Worlds most popular cruise destinations

THE world's leading cruise reviews site, Cruise Critic and its online #cruise community, has announced the winners of its third annual Cruisers' Choice Destination Awards, naming the world's most popular cruise #destinations, based entirely on consumer ratings submitted with reviews on Cruise Critic. The awards name the top cruise destinations across 18 regions worldwide. New in 2018, the awards also highlight the best cruise lines to visit each region.

The Eastern Mediterranean port of Kotor, in Montenegro, came out as the number one destination hotspot for UK cruisers. The Baltic Sea port of Talinn, capital city of Estonia, secured second place in popularity, and the Aegean island of Santorini proved third favourite overall, for UK cruise travellers.

Highlighted Awards:

Glacier Bay in Alaska was named the Most Popular Cruise Destination in 2018 – It's one of the best Inside Passage locations for glacier and wildlife viewing, with its Margerie Glacier considered one of the most photogenic glaciers.

Edinburgh secured the top destination award in the British Isles & Western Europe category – for the very first time - beating Barcelona, Rome and Venice, among many others. 

Cuba's capital city of Havana was named the Best Cruise Destination in the Western Caribbean & Riviera Maya for the first time. While international cruise lines have long visited Cuba, U.S. travelers were only able to begin visiting the island once regulations were eased in 2016.

Dubrovnik has been named the Top-Rated Eastern Mediterranean Destination for the past two years, and has done it again this year to score a hat trick.


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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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New cruise terminal for Tahiti

EXPLORING The Islands of #Tahiti by sea is not only one of the most convenient methods to island-hop but is also an awe-inspiring experience to immerse oneself in the destination’s stunning 118 islands. Seagoers from across the world will be able to enjoy Papeete’s new International Cruise Terminal, which is scheduled to open in 2020.

Financed by the Port of Papeete, the new cruise terminal will have the capacity to accommodate up to three ships simultaneously and 2,000 turnaround passengers. The terminal will also feature amenities such as an aerial walk, luggage room, check-in counters, waiting room, duty free, snack bar and café and reservations facilities.

Concurrently, the Aéroport de Tahiti is also undertaking a $12 million upgrade of Faa’a International Airport which is 1.8 miles from the cruise port. Airport capacity is presently at 2.5 million passengers per year and there are three departing long haul flights and two long-haul arrivals every day. This planned renovation, which is expected to be finished by 2020, includes an extension to the airport, refurbishment of the landside terminal and a new public hall containing new retail areas, shops and restaurants.

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Norwegian Cruise Line wins Best Suites

NORWEGIAN Cruise Line has been awarded “Best Suites” in Cruise Critic Australia Editors’ Picks Awards for 2017. The purpose of the awards it to highlight the best cruise lines of the year across dozens of categories, as chosen by the site’s international team of editors.

Following her inaugural Australian and New Zealand season, Norwegian Jewel will travel to Asia, and then on to Alaska for the Northern Hemisphere summer before making her way back to Australia and New Zealand next year. The 2018/2019 homeported sailings are now on sale and offer a number of new itineraries, taking in destinations such as Cairns, Hobart, Milford Sound, and Tauranga, as well as sailings to the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, and a transpacific voyage from Vancouver to Tokyo (Yokohama).
   
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Cowes promoted as a port of call

COWES Harbour Commission is working proactively with Destination Cowes and the Island’s tourism organisation Visit Isle of Wight to promote Cowes as a unique destination port-of-call, encouraged by the rising demand in the cruise ship market, including growth in the Northern European luxury cruise market.

Cowes offers exceptional visitor appeal with cruise ship passengers able to visit world famous tourist attractions such as Queen Victoria’s magnificent Osborne House in East Cowes, the palatial royal residence used as the setting for the major feature film Victoria and Abdul.

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On the water . . .

VIKING Cruises has announced that American chemist, emergency room physician and recently retired NASA astronaut Dr. Anna Fisher will be honoured as godmother to its fifth ocean ship, which will debut in July 2018. 

The new ship has been named Viking Orion after the prominent constellation and in honour of Dr. Fisher’s contributions to NASA’s Orion exploration vehicle project. The announcement was first made by Viking Chairman, Torstein Hagen, during a press conference in New York City celebrating the first call in Manhattan for the company’s third ship, Viking Sky.

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107 Night Cruise celebrating New Year in style

A once-in-a-lifetime chance to celebrate the New Year in style on a Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines ‘Around the World’ sailing in 2018/19. Fred. Olsen ‘Around the World 2018/19 with Sydney at New Year’ brochure, launched this week, showcases Black Watch’s most impressive cruise – a 107-night global exploration departing from Southampton in November 2018.

The cruise has been designed to coincide with Sydney Harbour’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks – one of the world’s most impressive and colourful displays – so guests can mark the start of 2019 in a spectacular way.

Other highlights of this epic voyage include observing the Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat, sailing the newly-expanded Panama Canal, relaxing on a paradise beach in Bora Bora and visiting the inspirational Taj Mahal.

Justin Stanton, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Our late 2018 World Cruise is an incredible adventure where guests can enjoy a multitude of once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

“Guests have the chance to experience the blissful paradise islands of the French Polynesia over the festive period, before Black Watch berths in Sydney Harbour, with a view of the bridge, just in time for New Year’s Eve, the fireworks and, of course, the arrival of 2019.

“The journey back around the globe includes Singapore, India, the Suez Canal and the Mediterranean, Petra in Jordan, James Bond Island in Thailand, and the Burg Khalifa – the world’s tallest building – in Dubai.

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Cruise Industry surpasses 2016 ocean cruise passenger projections

CRUISE Lines International Association (CLIA) announced the cruise industry has surpassed 2016 ocean #cruise passenger projections, reaching 24.7 million cruise passengers globally up from a projection of 24.2 million. 

For 2017, based on current new vessel launch schedule and expected regional deployment, CLIA is projecting another positive year of growth for the industry with a passenger forecast of 25.8 million. 

“One of the many reasons that the cruise industry continues to thrive is because of the personalization it is able to offer to its guests from around the world,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA. “Never before have I been a part of or seen an industry that is so good at listening and reacting to what its customers want, and this is why we are going to see our industry continue to grow.” 

Top Cruise Destinations in 2016:

1. Caribbean (35 percent) 

2. Mediterranean (18.3 percent) 

3. Europe w/o Med (11.1 percent) 

4. Asia (9.2 percent) 

5. Australia/New Zealand/Pacific (6.1 percent) 

6. Alaska (4.2 percent) 

7. South America (2.5 percent)

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Ferry Fortnight

NATIONAL Ferry Fortnight takes place 6-20 May there’s never been a better time to book a trip to Europe with DFDS.

Whether booking a city break, a family trip, a cycling tour, or camping holiday, travelling by ferry is quick and stress free, ideal for those looking to travel to France, Holland, Belgium or further afield.

Offering convenient access to Europe, DFDS offers 54 daily sailings from Dover to Calais (90 mins) and Dover to Dunkirk (2hrs), plus daily overnight sailings from Newcastle to Amsterdam (15hrs).

DFDS’ National Ferry Fortnight deals include:

• Book with a car and up to nine passengers on Dover-Dunkirk or Dover-Calais and receive a £20 meal voucher to use in the on board restaurant during the outbound crossing
• Book a crossing with a car and two/four passengers on the Newcastle-Amsterdam route and receive a £20 meal voucher for use in one of the four on board restaurants – to be used on main courses (breakfast or dinner) only
• National Ferry Fortnight deals can be booked from 6-20 May for travel with DFDS throughout 2017

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Pet Passports for Ferry Journeys

EU Pet Passport rules apply throughout the European Union including journeys to Ireland. All passengers travelling with pets must have a valid pet passport showing that the pet has been micro chipped and vaccinated against rabies and must be stamped and signed by an authorised vet. 

Any pet after receiving a rabies vaccination cannot leave or re-enter the UK until 21 calendar days have elapsed. EU Pet Passports can be picked up from any authorised veterinary. EU Pet Passports are not required on domestic ferry routes. 

www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad/overview

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Cruise travel trends for 2017

THE world’s largest cruise industry trade association Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), is predicting the top eight #cruise #travel trends that will have an impact on the industry in the coming year.

New Generation Takes to the Water – A recent study found that younger generations—including Millennials and Generation X — will embrace cruise travel more than ever before, rating it as better than land-based vacations, all-inclusive resorts, tours, vacation house rentals, or camping.

Travel Agent Use Increases – According to the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, consumer use of a travel agent increased nearly eighty percent from 2015 to 2016. CLIA also found that cruisers report high levels of satisfaction with their travel experience when assisted by an agent.

River Cruise Demand Increases – River cruises offer travelers a unique and intimate travel experience. Due to demand, CLIA cruise line Members currently deploy 184 river cruise ships with 13 new river cruise ships on order for 2017, an increase of about 7 percent.

More Private Islands on Cruise Itineraries – As more cruise lines introduce private island destinations, travellers are responding and booking these itineraries. In 2017, cruise lines offer ports on a total of seven private islands.

New Cruisers Will Take to the Sea – Interest in ocean cruising is projected to remain strong in 2017. When asked what kind of vacations might be of interest in the next three years nearly half (48 percent) of non-cruisers expressed interest in taking an ocean cruise while a striking 85 percent of cruisers also expressed interest.

Drivable Port Locations in Favour – The cruise industry offers a variety of small and large market port location options across the United States and internationally. Citing the advantages of a myriad of locations seven out of ten (69 percent) non-cruisers believe the greatest benefit is cost savings and three quarters (74 percent) of cruisers like the convenience of driving to a cruise ship.

Lure of Celeb Chefs – Cruise travelers are embracing specialty dining and will continue to consider cruise dining experiences based upon celebrity chefs. This year, several cruise lines feature restaurants and dishes created by famous chefs including Guy Fieri, Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa and Geoffrey Zakarian. 

Demand for Expedition Cruises – According to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, adventure travel is growing at a record pace and CLIA is reporting that cruise expeditions are seeing the impact. In fact, itineraries for Antarctica regularly sell out.

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Around the world … in 141 days

VIKING OCEAN CRUISE’S fourth ship, Viking Sun, will spend her maiden season sailing the line’s first-ever #worldcruise.

The 141-day cruise will cover five continents, 35 countries, and 66 ports, with 12 port overnights. Starting from Miami on December 15, the cruise will finish in London. On the way, highlights include two days in Havana, passing through the Panama Canal, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Tahiti, Auckland, Sydney, Shanghai, and Malta.

Passengers can take the full 141-day cruise from Miami or join the cruise 21 days later in Los Angeles. It finishes in London.

Prices start at £30,798 per person and include business class air travel, transfers to and from the ship, all gratuities and service fees, Viking's Silver Spirits beverage package covering virtually all drinks onboard and all medical services.

Viking's ocean ships have 465 cabins for up to 930 passengers.

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P&O Ferries launches night travel promotion

P&O FERRIES is offering a 25% discount to passengers who travel between 6pm and 6am in May or June. 

The offer is for anyone taking a holiday of more than five nights away. 

Passengers must book before June 15 and travel between May 1 and June 30. 

Terms and conditions apply as certain vehicle types and durations might be exempt. 

Prices between Dover and Calais for a long break start from £39 each way. 

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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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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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Save a third on summer sailing holidays

ANTLOS, an online site dubbed the ‘Airbnb of the seas’, is on a mission to offer affordable #sailing #holidays, shunning the belief that boating holidays are for only the rich and famous. The company is planning to ruin what it calls the elitism of private boat charter vacations in the British Virgin Islands and Mediterranean this summer, with prices that offer 33% savings. 

Antlos connects travellers with boat owners and skippers directly, cutting out agents and charter brokers, the ‘middle-men’ it says have kept sailing holidays expensive for so long. The site provides boat and #yacht owners the freedom to set their own rates and offer flexible dates, locations, and customizable itineraries.

For consumers, Antlos has what it says is a showcase of privately-owned and fully skippered boats. Guests can choose from a single place on a boat, a private cabin, or an entire yacht for their exclusive use. Antlos’ prices include fuel, marina fees, food, skipper, and other costs that are usually billed on top by brokers.

www.antlos.com/en

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UK ferry sector records consecutive annual growth

A TOTAL of 21.3 million short sea ferry crossings were made last year, mainly on cross-Channel routes, latest official figures show. This was up by 4% year-on-year and was the first time since the mid-1990s that two years of consecutive growth had been recorded.

The number of travellers using the Channel tunnel was also up, by 3% to a record 21 million in 2014. 

The figures released by the Department for Transport suggest demand for travel to and from the Continental Europe remains strong despite competition from budget airlines. 

Dover-Calais remains the busiest route, with 10.8 million passengers, although increasing numbers are travelling between Dover and Dunkirk. This is now the second most popular international ferry route out of the UK, with more than 2.5 million passengers last year. Portsmouth-Caen was the third most popular route, accounting for 967,000 passengers in 2014.

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Saga Cruises to launch all-balcony cruise ship

BRITISH cruise line #Saga #Cruises has announced plans to build an all-balcony ship. The vessel will carry almost 1,000 passengers in more than 500 suites and cabins, each with a balcony. 

Saga Cruises currently operates only two ships, the 446-passenger Saga Pearl II and the 706-passenger Saga Sapphire, both of which will be eventually phased out. The plan for a new vessel comes as demand for sailings on the current ships are mounting: they carried around 25,000 passengers last year, with a 75 percent repeat passenger rate.

Built by Meyer Werft in Germany, the all-balcony ship will come into service in 2019. A second new vessel might also enter service by 2021.

The Saga Pearl II and the Saga Sapphire will visit 14 new ports in 2016, including Holy Loch (Scotland), Boulogne-sur-Mer (France), San Remo (Italy), and Southwold (Suffolk, England).

According to research by Saga, spending on cruising by people in the 50-plus age group is expected to increase by 43 percent to £2.2 billion by 2020.

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Tourism award for Condor Ferries

CONDOR FERRIES was awarded the Development of the Year accolade at this year’s Sibbett Gregory Poole #Tourism Awards.

The awards, sponsored by local commercial property agents, surveyors and town planners, Sibbett Gregory, recognize innovation, dedication, and passion in Poole’s tourism industry.

Alicia Andrews, executive director at #CondorFerries, said: ‘We are delighted to be a winner in the Poole Tourism Awards. As the only ferry operator serving the Channel Islands from the UK, we recognize the important role our base in Poole plays in maintaining a vital link with the islands and its impact on tourism, both in the Channel Islands and in Poole. Since Condor Liberation began operations from Poole in March, she has successfully transported more than 200,000 passengers through Poole – an increase of more than 80% on 2014.”

Jonathan Sibbett, a director at Sibbett Gregory, added: ‘The purpose of Poole’s tourism awards, and in particular Development of the Year, is to recognize those that have a significant impact beyond their own business, on tourism and the reputation of the town. Condor’s decision to invest in the Liberation and the decision to move their base to Poole has stimulated the local economy and provided a major positive influence on tourism in the area.’

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Brits take to cruises

RESEARCH that shows a quarter of Brits have been on a cruise holiday, while a further 40% have not but are interested in booking one, says the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).

The report found that #cruises are an increasingly popular holiday option. In the last 12 months, one in ten people who have been on holiday took a cruise, an increase from 7% in 2014. This steady growth looks set to continue with 13% of people stating that they are planning a cruise holiday in the next 12 months. 

Part of the growth of #cruiseholidays can be attributed to returning passengers; 80% of people who have been on a cruise stated that they would like to go again. For people who have been on a cruise, the chance to see multiple destinations tops the list of things they value about cruise holidays, with the on-board facilities, including catering, entertainment, and accommodation also highly rated.

ABTA chief executive Mark Tanzer commented: ‘In recent years the cruise market has expanded outside the traditional Mediterranean and Caribbean destinations and now offers an incredible variety of voyages, including Scandinavian cruises, Arctic cruises and European river cruises.’

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/98360501@N03/14699633337">Childrens pool on the Royal Caribbean - Cruise Ship</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">(license)