Oceania hails ‘amazing’ sales as Allura sets sail
Katie McGonagle Oceania Allura christening, Miami
Oceania Cruises hailed the UK’s ongoing “phenomenal” sales performance in the second half of 2025 as the line christened its latest ship Oceania Allura and revealed details of its forthcoming Sonata Class. The company has started working
with 400 more UK agents since the start of 2024 and will be rolling out its agent training platform for the UK trade in the first quarter of 2026. Paul Beale, UK and Ireland sales
vice-president for Oceania Cruises and sister line Regent Seven Seas Cruises, said: “The back half of this year has seen phenomenal overall sales.” Looking ahead, he said:
“The plan [now] is to have fewer discounts and to sell more on FIT [fully inclusive] pricing.” Hailing the line’s position going
into 2026, he added: “We’ve already got wave activity and Sonata activity mapped in with our trade partners.” Beale said a restructuring of
the UK sales team in October had allowed for more regular contact with both key accounts and those brought in via business development, and that the focus would now shift to capitalising on existing partnerships.
Oceania Allura is
christened by a group of award-winning
chefs; inset: Paul Beale
Althams targets more shops after acquiring Garstang
Althams Travel outlined plans to keep expanding on the high street after buying one-store agency Garstang Travel for an undisclosed sum. Managing director Sandra
McAllister said the miniple – now with 34 outlets – hoped to reach 40 shops in the next two to three years by acquiring agencies that “matched” Althams’ ethos or by opening shops in suitable locations. She described Garstang Travel
as “an absolute gem of a business”. Founder Nicole Eaves, who set
up the agency in 1984, will retire after overseeing its transition to Althams. The shop will continue to trade as Garstang Travel and its nine staff will remain in place. Eaves said: “After 42 incredible
Louise Craddock, director of sales for the UK and Ireland, said: “We have had a year of growth and signing up a lot of new agents. “We’ve always had great product
and great itineraries, but we’ve also worked very hard [with UK agents] over the past couple of years, with 30 ship visits last year and 14 this year, a massive Clia presence and now with little tweaks made [to simplify pricing].” The Oceania Insiders University
agent training platform is also being adapted for a UK trade
Nineteen travel firms probed by CMA for online pricing practices
Nineteen unnamed travel companies were among 100 businesses targeted by the Competition and Markets Authority this week as part of a clampdown on online pricing practices. Letters were sent putting firms “on notice” and “outlining concerns about the use of additional fees and online sales tactics” including drip pricing. Travel accounted for more warnings than any other sector.
8 20 NOVEMBER 2025 audience and will be rolled out
in the first quarter of 2026. Oceania Allura was christened in
Miami last week by a group from US magazine Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs initiative as part of the line’s focus on culinary creativity. The ceremony was attended by key
UK agents including Lisa McAuley, managing director of Cruise118 parent World Travel Holdings UK,
Cruise.co.uk managing director Tony Andrews, Panache Cruises founder James Cole and ROL chief commercial officer Sarah Wikevand.
New Era Travel ceases trading in wake of death of founder
Two-branch agency New Era Travel has ceased trading eight months after the death of its founder Alan Godfrey. The Hampshire agency had been kept on by Godfrey’s sons and widow and was one of Fred Olsen Travel’s licensee agencies. Bookings are being overseen by another Fred Olsen Travel branch.
years, it’s the right time to sell. I leave knowing the business is in great hands. I’m excited we’re now part of the Althams family. Their focus on people and passion for travel means my great team and wonderful clients will be in the very best hands.” McAllister said: “We’re thrilled
to welcome Garstang Travel and Nicole’s fantastic team into the Althams family. Their outstanding reputation for customer care, service and community spirit aligns perfectly with our own values.” Garstang Travel has won several
accolades, including a Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Award in 2024.
Premier rebooks clients after Blue Islands goes into liquidation
Premier Holidays said it was “working quickly” to rebook clients after Channel Islands airline Blue Islands abruptly halted operations on Friday and went into liquidation owing the Jersey government more than £9 million in loans and interest. Loganair announced it would open a base in Jersey to fill the gap left by the closure, while Guernsey airline Aurigny also added extra services.
travelweekly.co.uk
PICTURE: Oceania Cruises
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