Cruising Australian Waters

THE Most Luxurious Ship Ever Built, Seven Seas Explorer, will cruise Australian and New Zealand waters as part of her 2020/21 season for the first time since debuting in 2016. 

With over USD $450 million spent on building the exclusive, 375 suite ship – including over an acre of marble, an enviable US$7 million art collection, and one of the biggest suites at sea – it is no surprise that Seven Seas Explorer has been hailed as The Most Luxurious Ship Ever Built.

Seven Seas Explorer will be entering Australian waters for the first time on the 28th December 2020, visiting Darwin before she sails down to Sydney on the 6th January 2021.

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10 years of luxurious expedition

SILVERSEA Expeditions proudly celebrated 10 years of luxurious #expedition #cruising on June 3, marking the occasion with a two-day gala voyage between London and Dublin. On this momentous day, the ultra-luxury Silver Cloud departed London’s Tower Bridge amid great elation to honour Silversea Expeditions’ very first voyage, which sailed under Tower Bridge for Svalbard a decade ago to the day.

In a testament to the company’s continued focus on innovation, Silver Cloud, which was the first vessel in Silversea’s fleet and was reimagined as an elegant ice-class expedition ship in late 2017, crossed paths with Silver Spirit – Silversea’s recently lengthened and renovated ship – in Greenwich, London. 

The array of enrichments aboard Silver Cloud’s celebratory voyage included a congratulatory video message from HSH Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, who had cut the ribbon in Monte Carlo during the naming ceremony for Silversea’s first expedition ship in 2008. Originally named Prince Albert II in tribute to His Serene Highness and his environmental efforts, the ship sails today as Silver Explorer and continues a legacy of sustainable tourism.

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Quantum of the Seas to home-port in Singapore

ROYAL Caribbean International today announced that Asia’s largest and most revolutionary ship, Quantum of the Seas, will be back in #Singapore for a six-month home-porting season in 2019 to 2020 – the cruise line’s longest ever Singapore deployment for a Quantum Class ship. 

The announcement with this ship which redefined cruising in Asia in terms of size and innovative amenities, reaffirms Royal Caribbean’s confidence in Singapore as the region’s leading cruising gateway, and its commitment to grow its cruise offerings in Singapore and the region. 

Over her 34 sailings during the six months from November 2019 to April 2020, Quantum of the Seas is expected to add some 150,000 guests to the Singapore cruising scene. With this 18-deck high, 168,666 gross registered ton ship which can carry 4,905 guests in total, Royal Caribbean will increase its capacity in Singapore by 30 percent.

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Rise in Baltic Cruises

GOOD opportunities for local port cities are up for grabs as a cruise shipping boom sweeps the Baltic. Both Rostock and Kiel are already profiting from it. Between them they are expecting 1.3 million #cruise ship visitors during this year’s season – an increase of 12.5% over last year.

The 2018 cruise shipping season on the Warnow River begins on April 8th with the arrival of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ “Boudicca”. This year a total 205 visits by 43 different cruise ships are expected. On the 2018 timetable are 39 visits by very big passenger ships which are more than 300 m long.

In the port of Kiel the 2018 season starts on April 6th and lasts until the end of October. A total of 166 calls by 32 different cruise ships have been registered. The numerical highlight of the year will come on August 11th when five cruise ships will be in the port at the same time. Although Kiel is predominantly a start and end port for cruises, it also expects 23 visits this year by ships on running cruises, whose international passengers will visit Kiel and the surrounding region as well Hamburg and Lübeck. One particular draw is the Kieler Woche sailing regatta, which will take place June 16th-24th. Twelve ocean-going and three inland river cruise ships will be in port to attend that event.

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Picture Credit: 03 Ostseekai Kiel Foto Tom Koerber

Fred.Olsen fleet get-together

FOLLOWING on from the success of its ‘Four Ships in Bergen’ event in Summer 2015, and with it exciting ‘Captains in Cádiz’ celebration on the horizon on 10th September 2018, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is now pleased to announce that its fleet of four ocean ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca and Black Watch – will be reuniting once again, this time in Funchal, #Madeira on Saturday 4th April 2020.

Fred. Olsen’s third fleet get-together in Spring 2020 on the stunning ‘Garden Island’ of Madeira - 'Four Fred.s in Funchal' - will be packed full of lively celebrations and festivities, on four specially-themed cruise itineraries, went on sale on 22nd February 2018.

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Cruise sector generates £2.58bn for UK economy

THE #CRUISE industry is worth £2.58 billion a year to the UK economy, according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which has published its annual European Economic Contribution report.

The industry’s direct contribution to the British economy, including goods and services purchased by cruise lines and the salaries of their employees, grew by 3.3 percent, making it the highest on record.

The industry’s economic output in Europe reached £32.22 billion, up two percent on the previous year, and an all-time high.

Employment in the UK cruise industry grew by 4.1 percent to 73,919 jobs and accounted for 20 percent of the market share in Europe.

Southampton has maintained its position as the number one embarkation and disembarkation port in Northern Europe, with a total of 1.75 million passengers passing through in 2015.

Says Andy Harmer, CLIA Europe VP Operations: ‘The figures bear testament to the cruise industry’s contribution to the UK economy. Cruise may have once been considered a travel niche but the multi-billion valuation shows that it’s now a major player within the travel sector. 

‘Every year, new ships enter into service, offering innovative activities and facilities and 2015 was no exception, with a number of significant developments for the UK cruise market including the naming of P&O Cruises’ Britannia by Her Majesty The Queen, Cruise and Maritime Voyages introducing Magellan, and Royal Caribbean’s new ship Anthem of the Seas joining the worldwide fleet.’


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Around the world in 121 days

60 destinations, 21 countries, 17 overnight calls, £39,700 a head 

SILVERSEA CRUISES is now taking reservations for its World Cruise 2018, a 121-day sailing from Los Angeles to Rome, departing January 6, 2018.

The all-suite Silver Whisper will travel to 60 destinations in 21 countries. There will be 17 overnight calls and 13 late-night stays.

The voyage, titled “La Grande Bellezza”, will sail west across the Pacific to Hawaii, French Polynesia, and New Zealand, then take a path through the Java Sea to Bali, and Borneo, and on to a series of exotic isles in the Philippines.

After two nights in Hong Kong and overnight stays in Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and Singapore, Silver Whisper will follow the route of ancient spice traders to Sri Lanka, India, and Oman. She will then continue through the Red Sea to Luxor and Petra, on to the Greek Islands, and finally along the coast of Italy to Rome.

Fares for the world cruise start at $57,750 (£39,700) per person, based on double occupancy. The price includes a pre-cruise overnight stay at a hotel in Los Angeles, business class air tickets to reach the ship, transfers, a $4,000 (£2,750) on-board spending credit per cabin … not forgetting a complimentary laundry service and free internet access.

hwww.silversea.com/

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Swoop down to Antarctica

SWOOP #ANTARCTICA has availability for travellers who want to follow in the footsteps of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton this coming winter, 2016/17. 

Express tour of Antarctica –The itinerary of this six-day trip combines Antarctica with Patagonia. Time is shortened by sailing one way and flying back on the return from King George Island to Punta Arenas, Chile. Passengers experience one day in Antarctica as well as a zodiac landing on Cape Horn. Swoop has availability for voyages departing from November 2016, with prices starting at £3,880 per person. There is a booking discount of £450 per person if booked by June 30.

South Georgia and Falklands voyage –The 18-day South Georgia and Falklands voyage departs from Ushuaia, Argentina, and includes three days in South Georgia, two on the Falklands and finally four in Antarctica.

History is a key theme, with the epic story of Sir Ernest Shackleton and the HMS Endurance expedition central to any trip to South Georgia. South Georgia is sometimes referred to as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’ and fur seals, elephant seals, penguin colonies and nesting albatross might be seen.

This voyage takes a maximum of 96 passengers, plus a sizeable expeditionary staff. Swoop has availability for voyages departing from October and November 2016. Prices start at £9,080 per person, and there is booking discount of £1,040 per person if booked by June 30.

Weddell Sea expedition – Taking only 54 passengers, the Weddell Sea expedition is a 12-day voyage with six days in Antarctica. Access to the little visited Weddell Sea is totally ice-dependent. Calved from massive ice shelves, the tabular icebergs of Antarctic Sound create a memorable sight as the small expeditionary ship threads its way through waters alive with penguins. There are three landings a day, with optional kayaking available. Swoop has availability for a February 7 departure. Prices start at £10,160 per person, and a 10% booking discount is currently being offered.

Swoop Antarctica works with 16 different expedition vessels offering more than 80 Antarctic cruises each season. Bookings are now also being taken for voyages departing in the 2017/18 season.

www.swoop-antarctica.com

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Fishguard opens for business as cruise port

A PEMBROKESHIRE port has welcomed the first of 5,000 international visitors this summer. Nineteen cruise ships are due to dock in Fishguard between May and September.

Fishguard received just seven calls in 2015. This year’s increase is down to the positive feedback received from visitors and support from Visit Wales. The cruise ship industry is expected to bring in £2.5 million to the Welsh economy this year.

A cruise committee has been formed in Fishguard to ensure visitors get a warm welcome and experience its attractions.

A committee spokesman said they were ‘delighted that North Pembrokeshire has been chosen as a major visitor destination for cruise companies’, with only Holyhead on Anglesey receiving more visits in Wales this year.

The group is hoping the 19 calls in 2016 can be added to year-on year to make Fishguard one of the most ‘important cruise destinations in the UK’.

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Fred.Olsen commits small ship fleet to UK in 2017/18

FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES will sail its fleet of four smaller, more intimate ships – Balmoral, Braemar, Boudicca, and Black Watch –from 10 regional ports in 2017/18. The sailings will launch from Southampton, Dover, Tilbury, Harwich, Falmouth, Liverpool, Newcastle, Greenock (Glasgow), Rosyth (Edinburgh), and Belfast.

Nathan Philpot, sales and marketing director for Fred. Olsen #Cruise Lines, said: ‘We know that travel to and from a departure port is a key influencer for guests booking a cruise holiday, and Fred. Olsen is continuing to offer the widest range of regional departure ports of any cruise line, with a total of ten, covering all the important cruise markets of the UK.

We are also committed to ensuring that we match our departure ports to the right kind of cruise itinerary, meaning that we can offer the shortest duration of Norwegian fjords experience, of just five nights, from Newcastle, and a Canaries and Madeira holiday of just 12 nights from Falmouth.’

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New record for cruise passenger numbers from UK and Ireland

A RECORD 1,789,000 passengers from the UK and Ireland took an ocean cruise in 2015, a nine percent rise year-on-year and the highest increase in seven years, according to statistics published by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

UK and Ireland, which saw 145,000 more passengers take a cruise in 2015, also has the highest growth rate out of all the major European countries.

The number of Europeans taking an ocean cruise holiday has also grown – since 2008, the market has increased by 49 percent, proving both the cruise industry’s resilience to economic downturns and, says the CLIA, the value provided by a cruise holiday.

A Mediterranean cruise was the most popular holiday choice for Brits, accounting for 672,000 passengers, although the Atlantic Islands (Canaries and Madeira) had the best ever year with a record 188,000 passengers. The Caribbean reclaimed more passengers after a three-year lull.

The number of UK passengers starting their cruise at home rather than overseas grew strongly, with UK cruise departures now accounting for 47% of the market. It was another successful year for British ports overall; in total, more than one million UK and international passengers visited a British port during a cruise, a figure that has more than doubled in six years.

CLIA UK and Ireland Director Andy Harmer commented: ‘The cruise industry’s continued confidence in the UK market is clearly demonstrated by an increasing number of ships that will sail from British ports in the coming years.’


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All aboard for that £1 million get-away!

GOT £1 million to spare for a holiday for two? Cruise118.com has announced details of what would be the holiday not of one lifetime, but several.

Scheduled for November 2017, the retailer has crafted a package that includes overnight stays in Auckland, Sydney, Bali, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Hong Kong.

The holiday includes:

• Seven private jet flights 
• Three Celebrity Cruises in a Royal or Penthouse suite (which includes a 24/7 personal butler service, unlimited dining in all speciality restaurants, a separate living area with grand piano and a private veranda with whirlpool)
• Chauffeur-driven transfers 
• An elephant safari in Bali 
• A helicopter ride over Sydney 
• A swim with dolphins in Dubai 

Holidaymakers will start their journey in London, where they will board their first private flight to Auckland, New Zealand. They will be back in England – by private jet from Hong Kong – 63 days later, having visited 11 countries.

Cruise118.com managing director James Cole said the #cruise was perfect for couples who want to see the world in a way that nobody else has done before. ‘We believe our £1 million cruise package is unlike anything else, offering unprecedented levels of luxury. We’ve created an unforgettable, personalized holiday experience that gives couples a unique opportunity to see the world in the most glamorous way possible.’

www.cruise118.com

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Picture Credit: ALL CLEAR AHEAD</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin

Giant of the seas gets ready to sail

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL'S latest mega-ship, Harmony of the Seas, has embarked on its sea trials. 

The largest of the line’s fleet, it will have:

• 2,747 staterooms for a maximum capacity of 6,410 passengers
• 2,100 crew members 
• 18 decks 
• 24 passenger elevators 
• Seven entertainment "neighbourhoods" 

Built in France, its maiden voyage is scheduled for May 29.

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Costa Cruises appoint robot staff

THE WORLD’S first humanoid robot will join #CostaCruises staff from spring 2016, working on board the Costa Diadema and sister ship AIDAprima. 

Costa Cruises has signed an agreement with the French company Aldebaran, a subsidiary of the SoftBank Group, for the world’s first deployment of ‘Pepper’ #robots on board #cruiseships.

The robots are capable – it says here – of reading human emotions and are built to interact with people by communicating through intuitive interfaces including voice and touch. The machines speak fluent German, Italian, and English, and will be able to provide recommendations on restaurants, events, and excursions. The company says they will improve the ‘customer experience’.

Pepper robots takes the environment and surroundings into account and its joints and wheels enable it to move fluidly. Its 3D camera allows it to detect people and their movements, and it’s able to analyze expressions and voice tones.

www.costacruises.co.uk

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Picture Credit: www.costacruises.co.uk

Southampton's QEII cruise terminal set for £5m upgrade

A £5 MILLION revamp of Southampton’s QEII cruise terminal will begin this winter.

The work, jointly funded by ABP Port of Southampton and Carnival UK, is being carried out over two phases in 2015/16 and will include a ship-to-shore walkway to replace the existing one, which was initially installed for Cunard’s Queen Mary 2. This will ensure a greater range of ships can use the terminal.

The upgrade will also include improvements to the existing check-in, baggage, and passenger X-ray areas, installing a 46-person lift and re-organizing the passenger drop-off area.

ABP Southampton director, Nick Ridehalgh, said: ‘The number of cruise passengers coming through Southampton’s port continues to rise, with 1.75 million expected to pass through this year. It’s therefore vital that we ensure our facilities are in the very best shape to accommodate these passengers and that they are laid out in a way that gives people a seamless and stress-free start to their holidays.’

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