Travel Matters Issue 17 August 2018

THE MOST INCLUSIVE
LUXURY EXPERIENCE™

THE NEW ERA OF LUXURY ARRIVES

Seven Seas Splendor™

luxury perfected

Regent Seven Seas Cruises® welcomes our fifth ship, Seven Seas Splendor™ in early 2020. Her arrival will set a new standard for
luxury cruising - perfection. No expense, effort or detail is spared in the design of the 750-guest, all-suite and all-balcony
ship. From bow to stern she is a work of art, featuring soaring ceilings topped by sparkling chandeliers, opulent restaurants,

sophisticated lounges, spacious suites and a newly re-imagined Coffee Connection with alfresco seating.
At every turn, guests will be enveloped in elegance, comfort and grace, with personalised service from our highly trained staff.
Her inaugural season itineraries offer a wide variety of destinations to explore, from the azure waters of the Caribbean and

the magnificent Panama Canal, to the perfect Atlantic Crossing and majestic Mediterranean adventures.

Attend one of our exclusive launch events and become a Seven Seas Splendor™ expert!

WE’D LOVE YOU TO JOIN US FOR THE EVENING AS WE UNVEIL
THE NEW DETAILS FOR SEVEN SEAS SPLENDOR™
PLUS:
• Enjoy a Regent Seven Seas® master-class with hints and tips

to up-sell your clients to ultra-luxury helping you to earn the
highest commissions in the cruise industry
• Gain access to our Seven Seas Splendor™ agent media pack
• Take advantage of event booking incentives
• Enjoy good food in a beautiful venue!

THE GROVE **NEW DATES ANNOUNCED AT THE FOLLOWING
LOCATIONS (FROM 6:30PM)**

Castle Bromwich Hall Hotel, Birmingham - 6th Sep
The Grove, Chandler’s Cross, Watford - 11th Sep

The Runnymede-on-Thames Hotel, Egham - 10th Oct
Rudding Park, Harrogate - 16th Oct

Lanhydrock Hotel and Golf Club, Bodmin, - 23rd Oct
Trelissick National Trust Garden, Feock, near Truro - 24th Oct

The Athenaeum Hotel, Mayfair - 6th Dec

TO BOOK YOUR PLACE VISIT RSSC.com/AgentTraining

T H ET H RI S EI S A L

CARIBBEAN

THERE IS NO BETTER WAY
TO EXPLORE THE CARIBBEAN

If your customers are planning to visit one of the wooden raft tour of the city. On the island of
700 islands in the Caribbean, they’ll need an expert Roatan, guests can don their mask and snorkel and
to show them around. And there’s nobody more dip beneath the waves to check out the world’s
equipped to be their personal tour guide, than us second largest coral reef, then tick swimming with
at Royal Caribbean. As the Caribbean connoisseurs, some local dolphins off their bucket list. All of
we always make sure our guests experience the that combined with pure white sand and twinkling,
holiday of a lifetime. From lazing in sun-dappled sapphire seas... it’s no surprise that the Caribbean
hammocks on glistening white beaches, to having is is considered one of the most impressive
unforgettable experiences such as scuba diving destinations on the planet.
on coral reefs and swimming with dolphins, we’re
proud to be able to lead our guests to the most We have over 20 of our 25 spectacular ships sailing
stunning and awe-inspiring corners of the most to the Caribbean. With each and every one boasting
beautiful islands in the world. an array of impressive activities, our guests have no
trouble packing their days full with entertainment.
For instance, Cozumel in Mexico gives guests the From rock walls to surf simulators, wine bars to
opportunity to discover ancient Mayan ruins, whilst West End shows, there’s something onboard for
St Kitts is the perfect place to explore Volcanoes. everyone. And with a whole host of breathtaking 3, 7
Not to mention our two breathtaking private or 14 night sailings to choose from, you just have to
destinations, Labadee and CocoCay, which give pick the ship and Caribbean itinerary that’s right for
guests exclusive access to a whole host of one-of- you. But of course, no matter which one our guests
a-kind experiences. In Labadee, adrenaline junkies opt for, we make sure our world of adventure shows
can take to the skies as they whizz down the them the time of their life, with a few surprises
world’s longest zip-line, whilst CocoCay introduces sprinkled along the way.
a destination that resets adventure to a whole
new level, reimagining what’s possible in a day.
A destination bolder than any other.

Incredible destinations such as Falmouth, Jamaica
offer culture vultures a chance to take a private

Visit myclubroyal.co.uk COCOCAY COMING SOON MAY 2019

cruise feature

Transform your photos with Seabourn approved
Royal Caribbean International to sail to Cuba

Royal Caribbean International has launched SoundSeeker™, a tool that Seabourn has now been granted
transforms photos into an original soundtrack, with a video to match. permission to sail to Cuba, joining
sister lines, Carnival and Holland
The cruise line teamed up with experts from Berklee College of Music (Boston, America Line.
USA) to create the unique song generator. Powered by artificial intelligence, the
programme is specifically designed to use machine learning to create original The company now plans to launch
soundtracks based on the content of each photograph. cruises from Miami and San Juan to
Cuba commencing November 2019.
Users can upload three photos of their choice on http://soundseeker.com and
the AI analyses them based on colour, landscape, backdrop, emotion, body The 458 passenger Seabourn Sojourn
language and facial expression. SoundSeeker then turns them into a shareable will offer four itineraries, calling at five
and one-of-a kind soundtrack. Fans can follow along on Royal Caribbean’s Cuban ports: Cienfuegos, Santiago,
social channels and by searching #SoundSeeker. Cuba’s Isla de Juventud (Isle of Youth)
and Antilla on Nipe Bay, with overnight
The SoundseekerTM tool is equipped to generate over one million unique tracks, stays in UNESCO World Heritage cities
composed exclusively for the cruise line, from a wide including Havana during its 500th
variety of music, including 90s hip-hop, rock, modern anniversary celebrations.
and electronic dance music.
Other stops will include West End,
Other technological advancements introduced Cayman Brac and Port Antonio, Jamaica.
by Royal Caribbean include SeaSeeker, a custom-
engineered scuba mask for Snapchat Spectacles and
virtual balconies, giving interior rooms a view.

More new features on Sky Princess

Debuting in the Mediterranean in October 2019, Princess Cruises new ship,
Sky Princess will include features found on its three sister ships - Royal
Princess, Regal Princess and Majestic Princess - as well as brand new ones.

Two new Sky Suites, centrally located on the top decks of Sky Princess will feature the
largest private balconies ever offered by the line. Measuring 700 square feet, the balconies
will provide a private vantage of the ship’s Movie Under the Stars screen as well as a
270-degree panorama.

Also new will be the Wakeview pool on its aft decks as well as two new deep-tank top deck
pools, a Retreat Pool and more Jacuzzis than previous Royal-Class ships, including two
Jacuzzis cantilevered over the deep-tank pools.

Sky Princess will also offer twice as many private cabanas as its sister ships in its Sanctuary
area, a new look of the ship’s Vista Lounge and a new café in the Princess Live venue.

expanding the boundaries march 2018
54

Britain’s leading independent cruise line

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Book Online at: www.cruiseandmaritime.com Call: 0844 414 6161
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+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. 3891

cruise feature

Ship of the Month....

Gregorz...

gets his ‘bearings’
on MSC Meraviglia

Boarding MSC’s Meraviglia, the world’s fifth largest Offering around-the-clock
cruise ship, on her recent visit to Greenock, this entertainment, guests can enjoy
bear was extremely worried about getting lost! everything from an exclusive
However, it didn’t take long to navigate my way Cirque du Soleil show to
round the 19 decks of this beautiful ship and multiple bars, or the
get my ‘bearings’! comedy club, plus
much more.
Accommodating over 5,000 guests, the
ship offers everything a family (and a bear) I managed to
could ask for. There is a wide variety of get a sneaky
accommodation including modular cabins ‘bear’ peek
perfect for large families; plenty of indoor into the MSC
and outdoor entertainment on board for both Yacht Club! This
adults and kids; 12 dining venues, including private club, a
gourmet speciality restaurants to cater for all ‘ship within a ship’
tastes; a choice of pools and sports activities and concept, features
even a private yacht club! 78 suites, along with
key benefits including the
Once on board, the impressive Top Sail Lounge - an entirely
‘inside’ promenade with its LED self-contained private club, a
Dome and digital sky is simply a private pool, whirlpool baths and
wonder to look at. For pool lovers, solarium as well as a concierge service.

the Atmosphere Pool with This is certainly worth
movie screen and the offering to clients who
Horizon Pool offers may be celebrating a
plenty of space to special occasion or
relax in. For more who just prefer
active passengers, more privacy.
the Polar Aqua park
features thrilling MSC
water slides or Meraviglia’s
guests can retreat itineraries
and rejuvenate in the include
Balinese Aurea Spa. Northern
Europe and the
With a full size bowling alley, 2 F1 Simulator racing cars, Mediterranean
a sportsplex and amusement park, as well as Teens and with some great
Kids Clubs, there is more than enough to keep everyone ports of call - ideal for
entertained. clients of all ages!

expanding the boundaries march 2018
56

Booking your clients Cruise Plus holiday with Travel 2 doesn’t limit you to the ocean – it opens
up a world of destinations they may not usually visit on a normal package holiday. There’s an
array of pre and post-stay options, as well as tours, expedition cruises and river cruises around
some exhilarating destinations, ensuring that they are able to make the most of their adventure.

Whether they want to sip coffee in European cities or explore the wonders of Asia, Travel 2 can
create the perfect cruise.

9 nights Mediterranean Medley from Barcelona

INCLUDES
• Return flights from Edinburgh
• 2 nights at 4* Tryp Apolo Hotel, Barcelona
• 7 night cruise on board MSC Meraviglia

PORTS OF CALL
Barcelona, Spain - Marseille, France - Genoa, Italy - Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy - Palemo (Sicily), Italy
- Valletta, Malta - Barcelona, Spain

Departs: Nov 18 - Apr 19.
Price based on 13 Dec 18 cruise departure.

INTERIOR FROM OCEANVIEW FROM BALCONY FROM YACHT CLUB SUITE FROM

£689PP £789PP £859PP £1,859PP

7 nights Sensational Bahamas from Miami

INCLUDES
• Return flights from Glasgow
• 3 nights at 4* Daddy O Hotel, Miami
• 4 night cruise on board Carnival Sensation
• FREE Upgrade from Interior to Oceanview stateroom

PORTS OF CALL
Miami, USA - Princess Cays, Bahamas - Nassau, Bahamas - Miami, USA

Departs: Aug 18 - Dec 19.
Price based on 10 Jan 19 cruise departure.
Cruise itinerary and duration may vary dependent upon departure date.

OCEANVIEW PORTHOLE FROM BALCONY FROM JUNIOR SUITE FROM

£999PP £1,189PP £1,349PP

To contact our dedicated Cruise Plus Specialists,
call 0800 0224 301 or email [email protected]

@CruisePlusT2

cruise feature

Cruise sales The Vikings are coming
opportunity
of the month By Alan Glen, Glen Travel

Viking Cruise Line is obviously well known for its If you are looking for outdoor spaces, you won't get better than
established river cruise product, so when I was offered a the fabulous Aquavit terrace at the back of the ship, complete with
chance to see around the Viking Star when it berthed at infinity pool. If your clients are foodies or into Spa treatments, they
Newhaven, Edinburgh - I was intrigued to find out more are also in for a treat.
about their relatively new Ocean cruise product.
In addition to private and specialist dining options like Manfredi's
This 930-passenger ship came into service in April 2015, so it’s Italian restaurant, there is also the Kitchen Table - which is right in
barely three years old. Now, I'm not one for putting ships into the very heart of the action in the kitchen.
categories or pigeon holes - sometimes it’s more complex than that,
but first impressions count and mine was of 'understated class'. The Spa also offers a 'snow room' where you can cool off after your
My father always said that 'you can't buy class' and I subscribe to sauna - this is obviously the Scandinavian upgraded version of the
that, but maybe Viking Star could prove us both wrong here..... plunge pool! Not for the faint hearted...

It’s pretty difficult to compare this product with other ships, The Viking Star is definitely in the Premium/Luxury bracket, again
because it’s quite unique in its own way - perhaps a bit like drinking its style and appeal is such that a travel agent could either look at
a fine wine - you know it’s great, but you don't really know how to it from a 'sell up' or 'sell down' point of view. Now, that might seem
describe it - but let me give it a try. like a strange thing to say, but what I mean is that I don't think
anyone would be disappointed in this product - even if they are
Firstly, it definitely has that Scandinavian feel about it - clean, coming from a six- star background in cruising.
modern - almost minimalist, but the overall feeling is one of nice
'airy' naturally lit spaces. There are lots of ceiling to floor windows My experience is that cruisers are loyal to brands, but occasionally
in the public spaces which gives the ship a fabulous ambience. It like to try something different - with its unique selling and price
permeates through the dining rooms, restaurants, lounges, atrium, points including only 930 guests, global itineraries, all balcony,
cafes and into the top deck spaces like the beautiful wintergarden free Wi-Fi, Adult Only, and whilst it's not completely 'all-inclusive'
with its forest/tree-like architecture and the pool area with (premium wine and beer is included with lunch and dinner) prices
retractable roof. from £1,990 for 8 nights quiet season Med cruises, this product is a
definite contender!

expanding the boundaries march 2018
58



cruise feature

Record cruise season for Lerwick Both ships were en route to Reykjavik on round-trips from
Hamburg - Meraviglia as part of an 11-night cruise and Europa 2 on
This summer saw the population of Lerwick double in a day a 19-night voyage. Victor Sandison, Lerwick Port Authority’s Senior
with the arrival of two cruise ships, including one of the largest Commercial Executive, said: “Our involvement with the cruise
in the world and the biggest yet to visit the Shetland port. sector just keeps getting bigger and better, with larger vessels and
higher numbers.
With 19 decks and 65 metres high, the 316 metre long, 171,598
gross tonnes MSC Meraviglia dominated the harbour when she “This season, we expect to welcome 93 ships and approaching
anchored on a maiden visit with over 5,000 passengers – the most 93,000 passengers in an all-round record year, with 119 vessels,
yet on a single ship at Lerwick – and over 1,500 crew. On the same bringing an anticipated 110,000 passengers, already booked
day, Hapag-Lloyd’s 225 metre, 42,830 gross tonne Europa 2 berthed for 2019.” In 2016, 79 cruise ships visited Lerwick and annual
at Mair’s Pier East, with 512 passengers and more than 370 crew. passenger figures topped 50,768 last year.

New agent MSC Cruises UK & Ireland have launched their biggest
incentive ever agent incentive to celebrate new online training
from MSC platform, MSC Masters. The cruise line will give away
1,000 cabins to provide 2,000 places to the inaugural
party onboard MSC Bellissima in Southampton on 3rd
March 2019.

To be in with a chance to win, agents must complete 11
modules in the MSC Masters training section, MSC Basics.

MSC Cruises Director of Sales UK & Ireland Steve
Williams said: “With brand new ships launching every
year and a constantly expanding and developing on-
board product, it’s important to provide agents with a fun
and interactive way of expanding their knowledge of our
product. There are still many misconceptions that exist
about our brand and this tool is one of many steps we
are taking to improve knowledge and increase our brand
awareness.”

MSC Masters is designed to help agents familiarise
themselves with the company’s 15 ships currently in
service as well as new ships MSC Bellissima and MSC
Grandiosa which will launch in Germany in November
next year. The training programme will also cover new
itineraries and experiences available as well as the best
ways to find the right MSC Cruises holiday for clients.

The e-learning programme comprises a number of
interactive modules, videos, tutorials for MSC Book – the
booking system for travel agents – and information to
provide an insight into MSC Cruises’ brand history.

Living life... march 2018
one cruise at a time...

expanding the boundaries
60

why ChooSE celestyal cruises?

We constantly strive to offer our passengers
amazing personalised experiences both
on board and onshore. this is why, every
year, we enrich our itineraries with new and
exciting destinations and excursions.
Our medium-size, cosy vessels can take
you to all the famous destinations in the
Greek islands and eastern Mediterranean.
they are designed for our passengers
to experience the highest standards of
hospitality and comfort during their voyage.
Whether you’re looking for new
destinations, new itineraries or last minute
offers, we have it all.

The Celestyal Inclusive Experience

ALL INCLUSIVE CRUISES

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

Our specially designed entertainment Forget extra charges. Everything Gratuities are included in the price so
program is suitable for all ages and tastes is included in the price of your ticket you can stick to your holiday budget

w£7in5 celestyal cruises now has an
online training platform for agents to use.
Here you will be able to learn all about us, and our great inclusive experience.

there is also the opportunity to
win £75 worth of John lewis vouchers

if you finish the three training modules.

visit: www.celestyal-cruises-training.co.uk

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 - 11pm

cruise feature

The Travel Matters team, including Gregorz, have been out and about this
summer, taking snapshots of cruise ship visits.....

expanding the boundaries march 2018
62

August 2018
63

Relax

Experience the extraordinary onboard a
Princess ship. Immerse yourself in enriching
activities, watch a movie under the stars or
unwind in The Sanctuary. Wake up every day
to an astounding new view and choose the
perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.

Island

Golde