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Roman Kemp makes surprise visit to goat lees primary schoolRoman Kemp makes surprise visit to goat lees primary school
Broadcaster Roman Kemp made a surprise appearance at Goat Lees Primary School in Ashford, Kent, to announce the winner of The Ultimate School Trip with Disney Cruise Line. Joined by excited students, staff, and members of the school community, Roman revealed that teacher Miss Emma Chapman had secured the coveted prize. The heart-warming initiative, which captured the imagination of schools across the UK, provided teachers with the chance to win the opportunity of a lifetime: to embark on The Ultimate School Trip with Disney Cruise Line, alongside their winning class and accompanying legal guardians and other family and/or friends, aboard the majestic Disney Dream. Miss Chapman and her class will now get to embark on an unforgettable four-night UK Disney Cruise Line experience this summer, where they will create cherished memories within the enchanting realm of Disney. Talking at the Goat Lees Primary School during his surprise visit, Roman Kemp said he was delighted at being part of such a momentous occasion. "Their passion for learning and sense of wonder embody the spirit of The Ultimate School Trip with Disney Cruise Line. It’s been amazing to be part of this campaign and to thank Miss Chapman for all the hard work she does throughout the year with inspiring creativity and enthusiasm,” said Roman. Miss Chapman, who is a huge self-proclaimed Disney fan, entered on behalf of her class after hearing about the competition from a parent of a pupil. She was praised by judges at Disney for her fun and creative entry video. On hearing she had won the competition from Roman Kemp at the surprise announcement, Miss Chapman said: "I am really thrilled for my class to have won the Ultimate School Trip with Disney Cruise Line. I’m so excited for them to be able to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience and I can’t wait to set sail. It’s such a lovey surprise and it’s going to be so much fun." Joining in the excitement, Will, aged 9, a student in Miss Chapman’s winning class, expressed his excitement. "I am still in shock; I can’t believe we have won. This is going to be one trip to remember. There is so much to look forward to, I’m going to love it all!” Lillie, aged 9, another delighted student, shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming adventure. “This is going to be brilliant. I am a massive Stitch fan, so I can’t wait to have a science lesson with Stitch, that is going to be so much fun. It’s great that all my friends will be there too, and we get to do this trip together.” The Ultimate School Trip with Disney Cruise Line promises an unforgettable experience for Miss Chapman, her class, and their guests when they set sail on the Disney Dream for a four-night UK sailing in August. The trip will offer them the chance to experience all the Disney Cruise Line enchantment and wonder onboard, as well as the opportunity to learn from Disney professionals in a series of unique Disney lessons specially curated for the winners. While on this magical holiday, the Disney crew members will provide valuable insights and experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting with behind-the-scenes glimpses into the magic storytelling of Disney to imaginative spaces and interactive learning activities onboard the Disney Dream. The crew will be hosting Disney-themed entertainment from drama lessons with a behind-the-scenes look at the West-End quality production of Beauty & The Beast, to science lessons with Stitch, PE lessons with Goofy on Goofy’s Sports Deck and meeting with the crew members on board to find out about the magic of Disney careers. For more information and to stay updated about Disney Cruise Line, please visitwww.disneycruiseline.co.uk. 27 May, 2024 -
Oceania Cruises To Bring Newest Ship Allura To Service Early
Oceania Cruises To Bring Newest Ship Allura To Service Early
Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, today announced its newest ship Allura will enter service one week earlier than scheduled. Due to join the fleet in summer 2025, her inaugural sailing will now depart Trieste, Italy, on July 18, 2025, cruising six days to Athens, Greece, calling at gems in the Eastern Mediterranean including Rijeka, Croatia; Ravenna, Italy; Dubrovnik, Croatia; and Kotor, Montenegro. The line is also opening for sale a one-of-a-kind four day voyage sailing roundtrip from New York City in September 2025. For guests booked on the original inaugural voyage departing July 24, 2025, Oceania Cruises has offered first access to booking the new maiden sailing before it went on public sale. Following her summer season in the Mediterranean, Allura will sail to Canada and New England for a series of immersive voyages in North America before her premiere winter season in the Caribbean, homeporting in Miami. For new-to-brand travellers who are curious to sample an ultra-premium vacation experience, the line has introduced a four-day “Taste of Oceania Cruises” roundtrip sailing from New York September 30-October 4, 2025. “Thanks to the progress made by our valued partners at Fincantieri, we are thrilled to bring Allura into service a week earlier than planned,” said Frank A. Del Rio, President, Oceania Cruises. “I’m excited to be able to present Allura on a one-time taster voyage to showcase the ship to aspirational travellers who are looking to sample an ultra-premium cruise experience, and even better, sailing from downtown Manhattan, the heart of New York City.” Oceania Cruises’ newly appointed Executive Culinary Directors, Chefs Alexis Quaretti and Eric Barale, are working with the line’s talented team to take a fresh look at menus across all venues on board Allura, with a special focus on designing an array of delectable treats for the new Crêperie – a first for the brand. “Oceania Cruises is a cruise line founded by foodies, for foodies, and food is at the heart of everything we do,” said Chef Alex. “The team and I are busy testing and tasting a wonderful array of waffles and crêpes, which will be enjoyed by our guests next year aboard Allura. Our guests will be able to customize their waffles and crêpes, which will all be made to order, to be perfectly personalized. “We have lots of exciting culinary developments underway for Allura, including more than 300 new recipes in active development for The Grand Dining Room, across all three meal services. I am excited to reveal more in the coming months.” Allura is the eighth vessel for Oceania Cruises and is the line’s second 1,200-guest Allura Class ship. She follows her sister ship, Vista, which launched to great global acclaim in May 2023. Allura highlights include: A new onboard Crêperie, serving freshly made-to-order crêpes and waffles, as well as sundaes in the afternoon. A luxurious new library, featuring walls of floor-to-ceiling glass, oversized chairs and plush residential furnishings, continues the tradition of Oceania Cruises’ beloved libraries and is just steps away from LYNC Digital Center, the ship’s digital and social hub, as well as ever-popular Horizons. One chef for every 10 guests, ensuring 50% of crew members are dedicated to culinary experiences. Five specialty dining venues, including the line’s newest signature restaurants, Ember and Aquamar Kitchen, at no extra cost. 1,200 guests served by 800 crew members = two crew members for every three guests. The most spacious standard staterooms at sea, at an astounding 291 square feet. Hundreds of immersive shore excursions and tours to choose from on each sailing. Onboard enrichment, including art classes at Oceania Cruises’ much-loved Artist Loft, numerous guest speakers and sommelier demonstrations during exclusive Sommelier’s Choice and Cellar Master’s Classic Wine Pairing Luncheons. An expansive Culinary Center and accompanying Chef’s Studio, where epicurean secrets will be shared by the talented onboard Chef Instructors. For additional information on Oceania Cruises’ small-ship luxury product, exquisitely crafted cuisine, and expertly curated travel experiences, visitOceaniaCruises.com, or speak with a professional travel advisor. 27 May, 2024 -
PO Cruises confirms airline partners for winter 2024 25 Caribbean season
PO Cruises confirms airline partners for winter 2024 25 Caribbean season
P&O Cruises has confirmed its airline partners for the winter 2024/25 season of fly/cruises to the Caribbean will be TUI Airways, Norse Atlantic Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Between November’24 and March ’25 Norse Atlantic will operate a weekly Friday flight from Manchester to Barbados. It will operate Saturday flights from London Gatwick and Manchester to Antigua/Barbados (alternating weeks.) TUI Airways will operate Friday and Saturday flights to Barbados from London Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester. TUI Airways will also offer regional flights from Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Bristol, Bournemouth, Glasgow and Newcastle on selected departure dates. Both TUI Airways and Norse Atlantic have modern Boeing 787 Dreamliners with economy and premium economy cabins. Virgin Atlantic will operate an Airbus A350 whole plane charter in a three class configuration from London Heathrow every 14 days for Arvia’s guests joining in Barbados on a Friday. P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “We recognise that flights are a key part of the holiday experience and so I am delighted that we are continuing our longstanding partnership with TUI Airways and that we are introducing a bespoke in-flight proposition with Norse Atlantic as well as fortnightly flights with Virgin Atlantic. This will ensure our guests have a consistent in-flight experience aligned across all three airlines matching the high quality standard they would expect from P&O Cruises. “The Caribbean is, and always has been, a dream destination and our newly refitted flagship Britannia and newest Excel Class ship Arvia will once again be based in Barbados offering itineraries to spectacularly beautiful islands in the region.” All guests flying on any of the three airlines will be offered the following: A choice of economy or premium economy with Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic only. Upgrades (subject to a supplement) to be requested at time of booking. Luggage allowance of 23kg in economy, 28kg in premium economy or 2x23kg in Virgin Atlantic Upper class in addition to 10kg of hand baggage and a small carry on bag In-flight entertainment across all cabin classes. Amenity kits in premium economy and Upper Class In-flight complimentary drinks service pre-meal and with the main meal and complimentary bottle of water. Additional complimentary drinks service according to cabin class. Main meal across all cabins as well as a lighter second meal according to time of day – developed in association with P&O Cruises Luggage valet service - all luggage checked in at the airport for our charter flights will be delivered directly to the cabin door on the ship in the Caribbean with guests taken directly from the flight to the ship with no need to go through immigration at the airport. On the return journey luggage is collected from the cabin door on the ship and collected upon arrival at the UK airport. For more information, travel agents should visitShine Rewards Club. 27 May, 2024 -
Legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli to take centre stage
Legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli to take centre stage
The Liverpool Waterfront will be the setting for an unforgettable celebration on 3rd June, as iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli joins a stellar line-up of performers to celebrate Queen Anne’s maiden call to its spiritual home. Bocelli will be joined by an impressive line-up of Liverpool’s finest talent, including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and performers from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, for a special naming ceremony hosted by musician Matt Willis and his wife, TV presenter Emma Willis. The celebrity hosts will be joined on stage by special guests and the official Godparent for the naming of Queen Anne, a moment that is signified by the traditional smashing of a bottle of Champagne against the 249th ship to carry the Cunard name. The event will draw to a close with a performance from operatic superstar Andrea Bocelli. The celebrations will then continue with additional performances from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, and DJ Lauren Lo Sung. The festivities will then shift to a lively funk and soul set by Craig Charles, ensuring the celebration continues until the grand finale, when Queen Anne departs with a backdrop of dazzling fireworks. Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said, “Liverpool is known the world over as Cunard’s spiritual home, and we are thrilled to announce Maestro Bocelli as part of our incredible line-up of talented artists and performers for this special event. This celebration is a tribute to our rich history and a testament to the enduring bond between Cunard and the city of Liverpool. We look forward to honouring this legacy with a celebration of unforgettable performances that reflect the spirit and vibrancy of both our company and this magnificent city.” Bocelli comments, “It’s an honour to be performing in Liverpool, for the Official Naming Ceremony of Queen Anne. This event promises to be a beautiful celebration of artistry and craftsmanship, which perfectly captures spirit and elegance of Cunard’s new ship. To be taking part in such a historic occasion, in a city rich in cultural heritage, truly brings me great joy.” The celebrations are expected to draw thousands of attendees, marking another significant moment in the history of Cunard ships. In previous years, Cunard ships have drawn over a million spectators to the Mersey's banks, notably for the QE2's maiden call in July 1990 and the 2015 Three Queens ‘royal rendezvous' celebrating Cunard's 175th anniversary. This is an event that will be remembered for years to come, adding to the rich tapestry of Liverpool's history. 27 May, 2024 -
Empowered by learning 21 Irish travel agents attend Seminar at Sea
Empowered by learning 21 Irish travel agents attend Seminar at Sea
Earlier this month, Royal Caribbean International hosted travel agent partners on board Oasis of the Seas for its second annual Seminar at Sea. The exclusive experience, which ran from May 05-09, saw 360 travel agents, including 21 from Ireland, attend four days of immersive training programmes – specifically catered for those who are new-to-cruise and new-to-brand – to gain firsthand experience of what their customers can expect on a Royal Caribbean holiday. Departing from Barcelona and ending in Rome, the seminar began with customised training sessions available in six different languages including French, German, Italian, Spanish, Norwegian and English. These sessions were interactive and consisted of activities ranging from roleplaying to quizzes, all of which were intended to give agents the tools and resources needed to craft the ultimate family holiday to suit their customers. The travel agents of course had the opportunity to experience the signature thrills and chills on board Oasis of the Seas, which made its first European debut since undergoing a $165 million roster of amplified experiences. This included hosted ship tours, cocktail parties, a Q&A with the captain and hotel director, as well as spectacular on board entertainment across the ship’s four signature stages – air, ice, water and theatre. Supporting travel agents is essential to the success of Royal Caribbean. 27 May, 2024 -
A-ROSA creates dedicated Entertainment Department
A-ROSA creates dedicated Entertainment Department
A-ROSA River Cruises has created its own dedicated entertainment department at its headquarters in Rostock, Germany. The four strong team will be responsible for the continuous development of all onboard entertainment, a key strategic priority for the river cruise line moving forward. The new department will manage the entertainment programmes both during the day and in the evenings, themed cruises and children’s offering. Lucia Rowe, managing director of A-ROSA River Cruises UK & Ireland comments: “For us, entertainment is not just a point in the daily programme, it is a philosophy that runs through the entire journey. We are the first river cruise line to create our own entertainment department, rather than using a third party. This allows us to control the quality of the on-board entertainment ourselves, pick up on new trends and continue with successful concepts. Our ships are built with entertainment in mind and many of them have real stages for artists to perform on, DJ booths and special lighting options – something that you don’t always find on river ships.” Expanding the guest artists offering is a key focus for the line going forward and to create this network, Fadi Gaziri has been hired as A-ROSA’s entertainment manager. A Brit living in Hamburg, Fadi has built up numerous contracts with artists through his work at AIDA and TUI Cruises and through his work as an audio branding expert. Fadi’s extensive experience and network in the industry means he can attract high quality artists on board, many of whom have never been experienced on a river cruise before. Alongside pop, jazz, folk and rock singers the artist portfolio will now showcase musical theatre names including international performers from shows such as Phantom of the Opera, Cats and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. There are also musicians who come on board including trumpeter Francoise Berody, violinist Tamas Seres and ‘Grandcelli Duo’ a pair of cellists alongside new tribute artists covering Elvis, Elton John and Billy Joel. In addition, as part of its commitment to encouraging the up-and-coming generations, A-ROSA continues to support young artists and invites budding singer-songwriters onboard to perform their songs in an intimate atmosphere of the A-ROSA Lounge. The new entertainment department will also be responsible for more than just music performances onboard. Guests can enjoy cabaret, magicians, cartoonists and even a sand painting show from a range of artists, some already popular favourites with A-ROSA guests and others new to the programme. The expansive programme of themed cruises also falls under this department, with everything from meditation and mindfulness to photography, dance and nutrition and yoga. 27 May, 2024 -
Azamara Cruises announces new UK Call Centre Strengthening Support for Travel Partners and Guests
Azamara Cruises announces new UK Call Centre Strengthening Support for Travel Partners and Guests
Azamara Cruises– the small-ship cruise line renowned for Destination Immersion®- is pleased to unveil a new UK call centre that will offer in-market support for guests and travel agents based in the UK starting this June. Demonstrating Azamara’s commitment to the UK market, the new call centre will provide localised support to help increase both the productivity and efficiency of inbound calls, resulting in greater agent and guest satisfaction. David Duff, Managing Director UK at Azamara Cruises comments: “This is another really exciting step for the company. As a UK Sales team, we are now reaching more agents than ever before, so it was vital that we introduced a service that would offer greater support to our growing network of travel partners. Having a team of call handlers that understand the nuances and needs of the UK market will be fundamental in the continued growth for Azamara”. The call centre will be live for external callers from 3rd June and then operating at full capacity by 1st July. The dedicated UK call centre team, including fifteen customer facing agents, five internal agents, one team leader and one manager, will handle calls from 8am – 6pm Monday through to Friday, with agents in North America assisting in the evening from 6pm – 8pm, and then 10am – 6.30pm on Saturdays. Dondra Ritzenthaler, who joined Azamara Cruises as the new Chief Executive Officer this month adds: “The UK has long been a leading market for Azamara, but it’s growth in recent years under David’s leadership has been extremely impressive. The demand for a UK call centre is a testament to their hard work – as the market continues to grow. As I step into my new role, I remain committed to investing in our key international markets to ensure we’re constantly developing and improving our services and support.” The new UK call centre is the most recent in a series of initiatives announced by Azamara Cruises to support agents, including virtual and face-to-face training sessions, an annual ship visit programme, the launch of a new loyalty platform that rewards travel partners who book with Azamara, and regular incentives, from competitions to uplifts. For more information about Azamara Cruises please visitwww.azamara.com. 27 May, 2024 -
Carnival Cruise Line unveils family-friendly portal at new private island
Carnival Cruise Line unveils family-friendly portal at new private island
Carnival Cruise Line has revealed details for its family-friendly ‘portal’ at its new Celebration Key private island. The island is in Grand Bahama in the Caribbean and will open in July 2025. Starfish Lagoon will feature a variety of activities for all ages. The Flash Flamingo and Mach III Marlin water slides, each over 350 feet long, will take guests through the 10-storey high Suncastle, while the Guppy Grotto has been designed for small children and will offer a coral reef themed play area, two-foot-deep wading pool and other interactive elements. Additional activities will include the Game Pavilion, home to several table games, a Sports Court offering volleyball, basketball and pickleball, and floating AquaBanas, described as sturdy floating cabanas suitable for families. A stretch of beach will feature kayak and paddleboard rentals and space for games, as well as sun loungers and beachside cabanas. A variety of dining venues and an adult swim-up bar will also be available. Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said: “At Carnival, we carry more children than any other cruise line, so we’ve designed Starfish Lagoon specifically for family fun. Toddlers, teens and adults alike will find their own piece of paradise, whether it be racing down one of the waterslides, playing a round of pickleball or relaxing on our floating AquaBanas." Starfish Lagoon joins the Paradise Plaza welcome area, Calypso Lagoon adult-friendly area and Lokono Cove shopping village, as four of five planned ‘portals’. The line will share details about the adults-only private retreat shortly. Celebration Key will be on more than 500 itineraries, via 18 Carnival ships sailing from nine US homeports. Up to two Carnival ships will dock at an adjacent cruise pier that allows guests direct access to the island. For more information go toGoCCL.co.uk. 27 May, 2024 -
Ireland cruise passenger numbers continue to rise
Ireland cruise passenger numbers continue to rise
CLIA has revealed that holidaymakers from Ireland took almost 60,000 cruise holidays last year, surpassing the highest previous annual number. In data published today, CLIA announced that: A total of 57,973 people from Ireland set sail on a cruise in 2023. The highest previous total was 48,276 in 2019 41,589 holidaymakers took a cruise in 2022, meaning there was a near 40% increase year-on-year Last month, CLIA announced that combined figures for both Ireland and the UK show: The Mediterranean remains the number one destination for cruise travellers. Of the top three destinations in 2023, 35% of passengers travelled to the Mediterranean, 29% to Northern Europe and 12% to the Caribbean. Exploration destinations have seen a 53% increase in passenger numbers year-on-year. The average age of cruisers is decreasing: at 55.1 years old in 2023 it is down from 56.1 in 2022. The average cruise length increased to 10.1 days, up from 9.8 the previous year. 28% of cruisers are part of a wider multigenerational party, comprising three or more age groups 65% of passengers enjoyed a pre-cruise stay in their departure destination, while 52% stayed on after their sailing. In terms of sentiment, perception and intent, a corresponding survey of 4500 international holidaymakers revealed: 82% of cruise passengers say they intend to take a holiday at sea again, a 3% increase from 2019. 71% of those who have never cruised before would consider doing so. Meanwhile, over 300 ships are set to sail this year, the first time the global CLIA member fleet has surpassed this number. Overall capacity will increase by 3.6% as a result. Andy Harmer, CLIA UK & Ireland managing director, said: “Cruise holidays have never been more popular in Ireland and our latest figures reflect this increasing demand. A sea escape has clearly captured the imagination of a wide range of travellers and we’re anticipating that upward trend to continue.” 22 May, 2024 -
MS Porto Mirante christened ahead of Riviera Travel debut
MS Porto Mirante christened ahead of Riviera Travel debut
MS Porto Mirante, the latest addition to the Riviera Travel fleet, has today been christened in Dusseldorf.Representatives from Riviera were among those present at the ceremony, along with primary shipping partner Scylla. The 118-guest MS Porto Mirante will depart for its maiden cruise on July 11, 2024. It features 59 cabins, a sun deck with splash pool, atrium bar and lounge area with floor-to-ceiling windows, and an on-board fitness centre. The ship will sail a seven-night ‘Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca’ itinerary, which includes a guided tour of Porto’s Old Town, visits to the Mateus Palace gardens, Castelo Rodrigo and Lamego, with a choice of a tour to Guimarães or a port wine cellar visit in Porto. Also included is a tour to Salamanca with lunch and flamenco show, a wine-tasting with dinner, as well as a rustic lunch and tasting at a Quinta specialising in Moscatel vines. Ten departures are available from July to October. Prices start from £2199pp. MS Porto Mirante is the sister ship to the forthcoming Riviera Rose, one of two new vessels launching in 2025. The 114-guest Riviera Rose and 178-guest Riviera Radiance will feature several firsts, including bearing the Riviera name on their bows. Riviera Rose will offer 57 cabins across three decks, including four Balcony Suites with outside seating. On Riviera Radiance, the 32sqm Grand Suites will be the largest ever offered by the operator. Will Sarson, head of product cruise and long haul at Riviera, said: “Cruising on the Douro is growing in popularity, as people seek out holidays that provide a mix of beautiful scenery with cultural and immersive ports of call. It is fitting that guests will be able to enjoy all it has to offer on a brand-new ship, providing the very best in contemporary river cruising.” For more information, visitrivieratravel.co.ukor call 01283 523431. 17 May, 2024