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Peter Deer steps down as Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Chief Financial OfficerPeter Deer steps down as Fred Olsen Cruise Lines Chief Financial Officer
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has today announced that Peter Deer has stepped down from his role as Chief Financial Officer. Peter joined the business in 2004 and has worked in various roles across the business in that time. Most notably, he led the company through the Covid-19 pandemic and played an important role in securing the purchase of the newest ships in the fleet, Bolette and Borealis. Peter will spend the summer enjoying some quality time with his family before seeking new opportunities. Samantha Stimpson, CEO at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “I am grateful to Pete for his significant contribution to the business over his 20-year tenure, and specifically the guidance he has offered since I joined the business in February. I wish him a relaxing summer and prosperous future career, as my team and I continue to grow and modernise Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.” Samantha’s appointment at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines follows 20 years of growth and transformation experience in the travel industry. 01 August, 2024 -
Oceania Cruises Launches New Trade Training Videos For Travel Trade Partners
Oceania Cruises Launches New Trade Training Videos For Travel Trade Partners
Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, has produced a selection of new training videos to further educate UK travel trade partners. The five, 15-minute videos are now live and can be accessed via the link here, and cover: Brand Introduction: brand pillars, fleet overview and the line’s generous simply MORE value offer The Finest Cuisine at Sea: Onboard restaurants, The Culinary Center, and its signature chef-led Culinary Discovery Tours Curated Travel Experiences: Overview of destinations visited by Oceania Cruises and its small group immersive shore excursions Small Ship Luxury: Different stateroom types and inclusions Life On Board: Enrichment opportunities, guest speakers, Aquamar Spa, sports and evening entertainment Each informative video is hosted by Oceania Cruises’ sales team, and includes supporting downloadable assets, designed to educate and increase brand awareness amongst the trade community. All videos are hosted on a virtual event platform (ON24) and can be watched on demand at a time and place that suits each travel partner. “We are delighted to announce this new training platform for our valued trade partners” commented Jason Worth, Vice President of International Sales, “We hope that these new videos will help us reach many new travel partners and educate them on all things Oceania Cruises.” Furthermore, any travel agent that watches all five videos by 31 December 2024 will be entered into a draw to win a seven-day Mediterranean cruise departing in 2025. 01 August, 2024 -
MSC Cruises partners with UK TV royalty to dazzle guests on board MSC Virtuosa
MSC Cruises partners with UK TV royalty to dazzle guests on board MSC Virtuosa
MSC Cruises has today announced it is partnering with TV royalty Darren Day and Shaun Wallace to provide guests holidaying on board MSC Virtuosa unrivalled entertainment. Darren will perform well-loved songs from his iconic roles in West End musicals, such as Greece and Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, in Le Grand Theatre during four sailings on board MSC Virtuosa this summer. Guests will also have the chance to attend an intimate Q&A and have their photo taken with the star: Sailings featuring Darren Day 27th July, 14 nights, Southampton to the Iberian Coast and the Mediterranean 10th August, 12 nights, Southampton to the Iberian Coast, Mediterranean and Canary Islands 7th September, 14 nights, Southampton to the Iberian Coast, Canary Islands and Madeira 28th September, 14 nights, Southampton to the Iberian Coast and Mediterranean Guests sailing on board MSC Virtuosa from 10th August also have the added benefit of enjoying a speaker slot and Q&A with top quiz star Shaun Wallace. Guests will also be offered the chance to take a photo with the celeb. Antonio Paradiso, Vice President of International Sales at MSC Cruises commented: "We are always looking for the best entertainment options for our guests and I am so excited to host these two leading stars on board the UK’s favourite cruise ship, MSC Virtuosa. Both Darren Day and Shaun Wallace are personal favourites of mine and I know they will provide guests with an amazing entertainment experience.” 01 August, 2024 -
Holland America Line launches 2026 Europe season
Holland America Line launches 2026 Europe season
Holland America Line has launched its 2026 Europe season. Four ships will take guests to 35 countries across the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and transatlantic, on voyages ranging from seven to 42 days, visiting more than 175 UNESCO world heritage sites. The 2666-guest Nieuw Statendam and 2668-guest Rotterdam will be positioned in Northern Europe. The two Pinnacle-Class ships will homeport in Rotterdam, with Nieuw Statendam also returning to Dover for an ex-UK season. Ten roundtrip UK sailings will depart Dover between April and October, taking in the Canary Islands, British Isles, Arctic Circle, North Cape, Norwegian Fjords, Baltics and Scandinavia. Pricing starts from £1,949pp for a 14-day Canary Islands sailing. The 2026 European offering includes an increased number of seven-day cruises to Norway’s fjords as well as seven-day sailings between Reykjavik, Iceland, and Rotterdam. A series of 14-day ‘Baltic and Scandinavian Capitals’ cruises are also available many of which feature overnights or late-night calls in Oslo, as well as ports in Poland, Latvia, Lithuania and Denmark. Additionally, the Northern Europe season will introduce four new ports - Aberdeen; Kalundborg, Denmark; and Odda, Norway, aboard Rotterdam, and Portsmouth aboard Nieuw Statendam. The 1964-guest Oosterdam will offer seven- to 14-day itineraries in the Mediterranean from five homeports: Lisbon, Piraeus (Athens), Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome) and Trieste (Venice). New for 2026 are seven-day sailings in the Mediterranean, including ‘Mediterranean Marvels: Ancient Egypt & Greek Isles’, ‘Iberian Idyll: Spain & Morocco’, and ‘Mediterranean Splendor: Corfu, Sicily & Spain’. These itineraries can be combined, offering a series of 28 Collectors’ Voyages spanning from 14 to 27 days, with up to 21 days with no repeat ports. As part of the recently announced Celestial Cruises, the 1964-guest Zuiderdam will sail roundtrip from Boston on a 17, 18 or 35-day ‘Voyage of the Vikings: Solar Eclipse’ itinerary. The sailing takes in up to 19 ports across eight countries, visiting UNESCO sites across Iceland, the Netherlands and more. 01 August, 2024 -
Embrace the Future: CLIA releases full Cruise360 Australasia program
Embrace the Future: CLIA releases full Cruise360 Australasia program
July 31, 2024 – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced the full line-up of speakers and panellists for this year’s sold-out Cruise360 Australasia conference, bringing together a wealth of international expertise and local insight to help prime travel agents for success. Under this year’s theme Embrace the Future, CLIA has created a program to inform, inspire, and equip agents so they can expand and grow their cruise business into the future. A total of 28 industry experts will take the stage in Sydney on August 30, including six international leaders flying in especially to share a global perspective. Highlights include: State of the Industry Leaders Panel: Forces Shaping the Global and Australasian Cruise Market – insights from the regional heads of key international cruise lines. Seizing the Potential: New-to-Cruise Trends and Insights – new data and insights into the untapped markets that will drive cruising’s future growth. Leveraging the Experiential Travel Trend - a conversation with Silversea Senior Vice President, Expeditions & Itinerary Management, Conrad Combrink. Beyond the Cruise: Harnessing the Potential of Immersive Pre- and Post-Cruise Experiences – how to increase the value of cruise bookings through creative pre/post opportunities. Unlocking the Luxury Market: Strategies for Upselling and Maximising Opportunities - a conversation with TAUCK Global Vice President of Sales and Service, Steve Spivak. #EmbraceTheFuture: Staying Competitive in the Rapidly Evolving Cruise Market – how emerging travel trends are changing the cruise industry, presenting new opportunities. AI: Your Invisible Powerhouse – how to use AI like a personal assistant, allowing agents to work smarter and free up time for creativity. CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said this year’s Cruise360 would reflect the cruise industry’s optimism. “The anticipation for this year’s Cruise360 has been fantastic and we are ready to welcome a record attendance of more than 800 travel agents and industry professionals,” Mr Katz said. “Our program is designed to convert that enthusiasm into practical knowledge that will help unlock the opportunities of a thriving cruise sector.” The full Cruise360 Australasia 2024 program is now online, including details of all panellists and speakers. 31 July, 2024 -
Windstar Cruises to Celebrate 40 Years of Small Ship Sailing
Windstar Cruises to Celebrate 40 Years of Small Ship Sailing
Windstar Cruiseswill commemorate its 40th anniversary season starting in October of 2024. To mark this milestone and kick off the celebration, guests are invited to join the festivities on boardStar Legend’sAegean Sea Odyssey Via the Corinth Canalcruise departing October 12 orWind Spirit’sTreasures of the Greek Islescruise departingOctober13.The two yachts (one Wind Class and one Star Class – the two styles of Windstar’s elegant small ships) will come together in Kusadasi on October 16 for a special celebration in Ephesus. Founded by ship entrepreneurs Karl G.Andrénand Jean-Claude Potier, Windstar Cruises began as Windstar Sail Cruises in October of 1984 with motor sailing ships. Now with six small ships, three Wind Class sailing ships and three Star Class motor yachts, the line is considered the leader in small ship cruising and is experiencing a period of unprecedented success and growth, including the addition of two new all-suite motor yachts in 2025 and 2026. “Windstar has had a remarkable 40 years in which the company has remained devoted to small-ship cruising with long-standing sailings in Tahiti, the Caribbean, and Europe,” said Windstar President Christopher Prelog, who has been at Windstar for nearly eight years but began his career nearly 30 years ago as a waiter on board what is now Windstar’sStar Legend.“Windstar has carved its own niche with upscale yachts that provide a welcoming ambiance and the luxury of space and freedom to explore scenic regions and smaller ports, but it’s truly our crew that have made our brand successful, standing the test of time with a friendly smile, remembering our past guests and greeting them by name – often with a big hug. These are the moments that have made our guests return again and again over our 40 years, and that’s what we want to focus on this anniversary – our relationships and our devoted team.” To recognize the outstanding crew, many who have served for decades, Windstar is encouraging guests to share their favorite crew stories (and tag #WayBackWindstar) on Windstar’s social channels beginning in October. The line’s ruby anniversary officially kicks off on October 16 when the 148-guestWind Spiritand the 312-guestStar Legendcome together for an event in the City of Ephesus for live music and a five-course dinner under the stars. This longtime, complimentary offering has been wildly popular with Windstar guests over the years, so it’s a fitting venue and moment to celebrate the anniversary. Windstar will celebrate its 40-year anniversary across the fleet from October 2024 through October 2025 with additional activations and memorable moments – with more details to come. 30 July, 2024 -
Riviera Travel Claire Hills takes on newly created trade role
Riviera Travel Claire Hills takes on newly created trade role
Riviera Travel has announced that Claire Hills has been promoted to the new role of national sales manager for retail and OTAs, effective September 1. Claire has been with the river cruise and escorted tour specialist since 2021, as a key account manager. As part of the changes, five key account managers will now report directly to Claire, who in turn will report to Vicky Billing, head of trade and partnerships. Amanda Docherty, national sales manager for homeworkers, will also continue to report to Vicky. Additionally, Riviera has announced that Darren Mussell has been promoted to trade support manager, with Maddison Glut now trade support executive. Vicky Billing said: “Claire has been instrumental in our trade delivery over the last few years and her 20 years’ experience in field-sales roles make her the perfect fit as we continue to drive trade sales. We have ambitious growth plans, so it’s important that we have the right structure in place and I’m confident that these changes will ensure we exceed our targets.” Claire Hills said: “I’m delighted to be taking on this role at what is a very exciting time for Riviera. Our travel agent partners are crucial to our success and I look forward to working with our key account managers to improve our already industry-leading trade support.” For more information, visit rivieratravel.co.ukor call 01283 523431. 29 July, 2024 -
Gary Barlow and PO Cruises search for the Talent of Tomorrow
Gary Barlow and PO Cruises search for the Talent of Tomorrow
P&O Cruises and its music director Gary Barlow are on the hunt to find the UK’s next musical sensation. The newly launched Talent of Tomorrow campaign aims to seek out an accomplished performer and encourage them to audition to be in with a chance to sing on board later this year. The competition, which will see the three finalists receive one-to-one mentoring by Gary Barlow himself, is open to all aspiring performers who can sing solo and play an instrument without a backing track. The winning musician will receive a seven-night cruise on Iona or Arvia with a guest, and will have the opportunity to explore amazing destinations by day and take to stage in The 710 Club by night to entertain audiences in a series of gigs. Gary Barlow, who has been passionate about nurturing new talent throughout his own successful career, has given some top tips for a successful audition: “Talent shines through anything so feel free to use a smartphone or whatever equipment you like, but just make sure your talent is visible. Don’t be afraid to create your own version of the song, a version that’s never been heard before and which showcases what you’re trying to get us to notice. This song has to suit your voice and be in a key that really shows us your range and what you can do as a vocalist, as well as a musician.” P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said, “Entertainment is at the heart of our cruise holidays and music has a way of bringing people together. We’ve worked with Gary for a number of years and we value his expertise when it comes to welcoming talented musicians on board our ships. We can’t wait to find the next Talent of Tomorrow who will perform with us later this year.” Entry mechanism Applicants must complete their registration and submit a two-minute audition of themselves singing and playing an instrument of choice on the Talent of Tomorrow competition page by August 11, 2024. Ten semi-finalists will be selected and invited to perform in front of a panel of independent judges in Southampton on August 31, 2024. Three finalists will be chosen on the day, and will be invited to a personal one-to-one mentoring session by Gary Barlow on September 7, 2024, on board P&O Cruises Iona, in Southampton. The three finalists will then perform, with the winner being decided by a public vote. Full terms of entry can be read on the Talent of Tomorrow competition page. 29 July, 2024 -
AE Expeditions introduces new polar passenger numbers
AE Expeditions introduces new polar passenger numbers
Ahead of commencing its 24-25 Antarctic season, AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions), a pioneer in responsible small ship expedition travel, has announced a new maximum passenger capacity for its voyages to the polar regions. Effective immediately, the company will now travel with no more than 130 passengers across its fleet of purpose-built small ships visiting Antarctica and the Arctic, including theGreg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle and the recently launched Douglas Mawson, sailing in December 2025. “With passenger landing limits in Antarctica and some areas of the Arctic, we wanted to reinforce our commitment to providing the small ship experiences our passengers know us for, with more time off ship and more immersive activities. This change solidifies our position as one of the most intimate small ship offerings in our class for the polar regions,” commented Aurora Expeditions’ CEO, Michael Heath. “We also recognise our responsibility to protect and preserve the remote places we travel to, and we are proud to be one of the few companies visiting Antarctica and the Arctic with under 150 passengers. We remain steadfast in our commitment to responsible travel and our vision to be the global leader in sustainable expedition travel.” AE Expeditions’ 24-25 season commences this October, running until early April 2025. AE Expeditions also recently released its Antarctica 25-26 season, featuring a variety of Antarctic voyages across three purpose-built ships, including new departures to East Antarctica and the Ross Sea from Hobart, Australia and Dunedin, New Zealand. 25 July, 2024 -
World experts in the spotlight at Cruise360 Australasia
World experts in the spotlight at Cruise360 Australasia
July 24, 2024 – Cruise industry leaders from around the world will take the stage at Cruise360 Australasia next month, offering essential insight to help travel professionals thrive in a rapidly evolving sector. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today announced six international speakers and panellists who will visit Sydney for this year’s sold-out Cruise360 on August 30, joining a record number of travel agents and cruise representatives from throughout Australasia. They include experts from across the cruise community, providing expertise in areas including emerging cruise trends, new-to-cruise clients, luxury cruising, expeditions, experiential travel and onshore experiences: Steve Spivak, Vice President, Global Sales, Tauck – A leader in global sales with a background across hotels, resorts and cruise, Steve heads worldwide sales effort across Tauck’s global markets. He will discuss how to unlock the luxury market, including strategies for upselling and maximising opportunities. Conrad Combrink, Senior Vice President, Expeditions, Destination & Itinerary Management, Silversea – An expedition leader who has travelled to the furthest corners of the globe, Conrad now designs extraordinary experiences for guests. He will explain how to capitalise on growing demand for experiential travel, focusing on destinations, culture and local sourcing. Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer, Celestyal Cruises – A seasoned travel executive with a wealth of experience spanning tour operations and airlines, Lee leads a global team of over 100 travel professionals across the full spectrum of commercial activities. He will join a panel discussion on how to unlock the potential of new-to-cruise clients, including how to overcome common misperceptions. Chantelle Lusebrink, Tourism Development Manager, Port of Seattle – With varied experience across the tourism, hospitality, and food and beverage industries, Chantelle is passionate about building community coalitions to advance economic vitality. She will join a panel discussion on how to harness the potential of immersive pre- and post-cruise experiences. David Tanguay, Global Head of Sales, Aurora Expeditions – With a background in hotels, resorts and expedition cruising, David has explored many of the world’s most remote regions and now leads Aurora’s worldwide sales operations. He will join a panel discussion on emerging cruise trends and how embracing these changes can unlock new growth potential. Adam Coulter, Executive Editor, Cruise Critic – As an experienced journalist and cruise writer, Adam is recognised as an expert in cruising and frequently provides his commentary to media including the BBC and international newspapers. He will present some of the latest research from Cruise Critic and its worldwide database, including insights into first-timer cruisers and the cruise-curious. Cruise360 Australasia will again include a State of the Industry panel of regional cruise line heads, discussing the forces shaping the future of cruising in Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. This year’s panel will include Peter Little (Senior Vice President and Country Manager, Carnival; CLIA Chairman in Australasia); Gavin Smith (Vice President & Managing Director Australia, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd); Ben Angell (Vice President & Managing Director, Norwegian Cruise Line APAC); and Deb Corbett (Chief Executive Officer Asia Pacific, PONANT). CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said Cruise360 Australasia would offer a rich line-up of international speakers and local panellists to help delegates build and grow their own cruise business. “Our aim this year is to not only give delegates a clear understanding of how cruising is evolving, but also equip them with practical advice that will allow them to reach new markets and lift their cruise sales,” Mr Katz said. “Our international speakers are all highly respected leaders with an enormous amount of experience, making this year’s Cruise360 a fantastic opportunity to learn and be inspired.” Cruise360 Australasia will be held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney on Friday 30 August. Full program details will be announced in coming weeks. Tickets are now sold out. 24 July, 2024