16 CRUISE


The Grand Central Hotel is at the heart of Belfast. Set in the Linen Quarter, this luxury hotel is a spectacular hub for exploring all Belfast has to offer. With 300 bedrooms designed for absolute comfort and relaxation, the vibrant and contemporary Grand Cafe, stunning Seahorse Restaurant and Observatory, Ireland’s tallest cocktail lounge, a stay at the Grand Central is unforgettable.


July/August 2022 Travel News


CEREMONY HELD FOR EMERALD CRUISES FIRST LUXURY YACHT


Emerald Azzurra was named at an intimate ceremony in Venice


EMERALD Cruises’ first ocean luxury yacht, Emerald Azzurra, was named in an intimate ceremony in Venice, Italy on 28 May. In attendance were Glen Moroney, founder and chairman of Scenic Group, of which Emerald Cruises is part of, and his wife Karen Moroney, director of project design; along with embarking guests, Emerald Cruises staff who were part of the team responsible for delivering the yacht, and local dignitaries.


Speaking during the ceremony Moroney said: “Scenic


Group holds a unique position of owning the complete end to end process where we design, build and operate our vessels”. Moroney


added: “Special thanks must go to


the project team, headed by Ivo Skelin, for their commitment and dedication during the building of Emerald Azzurra.” The Godmother Sarah Wikevand, joint managing


director at Reader Offers Ltd (ROL) was unable to attend the ceremony; however, Rosie Cairns, joint managing director at Reader Offers stepped in. David Winterton, Global Director of Brand and Marketing at Emerald Cruises, said: “The team at Reader Offers Ltd are true advocates for the cruising market and their dedication reflects our own commitment to growing the popularity of luxury yacht


You can now vote for the Northern Ireland Travel Consultant of the Year 2022


Over the last two years the value of the Travel Consultant has never been greater. Our Northern Ireland Travel Agents have a wealth of experience and have been there to not only provide sound advice but exceptional service and attention to detail with your holiday needs.


This is your chance to nominate your Travel Consultant of the year and recognise the exceptional service you have received in the last year.


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When the votes are counted after the closing date of 16th September 2022.


4 finalists will be notified and will then be assessed by a panel of industry judges.


All finalists will attend on the same day and answer the same questions.


The winner will be presented with their Award at the 30th Anniversary Awards Gala Dinner, on 14th October 2022 at the prestigious Slieve Donard Resort and Spa.


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EXPLORA Journeys have celebrated another important milestone in the construction of EXPLORA I with the float out ceremony held at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. This is the first of four ships from the luxury ocean travel brand and EXPLORA I is set to be delivered in just 12 months at the end of May 2023. EXPLORA II will launch in summer 2024 and is also already under construction with the keel being laid earlier this month. The float out is a traditional maritime event that


is a significant moment in the construction of a new ship as it is the first time that the ship will touch water and will then enter the final phases of construction as work moves to complete interiors, fixtures and fittings. The event was celebrated in the presence of senior representatives from the Cruise Division of MSC Group, Explora Journeys, Fincantieri, travel advisors and international media.


A deep-rooted commitment to the environment


Explora Journeys is committed to create a positive impression on the destinations and communities visited by its ships. All four ships in Explora Journeys’ fleet currently on order will be equipped with the latest environmental


cruising. As one of Emerald Cruises’ top performing agents for both river and yacht cruising, ROL has been instrumental in the success of launching Emerald Cruises’ first ocean-going luxury yacht, Emerald Azzurra. We are truly honoured that Sarah has agreed to join a number of global travel industry professionals to serve as an Emerald Cruises Godmother.” The 100-guest luxury yacht, which boasts opulent suites & staterooms, à la carte dining restaurants and a water sports boat, will now set sail on a series of 8 to 25 night itineraries around the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas.


Reaching an impressive 110m (about the height of the


Statue of Liberty) in length, Emerald Azzurra offers an intimate cruising experience with an abundance of space for guests to relax and soak up the stunning scenery. Emerald Cruises is offering savings of up to 35 per cent and a free Premium Drinks Package on bookings made for the Gems of the Arabian Peninsula itinerary, departing December 2022 and January 2023. The nine- day ocean cruise sails from Doha to Sir Baniyas Island, Abu Dhabi, Khasab, Fujairah, Zighy Bay and Dubai. Emerald Azzurra will be joined by sister yacht Emerald Sakara in 2023, with itineraries to the Seychelles along with the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea.


Explora Journeys Celebrates Float Out of Explora


and marine technologies and will feature the latest selective catalytic reduction technology to enable a reduction of nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 per cent, be equipped with shore power plug-in connectivity to reduce emissions in port and fitted with underwater noise management systems to help protect marine life. All four vessels will also have a comprehensive range


of onboard energy efficient equipment to optimise engine use to further reduce emissions. At the event, the brand also indicated that it will


explore the introduction of engines powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) on EXPLORA III and IV. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise


Division of MSC Group said, “At Explora Journeys we are building ships for tomorrow, utilising today’s latest technologies and while being ready to adapt to alternative energy solutions as they become available. At the same time, the brand’s commitment to sustainable ocean travel extends beyond just the environmental and maritime technologies but is also embedded in our onboard guest experience. Destination experiences will be designed to leave a positive impression and footprint on the places and people visited by placing a spotlight on local talents, craftsmanship, culture, gastronomy, traditions. ”


MSC Cruises Sees Return of Entire Fleet


MSC Cruises’ entire fleet of 19 ships are now back at sea following MSC Musica’s return to water at the start of her summer season from Monfalcone/Venice in Italy. MSC Musica set sail for the first of her planned 23 seven-night summer 2022 voyages to Katakolon in Greece, the traditional birthplace of the Olympic Games, the Greek islands of both Crete and Santorini, plus Bari in Italy, before she returns next weekend to her seasonal homeport.


Antonio Paradio, Managing Director of MSC Cruises UK and Ireland said, “We are so proud to see our entire fleet back at sea. It has been a challenge given the pandemic ashore but our industry-leading health and safety protocol has put us in a position of strength and confidence whereby all of our vessels are now at sea to


give our travel agent partners and their customers


what they want. Relaxing, enjoyable and, above all else, safe cruise holidays. “We were the first major line to return to international


cruising back in summer 2020 as health and safety is absolutely paramount for all of us at MSC Cruises which is now ably demonstrated – as we promised last year – with our entire fleet of ships back at sea for summer 2022.” Following the global cruise industry’s voluntary shutdown in March 2020 as a result of the pandemic


MSC fleet are now all back at sea


ashore, MSC Grandiosa became the first ship of any major cruise line to return to sea in August 2020 under MSC Cruises’ pioneering health and safety protocol designed for the wellbeing of the line’s guests and crew. MSC Cruises continued throughout the pandemic to


stick to its ambitious expansion programme and in 2021 it introduced two new vessels to its fleet, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Seashore.


The brand will welcome two more ships at the end


of 2022 – MSC Seascape and its first liquefied natural gas-powered vessel, MSC World Europa.


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