LONG HAUL CRUISE NEWS
Ex-UK cruising options expand
BY LAURA GELDER The Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) says that cruising is 'coming home', with its latest figures showing that more Brits than ever are starting their cruise in the UK, however exotic or long haul their itinerary. This year more than 760,000 passengers will have started their voyage from one of the UK’s 20 ports, sailing to destinations like Russia and the Americas. In 2012, 835,000 passengers will begin
their cruise from a British port, a 28 per cent increase over the last two years as the choice of destinations in range from the UK continues to expand. The PSA's William Gibbons said only modest growth in the cruise industry could be expected in 2012, due to the reduction in the number of ships being built. But, as new ships launch, including the 3,611 passenger vessel for P&O, due in 2015, the number of destinations
Tourism Update
ASSOCIATION OF CRUISE EXPERTS
served by EX-UK cruises would rise. Gibbons said of the trade: “cruising is expected to continue to outperform other areas of the holiday market, with
travel agents, who account for around 80 per cent of sales, continuing to play an important role.”
www.discovercruises.co.uk
Azamara has more long-haul stops Azamara Club Cruises has added
nearly 40 new ports of call to its 2013 itineraries, including long-haul stops in the Far and Middle East and Latin America. Azamara Journey has several Southeast
Rio Carnival with Crystal
Crystal Cruises will run two Brazil itineraries during Rio Carnival 2012, with four chances to see the legendary Latin American spectacle. During the cruises’ overnight stops in
the city guests will have a choice of several fully escorted, reserved seating programmes at the Sambadrome. They will be able to enjoy the show from grandstand seating, front-row box seats or luxury VIP sky box suites with gourmet goodies. There’s even an option to participate by marching in the parade and performing with a samba school. Crystal Symphony’s Miami to Rio and Rio
to Buenos Aires voyages, on February 6 and 20 2012 respectively, end or begin on the parade’s two best nights, when 30,000 costumed members of the top samba schools thrill the crowds. Carnival excursions start at $799pp.
www.crystalcruises.co.uk
16 November 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
Asia and Far East sailings scheduled. Overnight stays will feature Hong
Kong, Bangkok, Hanoi and Halong Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Shanghai and Kobe (Japan). The ship will also return to the Far East via Dubai and Mumbai at the end the year with three Southeast Asia sailings, including a Phuket stop for New Year’s Eve. Azamara Quest will include range of
South America and West Indies sailings, ranging from 12 to 18 nights, featuring overnight calls at Ushuaia and Buenos Aires (Argentina), Punta Del Este
CRUISING IN BRIEF
Commission unchanged for RCI Royal Caribbean md Dominic Paul
told this October’s ABTA Travel Convention that the cruise line will not follow rival Carnival by cutting commission to five per cent in 2012. He said RCI would “wait and see” the impact the changes had on their business before adopting a similar move.
www.royalcaribbean.co.uk
Celebrity extends cruise stay Celebrity Cruises has introduced a
new ‘extend your stay’ option, allowing guests to stay longer onboard before they head home. Guests can enjoy coffees, teas, a meal, the pool and fitness centre and even watch a film or use the ship's spa before disembarking up to 90 minutes before the next departure.
www.cruisingpower.co.uk
Voyages' training TV Voyages of Discovery has a new TV
web channel which showcases destinations and offers insight into itineraries to inspire agents and their clients. The Live Schedule gives users the opportunity to view a selection of videos in real time. It will eventually feature content uploaded by passengers.
www.discoverycruise.tv
Agents looking to maximise all opportunities in 2012 should ensure they are fully up to speed on everything that’s happening within the world of cruise, as despite the tough economic climate cruise holidays continue to attract record numbers of passengers. Recent figures from the Passenger Shipping Association estimate 1.73 million passengers will take a cruise next year, an increase of just over one per cent on this year’s figure. At this time of year, a number of cruise lines are repositioning their ships meaning passengers can embark in the UK, sail to warmer climates and then fly home. Alternatively many companies
offer up to three-week round cruises from the UK to destinations that include the USA, South America, Canada and islands in the Caribbean. And, of course, there are
numerous World Cruises to choose from which take in dozens of ports and can last for up to three months or more. Cruising is expected to continue
(Uruguay) and Rio (Brazil) for Carnival. A winter season of eight- and 12-night Caribbean sailings includes New Year’s in French-influenced St. Barts.
www.azamaraclubcruises.com
to outperform other sectors of the holiday market. The all-inclusive nature of a cruise holiday, which can be purchased in sterling and which offers exceptional standards of quality, innovation, choice and customer service, continues to make it a great holiday choice.
VNAT
©P&O
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