Travel Matters - Issue 39-JanFeb21

ISSUE 39 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021
EXPANDING THE BOUNDARIES FOR THE TRAVEL TRADE IN SCOTLAND, NORTHERN IRELAND, NORTH OF ENGLAND & IOM
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
PLUS
ENJOY A STOPOVER IN THE MALDIVES WITH TURKISH AIRLINES


in this issue...
6-7 Turkish Airlines - Time to meet again: Male
9 New tours & savings with Newmarket Holidays
10-11 Read SPAA President, Joanne Dooey’s Column & SPAA Council updates
13 Titan agent incentive - Lifestyle vouchers for
new bookings
14-31 Cruise Highlights 13 36 Icelandair - Flexibility
6-7 9
Always Included
36
10-11
14-31
2 travelmatters.biz


Cruise Highlights...
14-15 Discover Seattle - Gateway to Alaska
17 Q&A with RCI’s Torey Kings-Hodkin,
Head of UK Sales
18-19 Live large with big Perks aboard Windstar Cruises
21 Save up to 40% with Azamara Cruises
22-23 Take advantage of Scenic Cruises & Emerald
Waterways Early Bird savings
25 A Little Something Extra from Cunard
26-27 Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines launches Cruise Sale
30-31 Tradewind Voyages - Golden Horizon
Inaugural Voyage
25
14-15
17 18-19
21 23
26-27 30-31
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 3


@travelmatters.biz @TravelMatBiz @travelmattersbiz @travelmattersbiz
Read previous issues online at...
www.travelmatters.biz MEET THE TEAM:
Hilary Douglas
Director
07989 414454 [email protected]
Andrea Pellicci
Director
07766 010272 [email protected]
Gary Reavely
Director
07762 630057 [email protected]
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Welcome to the New Year...
Here at Travel Matters, we know how hard it is to try to stay positive while we all live through another lockdown and wait for the vaccine to be rolled out to help protect everyone. For now, we can still only dream of travelling once again.
So, if the January blues are getting you down, there are plenty of Cruise Highlights inside this issue with lots of useful information for when your clients start planning their next holiday. There are also some great incentives and special offers to help get those bookings coming in.
Although the sun might be low on the horizon just now, things will get better and hopefully it won’t be too long before the rays of sunshine start shining through.
The Travel Matters Team


NEWS
Loganair confirms Isle of Man Summer schedule
Loganair’s summer 2021 schedule from the Isle of Man includes restoring routes suspended during the pandemic as well as adding new ones.
The airline – which has maintained the Isle of Man’s only passenger air services throughout the Covid-19 pandemic
– has commenced services to London Heathrow, which
will increase to double daily flights from 28th March; flights to Manchester will increase to two daily from 1st April; and from 1st July, services to Manchester and Liverpool will have a further increase in flight frequency, with Manchester stepping up to four per day and Liverpool to three per day.
Birmingham services will recommence on 1st April with a four-times a week service which then increases to daily from 22nd May. Edinburgh services will re-start with three flights each week from April, increasing to four from 25th May.
New routes from
the Isle of Man
are to include
Southampton,
with three flights
a week from 26th
May; Belfast City
four times a week
from 1st April,
increasing to six times weekly from 24th May; and a seasonal non-stop service linking the Isle of Man with Jersey, flying every Saturday from 22nd May until late September.
In a bid to become more environmentally friendly, Newcastle Airport has become the first airport in the UK to operate a fully electric, zero emission airside bus, in line with its plan to become Net Zero by the year 2035.
The new electric bus is the first of a brand new fleet of electric vehicles to be introduced across the airport over the next 15 years. The Yutong bus will be used to coach passengers between their aircraft and the terminal.
A&K VILLAS REPORTS INCREASE IN BOOKINGS
A&K Villas has seen a big demand for its European villas ahead of summer 2021, as consumer confidence returns thanks to the news of the vaccines.
The operator is reporting that enquiries for villas make up 50% of enquiries and availability for
the most popular European villas for summer 2021 is at
a premium. Spain
is the most popular destination followed by Italy and Portugal.
WITH ANOTHER LOCKDOWN, PLEASE REMEMBER IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING
AND YOU FEEL HOPELESS, YOU’RE NOT ALONE!
For those who need someone to talk to during this uncertain time -
Samaritans: 116 123
Anxiety UK: 03444 775 774 Mind: 0300 123 3393
Calm: 0800 58 58 58
Crisis text line: (text)85258
For all new bookings made up to 30th April, for travel before 30th November 2021, A&K are offering guests the flexibility to change or postpone up to 15 days before their travel date.
A&K has also expanded its European portfolio
to include worldwide villas and private homes. Luxury beach holidays have also been one of A&K’s continuous enquiries throughout the pandemic.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 5


the Sunny Side of Life
Few places on the planet are as stunning as The Maldives. 1,200
islands scattered across the balmy Indian Ocean - west of Sri Lanka. Crystal clear warm water laps against impossibly white sand beaches - palm trees sway gently in the tropical breeze.
It’s a dream paradise on earth destination for divers, surfers, honey- mooners or anyone looking for the ultimate desert island experience. Each of its beautiful resorts is set on its own private island offering everything from underwater spas and open-air cinemas to treetop restaurants!
The Maldives are the ultimate luxury but clients face a tough task choosing from over 100 resorts on almost as many different islands with varying styles and facilities. This is where a travel agent really shows their value and expertise, making sure the resort chosen suits the clients’ requirements and budget.
TOP TIPS
MALDIVES – COLOMBO TWIN-CENTRE JOURNEY
Turkish Airlines flight TK730/731 flies
to both Male and Colombo creating the unique opportunity to do a twin-centre journey with just one airline. Passengers now have the chance on these flights to enjoy a paid stopover in the Maldives on a through ticket to Colombo. Just make sure that all the flights are booked under the same ticket to avoid any issues.
PLAN ACCORDING TO THE WEATHER
The Maldives has a tropical climate which is warm and sunny year round - temperatures vary between 26 to 32 Celsius. The peak tourist season is December to April with little rainfall, calm seas, constant sunshine, low humidity and pricing reflecting that.
The low season is May to September when there is a higher chance of rain and storms and rougher seas. Make sure you check out the weather for the month your client wants to travel and brief them accordingly.
MALE AIRPORT TO RESORT TRANSFERS
There are effectively four ways - all very different and unique, depending on the distance from the airport to the clients’ chosen resort.
• By Dhoni - a local boat - with times that vary depending on the resort.
• By speedboat - a fast option for islands close to Male, these range from small speedboats to larger, more luxury vessels and operate 24 hours a day.
• By seaplane – a small 15 seater aircraft for islands further away, these only operate in the hours of daylight.
• By internal flight and boat - these operate 24 hours a day. Make sure you check out the transfer arrangements for the island your clients are considering.
VISA REQUIREMENT FOR UK PASSPORT HOLDERS
No entry visas are required.
CURRENCY - TAKE USD
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa however, US Dollars are widely accepted almost everywhere.
MUST DO EXCURSION
The Bioluminescent beach on BAA Atoll is not to be missed. See the planktons imitating luminescent toxins under the night sky, creating an amazing starry look on the ocean bed.
WHAT BOARD BASIS TO CHOOSE?
All-inclusive or half board is the best and check does this include tea, coffee, soft drinks, etc... as the cost of purchase locally is very high, especially if the food or drink is imported.
Turkish Airlines flies to Istanbul
with connections from Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, London and Dublin. Passengers not only enjoy excellent inflight services
and amenities but also a generous baggage allowance in both Business and Economy class.
6 travelmatters.biz
Maldives


TIME TO MEET AGAIN:
Have a healthy journey with all precautions taken down to the smallest detail for your in-flight safety.
MALDIVES


NEWS
New offers and tours from Newmarket Holidays
Newmarket Holidays has launched special offers and savings to support agents and encourage their customers to book now to secure the best prices. The offer runs through until 14th February and gives customers 15% off all long-haul tours and 10% off all short-haul tours and river cruises.
The operator has expanded their collection and added 11 new tours for 2021 and 2022, including ‘On Safari in South Africa’, a once-in-a-lifetime holiday where guests will spend a week on a celebrated wildlife lodge with its own private game reserve.
Richard Forde, Head of Trade Sales at Newmarket Holidays, comments: “At the end of last year, we saw clear signs that consumer confidence was returning to parts of the market and while the latest measures will no doubt effect some consumers buying decisions, we remain committed to offering agents the best suite of offers possible to secure bookings where there is demand.
“We’ve created this offer to help stimulate sales for 2021 but also customers can get a great deal for holidays departing in 2022 when prices and demand is sure to be high.”
Belfast International Airport launches testing facility
Belfast International Airport is working in collaboration with Randox, to provide quick and affordable tests for its passengers.
A new walk-in testing facility has been launched at the airport, providing rapid PCR tests for those who require a negative test before travelling and will provide passengers with a cost- effective, reliable and convenient COVID-19 testing service prior to their travels.
Graham Keddie, Managing Director at Belfast International Airport said: “Many destinations now require passengers, who have to travel for essential reasons, to have a negative PCR COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before arrival.
TIPTO raises money for Reuben’s Retreat
TIPTO has raised more than £1,500 for its long term charity partner, Reuben’s Retreat. All funds were raised at the TIPTO events held prior to the outbreak of the pandemic, including charity prize draws and raffles, as well as individual donations.
Comments Nick Hughes, TIPTO Chairman: “We are honoured to continue to support the vital work that Reuben’s Retreat does for the families of children with life limiting and life threatening illnesses. The dedication of Nicola and her team is incredible and we hope to be able to deliver more support as soon as things return to normal
this year.”
TIPTO wants to thank all agents that donated and entered the Charity Prize Raffle at each event. Prizes were donated by the TIPTO supplier members and included restaurant vouchers, shopping vouchers and more.
“Swabs are
administered by
trained sample
collection officers
which decreases
the likelihood of
an inconclusive
result. Tests are
then conducted by
Randox scientists at
a state-of-the-art
testing laboratory
within easy reach of the airport, ensuring the price is kept to a minimum and the results can be turned around quickly.”
People can simply visit the airport website to book a test at a date and time to suit. They can then arrive for their test and receive their results the next day via email. Prices are set by the testing provider and cost £99.
STAY CONNECTED AND TALK TO PEOPLE
Pictured (L-R): Nicola Graham, Founder, Reuben’s Retreat; Harriet Pratt, Children & Young People’s Champion, Reuben’s Retreat; Deborah Ho, Children & Young People’s Champion, Reuben’s Retreat.
8 travelmatters.biz


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The Voice of Travel in Scotland
With a new year already well under way, SPAA President Joanne Dooey gives her thoughts on 2021 - the world’s oldest travel Association’s 100th anniversary and potentially the busiest and most vital year of its existence to date.
“It’s hard to believe that I’m already
in the second year of my term as President and this is the time, in a ‘normal’ year, when the Association’s eagerly awaited calendar of events would be arriving in Members’ inboxes - especially significant this year, when we mark the SPAA’s 100th anniversary. We’re the world’s longest-established travel association and that in itself, is a huge achievement.
When you consider how much the world has changed since 1921 - when a small band of like-minded passenger shipping and general transportation
agents in Glasgow gathered to establish a ‘ginger group’ to raise their profile and represent their business interests strongly with governments of the day; network ... and, of course, socialise... it demonstrates just how determined and resilient travel folks have had to be, to survive and prosper.
It’s beyond argument that those three elements - representation, networking and socialising - are the secret of the SPAA’s success; not least because we have always kept a careful balance between work and play.
Last year, the SPAA story came ‘full circle’ - it had to be much more work than play and we had to keep our focus on the UK and Scottish Governments
- using our ever-stronger voice to hammer home the case for targeted financial support and joined-up thinking on testing, quarantine and more recently - vaccination. That’s the route to recovery for domestic and international travel - leisure and business.
From March to October, the SPAA worked patiently to establish our credentials, across the parties at Holyrood and Westminster; provide information and advice and push hard when we had to - with our successful Demo at the Scottish Parliament. The period from November to now has brought ground-breaking success at Holyrood and we really have cemented our position there as ‘the Voice of Travel in Scotland’.
This year, it’s already clear that the hard work is far from over - but with at least the prospect of the vaccination drive leading to stable international travel corridors opening up and some respite from the lockdown-style restrictions on social engagement.
We will be keeping up our regular contact with Government - pushing for the targeted financial support to be extended where necessary and widened in scope, so that no travel people miss out on help. And our lobbying on sensible testing and a universally-accepted ‘vaccination certificate’ will continue.
Getting back to our calendar of events for 2021; it’s a work in progress and of course, it will depend mostly on how the ongoing war against COVID-19 progresses and how successful the testing and vaccination programmes prove to be. Your SPAA Council are working hard on ensuring that our Members, Associates, travel colleagues and guests are able to enjoy a
fitting (and responsible) Centenary celebration, along with a strong diary of ‘live’ and virtual events - hopefully featuring the ‘Centenary Dinner’ (towards mid-year) and our annual Awards (later in 2021); and including some smaller ‘round table dinner’ events, as the year progresses.
The new year has already ushered in its share of challenges - and reasons to be hopeful - which we’ll meet with the same determination and resilience shown by the pioneers of the SPAA. Our activities and events will be
based on the three vital elements - representation, networking and fun - that have served us well since 1921.
After all, why change a winning formula?
All the very best to you and yours, keep well and #StaySafe!
Joanne, President SPAA
Last year, the SPAA story came ‘full circle’ - it had to be much more work than play
10 travelmatters.biz


MEET THE SPAA COUNCIL
John Barr
Managing Director Stelar Travel Ltd
I have been in the travel industry for 37 years now and absolutely love this job.
I started my travel career
way back as an ABTA YTS
with AT Mays. I then moved on to Sibbald Travel, where I worked with no other than Gary Reavely!
From there I moved to Ian Dickson Travel, where I stayed for 22 years. I then decided to branch out on my own and started my own company, Stelar Travel, three years ago.
I opened my own office in Stenhousemuir as there had not been a travel agency in the town for some 20 years and I haven’t looked back since.
Although my background is mostly in leisure travel, I have also occasionally dipped my toe into the business travel side of things.
Julian Stark
Managing Director Kenneth Macleod Travel
I started in the travel industry back in September 1979, working with P&O Travel in Glasgow.
After four years of learning
a huge amount under Jimmy Turnbull and Bill Watt, I moved
to Kenneth Macleod Travel where I have happily been ever since.
In 1993, along with two other colleagues, we bought out Kenneth Macleod. I then purchased the balance of the shares in 2019.
I must confess though - I hold a lateness record. When I first started with Kenneth Macleod Travel there was one day when I was in charge of opening up the office. Having woken up after 0900h in Perthshire, I quickly realised that I would be extremely late! I finally arrived at the office at 1115h to find the person I was working with - and Kenneth Macleod sitting outside waiting for me! I got away with it but nearly died.....
CELEBRATING 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF FRIENDSHIP & TRADITION
Looking back to see how far we have come.....
As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the SPAA, we look back at the highlights over the years...
On 3rd October, 1934 the SPAA was created in its current form, with William Bell as its first President.
Pictured below are a few Past Presidents of the Association.
Mission Statement in 1934:
That an Association of Scottish Passenger Agents be formed with a view to the safeguarding of Scottish interests by a body closely in touch with local conditions and requirements
Drawing together of Scottish Passenger agents in their common interests for
- Their protection in general against the encroachment of outside influencers
- The discussion of problems common to all
- For helpful information arising out of personal experiences
- The reasonable presentation, as a body of any request to Steamship and/or other Transportation companies for the correction of anything which imposes hardship on agents as a whole
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 11


NEWS
NEW INCENTIVE FROM TITAN
Titan Travel has launched its brand new incentive campaign, exclusive for agents, running through to the end of February.
All agents who confirm a new Titan booking before
28th February 2021 will receive a £20 Lifestyle voucher. Vouchers can be claimed by completing the online form at www.titanagents.co.uk.
All bookings made before 1st March 2021 will also benefit from Titan’s £49pp Flexi-Deposit. Providing clients with more flexibility over their holiday booking, Titan’s Flexi Deposit allows travellers to amend, postpone or cancel their booking as many times as they wish, up to 75 days prior to departure at no extra cost.
JOURNEY THROUGH COLORADO WITH ROCKY MOUNTAINEER
Rocky Mountaineer is on track to offer a new route through Colorado in 2021. The Rockies to the Red Rocks route will be a two-day rail journey between Denver, Colorado and Moab, Utah, with an overnight stay in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. This luxury rail journey can also be experienced eastbound, from Moab to Denver.
The new route will launch with a preview season of 40 departures across ten weeks from 15th August to 23rd October 2021 with packages that feature tours, activities and stays in Denver. The two-day rail journeys, including a one- night hotel accommodation in Glenwood Springs, will start from $1,250 USD (approx. £1,012.50) per person.
Glenwood Springs is well known for its natural hot-springs. Other highlights include the Roan Cliffs and Mount Lincoln, Ruby Canyon and Mount Peale.
I STAYED UP ALL NIGHT
TO SEE WHERE THE SUN WENT AND THEN IT DAWNED ON ME!
RCD HOTELS LAUNCHES FIRST UK AGENT REWARD PROGRAMME
RCD Hotels is launching Vivant Rewards, its first ever UK agent incentive and rewards programme, giving agents three ways to
earn more for their bookings, including complimentary stays and one-off experiences.
Rewards include £20 for every booking made for five nights or more at all Hard Rock All-Inclusive Hotels
in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, Unico 20o
87o Hotel Riviera Maya and the two Residence Inns
in Merida and Cancun. Agents can also earn £20 for every booking made at Nobu Hotel Chicago and Nobu Hotel Los Cabos for stays of three nights and over as well as earn one night for every booking made for a minimum of five or three nights.
There is also a chance to ‘win’ from a selection of special events, including five-nights at the adults only all-inclusive hotel Unico 20o87o Hotel Riviera Maya over its annual Summer Superbia event, with return flights to Cancun.
Other prizes include VIP access to Elton John’s Yellow Brick Road Farewell Tour concert on 3rd November 2021 in a private catered box at the O2 Arena, with one night’s accommodation in London and a round trip transfer from the hotel to the O2 Arena.
For more information visit
www.vivantbyrcdeurope.com
12 travelmatters.biz


for every new booking in January and February
Please visit www.titanagents.co.uk to claim your voucher online
Terms and conditions apply. Valid for new bookings made between 01 Jan - 28 Feb 2021. Agents responsible for any tax implications. No cash alternatives. Agents must claim each incentive by the end of the calendar month the new booking was made in. For more details see www.titanagents.co.uk


CRUISING
Out to make waves, the Port of Seattle is introducing Seattle as the Gateway to Alaska, combined with pre and post cruise options showcasing Washington state’s urban excitement, national parks, rainforests, volcanic mountains and wild Pacific Ocean beaches.
Our cruise season runs from April to October with major cruise lines offering 7-day round trip itineraries to explore the wonders of ‘The Last Frontier’ including: Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Oceania Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.
Taste bud tempting cuisine, award- winning wines and delicious home- roasted coffee are all part of a Seattle experience.
The city’s walkable downtown and array of unique neighbourhoods offers world-class hotels and restaurants, vibrant arts and cultural institutions and signature attractions such as the Space Needle, Chihuly Garden & Glass and the USA’s oldest farmers’ market, Pike Place Market.
Washington is the ideal fly/drive destination, a state of spectacular contrasts. With pristine, sparsely populated wide-open spaces - nature abounds! Explorations could include national parks (Mt. Rainier / Olympic / North Cascades), old-growth forests, historic towns, driftwood-strewn beaches and wildlife spotting – think bald eagles, Roosevelt deer, orcas and sea lions.
With over 1,000 vineyards, Washington is the second largest wine producing state in the USA, second only to California.
Tasting rooms can range from an outdoor patio to candlelit settings. If you’re lucky, you may even get to share a glass with a winemaker.
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is connected by direct non-stop flights in under 9.5 hours from the UK and Ireland by many airlines including British Airways, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Aer Lingus and Icelandair. In 2021, a new International Arrivals Facility will greet passengers providing streamlined immigration and baggage services.
With safety and wellbeing top priorities, the Port of Seattle is preparing for travel to resume. We look forward to working with our much-missed travel trade partners around the globe.
For itineraries, brochures and travel tips, visit www.SeattleCruiseAlaska.co.uk
PORT OF SEATTLE - GATEWAY TO ALASKA
14 travelmatters.biz


Discover
The Gateway to Alaska
Save time to explore Washington State
www.portseattle.org | www.seattlecruisealaska.co.uk


CRUISING
Explore the world on
board Crystal Endeavor
Crystal Endeavor, the German-built, PC6-designated vessel for Crystal Expedition Cruises is now set to debut in Summer 2021, after the ship’s construction was delayed due to the global pandemic.
Crystal has cancelled Crystal Endeavor voyages through until 1st May 2021 and is currently reviewing the ship’s published summer itineraries. However, some of the upcoming destinations planned for Crystal Endeavor will include the Norwegian Fjords and Scottish Isles, France, Spain and Portugal, the Atlantic Isles and Western Africa, Brazil and Argentina and Antarctica.
Crystal Endeavor will feature three dedicated categories
of exploration: Remote Expedition, visiting some of the most far-flung destinations; Cultural Discovery, with an emphasis on the region and its people; and Destination Exploration, highlighting the natural wonders and beauty of the destinations.
The new expedition ship will accommodate just 200 guests with public spaces designed to showcase the outside scenery; all-suite, all-verandah, butler-serviced guest rooms; Michelin-inspired dining options with six dining venues including Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Umi Uma & Sushi Bar; full-service Crystal Life Salon & Spa and a state- of-the-art Fitness Centre.
Expedition-specific amenities and spaces will enhance guests’ experience, including designated mud rooms and a helicopter lounge. A seven-person submersible will also be on board, allowing for deep-water explorations up to 980 feet in several areas of the world.
CELESTYAL CRUISES EXPANDS UK & IRELAND SALES TEAM
Celestyal Cruises has expanded its UK & Ireland sales team with the appointment of Emma Paxton in the brand new position of Business Development Manager for Northern England, Scotland and Ireland.
With over 30 years’ experience within the travel industry, Paxton previously spent five years with Royal Caribbean, initially as Regional Sales Manager and then as Sales and Brand Trainer. Prior to that she was Head of Retail at SeaWorld
Exclusive airfares
from Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises is offering exclusive savings on airfares, with prices starting from £99 per person, valid through to 1st March 2021.
Available on selected sailings from 1st July through to 31st December 2021, the offer includes airfares to Europe from £99 per person and savings of £150 per person on flights to the Caribbean and Alaska.
These savings are in addition to Celebrity’s new simplified pricing approach to cruising launched last year - ‘Always Included’ - with every cruise including unlimited Wi-Fi, unlimited drinks and daily tips.
Celebrity also offers the the option to upgrade to one of
two packages: Elevate - with unlimited premium drinks and added shore excursions up to $200 per person or Indulge - which includes everything in the Elevate package as well as unlimited streaming Wi-Fi and up to an additional $200 per person in onboard credit to spend. All guests in The Retreat will receive the same amenities as the Indulge package at no additional charge.
To help support agents, Celebrity Cruises has launched
a range of training and marketing materials for ‘Always Included’ as well as a toolkit, available on Celebrity Central that includes useful tools such as Value Guides, FAQs, videos and social-ready content.
Agents can also earn up to £20 per booking made on Balcony staterooms and above with Celebrity Rewards until 28th February 2021.
Visit www.celebritycentral.co.uk for more information.
Parks & Resorts, Sales Manager at Universal Parks & Resorts, Team Manager and a holiday rep in Ibiza for TUI and a travel agent in Glasgow, working in both the leisure and business sectors.
Emma will work alongside Jo Reid,
UK & Ireland Country Manager, Penny
Moschidou, Commercial Assistant,
and Rebecca Witte, Marketing Executive for Western and Northern Europe and will report to Jo Reid. She will be responsible for identifying and converting opportunities for new business within existing accounts as well as developing new distribution channels. Agents can contact Emma at [email protected]
16 travelmatters.biz


CRUISING
&
Tell us about the new ‘home workers hub’ and why you have launched it
The home workers hub emerged as
a response to provide solutions for a major shift in working patterns. Much of this was due to the pandemic but we also know that home-working is a growing part of the sector. We feel the hub brings a sense of community as homeworkers are a real asset and an extension of our sales team.
It is essentially a one-stop shop built and tailored to our partners’ specific needs offering a range of training, support and other tools that they can access from the comfort of their
own home.
What specific benefits does it offer to agents working from home?
We wanted to make the new hub
as interactive as possible because working from home can often mean limited interaction with colleagues. There are several benefits, which make the experience interactive and engaging.
There are virtual one-to-one visits to help support sales, training and
Travel Matters speaks to
Torey Kings-Hodkin
Head of UK Sales,
Royal Caribbean International
whatever is required to provide the best possible service to customers.
We also have a fresh take on coffee breaks where homeworkers can pop along to a virtual coffee morning where we regularly update on the latest news and campaigns. The hub also hosts important content from the sector alongside blogs and videos and guest appearances from the wider Royal Caribbean team.
How can agents use this tool to develop their business in 2021 and beyond?
We know that 2021 will be crucial for the travel sector. The hub feeds into
a wider route to recovery and is a
real asset. It allows users to create a personalised experience with bespoke social media assets and they can also get involved in our ‘Pitch 4 Pounds’ Programme, which allows agents to gain marketing funds to help cultivate their business.
We’ve also recently introduced a club rewards Elite 5 leaderboard each month, with the Top 5 booking agents receiving a £50 bonus on their Club Rewards Mastercard, which can be easily accessed through our new app. The hub is a great way to maximise opportunities and grow business at a pace that suits the individual.
What other ways are RCI able to support the trade at this time?
We have worked hard throughout 2020 to ensure that we can provide practical support and solutions for everyone.
There are several ways we have been able to do this to ensure the team has access to the latest information. We have introduced a live chat function based on agent feedback which has been really well received and we’ve handled almost 5,000 chats since last April.
There’s also a platform called RCL Cares which houses all current policies and processes in one place and we offer development opportunities too through LEARN training with easy to digest bitesize, online modules.
With this ‘always on’ approach, we also have regular campaigns targeting key audiences alongside flash sales to help encourage bookings. Our refund policy is also best in class, which means that there is a strong level of trust and repeat business with customers too.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 17


CRUISING
WINDSTAR CRUISES - BEYOND ORDINARY
FOR TRAVELLERS, NOT TOURISTS
Windstar Cruises feature small elegant ships for the discerning traveller, carrying fewer than 350 passengers and with a guest to crew ratio of 1.5 to 1. Offering three sailing yachts, Wind Surf, Wind Star and Wind Spirit as well as three identical newly transformed, all-suite Star Plus Class ships, Star Breeze, Star Legend and Star Pride, clients can enjoy a unique and personalised experience on board.
Guests can enjoy curated itineraries designed to maximise time spent in iconic ports with extended stays or overnights in many ports, along with Beyond Ordinary shore excursions, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
A Windstar Cruise is not your average cruise - and not for your average cruiser - so the cruise line has put together a number of tips for agents on how to identify a potential Windstar guest.
TAILOR THE CRUISE TO THE CRUISER
Windstar Cruise itineraries are designed to accommodate a
wide variety of cruising styles. By identifying the style that best fits your clients, you can help them create an unforgettable vacation while maximizing your commissions.
Demographic
• Well educated
• Affluent, 45 to 70 years old
• Primarily couples or small groups of couples travelling together
• Professionals, business owners • Families with older children
(at least 8+)
• Honeymooners (particularly on Tahiti or Caribbean cruises)
Target market
Previous river cruisers • discerning world travellers with an interest in arts, home decor, food and wine and clients looking for unique experiences.
Exceptional Value
• A convenient alternative to and better value than land-based vacations
• Full day calls, late departures and overnight stays are a great way to attract new cruisers who may not have considered cruising before due to the perception of limited time in port. They will discover that there’s a lot more to cruising than sea days and will be able to immerse themselves in a destination or region.
In fact, Windstar itineraries often
have very few days at sea, focusing on taking your clients to exotic, hard to reach and interesting places and providing them with an elegant mobile hotel during their journey.
STAR COLLECTOR VOYAGES
These voyages offer leisurely exploration for those with more time to sail. Combining the most popular back-to-back itineraries, they offer exceptional value and allow your clients to remain in the same stateroom for both segments while enjoying more ports with few repeated ports of call.
An added bonus: Windstar offers free laundry and discounts for booking Star Collector cruises, which brings more value to your clients and more commissions to you.
WINDSTAR CRUISE TOURS
Offer the best of both land and sea in one convenient package. Virtually everything’s included: transfers and tickets to attractions, hotels, meals and the cruise itself.
This is a great way for your clients
to take advantage of their proximity to bucket list destinations such as Denali National Park, the Vatican, the Monteverde Cloud Forest and more with just a single flight.
SELECT SAILINGS BY WINDSTAR
Clients will love these limited sailings that feature a wide range of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each has been carefully designed to showcase the richness of the regions with input from experts.
COMPLIMENTARY DESTINATION DISCOVERY EVENTS
On select sailings, treat your clients to iconic experiences that capture the essence of their locale. For example, they can enjoy dinner in the moonlight and a concert near the Celsus Library in Ephesus on a cruise to Kusadasi, or attend an exclusive celebration on a lovely motu, complete with Tahitian fire dancers and local foods on a cruise to Bora Bora.
18 travelmatters.biz


SAIL SMALL
Your clients live large with big perks aboard Windstar.
YOUR CLIENTS CAN PICK THEIR PERK*
ONE FREE HOTEL NIGHT ON EUROPEAN
VOYAGES
OR
CAPTAIN’S EXCLUSIVE BEVERAGE PACKAGE
UP TO $1,000 ONBOARD SPENDING
PLUS DEPOSITS REDUCED TO 5% FOR 2021 VOYAGES
BOOK BY FEBRUARY 28, 2021
To book, call The Cruise Portfolio at 0207 3997669
UNLIMITED WI-FI
VOYAGES FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN THERE, DONE THAT
AT WINDSTAR, WE CONSTANTLY PUSH THE LIMITS of upscale, small ship travel, scanning the globe for fresh destinations (including the ones you didn’t know existed) and showing them to your clients in ways no one else can. This curated collection features limited sailings that are singular for the sheer number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited, variety
of landscapes explored, and menu of regional delicacies tasted. These are unforgettable voyages for all those who feel they’ve “been there and done that,” to take your clients to some of their favourite places while discovering new hidden harbours along the way that’ll make them rethink their bucket list.
When your clients are ready, we look forward to welcoming them on
board with our new multi-layered Beyond Ordinary Care program featuring hospital-grade HEPA filters with UV-C irradiation and you don’t have to worry if your client’s plans change with our flexible Travel Assurance Booking Policy that lets them cancel 2021 voyages 48 hours prior to departure for 100% Future Cruise Credit.
Windstar Cruises
Best Luxury Cruise Line Shore Excursions
Contact Anna Perrott at [email protected] to learn how to sell Windstar!
*Full term’s and conditions can be found at https://www.windstarcruises.com/terms-conditions/
**Bonus commission will be paid together with regular commission payment. Gift cards will be issued at 89 days prior to sailing once final payment has been received. All bookings must be paid in full 89 days prior to departure to qualify. All bookings must be made between January 5, 2021 and February 28, 2021 to qualify. Offer is valid on new bookings only and subject to availability. Offer expires on March 31, 2021.
£40 GBP BONUS COMMISSION or £40 GBP GIFT CARD when you book your clients.**
DOUBLE IT TO £80 GBP BONUS COMMISSION or
£80 GBP GIFT CARD
when you book new-to-Windstar clients!**


CRUISING
GODMOTHER CHOSEN FOR VIKING VENUS
Viking Cruises have announced that British journalist and broadcaster Anne Diamond will be the godmother of its seventh ocean ship, Viking Venus®. Scheduled to launch this spring, the 930-guest Viking Venus was “floated out” last June and is now under final construction at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy.
Anne is best known for her work on morning TV shows during the 1980s. She has also appeared on Viking’s enrichment channel, Viking.TV, which went live last March in the early stages of the pandemic, with the aim of helping viewers stay connected and share positive experiences while having to stay at home.
Anne’s live streams on Viking TV will continue in 2021 and all content is free to watch and available on-demand.
Viking Cruises’ first expedition ship
– the 378-guest Viking Octantis® - was also recently “floated out” and is scheduled to debut in early 2022.
The expedition ship will spend her maiden season sailing voyages to Antarctica and North America’s Great Lakes. A second, identical expedition ship, Viking Polaris®, is set to debut in summer 2022 and will sail journeys to Antarctica and the Arctic.
Highlights of the new Polar Class 6 ships will include:
• The Hangar - an enclosed, in-ship marina for the launch of small excursion craft through the ship’s multiple shell doors
• The Laboratory - for research activities. Viking Octantis and
Viking Polaris will also be working research vessels, with an onboard team of Viking resident scientists working on a variety of studies
• Expedition equipment - including a fleet of military pro zodiacs;
a fleet of two-seater Arctic- tested kayaks; and two 12-seater convertible RIBs.
Each ship will also carry two six- guest submarines that feature revolving seats and 270-degree spherical windows.
All staterooms will include a Nordic Balcony, a sunroom that converts into an al fresco viewing platform as well as a unique floor-to-ceiling drying closet that circulates warm air to dry and store clothing and expedition gear.
NEW WAVE PROMOTION FROM MSC CRUISES
MSC Cruises has launched its latest wave promotion which offers a Premium Drinks Package on all bookings made on the ‘Fantastica Experience’. The promotion is available for all bookings made until midnight
on 30th April 2021 and includes all summer 2021 and winter 2021/2022 itineraries.
Other current promotions include children under the age of 17 able to cruise free on MSC Magnifica on all ‘Bella Experience’ bookings, or enjoy all the perks of the ‘Fantastica Experience’ as well as a Premium Drinks Package from just £10 per night, on a range of selected sailings.
On launching this year’s promotion, Antonio Paradiso, MSC Cruises’ UK
& Ireland MD commented: ‘After a challenging year, we are really excited to kick off 2021 with some truly fantastic offers in our wave promotion. The promotion includes a huge variety of sailings available, with something to suit every cruiser from a 3-night mini-break to Northern Europe or a 7-night sailing to the heart of the Mediterranean.
“We’re particularly excited to begin MSC Magnifica’s summer 2021 season from her homeport of Southampton as Brits look to book a long overdue summer escape with minimum travel requirements and ultimate peace of mind.”
The cruise line’s Stress Free Cruising programme offers guests flexible booking, allowing them to change their sailing up to 15 days prior to departure.
20 travelmatters.biz


Save
40%
UP TO
ON VOYAGES*
ALWAYS INCLUDED:
GRATUITIES, SELECT BEVERAGES, EXCLUSIVE CULTURAL EVENTS AND MORE
Save Now. Your Dream Exploration Awaits.
Enjoy up to 40% off and free Wi-Fi* on a wide variety of voyages that set sail in 2021 and 2022, when you book by 31st March 2021. Plus, book worry-free with our Cruise with Confidence programme that offers flexibility to change your voyage up to 48 hours before you sail.**
For further details, visit: ClubAzamara.co.uk
*Terms and Conditions apply. Wi-Fi is applicable to Oceanview staterooms and above only. Cruise must be booked before 31st March 2021 (“Offer Period”). Up to 40% savings and Wi-Fi applies to select sailings departing on or after 20th March 2021 until 13th May 2022. Prices are subject to availability and change without notice, capacity controlled, and may be withdrawn at any time. Refer to Azamara.co.uk/Save40 for complete terms and conditions. ©2020 RCL Cruises Ltd t/a Azamara. **For full details regarding Azamara’s Cruise with Confidence programme, please visit Azamara.co.uk/CruiseWithConfidence.
Warrenpoint, Ireland


CRUISING
PREPARE FOR PEAKS WITH SCENIC AND
EMERALD CRUISES’ FANTASTIC OFFERS
Scenic and Emerald Cruises have extended their strictly limited Super Earlybird Offers across their 2022 Europe and Southeast Asia river cruising collections,
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Enrich your world with Scenic
For guests looking to secure an exceptional Early Booking offer on their next luxury holiday, Scenic have extended their ‘Super Earlybird’ sale, offering savings of up to 20% on all 2022 departures across both their river cruise and Scenic Eclipse portfolio of truly all- inclusive ocean voyages.
Scenic Diamond in Bordeaux
Guests booking a 2022 Europe river cruise can save up to £1,500 per couple, plus enjoy FREE Private Door- to-Door Chauffeur Transfers when they book by 15th February 2021.
Guests can enjoy an additional 10% saving when the balance is paid in full 12 months before departure. With selected 2022 and 2023 departures on board Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery YachtTM, discounted up to 20% when combined with Earlybird pricing.
Guests can cruise with complete confidence with Scenic. Its Health & Safety Steering Committee oversees all health and safety policies ensuring all guests’ wellbeing and safety is taken care of to the highest standard.
To provide guests with maximum flexibility, all bookings are covered within Scenic’s flexible Booking Policy, meaning guests can change their booking up to 60 days prior to departure without any fees.
Explore the world for less with Emerald Cruises
Travellers looking to book the trip of a lifetime can enjoy generous savings on a range of itineraries with Emerald Cruises. ‘Explore the World’ offers are available across the complete portfolio of river cruises through historical Europe, or majestic Southeast Asia and also its 2022 yacht cruising itineraries, exploring the Mediterranean, the Adriatic coast and the Red Sea on the brand new, innovative super yacht, Emerald Azzurra.
Valid until 28th February 2021, guests booking a river cruise for 2022 will enjoy savings of up to £1,900 per couple and a free premium drinks package, plus when booking a balcony suite and choosing to pay the holiday balance in full 12 months before departure, save an extra 10% with its Super Earlybird Limited Time Offer. Or when booking a 2022 yacht cruise, enjoy Super Earlybird savings of up to 30% off the full fare on selected cabins.
With a collection of generous inclusions such as flights, transfers, on board meals, insightful excursions and even all tips included, guests can relax and enjoy the benefits of small ship cruising knowing all the details have been taken care of.
What’s more, with Emerald Cruises commitment to health and safety and their flexible booking policy, guests can book and cruise with confidence.
On board heated pool
For support and training in promoting and selling Scenic and Emerald Cruises, including brand new online training presentations, visit the Scenic and Emerald Cruises Agent Portals or contact your local Sales Manager. Visit scenic.co.uk | emeraldcruises.co.uk
Scenic Eclipse, The World’s First Discovery YachtTM
22 travelmatters.biz


ENRICH yourW RLD
At Scenic, we take 5-star, all-inclusive, luxury travel to a whole new level
At Scenic, we believe that the journey is just as important as the destination. As a luxury small ship specialist offering the most immersive experiences on Europe’s waterways, guests will enjoy the finest 5-star all-inclusive river cruising at its most intimate. Impeccable service, world-class dining and unforgettable on shore experiences are all included in the one price paid.
SAVE UP TO
£1,500
per couple
Plus
10% Super Earlybird Savings
Plus
FREE Private Door-to-Door Chauffeur Transfers
BOOK BY 15 FEBRUARY
Truly All-Inclusive
Return flights from up to 16 regional UK airports or NO FLY option via Eurostar on selected cruises
Scenic Enrich experiences and a choice of Scenic Freechoice excursions
5-Star Scenic Space-Ships
Balcony suites, including a Scenic
Sun Lounge
Butler service for all guests
Complimentary beverages all day, every day Up to six dining options, from casual to fine-dining
Exclusive Scenic Tailormade for self-guided touring
The freedom of our e-bikes
Cruise Directors to guide and assist Complimentary Wi-Fi internet
Return airport transfers
Plus all tipping and gratuities
8-Day Gems of the Danube
Nuremberg > Budapest Departs April to October 2022 From £2,345 per person
8-Day Rhine Highlights
Amsterdam > Basel
Departs April to October 2022 From £2,345 per person
For more information or to book call 0808 115 0463 or contact your local Sales Manager
Terms and Conditions: Offer valid for new bookings only made between 24 December 2020 and 15 February 2021. Maximum additional saving of £750pp on Rhine, Main and Danube river cruises, maximum saving of £600pp on France and Russia river cruises and maximum saving of £500pp on Douro river cruises. Private door-to-door transfers are complimentary within 75-miles of an airport where flights are available from. For guests who live outside of 75 miles, an additional supplement of £2.00 per mile will be charged. ~Super Earlybird Offers available on selected suites only on 2022
itineraries. Cruise must be paid for in full 12months prior to departure. We reserve the right to withdraw offers and promotions at any time and these are only applicable to
residents of the UK. All drinks are included except for a very small number of rare and vintage spirits, wine and champagne. For full booking conditions visit scenic.co.uk. E&OE.
2021 departures also on sale
SAVE up to £1,200 per couple
Enjoy unlimited FREE on board drinks
An extra 10% off with our Super Earlybird Limited Time Offer
2022 Small Ship European River Cruises
Your customers can join us on a travel experience like no other along Europe’s rivers in 2022 and take advantage of spectacular savings combined with our exceptional EmeraldVALUE inclusions and insightful excursions. Each of our carefully-crafted river cruise itineraries introduce must-see sights, stunning landscapes and regional customs rarely experienced by the ordinary traveller, taking guests off the beaten track.
EmeraldVALUE So much is included...
■ Return flights from a choice of up to 16 UK
regional airports. No-fly options are also available
via Eurostar on selected itineraries.
■ Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship.
■ Stylish accommodation on board our Star-Ships.
■ All on board meals.
■ FREE Premium Drinks Package - enjoy unlimited
on board drinks on us.
■ Complimentary tea and coffee.
■ Extra-special excursions and experiences.
■ Complimentary Wi-Fi on board.
■ Complimentary bicycles on board†.
PLUS ALL TIPS ARE INCLUDED
8-Day Danube Delights
Regensburg to Budapest
Departing: April - October 2022
Super Earlybird Suite Offer from £2,345 pp Exceptional Stateroom Offer from £1,895 pp
8-Day Sensations of Lyon & Provence
Lyon to Arles
Departing: April - October 2022
For more information or to book call 0808 115 0469 or contact your local Sales Manager.
Terms and conditions: All our holidays are subject to availability. Prices are correct at time of going to print (5th January 2021) are per person based on two people sharing and include relevant discounts. Supplements apply for single travellers, upgraded cabins and other departure dates. River Cruising Offers: Offers are valid for new 2022 European river cruise bookings only made between 26th December 2020 and 28th February 2021. *The extra 10% Super Earlybird Offer is available on cabin categories C, B, A, AP, S, SA & RA when paying in full 12 months before departure. If full payment is not received 12 months prior, the Super Earlybird Offer will be removed. Savings of up to £1,200 per couple and a free Premium Drinks Package are available on our 2022 European river
cruises only. Premium Drinks Package applies to on board drinks only and excludes Champagne, wine by the bottle, bottled beers, premium spirits and cabin mini bar. For full booking conditions visit emeraldcruises.co.uk. E&OE.
No Fly
Option
Super Earlybird Suite Offer from £2,485 pp Exceptional Stateroom Offer from £2,045 pp


CRUISING
SILVERSEA CRUISES INCREASES COMMISSIONS
Silversea Cruises is offering a £150 bonus commission for new bookings made on any voyage departing on or after 1st July 2021 until 31st December 2021. The special bonus commission, which will be paid to the agent between 30 to 45 days after a booking with a deposit is made, is available until 28th February 2021 and applies to 139 voyages to amazing destinations across all seven continents.
“Our travel partners are extremely important to Silversea, playing a key role for us and our guests. We are therefore delighted to offer this added benefit to express our appreciation for their hard work, and make it even more rewarding to partner with us—especially during these challenging times,” says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s President and CEO. “The bonus commission is a great
way for travel professionals to earn extra income during these difficult days, and know that they will be giving their luxury clients an incomparable holiday, filled with authentic experiences.”
Silversea has also launched Marketing Central, an online suite of resources and sales tools for agents which includes Silversea Academy, a training platform with over 18 modules where partners can learn about Silversea’s ultra-luxury ships and destinations; and Virtual Visits, a short informative video series, highlighting new products and promotions.
Silversea Cruises’ new ship Silver Dawn has been floated out for the first time at the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy. Silver Dawn will become the 10th ship in the cruise line’s fleet and is scheduled to launch this November. Two new ships, Silver Origin and Silver Moon also joined the fleet
last year.
“We proudly celebrate this major milestone in the build of our beautiful new Silver Dawn,” says Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO of Silversea Cruises. “Our long-term collaboration with Fincantieri continues to push boundaries in the ultra- luxury cruise industry, while the ongoing support and expertise of the Royal Caribbean Group has been invaluable to the ship’s build. While Silver Dawn takes influence from our beloved ships Silver Muse and Silver Moon, our guests will benefit from many pioneering enhancements aboard the tenth ship in our fleet. We look forward to revealing these in the coming months.”
The third ship in the Muse-class series and part of a long-term plan to grow the fleet, Silver Dawn will accommodate just 596 guests in 298 ocean-view suites - 96% of which will have a private veranda - and with a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.45.
NEW ITINERARIES FROM CUNARD
Cunard has released its 2022 voyage schedule for Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.
More than 35 countries feature in 162 newly launched itineraries, covering north of the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean and from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, via the Panama Canal.
Highlights include Queen Elizabeth returning to Alaska with seven and 10- night voyages, departing from and
returning to Vancouver, visiting Glacier Bay, Haines, Hubbard Glacier, Skagway, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and Victoria. Ten-night Alaska voyages start at £1,399 per person.
Along with iconic transatlantic crossings, Queen Mary 2 will also be visiting the North Cape for the first time, spending three days in Tromso, with opportunities to see the Northern Lights and calls
to Bergen, Trondheim, Alesund and Stavanger.
Queen Victoria’s highlights include four-night cruise breaks departing from Southampton, all scheduled to include a weekend, visiting destinations including Amsterdam, Rotterdam and St Peter Port.
Cunard’s new 2021 itineraries
on board Queen Elizabeth will include the cruise line’s first foray into scenic cruising, with a choice of 3 and 4-night voyages around the British Isles, departing from Southampton and a return to Mediterranean fly-cruising from Barcelona.
The 2021 itineraries will also feature a series of overnight port calls to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Lisbon and Rotterdam, as well
as late evening departures from Amsterdam, Barcelona and Rotterdam.
24 travelmatters.biz


The world awaits.
The Cunard Experience, with a little something extra.
22 December – 1 March 2021
Savour the Cunard experience, and a little something extra on your next voyage with additional spending money on selected 2021 and 2022 voyages of seven nights or more. From the magnificent Norwegian Fjords, and the promise of the Northern Lights,
to up-close whale encounters amongst Alaska’s icy glaciers, make magical voyages even more memorable with up to $800 per person to spend on board.*
This offer is applicable when booking the Cunard Fare between 22 December 2020 and 1 March 2021. All you need to do is decide whether to treat yourself to a gin masterclass, a piece of art from our gallery or perhaps an indulgent spa package.
On board spending money
$125pp
$75pp
Stateroom
Balcony
Inside stateroom
Example fare
The Fjords
V118 7 nights 25 Jul – 1 Aug 2021
Fares from
£1,399pp
£899pp
Here are just some of the ways you could spend your on board spending money:
Drinks on board Spa & Wellness treatments Speciality dining On board shopping Shore excursions
...and much more.
Contact your travel agent for more information.
*Based on a Queens Grill Suite on voyages of 35 – 55 nights.


CRUISING
MAKING DREAM JOURNEYS WITH SMALLER
SHIPS AT FRED. OLSEN CRUISE LINES
Itinerary planning at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is no casual affair; it’s a handcrafted, painstaking process which has seen them named ‘Best for Itineraries’ by Cruise Critic five years in a row.
Martin Lister is Head of Itinerary Planning at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines: “Each year, we start totally fresh. Our guests are experienced travellers and want to discover new things – not have cookie cutter experiences or take the same route over and
over again.”
Everything at Fred. Olsen has
a guest-first approach, which shapes future itineraries. “It’s the cornerstone of planning”, said Martin. “Our team have our audience in mind at all times, looking for destinations and routes which will offer more enriching experiences tailored to them. That could be through a unique shore tour, or being at the right place at the right time, such as sailing down Canada’s St Lawrence River when the autumn foliage is at its most spectacular, or
using our smaller ships to get close to the thundering fjord waterfalls of Norway in the spring.”
Fred. Olsen’s 2021, 2022 and 2023 itineraries are made up of ever- popular cruises nestled amongst sailings which take in off-the- beaten-track gems. All feature Fred. Olsen’s signature approach to scenic cruising. Martin said: “The Olsen family have over 170 years
of sailing heritage. Fred. Olsen Jnr. spends a lot of time helping us find destinations all over the world to give our guests a unique experience.”
Their smaller ships are a “planner’s dream”, according to Martin. “They each carry fewer than 1,400 guests and can visit areas out of reach of the big liners. This also means we are often able to dock closer to the
centre of destinations, where guest explorations can begin right at the end of the gangway.”
Responding to the current climate, all 2021 cruises depart from - and return to - the UK, with six regional departure ports. That’s more than any other cruise line, so guests can sail from Newcastle, Liverpool, Rosyth (Edinburgh), Portsmouth, Southampton and Dover.
Plus, the brand’s Plain Sailing Guarantee features no-risk deposits for 2021, so guests can book safe in the knowledge that they can transfer or cancel their cruise before their balance due date without losing
a penny.
For more details, visit
fredolsencruises.com
Artist’s impression of livery
26 travelmatters.biz




CRUISING
COUNT DOWN TO SEABOURN VENTURE
With expedition travel so popular, Seabourn is creating two ultra-luxury purpose-built expedi- tion ships, each constructed with the hardware and technology necessary to operate capably in some of the world’s most remote destinations.
Seabourn Venture will launch in December 2021, fea- turing 132 luxurious oceanfront suites, with the second yet-to-be-named sister ship arriving in May 2022.
Both ships will feature custom-built, 6-seater sub- marines, a complement of kayaks and 24 Zodiacs that can accommodate all guests at once and will allow for a truly immersive experience, alongside a crew that will include wilderness experts, scientists, historians
and naturalists.
Seabourn Venture’s inaugural season will include expedi- tions to the Arctic, Antarctica and the Amazon. The ship will also operate an ‘Open bridge policy’ - at the Captain’s discretion - which will be hosted by members of the Expedition Team, providing firsthand access to the ship’s command centre and officers navigating the journey.
CELESTYAL CRUISES MOVES TO DEDICATED TERMINAL
Celestyal Cruises has announced that it will move its operations for the three- and four-night Iconic Aegean itineraries from the Piraeus Port to the Lavrion Port & Marina (Athens), located just 16 miles from Athens Airport and similar driving time from the city centre as Piraeus Port.
The cruise line will operate from a new, dedicated terminal facility at Lavrion, which will provide an expedited embarkation and disembarkation experience. The dedicated terminal will also allow for the thorough implementation of the comprehensive and enhanced health protocols now in place.
“We are thrilled to be able to announce the exciting news of our new and convenient departure port of Lavrion Port & Marina with its dedicated terminal facility opening to welcome our guests for the first sailing of our well established three and four-night Iconic Aegean itineraries for the 2021 season,” said Leslie Peden, chief commercial officer.
“In keeping with Celestyal’s aspiration of providing more immersive experiences, Lavrion is an historic small Greek town on the outskirts of the greater Athens area and
just a 10-minute drive from the world renowned site of the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. The port and city
of Lavrion is definitely another interesting destination worth discovering.”
THE SUN WILL RISE TOMORROW AND THE SHIPS WILL SAIL AGAIN
EXPLORE WITH AZAMARA CRUISES
Azamara are currently offering guests up to 40% off and free Wi-Fi on a wide variety of voyages that set sail from 1st May 2021 – 13th May 2022, in addition to inclusive gratuities, exclusive cultural events and select drinks.
Applicable to bookings made by 31st March 2021, Azamara also offers a Cruise with Confidence prog- ramme that gives customers the flexibility to change their voyage up to 48 hours before setting sail.
This offer applies to a
number of voyages,
including its 6-Night
Grand Prix Weekend
Voyage which departs
from Barcelona on 20th
May, 2021. This itinerary
features four ports, two
late nights, plus two
overnights and calls at Saint-Tropez, Toulon and Monte Carlo. Prices start from £1,466 per person.
28 travelmatters.biz


BARBADOS -
NEW HOME PORT FOR ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Royal Caribbean International has announced that Grandeur of the Seas, will home port in Bridgetown, Barbados next winter.
Three 7- and 14-night itineraries, departing on Sundays, will sail the southern Caribbean, with three new
ports of call in the islands of Tobago, Trinidad and St. Vincent. Week-long sailings will island hop to a different destination every day or offer late-night stays in Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. Guests will be able to enjoy an overnight stay in Aruba as well as visits to Cartagena, Colombia; Colon, Panama; and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, among others.
“After the year the industry and region have had,
this is a shining light to look forward to this coming winter season. We have wanted to see for some time more homeporting operations from Barbados, the incorporation of pre- and post-stay vacations which expose cruisers to the best Barbados has to offer and
at a regional level, the development of new itineraries that elevates the cruise experience throughout the Caribbean,” said Senator the Hon. Lisa Cummins, Minister of Tourism and International Transport for Barbados.
“So, we are extremely pleased to extend the welcome mat for Grandeur of the Seas to Barbados. We are looking forward to displaying our Bajan hospitality, wide range of accommodations, rich culture, diversity of experiences, world class cuisine, unique attractions and especially want to share the warmth of the Barbadian people. These are the things that keep visitors coming back
for more!”
RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU NEED A CRUISE
NEW UK SALES DIRECTOR FOR SEADREAM YACHT CLUB
Seadream Yacht Club has appointed Natalie Read as Sales Director, UK.
With over 20 years of travel industry experience, Natalie will be responsible for growing UK sales through trade partnerships. Prior to joining SeaDream, Natalie worked as an Account Manager for The Cruise Portfolio.
She comments: “In my previous role with The Cruise Portfolio, I was based in the south, but whenever I have visited Northern and Scottish agents, I always received a very warm welcome! I am looking forward to working with agents throughout the UK and hope that at some point in 2021, life will allow me to visit.
“In the meantime, however, I will be hosting online training sessions and many Virtual Events with our trade partners. I would be delighted to hear from any agents who would like me to engage with their clients or their sales team.” Agents can contact Natalie on [email protected]
Seadream Yacht Club have also launched an exclusive incentive for Travel Matters readers!
The first three agents to make a Seadream booking in February will receive a Bottle of Bubbly (please note Open On Board Bookings will not count).
To enter, email
Natalie the booking reference, along
with reference code: TMReaderoffer - Seadream.
Seadream is currently offering £400 off per booking on selected voyages travelling in 2021, for bookings made by 28th February. For more details, visit https://landing.seadream.com/wave-promo-2021-uk
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 29


CRUISING
HIGHLIGHTS ON BOARD TRADEWIND VOYAGES -
A GRAND DINING EXPERIENCE
Guests dining on board Tradewind
Voyages will not only be able to enjoy
the surroundings of a spectacular dining room, with curved wrought-iron balconies sweeping towards a stunning central skylight, but will also be able to indulge in healthy, classic dishes with a modern twist, according to its new head chef, Derek Allen.
Montreal-based Allen will be in charge of all the dishes on Golden Horizon, the world’s largest square-rigged sailing ship, which will offer ex-UK sailings in May before heading east on sustainable voyages around the world.
With the Tradewind Voyages’ dining philosophy of ‘Eat Well, Be Well’, on board dining will offer something for everyone, including healthy eating, sustainability and wellbeing along with ‘naughty but nice’ dishes.
Menus will feature fresh produce bought from local markets, healthy food that tastes fantastic along with dishes with a modern twist, including Allen’s Beef Wellington with truffle puree and sautéed chanterelles.
There will be a wide choice of dishes
to cater for all tastes and diets and although Allen will have 19 chefs to assist him, he will be very much hands- on in the kitchen.
A visit to Croatia to see Golden Horizon convinced Allen to take up the challenge of being its head chef as
his next career move. He comments: “It was like nothing I’d seen before, such a beautiful tall ship. The décor
is so elegant and the dining room is spectacular. I love to train and teach, but my passion is cooking and I knew
this was the place where I wanted to work.”
Allen has a wealth
of experience,
working for major
hotel brands and
cruise lines, including a stint as chef at Six Senses, Zighy Bay resort in Oman. Celebrity chef Marco-Pierre White was also a big influence on him as the two worked together on another ship.
Allen is also very supportive of the Tradewind Voyages philosophy of treating everybody equally and as part of a team. He concludes: “I want our
team to be able to ask me anything so that we can work together in order to create the very best dishes for
the customers.”
The outstanding food on board will be equally matched by the friendly staff to also ensure outstanding service, which will be their top priority for an elegant dinner on the world’s largest sailing ship.
30 travelmatters.biz


SAVE UP TO £300 ON THE INAUGURAL VOYAGE
PRICES FROM
*£2,649pp
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01 May – 15 May 2021
14 nights
*From £2,649pp
Harwich, Newcastle, Leith, Dundee, Aberdeen, Invergordon, Scapa Flow, Scrabster, Ullapool, Portree, Fort William, Port Ellen, Greenock
Experience the highlights of Scotland in style, with visits to historic castles, glistening lochs and towering mountains.
On this scenic voyage, we’ll call at Leith close to Edinburgh – with enough time for you to visit the castle and climb to Arthur’s Seat if you choose. Explore historic Hadrian’s Wall, its forts, milecastles and turrets. Then it’s on to Aberdeen, where Provost Skene’s House, the huge Marischal College and Balmoral Castle – holiday home to the Royal Family – await.
In the beautiful Scottish Highlands, we’ll stop by Loch Ness, see Orkney’s UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore Fort William, which sits in the shadow of mighty Ben Nevis. Here you’ll have the chance to taste Scottish malts on a whisky tour and take a gondola up the slopes of Aonach Mor.
Voyage Code
GH0121
Voyage
Scotland & England Explorer
Outside Cabin
*£2,649pp
Outside Single
*£4,049pp
Deluxe Balcony
Suite
TO BOOK CONTACT US
*Prices include UK Collection saving. Valid until 28/02/21. Subject to availabiility.
Pricing subject to terms and conditions. Please refer to tradewindvoyages.com for more information.
*£4,799pp
*£7,749pp
0808 239 9164


AIRLINE NEWS
Special aircraft design from Eurowings to honour staff
Eurowings has paid tribute to the commitment of its staff to the airline and their exceptional team spirit during the pandemic, with a specially painted Airbus A320 from its fleet, which has been stamped with a special thank you message.
With over 2,300 employees, including flight attendants, pilots and ground staff, “Fuelled by” is written on the fuselage of the A320 and underneath: “The world’s greatest team”. The message is written in both
German on one side and English on the other.
“Team Airplane” will be launched in the first quarter of 2021 and will then be stationed on a rolling basis at the Eurowings bases in Düsseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Mallorca, Vienna, Salzburg
and Pristina.
British Airways to offer gourmet food choices
British Airways has teamed up with British Michelin- starred chef, Tom Kerridge, to design a number of gourmet food items, including signature pies and sandwiches, for the airline’s Euro Traveller
(short haul economy) customers.
The airline has also completed a full Wi-Fi rollout across its airbus short haul fleet. British Airways will also continue to offer complimentary refreshments in Euro Traveller on all flights, with passengers able to
purchase more substantial food options, through the airline’s new online Speedbird Café hosted on British Airways’ inflight retail site up to 12
hours before departure.
The airline will also be introducing another BrewDog IPA, exclusively available for British Airways’ customers called JetStream.
Jet2 expands options for Summer 2022 from Edinburgh
Jet2 has expanded its Summer 2022 departures from Edinburgh Airport with a total of 32 sunshine destinations now for sale with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.
Three new Greek routes to Santorini, Skiathos and Preveza have been added, each with a weekly service, along with weekly services to Izmir, Naples and Thessaloniki. A wide range of flights will also be available to the Canaries, Balearics, Spain, Greece, Turkey and Portugal.
Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said:
“If all things go to plan with the vaccine, something we hope happens, then we know people will be incredibly excited to get away at the earliest opportunity and enjoy some sun and have that holiday they have been longing for.
I PUT MY PHONE IN AIRPLANE MODE,
BUT IT’S NOT FLYING!
“This improved and expanded schedule of 32 sunshine destinations from Jet2.com and Jet2 holidays will offer a range of choices for families looking for that beach holiday, couples looking to visit some of Europe’s most fantastic cities and friends looking to enjoy the nightlife in some island towns. We hope it provides something to look forward to once we know people can travel safely.”
32 travelmatters.biz


easyJet announces new routes from Scotland
easyJet has announced it will relaunch its route from Aberdeen to London Gatwick, with new daily flights taking off from 2nd May, 2021.
The airline has also confirmed that a new route from Glasgow to Pula in Croatia, due to launch last year
but postponed as a result of the pandemic, will now commence 28th June. Flights to Pula will operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays throughout the peak summer season.
Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager said: “In anticipation that demand for travel will return – and having recently seen signs of growing confidence by our customers in making plans for travel next spring and summer – we to continue to strengthen our network
in Scotland, providing more direct domestic and international connections across the UK and Europe”.
Enhanced product from Emirates
Emirates has unveiled its brand new Premium Economy cabin product, along with enhancements across all cabins onboard its newest A380 aircraft.
The airline recently received its newest A380 aircraft from Airbus’ Hamburg facility and its remaining order of 5 A380s will also be delivered with premium economy cabins over 2021 and 2022. Emirates’ premium economy seats will also be installed on some of its Boeing 777X aircraft, due to join the fleet in 2023 and is considering plans to retrofit its existing A380 fleet.
The Premium
Economy cabin
will offer 56 seats
in a 2-4-2 cabin
layout. With a
generous pitch of
up to 40-inches,
Emirates’ premium
economy seat
is 19.5 inches wide and reclines 8 inches into a comfortable cradle position and designed to provide optimal comfort with 6-way adjustable headrests, calf rests and footrests.
Each seat has
a 13.3” screen,
to enjoy music, movies, TV and news as well as in-seat charging points, a wide dining table and side cocktail table.
The airline’s 14 First Class private suites have also been enhanced to offer more privacy and comfort
and Business Class also features new luxury finishes. Emirates has also replaced all 338 Economy seats onboard its newest A380 with ergonomically designed seats that come with full leather headrests and flexible side panels which can be adjusted vertically for optimum support.
Flexible booking with Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus has announced that it will extend its flexible booking policy until 30th September 2021.
The airline’s Book with Confidence policy allows all customers travelling with Aer Lingus on any fare type
to change their travel dates free of charge and as many times as they wish, up to two hours before they travel. Those who purchase an Advantage or Flex fare can also request a refund. Certain fares also include the option
to exchange for a voucher up to 14 days before travel
to any destination or within 14 days if a country’s travel guidance changes or customers decide they do not want to travel. Vouchers can be used to book travel to / from any destination on the Aer Lingus network over the next five years.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 33


NEWS
EXCLUSIVE SERVICES IN BARBADOS & ANTIGUA FROM IF ONLY
If Only can now offer customers the services of a private ground handler in Barbados and Antigua, in conjunction with their sister brand, Elegant Resorts.
Available day and night, these teams will act as personal concierges throughout the customer’s stay, from greeting them at the airport and fast-tracking them through security, transferring them by private luxury vehicle to their resort, to organising birthdays parties or special occasions.
With Barbados requiring visitors
to take a secondary PCR test on arrival in destination, following their first negative result in the UK,
the concierge team will support customers in making the process totally stress-free.
COVID-19 tests can be pre-booked in the destination within 48 hours
of arrival by the team, with a doctor visiting the guests in their room to administer the test, receiving results quickly and minimising the time spent isolating.
RIVIERA TRAVEL ADDS NEW
UK TOURS
Following the successful launch of its collection of UK tours last October, Riviera Travel have added four brand new itineraries and four Solo tours to the selection.
Joanne Lynn, Head of Short Haul Product, comments: “Our initial launch of UK breaks proved hugely successful.
“Our selection of itineraries became our fastest selling holiday range, with
a large number of departures in 2021 already sold out. We’ve responded to this demand by adding four exciting new itineraries, showcasing even more of the best culture, history and scenery that Britain has to offer, as well as adding dedicated Solo options onto four of our original collection.”
The four new five-day tours include: Oxford, Blenheim & The Cotswolds, priced from £599; Bath, Somerset & Glastonbury, starting from £499; Devonshire Coast & Dartmoor,
from £549 and The Peak District: Chatsworth & Buxton, priced from £599.
The four Solo tours include Norfolk. Cornwall, the Lake District and North Yorkshire. Clients will stay in hand- picked four-star hotels and all UK tours will be small group experiences, with a maximum of 25 guests and will include travel in socially distanced, luxury, full sized coaches.
34 travelmatters.biz


NEWS
SHEARINGS TO OFFER CUSTOMERS MORE PROTECTION
Shearings has announced that it has transferred to a Gold Standard Secure Trust Account whereby customer payments are stored in an independently operated 100% secure Trust Account, until after their holiday has taken place.
If the holiday does not go ahead for any reason, customers can be refunded quickly. This protection will cover the operator’s full product range, including self-drive breaks and gift vouchers.
Leger Holidays and Shearings’ commercial director Liam Race said: “Whilst Leger Holidays was delighted to
resurrect the iconic Shearings’ brand last year, the collapse of the company under the former owner left some customers out of pocket due to some holiday components being uncovered by the BCH bonding.
“Shearings has a loyal, repeat business customer base and we wanted to reassure them that they could continue to enjoy the Shearings’ holidays they love, whilst being
100% covered financially.
“If for any reason our tours do not
go ahead, for example due to tier restrictions or lockdowns, then the customer can choose a refund, which they will receive within seven days. Travel agents can assure customers that Shearings has chosen the most robust financial protection for their holiday payments.”
Shearings has also introduced a new ‘One Price Policy’ with holidays priced according to the package selected and date of travel and not by availability and time of booking.
SEE THE GRANDEUR OF ICELAND’S GLACIERS WITH ICELANDAIR
In George Clooney’s latest film, The Midnight Sky, which has now been released on Netflix, the film crew spent 15 days shooting at Skálafellsjökull in southeast Iceland.
Skálafellsjökull is an outlet glacier of Vatnajökull, the largest ice
cap in Iceland and the largest in
around 8% of Iceland’s surface. It’s the centerpiece of Vatnajökull National Park, which was awarded recognition on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019.
The film is based on the 2016 novel Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton. George Clooney, who both directs and stars,
plays the scientist Augustine,
explore, after a mysterious global apocalypse occurs. For viewers inspired by the film, Icelandair offers direct flights to Reykjavik from Glasgow, Manchester, Dublin, London Heathrow and Gatwick.
Due to Covid-19 and to provide peace of mind, the airline is offering travellers the option to change their booking without a change fee,
Europe - it measures approx 7,700 who discovers a planet which a until further notice. square kilometers and covers team of astronauts are sent to
IF YOU ARE FINDING IT TOUGH, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021 35


Book with confidence, flexibility is always included.
Fly direct from London (Heathrow & Gatwick), Manchester, Glasgow and Dublin to Iceland with easy connections to North America.
Reykjavík I Boston I Chicago I Denver I Minneapolis I Montreal I New York (JFK & Newark) Orlando I Seattle I Toronto I Vancouver I Washington, D.C.
+ icelandair.co.uk