-to-table style experience where the chefs prepare simple, artisanal dishes in the show kitchen and guests enjoy each course as it’s freshly prepared. Every meal will emphasise fresh, thoughtfully sourced produce while incorporating select ingredients harvested from a glass-enclosed growing area just off the kitchen.

New Grand Dutch Café to reflect the company’s rich heritage Decorated with the vibrant blue and white shades of Delftware and silhouettes of charming Amsterdam buildings, the new Grand Dutch Café is a nod to Holland America Line’s rich heritage. It will be the ideal place to grab Dutch-themed snacks or beverages, with Dutch beer on tap.

Indulge in fresh seafood at the new Sel de Mer New to Koningsdam will be an intimate French seafood brasserie called Sel de Mer, serving a classic selection of French seafood dishes with a contemporary twist. The restaurant will re-create a French brasserie atmosphere, with traditionally dressed waiters and a selection of fresh fish and shell fish displayed on ice in the centre of the room from which guests may choose their meal. The Koningsdam’s chefs will also go ashore whenever possible and bring back a ‘catch of the day’ specially for the evening’s menu.

Pinnacle Grill boasts new wine room The award-winning Pinnacle Grill, offering Pacific Northwest cuts of beef and traditional steakhouse favourites, will boast as its centrepiece a dramatic glass-enclosed wine room that it shares with Sel de Mer. Guests will be able to view all of the wines from both venues and choose their favourite vintage from among hundreds of bottles.

Lido Market evolves with themed culinary stations When guests head to the Lido Market on Koningsdam, they’ll notice a transformation from traditional Lido dining areas into a modern market. Different themed stations will include the ‘Breadboard,’ ‘Wild Harvest,’ ‘Homestead,’ ‘Distant Lands,’ and,

‘Sweet Spot,’ all showcasing specific types of food and with a walk-up service.

Tamarind brings the flavours of Asia onboard with new sushi bar Tamarind carries on the success found aboard ms Eurodam and ms Nieuw Amsterdam with an enhanced experience on Koningsdam. Featuring the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan, new to Koningsdam will be an intimate sushi bar with select seating for seven guests for lunch and dinner.

Indulge in Italian delicacies at Canaletto Every evening the festive Canaletto will feature an authentic Italian “sharing” dinner experience that offers a variety of dishes to enjoy with family and friends. The small-plate menu was conceived out of the desire to slow down the meal and create a more authentic Italian experience. ms Koningsdam’s Culinary Walkway Deck 2 will showcase several of the ship’s dining venues along one central promenade, including the Main Dining Room, Culinary Arts Centre, Pinnacle Grill, and Sel de Mer, complete with interactive displays presenting icons of the food and wine world. A central bar area overlooking the atrium will enable guests to check in for their dining reservation at a hosted central podium, relax with a pre-dinner cocktail and peruse the menu and order prior to being escorted and seated at the restaurant.

For more information or to book, contact Holland America Line on www.hollandamerica.co.uk or call 0843 374 2300

MSC Cruises shows commitment to Dubai with extended winter 2015/16 season London, 24 February 2015 – Holidaymakers will have even more opportunity to soak up some sunshine next winter following MSC Cruises’ decision to add more sailings to its Arabian programme.

MSC Musica will offer 16 eight-day/seven-night cruises from Dubai for winter 2015/2016 – four more sailings than were operated this winter aboard sister ship MSC Orchestra.

MSC Cruises’ popular Gulf cruises call into Abu Dhabi, UAE; Khor al Fakkan, UAE; Muscat, Oman and Khasab on the Musandum Peninsula before returning to Dubai for an overnight stay on board which allows guests to enjoy the unique nightlife of the glittering desert city.

“Our Dubai, UAE and Oman programme has proved incredibly popular with UK guests in search of some guaranteed good weather,” said MSC Cruises executive director UK and Ireland Giles Hawke.

“We were the first mainstream cruise line to show commitment to Dubai and we are proud to have played a part in building the industry there. The new port facilities are an indication of Dubai’s intentions to grow the business and we are happy to do our bit by extending our next programme.

“Our fly-cruise offering includes direct flights with Emirates from London, Manchester and Glasgow making them the best value – and best quality – holidays on the market.”

MSC Cruises has seen strong demand this winter for MSC Orchestra’s 12 UAE sailings, the last of which departed on February 14 2014. Fly-cruise prices for winter 2015/2016 aboard MSC Musica start at just £749 per person, including flights from London, Manchester or Glasgow with Emirates and overseas transfers, based on a December 12, 2015 departure.

Guests in search of a longer itinerary can join MSC Musica on its way down to Dubai at the start of the winter season. The ship departs Venice, Italy on November 22 on a spectacular 20-night Grand Voyage, arriving in the UAE on December 11. Calls on the way include Bari, Italy; Piraeus (Athens) Greece; Heraklion, Greece; Rhodes, Greece; Port Said, Egypt; a pass through the Suez Canal; Aqaba, Jordan; Salalah, Oman; Muscat, Oman and Khor al Fakkan, UAE. Cruise prices start at just £700 per person – only £35 per night. For more information see www.msccruises.co.uk or call 020 3426 3010.

Silversea Launches Speciality Expedition Cruise Collections London, UK, 24 February, 2015: Recognising the broad variety of passions of adven-ture travellers, Silversea Expeditions has launched new collections of speciality expe-ditions, each with a focus on activities such as birding, photography, scuba diving, wellness, and gastronomy.

To support this launch, six mini-brochures are available in traditional print format and as digital flip books, ranging from six to eight pages. Each provides an overview of a particular speciality cruise programme and a calendar of sailing dates.

They can be re-quested or downloaded at http://www. silversea.com/brochures/.

“These speciality expeditions enable travellers to leverage their personal passions and interests to experience a more tailored journey of discovery,” said Steve Odell, Presi-dent EMEA and Asia Pacific.

Offered on select sailing dates, the speciality expedition voyages collections are: Birding & Ornithology Expedition Voyages: From spotting bald eagles in Alaska to witnessing the blue-footed boobies of Galápagos, these fascinating speciality journeys available on Silver Explorer, Silver Galapagos, and Silver Discoverer offer exceptional birding opportunities that can be enjoyed by casual bird enthusiasts, serious bird-watchers with a “life list” of bird sightings, and just about anyone who loves interacting with nature.

Wellness Expedition Voyages: Guests can improve their well-being while journeying aboard Silver Discoverer to destinations that are well off the beaten path in Southeast Asia

and the South Pacific. A team of wellness specialists host a program of fitness training, including stretching, yoga, and Pilates. Other highlights include daily lectures and cooking demonstrations focused on balanced nutrition, plus guests can enjoy a complimentary spa massage treatment.

Photography Expedition Voyages: Inspiring photo walks, onboard lectures, and workshops with a professional photographer enable the guests of Silver Explorer and Silver Discoverer to get the best out of their photography equipment and capture some of nature’s unexpected moments in some of the world’s most exotic destinations.

Diving Expedition Voyages: The natural treasures of remote atolls and the mesmeris-ing underwater worlds of Indonesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia are re-vealed on a scuba diving program presented by Silver Discoverer’s onboard divemas-ters and expedition team.

Culinary Expedition Voyages: Designed for the adventurous traveller who is a gour-met at heart, these theme-focused expedition cruises aboard Silver Explorer offer an array of culinary events on board and ashore -- in addition to enriching explorations of the natural, cultural, and historic landmarks visited along the way. There are two culi-nary expedition voyage collections, one exploring the most authentic cuisine Europe has to offer, sailing from Portugal along the coast of France and a second that discov-ers culinary delicacies from the Atlantic Islands and the West African coast.

Norwegian Escape’s Captain and senior leadership named

Norwegian Cruise Line today announced the seasoned captains and senior officers who will serve on Norwegian Escape, the line’s newest and largest ship that will homeport in Miami year-round beginning in November 2015.

Captain Evans Hoyt, an experienced seafarer, with more than 30 years at sea will take the helm of Norwegian Escape upon delivery of the ship in Germany this October. Currently serving as Captain of Norwegian Breakaway, Captain Hoyt will be responsible for all aspects of the ship, her guests and crew. He joined Norwegian Cruise Line in 2005, and has also served as Captain aboard four ships within the Norwegian fleet, including the U.S. flagged Pride of America. Hoyt graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in New York in 1982. Born in Morocco, the son of a U.S. diplomat, he has lived in many different countries. Showing his true passion for the sea, he and his wife sail the world on their sailboat during his time off.

While Captain Hoyt is enjoying his vacation, Captain Gunnar Hammerin will take command of Norwegian Escape. Currently serving as Captain of Norwegian Pearl, Captain Hammerin began his nautical career more than 40 years ago serving in the Merchant Marine. He has more than 30 years of experience as a Captain, 20 of those years with Norwegian Cruise Line and Star Cruises.

When he is on holiday, he enjoys spending time at home in Sweden with his family.

CMV present garden leave

Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) are presenting a special themed cruise in August that celebrates 80 years of BBC Horticulture. CMV has gathered in gardening experts to share with you a ‘British Isles Discovery’ cruise on board Marco Polo that departs from London – Tilbury 29 August for 9 nights (includes Bank Holiday Monday). Prices are currently from £869pp.

CMV has hand picked top garden celebrities to help you enjoy this themed cruise, aiming to improve your knowledge of growing things and appreciating garden wildlife. The well know BBC experts booked to appear on board are - Howie Watkins from BBC’s Really Wild Show, Chris Baines from Countryfile and BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners Question Time, plus Andy Hamilton from Today and Autumnwatch.

With just 800 passengers on board there will be the opportunity to meet the experts and listen to them during a number of special presentations. Expect to be amused with tales of gardening on TV and to take part, if you wish, in your own Gardeners’ Question Time. Time to discover homemade recipes including elderflower champagne and nasturtium vodka!

The cruise itinerary itself is a gardener’s dream visiting the Orkneys, the Hebrides, Tobermory and Dublin. One of the highlights is a call to the Isles of Scilly where you can take an optional tour to the remarkable Abbey Gardens on Tresco. Guernsey usually provides a wonderful display of flowers before calling in to Honfleur in Normandy on the way back to London – Tilbury. There is an option to visit Claude Monet’s world famous garden in Giverny during the stop in Honfleur. Whilst recognized as a leading painter he was also a very good gardener and horticulturist.

MSC Cruises appoints Brooker to new sales manager role

Princess Cruises launches Alaska programme for 2016

London, February 25 2015 – MSC Cruises has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Chiara Brooker to the newly created role of Sales Manager (trade operations).

Princess Cruises has announced its Alaska sailings for 2016. The programme comprises of 106 voyages covering 15 destinations including Skagway and Glacier Bay. Cruises depart from Seattle, Vancouver or San Francisco for either seven or 10 nights.

Brooker will oversee all aspects of agent liaison, including trade incentives and events, sales campaigns, fam trips and ship visits, as well as taking responsibility for the new B2B booking system MSC Book. She begins at the cruise line on March 2.

MSC Cruises head of sales UK and Ireland Janet Parton said: “Chiara brings with her a wealth of experience and is the perfect person to spearhead our efforts to work closely with agents.

“She has worked with the trade for a number of years and is well known and well liked in the business. I’m sure she will be a great asset.”

The sailings are between May and September, 2016. They go on sale on Thursday March 19, 2015 at 3pm.

A series of excursions are on offer as part of the cruises including train tours of the Alaska Railroad in glass-domed rail cars, land stay options including in wilderness lodges and visits to the top two attractions in Alaska – Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park. Whale and dolphin watching, stargazing and gold rush tours are also available, while authentic local seafood dishes will be served on board.

Prices start at £599 per person for a seven-night Voyage of the Glaciers and £629 per person for a seven-night Inside Passage sailing.

Brooker joins from Carnival UK, where she has held a number of trade-facing roles - most recently as senior sales operations manager.

Princess has been awarded ‘Best Cruise Line in Alaska’ by Travel Weekly US magazine for eight consecutive years.

The appointment comes as part of MSC Cruises’ on-going efforts to restructure its UK sales team and double its size.

Recruitment continues to fill a number of remaining vacancies.

Paul Ludlow, Princess Cruises’ managing director UK and Europe, said: “Alaska is a must-see cruise destination; there really is no comparison to the sights on offer. Sipping a hot chocolate on deck while taking in the stunning glaciers is a truly amazing experience.”

More tips and tricks from the experts: “Connoisseurs of Cuisine” cruises on the EUROPA 2 in 2015 Watch over the shoulders of gourmet professionals, gather tips and tricks firsthand and find out interesting and valuable details on how to prepare top-class food and drinks: in 2015, guests on board the EUROPA 2 will once again be offered this opportunity on selected “Connoisseurs of Cuisine” cruises. Topics for the coming season include Arabian cuisine, sea salt, gin, and special ice cream creations.

The experts on board Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ EUROPA 2, the 5-stars-plus* ship, come from a range of culinary fields and will give gourmet-loving guests exclusive insights into each of their specialist fields during workshops and cooking courses.

On the cruise from Hamburg to Lisbon in May/June 2015, guests will focus on a very special and popular spirit – gin. Gin expert Stephan Garbe will bring along his Gin Sul, the Hamburg gin with Portuguese roots and together with the guests, will delve into the world of this fashionable drink.

On a cruise through the Canary Islands and the Azores in June 2015, guests can expect another special culinary highlight: Riccardo Asti and Stefan Metzner from the restaurant Marais Soir in Munich will hold gourmet expert workshops and cooking courses in the Miele Culinary School on the subject of sherry. There will also be an exclusive Wine & Dine event. The chef and the sommelier triumphed at the German preliminary round of the Copa Jerez 2014/2015, the international sherry competition, and will initiate guests on the EUROPA 2 into the secrets of the wine from southern Spain.

Befitting the route along the picturesque Mediterranean coast, “bella Italia” will be celebrated on two cruises in August. The ice cream experts from Giovanni L. will show both adults and children on board how the best Italian ice cream is made.

And while the EUROPA 2 spends autumn 2015 sailing along the Arabian peninsula, guests in the Culinary School will gain first-hand experience of their destination’s cuisine as they explore the world of Arabian cooking, together with TV chef Jacqueline Amirfallah.

On a cruise from Dubai to Mauritius, Alexandro Pape will reveal valuable and interesting facts about how Sylt sea salt is produced and collected, the first salt to be collected from North Sea water in a completely natural manner. In addition, Pape – who is also the chef de cuisine at “Fährhaus Sylt” – will offer cooking courses in the Miele Culinary School.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Wins Five Top Accolades In The Cruise Critic ‘UK Cruisers’ Choice Awards 2015’ Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is delighted to win five major awards in Cruise Critic’s prestigious ‘UK Cruisers’ Choice Awards 2015’, chosen entirely by cruise guests, in two ‘Mid-Size’, and three ‘Small Ship’ categories, for Balmoral and Black Watch respectively. Notably, Black Watch scooped the maximum five out of five rating in the ‘Best Small Ship for Service’ category, and was awarded the title of ‘Best Small Ship for Shore Excursions’, for the second year in a row.

Cruise Critic’s ‘UK Cruisers’ Choice Awards 2015’ are based on reviews submitted on the influential website by UK-based holidaymakers who cruised during 2014. Cruise Critic boasts the largest online cruise community in the world, with more than 100,000 independent reviews.

Fred. Olsen’s flagship Balmoral, with a capacity of 1,350 guests, was named Number One in the following ‘Mid-Size’ categories: - ‘Best for Shore Excursions’ – scoring 4.4 out of 5 - ‘Best for Value’ – scoring 4.5 out of 5 Fred. Olsen’s 804-guest cruise ship, Black Watch, has been named as the winner in the following ‘Small Ship’ categories: - ‘Best for Service’ – scoring 5 out of 5 - ‘Best for Shore Excursions’ – scoring 4.2 out of 5 - ‘Best for Value’ – scoring 4.7 out of 5 Balmoral was named third in the top five ‘Best Mid-Size Ship Overall’, being rated number 4.2 out of 5; Black Watch was ranked second ‘Best Small Ship Overall’, with a score of 4.3 out of 5, and Braemar was voted fourth, with 4.1 out of 5.

- ‘Embarkation’ (Braemar, second; Black Watch, third) - ‘Entertainment’ (Black Watch, second) - ‘Fitness’ (Braemar, fourth) - ‘Public Rooms’ (Black Watch, third) - ‘Shore Excursions’ (Braemar, second) - ‘Value for Money’ (Braemar, third) Adam Coulter, UK Editor at Cruise Critic, said: “Winning a ‘Cruisers’ Choice Award’ is a fantastic accolade for cruise lines, particularly as they’re based entirely on review ratings submitted by cruisers over the course of the past year, rather than votes. The ‘Cruisers’ Choice Awards’ recognise the top cruise lines, and because they are based on first-hand experiences, provide valuable insight to anyone researching a cruise holiday.”

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “At Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, we believe in providing the very best customer experience that we can on our cruise holidays, from start to finish. We are renowned for our ‘service with a smile’ on our smaller, more intimate ships, which is why 58% of cruise guests choose to return to the ‘friendliest fleet afloat’ each year – one of the highest repeat rates within the travel industry.

“We would like to thank all those valued cruise guests who voted for Fred. Olsen, and we look forward to welcoming you on board with us again in the very near future!”

Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral also achieved four top-five placements in the ‘Mid-Size’ category for ‘Dining’ (second), ‘Embarkation’ (fourth), ‘Fitness’ (fifth), and ‘Public Rooms’ (second).

Fred. Olsen was proud to be named a ‘Gold Trusted Merchant’ by independent review site Feefo in 2015, for the second year in a row. This accreditation is based on genuine customer feedback and, to date, Fred. Olsen has received over 10,500 reviews, with 95% of these being in the ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’ categories.

Fred. Olsen also achieved 11 top-five ‘Small Ship’ placements, in the following categories: - ‘Cabins’ (Black Watch, fourth) - ‘Dining’ (Black Watch, second; Braemar, third; Boudicca, fourth)

Fred. Olsen was also recognised as one of the Top 3 UK cruise lines and awarded a coveted ‘Recommended Provider’ accolade, in Which?’s first-ever dedicated cruise survey in 2014.

Her Majesty The Queen To Name Britannia P&O Cruises is pleased to announce that Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, will name the new P&O Cruises vessel Britannia at Ocean Terminal, Southampton, SO14 3QN, on Tuesday March 10, 2015.

The naming will be a milestone in British maritime history and will be an event of great national interest.

Carnival UK chairman David Dingle said: “We are honoured and proud that Her Majesty will name Britannia almost 20 years after she named the P&O Cruises ship Oriana.

“Britannia, a ship for the nation, will be the embodiment of contemporary Britain, and with her Union Jack livery she will fly the flag for Britain across the Globe.”

The biggest ship designed exclusively for Britain, Britannia is P&O Cruises’ latest “modern classic”, heralding a new era of holiday choice. Chief amongst her features are her restaurants, bars and cafes, with menus and culinary experiences created by P&O Cruises’ ‘Food Heroes’; James Martin, Marco Pierre White, Atul Kochhar, Eric Lanlard, wine expert Olly Smith and cheese expert Charlie Turnbull. In the new Cookery Club, a 24 person stateof-the-art cookery school, these celebrity chefs and experts will demonstrate their culinary skills, and will be joined throughout this year by other famous chefs including Mary Berry CBE, Pierre Koffmann, Paul Rankin and Commendatore Antonio Carluccio OBE. The new Epicurean restaurant is a multi-sensory cooking experience with touches of molecular gastronomy to complement the more traditional dishes, while the Limelight Club will combine a supper club with contemporary entertainment. Britannia’s bar highlights include the Great British Gin Menu with 20 artisan gins in the Crow’s Nest cocktail lounge and the Great British Beer Menu with 70 UK bottled beers, ales and ciders in Brodie’s pub.

Britannia’s most outstanding design statement is reserved for her three-deck high atrium with illuminating Star Burst sculpture, and she also provides the largest British spa at sea, a state-of-the-art theatre with LED wall, four pools, gym, and a multi million pound art collection including a specially commissioned representation of the “Spirit of Modern Britain” from artist Johnny Bull.

P&O Cruises will also uphold its celebration of all things British by selecting sparkling wine from the Wiston Estate Winery in Sussex for the bottle smash moment at the naming ceremony. A nebuchadnezzar of the quintessentially British Brut NV will be used for the ceremony itself while thousands of bottles of Brut NV and Rosé Vintage 2011 will be enjoyed during the various inaugural events that are scheduled to take place around the launch.

Thomson Cruises modernises fleet with purchase of Royal Caribbean International’s Splendour of the Seas Thomson Cruises’ fleet will be modernised by the acquisition of a new ship, currently sailing as Royal Caribbean International’s Splendour of the Seas. The vessel will replace Island Escape, currently operated by Thomson Cruises’ sister company Island Cruises, so that the overall UK fleet will continue to be comprised of five ships.

The purchase, facilitated through the newly merged parent company TUI Group’s subsidiary TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI Group and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, will see Thomson Cruises operate the renamed vessel from summer 2016. The programme goes on sale at the end of April 2015.

The 1,830 capacity ship (double occupancy) boasts 915 cabins, nearly 40 per cent with balconies. Guests will enjoy a rock-climbing wall, nine hole mini golf course, indoor swimming pool, eight bars and lounges and multiple dining options. The ship will be the largest in the Thomson Cruises’ fleet, whilst still fitting with the cruise line’s strategy of operating smaller ships with must-do itineraries.

Sebastian Ebel, CEO of Strategic Platforms for TUI Group, said: “TUI Group is pleased to have been able to secure the purchase of this ship. Following the recent announcement of our purchase of luxury cruise ship EUROPA 2 for Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten, this continues to demonstrate our long term strategy of investing in our cruise operations as one of our key product areas.”

Helen Caron, Managing Director of Thomson Cruises, said: “We’re very excited to be welcoming the ship to our fleet next summer.

This is the first step in our fleet modernisation and transformation strategy and will bring an enhanced offering to our customers with more balcony cabins than ever before, a wider choice of suites, an increased number of dining options and extra entertainment and activity facilities. We are confident that our customers will enjoy sailing on the new addition to our fleet.”

Crystal Cruises To Be Acquired By Genting Hong Kong Today, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), Crystal Cruises’ parent company since its inception in 1988, announced it has entered into an agreement with Genting Hong Kong (GHK), under which Crystal Cruises will be acquired by GHK. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2015.

With the support of GHK’s financial strength and expertise in ship design, Crystal Cruises’ fleet size will expand with a new ship, elevating the standard of luxury cruising and luxury cruise ships. Crystal’s fleet currently features Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.

“After 25 successful years with NYK, we are excited to have Genting Hong Kong as the new owner of Crystal Cruises,” said Edie Rodriguez, President and COO of Crystal Cruises. “The proposed expansion of our fleet will present our loyal Crystal Society members and new luxury cruise guests with more itinerary options, accommodation choices and exceptional vacation experiences, as we continue to position Crystal as the innovative leader in global luxury cruising. Additionally, Crystal’s veteran leadership, management and crew will continue to focus on our award-winning guest service and our strong partnership with the travel agent community - which now has a greater opportunity to grow their business with a larger menu of Crystal product offerings.”

Established in 1993, GHK is part of the Genting Group, a global hospitality and leisure company with business in over 20 countries, including the United States in New York, Florida and Nevada. GHK wholly owns Star Cruises, Asia’s leading cruise line, and is a major shareholder of Norwegian Cruise Line. It is a public company primarily listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and secondarily on the Singapore Stock Exchange.

“Crystal Cruises offers the epitome of luxury cruising and the service standard which all other cruise lines aspire to,” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman, CEO and Acting President of GHK. “The current management team and crew will continue to lead Crystal Cruises. Genting will provide financial resources and

proven expertise in innovative ship design to build a new ship that will set the highest standard in luxury cruise ships. This new ship, together with Crystal’s legendary six-star service, will reinforce Crystal Cruises’ reputation as the world’s leading luxury cruise line for decades to come.”

Under the terms of the agreement, GHK will acquire Crystal Cruises for US$550 million in cash which is subject to certain adjustment items to be ascertained after the closing. Crystal Cruises’ two ships have approximately 1,992 lower berths and the consideration has been determined on a cash-free and debt-free basis, translating into an enterprise value to lower berth ratio of approximately US$276,000.

Crystal’s passion for taking care of guests in an inviting environment of extraordinary space, quality and choices has earned the company more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort, or hotel in history. Crystal Cruises has won “World’s Best Cruise Ship” in Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader Choice Awards for 21 years; voted “World’s Best Large Ship Cruise Line” by Travel + Leisure readers for 19-consecutive years; the “Best Luxury Cruise Line” by Virtuoso, Specialists in the Art of Travel; and both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity were rated as two of the “Top 5 mid-size ships” by the 2015 Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships.

For more information on Crystal Cruises and its itineraries through 2017, visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk

European Shipping Week: Visa Code reform crucial to EU competitiveness

and its economy. As CLIA Europe, we welcome the process to reform of the EU Visa Code as an important starting point. But we need to act fast, otherwise the EU risks losing important contributions in terms of trade, investments and jobs at a crucial time of economic recovery.”

According to the European Commission, Europe lost more than six million potential tourists from third countries in a single year due to cumbersome visa procedures.[1]

The European Commission forecast that the new rules could lead to an increase of visitors of up to 60% and generate up to €25 billion in additional revenue for the EU every year.[3]

In the framework of the European Shipping Week, CLIA Europe organised a successful roundtable on visa facilitation and its impact on cruise and maritime tourism. The productive discussion between cruise operators, EU decision-makers and tourism stakeholders focused on the challenge of unlocking the potential of EU maritime tourism to foster EU growth and employment creation.

According to UNWTO, Europe has steadily lost market share in world tourism, decreasing from a comfortable 64% in 1980 to 51% in 2010. If things remain unchanged, it is expected to fall to a level of 41% by 2030.[2] David Dingle, Vice Chairman of CLIA Europe and Chairman of Carnival UK urged the EU to act: “We need to maintain Europe as the World’s number one tourist destination by increasing the number of third-country tourists. This would be good for Europe

While facilitating the entry to Europe for legitimate travellers, the reform of the Visa Code will not lead in any way to relaxing security procedures in Europe. The screening of visa applicants will remain stringent, and a high level of control will be maintained in ships, ports and destinations.

Raphael von Heereman, CLIA Europe’s Secretary General, stressed: “Seeing other countries’ efforts to increase their tourism flows, we need a timely adoption of a smart Visa Code to boost the European tourism sector and enable the cruise industry to contribute even more to Europe’s economy and society. But in order to reach this goal, we need adequate support from policy-makers. The key is to foster cooperation between the EU Institutions, Member States, and tourism stakeholders. We are following the decision-making closely and we hope that substantial progress will be achieved by the summer.”

CMV’s Magellan 10 Days To Go Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) new ship Magellan is just getting the final touches down in Greece before setting sail for the UK. The new member of the CMV fleet is to be officially named in 10 days time at the London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury 12th March.

Mike Hall CMV’s Head of Marketing said “To say we are all excited is an understatement. There is something special when you see your logo on the funnel and the ‘swish’ on the side for the first time. Like all CMV vessels Magellan will be an adult only ship offering a traditional British cruise experience.”

Magellan is the latest addition to the CMV fleet and joins Marco Polo, Azores and Astor. At 46,052grt Magellan will carry about 1250 passengers accommodated in 726 cabins spanning nine passenger decks. Magellan features a wide range of comfortable well appointed lounges and panoramic seating and observation areas ideally suited to CMV’s scenic cruise programme.

Voyager Kicks Off 2015 Portsmouth Cruise Season For SMS Stevedoring and ancillary services company Southern Maritime Services (SMS) has kicked off a busy 2015 cruise season at Portsmouth International Port (PIP) by handling the Voyages of Discovery ship Voyager.

The 15,270 tonnes Voyager arrived from Spain and set sail on a 16-day cruise to the Norwegian fjords and into the Arctic Circle with nearly 440 passengers.

SMS, which handles all cruise ship callers at PIP, also disembarked some 450 passengers and placed on board a full load of food, provisions, beverages and technical stores, including supplies sourced locally.

The call was the first of 37 cruise ship visits being made to PIP this year, with the Voyager scheduled to make six calls between now and the middle of May. SMS also carried out passenger check-in and embarkation, valet car parking and ship’s agency as part of its programme for the Voyager’s maiden seasonal call.

SMS Director Paul Kempton explained: “We’re looking forward to a busy 2015 cruise season and Voyager will be an important initial part of that programme. She is a high quality ship which offers premier cruising and our service reflects that.”

Norwegian Cruise Line launches ‘Freestyle Choice Plus’ promotion in the UK Norwegian Cruise Line is launching its ‘Freestyle Choice Plus’ promotion on 3 March giving guests more benefits and greater ability to customise their cruise holiday. When booking a cruise of five nights or more sailing between March 2015 and April 2017 guests booking before 8 April 2015 can benefit from up to three cruise enhancing on-board extras for free. Additionally, on selected cruises, guests can bring their family and friends along and only pay the port fees.

Guests booking an Oceanview Stateroom, Balcony Stateroom or a Mini Suite can choose one complimentary offer to enhance their Freestyle Cruising® experience.

• The Ultimate Dining Package. Guests can experience a different speciality restaurant every night of the holiday, along with the great variety of dining options already included in the cruise fare. Options include French cuisine at Le Bistro, a sumptuous steak at Cagney’s steakhouse or delicious Asian cuisine being prepared and cooked before the guests’ eyes at Teppanyaki and more.

• The Ultimate Beverage Package. Guests can enjoy their favourite wine, beer, cocktails and also a wide selection of premium spirits for as long as they sail in up to 22 bars and lounges. There’s a venue to match every mood from ambient champagne and piano bars to lively cocktail bars and night clubs (as part of the promotion not available on Hawai’i, Transatlantic, Repositioning and Panama Canal cruises).

• On-board spending money. Guests can get up to $300 on-board spending money per stateroom to pamper themselves with a spa treatment, book one of many shore excursions be it enjoying a cocktail on a beach hideaway in the Bahamas or trekking a glacier in Alaska and much more.

Guests cruising in a luxury Suite or accommodation in The Haven by Norwegian will benefit from all three offers in select destinations.

Francis Riley, Senior Vice President International of Norwegian Cruise Line said “Freestyle Cruising is all about choice so we are delighted to be launching this new promotion. Until 8 April guests choosing to cruise like a Norwegian can enhance their experience, taking advantage of the packages that suit their needs.”

New historic video timeline tells the story of Cunard’s 175 year heritage in anniversary year As Cunard continues to celebrate 175 years at the forefront of ocean travel, a brand new timeline video showcasing the shipping line’s most iconic moments, as well as looking forward to signature 175 anniversary events in 2015, has been unveiled today.

The new video uses the details that accompany Cunard’s long and extraordinary history to bring the company’s story to life: from Charles Dickens declaiming his 1842 cabin as a ‘profoundly preposterous box’ to Cunard’s carriage of all the horses which charged with the Light Brigade in 1853 to the first time that the monarch’s wife is heard on the radio when Queen Mary was launched in 1934.

The five minute video also explores how Cunard has helped shape key moments in world history. From Cunard’s little ship Carpathia rescue of all of the survivors from the White Star Line’s Titanic, to Sir Winston Churchill’s words of esteem in thanking Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth’s troop-carrying which, in his words, helped shorten World War II by at least a year. To watch the timeline video click here.

Angus Struthers, Cunard’s Marketing Director, said: “It’s remarkable to see 175 years condensed into a five minute video. For those unfamiliar with Cunard, it really does illustrate how ocean travel has evolved, and the pivotal role Cunard and its majestic fleet plays as a beacon for the industry. We look forward to celebrating Cunard’s heritage and milestone anniversary in grand style throughout the year.”

In May 2015 Cunard will stage one of its most ambitious events to date, as all three Queens, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth will sail in formation into Liverpool, the spiritual home of Cunard, for the very first time. With over one million spectators expected to line the River Mersey, there are still limited opportunities to enjoy an unrivalled view of the unfolding event aboard one of the three Queens.

2015 Cruise season kicks off on St Davids Day As the daffodils poke their heads above the thawing soil, there was another hint of spring on St David’s Day (Sunday March 1st), which heralded the start of the 2015 cruise season at Portsmouth International Port.

The first cruise liner into Port this year is Voyager. She arrived from La Coruna (Spain) early in the morning, disembarking passengers from one cruise holiday before departing for Kristiansund (Norway) in the late afternoon with a new set of holidaymakers.

Voyager, the small luxury ship operated by Voyages of Discovery, has recently been awarded the Cruise Critic UK Editors’ Picks Award for Best Itineraries. The cruise ship certainly offers a diverse range of holidays to and from Portsmouth International Port. Earlier in the season the schedule concentrates on trips to the North, with a holiday leaving on March 16th taking passengers to Iceland to witness a Total Eclipse of the sun. As always, highly qualified guest speakers are on board to help explain everything passengers will see during their cruise.

These ‘turnaround’ calls are an important part of the business at Portsmouth International Port, built on large investment in new passenger facilities and a reputation for a flexible and tailored service. 2015 sees an increase in ‘turnaround’ calls at Portsmouth.

The cruise team at Portsmouth International Port has spent the winter making sure everything is shipshape for this year.

The 2015 diary is looking extremely healthy, with 37 cruise calls booked until the season ends in November. Many of the cruise ships and operators coming to the Waterfront City are repeat customers, although some will be sailing into Portsmouth Harbour for the very first time.

Among them is ‘Europa 2’, a brand new visitor arriving in June, described by the Daily Telegraph as “the ultimate in casual luxury for those who don’t stand on pomp and ceremony”; the paper says it is one of the most impressive ships afloat.

Europa 2 only came into service in 2013 making it one of the most modern cruise liners to come calling at Portsmouth International Port this year. She is also one of the longest vessels to dock at Portsmouth, made possible by investment in new berthing facilities. The ship is 225 metres long, yet carries just 516 passengers.

Captain Rupert Taylor, Harbourmaster at Portsmouth International Port said, “The arrival of Europa 2 in June shows the faith major cruise operators have in Portsmouth International Port, a true vote of confidence in the high standards of service and facilities we provide. From day one of the season the team will strive to deliver an unrivalled package of care for each passenger and every vessel. The winter break has allowed us to make sure every detail will be in place when they arrive.”

Portsmouth International Port is also looking forward to welcoming Sea Explorer to the waterfront city for the first time. Sister ship of Noble Caledonia’s Island Sky, a regular at the Port, Sea Explorer is also described as one of the “world’s finest small ships”. Although the luxury cruise ship will be heading to and from the Channel Islands from Portsmouth in May, it’s designed to withstand the toughest conditions. Sea Explorer has a proud history of exploring the Arctic and Antarctic regions.

Details of the 2015 Cruise schedule at Portsmouth International Port can be found here: http://www. portsmouth-port.co.uk/cruise/cruise_schedule_2015

Just released! Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ onboard agent Training Programme for 2015 With new vessels being launched quicker than you can keep up with, it is more important than ever to know your ships and which ones are right for your customers. More choice means that you can find the right niche for every customer, leading to more repeat business.

Tapping into this need for expert, in-depth product knowledge, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has just released details of its 2015 ship visit programme, exclusively for the UK travel trade, which is free for agency staff.

Attendees will be able to see the Fred. Olsen product first-hand in order to gain a real understanding of the smaller-sized, more intimate ships and the whole sailing experience. You will also learn more about the ‘Fred. Olsen Difference’ and discover how Fred. Olsen gets ‘closer to the destination’.

There is also the chance to receive expert, one-to-one product training and sales tips from senior members of the Fred. Olsen’s Sales Team, as well as presentations and tours.

The onboard training dates for agents in 2015 are as follows: Balmoral Tuesday 9th June 2015 Southampton Braemar

Monday 13th April 2015 Tuesday 2nd June 2015

Harwich Dover

Boudicca

Tuesday 14th April 2015 Sunday 21st June 2015

Dover Rosyth (Edinburgh)

Black Watch

Monday 11th May 2015 Friday 26th June 2015

Liverpool Liverpool

The format for the day is as follows: 9.30hrs Arrive at Cruise Terminal and Check-in

(passports/photo ID mandatory) 10.00hrs Embark ship 10.10hrs Welcome drink, introduction and presentation 10.45hrs Comprehensive ship tour, with one of Fred. Olsen’s

expert Sales Team 12.30hrs Sandwiches and refreshments / quiz with prizes!

13.30hrs Disembark ship Up to four places can be booked per agency branch.

To register for places, please contact Fred. Olsen directly at www. fredolsencruises.com/TravelAgentCentre or contact Agency Sales on Direct tel.: 01473 746 164 / E-mail: cruise.sales@fredolsen.co.uk For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, visit the website at www.fredolsencruises.com

CroisiEurope Announces Four New Ships For The 2016/2017 Season

Europe’s largest river cruise operator, CroisiEurope, continues its expansion with the addition of four new vessels for the 2016/2017 season.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines celebrates recordbreaking launch of its new 2016/17 cruise programme

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is celebrating breaking its record for the highest-selling day ever, taking an amazing £2.1 million in revenue on Friday 6th March 2015, following the launch of its new 2016/17 cruise programme.

In 2016/17, Fred. Olsen will be visiting a record 253 ports in 84 countries around the globe, sailing from ten convenient, regional UK departure ports in 2016/17: Southampton, Dover, Harwich, Tilbury, Falmouth – a new addition – Liverpool, Newcastle – where flagship Balmoral will be based in 2016 – Rosyth (for Edinburgh), Greenock (for Glasgow) and Belfast.

• MS Princesse Elbe, an innovative paddle steamer accommodating 80 passengers in 40 cabins, will sail on the Elbe and the Moldau between Berlin and Prague and back (Berlin - Magdebour - Wittenberg - Meissen - Dresden Litomerice - Prague) from spring 2016.

Saturday 7th March 2015 was the highest-selling Saturday that Fred. Olsen has ever experienced, taking total revenue of £1.6 million; Sunday 8th was also the highest amount of revenue that Fred. Olsen has ever taken on a Sunday, with £800,000 in sales being generated.

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “What these unprecedented booking volumes show is that Fred.

Olsen is all about ‘destination, destination, destination’, and this is what cruise customers are most interested in. It is not about the ship; it is not about the amenities on board; it is about where guests can go and what they can experience.”

• RV Princesse Apsara, a colonial-style boat accommodating 60 passengers in 30 cabins, will join CroisiEurope’s four other vessels on the Mekong. The ship will sail from Angkor to Ho-Chi-Minh between Siem Reap and Ho-Chi-Minh and back (Siem Reap - Angkor - Tonle Sap - Kampong Chhnang Kampong Tralach - Koh Chen - Phnom Penh - Chau Doc. – Sa DEC - Cai Be - My Tho - Ho-Chi-Minh City).

• MS Daniele, a contemporary and stylish hotel barge accommodating 24 passengers in 12 cabins, will travel an unprecedented route on the Briare Canal, between Burgundy and the Loire Valley (Briare - Lere - Ménétréol- Sous-Sancerre – Chapelle Montlinard - Marseilles-Les-Aubigny- Nevers).

• MS Deborah, a contemporary and stylish hotel barge accommodating 24 passengers in 12 cabins, will offer a unique journey along the Garonne Canal (Toulouse -Castelsarrasin - Moissac – Valence D’Agen - Agen - Serignac-Sur-Garonne Damazan).

In order to meet the expectations of its many and increasing loyal customers, CroisiEurope continues to innovate and invest in the business and will operate the 43 ships that it owns, as well as the five ships that the company charters.

For reservations and further information call CroisiEurope on 020 8328 1281 or visit www.croisieurope.co.uk

Coming in as the Number One best-seller in Fred. Olsen’s new 2016 cruise programme is Braemar’s ten-night ‘German Waterways’ cruise; Fred. Olsen’s fantastic adults-only 46-night ‘Central America & the Mardi Gras’ cruise on Balmoral is leading the way in 2017.

CMV getting behind Red Nose Day Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) is getting behind Red Nose Day by hoping to add one to their new ship Magellan.

See how she could look with the nose attached.

Mike Hall CMV’s Head of Marketing said “Everyone at CMV is really keen to support Comic Relief. Whilst we would love to be able to put a Red Nose on the sleek looking Magellan at the naming ceremony, logistically it would be impossible. However, we should still manage to raise a good sum of money during the three days of launch events at the London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury.

Guests at each CMV evening event on 12, 13 & 14 March, will be able donate to Comic Relief and enter the draw. The prizes are – a three night cruise, a six night cruise and a cruise up to 14 nights. A draw will take place during dinner on each evening.

Gloria Hunniford to be godmother for CMV’s Magellan Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has announced that Gloria Hunniford is to be godmother to their latest fleet addition Magellan when the ship is named next week.

The ship is currently sailing to the UK and is due into London Tilbury early next week. On Thursday 12 March at the London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury Gloria will name the ship in front of 1000 invited guests from the trade, followed by two special passenger evenings on board events 13th and 14th.

The company is supporting Red Nose Day in some style. Guests at each CMV evening event will be able donate to Comic Relief and enter a draw. The prizes are – a three night cruise, a six night cruise and a cruise up to 14 nights. A draw will take place during dinner on each evening.

Mike Hall, Head of Marketing at CMV said “We are delighted that Gloria can be part of this great day in our history. She is a popular TV presenter and much loved by the British public.”

CMV see the funny side for Comic Relief The reservations and the on board staff at Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) have compiled a list of their favourite top 10 most amusing questions from passengers during 2014 in order to get into the spirit for this year’s Comic Relief.

1. Will there be a shower in my cabin?

2. What light bulbs do you use in the cabins?

3. What are the hanging arrangements on board?

4. Will I be cold if I don’t take my coat?

5. Will the lift take me up or down?

6. Do the crew sleep on board as well?”

7. Is the mail brought in by plane?”

8. I‘m on a British Isles cruise but I’ve lost my passport...can I

use my bus pass instead 9. Will the ship reverse into port? If not, my cabin will be on the

wrong side!

10. At the quayside: “Where’s the bus for the walking tour?”

The company is supporting Red Nose Day in some style. Guests at each CMV event will be able donate to Comic Relief and enter the draw. The prizes are – a three night cruise, a six night cruise and a cruise up to 14 nights. A draw will take place during dinner on each evening.

Mike Hall CMV’s Head of Marketing said “With the Magellan naming ceremony 12 March on board in Tilbury where we have 1000 invited guests from the trade, plus our two special almost sold out passenger events 13th and 14th , we hope to raise a good sum of money for the charity.”

March Interquiz Launched Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services has launched the March InterQuiz, which features ten new multiple choice questions, including: • London is home to the world’s oldest continuously running film studio, what is it called?

• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is located near which New York area port?

• In what year was the famous Swedish furniture store, IKEA, founded?

February InterQuiz Winners: Seatrade’s Emma Bond was the InterQuiz’s winner for February.

On behalf of Emma, Intercruises donated to the Alzheimer’s Association, an organisation committed to eliminating Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research. Find out more information here Intercruises’ Rodrigo Jesus Pardo, Port Agency Supervisor Malága, was the InterQuiz’s Intercruises winner for February.

Rodrigo, who has worked with Intercruises since 2009, donated to the Los Angeles Malagueños de la Noche, an organisation that provides food to the needy in Malága. Find out more information here

February InterQuiz - Key Statistics • 6.9% of participants received a perfect score (10/10) • 4/10 most common score (17.2%) • Most difficult question (55.2% answered incorrectly): “How many islands does Singapore have?” (Answer is 63) • Easiest question (70.5% answered correctly): “What was Sydney originally named?” (Answer is New Albion) “Are you a local Expert” – Play Now!

SMS Signs New Three-Year Deal To Secure Cruise Ship Jobs In Portsmouth Stevedoring and ancillary services company Southern Maritime Services (SMS) has signed a three-year contract with Portsmouth International Port (PIP) to provide support services for all cruise ships calling in the port.

The agreement will sustain up to 40 jobs each time a cruise ship calls in the port, which is set to handle a growing number of callers this year. PIP, owned by Portsmouth City Council, continues to expand its cruise business with a total of 41 calls booked for 2015. More than half the calls will be turnaround operations with ships disembarking and embarking hundreds of passengers each time.

The first cruise ship call by the vessel Voyager, operated by Voyages of Discovery, arrived this month (March) and calls will continue until November. New callers at the port this year include Hapag Lloyd’s Europa 2, the Portuguese ship Funchal and Noble Caledonia’s Sea Explorer.

Utilising dedicated passenger check-in facilities in the main terminal, SMS offers a turn-key service for cruise ship clients, taking care of passengers, their vehicles and their baggage from the moment they arrive at the port. Services include meet and greet; baggage handling; passenger check-in; passenger registration; porterage; stores and baggage loading, and valet car parking.

In addition, the company has its own fleet of fork lifts, telehandlers, platforms, cages and conveyors to receive and load cruise inventory, hotel, food and beverage stores onto ships, along with loading and unloading passenger baggage.

SMS Director Paul Kempton commented: “We have been providing port services for cruise ships in Portsmouth for ten years and this new contract will help us to develop our equipment and services further. Portsmouth International Port is becoming increasingly popular for hosting and handling cruise ships and we are committed to supporting the City Council in its development.”

Rupert Taylor, PIP Harbour Master, said: “Our business has grown as we have built a reputation for offering flexible and bespoke services to cruise ship operators.

Southern Maritime Services has played a valuable role in developing and delivering these services, helping us to attract a growing number of small and medium sized vessels. Feed back from clients is always positive. I know that as we continue to expand our cruise ship activity the experience and expertise that SMS brings to Portsmouth International Port will help us further increase our calling and turnaround business.”

SMS is part of the Independent Port Handling group of companies, which also provides support services for cruise ships in Southampton, Liverpool and Leith in Scotland.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. appoints Andy Stuart President and Chief Operating Officer for Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq: NCLH) announced that company veteran Andy Stuart has been named President and Chief Operating Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line effective 4 March, following the resignation of Drew Madsen. Stuart has been with Norwegian Cruise Line since 1988 and has held a number of leadership positions, most recently as Executive Vice President of Sales.

“Given the recent restructuring of the role and job responsibilities, Drew has decided to step down.

We thank him for his contributions and wish him well,” said Frank Del Rio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “As we continue to build the newly merged organization, we are tapping into the tremendous company and industry knowledge that Andy has, along with the strong relationships he has built with our travel partners.”

“Andy and Norwegian are virtually synonymous. He is very well known and respected by our guests, travel partners, officers, crew, and team members. I am extremely confident that he is the perfect leader for the next phase of Norwegian’s growth,” added Del Rio. In this role, Stuart will report to Del Rio. Stuart has been instrumental in building the Norwegian brand, particularly in the roll out and marketing of the line’s signature Freestyle Cruising. He also greatly strengthened relationships with travel partners with the introduction of Partners First, the company’s corporate philosophy of always putting its travel partners first. During his 27-year career with the company, he has held responsibility for a number of key areas including: Global Sales, Passenger Services, Revenue Management, Marketing and Public Relations. He also served as Chief Product Officer, responsible for delivery of the Freestyle Cruising product across the Norwegian fleet, ensuring that it provided exceptional value and quality for guests and was consistent with the marketing and brand positioning of the company.

“Having seen Norwegian Cruise Line grow significantly during the course of my career, I am thrilled and proud to lead this incredible company as we continue to enhance and build the brand,” said Stuart. “The future is extremely bright and I am looking forward to continuing to work with our travel partners through our expanded sales team, delivering an exceptional product to our guests in conjunction with our hard-working officers and crew and ensuring that our team members are motivated and engaged, all the while building value for our shareholders.”

Next EXPERIENCE.tv episode now online: Fine Dining Afloat

Guests on board the EUROPA 2 experience top-class culinary variety. The gastronomic concept of the top-rated luxury cruise ship offers a choice of seven different, highquality restaurants, including a sushi bar and three speciality restaurants. Guests can enjoy pure, informal luxury, as there are no fixed dining times - within the opening times - or fixed table allocations in the restaurants. All meals are included in the cruise price. This new EXPERIENCE.tv episode “Fine Dining Afloat” showcases how appealing the dining venues afloat are for the guests.

Click here to see the latest film online: http://www.hl-cruises.com/experiencetv In the latest episode of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ EXPERIENCE. tv, British cruise expert, Jonathan Beaumont, discovers this selection of dining venues on board the luxury vessel.

He comments: “Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ EUROPA 2 exceeds expectations when it comes to dining. A highlight is the caviar night on board each cruise – throughout the course of the night 15 kilograms are consumed and caviar is also available on every menu in every restaurant throughout the ship.”

Julian Pfitzner, Director Product Management EUROPA 2, says: “When it comes to the gourmet choices and range offered on board, we are totally prepared logistically and able to cater for all our guests’ tastes and food preferences, maintaining the highest dining standards afloat. Just to name a few facts,

on an average 7-night EUROPA 2 cruise we experience daily consumptions by guests of: 400 kilos of meat, 120 kilos of fish, 85 kilos shell-fish, 30 kilos of cheese, nearly 1,400 fresh eggs and 85 kilos of flour.”

In January this year, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises launched EXPERIENCE. tv, a new, visual initiative - presented by cruise expert Jonathan Beaumont - to create more awareness of the cruise style and concept offered on board EUROPA 2. The ship has been awarded 5-stars-plus by the Berlitz Cruise Guide 2015. Click here to see the latest film online: http://www.hl-cruises.com/experiencetv

Introducing Carnival Journeys, A New Series Of One-Of-A-Kind Longer Length Voyages Featuring Spectacular Ports of Call And Special Onboard Experiences Carnival Cruise Line has launched Carnival Journeys – a unique collection of nine- to 15-day seagoing adventures that kick off this autumn and feature spectacular ports throughout the Caribbean, Central America, Hawaii and Mexico, along with unique onboard experiences created especially for this one-of-a-kind cruise programme.

Carnival Journeys is designed to provide guests with exciting new itinerary choices that will feature less travelled, more exotic ports of call. Carnival Journeys itineraries have been specifically designed for guests who are looking for a longer cruise holiday that will provide the opportunity to visit a wide variety of great destinations and more time to fully enjoy all of the features and facilities available on a selection of the line’s newest and most innovative ships. Carnival Journeys cruises will also include exciting onboard activities to provide a truly unique Carnival holiday experience.

Christine Duffy, Carnival’s president, said “We have received a tremendous amount of feedback from our guests and travel agent partners about the importance of consistently offering new Carnival cruise experiences.”

“Carnival Journeys was created to offer our existing customers even more options while helping us to attract those guests who have not had the opportunity to sail with Carnival and may be enticed by these longer, more exotic itineraries. These new cruises also offer our valued travel agent partners a tremendous new sales opportunity and a great way to earn enhanced commissions based on the longer cruise duration,” she added.

Incredible Itineraries Carnival Journeys will debut with an 11-day cruise aboard Carnival Dream from New Orleans to San Juan 4th October, 2015. The programme will run until 27th November 2016, encompassing 28 departures from eight convenient North American homeports including Los Angeles, Galveston, New Orleans, Miami, Port Canaveral, New York, Baltimore and San Juan.

Cruises will operate either round-trip from these homeports or one-way between these ports and San Juan. The itineraries are unique and not available on any other cruise line. A detailed listing of all 28 Carnival Journeys sailings is available here. Additional Carnival Journeys sailings will be announced in the near future.

On Carnival Journeys, guests can experience and explore nearly 40 different tropical destinations, including less visited ports like Tobago, Grenada, La Paz, Martinique, Bonaire and Ixtapa, each home to diverse cultures, centuries-old landmarks and historical structures, and unforgettable natural attractions.

Memorable Activities Carnival Journeys guests can also enjoy unique onboard experiences that will be tailored to each itinerary in the areas of dining, entertainment, team member connections and enrichment, all infused with the line’s spirited brand of fun. These experiences will include: • Authentic Eats: Partnering with local restaurants and chefs, Carnival Journeys guests can enjoy on-board cooking demonstrations where these culinary artists will recreate their signature dishes and traditional cuisines from their country. Guests will also have an opportunity to dine at the chef’s restaurant ashore for a nominal fee and accompany the chef as he or she visits local markets for delectable regional specialties.

• “Local”-tainment: From calypso, soca and Goombay to colourful folkloric entertainment, Carnival Journeys guets will get an up close and personal look at their destination through local entertainment performances taking place outside the ship or onboard.

• Academy of Fun: Through these educational enrichment sessions, Carnival’s onboard experts will instruct guest’s in topics ranging from cooking and arts and crafts to digital photography and social media, even celestial navigation. All of these activities will be performed with the fun and entertaining style that only Carnival can provide.

• Throwback Seaday (#TBS): Carnival will set the “way back machine” to 1987 and recreate a fun day at sea with retro pool and deck games, old school dining options like Baked Alaska and the gala midnight buffet, a white glove Captain’s Celebration, popular movies from that era, a circa 1987 version of the Carnival Capers shipboard newsletter, and more.

• Shipboard Team Member Connections: Here, Carnival Journeys guests can learn more about onboard life through informative question and answer sessions hosted by the ship’s captain, cruise director, hotel director and others, held at different times throughout the voyage and providing an opportunity to engage and interact with the Carnival team in a fun and casual setting.

There will also be an unforgettable show performed by the ship’s crew during the voyage.

Tribute to Anzacs as Queen Elizabeth visits Sydney en route to Gallipoli Azamara Club Cruises features in new ‘Cruise Ship Adventures’ series, presented by Nigel Marven

Azamara Club Cruises features in a brand new show ‘Cruise Ship Adventures’ presented by wildlife enthusiast and presenter Nigel Marven, due to debut on UKTV’s entertainment channel, Watch, this May. In the series, Nigel Marven embarks on Azamara’s destination immersive itineraries to reveal another dimension to cruising, and introduces guests and crew to extraordinary creatures in compelling destinations.

Every episode is jam-packed with exhilarating adventures; on his voyage from Buenos Aires to Antarctica, Marven watches humpback whales feeding right next to the ship, and plays pied piper with baby penguins, ushering the chicks to a concert on the beach. On another sailing, Nigel proves that the islands of the Caribbean are not just about sun, sand and rum, as he goes head-tohead with sperm whales, and finds rare iguanas on Necker Island, Richards Branson’s exclusive resort.

Other regions explored in this series include the Mediterranean, Central America, Scandinavia and India.

Azamara’s two boutique cruise ships allow curious explorers to immerse themselves in local life and appreciate their rich surroundings. Each voyage offers longer stays, more overnights in port, and night touring with authentic cultural experiences to deepen guests’ understanding and appreciation of our amazing world.

Richard Twynam, Managing Director UK & Ireland, Azamara Club Cruises said, “We were thrilled to welcome Nigel on-board. Nigel’s enthusiasm for exploration and discovery goes hand-in-hand with the experiences we are committed to offering our guests and we hope that Cruise Ship Adventures will inspire culture-seekers to consider future adventures with us.”

Nigel Marven said, “Anyone who’s been on a cruise will be astounded by the peculiar creatures we encounter in visits to ports of call. The best bit was sharing my passion for wildlife - taking Azamara’s captains, entertainers and guests on adventures with everything from puffins to pipefish, whales to woodpeckers and caecilians to sloths!”

In the lead up to the Gallipoli centenary, Australians today paid their respects to the nation’s fallen Anzacs at a special memorial service onboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth in Sydney.

Reflecting Cunard’s long-standing association with Australian wartime campaigns, including Gallipoli, the cruise line invited locals to pay tribute to their Anzac heroes by placing a poppy in a wall of remembrance beside Queen Elizabeth at Circular Quay. To watch to the video please click here Onboard the ship, leading political, military and community figures attended a special morning service featuring a tribute to the first Anzacs

by Australian War Memorial Director, Dr Brendan Nelson.

Among the guests at the service was Braidwood resident Mark Keys, the great grandson of 2nd Lieutenant Francis Jensen who was killed on his third day of battle at Gallipoli.

Visitors to the two-metre poppy wall, formed in the shape of “100” to mark the upcoming centenary, were also invited to honour their war heroes by writing a personal message in a remembrance book.

Both the poppy wall and remembrance book will form the centrepiece of a commemorative service onboard the ship on April 24, the eve of Anzac Day, when Queen Elizabeth reaches the waters off the Gallipoli Peninsula during her current world voyage. Messages from the book will be read out at the service and the book will then be placed in Queen Elizabeth’s library where it will remain in memory of the heroes of Gallipoli.

Representing Cunard, Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry said the line was honoured to pay tribute to the Anzacs during Queen Elizabeth’s Sydney visit.

“Cunard’s proud 175-year maritime legacy is interwoven with our military history. Since the Crimean war in 1853, Cunard ships have assisted Allied forces in times of warfare, including during the First World War when 20 Cunard ships were lost,” Ms Sherry said.

“Two Cunard ships – Mauretania and Aquitania – moved troops to the Mediterranean at the time of the Gallipoli expedition, with Aquitania then converted to a hospital ship, carrying 25,000 injured Allied troops back to the UK until early 1916.

“Cunard’s relationship with Australian forces continued during the Second World War when thousands of our troops sailed to war from Sydney on the original Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth.

“It’s a strong connection, so we are extremely proud that the new Queen Elizabeth can play a part today in remembering the service and sacrifice of the original Anzacs. Their nation building contribution continues to resonate down the generations because the families of those who served have never forgotten.”

New Zealanders commenced the poppy tribute last Friday, placing flowers in the wall during Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Auckland. By the time the wall is carried onto Queen Elizabeth in Sydney tomorrow evening at the end of her two-day visit, it will be filled with 11,500 flowers, signifying the number of Anzacs who lost their lives in the ill-fated campaign.

Mr Keys and his wife Germaine will travel as the custodians of the Australian poppies to Turkey, where Mr Keys will become the first family member to visit his ancestor’s memorial site at Lone Pine.

UKTV has co-produced the series with Independent production company Image Impact.

Monies raised through the poppy wall during the ship’s Sydney visit will be donated to Legacy to support their work with military families.

For more information visit www.AzamaraClubCruises.co.uk.

Queen Elizabeth’s visit to Sydney comes six weeks into her 112-night world voyage which will see her travel from Australia to Europe via Asia and the Middle East before returning to the UK on May 3.

Crystal Cruises Unveils Four Revolutionary World Cruises in 2018 For the first time in Crystal Cruises’ history, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will each embark on World Cruises in 2018, offering travellers four separate global itineraries aboard the award-winning ships. The concurrent world cruise routes for 2018 begin in January with both ships simultaneously arriving in Sydney on 17th February. This rare meeting allows the exciting opportunity to combine the itineraries of the two ships, as guests can switch vessels for a new voyage. Ranging from 97 to 129 nights, the innovative voyages will travel to a combined 111 destinations in 45 countries, featuring 16 maiden calls and 50 overnights. During the ships’ rendezvous in Sydney, full World Cruise guests will be treated to a spectacular gala celebration.

Crystal’s 2018 World Cruise collection includes Crystal Symphony’s first full World Cruise since 2003; Crystal Serenity’s 15th global expedition; and the unprecedented ability to begin on Crystal Symphony then switch to Crystal Serenity in Sydney for a journey through Asia, India, and Holy Land; or set sail on Crystal Serenity before joining Crystal Symphony in Sydney for a South Pacific route to Miami.

“Crystal Cruises has long been celebrated for cultivating original, captivating itineraries throughout the world’s most popular destinations, as well as less visited gems,” says Crystal’s president, Edie Rodriguez. “The 2018 World Cruise voyages are a true testament to Crystal’s continued innovation and creativity, and our commitment to guests in broadening their luxury travel experiences.”

With the announcement of four spectacular world cruises for 2018, the luxury cruise leader becomes the first cruise line to have a collection of World Cruises printed and available for booking for the next three years (2016 – 2018).

The ground-breaking World Cruise revelation comes on the heels of Crystal’s parent company, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK), announcing it entered into an agreement with Genting Hong Kong (GHK) on the sale of Crystal Cruises, Inc. (CCI). With the support of GHK’s financial resources and expertise in ship design, Crystal Cruises’ fleet size will expand with the build and delivery of a new ship in 2018, elevating the standard of luxury cruising and luxury cruise ships. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2015.

As with each annual Crystal World Cruise, the epic 2018 voyages are also available for booking in shorter segments. Beginning today through 30th April 2015, full World Cruise book now fares start at £32,589 per person with Crystal Society (repeat guest) savings of up to £5,946 per person. The 2018 Full World Cruise programme includes two exclusive shore side events, $2,000 per person “As You Wish” shipboard credits, special onboard events, complimentary chauffeured private car transfers between the airport to ship and ship to airport and more.

The all-inclusive Crystal Cruises is the world’s leading luxury cruise provider, having earned more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history. Crystal Cruises has won “World’s Best Cruise Ship” in Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader Choice Awards for 21 years; voted “World’s Best Large Ship Cruise Line” by Travel + Leisure readers for 19-consecutive years; the “Best Luxury Cruise Line” by Virtuoso, Specialists in the Art of Travel; and both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity were rated as two of the “Top 5 mid-size ships” by the 2015 Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships.

For further information and reservations please call Crystal Cruises on 020 7399 7601 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk

Evolutionary Find: Silversea Introduces Inclusive Air And Land Packages On All Silver Galapagos Voyages

Silversea is making it easier than ever to discover the wonders of the Galápagos by introducing inclusive air and land package fares for Silver Galapagos expedition cruises.

The program is available on new bookings made on or after 4 March 2015 on any of the ship’s year-round Galápagos sailings.

The package includes: roundtrip economy class air between Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands; a two-night pre-cruise hotel stay with breakfast at the Quito JW Marriott; an evening tour of Quito’s historic city highlights; transfer from the hotel to the airport in Quito; pre- and post-cruise transfers between the airport and Silver Galapagos in Baltra; a post-cruise hotel day room at the Hotel Oro Verde in Guayaquil (for guests with flights after 10 p.m.); transfer from the airport to the hotel, and from the hotel to the airport in Guayaquil; Galápagos National Park and Ingala Transit Card fees; and porterage fees.

Silver Galapagos and her award-winning all-inclusive experience was recognised for “Best Shore Excursions” in the small-ship category of the “2015 Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards.” The 100-guest, all-suite ship features complimentary exploration activities that include Zodiac tours, snorkeling, kayaking and nature hikes led by highly experienced guides certified by the National Park of the Galápagos. On board guests can enjoy the pampering attention of a butler, sumptuous gourmet cuisine, and complimentary champagne, wines and spirits served throughout the ship.

“With these new all-inclusive air and land packages, designed with the highest levels of comfort, convenience, and value for our guests, the award-winning Silversea experience continues to be the perfect choice for travellers seeking an enriching holiday in the exotic Galápagos,” said Steve Odell, President EMEA and Asia Pacific.

Cunard’s award-winning Insight Speakers programme to partner with The New York Times Cunard has today announced a brand new partnership with The New York Times to offer award winning speakers as part of its longrunning Insights programme. The exclusive offering will debut on Queen Mary 2 on 3 January 2016 during all East-bound transatlantic crossings from New York to Southampton in 2016.

To kick-off the series, the 3 January 2016 cruise dubbed “The New York Times Insights Cruise” will feature an impressive line-up of The New York Times’ experts including: former foreign correspondent and columnist Clyde Haberman; science writer John Schwartz; Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist David Cay Johnston; national security reporter Michael Schmidt; and Peter Lewis, former senior writer at The New York Times and Fortune Magazine. From national security, climate change, and the space programme, to economics, tax issues, sports, technology, journalism, laws of the ancient world and much more, intellectually curious passengers will enjoy unique access to a wealth of research and insights from some the world’s leading luminaries.

For those who want even greater immersion into The New York Times and its content, guests can purchase an exclusive pre-cruise and onboard package for the 3 January Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic sailing. This programme includes a tour of the newsroom and brunch at The New York Times prior to sailing, as well as additional onboard elements. Places are limited to just 100 guests and must be booked by contacting Times Journeys directly at (001-718) 855-698-6363.

Setting the benchmark for compelling onboard enrichment programmes, Cunard was the first line to provide guests stimulating lecturers from a wide variety of disciplines, when the programme officially launched on QE2 in the 1970s. Since then, it has become a signature asset of the line and continues to provide a robust line-up of speakers on every voyage today. However, the company, which is celebrating its 175th Anniversary this year, can trace the early inception of the programme to the days when such luminaries as Noel Coward and Cole Porter would sail Atlantic Crossings on the Queen Mary and informally regale guests in after-dinner salons with titillating anecdotes from their various experiences and travels.

Now Cunard Insights will be even more compelling as Cunard collaborates with The New York Times’ leading roster of journalists and contributors.

Hebridean Princess - new look is revealed...

Hebridean Island Cruises unveiled its stunning refurbishment of the interior of Hebridean Princess as the new cruise season got underway.

Glasgow-based interior designers, John Dick and Son were tasked with the makeover of the Tiree Lounge, the Look Out Lounge and the Library. The brief was for each of the areas to retain its own individual character whilst complimenting the already prominent style, luxury and quality on board the ship.

Whilst keeping this in mind, it was also important to consider the practical side of the design process. It was paramount to maximise the available space in each area, whilst paying particular attention to delivering the best possible comfort for every guest. This meant that the majority of the furniture is bespoke and manufactured to specific sizes.

In the main lounge a truly cosy and welcoming interior has been created that provides many intimate areas for the guests, focusing around the main focal point; the original fireplace.

In addition to the customised The New York Times Insights Cruise, Cunard will also feature The New York Times experts on every Eastbound Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing in 2016 as part of the line’s Insights programme. Cunard regularly offers compelling talks on a variety of contemporary issues by well-known celebrities and knowledgeable personalities.

Angus Struthers, Marketing Director for Cunard, said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with The New York Times to curate such an enriching and entertaining travel adventure. This will be an exciting enhancement to our Cunard Insights program, with a calibre of experts that will surely deliver a stimulating and thoughtprovoking experience for our passengers.”

For more information about Queen Mary 2 and to book a voyage visit Cunard www.cunard.com or call 0843 374 2224.

In the Library there is a more masculine feel, with leather, unique upholstery and dark woods having been used.

The soft tones furnishing the Look Out Lounge flow seamlessly from the colour palette in the foyer areas creating a relaxing space to take in the stunning views.

The highlands and islands of Scotland, her lochs and remote mainland areas are all accessible from the luxurious comfort of Hebridean Princess.

Carrying just 50 guests, Hebridean Princess has an enviable reputation for exceptional service, fine food and wine and the very warm welcome extended by our dedicated crew of 38. She has thirty spacious, elegant and well-appointed cabins, 10 designed especially for the single traveller.

American Queen Steamboat Company Reveals 2016 Season NOW Sailing the Whole Length of the Mississippi & Reintroducing The Cumberland and Ohio Rivers The American Queen Steamboat Company , owner and operator of America’s grandest riverboats, has announced its 2016 sailing schedule. The riverboats will explore the heartland of the United States and Pacific Northwest with a combined 82 sailings.

For the first time, the American Queen, the largest riverboat in the world, will sail the length of the Mississippi River from St. Paul, Minneapolis to New Orleans, Louisiana on two epic itineraries available to book in their entirety or as individual segments.

The American Empress season features 36 sailings between Vancouver, Washington to Clarkston, Washington, showcasing the majestic landscapes along the Columbia and Snake Rivers as travelled by the great American explorers Lewis and Clark in 1804.

“Guests cruising with the American Queen Steamboat Company tend to plan their next sailing before departing their current cruise and 2016 is already on many agendas,” said AQSC ‘s UK managing director Graham Clubb. “From wine tasting in Oregon to more Lower Mississippi River voyages than ever before, our riverboats offer American river cruising at its best.”

American Queen The American Queen will begin her 2016 season on Feb. 21 with a New Orleans roundtrip followed by the first of 28 voyages between her homeport of Memphis and the “Crescent City” (New Orleans) throughout the year. In response to continued demand for Lower Mississippi River itineraries, the American Queen will sail a total of 31 voyages on this stretch between the two cities, or New Orleans round-trips. The full-length Mississippi River voyage will begin in St. Paul on August 7 and conclude in New Orleans on Sept. 5 followed by the same itinerary up river. The American Queen will feature eight Upper Mississippi River voyage between St. Louis and St. Paul as well as a return to the Cumberland River, with two cruises including Nashville, Tennessee. The Ohio River and sailings including Cincinnati will put the Ohio River on centre stage with itineraries between the Queen City and St. Louis with a stop in the favorite river city of Paducah, Kentucky.

American Empress The third season of the American Empress sails through stunning backdrops of the Columbia and Snake Rivers, serving as a floating boutique hotel. Beginning March 19 through to Nov. 27, 2016, the 223-guest riverboat features nine-day journeys immersing guests in the splendor of the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The 223-guest American Empress sails between Vancouver and Clarkston. Featured stops include some of the region’s most celebrated ports including Astoria, Oregon; Stevenson, Washington; The Dalles, Oregon; and Richland, Washington. Complimentary shore excursions will be available in every port and include the cultural and historical landmarks that signify the living legacy of the region’s first settlers. Travellers with specific interests are encouraged to enjoy the variety of premium experience excursions such as the Walla Walla Wine Trail or a journey to the volcanic crater of Mount St. Helens. Daily lectures are also provided by the Riverlorian, an onboard history and culture expert.

Pullmantur Cruiseline Wins Two Awards At The Cruise Excellence Awards 2015 Pullmantur Cruiseline won the award for ‘Best Crew’ as well as ‘Most Popular Company’ at the eighth edition of the Spanish Cruise Excellence awards, held in Palma on 19 February.

The event was attended by about 200 professionals from the Spanish cruise industry, important personalities from politics and business related to the tourism sector. The Excellence Awards, are organised by Cruises News Media Group, a company specialized in marketing, communications and national and international promotion of the cruise industry.

The cruise Excellence Awards in its eight edition recognizes the protagonists of this industry in 12 different categories. The winners are the result of a wide survey to cruise travelers which began last October. The event has the support of Medcruise and sponsored

by Ports de Balears and Palma 365 Foundation plus Delivery Warehouse, Logitravel, Travel Kontiki, Perlart and the partnership Cruises in the Atlantic Islands.

For bookings or further information call one of the cruise experts at Pullmantur Cruises on 0800 021 3180 or submit an enquiry via www.pullmanturcruises.co.uk.

The World’s Most Luxurious Ship Adds a Dash of Parisian Flair with Chartreuse, The New French Restaurant Debuting on Seven Seas Explorer Southampton, 13 March 2015 – The lavish ambiance and epicurean delights found in Paris’ finest eateries come to life aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ newest ship, Seven Seas Explorer, with a tantalizing new gourmet French specialty restaurant called Chartreuse. Featuring a classic French menu with a modern twist, Chartreuse joins Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ signature steakhouse, Prime 7, as the second of three distinct specialty restaurants aboard Seven Seas Explorer, providing guests a range of gourmet dining options as they sail upon the most luxurious ship ever built. Regent Seven Seas Cruises will release details about the third specialty restaurant in June.

“A luxury cruise experience is incomplete without gourmet dining,” said Jason Montague, president and chief operating officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “With our sights set on building the world’s most luxurious ship, we challenged our design and culinary teams to develop some extraordinary and exquisite dining options for our guests aboard Seven Seas Explorer. The team exceeded that high mark with Chartreuse, an extremely elegant restaurant where the ambiance and cuisine is sure to stir fond Parisian memories, and help create new ones.”

A Parisian Experience at Sea Deriving its name from sultry chartreuse-colored glass panels that adorn the dining room walls, the ambiance of Chartreuse evokes memories of a chic Parisian fine dining restaurant discovered during an evening stroll along the Seine or just off the Champs-Élysées.

Guests are greeted by a hostess upon arrival at the restaurant through a curved paneled entryway with flooring that resembles a cobblestoned Parisian street damped by a gentle rain, creating an environment that is warm and welcoming, yet mysterious.

Contemporary lounge chairs and embossed leather stools are assembled around Golden Kosmos Granite topped tables in an intimate bar area with scalloped marble Cosmati mosaic tiled flooring. This is the perfect respite for guests to enjoy an apéritif, including specialty cocktails infused with the French liqueur Chartreuse. A solid zinc bar top that is placed atop a softly illuminated frosted glass base sits near a backlit wine display filled with the finest French wines and selections from boutique vineyards of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and the Rhône and Loire Valleys. Decorative iron sculpting throughout the bar pays a graceful and subtle homage to Paris’ iconic Eiffel Tower.

As guests transition to the dining room they are greeted by lush art-nouveau décor with a feature wall lined with sculpted Chartreuse glass surrounded by metallic and crystalline frames on one side and floor-to-ceiling windows separated by metal filigree screens on the other. Whether seated at an intimate table for two or at one of the lavish white leather banquets, every guest will be treated to a succulent dinner while enjoying incredible ocean views. The design team at ICRAVE responsible for this sophisticated French restaurant left no detail unattended, including a silver-leafed ceiling that is interspersed with dramatic gold-bordered black lacquered lines to complete the elegant Parisian motif.

The back portion of the restaurant seamlessly transitions from a regal dining room, to a whimsical Parisian courtyard, creating the illusion of al fresco dining. Separated from the main dining area by a metal lattice screen, this stylish garden area sits upon marble flooring with gold mosaic tile inlays and is illuminated by a wall of decorative lanterns and a centerpiece crystal chandelier.

The restaurant ambiance is complemented by a menu that features dishes expertly prepared using both classic and modern techniques for a multiple course celebration of French gastronomy. Using only the finest ingredients, the menu is highlighted by epicurean delights including hand-cut Charolais steak tartare in a hazelnut-Dijon emulsion topped with Perlita caviar d’Aquitaine, roasted Cévennes rack of lamb with rosemary-mint persillade and sugar snap pea sauce, and poached Brittany blue lobster tail glazed with caramelized lobster roe butter on a bed of Sologne white asparagus and Romanesco. Delectable desserts include a frozen Chartreuse parfait with almond crumble and classic savarin cake made with aged Martinique rum and topped with vanilla cream.

Beginning in the summer of 2016 the Chartreuse menu will extend to the rest of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet, replacing Signatures on Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, and with select dishes available at Compass Rose on Seven Seas Navigator.

Designed as the most luxurious ship ever built, Seven Seas Explorer will cater to guests’ gastronomic desires with three distinct specialty restaurants, a signature grand dining room and multiple other options, such as outdoor dining with incredible cuisine and fresh ocean breezes. All restaurants will feature vintage wines and premium spirits at no additional charge, and each dish will be prepared à la minute and cooked to order.

Reservations for Seven Seas Explorer’s maiden voyage and inaugural season can be made by calling 02380 682280 or by contacting a cruise specialist.

10,000 like Facebook with CMV Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) announced today that they now have 10,000 Facebook likes on the world’s most popular social media site. This figures includes many travel agents, and cruise specialists.

Lisa Jacobs, CMV’s Head of Trade Sales said “As Britain’s newest independent cruise line, we are thrilled to have so many Facebook followers. Social media enables us to market in a quite different way from other media. It’s all about engagement and having the unique ability to communicate with our customers and agents at the same time sharing news and information illustrated with exciting images and video.” “ We have developed a planned structure for Facebook with regular features in the same way that a TV or radio channel would. Followers look forward to these events, enjoy them and share them, so that the audience keeps growing.”

CMV hope to provide unique online footage on Facebook of three of their fleet as they position off the Faroe Islands on Friday morning 20 March in the hope of witnessing the Total Solar Eclipse. CMV will use drone camera technology as featured on BBC TV news last week.

Details of the latest prices and full details for CMV ships, cruises and itineraries can be found at www.cruiseandmaritime.com and watch the cruise video at www.cruiseandmaritime.tv

Emerald Waterways launch new TV featuring Carol Vorderman Emerald Waterways are embarking on their biggest ever national, multi-channel UK television ad campaign, launching tomorrow, 11th March 2015.

The six week long campaign, which features a voiceover by British television icon Carol Vorderman, showcases the on-board innovation and fully-inclusive service that has become synonymous with Emerald Waterways, Europe’s newest award-winning cruise line.

The advert will be shown on 24 channels, including ITV3, More 4, Sky Arts, Sky Atlantic and Home. You can take a look at our new TV now by visiting www.emeraldwaterways. tv and find out just what makes an Emerald Waterways cruise so special.

In conjunction with this campaign, Emerald Waterways are offering guests who book their 2016 river cruise by 29th May 2015 the chance to set sail on a fully-inclusive journey from as little at £995 per person, with guaranteed savings of £1,000 per couple and up to €350 on-board credit.

‘This is our biggest TV campaign to date, so we were delighted to have Carol Vorderman, a national treasure, provide the voiceover – we think she’s a perfect fit for our brand. We’ve enjoyed a real surge of popularity since our launch and it looks set to continue with the announcement our 5th ship will launch early in 2016. We have even more exciting surprises up our sleeve for 2016, so keep your eyes peeled.’ David Winterton, Emerald Waterways’ Brand Manager After such an incredible debut year on the waters, Emerald Waterways are certain that increased demand will mean cruises sell out even faster than before.

Princess Cruises to work with composer of hit musicals Wicked, Pippin and Godspell

His first musical with Princess Cruises will celebrate Stephen Schwartz’s lifelong fascination with magic. Called, Magic to Do, the show will combine magic with some of Schwartz’s most famous songs and a brand new song written exclusively for Princess. The show will debut on board Crown Princess in the autumn.

Princess Cruises has announced a first-of-its-kind cruise industry partnership with three-time Oscar-winner and composer of Wicked, Pippin and Godspell, Stephen Schwartz. The line’s new relationship with Stephen Schwartz will include a multi-year agreement to oversee the creative development of four new musicals to debut across the fleet over the next few years.

Paul Ludlow, Princess Cruises managing director UK and Europe, said: “Having seen Wicked in the West End I have seen firsthand the magic that Stephen brings to the stage. I am look forward to seeing the outcome of our partnership and the enjoyment it will bring to our guests on board.”

During his 40-year career, Stephen Schwartz has won four Grammys, three Academy Awards for ‘Best Song’ and ‘Best Score’ for Pocahontas and ‘Best Song’ for The Prince of Egypt and has been nominated for six Tony Awards. He is the only songwriter in Broadway history to ever have three shows run more than 1,900 performances.

Stephen Schwartz, said:“Throughout my career, one thing has never changed - people love to be entertained by brilliant performances, through emotional lyrics and song I’m excited to bring my passion for moving and entertaining people to Princess and to use this new creative canvas to captivate and inspire Princess guests unlike any other productions at sea.”

CMV – happy and Gloria-ous

Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) www.cruiseandmaritime.com 0844 998 3877 new ship Magellan was officially named on Thursday (12 March 2015) by TV personality Gloria Hunniford at the London Cruise Terminal - Tilbury. Eclipsing the fashion conscious ladies down in Cheltenham with a stunning bright red overcoat, she brought a packed audience to their feet with rapturous applause and laughter. In talking about a busy week for the cruise industry she said ‘I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Her Majesty the Queen for being the warm up act earlier this week!’

1200 leading travel people, the main travel and cruise media writers, CMV’s top customers and local VIP’s including the Mayor of Thurrock attended the event. Mike Hall, CMV’s Head of Marketing said “Judging by the very positive feedback we have received we got it about right. Guests were treated to a spectacular show by Luke Miller and Laura Robinson, one of the UK’s hottest Latin American dance couples, and the wonderful voice of Yvonne Howard.

All the guests enjoyed a five course meal followed by a spectacular firework display, a stunning floor show then various cabarets and entertainment. We had various look- a-likes roaming around including the Queen, Dame Edna, Del Boy, Jack Sparrow from ‘Pirates’ and David Beckham. Plus, caricaturists and magicians. So our busy smart phone guests have left with some memorable photos.’

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ guests eagerly await the total solar eclipse on board Black Watch, Boudicca and Braemar

Guests on board Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ three ships Black Watch, Boudicca and Braemar are eagerly awaiting the awe-inspiring total solar eclipse on Friday 20th March 2015.

The ships are all heading for the exact coordinates off the coast of the Faroe Islands – 64.26.3N, 6.39.0W – that will give guests the very best chance of witnessing this spectacular natural phenomenon.

In order to watch the Sun become completely eclipsed by the Moon, you must be inside the narrow ‘Path of Totality’ – the track of the Moon’s shadow on Earth.

Typically, this elusive spot covers less than 1% of the Earth’s surface. Guests will also have the chance to witness that rarest of phenomena, the ‘Solar Corona’, when the Moon’s apparent diameter is larger than the Sun, and creates a ‘pearly white crown’ around the Sun.

Today (Friday 13 March) and again tomorrow CMV entertain 550 members of the public to lunch and a show, during both evenings more than 1000 people will go on board for dinner and a show with a majority staying on board overnight. On Sunday afternoon 15 March Magellan departs Tilbury on a 12 night maiden cruise to search for the Total Solar Eclipse due to take place on Friday morning 20 March off the Faroe Islands whilst also visiting Scotland and Iceland.

American Queen Enters Fourth Season with Key Refurbishments The American Queen Steamboat Company, operator of America’s most opulent riverboats, has started the 2015 season on the Mississippi, with a refurbished American Queen. During its six-week annual layup at New Orleans’ Boland Marine Shipyards a number of engineering and cosmetic upgrades were carried out including the fitting of a brand new paddlewheel, new yacht white polymer paint finish on the exterior refinished decks, new and upgraded mahogany accents, new carpeting, wallpaper and stunning new glass walls in the dining room.

The American Queen towers six decks high and is longer than a football field; it features broad shaded decks and an abundance of filigree, fretwork, antique furniture, stained glass and mahogany panelling with a choice of wonderful accommodation including staterooms and suites with verandas. A choice of itineraries take the passengers back to a slower pace of life on themed voyages that include the Civil War, Mardi Gras, Blues & Barbecue, Dixie Fest, Southern Culture, Louisiana History and Culture, Gardens of the River, The Great Steamboat Era and even an Elvis Presley tribute cruise, which includes a visit to Graceland (Priscilla Presley is the riverboat’s Godmother). The vessel’s main ports of embark and disembarkation are New Orleans, Memphis, St Louis, St Paul, Pittsburgh and Chattanooga.

Head of the American Queen Steamboat Company’s UK operation Graham Clubb said: “ The UK demand for riverboat cruising in the USA is growing as cruisers look for different destinations to those on offer in Europe. With the American Queen having had significant upgrades we’re delighted to get the 2015 season underway in the greatest of style and pleased that less that one quarter into the year we have already exceeded 2014 UK bookings.”

Refurbishment highlights onboard the American Queen include: Rebuilt and repainted paddlewheel Two-part polymer and high gloss exterior paint finish Refinished mahogany doors and added handrails New carpeting and wallpaper in public areas as well as select staterooms Refinished grey decks New wall of double-glass mirrors in the dining room New brass kick plates Newly varnished interiors including the grand staircase

Northern-Europe’s cruise capital Hamburg presents its cruise highlights for 2015 at Cruise Shipping Miami Hamburg presents several new cruise highlights from March 16 to 19 at the Cruise Shipping Miami, the world’s largest cruise industry fair: September will see the launch of the “Hamburg Cruise Week”, which will include the “Hamburg Cruise Days” festival and the “Seatrade Europe” convention. June will see the opening of Hamburg’s third cruise terminal, Germany is the second biggest cruise market in the word and more and more international cruise lines are choosing this north German port city as a port of call.

Over the past few years, Hamburg has evolved as one of Europeans cruise capital – with 590,000 passengers and 189 calls in 2014, as well as numerous cruise-themed events all year round. On the occasion of the Cruise Shipping Miami, the Hamburg Cruise Center and Hamburg Marketing has now unveiled Hamburg’s 2015 cruise highlights.

First “Hamburg Cruise Week” to be hosted in September 2015 Starting in 2015, the Hamburg Cruise Days, Europe’s biggest cruise-themed event, and Seatrade Europe, the leading convention of the cruise industry, are joining forces. These two events are now creating the framework for the world’s first and only cruise week, bringing passengers, tourists, service providers and stakeholders from the cruise industry to Hamburg. Alongside these two major events, Hamburg will also be hosting numerous other cruise-themed activities and events – among them the fvw CruiseLive convention, a one-day travel sales event for the cruise industry. For the duration of the Hamburg Cruise Week, the spectacular light installation “Blue Port Hamburg” by light artist Michael Batz will bathe the port in magical blue light. The first Hamburg Cruise Week is due to take place from 4 to 13 September 2015. (www.hamburgcruisedays.de, www.seatrade-europe.com).

The 2015 cruise year: Hamburg is increasing its reputation for international cruise lines With its Hamburg Cruise Days and other maritime events, Hamburg is the number one cruise destination in Germany. But also in terms of passenger numbers, Hamburg has maneuvered itself to the top: the city boasted 590,000 arriving passengers last year, surpassing Kiel (354,000 passengers), and Rostock (509,000 passengers). In addition to German cruise lines such as AIDA Cruises, TUI Cruises and Hapag Lloyd, more and more international cruise brands are discovering the advantages Hamburg has to offer as a cruise destination. Thus, for the first time, Norwegian Cruise Line are going to send a ship, the “Norwegian Escape”, to Hamburg on 23 October – it is the newest fleet member and will receive its final touches at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg. With berths for 4,200 passengers, the “Norwegian Escape” will be the biggest cruise ship to ever visit the port of Hamburg.

Moreover, MSC Cruises will be positioning its “Splendida” cruise ship for Northern European cruises in Hamburg throughout the summer. Italian cruise operator Costa will offer ten departures on three routes for 2015, and the traditional British shipping company Cunard Line will continue voyages with its popular “Queen Mary 2” from Hamburg to New York in June, August and September. This year, AIDA Cruises will once again have the greatest presence of all cruise lines in Hamburg: five AIDA cruise ships will be calling at the port of Hamburg 55 times (www.hamburgcruisecenter.de).

Hamburg’s third cruise terminal to be opened in June The rapid development of Hamburg’s cruise industry has increased the shipping companies’ demand for higher passenger-handling capacity. Therefore, the city is currently building a third terminal in Steinwerder in addition to the locations in the HafenCity Hamburg and Altona. The “Hamburg Cruise Center Steinwerder” is being built on a surface area the size of about two football fields. Following its commissioning in June 2015, as many as 8,000 passengers per arrival will be handled at the new terminal. To ensure smooth baggage transportation, the terminal will feature separate entry and exit areas. While passengers will depart through the eastern building, new passengers will be boarded at the same time through the western building. (www.cruisegate-hamburg.de).

In 2015, Hamburg is also setting the bar in terms of technology and environmental protection: in the upcoming season, the LNG Hybrid Barge “Hummel” will be in regular use, supplying the ocean liners with electricity. Furthermore, the landside power plant for the Cruise Terminal Hamburg-Altona will be put into operation in 2015.

Future perspectives for Germany and Hamburg In global terms the German market is currently the second biggest in the world, overtaking the British market and counts for the cruise season 2014 in total 1,77 million ocean going cruise passengers (+5,02 percent). Experts forecast up to 2 million German ocean cruise passengers in 2015 and 3 million by 2020. This growth will further benefit the cruise hub Hamburg, which has to date 161 cruise calls scheduled (150 turnaround calls, of which 24 partial turnarounds, plus 11 transit calls) for the 2015 season with an expected passenger volume of 525,000 (- 11 per cent).

Larger ship capacities mean that, seen in percentage terms, the number of passengers during the 2015 season will decrease less than the number of ship’s calls.

2016 will see Hamburg take its next major step forward as a cruise destination with the positioning of the “AIDAprima”, which is planned to begin and end its cruises in Hamburg every seven days over 52 weeks of the year, by the end of April 2016.

CLIA Announces Its Diamond Elite and Diamond Executive Partner Members Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is pleased to announce its Diamond Elite and Diamond Executive Partner Members. CLIA has seen an increase in membership since restructuring and enhancing the 2015 Executive Partner program. New benefits include exclusive networking events and educational offerings. Today, 275 CLIA Executive Partners unite ports, destinations, travel operators, technical and supply chain providers and business service providers with cruise lines and CLIA’s travel agent and agency members to create targeted communities committed to the growth of the cruise industry.

The most exclusive level of membership, CLIA Diamond Elite Executive Partners are: • Emirates – As one of the world’s fastest growing airlines, Emirates flies to over 140 destinations in more than 80 countries on its fleet of more than 200 aircraft.

• Qatar Airways –The national airline of the State of Qatar, Qatar Airways flies to more than 145 destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.

• UBM – UBM’s Cruise portfolio includes Cruise Shipping Miami, Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific and Seatrade Med. Since 1985, Cruise Shipping Miami has been the world’s premier annual event for the global cruise industry, and since its acquisition of Seatrade in mid2014, UBM will be developing its already well-supported events in the Middle East and Europe as well as expanding in Asia.

From international organisations to local companies, CLIA Diamond Executive Partner Members — who receive a number of benefits, such as increased access to CLIA events and exclusive opportunities to connect with CLIA’s Global Executive Committee Members — include:

• Amadeus North America • AON Affinity, Berkley Travel • Cruise Baltic • Cruise Port Kotka • DP World UAE • Fidelio Cruise • FleetPro Passenger Ship Management AG • Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Holman Fenwick and Willan LLP • Hong Kong Tourism Board • Intercruises Shoreside & Port Services • Lloyd’s Register • MHG Insurance Brokers • Port Canaveral • Port Everglades • PortMiami • Port of Skagen • RINA Services S.p.A. • Singapore Tourism Board • Skrill Limited (SkrillPay) • S.M.S. International Shore Operations • Traveltek • Trieste Terminal Passeggeri • Venezia Terminal Passeggeri S.p.A • Wartsila

“CLIA’s Executive Partner Membership Program was enhanced to align with the cruise industry’s global growth and unify stakeholders worldwide,” said Cindy D’Aoust, CLIA Executive Vice President, Membership and Operations. “CLIA now offers more benefits and opportunities for our members to engage with the entire cruise industry and get the maximum return on their membership.”

Memberships are available at Diamond, Gold and Silver Levels and come with an array of benefits specific to each membership level and category. CLIA has added new perks to the program, including a monthly newsletter called CLIA Executive Partners Cruise News that provides members with information and insights to move their business forward. The CLIA Port & Destination Community Forum is a new event that took place in London at the end of February, and offered partners a direct line to new business opportunities across the industry.

Next week, at Cruise Shipping Miami, the cruise industry’s premier global event, CLIA is offering two networking events exclusively for Executive Partner Members and Cruise Line Executives, including a welcome reception and Afternoon Fest, a networking luncheon. In addition, CLIA will hold a briefing for companies to learn about the Executive Partner Membership Program and its many benefits on Tuesday, March 17, at 12:30 p.m. EDT in Room A105 of the Miami Beach Convention Center. Cruise Shipping Miami attendees are also welcome to visit CLIA at booth 2301.

Scenic Tours River Cruise 2016 Preview Collection Now On Sale Scenic Tours are delighted to announce the release of their brand new 2016 European river cruise preview brochure. The new preview brochure showcases the selected itineraries and highlights available on Scenic Tours 2016 European river cruises, which includes their new and highly anticipated cruises on the Douro in Portugal.

What’s more, guests who book by 15th May 2015 can take advantage of 2015 prices on their 2016 cruise and enjoy guaranteed savings of £1,500 per couple. With offers this good, guests will be able to set sail in luxury from as little as £1,695 per person.

‘We’ve seen unprecedented demand for our 2016 programme with many of our customers wanting to book early to secure the cabins they want on our popular Rhine and Danube itineraries. It’s great to be able to offer these cruises at 2015 prices. We’re prepared for the busy weeks ahead.’

Nichola Absalom, Scenic Tours UK Brand Manager The release of Scenic Tours new European river cruise preview brochure will give guests the chance to be one of the first to book the cabin they want on the date they want.

Many of Scenic Tours most popular suites and itineraries have a habit of selling out fast, but with Scenic Tours 2016 preview, guests who book now can take advantage of early availability and savings.

2016 will see the launch of their new 48-suite Scenic Azure ‘Space-Ship’ on the Douro, as well as the Scenic Amber, a custom-built vessel which will join Scenic’s ever-expanding fleet of state-of-the-art ships.

Spring arrives and so does CMV’s Magellan This is an historic week for Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV). It looks like spring has arrived and early on Wednesday morning 11 March, CMV’s impressive new flagship, the 46,052 tonnes Magellan, will dock at the London Cruise Terminal in Tilbury.

Following the arrival of Magellan, popular TV personality, Gloria Hunniford, will name the ship on Thursday 12 March at a special ceremony and launch party on board. More than 1,000 invited guests from the travel trade and the media will be attending. There will also be two days of public promotional events at the London Cruise Terminal. Since offering the opportunity to see the ship at the start of the year, more than 3,100 members of the public have taken up the chance to step aboard and enjoy lunch and a show or dinner and show with an overnight stay.

On Sunday 15 March, Magellan departs from London Tilbury on her maiden voyage, a 12-night Solar Eclipse cruise. You can still pick up one of the few remaining cabins from only £799pp (was £1599) to sail in search of two spectacular phenomena – a total solar eclipse and the magical Northern Lights.

Swan Hellenic Offers Bridge Hosts On Selected Cruises Swan Hellenic, the cruise company for those with a thirst for knowledge, is offering the complete Bridge experience on four of its 2015/16 winter cruises with prices starting from £1,199. On board Minerva, passengers will enjoy early morning bridge seminars, afternoon bridge sessions and a game of post-dinner duplicate bridge each evening. The Bridge Hosts will also be hosting an exclusive drinks party on each cruise.

In addition to the Bridge Hosts, the on board experience will be enhanced with talks by eminent guest speakers who will share their breadth of knowledge about the fascinating destinations which make up each cruise itinerary from the shores of the Mediterranean to the sparkling Caribbean. The tailor-made shore excursions ensure that passengers get the most out of each port visit and are included in the price, along with flights, all meals and gratuities.

Cruise along the Columbia and Snake Rivers Following in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark 200 hundred years ago, the American Steamboat Company are operating the American Empress, a restored paddleboat steamer that takes week cruises in each direction between Portland to Clarkston from April through November.

Cruising along the Columbia River you will pass Sacajawea State Park, the Red Mountain region and Washington State’s magnificent wine country. The Columbia is the border between Oregon and Washington State offering diverse scenery and with shore excursions at every port of call boredom will not be an issue. Food lovers can book the Walla Walla wine trail excursion and indulge in good food and delicious wines. Those interested in culture can take a tour of the city of Spokane and its surroundings area and learn about its rich history.

As if the splendid views are not enough the inside of the American Empress has plenty to offer. It holds a vast collection of North Pacific heritage, historical artefacts and artwork from the Native Alaska, gold rush and sternwheeler eras. This unique collection makes sure the corridors of the American Empress hold as much beauty as the impressive landscape she cruises through.

To round off your trip spend a few days in Seattle before flying home.

Holland America Line To Sail 124 Alaskan Voyages in 2015 11 March 2015 - Holland America Line is a true Alaska expert with 68 years of experience in the region. 2015 will see exciting changes to its cruise season with ships sailing a total of 124 Alaskan voyages between May and September.

In May 2015, ms Noordam will move to the region, whilst ms Statendam will be positioned exclusively on 14-day roundtrip itineraries from Seattle. Ms Statendam will sail longer voyages, and ms Zaandam will take on Gulf of Alaska itineraries. ms Amsterdam, ms Oosterdam, ms Volendam and ms Westerdam will all offer seven- and 14-day cruises.

Holland America Line’s Land+Sea journeys combine an Alaska cruise with overland exploration and in 2015 guests will have more ways than ever to see this remote part of the world. The line is the only cruise company to offer holidays which include Denali National Park stays as well as visits to Dawson City, in the heart of gold rush country, Seward and Skagway in Alaska, Tombstone Park and experiences on the historic narrow gauge White Pass and Yukon railroad. In 2014, the line also added a one-hour flight between Fairbanks and Dawson City, bringing Alaska and the Yukon closer together and giving guests more time in the destinations.

“Alaska is a timeless destination that has a great deal to offer — stunning scenery, interesting history and unique culture — which is why we continue to elevate the experience and enhance the itineraries each year,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “Because of its grandeur, Alaska attracts the largest number of first-time cruisers so it also becomes a wonderful introduction to a cruise holiday and Holland America Line.”

Alaska Explorer roundtrip cruises from Seattle Starting in May, ms Westerdam and Amsterdam will offer sevenday Alaskan Explorer roundtrip cruises which include calls at Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria plus, scenic cruising of Tracy Arm/Twin Sawyer Glaciers or Glacier Bay National Park.

Moving to 14-day roundtrip Seattle cruises, ms Statendam will be the only ship in Alaska to visit highlights such as Icy Strait Point, Homer and Kodiak, as well as scenic cruising of Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm, all in one itinerary.

Alaskan cruises from Vancouver Ms Oosterdam, Volendam and Noordam will sail a series of seven-day roundtrip Inside Passage voyages visiting Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, the Inside Passage, Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay National Park. Ms Oosterdam, along with ms Zaandam, will also sail Gulf of Alaska cruises between Vancouver and Seward (Anchorage). These stunning itineraries feature calls at Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway/Haines, and enjoy a day at sea in the Gulf of Alaska and scenic cruising through the Inside Passage and Glacier Bay National Park.

For more information or to book, contact Holland America Line on www.hollandamerica.com or call 0843 374 2300

SCH and Portland Port Combine To Get Azores Sailing Stevedores SCH teamed up with Portland Port to ensure that Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) made a successful start to the 2015 season with a swift turnaround for the vessel Azores after she was diverted at the end of a 30-day Caribbean voyage.

The Azores was due to return to Avonmouth with some 400 passengers at the end of her maiden voyage for CMV. However, bad weather forced her to shelter in Lisbon and her late arrival back to the UK presented problems in accessing Avonmouth because of tides.

CMV diverted the ship to Portland at short notice and the Dorset port, the South Coast’s leading port for day cruising calls, responded quickly by contacting specialist cruise ship stevedores SCH to organise a full turnaround service.

SCH despatched a team of cruise operatives to handle the disembark of some 400 passengers and their baggage and the embark of a similar number of passengers. The stevedores also loaded several tonnes of ship’s stores as the classic Azores made ready for her next cruise to view the Northern Lights.

SCH Business Development Manager Lee Davis explained: ‘’We enjoy a good relationship with Portland Port and as such it was a great example of teamwork between the port and ourselves to service the Azores at short notice. We were able to ensure that there was a minimum of disruption to the schedule despite a major logistics operation involving passengers and stores.”

Portland Port General Manager Commercial, Ian McQuade added: “It was a great effort by all concerned and we were delighted to be able to help Cruise and Maritime Voyages get their passengers on their way to see the Northern Lights.”

CMV over the moon and the sun Following the launch of Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ (CMV) latest ship Magellan the company is literally over the moon. In naming the ship last week TV personality Gloria Hunniford cleverly remarked “I would just like to take this opportunity to thank Her Majesty the Queen for being the warm-up act (referring to the Queen christening Britannia earlier in the week).”

Mike Hall CMV’s Head of Marketing said “Gloria’s comment surprised us all and has given us a week-end of some great publicity.

We are looking forward to this Friday when three of our ships will be off the Faroe Islands aiming to see the total solar eclipse.

We have arranged with a drone operated camera crew to capture this historic and unique moment.”

CMV is all set to have three of their ships in position off the Faroes this Friday 20 March when the total solar eclipse is due. The unique natural display of the moon passing across the sun is due to take place in the morning. All three CMV ships – Magellan, Marco Polo & Azores plan to be close to each other whilst at sea so that a total of some 2500 passengers hope to witness the total eclipse.

‘Easy To Cruise’ New Website Launched By Cruise Baltic Designed specifically with the needs of cruise lines and travel agents in mind, network Cruise Baltic has launched its new website, accessible on line at: http://www.cruisebaltic.com/ Using the platform of Cruise Shipping Miami this week, Cruise Baltic Director, Claus Bødker and his team took the opportunity to introduce the newly-designed website to the industry marketplace.

Says Claus Bødker: “Working closely with our destination partners, I believe we have created an informative, functional and responsive marketing tool of benefit to the cruise industry and travel trade alike. We have strived to illustrate the Cruise Baltic ‘difference’ as a B2B association, with its vision and commitment; and at the same time promote the diversity of the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea and the values they have in common.”

Content of the website is easy-to-access and fully-illustrated, with comprehensive information on 27 regional destinations, 80 piers; and Cruise Baltic strategic partners SAS and Scandic Hotels. There is a Baltic Sea Region map with a mouse-over function to show the location of each Cruise Baltic destination in the 10 countries.

And the beneficial features of the newly-designed site - specifically with the needs of cruise lines in mind - include: • a comprehensive Calendar of Events in the region, including those planned for the next three years • a copyright-free image gallery with many city and port photographs for downloading • downloadable PDF with comprehensive information about each destination in one document (complete port information per pier, quick facts about each destination, selected attractions and varied shore excursions) • brochure text available for use in their marketing material • designated cruise contacts at all ports • access to regional reports, surveys and statistics.

To assist with promoting the diverse region of the Baltic Sea and its multi-generational appeal, there are videos, which can be watched, or downloaded; and a list of those cruise lines sailing in the Baltic sea.

And for the Cruise Baltic partners, an opportunity to reach a wide industry audience; with a log-in facility enabling them to review and update their destination and port information.

The network is planning an ongoing development of the website, with new exciting features to be announced soon.

SCH Secures New Contract With RCCL As Anthem Of The Seas Debuts In Southampton Port terminal operators Southampton Cargo Handling (SCH) have been awarded a three-year contract by Royal Caribbean Cruises Lines (RCCL) to provide passenger and stores services for their cruise ships calling in the Port of Southampton.

The latest agreement extends a relationship between SCH and RCCL that has spanned more than ten years, during which time RCCL has helped Southampton to become the leading cruise port in Europe.

RCCL, including sister companies Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises, will make more than 40 turnaround calls in Southampton this year, led by the introduction of its new 168,000 tonnes ship Anthem of the Seas, which will arrive on the South Coast next month after completion in Germany.

With space for 4,180 passengers, the Anthem of the Seas will be the biggest passenger ship calling in Southampton and will demand a major operation to handle passenger baggage and general stores during her regular disembark and embark calls. SCH will also be responsible for mooring and letting go the 348m. long ship.

In addition to the Anthem of the Seas, SCH will handle calls by RCCL’s Explorer of the Seas, Celebrity Cruises’ Eclipse and Azamara Club Cruises Quest during this year.

SCH Operations Director Kevin Hulme commented: “It will be an exciting year for RCCL and we are committed to maintaining a seamless port turnaround for their ship calls in Southampton. The size of the Anthem of the Seas will present its own handling challenges and we are already engaged in planning the processes that will help to provide passengers with the best possible service.”

Adam Sharp, Head of Port Operations and Guest Port Services for RCCL, said: “On many occasions the first person our guests come into contact as they arrive to begin their holiday onboard one of our ships is with a stevedore as they hand over their bags to be taken onboard. It’s imperative we have a professional, courteous and welcoming company which matches our experience onboard and we’re delighted to have SCH working so closely with us on this as they have done for a number of years since we arrived in Southampton.”

The contract extension with RCCL comes as SCH celebrates 25 years of operations, making it the Port of Southampton’s most experienced cargo and passenger handling company.

Trimline wins its largest project to date International marine interior fit-out and refurbishment specialist Trimline celebrates its fiftieth anniversary with its largest project win to date – the upgrading of all the public spaces and cabins on TT-Line Company Pty’s Spirit of Tasmania I and II. This win puts the company on track to achieve its strategic goal of a £30 million turnover.

The two 29,338 GRT vessels ply the Bass Strait from Melbourne to Devonport, taking between nine and eleven hours to complete the 232 nautical mile journey. Each ship has 8 deluxe and 148 standard cabins, with capacity for 1140 passengers and 500 vehicles. Trimline will be responsible for upgrading all cabins, suites and public areas on decks 7 and 8, as well as the public areas on decks 9 and 10.

Work is scheduled to commence in late April with a 100-strong team of specialists per vessel, ensuring completion by the end of August.

TT-Line Company Pty Ltd chairman Mike Grainger said “Trimline is a highly regarded company that has completed significant, quality refurbishment works in the European ferry market. In appointing Trimline to undertake the work, we were not only impressed with its credentials but with its understanding of Spirit of Tasmania’s requirements and the key role it plays in the Tasmanian community and economy.”

Mr Grainger added “Today’s announcement was a significant one in the history of Spirit of Tasmania and for Trimline. “Together we will roll out significant improvements to the vessels that will assist the government to increase visitor numbers to Tasmania to 1.5 million people a year by 2020” Trimline’s CEO Andrew Richards said “We’re thrilled to have won this prestigious project against worldwide competition. We believe our success was due to understanding TT-Line’s specific needs and meeting them including setting up a local office in Devonport and working with local companies and suppliers. This project represents a huge vote of confidence from TT-Line and is a key project for Trimline in our 50th year. It will deliver unprecedented levels of comfort to their passengers, confirming that we are a world leader in marine refurbishment.”

Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria in Sydney Two of Cunard’s Queens met in Sydney today, Thursday 12 March, as a special outdoor photo exhibition celebrating Cunard’s 175th anniversary, on the forecourt of Sydney Opera House was unveiled. It was the first time Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria had met in Sydney and as she departed Queen Mary 2 passed Queen Victoria - a passing marked with fireworks.

The OneSevenFive collection brings together 70 stunning images providing a rare look behind the scenes of the world’s most iconic cruise line.

The collection includes some famous images taken during maiden visits to Sydney Harbour, while many behind-the-scenes shots were captured during a 175-hour period late last year when photographer James Morgan travelled between the three ships in Europe and America to create a visual record for the pending anniversary.

Positioned on two-metre high stands along the Sydney Opera House’s western broadwalk, the free exhibition will be on show for 175 hours until late Thursday March 19.

Oceania Cruises introduces new on-board culinary experiences Oceania Cruises is expanding its innovative culinary curriculum with 20 new classes for the Culinary Centres, on board the mid-sized luxury cruise ships `Marina’ and `Riviera’, including a special two-day culinary immersion programme focused on the life and legacy of Chef Jacques Pépin (Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Director, pictured left) and additions to the Gourmet Explorer Series that showcases cooking styles from a variety of international destinations. Oceania Cruises is widely recognised for its groundbreaking culinary enrichment offerings, including the introduction of the first-ever Culinary Centre at sea, equipped with individual induction cook-top work stations.

The new programmes were developed by long-time Director of Culinary Enrichment, Chef Kathryn Kelly. They will debut on Marina and Riviera starting in April 2015.

“In our Culinary Centre, guests cook under the instruction of faculty members who are CIA graduates and have apprenticed under a who’s who of renowned chefs,” says Kelly. “We continue to add new topics to keep things fresh for past guests and this year we’re proud to honour our consummate teacher, Jacques Pepin, with a special class.”

Culinary Centre Immersion Programme

In response to guests’ requests, the Oceania Cruises Culinary Centre will offer a special Culinary School Immersion Programme on select itineraries. The curriculum is designed to improve the skills of a home chef by focusing on the essential techniques for creating basic sauces, grilling, preparing vegetables and other culinary skills. The in-depth instruction is spread over a morning and afternoon session and extends for two days, or four sessions in total. (Pictured: the 1250-guest luxury cruise ship `Marina’) The highlight of the culinary immersion programme is a friendly competition where teams of four guests are paired together to prepare a dish that is judged by the faculty and executives from the shipboard culinary team. All participants receive a special certificate at the end of the programme, while the winning team can claim culinary bragging rights for the remainder of the cruise.

Celebrate Jacques Pépin

In collaboration with Chef Pépin, Oceania Cruises is creating an exclusive class that includes recipes from Jacques’ cookbooks and family favourites. The new class “La Technique: A Celebration of Jacques Pépin’s 80th Birthday” covers techniques written in his early book “La Technique,” which remains an indispensable source of culinary knowledge for modern chefs, as well as “Essential Pépin,” a collection of over 700 technique-based favourite recipes that stretches over his six decades in the kitchen. Guests will learn five basic techniques around eggs, proteins, vegetables, sauces and desserts. At the conclusion of each class, guests pose for a photo that will be incorporated into a special birthday card for Chef Pépin. Throughout the spring, summer and fall, these photos along with tales from guests who experienced the class will also be posted on the Oceania Cruises’ blog.

New Regional Classes

With an abundance of guests seeking new educational Epicurean experiences, the Culinary Centre is introducing 20 new classes as part of its Gourmet Explorer Series. These classes will showcase regional cuisine from Morocco, Peru, the Pacific Northwest and more. The curriculum of the Culinary Centre continues to appeal to a wide range of tastes and culinary skill levels by incorporating techniques inspired by the cultures and regions that the ships visit with classes such as Planet Veggie, Viva Tapas, At Home in Sicily, Rock Your Wok, What Mermaids Know, Global Gourmet and the Pizza Master Class.

Depending on the itinerary, classes range from 45 minutes to three hours. For more information about Oceania Cruises or the Culinary Centre, or to order a brochure, visit www.oceaniacruises.com or call on 0845 505 1920.

CMV ready for the total Eclipse with three ships and a very special camera Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) is set to have three of their ships in position off the Faroes when the unique natural display of the moon passing across the sun is due to happen. The total solar eclipse is due to happen on Friday 20 March. All three CMV ships – Magellan, Marco Polo & Azores plan to be close to each other so that a total of some 2500 passengers hope to witness the total eclipse.

Mike Hall CMV’s Head of Marketing said “The company hopes to capture on camera this most unusual event together with three of their ships also in view using the latest modern drone camera technology. We have been working closely with local Essex company Pixelworks who have many creative talents, including the promotional use of drone technology. It could be something really special if the weather around 09.00 on 20 March allows us to capture our three ships and the total eclipse using a drone operated camera. Most of the cabins for all three cruises were snapped up months ago but there are one or two still available. The next British total eclipse is on 23 September 2090!”

Photo shows Matt Harris - Pixleworks (L) Captain Nikos Michaloliakos, Mike Hall CMV and Alistair Gillan - Pixelworks (R) on the heli-pad deck of the Marco Polo during tests earlier this week

Regent Seven Seas Cruises to Introduce Brand’s First Culinary Instruction Centre; New Lounge for Seven Seas Explorer

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is adding two new exclusive venues to the world’s most luxurious cruise ship, Seven Seas Explorer. The luxury line announced today that Seven Seas Explorer will feature the brand’s first culinary instruction centre called the Culinary Arts Kitchen, and will debut a new social venue named the Meridian Lounge.

Elevating cuisine to an art form, the Culinary Arts Kitchen will provide guests with all the ingredients to expand their culinary skills in a welcoming environment reminiscent of the most prestigious cooking schools in France in both layout and design. Eighteen individual cooking stations sit atop three long curved rows with white quartzite countertops and stainless steel accents to provide a look that elegantly complements the complex and richly flavored foods guests will prepare during the classes.

Guests attending classes in the Culinary Arts Kitchen will receive highly-individualized instruction, as each student will cook from their own personal workstation for authentic, hands-on training. The culinary workstations are fully equipped with top-of-the-line induction cooktops, stainless steel sinks and a comprehensive collection of additional cooking essentials.

A decorative motif filled with abstract images of essential culinary ingredients and French-inspired recipes highlight an accent wall near the entrance of the Culinary Arts Kitchen. The state-of-the-art culinary centre also features floor-to-ceiling windows. With its perch on Deck 11, the magnificent ocean vistas will perfectly complement the epicurean delights being prepared within the centre.

The instruction at the Culinary Arts Kitchen will cover a wide array of topics including healthy cooking, fish and shellfish preparation, perfect food and wine pairings for entertaining, delectable mini-desserts, high-heat grilling, and classes inspired by the destinations visited by the ship. The Culinary Arts Kitchen will debut on Seven Seas Explorer with more than a dozen unique classes.

Meridian Lounge On the port side of deck five, guests will discover a new elegant entertainment venue called the Meridian Lounge. The lounge is inviting with elegant taupe leather furnishings and dark wood accent tables sitting atop soothing blue carpet. Polished antique brown granite flooring surrounds a curved bar with an antique silver finish and back-lit alabaster top, while across the room a rosewood parquet dance floor leads to an intimate stage that will host live musical performances.

Steps away from the entrance to the Constellation Theatre, the Meridian Lounge is the ideal location to enjoy pre- or post-show cocktails, or simply savour a libation while peering out the floor-to-ceiling windows, soaking in the breathtaking views over the horizon.

Reservations for Seven Seas Explorer’s maiden voyage and inaugural season can be made by calling 02380 682280 or by contacting a cruise specialist.

Holland America Line’s new ms Koningsdam moves to outfitting dock at Fincantieri Shipyard

Holland America Line celebrated another milestone this week in the construction of ms Koningsdam with the float out and transfer of the ship from its dry dock to the outfitting dock at the Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy. Here, the final construction and interior furnishing of the ship will take place.

“A ship’s construction has many key milestones, and floating it out and moving it to the outfitting dock is especially symbolic,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “The float out represents that we are getting closer to welcoming Koningsdam to our fleet and seeing the ship in the water adds to the excitement among our loyal guests, travel agent partners and employees in anticipation of its arrival.”

A coin ceremony was also held on 26 February 2015, during which Tineke Schröder, wife of the founder of Dutch airline Martinair and a member of Holland America Line’s Mariner Society, served as the ship’s madrina.

During the coin ceremony, observed as a tradition to bring good fortune, two gold coins were welded to the forward mast of the ship by Schröder; Antonio Quintano, director of Fincantieri Shipyard; and Keith Taylor, executive vice president of fleet operations for Holland America Line. The gold coins bore the image of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands. The word koning means “king” in Dutch, and the ship’s name pays honor to the first king of the Netherlands in over a century.

Oceania Cruises welcomes a new ship and explores new destinations with new 2016 summer and autumn itineraries

Oceania Cruises has unveiled its summer and autumn 2016 schedule, which includes the highly anticipated maiden voyage for Sirena, a new 684-guest ship that enters service on April 27th 2016 with a Barcelona to Venice voyage. In total, Oceania Cruises’ 2016 summer and autumn collection features 121 unique sailings, 90 new itineraries; 50 of which are extended journeys, and 20 intriguing ports not previously visited by the upscale line. In the summer and autumn season alone, the now six ships in the Oceania Cruises’ fleet will sail to more than 240 ports in over 70 different countries, including several overnight stays in the world’s most soughtafter destinations.

Forth Ports Cruise partners award success for the Warmest Welcome The CruiseForth Welcome Volunteers, a partner organisation of Forth Ports, has won the ‘Warmest Welcome’ award at the prestigious Scottish Thistle Awards. The award was presented to Ruaraidh Murray and Don Alexander by Stephen Carter of Visit Scotland at a gala dinner in Glasgow’s Crown Plaza hotel last night.

The Scottish Thistle Awards recognise outstanding work in the hospitality and tourism industry. The ‘Warmest Welcome’ accolade is awarded to an organisation leading the field in delivering extraordinary customer satisfaction and a real Scottish welcome.

The CruiseForth Welcome Volunteers are always on hand at the Ports of Rosyth and Leith and in Newhaven and South Queensferry to give a friendly welcome and advice to cruise passengers calling on the east coast of Scotland.

The group, all of whom are volunteers, provide local advice on unique ways for cruise passengers to spend their time, with directions to tourist attractions and historical points of interest as well as guidance on taxis, buses and train services.

With its April 2016 debut, Sirena will join the line’s trio of award winning sister ships Insignia, Regatta and Nautica and offer an array of new itineraries filled with unique destinations to provide more options for Oceania Cruises’ guests. After undergoing an extensive bow-to-stern refurbishment Sirena will emerge with the same stunning elegant style Oceania Cruises’ guests love about the existing fleet, and feature renowned specialty dining restaurants Toscana and Polo Grill, along with more recent additions to the fleet such as Baristas and the cook-to-order grill Terrace Café. (Pictured, Oceania Cruises’ new ship Sirena will be a sister ship to the award winning Insignia, Regatta and Nautica)

Stuart Wallace, Divisional Director for Forth Ports, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the efforts of the CruiseForth Welcome Volunteers have been rewarded at the Scottish Thistle Awards. This award is very well deserved and recognises the excellent service that the Volunteers give at each of the ports which welcomes around 80 cruise ships in the River Forth each year. Congratulations to all the team.”

Peter Wilson, Project Manager for CruiseForth said “We are thrilled to have won this award. Our volunteers take great pride in their communities and want to share their enthusiasm for the area with visitors. We have all worked extremely hard to create a special welcome to cruise passengers who come ashore.”

The six ship fleet provides Oceania Cruises with even greater flexibility to create an unprecedented number of new itineraries for the upcoming season, offering a perfect fusion of classic and off-the-beaten-path ports. These new itineraries explore all corners of the world and will capture the imagination of even the most seasoned traveller. One thrilling new itinerary is a 17-night sailing on board Marina from Buenos Aires to Valparaiso (Chile) traversing the southern tip of South America, while marvelling at the magnificence of the Chilean Fjords.

The line also introduced seven new Grand Voyages, ranging from a 90-night round-trip journey from Miami to a 40-night Vancouver to Montreal sailing. The 90-night Grand Voyage from Miami will explore exciting destinations of North America, magnificent fjords of Greenland, iconic locations in the Mediterranean and exotic lands in Africa, including stops in less travelled ports such as La Goulette (Tunisia) and Algiers (Algeria). The 40-night Grand Voyage from Vancouver to Montreal will visit sensational ports on both coasts of North America including stops in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Colombia plus an exhilarating Panama Canal crossing.

Andy Harmer Director aharmer@cruising.org CLIA UK & Ireland Penny Guy PR Director pguy@cruising.org First Floor, 41/42 Eastcastle Street, Adele Fitzpatrick-Foster Events and Training Manager afoster@cruising.org London, W1W 8DU Alex Holubowicz Creative and Digital Co-ordinator aholubowicz@cruising.org www.cruiseexperts.org ukinfo@cruising.org Augustus Lonsdale Business Development Co-ordinator alonsdale@cruising.org t: +44 (0)20 7436 2449 Megan Saunders Office Manager & Support Executive msaunders@cruising.org