38 cruising: the caribbean FEATURE
HORIZONS BRIGHT
The world’s most popular cruising destination promises more choice and new experiences says Jeannine Williamson
T
he Caribbean is the world’s most popular cruise destination, and whilst there are year-round itineraries it’s hardly surprising
that the UK market is busiest in winter when Brits want to swap grey skies for sunnier climes. Things are certainly looking bright for the 2014/15 season with new and relocated ships, plus a wider choice of cruises sailing from gateway ports in Florida, such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale, and various Caribbean islands. History buffs will be interested to know that this year is the centenary of the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic to the Pacifi c via the Caribbean Sea, and a cruise along this man-made wonder features in many Caribbean voyages. Refl ecting demand, Thomson Cruises is basing
a second ship in the Caribbean. Joining Thomson Celebration which sails out of Barbados, Thomson Dream will represent the only UK cruise line to homeport in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Following multi-million refurbishments both ships offer the line’s Platinum collection of cruises. Says Fraser Ellacott, Customer Operations Director
for Thomson Cruises: “We have really listened to what customers want and I can’t wait to see Dream based in this lively and vibrant port. We are also
continuing to invest in enhancing the experience on board, with the addition of private balconies on the Thomson Celebration as just one example.” Marking a welcome return to Caribbean
fl y-cruising, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines recently introduced two more cruises for January and February 2015 after the fi rst voyage sold out in just fi ve days. The line had operated a winter fl y- cruise programme, based in Barbados, from 2001 to 2012, but it was ended to extend the choice of ex-UK departure ports. However, passengers lobbied for its return and the latest itinerary was created as a result of customer feedback. Tall ship cruise specialist Star Clippers has new destinations and itineraries on two of its sailing ships. The 170-passenger Star Flyer sailed to Cuba for the fi rst time this spring and seven- night itineraries will continue over the winter of 2014/15. The 227-passenger fl agship Royal Clipper will spend the winter operating her usual Windward Isles and Grenadines itineraries out of Barbados, with the addition of a new 14-night voyage circling the southern Caribbean. A newcomer on the small ships scene is Pearl
Sea Cruises, and a Caribbean schedule will kick off its fi rst 2015 season. The 210-passenger Pearl
www.sellinglonghaul.com
Mist will offer a mix of seven-, 10- and 11-night itineraries from next February to May. Cruises will feature popular destinations including the Bahamas, US and British Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos, plus lesser-known islands such as Jost Van Dye, St. Croix, and Saba which will be included on its Grand Caribbean sailing. Holland America Line will have seven ships in
“We have really listened to what customers want and I can’t wait to see Dream based in the lively and vibrant port of Montego Bay”
FRASER ELLACOTT, CUSTOMER OPERATIONS DIRECTOR, THOMSON CRUISES
the Caribbean from October until April, mainly cruising from Fort Lauderdale on seven-14 night itineraries. Most cruises include a day at the cruise line’s private island, Half Moon Cay. Norwegian Cruise Line has eight ships sailing in the region this winter, including it’s snazzy
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