Cruise ships announce World Cup matches

2010-05-24

With the FIFA World Cup less than three weeks away major cruise lines are releasing their live coverage plans. P&O Cruises, Cunard and Ocean Village have confirmed that they will be showing all 64 games.

The lines have committed to showing the initial group stages, the Quarter Finals, Semi Finals, 3/4 Place and Final on all of their ships. They are also keen to stress the live streaming will be subject to satellite coverage.

For those of you stuck in London, check out this London bars World Cup 2010 map.

Queen Elizabeth 2 up for sale

2010-02-08

The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) cruise ship could be returning to the seas after news suggested that it is to be put up for sale by the state-backed investment firm Dubai World to help service the emirate's £14 billion worth of debt.

It was bought from Cunard Cruises in 2007 for £64 million and was reportedly going to be transformed into a luxury floating hotel on the Palm Jumeirah island but along with a number of business ventures owned by the firm, this plan did not come to fruition.

The ship itself was launched by the Queen in September 1967 and was the longest-serving vessel in Cunard's long history, crossing the Atlantic more than 800 times and carrying more than 2.5 million passengers.

QE2 is currently moored at Port Rashid and has not been used as a cruise liner since the purchase but it could soon be making a return to the cruise calendar if a new buyer is found.

Cruise companies to provide ships for convention

2010-02-04

A number of cruise operators plan to use an upcoming convention to let booking agents get a feel of their ships in a move that could help them provide a batter service for cruise lovers.

The companies, which include Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises, will provide a ship each for this year's ACE UK Cruise Convention, according to Travel Mole.

The vessels include Celebrity Eclipse, P&O Azura, Norwegian Epic and Queen Mary 2, according to the website, which said agents will be allowed to tour some of them before the convention begins.

More than 600 delegates are expected to attend the June 24th to 26th event, which will take place in the south-east of England port of city of Southampton.

According to event director Flo Powell, there is huge interest in cruise holidays and the event will provide a platform for "the very latest news and trends" in the sector to be highlighted.

The Passenger Shipping Association predicts 1.65 million UK cruise holidays in 2010.

Written by Chris Smith.

Holidaymakers told of the benefits of cruise holidays

2010-01-28

Holidaymakers struggling to decide whether they would enjoy a cheap cruise holiday have been given ten reasons why they are a good idea.

The Ottawa Citizen has highlighted that the range of food on offer, the variety of ships available to cater to individual tastes and the chance to take in the sites of a number of locations are all positives of heading on a cruise break.

When it comes to deciding on what to eat, the publication notes that there is a vast amount of choice between opting for exotic ingredients or keeping it simple with tried-and-tested favourites.

Meanwhile, there is the additional decision of the type of location to enjoy a gourmet meal, with a traditional ballroom setting surrounded by numerous casual eateries.

Furthermore, sightseeing, sports activities and educational tours are among the numerous activities that can be enjoyed, while families with children tend to be particularly well catered for.

P&O Cruises, Cunard Cruises and Royal Caribbean are just some of the liners that provide holidaymakers with cheap breaks.

Written by Chris Smith

ChoiceAir Specials promise cruisers even more value for money

2009-12-16

Cruise holidaymakers are set to enjoy even more value thanks to an air travel programme from Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises.

ChoiceAir was launched earlier this year by the cruise operators in a bid to enable customers to access highly-competitive airfares and it has added ChoiceAir Specials to its offerings.

The new offer is designed to deliver even more value on certain sailings when combined with ChoiceAir arrangements.

Doug Santoni, senior vice president of revenue management at Royal Caribbean Cruises, said: "It's more than just helping our guests find great flights at great prices and choose the flight options that work best for them.

"ChoiceAir guests have peace of mind, knowing that the team is watching out for them on the way to and from their cruise vacation, offering support in the event of disruptions to airline schedules."

Azamara Club Cruises recently changed its name with renewed focus to deliver an exceptional cruising experience.

Written by Chris Smith.

Azamara Club Cruises promises to deliver 'exceptional experience'

2009-12-09

Upmarket, experienced travellers are set to enjoy more rewarding holidays at sea experiences with Azamara Cruises, which has announced renewed focus with a name change to Azamara Club Cruises

The cruise operator, which owns Azamara Journey - capable of accommodating 694 guests - and sister ship Azamara Quest, will now offer an "exceptional experience", according to president and chief executive Larry Pimentel.

He explained that the company will distinguish itself from the likes of Royal Caribbean Cruises and Celebrity Cruises by "delivering the destination like no other line".

Cruise lovers opting for voyages on Azamara's ships will have a choice of 140 ports in 50 countries to visit in 2010, including Istanbul, Sorrento, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong.

The itineraries, which include two-day packages, will feature overnight stays "to allow guests to immerse themselves in communities and cultures" in order to make the experience memorable.

More than 1.65 million Brits are expected to take cruise next year, according to Passenger Shipping Association predictions.

Written by Chris Smith.

Cruising 'fastest growing travel sector'

2009-12-04

The cruising industry has flourished despite the economic downturn as an increasing number of people discover the allure of sea holidays, the World Travel Market (WTM) has said.

According to the worldwide travel and tourism industry organisation, cruising is one the fastest-growing industries and it is fast becoming an important segment in the travel sector.

WTM chairman Fiona Jeffery explained that the introduction of eight new cruise liners this year - such as Oasis of the Seas - and the further launch of ten ships in 2010 will attract even more holidaymakers.

"As the capacity has grown so has the type of cruise holidays available, with companies now accommodating and specifically catering for younger couples and families," she stated.

She added that the sector "will need to continue to look to niche themes to attract the 80 per cent of UK holidaymakers [who] haven't been on a cruise."

According to the Passenger Shipping Association, 1.65 million UK passengers will take a cruse holiday next year.

Written by Chris Smith.

Cruise holidays to hit 1.65m in 2010

2009-12-03

The Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) has predicted that the UK cruising industry will break records in 2010 as hundreds of thousands of cruise lovers take a holiday on sea.

According to the organisation, which represents 38 UK operators, 1.65 million British passengers will take a cruise next year as the sector now offers value and variety.

The projection represents an increase of 6.5 per cent over this year's figures and comes amid the inauguration of the world's largest cruise ship Oasis of the Seas.

"You can now choose to join a cruise with just 49 fellow passengers around the Scottish Highlands on the delightful Hebridean Princess, or 6,000 others in the Caribbean on the awesome Oasis of the Seas," commented PSA director Bill Gibbons.

"Meals, accommodation and entertainment are included in the price which can be neatly hedged by UK consumers paying in sterling."

It was recently revealed at the World Travel Market that naked cruising could become widespread as an increasing number of niche services are offered.

Written by Chris Smith.

Darcey Bussell to become Godmother to P&O's Azura

2009-11-27

The latest addition to P&O's cruise fleet, the 115,000-ton Azura, will host one of the world's best-loved ballerinas during its glittering naming ceremony.

Darcey Bussell will be Godmother to Azura when the ceremony takes place on the vessel's top deck in Southampton Docks on April 10th ahead of her maiden Mediterranean cruise.

Carol Marlow, P&O Cruises' managing director, said that Ms Bussell "epitomises glamour, sophistication and elegance", qualities that Azura hopes to achieve.

"Azura will offer the service, quality and entertainment associated with cruising at its very best and as dance will play a key part in this, it is entirely fitting for Darcey to give Azura the best possible start in life," she commented.

More than 1,200 invited guests will attend the naming ceremony before Azura sails to Malaga, Corfu, Dubrovnik and Venice.

The superliner, which can accommodate 3,100 passengers, features a dance floor in its atrium, ten restaurants and a state-of-the-art health and beauty spa.

One of Azura's highlights promises to be her Sindhu restaurant, which is run by Michelin star-winning chef Atul Kochhar.

Written by Chris Smith

Oasis of the Seas announces seven godmothers

2009-11-24

The world's largest cruise liner has provided its own twist to one of the maritime world's oldest traditions.

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas will have seven godmothers instead of the usual one, representing the seven unique neighbourhoods onboard the vessel.

Internationally-known singer Gloria Estefan was chosen after she was named godmother to Royal Caribbean sister ship Empress of the Seas, while Olympic medallist Michelle Kwan was selected thanks to her status as the most celebrated skater in the US.

Golden Globe winner Jane Seymour, swimmer and Olympian Dara Torres, actress Keshia Knight Pulliam, gymnast Shawn Johnson and TV personality Daisy Fuentes will also become Oasis of the Seas' godmothers.

A Royal Caribbean statement said: "Each of the seven godmothers was chosen because they personify strength of character, exemplify the spirit of giving, and are role models for men, women and children alike."

On November 13th, Oasis of the Seas arrived in Fort Lauderdale in Florida following a two-week transatlantic crossing from Turku in Finland.

Written by Chris Smith

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