Quark to add fourth ship and strengthen trade ties
Lucy Huxley
Quark Expeditions has revealed plans to add a fourth ship to its fleet, introduce further land- based options and strengthen its relationship with the trade. Sam Seward, who spoke to Travel
Weekly in his first interview since becoming the line’s president in December, said the polar specialist was already talking to “various stakeholders” about a new vessel. The fleet currently consists of
Ultramarine, Ocean Explorer and World Explorer, with the last of these set to be replaced by World Voyager in December 2026. Looking further ahead, Seward
said: “In terms of long-term fleet planning, we would love to be looking at an additional ship in Antarctica in a few years’ time.” Asked whether such a ship
would be a new-build or an acquired vessel, he said: “We’re in discussion with various stakeholders on what options are available to us. “We built and own Ultramarine, but the other two vessels are charters, so whether we build or whether we charter is being worked through at the moment.” Since his move from Exodus
Adventure Travels, Seward said he had identified a “wonderful
opportunity” to increase the number of land-based experiences available to clients. He added: “We currently offer
quite a small range of additional nights before [sailings] and some add-on ancillary elements, but as a long- standing tour operator I’m thinking, ‘Wow, what an opportunity to try to offer guests something else’.” Asked whether the company
would consider entering warmer regions, he said “our mantra is always polar” but new products were regularly being considered. The line is set to bolster its ties
with the UK trade by investing further Gatwick’s new scanners remove
need for liquids in plastic bags Passengers at Gatwick no longer need to remove electrical items or place liquids in plastic bags for security checks following the airport’s installation of 3D computed tomography (CT) scanners. Liquids in containers of up to 100ml can now be taken through security in cabin bags. The initiative, introduced ahead of the Easter holidays, is part of a multimillion-pound security upgrade.
6 3 APRIL 2025 Sam Seward
in training tools and marketing material, while continuing to regularly invite agents on board ships. Seward said the line has a
“big education programme” in the UK but he was looking forward to speaking to agents and finding out how to improve. “I have a good understanding of
what the trade needs, and I’m looking forward to spending a lot of time listening to agents and understanding what else we can do,” he said. Highlighting that the line is trade- only in the UK, he encouraged agents to speak to Quark Expeditions’ team for help with training.
Abta offers 20% discount on fees for Travel Convention
Abta is offering a limited-time 20% discount on registration fees for this year’s Travel Convention, which will take place in Majorca. The discount is available for registrations made by 5.30pm on April 15. The Travel Convention will be held at the four-star Melia Calvia Beach Resort on October 6-8.
Virgin Atlantic reports first profit since 2016
Virgin Atlantic is targeting an increased operating margin in the coming years after returning to profit for the first time since 2016. The airline reported profit
before tax and exceptional items of £20 million and an operating profit of £230 million for the 2024 calendar year, while revenues rose by £183 million to a record £3.3 billion. Chief financial officer Oli Byers
said achieving even a “modest” profit represented a “big leap forward” in the airline’s performance. Referring to its 7% operating
margin, he said: “Our goal is to grow that further in the next few years.” Last year, Virgin Atlantic carried
5.6 million passengers and recorded a load factor of 77.3%, compared with 2019 pre-pandemic figures of 5.9 million and 81.1%. Byers said those figures showed there remained opportunities to grow. He added that the day-long
•Virgin Atlantic has revealed plans to open two Clubhouse
Heathrow shutdown last month cost the airline “tens of millions” as a result of it being forced to cancel 75 flights and divert six others.
airport lounges in the next two years, following the opening of its sixth, in Los Angeles, last week.
Oli Byers
Marella Cruises commissions two new-build ships for first time
Marella Cruises has commissioned new-build ships for the first time by placing an order with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for two vessels. The ships for the Tui UK & Ireland brand will be “designed specifically for the British market” and are scheduled for delivery in 2030 and 2032. Fincantieri said the new vessels would “redefine the premium cruise experience”.
travelweekly.co.uk
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 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
