Summer 2016
Informer CRUISE LINES INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION (UK & IRELAND)
SUMMER OF OPPORTUNITY #MyCLIA
Win
H THE MER WIT THIS SUM PERTS.ORG CRUISEEX
0 CRUISE36GE N E L L CHA
in this issue #CruiseRevolution: Thank you! Cruise360 Marseille: Updates Webinar Shorts for 10 min update Expo & Masterclass Updates
CLIA’s Andy Harmer meets Royalty for Charity Pledge
www.cruiseexperts.org facebook.com/CliaUKIreland
twitter.com/UKCruising
MyCLIA Clubs explained
CLIA Yearbook Out Now
CLIA UK & IRELAND SUMMER Informer
A very warm welcome
to the second of the new style Informer e-magazines of the year to bring you (almost) everything you need to know about CLIA and the cruise industry in one place! Spring is a really important part of the year for us at CLIA as we finalise our portfolio of events for the year, add new learning opportunities at cruiseexperts.org and add new resources. Spring is also important for the industry as a number of river cruise ship launch events herald the start of the year’s river cruise season, and as a range of new cruise ships arrive in European waters for the season ahead. Spring is also when we hold our flagship CLIA Conference, and what an incredible event it was too! Thank you again to all involved – and for those who couldn’t join us, we will see you at a CLIA event soon – check out the list of our 2016 events online at cruiseexperts.org Here is to a fabulous summer!
CONTACT ANDY aharmer@cruising.org
VOICE OF THE OCEAN FILMING ONBOARD Emerald Princess
LAUNCH WEEKEND CROISIEUROPE Elbe Princesse
Andy has been busy this month, and was delighted to have been invited to the launch weekend for the brand new CroisiEurope Elbe Princesse – a new paddle-wheeler for this wonderful river. In preparation for the Gala Dinner entertainment for CLIA Conference, Andy was also down in Southampton onboard Emerald Princess for the auditions of the Voice of the Ocean, pictured here with Lucy Huxley of Travel Weekly.
CLIA YEARBOOK OUT NOW
CELEBRATING A YEAR IN CRUISE To co-incide with our 10th Anniversary conference, we are pleased to be able to announce the delivery of our first CLIA Yearbooks has arrived! The Yearbook looks back at 2015 - the new ships we welcomed, the events we held and the successes we had - a record number of Brits took a cruise
facebook.com/CliaUKIreland
It also highlights our fabulous cruise line partners, and Travel Agent Associates for 2016 - who are ready, willing and able to help you sell more cruises - so please do get in touch with them! As a member of CLIA, a copy should have arrived with you, however if you are without yours, do just get in touch and we can pop one in the post for you! CLICK HERE TO READ ONLINE!
twitter.com/UKCruising
TRAVEL WEEKLY HALL OF FAME DINNER
The final sing-off was held at the CLIA Conference – with huge congratulations to Vickie Jones of #TeamAndy who won with her stunning performance of Adele’s Someone Like You! Andy also attended the Travel Weekly Hall of Fame Dinner – and is joined in the picture by Iain Baillie, Lynn Narraway, Alex White and Hollie-Rae Merrick.
holiday with almost 1.8 million on an ocean cruise and over 150,000 for the first time on a river cruise.
www.cruiseexperts.org
Andy Harmer VP | OPERATIONS & DIRECTOR, UK & IRELAND
CLIA UK & IRELAND SUMMER Informer
JOIN THE #CRUISEREVOLUTION
THANK YOU - WE DID IT! I am always amazed and delighted by how well our cruise line members and travel agents all work together for the good of the industry – and the CLIA Conference is an incredible example of that spirit of community. And all of that is wrapped around some amazing ships, some inspirational speakers, and some great fun evenings to relax and unwind. The sight of the whole cruise community sharing experiences, cooperating and working together across the whole event always fills me with pride.
The event has always aimed to bring people together enabling agents and cruise line executives to make new friends, renew old acquaintances and to discover new and exciting partners to work with.
When we look back on our very first Conference in 2007 we were successful because of the spirit of support and curiosity that meant that the inaugural event attracted almost 250 people. Fast forward to 2016 and we hope that the same spirit will mean a tremendous audience at our inaugural event in Marseille – all with the added advantage of being able to explore one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Med. Huge thanks to our cruise lines, our sponsors, speakers, ships’ crew, student stewards, my co-host Lucy and to everyone who joined us!
Thank you – and see you soon!
CLIA UK & IRELAND SUMMER Informer
NEW TRAVEL AGENT INITIATIVES LAUNCHED at CLIA’s Record Breaking 10th Anniversary Conference
Two new CLIA travel agent initiatives, designed to help boost cruise sales, have been launched at the 10th Anniversary CLIA Conference. Addressing delegates, Andy Harmer, VP Operations CLIA Europe, congratulated agents on their positive ‘can do’ attitude and encouraged them to embrace the new initiatives which will help in making them more knowledgeable about all areas of selling cruise holidays.
ULTRA-LUXURY RIVER PREMIUM CONTEMPORARY DISCOVERY
TRAINING CRUSADE
#MyCLIA CLUBS
TRAINING CRUSADE
In an industry as fast moving, innovative and exciting as cruising it can be difficult to keep up to date. It is no wonder that some people like to focus on a particular sector of cruise to become a true expert. Or maybe you work in an agency that only sells one sector?
With learning such a crucial element of successful selling, particularly in the fast moving cruise industry, the CLIA ‘Training Crusade’ will set a challenge for travel agents to undertake an additional 30 minutes of study a week – which equates to just six more minutes of training each day - as research from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills shows a 50 per cent improvement in performance for those who take on training.
MyCLIA Clubs will help agents who have a specific interest in growing their sales in a specific cruise sector. Agents will have a choice of one of five clubs on cruiseexperts.org – River, Ultra-Luxury, Contemporary, Discovery and Premium – and this will provide access to a special area of the website with dedicated communications and information relating to that cruise sector. The Latest News releases from that sector of cruise filtered through to your Club page A Noticeboard of the latest news snippets and other information that keep you the expert of this sector - reminders of promotions, links to extra reading, sector specific events... The order book of New Ships arriving into the sector - to keep them on your mind Handy links to the Profile pages from all cruise lines that fall under each Club - offering you the contact details, social media feeds and overview information of these lines
A Photo Carousel of imagery to inspire you!
The latest PDF documents from this sector - we’ve filtered down the Resource Library with tags so that only the relevant documents for your Club appear here. The latest Video content from your Club will appear here whether it is an educational video from one of our member lines, or the latest webinar - you now have one place to come to
Details of how you can pledge your support for the Training Crusade will be shared shortly. We also would love to hear from you via our social media channels about the efforts you and your colleagues have made to build that extra little bit of training into your days when you can - and will share these successes with the cruise industry.
facebook.com/CliaUKIreland
twitter.com/UKCruising
CLIA UK & IRELAND SUMMER Informer
View the full Gallery on Flickr
CLIA Conference 2016 was supported by
RIVER CRUISES
European River cruising
CLIA UK & IRELAND SUMMER Informer
BOOK NOW 14 - 15 AUGUST 2016 Southampton
CLIA’s Luxury Expo 2016 will showcase the latest in the UK’s luxury cruise sector
We’re delighted that the 2016 Luxury Cruise Expo is open for registrations. After 3 years hosted by the Port of Dover, 2016 sees the event head to Southampton where delegates will have the opportunity to visit both Oceania Cruises’ Marina and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Voyager. The two-day event will offer delegates ship visits on both ships, including lunch, along with a shoreside opportunity to network with our luxury focused sponsors.
Oceania Cruises Marina
Regent Seven Seas Cruises Seven Seas Voyager
The Sunday evening will see a Gala Dinner event with all delegates and sponsors invited to attend. Due to the smaller nature of the luxury ships, we expect this event to be popular - and advise early booking. Tickets are restricted to CLIA member travel agents only and cost £45 + VAT. To book your places, head online to cruiseexperts.org, and visit the Events page
CLIA UK & IRELAND SUMMER Informer
TIGHT ON TIME?
TRY ON OUR SHORTS FOR SIZE
If you’ve had trouble joining us at a live webinar, we’ve missed you! But we do now have a solution as we wouldn’t want you to miss out - WEBINAR SHORTS are our new way of cruise lines and Travel Agent Associate companies getting a short 10 minute update to you! Pre-recorded, always under 10 minutes and online when you want them - they could just come in handy.
PRINCESS CRUISES
SHORTS 9mins 16 secs
JUST ADDED
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE
SHORTS
Listen to this Webinar Short on Greater Fort Lauderdale, the Venice of America. The presentation delivered by Sophie Holloway, Account Manager for Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB in the UK and Ireland asks you to say Hello Sunny with an introduction to the fantastic beaches, shopping, watersports, dining and entertainment available for clients staying in the destination, pre or post cruise or hopefully for even longer!
TAUCK RIVER CRUISES
SHORTS 8mins 4 secs
LIVE WEBINAR NOTIFICATION
Wednesday 8 June | 9.30am This is a short interactive session covering the new and exciting VIP private charter flycruise programme with Celebrity Cruises for 2017. We will be talking about this unique initiative from Celebrity - we call it Jet Set Sail - flying your customers in Modern Luxury from a private air terminal at Stansted to various Mediterranean destinations to meet and embark Celebrity Constellation and Celebrity Equinox, for fabulous east and west Med itineraries.
CLICK O REGISTT ER
We will also cover the current Celebrity Cruises campaign which runs right up until the end of August 2016
CLIA UK & IRELAND SUMMER Informer
Travel Weekly AAA CLIA Award Finalists Announced We were hugely impressed with the ideas and inspiration shown in all nominations received and our thanks go to you for your dedication to cruise! Our congratulations go to our finalists:
CLIA are delighted to announce the finalists for the Cruise Promotion Award as part of Travel Weekly’s Agent Achievement Awards.
Eton Travel Su Dillon – Travel Counsellor LoveIt BookIt Barrhead Travel
The CLIA Cruise Promotion Award is looking to recognise the most innovative and exciting proposal from a Travel Agency on how they would spend a £2,000 marketing fund to attract and sell to holidaymakers who are ‘yet to cruise’. We look forward to crowning the winner on 13 July at the Agent Achievement Awards.
New Training Launched We are delighted to bring you a new Member Training module from CLIA cruise line Saga. Saga has been creating exciting cruises for the over-50s for 20 years. All our itineraries, activities and entertainment are tailored for this age group, based on our extensive knowledge of their needs. Saga Sapphire and Saga Pearl II are small, welcoming ships offering comfortable cabins, world-class dining and superb facilities. We have also launched the new 4-part CLIA Discovers series on Cruising South East Asia - offering an in-depth look at this cruising region. Each module is worth 100 points towards accreditation, and can be found within the CLIA Discovers tab of the Learning Academy.
360 CHALLENGE SUMMER OF OPPORTUNITY COMPETITIONS
With so many ships joining us in Marseille for the inaugural CLIA Cruise360 in Europe (including the brand new Carnival Vista, pictured) our Summer of Opporunity Competitions will be held fortnightly throughout June and July, with questions on the ships that will be at the event.
ITH WIN W CLIA
The questions will be announced in the weekly Newsletters (released each Thursday) so keep an eye out to Win with CLIA!
Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Vista
YOU’RE
all
WINNERS IN OUR EYES, BUT....
Jo Howson of Style Cruises won with CLIA
Zoe Herbert of Travel Counsellors won with CLIA
Jo correctly identified the Easter eggs hidden across the main three sections of cruiseexperts.org - and we hope has enjoyed the Hotel Chocolat Hamper over the Easter break!
Zoe correctly answered the two questions from our two launch Webinar Shorts - and as a prize received a case of 6 beautiful bottles of Côtes du Rhône wine with our compliments.
OPEN SOON
WHERE WILL YOU MEET US AND OUR 16 PARTNER COMPANIES?
CLIA LIVE CORK |
NOVEMBER 2016 DATES TO BE CONFIRMED SHORTLY
Monday 27 June 2016
The Ambassador Hotel
CLIA LIVE GALWAY |
Tuesday 28 June 2016
Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa
CLIA LIVE DUBLIN | Hilton Hotel
Wednesday 29 June 2016
Supported by 16 associated companies, CLIA is holding a series of travel agent roadshows taking place in Cork, Galway and Dublin in June. CLIA agent members, and non CLIA members, will have the opportunity to increase their knowledge on river, luxury, contemporary and family cruise holidays while hearing the very latest developments in the cruise sector. The CLIA Live evenings will run from 5.30pm - 9.30pm, and will offer attendees an introduction to CLIA, sales training from our 16 partner companies, along with dinner.
19 - 21 NOV 2016 Amsterdam
CLIA River Cruise Convention 2016
RIVER CRUISES
To express your interest in joining us at any of the three events, please email us with names of your attendees - we would love to see you!
ukinfo@cruising.org www.cruiseexperts.org
AMS TER DAM
CLIA UK & IRELAND SUMMER Informer
DUBAI TOURISM
SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD
PORT OF SEATTLE
Over 15 years of expertise, most modern and the largest dedicated cruise facility in the region, capacity to handle complete passenger turnaround of 5 cruise ships simultaneously, with 6 world’s leading cruise lines home porting and being a favored destination for over 22 cruise line’s itineraries; Dubai is a real cruise hub of the region.
Singapore is a bustling cosmopolitan city full of strangely unique and wonderfully diverse experiences around every corner, where heritage shophouses exist alongside skyscrapers and lush vegetation, hawker food gets cooked up streets away from restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs, and nearly every month features a massive event. Home to a harmonious blend of culture, cuisine, arts and architecture, Singapore is rich in contrast and colour.
Known for its perfect fusion of urban and rural, Seattle is a city where art meets nature, where celebrated chefs produce farm to table specialities and Washington wines offer perfect pairings. Spectacular water views show off the city’s skyline with its iconic Space Needle jutting skyward. Gaze to the west for a breathtaking view of the Pacific Northwest coast’s sparkling Puget Sound with the magnificent backdrop of the Olympic Mountains.
Embarking on a regional or international cruise itinerary out of Dubai is a sheer indulgence. The international itineraries can start as short as 5, 7, 12 or 14 nights and even extend to an exciting world cruise itinerary. Simplified visa procedures; visa on arrival for 46 nationalities, online visas, exclusive multiple entry UAE visa at a nominal fee for cruise tourist make the destination even more compelling. Do not miss a pre or post cruise stay in this fascinating destination, where you are sure to be enthralled.
As a cruising hub that is ideally located at the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore is the perfect place from which to take off and explore the old-world charms as well as exciting new world attractions of neighbouring cities and beyond. There are two cruise terminals in Singapore, both strategically located in the city centre and offering excellent facilities and services.
www.visitdubai.com Catherine Lamri clamri@dubaitourism.co.uk
www.yoursingapore.com Lara Velasco lara_velasco@stb.gov.sg
EMIRATES
PUERTO RICO TOURISM COMPANY
Flying to more than 140 destinations in over 80 countries across the world, today Emirates is one of the fastest growing airlines globally. Acclaimed by industry insiders and passengers alike Emirates’ young fleet is one of most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly. The Emirates story started in 1985 when we launched operations with just two aircraft. Today, we fly the world’s biggest fleets of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, offering our customers the comforts of the latest and most efficient wide-body aircraft in the skies. We inspire travellers around the world with our growing network of worldwide destinations, industry leading inflight entertainment, regionally inspired cuisine and world-class service. www.emirates.com/uk Leigh Waniwan leigh.waniwan@emirates.com
The Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC) coordinates the trade development and marketing of Puerto Rico’s tourism sector. PRTC provides destination training and distributes brochures, maps and branded collateral upon request. As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico is an island getaway with something for everyone – stunning beaches, uncompromising luxury, adventurous outdoor activities, delicious cuisine, cultural attractions, and flavourful nightlife. San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, is the largest cruise port in the Caribbean and welcomes thousands of sea travellers daily. Home port to numerous cruise lines, visitors can explore Old San Juan, the oldest city on U.S. territory, or venture further afield to explore some of Puerto Rico’s white sandy beaches, idyllic islands, or El Yunque, the only tropical rain forest in the United States National Forest System. www.seepuertorico.com Karis Masham karism@hillsbalfour.com
Seattle is the gateway for 203 Alaska cruises in 2016 operated by seven cruise lines. The Port of Seattle boasts two downtown cruise terminals and convenient air travel connections making Seattle the ideal choice for your cruise. (Direct daily services from London Heathrow with British Airways and Delta Airlines, also via Reykjavik with Icelandair). Angie Colombo angie@corecommunications.co.uk
GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau promotes travel and drives visitation to and within Greater Fort Lauderdale. The mission of the GFLCVB, as the hospitality leader, is to market the area globally as a premier, leisure, convention and business destination for the continual economic benefit of the community, including all of its municipalities. Searching for the perfect beach getaway for your clients? There is a reason we are Florida’s first Virtuoso preferred destination, and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau is here to make your job easier. Whether you are looking for hotels, attractions or things to do, discover how we can help you create a winning stay for your clients. www.sunny.org Sophie Holloway sophieh@hillsbalfour.com
CLIA UK & IRELAND SUMMER Informer
Singapore Airlines is the perfect airline partner When planning your client’s next cruise adventure, whether that be on one of the ocean cruises or South East Asian river cruises, a perfect way for them to start and end their trip would be to fly on Singapore Airlines, the world’s most awarded airline. Flying four times a day from London Heathrow and daily from Manchester to Singapore with convenient connections onwards to over 100 destinations many of which are Cruise hotspots, Singapore Airlines is the perfect airline partner. From the luxury of the A380 Suite, the widest Business Class seat in the sky, the newly introduced Premium Economy cabin and the ever popular Economy cabin, we can cater for all your client’s requirements. Singapore Airlines customers can also benefit from a range of value-adds when flying with the airline through its Changi Airport hub. Great value Singapore Stopover Holidays, Explorer Passes granting access to the best of Singapore’s attractions, complimentary $40 worth of Changi Dollar Transit vouchers and options to purchase special airfare offers to allow multi-city itineraries either within Australia or combining South East Asian cities en route – all await. For further information please visit www.singaporeair.com/sqagents Singapore Airlines Business Class
CLIA UK & IRELAND SUMMER Informer
Marseille CALLING
Photo credit C. Moirenc-CCMP
OPTIONAL PRE-DAY
BOOK NOW
Wednesday 19 October
The UK & Ireland CLIA Team are heading south for the winter - the 17 OC October sunshine in Marseille would normally be all it took, but with 8 CLIA member
ships in attendance, a Gala Dinner, inspirational cruise conference sessions and a load of friendly cruise faces, we wouldn’t miss it for the World! But we want you to join us! Cruise360 is a known travel agent event brand in North America, and this is our inaugural year bringing the event to Europe and we can’t wait to make history! The main programme runs over three days - two ship tour days and a land based conference day in between. These are fabulous opportunities to visit ships rarely seen in British ports. Please find the outline schedule for the full event, which offers a pre- and post- Conference day for additional ship tours!
WITH THANKS TO OUR CRUISE LINE SPONSORS
Optional Ship Visit
Holland America Line Oosterdam Enjoy a Ship Tour, Meet the team, HAL presentation and a fabulous 3-course Lunch We are also delighted to offer you the opportunity to sign up for additional excursions around the region, provided by Cruise Club Marseille-Provence. Three opportunities for this day are available - please visit cruiseexperts.org for details.
Travel & Accommodation
ADVICE
Flights from London airports are direct and take just 2 hours.
We have exclusive hotel rates for attendees of the event.
British Airways from London Heathrow, EasyJet from London Gatwick and Ryanair from London Stansted, amongst others all operate direct flights to Marseille.
The ACCOR HOTEL GROUP have a range of 3 to 5* hotels, with rooms from £55 per night
EasyJet also fly direct between Manchester and Marseille, out on the Wednesday morning, and returning on the Saturday evening. KLM/Air France offer an indirect flight option from Glagow to Marseille, via Amsterdam or Paris. Voyages-SNCF have also provided details of options to join us in the South of France by train. Please visit cruiseexperts.org for timings and prices.
HOTEL CARRE 3* hotel B&B (1/2 persons) : 110€ / 130€ THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL 5* hotel Deluxe room (garden or city view) (1/2 persons): 175€ / 195€ THE GOLDEN TULIP EUROMED 4* hotel Superior Kingsize or twin beds (1/2 persons): 110€ / 125€
MAIN PROGRAMME
OPTIONAL POST-DAY
Thursday 20 October
Friday 21 October
Saturday 22 October
Sunday 23 October
Tour & Lunch
Conference & Trade Fair
Tour & Lunch
Choose one of three visits
Carnival Vista
PARC CHANOT CONFERENCE CENTRE
MSC Poesia
or
Celebrity Reflection
or Thomson Majesty
Croisieres de France Horizon
Norwegian Epic Close of Main Programme or Free Evening if remaining in Marseille for Sunday’s Optional Programme
Welcome Dinner at
PALAIS DE LE BOURSE
Evening Event
LE SPORT BEACH
WITH THANKS TO OUR HEADLINE EVENT SPONSORS
Costa Diadema
Close of Event & Safe Travels Home
CLIA UK & IRELAND SUMMER Informer
BOOK NOW
DRAFT OUTLINE OF THE DAY 10am Embarkation Caribbean Princess Sales Training in the onboard Theatre, Tour and Lunch onboard the ship 2pm Disembarkation Speed Training session in Terminal building
Summer of Opportunity
4.30pm Close of event SATURDAY 23 JULY 2016 Liverpool
CLIA is delighted to promote the second of our new Cruise Sales Masterclass events, aimed primarily at those travel agents who wish to increase their share of this lucrative market. We are looking forward to the event being held at the Liverpool Cruise Terminal, onboard the magnificent Caribbean Princess of Princess Cruises. The event will provide a mix of training in cruise sales techniques, current industry trends, product training and how to capitalise on the resources available to reach new customers. Our Cruise Sales Masterclass will tackle head on some of the ways in which we can all grow our cruise sales using some easy to understand steps. The event will include onboard conference sessions, along with a ship tour and lunch followed by networking with a select number of cruise lines within the Cruise Terminal in Liverpool. To book your places, head online to cruiseexperts.org, and visit the Events page
CLIA UK & IRELAND SUMMER Informer
CLIA & Travel Bulletin join forces for Cruise Showcases Travel Bulletin is excited to announce their new Cruise Showcase programme for 2016. Agents will have the opportunity to learn about a variety of cruise lines and ships, extraordinary onboard entertainment and accommodation options in this increasingly popular escape. You will enjoy delicious food and drinks, great entertainment and a fabulous free prize draw with a number of fantastic prizes to be won each night! All run from 18.00 - 21.30 Monday 18 July - Chester Tuesday 27 September - Leeds To book your places, head online to cruiseexperts.org, and visit the Events page
Portsmouth International Port to Host Discovery Expo
FINAL PLACES AVAILABLE We are delighted to promote the 2016 Discovery Expo to be held at Portsmouth International Port on Thursday 21 July. Delegates will be amongst a select group of CLIA travel agents invited onboard Swan Hellenic’s Minerva and will also have the opportunity to meet with a select number of CLIA cruise line members that offer Discovery Cruising. Presentations from the Discovery Cruising operators will take place within the port’s terminal building and everyone will be invited onboard Minerva for networking, a tour and lunch. The day will commence around 9.30am and finish at approximately 14.00. Tickets to this event are free to CLIA Member Travel Agents To book your places, head online to cruiseexperts.org, and visit the Events page
Swan Hellenic Minerva passing the Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth International Port
CLIA UK & IRELAND SUMMER Informer We’ve lined up a selection of excellent cruise reading if you get a chance to have a look
Also from the Web
brings you an article on the Top 10 Caribbean Paradise Islands from Lesley Bellew of World of Cruising
Sales Guides
features an article on the Majestic Enchantment of the Norwegian Fjords
Opinions
We are delighted to present the views of Andy Harmer, The Rise of the Kidult
CRUISE DAILY @cruiseexperts.org Updated throughout the day this area features news updates, special guest opinion, Sales Guides, and other relevant resources and features created just for you. The CLIA Cruise Daily is also where you should go to sign-up to all of the cruise events, webinars, ship visits and exclusive promotions available to CLIA members.
WEBINAR LIBRARY AND NEW SHORTS
The full library of recordings from the Spring Webinar season is now online and there for you if you would like to listen back on any you missed. We have also launched our new Shorts series, which are pre-recorded, 10 minute updates from our cruise line and partner companies, when they have a key message to get across to you! Short on Time? Try our Shorts for size!
GREATEST JOURNEYS NOW INTEGRATED
Our Greatest Journeys blog posts are a great way to share your key cruise destination experiences with your colleagues and customers. It is also a great opportunity to learn about some new destinations or cruising experiences you may not have known about. Greatest Journeys are now included within the Cruise Daily
CLIA CONFERENCE VIDEOS IN CRUISE TV
Check in daily for LATEST CRUISE NEWS & FEATURES EVENTS & SHIP VISITS PROMOTIONS WEBINARS CRUISE TOP 10s GUEST OPINIONS SALES GUIDES INFORMER MAGAZINE
Ship Visits currently online from:
The CLIA Conference delegates were treated to a selection of videos from our Headline, Media and Port Sponsors, along with a few light pieces of comedy from the CLIA Executive Committee teams and behind the scenes footage from the Voice of the Ocean auditions held onboard Emerald Princess. All of this is now online and available from the CLIA Cruise TV page within the Cruise Daily.
Just added - are two opportunities to visit the Aegean Odyssey of Voyages to Antiquity, when she visits Falmouth (22 June) and Dover (25 June). Head online for full details and the online booking link.
CLIA UK & IRELAND SUMMER Informer
PHOTO COURTESY OF CLIA TRAVEL AGENT ASSOCIATE MEMBER
If you are looking for the right ship, the right itinerary and the right destination for your customer, then head to the CLIA Cruise Toolbox. We have put together the ultimate collection of resources, guides and information to make your search for the right cruise holiday seamless. Regularly updated and created just for you, the CLIA Cruise Toolbox is available to all members.
DESTINATION GUIDES
REFERENCE MATERIALS
The Destination Guides can be found in the CLIA Cruise Toolbox - check out the latest on Alaska.
All Powerpoint Presentations from CLIA Conference 2016 are also housed here. The Resource Library is now located within the Cruise Toolbox
We’re building up a great library of Destination Guides each guide features an interactive map with key markers identifying the most popular cruise destinations, linking to a page of information on each. The pages house some incredible photography bringing locations to life, and offer a downloadable 2-page PDF overview of the region as a reminder.
UNIQUE CRUISE FACTSHEETS We’re delighted to add a number of factsheets to the CLIA Cruise Toolbox allowing you to assist your customers more easily.
If you are looking for the latest cruise stats, destination resources, Powerpoint presentations from CLIA events, or cruise sector specific inspiration, the Resource Library is your perfect option.
TRAVEL AGENT ASSOCIATE PROFILE PAGES
All Travel Agent Associate members now have their own profile page with overview and contact information available - have a look online!
Don’t forget you can download them, print them or simply keep checking back to our website. Just added is the third of our Key River Gateways series, presenting the key French River Cruise Gateways. Due to the growing number of factsheets we hold, we have also recently categorised them into 5 main sections:
Open the CLIA Cruise Toolbox for:
Key Cruising Regions Notable Itineraries Onboard Product Worldwide Ocean and River Fleets
CRUISE LINE & PARTNER PROFILES
The factsheets are available online at cruiseexperts.org Once logged in, head to the CLIA Cruise Toolbox where they can all be found.
BROCHURE RACK MEET THE FLEET CRUISE FACTSHEETS CRUISE FINDER DESTINATION GUIDES CLIA CRUISE PINBOARD FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Holy Month of Ramadan is one of the most special times to visit Dubai, with residents reconnecting with their culture, from special events to the spectacular Iftar feasts across the city. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the highlight of the Islamic calendar.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the holiest time of the year for Muslims around the world. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar, it is believed that the first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) at this time. This year, Ramadan is from 6 June to 5 July – its actual dates on the Gregorian calendar vary from year to year as they are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar. The festival of Eid Al Fitr marks the end of the Holy Month. Each year the month of Ramadan ushers in great spiritual and social benefits, not just for Muslims, but for everyone. In the UAE and across the Muslim world, time-honoured traditions, Islamic culture and hospitality are at their peak during the Holy Month. Make the most of this time to catch up on your dose of culture in Dubai.
My Ramadan
Aida Al Busaidy is the senior manager for PR festivals and events working for Dubai Tourism. As a dynamic Emirati, she gives us an insight into her life during the Holy Month.
Can you tell us about your Ramadan routine?
During Ramadan, it’s still business as usual. I still have to go to work, do the shopping and take the children to nursery. Contrary to belief we don’t stay all night and sleep all day for the whole month. However, we do tend to go bed much later than normal and this because after sunset we got together with our family and friends to enjoy the traditional meals.
What does Ramadan mean to you?
This is the time of year when you really strive to be the best person you can be. Of course, you should do this all year around, but at Ramadan you take this to another level. It’s a great opportunity to contemplate and appreciate our blessings, to help others and to mend our faults.
Do you find it difficult to fast?
Not really – but that’s because I have a strong understanding of what and why I am doing it, and I keep that front of mind. It’s just a different feeding routine. It’s important that you do it properly and eat sensibly – particularly during Suhoor, which is the meal eaten before sunrise and sets you up for the day.
What do you enjoy about it?
I enjoy reflecting on life, spending time meditating and appreciating life. I love the fact that we all take the time to be together. I love the sharing the food – ironically, you can actually put on weight during Ramadan! Some of my most special childhood memories are of our family gatherings during Ramadan.
CLIA UK & IRELAND SUMMER Informer
CRUISE INDUSTRY NEWS IN BRIEF CLIA’s Andy Harmer met with HRH Prince William to sign the United for Wildlife declaration on behalf of the cruise industry, to strengthen defences against illegal wildlife trafficking.
Harmony of the Seas Arrives in Southampton to announcement of seven-year deal with port As Royal Caribbean’s latest, and the world’s largest, ship - Harmony of the Seas - arrives into Southampton, the global cruise line’s Strategic Operation Officer, Mike Jones, Managing Director of UK and Ireland, Stuart Leven, announced a seven-year deal with the port of Southampton, worth £200 million to the local economy, at the official Plaques and Keys ceremony onboard the ship.
United for Wildlife
ms Koningsdam Named by Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in Amsterdam In a ceremony rich with history and meaning, Holland America Line held a Dedication Ceremony for ms Koningsdam May 20 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands officially blessed the bell and named Koningsdam on board the ship in front of invited dignitaries, cruise guests, travel partners and media.
Vickie Jones wins the Voice of the Ocean for #TeamAndy CLIA was delighted to host the Voice of the Ocean finals as part of the 10th Anniversary CLIA Conference dinner, courtesy of Princess Cruises in collaboration with Travel Weekly. Huge congratulations to both our runners up - Katie George for #TeamTony and James Grant for #TeamLucy - your performances were stand-out, and you did us and your judges proud! But there could only be one winner, and the Voice of the Ocean title went, deservedly, to Vickie Jones representing #TeamAndy your knockout performance of Adele’s Someone Like You wowed our audience and you are our Voice of the Ocean!
The celebration began with Her Majesty Queen Máxima performing the ceremonial honours of blessing the ship’s bell in the Lido pool area by pouring a glass of champagne over the bell. The blessing of the bell is a hallowed Holland America Line tradition when welcoming a new ship to the fleet. Her Majesty also was the first to sign Koningsdam’s commemorative wall that will become a permanent installation on the ship. Next, the ship was officially christened during a ceremony in the World Stage theatre when Her Majesty Queen Máxima pulled a rope to trigger the traditional champagne bottle break on Koningsdam’s hull.
CLIA UK & IRELAND SUMMER Informer
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CLIA has announced its annual Plan a Cruise Month campaign (October) will become a global initiative, expanding upon previous year’s individual efforts from CLIA offices around the world.
meet the needs of each market. While the effort focuses on consumer awareness of cruise travel, it also is designed to highlight CLIA accredited travel agents as the best way to book a cruise holiday as well as provide travel agents with the tools and resources to promote booking cruise travel to new and current clients.
“As the cruise industry continues to grow globally, the opportunity to expand Cruise Month internationally was a natural progression as we strive to raise consumer awareness about the unlimited choices cruising offers for every type of traveller,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA.
“Travel agents play a vital role to the cruise industry as internationally more than 75 percent of cruises are reserved using a travel agent, therefore travel agent support and engagement is vital to the success of the Cruise Month,” said D’Aoust.
“While each region will create programmes specific to their market, the Cruise Month brand will be used globally with the overall objectives to promote cruise travel, bring resources and tools to our travel agent community, and shine a spotlight on the global cruise industry.”
“The campaign provides a perfect platform for travel agents, cruise lines and industry partners to showcase that there is a cruise for every style and budget, and increase the number of people who take a cruise holiday.”
Plan a Cruise Month is being celebrated throughout North America, Australasia and Europe, with tailored efforts to
Plan a Cruise month will officially run through the month of October 2016. More details on the initiative, as well as tools and resources will be available in the coming months.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA represents the interests of cruise lines, travel agents, port authorities and destinations, and various industry business partners before regulatory and legislatory policy makers.
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