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PO Cruises teams up with Annabel KarmelPO Cruises teams up with Annabel Karmel
P&O Cruises has partnered with bestselling children’s cookery author and nutrition expert, Annabel Karmel, MBE, to launch a new range of meals onboard its family-friendly ships that will appeal to children and parents alike. With over three decades of expertiseto bring to the table, Annabel has worked with P&O Cruises culinary team to cook-up delicious, nutritious recipes. The new dishes offer fun twists on classic favourites as well as tasty worldly dishes, including teriyaki salmon fillets, grilled steak and vegan spaghetti bolognese, so there is something to please every young traveller. “Children eat with their eyes, so every dish is packed with colour and flavour. My glazed chicken strips are a fun and healthy take on traditional nuggets. I’ve supercharged my spag bol with FIVE veggies. And we set sail across the globe with my famous fruity chicken curry. Even the pickiest of seafarers will love it!” comments Annabel Karmel. P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said, “Our family-friendly ships provide the most incredible experiences to bring the whole family together, and food is no exception. Annabel is a true icon in her field, and we can’t wait for our young guests to refuel on her delicious recipes, prepared by our experienced culinary team”. The new menu will be available on the family-friendly ships from this summer. 19 June, 2024 -
Princess Cruises to Celebrate 2024 UEFA European Football Championships
Princess Cruises to Celebrate 2024 UEFA European Football Championships
The 17th edition of the UEFA European Championships comes to life aboard Princess Cruises ships sailing in and around Europe from 14 June to 14 July with watch parties across four ships – Sun Princess, Sky Princess, Regal Princess and Caribbean Princess. The games will be screened on the 300-square foot, 69000-watt poolside giant TV screen with additional indoor venues available in the event of inclement weather. Special food and beverage offerings also will be provided during the games, ranging from themed pizza and curated cocktails to nacho plates and beer buckets. For younger football fans, Princess Cruises’ mascot - Stanley the Bear - will be making special appearances, whilst Princess youth staff will be offering football-themed face painting. UEFA-Euro themed entertainment will include poolside sport challenges with prizes to be won for football-based trivia questions and a specially curated pre-game playlist. “Football fans cruising with Princess won’t have to worry about missing a single moment of the UEFA European Championship excitement. We know how important these matches are to our guests, and we're thrilled to provide an exceptional viewing experience at sea, allowing them to enjoy the games with fellow fans while also savouring their cruise holiday" Eithne Williamson, vice president Princess Cruises UK & Europe said. During the UEFA Euro, in July Sky Princess will also be host to two high-profile football celebrities as part of Princess Cruises’ UK guest speakers programme. Peter Beardsley MBE, English football coach and former footballer who represented his country 59 times between 1986 and 1996, taking part in two FIFA World Cups and UEFA Euro 1988, will be onboard Sky Princess from July 9 - 13, during a 14-night Iceland and Norway voyage, sailing roundtrip from Southampton, departing on June 29, 2024. English football manager and former player, Terry Butcher, will be on Sky Princess during the UEFA Euro Final as he joins a 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise, departing Southampton on July 13, 2024. Butcher captained the England national team during his playing career as a defender, winning 77 caps in in a 10-year international career that featured three FIFA World Cups. 19 June, 2024 -
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines to show key sporting events across fleet this summer
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines to show key sporting events across fleet this summer
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has announced that it will broadcast all UEFA European Football Championship matches, Wimbledon and the Olympics aboard its fleet throughout the summer. On their three smaller ocean cruise ships –Bolette, Borealis, andBalmoral– matches and games will be shown in public areas as well as in guest cabins. Starting 14thJune, all UEFA European Football Championship matches will be aired, with a total of 51 matches being played among 24 teams over 30 days, culminating in the final in Berlin on 14thJuly. Wimbledon will be shown from 1st-14thJuly, and from 26thJuly to 11thAugust, the Olympic Games in Paris will be available for guests to enjoy. To enhance the sporting celebrations, an exciting new range of cocktails will be available, including the Strawberry Striker, Kick-off Collins, Matchday Mojito and Penalty Punch. Clare Ward, Director of Product and Customer Service at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We know that sporting events are important to many of our guests, and we wouldn’t want them to miss out on these three key events in the sporting calendar while on board a cruise. We’re thrilled to share that we will be showcasing such a wide range of significant events this summer across our fleet. Guests could be watching a thrilling match or an intense game, all while enjoying a perfectly themed cocktail alongside the excellent food, service, and entertainment that come with being on a Fred. Olsen cruise.” 19 June, 2024 -
Holland America Line invites name suggestions
Holland America Line invites name suggestions
Holland America Line is giving its guests and social media followers the opportunity to name an orphan rescue moose calf. The project is in partnership with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre (AWCC), which cares for injured and orphaned animals. From now through to June 23, suggestions can be submitted on a designated post on Holland America Line’s official Facebook and Instagram pages. A list of the top 10 names will be posted on social media, with people then able to vote for their favourite. The winning name will be announced in early July. Holland America Line is the only cruise line offering moose encounters this summer at the AWCC facility. Guests on an Alaska cruise that includes Anchorage or Whittier will have the opportunity to visit the centre on two shore excursions. These encounters allow guests to feed the moose while experts from AWCC share information about diet, behaviour and wild counterparts. Kacy Cole, chief marketing officer at Holland America Line, said: “Holland America Line has been exploring Alaska longer than any other cruise line and we are deeply committed to supporting AWCC in its conservation efforts to protect Alaska’s wildlife. Our guests take an Alaska cruise to see wildlife in the region and moose are part of ‘Alaska’s Big Five.’ We are excited to give our fans the opportunity to participate with the Alaska community in a fun and meaningful way.” Sarah Howard, executive director of Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre, said: “We are grateful to partners like Holland America Line that help AWCC continue the work we do to protect and preserve Alaska’s wildlife. Most orphan animals that come into our facility are given a name to help foster a bond not only with our staff, but with our visitors as well. We can’t wait to see what name is chosen by Holland America Line’s fans.” In 2024 and 2025, Holland America Line will offer Alaska cruises and Cruisetours on six ships. In addition to seven-day itineraries, guests can take longer 14-day voyages and a 28-day Arctic Circle that includes 12 Alaska ports. It is also the only operator that visits the Yukon on a Cruisetour that combines a cruise and visit to Denali National Park. Onboard ships, an expert Wildlife Spotting Guide helps guests view Alaska animals including whales, eagles, bears, moose, otters, seals and sea lions. The line also offers 180 tours on land to see a range of species, including the two shore excursions to AWCC. 19 June, 2024 -
MSC World America to become the ultimate family destination at sea
MSC World America to become the ultimate family destination at sea
MSC Cruises’ latest World Class ship, MSC World America, will redefine family cruising with unprecedented spaces and activities when she enters service in April 2025, including new programmes and facilities developed in partnership with the LEGO Group. The cruise line previously announced that its ultramodern new flagship will feature seven distinct districts, each bringing together a range of tailored experiences, with Family Aventura becoming the go-to destination for kids and families around the clock. As a family-owned company, MSC Cruises is known for its award-winning family offerings, delivering an unforgettable cruise experience for children of all ages and their families. MSC World America is set to take those offerings even further with its largest and most technologically advanced kids’ area yet, spanning more than 1,000 sqm across seven different rooms and catering to guests ages 0-17. Guests can expect a range of new concepts, taking family experiences on board to new heights. Head of Entertainment, Steve Leatham, says: “We set ourselves the goal to create the most exceptional kids and family offering at sea with MSC World America. Our aim is to give our smallest guests the freedom to express their creativity, play, socialise and explore with amazing spaces and programmes that have to be seen to be believed.” Senior Manager Youth Entertainment, Matteo Mancini, says: “We specifically listened to our young guests from North America to design our kids and family offering. We are bringing a variety of extraordinary facilities and new experiences never seen before!" 19 June, 2024 -
NCLs Walk for Wellness UK and Ireland initiative
NCLs Walk for Wellness UK and Ireland initiative
NCL’s ‘Walk for Wellness’ UK and Ireland initiative, which encouraged agents to ‘get out and get walking’ has ended on a high, completing nearly 100k miles. The campaign saw over 1.2K agents step up over the month of May and hit the 40,000 mile target just two weeks in, raising 15k for charity. Agent Barry Gemmell from Barrhead Travel Group, who completed a staggering 823 miles, said, “I would squeeze in walks wherever I could – before work, after work, on holiday, lunchtimes. It’s been a major incentive to keep active, for myself and for a great cause. I feel fitter now in my fifties then I was in my twenties – age is not a barrier to be the best version of yourself.” Gemmell continued, “I was doing so many miles that the NCL team had to check if the app was faulty - but no, I really WAS walking from 6am to midnight each day!” Cormac Meehan from Cormac Travel, Bundoran, Ireland, used Walk for Wellness’s initiative to shine a light of men’s mental health, holding ‘Walk and Talks’ with colleagues and friends. Meehan said, “We’ve had some great conversations over the past month during our walks. There’s such a strong link between fitness and talking to aid better health amongst men, this has become something we genuinely enjoy doing together. We will continue with a 5k plus walk and talk every Monday night, hail, rain or shine!” Carly Cockburn, from Blue Bay Travel said, “This initiative made me get out of the door every day and appreciate the fresh air. I’ve managed a 7k daily step average, which I am chuffed with. I’ve learnt that there really is nothing better than a good stroll to clear the cobwebs.” To spur the walkers on, NCL set challenges and has given away eightNorwegian Aqua cruises to date. Gary Anslow, VP and Head of UK and Ireland, NCL said “We want to thank everyone for their outstanding energy and enthusiasm this past month. We’ve raised money for two charities which directly benefit those in our travel industry, and we’ve all seen our fitness levels surge, as well as our competitive streaks come out! We’re delighted that as well as NCL staff and agents, partners, children and four-legged pals have joined in and hopefully this is something that will continue to be a part of everyone’s lifestyle going forward. Watch out Walk for Wellness 2025, we’re hoping to double this year’s result!” 19 June, 2024 -
Cunard announces appointment of David Jones as Vice President of Global Marketing UK EMEA Sales
Cunard announces appointment of David Jones as Vice President of Global Marketing UK EMEA Sales
Cunard is pleased to announce the appointment of David Jones as Vice President of Global Marketing & UK/EMEA Sales, effective June 10th. David has been with Cunard (Carnival UK) since 2017, leading B2C and B2B marketing, and brings a wealth of global marketing experience to the position. As VP of Global Marketing & UK/EMEA Sales, David will oversee key areas of Cunard’s marketing and sales strategies, driving growth and strengthening the brand's presence globally while delivering sales strategies across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “We are delighted to welcome David to our leadership team at such a crucial moment for our brand. His experience will be instrumental as we continue to build our global marketing presence.” 19 June, 2024 -
Cunard celebrates record bookings following Queen Anne launch
Cunard celebrates record bookings following Queen Anne launch
Cunard has announced record-breaking bookings following the highly anticipated launch of its new ship Queen Anne. The 3,000-guest vessel set sail on an historic maiden voyage on 3 May before returning to her homeport of Southampton on 24 May to begin her celebratory British Isles Festival voyage – which included a spectacular naming ceremony in Liverpool. And the luxury cruise brand can now report it booked more guests in May than any equivalent period on record, with Queen Anne Europe itineraries proving to be particularly popular with guests. Culture Liverpool estimates that more than 50,000 people attended Queen Anne’s naming ceremony, with thousands more lining the banks of the River Mersey to witness her arrival in the city. Cunard also generated over 21 million impressions across social media channels on the day of the event. Cunard President Katie McAlister said: “We’re delighted to see such strong booking momentum in response to the successful launch of Queen Anne. This record-breaking booking period is testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and we’re excited to have the opportunity to welcome so many new guests on board Queen Anne and the rest of our iconic fleet in the future.” 19 June, 2024 -
AE Expeditions Hosts Greg Mortimer Ship Visits in Scotland
AE Expeditions Hosts Greg Mortimer Ship Visits in Scotland
AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions), the Australian-owned adventure travel company known for immersive, responsible exploration, recently hosted two UK visits for industry partners to experience its purpose-built ship, Greg Mortimer. The ship called in at Aberdeen and Troon, where more than 35 industry partners including agents and media boarded for a tour of Greg Mortimer and a presentation on the product from AE Expeditions’ sales team, followed by drinks and canapés. Andrew Turner, EMEA Sales Director commented; "It was fantastic to bring our partners onboardGreg Mortimerto experiencethe ship while she was in Scotland. Expedition voyages are not just about what you see, buthowyou see it. Our small ship expeditions allow passengers to immerse themselves in spectacular destinations, thrilling activities, and experience the genuine passion and care our team has for the incredible and remote parts of the world that we travel to.” Greg Mortimer was in Scotland for AE Expeditions’ popularWild Scotlandvoyage, which explores destinations including the Hebrides, the Orkney and Shetland Islands. The ship will now continue its Arctic summer season, where limited availability remains on voyages. Greg Mortimer then sails to Antarctica in October to commence the 24-25 Antarctic season, followed by a Costa Rica and Panama Canal voyage in April, before returning to Scotland in May 2025. AE Expeditions has two purpose-built small ships, Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle,both designed for global discovery. The company willwelcome its third small expedition ship, Douglas Mawson, to its family of pioneering vessels in December 2025. 19 June, 2024 -
American Cruise Lines Announces 3 More Newbuilds Confirms 7 Ships on Order
American Cruise Lines Announces 3 More Newbuilds Confirms 7 Ships on Order
American Cruise Lines confirmed today that it has seven new ships onorder, all scheduled for delivery before the end of 2026. The new ships include sixProject Blueseriesships and a brand-newAmerican Riverboat. “The domestic cruise industry is the healthiest it has ever been. Demand for modern river products, newsmall ships, and unique exploration in the U.S.A. continues to grow,” said Charles B. Robertson,President & CEO of American Cruise Lines. “That demand is powered by destinations brimming withhistory and ships that provide the best onboard experience in the world.” Three of the seven new boats on order are yet to be named, and additional details about each boat willbe announced over the summer. The newAmerican Riverboatwill be similar to its award-winningsisterships and will feature several new design elements that will continue to raise the standard for theglobal river cruise community. The company plans to operate 21 small ships in 2025, and 24 ships in 2026, all exclusively sailing 100%U.S. itineraries along U.S. rivers and coasts. All seven new ships are being built by ChesapeakeShipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland. 19 June, 2024