New Princess boss hints at rise in ex-UK capacity


Harry Kemble


Princess Cruises’ new UK boss has hinted the line could soon boost ex-UK capacity after doubling British passenger numbers on Mediterranean fly-cruises and sailings from these shores. In her first trade press interview,


Eithne Williamson, who became the line’s vice-president for the UK and Europe in June, reported demand for 2023 sailings was currently “well outstripping” previous years. She said Princess had hosted “over


double” the number of UK passengers this year across its ex-UK and fly- cruise sailings compared with 2019. Ex-UK voyages had become “really


important” due to issues experienced by travellers flying from some airports this summer, said Williamson, who added that some late-summer Enchanted Princess departures from Southampton had sold out. Williamson said Enchanted’s sister


ship Sky Princess, which launched in 2019, would “definitely” be based in the UK next year as scheduled. The line will also operate the


3,560-passenger Regal Princess on round-Britain cruises next year, replacing the smaller 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess. “That means that we’ve already


got increased capacity in UK waters for next year,” added Williamson. “We’re also having conversations


looking at how we might use the ships that are in UK waters even more. “Watch this space. I think we may


have yet more opportunities arising.” She also vowed to further increase


demand for the line’s sailings. Williamson said the cost-of-living


crisis had not impacted booking levels and highlighted how Princess’s fares offer different price points. The line offers three fares –


Princess Standard, Princess Plus and Princess Premier. Each one incrementally offers different onboard benefits, including gratuities, Wi-Fi and drinks packages.


Trailfinders unveils 42nd store


with Tunbridge Wells opening Trailfinders has opened its 42nd store, in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, with an “experienced start-up team” of five staff to be joined by three new starters this month. The tailor-made specialist said the shop is part of a “longer-term approach to expand” the number of outlets, as it confirmed plans to open a store in Southampton later this year.


6 8 SEPTEMBER 2022 “The great thing with Princess


Cruises is you’ve got fare options,” she said. “I think that helps our guests.” Referring to recent booking


trends, Williamson said new-to-cruise customers were “really picking up” and were going to “farther afield” destinations, while repeat cruise passengers were now sailing more “locally” in the British Isles. Incoming sales director Nick


Hughes, who will join from trade-only operator Gold Medal next month, would help drive “strong” agent relationships for the line, Williamson added. She described Hughes as “a real talent” who would be “brilliant for Princess and Carnival Corporation”.


Riley succeeds Liney as Great Rail Journeys chief executive


Dave Riley (pictured) has been promoted to chief executive of Great Rail Journeys, taking over from Peter Liney, who is stepping down after nine years. Riley, the escorted tour and river cruise specialist’s former finance chief, has been charged with driving global growth.


Eithne Williamson


Solmar Villas recruits directors to steer growth


Solmar Villas plans to take on five new directors as it targets significant expansion over the next three years. The family-run operator aims


to become the ‘go-to’ specialist for private villas with pools in Europe. It has already recruited a


commercial director and purchasing and product director, and is now seeking a sales and marketing director, operations director and finance director to “drive the business forward quicker than in the past”. The company, which is keen to


work with more travel agents, turns over just under £15 million a year and has 56 staff in the UK and 20 overseas. It is targeting £40 million turnover next year and £100 million by the end of 2025. It offers 1,500 villas and expects


to have 2,500 next year. Around 10% of sales come through agents. Accommodation-only is sold via agents direct or with flights through operators Jet2holidays and Jetset. Solmar will reintroduce flight packages at a later date. Chief executive Julie Blake said


more staff would be recruited for its sales, marketing and overseas teams once directors have been appointed. “The plan is for growth,” she added. “We hope to have the new directors in place for January and then we can look at recruitment below that level.”


Saint Lucia and South Korea


ease Covid entry requirements Saint Lucia and South Korea have relaxed their Covid entry rules. Saint Lucia has removed all testing and vaccination entry requirements, but still requires visitors to complete a health screening form prior to arrival. Arrivals in South Korea are no longer required to provide a negative pre- departure Covid test certificate, meaning travellers can enter by submitting a health questionnaire.


travelweekly.co.uk


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