THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES
S E P T E M B E R 2020
Rise of the rivers What the return of inland European cruises means for the industry as a whole
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September 2020 | Forward EDITOR’S LETTER
The time to navigate unchartered waters CRUISE ADVISER
Since we last wrote to you, much has changed – yet many things sadly remain the same: the cruise industry in the UK remains in a state of suspended animation. There’s no getting away from the fact that it has been a difficult few months. Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve tried to cover the crisis objectively – reporting on unfolding events, pointing out signs of hope and giving an honest Rise of analysis of the long-term impact. As coronavirus began the rivers sweeping across the world, too many commentators in travel wrote of what they wanted to happen, rather than assessing what might actually happen. We believe we must be unflinching when considering these unprecedented challenges if we are going to overcome them. As our Future of Cruise survey demonstrates on p24 many hurdles remain, with the change in Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice, in particular, having further dented confidence in the cruise holiday. But, while some of the statistics are undeniably bleak, there are still reasons to be optimistic. Aside from cruise lines bringing forward details of future seasons, offering some incredible deals and continuing to plan the launch of new ships and itineraries, the most significant development has been the restart of cruising in Europe. These continental cruise lines are providing a dress rehearsal for the wider opening of cruise, particularly when it comes to river, where the hardware is very similar (or, in some cases, the same) to that used by US and UK lines. As we write on p18, in theory, there are several river cruises UK guests can take right now. Sadly, the “quarantine roulette” of the travel corridors system, as Heathrow Airport CEO John Holland-Kaye memorably put it, means this isn’t always possible. While smaller ships, such as those operated by SeaDream and Hurtigruten, have already been sailing for a couple of months, MSC Cruises’ decision to restart cruises on two ships is incredibly significant; and once Aida and Costa Cruises restart, we’ll see classes of ships shared across Carnival Corporation’s brands operating in a post-Covid world. For now, we hope to provide you with as much information as possible to help get customers back on board in future. Our aim remains to report, reassure and rebuild. That is: report news as it happens, reassure the trade, and help to rebuild confidence in the industry. We now have a weekly email, The Cruise Digest, which is out every Wednesday and offers a state-of-play look at developments over the week. You can sign up here: cruise-adviser.com/ subscribe. We’ve also produced a guide to cruise line cancellation policies, which you can also read on p12. We continue to invite industry leaders to share their thoughts on what the future of tourism looks like – you can read our interview with John Warner, general manager of the newly resurrected Swan Hellenic, which is relaunching in 2021 as an ultra-luxury expedition line, on p16. We have produced this special digital-only version of the September cruise adviser to ensure it is not landing in empty shops. We hope you enjoy reading this issue – and good luck selling. Better times are around the corner. THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES
S E P T E M B E R 20 20
JANUARY 2019 CA-43
What the return of inland European cruises means for the industry as a whole
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----Waterfront Publishing is an award-winning independent magazine publisher based in central London. It creates print, mobile and online media and provides editorial, design, proofreading and marketing. Trade magazines Waterfront has two in-house magazines: Cruise Adviser, a multi-award winning cruise magazine, and Solus, the only travel trade publication dedicated to solo travel, both of which are aimed at travel agents. Waterfront also produces ABTA Magazine on behalf of ABTA, the Travel Association. The magazine forms the centrepiece of a range of ABTA publications including an ABTA Magazine World Travel Market special edition; a series of ABTA Magazine destination and trend supplements; ABTA Golf and the ABTA Country Guides. In October 2019, ABTA Magazine won Trade Publication of the Year at the Travel Media Awards. Contract publishing Waterfront offers contract publishing services and has produced magazines for Travelzoo; Emerald Waterways, the Cruise Lines International Association, UK and Ireland (Clia); Cruise & Maritime Voyages; The Travel Village, JV Pastor Groupe and Advantage Travel Partnership. The Studio In September 2018, Waterfront launched a new creative agency. The Studio by Waterfront specialises in design solutions across print, web and social media. The Studio offers a tailored approach for all clients, with copywriting, proofreading and design elements available. It has produced advertising for the likes of Saga, the Egyptian Tourism Authority, Royal Caribbean International, Visit Miyagi and Azamara Club Cruises and has provided proofreading services for Reed Smith, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Widgety and AMA Marketing & Media Relations. Trend forecasting In summer 2019, Waterfront Publishing formed a joint venture with Globetrender, a trend forecasting agency dedicated to the future of travel. It specialises in forward-looking, consumerfacing editorial, as well as trend reports, research and consulting services for the travel industry. See Globetrender.com
September 2020 | Forward
FORWARD 3
Editor’s letter
6
News A round-up of the latest industry news as lines tentatively restart their operations and start looking to 2021 and beyond
12
Cancellations From A-Rosa to Windstar, details of temporary changes to cruise line cancellation policies and extensions to sailing suspensions
16
18
Interview Sam Ballard talks to John Warner, general manager of Swan Hellenic, the heritage line going back to the future when it relaunches in 2021 Return of the rivers As river cruises on mainland Europe once again a
24
possibility, we look at the lines that have returned to service and what it means for the industry as a whole
27
How to sell: after lockdown Cruise expert Jane Archer on picking the right cruises for returning customers
Future of cruise survey The latest Cruise Adviser survey looks at emerging trends in the industry, with customers turning to river and ex-UK cruises for their post-pandemic bookings
31
Directory All the cruise line contact details in one place
Email info@cruise-adviser. com to share your thoughts
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NEWS
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FRED OLSEN
Borealis to sail from Liverpool in 2021 Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has officially put cruises for its new ship Borealis on sale, with its inaugural programme including cruises departing from Liverpool. This follows the recent launch of Bolette, the line’s other new ship, which went on sale recently. Borealis’ first cruise will be a sixnight Scottish Lochs & Isles sailing, departing from Liverpool on April 23, 2021. This will be followed by a fivenight Irish Capitals & Scottish Scenery cruise, before the ship sails to the Mediterranean, Norway and Iceland. The ship will sail almost exclusively from Liverpool across the 2021 and 2022 programme, taking on existing itineraries for Black Watch, which was retired from the fleet in August. Guests who book onto any of Borealis’ sailings for 2021 or 2022 by September 30, 2020 will enjoy free gratuities and money to spend on board – up to £100 per person. Clare Ward, director of product and customer service at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “It is so exciting to have both of our new ships on sale, and to be able to showcase the incredible itineraries that we have on offer. “In addition to taking on Black Watch’s sailings, Borealis will also offer opportunities to witness the natural beauty of closer-to-home islands around the UK, seek out the northern lights, which she is named after, and recharge on a short Spanish city break in the run up to Christmas next year. “We can’t wait to return to Liverpool, which has been such a popular port for us for a number of years now. We know Borealis will have an extremely warm welcome when she arrives there next spring.”
Liverpool City Council head of city assets, Angie Redhead, said: “We are delighted that Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has chosen Liverpool as the home port for its new ship, Borealis. It is a wonderful show of commitment to our city and reinforces the already strong partnership we have with them.” Fred Olsen has also revealed the inaugural cruise programme for its other new ship, Bolette. The cruises are available to book now. The ship, which joins from Holland America Line along with Borealis, will begin its life under Fred Olsen with a seven-night Scotland & Northern Ireland cruise. It will depart Southampton on March 5, 2021. This will be followed by two further UK cruises before the ship sails to the Azores and Madeira. Bolette will be taking over the programme that was originally
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scheduled for Boudicca, which has now been retired. Fred Olsen is running an offer which gives guests who book before September 30 free gratuities and £100 per person to spend on board. Clare Ward said: “We know that our guests can’t wait to get back cruising again, and to experience our new ships for themselves. Now they can really start planning their first holiday back with us, whether they are looking for a UK break, to escape to warmer climates or for something a little more adventurous. “Offering free tips and onboard spending is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our guests for their support, and to get them excited about enjoying the new and wonderful facilities.” Visit fredolsencruises.com/agent or call the Trade Support Team on 01473 746164 for more information.
September 2020 | Forward CARNIVAL
Cruises return for Italian and German markets Two of Carnival’s regional brands – Costa and Aida – are restarting cruise operations over the next couple of months, the parent company of both has confirmed. Costa, which serves the Italian market, began sailing on September 6, while Aida, Carnival’s German brand, will begin operations on November 1. Both lines will restart their operations gradually, initially with six ships and limited itineraries. They will be the first two of Carnival’s nine brands to offer cruises since March. Costa has started operating out of Trieste with its ship Costa Deliziosa, offering weekly sailings. It will then introduce Costa Diadema. Both ships will only call at Italian ports and will be reserved for Italian guests. Aida will begin sailing from the Canary Islands in November and will introduce a ship in the Mediterranean
and another in the United Arab Emirates in December. The companies have worked with global and national health authorities and medical experts to help facilitate the safe return of cruise holidays. “Our top priorities are always compliance, protecting the environment, and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the communities we visit and our crew,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “We are engaged with
TRAVEL CORRIDORS
Quarantine roulette continues but new islands exemptions gives hope of nuanced approach When the Greek islands of Lesvos, Tinos, Serifos, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini and Zakynthos were removed from the travel corridors list, is became the first time the Department for Transport used regionalised quarantine measures. It is something the travel industry has been calling for under the Save Future Travel campaign. Grant Shapps, the transport secretary, said “enhanced data” had allowed the government to adopt this approach. Travellers arriving in England from the islands will now have to selfisolate for 14 days. Although the move doesn’t directly affect cruise holidays – given
the Foreign Office (FCO) ban on cruise is still in place – but a more nuanced approach is good news for all sectors of the industry. An Abta spokesperson said: “Abta has been calling for the government to take a regionalised approach to quarantine measures and FCO travel advice to provide greater certainty for businesses and consumers. Today’s announcement regarding travel from specific islands to England is welcome and the industry hopes that this will in turn lead to a more targeted approach such as that adopted in Germany and the Netherlands, which would also reflect the UK’s domestic strategy of localised lockdowns. It also, however,
a large number of medical experts and scientists around the world, and they are providing us with extremely valuable insight that we are using to develop new and enhanced protocols that are in the best interests of our guests, crew and overall public health. In areas of the world where community spread is largely mitigated and authorities are supportive of a gradual return to service, we look forward to again welcoming guests on board.”
highlights the requirement for a more coordinated approach from the home nations to prevent avoidable confusion. “The travel industry has long been a powerhouse of economic growth and employment within the economy, yet it has been restricted by government measures which have slowed any recovery. With the right policy and regulatory support, such as a testing regime that enables travel to resume to the UK’s major global trading partners, and tailored financial support, the government can protect many more jobs that are otherwise at risk.” As suspected, it did not prevent the government from removing Portugal – save for the islands of Azores and Madeira – from the travel corridors list – just weeks after it was added, because of a rise in coronavirus infections. Hungary, French Polynesia and Reunion were also removed from the list, while Sweden was added. CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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September 2020 | Forward REGENT SEVEN SEAS
MSC CRUISES
Elevate Your Experience suite upgrades offered on 2021 cruises
All-inclusive 2021 promotion launched
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has launched its Elevate Your Experience promotion where guests can choose a two-category suite upgrade on select 2021 voyages. The company is also offering a free one-night pre-cruise hotel stay for those staying in a concierge suite. “With our Elevate Your Experience promotion we have taken the unrivalled experience found across our fleet to new levels,” said Jason Montague, president and chief executive officer, Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Whether sailing in Alaska, Northern Europe or the Mediterranean, guests can savour incredible value and the heightened in-suite service-levels of a Free Suite
Upgrade, relishing in an elevated luxury experience.” Additionally, Regent Reassurance, which allows travellers to cancel their cruise for any reason up to 15 days prior to departure date and receive a 100 per cent future cruise credit, has been extended to all bookings made by September 30, 2020, for all voyages departing until October 31, 2021. Elevate Your Experience applies to bookings made by September 30, 2020. Earlier this year, Cruise Adviser was on board Regent’s new ship, Seven Seas Splendor. Graham Sadler, the line’s UK boss, said that travel agents were “critical” to the company’s success.
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MSC has launched its Summer 2021 All-inclusive promotion, adding a premium drinks package to more than 1,000 sailings departing from April 2021 to November 2021. The offer includes cruises in the Caribbean and the East and West Mediterranean, plus ex-UK cruises on board MSC Magnifica. The ship is due to return to Southampton in Summer 2021 for its second ex-UK season. Ex-UK cruises start on a Saturday and include calls at destinations including Malaga and Monaco on a 14-night Mediterranean cruise. Antonio Paradiso, MD MSC Cruises UK & Ireland said: “After receiving feedback from our agents, as well as loyal customers, and taking into consideration the market landscape we’ve decided now is the right time to launch our latest promotion. We are seeing a definite appetite for booking holidays for 2021, however the feedback from the market has been that it has to be the right product at the right price. Meanwhile, MSC Grandiosa has become the first ship from the MSC Cruises fleet to welcome guests back on board as the line resumed sailings. The cruises are for Schengen-area guests only – ruling out Britons. The line said that guests began embarking MSC Cruises’ flagship in the port of Genoa, Italy arriving at the cruise terminal according to their allocated time slots and followed the new universal screening procedures according to the company’s health and safety protocol. Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO, said: “Our main goal has been to put in place the right measures that will protect the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we visit. But at the same time, we have worked to ensure that we are able to provide our guests with a cruise holiday that they can enjoy and still experience all of the elements that they know and love from entertainment and activities on board to protected shore visits.”
September 2020 | Forward
CMV
Ex-chairman buys assets Christian Verhounig, the former CEO and chairman of Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV), has bought the company’s assets from administrators. Verhounig has completed the purchase through a new company, CVI Group Limited. The sale includes: customer databases; computer systems, including websites and booking systems; office furniture and equipment; IT infrastructure; intellectual property; and motor vehicles. CMV’s ships are not involved in the sale. Verhounig explained: “The global pandemic had a devastating impact on CMV’s once flourishing, expanding and profitable business.
Having developed a much-loved brand over the past decade and hugely popular value-based niche no-fly cruise product, we have been simply overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and are pleased to re-launch the business. “This endorsement across the industry and customer base alike has been a source of encouragement and, together with my previous management team, we are working hard to plug the huge market gap vacated by CMV’s insolvency.” “The acquisition of the UK commercial assets provides a positive first step and, we believe, demonstrates our firm commitment and optimism to return much stronger and to work alongside our
loyal suppliers and creditors to also help mitigate the pandemic impact.” Paul Williams, joint administrator, Duff & Phelps, added: “We have worked hard since being appointed to secure a sale of the business and assets of the Companies. Regrettably, given the devastating impact of the global pandemic on the entire travel industry, with a focus on the leisure cruise sector, this has not been possible in this instance. “However, I strongly believe that this asset sale not only represents the best value for the Companies’ creditors that was achievable in challenging market conditions, but also provides an opportunity for CVI, through its owner Christian Verhounig, to continue to pursue funding opportunities to potentially relaunch CMV’s unique cruise operations to its dedicated customers at some point in the future.” CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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September 2020 | Forward MSC CRUISES
Discounts for healthcare workers MSC Cruises is offering discounted cruises to healthcare professionals as part of a global ‘thank you’ for fighting the pandemic. Discounts of up to 50 per cent are available on all cruises up until December 31, 2021. Cruises must be booked by April 30, 2021. Pierfrancesco Vago, executive chairman, MSC Cruises, said: “As a family-owned company we think it’s only right and proper to find a way to express our heartfelt ‘thank you’ to each and every healthcare professional around the world – as well as their families – for their selfless and tireless dedication, professionalism and bravery in tackling the current global pandemic. “We very much look forward to welcoming them on board whenever they are ready for a much-deserved holiday.”
A-ROSA
SEABOURN
River cruise line offers treats for industry
More itineraries cancelled and new ship Seabourn Venture is delayed until December 2021
A-Rosa River Cruises is giving agents the chance to nominate a colleague of friend in the industry who “deserves a little treat”. The campaign, which is running throughout September, is asking agents to log onto the company’s Facebook page and share a story of how their nominated agent or travel friend as gone “above and beyond” the call of duty. A-Rosa’s UK team will pick a winner each week and surprise them with a doorstep reward. Nominations are open now and a winner will be picked each Monday during September from the previous week’s entriesand announced on A-Rosa’s UK Facebook page at facebook.com/arosaagents.
Seabourn has announced that it will cancel additional voyages for three cruise ships in its fleet as a part of its pause in global ship operations. The announcement applies to Seabourn Ovation (until January 3, 2021); Seabourn Encore (until January 6, 2021) and Seabourn Quest (until May 10, 2021). Seabourn also announced a revised delivery date for its new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, which is now scheduled for December 1, 2021. It said the delay is because of shipyard closures at T Mariotti earlier this year as part of responses to Covid-19, which resulted in disruptions to the overall construction and finishing process for the ship.
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“Our utmost priority is the health, safety and well-being of our guests, crew and the people in destinations. We recognise the long lead time for planning an ultra-luxury Seabourn experience and with that in mind, we proactively announce the cancellation of these additional voyages,” said Josh Leibowitz, president of Seabourn. “We are working very closely with science and medical advisors as well as our source and destination markets to develop protocols for the ultimate return to operations. Guests who are booked on impacted cruises on Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation will automatically receive future cruise credits. They can also request a full refund of monies paid to Seabourn.
September 2020 | Forward SILVERSEA
New ship Silver Moon completes sea trials Silver Moon, Silversea’s next vessel, has successfully completed its sea trials ahead of the ship’s delivery in October. It is the second vessel to join Silversea’s fleet following the delivery of Silver Origin in June. Captain Alessandro Zanello, was also at the helm for the launch of Silver Muse in 2017, said: “I must say that Silver Moon’s sea trials felt a little surreal after everything that happened in the months prior.” Guido Capurro, chief engineer, added: “While all essential technicians from Silversea and Fincantieri were able to attend the sea trials, some external engineers were unable to fly and so could not be present. Approximately half the number of people were on board compared to regular sea trials. Nevertheless, we were able to carry out all tests successfully”.
FRED OLSEN
Agents have the chance to win a cruise for two on Fred Olsen’s new ships, Bolette and Borealis Fred Olsen Cruise Lines is giving travel agents the opportunity to win one of six cruises for two on board its new ships, Bolette and Borealis. Agents must enter every new booking made on the company’s 2021, 2022 or 2023 programmes to be in with a chance of winning. The competition runs until November 30. Geoff Ridgeon, Head of Sales at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We are excited to be welcoming Bolette and Borealis into the fleet, and know that many of the travel agents who sell our cruises can’t wait to get on board to explore the new ships for themselves. “We as an industry have found ourselves in unprecedented times,
and this is a great way to be able to say ‘thank you’ for all of the trade’s hard work and support throughout this time. “We can’t wait to welcome six travel agents, each with a guest, on board to enjoy the Fred Olsen experience aboard our new-look fleet.” Each new booking will be counted as a new entry and should be registered via Fred Olsen’s travel agent centre by December 4. The winners will be announced on December 7. The line recently confirmed that it will retire two of its ships, Black Watch and Boudicca, as it introduces Bolette and Borealis to its fleet. The new ships will take over their planned itineraries once sailings begin again.
The introduction of the two exHolland America Line ships will increase Fred Olsen’s fleet by 30 per cent. Peter Deer, managing director at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “I am pleased to say we are now at the stage of finalising our back in the water plans and we are very excited to be doing this with two new vessels within our fleet. “While we are still looking at a number of options for Boudicca and Black Watch, what we do know is that they won’t resume sailing with us when we do start to cruise again. “We know that these ships are much loved among our guests, as indeed they are by us, but it is time to evolve and look ahead to a long and bright future for Fred Olsen Cruise Lines. “We will soon be revealing details on our plans to resume sailing, but in the meantime we hope many of you will join us on our virtual farewell cruises to see our two ships off in style.” CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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September 2020 | Forward CANCELLATIONS
As cruise lines suspend sailings across the world, below are details of temporary changes to cancellation policies*. You can see more here and on our news pages A-Rosa
A-Rosa River Cruises has resumed sailings on the Douro (since June 17); Rhine (June 19); Danube (June 20); and Rhone (July 11). A-Rosa is offering free rebooking to a later date in either the 2020 or 2021 season and guests will receive an additional onboard credit of €50 per person. They will also receive a special discount of 30 per cent off a future A-Rosa cruise.
AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways has suspended all cruises until October 31, 2020. Guests who were booked on a cruise that is being cancelled have the option of receiving a future cruise credit, equal to 115 per cent of the value of all services purchased through AmaWaterways, or receiving a full monetary refund. The future cruise credit is applicable on all European or Mekong River cruise sailings before December 31, 2022.
APT Touring
APT Touring has announced it is suspending cruises until December 31, 2020. For anyone booked to travel in 2020, APT Touring has introduced its new Covid Flexible Booking Cover, which gives customers the option to change their booking free of charge and the flexibility to change their booking up to 100 days before departure.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways has suspended cruises until October 31, 2020.
Azamara, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity & Silversea
Royal Caribbean Cruises, which operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea, has suspended cruises until October 31, 2020.
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line has suspended cruises until October 31, 2020. Carnival is giving guests who wish to move their booking to a later date a rebooking offer that combines a future cruise credit and either a $300 or $600 onboard credit. Guests have the option to receive a full refund.
Celestyal
Celestyal Cruises has suspended all cruises until March 6, 2021. For all named and paid individual guests impacted by this suspension, Celestyal Cruises is offering a future cruise credit (FCC) valued at 120 per cent of original booking value. Guests will have until the end of December 2021 to redeem their FCC against any of Celestyal Cruises’ itineraries through end of December 2022. To provide additional peace of mind, should guests choose not to redeem their FCC by end of December 2021, they will automatically receive a full refund equal to the original amount paid to Celestyal upon the voucher’s expiration. Celestyal Cruises will automatically send the FCC voucher directly to guests or their travel agents, so there will be no need to call the contact centre other than to rebook.
CroisiEurope
CroisiEurope has resumed cruises on its routes in France, Croatia and on the Danube. In a statement the line said: “Customers affected by cancellations can rebook their cruise or receive a refund credit note valid for 18 months from the date of issue, which can be redeemed against bookings made before December 15, 2021, on any cruise subject to availability.”
*correct as of September 15, 2020
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September 2020 | Forward Crystal
Crystal has cancelled all 2020 cruises for its ocean, yacht and river fleet. Crystal is providing all affected guests with credits equal to 125 per cent of the cruise fare paid on fully-paid reservations – along with a refund of port charges, taxes and fees paid, and any air and hotel packages booked through Crystal. For guests who have not fully paid, the credit will then be based on the deposited amount. Credits are valid on any Crystal experience (ocean, river, yacht or expedition) embarking through December 31, 2023. For river sailings, guests can move their current 2020 reservation, including all payments made, to an equivalent sailing during the same time period in 2021, with price protection on the cruise fare and port charges – representing a significant value for them. If a guest chooses not to rollover their cruise to a 2021 river sailing, they may transfer their reservation to any Crystal experience (ocean, river, yacht or expedition) embarking through December 31, 2023 at prevailing rates. All monies paid will be transferred to the new reservation.
Cunard & P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises has suspended cruises until October 15, 2020, while Cunard has cancelled all sailings until at least March 25, 2021. The first ship to sail again will be the Queen Elizabeth on March 25, followed by the Queen Mary 2 on April 18 and the Queen Victoria on May 16. Guests with a holiday affected will automatically receive a 125 per cent future cruise credit (FCC). FCCs may be used for any sailing up to the end of March 2022.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney has suspended cruises until October 31, 2020. Disney Dream voyages are cancelled until November 8, Disney Magic until November 7 and Disney Wonder until November 6.
Emerald Waterways/ Scenic
The Scenic Group, including Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises has announced it will suspend operations until October 31, 2020. The Scenic Group is offering booked guests a flexible future travel credit (FTC) valued at 110 per cent of monies deposited on any affected river and cruise booking and 100 per cent of monies deposited on any affected land tours. Guests will be offered a FTC that can be applied to any new or existing booking across the portfolio of brands through to June 30, 2023. The FTC is fully transferrable to another guest. Should a guest be unable to travel by June 30, 2023, they will be given a refund.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines
On August 21, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines confirmed that Black Watch and Boudicca would depart the fleet and sailings on both vessels will be replaced by newer acquisitions from Holland America Line, which will enter service as Borealis and Bolette. Fred Olsen has currently suspended its sailings as follows: Balmoral (suspended to December 9, 2020); Borealis (December 22, 2020); Bolette (March 25, 2021); Braemar (March 20, 2021); 2021 Grand Voyage (March 11, 2021).
G Adventures
G Adventures has suspended all cruises until January 2021. All UK travellers booked on a tour who do not wish to rebook their trip to a later date will receive a fully-protected refund credit note for 100 per cent of the amount paid for all booked tour services, including pre- and post-night accommodation and transfers, as well as an additional 10 per cent travel credit as a gesture of goodwill, to be used on any tour departing up to two years from the end of the month of their tour’s suspension. If the traveller desires a cash refund this will be provided to them as soon as possible, and no later than January 31, 2021. G Adventures is offering a Book With Confidence policy, which lets them cancel and rebook their tour closer to the time of departure.
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September 2020 | Forward Holland America Line
Holland America Line has cancelled all cruises until at least December 15, 2020. In July, the line announced that Maasdam, Veendam, Rotterdam and Amsterdam would leave the fleet this year. Most cruises aboard these ships have been cancelled. The 2021 Grand Voyage has been cancelled and moved to 2022, where it will operate aboard Zaandam. Rotterdam’s Grand Africa Voyage in October 2021 will now take place aboard Zaandam on the same dates. Guests who have paid in full will receive a 125 per cent future cruise credit of the base fare paid. Those who have not paid in full will receive a future cruise credit double the amount of the deposit paid for the cruise.
Hurtigruten
Hurtigruten resumed some coastal cruises on June 16. It has suspended expedition cruises until September 30, 2020, while its Alaska season has been cancelled. Guests booked on sailings before September 30, 2020 can rebook for a later date free of charge.
Marella Cruises
Marella Cruises has cancelled all sailings until November 15, 2020 and only Marella Explorer will sail this year on Canary Islands itineraries from November 16. All customers whose bookings are impacted by the changes will receive a refund credit and up to 10 per cent incentive of the total value of their booking, or they can request a cash refund via an online form on the Tui website.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises is due to restart cruises with 14 ships from October 31, 2020. It began Mediterranean cruises for travellers in the Schengen area this summer with MSC Grandiosa and will do so later with MSC Magnifica. MSC Cruises UK & Ireland is offering guests affected by the cancellations a future cruise credit of 125 per cent to be used on a future cruise through to the end of 2021.
Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania & Regent
The three Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brands, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises have suspended operations until October 31, 2020. “The safety, security and well-being of our guests and crew is our highest priority. With the Covid-19 coronavirus impacting communities around the globe, we have enacted a voluntary temporary suspension of cruise voyages across our brands effective immediately,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “We understand the inconvenience that this disruption may cause our guests and travel partners during these quickly evolving and challenging times, and we appreciate their understanding as we partner with local, state, federal and global agencies to combat the spread of Covid-19.”
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises restarted sailings on July 11 for residents of French Polynesia, and July 29 for international travellers. After a Covid-19 outbreak onboard the July 29 sailing, the ship resumed operations on August 22.
Ponant
Ponant restarted cruises in July for the French market.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises has canceled sailings on most of its fleet until December 15, 2020, including voyages in Asia, the Caribbean, the California Coast, Hawaii, Mexico, the Panama Canal, South America, Antarctica, Japan, Tahiti and the South Pacific. Cruises in and out of Australia and New Zealand on Majestic Princess, Regal Princess, Sapphire Princess, Sea Princess and Sun Princess are cancelled until December 12, 2020. Additionally, Princess has cancelled its 2021 world cruise voyages aboard Island Princess and Pacific Princess. Guests currently booked on these cancelled voyages who have paid Princess in full will have the option to receive a refundable future cruise credit (FCC) equivalent to 100 per cent of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 25 per cent of the cruise fare.
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September 2020 | Forward Riviera Travel
Riviera recommenced river cruises from August 16.
Saga
Saga has cancelled all cruises aboard the new Spirit of Adventure until November 5 and on Spirit of Discovery until December 16.
Seabourn
Seabourn has paused global operations until November 20, 2020, with some ships suspended for longer. These are Seabourn Encore (until January 6, 2021); Seabourn Ovation (January 3, 2021); Seabourn Quest (May 10, 2021); Seabourn Sojourn (May 24, 2021), including the cancellation of the 2021 World Cruise. Guests with impacted cruises will receive a future cruise credit. If they’ve paid in full they will receive 125 per cent credit of the cruise base fare. If a deposit has been paid guests will receive 125 per cent of the deposit paid, plus $300 on board credit per suite.
Titan
Titan has suspended all tour and cruise departures until January 31, 2021.
Uniworld
Uniworld has suspended all river cruises until September 15, 2020, offering booked guests the opportunity to move their reservation to another itinerary in 2020 or 2021. They also have the option to receive a future cruise credit, which is eligible for the next 24 months. In a statement, Uniworld said: “If you have a booking on one of these suspended voyages, please know that you may rebook your travel dates to any 2020 or 2021 cruise or receive a future cruise credit eligible to be used during the next 24 months.”
Viking
Viking has suspended all ocean and river cruises until the end of the year. The line is offering 125 per cent future cruise credits.
Virgin
Virgin Voyages has delayed its showcase tour and inaugural season of its first ship Scarlet Lady until November 1, 2020. Those booked on a cruise that has been cancelled can opt for 200 per cent in future cruise credit (FCC) which can be applied to another sailing, up to $500 in onboard credit, or 100 per cent refund, plus 25 per cent FCC on the value paid to use for a future booking.
Windstar
Windstar has suspended all cruise operations until January 1, 2021. Guests on cancelled cruises receive the choice of a future cruise credit valued at 125 per cent of all monies paid to Windstar Cruises or a refund equal to the amount paid on the Windstar booking. Guests have 24 months to book and embark on any available Windstar cruise using their future cruise credit. In addition, Windstar has launched a new Travel Assurance Booking Policy, which is applicable to new and existing cruises departing until December 31, 2021. Travellers who cancel a cruise booking up to 15 days prior to departure will receive a 100 per cent future cruise credit to be used on another Windstar departure within one year of the issue date of the credit. The offer is for cruise fares only.
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September 2020 | Forward
INTERVIEW
Back to the future The storied heritage line Swan Hellenic is to return in 2021 offering expedition cruises. Sam Ballard chats to John Warner, general manager, about the plans For a year that many would rather forget, the news that Swan Hellenic is to relaunch is a welcome respite. The heritage line, which was founded in 1950 for the culturally curious, has a long and storied history: from being an independent line calling at the archaeological sites of Greece and Egypt, to being passed from Carnival Corporation to All Leisure Group and, most recently, G Adventures. It has now been bought by stakeholders with interests including a Helsinki shipyard and Vodohod, the Russian river cruise company. The new Swan Hellenic will launch in November 2021, exploring the world’s extremities as an expedition cruise line – while maintaining its decades old ethos. Given the recent demise of Voyages to Antiquity, there is
undoubtedly a gap in the market. But what will it take to fill it? We caught up with John Warner, the company’s general manager, to find out more. Cruise Adviser: How did the Swan Hellenic deal come about? John Warner: As we were getting the team together we were asking what do we want the brand to look like? We wanted to offer cultural discovery, expedition cruises to lesser-known destinations for the discerning affluent traveller who sees travel – or cruise in particular – as a source of enrichment and wellbeing. That was the concept and those values are very much in line with Swan Hellenic. Both the CEO of the business, Andrea Zito, and I, have had ties to the brand: Andrea from
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working with it in various iterations across his career and myself from my previous organisation [G Adventures] that owned the assets. It was a lightbulb moment when we realised what the brand should stand for and we realised that there were a lot of similarities to the ethos and the tenets behind Swan Hellenic. From that point it was going back to the future. What is different between launching a brand from scratch to relaunching a brand? You can’t replicate what has gone before. This is not going to be a replication of the P&O version, it’s not going to be a replication of the All Leisure version. We wanted to keep the ethos of the business and put a modern twist on it. Our ships
September 2020 | Forward are going to be at the premium end of the market, call them five-star, that wasn’t how Swan Hellenic was during its history. So we’ve moved to that part of the market. Our ships have capacity for 152 passengers; the last ship that Swan Hellenic had had the capacity for 700, so it’s a much smaller proposition.
ownership of the business are very forward thinking and I can tell you that there are discussions taking place about further expansion. I don’t have any details to share now, but it’s definitely a long play. It involves expansion of the fleet and going more in depth to places that we’re not going on the first two ships.
travel with like-minded people to the heart of a destination and have an educational and enriching experience. That has been missing from the market. While Swan Hellenic was previously a UK brand, we’re taking that ethos and internationalising it. We will be attracting clients from all over the world.
Why did you choose to go down the expedition route? The Helsinki shipyard, which some of our shareholders own, has got a history of making ships designed for the polar regions. The old Swan Hellenic did go to Antarctica, but it wasn’t necessarily a focus. For us, we are much more focused on Antarctica as well as the Russian Far East and the Arctic. We have ships that have PC5 hulls so they can go further than other ships. We think we’ll be able to offer a proposition there that differentiates ourselves from the market. We’ll have two ships that circumnavigate the globe and touch on seven continents. That’s the plan for the first two ships, for sure.
What will a cruise on board Swan Hellenic be like? Our ships have been designed so that they have an extremely high guest to space ratio. Much, much improved from some of the other ships down there. The sightlines from the ship have been designed to lower the distinction between guest and nature. So, floor-to-ceiling windows inside, while outside there is plenty of viewing space. We will also have a viewing platform called the Swan’s Nest. There will also be world-class lecturers, naturalists, you name it.
What are your plans for working with the trade? I spent my entire career either working in the trade or working with the trade. My belief is that if you get excellent travel agents acting as your brand ambassadors, they sell and promote your product as well as you do. I suspect that people now need to have the reassuring voice of an expert in the marketplace, more so than they ever did prior to [the pandemic]. We would like to work with everyone, whether they’re a small, one person organisation to some of the bigger players that we know are equally as good. It’s a case of knocking on doors making calls. We’ve also set up a site to register, at swannhellenic.com/ partners. So if anyone wants to hear from us directly, just fill that in and we’ll be in touch.
Are you envisaging the fleet expanding? The people that are involved in the
Who will your customers be? Is this an opportunity to fill the gap left by Voyages to Antiquity? You’ve got different people for different parts of the season. In Swan Hellenic’s first iteration, it was for those with a curious mind. Those who wish to
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RIVER
Return of the rivers With Foreign Office advice clarified, river cruises are – in theory – once again possible. We look at some of the lines that are currently sailing and what measures they have in place
After a period of confusion, back in July the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) clarified its advice around the much-criticised ban on cruise ships, including the allimportant line that cruise ship travel meant “staying overnight for at least one night on a sea-going cruise ship”, thus allowing Brits to take river cruises – or at least in theory. Clia UK & Ireland called the move a “very welcome boost”. Director Andy Harmer said: “We are seeing a gradual, phased-in approach to resumption of cruise operations across Europe, initially domestic and regional. Clia is continuing its constructive dialogue with the Department for Transport and Public Health England to finalise the road map to resumption of international cruise travel.”
Although many cruises lines are not scheduled to sail until later in the summer or beyond (see box), some European lines – after being given the green light by French and German governments – have resumed cruises, with new safety measures in place. With many European destinations included on the travel corridors list, suddenly it is possible for Brits to explore the continent’s waterways. James Cole, founder and managing director, Panache Cruises, said: “It’s so pleasing to see that the FCO has changed its advice and river cruise has been given the green light. When you combine this with the industryleading protocols that are being implemented by each of the cruise lines, the low deposit schemes and flexible booking conditions, together with the exceptional deals available
to consumers, now is certainly the best time in the history of cruising to book a cruise. But my advice would be not to wait, as prices will increase as bookings gain momentum.” A government spokesperson said: “We will continue to keep cruise ship travel advice under review based on the latest medical and scientific evidence, and encourage people to check our travel advice pages for the latest information. We recognise the significant impact of the pandemic on the cruise industry and are working with cruise companies to support them in restarting operations that are Covid-safe for passengers and crew.” The FCO encourages all travellers to check its travel advice pages for any country they intend on travelling to or through to ensure they follow the latest guidance.
September 2020 | Midship A-Rosa
Who: The Rostock-based German cruise line has begun to establish itself in the UK over the last few years, opening a sales and marketing office in Cardiff in 2019, headed up by Lucia Rowe. Its ships are larger than your average river ship, with the likes of A-Rosa Donna carrying up to 206 guests, while it is unusual in allowing kids to sail. It operates on the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine and Rhône. Where: A-Rosa has resumed sailings on the Douro (since June 17); Rhine (June 19); Danube (June 20); and Rhône (July 11). Safety measures introduced: Social distancing protocols for the entire ship, enhanced cleaning procedures; the wearing of mouth and nose coverings in some public spaces; prescreening and temperature checks prior to embarkation; meals to be served at tables, at set times and excursion participant numbers will be reduced. In addition, all ships are equipped with an air refreshment system that ensures all cabins and public spaces operate using separate air supplies. See arosa-cruises.com
CroisiEurope
Who: The Strasbourg-based, familyowned line is Europe’s largest river operator, which in normal times operates on the rivers and canals of Europe as well as Russia, Asia, Africa and India. It’s known for its affordability, including drinks in the price, French cuisine; and its navigation of lesser-known rivers, such as the Elbe, Loire and Guadalquivir. Where: CroisiEurope has resumed cruises on the Seine (since July 13); Rhône and Burgundy canal (July 16); Rhine (July 20); Corsica (July 26); Loire (July 31); Gironde (August 26). Outside France, cruises resumed on the Danube, Elbe and Douro on August 7 and in Croatia on August 13. Safety measures introduced: Pretravel health questionnaires, regular temperature checks for guests and crew, daily deep cleaning and waiter service meal sittings. All excursions have been audited and amended for safe travel. All crew have been retrained in the new measures. See croisieurope.co.uk CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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September 2020 | Midship nicko Cruises
Who: Stuttgart-based Nicko cruises operates 30 vessels through 25 countries along 27 waterways. It will be a new name for UK guests and travel agents, but its UK representative is Light Blue Travel, which works with American Queen Steamboat Company in the US. Where: The nickoVision, which can hold 220 passengers, set sail on June 1 on an 11-day cruise on the Rhine and Danube. Itineraries have also resumed on the Douro. Safety measures introduced: Temperatures checked, additional disinfecting measures, reduced capacity to allow social distancing; masks are compulsory for the crew and guests in some areas onboard and on the transfer and excursion buses. Self-service buffets have been suspended. A doctor also joins guests onboard. See nicko-cruises.de Rivers rising (clockwise from top left) French cruises on the Seine and Rhône; while the likes of Nicko are sailing the Rhine
Return dates for other river cruise lines
AmaWaterways – September 15 for European departures; September 30 for Mekong and Africa departures APT Touring – October 1 Avalon Waterways – November 14 Crystal River Cruises – January 1, 2021 Emerald Waterways – October 31 Fred Olsen (Brabant) – September 13 Riviera – September 13 Scenic – October 31 Titan Travel – February 1, 2021 Uniworld – September 30 Viking River Cruises – January 1
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VIVA Cruises
Who: The Düsseldorf-based line recently launched VIVA Tiara, which was refurbished to become the first ship owned by the young European river tour operator, founded in 2018 by the family behind Scylla AG, which runs a fleet of river ships for various European charter clients, including nicko Cruises, Tauck and Riviera Travel. VIVA Cruises sails on the Danube, Elbe, Moselle, Rhine, Rhône, Seine and the Main-Danube Canal. Where: VIVA Cruises resumed its Rhine itineraries on June 26, sailing on its first post-lockdown cruise from Düsseldorf through to Engelhartszell in Austria. Throughout July and August it operated four-night cruises in Germany, along the Main and Rhine rivers, on board MS Treasures and MS Inspire. Additional four and six-night cruises along the Rhine and Danube are scheduled from September onwards. Safety measures introduced: Regular temperature checks, compulsory facemasks on board when walking around the ship, one-way system in corridors, à la carte meals (no buffets), a doctor on board throughout the duration of the cruise, reduced capacity and more. See viva-cruises.com
T HE O N LY WAY IS U P
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September 2020 | Midship
SURVEY
Looking forward Small-ships, river and ex-UK cruises are among emerging trends from British customers booking cruises after the pandemic, according to our new survey Small-ship expedition, river and ex-UK cruise are among emerging trends from British customers booking cruises, new Cruise Adviser research reveals. In the third of our regular Future of Cruise surveys, we asked readers to provide a snapshot of bookings and trends during this difficult time for the industry. Readers noted a trend towards smaller ships, including those on rivers, as well as a greater proportion of balcony cabins booked. However, many readers revealed that customers are waiting for further clarification about safety measures and changes in government advice before booking. The research reveals the sheer scale of the issues facing the industry. More than half of readers surveyed (53 per cent) said they did not make a sale in July, with 43 per cent reporting a month-onmonth decrease in the number of sales. The majority (50 per cent) made the same number of bookings
as in June – with only seven per cent reporting an increase. Almost two-third of the bookings that have been made are for summer 2021, with a quarter (24 per cent) later than this. These bookings are almost exclusively by past customers, with readers reporting that they make up 85 per cent of sales. As we have previously reported, many agents remain occupied with refunds and rescheduling cruises. In the survey, agents told us they want greater flexibility from cruise lines in arranging refunds, more direct contact, as well as offers and promotions for 2020/2021 season. Time and time again, agents asked for more information about safety protocols from cruise lines, and reported on the feedback from customers, with safety unsurprisingly the most frequent concern. One reader wrote: “They are very concerned about health and safety on board, and if the cruise experience will change.” Readers noted that customers are concerned
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that with some features – such as buffets – not available the overall experience will be impacted. Customers asked how social distancing would work in theory, getting insurance and whether or not ships would be able to dock in the event of an outbreak. On July 9, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) released a statement advising against cruise ship travel – severely denting consumer confidence in the holiday type and impacting sales, as demonstrated above. At the time, the government was seen to be reinforcing the message that the cruise industry is not part of the travel corridor system, which has allowed international travel to recommence for the first time since the start of the pandemic. It later clarified its advice around the much-criticised ban, allowing Brits to take river cruises for the first time in months. The advice now reads: “Cruise ship travel means staying overnight for at least one
September 2020 | Midship night on a sea-going cruise ship with people from multiple households. “Our advice against cruises applies to international travel on a ship that is exclusively for pleasure or recreation, providing overnight accommodation and other leisure facilities such as entertainment venues or swimming pools. Our advice does not include ferries or privately-rented boats.” It is therefore no surprise to learn that almost 80 per cent of respondents said that they agree or strongly agree with the statement that the “government has not done enough to protect the travel industry”. Prior to the change in advice, the industry was beginning to see signs of a slow recovery, spurred on by past guests, as we reported in July. In the second of our surveys, for the month of June, 38 per cent of readers reported an increase in bookings, while 44 per cent reported no change from May; 18 per cent reported a decrease. In that month, a quarter of readers made between three and six bookings (26 per cent), while
15 per cent made more than seven. In the first of our Future of Cruise surveys, we reported that 40 per cent of agents saw an increase in bookings in May – with 11 per cent of readers recording a fall in the number of bookings made, compared with April. Although FCO advice remains the same, there have been some positive developments since the period in question, with some European lines beginning cruises again. Although many cruise lines are not scheduled to sail this autumn, some continental river lines – after being given the green light by French and German governments – have resumed cruises, with new safety measures in place. With many European destinations included on the travel corridors list, suddenly it is possible for Brits to explore the continent’s waterways. Significantly, MSC Grandiosa has become the first ship from the MSC Cruises fleet to welcome guests back on board as the line resumed sailings. The line said that guests began embarking MSC Cruises’ flagship in
Who is driving bookings … Past customers New customers
… and when they are for Spring 2021 Summer 2021
15%
Later 12%
23%
85%
80%
the port of Genoa, Italy by arriving at the cruise terminal according to their allocated time slots and following the new universal screening procedures according to the company’s health and safety protocol. This includes a temperature check, medical review of a health questionnaire and an antigen Covid-19 swab test for every guest prior to boarding. After completing these steps and having received the results of the test while in the terminal, guests who were fit to travel then embarked the ship according to the new health and safety procedures, which includes sanitisation of both hand and hold luggage. While the ships will initially only welcome guests who are residents in Schengen countries, meaning Britons will have to wait, the move remains a positive step for cruise lines. Especially after cases of Covid-19 were reported on ships that had restarted – such as Hurtigruten’s expedition ship MS Roald Amundsen – representing a significant setback for the industry.
65%
of respondents said that they agree or strongly agree with the statement that the “government has not done enough to protect the travel industry”
GLOBETRENDER From a collective pause to getting back in the race Globetrender, the UK’s leading travel trend forecasting agency, is helping travel and tourism companies navigate what’s coming next through bespoke consultancy
If you would like individual guidance on how to future-proof your company, email editor and founder Jenny Southan at jenny@globetrender.com Download Globetrender’s latest trend reports at globetrender.com/downloads CRUISE-ADVISER.COM
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HOW TO SELL
After lockdown
SELLING TIP – Use price to sell but don’t sell on price. Matching client and cruise is vital
Jane Archer is the authority on all things cruise. This issue, she looks at some of the amazing offers available after restrictions are lifted on travel following the pandemic
Big ships
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Small ships
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River
p30
How many of you dined out courtesy of Chancellor Rishi Sunak in August? Feedback from restaurants shows his Eat Out to Help Out scheme offering diners up to £10 a head off restaurant meals on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays was a roaring success, filling restaurants with people who might previously
have been too nervous to go out but were determined to make the most of the government handout. Which only proves what most of us already know – namely there’s nothing the British like better than a good deal. So hats off to the many cruise lines now doing a Rishi and offering irresistible deals for 2021 so they can come back
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big in 2021. Discounts, free flights, complimentary drinks, pre-paid tips. They are all there just waiting for agents to promote and clients to snap up. We pick out some of the most tempting giveaways for those into big ships, small ships and contemplating a cruise along one of Europe’s waterways.
September 2020 | Midship
Big ships Big cruise lines arguably face the toughest challenge when it comes to selling after the pandemic. The reason cruise lines build big ships is because people love them, but they aren’t taking any chances with people actively avoiding busy spaces. As well as the deals listed below, clients can bag everything from a near all-inclusive deal with Princess Cruises to discounts with Norwegian Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages. Just look out for the book-by dates.
Have it all Who? Holland America Line Where? Western Mediterranean When? April 20, 2021 How long? 12 days How much? From £1,780pp HAL’s ‘Have It All’ promotion, ending September 30 for cruises up to spring 2022, is a steal. Free drinks, complimentary speciality dining, pre-paid tips, even free wi-fi for suite passengers and 10 per cent discount if paid in full by the close date. This cruise is as irresistible: France, Italy, Croatia, Greece and Montenegro on the 1,964-passenger Westerdam.
British style Who? Celebrity Cruises Where? Mediterranean When? July 31, 2021 How long? 14 nights How much? From £2,929pp A free classic drinks package awaits clients who book this cruise
around Spain and Italy before September 15. The voyage is round-trip from Southampton on the 2,886-passenger Celebrity Silhouette, which will be calling into Rome, Florence and Marseille among a host of other popular ports around the Med. Price is for an oceanview cabin.
Low deposit Who? P&O Cruises Where? Spain and Portugal When? March 6, 2021 How long? 14 nights How much? From £799pp P&O is not only offering a bargain cruise (which works out at less than £60 per person per night) on their new ship Iona, but throwing a low five per cent deposit into the deal for clients who book by November 30. The voyage, round-trip from Southampton, takes in Gibraltar, Cadiz and Lisbon and spends two days in Barcelona. The price is for an inside cabin and includes gratuities.
SELLING TIP – Talk of added value rather than discounted prices
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September 2020 | Midship
Small ships Cabin upgrades, onboard spending money and business class flights are all among the sweeteners small ship cruse lines are offering for 2021 – even those that are pretty all-inclusive anyway. We’ve picked three great offers, but there are plenty more to entice clients back on board, including a suite upgrade and discount combo from Regent Seven Seas Cruises and up to 30 per cent off Variety Cruises’ island-hopping voyages in the Seychelles courtesy of Seafarer Cruises.
Three countries Who? Seabourn Where? Greece and Croatia When? May 1, 2021 How long? Seven nights How much? From £4,499pp including flights A two-suite upgrade, business class flights, 300 minutes of free wi-fi and $300 per suite onboard spend join Seabourn’s standard offering of drinks and tips on this voyage if clients book by September 30. The cruise, on the 600-passenger Seabourn Ovation, is from Piraeus (Athens) to Venice by way of Dubrovnik and Brindisi.
Island hopping Who? Silversea Where? Greek Isles When? April 20, 2021 How long? Seven nights How much? From £3,060pp including flights Silversea has applied a 10 per cent discount to clients who book this
cruise by October 31. The sailing, round-trip from Piraeus on the 608-passenger Silver Spirit, calls into Santorini and Mykonos as well as the Turkish port of Kusadasi, gateway to the Roman city of Ephesus. Price includes business class flights, transfers, drinks, tips and wi-fi.
Adventure Who? Scenic Where? Arctic When? June 15, 2021 How long? 13 days How much? From £9,255pp including flights Polar bears, whales, seals, a suite upgrade worth £500 per person, UK transfers and a £500 per suite discount await clients booking and paying for this Scenic voyage around Spitsbergen by October 31. The cruise, on the 220-passenger Scenic Eclipse, is round-trip from Oslo, but with no set itinerary as that depends on weather and wildlife. Includes drinks, excursions, tips and wi-fi.
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SELLING TIP – Remember you’re selling a holiday, not a trip to a hospital
September 2020 | Midship
River The Brits’ love affair with river cruise shows no sign of abating, with strong 2021bookings reported by Scenic, TUI River Cruises and others. It’s great news for agents, with the added bonus of some great deals out there to keep the booking momentum going, including a low deposit offer from APT, discounts from Uniworld River Cruises and barge specialist European Waterways, and a stonking half-price sale from Crystal Cruises
All-inclusive Rhine Who? Crystal Cruises Where? Rhine When? May 7, 2021 How long? Seven nights How much? From £2,974pp This voyage, from Basel to Amsterdam on the 106-passenger Crystal Bach, is one of 60 halfprice cruises Crystal is offering between April and December 2021 under a scheme that runs until capacity is sold out. It is non-refundable, but buys the best suite available at the time of booking and includes drinks, tips, selected excursions and wi-fi.
Danube duo Who? AmaWaterways Where? Danube When? June 20, 2021 How long? 14 nights How much? From £5,695pp including flights An epic journey from Vilshofen in Germany to Giurgiu in Romania on the
161-passenger AmaBella that not only ticks off eight countries on the Upper and Lower Danube, but also saves clients £375 each and throws in free flights and transfers for all if booked by September 30. Price includes drinks with lunch and dinner, a daily cocktail hour and daily excursions.
Two rivers Who? Emerald Waterways Where? Rhine and Moselle When? July 21, 2021 How long? Eight days How much? From £2,045pp including flights With up to £1,000 per couple off all European river cruises booked by the end of September, clients can’t afford not to cruise with Emerald Waterways in 2021 – especially as there is also a £250 discount if they pay in full by October 31. This cruise is through Germany from Mainz to Bernkastel on Emerald Dawn. Price includes drinks with meals, excursions, wi-fi, tips and transfers.
SELLING TIP – Remember the key sales message: cruisers unpack once and wake in a different destination every day
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September 2020 | Aft
DIRECTORY Got a cruise query? Let us assist you. The cruise adviser directory provides you with the vital contact details for all major cruise lines operating in the UK – meaning trade sales support is never more than a phone call away
CRUISE LINES!
Information missing or out of date? Email info@cruise-adviser.com
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September 2020 | Aft C
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A-Rosa River Cruises Simon McDermott, business development manager 07340 719746 simon.mcdermott@arosa-cruises.co.uk Amadeus River Cruises Kirsty Reid, product & sales manager 07551 124543 kirsty.reid@fredholidays.co.uk AmaWaterways Jamie Loizou, sales, marketing and digital director 033 3305 3902 jamieloizou@amawaterways.com American Cruise Lines Kirsty Reid, product & sales manager 07551 124543 kirsty.reid@fredholidays.co.uk American Queen Steamboat Company Rupert Thomson, managing director 01223 568 904 r.thomson@aqgsa.com APT Touring Jessica Shelton-Agar, national sales manager 01494 736 147/07584 057 341 jessica.shelton-agar@aptouring.co.uk Aurora Expeditions Talia Schwartzman, sales executive +61 2 9252 1033 agents@auroraexpeditions.co.uk Craig Upshall, sales director UK/Europe 07824 305 232 craig@auroraexpeditions.co.uk Australis Silvia Vizzoni, business development manager 07506 012 835 silvia@australis.com Avalon Waterways Janet Parton, sales director 020 8315 4545 agencysales@avaloncruises.co.uk Azamara Lori Scanella, business support executive 01932 834 379 salessupport.uk@rccl.com
Carnival Cruise Line Luke Smith, head of UK & international sales 020 7378 4660 carnivalsalesuk@carnival.com Celebrity Cruises Nicola McNeish, head of sales – planning & activation 07919 540017 mcneish@celebritycruises.com Celestyal Cruises Jo Reid, UK and Ireland country manager 07368 207 881 J.reid@celestyalcruises.uk Coral Expeditions Elizabeth Webb, international sales manager salesmngr@coralexpeditions.com Cosmos Janet Parton, sales director 020 8315 4545 agencysales@cosmos.co.uk CroisiEurope John Fair, sales director 020 8328 1281 jfair@croisieurope.com Crystal Cruises Mick Dupont, head of UK sales 020 7399 7602 mick@cruiseportfolio.co.uk Cruising Excursions Kirsty Bachelor, trade sales manager 07784 357977 Kirsty.Bachelor@cruisingexcursions.com Cunard Line Cunard partnership team 0344 338 8656 cunardpartnershipteam@cunard.co.uk D
Disney Cruise Line Juliet Holden, account executive 080 0171 2317 juliet.holden@disney.com
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Belmond Yann Guezennec, worldwide director of sales & marketing, trains & cruises 020 3117 1395 yann.guezennec@belmond.com
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Emerald Waterways Joseph Grimley, director of trade sales 07504 484657 joseph.grimley@scenic.co.uk
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September 2020 | Aft European Waterways Mark Robinson, sales and reservations manager 01753 598 555 sales@europeanwaterways.com E-Waterways Joanna Paslawska, sales and marketing 0808 168 1458 salesuk@ewaterways.com Exotic Heritage Group Marco Rosa, UK representative 07973 876 967 marco@plateauinternational.com
Lucy Harris, business development manager 07773 043004 lucy.harris@hollandamerica.co.uk
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Charlotte Pinkus, business development representative 07585 806471 charlotte.pinkus@hollandamerica.co.uk Hurtigruten Anthony Daniels, UK general manager 020 8846 2666 anthony.daniels@hurtigruten.com
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Intrepid Travel Joanna Reeve, tailor-made manager EMEA 0808 274 5179 joanna.reeve@intrepidtravel.com.
Far Horizon Kirsty Reid, product & sales manager 07551 124543 kirsty.reid@fredholidays.co.uk Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Geoff Ridgeon, head of sales 01473 746164 cruise.sales@fredolsen.co.uk Fred River Cruises Kirsty Reid, product & sales manager 07551 124543 kirsty.reid@fredholidays.co.uk
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Need-a-Cruise by JTA Dave Green, managing director 0121 508 5567 dave.green@jtatravel.co.uk K
Katarina Line Olivera Lesinger, head of UK & overseas +38 5 51 603 409 olivera@katarina-line.hr
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G Adventures Stuart Darnley, national sales manager 07964 983 842 sdarnley@gadventures.com Great Rail Journeys Lindsay Dixon, head of trade sales 01904 527 180 lindsaydixon@greatrail.com
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Latin Routes Jessica Dennison, director 020 8546 6222 info@latinroutes.co.uk Leger Holidays Ashley Dellow, head of retail sales 01709 385 811 retail.sales@leger.co.uk Lindblad Expeditions Jacinta McEvoy vice-president global sales +1 212 261 9000 jacintam@expeditions.com Lotus Cruises Marco Rosa, UK representative 07973 876 967 marco@plateauinternational.com
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Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Aishling McLoughlin, sales representative UK & Ireland 07852 488 471 aishling.mcloughlin@hl-cruises.com Hebridean Island Cruises Lisa White, reservations manager 01756 704 704 lisa.white@hebridean.co.uk Heritage Line Joanna Paslawska, sales and marketing 0808 168 1458 salesuk@ewaterways.com Holland America Line Dani Scannella, business development manager 07789 923665 dani.scannella@hollandamerica.co.uk
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The Majestic Line Louisa Grant, cruise co-ordinator 01369 707951 louisa@themajesticline.co.uk
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September 2020 | Aft Manatee Amazon Explorer Joanna Paslawska, sales and marketing 0808 168 1458 salesuk@ewaterways.com Marella Cruises Andrew Isherwood, commercial support team 020 3451 2762 commercial.support@tui.co.uk Mรถvenpick Cruises Marco Rosa, UK representative 07973 876 967 marco@plateauinternational.com MSC Cruises Victoria Taylor, sales operations manager 020 7092 8182 ukinsidesales@msccruises.co.uk
Paul Gaugin Mick Dupont, head of UK sales 020 7399 7602 mick@cruiseportfolio.co.uk Pearl Seas Cruises Susan Shultz, director of sales +1 203 458 5280 susan.shultz@pearlseascruises.com Ponant Nabil Maillard, sales manager UK and Ireland 020 7092 6663 nmaillard@ponant.com Poseidon Expeditions Alexandra Prokopyeva, sales and marketing 020 3808 7787 sales@poseidonexpeditions.com Ports Direct Karl Lapage, managing director 0843 0843 003 karl@portsdirect.co.uk Princess Cruises Gemma Withers, sales operations manager 023 8065 6607 gemma.withers@princesscruises.co.uk Pullmantur Cruises Simon Chambers, operations manager 0800 988 3369 sales@fredholidays.co.uk
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National Geographic Expeditions Simon Chambers, operations manager 0800 988 3369 sales@fredholidays.co.uk Nicko Cruises Rupert Thomson, managing director 01223 568904 rupert@lightbluetravel.co.uk Noble Caledonia Agency sales, 020 7752 0000 agencysales@noble-caledonia.co.uk Norwegian Cruise Line Eamonn Ferrin, VP & managing director for UK & Ireland 023 8124 5000 eferrin@ncl.com
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Quark Expeditions Christiane Bach, business development manager +1 416 645 8248 christiane.bach@quarkexpeditions.com
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Oceania Cruises Lisa Clarkson, national accounts manager 07809 351 545 LClarkson@OceaniaCruises.Com agency sales, 0345 505 1920 AgencySales@OceaniaCruises.Com
Regent Seven Seas Cruises Caroline Moody, business development executive 023 8068 2283 agencysales@rssc.com Anna Salter, business development executive 023 8068 2283 agencysales@rssc.com Riviera Travel Darren Mussell, agency sales assistant manager 01283 744 307 agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk Rocky Mountaineer Steven Harris, regional sales director 07970 519 164 sharris@rockymountaineer.com Royal Caribbean International Trade support team 01932 834 379 salessupport.uk@rccl.com
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P&O Cruises Brodie McIntosh, trade engagement manager 023 8065 5780 brodie.mcintosh@cunardpocruises.com Pandaw Kirsty Reid, product & sales manager 07551 124543 kirsty.reid@fredholidays.co.uk Paukan Cruises Marco Rosa, UK representative 07973 876 967 marco@plateauinternational.com
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September 2020 | Aft Tradewind Voyages Mark Schmitt, north 07553 955047 mark.schmitt@tradewindvoyages.com
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Saga Travel Trade support team tradesupport@saga.co.uk Scenic Joseph Grimley, director of trade sales 07504 484657 joseph.grimley@scenic.co.uk Seabourn Dani Scannella, business development manager 07789 923665 dani.scannella@seabourn.co.uk
Rachel Healy, south 07552 622970 rachel.healy@tradewindvoyages.com Travel2 Colin Currie, head of sales 07891 257 160 colin.currie@travel2.com Travelsphere & Just You Sarah Weetman, head of trade sales 07748 843 244 sarah.weetman@travelsphere.co.uk
Lucy Harris, business development manager 07773 043004 lucy.harris@seabourn.co.uk
Charlotte Pinkus, business development representative 07585 806471 charlotte.pinkus@seabourn.co.uk SeaCloud Anja Ringel, vice-president, international marketing and sales +49 40 3095 9217 aringel@seacloud.com SeaDream Yacht Club 0800 783 1373 info@seadream.com Shearings 01709 249699 sales.support@shearings.com Silversea Sales support 020 7340 0700 salesuk@silversea.com Star Clippers Danielle Dudley, UK sales manager 077 6585 2116 danielle@starclippers.co.uk Swan Hellenic Mario Bounas, VP marketing 07929 914953 mario.bounas@swanhellenic.com
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Uniworld Angela Sloan, key account manager 0808 168 9110 angela.sloan@uniworld.com V
Variety Cruises Chris Lorenzo, managing director, Seafarer Cruises 020 8324 3114 info@seafarerholidays.co.uk Victoria Cruises Tom Antonucci, sales manager +1 212 818 1680 tom@victoriacruises.com Victory Cruise Lines Rupert Thomson, managing director 01223 568904 rupert@lightbluetravel.co.uk Viking Cruises 020 8780 7900 madefortrade@vikingcruises.com Vodohod Mario Bounas, VP marketing 07929 914953 mario.bounas@vodohod.ru Volga Dream Kirsty Reid, product & sales manager 07551 124543 kirsty.reid@fredholidays.co.uk
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Tauck UK country manager 080 0810 8020 tauckreservations@tauck.co.uk Titan Travel Edwina Coppock, agency sales manager 012 9345 0726; 078 3465 2135 edwina.coppock@titantravel.co.uk Touchdown | Travel Industry Services Robbie White, head of cruise product 020 8607 3805 rwhite@touchdown.co.uk
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Widgety Sandra Barnes-Keywood, head of sales 023 8042 8000 – opt 2 sandra@widgety.co.uk Windstar Cruises Anna Perrott Business Development Manager UK 07593 137135 anna.perrott@windstarcruises.com
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