Travel Bulletin Cruising supplements 2018

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Yoour one-sstop guide to all the latest news and developments in cruising

Produced by

ww w w.travelbulletin.co.uk

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All About

CRUISING 2018

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018 IS AN incredible year to be in the cruise industry; we are on target to welcome two million cruise customers from the UK for the first time ever, and there are 27 new ships set to join the global fleet.

However looking beyond this year, the figures get even bigger: there are 99 ships on order for delivery before 2026, on the global order book, worth Eur49billion.

To say the cruise industry is on a significant growth trajectory is an understatement - and this is great news for agents as the travel trade is still the primary booking channel for the cruise customer, both new and repeat.

Adventure, or ‘expedition’ cruising, as it’s known, is one sector of the industry on the rise.

Expedition cruising used to mean forgoing comfort and glamour in a bid to see some of the globe’s most far-flung, unusual and exotic destinations. However, thanks to a new breed of ships, this is no longer the case.

The sector is seeing huge growth, driven by lines adding new ships including Silversea, Scenic, Celebrity Cruises, Aurora and Hapag-Lloyd. This has been driven by demand for cruise holidays which take guests to destinations, for authentic, in-depth experiences.

These are ‘sight-do’ cruises, rather than ‘sight-see’ and perfectly illustrates how the cruise customer is increasingly looking for experiences that they wouldn’t be ordinarily able to enjoy.

As such, a move towards unusual, off-the-beaten-track cruise destinations, such as Asia, Africa, the Galapagos, and trips to the Arctic and Antarctica, are becoming more accessible and popular than ever.

And whilst cruise guests are focusing on destinations, the cruise industry is often taking the lead in the introduction of new technology to enhance the holiday experience, and is widely being rolled out by a number of cruise lines and across fleets. New technology includes wearable technology, face recognition, the use of apps and robots, plus new technology around the industry’s ongoing environmental efforts.

There’s no denying that in 2018, and beyond, technology is a crucial part of our everyday lives, and this is mirrored in customers’ increasing demands for a seamless experience whilst on holiday.

Andy Harmer Director CLIA UK & Ireland

CONTENTS Ocean cruise news & ship launches - 4

Luxury ocean cruises - 6

Expedition adventures - 9

River cruise news & ship launches - 12

Germany by river - 16

Beast from the east - 17

For agents - 18 Published by

University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London SW1W 0EX Tel: 020-7834 6661 Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe Written and researched by: Lauretta Wright Email: lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Design/Layout: Miriam Brtkova Printed by: Buxton Press - Cover Picture: Adobe Stock

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News

A Dose Of Vitamin Sea It’s time to gen up – and sell up – on the latest cruise developments & new ship launches…

W

ith the average age of the cruiser reaching an all-time low (47 years old according to figures from CLIA), cruising has grown to appeal to all different types of consumers, but particularly those open to trying something new and exciting.

There is a huge selection of cruises to choose from to cater to all tastes; from foodie fans and music lovers, to nature enthusiasts and those seeking action and adventure.

So while the growth of ocean cruising shows no sign of abating, both in terms of demand for and new ships being developed, we take a look at some of the sector’s new announcements and developments as well as the latest ships on the horizon…

All aboard!

With a plethora of new ships debuting in 2020, there’s plenty to get excited about, particularly when new concepts are launched to offer guests a whole new experience. Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled details for Seven Seas Splendor’s awe-inspiring public spaces and ten sophisticated suite categories for debut in 2020. The cruise line is building upon the elegance of its existing ships with lush designs and distinguishing upgrades that will captivate travellers and exceed their expectations.

The line’s president and CEO, Jason Montague, said: “Everything on board the ship is designed to provide a

sophisticated yet comfortable retreat for our guests, and we’re confident that they’ll appreciate the attention to detail that has been put into perfecting the newest ship in our fleet.”

“Once again, the cruise industry has raised the bar and exceeded projections and expectations. I am proud to be a part of this dynamic industry that continues to grow and evolve bringing the cruise vacation experience to millions each year.”

Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA The new vessel will offer 375 suites, each offering a distinctive look, with intricate design details and private balconies. rssc.com Scenic Eclipse will be adding a second, sister ship to its fleet of World’s First Discovery Yachts. The 2019/20 collection is available for booking now with new

offers when booked by July 30 including savings of up to 16% on selected cruises, $1,000 per suite on board credit on selected cruises, free private door-todoor transfers on all cruises and a free pre-cruise hotel stay.

Emerald Waterways has announced its launch into ocean cruising with a new yacht, sailing along the Dalmatian coast.

Launching in 2019, MV Adriatic Princess II has been designed to navigate the Dalmatian coast and its small ports.

An eight-day Islands of Dalmatia costs from £1,845, offering a saving of £200 per person when booked by August 31, and departs on October 5, 2019.

The year 2020 also sees the launch of Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises’ 200guest Crystal Endeavor. At 19,800 GRT, the all-suite, purpose-built polar class yacht will be the largest, most spacious expedition yacht worldwide.

Endeavor’s PC6 designation will enable her to operate in summer and autumn through medium first-year ice. The ship will feature the latest technological advancements, including offshore dynamic positioning capabilities, offering both comfort and safety while exploring the icy waters in the Polar Regions as well as exotic locations across the globe.

And finally, P&O Cruises’ new ship, Iona, debuts in 2020.With a capacity for 5,200 guests, there will be a whole host on facilities and services to cater to guests.

Highlights include more than 15 eateries, eight speciality restaurants, 18 whirlpools, four swimming pools and a

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News selection of entertainment venues - from the theatre to venues for adults only.

The line’s senior vice-president, Paul Ludlow, said: “Throughout the design process we were mindful that we were building a ship, not a hotel, and the intrinsic beauty of the sea, the vistas of the coastlines and ports of call should be at the fore and visible as much as possible from all areas of the ship.”

(Re)-fit for a queen…

Along with the new ship launches, cruise lines have upped their game when it comes to new refits, refurbishments and programme additions.

Princess Cruises’ 3,080-guest vessel, Crown Princess, has received a multimillion pound two-week refit. The ship now includes new dining venues, a luxury bed in every room and an upgraded spa and fitness centre.

Crown Princess is currently sailing the Mediterranean, which will be followed later this year by a season in the Caribbean. She will be based in Southampton in spring and summer 2019 for a series of round Britain cruises.

The line has also announced that its 2019/20 sailings to worldwide destinations including Asia, the Caribbean, South America and Panama Canal are now on sale.

The voyages on Princess’ newest ship, Sky Princess, which launches next year, include destinations in Asia, the Caribbean, South America and the Panama Canal.

A 16-night Antarctica & Cape Horn cruise, sailing from Santiago to Buenos Aires on Coral Princess leads in at £3,944. Departing on January 21, 2020 ports of call include Punta Arenas, Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego), Cape Horn

Princess Cruises’ 3,080-guest vessel, Crown Princess, has received a multi-million pound two-week refit

scenic cruising, Antarctic Peninsula scenic cruising, Falkland Islands (Stanley) and Montevideo. princess.com Meanwhile, a Viking expert, forensic botanist and an actor come wine expert all feature alongside Lars Tharp, star of the Antiques Roadshow, in Voyages to Antiquity’s new 2019 cruise speaker programme.

Lars will join the Italian & Adriatic Highlights cruise and will talk about the rediscovery of Classical Rome and the Mediterranean design brought to northern Europe. He will also pick through the bones of his own career among artefacts and the delights of Dubrovnik Cathedral’s Treasury. Prices start from £2,795 per person.

Next year’s summer programme features six new countries and will sail the historic Mediterranean, Iceland, the Norwegian Fjords and North Cape. voyagestoantiquity.com Last boat not least…

Carnival Cruise Line is offering three longer length sailings in 2019, including a 24-day transpacific crossing, a 13-day

A new addition for Oceania Cruises is its ‘Around the World in 180 Days’ voyage

Panama Canal transit and a 14-day Hawaii cruise.

The line will also expand its cruises to Cuba with the addition of 23 three- to five-day sailings to Havana in 2019/20 on five different ships departing from four US East Coast homeports. carnival.com Azamara Club Cruises has also set its sights on new itineraries, aimed at creating immersive experiences for travellers to connect with local cultures. In 2020, guests will explore deeper into newly added destinations including South Africa, French Polynesia and Hawaii. With a total of 92 individual cruises across the three ships, Azamara will offer 41 maiden ports, 303 late night stays, 170 overnight stays and 40 country-intensive voyages, where guests can explore numerous ports within one country and stay late or overnight in most cities. azamaraclubcruises.com A new addition for Oceania Cruises is its ‘Around the World in 180 Days’ voyage, which departs on January 8, 2020 on board Insignia. Crossing the equator four times, the epic exploration visits 95 different ports of call on four continents across 27 time zones and, for the first time on the line’s Around the World voyage, circumnavigates South America.

All guests will receive free Business Class airfares along with their choice of 70 free shore excursions, a free beverage package or a $7,000 shipboard credit in addition to an Exclusive Prestige Package which includes a range of complimentary amenities including unlimited internet, laundry, gratuities, shoreside events and luggage delivery. oceaniacruises.com 5

All About Cruising

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Ocean Luxury

A whale of a good time

For those looking to discover the world in style, a luxury cruise provides first-class hospitality - on board and on shore - at some of the most stunning destinations worldwide…

Silver service With a staff ratio of nearly one crew member to every guest, Silversea is the only cruise line in the world to include butler service in every suite, each of which offer ocean views and the highest space-to-guest ratio of any fleet. Whilst the intimacy of the ships lies at the heart of the line’s experience, the on board facilities still include a state-of-the-art spa, fitness suites and multiple fine dining restaurants.

A ten-day Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale - Caribbean & Central America cruise on Silver Spirit allows guests to soak up some pre-Christmas sun on white coves of sand, snorkel clear turquoise waters and take a helicopter ride over the Grand Cayman.

Highlights include a visit to the Howler Monkey Sanctuary, a conversation project in Belize City, stopping by a banana plantation en route to Quirigua Archaeological National Park, and learning about local history during a Key West bike tour.

A departure on December 11 leads in at £3,150.

The brand new Regent Seven Seas Splendor features a range of facilities guaranteed to satisfy the most discerning cruisers; from a luxurious two-level area for guests' entertainment to a state-of-the-art pool deck, every whim is catered for.

Jason Montague, the line’s president and CEO, said: “When we launched Seven Seas Explorer in 2016, we delivered a new level of elegance to the cruise industry. With Seven Seas

Splendor’s upcoming debut, we are focused on perfecting all the details.

“Everything on board the ship is designed to provide a sophisticated yet comfortable retreat for our guests, and we’re confident that they’ll appreciate the attention to detail that has been put into perfecting the newest ship in our fleet.”

Planet Cruise is highlighting the line’s seven-night fly/cruise from £3,966 on an all-inclusive basis, flying from the UK on May 28, 2020. The trip includes $300 shipboard credit per suite, a welcome bottle of Champagne, up to 40 free onshore excursions, up to $300 shipboard credit per suite and stop offs in Barcelona, Palma, Sete, Toulon, Monte Carlo, Portofino, Florence, Pisa and Rome.

The Regent Seven Seas Voyager has recently undergone a complete and

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Ocean Luxury total refurbishment to offer a refreshed elegant style, including luxurious new décor across 350 suites.

Meanwhile, Seabourn’s new ship, Ovation, is offering ventures across the Baltic seas; from the exciting city of Helsinki to the beauty of St Petersburg.

A seven-night fly/cruise costs from £3,379 on all-inclusive including flights and overseas transfers with Planet Cruise, with stop offs in Stockholm, Tallinn, Helsinki and Copenhagen.

Family matters Paul Gauguin Cruises’ MS Paul Gauguin is offering a way for families to explore Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific together this summer and during the holidays through a joint programme with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

The Stewards of Nature family programme invites children and teens ages seven-17, as well as family members, to discover and value nature through hands-on, interactive learning.

Every day of the voyage, there is a combination of naturalist-led island and/or beach excursions, science activities, crafts, games and other adventures.

“Not only is luxury cruising a convenient and relaxing method of travel but high crew-topassenger ratios ensure a personalised, exquisite experience, with the all-important attention-todetail required for a flawless experience. Not to mention the elegant on-board design and extensive array of luxury experiences available.”

Simone Clark, Planet Cruise

All of the activities with the programme are included for children and teens through a nominal fee ($349$399 depending on the length of voyage), and family members are invited and encouraged to participate in most activities for the additional cost of the shore excursions. pgcruises.com And new for the trade, Embarq is Cunard’s new magazine for travel agents.

It is available in both print and digital and features news and updates on the line’s voyages and Transatlantic

crossings, with insight, hints and tips to help agents when selling Cunard.

Gary Anslow, the line’s sales director, said: “EmbarQ is a great addition to our range of travel agent support tools with a look and feel that match our ambition to be a leader in luxury travel.

“We’re sure that agents will recognise this new opportunity which enables us to develop a better understanding of what we have to offer and to showcase that Cunard is truly unique in a very crowded cruise market.”

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Expedition Addition

Ocean Cruising

Cruise lines are taking expedition voyages to new heights, giving guests the opportunity to explore like never before…

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auck has announced details of its new-for-2019 Arctic Allure: Spitsbergen and the Midnight Sun small ship cruise itinerary, as well as plans to host nature documentary filmmakers next year on select sailings of four different expeditionary cruises.

The single departure of the ten-day Arctic Allure journey departs on June 24, 2019 with prices starting from £7,580 including accommodation on Le Boreal, two nights in Oslo, all meals, onboard alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, transfers, two on-tour charter flights and all gratuities. tauck.co.uk For the curious traveller, Silversea Expedition Cruises allow guests to immerse themselves into new cultures, landscapes and habitats with the help of experts to illuminate each experience.

An Antarctica cruise on Silver Cloud or Silver Explorer offers sights of elephant seals and families of penguins, with highlights including learning about the unique vegetation surrounding the Falkland Islands, witnessing albatrosses and stopping by Grytviken, a historic whaling station.A ten-day cruise based on a December 7 departure costs from £7,920.

For Winter 2019/20, PONANT is offering more than 100 departures and 27 new itineraries in new destinations such as Mexico, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

The company is doubling the number of tropical expeditions thanks to the arrival of the first four EXPLORERS vessels, which will each offer just 92 staterooms and will be fitted with the Blue Eye, an underwater multi-sensory lounge that allows passengers to observe the underwater world at first hand. ponant.com Meanwhile, clients can discover Antartica on one of two vessels offered by Sunvil; the Akademik Ioffe, which is a modern ship featuring cabins with exterior views, a theatre-style presentation room, fitness room, sauna and plunge pool; and the Hebridean Sky, which underwent a $10m upgrade in 2016 and combines state-of-the-art facilities with impeccable service, and is the ideal platform for adventure activities such as camping, kayaking and Antarctic Citizen Science projects.

A ten-night cruise on Hebridean Sky including daily group guided excursions, transfers and domestic flights, costs from £7,554 per person based on two sharing, with extra costs for flights.

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River News

A river

runs through it

AmaLea, AmaWaterways

Not just loved by experienced ocean cruisers, river cruises are where it’s at for those seeking a more immersive experience in the destinations visited…

A shore thing There’s plenty to write home about when it comes to upcoming river options, along with the new ships launching that make getting closer to shore an ever more memorable experience.

Emerald Waterways has issued its full collection of 2019 European river cruises, showcasing a range of itineraries that bring the highlights of an ocean cruise to the intimacy of Europe’s most iconic rivers.

As an example, the eight-day Classic Danube river cruise costs from £1,770 per person and starts in the Bavarian city of Nuremberg to offer insights into German military history on coach tours passing the Nazi rally grounds, the Justice Palace and the WWII Documentation Centre. Guests then sail the final stretch of the Main-Danube canal to the medieval city of Regensburg to tour the cobblestone streets of Passau and view the Oberhaus Fortress from below. The cruise concludes with a trip to Vienna to explore the Ringstrasse through a guided tour of the city’s famous landmarks, such as the Opera House and Spanish Riding School.

In addition to the new eight-day itineraries, the company has introduced four new combination cruises which each consist of two complimenting itineraries. They include a 23-day Amsterdam to Bucharest option, a 16-day Treasures of the Danube, a 15-day Three Rivers Discovery and a 15-day Rhine & Rhône.

To celebrate the launch of its new 2019 Main Edition European River Cruises Brochure, a saving of up to £1,250 per couple is being offered along with unlimited drinks on-board when booking a balcony suite by July 31. Savings and prices include £125 per person early payment discount, valid when the balance is paid in full by October 31. emeraldwaterways.co.uk Viking has also announced a new river cruise itinerary that will allow guests the rare opportunity to experience The Passion Play in Oberammergau, which is performed every ten years.

Travelling between Munich and Budapest from May through to October 2020, the Oberammergau, The Passion Play itinerary will focus on the 42nd installment of The Oberammergau Passion Play and will allow guests to explore destinations in Germany, Austria and Hungary.

The ten-day option will include a performance of The Passion Play, a depiction of the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ performed by local citizens of Oberammergau once every decade since 1634.

Sailing on the 190-guest Viking Longships, guests will be able

to immerse themselves in the rich culture during each port of call along the Danube River.

Other highlights on the itinerary include a tour and organ concert in Passau, a Mozart & Strauss Concert in Vienna, exploring Nuremberg’s history and soaking in Budapest’s Thermal Baths. vikingcruises.co.uk Amadeus River Cruises has issued its 2019 'River Cruises in Europe' preview brochure, featuring 12 sailings along Europe's waterways..

With flight inclusive sailings starting from £1,129 and solo occupancy cabins from £1,249, tailor-making an ideal river cruise experience has never been easier.

Highlights from the new launch include an inaugural sailing on new ship, Amadeus Star - 'Tulip Serenade' departing on April 12, 2019; 'A la carte' excursion packages on every sailing; and 15-day 'Cruise Across Europe', visiting five iconic countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands.

All 2019 bookings made by the end of November will also receive a 15% saving off the cruise fare.

For 2019, Uniworld will offer three new itineraries in Central Europe - 15-day Alluring Amsterdam & Vienna options, ten-day Authentic Danube & Prague itineraries and a ten-day Magnificent Moselle & Rhine, which offers a unique perspective on the German wine-making region and allows guests to fly roundtrip via Frankfurt.

Venturing further afield is Pandaw’s newly-announced sevennight ‘The Lower Ganges River’ itinerary, which will take passengers from Kolkata to Farraka and vice versa from December 23.

Prices start from US$1,890 per person based on two people sharing a cabin, including accommodation on Orient Pandaw, local transfers, excursions, entrance fees, meals and some drinks. pandaw.com American Cruise Lines is also debuting with a modern-style riverboat on the Mississippi river in New Orleans this October.

American Song will be the first in a series of five modern riverboats, with the second release, American Harmony, due out next year.

On the strait and narrow New ship launches are plentiful when it comes to river cruising, thanks to increased demand for more varied itineraries and better equipped vessels.

Crystal River Cruises recently welcomed its newest ship, the 106-guest Crystal Debussy.

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River News Sailing itineraries between Amsterdam and Basel, ports of call for Debussy’s seven-day itinerary include the Netherlands and Belgium, while ten-day voyages also call at Germany.

Throughout 2018 and 2019, the ship sails routes of seven and ten days between Amsterdam and Basel along the Rhine and Moselle rivers, visiting Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium. crystalcruises.co.uk This year will also see the launch of Riviera Travel’s MS Douro Splendour and MS Robert Burns, while the company’s 2019 European river cruise programme features two new ships; the MS William Wordsworth and the MS George Eliot. rivieratravel.co.uk AmaWaterways has christened its newest river cruise ship, the 154-guest AmaLea. The vessel offers twin balconies offering panoramic views as well as four suites, connecting staterooms and triple occupancy staterooms designed for multi-generational families.

On board facilities include a heated sun deck swimming pool with a swim-up bar, fitness centre and spa, free Wi-Fi and in-room entertainment-on-demand. In addition, bicycles are available free of charge for guests to chart their own path or participate in guided tours.

AmaLea will sail seven-night cruises on the Danube between Vilshofen and Budapest during the summer and autumn before concluding her first season with four Iconic Christmas Market Cruises. amawaterways.co.uk Meanwhile, following the success of the recent unveiling of its newest Super Ship, the S.S. Beatrice, 2019 will see an interior transformation of the River Royale, Uniworld’s intimate ship in the Bordeaux region of southwestern France, creating the fleet’s sixth Super Ship. uniworld.com Catering specifically to solo tavellers, Riviera Travel has added four new itineraries this year, including two dedicated solo cruises plus a brand new destination.

As an example, an eight-day Blue Danube River Cruise for solo travellers starts from £1,299 and departs on November 1 on MS Oscar Wilde. It includes a guided tour of Vienna, live classical quartet recital on board, a tour of baroque Bratislava, a cruise through Austria’s scenic Wachau region, a visit to Melk Abbey and a tour of Budapest.

The new destination of Kinderdijk in the Netherlands also features on the company’s five-day Amsterdam and Dutch Bulbfields cruise for 2019, with prices from £699 including flights or seats on Eurostar/Thalys from London.

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River Cruises xx

GERMANY BY RIVER

The forested hills and mountains offer a picture postcard backdrop to cruisers on the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers, plus it’s hard not to be impressed by the country’s picturesque towns and villages, varied cuisine and year-round celebrations…

Festive fun If you’ve got clients heading to Germany, what better time to enjoy it than at Christmas? The air is filled with the scent of mulled wine and there are Christmas markets galore to explore.

Amadeus River Cruises is offering a six-night Christmas on the Rhine itinerary on Amadeus Silver II. Departing from Cologne, prices for a river view cabin lead in at £1,299 with a French balcony cabin from £1,799, both of which include flights from London and non-UK transfers.

Great prices on cruises are also offered by Emerald Waterways, where an eight-day Legends of the Moselle Rhine and Main (Munich to Frankfurt) costs from £1,795 including flights, all meals on board, drinks with lunch and dinner, daily excursions, all tipping and Wi-Fi. Plus if you’re quick, guests can enjoy savings of up to £1,250 per couple (including an early payment discount of £125 per person) when they pay the balance of their holiday in full by October 31. Alternatively, there’s the option to upgrade to a balcony suite and secure a free Premium Drinks Package when booking by July 31.

And completing the hat-trick of affordable getaways, Fred. Olsen is offering a seven-night ‘Scenic Gems of the German Landscape’ fly/cruise, departing from Düsseldorf on June 20, 2019, with prices from £1,499 including flights (or £1,199 cruise-only).

The itinerary showcases architectural wonders and historical attractions to some of Germany’s very best areas of scenic beauty including the unspoilt countryside of the Middle Rhine and Lower Moselle valleys, as well as Cologne’s cathedra towering Reichsburg Castle in Cochem and the Siebengebirge Mountains to name a few.

A Riviera affair Looking to offer culture fans a taste of things to come, Riviera Travel has partnered Masters of Wine, Susie Barrie and Peter Richards, to offer a selection of exclusive river cruise departures this year.

Susie and Peter are perhaps best known for presenting the wine slots on BBC One’s Saturday Kitchen, which they did for over a decade. During their time on the line’s fleet of five-star ships, Susie and Peter will host lively after-dinner talks with quizzes and informal yet

informative question and answer sessions to enhance customers’ knowledge and enjoyment of wine.

Prices for an eight-day Rhine and Moselle option lead in at £1,679, based on an August 22 departure. Highlights include visits to Cologne, the region of Rudesheim and cruising through the Rhine Gorge, guests will experience the spectacular scenery of the finest landscape Germany has to offer.

Alternatively, an eight-day Medieval Germany option costs from £1,599 for a September 27 departure. Exploring Medieval Germany in its purest form, the cruise sails through the gentle meanders of the river Main and mighty Danube with highlights including the enchanting medieval cities of Bamberg, Rothenburg and Nuremberg.

Following embarkation in Mainz, the itinerary continues with a cruise along the Main with its characteristic meandering bends and sights of Miltenberg,Wurzburg and many other historic Bavarian cities.

The price includes scheduled flights from seven regional airports , seven nights’ full-board accommodation in a luxury cabin or suite plus transfers. rivieratravel.co.uk

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Beast From The East

River Cruises

The rise and rise of Far East cruise options have shown no signs of abating, with something to capture everyone’s imagination…

Eastern promises As Brits become even more adventurous in their river cruising experiences – by trying new activities and travelling further afield, cruise lines are quick to offer more diverse itineraries with improved on board facilities.

CroisiEurope now operates five ships on the Mekong including its newest ship, the RV Indochine II which features the largest swimming pool of any ship on the Mekong.

Sailings of eight nights are available from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City, with visits to Tonle Sap, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Tralach, Koh Chen, Phnom Penh, Chau Doc, Sa Dec,Vinh Long, Cai Be and My Tho, before docking right in the heart of Ho Cho Minh City.

Highlights include a tour of the temples of Angkor, the colonial charm of Phnom Penh, the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake and a cruise along the Cho Gao Canal.

Meanwhile, Pandaw’s newest addition, RV Sabei Pandaw, will join the fleet in November this year, becoming the company’s third ship on the Mekong River in Laos.

The new ship will be the 17th vessel in the company’s fleet and will navigate the fascinating waterways of six South-East Asian countries.

The vessel will offer 14 classic staterooms and an open plan saloon with flexible indoor or outdoor dining.

The first sailing offered will be a tennight Laos Mekong itinerary from November 11, and from September 2019, it will move further along the mighty Upper Mekong to China's Yunnan province, to sail the 14-night ‘The Mekong: from Laos to China’.

This four-country expedition will visit Laos, Thailand, Burma and China, with highlights including the ancient Laos capital of Luang Prabang and visits to tribal villages and national parks.

The double decked vessel will be 45metres long and has been designed to meet the navigational challenges of shooting the rapids in the Laos gorges.

AQUA EXPEDITIONS is highlighting its action-packed itineraries for those who crave adventure and a unique, authentic way of exploring the countries they visit en route. On the Aqua Mekong for example, guests can enjoy the vibrant culture, history and cuisines of Southeast Asia; daily excursions include a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Angkor Wat, shore excursions to serene Buddhist temples and stilted village markets selling tropical fruit, or bike rides and kayak trips – all tailored to individual interests and led by professional guides, most of whom grew up around the river. Prices for a three-night itinerary on Aqua Mekong next year lead in at £2,980 per person, based on two sharing on an all-inclusive basis. aquaexpeditions.com

At the same time, it will have the shallow draft to enable year-round passage across Yunnan into China.

Prices for the ten-night Laos Mekong cruise start from US$3,780, based on twin-share, while a 14-night The Mekong: from Laos to China cruise leads in at $6,610.50. pandaw.com Going solo Riviera Travel has made the decision to expand its Far East options for solo travellers next year, with its popular Grand Tour of China with Yangtze cruise itinerary now available as a new solo tour.

The 16-day itinerary leads in at £3,399 for a March 19 departure, with highlights including a visit to the Longshen Rice Terraces and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding; walking the Great Wall of China; visiting the Temple of Heaven and the imperial gardens at the Summer Palace in Beijing; seeing the world-famous Terracotta Army; as well as a five-star full board Yangtze River Cruise through the Three Gorges Dam. rivieratravel.co.uk Plain sailing Heading to far-flung destinations doesn’t necessarily mean you have to dig deep

either, with companies like Marella Cruises offering a 14-night Wonders of Asia 1 cruise on Marella Discovery from £1,961 per person.

Departing from Cochin in Kerala, ports of call include Colombo, Sri Lanka; Sabang, Indonesia; Phuket,Thailand; Langkawi, Malaysia; Penang, Malaysia; Port Klang (for Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia; Singapore, Singapore; Koh Samui,Thailand and Laem Chabang (for Bangkok),Thailand.

Prices are based on two adults sharing a deck 2 or 3 inside cabin on an allinclusive basis departing on December 13 and include flights from Gatwick, transfers, port taxes, tips and service charges.

Alternatively, a 14-night ‘Colours of the Far East 1’ option leads in at £2,251 on Marella Discovery.

The cruise departs from Laem Chabang (for Bangkok), Thailand and visits Sihanoukville, Cambodia; Phu My (for Ho Chi Minh City),Vietnam; Malacca, Malaysia; Langkawi, Malaysia ;Penang, Malaysia; Port Klang (for Kuala Lumpur), Malaysia; Singapore, Singapore and Koh Samui, Thailand.

Prices are based on two adults sharing a deck 2 or 3 inside cabin on an allinclusive basis departing on December 26, and include Gatwick flights, transfers, port taxes, tips and service charges.

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Agents

Agents ahoy!

You work hard to sell the cruises – now reap the rewards! From new competitions and training to dedicated platforms and incentives…

Travel agent incentive

AGENTS CAN earn prizes for every cruising booking made with Scenic and Emerald Waterways - from designer fragrances to complimentary cruises.

There are 100 points going for every river cruise and 200 points for every Eclipse booking. riverrewards.cruises

‘Big Fred. Olsen Giveaway’ competition offers agents chance to win car FRED OLSEN Cruise Lines has announced the launch of one of its biggest competitions for the trade, where agents can stand the chance to win a Fiat 500 for Christmas.

For the chance to win, agents need to promote and sell as many of the line’s ocean and river cruises that set sail by December 31, on Brabant. Every booking made up until December 14

Up to 1,000 Celebrity Rewards up for grabs

TO CELEBRATE the launch of Celebrity Cruises’ summer campaign, the line is rewarding agents with a guaranteed 500 points for stateroom bookings up to Concierge class and 1,000 points for Aquaclass staterooms and above until the end of August. Agents receive a guaranteed reward worth either £5 or £10 to spend on everything from lunch to spa treatments at celebrityrewards.com.

The company is also offering a range of added-value incentives to guests on bookings in an ocean view stateroom or above, as well as a range of marketing materials including its 2019/20 brochure.

The new brochure showcases the different sailing destinations and includes details on Celebrity Edge which launches in November for a Caribbean season before spending the summer of 2019 in the Mediterranean including two new ports - the Greek coastal town of Nauplion and Santa Margherita, an Italian seaside town near Portofino.

Agents who make a booking by August 31 will secure a range of extras for their clients on selected sailings, including a free classic drinks package for two worth up to $1,820; unlimited Wi-Fi for two worth up to $590; and a free soft drinks package and unlimited Wi-Fi for additional guests within the same stateroom, worth up to $595 per person.

Details at celebrityrewards.com and cruisingpower.co.uk

inclusive will be entered into a draw to win the car.

The company is also giving agents the chance to win a choice of seven cruises for two people in a monthly draw. The prize offers an ocean view room from a choice of ocean and Brabant river cruises of up to eight nights on sailings between next month and June 2019. For the chance to win, agents should visit the exclusive ‘Incentive’ page at fredolsencruises.com/agent/giveaway and fill out the form with their cruise booking details. The more bookings made, the greater the chance of winning.

Travel Partnership Hub from Oceania

OCEANIA CRUISES has launched a new UK Travel Partnership Hub where agents can be rewarded, do their online training and create customisable marketing collateral.

The new launch comprises of two new trade initiatives, the reward scheme OLife Choice Rewards and online training platform Recipe for Success, as well as Marketing Portal, a onestop-shop marketing tool which was launched earlier in the year.

See oceaniarewards.com or email agencysales@oceaniacruises.com

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