p20 Cruise may15 12/5/09 16:36 Page 20
Cruise
Lee Hayhurst
020 7921 8001
lhayhurst@ttglive.com
For the latest cruise news, visit ttglive.com/cruise
Celebrity axes
Venice cruises
CELEBRITY Cruises has cancelled 2010 cruises
between Venice and Barcelona on Celebrity
Equinox after opting to keep Celebrity Solstice in
the Caribbean year-round.
The change to Solstice’s programme has
meant Equinox will sail the 10 and 11-night Rome
cruises originally planned for Solstice instead.
UK customers booked on the cancelled
Equinox cruises have been advised to talk to their
travel agent or call Celebrity Cruises’ support
unit on 01932 834243
Scenic unveils two
The move to keep Solstice in the Caribbean
reflects a general trend for US brands to
keep ships nearer to their US core market as US
customers cut back on travel.
more ‘space ships’
And Celebrity Cruises president and chief exec-
utive Dan Hanrahan said the decision came after
a successful first Caribbean season for Solstice.
Lee Hayhurst.
cruise market as it looks to expand its trade
“The extraordinary response from our guests FIVE-STAR river cruise operator Scenic Tours is distribution.
to Celebrity Solstice has created a demand for about to double its capacity by adding two more “We are keen to develop business with the
the ship to sail year-round in the Caribbean, and of what it calls its “space ships” to the fleet. trade,” he said. “We believe there is significant
we’re thrilled to meet that demand,” he said. The Aussie-owned operator, which has built business out there and we have a product that’s
Solstice will sail alternating seven-night its business over the past decade selling to new and exciting.”
eastern and western Caribbean cruises out of Australians touring Europe, decided in 2007 to Townson said business to date had surpassed
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in the summer months build its own vessels. all expectations since Emerald and Sapphire
and seven-night eastern Caribbean itineraries The two new ships, Scenic Ruby and Scenic started operating last summer.
from the same port in the winter. Diamond, will launch on May 18 and June 1. “We are over-budget, which is amazing in the
They join Scenic Sapphire (pictured) and market conditions,” he said.
Scenic Emerald, which were launched last year. “Average spend is £3,500 a head.”
The operator claims the 170-passenger river Townson said the all-inclusive nature of its
cruise vessels are the longest and widest in cruises was attracting customers.
Europe, 25% bigger than rivals’ ships. Prices include tips and gratuities, transfers,
Eighty-two per cent of the cabins have bal- shore excursions, flights and “free flowing” wine
conies, and the contemporary-style interiors have at meal times.
been designed by the operator’s owner’s wife. Product DVDs are being sent out to the
Chris Townson, UK managing director, said trade and Scenic plans to run fam trips. A 2010
Scenic intended to make a big mark on the river brochure is due out in September.
Fred Olsen shouts
Boudicca on a sailing leaving Portsmouth on
November 8, 2009, for Spain and Portugal.
about Lulu sailing
Mike Bird, Fred Olsen marketing manager,
said: “We are really excited to have an iconic star
YOU’VE BEEN FRAM-ED: Hurtigruten of Lulu’s calibre to entertain our guests.”
invited agents to see its newest ship, Fram, FRED OLSEN Cruise Line has booked Lulu to Prices for the cruise start from £737 per per-
on a visit to London. The line’s Helen perform on one of its new programme of cruises son, based on two sharing an inside twin cabin.
Harris and Simon McDermott are pictured out of Portsmouth. The price includes all meals and taxes.
flanking Hackney Travel’s Monika Sethi, The singer, who shot to fame aged 15 in the Lulu will be on board for two nights
Harv Sethi and Agnieszka Skorupska. 1960s with her song Shout, will be onboard performing with The Leo Green Experience.
20 15.05.2009
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