p18 Cruise Dec18 15/12/09 15:47 Page 18
Cruise
Chris Gray
020 7921 8003
cgray@ttglive.com
For the latest cruise news, visit ttglive.com/cruise
Azamara renamed
in all-inclusive bid
AZAMARA Cruises is reinventing itself with a new
name and a host of extra benefits to help move
the brand upmarket.
Under the leadership of Larry Pimentel, who
joined in July, Azamara has changed its name
to Azamara Club Cruises and pledged to offer a
more all-inclusive cruise product.
From next April, gratuities will be included in
the overall price of the cruise, along with coffee
and mineral water, and house wines at meals.
The line also plans to “slow down” its cruises
with more overnight stays and late night
departures from ports. From left: Goncalo Seno, Seabourn Odyssey; Pamela Conover; Andrew Magowan; and Nicky Schlossberger, Seabourn Legend
“We’re going to slow down the tempo and
allow our guests to not just see the destination,
but to live it,” said Pimentel, who formerly
headed boutique line SeaDream Yacht Club. Seabourn to boost
In brief UK profile in 2010
■ Tutu, Bryson and Humphreys to speak on QM2 putting together Seabourn’s first online training
Sara Macefield.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, author Bill Bryson YACHTS of Seabourn is investing in building its programme, which Andrew Magowan, the line’s
and BBC presenter John Humphreys are among UK profile in advance of launching its next ship in director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa,
some of the top names lined up to speak on Greenwich in June 2010. hopes to launch in January.
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 next year. Speakers on The upmarket cruise line wants to showcase He claimed expansion was crucial following
sister ship Queen Victoria include former ITN the new Seabourn Sojourn to more than 500 the wave of interest prompted by Odyssey’s
royal correspondent Nicholas Owen. agents at the London naming next summer launch. “It has made a huge difference and
and also in the following weeks when the ship opened up new channels with all sorts of new
■ Holland America Line mixes it up departs Dover on two subsequent sailings. agents wanting to work with us,” he said.
Holland America Line has expanded its “Mix” Seabourn president and chief executive “Odyssey has woken people up to a new
entertainment lounges, introduced on Veendam Pamela Conover said Sojourn’s unveiling, which concept of cruising and the demand has really
this year, to other ships in the fleet. The bar follows the launch of Seabourn Odyssey in Venice surprised us, so we are stepping up to service
lounges enable guests to listen to music or play in summer 2009, presented a tremendous oppor- that demand.”
various interactive screen games. Options range tunity for the line to build its brand in the UK. Seabourn’s third new ship, to be launched in
from chess to football, basketball and air hockey. At least 100 agents will be invited to the 2011, has not yet been named. The line is asking
naming ceremony on June 4, with more invited its customers to submit suggestions.
■ French line becomes more English-friendly to events the following day before the ship
French cruise line Compagnie du Ponant is embarks on its maiden voyage on June 6.
introducing a string of measures to boost its Arrangements have yet to be confirmed, along Seabourn is to upgrade its three older ships,
appeal in more markets. The line has now agreed with the name of the godmother, but Conover Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend. The trio will
that as a matter of policy it will employ bilingual stressed it would be someone “relevant to the be given a contemporary look, in keeping with
officers and crew, and arrange shore excursions British market”. the look of Odyssey and soon-to-be-launched
in English as well as French. Daily onboard Next month Seabourn will start a big UK Sojourn. Spirit has already been overhauled
programmes, menus and TV stations will also promotional push, though details are being kept with the installation of marble flooring in the
be available in both languages. under wraps. Its UK-based team is being doubled reception lobby and a new look to celebrity chef
with two new sales staff, one of whom will be on Charlie Palmer’s eaterie, The Restaurant. Pride
ttglive.com
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the road visiting agents. and Legend will be revamped during 2010.
visit ttglive.com/cruise The UK team will also be responsible for
18 18.12.2009
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