Luxury Edition April 2018

CLASSIC SUITES
This is VIP treatment. With Classic Suites, guests can soak up loads of special privileges— including priority check-in, seats saved just for them in the Main Theatre, and first dibs on bookings for the spa, salon and shore excursions. Available on the majority of our ships, this range of accommodation gives your customers more space and lots more luxury.
Classic Suite types
Our Classic Suites include the Royal Suite, Four Bedroom Family Suite, Owner’s Suite, Royal Family Suite, Grand Suite and Junior Suite.
Junior Suite
Guests can splash out without breaking the bank, with the spacious surroundings and stylish amenities of our Junior Suites. They can relax in their super- soft bathrobes, call their suite attendant to order room service whenever they fancy, and lounge in their luxury bedding.
Royal Family Suite
With room for up to eight to sleep, get together to plan shore excursions, or simply lounge after a day exploring, these suites are perfect for families. Team the two bathrooms, flat-screen TV, and fridge with the personalised service they’ll enjoy, they’re guaranteed a holiday
to remember.
Royal Suite
Your customers will feel like the king or queen of the castle (well, ship!) in one of our Royal Suites. They’ll get the highest standard of service, starting with a personal welcome from our senior officer, then priority bookings, exclusive invites and luxury treats throughout their stay.
Straight from the UK
Better yet, your customers can experience all of these Classic Suite perks closer to home – with two of our most popular ships sailing from right here in the UK. Navigator of the Seas® boasts five types of suite, and the newly revitalised Independence of the Seas® features six.
ROYAL SUITE CLASS
This is a holiday on a whole new level. Available on Symphony, Oasis, Allure, Harmony, Anthem and Ovation of the Seas®, Royal Suite Class sets the standard for onboard luxury with exclusive experiences, amazing amenities, personalised service and unbelievable accommodation. Depending on their needs, guests can choose to stay in a Sea, Sky, or Star Class Suite, and families won’t want to miss out on our Ultimate Family Suite.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT MYCLUBROYAL.CO.UK


Luxury traveL - a niChe Market
By graeme sharpe
hank sharpe travel, middlesbrough
My dad, hank, set up our family business up in the early 70s and one of my father’s dreams was to offer luxury travel at affordable prices for normal working class folk. i think we have been successful in this and it’s great that our small travel agency is still recognised as a company specialising in luxury travel!
Luxury travel is a niche market where product knowledge and customer service is vital. We pride ourselves on our product knowledge and we travel worldwide to keep our fingers on the pulse. although we are a small company with three staff and one clerical worker, between us we have over 150 years of experience in the travel trade!
Most of my travels are by sea - i just love the way of life and the service that is offered. We deal with most of the luxury brands and for me, luxury on a cruise ship is when every cabin is a suite, with egyptian cotton sheets and towels, the barman knowing what drink you prefer and all the staff knowing your name - it’s amazing! nothing is a problem and you are dealt with, first class, at all times.
With airline travel, luxury can mean chauffeur pick ups to and from home, separate check-in areas and exclusive lounges pre-flight. Then when onboard, luxury seats that become beds and on some flights, even a private bar!
to be involved in the luxury sector of the travel industry is wonderful and to be given the chance to explore this world we live in and get paid for it, is a dream - to fly on Concorde; to sail on luxury cruise ships; to travel Business Class around the world - that”s why my brother-in law calls me the “a La Carte kid!”
Agent’s View


adriFt on the Luxury
Waters...
for those of us who like to take to the waves, life on a cruise ship can be a luxurious escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With many new luxury cruise ships coming into the marketplace and more on the way, there is a huge choice of cabins, amenities and itineraries, available to the luxury traveller. add the river cruise market into the mix and you are thoroughly spoilt for choice!
from small ship cruising, river cruising to purpose-built expedition ships, all-suite or all-balcony ships to the new wave of yacht collections with their own helicopter pads, the options are endless. recent clia figures reveal that unusual cruise itineraries are increasing
in popularity, with exploration and adventure cruises becoming more popular.
travellers are searching for unique excursions and luxury cruise and expedition lines are offering once-in- a-lifetime experiences in more remote locations, such as africa, antarctica and the arctic.
river cruise companies are expanding their luxury options too with new onboard experiences, luxurious balcony suites and exciting new cultural programmes.
existing ships are also being refurbished and renovated to keep in line with the newer ships coming onto the market, some even increasing the size of their suites to give passengers more space to relax.
on board, cruise lines are pairing with michelin-starred chefs, to offer more flexible, modern dining options, with a wide choice of speciality restaurants. spas have teamed up with luxurious brands too, offering bespoke treatments and wellness programmes for the ultimate
in pampering. suites offer the latest in technology, luxurious linens, balconies and butler service.
on an ocean or river cruise, passengers can immerse themselves in luxurious surroundings and enjoy memorable experiences...
time to set adrift...






The Viking difference
What’s that ringing noise as your cruise ship arrives at its final destination? Is it the ship’s bell? If you didn’t choose a Viking ocean cruise it could be the cashier’s till totalling up your end-of-holiday bill.
With Viking, though, the only jingling sound will be the money that’s still in your pocket. Credit cards cower on other cruises when that long printout is presented before disembarkation. All the essential holiday pleasures are accompanied by a silent “ker-ching” as a charge is added to your invoice. But not with Viking.
Other cruise lines will make you regret the time you logged on to the ship’s Wi-Fi to send a few emails. The moment you took a dip in the spa’s hydrotherapy pool. That day you had a glass of wine with lunch – and two with dinner. The afternoon you took guided tours of the highlights of your destination and spent a few evenings feasting in one of the speciality restaurants.
With Viking, none of these delights cost a penny because this cool Scandinavian company has taken
the tastiest ingredients of a cruise and come up with a far superior recipe.
Viking cruises are always inclusive but the philosophy is also clever. Whichever voyage you choose on its elegant, intimate ships, included in the price are all those things you most desire and none of what you don’t.
So, for example, guests indulge in interesting wines – or beer or soft drinks – with lunch and dinner without feeling they are subsidising those who demand Champagne on tap. The list of items that Viking wraps up in its fares is heartwarming.
Flights on scheduled airlines are part of the deal wherever in the world the cruise is taking place, with selected regional UK departures at no extra cost. Staterooms, have their own private veranda. Whereas the starting price for most cruises is for inside accommodation, every spacious stateroom on a Viking ship has its own outside space with an ocean view.
To find out more call 020 8780 7985 or visit vikingcruises.co.uk


Each ship serves outstanding cuisine in The Restaurant, The World Café, The Pool Grill, the quirky Wintergarden and the lovable Mamsen’s deli. But if you want to try the multicourse gastronomic menu in The Chef’s Table or fabulous Italian fare in Manfredi’s, no one will ask you to sign a receipt.
All of Viking’s ocean ships have exquisite spas. Fancy a wallow in the hydrotherapy pool or a spell in the invigorating Snow Grotto? Just turn up – it won’t cost any extra to enjoy the stunning spa facilities on each ship.
Most cruise lines charge a hefty rate for internet access. With Viking it’s always free, as is 24-hour room service. Perhaps the most enticing aspect of Viking’s generosity is the shore excursions. At every port there is a palette of options, yet there’s almost always a complimentary excursion, such as a city tour with an expert guide, a scenic drive or a visit to a major landmark.
There’s a folder-full of other included relishes. Live entertainment from vibrant stage shows to sophisticated classical trios. A dreamy pool under a retractable roof – plus an inviting infinity pool at the ship’s rear. Movies are shown on a giant alfresco screen. Eminent lecturers intrigue with varied topics.
Not only has Viking expanded the concept of carefree cruising, the geographic horizons are being broadened, too. From next year, as well as showcasing Europe and the Caribbean to pampered guests, there will be opportunities to embrace the scenic wonderland of Alaska, the sights and scents of the Far East and the bucketlist Australasian attractions.
And none of them will cost a penny more than they need to.
GREAT VIKING VALUE
So much included in the price:
P Return scheduled flights from the UK P All staterooms and suites have a
private veranda
P Included excursion in almost every
port of call
P All on board meals in a choice of
multiple dining venues
P Specially selected wine, beer and
soft drinks with lunch and dinner
on board
P Tea, coffee and snacks any time
on board
P Evening entertainment, lectures and
port talks
P Free use of spa facilities
P Free 24-hour room service P Free Wi-Fi
P On board gratuities
Viking Ocean Cruises
WINNER
Best Luxury Cruise Line Spa






365 Ports 81 Countries 7 Continents


Explore FurtherSM
For more information and to book:
Visit: AzamaraClubCruises.co.uk | Phone: 0844 493 2066


staying somewhere and the staff offer you something that you have not even thought you wanted, but you did!
aManda MiddLer, siLversea Cruises
Luxury travel is more than just opulence and world class facilities, it’s as much about the delivery of seamless and personal service to create quality experiences and treasured memories.
Brendan Maguire, Founder and Managing direCtor, iF onLy...
Luxury means being called
by my first name, with my favourite drink being mixed without having to ask. it’s not just about being in five-star accommodation, it’s about the experience - lions roaring outside my tent, or coming up close and personal with a herd of elephants. it’s the experience and how you are treated - i love it!
katie Winn, aFriCa & Beyond
is to get used to luxury. t
he saddest thing i can imagine
CharLie ChaPLin


“luxury must Be comfortaBle,
otherWise it’s not luxury”
(coco chanel)


because travel matters