http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/ en david.simpson@seaview.co.uk Copyright 2012 2012-05-19T17:18:47+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/psa-welcomes-post-costa-concordia-cruise-industry-operational-safety-review/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/psa-welcomes-post-costa-concordia-cruise-industry-operational-safety-review/#When:16:40:12Z The Passenger Shipping Association has welcomed the announcement by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) that in response to the Costa Concordia incident and as part of the industry’s continuous efforts to review and improve safety measures, they have launched a Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review.The PSA, European Cruise Council and CLIA are fully committed to working with the International Maritime Organisation, governments and regulatory bodies, including Parliament and the European Commission, to implement any necessary regulatory changes. The Operational Safety Review will include a comprehensive assessment of the critical human factors and operational aspects of maritime safety. As best practices are identified, they will be shared among CLIA members and any appropriate recommendations will be shared with the IMO.  Recommendations will be made on an ongoing basis. Key components of the Review An internal review by CLIA members of their own operational safety practices and procedures concerning issues of navigation, evacuation, emergency training, and related practices and procedures Consultation with independent external experts Identification and sharing of industry best practices and policies, as well as possible recommendations to the IMO for substantive regulatory changes to further improve the industry’s operational safety  Collaboration with the IMO, governments and regulatory bodies to implement any necessary regulatory changes In a statemrnt, the CLIA said: “While the cruise industry has an outstanding safety record, CLIA is fully committed to understanding the factors that contributed to the Concordia incident and is proactively responding to all maritime safety issues. “The Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review will enable the industry to do so in a meaningful and expedited manner.” Cruise News, PSA 2012-02-01T16:40:12+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/cruising-is-still-one-of-the-safest-holiday-choices-says-psa/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/cruising-is-still-one-of-the-safest-holiday-choices-says-psa/#When:09:12:05Z The Passenger Shipping Association has leapt to the defence of cruise safety as the truth continues to unfold about what caused the Costa Concordia disaster.“Accidents such as this one are an extremely rare occurrence in the cruise industry, and cruising continues to be one of safest means of travel among all types of vacationing,” the PSA said in a statement posted on its website. “We will continue to work closely with all interested parties, as the facts are fully developed in this matter, to learn from this tragic event and continue our efforts to further enhance the safety of cruise ships worldwide.” Naturally the PSA will be fighting its corner on behalf of all the major cruise lines it represents as questions about safety contine to grow, and the focus turns to the kind of impact such a disaster as Costa Concordia will have on the soaring popularity of cruising. Polls are already suggesting a major change of mind among those who were considering taking a cruise. But the Association of Cruise Experts said in a statement: “While it is too early to predict the precise impact on the industry, we have no reports of substantial effects on future bookings. “A cruise remains one of the safest holiday choices. Incidents such as Costa Concordia are extremely rare today as the overall safety record of cruise ships has continued to improve.”  The full PSA statement “The Passenger Shipping Association, Cruise Lines International Association and the European Cruise Council and other cruise industry associations around the world, continue to closely monitor the situation regarding the Costa Concordia. “First and foremost, we extend our deepest sympathies to the passengers and crew who were on board and especially to the families of passengers and crew who lost loved ones. “On behalf of the global cruise ship Industry, we would also like to pay tribute to all those who worked tirelessly to evacuate the ship to help minimise casualties. “We would also like to reassure other cruise ship passengers that all our member lines are subject to the highest safety standards around the world according to international maritime requirements. “We will continue to work closely with all interested parties, as the facts are fully developed in this matter, to learn from this tragic event and continue our efforts to further enhance the safety of cruise ships worldwide. “Accidents such as this one are an extremely rare occurrence in the cruise industry, and cruising continues to be one of safest means of travel among all types of vacationing.” Cruise News, Cruise Lines, PSA 2012-01-17T09:12:05+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/warm-yourself-up-this-festive-season-with-a-value-for-money-winter-cruise/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/warm-yourself-up-this-festive-season-with-a-value-for-money-winter-cruise/#When:09:06:51Z Escape the cold on a winter cruise, surprise family and friends with gifts from Europe’s best Christmas markets or cruise into the New Year with style.There is a wide variety of cruise holiday options over the festive season, offering great value for money, ensuring you have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Pre-Christmas Market Cruises A Christmas market cruise could be the best present ever – to both yourself and your loved ones. Join a pre-Christmas cruise and enjoy both Europe’s historical cities and festive sights and visit the colourful Christmas markets onshore where you can find some of the most unique gifts for family and friends. Join the Royal Crown with e Waterways on a four and five day ‘Historic Market Cruise’ in Germany with prices starting from £270pp, reduced from £415. This itinerary departs 12 December and prices are based on two people sharing. www.ewaterways.co.uk, 0808 168 1458 Cruise & Maritime Voyages has a choice of four short no-fly ‘Christmas Markets’ cruises to locations including Amsterdam, Hamburg and Antwerp, with prices starting from under £119pp. www.cruiseandmaritime.com, 0845 833 9798. AmaWaterways is offering passengers the opportunity to cruise Europe’s Christmas markets on the Danube visiting cities including Nuremburg, Salzburg, Vienna and Budapest with prices starting from £1,449pp, including seven nights onboard and two nights in the four star Art’Otel in Budapest. www.amawaterways.co.uk, (0) 808 223 5009. Golden Princess will be visiting the Hawaiian islands over Christmas Far-flung Christmas Cruises If the idea of Christmas in the UK fills you with dread, escape the cold and the crowds and the cooking and the cleaning, with a cruise that takes you away from it all. Whether you want to celebrate onboard, avoid Christmas altogether or experience different traditions abroad, there is a cruise for you. Noble Caledonia is offering an adventure cruise expedition to Tristan da Cunha, the world’s most remote island, where guests will celebrate Christmas ashore with the islanders who have a population of just 260 people. Prices start from £7,795 for a standard suite based on two people sharing with ships departing on 22 December. www.noble-caledonia.co.uk, 020 7752 0000. Explore the Secrets of the Rainforest with Hapag Lloyd Cruises. This 17-day cruise, departing 19 December, from La Guaira to Acapulco, takes in Central America whilst celebrating Christmas.  Christmas trees are flown in from Germany especially and passengers can also enjoy carol singing and Christmas dinner. Prices start from €10,751. www.hl-cruises.com. Benefit from a 10% discount and spend Christmas and New Year in Gambia and Senegal with Variety Cruises. The stunning location, combined with festive galas and midnight champagne on New Year onboard, is perfect for those seeking sunshine with the trimmings. Prices start from £1,995pp, departing 23 and 30 December. www.varietycruise.com . Save up to 36% with Voyages of Discovery on their 18-day ‘Treasures of the Orient and Vietnam’ cruise available from £1,799 per person or their 57-day ‘Grand Bangkok to Sydney’ voyage from £5,199pp. The price includes return flights from London, transfers and gratuities with both cruises departing 18 December. www.voyagesofdiscovery.co.uk, 0844 822 0820 Enjoy a dose of winter sun with Saga Cruises offering cruises to the Canary Islands and North Africa. Join Saga Pearl II on a 22 night cruise, departing 15 December from £3,164pp visiting Morocco and the volcanic shores of the Canaries. The Saga Ruby is departing 18 December, to the Canary Islands for £2,829pp. Highlights include a fireworks display to bring in the New Year off the coast of Madeira. www.saga.co.uk/cruises, 0800 50 50 30 Silversea is hosting a variety of cruises departing this December to Fort Lauderdale and Key West ranging from 14 to 17 days long from £4,623pp based on two people sharing. An, a present to its passengers, Silversea is offering up to $1,000 spending credit per suite on their festive cruises. Alternatively, cruise from Sydney to Auckland for 15 days departing 21 December from £5,378pp based on two people sharing. www.silversea.com, 0844 251 0833 Crystal Cruises is offering festive cruises with each ship decorated distinctly with thousands of glittering lights, ribbon-wrapped wreaths, reindeer’s and candy canes. Spend 14 nights cruising the Panama Canal and Caribbean, starting from just £7,188pp based on two sharing. Or, spend 14 nights exploring the Hawaiian Islands, starting from £4,564pp. Prices include return flights, overseas transfers, all meals and soft drinks, and port taxes. Both cruises depart 21 December. www.crystalcruises.com Join P & O Cruises on a 12 night ‘Canary Islands Christmas cruise’, departing 15 December. Enjoy carol-singing, Santa’s Grotto, a pantomime performance and Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. Prices start from £1,161pp based on two adults sharing and includes all main meals and entertainment. www.pocruises.co.uk,  0845 3 554 444 Choose the ‘Red Sea Magic’ cruise with Thomson Cruises and take part in festive activities including Christmas gala dinners, carol services, a Santa’s grotto and even bagpipers – quite unconventional in Sharm El Sheikh, Luxor and Jordan! Prices start from £829pp including a saving up to £780 per couple based on two people sharing, full board, transfers and flights from Exeter or Bournemouth on 22 December. www.thomson.co.uk/cruise, 0871 231 4691 Enjoy Christmas onboard Princess Cruises with a full Christmas dinner, falling snow in the Atrium, a Christmas tree shaped Champagne fountain and even a visit from Santa. Join the Golden Princess, departing 19 December for 14 nights from Los Angeles, taking in the Hawaiian Islands, Ensenada and Mexico before returning back to Los Angeles. Prices from £2,207pp based on two adults sharing, or £7,438 for a family of four based on two adults and two children under the age of 16. The prices include return flights from London airport, accommodation, all main meals and on board entertainment. www.princess.com, 0845 3 555 800 Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is running a 25-night ex-UK ‘Caribbean Christmas’ cruise, departing from Southampton on 17 December. Christmas Day is celebrated at sea in the traditional way including Christmas dinner, a visit from Santa, as well as carol singing, festive entertainment, and Christmas quizzes. Prices start from £2,763pp, based on two adults sharing including all meals and port taxes. www.fredolsencruises.com, 01473 742424 Christmas on the river The festive season is stunning on Europe’s waterways so choose a river cruise and sail gently down the Rhone, Rhine and Danube or explore Scandinavia’s winter wonders this Christmas. Northern Lights or Christmas tree lights? Spend five nights, departing 23 December, or 11 nights, departing 26 December, in Norway with Hurtigruten enjoying winter activities including dog sledging and snowmobiling and you could see the stunning Northern Lights. Prices start from £1,145 pp for five nights and £1,825pp for 11 nights. www.hurtigruten.co.uk, 0844 448 7601 Noble Caledonia is offering a range of seven night festive river cruises. Cruise the Rhone or spend Christmas in Provence and Burgundy with prices from £1,195pp. Alternatively, discover the Danube, departing 21 and 28 December, from £1,495pp. Prices are based on two people sharing and include full board, drinks with dinner, shore excursions, a stunning Christmas Day Gala Dinner, transfers, taxes and gratuities. www.noble-caledonia.co.uk, 020 7752 0000 AmaWaterways is offering the opportunity to cruise the Rhine this Christmas and New Year visiting the vibrant cities of Nuremburg, Cologne and Amsterdam with prices starting from £1,599pp, based on two people sharing. www.amawaterways.co.uk, (0) 808 223 5009. Celebrate New Year on the Rhine with Saga Cruises, taking in Cologne, Strasbourg and Mainz with an optional excursion to the Black Forest, the enchanting wooded mountain range in Baden-Württemberg, south-western Germany. This six night cruise departs 27 December, with prices starting from £749pp. www.saga.co.uk/rivercruises, 0800 300 400. With E Waterways’ Christmas cruises, travellers can spend seven nights in comfort and style on the Danube from Nuremburg to Vienna, departing 11 December, with prices starting from £765pp. Alternatively, join the New Years Eve cruise, departing 29 December, taking in Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, starting from £745pp sharing. Plus, ideal for solo travellers seeking solitude this festive period, there are no single supplements to worry about. www.ewaterways.co.uk, 0808 168 1458. Cruise News, Cruise Lines, PSA 2011-12-06T09:06:51+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/PSA-launches-Cruise-Journalism-Awards/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/PSA-launches-Cruise-Journalism-Awards/#When:07:22:14Z The Passenger Shipping Association is launching the PSA Cruise Journalism Awards to celebrate the best in cruise writing, broadcast and photography.The ten categories will cover a wide range of subjects from river cruising to spas at sea and best cruise reportage. William Gibbons, Director of the PSA which represents more than 40 cruise lines, says: “These ten awards reflect the breadth and diversity of cruise holidays. “A record 1.73 million UK passengers are predicted to cruise next year so now is a perfect time to recognise those individuals who support the cruise industry. First-class journalism is consistently produced about this innovative and exciting sector of travel so we are really looking forward to seeing the entries.” The inaugural PSA Cruise Journalism Awards cover the following ten categories: Best national newspaper cruise feature Best ‘new to cruise’ travel feature Best river cruise feature Best adventure cruise feature Best gourmet cruise feature Best ‘spa at sea’ feature Best travel trade feature Best cruise photography/reportage Best online cruise feature Contribution to cruise journalism The awards will be presented in March at a central London venue in conjunction with the PSA Cruise Review which reveals the latest industry trends and statistics – from the numbers of people cruising from the UK to favourite destinations. Senior cruise line representatives and media contemporaries will attend to raise a glass to the winners and celebrate an industry that continues to grow. Entries for the awards will be welcomed from editors and journalists, as well as cruise line representative and industry partners. Editorial entries can be news stories, travel features, broadcast media files and photography and must have been published between January 1 and December 31, 2011 and encourage cruise travel by sea or river. Cruise News, PSA 2011-11-17T07:22:14+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/cruising-coming-home-as-more-brits-plan-to-cruise-from-the-uk/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/cruising-coming-home-as-more-brits-plan-to-cruise-from-the-uk/#When:07:10:19Z More Britons are choosing to begin their ocean cruise holiday from a UK port than ever before, according to figures released by the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA).The economic slowdown will impact of the number of passengers taking a cruise holiday in 2012 after a period of sustained growth, but the upside is that British ports will benefit from a switch to cruise-from-home. In 2012, 835,000 passengers will join their cruise ship in Britain - a 28 per cent increase over the last two years - as the choice of destinations continues to expand. This year, more than 760,000 passengers will have started their cruise holiday from one of the 20 UK departure ports, sailing to destinations including Russia, Scandinavia, the Norwegian fjords, Iceland, the Mediterranean, America and closer to home, the coast of Britain and Ireland. The year has been strong for the UK cruise industry with growth of more than five per cent. Figures released at The Travel Convention in Palma show an estimated 1.73 million passengers will take a cruise holiday in 2012, an increase of just over one per cent on the 2011 figure of 1.71 million passengers. William Gibbons of the PSA said 2011 has proved a good year for the industry with the value and quality of a cruise holiday continuing to appeal, together with companies introducing new ports of call and itineraries to a wide range of exciting destinations. “Looking forward, we anticipate modest growth in 2012 as capacity slows following the reduction in the number of new ships being built,” he continued. “However, we remain confident that growth will continue over the coming years as companies introduce new ships. “The great choice of ships now providing cruise holidays from the UK to a wide variety of destinations will lead to more passengers sailing from British ports.” Cruise News, PSA 2011-10-04T07:10:19+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/new-york-is-top-of-the-ports-but-jordan-the-katie-price-version-is-no1-to-w/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/new-york-is-top-of-the-ports-but-jordan-the-katie-price-version-is-no1-to-w/#When:06:31:09Z New York has stolen the title of Britain’s favourite port from Venice according to a new survey.And, on a lighter note, the survey, to mark National Cruise Week which ends on Sunday (September 25), discovered that Jordan - the celebirity version otherwise known as glamour girl Katie Price - was the people’s top choice to walk the plank. Nearly one in five British adults (19 per cent) named New York as their favourite cruise port, relegating the perennially popular Venice to second place (13 per cent)  after two years at the top. There was a three-way tie for third place between Barcelona, Rome and Singapore, each registering 7 per cent, according to the YouGov survey commissioned by the Passenger Shipping Association. Cruise berths in the iconic city of New York which topped the PSA poll of favourite cruise ports And New York could be set to keep its crown as Top of The Ports as it was voted a firm favourite by more than a quarter (26 per cent) of the younger adults aged 18 to 34. With a record 1.7million Brits expected go cruising this year according to the PSA, the survey looks at the main attractions of a cruise holiday and it is clear that multi-destinations really excite. Well over half (57 per cent) of respondents said the opportunity to visit a number of destinations in one trip was a main attraction of a cruise holiday, and next, with 50 per cent, came the convenience of having to unpack just once, although this figure was more important to women (53 per cent) than men (46 per cent). The all-inclusive nature of cruising was one of the most attractive features among 36 per cent of respondents, just beating yet another multi-destination cruise attraction of waking up in a new port nearly every day, voted for by 35 per cent. Next in appeal was the renowned dining offered onboard cruise ships (27 per cent),  increasing to 33 per cent among Welsh cruisers. A main attraction of cruise for nearly one in five (19 per cent) is the opportunity to meet people from a wide range of cultures and nationalities, and again those from Wales recorded the highest percentage (28 per cent) of any of the home countries for this particular attraction to cruise. Professionally produced entertainment shows were also mentioned by 17 per cent of those surveyed, as were the special entertainment programmes for children (4 per cent). When it comes to dreaming about who to share your cabin with,  screen heartthrob Johnny Depp again comes out top, with last year’s female winner, Jennifer Aniston, sharing this year’s top spot with Angelina Jolie. However, there is little danger of marital rifts with an on overwhelming 55 per cent saying they would prefer to cabin share with their partner or another family member. Respondents were less inhibited when selecting the celebrity they would most like to see “walk the plank”. Over one in five (22 per cent) chose Katie Price; 17 per cent opted for singing twins Jedward; 11 per cent for James Murdoch and 10 per cent for Gordon Brown - with Simon Cowell and Boris Johnson tying on 6 per cent. Deserted beaches (28 per cent), sun sets behind mountains (21 per cent), countryside landscapes (20 per cent) and city skylines at night (11 per cent) are the favourite views seen on holiday, according to the National Cruise Week survey - all of which can be viewed from the deck of a cruise ship. Cruise goers, however, might actually be part of the view for the next most popular holiday scene was that of a ship on the horizon (5 per cent). “The survey highlights why more cruise holidays are being taken by Brits than ever before – it’s an effortlessly way to visit many great destinations across the world while only unpacking once.” said PSA director Bill Gibbons. “There’s a wide choice in the style of cruising, views that range from New York’s skyline to deserted Pacific beaches, and the inclusive nature of a cruise holiday means it’s great value.” * All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2027 adults. With online fieldwork carried out 16-18 August, 2011. Cruise News, PSA 2011-09-20T06:31:09+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/special-offers-bonanza-in-national-cruise-week/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/special-offers-bonanza-in-national-cruise-week/#When:07:29:46Z As cruising continues to boom, UK travel agents across the UK will be hosting events and featuring special offers during National Cruise Week from September 18 to 25. A number of ships in port around the coast – P&O Arcadia, P&O Aurora, P&O Azura, Grand Princess and Holland America Line’s MS Rotterdam - will also be hosting some of the events. Latest figures from the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) show that one in every nine package holidays is now a cruise, reinforcing claims that both the high seas and the slow rivers offer a wonderful holiday for everyone, no matter what the age. National Cruise Week highlights the huge variety in the style of cruising and the destinations. William Gibbons, Director of the PSA, says: “The reason cruise holidays are growing in popularity is because of the excellent value and high standards. Cruise holidays have enjoyed a boom over the past two years and we predict more than 2m passengers in 2014. “National Cruise Week 2011 promises to be bigger and better than ever with travel agents taking the opportunity to showcase what a holiday at sea has to offer.” Cruise News, PSA 2011-07-21T07:29:46+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/british-ports-cash-in-on-cruise-boom/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/british-ports-cash-in-on-cruise-boom/#When:11:40:07Z British ports are cashing in on the boom in cruise travel.Figures released this week that show a 21 per cent surge in passengers visiting UK ports. Cruise travel from British ports rose by 10 per cent in 2010 with UK ports attracting a third more embarking passengers from overseas. And, according to CruiseBritain, Southampton has become the busiest cruise homeport in Northern Europe, with other ports around the British coastline from Dover to Newcastle also benefiting from the continued popularity of cruise holidays. With one in nine package holidays now being a cruise and a no-flying element increasing its relevance for 28 per cent of the market, the Passenger Shipping Association’s 2010 Cruise Review clearly shows the resilient growth of the cruise industry for British ports. A record 116 ship visits from 53 cruise lines brought 541,000 visitors to UK ports in 2010 with 47 ports receiving at least one call. This represents a more than doubling of popularity since 2003.  With each passenger estimated to be worth €97 (European Cruise Council 2009), cruise tourism generates €52million to the local economies. “Northern Europe shows the strongest growth rate as a destination over the last decade,” commented Kate O’Hara of CruiseBritain, “and we continue to work to win a share of that for British ports. “Overseas passengers embarking in the UK now account for 28% of all embarking passengers and this plus the half a million ports of call visits combine to show the strength and potential of Brand Britain. “The British Isles can also offer unique itineraries for domestic tourists and figures for these cruises continue to grow with 22,000 UK passengers taking a Round Britain cruise in 2010.” O’Hara added. CruiseBritain is a joint initiative between industry, the Passenger Shipping Association and VisitBritain, focused on promoting cruise holidays as an integral part of the British leisure travel market. Cruise News, PSA 2011-05-11T11:40:07+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/cruisers-deserve-better-ports-and-transport-links-says-penning/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/cruisers-deserve-better-ports-and-transport-links-says-penning/#When:07:19:03Z The Government needs to look at improving ports and transport links to boost cruising, shipping minister Miker Penning has told the ACE UK Cruise Convention.He said the importance of the UK cruise industry and the significant part played by cruise ships to local economies is fully recognised. Shipping Minister Mike Penning opens the ACE UK Cruise Convention in Southampton More than 600 delegates have gathered in Southampton for the three-day convention, which ends tomorrow (May 5). Addresssing delegates onboard Fred Olsen’s Balmoral, he said the Government needs to consider development of ports and transport links to reflect the enjoyable and high standards of cruising. During the convention, agents will attend business seminars, watch debates between the industries top representations and make five ships visits including Cunard’s newly launched Queen Elizabeth. Cruise News, PSA 2011-05-04T07:19:03+00:00 http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/choosing-a-cruise-whats-new-on-the-cruising-horizon/ http://www.seaviewcruises.co.uk/news/article/choosing-a-cruise-whats-new-on-the-cruising-horizon/#When:09:00:56Z Cruise passenger numbers are on course to reach 1.7 million this year, and reach a record breaking two million by 2014, but are you one of those missing the boat?New figures from the Passenger Shipping Association show passenger numbers are up six per cent on last year, and with even more great places to visit and more new ships together with millions of pounds worth of investment, the industry shows no sign of stopping. With four river cruise members joining the Passenger Shipping Association, this is also the year to take the slow lane… and enjoy holidays on the river. Increased investment has seen a series of renovations and upgrades across a number of cruise lines. Viking River Cruises has invested $250m, Avalon Waterways has introduced upgrades to its culinary offering and introduced new themed cruises, while Shearings is now selling new 2011 itineraries to the Norwegian Fjords. It is difficult to stay up to date with everything that is going on in the booming cruise sector, so here is a snapshot of the new developments in cruising. New ships Disney Dream is the third ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet carrying 4 000 passengers. She joins Disney Magic and Disney Wonder with the new Disney Fantasy entering service in 2012. The new 4,100 guest ship from Royal Caribbean Lines - the brand behind the biggest ships in the world, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas - is to be delivered in Autumn 2014, with an option for a second ship for spring 2015. Celebrity Reflection, from Celebrity Cruise Lines is set to launch in 2012, with 34 new AquaClass Suites and an additional eight Sky Suites, 19 additional Concierge Class staterooms, and 11 additional inside staterooms, bringing the stateroom/suite total to 1,515. Oceania Cruises’ new recently launched upper-premium cruise ship Marina, is a ship of firsts. The ship, above, which carries 1,250 guests, boasts the first Bon Appétit Culinary Center, Master Chef Jacques Pépin’s first namesake restaurant at sea, Ralph Lauren Home-furnished Owner’s Suites, luxurious accommodations by Dakota Jackson, a Wine Spectator wine programme and a Lalique grand stairway. Carnival Cruise Lines’ first ever season of 7, 9, & 12-night Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona onboard the brand new Carnival Magic is ideal for couples of all ages and families. The new mega yacht from Companie du Ponant will explore the hidden corners of the Mediterranean this year. L’Austral will be christened in April 2011. In May, Orion Expedition Cruises is add a second specialist expedition cruise ship, Orion II. It will be based in South East Asia offering a wide range of expeditions that will include Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, the Indonesian archipelago, Borneo, the Inland Sea of Japan and the Russian Far East. Refurbishments & Renovations The most significant transformation ever of a Princess Cruises’ ship will take place this spring aboard UK dedicated ship, Grand Princess. During a 24-day makeover, several new features will be added including ten new suites, remodelled casino, enhancements to the Lotus Spa and the Crooner’s Martini Lounge. The newly renovated Grand Princess, above, will debut in Southampton on May 21. Viking River Cruise’new 264 passenger Viking Emerald will sail in China from April as a replacement for Viking Century Sun and feature the largest suites in river cruising. P&O Cruises’ Adonia, exclusively for adults, will be named by Dame Shirley Bassey on May 20, and with 700 passengers, will be the smallest ship in the fleet. Sample a fly-cruise departing November 22 around the Med for 14 nights from just £1,446 per person. The APT- AmaWaterways partnership is turning its attention to Russia with the 212-passenger AmaKatarina scheduled to enter service in May 2011. It will be the most luxurious vessel sailing the Volga-Baltic Waterway. Norwegian Cruise Line is bringing three ships back into service following multi-million dollar refurbishments. Norwegian Sun has seen the addition of a new restaurant and a renovated Kids Crew area. Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Spirit will follow this year. Beginning May 8, Norwegian Sun will spend her summer in Europe sailing from Copenhagen, Denmark, for the first time in the company’s history. This spring, Crystal Cruises is spending more than $25 million dollars on Crystal Serenity with a massive redesign of her 531 Deluxe Staterooms, Penthouses and Penthouses Suites; retail centres; expansive outdoor pool deck and other design projects. Following the dry dock, Crystal Serenity will embark on a series of Baltic, North Cape and British Isles cruises before heading to the Mediterranean for a late summer and autumn cruise series. New trips and destinations Seabourn’s intimate Seabourn Pride will sail between Hong Kong and Singapore on five 14-day voyages that will each include a call at the up-and-coming beach resort community of Sihanoukville in Cambodia. Departure dates are scheduled between January 4 and March 14, 2012. Azamara Club Cruises is in Monte Carlo this summer for their first ever Formula 1 Grand Prix. A four-night Grand Prix fly/cruise onboard Azamara Journey costs from £2,342 per person based on two people sharing a balcony stateroom. A new hosted tour to discover the South Atlantic Island of St Helena has been introduced by St Helena Line, travelling on one of the world’s last working Royal Mail Ships, the RMS St Helena. The 22-day Hideaway Tour departs Cape Town on June 17 and costs from £2,395 per person. For the first time, Hapag-Lloyd offers guests the chance to discover the Arctic and the Northwest Passage on a shorter, 19-day cruise onboard MS HANSEATIC. Guests will follow the traces of Amundsen and Franklin and explore the ice coast of Greenland as well as the untouched island world in the north of Canada. The short itinerary departs September 2. The Northwest Passage will also be offered in August with MS BREMEN’s 25-day journey. Viking River Cruises has cruises/tours along South East Asia’s Mekong River. For the first time, Viking has partnered with the 66-passenger RV Tonle to offer a 17-day Magnificent Mekong itinerary. If you are more of an explorer, try Hurtigruten wcelebrate 150 years since polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen was born and 100 years since polar hero Roald Amundsen and his four men were the first people in history to reach the South Pole. This unique sailing from Spitsbergen to Bergen follows a similar route to that travelled by Nansen in 1896 on his return journey to mainland Norway after three years in the polar ice. The voyage departs on September 7 and costs from £3,196pp. Cruise News, PSA 2011-04-14T09:00:56+00:00