Travel Matters Issue 19 October 2018

TRAVELMATTERSTM
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES

ISSUE 19 OCTOBER 2018

BREAKING NEW GROUND FOR THE TRAVEL TRADE IN SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, NORTH OF ENGLAND & IOM

INAUGURAL SEASON

C RYSTA L

EN DEAVOR™

INAUGURAL SEASON

AUGUST 2020 – JANUARY 2021

where

LU X U RY

ROAMS FREELY™

BALI, INDONESIA

JAPANESE TEA BORNEO, MALAYSIA WHITIANGA, NEW ZEALAND ANTARCTICA

CRYSTAL ENDEAVOR

From the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line comes the world’s
largest and most spacious luxury expedition yacht, Crystal Endeavor. With

a sleek design and anchor-free dynamic positioning technology, she is
built to PC6 Polar Class specifications to explore the farthest reaches of
Earth, from the Arctic to the Antarctic, and far-away lands in between.

CONTACT YOUR PREFERRED TR AVEL AGENT OR CALL US ON 020 7399 7603

MARINA EXPEDITION PENTHOUSE PREGO

TRAVELMATTERSTM
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES

ISSUE 19 OCTOBER 2018

BREAKING NEW GROUND FOR THE TRAVEL TRADE IN SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, NORTH OF ENGLAND & IOM

FAR EAST
HIGHLIGHTS

FOCUS ON SMALL
SHIP/RIVER CRUISE

PLUS

Fly more with Turkish Airlines
A royal legacy - QE2 in Dubai

Expand your horizons

As Japan gears up to host the Rugby World Cup 2019 and the 2020 Summer Olympics are to be
held in Tokyo, there has never been a better time to encourage clients to explore the Far East’s

fascinating culture, fantastic food and its natural wonders.

ABTA has also announced Tokyo as the venue for next year’s Travel Convention - at the same time
as the Rugby World Cup - and the first time it has been held in Eastern Asia. What a great opportunity

for agents to visit too!

The popularity of small ship, expedition and river cruising is also on the rise, as clients choose more
intimate and authentic life experiences. With some fabulous ships to choose from and even more

on the way, this is also a great chance to increase your sales!

Get in touch...

Hilary Douglas Gary Reavely Andrea Pellicci
Director Director Director

07989 414454 07762 630057 07766 010272
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

 [email protected] Read last month’s
issue online at...
www.travelmatters.biz
www.travelmatters.biz
Travel MattersTM is published by GAH Publishing Ltd,
96 Craigleith Hill Crescent, Edinburgh, EH4 2JP Follow us on
@travelmatters.biz
Printed by Claro Print @ TravelMatBiz

For magazine delivery and subscription enquiries,
email [email protected]

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part without the
prior permission of the copyright holder. All prices and data are correct at time of publication.
Opinions expressed in Travel Matters are not necessarily those of the publisher and GAH
Publishing does not accept responsibility for any mistakes that may occur.

one flight
transfer

and the world is
yours to explore

Enjoy fuss-free flights from Scotland
to fabulous world-wide destinations
thanks to our partnership with
Flybe. Fast, efficient connections via
London Heathrow and Manchester will
fly your customers in style to major
hubs in Asia, Africa, Caribbean,
Middle East and of course, the US.
And they’re all just one short hop
from your local airport.
For more information on our
fabulous flight connections visit
vsflyinghub.com

Inside Guide...

5 12

Virgin Atlantic - This month’s
one flight transfer Snapshots

13 15 14-23 17

Fly more with Japan - time to go Far East Highlights Finnair flies the short
Turkish Airlines with JTB northern route
24-25
21 29 33
QE2 in Dubai
Explore Asia with Belfast City Airport - CMV’s winter cruise
Holland America Line just 5 mins from Belfast 42 sale now on

39 46-60 Q&A with Saga’s 46-47
Iain Powell
Enjoy the journey Focus on Small Ship/ River cruise & rail tour -
with Icelandair River Cruise 59-60 Great Rail Journeys

49 Crystal Endeavour -
inaugural season
Riviera Travel - Christmas
could come early

OCTOBER 2018 MARCH 2018
6

NEWS

01 26TH SPAA ANNUAL 04 GRAFTAS
TRAVEL AWARDS NEWCASTLE
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL
HILTON, GLASGOW
06 SPAA AGM &
5-7 WORLD TRAVEL CHRISTMAS
MARKET, EXCEL, NETWORKING LUNCH
LONDON THE CORINTHIAN CLUB,
GLASGOW
20 STAR EXHIBITION
DOUBLETREE BY
HILTON, GLASGOW

2019

28 SPAA 89TH ANNUAL 20 SPAA SUMMER IN THE
DINNER - CROWNE CITY BALL - EDINBURGH
PLAZA, GLASGOW

07 GEORDIE BALL 22 SPAA GOLF DAY
GOSFORTH PARK LANARK GOLF COURSE
HOTEL, NEWCASTLE
05 SPAA SEMINAR &
14 STAR EXHIBITION AUTUMN NETWORK
PRINCIPAL ROXBURGH LUNCH - PRINCIPAL
HOTEL IN EDINBURGH GEORGE HOTEL,
EDINBURGH
11 SPAA SEMINAR &
SPRING NETWORK 12 STAR EXHIBITION
LUNCH - GRAND DOUGLAS HOTEL,
CENTRAL, GLASGOW ABERDEEN

07 GLASGOW SPAA QUIZ 07 SPAA ANNUAL TRAVEL
14 EDINBURGH SPAA QUIZ AWARDS
23 ABERDEEN SPAA QUIZ DOUBLETREE HILTON
HOTEL, GLASGOW
DOUGLAS HOTEL,
ABERDEEN 19 STAR EXHIBITION
30 SPAA QUIZ FINAL DOUBLETREE HILTON,
TRAVEL 2 OFFICES GLASGOW

05 SPAA AGM & CHRISTMAS
NETWORKING LUNCH
THE CORINTHIAN,
GLASGOW

OCTOBER 2018
7

NEWS

New team member for APT expands
Royal Caribbean trade team

Royal Caribbean has announced the APT has appointed Carrie Grant
appointment of Michelle Ryan as as business development
Regional Sales Manager for Ireland. manager for the north.

Michelle will be responsible for managing Grant, formerly a retail branch
the retail sales in Northern Ireland and the manager for Kuoni in Newcastle, will
Republic of Ireland. Formerly a Senior Account Manager report into APT national sales manager Jessica Shelton-
for TravelMedia.ie TTR, she will be based in Dublin and Agar and have a remit to increase APT’s presence with
report to Jennifer Callister, Head of Ireland. retail partners in the north of England and Scotland.

Commenting on her new position, Michelle said: “I am Grant said: “I am so excited to be joining the APT team.
thrilled to be joining the Royal Caribbean team. I feel Having sat in the agent’s chair, I know from first-hand
it is the perfect fit and I am excited about building my experience that it’s a company with a real passion for
knowledge and insight within the Irish travel industry and delivering an exceptional customer experience across its
working even closer with both agents and suppliers. Royal unique touring and river cruise programme. I’m looking
Caribbean is a brand that I have always greatly admired forward to meeting our retail partners from across the
and I can’t wait to support business growth and build brand region and introducing them to the exciting partnership
awareness even further in the Irish market.” and product opportunities we offer.”

Intrepid Group targets New appointments for
growth in Scotland Scenic Group UK
and Ireland
Nicky Yates has joined Scenic &
Intrepid Group has appointed Emerald Waterways as Northern
Carrie Day as Business Development Agency Sales Manager.
Manager for Scotland and Ireland.
Nicky joins Scenic from Attraction
Carrie, a former travel agent, will be World, where she has spent the last seven
Intrepid’s first BDM to be based in Ireland. years as business development manager.
Andrew Turner, Head of Trade Sales, said: “We are seeing
excellent growth from Ireland so having a BDM based Joseph Grimley has also joined Scenic Group UK as
there for the first time will help to open up even more Director of Trade Sales across the group portfolio of
opportunities for us. We would love to work with agents on Scenic River Cruise, Scenic Eclipse, Scenic Land Tours
co-hosting customer events or joint marketing activities.” and Emerald Waterways River and Ocean Cruises.

Carrie will be visiting stores for training and attending the Formerly head of sales at Riviera Travel, he will
Travel Centres and Worldchoice Ireland conferences. have full responsibility for leading a sales team of 10,
supporting Scenic Group UK’s agency sales and key
agency partners.

2 for 1 mini-cruise an ensuite cabin, plus coach transfers
offer with DFDS to Amsterdam. The ferry operator is
also offering 27% off Hotel break, which
DFDS has launched a 2 for 1 offer on includes a 2-night Amsterdam mini-cruise
short breaks to Amsterdam. ​ sailing from Newcastle with the option
for 1 – 3 nights in Amsterdam, at a hotel
A 2-night Amsterdam mini-cruise sailing specially chosen by DFDS, from £99pp.
from Newcastle, now starts from £45 per
person, including 2 nights’ on board in This special offer is valid until 5th
November, for selected departures
until 28th December 2018.

OCTOBER 2018 MARCH 2018
8

AIRLINE NEWS

United Airlines
celebrates transatlantic
service from Glasgow Airport

Glasgow Airport and United Airlines have recently
celebrated 20 years of the New York/Newark route.

Since the first flight in 1998, at that time under the banner of
Continental Airlines, the route has carried more than 2.1 million
passengers on over 14,000 flights between Glasgow and New
York/Newark.

Operated by a 169-seat Boeing 757-200, the daily summer
route will return on Tuesday 30th April 2019, to celebrate its
21st birthday at Glasgow Airport, five days earlier than in
previous years.

Commenting on 20 years of serving Glasgow, Bob Schumacher,
United Airlines Managing Director U.K. and Ireland, said: “We are
proud to serve Glasgow and the people of Scotland for all these
years. Since 1998, our service has allowed our customers from
the west of Scotland to take advantage of our extensive route
network from our New York/Newark hub to destinations across
the Americas.”

The direct daily Glasgow - New York/Newark service departs
at 0900, arriving at 1135 in Newark (local) and the return flight
from Newark departs at 1940, arriving into Glasgow at 0730 the
next day.

GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE
WHO BOOK FLIGHTS....

OCTOBER 2018
9

Can Brexit be a positive for the travel industry?

I’ve written Yes, safety regulations, security issues holiday plans for next year, so what is on
a number of and so on need to be resolved, including our customers minds? Will they wait to
articles this such things as UK issued pilot licences book, to ensure their travel plans will not
year and not being valid in the new EU, but airlines be affected or will they book early to make
always tried to and governments will almost certainly sure they get a good deal, perhaps before
avoid bringing make sure that Brexit won’t stop flying holiday prices rise after Brexit?
Brexit into the programmes.
conversation. The danger therefore, for all of us in
In terms of the consumer, passenger rights the industry, is that people hang off
Commentaries will not be affected as we have adopted booking until certainty returns, which
on the subject EU laws into the UK; however, the possible then changes pricing models, more late
are everywhere you look, so it’s difficult loss of some healthcare in Europe is very bookings, schedule changes etc.
to avoid the issue and indeed much of much an area which provides a degree
it provides little positive information. of uncertainty, but of course, proper So we should be looking to see any trends
Unfortunately, we are in the world of insurance cover does provide a solution. coming through on booking patterns
politics where the provision of clear, for next year and whilst we don’t know
concise and factual information hasn’t In terms of movement of people and by the eventual outcome, we can ask our
been a particular trait of those involved. that I mean, those relating to the travel customers what their plans are.
business, will our customers still be able
Trying to make sense of it all, even for just to travel as freely as before within Europe? As travel operators and agents, we do
the travel industry, is an impossible task That is certainly a challenge, because need to be up to date on all the potential
but since 75% of foreign trips are made by if the UK imposes a restriction on free changes that Brexit may bring, so that our
UK residents travelling to 27 EU countries, movement into the UK, then you would customers are offered accurate and factual
it’s not hard to see why there are deep expect a reciprocal arrangement to apply advice and not misled by hearsay and
concerns. in reverse. rumour.

The airlines are, of course, taking the Perhaps short-breaks may become a Whatever changes ensue, the travel
lead and making lots of noise, especially less attractive option than before, but industry is flexible and strong enough
Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways. hopefully the main summer holiday and to manoeuvre its way around whatever
These airlines do have a lot to lose winter break shouldn’t be affected in the challenges Brexit will throw at us.
considering their extensive Europe wide way doom-mongers suggest.
activities. However, to suggest there would Ken McLeod
be no planes flying after 29th March, even However, we are now getting to the time SPAA President
for a few days, is a highly unlikely scenario. of year where many are making their

COME AND JOIN US FOR THE...

SPAA STAR Exhibition Glasgow -
#STARgla

TUESDAY • Meet with suppliers and get ready to STAR
20th NOVEMBER 2018 WIN some fabulous prizes! EXHIBITION
DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL
36 CAMBRIDGE STREET • Exhibition & Networking (including 2018
GLASGOW G2 3HN welcome drinks) 6.00 pm - 8.00pm

• Buffet & Bar (drinks vouchers) 8.00pm
• Prize-giving 9.45pm

To register, email [email protected]

OCTOBER 2018 MARCH 2018
10

The Voice of Travel in Scotland

Established 1921

Associate Member News Bytes

G Adventures - we do New Sales Manager
travel differently for JTA

At G Adventures, we encourage your clients to step off the beaten JTA Travel are delighted to welcome Paul
path, embrace the unexpected and immerse themselves in the McDougall to the team as Sales Manager for
extraordinary. Our award-winning small group trips embrace Scotland and the North East of England. Paul
authentic accommodation and local transportation to bring joined JTA after over 15 years in the travel
customers face to face with the world’s most fascinating cultures, industry, working for brands such as Thomas
customs, experiences and awe-inspiring wildlife. Cook, Barrhead Travel and Turkish Airlines.

For years we’ve talked about how we do travel differently, Paul said: “We are a little bit different compared to many tour
especially when it comes to working with local businesses and operators out there! We offer scheduled and low-cost flights,
services to build our tours. You deserve to see exactly what we preferential rates on hotels, cruises, sports packages and a whole
mean when we say we’re changing lives through travel. Now range of add-ons, all on a fully bookable website.
you can. Our tours are ranked by the RIPPLE SCORE, which
measures how many local businesses and services we use in “I will be covering the same area as I did in my last role, so I do
bringing each one to life. For more information visit, already know a lot of agents in Scotland and the North East. I am
www.gadventuresco.uk/about-us/ripple-score/ looking forward to seeing both new and
familiar faces!”
We offer 100% Guaranteed Departures on all of our travel dates,
lifetime deposits and 24/7 service. We would also love you to For more information, contact:
join our agent partners Facebook page “ G Adventures - UK and Paul McDougall
Ireland Agents of Change. Sales Manager for Scotland & North East
Tel: 07920 114932
For more information contact: Email: [email protected]
Kerry Anne Naughton - Global Purpose
Specialist Scotland ( Sales Manager) So much to choose from with
Tel: 07951 736329 Crystal Cruises
Trade Facebook Page - G Adventures –
UK and Ireland Agents of Change Voted the World’s Best for over 20 years, the
luxurious Crystal Cruises fleet offers your
100% trade focus guests the most choice available with a huge
from stuba.com array of destinations, facilities and activities on offer across
Ocean, River & Yacht cruising.
Stuba is delighted to have recently launched in the UK & Ireland
and is the unified brand following the merger of Getabed With worldwide itineraries available to book for 2018, 2019, 2020
and RoomsXML. Exclusively for the trade, Stuba.com is an and even 2021, there is so much to choose from with Crystal
accommodation wholesaler, offering over 88,000 properties already; however, there’s still more to come!
around the world at competitive rates, available in real time.
In 2020, Crystal Endeavor, the world’s largest and most spacious
Our brand new website will showcase the very best product and luxury expedition yacht will launch. With a sleek design built
technology from the combined business, giving you access to to PC6 polar class specifications, she will explore the farthest
the best hotel rates and availability thanks to our unique mix of reaches of Earth.
static, dynamic and exclusive rates due to our direct contracts.
From the Arctic to the Antarctic and far-away lands in between,
Our 100% trade focus ensures you have our total commitment, a voyage of fascinating discovery awaits.
so we can provide you with the tools to win
more business. Our travel partners will If you would like to learn more about
remain at the heart of everything we do! Crystal, just give me a call or send me an
email: Jon Schofield
For more information, contact: Tel: 07841 921533
Angela Muir, Head of Sales UK & Ireland email: [email protected]
Tel: 07903 035238
Email: [email protected]

OCTOBER 2018
11

Grand Palladium Hotels & Resorts, Hard Rock Hotel
Tenerife & Ibiza and TRS Hotels held a fun filled
Palladium Nights event for agents in Glasgow.....

OCTOBER 2018 MARCH 2018
12

FLY M O R E

WITH THE AIRLINE THAT FLIES TO
MORE COUNTRIES THAN ANY OTHER

FAR EAST FEATURE MARCH 2018

Qatar Airways Airbus A350 -
the world’s newest aircraft

By GARY REAVELY

It would be fair to say that Qatar Airways are demanding
customers of both Boeing and Airbus. Their standards and
attention to detail are incredibly high and everything has to
be perfect for their passengers on board any of their aircraft.

It is no wonder then that Qatar yet again, won the Skytrax
Airline of the Year award in 2017. The Airbus A350 is a real
game changer and is the Airbus equivalent to Boeing’s 787
Dreamliner.

The aircraft I saw at EDI was three months old and the colour
scheme, panoramic windows, innovative LED lighting, extra
cabin width and re-designed overhead luggage bins made for
a restful calm atmosphere and ambience unlike any other
aircraft I have ever seen.

It’s the most advanced and efficient aircraft currently in airline
service and has the lowest engine noise level of any twin
engined aircraft with an air conditioning system that makes
you feel so much better when you arrive at your destination.

ECONOMY CLASS

247 seats in a 3 - 3 - 3 configuration. Qatar have gone for an
increased 32-inch seat pitch and the latest slimline seats. I am
six feet tall and sat in several of the seats. I was very impressed
with the leg room and the comfort. The IFE is superb - a huge
10.5 screen with up to 3,000 entertainment options as well as
Wi-Fi and GSM connectivity.

BUSINESS CLASS

36 seats in a 1 - 2 - 1 configuration. The all important seat is the
very latest with an 80-inch long, 30-inch wide fully flat bed.
In an incredibly competitive market place, Qatar consistently
win awards and accolades for its Business Class product
including the World’s Best. With the A350, they have been
able to raise the bar still further. Book you clients in Business
class with Qatar and from check-in to touch down, it’s five star
service is at its very best.

TO SUM UP

Qatar have shown huge faith and commitment to the
northern market by choosing to operate the Airbus A350 on
the Edinburgh to Doha route. It is a incredible aircraft to travel
on and without doubt, your clients will love flying on board.

OCTOBER 2018

14

FAR EAST FEATURE

Japan is gearing up to host the Rugby World Cup The Rugby World Cup will be taking place from late

in 2019 and thanks to this event and the Tokyo September until early November 2019; its effect will

Olympics in 2020, all eyes will be on Japan in be spread out not only over a long period but also
the years ahead. throughout the country. So each particular city will
be affected for only a few days around each match
Japan’s history and unique culture are the
main attractions. But it’s also a place for Japan - day.
honeymooners, for skiers and snowboarders, time to go For travellers on a budget, the Japan Rail Pass
for scuba divers, for walkers and for followers of
anime, manga graphic novels and contemporary remains an ever-popular product: valid on the
culture. entire Japan Rail network including Bullet trains,
the Rail Pass is great value for money.

The unique culture of Japan makes it fascinating; travellers JTB is a Japan specialist tour operator and ground
often rely on good advance planning together with a travel agent handler in London, with a team of dedicated and
in order to get the most from their trip. And in turn, it often pays knowledgeable staff to help and guide travel agencies to offer the
to work together with a tour operator or DMC with specialised best of Japan’s many possibilities.
knowledge of Japan, to create an attractive and practical itinerary
for your clients. To find out more about selling Japan or to book tours or tailor-
made, call one of the Japan specialist team at JTB in London on
020 8237 1605 or visit www.japanspecialist.co.uk

OCTOBER 2018
15

FAR EAST FEATURE

Hong Kong Tourism Board
launches new campaign

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has launched a new
campaign to highlight one of Hong Kong’s most authentic
Hong Kong neighbourhoods, the Sham Shui Po.

Following on from the success of last year’s “Old Town Central”
campaign, Sham Shui Po is a neighbourhood where visitors
will find authentic local flavours and culture. A number of
walking routes recommended by locals will also be introduced,
complemented by themed decorations displayed at various
locations to help visitors experience the charm of Sham Shui Po.

Cycling extravaganza in Taiwan

With dramatic, mountainous topography and a
968-kilometre trail around the island, Taiwan offers a
thrilling backdrop for a fantastic cycling holiday. This multi-
day cycling route, circumnavigating the entire country, can
be tackled either independently or with tour groups.

For dedicated cyclists, the 2018 Taiwan Cycling Festival kicked off last
month and offers a number events throughout October and November.

For example, from 11th – 12th November, in the Sun Moon Lake Come!
Bikeday, visitors can push their limits with the Sun Moon Lake Tataka
Challenge. This 80-kilometre route features an elevation gain of 2,562
metres and riders set out from the Lake in central Taiwan directly up
the Tataka highway, twisting around the highest mountain in Taiwan,

Jade Mountain. The following day there is a Children’s Push Bike
Competition and a Bike Trial Fun Ride, a gentle, 10-kilometre route.

There is also the Round the Lake Challenge Ride for cyclists who are
a little more serious. Listed among the 10 most beautiful cycling trails
in the world, the around-the-lake road at Sun Moon Lake stretches for
30km, passing by four temples. The events culminate with the Come!
Bikeday Fair, with unicycle clown performances, flywheel rhythmic

dance and indigenous tribal dance performances.

BA adds more flights to Japan

Next summer, British Airways is launching direct flights to Osaka, Japan’s
second largest city. Operating four times a week, the service takes off from 31st
March, 2019 with flights departing from Heathrow Terminal 5 and landing into
Osaka’s Kansai International Airport.

The new route takes the number of daily flights between London and Japan offered as part of
British Airways’ joint business with Japan Airlines up to 32 per week. Japan Airlines will also
offer a code share on the new service.

Japanese tourism is set to grow from 24 million annual visitors in 2016 to 40 million in 2020.
Osaka was recently named as the third most liveable city in the world (The Economist
magazine, 2018) and is considered to be the food capital of Japan.

British Airways operates all flights to Japan in cooperation with its joint business partners:
Japan Airlines, Finnair and Iberia. The airline’s Siberian Joint Business partner, Finnair, flies
direct between Helsinki and Osaka with up to 10 direct services a week.

British Airways is also adding four cities to its joint business agreement with Japan Airlines,
with the BA code being put on flights between Tokyo Haneda and Miyazaki, Kumamoto,
Komatsu and Matsuyama. In November, the airline will celebrate 70 years of flying to Tokyo.

OCTOBER 2018 MARCH 2018
16

FAR EAST FEATURE

Finnair continues its strong growth in Asia

Finnair has announced its Summer 2019 schedules, Flying with Finnair to the Far East and Asia also just got easier
with increases in capacity on key routes, including following the re-timing of the airline’s late flight out of Edinburgh
double-daily flights to Hong Kong and additional to Helsinki.
flights to Japan.
Moving the flight to an earlier departure time from Edinburgh,
Finnair will add flights on several of its Japanese routes, means customers can now connect via fast transfers in the
including three weekly flights on the Helsinki-Osaka route, Finnish capital on to late-night flights from Helsinki to Singapore,
double-daily flights between Tokyo and Helsinki as well Hong Kong and Bangkok.
as a third daily flight during Japan’s Golden Week holiday.
Finnair’s state-of-the-art A350 will operate on the Nagoya route, This means from 1st November, the AY1374, which used to leave
increasing from three extra weekly flights to a daily service at 1945 for Helsinki, will now depart at 1830 from Edinburgh
throughout next summer. arriving into Helsinki at 2305.

Capacity will also increase across Greater China, with 42 weekly The move has taken place to enable customers to connect
flights from Helsinki, including a double-daily to Hong Kong, conveniently on to flights to three of the top 19 Asian cities
with the new Airbus A350 year-round from summer 2019. The served by the Finnish flag carrier, taking advantage of the
A350 will also start operating four flights a week to Guangzhou. shorter northern route.

THE NORDIC WAY FROM HELLO
TO KONNICHIWA
IN NO TIME

FLY THE SHORT NORTHERN
ROUTE VIA HELSINKI TO 19
CITIES IN ASIA

Connect from Edinburgh, Manchester and London Heathrow via our Helsinki hub and
save time when traveling between west and east. Fly the short northern route and enjoy
our convenient transfers at Helsinki Airport.

OCTOBER 2018
17

FAR EAST FEATURE

Drew and Gelda’s big adventure on a cruise
of a lifetime, on board CMV’s Columbus

By DREW STEWART

Earlier this year, my wife Gelda and • Thailand - Ko Samui - Laem Chabang, Evenings were a joy too! The service
I, enjoyed a travel adventure of a for Bangkok was excellent and all the staff were
lifetime to celebrate our retirement! friendly and welcoming. The food was
• Singapore - enjoyed a morning tour and superb, most evenings were casual and
We decided to embark upon a 24-night then explored on our own we only had two formal nights during
cruise on board CMV’s Columbus! With the our time on board.
help of my friends at Travel 2, Wendy Wu • Malaysia - Port Klang, for Kuala Lumpur
Tours, Emirates and of course, Cruise and - Penang The Entertainment Team provided
Maritime Voyages, we were ready to go! everything from classical evenings
• Sri Lanka - Colombo – My first visit here and musicals to solo performances by
We arrived in Hong Kong late evening and also and would love to return and visit individual members of the team, along
after a good night’s sleep at our hotel in more of the country. with some headline acts. As our Cruise
the Mong Kok area, enjoyed two full days Director would say each night - “ we are
exploring Kowloon, Hong Kong Island as • India - Cochin - Mumbai not a cruise ship - we are a Friendship!”
well as the Harbour area on an evening
Harbour Cruise. I saw a big difference in We pre-arranged all our excursions ashore, We had a fantastic time and Gelda
Hong Kong since my last visit back in especially as Gelda had not been before, thoroughly enjoyed herself! I would
the 1990’s! as we wanted to experience the culture of have no hesitation in recommending a
each country visited. And I must say, the longer cruise option for anyone looking
The next evening, we then joined CMV’s excursions were all extremely good! On for something different. Booking well in
Columbus on the sector of her 120- day the full day tours, lunch was included at advance also offers great value for
Round the World Cruise to Dubai. four and five-star hotels with some local money savings!
entertainment provided. Fantastic value!
Our cruise adventure was to take us on a In fact, I was amazed at the number of
24 night journey to:- Prior to the cruise, we were concerned people on board who were cruising for
about the days at sea, but we need not the full 120-nights. What a fantastic way
• Vietnam - Chan May, for Da Nang and have worried. These were a great way to to see the world and experience different
Hoi An - Phu My, for Ho Chi Minh City recharge your batteries following busy cultures - from a Friendship!
(Saigon) My first visit to Vietnam and we visits ashore. If we weren’t relaxing over
enjoyed it very much. The people were a book on the deck or by the pool, we I now have a cruise convert as a wife and
so friendly and it was great to experience were attending the many lectures and we are off again next year – mind you, it’s
the culture and history of this fascinating workshops available covering various only for two weeks next time!
country. So much more to be seen here. subjects including Photography, Wildlife
and Culture of the areas being visited,
Drama or Guitar lessons - we even had
MasterChef!

OCTOBER 2018 MARCH 2018
18

FAR EAST FEATURE

New gateway to Vietnam Qatar Airways began direct services to Ho Chi Minh City in 2007
with Qatar Airways and launched its Hanoi service in 2010. Currently, the airline
provides twice-daily direct flights to Vietnam’s capital city and 10
Qatar Airways is to launch flights from Doha to its times weekly flights to Ho Chi Minh City.
third Vietnamese destination, Da Nang, starting 19th
December 2018. The four-times weekly flights will be In October 2017, Qatar Airways announced its interline
served with a Boeing 787-8 aircraft, featuring 22 seats in partnership with Vietnam-based Vietjet Air, allowing Qatar
Business Class and 232 seats in Economy Class. Airways’ passengers to travel to and from points in Vietnam
not served directly by Qatar Airways using a single reservation
across both airlines’ networks. Da Nang, one of the largest cities in
Vietnam, is known for its sandy beaches and offers magnificent
views of Da Nang Bay and its Marble Mountains.

13 Day
Northern Delights – India

Walk through the narrow lanes of Old Delhi,
witness the evening aarti (prayer) in Varanasi,
visit the Taj Mahal at Sunrise & Sunset, and
marvel at the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur on this
enchanting luxury tour of Northern India.

From £2,925 per person

Price includes
• All flights from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow,

Belfast or Newcastle
• 2 nights Delhi, 2 nights Varanasi, 2 nights Agra,

3 nights Samode, 3 nights Shimla, 1 night Deli
• Breakfast daily, tours and excursions
• All transfers and airport taxes

For more information call our India Specialists
on 0141 955 4000 or visit ifonly.net

Prices are per person and based on 2 adults sharing. Valid for departure until 31 Mar 19, excludes
10 Dec 218– 1 Jan 19. Must be booked by 30 Nov 18 Subject to availability. All flight inclusive
holidays are protected by ATOL scheme.

OCTOBER 2018
19

FAR EAST FEATURE

New Japan Wendy Wu Tours has launched its new Japan collection for
collection 2019/2020 in response to a huge spike in interest for Japan.
The operator is offering business class upgrades from £199

from per person on selected departures, plus VIP door-to-door
home transfers.

Wendy Wu Brochure highlights include the new 17-day ‘Japan Uncovered’ tour.

Covering the length and breadth of Honshu, this is Wu’s most extensive

tour of Japan to date from Osaka, Japan’s second largest metropolitan

area after Tokyo, to Hiroshima and the bullet train to Kyoto.

The tour then travels north to Takayama via Kanazawa before heading into the Japanese Alps to
witness the Snow Monkeys and onto Mount Fuji and the scenic Fuji Five Lakes area. Last stop is Tokyo,
the ultimate 24-hour city. May departures include the spectacular Shibazakura Festival which sees the
base of Mount Fuji transformed into a wash of pink as more than 800,000 moss phlox bloom. May and
September departures include entrance to a traditional sumo wrestling tournament.

Taiwan’s township tourism Japan to host next year’s
Travel Convention
The Taiwan Tourism Bureau is to promote
township tourism in 2019, which focuses on Next year’s ABTA Travel Convention will be hosted by Tokyo,
the destination’s lesser-known areas. Japan from 7th - 9th October.

This is part of the tourist board’s sustainable tourism Taking place at the Prince Hotels & Resorts, Grand Prince Hotel New
policy, which aims to spread tourism and its benefits Takanawa, which is connected to the International Convention Centre
equally across all regions of the country. Events will Pamir, delegates will have access to Haneda International Airport,
include the nine-day Lantern Festival, taking place Shinkansen (Bullet Train) rail lines and will be a few minutes’ walk from
in Pingtung in the south-western part of the country Shinagawa Station.
and the international flower show, the Taichung
World Flora Exposition, from 3rd November, 2018 to The Japanese National Tourism Organisation, Japan Association of
24th April 2019. Travel Agents, All Nippon Airways and Prince Hotels & Resorts will all
be host partners for the Convention. Japan will be hosting a number of
Scheduled to open in October 2018, the National major international sporting events over the next two years, including
Kaohsiung Center for the Arts is the latest addition the Rugby World Cup 2019, which will take place throughout Japan at
to Kaohsiung’s growing cultural scene. the same time as the Travel Convention and the Tokyo 2020 Summer
Olympics.
The performance art centre includes an opera
house, a playhouse, a concert Satoshi Seino, President of the Japan National Tourism Organisation
hall and an open-air theatre (JNTO), said: “JNTO is honoured that ABTA has selected Tokyo as the
which is set into its roof. host destination for the 2019 Travel Convention. The number of annual
visitors from the UK to Japan has more than doubled since 2011, a
testament to the appeal of Japanese culture to British people,
as well as the diversity of activities available to tourists
and the strength of our tourism infrastructure.”

OCTOBER 2018 MARCH 2018
20

EXPLORE

ASIA

13-nig£ht1c,r0ui3se9frpopm just

Book now and your clients enjoy up to THE HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
US $300 Spending Money per stateroom* DIFFERENCE IN ASIA

Perfectly-sized, elegant ships
Spacious staterooms and suites, many with private balcony
Nearly one crew member for every two guests
Regional Cuisine, “EXC” destination experiences and more
America’s Test Kitchen, Explorations Central destination experiences and more
Sumptuous Greenhouse Spa & Salon
Long days and overnight stays in incredible cities

13 - 16-NIGHT 14-NIGHT 14-NIGHT
FAR EAST DISCOVERY TAIWAN & JAPAN CHINA, SOUTH KOREA & JAPAN

Cruise from Fly/cruise from London Cruise from Fly/cruise from London Cruise from Fly/cruise from London

£1,039 £1,829from per £1,339 £2,049from per £1,009 £1,879from per
person person person

per person Fly/cruise from Glasgow per person Fly/cruise from Glasgow per person Fly/cruise from Glasgow

£1,829from per £2,129from per £2,079from per
person person person

Departs: 27 Nov* ; 20 Dec ~ 2018. Departs: 2 Feb ~ ; 3 Mar* ; 26 Oct 2019 Departs: 17 Feb 2019 ; 15 Feb 2020

17 Jan ; 23 NOV ~ ; 21 Dec ~ 2019. 16 Jan 2020 1 ~ 29 Feb 2020 Westerdam

Westerdam Westerdam
DEPART:
SINGAPORE ARRIVE: DEPART: ARRIVE: DEPART: ARRIVE:
HONG KONG SHANGHAI HONG KONG SHANGHAI SHANGHAI

VISITS: Nathon (Ko Samui), Laem Chabang VISITS: Shanghai (overnight),Busan (South Korea), VISITS: Shanghai (overnight) Qingdao (China),
(Bangkok, Thailand, overnight), Sihanoukville Nagasaki (Japan), Naha, Ishigaki, Keelung (Taipei), Tianjin (Beijing, overnight), Incheon (Seoul, South
(Kompong Som, Cambodia), Phu My (Ho Chi Kaoshiung, Manila (Philippines). Korea overnight), Jeju (Cheju), Fukuoka (Japan),
Minh City, Vietnam), Da Nang (Hue), Halong Nagasaki (Japan).
Bay, (Hainan, China). ~itinerary in reverse. *Itinerary & lead fare based on
02/02/19 (14-nights), on other dates ports may
~itinerary in reverse. *Itinerary & lead fare based on • Overnight stay Shanghai, Tianjin & Incheon
27/11/18 (13-nights), on other dates ports may vary.
• Overnight stay in Shanghai

• Overnight stay in Laem Chabang

CONTACT:
Bekkie Skipp - BDM North & Scotland
[email protected]. Call (0)7780 490748
email: [email protected]

Reservations Online POLAR Online: via www.hollandamerica.co.uk and click on partnerships
Reservations by Phone Call 0344 338 8600

Terms & Conditions *ALL PRICES STATED ARE CRUISE ONLY OR FLY/CRUISE FROM LONDON/GLASGOW AIRPORTS IN GBP Sterling. Lead fares are per person based on double occupancy and include Taxes, Fees & Port Expenses. ^October Onboard
Spending Money is based on Promo DP, and amounts are as follows: ocean-view staterooms receive US$50pp ($100 per stateroom), verandahs receive US$75pp (US$150 per stateroom), suites receive US$150pp ($300 per stateroom.) Other terms apply.
Offer expires 31/10/18. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands..

FAR EAST FEATURE

Sail away to Shanghai Abercrombie & Kent launches
on board Cunard new trade friendly programme

Cunard’s new 2020 programme features Abercrombie & Kent has launched its 2019/2020 Escorted Tours
110 destinations in 34 different countries. programme, designed with the trade in mind.
From March to December 2020, the Cunard fleet
will travel over 169,000 nautical miles, offering Limited to a maximum of 18 guests, escorted tours are led by A&K’s resident
regular transatlantic crossings, 14 overnight tour directors and feature five-star luxury accommodation and experiences.
stays and 19 late evening departures. The operator offers two types of touring - Luxury Small Group Journey and
In the new programme, there are four maiden a new addition, Immersive Journeys - a range of unique small group tours.
calls for to the Far East for Queen Elizabeth
including Jakarta (Indonesia); Kushiro (Japan); All A&K’s Escorted Tours include guaranteed departures; all entrance
Ishigaki (Japan) and Tokyo (Japan). fees, taxes and tips included; welcome and farewell dinners provided
Guests can enjoy roundtrip voyages from Tokyo to meet with other guests and Wi-Fi is included wherever possible in
and Grand Voyages covering East Asia. Voyage accommodation.
lengths range from two to 18 nights.
Next year, passengers can also embark on a The new addition to the programme, Immersive Journeys, offers the support
44-night cruise to Shanghai, on board the newly of an escorted group, with the Design Your DaySM concept, where guests
refitted Queen Mary 2. choose the experience best suited to them, with the flexibility to explore the
Departing 10th January - 23rd February from destinations at their own pace.
Southampton, this cruise features extended
stays in Hong Kong and Shanghai, as well as Kerry Golds, Managing Director of A&K commented: “We’ve been pioneering
Singapore. luxury travel since our inception over 55 years ago. We’re continually on a
quest to provide the best experiences to guests, with the trade in mind. We
WHEREVER YOU GO, believe there is a gap in escorted touring which goes beyond the five-star -
GO WITH ALL YOUR HEART which is why we’ve launched our Immersive Journeys programme. We’ve
created it with the UK traveller in mind; no single supplement, guaranteed
OCTOBER 2018 departures and our unique Design your DaySM concept bring escorted
touring to the modern, discerning traveller.”
22
Tours in the Far East
and Asia include:
Splendours of the
Golden Triangle,
India; Journey
through Japan:
From Tokyo to
Kyoto and The
Wonders of China
which features a
visit into an off-
limits ceremonial
hall in Beijing’s
Forbidden City
and a walk on the
less-frequented Mutianyu
section of the Great Wall.

MARCH 2018

Advertisement Feature

CHINA AND THE ORIENT
AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

How A&K makes you an instant expert on this faraway region SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
For almost two thousand years, the Far East DISCOVER CHINA
has been one of the great travel destinations INSIDER ACCESS TAILOR-MADE ITINERARY:
of the world. Since the opening of A&K’s 12 nights from £4,910pp
first office in Hong Kong in 1983, we have built a Our contacts make your trip a complete tour Heritage, culture, food and natural wonders –
de force. We can take guests into the closed hall discover Beijing, The Great Wall of China and
of Forbidden City; the Beijing Opera training the army of Terracotta Warriors.
region-wide network ensuring an unequalled level school; a Herbal Medical Doctor’s clinic; and THE WONDERS OF CHINA
of expertise and on-site management. A&K tours among the Terracotta Warriors with exclusive ESCORTED TOUR:
highlight the grandeur of ancient monuments, 13 nights from £4,965pp
access to a Xian restoration site. China’s most famous highlights – Beijing,
tombs, and imperial palaces, the fascination of culture-rich Xian, rural Guilin, sleepy
traditional rural villages and cultures, and the EXPERT GUIDANCE Yangshuo and the Shanghai megalopolis
timeless beauty of rivers, mountains and vast
plains and grasslands. We employ the experts you want to know. These KARST MOUNTAIN LANDSCAPE
local specialists will bring your dream trip to IN YANGSHUO GUILIN, CHINA
life – and make it a spectacular experience. With
To discuss how we can work
in-depth knowledge of architecture, archaeology, closer together, please contact
your regional sales manager:
business, journalism, history, and much more Diogo Castanheira
07972 580 919
– our people will help you understand China [email protected]

beyond the guide book.

FORBIDDEN CITY, BEIJING GOING OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Suitable for adrenalin junkies and culture vultures
alike. After a toboggan ride down the Great Wall,
a famous Peking Duck dinner will never taste
better or for more calming moments, guests can
participate with a monk’s recital of scriptures or a
traditional tea ceremony in Shanghai.

NEW ESCORTED TOURS 2019/20

Guaranteed departures
Small group sizes of no more than 18
No single supplements for early bookings

Secure your place by 31 December
and save 50% on the deposit

abercrombiekent.co.uk/escortedtours

01242 858 498

The QE2
in Dubai

By GARY REAVELY

Launched on the Clyde in 1967 to In the morning, breakfast in the Lido I also liked the fact that the ship is located
worldwide acclaim and fanfare, the restaurant was excellent, with great views away from the hustle and bustle of the city
QE2 went on to become the world’s over Dubai and the fabulous super yachts centre but still only 15 minutes by car to
most famous ship. In 39 years of of the rich and famous, berthed beside the the Gold Souk, 13 minutes to La Mer, the
service, she travelled 6 million QE2. I then took a guided tour. My host, eclectic beachside area and 23 minutes
miles, crossed the Atlantic Ocean 812 Peter Warwick, head of the QE2 Heritage from the Dubai Mall. The ship has also
times, operated 25 world cruises and Centre, had worked on the ship for many been a big hit locally - she was chosen as
carried 2.5 million passengers. years and his passion and great stories the location for Dubai Fashion Week and
about life on board and the celebrity there were a number of very glamorous
Everywhere she went crowds came to passengers, were fascinating. functions held during my stay.
see her, including an estimated 1 million
people when she made her maiden call to I was delighted to see that they have kept Dubai may have many modern and
Liverpool, the spiritual home of Cunard a lot of the original features including the luxurious hotels - the QE2 is actually four
and White Star Line. portholes and traditional wood, but have years older than the UAE itself - however,
also added more modern ones such as none will ever match the global status, the
I had the pleasure of cruising on her large flat screen tvs and ship wide Wi-Fi. historic and sentimental value that the
several times, organised many promotions The service on board was superb - I dined QE2 offers.
and took hundreds of very excited guests in the world famous Queen’s Grill and you
for tours around the ship. She is now really did feel like a first-class passenger Book your Dubai clients on board the
‘retired’ from ocean cruising and since from the minute you stepped on board. Queen Elizabeth and let them discover
April, has been refurbished to become a the legend for themselves!
floating hotel, permanently berthed in Port
Rashid in Dubai.

I booked a stay on board to see for myself
what had become of one of the best and
most iconic cruise liners.

I arrived in the early hours of the morning
and after a short and inexpensive taxi ride
from DXB, there she was - the Grand Old
Girl - all lit up and looking amazing. There
is a fantastic visitors centre and reception
area, with lots of high tech presentations
and memorabilia from her incredible past.

Check- in was fast, with friendly staff and
our luggage was taken to our cabin on
Deck 5. Even at 0300, I could not resist the
chance to walk again on the famous decks
and through the amazing public rooms!

OCTOBER 2018 MARCH 2018
24



STSHEEUCCRCEETSOFSMY

SHARON JACKSON

RubyBlue Travel

I remember going on holiday ILG (Global Holidays) as an overseas We spent the next few years following
to Tenerife when I was about 11 representative. I believe I was the my husband’s career in the hotel
years old. Everyday I would see youngest person they had ever taken industry which took us out to the
the rep around the resort looking on in an overseas role and because Caribbean and then to the USA,
glamorous in her overseas rep of this, I started as the meet and greet before coming back to the UK.
uniform, helping clients and rep at Tenerife South airport.
speaking Spanish to the hotel staff. When my youngest started school, I
I knew there and then what I wanted Success is only ever set up RubyBlue Travel Ltd with the
to be when I grew up! achieved through help of The Global Travel Group.

Unfortunately, it never appeared as hard work and I could never imagine working in
a career choice on the list at school commitment and any other industry! After building
but I never deviated and wrote to never by being lucky. the business up, primarily as a cruise
some tour operators to find out what agency for the first few years (the
I needed to do. Luckily they kindly I will never forget how excited I was to cruise industry is another passion of
replied to my letters. Languages was finally get my coveted uniform! That mine), I decided to branch out and
top of their list along with the usual was the start of the most amazing 16 create a network of agents to join
core maths and English but on top of years working overseas in travel in the team to cover the areas of the
that, experience and knowledge of the Canary Islands. business that we were lacking in.
the country being a huge advantage.
They also said that the youngest age Along the way I worked for brands That process wasn’t without its initial
that they employed overseas staff that are still around today and some trials and tribulations, but I’m happy
was 18. like ILG, that are unfortunately no to say that we now have a great
longer here. My last overseas role was team of agents working under the
Now I’m not renowned for my as a hotel contractor for the Canaries RubyBlue network.
patience when I want something, so until the early 2000’s.
there was no way at the tender age of For someone coming into the
15 that I was going to hang around and Most of my best friends today are industry today, I would say - always
wait another three years! Luckily for all from working overseas in travel, work longer and harder than expect-
me, my family had some friends who including my husband Simon, who ed and take every opportunity to
lived in Tenerife, so I sat my O Grades was an Area Manager when we met in travel and learn as much as you can.
at high school here in the UK, packed the Canaries. I gave up work for a few
my suitcase and headed back out years when the youngest of my three Success is only ever achieved
to Tenerife to study Spanish via the kids were small but it didn’t stop us through hard work and commitment
University of La Laguna and gain as travelling. and never by being lucky!
much experience as I could.
ALL YOU NEED IS TRAVEL...
Over the next two years I worked in
shops, bars and nightclubs as well as
looking after kids and had the time
of my life. Finally, at the age of 17
(after continually pestering the tour
operators) I got my dream job with

OCTOBER 2018 MARCH 2018
26

SUGM&lCaMOsaEgrnRlocawu2nnd0too19

Long Haul

Premium Class

TFhliynkTUCSAA!

BECOME PART OF OUR SOCIAL WORLD

Thomas Cook Airlines for Independent Travel Agents and Thomas Cook Airlines for Thomas Cook Retail Agents
Pre-departure queries: 01733 224330 Sales Team Contact: [email protected]

NEWS

The Canny Lad...
in Tenerife

DARREN PHILLIPS

Hi everyone, hope we are all Thankfully, we had booked a transfer going into the restaurant on a unicycle,
good and keeping busy... with Holiday Taxis and there they were, wearing a red nose - it was that comical!
with my name on a board waiting with But fear not, there were others with the
I am just back from a rather interesting a smile. We were whisked straight to the same trousers on, as they too didn’t
week in Tenerife. I have not been there hotel in a lovely Mercedes minibus for bring any long trousers with them, so
for about eight years and was keen to see the 3 of us, very comfy indeed! we formed a cult!
the changes and how things have moved
on... Well, there weren’t any changes We were staying at the Iberostar Sabila The food was amazing - you were spoilt
and it hasn’t moved on - it’s like time has (the old Torviscas Playa) and what a for choice at both breakfast and dinner.
stood still. Apart from a few hotel refurbs, transformation! The hotel is amazing A violinist or harpist played too which
it’s the same old Tenerife! and well deserving of its five-star rating. was a nice touch and you were given
Check-in was easy, we had the keys to a glass of fizz with your dinner, while
The holiday didn’t start too good as our rooms in no time and our luggage at breakfast, you were allowed to help
we were booked on Ryanair (the only arrived straight away. The new rooms are yourself to it!
airline to fly on a Sunday and that was just fab and the bathrooms have double
the only day we could fly) and it wasn’t walk-in rain showers, a separate loo On the return journey home, we were
cheap either! After getting on board and and double his and his sinks! All wood picked up again by Holiday Taxis and
dusting the old crisps off my seat and flooring and white furniture gave it a taken back to the airport to board our
removing the rubbish, I “settled” into my fresh and contemporary look. Ryanair flight back home... enough said
seat, which even a child would struggle about that!
to get comfy in. The staff didn’t seem to We were booked half board and went to
be bothered about anything during the dinner in dress shorts and shirt, only to I am off on Emirates next to Vietnam...
flight and after what seemed the longest be told that the dress code included long talk about chalk and cheese!
4.5 hours of my life, we landed in TFS trousers only for men but women could
and duly parked up at the stand furthest wear what they like! I pointed out that a Hope you have had your invites for
away from the terminal. It felt like we guy in the restaurant had jogging pants the GRAFTAS on 4th December? If not,
landed in GC and walked to Tenerife, on and was told that because they were let me know and I will put you on the
it was that long a hike to the baggage long, he was allowed in! The hotel then waitlist - email [email protected]
claim area! gave me a pair of long trousers to wear or call 07885 859300.
as I didn’t have any with me. Let’s just
say, these trousers were like pantaloons Thanks for reading and happy
with builder’s pockets on the side for a selling guys!
drill and bunch of spanners! They were
10” too long and rather baggy - I felt like Darren

OCTOBER 2018 MARCH 2018
28

Courtesy of Visit Belfast, Copyright Christopher Heaney.Land just
5 minutes
from the best
of Belfast

Ranked amongst the Top 3
most punctual UK airports

www.belfastcityairport.com

‘ANCIENT
DYNASTIES &
WORLD WONDERS’
TO BE EXPLORED
ON CRYSTAL
CRUISES’ 2021
WORLD CRUISE

On 5th January 2021, luxury Highlights of Crystal’s 2021 ‘Ancient Dynasties & World Wonders’
travellers will embark on one of World Cruise include:
Crystal Cruises’ most extensive
World Cruise journeys ever, as • Maiden calls in Townsville, Australia; The 2021 World Cruise offers alternate
Crystal Serenity sets sail on a Banda Neira and Ambon, Indonesia embarkation and disembarkation
139-night odyssey from Miami port and date options, giving guests
to Dover. • Overnight stays in 17 cities, with at least considerable flexibility while still
two overnights featured on all but one receiving the full World Cruise benefits.
Crystal’s 26th annual World Cruise – World Cruise segment
‘Ancient Dynasties & World Wonders’ – will Guests can choose to sail the complete
follow a route through the Caribbean, • Exploration of Australia’s Great Barrier itinerary from Miami to Dover (5th
Hawaiian Islands, South Pacific, Australia, Reef and adventurous coastlines, as January to 24th May, 139 nights); from
Indonesia, Southeast Asia, the Far East, well as the tropics of the Philippines, Los Angeles to Dover (21st January to
India, the UAE and the Mediterranean, Malaysia and Brunei 24th May, 123 nights); Miami to Rome (5th
featuring a transit of the Panama Canal, January to 12th May, 127 nights); or Los
visits to Egypt’s mysterious Valley of Kings • An intensive early spring journey Angeles to Rome (21st January to 12th
and the winelands of Western Europe. through Japan, with additional calls in May, 111 nights).
Hong Kong and Taiwan
Offered in nine focused segments of 12 to Guests booking any of these full World
21 nights, the sailing explores iconic sites • Far East discoveries in China and South Cruise options enjoy special benefits
and less visited destinations alike, allowing Korea, with an overnight in Shanghai and amenities, including a welcome
your guests to explore wild shorelines and two nights in Beijing celebration dinner aboard Crystal
and landscapes, remote villages and Serenity in Miami or in Los Angeles, “As
untouched natural beauty, historically • Concentration in Southeast Asia and You Wish” shipboard spending credits of
profound sites and monuments and Vietnam, with overnights in Hanoi and up to $2,500 per guest, complimentary
epicentres of modern culture and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as Singapore private car and driver transfers between
commerce. and Shanghai the ship and airport, a gala dinner World
Cruise Extravaganza Event, an exclusive
• An exotic journey across the Bay of shore-side event, special World Cruise-
Bengal and along the Arabian Gulf, with themed onboard events and specially
two nights in Myanmar and calls in Sri curated gifts.
Lanka and India en route to Dubai
The cruise is now open for booking
• A voyage along the gulfs of Oman with Book Now Savings fares for the
and Aden, with calls in Oman and an Full World Cruise starting at £32,026
overnight in Safaga, affording access per person based on the 111-night
to the Valley of Kings, then on to the option from Los Angeles to Rome
picturesque Mediterranean coast (expiring 31st October 2018).

• Sun-drenched discoveries in the
postcard-worthy ports of Europe, with
overnights in wine havens such as
Lisbon and Bordeaux (two nights), as
well as Rome, Sardinia and Ibiza

For more information and reservations, call Crystal Cruises on
0207 399 7601 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk

OCTOBER 2018 MARCH 2018
30

YOU‘VE GOT THE BUSINESS.
WE‘VE GOT THE NETWORK.

Discover a network of over 160 destinations
worldwide with Eurowings.

Book
now!

Emirates recently
celebrated the
launch of their
new daily flight
from Edinburgh
to Dubai

OCTOBER 2018 MARCH 2018
32

Britain’s leading independent cruise line

Worldwide Winter Cruises
2019/20 on sale now!

BUY ONE

GET ONE

FREE

• Traditional British cruise experience Columbus
• Smaller to mid-sized classic ships
• Half price single offers
• Discounted and free places for groups

Magellan

Worldwide Cruise Vasco da Gama
Collection 2019 Marco Polo
Astor
Cruising holidays from 14 UK and Ireland ports Astoria
Norwegian fjords – Baltic cities – Iceland
Canaries - British Isles – European Cities &
River Seine – Canada - Arctic & Greenland
75th D-Day Anniversary Cruise
Rouen Armada & River Seine
Land of the Northern Lights

Worldwide Winter &
Spring Cruises 2019/20

Discover the world from the UK
Festive cruise breaks
Christmas & New Year cruises
Africa & Indian Ocean Voyage
Grand Round the World Cruise
Caribbean, Mexico and Trans Panama
Voyage to Australia & New Zealand

12.5% Enhanced Basic Commission+ • Promotional support • No direct booking discounts

Book Online at: www.cruiseandmaritime.com Call: 0844 414 6161
Agency Sales: 0844 414 6140 Brochures: www.trade-gate.co.uk

+Applies to sales achieved over £5k for 2018/19 cruises. Subject to availability. Terms & Conditions apply. Offers may be withdrawn without notice. Offered for sale in the UK by
South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages. ABTA V9945. ATOL 4619. Calls cost 5p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge. 4659

FORTHCOMING ISSUES

Features Calendar 2019

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH

Canada USA Australia & New Zealand
Cruise Weddings & Honeymoons Escorted Holidays

APRIL MAY JUNE

Small Ship/River Cruises Short Breaks Florida Middle East Far East
Africa & Safaris Airports Guide Solo Holidays
**2nd Anniversary
AUGUST SEPTEMBER
- Luxury Supplement**

JULY

USA Caribbean Cruise Canada
Indian Ocean UK & Ireland New York/Las Vegas

OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

Escorted Holidays Asia Small Ship/River Cruises Florida
**Air Travel Supplement** Northern Lights Holidays Short Breaks
Christmas Edition

For more information, contact [email protected]

OCTOBER 2018
34

The greater the connections,
the smaller the world.
Discover over 400 destinations

worldwide.

AIRLINE NEWS

Aer Lingus expands CHECK-IN
transatlantic network
WITH...
Aer Lingus are to launch direct flights from Dublin to
Minneapolis-St. Paul and Montreal next summer. Aberdeen International Airport
Terminal Transformation Project
Minnesota’s twin cities, Minneapolis-St. Paul, join Montreal, the
largest city in Canada’s Québec province, as the latest additions By GARETH BRISTO,
to the airline’s expanding transatlantic network. Head of Capital Projects

Ireland’s first daily direct service to Minneapolis-St. Paul Aberdeen International Airport has
International Airport will commence 8th July, 2019 and reduce been at the heart of the community
to a four times weekly service in the winter. since 1934. In 2015, we began our £20
million terminal transformation project,
Flights to Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport changing the way our passengers travel
will commence 8th August next year, reducing to a four times through our airport. At the beginning of the project, we had a
weekly service in the winter. During April 2019, the airline is also clear goal in sight – to improve the passenger experience.
expected to take delivery of its first Airbus A321neoLRs.
The project began by demolishing a nearby building to make
Minneapolis is famous for its beautiful lakes, parks and rich way for the extension. The extension was added to the south of
cultural scene. Twinned with its neighbour city, St. Paul, the existing terminal, making space for arrivals and immigration
Minneapolis is the hometown of music icons Prince and Bob facilities and business lounges on the upper level. We opened
Dylan, the backdrop to hit TV show, Fargo and the 90s Disney international baggage reclaim in May 2017, with the domestic
classic, The Mighty Ducks. baggage area following in July 2017.

Nestled on an island in the Saint Lawrence River in Québec, Phase two opened in June 2018 and included a new security
Canada’s culture capital is rich in heritage and renowned for its central search with automated security equipment and screening
thriving music and arts scene. Earlier this year, Aer Lingus also technology, allowing passengers to move through the airport
launched direct flights from Dublin to Seattle. quicker. Security is double the size of the previous area and
facilitates a greater number of passengers at one time.
The airline has just announced that it will be rolling out a new
livery, corporate identity and cabin crew uniforms beginning next Our ‘decompression area’ immediately follows security where
January. The rebranding will take approximately three years and passengers can gather their possessions and their thoughts,
should be completed by the end of 2022. before entering our retail facilities including a larger World Duty
Free store with a World of Whiskies concession. Further retail
offerings include WHSmith, Rolling Luggage and WHSmith
bookstore.

The last phase involves extensive reconfiguration to the rest
of the departure lounge, increased floor space and retail and
catering outlets. Last month, we opened our new café and
restaurant called The Distilling House.

We’ve been working with local groups relating to hidden
disabilities and in response, we’ve opened a purpose-built toilet
block which includes a Changing Places accredited room.
This facility has a hoist and moveable changing bed.

We’re aiming to have our terminal ready for the bi-annual influx
of regular visitors to one of the world’s largest oil and gas con-
ferences, Offshore Europe 2019, so we can truly showcase our
improvements to the energy world.

OCTOBER 2018 MARCH 2018
36

Canada starts here

Glasgow - Manchester - London Gatwick -
Toronto Toronto Toronto

Direct flight Direct flight Direct flight
Starting at Starting at Starting at

358£ 358£ 348£
pp rtn pp rtn pp rtn

With connections to Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton.

Why not upgrade to Club Class and experience an exclusive 12 seat cabin with

Club Class > wide leather seats and generous legroom, two pieces of checked baggage,
priority services at the airport and our gourmet Chef’s Menu by Daniel Vézina.

airtransat.co.uk

Available to book via your GDS

Prices are per person based on flying on selected dates between November 2018 and March 2019. Prices for other routes may vary. Correct at time of going
to print and can change at any time. Other routes available with Air Transat. See online for more details and prices.

If Only... in conjunction with Glasgow Airport and Emirates, hosted an event
exclusively for homeworkers in Glasgow

OCTOBER 2018 MARCH 2018
38

ENJOY THE JOURNEY

AS MUCH AS THE DESTINATION

Easy connections to 23 destinations in North America

Reykjavik I Anchorage I Baltimore I Boston I Cleveland I Chicago I Dallas I Denver I Edmonton I Halifax I Kansas City I Minneapolis I Montreal
New York (JFK & Newark) I Orlando I Philadelphia I Portland I San Francisco I Seattle I Tampa I Toronto I Vancouver I Washington D.C.

+ icelandairacademy.com

IbtFgH’crsiSrarelsaemeobsFtamavgatSta,imeLeo(rtaidrucarovineneosrWclnhGvtgpesyueittagvhdnhaFdprioraludtttwhlftmeoapeoorelwetnchrhpaoaoepeAvodivhaSuiofaemonldyidcarfvA,ofsetmtTestmResmrcvsemlrvdehonhCmetaaculcioprAnoRusoeascCn,asielaehtlaefNtolfemeineufotdlnwonteRiervdaoarmrcwhfthrteaertnnipeoEmtfcnrctrtitmarerahaaiersfehsttitaahetiomhmsmaeetinifncattlEdoebavaiena–ynihlt,yuveaserittnwagdeatennbIenvmteeissggsigceRirbmh‘oatorloltneoegTd,IdnegeuraiehylittLecatntbefvsenwlaehntofo.tiahapehtuaanaiihp.ahaoseaednhwblseogriwI,eansgiputafeftrftoftTamvnnleepneoceTsrhrwoadaMttIcsaeytlwoeneeetlfair’rpihooaykaaetc,oykfnyroedoetruedtokIuwtimorauliioruyislbBtufstrhneasntdtrepinilnrahmBrlvoeatbraoiyaNmsisdogooiGteaaigtnwsbsasnsiosscluoaluiwmr.lxEairpep!keuptGoynwemerottkealekicres!rrehal,tlaiu)SgnferoapcwaodhhittctygemaoedneAetetcOtnyhhhefycciudrehoaraannStonttvicesBfeoyeaerhmi,rhtuwtrtrsttatnhsgeiiwataiinshfeoloeaiclbtmbvoicyftodanaeevatihyssryeupttphhhme,tjueunathvntlegussoiipaAmhlifcaeauiAhatdfslclieleods–mlahfloioyesuneftybrdiybdlantaortonembaby,pnniuwana,ntcoeglriibmamifritttlonnieeonteoonsrfeueghoicnhtzeCesrmuodyshggtshndnagneeetieulweagesrw,tnonlleaeokenzmmdltaaItec!tAo–Swdffa,eg’iy.eoirsnvfvthnoosatoyfin–Ipibiyt!neglhdnfpueqersirtyredsfeHtoeJghisestaeomhlnwucap,lApsa.MRaeucritmdeorIicgIteiire.aelrtssnodirtiagnwylttFhtrrowrritlnowehoeiiomtehurnmiehfopdseu,aSfwkiaeoanrenaehgaoslenctfovaaoaenepsaessurosintelikentKidyrkennnymlwpenhtlanahmpftyna.ltneseeirydhpmaadls.BviNfaenatn!toloornhPmso,eolaleheTyyerstgisfergwhtmwfvairoutoliettyfeegroprlwrsnsaaoohooraiaeaorrlaeahtseut.tpgont–aftuirageecdcvhriOaaadehelneectilfasdvleflaseytretcleefhyddedfvnpulykgtene–aersirotalaeveoftwent,eCbtulaelatsastgooccgtsalbtlntesrmt’erhnceerThhtoeaeGmeatryrtaddujeyetdheemdlyonoteOrnl–meolayi.Cepneotlaalydayitdhtntrstaointplnart!lastysrhooaysuoifiaeoiiaeemunrntrkaeonssfhrutendnahvitonoAo.hkeectdgnnslteroqgwenyemlrhbemtlgtdeatefptrordHwwundyytehmethmoeenavothereiehmaashehfoeJarteldieteo,leealyovkrlaletfeeiibSanily’tvufrddsstem.ptnehtPauretn,Ihepgoreeth!urAlnDer,tadIarh.edaleebaaneidviaiAeortcl.acludwvotixlnoisrasyntSorcietav’ai.dtnTetueiilyeetnlrAoasirdsrnvwtRawigisnieelohngwvmoeewent MARCH 2018

OCTOBER 2018
40

NEWS

Stuba -
accommodation

exclusively
for the trade

Stuba is the new unified brand following the merger of getabed Angela Muir Joanne Muir
and roomsXML. Exclusively for the trade, Stuba.com is an Head of Sales UK & Ireland Business Development
accommodation wholesaler, offering over 88,000 properties
around the world at competitive rates, available in real time. Manager, North

Our brand new website will showcase the very best product and
technology from the combined business, giving you access to the best
hotel rates and availability thanks to our unique mix of static, dynamic
and exclusive rates due to our direct contracts.

Our 100% trade focus ensures you have our total commitment, so we can
provide you with the tools to win more business.

Our travel partners will remain at the heart of everything we do!

For more information, visit www.stuba.com

WOW, THIS IS NOT
IT’S A GAME FAKE NEWS

CHANGER

AWARD WINNING GETABED HAVE STUBA OFFERS
ACCOMMODATION WHOLESALER SINCE 1991 BECOME STUBA. FANTASTIC COMMISSIONS
IT’S GETABED, BUT BETTER.
Call: 01273 429000 AND AWESOME PRICING.
Sales: [email protected]
Support: [email protected] THEY STILL
OFFER SAME GREAT
YOU MAY HAVE HEARD THAT GETABED ARE SERVICE FROM THEIR
BECOMING STUBA VERY SOON. AS VALUED UK CALL CENTRE
TRAVEL PARTNERS, WE WANT TO GIVE YOU AND PROVIDE ME
THE HEADS UP AND LET YOU KNOW THE WITH ALCOHOL…
BENEFITS THAT STUBA WILL BRING YOU. SUPPORT, I MEAN
STUBA IS THE UNIFIED BRAND FOLLOWING 24x7 SUPPORT
THE MERGER OF GETABED AND ROOMSXML.
STUBA.COM WILL BE A BRAND NEW …STILL THE SAME FANTASTIC SMART SEARCH
WEBSITE WHICH WILL SHOW CASE THE ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT TEAM! OPTIONS – DOES
VERY BEST PRODUCT AND TECHNOLOGY THIS MEAN I HAVE
FROM THE NEW COMBINED BUSINESS. ARRRGGGHHHH… TO DRESS UP TO
I CAN’T GET SEARCH?
AWAY FROM
THEM

SO WE’VE GIVEN YOU TOP 5 REASONS TO WORK WITH STUBA…
WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED? JUST LET US KNOW.

OCTOBER 2018
41

Questions
& Answers

GARY REAVELY speaks to As of 1st October, we launched our new trade website and
IAIN POWELL, online booking engine for agents - www.sagaagents.co.uk
Head of Trade Sales at Saga Holidays and Cruise
In addition, we offer a variety of incentives to engage travel
Give us a rundown of your agents and give them a reason to book Saga. So, it would be fair
career to date to say we are still getting the basics right but we are doing this
because we want to work with agents and be the number one
I have had some great jobs! I worked overseas in Mallorca choice when they have clients that fit our demographic.
with TUI for 18 months and loved it. It’s something I would
recommend for anyone new to the industry - get some Are there any specific Saga
experience abroad. When I returned to the UK, I stayed with products that an agent should be
TUI in an account management role which I soon realised focusing on for the best return?
was what I really enjoyed doing. Because of a home move to
Southampton, I then joined Carnival UK – a great brand and Cruise is probably the best place to go in terms of the ultimate
business to work for. I left there with fond memories after four return for an agent - with our two new ships - Spirit of Discovery,
years and joined SAGA in January. in service July 2019 and Spirit of Adventure coming in 2020.

What was it about Saga that These are premium, luxury smaller ships, styled like boutique
attracted you to make the move? hotels. The price point is higher than where we currently are
with our existing fleet but we know cruise is growing and with
The primary reason was to take something in the trade that was our commission structure, this is a great place to start with Saga.
very small and be there to help it grow. Ultimately, we all want to
achieve success and show that we can turn something around. In terms of the holiday side of things, we are seeing that our
Currently only 7% of Saga’s business for cruise and 11% of its demographic is becoming more adventurous than ever before
holidays come from the trade, so it’s only a small part of a large – travel is more accessible now for that age group and clients
business. It was the chance to make a difference and grow that are certainly more willing to venture out and experience
side of the market that attracted me. new things.

Is Saga a good business We are having great success with our adventure touring. As an
opportunity in the marketplace example, we recently launched the Uganda gorilla tracking tour
for agents? And if so, why? which has been hugely successful. The desire to go and do this
from our demographic has been incredible.
Well obviously - yes! Reasons? We are relatively unsaturated in
terms of the travel market so there is an opportunity for agents Do you have a favourite holiday
to do significantly more than they are now. We have price parity, destination?
strong commission rates and a demographic who are primarily
affluent and want to travel. How do you pick one? The best trip I ever had was sailing on
Queen Victoria from Rome to Venice and although it’s not one
We also know a lot of that demographic want to book through destination, it’s the trip I look back on most fondly. Amazing
a travel agent. On top of that, our price point is actually higher ports, great weather and the ship was incredible!
than people think and that’s a good thing for an agent - twin that
with good commission and it’s a no brainer. Another one would be Las Vegas – not cultured but what fun!
There’s always something strange and wonderful going on!
What service and support can you
offer to agents? MARCH 2018

We have upgraded our trading platform, which we know
needed attention and this will ensure agents have
somewhere to go online where they can easily access
all the latest information.

OCTOBER 2018

42

Launching Win

our new online booking engine a FAM trip
to Africa*
Thrilling wildlife safaris, enriching cultural tours, idyllic
all-inclusive resorts, relaxing ocean and river cruises… Hurry… prize draw
now it’s easier than ever to arrange our spectacular ends October 31.
holidays. Simply visit our new online booking engine,
follow the simple steps to register and log in to your
Saga trade account. And remember, every online
booking doubles your chance of winning a place on
our African FAM trip, flying with Kenya Airways.

To register visit sagaagents.co.uk

Book online at sagaagents.co.uk, call FREE on 0800 074 8021
or contact Agency Sales on FREE on 0800 068 8732

Find us on social media Saga Trade Team

*Every Saga holiday or cruise booked by Oct 31, 2018 will be automatically entered into Saga’s current prize draw. Online bookings will be entered twice. Nine agents will
be randomly selected to win a FAM trip to Africa departing Nov 26 and returning Dec 5, 2018 with Kenya Airways. You must be aged 18 or over to enter, but do not have
to be over 50 to travel. Winners will be announced in November and contacted with a detailed itinerary. They may be featured on our website/social media pages and
used for PR purposes. Saga holidays are for anyone aged 50+. A travel companion may be 40+. NTA-AP5695

NEWS

Flybe celebrates 35 years
in Northern Ireland

After achieving excellent sales growth with Super Break,
Oasis Travel in Bangor were awarded Agent of the Month
by the operator.

Flybe has celebrated 35 years operating from George Best Pictured receiving their certificate plus a bottle of bubbles
Belfast City Airport. To mark the occasion, representatives is (left to right): Melanie Harper, Travel Executive; Nicola
from Flybe including the Chief Executive, Christine Ourmières- Ferris, Travel Executive; Wendy Cameron, Business
Widener, the Chief Commercial Officer, Roy Kinnear and Development Manager at Super Break and Lynn Jamison,
Flybe’s Country Manager for Ireland, Ken Harrower, hosted a Branch Manager.
celebratory reception in Belfast’s Grand Central Hotel.
Titan

Originating as an air-taxi company owned by a family run Travel launches
steel company C Walker & Sons, Spacegrand Aviation as it new website for trade
was known then, made its first official flight to Belfast Harbour
Airport from Blackpool in 1983. A few months later, Walkers Agents can now make bookings online and download
Steel Group bought over Jersey European Airways and the travel documents on Titan Travel’s relaunched website,
airline began commercial activity from Belfast. titanagents.co.uk

From those early days of 19 seater Twin Otter aircraft, Flybe Titan has made the website more user-friendly, easier to navigate
has grown to offer up to 295 flights per week to 15 destinations and agents can download brochures, window posters and keep up
across the UK using a core fleet of Bombardier Q400 aircraft. to date with the latest news and incentives.

Christine explained: “We are extremely proud of our long Head of Trade Sales, Edwina Coppock To celebrate
association with Belfast City Airport and have been privileged said: “This is something we have been the launch, the Titan
to both serve our customers in Northern Ireland for over 35 is offering a £20 Lifestyle
years and employ over 200 local people at what is one of our working on for a while and I am voucher, plus a limited
top four UK bases. very excited that it is now ready edition Chico the Cheetah
for agents to use and make the toy for every online
“Today, we not only offer a comprehensive range of domestic booking process easier than booking made between
destinations from Belfast but through numerous codeshares ever, especially with the
and our hubs at Manchester and Birmingham, Flybe’s busy Peaks period fast 1st October - 31st
customers can seamlessly travel to almost anywhere in the approaching!” December, 2018.
world. Such local and global access highlights the sentiment
behind our new strapline ‘Close To You’ which is all about Canadian Affair broadens
convenience both in time and place and strongly reflects our
commitment to passengers in Northern Ireland now and for
many years to come.”

Two Tunnocks caramel logs sales to travel trade
were standing in the Arrivals
Hall at Glasgow Airport. Canadian Affair has recently launched a major
travel trade sales programme, following a year-long
business review by Managing Director, Chris Hedley.

One turns to the other and The operator will also launch an online portal in
says - “How long have you early November, specifically created for its travel
been a wafer?” trade partners, enabling them to browse and book
holidays and flights to Canada.

OCTOBER 2018 MARCH 2018
44

2019 | 2020

all-inclusive voyages

Our seven day Eclectic Aegean and 3 Continents
All-Inclusive Cruises on board Celestyal Crystal

The “Eclectic Aegean” cruise includes an overnight stay in Istanbul Shore excursions are available at each of these ports and will give
(where you can embark or disembark), and calls at Volos, Greece, passengers an authentic insight into the incredible history and culture
for excursions to the stunning mountains of Meteora, and to of these storied destinations.
Canakkale, Turkey, for excursions to Troy and Gallipoli. This cruise
will also visit Heraklion and Santorini. There has never been a better time to book a Celestyal Cruise, and
from now until 5th November you will receive reduced fares (Save up
We have also added our “3 Continents” cruises to the 2019/2020 to £430 per person) + 50% off 3rd & 4th guests travelling + €50
calendar. We sail to Alexandria and Port Said, Egypt; Ashdod, Israel; Onboard Credit.*
Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey; Limassol, Cyprus, and Rhodes. It is
possible to embark and disembark in Limassol, if you so wish. Incredible All-Inclusive value from just £869* per person.

Three meals per day, made with Enjoy a special collection of Our handpicked excursions
love and care with the finest branded beverages that suits guarantee you’ll see the best
local ingredients
your preferences of our destinations

Our specially designed Forget extra charges. Gratuities are included in New destinations have been
entertainment programme is Everything is included in the the price so you can stick to added to Celestyal Cruises
suitable for all ages and tastes
price of your ticket your holiday budget 2019/2020 itineraries.

For booking reservations & enquiries contact:

0800 411 8038 CRUISERS’ CHOICE
or email: [email protected]
Celestyal Cruises
Best for Service

Opening hours:
Monday - Friday: 2pm - 11pm, Saturdays: 3pm - 10pm

* On selected sailings. Terms and conditions apply. Prices available at time of print and are subject to availability.

SMALL SHIFPE&ARTIUVREER CRUISE FEATURE

Set sail on a river cruise with Great Rail Journeys

For nearly half a decade, Great Rail Journeys has been And in an industry first, our booking system allows you to select
providing award-winning escorted rail holidays to your very own cabin, meaning you can pick exactly where
destinations around the world, combining fascinating you stay on the ship. Meanwhile, dining options are a delight,
excursions and excellent Tour Managers with superb with 5-course meals featuring traditional specialities as well
accommodation and sublime cuisine. as international cuisine and each dish featuring fresh local
ingredients brought in at each stop.
Taking those 45 years’ experience in the travel industry, we are
proud and excited to introduce you to our latest holiday venture A host of special touches await you aboard your ship. Our
- our own range of charter cruises setting sail on the enchanting itineraries include flexible excursions allowing you to pick,
rivers of Europe in 2019. From the exquisite Danube to the choose and plan your day as you wish and each cruise is one-
magnificent Rhine, Great Rail Journeys’ charter cruises take in the way, meaning you’ll never see the same sights twice during your
very best of the continent’s rivers from the decks of our illustrious time on board. Accompanying you from your departure point to
fleet of river cruise ships. With battlefield tours, classical music your ship is your professional Tour Manager, from where your
performances, visits to iconic tulip gardens and more, our charter friendly Cruise Director will take over to assist you in whatever
cruise itineraries are packed to the brim with class and elegance, way you need. Finally, we know everyone has their own transport
revealing the culture and history of every port of call. preferences, so on our charter cruises you can enjoy a choice of
travel options to get you to your ship including travelling by rail
Our hand-crafted cruises have been created with our customers (Standard or First Class), by air, or combining your cruise with one
in mind and each one boasts its own superb ship, 5-Star vessels of our fantastic rail tours to make the most of your time away.
that are specially designed to traverse the rivers of Europe and
all feature a range of excellent amenities including a sun deck, With all this and more, a Great Rail Journeys’ River Cruise Charter
a restaurant, a bar, a salon and a gym. More than just that, our is so much more than just a cruise – it’s an opportunity to dive
on-board cabins are some of the largest in the industry, each with into the culture and beauty of some truly magnificent waterways,
tea-making facilities, an interactive television, a walk-in wardrobe a chance to make friends with like-minded, English speaking
and an en-suite bathroom. passengers and a once-in-a-lifetime cruising experience done
your way.

OCTOBER 2018 MARCH 2018
46

FIVE-STAR RIVER CRUISE & RAIL TOUR

JUNGFRAU EXPRESS & FIVE-STAR RHINE CRUISE

10 Days from £1,995 - Departures between 15th May & 22nd September 2019

Save £100pp | On selected departures & cabin upgrades | Book on or before 31st October 2018

London END The NetherlandGsermany Highlights
AMSTERDAM
United Cologne • Interlaken Jungfrau Railway to the
Kingdom Jungfraujoch
• The Upper Rhine and
LONDON Germany • Basel the Drachenfelsbahn
• Strasbourg
COLOGNE • Speyer and Heidelberg • Cologne
• Rüdesheim and the • Amsterdam and
BBeelglgiuiumm KÖENIGRSivWeIrNRThEiRne
Rhine Gorge the Medemblik
PARIS KOBLENZ Steam Train
Paris
Luxembourg

RUDESHEIM SPEYER

France 7

Cruise STRASBOURG River Danube

Days 3-10 Munich

START
BASEL
By Ship Nights in hotel Nights on ship Zürich Switzerland

By Rail By CoacFhrance INTERLAKESNwit2zerGlaRnIdNDELWALD What’s Included

See our latest • Standard class Rail • Time at the summit of the
• 2 nights Hotel Accommodation Jungfrau Mountain
Charter Cruise brochure
for more details and our and a 7 night Cruise • Yorkshire tea and
other exclusive • All meals coffee are available
• Exciting excursions in all cabins, as well
Charter Cruise Tours • Services of a Tour Manager as various areas
• Journey on the magnificent Jungfrau around the ship

Express to the Jungfraujoch, Europe’s
highest railway station

Great Rail Journeys for Travel Agents @GreatRailAgents

HOW www.GreatRail.com/TravelAgents Log in and click on ‘Holiday Types’ then ‘Charter Cruise-New’
TO Or call our Agent Freephone number on 0800 240 4470

BOOK For further information, please contact your Business Development Manager Amanda Leggett
on 07540 049285 or [email protected]

Book with 100% confidence, flight-inclusive holidays are ATOL or ABTOT protected, non flight-inclusive holidays are protected by ABTOT. Dates and prices are subject to
availability. Prices may change prior to and after publication. Book on or before 31st October 2018 and save up to £100pp on selected cabin upgrades on our Exclusive River Cruise
Charter 2019 departures or save up to £150pp on selected river cruises inaugural departures. Terms and conditions apply. Please call for further details. Calls will be recorded.

SMALL SHIFPE&ARTIUVREER CRUISE FEATURE

Money back guarantee with Saga

Saga’s new boutique all-balcony ship, Spirit of Discovery launches next
summer with fine dining, an array of entertainment, free Wi-Fi and a
money back guarantee.

Itineraries include the seven-night Norway Rocks cruise, featuring onboard
lectures by a geologist, with calls to Kristiansand, Bergen, Ålesund and
Haugesund. Passengers will also have the chance to travel by steam train on the
Setesdal Railway and take a cable car to the summit of Mount Ulriken.

Saga is so confident that first-time guests will love life on board its cruise
ships that it is offering early flights home and a refund of the cruise
fare to anyone who does not enjoy the sailing.

Ponant opens dedicated
Facebook group

French cruise line, Ponant has introduced a dedicated
Facebook group for agents in the UK and Ireland.

The Facebook group, Ponant Experts UK & Ireland,
will allow the cruise line to communicate
directly with agents, sharing news about
products, incentives, ship visits and events,
to listen to agents’ feedback and run monthly
competitions.

International sales director Stephen Winter said:
“This is the first time that Ponant has launched such
an initiative in any of its markets. It shows our continued
involvement and dedication to the UK and Irish markets and our
ambition to significantly grow our share of the market in the UK and
Ireland.”

Agents can join with their agency number or contact the administrator
directly to ask to join.

WIN Win a river cruise with Riviera Travel

To encourage river cruise holiday bookings through the trade
throughout October, Riviera Travel is offering agents the chance to
win a grand prize of a five-star Christmas Market river cruise
for two people, as well as a weekly prize, one of four
Fortnum and Mason hampers.

The prize, a four-night Enchanting Rhine and Yuletide
Markets Cruise will depart on 11th December 2018. The
winning agent, plus guest, will be accommodated in a
Standard Ruby Deck cabin, equipped with French balcony,
aboard the five-star MS Emily Bronte. The trip is inclusive of
flights from the UK, airport transfers, all meals and daily excursions
as stated in the itinerary.

To enter the competition, agents should email their Riviera bookings to
[email protected]. The more bookings that an agent makes, the better the
chance they have of winning.

All European river cruise bookings confirmed during the month of October 2018 are also eligible for the
Riviera Travel weekly prize draw to win a Fortnum & Mason hamper. Competition closes on 31st October.

OCTOBER 2018 MARCH 2018
48

CHRISTMAS COULD
COME EARLY

FOR OUR LUCKY WINNERS!

GRAND PRIZE

WIN A 5-STAR CHRISTMAS MARKET
RIVER CRUISE FOR 2-PEOPLE

WEEKLY PRIZE

WIN ONE OF 4 FORTNUM & MASON HAMPERS

Simply book ANY Riviera Travel River Cruise during the
month of October for your chance to win. Email your booking

reference to [email protected]

The more bookings you make the more chance you have of winning!

CONTACT OUR AGENCY SALES TEAM: YOUR FRIENDLY AGENCY SALES TEAM

Call for support: 01283 744307 | email: [email protected] Joseph Darren Tamzin Mia Paul Emma

CALL RESERVATIONS 7 DAYS A WEEK:

Call to book: 01283 744370 | Book online: www.rivieratravel.co.uk/agents

All European River Cruise bookings confirmed during the month of October 2018 are eligible for our weekly prize draw to win a Fortnum & Mason hamper. ABTA No. V4744
To enter the draw you must email [email protected] stating the booking reference number, your name and ABTA Number. There will be a
total of 4 x hamper prizes. All entries received between the 1st and 31st October 2018 will be entered into our Grand Draw to win a Free Cruise. Free
cruise is Enchanting Rhine & Yuletide Markets on the 11th December 2018. Standard Ruby Deck (French balcony) cabin onboad the Five-star MS Emily
Bronte. Cruise is full board from Dinner on the first night to Breakfast on the last morning. Includes return Eurostar from London St. Pancras. Regional UK
rail connections from a selection of stations subject to availability. Prize and cannot be changed or transferred. Winning agent must travel.

SMALL SHIFPE&ARTIUVREER CRUISE FEATURE

I have been with Scenic and Emerald Waterways for socialise over meals
nearly 10 years, spending half that time as the Sales and in the bar at night!
Manager for Victoria in Australia where I started with Please contact me if
the company. you want to discuss this
further.
I have loved the innovation that owners Glen and Karan
Maroney bring to the company – some of the unique designs We offer various forms
etc have been heralded by the industry and resulted
in a whole new way of of marketing for your
touring and cruising.
agency, including flyers,
I was very successful
in my role in Australia social jpegs, direct
and have brought that
enthusiasm to the UK mailers etc – these can WSSacleIenLsiLMc IaaAnndaMgEemYr UeOrKaUlNdNoWGrtah,terways
market after Scenic
decided to launch fully all be overbranded with
to the trade about four your logo and call to
years ago. action details.

Scenic taught me the It is a great way to get
skills of presenting and
I hope this has been the products out to
fundamental in generating bookings once clients come to see
the products and get a much better understanding of what we your database and also onto websites and social media to
offer. I have seen most of the products first hand now and try to
bring the holidays to life with my knowledge and enthusiasm attract new and existing clients. We also have images and
at the events I do.
videos on our dropbox account, so please contact me if you
We can assist in small and large presentations to your clients
and have the equipment ready for this – we will also look at would like links sent.
contributing towards costs and the returns can be great for
agents. If you feel you don’t have enough clients for a full Another new venture is live webinars where I will present the
presentation, we can come in for client appointments. We call product to your clients. We normally do these in the evening,
this guest desks and we find this works very well with a high when most people are at home and they can sit and listen
conversion rate – the clients love the one to one attention and in the comfort of their house. I also have some pre-recorded
can ask all the questions they have. webinar presentations that you can send out to clients - videos
don’t play in recordings but you can send these, plus deals to
We also do very well at river cruising group departures. If you give the clients an overall perspective of what to expect.
have a group of clients who want to travel together, it is a great
way for them all to experience wonderful places and then We are not the biggest player in the market but we aim to offer
your clients impeccable service and strive towards creating a
holiday that creates memories of a lifetime. You can call me on
0792 1830147 or email [email protected]

We have a wonderful trade support team and contact details
are below if I am not available. We love working with the trade
and look forward to building more and more business for our
travel partners.

Agency Sales – Tel: 0161 233 1988
Email: [email protected]

OCTOBER 2018 MARCH 2018
50