44 CRUISE NEWS


Refunds Available for P&O Ferries’ Customers


Travel News April/May 2022


alternative route onboard the Belfast based Stena Line. “Legislation says that if your ferry is cancelled or delayed by over 90 minutes, then you should be provided with the choice of an alternative sailing as soon as possible, or a full refund… P&O cannot offer self re routing with another operator , although customers can take the next P&O sailing if and when they resumer.” Willams said.


“We have been engaging with P&O on this issue and it has told us that, as an alternative, customers can instead book directly with Stena Line and if they do s, P&O will treat them as if they have been re-routed with P&O themselves.” He continued,


“In this circumstances, customers can submit a claim for any intervenes that has occurred such as mileage, compensation for delay upon arrival from the original P&O timing and the difference in ticket prices; also, if necessary, over night hotel and accommodation” “It is important that if you do book with Stena


P&O has confirmed that passengers affected by the cancellation of routes can apply for a refund and any additional expenses met due to this.


From the week commencing 14 March, P&O


Ferries halted multiple sailings after 800 staff were let go without prior notice from the company. Speaking to Good Morning Ulster, Consumer Council Head of Transport Richard Williams urged all those affected by the disruption to seek a refund or


EXPERIENCE the Isle of Man with regular sailings from Dublin and Belfast on board the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s fast craft Manannan. When Manannan’s daily sailings resume from Belfast on 13th April, and Dublin on 14th April, passengers will be able to enjoy being able to sail into Island’s capital, Douglas. Plus, with over 900,000 offer fares available on Steam Packet Company sailings in 2022, this is the perfect time to book. When travelling on Manannan you can enjoy the ease of just stepping on board, sitting back and relaxing in a choice of spacious lounges, with comfortable seating and plenty of legroom. Enjoy a drink with friends in one of the bars while sailing or stop by the Coast-to-Coast café to find a wide selection of hot and cold meals and snacks. For newspapers, magazines, toys, books, gifts, cosmetics and fragrances – head to the onboard shop, Ocean Avenue.


There are also two cinema lounges on Manannan showing family-friendly films, so there is plenty to keep


everybody entertained during the journey, making it very much all part of the fun.


Line, you do keep evidence of any expenses that have occurred, including the cost of the Stena Line ticket and if you want to either claim for a refund or fro additional expenses you need to make that claim within 28 days and that claim is made by submitting an email to help@ pandoferries.com” For additional information on how you can claim


expenses or further advice on the situation then please contact the consumer council on 08001216022


Steam Packet Company Confirm Restart of Irish Sailing to Isle of Man ‘We’re sure that the Steam Packet Company’s great


Book your trip through Steam Packet Holidays and you can take advantage of a wide range of travel and accommodation package deals for visitors looking for either a short break or longer holiday, with a selection of hotels across the Island to choose from. Specific event packages are available including the Island’s iconic Southern 100 International Road Races and the Gran Fondo cycling festival.


Brian Thomson, Managing Director of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, said:


‘We’re looking forward to resuming our popular fast craft services from Dublin and Belfast in the coming weeks and welcoming new and returning passengers to the Isle of Man.


‘With travel returning to normal, we hope that visitors


from the UK and further afield, will jump at the chance to experience a proper holiday in the Isle of Man. With the benefit of no luggage fees, and freedom to travel by


foot, car, motorbike, or bicycle when you travel by ferry, you can enjoy the Isle of Man in your own style, at your own pace.


range of offers will encourage people to book and explore the Island for themselves. We’re put a lot of effort into on board improvements on both vessels, to make customer journey’s even more comfortable and enjoyable. ‘The return of Manannan always feels like it marks the end of winter and the beginning of summer, so we’re excited to welcome people on board and to our island in the near future.’


Manannan returns to service on Friday 1st April operating daily sailings from Liverpool to the Isle of Man. Regular Irish sailings resume on Wednesday 13th April from Belfast and Thursday 14th April from Dublin.


For full schedule details and fares, visit: www.steam- packet.com.


PRINCESS Cruises have unveiled its onboard celebration programme for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Between 2-5 June 2022 a series of activities to celebrate the milestone will take place onboard the line’s UK homeport ships – Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess, Emerald Princess, and Island Princess. Live coverage of the following events will be shown on the ships’ 300-square foot ‘Movies Under the Stars’ screen: ‘Trooping of the Colour’; Thanksgiving Service at Westminster Abbey; Epsom Derby; Platinum Party at the Palace; and the Jubilee Party.


The onboard Piazzas will be decorated for the occasion with banners and buntings in the royal colours and guests will be encouraged to wear the royal red, white and blue for a special dress up night. British-themed food and beverages will be served


across the four days, including a ‘Royal Afternoon Tea’ with British favourites such as Victoria sponge cake; Pimms and strawberries served on top deck; and a ‘Royal Dinner’ menu.


In addition, an array of entertainment will take place exclusively on the 3,660-guest Sky Princess, including a ‘Royal Variety Show’ performed in the Princess Theatre, featuring an Elton John tribute; ‘Royal Trivia’ in Princess Live!; and a talk from guest speaker Grant Harrold, former butler of HRH, Prince of Wales. Tony Roberts, vice president of Princess Cruises UK and Europe, said “The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a significant milestone and we’re excited to host celebrations onboard our UK homeport ships that are guaranteed to provide our guests with memorable experiences and lots of great entertainment.” Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 0344 338 8663 or by visiting the company’s website at princess.com.


MSC Reveal New Acrobatic ‘Carousel’ Production Onboard


MSC Cruises has revealed details of the seven new Carousel Productions at Sea shows created exclusively for its Meraviglia Class ships, the latest enhancement to the cruise line’s spectacular entertainment line-up. On top of hundreds of hours of daily activities, themed evenings, live music, sports tournaments, high-tech interactive arcades and full-scale theatrical productions in the ship’s main theatre – guests sailing on the Company’s Meraviglia Class ships can now experience a new immersive entertainment concept – Carousel Productions at Sea.


Carousel Productions at Sea – MSC Cruises’ new production brand, Carousel Productions at Sea offers seven new, exclusive shows combining awe-inspiring acrobatics, dance and music all to create multi-sensory entertainment experience with light, sound and dazzling acrobatic performances in an intimate state-of-the art venue: The Carousel Lounge.


Each 40-minute show has been created to expand the boundaries of imagination, with an expertly curated cast of artists, hand-selected from all over the world for their unique performance skills and trained to the high standards required of MSC Cruises and Carousel Productions at Sea.


The Carousel Lounge – all seven shows are performed exclusively in the Carousel Lounge, a glamorous and state-of-the art venue that brings guests closer to a spectacular display of acrobatic flair and artistic finesse. Cutting-edge sound and lighting equipment blend human skills with a host of special effects. Each 1,000m2


custom-built, multi-million Euro lounge


can accommodate up to only 400 guests, creating an unforgettable intimate entertainment experience. Steve Leatham, Head of Entertainment, MSC Cruises said,


“Our experienced entertainment team work tirelessly


to bring the most immersive, high-tech, spectacular entertainment to our guests, creating experiences they will never forget. Each show pushes creative boundaries and challenges the status quo to explore new territories to create inspiring experiences that are sure to delight our guests of all ages. The Carousel Lounge is one of our most intimate and technologically advanced venues on board our ships and we wanted to offer seven truly original shows that take audiences through unique story routes and imaginary universes”. AJEDREZ – available on MSC Virtuosa Inspired by the game of chess, this operatic rock spectacular will introduce two opposing queens, as they fall in love with the same king and challenge each other to win his heart. Throughout the story, we will meet the various characters of the chess board, from bishops to knights, characterised by life-size statues, as the teams


battle it out to the sound of a ticking chess clock. ARKYMEA – available on MSC Virtuosa A scientist finds a hidden world where the wildest ideas and the most ambitious dreams become reality. With the help of a mysterious device, the scientist breaks through dimensions to reach Arkymea, a mysterious place populated by extravagant characters performing acrobatic feats and where magic comes to life all around you.


STRINGS – available on MSC Grandiosa This high-flying circus adventure tells the tale of a lonely toy maker and his beautiful muse. The show features an exquisite live soundtrack, spectacular flying acrobatics, mesmerising circus performers, and more. SWEET – available on MSC Bellissima and MSC Grandiosa Truly a treat for the imagination, this show takes guests from all ages to a real-life candy land. This musical show is filled with classic tunes with a twist and promises to entertain the whole family through a sugar- rush of some of the most iconic songs. MYüT – available on MSC Bellissima Follow an emotional journey through magical worlds


filled with characters, acrobats and dancers. As the main character MYüT ventures out in search of help to regain his voice, he is brought to a vibrant world full of colours and flowers, sending him to a dreamlike state. He evolves through changing landscapes each one awakening different emotions and touching his senses. Along the way he makes new friends with special gifts and abilities, he is then guided to the light and discovery of his own talent and voice, which was deep inside him all along.


HOUSE OF HOUDINI – available on MSC Meraviglia from May 2022


Imagine a celebration of some of the most imaginative and wonderous illusions and magic of the world’s greatest Harry Houdini. The show features contemporary music choices, elaborate costumes, amazing props and an international cast of performers who sing, dance and spring into life across one of the most technically advanced theatres in the world The MSC Carousel Lounge.


ROCK CIRCUS – available on MSC Meraviglia from May 2022


Take one hugely talented team of Acrobats, Circus Acts, Singers, Dancers and Musicians, throw in the greatest rock soundtrack made and you have this amazing show ROCK CIRCUS. The only difference is our guitar solos and knee slides will take place in mid- air as our talented team of performers fly, spin and leap through the greatest hits of AC/DC, Guns & Roses and many more of the anthems from Rocks Royalty!


Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee With Princess Cruises


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56