Cruise Adviser – January 2019

WAV E R O U N D - U P | A - R O S A | N I E U W S TAT E N DA M

THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES

JA N UA R Y 201 9

Where next for cruise?

Travel industry leaders share their predictions for the new year

ORE

See overleaf how you can WIN MORE with Saga in the New Year 1 of 4 VIP tickets to see the Spice Girls 2 VIP Summer Garden Tickets to Florence & The Machine 3 pairs of VIP tickets to see Rita Ora A Champneys Spa Break for 2 at Henlow Apple iPad 32gb Apple iPhone X 64GB Michael Kors Leather Tote Bag Lulu Guiness Lips Clutch Bag 2 x Sonos Play 1 Speakers GHD Max Hair Straighteners His and her’s RayBan Aviator sunglasses Sony PlayStation 4 Pro 4 x Sparkling Afternoon Tea for 2 Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Flight with champagne for 2 5* London theatre break and top price seats for 2 Weekly food shop at M&S or Waitrose Fit Bit Charge 2 5 x Luxury Hampers 5 x £50 Wagamama vouchers 20 x £10 Starbucks vouchers Coco by Chanel ladies perfume Mac Makeup bundle worth £100 Mens or Ladies Nike Trainers with ‘Customise’ worth £200 1 of 20 Saga Seals A bottle of Hush Heath Sparkling Wine Spaces on Spirit of Discovery’s 2-night Trade cruise

SAGA OFFERS SO MUCH

MORE REASONS

We guarantee the same prices for our holidays regardless of whether they are online, in a brochure or with a travel agent 96% of customers would book again All holidays backed by our Money back guarantee

INCLUSIONS Optional travel insurance* included on all overseas holidays VIP door-to-door travel service^ included on all long-haul holidays and ocean cruises, and on selected European holidays and river cruises Visas included where needed

REWARDS Industry leading incentives, including the opportunity to attend VIP event days Highly competitive commission rates Amazing FAM trips to destinations such as India, South Africa and Croatia

Venice, Italy

On over 90 select 2019 & 2020 voyages, with prices starting from £999 for the first guest. Book by 31st March 2019.

We believe experiences are better when they’re shared, whether it’s a Gondola ride through the exquisite Venetian canals, or watching the sun set on the honey-coloured walls of Valetta. No matter where you go or who you’re with, an Azamara voyage will give you memories that last long after you return home.

Book a select 2019 & 2020 voyage by 31st March and receive 50% off the cruise fare of the second guest. Plus, we’ll provide Free Unlimited Wi-Fi for one device for the duration of your trip.* What’s included:

See full offer details on our new travel agent portal ClubAzamara.co.uk | Call 0844 481 7698= | AzamaraClubCruises.co.uk *Selected 2019 & 2020 Voyages. 10th December 2018 to 31st March 2019. Price based on first guest in stateroom with Share & Save promotion applied. Free Wi-Fi is for Ocean View staterooms and above. T&C’s Apply. Visit ClubAzamara.co.uk for details. =Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.

January 2019 | Forward EDITOR’S LETTER

From the crow’s nest: looking ahead in 2019 A very happy new year to all our readers from the CRUISE ADVISER team. We hope you’re feeling refreshed after the Christmas break – and are now ready for wave season. To welcome in 2019, we have made a few tweaks to our awardwinning magazine. We’ve relaunched our inimitable How to Sell section with more suggested itineraries, selling tips Where and an all-new design. Jane Archer, one of the best-known next for names in cruise journalism, will be writing about a different cruise? topic each month, starting with new to cruise (p45). We will also be producing an extra CRUISE ADVISER this year, taking the total to 11.

In this issue, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at the future of the industry with our Where next for cruise? series. Some of the leading lights in the industry – including ABTA’s Victoria Bacon, Clia’s Andy Harmer and Seabourn’s Lynn Narraway – share their thoughts, taking in big topics such as Brexit, technology and ex-UK (beginning p22). We’ve also got a review of Holland America Line’s beautiful new ship, Nieuw Statendam (p18), an interview with Paul Gauguin’s vice president, Oscar Abello (p19), plus we check in with Cruising Excursions, the operator that has recently seen its trade bookings eclipse direct sales for the first time.

We hope you enjoy reading and best of luck during wave!

THIS MONTH WHAT WE LEARNT

P16

WAV E R O U N D - U P | A - R O S A | N I E U W S TAT E N DA M

THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES

JA N UA R Y 2 0 1 9

Travel industry leaders share their predictions for the new year

MONTENEGRO IS A RISING DESTINATION The fortified town of Kotor offers both history and beauty and is coming to the fore in cruise itineraries

P22

With this issue of CRUISE ADVISER you should also find our unique Ex-UK Guide, containing listings for every departure from the UK. If you haven’t received it or would like extra copies, email info@cruise-adviser.com and let us know.

MORE CRUISERS MEANS MORE CHOICE Cruise lines are curating their offerings: bigger ships to hold more facilities, tailored luxury itineraries and tech-led travel

P56

is brought to you by Waterfront Publishing

CRUISE ADVISER

Sales manager Bryan Johnson bryan@cruise-adviser.com 020 3865 9338 Sales manager Emily Norris emily@waterfront-publishing.com 020 3865 4815

Publisher Sam Ballard sam@cruise-adviser.com Publisher Anthony Pearce anthony@cruise-adviser.com

Graphic design Matthew Coles Sub-editors Nathaniel Cramp, Emily Eastman Waterfront Publishing, 12-18 Hoxton Street, London N1 6NG info@cruise-adviser.com 020 3865 9360

Digital cruise-adviser.com facebook.com/cruiseadviser twitter.com/cruiseadviser Sign up to our weekly update at cruise-adviser.com/subscribe is published 11 times a year by Waterfront (registered no: 08707515). All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited.

CRUISE ADVISER

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

5

THROWING PARTIES IS GREAT FUN We loved hosting our inaugural Xmas Bash at Shoreditch House and got some great photos from the night

WIN!

A RIVER CRUISE IN RUSSIA P55

A view from inside Niew Statendam, p18

Contents MIDSHIP 32

36

InFocus: Cruising Excursions Anthony Pearce hears how the trade features in the company’s success and about shifting trends as the cruise demographic expands New itineraries Sam Ballard rounds up some of the most exciting

new ships, ports of call and experiences in the year ahead 38

Turning the tide for river cruising Nathaniel Cramp joins A-Rosa on Europe’s waterways to see whether the line has what it takes to keep the whole family content

45

How to sell: New to cruise Jane Archer is the authority on all things cruise. Each issue, our new-look section will help you enhance your expertise on specific areas of this growing industry. This month, it’s new to cruise Turn over for more CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

6

DISCOVER AUTHENTIC BEAUTY SAIL WITH US TO OVER 900 DESTINATIONS

Greece by Steve McCurry

INCLUDED ROUNDTRIP ECONOMY AIR AND OR REDUCED BUSINESS CLASS AIR UPGRADES

ONE-CATEGORY SUITE UPGRADE

EARN A £50 VOUCHER PER BOOKING

FOR 2019 SAILINGS ONLY. VALID FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY.

$1,000 PER SUITE ONBOARD CREDIT

OR

INCLUDED TRANSFERS BETWEEN AIRPORT AND SHIP

SAVE 10%

BOOK AND PAY IN FULL BY 28 FEB 2019

BONUS SAVINGS

UP TO

£400 PER SUITE

For more information or for reservations please call 0207 340 0700, visit silversea.com or email salesuk@silversea.com Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.silversea.com/terms-and-conditions for complete Terms and Conditions.

January 2019 | Forward

FORWARD 5

Ed’s letter

10

News The industry prepares for another bumper year, Carnival reports profits and good prospects, and Clia's charity bike ride helps struggling families in the UK

16

Ports of call: Kotor The Montenegrin city is a destination that is coming to the fore in cruise itineraries

18

Nieuw Statendam: best of everything Jane Archer discovers all the new features aboard Holland America Line’s latest ship

19

Interview: Paul Gauguin Cruises An insight into the luxury line’s paradisiacal voyages

20

22

Fam trips / incentives We round up all the latest incentives and agent news Where next for cruise?

Several leading industry figures talk about what the future holds in 2019 and beyond

AFT 49

Directory All the cruise line contact details in one place

54

Games room Unwind with our crossword, challenge yourself with sudoku, or attempt our quiz.

Plus, win a river cruise in Russia aboard Volga Dream

56

Lookout All the pictures from CRUISE ADVISER’s inaugural Xmas Bash. See if you can spot yourself on there

58

Final word Ex-UK cruising could prove increasingly popular in an uncertain economic climate Email info@cruise-adviser.com to share your thoughts CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

8

LIMITED T I M E OF F E R M A N Y N E W DAT E S NOW I NC LU D ED I N O U R U LT I M AT E SA LE FROM 5 T H J A N UA RY 2 019 Visit oceaniacruises.com for applicable voyages

includes:

Airfare & Internet* FREE Gratuities FREE Shore Excursions FREE Beverage Package FREE Shipboard Credit

Tr avel Partnership Hub We have recently launched a new UK Travel Partnership Hub where you, our valued agents, can be rewarded, do your online training and create customisable marketing collateral.

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Our online training platform, learn from a distance in your own time.

OLIFE REWARDS Our reward scheme designed to help you grow your business MARKETING PORTAL A one-stop shop marketing tool for all you need to promote Oceania Cruises.

Visit www.oceaniacruises.com/agent.

New agents can register via agencysales@oceaniacruises.com CALL RESERVATIONS 0345 505 1920 OR CONTACT AGENCY SALES FOR MARKETING SUPPORT *Terms & Conditions apply.

NEWS

Do you have a story for us? Email info@cruise-adviser.com

INDUSTRY

Cruise industry gears up for another bumper year in 2019 New ocean and river ship launches are set to give the industry a major boost

The cruise industry is set to enjoy another year of growth with 15 new ocean ships to sail for the first time and at least 18 river ship launches.

Launches include Spectrum of the Seas, the latest in Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum class; Spirit of Discovery, Saga’s first-ever purpose-built ship; Scenic Eclipse, the long-awaited mega yacht, which will mark Scenic’s move into ocean cruise; and MS Roald Amundsen, the first of Hurtigruten’s new hybridpowered expedition ships.

MSC Cruises will have two more launches – MSC Bellissima and MSC Grandiosa – as it continues

to target the UK market. Similarly, ultra-luxury French line Ponant will launch two more yachts: Le Bougainville and Le Dumont-d’Urville.

Ocean cruise ship launches include: • Viking Cruises’ Viking Jupiter (February) • MSC Cruises’ MSC Bellissima (March) and MSC Grandiosa (October) • Costa Cruises’ Costa Venezia (March) and Costa Smeralda (October) • Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Vasco da Gama (April) • Scenic’s Scenic Eclipse (April)

• Royal Caribbean International’s Spectrum of the Seas (April) • Marella Cruises’ Marella Explorer 2 (April) • Ponant’s Le Bougainville (April) and Le Dumont-d’Urville (August) • Hurtigruten’s MS Roald Amundsen (May) • Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Discovery (July) • Princess Cruises’ Sky Princess (October) • Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore (November)

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

10

January 2019 | Forward CARNIVAL

Bookings “considerably ahead” for this year

Carnival reports fourth quarter profits with good prospects for 2019 Carnival Corporation has said its forward bookings are “considerably ahead” for 2019. The company, which owns the likes of P&O Cruises, Cunard and Holland America Line, reported that improved fourth quarter profits.

“At this time, cumulative advance bookings for full year 2019 are considerably ahead of the prior year at prices that are in line with the prior year,” it said in a statement.

“Pricing on bookings taken since September has been running in line on a comparable basis to the prior

year while booking volumes are significantly higher compared to the prior year. As a result, even with higher capacity, there is less inventory remaining for sale than at the same time last year.”

President and CEO Arnold Donald said: “Based on continued strength in underlying fundamentals, we are poised to deliver another year of strong

revenue and earnings growth, with booking volumes running significantly ahead of our higher-capacity growth and net revenue yields expected to exceed last year’s record levels.”

The cruise line group saw fourthquarter earnings rise to $492 million from $452 million in the same period last year. Annual profits rose to $3 billion against $2.8 billion in 2017.

VIRGIN VOYAGES

CROISIEUROPE

CMV

Registration opens for dedicated agent platform

Win a place on a Southern Africa cruise

Regional sailings to launch next year

Virgin Voyages has opened registration for FirstMates.com, its dedicated agent online platform.

The website, which will officially launch on February 5, will offer downloadable digital and in-store marketing material and interactive learning resources. The site is designed to be Virgin Voyages’ digital home for UK agents.

The line said it will start an “immersive” learning campaign called Cabin Fever on February 6 that will give agents details about the cabins and suites on board its first ship, Scarlet Lady, which will launch next year. Agents will be able to make bookings for the 2020 programme through FirstMates.com from February 14.

CroisiEurope, Europe’s largest river cruise operator, is giving travel agents the chance to win one of eight places on a Southern Africa cruise thanks to its brand new booking incentive.

Travel agents have from now until April 30, 2019 to make as many African Dream bookings as they can, with the eight top sellers winning a unique four-day cruise on Lake Kariba on board African Dream, a four-day stay in a luxury lodge near Chobe National Park as well as overnights in Johannesburg and Victoria Falls. Flights and gratuities are also included.

To enter, agents must sell a minimum of two cabins on any 2019 or 2020 African Dream itinerary.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages will introduce regional sailings from Aberdeen, Belfast and Greenock in 2020.

The additions will mean the cruise line sails from 15 UK departure ports in the UK and Ireland.

Sailings are on sale now. A buyone-get-one-free offer applies to summer 2020 sailings booked before March 31, 2019. Single cabins are available at 50 per cent of the single cruise fare subject to availability.

New itineraries for 2020 include a 16-night cruise aboard Magellan from Bristol to the Canary Islands, Madeira and Morocco, a 17-night North Cape and Land of the Midnight Sun cruise, and a 21-night Arctic and Greenland expedition voyage.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

12

January 2019 | Forward ROYAL CARIBBEAN

CLIA

Charity bike ride helps UK families

New partnership to create sales training programme Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL) has announced a partnership with the Association of Professional Sales (APS) that will see the organisations create an industry-leading sales training programme. It will also offer all RCCL sales members the chance to achieve APS accreditation. Working with the APS, the line is pioneering a number of key systems and processes for its EMEA sales professionals to utilise, focusing on education and accreditation within the business.

CRYSTAL

Agent incentive for newcustomer bookings

The cruise industry raises funds for UK non-profit organisation Family Holiday Association Fundraising efforts by the cruise industry will mean that 358 struggling UK families will be able to go on a day out to the seaside or tourist attraction.

Clia UK & Ireland partnered with Family Holiday Association, a nonprofit organisation that has provided breaks for UK families with issues such as disability, severe and sudden illness, bereavement, mental health issues and domestic violence for more than 40 years. The charity was founded on the belief that breaks away from home are a lifeline, not a luxury.

Events to raise funds were held throughout 2018. The most recent was a charity bike ride, in which nine cruise industry professionals took to the saddle to cycle 80 miles from Southampton to the Cotswolds for the Clia Cruise Forum and Winter Ball.

The cyclists were: Simon Leeming – former head of sales, Waterfront Publishing; Giles Hawke – UK CEO,

Avalon Waterways; Bernie Carter – senior vice president and managing director, Oceania Cruises; John Fair – UK sales director, CroisiEurope; Stuart Leven – vice president EMEA and managing director, Royal Caribbean International; Dave Mills – vice president and global supply director, Iglu.com; Tony Roberts, Clia UK & Ireland chair, and UK & Europe vice president, Princess Cruises; Graham Sadler – managing director, Regent Seven Seas Cruises; and Robbie White – head of cruise product, Touchdown.

Andy Harmer, director of Clia UK & Ireland, said: “Working in the travel industry, we know the importance of holidays and the joy they bring.

However not every family has the opportunity to go away. By giving families a chance to enjoy a short break or day trip, Family Holiday Association can make a significant difference to their lives.”

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

13

Throughout January, Crystal is giving travel agents £50 for every new-toCrystal ocean or river booking they make. Bookings must be made during January to qualify and there is no limit to the number of bookings.

Crystal recently unveiled the 2021 deployment for Crystal Esprit, with routes along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, an expanded season along the Dalmatian Coast and Greek Isles, winter sailings in the Seychelles and voyages in the UAE and Holy Lands.

PAUL GAUGUIN

2019 bookings earn agents lifestyle vouchers Agents booking any Paul Gauguin Cruises 2019 cruise will earn a £100 Lifestyle voucher this month.

There is no limit to the number of bookings, so the more cruises agents book, the more money they will earn.

Paul Gauguin operates the 5+-star cruises on the 332-guest MS Paul Gauguin to Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific.

Learn more about the luxury line in our interview on p19.

January 2019 | Forward INDUSTRY

OPINION

Flex appeal: what cruise guests want Janet Parton, sales director, Avalon Waterways

As we sail into 2019, what better time to reflect on the changing face of river cruising and how we adapt to travel trends related to personalisation of experience.

In recent years the industry has witnessed a growing demand for more flexible river cruise itineraries that enable guests the opportunity to really get under the skin of each destination they visit. At Avalon Waterways, our response to the growing trend for more tailored, bespoke travel and greater diversity of experience has been to enhance our Avalon Choice programme for 2019.

Affording guests the opportunity at

“The industry has witnessed a growing demand for more flexible river cruise itineraries” no extra cost to determine the style, pace and type of how they explore onshore, our itineraries appeal to a wider audience while supporting repeat custom as no two trips need be the same.

Appealing to those interested in discovery-based excursions, more high-energy activities or a classic itinerary, this trend to shape and create a holiday that suits personal preferences is not slowing down. Such flexibility also offers greater appeal for the second-time or frequent cruiser. Having previously seen the key sights before, offering guests

the opportunity to shape their own itinerary affords them the luxury of exploring destinations more deeply, going beyond the scenery to gain a more “local” perspective.

The trend for authentic experiences is not reserved purely for river cruise travel, but has been seen across the travel industry at large. Curating authentic local experiences such as specialist art classes, ice cave exploration or cookery classes offers guests a first-hand insight into the people and places at the different destinations visited.

New for 2019, Avalon Waterways will be adding new Adventure Hosts on all 2019 European sailings to help customers select adventurous onshore activities and capitalise on opportunities available. Across the river cruise industry, there has also been a shift in the use of technology to educate and inform guests about experiences so that they are able to tailor their trip accordingly. Website enhancements to better showcase the activity portfolio can help bring them to life and inspire participation. Our AvalonGO app provides customers with ample suggestions for onshore entertainment, sightseeing, dining and shopping to plot and plan ahead of arrival, or refer to mid-trip.

On board, the trend for less structure and greater fluidity continues. For us, for example, this has meant enabling guests to choose what, where and when to eat on board. River cruising is no longer about just the ship’s facilities, quality of service and destinations visited but rather variety, flexibility and opportunity for deeper exploration.

As we continue into 2019, the river cruise experience is set to work harder for the guest. As hidden gems sit alongside established tourist attractions, river cruising can and does offer the best of both.

Dutch capital cruise tax

Amsterdam has imposed an €8 per day tax on cruise passengers stopping in the city.

The tourist tax, which came into force on January 1, will affect both river and ocean passengers.

However, those who are embarking or disembarking will not be charged.

Both Cruise & Maritime Voyages and MSC have cancelled calls at Amsterdam as a result of the new tax, with both moving their calls to neighbouring Rotterdam across 2019 and 2020 cruises.

MSC had scheduled seven calls in Amsterdam in 2019 and 11 in 2020, while CMV had 37 planned calls at the city across the two years.

Overall, the cruises represent tens of thousands of passengers.

Holland America Line said it would continue to run cruises through Amsterdam.

Clia said that its members were “disappointed” by the move, which was implemented two months after it was announced.

Dick de Graaff, the commercial director of Passenger Terminal Amsterdam, said: “I would be angry if I was the cruise lines – the tax was given at such short notice.”

Vera Al, a spokeswoman for the city’s deputy mayor, said: “If you stay in a hotel, you pay a tax; if you spend a night on a ship, you should pay a tax.”

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

14

NEW YEAR SALE

Save up to

UNLOCK LUXURY FOR LESS

Sail from only £1,795 per person – Book by 15 February 2019

THE MOST INCLUSIVE LUXURY RIVER CRUISE EXPERIENCE Our New Year Sale is the key to a truly remarkable 2019, with even more included. Guests can experience true indulgence with FREE private door-to-door chauffeur transfers on all 2019 Europe river cruise bookings and save up to 40% across our entire collection of itineraries, providing once-in-a-lifetime, exclusive experiences that other operators don’t.

8-Day Gems of the Danube Nuremberg > Budapest Departing: April to October 2019

From £1,795 per person

Contact your dedicated trade team for more information or support: agencysales@scenic.co.uk

40%

– PLUS –

Free Door-to-Door Chauffeur transfers^

ALL-INCLUSIVE HIGHLIGHTS ü Flights from up to 16 UK airports ü Award-winning Scenic Freechoice shore excursions ü Once-in-a-lifetime Scenic Enrich events and experiences ü Casual to fine dining in a choice of up to six on board venues ü Unlimited premium branded drinks and in-suite mini bar* ü Complimentary Wi-Fi ü Butler service for all guests ü All tipping, transfers and taxes

Terms and conditions: ^Savings of up to 40% and FREE private door-to-door chauffeur transfers are available on new bookings made between 26 December to 15 February 2019. Private door-to-door chauffeur transfers are complimentary within 75 miles of an airport where flights are available from. For guests who live outside of 75 miles, an additional supplement of £2.00 per mile will be charged. All prices stated are per person, twin share, in GBP and based on the lowest cabin category available. Prices shown include advertised discount and are correct at time of going to print (December 2018) *All drinks included on board except for a small number of fine and rare wines, champagnes and spirits. Offers not combinable with any other discount and can be withdrawn at any time. For full itineraries and booking conditions, visit scenic.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.

ONE GREAT COMPANY, TWO GREAT BRANDS SAVE AN EXTRA

per person*

per person^ when you book a balcony suite

£1,000

There’s nothing quite like an Emerald Waterways river cruise.

We’ve put our stamp on deluxe river cruising, combining state-ofthe-art Star-Ships with meticulously planned itineraries plus our promise of exceptional EmeraldVALUE so your customers can be sure of an unforgettable holiday that offers inspiring moments and excellent value for money.

8-Day Charms of Holland & Belgium River Cruise Amsterdam to Amsterdam May to October 2019

PLUS

SAVE UP TO

£200

Exceptional EmeraldVALUE Book today and enjoy all these inclusions ■■ Return flights from a choice of up to 15 UK

airports ■■ All on-board meals ■■ Complimentary wine, beer & soft drinks

with lunch & dinner ■■ Onshore excursions and guided tours ■■ Extra-special EmeraldPLUS and

Cruise from £1,295 per person

EmeraldACTIVE experiences ■■ Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi

Contact your dedicated trade team for more information or support on: agencysales@emeraldwaterways.co.uk

■■ Complimentary on-board bicycles†

PLUS ALL TIPS ARE INCLUDED

Terms and conditions: All our holidays are subject to availability. Our prices are per person and are based on two people sharing. *Savings of up to £1,000 per person are valid for new 2019 European river cruise bookings only, made between 1st January and 28th February 2019. ^Savings of an extra £200 per person are valid for new 2019 European river cruise bookings only when booking a balcony suite between 1st and 31st January 2019. Our offers are not combinable and we reserve the right to withdraw our offers at any time. Our itineraries, hotels, dates and inclusions are subject to change. †Emerald Radiance on the Douro River does not have bicycles or an indoor pool/cinema, instead there is a spa-style Serenity Pool on the Sun-Deck. For full terms and conditions visit emeraldwaterways.co.uk. E&OE.

January 2019 | Forward

PORTS OF CALL

Kotor Saturated in history and surrounded by beauty, the Montenegrin city is a destination that is coming to the fore in cruise itineraries, says Anthony Pearce Tucked away on the Bay of Kotor and sat before the limestone cliffs of Mount Lovćen, the fortified city of Kotor is one of the Mediterranean’s most picturesque ports of call.

Once overlooked, the city, which has an urban population of just 13,500, has been put on the map by cruise holidays: ships call here on Western Med cruises, often between calls in Venice or Dubrovnik.

Kotor was part of the Venetian empire, which ruled between 1420 and 1797, and its influence remains today. The main entrance to the city, the Sea Gate, fittingly, is a good introduction to the history of Kotor.

Constructed by the Venetians, it bears the winged lion of Saint Mark, the symbol of Venice (you will spot this on the city walls and in several other locations). Above the gate, the date of the city’s liberation from the Nazis is remembered with a communist star and a quote from Josip Broz Tito, the former leader of

Yugoslavia, of which Montenegro was a part.

An incredibly well-preserved Old City, built between the 12th and 14th centuries, makes Kotor a history lover’s paradise. Architectural highlights include the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Sveti Tripun), a monument of Roman culture. There’s also the 13th-century Church of Saint Luke (Sveti Luka); 12th-century Church of Saint Ana (Sveta Ana); and 13th-century Church of Saint Mary (Sveta Marija), plus the Prince’s Palace, built in the 17th century, and the 19th-century Napoleon’s Theatre among the many sights.

It’s no surprise that Kotor is included on Unesco’s World Heritage Site list as part of Venetian Works of Defence. The Maritime Museum of Montenegro, housed inside an 18thcentury palazzo, is one of the best ways to get to grips with the position of the port in this once volatile region.

Before the Venetians arrived, it was

part of the Serbian then Hungarian empires, and was twice besieged by the Ottomans in Venetian times.

But it is perhaps the landscapes surrounding the city that make it an unexpected highlight of many cruises to this region. The narrow Bay of Kotor (Boka Kotorska) is often described as the southernmost fjord in Europe. It is, in fact, a ria – a submerged river canyon – but the fact remains that this is a remarkable passage to sail down (nearly all guests head to the top deck). It’s no wonder that the poet Lord Byron called Montenegro’s coastline the “most beautiful encounter between the land and the sea” on earth.

For those feeling energetic, the ascent to Kotor’s Castle of San Giovanni – approximately 1,350 steps to a height of 1,200m – is worth it for the spectacular view. But on a hot summer’s day, a beer in one of the city’s many medieval squares will do just fine.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

16

January 2019 | Forward

NEW SHIP

Nieuw Statendam: best of everything Holland America Line has taken the best bits of Koningsdam, added new features and wrapped them all up in a new ship. Jane Archer went on board to learn more The notion that Holland America was destined to become the cruise line of choice for rock fans would have seemed highly unlikely a couple of years ago. The line was known for its conservative decor, traditional cruise style and senior client base.

Fast forward to last year and not only does the line’s new ship Nieuw Statendam have a venue dedicated to live rock music, but passengers on its maiden voyage – a transatlantic crossing that took the ship from Civitavecchia in Italy to its winter home in Fort Lauderdale – had chosen the itinerary specifically because a rock group is now a regular fixture in the entertainment line-up.

That was music to the ears of president Orlando Ashford, who joined the line four years ago and has transformed Holland America into the number one cruise line for people of all ages who love travelling, music and food.

Koningsdam – the first Holland America ship launched under his leadership – had venues, shows and live music created in partnership with entertainment brand names including BBC Earth, Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard and BB King.

Nieuw Statendam, the line’s latest – and biggest – ship is essentially a clone with the same music-themed decor and venues, but featuring tweaks here and there to build on Ashford’s vision.

They include the Rock Room, a partnership with Rolling Stone magazine, which adds another genre of live music to existing classical, pop, and rhythm and blues bands, and Explorations Central, where passengers can listen to destination talks and check out what to see and do ashore on interactive screens.

EXC, as the venue is known, has been retrofitted to other Holland America ships in the past 12 months.

Technology in the form of call buttons on tables around the pools and in the buffet has enabled bar staff on Nieuw Statendam to step up their service levels, while suite passengers get their own restaurant, Club Orange.

It replaces a farm-to-table dining option introduced on Koningsdam that just wasn’t popular (it was taken off that ship in a December refit) and offers a more intimate alternative to the main dining room, as well as jump-the-queue lanes at the guest services and shore excursions desks.

Senior vice president for guest experience and product development Michael Smith says a limited number of non-suite passengers can upgrade to Club Orange for a $50 per person per day fee, but for now the option is only available in the United States. The option will be rolled out in the United Kingdom over the next few months.

AT A GLANCE Nieuw Statendam Built: 2018 Class: Pinnacle Decks: 12

Capacity: 2,666 (double); 3,391 (maximum)

Music-themed decor and entertainment come together in a ship designed to appeal to clients of all ages with a keen interest in discovering the world

Entertainment is front and centre on board

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

18

January 2019 | Forward

INTERVIEW

A diverse, intimate offering in paradise Sam Ballard gains an insight into the world of Paul Gauguin Cruises, which sails guests through the lush landscapes and turquoise waters of French Polynesia When people picture paradise, chances are that it looks something like a Paul Gauguin cruise. Small, tropical islands, palm trees and mile upon mile of pristine beach. Add to that an intimate, luxury cruise ship that sweeps its passengers from port to port and you get the idea. These are bucket-list holidays for clients who have always wanted to snorkel around Bora Bora, trek in Tahiti or simply lounge on Motu Mahana (the line’s private island). We spoke with Oscar Abello, vice president of Paul Gauguin Cruises, to find out more.

What is a Paul Gauguin cruise like?

We are a luxury operator, but still a laid-back one. Paul Gauguin is based in French Polynesia and offers service from the heart. Our amazing crew (217 staff looking after 332 guests) have adopted the ship as their second home and there is a core group of Polynesian staff on board, who are the heart of the ship. We’ve got three restaurants that are openseating dining and even a PADI dive centre. However, the only thing you really need to do in French Polynesia

to enjoy it is open your eyes and breathe. The nature envelopes and touches your soul.

What’s included?

Pretty much everything on board, except the obvious things like the casino and spa. Gratuities are included, plus selected wines with lunch and dinner and throughout the cruise, too. We have a wide variety of spirits included. So unless you want to go very high-end, it’s included in the price. We’ve also got a private island, Motu Mahana, which is fantastic. It’s a full-day call. Local communities come and sell their crafts. We also have a marina where we can offer water sports – there’s even a floating bar – while in Bora Bora we have a private beach.

What time of year is best?

It’s a year-round destination.

However, from November to March is summer, so it is hot and a little humid and there is a higher chance of rain.

In the winter (from May to October) is when the humidity is at its lowest.

To get to Tahiti you would typically go

from London via LA. It’s a long trip, but it’s worth it to reach paradise.

What’s the customer profile?

For a luxury product, we’re very diverse. We get everyone from honeymooners to couples celebrating their 50th anniversary – and everything in-between. In general, people sailing with us are celebrating an event. Tahiti is a destination that is rarely in a traveller’s top five. It just doesn’t come to mind. But, if you include it in a list of 25 incredible destinations, it will usually be named towards the top of a person’s list. It’s a dream for so many people.

How easy is it for clients with mobility issues?

We tender everywhere. Anyone with mobility issues needs to have someone with them, but the only real wet landings are on our own private island.

How important is the trade to Paul Gauguin?

Trade bookings are 99 per cent of our UK business, so incredibly important.

The Cruise Portfolio has been our GSA since we started in 1998.

How easy would it be to see French Polynesia by island-hopping?

Virtually impossible. Travelling with Paul Gauguin is such an easy way to see the islands. Travelling here, with all of the flights, water taxis and so on is great fun, but you don’t want to have to keep doing it. With us you unpack only once – although you can do a land stay in an overwater villa during your cruise if you wish – and it’s the best-value way of seeing this paradise region.

The line visits the best of French Polynesia

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

19

January 2019 | Forward

WAVE INCENTIVES

Scenic offers 40 per cent savings in new year sale

Win tea with Sir Richard Branson Virgin Voyages is offering one travel agent the opportunity to have tea with Sir Richard Branson if they register on the line’s agent platform, FirstMates.com.

Agents must register before February 14 to be in with a chance of winning. The portal will launch on February 5 with downloadable assets.

Cabin Fever, the immersive learning campaign, launches on February 6.

G Adventures launches “Must Go” sale

Scenic is offering up to 40 per cent off the price of a river cruise in Europe and Asia in its new year sale.

The offer, which runs until February 15, includes Scenic’s 15-day Ho Chi Minh to Siem Riep sailing, from £5,690.

Customers can also book the eightday Budapest to Nuremberg August 5 sailing for £1,795. The cruise includes calls at Vienna and the Wachau Valley.

The offer also includes Scenic’s escorted tours, with a free business class upgrade offered on holidays to Australia and New Zealand. Guests can save up to £900 per person on itineraries in Canada, Alaska and the USA, and £600 per person on journeys to Egypt, Jordan and Africa.

More details of the sale can be found at scenic.co.uk/newyear.

G Adventures is offering savings of up to 25 per cent on more than 300 2019 tours in its January “Must Go” sale.

The tours in the sale include eight days island-hopping down Thailand’s west coast and exploring the peaceful backwaters of Kerala. There are also land tours such as a Biking Cuba tour.

Other savings under G’s “Marine” travel can be made on the seven-day Sailing the British Virgin Islands tour; a trip aboard the G Expedition Ship on a Scottish Islands and Norwegian Fjords tour; or an eight-day Realm of the Polar Bear expedition.

Norwegian Cruise Line offers up to $1,000 on-board credit per stateroom fleet-wide for bookings made by mid January as part of its Boxing Day sale The Norwegian Cruise Line Boxing Day sale launched on December 24, 2018 and runs to January 16, 2019.

The credit offer is available fleet-wide on bookings of five nights or more.

Norwegian’s premium all-inclusive offer is not affected by the deal.

Those who book after January 16 will get $500 credit to spend on board, as well as a £50 deposit offer with a three-night dining package for balcony and mini suites on selected dates. Bookings must be made before the end of March.

NCL will have five ships in Europe this year: Epic, Getaway, Pearl, Jade and Spirit.

Norwegian has also released details about its 2020/21 itineraries, including those of Norwegian Encore, which will be based in Miami.

“We are so pleased with the variety of itineraries we are providing, including positioning sister ships Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Encore to sail from the Cruise Capital of the World, where we can showcase the ships’ stand-out amenities to

thousands of guests each week,” said Andy Stuart, the line’s president and chief executive officer.

The company is also set to position the newly refurbished Norwegian Jewel in Australia and the Norwegian Star in South America.

Last month, Norwegian announced that it was developing a second cruise pier at the port of Icy Strait Point, in Hoonah, Alaska. The new pier will be open from summer 2020 and means that the port can accommodate the line’s new Breakaway Plus ships.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

20

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO BOOK, CALL 0333 241 2319 OR VISIT AGENTS-UK.NCL.EU *The US$1000 Onboard credit offer is applicable to all new qualifying bookings made between 24 December 2018 and 16 January 2019 inclusive. Available fleetwide for sailings of five nights or more, for departures from 1 March 2019, on select stateroom categories only. Offer is not applicable to stateroom categories IX, OX, BX or MX or to sailings of less than 5 nights. Onboard credit amount is per stateroom, based on stateroom category up to a maximum of $1000 per stateroom in U.S. dollars and will be applied to the 1st and 2nd guest in the stateroom only. Full fare paying single guests will receive the same on-board spend per stateroom. In the event of cancellation, the onboard credit cannot be transferred to another booking unless this offer is applicable to the new cruise booking when made. Onboard credit may only be used onboard ship subject to any applicable exclusions and has no other monetary value. The £50 per person reduced deposit is applicable to eligible new bookings made in the UK and confirmed between 24 December 2018 and 1st April 2019, for stateroom categories up to mini-suites only, it is not applicable to bookings of Suites and The Haven. In the event of cancellation, guests can transfer their £50 deposit to a new cruise booking up to 120 days before departure of the original cruise booked. Premium All Inclusive is valid for all stateroom categories (except guarantee cabin categories) on board Norwegian Cruise Line ships. For full terms and conditions please visit www.ncl.com/uk/en/all-inclusive. Flight and Cruise offers, UK regional flights are available at a supplement. Promotion and combinability with any other offer can be withdrawn or changed at any time prior to booking confirmation. The protection of your personal data is very important to us. All personal data is collected and processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy which is available at www.ncl.com/about-us/privacy-policy. NCL (Bahamas) Ltd, UK Office, Mountbatten House, Grosvenor Square, Southampton, SO15 2JU. ©2018 NCL Corporation Ltd. Ships‘ registry: Bahamas and United States of America. 7075.3.12.2018

January 2019 | Forward

WHERE NEXT FOR CRUISE?

Andy Harmer

SVP membership & director, Clia UK & Ireland

Over the next few pages, several leading industry figures talk about what the future holds in 2019 and beyond, looking at changes in technology, regulations and capacity. We begin with Clia’s Andy Harmer who gives us his overview of the industry as a whole.

As the cruise industry looks to attract even the most discerning of travellers, cruise lines have started to work with non-cruise designers.

P&O Cruises announced that its new megaship Iona will feature the SkyDome, which will include a “hidden” night club, a boutique cinema and a pool with a retractable stage. The SkyDome’s giant glazed dome roof has been designed by award-winning engineers Eckersley O’Callaghan, the firm behind glass structures such as London’s Embassy Gardens Sky Pool and Bulgari’s flagship New York boutique hotel.

On board MSC’s new ship Bellissima, a 96m central promenade filled with boutiques, restaurants and tranquil spots for shopping and relaxing will offer a new on-board experience. And one of the newest brands to the industry, Virgin Voyages, has recruited some of the world’s leading interior design firms – none of which have worked within the cruise industry before.

Similarly, interior designer Kelly Hoppen, who is known for her hotel and commercial development designs, collaborated with Celebrity Cruises on its newest ship, Celebrity Edge. In 2019 you can expect to see even more cruise lines working with non-cruise designers as the industry

looks to keep upping its game with unique and forward-thinking interior and exterior designs.

Cruise lines are putting technology at the heart of the guest experience to ensure an incredible seamless journey through the ship. Technologies range from complex infrastructure to create “smart ships” to apps travellers can access on their own devices to order services. Furthermore, cruise lines will look to new technologies that lessen the environmental impact of ships, such as solar panels and liquefied natural gas (LNG). By 2027, 11 ships will have launched that use LNG at sea as well as in port – seven Carnival-branded ships and two each from Royal Caribbean and MSC. It is now true more than ever that there is a cruise for everyone. Over the past few years multigenerational cruising has seen rapid growth thanks to the breadth of ships and itineraries available, plus the relaxed and convivial nature of a holiday at sea.

It is appealing to all ages – teenagers who seek adventure and want to see several destinations are more than happy to go on a cruise with their parents, and grandparents taking their grandchildren away to give the parents some time off. Multigen cruising (grandparents, parents

and children travelling together) is strongly anticipated to continue throughout 2019 and way beyond.

The growth in the expedition cruise sector is one of the hottest trends we are seeing for 2019 and into the next decade. Once, travelling to the polar regions or the Galapagos was only for the most intrepid travellers. Now, thanks to some incredible ships, it is possible to explore the farthest parts of the world in comfort and style.

Expedition cruises appeal to a wide range of travellers – from seasoned cruisers looking for a completely new experience, to wildlife enthusiasts, walkers and trekkers, naturalists and those who would not normally consider a “mainstream” type cruise as a holiday option. With 10 new expedition and adventure ships launching in 2019 and a further five in 2020, you can certainly expect to start hearing more about expedition cruises in the next year.

River cruise is undergoing somewhat of a renaissance. In 2017, the UK river cruise market reached 210,400 passengers, up more than one-fifth on 2016, thanks to innovation on board, as well as exciting and diverse new shore options, which are attracting new and repeat guests. European river cruises, which account for almost 90 per cent of bookings, were the driving force behind this exceptional growth, specifically cruises on the Douro, Russian waterways, Rhine and Danube. Cruises in central and western Europe accounted for almost two-thirds (62 per cent) of all river cruise bookings, with the Rhine and Danube leading the way.

However, it was eastern and southern Europe that saw the most growth, predominantly on Russian waterways and on the Douro.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

22

January 2019 | Forward

Victoria Bacon

Director of brand and business development at ABTA on overcoming industry hurdles The political volatility that has surrounded the Brexit process for many months continues to create significant challenges for travel businesses as we enter 2019. We are missing much-needed certainty on what the future arrangements are with the EU on a range of matters, including posting workers abroad and VAT arrangements.

From a consumer point of view, despite some alarmist media headlines, there have been some helpful reassurances in recent months from the European Commission (EC) and the UK government about people’s ability to travel, even in a no-deal scenario. The EC has said that UK airlines will be able to operate flights from the UK to the EU. So, point-to-point arrangements will still stand. They have also confirmed that UK visitors will not need a visa to travel to EU countries. These developments satisfy two of the most important issues for travellers, and ABTA has been running a social media advertising campaign and working with national and local media to get this message across. We have also published information for travellers on our website at abta.com/Brexit so that people have a “one-stop shop” for common queries.

The Brexit process is still ongoing and the postponed vote in the House of Commons on the Withdrawal Agreement is now expected to take place in mid January. In the meantime,

ABTA is encouraging its members to continue with their contingency planning to ensure that, whatever the outcome, they are as prepared as they can be. We have a 25-page guidance document for members that we are updating as the situation evolves, covering everything from consumer rights to contractual arrangements to help businesses prepare.

From a cruise perspective, it highlights that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and international law govern the majority of maritime operations, which should minimise disruption in many situations for members operating cruises and river cruises across Europe and beyond after Brexit. However, there are some EU laws that are potentially of relevance depending on business models, so we encourage members to use the

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

23

ABTA guidance to understand the implications of a no-deal scenario on their businesses and customers.

Brexit aside, environmental issues are expected to be firmly on the agenda for 2019. New legislation on carbon will come into force this year.

From April 2019, large businesses will be required to publish their carbon emissions and the steps they are taking to reduce them.

Responsible tourism is also becoming a significant consideration for consumers planning a holiday, and the same can be said for more travel companies as well. For quite some time the industry has been working across a range of sustainability issues, from waste management (including plastics) to carbon, as well as taking action to support the local economy and local workers. The impact on the communities they visit is becoming a mainstream consideration for travel companies and an integral part of business decisions and planning.

We are also seeing cruise companies strengthening their commitment to travel agents in recognition of their critical role in selling cruises – agents work closely with a customer to find the cruise that best fits their requirements. Furthermore, ABTA research shows that one of the main reasons holidaymakers book with a travel professional is because they feel more confident (45 per cent), suggesting the trusted travel expert has a bright future.

Overall, cruises continue to be a popular holiday choice, according to ABTA research, with one in 12 UK holidaymakers having been on one in the past 12 months, and many more looking to take their first trip. Twofifths of people are interested in going on a cruise for the first time and as the range of cruise destinations across the globe expands, there is now greater choice than ever before.

January 2019 | Forward

Iain Powell

Saga’s head of trade sales on the ever increasing popularity of ex-UK cruises Last year, UK cruise guests surpassed two million, with many of these people still choosing to sail from the UK. Customers seeking to ease the stress and burden of travelling continue to look closer to home for their next cruise holiday; ex UK cruising is therefore becoming increasingly popular. We are lucky to have some beautiful destinations within reach of our ports, particularly around the British Isles. Over the past few years, we have seen continuously increased demand to visit these more local destinations and explore the best our island has to offer.

Travel agents play a key part in bringing new customers to ex UK cruising while also retaining the existing capacity. As we see higher price points in this market, albeit still competitive, agents can earn very good commissions focusing on these sailings. This, twinned with growing demand, particularly for a premium product, can become a very lucrative opportunity. Of course, it also isn’t just the customer who gets an easier experience – agents also get a relative ease of transaction, selling what is effectively

cruise only, with no flight add-ons or additional complexity.

Cruising from the UK offers customers a real range of benefits, most notably the ease of travel. No matter how often you travel, airports are stressful and intimidating places.

So, the opportunity to remove this from the agenda is a real bonus. At Saga we have countless customers who come to us to take advantage of our VIP Car Service, taking them from their door to the port and back again. Rather than the usual hassle and stress with which we start and end our holidays, our service only

extends their enjoyment. Now, when it comes to packing, ex-UK cruising offers yet more benefits. We all know the struggle of trying to meet 23kg (if you’re lucky), or the dreaded unpack and repack in the airport.

Sailing from the UK removes this task and allows you to take those extra outfits you wanted. What could be better?

I think it is fair to say that there are some misconceptions surrounding ex-UK cruising, namely that it is a sub-standard product and for an older market. Of course, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Almost all major cruise lines are bringing new and innovative ships to our shores, offering an outstanding holiday experience at very reasonable value.

However, as it currently stands, premium/luxury ex-UK cruising is limited, particularly on smaller ships. We are seeing a significant and rapid increase in customers seeking something sailing from the UK that offers luxurious surroundings, without overwhelming them with scale. This is the reason we at Saga are building two smaller ships, with boutique hotel styling, sailing ex-UK; we know there is a sizable market out looking for just that. Spirit of Discovery is arriving in July and Spirit of Adventure follows in August 2020 and they will mark a new era in ex-UK cruising.

As I think ahead to the future of this sector within cruise, I am filled with confidence and ambition.

We are all very aware of how many new ships are being built in the coming years, all of which are catering for a slightly different market. The growth of cruise as a whole is of paramount importance to us all and I am confident ex-UK will be a huge part of this.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

24

January 2019 | Forward

Joseph Grimley

Director of trade sales UK for Scenic and Emerald Waterways on the rise of the rivers Over the past few years, river cruise has been growing hugely in popularity as holidaymakers have come to enjoy the benefits of travelling along Europe’s waterways.

Guests are discovering that a river cruise is a value-for-money way to visit several iconic cities and even countries, all in one trip.

Clia’s most recent River Cruise Review reported that more than 210,000 British travellers went on a river cruise in 2017: a 21 per cent increase compared to 2016. As more and more ships join the rivers, often expanding into new and more unique locations, this is only set to continue.

Scenic has been offering river cruising for more than 10 years and, over the years, we have added several ships and many rivers to our portfolio, including the Nile in Egypt and the Yangtze in China in the past 12 months.

According to Clia, European river cruises accounted for 90 per cent of total bookings, with the Rhine and Danube taking the lead, followed by the Douro in Portugal and the Russian waterways. This is a trend we responded to with the launch of a sister brand, Emerald Waterways, five years ago due to a gap in the market in Europe. It is a deluxe river cruise

company to complement Scenic’s fivestar all-inclusive luxury.

As the river cruise market becomes more and more popular, with new ships announced every year (10 ships were launched in 2018 and there are eight more planned for 2019), Scenic and Emerald Waterways have focused on offering the very best experience available, innovating rather than imitating in order to set ourselves apart. Scenic’s Space-Ships include a special Scenic Sun Lounge window that turns into a balcony at the touch of a button, and Emerald Waterways’ Star-Ships feature a swimming pool that transforms into a cinema at night.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

25

This year, Scenic refurbished Space-Ships in southern France including adding two new 50-squaremetre Royal Owners Suites, larger wellness spaces and a vitality pool.

We also offer immersive courses in the culinary wonders of the Rhône, Saône and Bordeaux regions.

Emerald Waterways is set to launch a brand new Star-Ship on the Mekong this year. Emerald Harmony will feature state-of-the-art suites with drop-down balcony windows and, unlike other similarly sized ships, it is specifically designed to sail into the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, allowing us to dock right in the heart of this fantastic city.

We can’t deny that there were some difficulties last year, with low water levels over the summer and, of course, confusion over the post-Brexit landscape regarding travel to Europe.

We recently commissioned a poll to find out opinions on Brexit and 31 per cent of travellers said they would avoid booking a trip to an EU country during the end of March or early April due to uncertainty swirling around the Brexit date itself, with many concerned about increasing flight prices, insurance costs and whether planes would be grounded. To ease customers’ minds, we launched a Brexit Assurance, promising no price increases, no surcharges or supplements, regardless of the Brexit outcome.

This has proved very popular.

I believe our success of river cruise over the years has stemmed from thinking ahead and anticipating the needs of customers. Investment in innovation, from renovations and launching new ships to reducing the amount of single-use plastics on ships, all contribute towards the reputation of this part of the cruise industry. The future is definitely bright for river cruising.

January 2019 | Forward

Antonio Paradiso

The managing director of MSC Cruises in the UK and Ireland looks at increasing capacity There is no doubt that the cruise industry is growing rapidly. Last year saw 24 ships launch, increasing capacity by more than 70,000 berths, and 2019 is set to be even bigger. At MSC Cruises our order book is larger than any other single cruise line and I rarely make it through the day without someone asking me, “Are you sure there is demand for all this capacity?” The short answer is yes.

In the UK we have one of the most dynamic, competitive cruise markets in the world and it is markets such as ours that are driving the design of these innovative, exciting ships.

At MSC Cruises we are building bigger ships quite simply so we can put more facilities on them. Trends are changing in everything from what people are expecting to eat to what people are expecting to do or see on a cruise holiday. Our newest ship, MSC Bellissima, which will launch in March from Southampton, is a perfect example of trends outside of travel driving the on-board proposition.

From the 12 unique dining venues to the two new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows, Syma and Varélia, guests are demanding choice and variety and we are building ships to accommodate these demands.

The number of places you can visit on a ship is growing. At MSC Cruises alone in 2018 we visited 191 different ports of call across 80 different countries, and with ship designs becoming more advanced and port infrastructures developing, this is set to increase further in 2019 as all cruise lines add new ports of call. In 2018, 16.66 million people visited Dubai, making it the fourth most visited city in the world. It is a popular destination among UK guests, but why visit just Dubai when over seven nights on a cruise you can also visit Abu Dhabi, the private Sir Bani Yas island, Muscat and Khasab in Oman before returning to Dubai and

spending an overnight on-board stay in the city before disembarking.

The opportunities with a cruise holiday are endless both from a destination and experience point of view, which are the main reasons I am so confident that the increased capacity will be met by demand, especially by the next generation.

Generation Z are travellers who will always seek to explore the world, and it is this that makes a cruise the perfect choice for them. This is demonstrated by the 2018 ABTA report, which states that over half of 18-24 year olds have not been on a cruise yet, but they would like to. This market provides huge potential for cruise lines and we need to ensure they are considering a cruise as an option.

At MSC Cruises we are always seeking innovative ways to promote cruise to new audiences. We believe in showing people rather than telling them, which is why we engage influencers to create content that shows the side of a cruise they know their audience will be interested in.

This content is creatively shot in real time and is showcased on a platform that the particular target audience are engaged with, and most importantly that they trust. In the same way we want to showcase our ships to travel agents, and in 2019 more agents than ever before will be invited to explore our ships. On-board MSC Bellissima alone we will invite more than 3,500 agents to celebrate the launch of the ship so that they can physically live the holiday experience they are selling.

There is absolutely a cruise for everyone and, as an industry, it is our responsibility to reach those new audiences and expand distribution, and highlight which cruise and why. The future of cruise is exciting, dynamic and, for MSC Cruises of course, means more ships. Here’s to a wonderful 2019.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

26

January 2019 | Forward

Lynn Narraway

Seabourn’s managing director UK and Ireland on the curation of luxury cruise offerings Luxury is one of the fastestgrowing sectors in travel, with affluent consumers increasingly seeking authentic and meaningful experiences. In 2019, cruise lines will be looking to capitalise on this market, taking on experience from recent years and learning what luxury now means to consumers and guests and how they can curate their offering accordingly.

First and foremost, luxury cruise lines have seen the importance of enabling guests to have authentic experiences, as today’s luxury traveller is seeking out experiences that reflect their destination on a deeper level, rather than being content with the traditional five-star options. Cruising gives travellers the ability and access to do this in a way unlike traditional travelling, so it is important that companies make the most of this by offering unforgettable and exclusive experiences and adventures in some of the hardest-to-reach locations in the world. That’s what luxury means to the modern-day traveller.

Our guests have an adventurous spirit with a willingness to get out and see destinations up close, so with this in mind we have developed a number of programmes, such as Ventures by Seabourn, in which expedition-style, expert-led excursions in kayaks and zodiac boats take place in destinations such as Alaska and Antarctica. Ventures has been so

successful that Seabourn will also be entering the expedition cruise category with two dedicated purposebuilt ultra-luxury expedition ships, set to be delivered in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Additionally, offerings such as Seabourn Journeys (on-shore extended explorations) and our official partnership with Unesco (for indepth curated tours) are all designed to enable our clients to immerse themselves in these destinations.

Sustainability is increasingly becoming more important within all forms of travel and in particular luxury. The idea of sustainable luxury is growing, and the number of travellers wanting to “give back” to communities and the environment is only going to grow in 2019. The demand for responsible tourism is rife and cruise lines need to take this on board by implementing changes

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

27

such as using advanced wastewater treatment systems, utilising environmentally friendly cleaning supplies, recycling, and donating items for reuse to reduce their negative footprint on the environment.

Key to luxury cruising is the brand alliances that can be found on board or onshore – partnerships come in the forms of travel, culinary, experiential and retail brands that affluent travellers recognise and feel comfortable with, especially on longer trips. Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation were created entirely by Adam D Tihany, one of the world’s foremost high-end hotel designers, meaning that our ships reflect luxury travel holistically, rather than simply luxury cruise liners. Our other partnerships include Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller who now has his own restaurant, The Grill by Thomas Keller, across the fleet, and our exclusive Molton Brown of London “Signature Scents” created specially for us. Finally, we have collaborated with wellness guru Dr Andrew Weil so that every ship has a Dr Weil Wellness Guide, who will create a personalised wellness programme for guests on board, as well as talks and lectures.

We are also very proud to work with lyricist Sir Tim Rice, who has written a show especially for Seabourn about his life, which is performed on board all five ships – and Sir Tim sails with us at least twice a year to present the show live.

To bring all of this together, agent partners should be selling cruises as an ultra-luxury lifestyle experience, featuring incredible destinations, accommodation, dining and service, all rolled into one fabulous trip.

Make sure you are knowledgeable, passionate and have completed all the cruise lines’ excellent training modules in order to engage these luxury clients.

January 2019 | Forward

Tony Roberts

The vice president of Princess Cruises for the UK and Europe looks at the latest technology The time that we spend on holiday is precious. We want to be inspired and delighted, to visit new places, meet different people, experience fresh things and to create lasting memories.

It is the time we save all year long to spend with our families and friends and, given that many of us spend months planning our holidays, we want the best experience possible while we’re away.

When our customers book a cruise with us they are entrusting us with their valuable holiday time. So the last thing we want to do is to waste that time.

We are all so busy these days and it’s ironic that despite our technological advances it seems that we have less time now than ever before. It is no surprise therefore that we are continually seeking new ways of optimising our time and reducing the instances we waste with those little points of friction such as checking in, standing in line, getting lost or missing out on things that we want to do because we’re stuck doing those things.

Technology that gets to know us and that can anticipate our wants and needs is one way we can optimise our time. Consider Netflix; every time

you make a choice that information is recorded, and then every time you log onto your personal account thousands of algorithms compete to provide you with recommendations on what you should watch next based on your past behaviour and the behaviour of countless other users like you.

Similar technology is being introduced on cruise ships that provide an excellent environment to deliver personalisation. Cruising already offers fantastic choice, endless experiences and fine food and drink on a huge scale, but we are moving to a world where each cruiser’s experience will be unique to them; where their preferences and

behaviour will dictate the options they are presented with and where the crew will be able to anticipate and deliver their needs and wants.

At Princess Cruises we have introduced the Princess Medallion on the Caribbean Princess, while Regal Princess will follow shortly.

The Princess Medallion is a device that interacts with sensors all around the ship, allows you to pay for items purchased on board, access wayfinding and locate other members of your party, play games and even replaces your cruise card, speeding up embarkation and opening your cabin door as you approach. This is allowing us to provide a personalised experience for everyone on board as the crew have real-time information on the guests that helps them to surprise and delight each and every one.

Princess Cruises isn’t the only line investing in technology to improve life for guests. MSC has launched MSC for Me, its new connected experience, that allows guests to interact with the ship and crew. Royal Caribbean introduced its wow bands as an optional replacement for a cruise card.

Cruise lines are unique in that we are able to provide a completely connected environment, which is something that is very difficult to achieve in a land-based resort.

Staying connected is also getting easier at sea as cruise lines are offering ever faster and more affordable internet packages. For instance, Princess’ MedallionNet offers land-like connection speeds.

I believe that we are at the start of a very exciting evolution of the guest experience on cruise ships and our ability to provide a unique and personal experience for all guests means that we are delivering experiences that are unavailable anywhere else in the world.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

28

January 2019 | Forward

Peter Shanks

The UK managing director of Silversea looks at what this year holds for the ultra-luxury sector Baby boomers will be the driver of more than 30 per cent growth in the ultra-luxury cruise sector over the next three years. They are curious and adventurous travellers and very much appreciate real luxury. For them nowhere is too far away, they want to create “do you remember when…” and “once in a lifetime” moments and they want to see it now before too many people find it.

At the top end of this growing market are expedition voyages. Going to the Antarctic is the closest thing to discovering a new planet without leaving ours. The Galapagos is just an outstanding destination experience that leaves a mark on anybody who is fortunate enough to experience it. As well as the iconic Galapagos and polar region expeditions there are some really wild destinations in places I did not know were even accessible by ship.

At Silversea we recognise that these far-flung destinations are harder to promote, harder to sell and harder to get to. So we now include all flights and transfers to help make the sale easier for our travel adviser partners.

Travel advisers can’t know everything, but the ultra-luxury and expedition cruise lines all have expertise on hand – in the form of training academies, expert sales teams and really helpful reservation teams.

The old myths about cruising still very much exist among non-cruisers, yet it will be first-time cruisers that will drive the ambitious growth of all sectors of the cruise market. The good news for the ultra-luxury sector is that the smaller ships overcome many of those myths – in fact our marketing

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

29

approach at Silversea is never to show any ships. To us it is all about the destination and that is evident in every piece of cruise research I have seen. Again, travel advisers have a huge advantage here – they really know about destinations.

I am often asked: “This is great, but where am I going to find these baby boomers and how am I going to sell ultra-luxury cruises?” My response is that they don’t have to look too far – they already know who they are. They are travelling in balcony cabins and suites with some of the premium cruise lines, they are going on river cruises and, importantly, they are long-haul and luxury travellers.

The trick is to introduce and upgrade them to an ultra-luxury cruise where every aspect of their holiday will be enhanced. Yes, they will pay a bit more, but the resulting experience and value for money will win the day. The customer has a terrific holiday, the travel adviser earns more commission and that elusive virtuous circle arrives for us all to enjoy for years to come.

So, are you getting your fair share of the fastest-growing sector of the cruise market and could that become one of your New Year’s resolutions? The ultraluxury cruise lines, very much including Silversea, are here and waiting to provide you with every ounce of support – I would urge you to come and join the party. And the icing on the cake is that elusive expedition booking.

Working with Clia we have declared 2019 as The Year of the Expedition – and as a baby boomer myself I hope to be in the Galapagos or Antarctic with my wife in 2019. We can’t wait.

Earn 2000 Shine points with your next Cunard Fare booking.

Every week we will be giving you the opportunity to earn 2000 points with your Cunard Fare bookings. With 2000 Shine points you could book your own cruise with Cunard*. Plus, every Cunard Fare booking entered gives you the chance to WIN a pair of tickets to our ultimate Shine Surprises Party for Summer 2019.

Visit the Shine website to ‘opt in’.

Why Cunard?

A voyage with Cunard is unlike any other with indulgent experiences every day. Your customers can book the Cunard Fare to receive complimentary on board spending money and uncover even more.

Perhaps a spa treatment, Champagne Afternoon Tea, or some boutique shopping?

From additional luxuries on board to wonderful tours ashore.

Register now at shinerewardsclub.com

*Subject to cruise availability please visit shinerewardsclub.com ‘rewards’ page for full terms and conditions.

Feedback from over 13,000 guests gave us a number of reasons why guests ‘feel

free’ with Cunard.

Escape to uncrowded spaces.

Freedom of choice.

Time for you.

Wide open deck space

Dress up in style or relax in casual surroundings

Endless ocean horizons

u

Largest library at sea u

Luxurious beds in spacious staterooms

u

Breadth of dining choice from The Verandah to Kings Court /Lido

u

Gradual time adjustments u

Luxurious sea days to discover something new

Iconic voyages where guests feel special, inspired and free.

Visit shinerewardsclub.com Cunard Travel Agent Sales @CUN_AgencySales

January 2019 | Midship

INFOCUS

Cruising Excursions Anthony Pearce speaks to Simonne Fairbanks about how the trade features in the company’s success and shifting trends as the cruise demographic expands Last year, Cruising Excursions’ agent sales exceeded direct sales for the first time since it launched eight years ago. “We’ve put a lot of work into the trade side over the last two years,” says Simonne Fairbanks, the company’s director and chief operating officer, when we sit down together in London. “It’s our big focus. We wanted to open the trade’s eyes and show them what they were missing – and now it’s all paying off and the trade is our biggest business.”

The Staffordshire-based company, which now operates about 12,000 different shore excursions in ports of call around the world, has made a name for itself by offering a reliable product, and it continues to grow.

It’s now loading 15 new tours a week on to Cruisingexcursions.com, according to Fairbanks.

Its success, she says, is down to the fact that it began by offering bread-and-butter excursions. “Our portfolio is very much focused on the must-sees and must-dos. That’s what we originally started with: so if you go to a destination that you’ve never been to before, what is it you want to see? In Rome, that’s the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain.

That’s our Essential Collection.”

Now, as demand grows for themed excursions, Cruising Excursions is looking to offer more bespoke and boutique products. “As you know, cruise is attracting a younger and

more diverse clientele, so we wanted to do something different.” Fairbanks says repeat bookers are looking for something new, while first-time cruisers are looking at excursions in a fresh way.

“When you go to a destination you want to experience everything about it: the food, the wine, how the locals live,” says Fairbanks. “So we’re doing food and wine tours, as well as private tours, such as in St Petersburg – behind the scenes at the ballet, going into a Russian home and seeing how they cook.”

St Petersburg (below) has proved a particularly good stomping ground for Cruising Excursions. Its two-day excursion – in which the

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

32

January 2019 | Midship operator organises the required visa – provides an easy way for customers to experience this fascinating destination. It has become its top selling excursion, overtaking the Med classics.

In April last year, the company launched its new online facility that allows agents to produce PDF e-brochures of excursion choices for their clients. Agents just have to enter the ship name and the departure date, and shore excursion options will be automatically created – with the agency’s own branding and contact details – and can be downloaded or emailed to clients. Fairbanks says it has been a huge success and the company is now producing more than 1,000 a week. “Agents get commission, which they don’t get with the cruise lines; we offer a wide range of destinations, and our tours are cheaper,” she says. “It’s an easy sell for agents. You can sometimes earn more commission from a big package of shore excursions than you can by selling a cruise!”

The operator doesn’t work with the cruise lines, but offers excursions scheduled around departures across the world. “As soon as new ships and itineraries are launched, boom – we have a big selection of excursions ready,” says Fairbanks. She adds that the company is a “disrupter”, but is now accepted by cruise lines after eight years in the business. “They can see the amount of passengers we’re getting on each port of call. There’s plenty of room for competition – it’s an industry that is growing and growing.”

Fairbanks says that customers who are worried about going off without the cruise line shouldn’t be, adding that Cruising Excursions is open 24/7, so changes to itineraries can be dealt with immediately. The company, which is headquartered in Cannock, now has 41 staff and is currently recruiting. The sales team numbers four and will soon be divided into regions. “We’ve been doing this for eight years and we haven’t missed a cruise ship yet. All our guides have worked with cruise ships, so they know what they’re doing. It runs like clockwork.”

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

33

Why choose to cruise with CroisiEurope?

For your clients:

For you the agent:

• Excellent value for money • Stylish well appointed cabins with panoramic windows • Superb French cuisine • All inclusive drinks • Exclusive destinations • Largest choice of itineraries across European and exotic river cruises, coastal cruises and canal barges

• Excellent commission rates • 24/7 online booking portal • Dedicated trade sales support team • UK reservations team • Fam trip opportunities • Training sessions • Generous group programme • Image and video library

EUROPE’S LARGEST ISE RIVER CRU H IT W Y N COMPA S IP H S 5 5

INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS ✆ 0208 3281 281 CroisiEurope

Best River Line Itineraries

Luxury canal barging in France A canal barge cruise is the ideal way to combine comfort and travelling. Experience life in the very slow lane, cruising the regions of Alsace, Burgundy, Provence, Upper Loire, Champagne & the Canal Saint Martin in Paris

R S ON SECOND POEUNT OR 50% DISCUPPLEMENT* NO SINedGonLdoEubSle occupancy cabin) (bas

SPECIAL OFFER ON FOLLOWING 7-DAY/6-NIGHT FRENCH CANAL CRUISES : PROVENCE From Sète to Arles

CHAMPAGNE From Paris to Epernay

Departure April 12

Departures April 16 & 30

BURGUNDY From Dijon to SaintLéger-sur-Dheune Departure April 18

INCREDIBLE PLACES - IRRESISTIBLE PRICES

HIGHLIGHTS Superb French cuisine Drinks & excursions included

11 Cabins with ensuite bathrooms A 6–member crew at your service

*Booking code: BARGE. Offer valid till 31 January 2019. IM067100025. © Shutterstock.

✉ resuk@croisieurope.com - www.croisieurope.co.uk

Stylish décor, Jacuzzi & bicycles on board

January 2019 | Midship

NEW ITINERARIES

Private islands, transatlantic voyages: new year’s revolutions in cruise The next 12 months will see a host of new ships, ports of call and experiences added to cruise itineraries. Sam Ballard rounds up some of the most exciting Whether it’s on the rivers of Asia, travelling transatlantic or meandering around the Mediterranean, you don’t need us to tell you that there is no better way for your clients to spend their holiday time than at sea. Over the next year, many cruise lines are set to introduce new and exciting destinations to their already packed programmes. Here, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite new itineraries in 2019 to give you a bit of inspiration – and to remind you of what’s coming.

Transatlantic

The notion of leaving Southampton, spending a few glamorous, Champagne-fuelled days at sea, before being waved into New York by Lady Liberty herself is the stuff that dreams are made of. However, few

will ever have had the chance to take a transatlantic cruise on an MSC Cruises ship – or, on MSC Meraviglia, one of the line’s newest, to be precise. The 14-night itinerary leaves Southampton in September and calls at Belfast, overnights in Reykjavik and St John and Halifax in Canada before heading down for an overnight in the Big Apple. Another transatlantic debut is offered by Saga – with the added bonus of it being over Christmas. The 35-night Fairytale of New York, on Spirit of Discovery, is the perfect way to see the first new-build in the line’s history.

New experiences

Not much can top Royal Caribbean’s much talked about Perfect Day at CocoCay, the company’s private

island. Guests calling at the newly refurbished resort will choose whether they want Thrill or Chill – and then be offered activities and experiences to ensure that happens.

The island will be an extension of Royal Caribbean’s onboard offering – taken to the factor of 10. Waterslides will be the biggest in North America while over-water cabanas will be a first for the Bahamas.

First-time calls

Alaska is getting a lot of attention in 2019: Azamara Club Cruises will be cruising in the area for the very first time, while Cunard will be returning for the first time since 1994 (more lines will be following in 2020). There’s a lot to be said for both itineraries, Azamara’s 11

Fireworks mark the naming of MSC Meraviglia, which will be sailing the Atlantic in September

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

36

January 2019 | Midship cruises include options for pre and post-cruise stays, including riverboat cruising and visiting Alaskan villages while few lines can match the elegance of a Cunard cruise.

Ultra-luxury line Seabourn will be debuting in Cuba in 2019 – an incredible opportunity for any luxury clients fancying something more intrepid, before mass tourism impacts the island’s offering. The cruise is special because it goes beyond a typical Havana call – with up to four Cuban ports on each itinerary, from Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba to more unusual calls such as Antila (Nipe Bay) and Punta Frances.

New ships

There are also plenty of opportunities for new itineraries on the latest launches. From Scenic’s Discovery Yacht Scenic Eclipse (the first ocean venture for the company) to Hurtigruten’s Roald Amundsen, as well as Saga’s Spirit of Discovery, outlined above. Guests wanting to see Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ new ship Vasco de Gama will also get the opportunity on an incredible sailing to Australia. Celebrity Cruises will be launching Celebrity Fauna, its first custom-made ship for the Galápagos.

Not exactly a new ship, but Silversea’s Silver Shadow is getting a full refurb early this year as the line celebrates its 25th anniversary.

River and coastal cruises

U By Uniworld, the millennialfocused offering from Uniworld, is offering eight night cruises on the Seine – starting and ending on Sundays, allowing for the young clientele to have Friday and Saturday night in Paris. Shearings is offering a new Malta and Sicily coastal cruise on board CroisiEurope’s La Belle de l’Adriatique on a sailing that really highlights what the Mediterranean is all about. Emerald Waterways is launching its first ocean yacht, for itineraries on the Dalmatian coast.

While CroisiEurope themselves have a whole host of new itineraries for 2019 – one of our favourites is the cruise and walk itineraries which are available on the Seine, as well as the Venetian Lagoon.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

37

January 2019 | Midship

A-ROSA

Turning the tide: river cruise anchors down in the competitive travel market Nathaniel Cramp joins A-Rosa on Europe’s waterways to see whether the line has what it takes to keep the whole family content on a week-long voyage After a hasty departure, and with a heady cocktail to hand, we speed against the flow of the Danube and into the inky blackness of the Austrian countryside, the bright lights of Vienna gradually dimming with each passing minute. It’s the penultimate night of seven on A-Rosa Donna, and the wet weather that greets us the following morning at our final stop of Melk seems to reflect our miserable mood, because our first week on a river cruise is all but over.

It could have been so different. The previous weekend, along with my wife and nine-year-old son, I board the A-Rosa Donna in Engelhartszell, a short bus ride across the border

from the German town of Passau.

We are welcomed on board with a rose (naturally) and, in the cabin, is a bottle of champagne, chocolates and a bowl of fresh fruit. Then comes the announcement that the Danube Classics itinerary has been changed due to low water levels in Europe’s second-longest river.

In fact, the week before our trip, a record low of just 0.61m had been recorded in Budapest, meaning some cruise passengers had to complete their holidays by coach. We count ourselves lucky as we are reassured we will reach the Hungarian capital on water and marvel at the sylvan delights of the Danube Loop slowly

passing by. A few welcoming drinks and a lovely Bavarian-inspired meal later and we are already relaxing into our new home.

The cabin is a decent size, with a good use of space across the window for the extra bed, and the bathroom is surprisingly roomy. The decor might feel a little outdated, but A-Rosa is aiming to be more affordable than the marble-lined luxury of the likes of Uniworld. Launched for the Germanspeaking market in 2001, it was bought in January 2018 by a British private-equity firm and is quietly expanding into other areas, including new itineraries on the Douro in 2019.

Our cruise is an international sailing

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

38

January 2019 | Midship

Newmarket Holidays features a wide range of A-Rosa river cruises for 2019, along many of the main European rivers.

An eight-day ‘Classic Danube Explorer’ cruise is available on selected dates between April and October 2019, with prices starting from £1,519pp. Departing from Engelhartszell, ports of call are Vienna, Esztergom, Budapest, Bratislava, Melk and returning to Engelhartszell.

The premium all-inclusive package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner plus a large selection of drinks all day long. Flights are also included from a selection of UK airports plus two excursions – guided tours of Vienna and Budapest. Based on two sharing.

Price based on 13 October 2019 departure from London Gatwick.

Other airports are available including Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Heathrow, Manchester and Newcastle.

Call 0330 160 7999 or visit newmarketholidays.co.uk

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

39

that contains a mixture of British, Spanish and German passengers (onboard announcements and signage are in the three languages). Unlike other river cruise lines, A-Rosa sells itself as family-friendly – kids under the age of 15 travel free – and there are a handful of other children and teenagers on board. In truth, there isn’t a great deal going on inside for younger people, but we are lucky with the weather for the majority of the week and so the small rooftop pool and the giant chess set are well used.

Other than breakfast, the food served in the informal buffet-style restaurant, while always very tasty, is quite heavy and Mittel-European – often themed around the day’s port of call – and not particularly childfriendly; hence the appearance of sausage and chips one lunchtime is greeted with unbridled enthusiasm. In Bratislava an emergency slice of pizza is consumed as we explore the pristine old town in the Slovakian capital.

Back on board, we sail overnight and wake up in Hungary for a leisurely sail into Budapest. It’s definitely preferable arriving on the river rather than by road – there is beauty in every bridge and every building, with Pest to our left, and Buda rising up to the right, bathed in sunshine. We eschew the all-inclusive on-board lunch for once to eat gorgeous goulash at the ornate New York Café with my son’s school friend and his mum, who grew up here. Over the next 28 hours we cram as much as possible in from our mooring right next to the Liberty Bridge: the views from Buda castle, the Great Market Hall, Heroes’ Square and, in the evening, the impressive musical fountain on Margaret Island. Exhausted, we sail away to the strains of Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman singing Time To Say Goodbye, and all three of us have a new favourite city.

However, just 24 hours later, Vienna is already rivalling it for our affections. We miss the scheduled stop in Esztergom completely (“Don’t worry, there’s nothing there apart from the Basilica,” reassures Josef, our genial cruise manager) and head

January 2019 | Midship on upstream to the Austrian capital.

The mooring is not quite as scenic or as central as it is in Budapest, but there’s a U-Bahn station next door, so it’s easy to explore the city’s innumerable attractions. There are excursions available to classical music concerts, or a candlelit dinner on the Riesenrad, the giant ferris wheel immortalised in The Third Man, but we opt to spend our time with some friends, making sure we sample some käsekrainer (cheese-filled hot dogs) as well as seeing as many sights as time will allow, including the incredible St Stephen’s Cathedral and the forbidding World War Two flak tower in Augarten.

All too quickly we are back to where we started. Following the rainy departure from Melk, Josef treats us to a fun and informative tour of the 16-year-old ship, including the noisy engine room and the clever retractable bridge.

Then it’s time to say goodbye to the incredibly kind and attentive staff, all of whom make this first river cruise so wonderfully memorable and fun for all three of us (especially the waiter who keeps my son updated with the latest football scores). The Danube and the countryside and cities to be found along it are so beautiful that nothing – not even rain or low water levels – can ruin them.

THREE DANUBE CRUISES A-Rosa – Danube Delta

Viking – Danube Waltz

Uniworld – Authentic Danube

A-Rosa Donna Engelhartszell (round-trip) May 8, 2019 From £2,925pp

Viking Prestige Budapest-Passau May 19, 2019 From £1,595pp

River Princess Vienna-Nuremberg May 12, 2019 From £2,879pp

This sailing on A-Rosa makes the return journey from Engelhartszell to Budapest and back, with stops en route in Vienna, Bratislava, Esztergom and Melk.

Eight days with Viking from the Hungarian capital to Germany, with stops in Bratislava, Vienna, Linz and the stunning town of Krems, situated in the Unesco-listed Wachau Valley.

This new itinerary on the small but luxurious River Princess heads west from the Austrian capital and takes in the less busy stretch of the Danube as it wends its way through Bavaria.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

40

Exclusively Travel Industry One-stop shop for discounted staff travel

We arrange travel for over 35,000 travel trade staff each year and can save you up to 70% on your holiday...

Touchdown and Travel Industry Services have independently remained at the forefront of travel industry staff holidays for nearly 30 years. Now we’ve merged and become Touchdown | Travel Industry Services…we’re twice as good!

We specialise in cruises, resorts, flights and holiday extras to provide worldwide discounted getaways for you and your family and friends. If you are a CLIA member then you can enjoy even more savings.

We have over 25 ocean and river cruise lines to choose from and our prices are updated each day with the latest #ExclusivelyTravelIndustry rates. Please give us a call to speak with a specialist at our Twickenham or Gatwick office today.

Sign up to access exclusive rates and to receive our latest offers by email.

FREE 0800 619 0900 www.touchdown.co.uk

Britain’s leading independent cruise line

Welcome to our world of cruises!

BUY ONE GET ONE

FREE

SUMMER 2020 CRUISES ON SALE NOW!

Worldwide Cruise Collection 2019/20 • Traditional British cruise experience • Six smaller to mid-sized cruise ships • Exceptional value for money and choice • Great deals for singles and groups • Specialists in no-fly cruising holidays • Over 150 cruises from 15 UK and Ireland ports

Norwegian Fjords - Baltic Cities - British Isles - Iceland - Northern Lights - Canary Islands & Madeira European Cities - Scottish Isles - River Seine - Spain & Portugal - Greenland - Canada Round the World Cruise - World Cruise Sectors - African & Indian Ocean - Amazon & West Indies Voyages to/from Australia & New Zealand - Christmas & New Year and Festive Breaks

Columbus

Magellan

Marco Polo

Astoria

Astor

Vasco da Gama

Book online at: www.cruiseandmaritime.com Call: 0844 414 6161 Agency Sales: 0844 414 6140 Brochures: www.trade-gate.co.uk Subject to availability. Book by 31st March 2019. Terms & conditions apply. Offered for sale in the UK by South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages. Calls cost 7p per minute plus your telephone comany’s access charge. ABTA V9945. ATOL 4619.

4832

NNER WI AWARDS

2018

Be

st C

r uis e L

in

e

F E ATU R E S | R O O M S E RV I C E M E N U | SHORE EXCUR SIONS

Explore

GLOBE

ISSUE ONE

Issue One

PREVIEW EDITION

December 2016

D E C E M B E R 2016

WATERMARK YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST HOLIDAYS IN THE WORLD

WHY ARE CRUISES M A K I N G WAV E S ?

SAILING SOLO O F F T H E B E AT E N T R AC K WHY ARE CRUISES M A K I N G WAV E S ?

SAILING SOLO O F F T H E B E AT E N T R AC K

FJORD FOCUS A JOURNEY TO WEST NORWAY

Roam Russia

Discover the grand delights of St Petersburg and Moscow year-round

New routes

Low-cost carriers are mapping their way in long-haul airspace

WONDERFUL WORLD FOUR BUCKET-LIST STOPS

Solus

I SSUE 0NE

thevillagepost Amazing Grace Introducing Tauck’s new ship on the mighty Rhine

Turning the tide An in-depth look at MSC Cruises’ forthcoming Seaside

Issue two

A world of luxury We consider the benefits of all-inclusive river cruising

–

–

–

–

SECRETS OF THE DOURO Explore the wonders of Porto with our new itinerary for 2017

MEET THE FLEET Introducing a trio of new ships: Emerald Radiance, Liberté and Destiny

RAISE A GLASS Enjoy the world’s finest wines during our new cruise on the Rhône

WHICH RIVER ARE YOU? Find out which Emerald Waterways cruise best suits your personality

thetravelvillage

Travel industry insights / September 2018

Soak up the colour, culture and energy of Argentina’s pulsing capital – an unforgettable introduction to the sensual appeal of Latin America

Stepping lightly

Give back with trips that support the local host communities

ON THE HORIZON THE LATEST CRUISE NEWS

EMERALD WATERWAYS AN IN-DEPTH LOOK

thecruisevillage

Buenos Aires

CRUISE & MORE HOLIDAYS OF A LIFETIME

EMERALD EXPLORER

Eastern promises Sailing Asia’s majestic Mekong with APT Touring

thevillagepost American Queen A music-themed tour of the Deep South on the mighty Mississippi

Fire and ice Explore the Galápagos and Antarctica with our handy guide

Issue three

Capital concerns Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest with Scenic on the Danube

All around the world These epic cruises and flights will take you across the globe

Win!

vouchers

thevillagepost

in

thevillagepost

£100

THE GREAT BEYOND WHY TRAVELLERS OF ALL AGES ARE HEADING OUT ALONE

issue 3

issue 2

A new trade magazine from the team at cruise adviser

Issue three

Page 1

ISSUE TWO Issue two | Section Name

H E L P I N G YO U S E L L S O L O T R AV E L

FROM THE TEAM

SOLUS

AT

INDIAN SUMMER WE EXPLAIN WHY THE COUNTRY IS BACK ON THE MAP FOR SOLOS

THE ABTA MAGAZINE GUIDE TO

THE ABTA MAGAZINE GUIDE TO THE

THE ABTA MAGAZINE GUIDE TO

MURCIA

CARIBBEAN

CRUISE 2018

U By Uniworld Innovation at sea European river guide

Incredible cuisine Pulsating carnivals Authentic adventure

Discover Spain’s best kept secret

1

LUXURY GUIDE 2018

A Z A M A R A P U R S U I T | L E L A P É R O U S E | S P I R I T O F D I S CO V E R Y

C E L E B R I T Y E DG E | F R E D O L S E N R I V E R | B U DG E T C R U I S E

THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES

THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 18

OC TO B E R 2018

ISSUE THREE

PRE & POST GUIDE 2018

H E L P I N G YO U S E L L S O L O T R AV E L

WIN!

TO 9-DAY TRIP COSTA RICA WITH RETURN FLIGHTS p49

HIGH LIFE

ON THE HIGH SEAS The dazzling rise of luxury cruise

Fields of Bali

Island life

Sam Ballard sails on Star Clipper in Indonesia

T H E Y E A R I N R E V I E W | TO K YO | C L I A R I V E R CO N F E R E N C E

THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES

THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES

N O V E M B E R 2018

THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES

D E C E M B E R 2 0 18

CRUISE & MARITIME VOYAGES

AU R O R A E X P E D I T I O N S | R I T Z - C A R L TO N | C R Y S TA L R I V E R C R U I S E S

Anthony Pearce explores the Caribbean with Viking Cruises

HOW TO MAKE A CRUISE

EVEN BETTER

EXPRESS YOURSELF WHY RAIL HOLIDAYS ARE IN A CLASS OF THEIR OWN

The added extras that can transform your clients’ holidays

INFOCUS: G ADVENTURES DISPELLING SOLO TRAVEL MYTHS COACH TOURING IN AUSTRALIA

ISSUE FOUR

F E AT U R E S | R O O M S E RVIC E M E NU | S H O R E E XC U R S IO NS

ISSUE TWO

GLOBE

THE ONLY DESTINATION FOR THOSE SELLING CRUISES

YO U R O N B OA R D M AGA Z I N E

M A R C H 2018

JA N UA R Y / F E B R UA R Y 20 1 8

GLOBE

WIN!

Dive in Down Under

Sue Bryant sails on Celebrity Edge, the much hyped new ship that could change the future of cruise

A NIGHT ON MSC’S BRAND NEW SHIP BELLISSIMA

BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY

PARADISE FOUND We return to the Caribbean with P&O Cruises and find it very much open for business after last year’s hurricanes

PLUS HOW TO SELL: EX-UK PORTS OF CALL: COPENHAGEN WAVE: SPECIAL OFFERS ROUND-UP

EMPIRE OF THE SUN A TRIP DOWN MEXICO WAY 02

James Litston casts off with Coral Expeditions to encounter the rich, diverse marine life of the Great Barrier Reef

Edge of tomorrow

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

WATERFRONT CREATES BEAUTIFUL MAGAZINES FOR THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY. Email info@waterfront-publishing.com to find out more, or call 020 3865 9360.

BRILLIANT BANGKOK INFOCUS: INTREPID COACH VS CRUISE HOW TO SELL: SOLO TRAVEL

WHY THE THAI CAPITAL IS SO MUCH MORE THAN A BACKPACKER HAVEN

SELLING TIP – Make sure first-timers take their first cruise in season. Sunshine and blue skies always leave the best impression

HOW TO SELL

New to cruise

Jane Archer is the authority on all things cruise. Each issue, our new-look section will help you enhance your expertise on specific areas of this growing industry

Taster cruises

p46

Cruise and stay

p47

Canary Islands

p48

With more than 30 ocean-going ships launching in the next two years, cruise lines need to accelerate efforts to attract people who have never taken a holiday at sea. It should be easy. The new generation of big ships offer more activities and dining options than many resorts, while luxury vessels rival the best

boutique hotels on land. Big or small, passengers unpack once and are conveyed to several destinations in a week, fortnight or more. In short, cruising has everything going for it - except the word ‘cruise’, which raises a host of negative perceptions for a majority of Britons. Cruises are expensive, for old people,

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

45

regimented, boring, you can never get off. The list is endless. The challenge for agents, upon whom lines rely for most of their bookings, is to persuade nay-sayers to try their first holiday at sea. A taster cruise, land-and-sea combo or selling a favourite destination in a new wrapping are tried-and-tested ways.

January 2019 | Midship

Taster cruises Mini cruises are perfect for first-timers to get their sea legs. The holidays are short and reasonably priced so they are not committing much time or money to something they might not like (don’t worry; lines say you only have to get clients on once for them to become cruise converts). The trick is to make sure they get on the right ship. That doesn’t mean the cheapest, but rather the one that best matches their style.

Traditional British Who? Cruise and Maritime Voyages Where? Rouen and the Seine When? August 28, 2019 How long? Two nights How much? From £289pp CMV is an adult-only line popular with older British clients who want a no-frills sailing from a UK port on traditional small to midsize ships with fixed dining and formal nights. This cruise, on the 550-passenger Astoria, is roundtrip from Portsmouth, navigates the Seine River and spends a day in Rouen.

Casual European Who? MSC Cruises Where? Italy When? June 21, 2019 How long? Three nights How much? From £299pp excluding flights MSC Cruises’ lively ships attract clients of all ages and nationalities who

want an entertaining holiday that just happens to be at sea. Options range from bed-andbreakfast to inclusive drinks, so passengers can select what best suits their budget. The cruise is round-trip on board MSC Lirica with calls into Bari in Italy and Koper in Slovenia.

Sporty American Who? Royal Caribbean International Where? Ireland When? May 28, 2019 How long? Four nights How much? £449pp Royal Caribbean offers American-style cruising on big ships that are hives of activity for all ages. This cruise is on Independence of the Seas, which has bungee trampolines, laser tag, a surf simulator, water slides and even an ice rink, which are all free to use. The sailing, round-trip from Southampton, visits Cobh in Ireland and has a day at sea so there is time to do everything.

SELLING TIP – Forget trying to sound nautical – sell first-timers a holiday resort and room with a balcony and sea view

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

46

January 2019 | Midship

Cruise and stay Cruise-and-stay combos are a useful compromise when trying to persuade couples or families to try their first holiday at sea. It offers the best of both worlds – a familiar resort or touring holiday plus the added bonus of a cruise to follow. Most lines have a few cruise-and-stay options, but operators such as Kuoni and Titan offer the best choice and ready-made packages.

The resort Who? Kuoni Where? Caribbean When? March 13, 2019 How long? 14 nights How much? From £3,262pp including flights and transfers Kuoni offers cruise-and-stay holidays in partnership with so many luxury, family, expedition and river lines that agents are sure to find a package that suits their clients. This holiday combines a one-week cruise around the Grenadines on Star Clippers’ Royal Clipper with six nights at the Ocean Two Resort in Barbados.

The tour Who? Titan Travel Where? Canada/Alaska When? May 27, 2019 How long? 16 days How much? From £4,699pp including flights and transfers Titan offers cruise-andtour holidays in a host of

The family

destinations around the world, but the perennial first-timers’ favourite is an Alaska and Rocky Mountaineer combo. This holiday combines three days on the train with a seven-night Alaska sailing round-trip from Seattle on Holland America Line’s ship Eurodam and two hotel nights in Vancouver.

Who? Disney Cruise Line Where? Florida/Caribbean When? August 9, 2019 How long? 10 nights How much? £1,184pp Families are a dream for cruise lines – a chance to hook youngsters early – and Disney is a dream for families. Offer a holiday that pairs a Caribbean cruise with a stay in Walt Disney World and the kids will be jumping. This cruise-andstay combo pairs a week’s hotel and entrance ticket to the theme park with a threenight cruise round-trip from Port Canaveral on Disney Dream.

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

47

SELLING TIP – Extol the joys of unpacking once and waking in a new destination every day

January 2019 | Midship

Canary Islands The Canaries are an ideal first cruise destination for clients who already holiday in the islands. Not only will they be going to a favourite destination, but they’ll also be discovering a new and very easy way to explore – unpacking once and waking each day in a different island. Most Canary Island cruises are from the UK, which entails several days at sea. For those tight on time, suggest Marella Cruises’ intra-island sailings.

Ex-UK Who? Saga Cruises Where? Canary Islands When? March 14, 2019 How long? 14 nights How much? From £2,768pp Saga Cruises has two ships sailing from the UK and prices that include UK port transfers and gratuities. It launches its first new ship, Spirit of Discovery, in July 2019. From 2020, drinks will be included. This stargazing-themed cruise, departing from Dover, is on Saga Sapphire and calls at La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Lisbon.

Intra-island Who? Marella Cruises Where? Canary Islands When? April 19, 2019 How long? 10 nights How much? From £856pp including flights, transfers and gratuities Marella’s all-island flycruises depart from Santa

Ex-Barcelona

Cruz in Tenerife or Las Palmas in Gran Canaria.

They are linked with Tui flights from up to 14 UK airports. This cruise, on Marella Dream, starts and ends in Tenerife, visits Gran Canaria, La Gomera, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, and includes a day in Funchal in Madeira.

Who? Norwegian Cruise Line Where? Canary Islands When? March 17, 2019 How long? 11 days How much? From £1,209pp NCL shelved the tradition of tipping crew a couple of years ago and at the same time included soft and alcoholic drinks in its fares so it could compete head-on with all-inclusive resorts.

Its premium all-inclusive prices are now standard on all its cruises, including this round-trip sailing from Barcelona on Norwegian Spirit that visits Lanzarote, Las Palmas and Tenerife.

SELLING TIP – Sell island-hopping cruises in the Canary Islands and Caribbean as the easy way to see and do more

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

48

January 2019 | 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

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

49

January 2019 | Aft

A

C

A-Rosa Lucia Rowe, UK managing director 078 4202 6013 l.rowe@a-rosa.de

Carnival Cruise Line Luke Smith, head of UK & international sales 020 7378 4660 carnivalsalesuk@carnival.com

Amadeus River Cruises Natalie O’Mahoney, head of sales 0800 035 6411 sales@fredrivercruises.co.uk

Celebrity Cruises Katherine Hulatt, trade support 01932 834 379 (option 2) salessupport.uk@rccl.com

AmaWaterways Jamie Loizou, sales, marketing and digital director 033 3305 3902 jamieloizou@amawaterways.com

Celestyal Cruises Marios Polydorou, senior manager sales +30 216 400 9631 m.polydorou@celestyalcruises.gr

American Cruise Lines Hannah Logan, product manager 0800 035 0237 sales@americancruiselines.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 Atlas/Kompas Predrag Krivokapic, president +1 954 258 8531 / +385 9 1975 1735 kompas@kompas.net 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 Avalon Waterways Janet Parton, sales director 020 8315 4545 agencysales@avaloncruises.co.uk

Coral Expeditions Jan Jepsen, UK and Europe representative 07702 714 150 jan@intouchrep.com Cosmos Janet Parton, sales director 020 8315 4545 agencysales@cosmos.co.uk CroisiEurope John Fair, sales director 020 8328 1281 jfair@croisieurope.com Cruise & Maritime Voyages Lisa Jacobs, head of trade sales 0844 414 6140 lisa.jacobs@cruiseandmaritime.com Crystal Cruises Mick Dupont, head of UK sales 020 7399 7602 mick@cruiseportfolio.co.uk Cruising Excursions Simonne Fairbanks, chief operating officer 0800 091 8274 traveltrade@cruisingexcursions.com

Azamara Club Cruises Lori Scanella, business support executive 01932 834 379 salessupport.uk@rccl.com

Cunard Line Victoria Snelgar, business manager – sales operations 07773 253 279 victoria.snelgar@cunard.co.uk

B

D

Belmond Yann Guezennec, worldwide director of sales & marketing, trains & cruises 020 3117 1395 yann.guezennec@belmond.com

Disney Cruise Line Juliet Holden, account executive 080 0171 2317 juliet.holden@disney.com

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

50

January 2019 | Aft

Heritage Line Amy Sharpe, sales and marketing 0808 168 1458 salesuk@ewaterways.com

E

Emerald Waterways Lewis Quigley, trade marketing executive 0161 233 1988 lewis.quigley@scenic.co.uk

Holland America Line James Scott, business development representative 0344 338 8600 james.scott@hollandamerica.co.uk Lucy Harris, business development representative 0344 338 8600 lucy.harris@hollandamerica.co.uk

European Waterways Mark Robinson, sales and reservations manager 01753 598 555 sales@europeanwaterways.com E-Waterways Amy Sharpe, sales and marketing 0808 168 1458 salesuk@ewaterways.com

Hurtigruten Anthony Daniels, UK general manager 020 8846 2666 anthony.daniels@hurtigruten.com

Exotic Heritage Group Marco Rosa, managing director 07973 876 967 marco@plateauinternational.com

I

Intrepid Travel Andrew Turner, head of industry sales 080 8274 5719 ukbdm@intrepidtravel.com

Expair Tours Marco Rosa, managing director 07973 876 967 marco@plateauinternational.com

J

F

JTA Travel Dave Green, managing director 0121 508 5567 dave.green@jtatravel.co.uk

Far Horizon Hannah Logan, product manager 0800 035 3189 sales@fredrivercruises.co.uk Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Mike Evans, head of sales 01473 746164 cruise.sales@fredolsen.co.uk

K

Katerina Line Dea Baretincic, sales manager +385 51 603 409 dea@katarina-line.hr

Fred Olsen River Cruises Hannah Logan, UK Sales Manager 0800 035 3189 hannah@fredrivercruises.co.uk

L

Latin Routes Jessica Dennison, director 020 8546 6222 info@latinroutes.co.uk

G

G Adventures Stuart Darnley, national sales manager 07964 983 842 sdarnley@gadventures.com

Leger Holidays Ashley Dellow, head of retail sales 01709 385 811 retail.sales@leger.co.uk

H

Lindblad Expeditions Jacinta McEvoy vice-president global sales +1 212 261 9000 jacintam@expeditions.com

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Aishling McLoughlin, sales representative UK & Ireland 07921 223 176 aishling.mcloughlin@hl-cruises.com

M

Hebridean Island Cruises Lisa White, reservations manager 01756 704 704 lisa.white@hebridean.co.uk

The Majestic Line Marie McGhee, sales manager 01369 707951 info@themajesticline.co.uk

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

51

January 2019 | Aft

Manatee Amazon Explorer Amy Sharpe, sales and marketing 0808 168 1458 salesuk@ewaterways.com

Paukan Cruises Marco Rosa, managing director 07973 876 967 marco@plateauinternational.com

Marella Cruises Andrew Isherwood, commercial support team 020 3451 2762 commercial.support@tui.co.uk

Paul Gaugin Mick Dupont, head of UK sales 020 7399 7602 mick@cruiseportfolio.co.uk

MĂśvenpick Cruises Marco Rosa, managing director 07973 876 967 marco@plateauinternational.com

Pearl Seas Cruises Susan Shultz, director of sales +1 203 458 5280 susan.shultz@pearlseascruises.com

MSC Cruises Victoria Taylor, sales operations manager 020 7092 8182 ukinsidesales@msccruises.co.uk

Ponant Stephen Winter, international sales director 0800 980 4027 swinter@ponant.com

N

Poseidon Expeditions Alexandra Prokopyeva, sales and marketing 020 3808 7787 sales@poseidonexpeditions.com

National Geographic Expeditions Simon Chambers, operations manager 01473 242 636 sales@fredholidays.co.uk Noble Caledonia Agency sales 020 7752 0000 agencysales@noble-caledonia.co.uk Norwegian Cruise Line Nicky Foot, director of business development UK & Ireland 07408 855 679 nfoot@ncl.com

Ports Direct Karl Lapage, managing director 0843 0843 003 karl@portsdirect.co.uk Princess Cruises Mark Lowman, manager – sales operations 023 8065 6531 mark.lowman@princesscruises.co.uk Pullmantur Cruises Dave Chidley, agency sales manager 0800 021 3180 sales@fredholidays.co.uk

O

Oceania Cruises Lisa Clarkson, national accounts manager 07809 351 545 LClarkson@OceaniaCruises.Com Agency Sales 0345 505 1920 AgencySales@OceaniaCruises.Com One Ocean Expeditions Debra Taylor, new business development 07956 852 197 debra@toucanmoon.com P

P&O Cruises Brodie McIntosh, trade engagement manager 023 8065 5780 brodie.mcintosh@cunardpocruises.com Pandaw Hannah Logan, product manager 020 8396 7320 uk@pandaw.com

Q

Quark Expeditions Pushparaj Shetty, senior distribution manager +1 416 645 8248 push.shetty@quarkexpeditions.com R

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

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

52

January 2019 | Aft

Royal Caribbean International Trade support team 01932 834 379 salessupport.uk@rccl.com

Touchdown | Travel Industry Services Robbie White, head of cruise product 020 8607 3805 rwhite@touchdown.co.uk Travel2 Colin Currie, head of sales 07891 257 160 colin.currie@travel2.com

S

Saga Travel Sukina Fagg, national account manager 080 0074 8021 sukina.fagg@saga.co.uk

Travelsphere & Just You Sarah Weetman, head of trade sales 07748 843 244 sarah.weetman@travelsphere.co.uk

Scenic Lewis Quigley, trade marketing executive 0161 233 1988 lewis.quigley@scenic.co.uk

U

Seabourn James Scott, business development representative 0344 338 8610 james.scott@seabourn.co.uk Lucy Harris, business development representative 0344 338 8610 lucy.harris@seabourn.co.uk

Uniworld Rachel Healey, national sales manager 07408 855 544 rachel.healey@uniworld.com

V

Variety Cruises Chris Lorenzo, managing director, Seafarer Cruises 020 8324 3114 info@seafarerholidays.co.uk

SeaCloud Anja Ringel, vice-president, international marketing and sales +49 40 3095 9217 aringel@seacloud.com

Victoria Cruises Tom Antonucci, sales manager +1 212 818 1680 tom@victoriacruises.co.uk

SeaDream Yacht Club Mark Schmitt, sales director 07904 068 407 mschmitt@seadream.com

Victory Cruise Lines Dave Chidley, agency sales manager 0800 038 1665 sales@fredholidays.co.uk

Shearings Michael Bowers, national sales manager 01942 823 449 sales.support@shearings.com

Viking Cruises Andrew Schweitzer, key account manager (south) 07825 986 996 andrew.schweitzer@vikingcruises.com Jenny Wade, regional sales manager (north) 07966 995 012 jenny.wade@vikingcruises.com

Silversea Sales support 020 7340 0700 salesuk@silversea.com Star Clippers Danielle Dudley, UK sales manager 077 6585 2116 danielle@starclippers.co.uk

Volga Dream Hannah Logan, product manager 0800 021 3186 sales@fredrivercruises.co.uk

T

Voyages to Antiquity Amy Sykes, partnerships manager 01865 302 2565 a.sykes@voyagestoantiquity.com

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

W

Windstar Cruises Sales team (The Cruise Line) 0800 852 7248 windstarUK@cruiseline.co.uk

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

53

January 2019 | Aft THINGS TO DO

GAMESROOM

Each month, we bring you a selection of things to do on your lunch break or journey to the office

CROSSWORD See the next CRUISE ADVISER in February for the answers

DECEMBER SOLUTION

ACROSS

DOWN

6. Harbour guides (6)

1. Feast (4)

7. Negative response (2-2)

2. Military HQ (7,4)

8. Steers the ship (5)

3. PC port (1,1,1)

9. Post (5)

4. Safety exercise aboard ship (6,5)

10. Newfoundland destination (6,5)

SUDOKU

See the next CRUISE ADVISER in February for the answers

3

5. Nuts (6)

4

8

2

6

8

13. Japanese spa resort (5)

10. Sunbathe too long (3)

14. Holiday jaunts (5)

12. Black Sea port (6)

17. The Thames at Oxford (4)

15. Most cruise ships have at least one (4)

3

18. Hunting dog (6)

16. Corroded (3)

7

7

8

9 1

2

9

4

3 DECEMBER SOLUTION

1

2 1

4 3 9 5

7 4

1

9

6 8

7

9

3 3

8

9

6

2

5

1

6

9

4

3

8

2

7

8

9

2

6

1

7

4

5

3

4

7

3

5

2

8

6

1

9

9

3

1

2

8

6

7

4

5

7

2

4

3

5

9

1

8

6

6

5

8

4

7

1

9

3

2

2

8

5

7

9

4

3

6

1

3

4

7

1

6

2

5

9

8

1

6

9

8

3

5

2

7

4

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

54

QUIZ

COMPETITION TIME!

WIN! A river cruise in Russia with Volga Dream

By Chris Ward See bottom of page for answers

1. What is measured on the Beaufort scale?

2. What is the capital city of Oman?

3. Which Hollywood golden era movie icon first recorded “Have yourself a merry little Christmas” for the film Meet me in St. Louis?

4. On average, how many pints of beer does Britain consume every second?

5. The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy appears in which Tchaikovsky ballet?

6. What is the main ingredient of the French dish Bouillabaisse?

7. The British Isles contain 50 per cent of the world’s entire world population of which wild flower?

8. After The Beatles, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson, who is the world’s fourth bestselling artist of all time?

9. Which is Europe’s most heavily populated city?

This is your chance to win a cruise along the Volga river in 2019. The elegant Volga Dream is Russia’s luxurious river ship. Accommodating just 100 passengers, it boasts classic décor, exquisite dining and carefully crafted excursions.

10. Who is seventh in line to the throne?

11. According to a YouGov poll, what is the nation’s favourite ice cream or lolly?

To be in with a chance of winning, answer this simple question:

12. Who painted Portrait of an Artist, which sold for $90 million in November?

Which two cities are connected by Volga Dream cruises?

13. Prior to the casting of Rami Malek in Bohemian Rhapsody, which actor was originally cast to play Freddie Mercury?

Send answers to info@cruise-adviser.com before February 28 with the subject line ‘January competition’

14. The Chicxulub crater in Mexico is said to be evidence for what major event?

15. The 2014 Paulo Nutini song Iron Sky samples a speech made by which Hollywood icon?

QUIZ ANSWERS 1. Wind speed; 2. Muscat; 3. Judy Garland; 4. 247; 5. The Nutcracker; 6. Fish; 7. Bluebells; 8. Madonna; 9. Istanbul; 10. Prince Andrew; 11. Magnum; 12. David Hockney; 13. Sacha Baron Cohen; 14. Extinction of the dinosaurs; 15. Charlie Chaplin

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

55

January 2019 | Aft

LOOKOUT

1

All the pictures from CRUISE ADVISER’s inaugural Xmas Bash at Shoreditch House 1. CRUISE ADVISER’s Bryan Johnson, Anthony Pearce and Sam Ballard with Ingrid Hunt and Nicky Foot from Norwegian Cruise Line 2. Rachel and Amy Wright (Cruise Select) and Scott Anderson (The Luxury Cruise Company) 3. Sarah Moss and Allison Barnard from Travel Counsellors 4. Saga’s Cerys Stainton with Travel PA’s Jill Doherty and Dany Konsein 5. Poisedon’s Alla Mozharova chats to agents 6. Riviera Travel’s Paul Mellon 7. Agents from Iglu 8. Aurora Expeditions’ Craig Upshall 9. Viking Cruises’ Sabrina Piscioneri 10. Avalon Waterways’ Leiza Sullivan chats to agents, including Anthony Kingsley from Not Just Travel 11. Jetline Travel’s Harry Phillips, Martin Tanner, Chiara Brooker and Manny Bankes with Laura Cann from Cruise & Maritime Voyages 12. Anthony and Sam with Izzy and Angie Watson from the Family Holiday Association

2

3

4

Headline sponsor

Drinks sponsor

RIVER CRUISES

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

56

5

6 7

8

9 10

11

12

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

57

January 2019 | Aft

FINAL WORD

UK: gateway to a world of cruising Ex-UK cruising could prove increasingly popular as the industry evolves in an uncertain economic climate – but where does the appeal lie for British cruisers?

At last month’s Clia Cruise Forum, Josh Weinstein, head of Carnival UK, said that P&O Cruises will be able to deal with whatever comes out of Brexit – a substantial claim that we wanted to dissect in this column.

The statement was made on the same day that the line looked to reassure its customers about an uncertain economic future by saying that they would be protected from currency fluctuations because the on-board currency is pound sterling.

So, however the pound performs against foreign currencies such as the dollar or the euro, the prices that P&O customers will pay will stay unaffected. P&O can protect its customers from the negative impacts of a potentially plunging pound when they are on foreign soil, too, as all shore excursions are purchased in pound sterling. This means that customers will be able to enjoy their G&T and guided city tour at the

same price regardless of how Brexit negotiations develop.

As well as offering British cruisers tempting currency protection, completing transactions in pound sterling is a perk that fly-cruise departures cannot compete with.

The idea is nothing new, but it takes on new meaning in this preBrexit era of uncertainty. Lines such as P&O, Saga, Cruise & Maritime and Fred Olsen have long been proud of offering pound sterling on board, but it has arguably never been a better selling point than now.

All of this ties in nicely with our most recent ex-UK cruise supplement.

We have produced an annual list of every cruise to depart from the UK since we began publishing CRUISE ADVISER in 2014. As the overall UK cruise market edges towards the two million passenger mark, the importance of having ships sail out of UK ports has never been greater.

Ex-UK cruises offer unrivalled convenience. Whether your clients are a young family or an elderly couple, travel is made that much smoother by driving (or being driven) to a UK port and avoiding airports altogether.

Some lines sailing ex-UK even offer door-to-port services, meaning the holiday begins as soon as the front door clicks shut.

Ex-UK cruises also offer a surprising amount of choice. Whether it’s cruising to the Mediterranean or through the Norwegian Fjords, soaking up the sunshine in the Caribbean or even voyaging as far as Australia, a whole world of choice exists right on your doorstep.

This year is going to be a tumultuous year for all of us, with strong headwinds potentially affecting consumer confidence.

But the industry will no doubt find strength in adversity, and ex-UK cruises could be its big winner.

COMING NEXT TIME Why to book early

Ocean Medallion first preview

Viking Cruises Northern Lights

Sam Ballard looks at whether it really does pay for your guests to book their holiday as early as possible

Sara Macefield casts off with Princess Cruises to see whether its new wearable technology will live up to all the hype

As the river line expands its ocean presence we take a cruise to its traditional Nordic heartland

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

58

In September 2018, Waterfront, the publisher of ABTA Magazine and Cruise Adviser, 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, in the following areas:

PRINT Catalogues, brochures, leaflets, exhibition stand designs and magazines

DIGITAL Website design, social media campaigns, digital and native advertising

ADVERTISING BRANDING Billboards, newspaper and Logos, brand identity, magazine creative advertising promotional videos, and advertorials proofreading and copy writing

For more information, email billy@waterfront-publishing.com

CRU ISE TH ROUGH EU ROPE WITH RIVIER A TR AVEL THE DOURO, PORTO & SO MUCH IS INCLUDED Fascinating tours and excursions with expert guides

SALAMANCA

8 days from £1,199 pp Departures from April to November 2019

The services of our experienced cruise director and tour manager Return flights from UK regional airports or Eurostar from London St Pancras (supplements may apply) Spacious and beautiful appointed suites or cabins with river views All meals on board including welcome cocktails, a welcome dinner and the Captain’s dinner

BURGUNDY, THE RIVER RHÔNE & PROVENCE 8 days from £1,199 pp Departures from April to October 2019

We never discount our prices so you don’t have to A dedicated sales team available for support

We have launched additional SUPPLEMENT-FREE cabins on selective cruise itineraries and dates in April and May 2019 on all ship decks!

CONTACT OUR AGENCY SALES TEAM: Call for support: 01283 744307 | Email: agencysales@rivieratravel.co.uk

CALL RESERVATIONS 7 DAYS A WEEK: Call to book: 01283 744370 | Book online: www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents Riviera Travel booking terms and conditions apply.

ABTA No. V4744