THE ABTA MAGAZINE GUIDE TO
CRUISE 2020
Sailing the Great Lakes Alternative adventure The class of 2020
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THE ABTA MAGAZINE GUIDE TO
CRUISE 2020
There’s a cruise for everyone
T
he cruise industry has come a long way. Once a niche product, it’s now a beloved holiday choice for a record number of Britons – yet many misconceptions still exist. Ask some of those who have never cruised before why they haven’t and you’ll hear a range of reasons – that it’s only for older customers, that they’ll be bored, that the ships are too big, that there will be nothing to do, that the food and entertainment will be bad, or that they won’t get to see anything off board. But, as we hope to show you in this guide, there is a cruise for everyone; even these naysayers, already dwindling in number, can be converted. To begin with, the myriad of new ships launching this year, from the adults-only, designled Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady to Royal Caribbean’s latest theme-park-at-sea-style megaship, Odyssey of the Seas, to Crystal’s newest ultra-luxury yacht, Endeavor, there is new capacity to suit all sorts of holidaymakers. However, despite all the talk about new ships, it’s important not to focus too closely on the hardware when destination remains the most important factor for any type of holidaymaker. The good news is that the industry has never been more diverse. Chicago and Lake Michigan grace our cover, a destination previously completely off the radar when it comes to cruise; now, the likes of Viking Cruises and Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are joining Victory Cruises in exploring America’s Great Lakes. What’s more, adventure and expedition cruise is more popular than ever. In this issue, we look beyond the Arctic, Galapágos and Antarctica to the far-flung destinations where cruise lines are pioneering voyages, and provide evidence that staying healthy on a cruise holiday is much easier than you might think. We hope you enjoy reading.
Sailing the Great Lakes Alternative adventure The class of 2020
ABTAmag.com
March 2020
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In the 2020 issue
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Editor’s letter Welcome to this year’s ABTA Cruise Guide
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The class of 2020 A rundown of all the major oceangoing ships setting sail this year
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Outside the “Big Three” Away from the Arctic, Antarctica and the Galápagos Islands a world of adventure is waiting to be discovered
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Cruise the Lakes Anthony Pearce highlights the lines offering itineraries on North America’s Great Lakes
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Witness the fitness Sara Macefield joins Avalon Waterways for an Active & Discovery sailing on the Danube – both rewarding and exhausting
News The latest cruise industry news Ports of call: Reykjavík The Icelandic capital is becoming an increasingly popular cruise destination
16 ABTA Cruise Guide is created by Waterfront Publishing on behalf of ABTA Waterfront Publishing 12-18 Hoxton Street London N1 6NG waterfront-publishing.com
020 3865 9360
bryan@waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 9338
With thanks to: Jane Archer, Sara Macefield
Sales manager Rory Collins rory@waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 4815
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Senior sales manager Bryan Johnson
Sub-editors: Emily Eastman, Nathaniel Cramp, Alice Snape
ABTA 30 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ Chief executive Mark Tanzer Chairman Alistair Rowland
Promotion
Making ship happen Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady promises to shake up the cruise industry when it lauches this month. Here’s how Voyage Store can help you join the revolution
T
he wait is finally over – Scarlet Lady, the first ship from Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson’s revolutionary cruise line, has arrived. Featuring spaces designed by some of the top names in contemporary interiors, the adult-only ship promises to provide a sanctuary at sea for the savvy traveller. With world-class entertainment and more than 20 intimate eateries on board, Virgin Voyages puts a new twist on luxury travel. With all restaurants, group fitness classes, soft drinks, and much more included within the voyage fare, it offers simplicity and value for money in the more stylish of settings. Dining options include Korean BBQ, steakhouses, an international food market, with Virgin Voyages having ditched the one-big-dininghall and buffet experience. The line
says it is swapping classic Broadway productions for “never before seen at sea exhilarating, contemporary and immersive entertainment”. Scarlet Lady will sail from Miami to the Caribbean in 2020, hosting more than 2,770 guests and 1,160 crew from around the world. Hot on its heels its sister ship, Valiant Lady, will sail the Mediterranean with seven-night itineraries setting sail from its homeport in Barcelona from May 2021.
First Mates rates
Voyage Store enables First Mates – that is, travel partners, in Virgin Voyages lingo – to dynamically package a Virgin Voyages cruise with pre-and-post land arrangement and flights. Operated by one of the UK’s bestknown flight consolidators, Voyage Store allows agents to take advantage of its vast industry experience, great
flight rates and out-of-date range fares. This gives your guests the option to extend their trip with preor-post stay to see more of the region they are setting sail from. Whether it be a spot of shopping in Miami or a city break in New York, it can package up any itineraries a guest desires. By registering to Voyage Store, agents will still receive all the amazing Virgin Voyage benefits plus additional Voyage Store perks including £25 Love2shop voucher for every booking in 2020, 10 per cent commission on the whole package cost; plus with the debut of Scarlet Lady, agent will receive a bonus 3 per cent stackable commission on the voyage fare throughout 2020. On top of all that, agents have the opportunity to attend fam trips to experience the Virgin way of cruising as well as extraordinary events. To dive into the action, register today at trade-voyagestore.com.
Alaska, by Cunard.
Only Cunard visits Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier on 10 to 12 night Vancouver roundtrip voyages
Breathtaking scenic voyages, immersive Alaska experiences and unforgettable Cunard style.
Only Cunard have a Cultural Heritage Guide on every voyage
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Whether whale watching or exploring The Great Land on shore, only on Queen Elizabeth can your customers immerse themselves in a world of unique experiences and unexpected inspiration, every day.
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Only Cunard offers the spectacular Ice White Ball - specially created for our Alaska season u
Only on Cunard can you indulge in Mareel Wellness and Beauty, our new holistic spa concept u
On Cunard you’ll hear from award-winning writers and renowned explorers u
On Cunard enjoy fine dining and our famous Afternoon Tea inspired by Alaska
Remember, you’ll earn Shine points with every Cunard Fare booking you make. Redeem them on a host of rewards - from electronics and beauty products through to experience days and even Cunard cruises. Visit shinerewardsclub.com to find out more and for full terms and conditions.
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On Cunard access over 140 shore excursions including an exclusive experience on the White Pass Railway u
Only on Cunard will you experience all this, and much more on board Queen Elizabeth.
News March 2020
All the latest headlines from the world of cruise CORAL
New small island itineraries By Emily Eastman
HURTIGRUTEN
Ship goes farther south than any other By Emily Eastman Expedition ship MS Roald Amundsen has made history by exploring waters farther south than any other ship in Hurtigruten’s 127-year history. In mid February the ship crossed the Antarctic circle – and continued to push south. “Our guests are thrilled. This is what Hurtigruten’s expedition cruises
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Coral Expeditions has launched its “Small Islands of the World” series, which comprises 16 new voyages across four regions. The new itineraries are part of Coral’s celebrations for its 35th year of expedition cruising. The line’s state-of-theart expedition ships Coral Adventurer and Coral Geographer will take guests to explore the small islands of the Pacific Ocean, including British Overseas Territory the Pitcairn Islands; Japan, including the Ogasawara Islands, dubbed the Galápagos of the Orient; the Philippines; and into Micronesia and New Guinea, where guests can immerse themselves in tribal cultures. Bookings made before April 31 are eligible for a 10 per cent discount. ABTAmag.com
are all about, pushing new frontiers and creating unique experiences for guests from all over the world. We are exploring in the footsteps of the polar hero Roald Amundsen himself,” said MS Roald Amundsen captain Torry Sakkariassen. The ship is the world’s first hybridpowered cruise ship, fitted with large battery packs that significantly reduce emissions. ABTAmag.com
March 2020
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Guide to Cruise
News
VIRGIN
Scarlet Lady launches By Emily Eastman
ARANUI CRUISES
Fleet expansion for French Polynesia line By Emily Eastman Aranui Cruises, the French Polynesia specialist, is to expand its fleet with the AraMana, the line’s first ever passenger-only vessel. Aranui’s second ship will enter into service in the South Pacific from mid 2022. Aranui’s current ship, the Aranui 5, handles both cargo and passengers, with capacity for 254 guests. It will continue to operate cruises in the region, having grown popular among holidaymakers wanting to see the islands of Tahiti. The AraMana will handle up to 280 guests, looked after by 100 crew members. Its name means “path of the Polynesian spirit”. The ship will cruise to the Australs, French Polynesia’s southernmost island group. Features on board will include an observation lounge, piano bar, spa, two restaurants, an ampitheatre and a
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swimming pool. Guests will be able to choose from 11 cabin categories. The Aranui 5 will continue to sail around the Marquesas Islands, while the AraMana will run different twoweek cruises throughout the year. They will include sailings around Tahiti, the Society Islands and the Tuamotu Islands. “Our future guests aboard AraMana will immediately feel an authentic French Polynesian Mana, or ‘spirit’,” said Eric Wong, the executive vice president, Americas, of Aranui Cruises. “The AraMana has been our vision for many years, and we are proud to not only be able to offer new destinations to passengers but continue the Aranui Cruises legacy by providing support to some of the most remote islands in the world.” Prices and more details of the itineraries will be announced later this year. ABTAmag.com
Sir Richard Branson has officially launched his cruise line, Virgin Voyages, intended “for people who are young at heart and who’ve never dreamt about going on a cruise”. Scarlet Lady will sail four, five and seven-night Caribbean itineraries out of Miami. The first four-day itinerary will call at Key West and Virgin’s private Beach Club in Bimini. Five-night itineraries call at Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Bimini. There are also itineraries with celebrities including Mark Ronson and Diplo. Sir Richard Branson will be on board a special four-night birthday sailing in July. The ship, which is adultsonly, carries 2,770 passengers, and 86 per cent of the cabins on board have balconies. The brand said it was committed to working with the industry to support the necessary research and development to advance carbon-free fuels and to scale commercially viable solutions. ABTAmag.com
ABTAmag.com
COMING SOON
2020 ABTA
COUNTRY GUIDES The ABTA Country Guides are published once a year in five editions: ABTA Member Services; UK & Europe; Middle East & Africa; Asia & Australasia; and The Americas & The Caribbean. Containing vital information about destinations across the globe, such as geography, currency, weather, tourist office contact information, foreign office advice and more, the guides are an essential tool for travel agents.
TRALASIA ASIA & AUS
IDES OUNTRY GU lume 4: C A T B A 9 1 Vo 0 – 2 Volume 4 untry Guide 2018 Country By Co
SIA SAT&RAUASTLRAALA ASIA & AAUSI SIA
ABTA COUNTRY BY COUNTRY
Distributed to travel agencies across the country, the guides are intended to be kept on shelves, shared among staff, and referred to regularly, helping agents learn more about destinations and sell more holidays. The comprehensive guides are unique in publishing and now available online.
2018
See countryguides.ABTAmag.com for more
Guide to Cruise
Reykjavik
Ports of call: Reykjavík
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Jane Archer profiles the Icelandic capital, which is becoming an increasingly popular cruise destination
celand’s capital is fast becoming the go-to port in Northern Europe for an ever-increasing number of cruise ships as lines seek out exciting new destinations. For expedition lines it’s a handy turn-around port for Arctic cruises that pair Iceland with Spitsbergen or Greenland, or voyages around Iceland, as the city has excellent air links with the UK and US. For “ordinary” cruise lines, a few days in Iceland adds an exciting twist to a Norwegian fjords voyage, while Reykjavík itself is perfect for a one- or twoday call as there is a great variety of things to see and do nearby. Most ships dock at Skarfabakki, about a ten-minute drive from the centre. The city’s hop-on, hop-off
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bus stops right outside so exploring alone is easy – especially as the metropolis is more town than city. Cruise Iceland says the number of ships visiting Reykjavík rose 25 per cent and passenger numbers 40 per cent between 2016 and 2018. Last year saw around 194 ship visits – cruise lines call mainly between May and September – bringing 183,000 passengers. Scenic’s expedition yacht Scenic Eclipse was one of the new faces for 2019, while this year Ponant’s Le Bellot will arrive for the first time. Carnival Cruise Line makes its Reykjavík (and Iceland) debut in 2021, with a 12-day voyage roundtrip from Dover on Carnival Legend. Geologically the world’s youngest country, Iceland sits
below the Arctic Circle and was rather misnamed because, although it has harsh winters and there is lots of ice, come summer the snow melts from low-lying areas, unveiling green meadows, lava fields and hot springs. The Golden Circle is the most popular tour as it gives an insight into three geological wonders. Visitors can stand astride the point where the American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet in Thingvellir National Park, watch thousands of gallons of water thunder 32m over the Gullfoss waterfall and marvel as the Strokkur geyser shoots water 30m into the air every five to eight minutes. Next up in the popularity stakes is the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa in the midst of a lava field that’s
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Nine-day circumnavigation
Hurtigruten – MS Fram Reykjavík (round-trip) June 15, 2020 From £2,879pp
This cruise, which begins and ends in Reykjavík, takes in all of Iceland’s incredible geology and geography with expeditions and onboard lectures on science and photography.
12 nights round-trip from Hull
CMV – Marco Polo Hull (round-trip) August 17, 2020 From £1,169pp
full of warm mineral-rich seawater said to do wonders for your skin. Whale-watching is another popular pastime. Some 20 species of cetaceans including minke and humpback whales frequent the krill-infested waters around Iceland in the summer, so you’d have to be very unlucky not to spot a few. Those feeling adventurous can go riding on sturdy Icelandic horses, or hop on a Jeep tour to Mýrdalsjökull glacier and walk on the ice. Good hiking boots are a must and, as this trip is potentially as chilling as it is thrilling, some cruise lines ban jeans and insist participants have warm layered clothes, gloves, hats and scarves. There are also helicopter rides over the mountains (some touch
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down on Mount Esja for photos) and much cheaper simulated flights at the FlyOver Iceland visitor attraction in the city. Other attractions include food tours and the 64º Reykjavík Distillery, where alcohol is made from berries, rhubarb, seeds and other produce the owners have foraged. There are trips to volcanoes and inside caves. On the Reykjanes Peninsula, which juts out to the southwest of Reykjavík, visitors can hike up the Stóra-Eldborg crater then go inside a lava cave. None of these excursions are cheap, but clients on a budget can get a taste of what it is all about on a one-hour tour of Raufarhólshellir lava tunnel, 30 minutes’ southeast of Reykjavík.
Sail directly to the jaw-dropping geysers and lava fields of Iceland from Hull, with stops in the Faroe Islands, Shetland and Invergordon on the way there and back.
12 days direct from Dover
Carnival – Carnival Legend Dover (round-trip) July 4, 2021 From £1,299pp
A no-fly cruise from Dover with all the big ship amenities you’d expect from Carnival. This new itinerary also calls in at Belfast and the Isle of Skye en route to the main attraction.
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Guide to Cruise
New Ships
The class of 2020
This year promises to be a vintage one for the cruise industry. There are UK ship launches, new expedition ships and Virgin Voyages will be making its much anticipated debut. Sam Ballard gives a rundown of all the major ocean-going ships setting sail this year... February Regent Seven Seas Cruises – Seven Seas Splendor Regent claims to be the most all-inclusive line at sea, with everything from alcohol to shore excursions included in the fare. Splendor is the ship that will go the extra mile. The ship’s top suite, the aptly named Regent Suite, is almost 4,500 square feet and includes a private spa with steam room and sauna (with complimentary treatments). When occupants head off ashore they will have their own personal driver. It doesn’t get more luxurious than this.
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ABTAmag.com
March Hurtigruten – Fridtjof Nansen Although Hurtigruten’s first hybrid ship, the Roald Amundsen, may have been delayed, progress on the second ship in the series, the Fridtjof Nansen, has carried on unabated. Even better news is that UK agents and customers will get the chance to see the ship as it takes three five-night inaugurals from London Tilbury (March 7), Liverpool (March 12) and Portsmouth (March 17).
March Virgin Voyages – Scarlet Lady Arguably one of the most hyped cruise ship launches of the past few years, Virgin Voyages has promised that Scarlet Lady will rewrite the rule book. There will be no buffets, no main dining rooms – and no kids. There will be tattoo parlours, record shops and the perfect spot for outdoor yoga.
April Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Apex The UK is to get its own Celebrity Edge-class launch this summer when the bottle smashes on Apex in Southampton. Apex will have all of the cutting-edge facilities that made Edge such a hit – Eden, Magic Carpet and one of the nicest gym/ spa areas on any ship.
ABTAmag.com
March 2020 13
Guide to Cruise
New Ships
May P&O Cruises – Iona Ship launches in the UK don’t get much bigger than P&O. And, considering that Iona is the biggest P&O ship ever to launch, we’re expecting this to be massive. Iona, which will be based out of Southampton, will include the new SkyDome – a space under a huge glass dome that will act as an entertainment space from day to night – and a multiscreen cinema.
June Princess Cruises – Enchanted Princess The fifth ship in Princess Cruises’ Royal-class will launch in Southampton this summer. The ship will be fully fitted with Ocean Medallion – revolutionary tech that allows keyless entry to cabins and the ability to order drinks to your lounger (as well as much, much more). Expect some familiar touches (SeaWalk, Sabatini’s and Movies Under the Stars) as well as some new venues. August Saga – Spirit of Adventure Crystal Cruises – Endeavor Saga’s Spirit of Adventure launches in the UK with a big agent event for the trade to try out the new hardware. Carnival will launch its biggest ever ship, Mardi Gras, which will be split into six zones, from the French Quarter to the Ultimate Playground. Crystal Cruises will launch its first expedition style ship, Endeavor, fully equipped for well-heeled travellers wanting to see parts of the world that were previously the domain of intrepid explorers.
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September MSC – Virtuosa Virtuosa, the second ship in MSC’s Meraviglia Plus-class, will launch this September. The ship is big – like its sister, Grandiosa – and can carry almost 6,300 guests when at full capacity. It has all of the great partnerships that MSC has become synonymous with, such as Cirque du Soleil, the vast LED promenade and even a contemporary fine art museum. The ship will be all about fun and entertainment. November Royal Caribbean – Odyssey of the Seas The second ship in Royal’s Quantum Ultra-class, following the launch of Spectrum of the Seas last year, will launch this November. These ships have all the bells and whistles – a greatest hits of Royal’s most recent innovations, including an upgraded SeaPlex and FlowRider, Ripcord by iFly, North Star and Skypads. Odyssey of the Seas will be in the Mediterranean for summer 2021.
ABTAmag.com
March 2020 15
EURODAM in GLACIER BAY, ALASKA Today we are getting closer to one of Alaska’s most precious treasures Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. We are enraptured by the legends of an Alaska native from the Huna Tlingit tribe. We are mingling with a park ranger who points out the incredible wildlife and gives us a real understanding of Alaska’s fascinating history. We are sampling fresh Alaskan salmon served Holland America Line style.
WE
T H E E X P LO R E R S
WAYS TO BOOK Reservations Online POLAR Online: via www.hollandamerica.co.uk and click on partnerships Reservations by Phone - 0344 338 8600 Learn more about selling HAL at www.halacademy.co.uk Contact the Sales Team on salessupport@hollandamerica.co.uk
VENTURE
THE BEST WAY TO SEE
THE EXTRAORDINARY IS WITH THE BEST AT SEA
INAUGURAL SEASON 2021-2022
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Guide to Cruise
18 March 2020
Alternative adventure
ABTAmag.com
Outside the “Big Three” Away from the Arctic, Antarctica and the Galápagos Islands, there’s a whole world of adventure to be discovered. Anthony Pearce looks at some of the best options
W
hen we talk about adventure and expedition cruise we mostly think of the “Big Three”: the Arctic, Antarctica and the Galápagos Islands. But, as this once niche part of the industry continues to grow, there are more options than ever – from Cape Horn to Greenland, the Kimberley to Cape Verde. Here are some fantastic options available to intrepid guests.
ABTAmag.com
For those who have sailed the Arctic and want to try something different but similar, the Northwest Passage offers great adventure, giving guests the chance to follow in the wake of seafaring explorers of the past. Crystal Expedition Cruises’ luxury yacht, Crystal Endeavor, will embark from Anadyr, Russia for Tromsø, Norway on August 18, 2021 on a 29-night expedition. The 200-guest ship
will visit some of the world’s most remote islands and coastlines. It will sail the East Siberian Sea, the White Sea, the Barents Sea and the Laptev Sea, calling at Russian Federation ports Provideniya; Cape Dezhnev & Uelen Village; Kolyuchin Island; Ayon Island; Novaya Zemlya; Arkhangelsk; Solovetsky and Zayatsky Island (from £41,803pp). Hurtigruten, the Norwegian shipping company,
March 2020 19
Guide to Cruise
Alternative adventure
also sails the passage on MS Roald Amundsen, which became the first hybrid ship to navigate the crossing; on August 14, 2020, MS Framwill sail from Reykjavík to Edmonton, Canada calling at Kvanefjord, Nuuk and Sisimiut in Greenland (from £10,714pp) Down Under, Coral Expeditions has pioneered cruises to the Great Barrier Reef, Tasmania and the Kimberley, with others now following suit. It has expanded its programme to include Papua New Guinea, Raja Ampat, the Spice Islands, West Papua and Indonesia. Ponant’s Iconic Kimberley itinerary
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is a ten-night cruise in the Pacific and Oceania on board Le Lapérouse from Broome to Darwin. Departing on May 18, 2020, ports of call include the Lacepede Islands, Collier Bay, Careening Bay and Hunter River and Mitchell Falls (from £7,408pp). APT offers a 15day Grand Kimberley Coast cruise, exploring Montgomery Reef, Horizontal Falls and King George River (from £7,495pp). Guests on Silversea can explore Melanesia, a subregion of Oceania, on the fourth segment of its expedition world cruise, sailing from Lautoka to Cairns (departing March 23,
2021). Calls include Pentecost Island, home to the land divers that provided the inspiration for bungee jumping, and Rabaul, home to the Baining tribespeople and their fire dance (see Silversea. com for prices). In the Western half of the southern hemisphere, intrepid types can explore Cape Horn and Patagonia with the expedition specialists Australis. On either the 200-guest Stella or Ventus Australis, guests can journey to the “uttermost end of the earth” on a four-night cruise that takes in the fjords of Tierra del Fuego, Pía Glacier,
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Cape Horn and Ushuaia (from $1,440pp). Similarly, Silversea offers a 19-day cruise from Lima (Callao) to Ushuaia on board Silver Cloud (departing October 28, 2020 from £8,910pp), taking in Chile’s considerable coastline, with stops including Puerto Montt, Valparaíso and Punta Arenas, as well as a day cruising the Chilean fjords. Further north, the Amazon offers adventure in abundance. Its Brazilian part is well-explored, with numerous cruise lines traversing its widest stretches, including ocean-going ships. Seabourn offers a 21-day Brazil & The Amazon cruise, from Buenos Aires to Manaus, Brazil, the capital and largest city in Amazonas, and near the confluence of the Negro and Solimões rivers. Calls at Rio de Janeiro, Recife and Natal make this a cruise with it all (from £5,854pp).
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Less well known is the narrow Ecuadorian Rio Napo tributary. Guests on either the Manatee Amazon Explorer and Anakonda Amazon Explorer can visit the littleexplored region on itineraries up to seven-nights. The longest cruise costs $3,931pp and takes in one of the world’s most fascinating and biodiverse regions, which includes a canoe trip to Pañacocha Lake, a chance to see the parrot clay licks (where dozens of exotic birds gather), and meetings with local tribes. It’s perfect for wildlife lovers. Off the coast of west Africa, guests sailing with National Geographic explore Cape Verde and the Bijagós Islands with a 12-day sailing on Ponant’s Le Dumont-d’Urville. In Cape Verde, guests can enjoy São Nicolau and its mountainous landscapes; Mindelo’s
culture, and the sugar cane plantations and savannah of Fogo, also known as “volcano island”. The Unesco Biosphere Reserve of the Bijagós Islands is located off the coast of Guinea-Bissau and is one of the most protected archipelagos in the world (from £7,833pp). On the continent, Hapag-Lloyd has a South Africa and Namibia itinerary that sails from Cape Town on March 7, 2021 for 15 nights to Walvis Bay. It includes visits to the Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve and a kayak tour on the Nahoon River. In Durban a game drive through Tala Game Reserve takes guests through the bush, and past hippos, ostriches and various species of wading birds and birds of prey, while in Richards Bay guests can head on a night safari to watch sea turtles. From £8,351pp.
March 2020 21
Guide to Cruise
The Great Lakes
Cruise the Lakes Anthony Pearce highlights the lines setting sail on North America’s Great Lakes, plus the charming shoreside destinations that are adding to their appeal
A
s ABTA wrote in its endof-year Travel Trends Report, when it named Chicago and Michigan Lake among its destinations to watch in 2020, “the Windy City has a spectacular lakeside location on one of the five Great Lakes, is home to one of the liveliest music scenes in the USA and has even designated 2020 as the ‘Year of Chicago Music’.” Boasting some of the USA’s most incredible food, best-loved sporting venues and eye-catching architecture, the Illinois city also provides remarkable access to
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natural beauty. Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes – Lakes Superior, Huron, Erie, and Ontario – boasts dune regions, including Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, home to sand dunes reaching 140m above the lake, as well as 59 lighthouses. While the Lakes themselves have long attracted tourism, their emergence as a cruise destination is relatively new. Joining Victory Cruises, which has pioneered cruises on the Great Lakes, are Ponant, which has undergone a period of fleet expansion; Ritz-Carlton, which will enter the yacht cruise market
this year; and Viking Cruises, which is building two expedition ships. All three lines will sail the Lakes within the next few years. Last year, Cruising with Jane McDonald, the Channel 5 show that has done as much as anything to raise the profile of cruising, featured the Great Lakes in its season six premiere. Guests will discover the charming city of Parry Sound, in the heart of the Unesco Biosphere Reserve of Georgian Bay, as well as Port Colborne, which provides access to Niagara Falls. From 2022, Viking’s 378-guest Viking Octantis will run three
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itineraries on the Lakes, including an eight-day Undiscovered Great Lakes cruise from Thunder Bay, Ontario, to Milwaukee in the US state of Wisconsin and the eight-day Niagara & The Great Lakes from Toronto to Milwaukee. “When we were planning our Expedition Voyages to some of the most remote places on the planet it made sense to include The Great Lakes, especially as we believe it is an undiscovered part of the world. It is an area of diverse natural beauty, abundant wildlife and some of the most interesting cities in North America,” says Neil Barclay, head of sales at Viking UK. “We will be giving our culturally curious guests the chance to immerse themselves in the local culture and to learn about First Nations traditions, as well as to visit world-class institutions like the Milwaukee Art Museum.”
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A superior destination
Jane Archer joins Victory Cruises on the Great Lakes There are two words on everyone’s lips as we sail across Lake Michigan. Mackinac Island. It’s the next stop on our Great Lakes cruise and the place, I have just learned, that every American aspires to visit because it is a slice of Victoriana in the US. There are horse-drawn carriages (cars are banned from the island), the main street really is called Main Street and lined with wooden shops selling fudge and souvenirs. I’m travelling with Victory Cruise Lines, acquired last year by the American Queen Steamboat Company, which operates paddlewheel boats on the Mississippi, Columbia and Snake Rivers. Now on sale through Cambridgebased Light Blue Travel, Victory is
a great option for agents looking for something new and different to excite clients. That’s because this cruise is certainly very different, dipping in and out of small towns and flyover cities in the US and Canada that don’t figure on most Britons’ tourist radar (all bar two of the fellow passengers on my cruise were from North America) but are definitely worth more than a second glance. The Great Lakes live up to their name, covering an area the size of the UK and Northern Ireland and containing one-fifth of the world’s fresh water. The five lakes – in size order: Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie and Ontario – are all linked by rivers and waterways. On both Victory itineraries, you sail them all. The itineraries are brilliant, the ships are comfy (cabins are small, but the service and food was impressive) and prices include all drinks, which makes life on board convivial.
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Beautiful magazines for the travel industry A loyalty magazine is one of the best ways of reaching your customers and elevating your brand. Find out about creating your own by emailing info@waterfront-publishing.com
F E ATU R E S | R O O M S E RVICE MENU | SHORE EXCUR SIONS
ISSUE ONE
GLOBE
ISSUE FOUR
THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES
Explore Issue One
December 2016
M A R C H 2018
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
FJORD FOCUS A JOURNEY TO WEST NORWAY
See waterfront-publishing.com
Jeannine Williamson joins CroisiEurope in the heart of Prague, before exploring the lesser-known Elbe en route to Berlin PLUS 10 OF THE BEST WILDLIFE CRUISES EXCLUSIVE RITZ-CARLTON INTERVIEW CRUISE & MARITIME VOYAGES IN AMSTERDAM
BRILLIANT BANGKOK INFOCUS: INTREPID COACH VS CRUISE HOW TO SELL: SOLO TRAVEL
WHY THE THAI CAPITAL IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A BACKPACKER HAVEN
CRUISE & MORE HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME
ON THE HORIZON THE LATEST CRUISE NEWS
EMERALD WATERWAYS AN IN-DEPTH LOOK
WONDERFUL WORLD FOUR BUCKET-LIST STOPS
Witness the fitness Sara Macefield joins Avalon Waterways for an Active & Discovery sailing on the Danube, which proves to be more tiring – and rewarding – than the usual sedate river sailing
I
know onlookers are laughing at me, but I’m aching too much to care. I’ve spent the past hour pounding Vienna’s streets during a jogging tour and, on spotting a tempting patch of grass between the pretty flowerbeds of the city’s Volksgarten park, I stretch out for a few relaxing minutes. Admittedly, I’m hamming it up for a jokey picture, but it’s a heavenly respite for my screaming muscles and I’m reluctant to move as our super-fit guide Dominic pushes on. I’ve never jogged in my life and on several occasions during our 5.6km pre-breakfast run, I rather regret signing up.
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But I’d been intrigued by such a novel excursion, and it proves to be an ideal way to explore Vienna’s stately streets, its pristine parks and glorious Baroque architecture, which help to distract me from feeling on the verge of collapse. I note, wryly, that my two running mates and our two guides seem to be handling this much better and are barely out of breath – but then they are all experienced joggers, so my advice to anyone wanting to get the most out of this tour is to be fit or get in training. That had been my original intention on spotting such a fleet-footed option in the list of shore excursions on this Avalon
Waterways Active & Discovery Danube sailing. I’ve been on numerous river cruises, but the choice of pursuits on this voyage from Budapest to Linz is impressive and easily the most varied I’ve seen. Each day brings a choice of tours designated as Active (hiking, biking or canoeing) and Discovery (wine-tasting, behind-the-scenes “insider” tours), as well as Classic (coach tours, museum visits and beer-tasting). Such a selection means that, even though I’ve cruised this section of the Danube four times (most recently just three months before), I enjoy a new set of experiences that give this sailing
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ABTA Cruise
Active cruise
on Avalon Impression a completely contrasting flavour. Price isn’t an issue either as most tours are included, which is another bonus. Having found my jogging legs, I then step out on my first hiking trip – a 5km trek up the steep hills lining the Danube. Rather overconfidently, I join the advanced group, which turns out to be an experienced bunch who make short work of the steep paths. It leaves me puffing to keep up, but the far-reaching views over the river make the effort worthwhile. My favourite exertion is an idyllic 20km cycle ride from Krems to Spitz that takes us along deserted roads through vast vineyards and on to the cycle path that runs along the Danube’s banks. We’re hitting a decent pace, which underlines that the clientele on this voyage are a world away from the traditional image of river cruisers. Most of the 139 guests are American or Canadian, with a handful of Brits and Australians, and many seem younger than
26 March 2020
average. They are definitely fitter and this contributes to the active feel of this voyage, although this isn’t a prerequisite as there are non-sporty activities to try. Such exertions also give good reason to tuck into the meals and free accompanying wine that is generously dispensed by the helpful crew. The buffet breakfasts and lunches are appetising enough, although I would have welcomed a wider choice, and the four-course dinners are good rather than outstanding. Particular highlights are the grilled beef tenderloin and pumpkin soup, which is so good that it leaves a lasting impression. Life on board is well organised and sociable, but I relish the haven of my Panorama Suite with its vast floor-to-ceiling windows that pull back to create a French balcony. My bed faces the windows, making it an ideal spot to rest while admiring the passing views. There isn’t time to try everything on offer. I regret not
opting for a canoeing trip and, following my jogging stint, I decline the early morning runs with the onboard “adventure host”, although his yoga sessions offer a much more soothing alternative. Walking tours are a relaxing contrast, too, and an overnight stop in Vienna brings me into the city for a more restful exploration before the tourist hordes descend. It’s my fourth visit, yet I see this imperial city with new eyes as our guide leads us Pied Piper-like into tiny winding passageways, hidden squares and ornate churches. The high point comes when, with our stomachs rumbling, we’re led into a traditional Viennese coffee-house where laden breakfast tables welcome us with freshly baked bread rolls and slices of ham and cheese, accompanied by pots of steaming hot coffee. With my aching legs a reminder of my experience 24 hours ago, I’m relishing this relaxed pace and, even better, I can tuck into this delicious spread knowing I’ve earned it.
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1 edition. £2.3m in revenue A single issue of Explore, a publication created for Advantage Travel Partnership by Waterfront, generated more than 600 bookings*. Find out about creating your own loyalty magazine by emailing info@waterfront-publishing.com.
F E ATU R E S | R O O M S E RVICE MENU | SHORE EXCUR SIONS
ISSUE ONE
GLOBE
ISSUE FOUR
THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES
Explore Issue One
December 2016
M A R C H 2018
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
FJORD FOCUS A JOURNEY TO WEST NORWAY
*Source: Travel Weekly, November 2017
Jeannine Williamson joins CroisiEurope in the heart of Prague, before exploring the lesser-known Elbe en route to Berlin PLUS 10 OF THE BEST WILDLIFE CRUISES EXCLUSIVE RITZ-CARLTON INTERVIEW CRUISE & MARITIME VOYAGES IN AMSTERDAM
BRILLIANT BANGKOK INFOCUS: INTREPID COACH VS CRUISE HOW TO SELL: SOLO TRAVEL
WHY THE THAI CAPITAL IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A BACKPACKER HAVEN
CRUISE & MORE HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME
ON THE HORIZON THE LATEST CRUISE NEWS
EMERALD WATERWAYS AN IN-DEPTH LOOK
WONDERFUL WORLD FOUR BUCKET-LIST STOPS
EURODAM in GLACIER BAY, ALASKA Today we are getting closer to one of Alaska’s most precious treasures Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve. We are enraptured by the legends of an Alaska native from the Huna Tlingit tribe. We are mingling with a park ranger who points out the incredible wildlife and gives us a real understanding of Alaska’s fascinating history. We are sampling fresh Alaskan salmon served Holland America Line style.
WE
T H E E X P LO RE RS
WAYS TO BOOK Reservations Online POLAR Online: via www.hollandamerica.co.uk and click on partnerships Reservations by Phone - 0344 338 8600 Learn more about selling HAL at www.halacademy.co.uk Contact the Sales Team on salessupport@hollandamerica.co.uk