Cruise Adviser - Luxury guide 2015-16 by Cruise Adviser

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LUXURY GUIDE 2015–16

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

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CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

WELCOME

Welcome to cruise adviser’s 2015-16 guide to Luxury cruising. Look out for Expedition & Adventure and the 2016 Preview guide coming later in the year

Cruise Adviser — Luxury 2015-16 CRUISE ADVISER LUXURY GUIDE 2015–2016 CA-4

Cruising, by its very nature, is a luxurious way to travel. Enjoying your morning coffee in the shadow of the Norwegian fjords; taking a dip in the on-deck pool, the steeped banks of Lisbon providing a backdrop; indulging in a spa treatment before digging into the complimentary buffet: there are few more elegant, efficient or indeed relaxing ways to travel. So what is it then that elevates a cruise line beyond this already high standard into the realms of luxury and ultra-luxury cruising? It is a question this issue of cruise adviser seeks to answer. For an overview of high-end cruising, start with our cover feature (p18) on Oceania Cruises’ brilliant eight-night Rome to Venice itinerary and Kathryn Beadle and Lynn Narraway’s opinion piece on p9, which compares the pinnacle of what ocean and river cruising have to offer. Elsewhere, we consider the components that make up luxury cruising, be it extraordinary and exclusive shore excursions (p13), award-winning food and drink and exceptional service (p24) or spacious, state-of-the-art rooms (p31). Of course, luxury cruises aren’t cheap: but, as our infographic on p30 points out, when you consider their all-inclusive nature, you soon realise that, with a little guile, your customers can be persuaded to come around to the idea. For that, there is the cruise adviser How to Sell guide, which, starting on p37, offers a range of cruises to choose from depending on your customers’ tastes and needs. Ultimately, it’s a chance for your clients to enjoy a holiday like no other – to eat, drink and relax like a royal in some of the world’s most fascinating destinations.

LUXURY GUIDE 2015–16

Sam Ballard and Anthony Pearce Publishers of cruise adviser

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Anthony Pearce anthony@cruise-adviser.com +44 (0)783 576 8383

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is published six times a year (Ex-UK, River, Family, Luxury, Expedition & Adventure and Preview guides) by Waterfront Publishing Limited (registered number: 08707515). All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited

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made for the star struck

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Sleek, Scandinavian design; cool, contemporary interiors; all-veranda staterooms and the first ever glass-walled infinity pool at sea. Get on board with Viking Ocean Cruises and you could be looking at your new star seller.

Call our sales team on 020 8780 7985 or visit vikingoceancruises.co.uk.

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CONTENTS

Cruise Adviser — Luxury 2015-16

CRUISE ADVISER

is here to entertain and inform. In the first half of this guide you will find in-depth features on the joys of cruising – from fine food to huge rooms – while the second half of the guide has our extensive listings – from operators to the very best individual cruises.

cruise adviser

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LUXURY GUIDE 2015–2016

LUXURY GUIDE 2015–16

FEATURES 9

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Opinion Kathryn Beadle of Uniworld and Lynn Narraway of Seabourn consider the best of ocean and river luxury cruising

Lap of luxury 18 cruise adviser joins Oceania Cruises for a food-heavy tour of the Mediterranean Upping the steaks What is it that makes the dining experience on luxury lines so good? We pull up a chair and find out

World at your door Four veranda staterooms and four owner’s suites that will have your customers reaching for the credit card

LISTINGS

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HOW TO SELL

*Remember that destination is the most important factor when selling a luxury cruise. This is the determining factor so make sure you brush up and know who sails where

NORTH AMERICA & CARIBBEAN

The How to Sell guide 37 Our unique 14-page walk-through guide of how to get customers on board Directory Which lines are luxury and where do they sail? Find out the answers here

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Day tripper 13 Drink with a princess and race a Formula One winner in our out-of-thisworld shore excursion guide

Infographic The differences between premium and luxury cruising

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EUROPE & MEDITERRANEAN

WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO? Q1. WHERE

elcome to cruise adviser’s How to Sell guide for luxury cruises. The following pages walk you through the opening questions to ask a luxury client, finishing with some of our favourite cruise suggestions. We have tried to make our guide as simple to use as possible and also included some of the best tips we’ve heard from the industry’s top luxury sellers. Remember: the key is research – hopefully this guide will help you get started.

SOMEWHERE EXOTIC

START

Good luck!

TURN TO PAGE 40

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ON THE HORIZON

The innovations and new additions to look out for over the next year and beyond

Regent’s suite dreams

P Crystal Cruises shatters expectations

hen Genting Hong Kong acquired Crystal Cruises earlier in the year, the ultra-luxury line promised to usher in a new era of decadent cruising – but no one was quite expecting its July announcement. Revealing plans to add three oceangoing ships to its current fleet of two, Crystal also announced a dramatic expansion into river, yacht and air. Coming first is Crystal Espirit, a 62-guest luxury yacht, which will launch in December 2015, complete with a twoperson submarine, four 10-passenger zodiacs and its own 32-foot yacht capable of holding 12 passengers. Crystal River Cruises will launch in spring 2017, the same year as Crystal Luxury Air – the company’s own all business-class Dreamliner. The latter will offer non-stop flights to 6

destinations currently not available from major carriers on around-theworld itineraries of around 28-days. In 2018, the company will launch the first of three Crystal Exclusive Class vessels, which will be built by Meyer Werft. The vessels will all be polar ice class with a capacity of 1,000-passengers. There will be 48 Crystal Residences on each new ship offering permanent accommodation. Edie Rodriguez, Crystal Cruises’ CEO and president, said: “We continue to think bigger, aiming to create unparalleled luxury experiences and adventures for our loyal and new guests, who – like Crystal – continue to seek broader horizons and new perspectives on the world. “Crystal’s newly expanded fleet will truly be travellers’ passport to virtually the entire world.”

romising “the most luxurious cruise ship in the era of modern cruising”, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is launching its fourth ship in mid 2016. The 738-passenger Seven Seas Explorer has the largest, and reportedly most expensive, suite on the seas. Measuring 3,875 sq ft (including balcony), the Regent Suite will cost £27,379 per person on a typical 10-night cruise. It will also provide guests with a driver and private car in each port of call.

Seabourn again

eabourn Encore, due to enter service in 2017, will be Seabourn’s largest ship. Built by Fincantieri, the 40,350 gross tonne, 604 passenger-ship, will be named in Singapore on January 7, 2017, and will then depart on its official maiden voyage, a 10-day cruise to Bali, Indonesia. CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

RLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES UNIWO

ULTIMATE LUXURY 2016 OUT NOW

Uniworld’s Truly All-Inclusive Luxury Boutique River Cruises in Europe.

Award-winning service with the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry The most elegantly appointed riverview staterooms and suites afloat

Uniworld’s 2016 Europe, Russia, Asia and Egypt Boutique River Cruises are ON SALE NOW. As the world’s only authentic boutique river cruise line, multi-award winning Uniworld is renowned for its one-of-a-kind ships, stylish décor, thoughtful personal touches, superb cuisine and exceptional service. Our new 2016 Preview Brochure features three

All meals and unlimited

new all-inclusive European river cruises; more

beverages onboard including fine

family-friendly itineraries and departures; and

wine, beer and spirits

an exotic new destination, India.

A variety of onboard dining

Uniworld’s luxury river cruises are a truly unique

options and special culinary

experience, unlike any other journey in the world.

experiences A choice of expertly planned shore excursions Captivating onboard local entertainment All gratuities onboard and onshore All scheduled airport transfers

For more information please call 0808 168 9110 uniworldcruises.co.uk ABTA No.Y6200

ABTA No.Y6200

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OPINION

Seabourn’s Lynn Narraway and Uniworld’s Kathryn Beadle consider the endless benefits of luxury cruising and the differences between ocean and river-going ships

or many travel agents, the luxury sector is like the Holy Grail: sought by many but ever elusive. Ask those who have specialised in luxury and they will often tell you the same thing: knowledge is power. Think luxury cruising and most people’s first reaction would be the ocean lines. However, the recent renaissance of river cruising means there are new operators on the block. That extra choice is great news for everyone from agents through to customers. But, how do you know if your customer would prefer one over the other? We asked Lynn Narraway, the UK managing director of Seabourn, and Kathryn Beadle, the UK managing director of Uniworld, to explain more. Lynn Narraway, UK managing director of Seabourn

cruise adviser:

What kind of traveller would suit a luxury cruise? Lynn Narraway: We look to attract an industrywide luxury traveller. Not someone who is necessarily already cruising, but who is already very used to luxury travel – often long-haul, upscale holidays. We think the potential is there for Seabourn to attract a guest who buys into other luxury brands. So, rather than attracting ‘aspirational cruisers’ from a four-star brand, you see business coming more from other luxury holiday companies? LN: I think so, and that is an easier sell in many ways for travel agents. We still get those aspirational passengers – who are buying suites on other lines – and often, once you factor in the onboard costs of a four-star line, Seabourn isn’t as expensive as people first think. However, we believe that the opportunity to grow is by looking beyond other cruise lines. What tips would you have for travel agents who want to break into the luxury cruise market? LN: If you look at the Seabourn Academy it really goes into a lot of detail about who the

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luxury traveller is and how to start talking to them. It’s all about service and making yourself an expert. You need to be so knowledgeable about the sector that you become part of your client’s journey when they are booking a holiday. Once you are at that stage, you will know when they want to book, where they want to go – you will be part of their calendar. A luxury client often doesn’t have the time to arrange their own holiday, they want an expert who is flexible and knows to get those business-class flights and change their arrangements if they need to. How travel agent friendly is Seabourn? LN: A majority of our business comes through the trade. We need travel agent partners who can start the Seabourn journey for us with excellent service. We know that once they are on the ships the level of service is impeccable so we need agents to extend that from the very start of the process right the way through to the bottle of champagne when they arrive back home. What is Seabourn’s unique selling point? LN: It’s unique personalised luxury. 9

OPINION Kathryn Beadle, UK managing director of Uniworld

CA: Why do you think some travel agents don’t sell river cruise? Kathryn Beadle: River cruising can be confusing. Most of the ships look fairly similar – there are nuances – but each hold around the same amount of guests compared to ocean cruise. So the real differences are in the service levels and the furnishings. Agents need to understand the brands to know what the differences are. There’s an enormous opportunity for agents. The average values are high and commissions are often higher than ocean cruise as well. Guest satisfaction levels are enormous. However, just like travel agents booking it, customers take a bit more coercion to take a river cruise. It’s my job to educate the trade and it is beholden on them to convince the customer that it’s a product they want to buy. 10

For an agent who’s starting out in river cruise, who’s looking at luxury, what are the difference between ocean and river? KB: It’s a different proposition. With ocean cruising it can be a more sedentary experience. You will always have sea on one side of you! The experience – or the destination – is in fact the ship itself. With river you are never on the periphery of a destination, you are always in the heart. A river is nearly always the main artery of a country so you are experiencing the life of a country through its river. You get to see a number of countries on a luxury hotel – rather than a resort – with fine service, food, fixtures and fittings.

How can a travel agent spot a luxury river customer? KB: They tend to be 55-plus, people who may have taken a luxury cruise but more likely a long-haul trip to Asia or somewhere similar. They could also have taken a lakes and mountains holidays. It might not be customers who are in your database – so go out and find them in places like golf clubs. They are typically active, older and

have a decent disposable income. Quite a lot like travelling together too and we offer fantastic group rates. My advice would be to take one date and promote it to your local U3A group, theatres, music or wine society.

Do you have a tip for selling Uniworld? KB: I think it is about learning all of the differences between the lines. With Uniworld we are very boutique and ornate. Our service levels are second to none and one of our key unique selling points, which I’m not sure if anyone else has, is that we source all of our food and drink locally. So, each day there is a dish that is local – as well as wine – so it is an authentic experience for the customer. And, because we are all inclusive we are aware that our customers don’t have to put their hand in their pocket. All of their food, drink and shore excursions are included. So by sourcing food locally we are giving something back to local communities. What is Uniworld’s unique selling point? KB We are the only luxury boutique river cruise line. CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

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It’s ALL INCLUDED with Avalon Waterways...

Included flights or travel by rail

Included daily sightseeing tours with local guides

Largest staterooms on Europe’s rivers

Private chauffeur service to and from the airport*

Full board sumptuous dining with wine and beer

Gratuities, transfers and port charges included

Personalised service with one staff member to every three passengers

Youngest fleet in Europe avarage ship age just 3 years

To find out more call 0800 440 2672 or contact agencysales@avaloncruises.co.uk CRUISE-ADVISER.COM ABTA No.V3031 COSMOS TOURS LTD

We are member of ABTA and our flight inclusive holidays are protected by the ATOL scheme which means your holiday and money are secure. * Avalon private chauffeur driven service is included if you live within 100 miles of your departure point, if you live further than 100 miles away you can still take advantage of this service11by paying the excess mileage at £1.70 per mile. All offers are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time, correct at time of send (3 August 2015).

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CRUISE FROM

£1,495 PER PERSON

SALE NOW ON

All-inclusive luxury River Cruising

Discover our 5-star collection, with cruises starting from just £1,495 per person On all Scenic river cruise holidays, all-inclusive means flights from the UK, luxurious accommodation on our space-ships, your transfers and tips, your exclusive excursions, all meals, premium branded beverages*, your own butler and laundry concierge are included.

IT’S ALL INCLUDED WITH SCENIC UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

Exclusive, unique and unforgettable – our once-in-a-lifetime ‘Enrich’ experiences will be amongst the highlights of your river cruise.

FREEDOM & FLEXIBILITY

Our ‘Freechoice’ excursion programme gives you the freedom and flexibility to pick and choose how you spend your days ashore.

YOUR PERSONAL BUTLER SERVICE From a nightly turndown to a laundry concierge service for all guests, your butler is here to make your Scenic experience even more memorable.

STATE-OF-THE-ART SHIPS

With the largest ships on the rivers, ingenious balcony suites and a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:3, Scenic deliver the ultimate river cruise experience.

UNLIMITED DRINKS AND DELICIOUS DINING

Enjoy unlimited complimentary premium branded drinks during your time on board, as well as diverse, seasonal and regional dining in a range of venues.

TAILORMADE TOURING

CALL FREE

0808 102 2514

Our exclusive Tailormade GPS touring devices and e-bikes make independent exploring for the day an effortless pleasure.

Latest offers see www.scenic.co.uk

REQUEST YOUR 2016 BROCHURE TODAY

Terms and Conditions: All prices are per person, twin share in GBP. Prices based on lowest available cabin category subject to 12 Supplements apply for upgraded suites with balconies. Butler services vary. *All drinks are included on-board except CRUISE-ADVISER.COM availability. for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits. Laundry restrictions apply. A 1.5% credit card charge (1.95% AMEX) may apply when booking. Prices correct at time of going to print (July 2015). For full itineraries and booking conditions, please visit scenic.co.uk

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SHORE EXCURSIONS

hould your customers decide to take a luxury cruise, they’re likely to be faced with an enviable daily predicament: picking which shore excursion to choose. While customers are free to explore on their own terms, there’s an overwhelming choice of off-board trips – which comprise simple transfers, guided tours, museum passes and more – at each stop. Indeed, your average Mediterranean cruise, for example, may give passengers the option of a whole day in the old town of Sorrento, the idyllic island of Capri or Pompeii, the preserved Roman city buried by Mount Vesuvius, all on a single stop.

Each itinerary is packed with tantalising options – and we urge you and your clients to explore each operator’s offering – but what truly sets luxury cruise lines apart from the rest of the pack is the above-and-beyond, often exclusive excursions. These trips – be they airborne adventures, white-knuckle races or opulent dining outings – are truly once-ina-lifetime, stuff-of-fantasy experiences. Here, we pick a few of our favourites.

Drink with a princess Where luxury cruise lines excel is in their ability to offer customers excursions that are both impossible to do elsewhere and supremely inventive. Uniworld, for example, is able to give guests

the truly unbelievable chance to enjoy a cocktail reception with a real princess in the most spectacular of settings: a 13th-century castle. Customers can raise a glass to Princess Anita von Hohenberg, godmother to Uniworld’s new SS Maria Theresa ship, in the Artstetten Castle, in Austria. The chance to meet the princess, who descends from the Habsburgs, Europe’s most famous dynasty, is on the Grand Christmas and New Year’s cruise (December 22, 2015) and Enchanting Christmas and New Year’s itinerary (December 23, 2015). Not a bad way to spend the festive season. Cost: included in the price of the cruise

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Photos: Wikipedia/Arcomonte26, Flickr/Andrei Niemimäki

Whether cruisers are after white-knuckle adventure or high culture, luxury lines have shore excursions to elevate holidays from the unbelievable to unforgettable

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Take a helicopter to Mount Etna

s Sicily’s dominant landmark, Mount Etna stands at more than 10,000 feet high and covers a staggering 460 square miles, making it the biggest Italian mountain south of the Alps. Of course, its status as Europe’s largest active volcano gives it that extra, enduring appeal: its one of the most fabled and fascinating natural attractions in the world. While the volcano, which has been experiencing its latest ‘eruptive episode’ since 2013, is clearly visible from the waters surrounding the Mediterranean island, it’s well worth getting up close to. There are many ways you can tackle it: by foot (if you have the time and the endeavour), by jeep or – most spectacularly – by helicopter. Guests with Oceania Cruises have the chance to take a scenic 4X4 drive or by air. The 30-minute trip up and over the volcano takes in the stunning views of both Mount Etna and the homes, vineyards and orchards in its vicinity. The excursion is available on cruises such as the Mediterranean Mosaic itinerary (October 5, 2015) and the line’s Rome to Venice cruise, which you can read in our cover feature (see p18). Cost: £556.00 per person (includes drive and tour of Taormina) CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

Race in a Formula One boat

ne for thrill-seekers, here: this superb Crystal Cruises exclusive offers guests the chance to whizz through waters on a boat ride with the Finnish, two-time Formula One world champion Sami Seliö. Guests will hop on a Rigid Inflatable Boat in Helsinki for a cruise to an island in the Finnish Archipelago to meet Seliö. His F1 boat, powered by a 350-plus-horsepower engine, can accelerate from 0-62 miles per hour in four seconds – making this excursion (limited to 10 passengers) one for the more adventurous on board. There’s then the chance to unwind at a privately owned cottage on the island, enjoy a champagne lunch and take a dip. And then? Back to the magical city of Helsinki. Cost: £2,256 per person

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Help out in a school in China

Cost: included in price of cruise

Enjoy an evening at ancient Ephesus

t’s a difficult task to choose just one of Azamara Club Cruises’ incredible ‘AzAmazing Evenings’; but this trip, in Kusadasi, Turkey, perhaps takes the prize. After all, how often is it you get to experience an ancient Greek amphitheatre – dating back to the 10th century BC – almost to yourself? The evening shore excursions – which have included such spectacular offerings as an exclusive concert at Liverpool Cathedral – are designed to not only give guests the chance to see world-famous landmarks when there aren’t too many other tourists about, but to also provide something cultural and truly memorable. On this particular outing – which is available on itineraries such as October’s Greek Isles & History Voyage – guests are treated to live music and theatre in a magnificent setting where many have been entertained before them – some around 2,000 years ago. Cost: included in price of cruise

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Photos: Flickr/Axion23, Joe Zadeh, Flickr/son_gismo

hile there’s always a chance to enjoy the outlandish, not every exclusive is about overindulging or doing something downright ridiculous. In fact, as this Viking River Cruises excursion proves, there are chances to enjoy trips that are not only fun, but thoroughly rewarding and worthwhile, too. On the line’s Imperial Jewels of China cruise, there’s the chance to visit and assist in a school in Jingzhou, southern Hubei. Viking has sponsored the school for several years and the trip gives guests the chance to read to children, enjoy a performance of dance and generally get a feel for what it’s like growing up alongside the Yangtze. You can read about the cruise in more details in cruise adviser’s upcoming Expedition & Adventure guide or on cruise-adviser.com.

Ride in a Ferrari in Cannes

his Celebrity Cruises exclusive excursion gives lucky passengers the chance to experience the “rush of speed, adrenaline and sheer opulence of Italian craftsmanship” as they ride a classic Ferrari across the French Riviera. Guests will be greeted by their driver and sportscar, which they have for the hour, at the pier as soon as they leave the ship. Thrill-seeks will then be whizzed through the famous Cote d’Azur, taking in views – albeit at great speed – of the gorgeous coast, perfect beaches and towering mountains. Indeed, what’s true luxury without fast cars? Cost: £571 per person CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

Hang out with penguins

his award-winning off-road excursion to the privately-owned Bluff Cove Lagoon wildlife haven allows passengers to get up close and personal to king and Gentoo penguins in the Falkland Islands. A Seabourn exclusive, this trips boasts a leisurely stroll through the penguin rookery accompanied by expert guides who will point out species and provide detailed information. More than 1,000 breeding pairs of Gentoo penguins live on the beach, while skuas, upland geese, Magellanic oyster-catchers and dolphin gulls can also be seen during the trip. This is a must for all nature-lovers, birdwatchers, and, generally, anyone after an experience that will stay with them forever. Cost: £108 per person 17

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OCEANIA cruise adviser’s

Anthony Pearce joins Oceania Cruises on the beautiful Riviera to sail from Rome to Venice and sample what is said to be the finest cuisine at sea

t doesn’t take us long to settle into a rhythm on Oceania Cruises. Having made our way across a sweltering Rome from the chaotic Fiumicino airport to the Civitavecchia cruise terminal, we are welcomed on board the elegant, air-conditioned Riviera by a small army of smiling, immaculately dressed staff, guiding us in the correct direction. Any lingering stress is extinguished immediately and the question we came here to pose – how has luxury cruising become one of the travel industry’s recent success stories? – is answered quickly. Our home for the next eight nights, a beautiful stateroom, boasting a spacious veranda, marbled bathroom, queen-size bed, shower and generously sized bathtub, is positively palatial. It’s easy to see why customers, accustomed to the elegance of four and five-star hotels, have turned to cruise lines, allowing them to take in multiple exotic, exciting destinations without forgoing comfort and style. On this trip, the line’s Isles & Empires, we’ll take in seven incredible destinations – Sorrento, Sicily, Greece, Montenegro, Croatia and Slovenia, finishing in Venice – in the knowledge our beautiful hotel is docked near by.

Having arrived in that awkward postlunch, pre-evening meal period, we immediately take advantage of the complimentary room service and our friendly waiter arrives promptly, delicious roast chicken and bacon sandwich in hand. It’s our first taster of food on Oceania Cruises, a line that proudly proclaims to serve “the finest cuisine at sea”. Its trophy cabinet, bursting with ‘best food’ awards, certainly offers veracity to the statement, as do the many return guests who enthusiastically describe the ship’s multiple eateries, offering glowing reviews of each when we tell them it’s our first time. On Riviera, which entered service in 2012, there are four reservation-only restaurants in addition to the ‘walk-in’ Grand Dining Room, Waves Bar and Terrace Café. On most cruise lines they would fall under the category of additional fee ‘speciality’ restaurants, but here they remain complimentary. They are Polo Grill, a steakhouse; Red Ginger, which serves Asian fusion food; Toscana, an Italian; and Jacques, serving French dishes dreamt up by celebrated chef Jacques Pépin (and cooked by him, if you’re lucky enough to be on the right cruise). Then there’s Priveé, an exclusive

10-seater restaurant, and La Reservé, for wine lovers, where surcharges apply. Unsurprisingly, each restaurant is heavily subscribed and guests are only allowed a table in each restaurant once. We’re yet to book so, that evening, we dine at the Grand Dining Room. The stirring sounds of a string quartet greet us as we make our way through the Grand Bar on the sixth deck, past the casino and its bar, and into Martinis, the ship’s suave, low-light cocktail bar. A pianist plays gently and we’re persuaded to stop and sample the bar’s signature drink, opting for its Hendricks gin, vermouth and cucumber variation At dinner, I have an inventive butternut squash and mango salad starter, exceptional sea bass with tomato ratatouille main and indulgent strawberry cheesecake for desert, as the ship pulls out of Rome. The vessel’s outstanding staff-to-passenger ratio (800:1,200) means you’re never left waiting or staring at dirty plates, particularly here in the main dining room. Not only are waiters plentiful, they’re cheerful, helpful, know the menu inside out and are genuinely enthusiastic about it. It’s one of the many reasons we begin to look forward to the evening meal as much as we do the port visits.

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The next morning, having arrived in Sorrento, we tender across, having a quick explore of the city, with its pastel houses and imposing Hotel Excelsior Vittoria sitting precariously on dramatic cliffs edge, before taking a boat to Capri. There, we hop on the funicular and take in the panoramic views at the top (pictured above), Mount Vesuvius faintly visible in the distance, the neat gardens and houses below. We explore the old town, getting lost down narrow alleys, admiring the balconied windows with bright, neatly arranged flowers boxes above, and verdant gardens where lemons grow naturally. The Mediterranean sun is punishing and we’re happy to get back on board, enjoy a swim and make use of the excellent gym. That evening, we eat at Polo Grill, where our wine, unfinished from the night before is quickly fetched (our waiter explains that’s it had already been moved to a cellar closer to the restaurant in anticipation). The lobster bisque starter,

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given a kick with a drop of brandy, is gorgeous, as too is the succulent rib-eye steak for main. The next morning we wake to find the Sicilian coastline and the imposing view of Mount Etna outside our veranda. It’s the most active volcano in the world, and despite its summit standing some 11,000 feet high, smoke is clearly visible. We tender to the island early and take a coach to the ancient city of Taormina, perched on the side of a mountain, and built by the Greeks in the seventh century. The Greek influence remains, from the amphitheatre to the Trinacria, the symbol of Greek mythological origin, which appears on the Sicilian flag and in every tourist shop. After a trip to Argostoli, on the island of Cephalonia, Greece, we proceed through the Bay of Kotor, known as the most southerly fjord in Europe, and a highlight of the trip so far. The towering mountains, cerulean waters, thick, vast forests and tiny, neat villages, with their

terra cotta roofs, are truly breathtaking. Seemingly half of the ship is on the top deck taking pictures. At Red Ginger that evening, I opt for a gorgeous garlic and chilli prawn starter, overshadowed by the superbly inventive crispy duck, watermelon and cashew nut salad that comes next; the main, a wasabi-flavoured rack of lamb, is my favourite dish of the cruise so far, which explains why the restaurant is one of the ship’s most talked about. We spend the next day in Croatia, bathing below the waterfalls of the Krka national park, the temperature pushing 40c outside the water, before sailing to the pretty city of Koper, Slovenia. Tucked away in southeastern Europe, this tiny, mountainous country is often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbours, but it is blessed with natural and architectural beauty. The Venetian influence – remaining from the days of Venice’s marauding republic and felt across

OCEANIA TITLE the region – is clearest here, giving us a taster for tomorrow’s headline event. Before that is a chance to enjoy the gallic Jacques, the ship’s most famous, and for my mind, best restaurant. After a delicate goats cheese soufflé and, then, baked onion soup, I opt for the superb Maine lobster, served in its shell with a creamy mushroom sauce. In a lovely gesture, an exceedingly generous guest invites us to join him for a glass of champagne, sending a bottle over to our table. There’s palpable excitement as we arrive in Venice the next morning, even from passengers seeing the Italian city for the third or fourth time. It’s our first and we’ve made sure we have time to make the most of it, booking a late flight back, giving ourselves almost two full days, and head out early on a waterbus. Saint Mark’s Square, comprising marble facades, the sky-reaching Campanile brick tower, the beautiful Basilica di San Marco, and a stadium’s worth of tourists, glistens in the late-morning sun. The heat and crowd make it a bit much, so we duck under a selfie stick or two, and 01. Jacques restaurant 02. Sorrento, Italy 03. St George Island, Montenegro 04. A Venetian canal 05. The Grand Dining Room 06. Taormina amphitheatre, Sicily 07. The Grand Canal, Venice 08. Cephalonia, Greece 09. Kotor, Montenegro 10. The Bay of Kotor, Montenegro 11. A sea turtle in Greece

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head for the quiet and shade, meandering up through Castello’s streets, past endless canals until byzantine and baroque masterpieces give way to more modest properties and Venetians going about their business. It’s a fantastic city to get lost in – conveniently, given we’ve forgotten our map – and our first day is spent absorbing its beautiful buildings, narrow, winding passageways and cafés. But the next day we attack with a plan, buying a day pass for the waterbus – costing 20 euros – and explore the city with ease (it may not be as romantic as a gondola but offers a far wider scope of the city). We visit the tranquil island of Murano, where the city’s famous glassblowers have practised their art since 1291, and the Isola dei Morti, the beautiful but eerie island cemetery, which offers proof that Venice can be seen away from other tourists. After a final trip down the Grand Canal, taking in the famous Accedemia bridge, the sun beginning to set, we bid farewell to Venice and a holiday that had it all: luxury, comfort, adventure and some truly unbelievable food.

Veranda stateroom on Oceania Cruises’ Isles & Empires £3,609. See p57 for more details 23

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––––– UPPING THE STEAKS –––––

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DINING

For many cruise fans, the dining experience is as important as the ports of call. Here, we look at the exceptional food and service that sets luxury lines apart from the pack

t doesn’t matter if you’re on the largest ship or the smallest, the most expensive line or the cheapest: dinnertime on a cruise always feels like a grand event. There’s forever a sense of occasion, regardless of whether it’s a formal night in the main restaurant or a casual affair in a café. It’s something customers have bought into enthusiastically. Indeed, of all the things cruise lines do well – and there are many – the theatre of the evening meal is one of the most impressive. The operators know that the event – as well as the food itself – is something they must get right in order to keep guest returning. With relatively few overnights on most itineraries, passengers will eat nearly every breakfast and dinner on board (and many lunches, too). Luxury cruise lines have the difficult task of elevating this already high standard into something beyond. Like five-star hotels on land, a luxury ship cannot simply provide good or even excellent food: it must be exceptional. And the wine list must follow suit. It’s fair to say, however, it’s something luxury lines utterly succeed in doing: most of them put cuisine at the very heart of their 26

cruise experience. Here’s what your customers can expect on a luxury cruise.

Heavenly food As you may expect, fine dining is a key component of luxury cruising, with each line offering its own unique take. Whether restaurants are serving up old classics or inventive fusion dishes, customers can look forward to meals made from exceptional ingredients, and put together by awardwinning chefs. While you’re never far from a cured rib-eye steak or butter boiled lobster on a luxury cruise, a key feature is innovation. A great example is Crystal Cruises’ Silk Road restaurant (on both its Serenity and Symphony ships), where guests have the chance to experience the gastronomic coming together of Peru and Asia with food dreamt up by

master chef Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa and made by his team of cooks. If it’s pure opulence you’re after, Silversea’s Le Champagne – the only Relais & Châteaux restaurant at sea – serves up a risotto containing the world’s most expensive ingredient: gold leaf (usually sold at £10,000 per pound). But it’s not just about what’s on the evening’s menu: high-end cruise lines put food at the centre of everything they do. Oceania Cruises – whose exceptional dining we explore in full in our cover feature (p18) – is one of a number of lines that offer food-themed activities in the form of its Culinary Discovery Tours as well as cookery schools, the Bon Appetit Culinary Centres, on the Marina and Riviera ships.

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World-class wines It’s a given that luxury cruise-goers are connoisseurs of both food and wine. Among the many shore excursions offered by high-end lines (see p13), an increasing number are to vineyards. Often, entire itineraries are based around wine, particularly among river cruise lines. Uniworld, for example, offers the fantastic Bordeaux, Vineyards & Châteaux cruise, a dream for oenophiles, while many Mediterranean ocean cruises, too, provide excursions to nearby vineyards. But, of course, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a glass of wine on the deck of a ship as the sunsets. Therefore, a

great deal of effort is put into wine lists of cruise lines themselves. Ponant struck an exclusive deal with Veuve Clicquot Champagne while Seabourn offers more than 200 wines from the world’s top wine growing regions and a superb range of whiskies (including seven malts). Celebrity Cruises prides itself on its vast collection, number of sommeliers (who are present on every ship) and its dedicated wine bar, called Cellar Masters.

Five-star service One thing first-timers often cheerily report back is their delight at the high standard of service on cruise ships. While friendly, attentive

Staff-to-guest ratios on luxury cruise ships

Ship SeaDream Yacht Club's SeaDream II

Guests

Staff

112

Seabourn Quest

450

330

Oceania Riviera

1,250

800

Ponant Le Lyrial

244

139

Uniworld River Victoria

202

110

Regent Navigator

490

345

Celebrity Xpedition

Silversea Silver Explorer

132

117

Hapag Lloyd Europa 2

500

370

Hebridean Island Cruises Hebridean Princess

Star Clipper Royal Clipper

227

106

Crystal Symphony

922

545

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staff is a common and much-appreciated theme across the industry, it’s something luxury lines take to a whole new level. The crew-to-passenger ratio is one of the key signifiers when it comes to identifying luxury cruises. On some smaller ships, there are almost as many staff as passengers. Remarkably, the pattern continues as the vessel get larger: mid-sized ships such as Seabourn Quest and (relatively) larger ships such as Oceania Riviera manage to keep the ratio on or below 1.5:1 (see box below left) It means, chances are, there’s a smiling, polite member of staff just waiting to offer you a cold glass of champagne; that meals arrive promptly and dirty dishes disappear quickly. It also means staff are likely to remember guests’ names – something that goes down incredibly well with passengers. And, if that wasn’t enough, this superb service extends beyond the restaurant: many lines offer 24-hour room service (see Directory for details), with the likes of Uniworld extending its butler service across its entire fleet for 2016. 27

FAQs

Got customers confused by cruising terminology? Allow us to crack the code

or the first-timer, the cruise industry can feel like a membersonly club, full of confusing terminology and secret handshakes. It means new customers will come armed with plenty of questions – particularly when booking a luxury holiday, where many people fret about committing embarrassing faux pas. Here, we look at some of the most frequently asked questions for new to cruise customers… What’s included in the price? As a rule of thumb, the more high-end the cruise line the more is included in the price. While food and non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary across the industry (save for at speciality restaurants), customers will find their alcohol and, sometimes, even shore excursions are covered in the price on many ultra-luxury ships. The bottom line may be high, but there is a hell of a lot included. Is it worth getting a shore excursion? You can leave the ship without paying for a shore excursion, but – as we point out on p13 – some of them are fantastic. Can I bring the kids? While many holidaymakers turn to luxury cruising after

the kids have grown up, it doesn’t have to be the case. It’s true that many highend operators are adultsonly, but not all: Crystal, for example, has children’s facilities on both of its ships, while Regent Seven Seas offers designated ‘family-friendly’ itineraries. See the cruise adviser Family guide for more details. What should I wear? The cruise ship dress code, a perennial worry for customers, varies line-byline, as our dress code box Line Cunard

Azamara Club Cruises

Silversea

Regent Seven Seas

Uniworld

out below demonstrates. Do I need to tip? Some lines add gratuities for each customer to the room bill, while others include it in the cruise fare, meaning at-the-table tipping, in general, is not required or expected on luxury cruises. Customers, however, should check so they aren’t presented with any surprise charges on the final night.

For information about individual lines, see p51 Dress code

Cunard is known for its formal nights, which, while optional, in many ways epitomise the line. You may feel left out if you don’t join in. Verdict: Ballroom formal

Dress code is ‘resort casual’. Formal wear is not expected or required Verdict: Country club Expedition cruises are casual while traditional cruises promote a casual feel during the day with a more formal dress code during the evening Verdict: Smart casual Casual wear until 6pm, with the exception of the final night. At least one optional formal night per cruise Verdict: Smart casual Dress for the weather and the occasion. If you are dining out at a concert offshore dress smartly. On board the only rule is no shorts at dinner. Verdict: Country club

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JARGON BUSTER Aft The back of the ship Bridge The navigational control centre Forward The front of the ship Cashless system No need to carry cash around the ship as your cruise card can be used to make purchases on board Deck Each level (floor) of the ship Inside cabin A cabin situated in the middle of the ship with no window Outside cabin A cabin that comes with a window, but no balcony Port The left of the ship (to remember it, there are four letters in both ‘left’ and ‘port’) Second seating The later of two meal times in the ship’s main restaurant. Ship You always cruise on a ‘ship’ never a ‘boat’ Speciality restaurant A fine dining or signature restaurant that will require booking and sometimes a fee Starboard The right of the ship Stateroom your cabin or berth Tender boat If your ship is too big to get in to a particular destination, you’ll have to jump on a small boat to take you the short distance to shore

cruise adviser top tip: If your client is worried about getting seasick then choose a cabin that’s in the middle (midship) and on one of the ship’s lower decks. The higher up and closer to the aft or forward you are then the more likely you are to feel the ship roll.

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Luxury CRUISE

Premium CRUISE

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Listed price for a 12-night Mediterranean cruise in July

£12,000

£7,500

per couple based on two sharing a balcony suite

per couple based on two sharing a suite on a premium ship

ALCOHOL Premium alcohol package approx £90 per couple per day - £1,080

Included

SPECIALITY RESTAURANTS Eating in five speciality restaurants with £30 cover charge per person - £300

Included

SHORE EXCURSIONS 10 shore excursions at £100 per person - £2,000

Included

FLIGHTS AND TRANSFERS Return flights to Europe - £300 + transfers - £100

Included

GRATUITIES

£240

Included ACTUAL TOTAL

£12,000 30

£11,520 CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

NORWAY

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––––– THE WORLD AT YOUR DOOR –––––

t’s often assumed that all cruise ships have pokey little rooms with a couple of twin beds and tiny windows. But while all ships clearly have their smaller and larger cabins, customers will find that – at the top end of the market – cruise ship accommodation resembles gilded rooms in grand hotels, not student digs. On many ships – even on mid-level cruise lines – the best rooms are superb, boasting queen-size beds (and often bigger), huge balconies and widescreen televisions. The

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difference, when it comes to luxury lines, however, is the level the rooms start at: even the cheapest, interior staterooms, are invariably lovely; the most expensive are positively palatial – and they’re getting bigger and better with each new ship built. Here, we look at two categories of accommodation – staterooms with balconies or verandas and top-level owner’s suites (or equivalent) – on various cruise lines. It’s proof, if you needed it, that onboard luxury extends way beyond the ship’s communal areas.

ROOMS

Owner’s suites and beyond Oceania Cruises

Silversea Cruises

Decked out with furniture from the Ralph Lauren Home Collection, Oceania Cruises’ owner’s suites are impressively extravagant, measuring more than 2,000 sq ft in size. There is a large living room, king-size bed and indoor and outdoor whirlpool spas. The spacious veranda comes equipped with cashmere lap blankets to with, while priority embarkation, free wi-fi, complimentary iPad and butler service are just a few of the many privileges. The suites also include exclusive card-only access to the Executive Lounge, featuring a private library.

Silversea’s owner’s suites – available on six of its eight boutique ships – are, as the line puts it, “stylish, prestigious and classic” – for those “seeking the superlative of space”. Comprising two bedrooms (one 587 sq ft, the other 827 sq ft), the suites feature a large teak veranda, marbled bathrooms with full-sized tub and separate shower; flat-screen televisions and espresso machine are also included. As a line that excels in providing expeditions in luxury setting, there’s always a sense of elegance and adventure in its rooms: the suite’s writing desks come with personalised stationery, an umbrella and – as a nice touch – binoculars.

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ROOMS

Seabourn

Crystal Cruises

Wintergarden suites on Seaborn feature large windows with ocean views – as well as, of course, a huge veranda – a bathroom with whirlpool bathtub, glassenclosed solarium, dining for six, two flatscreen televisions and free wi-fi. The rooms are 1,067 sq ft in size and come with tons of added bonuses (a daily basket of fruit, flowers on arrival, an espresso machine, and invitation to the bridge). There are complimentary private car transfers between airport and ship and, on Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest, there’s even the choice of daily newspapers delivered to the door.

The Crystal penthouses – found on the ultra-luxury line’s two ships – are a huge 1,345 sq ft (including their veranda) and are as packed-full of amenities as they are palatial (the line says they’re based on the penthouses of London and Manhattan). In addition to the master bedroom’s queensize bed and spacious veranda, there’s a huge dining area, sofa, Bang & Olufsen soundsystem, flat-screen television and DVD player, Jacuzzi with ocean view and more. On top of that, complimentary extras include free wi-fi, butler service, flowers, fruit, binoculars and a daily newspaper of the passenger’s choice. The list goes on.

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Veranda and balcony rooms Regent Seven Seas

Uniworld

Regent Seven Seas’ Voyager and Mariner ships are described as the world’s first and second “all-suite, all-balcony cruise ships”, while Navigator’s (all suite) rooms have at very least ocean views. The veranda suite on Voyager is 306 sq ft in size, with an additional 50 sq ft veranda, and features a plush sitting area and stylish marble bathroom. The rooms boast a European king-size bed (or twin configuration), 24-hour room service with dinner served course-by-course and a flat-screen television, while there are free ground transfers and guests are given a bottle of champagne on arrival.

One of the joys of balconied staterooms on river ships is the chance to gaze out of it and see the world going by (be that the fairytale castles of the Rhine or opulent capitals of Danube). On Uniworld, a line known for its decorative elegance, the Category 1 Stateroom (approximately 151 sq ft) feature a full open-air balcony, handcrafted Savoir of England bed, built-in closet, flat-screen television and more. In the plush, marble bathrooms are L’Occitane en Provence products, towels, waffle bathrobes and slippers.

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ROOMS

Scenic Cruises

Viking River Cruises

Scenic Cruises, the luxury river cruise line, refers to its accommodation as five-star hotel rooms – and it’s easy to see why. On its ‘space-ships’ – named for their generous size, not their intergalactic capabilities – Balcony Suites are 205 sq ft and come with HDTV, individual climate control and pillow menus. The queen-size Scenic Slumber beds (made for Scenic), feature white Egyptian cotton sheets and duvets, while added extras include free wi-fi, complimentary mini-bar, “fleecy” bathrobes and a complimentary shoeshine.

On one of Viking River Cruises’ famous long-ships, guests have the option of staying in a veranda suite, a 205 sq ft room with an outside area accessible by a floor-to-ceiling window/door. The veranda is a rare feature on river-going ships and, while it’s not quite as large as those on some ocean ships, there’s a great deal of space on Viking’s. It also lends itself brilliantly to river cruising, where the passing attractions are so close. Inside the suite is a queen-size bed, private bathroom, individual climate control, flat-screen television, and much more.

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TITLE

Founded in 2014, cruise adviser brings together the most insightful commentary, news and analysis for those looking to sell cruise holidays

For the lastest cruise news and interviewsÂ visit cruise-adviser.com (compatible on smartphone andÂ tablet)

Published six times a year, cruise adviser is aimed at front-line travel agents and other sellers of cruises

You can find us on Twitter (@cruiseadviser) and Facebook (facebook.com/cruiseadviser)

Following Luxury, look out for Expedition & Adventure and 2016 Preview guides coming this year

For more information about print and online marketing, please email advertising@cruise-adviser.com

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––––– THE HOW TO SELL GUIDE –––––

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HOW TO SELL

START

Good luck!

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HOW TO SELL

*Remember that destination is the most important factor when selling a luxury cruise. This is the determining factor so make sure you brush up and know who sails where

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WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE TO GO?

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HOW LONG DO YOU WANT TO GO FOR?

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*All prices correct at time of publication

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3–7 DAYS

SOMEWHERE EXOTIC

rom the Far East through to the remote islands in the west, the world is full of exotic locations. And, just because somewhere is seemingly off the traditional tourist map, doesn’t mean that it can’t be traversed in the absolute lap of luxury. Below we have picked three cruises ideal for the high-end traveller that wants a cruise to be part of their overall exotic holiday. Why not try matching these trips up with a land tour?

Line: Celebrity Cruises Departure port: Balta, Galapagos Departure date: June 5, 2016 Destination: Galapagos Duration: Seven nights Ship: Xpedition Oceanview price: £6,942 (for two passengers) Suite price: £10,642 (for two passengers)

Line: Princess Cruises Departure port: Kobe, Japan Departure date: May 4, 2016 Destination: Japan Duration: Four days Ship: Diamond Princess Interior price: £459 per passenger Balcony price: £788 per passenger Suite price: £1,118 per passenger

Line: Sanctuary Retreats Departure port: Mandalay, Myanmar Departure date: September 9, 2016 Destination: Myanmar Duration: Four nights Ship: Ananda Suite price: £955 per passenger Luxury price: £2,404 per passenger Owner’s suite price: £3,444 per passenger

Top tip: Many of these companies are able to offer hotel packages to complement the short cruise. Why not go one step further and add a tour to Macchu Picchu to your Galapagos programme? A similar idea would be to arrange a stay at Myanmar’s Lake Inle or a luxury stay in Tokyo – travelling business class of course.

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EUROPE AND MEDITERRANEAN

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short European break can often form part of a longer holiday, or be one of many trips a luxury client takes during the year. Below we have selected three very different trips – a mini-cruise in the Scottish islands, a transatlantic crossing and a week on one of Europe’s most forward thinking cruise lines. Each offers something different, while all remaining absolutely luxurious.

Line: Hebdridean Island Cruises Departure port: Greenock, Scotland Departure date: March 11, 2016 Destination: Scotland Duration: Four nights Ship: Hebdridean Princess Oceanview price: £1,690 per passenger Balcony price: £2,770 per passenger Suite price: £2,770 per passenger

Line: Cunard Departure port: Southampton Departure date: September 1, 2016 Destination: New York Duration: Seven nights Ship: Queen Mary 2 Oceanview price: £1,669 per passenger Luxury suite price: £1,619 per passenger Suite price: £3,349 per passenger

Line: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Departure port: Piraeus, Greece Departure date: October 3, 2016 Destination: Mediterranean Duration: Seven days Ship: Europa 2 Balcony price: £2,944 per passenger Grand suite price: £5,122 per passenger Owner’s suite price: £12,072 per passenger

Top tip: Be sure to consider every part of your client’s holiday. How are they getting from the airport to the ship? How are they getting to the airport in the first place? Both the Cunard and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises include economy class flights but if you call their teams (details in the directory, p51) then they will give you details of how to upgrade to business and first class.

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on’t assume that just because your clients are travelling across the Atlantic, that they won’t consider a relatively shorter break. A transatlantic flight isn’t too bad if you are flying at the front of the plane. These three cruises – two of which are on yacht-style ships in the Caribbean – allow their guests to enjoy a casual elegance on board. Oceania, as our cover feature on page 18 confirms, is like going on holiday on board a Michelin-star restaurant.

Line: Ponant Departure port: Fort de France, Martinique Departure date: April 2, 2016 Destination: Grenadine Islands Duration: Seven nights Ship: Le Ponant Oceanview price: £2,115 per passenger

Line: Oceania Cruises Departure port: Seattle, US Departure date: July 15, 2016 Destination: Alaska Duration: Seven days Ship: Regatta Interior price: £2,899 per passenger Balcony price: £3,599 per passenger Suite price: £4,299 per passenger

Line: SeaDream Yacht Club Departure port: Bridgetown, Barbados Departure date: March 26, 2016 Destination: Caribbean Duration: Seven days Ship: SeaDream I Oceanview price: £2,352 per passenger Suite price: £5,359 per passenger

Top tip: Just because a cruise is marked as luxury, don’t suppose that it is necessary formal. Some of the ships – especially the yachts – don’t even have formal nights or strict dress codes. It’s just assumed that guests will be looking respectable on board!

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8–14 DAYS

xotic cruises of a decent length can start to look like an expensive proposition. But, don’t be tempted to sell on price. These three cruises include some destinations that British tourists would struggle to do without spending a considerable sum of money (the Silversea trip includes Papa New Guinea, for instance). So, from colonial-style luxury on the Ganges to a 10-night tour of the Middle East, always sell on destination. Especially when it comes to once in a lifetime cruises.

Line: Uniworld Departure port: New Delhi, India Departure date: September 19, 2016 Destination: Ganges Duration: 13 days Ship: Ganges Voyager II Viceroy suite price: £7,204 per passenger Suite price: £5,844 per passenger

Line: Azamara Club Cruises Departure port: Dubai, UEA Departure date: October 24, 2016 Destination: Middle East Duration: 10 nights Ship: Journey Interior price: £2,429 per passenger Balcony price: £2,510 per passenger Suite price: £4,519 per passenger

Line: Silversea Expeditions Departure port: Koror, Palau Departure date: January 16, 2016 Destination: Pacific islands Duration: 14 days Ship: Expeditions Explorer suite price: £7,450 per passenger Veranda suite price: £14,150 per passenger

Top tip: Remember that selling a cruise on price is a poor strategy. Instead outline the quality of the holiday that customers are getting. If you have inquiries about this level of holiday then the chances are that customers can afford it. If you are upgrading passengers from a four-star product then outline what else is included at this level.

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HOW TO SELL

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ith destinations like Monaco, Greece and Venice, luxury European cruises are always going to centre on the Mediterranean. However, that’s not all that’s out there. For our three European cruises between eight and 14 nights we have paid homage to the Mediterranean – with voyages out of Venice and another out of Malaga – but do not forget about the luxury river cruises on offer. Scenic do a fantastic cruise out of Paris that you can confidently recommend to your clients. Our Regent cruise also includes a price in the unbelievable Regent Suite on board the line’s newest ship – which comes with a personal car and guide in each port of call.

Line: Scenic Departure port: Paris Departure date: June 5, 2016 Destination: Seine Duration: 13 days Ship: Gem Balcony price: £4,690 per passenger

Line: Regent Seven Seas Departure port: Venice Departure date: August 3, 2016 Destination: Mediterranean Duration: 10 days Ship: Explorer Viceroy suite price: £5,299 per passenger Regent suite price: £29,999 per passenger

Line: Star Clipper Departure port: Malaga Departure date: September 19, 2016 Destination: Mediterranean Duration: 15 nights Ship: Star Clipper Suite: £6,485 per passenger

Top tip: When searching for your client’s ideal holiday remember that while many luxury ocean ships are not going to repeat itineraries, the luxury river cruise lines will do. It can give you that little bit of flexibility when making arrangements around the cruise itself.

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rom the Caribbean to New England, the Mississippi to Alaska, the world’s biggest cruise market has plenty of destinations right on its doorstep. We have selected an autumnal cruise in New England, a Mississippi cruise out of New Orleans and a fortnight Caribbean sailing over Christmas. These are cruises that are available to all segments of the market – but if you think that a Caribbean cruise is relaxing (and it is) then you will sail through a luxury Caribbean cruise.

Line: American Queen Steamboat Company Departure port: New Orleans Departure date: November 14, 2016 Destination: Mississippi Duration: Nine days Ship: American Queen Balcony price: £1,978 per passenger Suite price: £3,701 per passenger

Line: Seabourn Departure port: Boston Departure date: August 3, 2016 Destination: New England Duration: 10 days Ship: Quest Balcony suite price: £5,082 per passenger Penthouse suite: £7,482 per passenger

Line: Celebrity Cruises Departure port: Fort Lauderdale Departure date: December 19, 2016 Destination: Caribbean Duration: 14 nights Ship: Equinox Balcony price: £5,090 per two passengers Suite price: £8,570 per two passengers

Top tip: Find out what kind of hotel your guest normally stays in. If it’s a small boutique hotel then offer a smaller, more intimate yacht-style cruise. If they like the larger five-star hotels with all the modern facilities, then consider one of the larger luxury cruise ships.

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SOMEWHERE EXOTIC

hen you go beyond two weeks, a world of opportunity suddenly opens up. These are bucket-list experiences, such as seeing in New Year in Rio de Janeiro, or departing Buenos Aries for an extensive trip to Antarctica. Once again we have included a river itinerary within our choice – as proof that there is more to luxury than purely ocean cruising.

Line: Avalon Waterways Departure port: Lima Departure date: February 8, 2016 Destination: Amazon Duration: 11 days Ship: Amazon Discovery Price: £3,707 per passenger

Line: Crystal Cruises Departure port: Suan Juan, Puerto Rico Departure date: December 19, 2016 Destination: Brazil Duration: 15 days Ship: Symphony Balcony price: £8,428 per passenger Penthouse price: £31,550 per passenger

Line: Seabourn Departure port: Buenos Aries, Argentina Departure date: November 29, 2016 Destination: Antarctica Duration: 21 nights Ship: Quest Balcony price: £7,999 per passenger Owner’s suite price: £20,999 per passenger

Top tip: When offering a cruise this long, make sure you are aware of how long your client can be away for. If they are running a business then a shorter itinerary may be a better option. When a ship travels through remote areas – be it the Amazon or Antarctica – don’t count on them being able to make contact with the office!

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SOMEWHERE EXOTIC CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

HOW TO SELL

EUROPE AND MEDITERRANEAN

15+ DAYS

ruising in Europe, for many travellers, harks back to different time. It is undoubtedly one of the most indulgent ways to spend your holiday, in the finest surroundings, while gently sailing through some of the most sophisticated cities in the world. For our longer European trips we have selected cruises from the new Viking ocean going division, AmaWaterways sailing all the way through to Istanbul and a Swan Hellenic voyage across the Mediterranean to Lisbon.

Line: Viking Cruises Departure port: Barcelona, Spain Departure date: February 21, 2016 Destination: Mediterranean Duration: 15 days Ship: Star Balcony price: £3,099 per passenger Explorer suite price: £6,799 per passenger

Line: AmaWaterways Departure port: Vienna, Austria Departure date: July 16, 2016 Destination: Danube Duration: 14 days Ship: AmaSonata French balcony price: £3,454 per passenger French and outside balcony price: £3,757 per passenger

Line: Swan Hellenic Departure port: Piraeus, Greece Departure date: November 9, 2015 Destination: Mediterranean Duration: 21 days Ship: Minerva Balcony suite price: £2,899 per passenger Owner’s suite price: £3,660 per passenger

Top tip: Be aware of a cruise line’s typical clientele and, more importantly, whether your clients fit in with the rest of the ship. Whether that’s age, nationality or even the time of year. If you are booking a cruise that falls within the summer holidays, find out how likely it is that children are going to be on board. And, if that’s a problem for your client, move them onto an adult-only ship or recommend a cruise that falls outside the school holidays!

EUROPE AND MEDITERRANEAN CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

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HOW TO SELL

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NORTH AMERICA & CARIBBEAN

rom delicious meals to all-inclusive shore excursions, luxury cruises are all about indulgence and the longer you are on board a luxury cruise the more you will be indulged. These three cruises are among the best around. From Crystal Cruises’ Tokyo to San Francisco voyage to Oceania’s Caribbean 18-day extravaganza. One tip we would give to you is that guests should pack a gym kit – five course meals three times a day (plus snacks) can sure take their toll.

Line: Oceania Cruises Departure port: Miami Departure date: January 20, 2016 Destination: Caribbean Duration: 18 days Ship: Regatta Balcony price: £5,369 per passenger Owner’s suite price: £10,789 per passenger

Line: Crystal Cruises Departure port: Tokyo Departure date: April 14, 2016 Destination: San Francisco Duration: 23 days Ship: Serenity Balcony price: £6,277 per passenger Crystal penthouse price: £23,194 per passenger

Line: Regent Seven Seas Departure port: Miami Departure date: December 4, 2016 Destination: Caribbean Duration: 14 days Ship: Explorer Balcony price: £5,399 per passenger Regent suite price: £35,299 per passenger

Top tip: While we wouldn’t suggest selling on price, sometimes it is a good idea to spell out the value of a luxury cruise. When you consider that you will often get alcohol, speciality restaurants, laundry, flights, transfers and sometimes even shore excursions included in the price. There isn’t all that much difference between a luxury and a premium proposition.

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––––– LUXURY CRUISE LINE DIRECTORY –––––

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

DIRECTORY

AmaWaterways’ fleet of luxury river cruise ships offer the finest accommodation afloat, with generous sized staterooms, beautifully appointed public areas and service levels second to none, on major waterways in Europe, Vietnam and Cambodia, Myanmar and southern Africa. For over a decade, the line has led the way in river cruising, adding higher levels of service and amenities year on year.

The American Queen is like no other river ship – she brings a unique perspective on America’s history, culture and landscapes through the heartland of America – it’s all very Mark Twain / Gone with the Wind! The American Queen is the largest riverboat in the world and a marvel of American engineering with a giant paddlewheel, a sight to behold.

CONTACT DETAILS

Hannah Logan, sales support executive

Katrina Weston, general manager

AmaWaterways UK Olympus House, Olympus Close, Ipswich IP1 5LN

American Queen Steamboat Company 1 Longview Terrace, Histon Road, Cambridge CB4 3JH

TELEPHONE

+44 (0)14 7324 2665

+44 (0)12 2356 8904

agency.sales@amawaterways.co.uk

k.weston@aqgsa.com

WEBSITE

amawaterways.co.uk

lightbluetravel.co.uk

CA OVERVIEW

REGIONS

ASIA PACIFIC NORTH EUROPE

CARIBBEAN & NORTH AMERICA

FACILITIES

Shore excursions; alcohol; soft drinks; speciality restaurants; roundtrip flights; airport transfers; wi-fi.

Shore excursions; alcohol; soft drinks; wi-fi; laundry

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

DIRECTORY

Avalon Waterways offers luxury river cruises on Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular rivers and further afield the Irrawaddy, Mekong, Amazon and Yangtze plus the Galapagos Islands. With Avalon, you cruise on the newest ships in the youngest fleet enjoying uninterrupted views throughout the ship and the largest staterooms in Europe. So much is included from the Avalon personal chauffeur service to and from the airport to sumptuous full board dining with included wine and beer with dinner.

CONTACT DETAILS Paul Sharp, national sales manager Avalon Waterways Wells House, 15 Elmfield Road, Bromley BR1 1LT

TELEPHONE +44 (0)20 8313 4545

EMAIL agencysales@avaloncruises.co.uk

WEBSITE avaloncruises.co.uk

CA OVERVIEW

THE FLEET

REGIONS

Europe Tapestry II, Tranquility II, Poetry II, Illumination, Impression, Artistry II, Expression, Visionary, Vista, , Panorama, Luminary, Felicity, Affinity, Creativity, Scenery Asia Siem Reap, Angkor, Myanmar, Century Legend, Century Paragon Galapagos Isabela II Amazon Discovery, Aria

ASIA PACIFIC MEDITERRANEAN NORTH EUROPE

FACILITIES Shore excursions; alcohol; soft drinks; speciality restaurants; gratuities included; roundtrip flights; airport transfers; wi-fi

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

DIRECTORY

Focusing on ‘Destination Immersion’, Azamara Club Cruises offers a richer travel experience for the discerning traveller. Longer stays, more overnights in port and night touring means that guests can deepen their understanding of our amazing world. Two boutique ships, Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey, visit some of the most compelling destinations in Europe, Asia, South America, West Indies, Australia as well as Central and North America.

Crystal Cruises is the world’s leading luxury cruise provider, having earned more World’s Best awards than any other cruise line, hotel or resort in history. On board the all-inclusive, ultra-luxurious Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, refined elegance meets casual simplicity. With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the Crystal experience is distinguished by classic service, abundant space, superior quality and extensive choices.

CONTACT DETAILS

Lori Scanella, business support executive

Elaine Gillard, senior sales and marketing manager

Azamara Club Cruises 3 The Heights, Brooklands, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 ONY

TELEPHONE +44 (0)19 3283 4379

Crystal Cruises 50-51 Wells Street, London W1T 3PP

TELEPHONE +44 (0)20 7399 7602

EMAIL salessupport.uk@rccl.com

WEBSITE

EMAIL elaine@cruiseportfolio.co.uk

azamaraclubcruises.co.uk / cruisingpower. co.uk

WEBSITE

CA OVERVIEW

REGIONS

ASIA PACIFIC CARIBBEAN & NORTH AMERICA

MEDITERRANEAN

CANADA & ALASKA MEDITERRANEAN

MIDDLE EAST NORTH EUROPE

POLAR REGIONS SOUTH AMERICA

crystalcruises.co.uk

FACILITIES

Shore excursions; alcohol; soft drinks; speciality restaurants; gratuities included; roundtrip flights; airport transfers; wi-fi; laundry

Alcohol; soft drinks; speciality restaurants; gratuities included; airport transfers; wi-fi; laundry; children’s facilities

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

DIRECTORY

Celebrity Cruises is redefining the way you see the world. Its contemporary fleet offers a modern luxury experience with its cutting edge design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the food; and amazing service, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for holidaymakersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; precious time.

CONTACT DETAILS

Celebrity Cruises Building 3,The Heights, Brooklands, Surrey KT13 0NY

TELEPHONE +44 (0)84 5456 0523

WEBSITE celebritycruises.co.uk

CA OVERVIEW

THE FLEET

REGIONS

Solstice class Eclipse, Equinox, Reflection, Silhouette, Solstice Millennium class Constellation, Infinity, Millennium, Summit Xpedition class Celebrity Xpedition

ASIA PACIFIC CARIBBEAN & NORTH AMERICA CANADA & ALASKA MEDITERRANEAN MIDDLE EAST NORTH EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA

FACILITIES Gratuities included; roundtrip flights; airport transfers

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

DIRECTORY

Cunard ships travel the world, offering our passengers the opportunity to enjoy the very best experiences both ashore and at sea. Today Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria are famous the world over; renowned for their luxury, cuisine, comfort and White Star Service that offers a warm welcome, white-gloved afternoon tea and meticulous attention to detail.

Experience a new style of ultra-luxury on board Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ recent new-build, the 500-passenger Europa 2 – an all-suite, allbalcony ship. Rated by the Berlitz Cruise Guide 2014 and 2015 as The World’s Best Cruise Ship, Europa 2 appeals to discerning guests, couples, families and solo travellers alike. Additionally the five-star rated, purpose-built expedition ship, the 184-passenger Hanseatic cruises to pristine and often remote corners of the globe.

CONTACT DETAILS

Agency sales team

Mike Flanagan, sales representative UK and Ireland

Cunard Carnival House, 100 Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1ST

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Ballindamm 25, 20095 Hamburg, Germany

TELEPHONE

+44 (0)84 4338 8595

+44 (0)79 2122 3176

agent.matters@cunardpocruises.com

mike.flanagan@hl-cruises.com

WEBSITE

completecruisesolution.com

hl-cruises.com

CA OVERVIEW

REGIONS

ASIA PACIFIC CARIBBEAN & NORTH AMERICA

CANADA & ALASKA MEDITERRANEAN

MIDDLE EAST NORTH EUROPE

SOUTH AMERICA

POLAR REGIONS SOUTH AMERICA

FACILITIES

Shore excursions; roundtrip flights; airport transfers; children’s facilities

Alcohol; soft drinks; speciality restaurants; gratuities included; children’s facilities

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

DIRECTORY

Hebridean Princess, the only cruise ship to be granted a Royal Warrant by Her Majesty the Queen, offers genuinely all-inclusive cruises to the highlands and islands of Scotland and south of England. In a world where mediocre standards are all too common, 50 guests are assured of the highest levels of service from a hand-picked crew of 38, for whom supreme attention to detail is the norm.

Oceania Cruises is renowned for not only providing the best cuisine at sea, but also for having the first hands-on cookery schools afloat on board Riviera and Marina, the line’s two purpose-built Epicurean luxury cruise ships. Cuisine, comfort and service are key words for Oceania Cruises, who will have a fleet of six luxury mid-sized ships on the world’s oceans by mid-2016.

CONTACT DETAILS

Lisa White, sales manager

Agency sales

Hebridean Island Cruises Kintail House, Carleton New Road, Skipton BD23 2DE

Oceania Cruises Beresford House, Town Quay, Southampton SO14 2AQ

TELEPHONE

+44 (0)17 5670 4704

+44 (0)34 5505 1920 (option 3)

lisa.white@hebridean.co.uk

agencysales@oceaniacruises.com

WEBSITE

hebridean.co.uk

oceaniacruises.com

CA OVERVIEW

REGIONS

MEDITERRANEAN NORTH EUROPE

ASIA PACIFIC CARIBBEAN & NORTH AMERICA CANADA & ALASKA MEDITERRANEAN MIDDLE EAST NORTH EUROPE POLAR REGIONS SOUTH AMERICA

FACILITIES

Shore excursions; alcohol; soft drinks; gratuities included; roundtrip flights; airport transfers; wi-fi; laundry

Adults only; casino; drink packages available; 24-hour dining; gratuities included; overnights; smoking areas

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

DIRECTORY

The only French cruise line and world leader in Polar cruising, Ponant perpetuates the great French maritime tradition; one that offers exceptional destinations on small capacity ships embodying a lifestyle à la française: a travel concept that combines intimacy and curiosity, luxury and authenticity.

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 18 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognised leader in worldwide cruising, Princess carries 1.7 million guests each year to destinations around the globe ranging in length from three to 114 days.

CONTACT DETAILS

Stephen Winter, international sales director

Victoria Snelgar

Ponant 408 Avenue Prado 13008 Marseille France

Princess Cruises Carnival House, 100 Harbour Parade, Southampton, SO15 1ST

TELEPHONE +44 (0)84 3373 0333

TELEPHONE +44(0) 800 980 4027

EMAIL salesteam@princesscruises.co.uk

swinter@ponant.com

WEBSITE WEBSITE

princesscruises.co.uk

ponant.com

CA OVERVIEW

REGIONS

ASIA PACIFIC CARIBBEAN & NORTH AMERICA

CANADA & ALASKA MEDITERRANEAN

NORTH EUROPE

MIDDLE EAST NORTH EUROPE

POLAR REGIONS

SOUTH AMERICA

FACILITIES

Alcohol; soft drinks

Children’s facilities

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

DIRECTORY

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the world’s most inclusive luxury cruise line, with fares including all-suite accommodations, impeccable personalised service, gourmet cuisine, fine wines and spirits, complimentary and unlimited excursions in every port, all gratuities and a pre-cruise luxury hotel package (when booking a Concierge Suite or higher). Three awardwinning, all-suite vessels, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Navigator are among the most spacious at sea.

Sanctuary Retreats’ river cruise ships explore some of the world’s most amazing cultural and ecological sites along epic rivers including the Nile in Egypt, the Irrawaddy in Myanmar and the Yangtze in China. Each boat has a limited number of travellers to create an intimate and personal cruise experience. Secluded docks as well as carefully designed itineraries in each location offer the ultimate cruise.

CONTACT DETAILS

Sales support

Renette Hartridge, director of sales UK

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Beresford House, Town Quay, Southampton SO14 2AQ

Sanctuary Retreats 60 Strand, London WC2N

TELEPHONE

+44 (0)23 8068 2287

+44 (0)12 4254 6609

salessupport@rssc.com

reservations.europe@sanctuaryretreats.com

WEBSITE

rssc.com

sanctuaryretreats.com

CA OVERVIEW

REGIONS

ASIA PACIFIC CARIBBEAN & NORTH AMERICA

MYANMAR AND CHINA

CANADA & ALASKA MEDITERRANEAN

EGYPT

MIDDLE EAST NORTH EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA

FACILITIES

Shore excursions; alcohol; soft drinks; speciality restaurants; gratuities included; roundtrip flights; airport transfers; wi-fi; laundry; children’s facilities

Shore excursions; alcohol; soft drinks; wi-fi; laundry; children’s facilities

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

DIRECTORY

Scenic is Europe’s most luxurious river cruise line. Our award-winning reputation is underpinned by over 28 years’ experience, a collection of meticulously planned eight-to-15day itineraries and a fleet of state-of-the-art Scenic space ships, which offer an uncommon 1:3 staff-to-guest ratio and the most spacious suites on the water.

CONTACT DETAILS Angela Sloan, national sales manager Scenic Floor 13, 111 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2HY

TELEPHONE +44 (0)16 1233 1988

EMAIL agencysales@scenic.co.uk

WEBSITE scenic.co.uk

CA OVERVIEW

THE FLEET

REGIONS

Europe Gem Space ships Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Ruby, Pearl, Jasper, Opal, Crystal, Jewel, Jade, Azure (2016), Spirit (2016), Amber (2016) Russia Tsar Myanmar Aura (2016)

ASIA PACIFIC NORTH EUROPE

FACILITIES Shore excursions; alcohol; soft drinks; speciality restaurants; gratuities included; roundtrip flights; airport transfers; wi-fi; laundry

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

DIRECTORY

Designed for just 458 guests, Seabourn’s three intimate ships are the perfect blend of glamorous elegance, impeccable service, exquisite cuisine and highly personalised destination experiences, all of which have earned Seabourn some of the most coveted awards in travel. The much-heralded Seabourn Encore arrives late in 2016, making Seabourn the youngest most modern contemporary fleet in the ultra-luxury market.

CONTACT DETAILS Seabourn sales team Seabourn Carnival House, 100 Harbour Parade, Southampton SO15 1ST

TELEPHONE +44 (0)84 4338 8690

EMAIL salessupport@seabourn.co.uk

WEBSITE seabourn.com

CA OVERVIEW

THE FLEET

REGIONS

Odyssey class Quest, Odyssey, Sojourn Encore class Encore (December 2016)

ASIA PACIFIC CARIBBEAN & NORTH AMERICA CANADA & ALASKA MEDITERRANEAN MIDDLE EAST NORTH EUROPE POLAR REGIONS SOUTH AMERICA

FACILITIES Alcohol; soft drinks; speciality restaurants; gratuities included; roundtrip flights; airport transfers; wi-fi; laundry; children’s facilities

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

DIRECTORY

It’s yachting, not cruising. Enjoy the SeaDream Difference. Since 2001, the twin, elegant mega-yachts SeaDream I & II have won numerous awards, honours and accolades from authoritative travel publications and various industry organisations. The expression “yachting” is not only a statement about size; it describes a lifestyle on board the intimate vessels. Chic and stylish, SeaDream’s 56-stateroom twin yachts are favoured for their elegant informality.

Silversea is a world apart, delivering the ultimate all-inclusive luxury travel experience. Owned and operated by one family, Silversea is committed to offering superlative service and an exceptional onboard experience, with large-ship amenities on intimate, beautifully appointed vessels. All-suite, ocean-facing accommodation comes with butler service and superior extras, from designer cosmetics to a bar stocked according to preference

CONTACT DETAILS

Mark Schmitt, UK sales director

Natasha Donovan, head of trade sales

SeaDream Yacht Club Pustutveien 18, P0 Box 14, N-1312 Slependen Norway

Silversea Cruises Level 3, 21 Palmer Street, London SW1H 0AD

TELEPHONE +44 (0)79 0406 8407

EMAIL mschmitt@seadream.com

WEBSITE

TELEPHONE +44 (0)84 4770 9030

EMAIL natashad@silversea.com

WEBSITE silversea.com

seadream.com

CA OVERVIEW REGIONS

CARIBBEAN & NORTH AMERICA

ASIA PACIFIC CARIBBEAN & NORTH AMERICA

MEDITERRANEAN

CANADA & ALASKA MEDITERRANEAN MIDDLE EAST NORTH EUROPE POLAR REGIONS SOUTH AMERICA

FACILITIES

Alcohol; soft drinks; speciality restaurants; gratuities included

Shore excursions (certain regions); alcohol; soft drinks; gratuities included; roundtrip flights (for Asia 2016 voyages); airport transfers (for Asia 2016 voyages); wi-fi; laundry (full world cruise only); children’s facilities (select summer voyages)

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

DIRECTORY

Niche cruise line Star Clippers operates three magnificent tall ships, recreating the elegance and splendour of a by-gone age and offers guests the chance to sail in comfort and style, beneath thousands of feet of billowing sails. An attentive crew, free-seating dining, informal atmosphere and sociable ambience make for a truly original and unforgettable sailing voyage.

For over 60 years Swan Hellenic has been perfecting the art of small ship discovery cruising, allowing passengers to travel in comfort and style on board their country house-style ship Minerva with just 350 likeminded fellow guests. Taking you to the must-see sites of each destination Minerva is also small enough to reach the lesser-known hidden gems which larger ships pass by.

CONTACT DETAILS

Danielle Dudley

Georgia Lewis, trade marketing executive

Star Clippers Olympus House, 2 Olympus Close, Ipswich IP1 5LN

Swan Hellenic Compass House, Rockingham Road, Market Harborough LE16 7QD

TELEPHONE

+44 (0)77 6585 2116

+44 (0)18 5858 8337

danielle@starclippers.co.uk

georgia.lewis@alh.co.uk

WEBSITE

starclippers.co.uk

swanhellenic.com

CA OVERVIEW REGIONS ASIA PACIFIC CARIBBEAN & NORTH AMERICA

CARIBBEAN & NORTH AMERICA MEDITERRANEAN

MIDDLE EAST MEDITERRANEAN

NORTH EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA

FACILITIES Sports crew and complimentary watersports

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

Shore excursions; alcohol; soft drinks; speciality restaurants; gratuities included; roundtrip flights; airport transfers; wi-fi; laundry; childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s facilities

DIRECTORY

Multi award-winning river cruise line Uniworld is renowned for its outstanding service, offering indisputable luxury on board. As the world’s only authentic boutique river cruise line, Uniworld is committed to delivering the highest standards of excellence in luxury river cruising. Uniworld’s truly all-inclusive European voyages provide guests with unsurpassed convenience, with everything included in the price.

CONTACT DETAILS Rosie Leary, marketing executive Uniworld Boutique River Cruises 14-15 Grosvenor Place, London SW1X 7HH

TELEPHONE +44 (0)20 7468 4222

EMAIL rosanna.leary@travcorpuk.com

WEBSITE uniworldcruises.co.uk

CA OVERVIEW

THE FLEET

REGIONS

Europe River Countess, SS Catherine, SS Antoinette, SS Maria Theresa, River Beatrice, River Queen, River Royale, River Duchess, River Empress, River Princess, River Ambassador, River Baroness, Queen Isabel Russia Queen Victoria Egypt River Tosca China Century Legend, Century Paragon India Ganges Voyager II Vietnam and Cambodia River Orchid

ASIA PACIFIC EUROPE & RUSSIA EGYPT

FACILITIES Shore excursions; acohol; soft drinks; speciality restaurants; gratuities included; roundtrip flights; airport transfers; wi-fi; laundry; children’s facilities

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

DIRECTORY

Viking Cruises offers culturally-enriching, destination-focused river and ocean cruises for travellers curious about the world. Viking Cruises takes its guests on curated, elegant voyages along some of the most iconic rivers and oceans in Europe and the Far East allowing a unique window on inspiring destinations and rewarding experiences. Featuring onboard cultural enrichment and included shore excursions, Vikingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journeys are competitively priced for genuine value.

CONTACT DETAILS Andrew Schweitzer, agency sales executive UK and Ireland Viking Cruises Nelsons House, 83 Wimbledon Park Side, London SW19 5LP

TELEPHONE +44 (0)20 8780 7926

EMAIL andrew.schweitzer@vikingcruises.com

WEBSITE vikingcruises.co.uk

CA OVERVIEW

THE FLEET

REGIONS

Ocean ships Star, Sky (2016), Sea (2016); longships Aegie, Alruna, Alsvin, Astrild, Atla,

ASIA PACIFIC MEDITERRANEAN MIDDLE EAST NORTH EUROPE

FACILITIES Shore excursions; alcohol; soft drinks; speciality restaurants; roundtrip flights; airport transfers; wi-fi; laundry

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

Baldur, Bestla, Beyla, Bragi, Buri, Delling, Egil, Eir, Eistla, Embla, Fontane, Forseti, Freya, Gefjon, Gullveig, Heimdal, Hemming, Hermod, Hlin, Idi, Idun, Ingvi, Jarl, Kadlin, Kara, Kvasir, Legend, Lif, Lofn, Magni, Mani, Mimir, Modi, Neptune, Njord, Odin, Osfrid, Prestige, Pride, Rinda, Rolf, Schumann, Skadi, Skirnir, Spirit, Sun, Tialfi, Tor, Torgil, Var, Ve, Vidar, Vili; Russia river ships Akun, Ingvar, Truvor; Asia river ships Emerald, Mandalay, Mekong

DIRECTORY

It’s hard to stay up to date with the latest promotions and offers from cruise lines. So much changes that it can feel like you’re drowning in a sea of emails as you desperately try to stay abreast of what’s new. And there’s always something new – a brochure, campaign, cabin or ship. Widgety is designed to save you time, bringing the latest content from your key cruise lines to you – automatically.

Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of small luxury cruise ships known for its intimate yacht style experience and unique voyages to the world’s best small ports and hidden harbours. Its six sailing yachts carry just 148 to 310 guests and cruise to 50 nations, calling at 150 ports throughout Europe, the South Pacific, the Caribbean and Central America. Windstar was recently named Condé Nast Traveler’s number one small ship cruise line in the world.

CONTACT DETAILS Damian Gevertz, director Widgety Testwood Park, Testwood House, Salisbury Road, Southampton SO40 2RW

TELEPHONE +44 (0)23 8042 8000

EMAIL damian@widgety.co.uk

WEBSITE

Steve Simao, vice president, travel agency sales Windstar Cruises 2101 4th Avenue Suite 210 Seattle, WA 98121

TELEPHONE +1 (206) 733 2805

EMAIL steve.simao@windstarcruises.com

WEBSITE windstarcruies.com

widgety.co.uk

CARIBBEAN & NORTH AMERICA MEDITERRANEAN SOUTH AMERICA NORTH EUROPE

Soft drinks; speciality restaurants

CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

Coming next time... TITLE

CRUISE ADVISER’S EXPEDITION & ADVENTURE GUIDE OCTOBER 2015 CRUISE-ADVISER.COM

Your clients may discover the art of delight in 2016

The world’s finest small-ship cruise line

And as always with Seabourn, your clients will enjoy: ●●

Unique itineraries to must-see cities and hidden gems.

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Intimate ships with no more than 228 suites.

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All dining venues complimentary with gourmet dining experiences that rival the finest restaurants anywhere.

●●

Intuitive, gracious service provided by a staff passionate about pleasing your clients.

●●

Complimentary welcome Champagne and in-suite bar stocked with your clients preferences.

●●

Spacious, all-suite accommodations with ocean views - many with verandas.

●●

Open bar throughout the ship, and fine wines poured at lunch and dinner.

●●

Tipping is neither required nor expected, service simply to delight.

YOUR SEABOURN SALES TEAM Seabourn’s Business Development Managers are your route to successful selling… Dani Scannella – BDM South Dani.scannella@seabourn.co.uk Call (0)7789 923665 Vikki Courtman – BDM Midlands Vikki.courtman@seabourn.co.uk Call (0)7780 490747 Bekkie Skipp – BDM North & Scotland Rebecca.skipp@seabourn.co.uk Call (0)7780490748

Reservations: 0844 338 8686 Visit: seabourn.co.uk Register for Polar online - the fastest and easiest way to book: Polar@seabourn.co.uk Online training: www.seabournacademy.co.uk For more information e-mail: salessupport@seabourn.co.uk