Tuesday 22 May 2018

Spa reveal on the Celebrity Edge designed by Kelly Hoppen


The latest Celebrity Edge reveal has taken place, introducing the Spa facilities onboard the Edge Class ship. 

With more than 22,000 sprawling sq. ft. for guests to renew, restore, and reinvigorate, The Spa was inspired by nature, and masterfully designed by world-renowned designer Kelly Hoppen, MBE, and features an ahh-inspiring assortment of treatments in collaboration with industry-leading partners. Celebrity Cruises have infused natural elements into every moment of the experience at The Spa through an original concept called SEA – inspired by the Sea, Earth, and the Air – which transcends the design of The Spa and its treatments.

From wellness to beauty to fitness, The Spa on Celebrity Edge also features a line-up of first-at-sea and brand-first offerings for guests to enjoy, including:
  • The SEA Thermal Suite, the next evolution of the popular Persian Garden on the brand’s current fleet, with eight distinctive therapeutic experiences harnessing the benefits of natural elements: the Hammam, Salt Room, Steam Room, Rainfall Water Therapy Room, Float Room, heated tile loungers, Infrared Sauna, and Crystalarium. AquaClass guests receive complimentary access to the SEA Thermal Suite, among other complimentary amenities so definitely the staterooms to book. Sea Thermal Suite day and cruise passes are available for purchase.
  • The first line of ELEMIS BIOTEC facials ever offered on a Celebrity ship
  • A specialty treatment table collection that’s unrivalled at sea, including:
    • Spa Wave MLW Amphibia Table: A first at sea, water filled cushions adapt to guests’ unique anatomy for the ultimate in comfort, as well as customizable colour therapy lighting
    • WellMassage4D® Table: This award-winning treatment table, a Celebrity first, uses breakthrough technology to deliver a deeper and more relaxing massage
    • MLX Quartz Table: Another Celebrity first, warm crystals mold and shape around the body, releasing muscle tension and promoting a deeper state of relaxation
  • Ideal Image® Ocean, The Advanced MedSpa, is another first at sea, offering non-surgical aesthetic services such as Dysport® Wrinkle Treatments and Restylane® Dermal Filler Treatments
  • Celebrity will partner with Kérastase®, one of the world’s most advanced luxury haircare brands, to introduce the first ever Kérastase® Institute at sea
  • The Barber offers traditional fresh cuts

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Tuesday 17 April 2018

World’s largest cruise ship sets sail from Barcelona

Symphony of the Seas is the largest – and most audacious – cruise ship in the world and it just sailed from Barcelona on its inaugural voyage in the Mediterranean.

As you can tell by the video, this cruise ship is not just a chip off the old block. Onboard features include laser tag, zip lines, Broadway shows, adventure productions, water slides, rides, ice skating, wall climbing, a bionic bar and more.

It took Royal Caribbean three years to build the Symphony of the Seas and it’s well worth it. At almost a quarter of mile long, the ship is already famous for breaking records. Aside from being the largest, it also has the tallest waterslide at sea, the ocean’s fastest internet, and more artwork than the Louvre has paintings!

“The most surprising and memorable thing for me was that first sight of the ship – seeing how big and immense it is,” said Balwin Yeung, Royal Caribbean’s director of sales and marketing. “You can actually see it the moment you almost step out of the airport in Barcelona since the port is just 10 to 15 minutes away. It makes a huge first impression.”

The Symphony of the Seas can carry up to 6,680 guests including 2,200 crew members. It stretches 1,188 feet long and features 22 dining options, 24 pools and 2,750 cabins. Oh, and every room offers virtual views, deliver floor-to-ceiling displays, making every room ‘a room with a view’. Another first in the cruising sector.

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Thursday 31 August 2017

Brand new mega-ship MSC Meraviglia stars in hit TV series Cruising with Jane McDonald




Jane pictured with the captain aboard MSC Meraviglia
Cruise legend Jane McDonald sets sail once again with MSC Cruises, this time to discover the 'wonder' of the Mediterranean

After the huge success of Cruising with Jane McDonald earlier this year the cruising legend is back for series two where she is set to explore more amazing ships and exotic destinations. The four-part travel show will see Jane set sail for a second time with MSC Cruises, the world's largest family-owned cruise line, this time to explore the sights and scenery of the Mediterranean onboard the Company's brand new flagship MSC Meraviglia.

The ship which can hold up to 5,714 guests at full capacity is over twice the size of the ship Jane worked on-board when she shot to fame back in 1998. Her 7 night stay on board the ship, which first came into service in June 2017, will see her embark in Naples and explore destinations including Messina, Valetta, Barcelona, Marseille and Genoa as she tries local food and drink, and explores and entertains, by taking part in a variety of activities.

MSC Meraviglia, which means 'Wonder' is the biggest ship to feature in either series of the successful show, and the second MSC ship Jane has sailed on with the presenter visiting MSC Divina in series one.

Antonio Paradiso, MD for MSC Cruises UK & IRL said 'It is an honour to show the British public another of our beautiful ships, this time the newest vessel in our ever expanding modern fleet. Jane was one of the first guests to experience MSC Meraviglia and we can't wait to see what she thought." "There is no better way to challenge stereotypes and demonstrate how fantastic cruising is for all ages, than to physically show people and this popular TV series does just that. The show is fantastic for the industry as a whole as it raises awareness of cruising as a holiday choice for everyone, and illustrates the accessibility and affordability of cruising as it is today.

"We are proud that a holiday with MSC Cruises is easier than ever for British guests, as next year MSC Magnifica will home port from Southampton for the Summer season, providing an opportunity to access the beauty of the Mediterranean and Northern Europe without the hassle of flying."

MSC Meraviglia is currently sailing in the Mediterranean until April 2018 when she will re-locate to Northern Europe where her home port will be Hamburg. MSC Meraviglia will make her UK maiden call on 26th April 2018 where she will call at Southampton. The ship, which is the first of 11 new ships ordered by Europe's biggest cruise line is a purpose built smart ship with innovation at its heart.

Cruising with Jane McDonald series 2 airs on Channel 5 on Friday 1st September, with the episode featuring MSC Meraviglia set to air on the 15th September.

Monday 26 June 2017

The newest addition Columbus released from Cruise & Maritime Voyages


On Thursday 8th June Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) were proud to launch and rename the newest addition to the fleet, Columbus.

It was a proud day for everyone at CMV and they were very happy to be able to celebrate our continued growth and development with you, guests and passengers.

They would also like to say a big thank you, as through the guests generosity at the gala dinner, over £4,200 was raised for  Havens Hospices -'Making every day count' for those with life-limiting illnesses, and their families. Also an additional £550 was raised to go towards the Magical Taxi Tour which was championed by three staff members who, earlier in June, completed the Three Peaks Challenge. 

Please click here to view the main photo album from the day.

Also please click here to see the highlights from the evening

Friday 16 June 2017

My experience on Oceania Cruises

As I sit in the cool, air-conditioned room of the Hotel EME in Seville, situated right by the cathedral, I reflect on the last few days and a fantastic, if not indulgent, cruise aboard Insignia.

Day One
It was an early start for the journey from Northampton to London Stansted, as I arrived at 4 AM for fast track security and my forward seat on the plane. We were all seated and ready to depart for Alicante, when the announcement came to tell us we would have to stay on the plane and wait for Julie. An audible sigh resounded around the aircraft as everyone realised that instead of leaving at 6:35am we were now due to leave at 8:15am. However, thanks to the very funny and entertaining hot tub salesman sitting next to me regaling stories of his trade, the time seemed to fly by.

At last, it was time literally started to fly, as we took off and landed in Alicante airport just over two hours later. I made my way to a taxi transfer and joined the queue of around 40 Brits, which included mostly men who were off to enjoy the sights of Benidorm as part of a bank holiday stag weekend.

My taxi transferred me to the very pleasant looking dock and I finally got a glimpse of my home from home for the next four days. There she was in all her glory - Oceania Insignia.

I was taken through security and embarked. As a stepped aboard this floating luxury to me like a country club hotel at sea, I was greeted by smiling faces and a cheerful receptionist who gave me my key and directed me to my cabin.  

I flung open the door, eager to see what delights would await me, and I wasn’t’ disappointed. The cabin was very spacious with a balcony, lots of storage space and a reasonably sized bathroom. Well, I suppose you would have to call it a shower room, as there wasn’t a bath. The shower was a touch on the small side, but I wasn’t sharing a shower with any gorgeous officers! so wasn't a problem. I did, however, make the most of the luxury Bulgari products for hair and body, and shower cap with a hair toggle, both of which I thought were thoughtful additions.

The prestige bed and pillows was so comfortable and meant I felt like I was sleeping on a cloud for the duration of the trip.

I made my way to the Waves bistro by the pool, to join my colleague Sharon. Sharon had arrived earlier and so had already found an enviable spot by the pool. She sat enjoying the sun and the alcohol free cocktails that this all-inclusive ship had to offer.

There was so much great food on offer including tasty salads, premium Angus steak beef burgers and even surf ‘n’ turf - plenty of choice and everything was so tasty.

After lunch, and a quick power nap to set me up for the rest of the evening, we met for happy hour in Horizons. This bar has a great view of the front of the ship and the cocktails were definitely flowing. We then met with Louise and Clive, who were hosting our group, and joined the rest of the group to dine in Polo Grill. This speciality dining restaurant is inclusive in your price when you sail with Oceania cruises. And what an experience it was. In fact, the entire trip was an endless array of gastronomic delights.

Day Two
We arrived in Almeria, Spain and took a tour around the city. During our explorations, we came across a small festival which brought the streets alive with music and colour. A religious procession followed by lots as the music, laughter and dancing continued. This was authentic Spain at its best and so we decided to sit in a local street bar with a cold beer, soaking up the atmosphere.

That evening, lobster was on the menu for me as we enjoyed another delicious diner – this time in Toscana.

Day Three
On the third day, we docked in Gibraltar and, of course, we took a tour to the rock and saw the monkeys. They were fascinating to watch. I was not keen on the centre of Gibraltar, so I sat down to have a coffee in a bar.

I paid the bill and left the coffee. Needless to say, I found it as unpalatable as the square in which I was drinking it.

And besides, what was the point in sitting in such awful surroundings when we had a beautiful luxury ship with good coffee and good food waiting for us. In all honesty, there was no contest. So, I headed back on board to make the most of what was on offer.

In the evening, I enjoyed an excellent show in which a great violinist couple, Lazlo and Irene, delighted the audience with their exciting and vibrant performance. Their energy on stage was infectious and a fabulous evening was had by all.

Day Four
The ship sailed up the river to dock in the centre of Seville. It was an interesting approach as we sailed through the draw bridge.

Disembarkation came all too soon, though, and I was very sad to leave the ship. Sharon and I took a taxi to our hotel in Seville, the EME Cathedral Hotel, where I currently sit writing this.

We were blessed to receive an upgrade and were escorted to our wonderful room with its private terrace and hot tub, something which immediately gave me flash backs to the salesman who provided me with an entertaining start to my trip.

It was absolutely necessary to go to the rooftop terrace bar overlooking the magnificent Seville Cathedral and have a Cava to toast the last few days. We recalled the friends that we had made on this wonderful journey – a journey during which we all fell in love with Oceania Cruises.

What a splendid end to a wonderful time on board Insignia and the lovely welcoming team at the EME hotel in Seville helped us finish in style.

 Tracey Holt

Sunday 27 November 2016

Room for a little one? Luxury on family cruise lines



Takings kids on a cruise doesn’t mean foregoing luxury. The most family-friendly companies are now building some of the biggest and best suites at sea.

There are two options for the parent who wants a luxury cruise. The first is to book a holiday on one of the high-end lines that welcome kids on board. This means fine dining, beautifully appointed suites, all-inclusive drinks and excursions – but, more often than not, hardly an abundance of fun for the kids. Ultra-luxury tends not to mean bumper cars and multi-storey waterslides.

The other option is to embrace the family-friendly cruise lines – those who offer ridiculously over-the-top fun for kids and that have increasingly embraced the space and the service provided by luxury lines. It makes sense that some of the biggest ships – those in the fleets of Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International – also have some of the biggest suites at sea.

Norwegian, for example, offers the Haven Three-Bedroom Garden Villa on board Norwegian Gem, Jade, Jewel and Pearl. At up to 5,750 sq f, these are made up of three bedrooms with king or queen beds, a huge living area including bar that seats four and dining table that seats eight, as well as a private garden terrace (and hot tub, of course).

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