Travel News February 2019
IRISH CRUISING ON CREST OF A WAVE...
P
OSITIVE fi gures released by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has revealed that the number of Irish travellers embarking on a cruise in the key 2018 summer period rose by 11.8 per cent on the same period in 2017. The total number of cruises taken between January and September rose to 37,000 in 2018 from 34,00 in the same period in 2017 and 31,000 in 2016. Full-year fi gures for 2018 will be announced in the Spring. The Western/Central Mediterranean remains the most popular destination for a cruise, followed by the Caribbean.
Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland Director, said: “These fi gures bear testament to Ireland’s rapidly expanding cruise market and it’s fantastic to see that more Irish travellers are choosing to cruise for their
holiday.
“2019 is an exciting time for the cruise industry with 24 new ships being delivered for ocean and river cruise lines, and many existing ships being renovated and refurbished to a standard that rivals even the fi nest land-based hotels. Never before has there been so much choice for customers in terms of style of ship, itinerary and onboard experiences.
“It is also an exciting and busy year for Irish ports, with cruise ships scheduled to dock across the country over 400 times in 2019. Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises will both have ships sailing roundtrip from Dublin over the coming year, which will see over 27,000 guests embarking and debarking in the city during eight journeys.
“Last year, Belfast welcomed a record 189,000
Ireland’s cruise market is rapidly expanding - new fi gures show a rise of 11.8 per cent in the last year
cruise visitors during the season and the outlook for 2019 looks even brighter. The city can expect to see the total
REGENT Seven Seas Cruises has announced an order with Italy’s Fincantieri S.p.A. to build another stunning cruise ship that will continue to set the standard for defi ning elegance at sea.
With delivery scheduled in late 2023, the new vessel will be a sister ship to the award-winning Seven Seas Explorer, the most luxurious ship ever built, and Seven Seas Splendor , the ship that perfects luxury. Accommodating up to 750 guests, the intimate and spacious new ship will be Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ sixth-all-suite vessel. Details about her itineraries, suites, restaurants, amenities and onboard experiences will be revealed leading up to her 2023 debut. Voyages for the ship’s inaugural season will go on sale in 2021.
“Since debuting in 2016, Seven Seas Explorer has solidifi ed her reputation as the most luxurious ship ever built based on the continuous awards and guest accolades she earns,” said Jason Montague,
President and Chief Executive Offi cer of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
“When Seven Seas Splendor’s inaugural season went on sale in April 2018 we set a new single- day booking record for our 26-year-old company, demonstrating the anticipation for her 2020 arrival. “Each new ship is progressively more successful. Our growth is a refl ection of the amazing people who work across our fl eet, our valued shoreside employees, our loyal guests and their trusted travel advisors.”
The contract price for the vessel is approximately €475 million. The company has obtained export credit fi nancing with favourable terms to fund 80 per cent of the contract price of the ship, subject to certain Italian government approvals.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., which also owns Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises.
WHY not try a cruise holiday and let the scenery come to you?
number of times cruise ships dock in the city to surpass last year’s total of 115.”
Another luxury ship for Seven Seas American cruises excellent value
Despite what may seem like an expensive price tag for a typical Caribbean or Alaskan cruise, ocean cruising off ers excellent value for money.
Tot up your average daily cost on a conventional holiday – fl ights, hotels, meals, taxis, trains, etc – compare that with a cruise and you might be surprised at the savings.
As for activities, there’s plenty. Yes, you can channel your inner Winslet and stare out at the ocean for hours on end while you sip a cocktail or two, but there are also fabulous opportunities to enjoy fi ve star entertainment right on board. From theatre to magic shows, cinemas to casinos, you’ll never be bored on a cruise ship. It’s the chance to see many diff erent places and experience local cultures with easy excursions off the ship. Everything is organised for you.
Just choose a cruise ship that features the destinations you want to visit, then sit back and relax as you sail to each port in style and luxury. And, if you fancy blending
Visit New York City on an
American cruise and experience value for money
the scenery and resorts of North America with all the relaxation and indulgence of a cruise?
Explore Vancouver and Whistler with a stay and Alaska cruise, try your hand at the tables with a Vegas and Orlando stay and Caribbean cruise or take take a bite of the Big Apple with a New York and Miami stay and Eastern Caribbean cruise.
American Holidays’ tailor-made experts will design a trip that combines the very best of land and sea.
CRUISE NEWS 21
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