Experiential cruising: the holidaymaker’s choice, by Phil Evans

In recent years, attitudes to cruising have shifted thanks to the industry transforming itself to keep up with modern travel trends. There is no longer a ‘traditional’ or ‘core’ customer base for cruising as the industry now appeals to such a variety of travellers – from families and couples to those seeking intrepid adventures. Similarly, there is no longer the outdated perception that travellers might get ‘stuck’ on a ship with nothing to do. Competition within the cruise sector – and against the rest of the travel sector more generally – has driven innovations which have kept cruising as a fresh and exciting holiday option.

Gone are the days when cruise holidays were solely about the ship; the rise of experiential travel has led to an increasing focus on the destinations and the unique experiences available. For example, it’s not unusual for a Mediterranean cruise to visit a new port almost every day of the sailing, reducing the number of sea days and giving on board guests a more immersive experience of the region. It has long been the belief that cruise lines want to have more sea days in the itinerary to encourage guests to book spa treatments, shop in the onboard boutiques and purchase more drinks. However, cruise lines now understand that by offering a variety of land excursions to their passengers, they can create a mutually beneficial experience which is rewarding for their guests, local tenders and also their business.

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New “ultra-exclusive” event announed by Crystal River Cruises

Crystal River Cruises has announced an “ultra-exclusive” event at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna for its guests with every 2016 and 2017 itinerary on board Crystal Mozart.

Passengers will gain private access to highlights of the baroque landmark’s collections of art.

At the evening event, guests inside the Unesco World Cultural Heritage site will get a chance see works by Austrian artists Gustav Klimt, Oskar Kokoschka and Egon Schiele.

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Got customers confused by cruising terminology? Allow us to crack the code

For the first-timer, the cruise industry can feel like a members-only club, full of confusing terminology and secret handshakes. It means new customers will come armed with plenty of questions – particularly when booking a luxury holiday, where many people fret about committing embarrassing faux pas.

Here, we look at some of the most frequently asked questions for new to cruise customers…

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HM the Queen to name new P&O Cruises ship

P&O Cruises has confirmed that Her Majesty the Queen will officially name the line’s new ship Britannia on Tuesday, March 10.

The announcement confirms speculation that the Queen would be performing the honours in Southampton. She will be accompanied at the naming by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Carnival UK chairman David Dingle said: “We are honoured and proud that Her Majesty will name Britannia almost 20 years after she named the P&O Cruises ship Oriana.
“Britannia, a ship for the nation, will be the embodiment of contemporary Britain, and with her Union Jack livery she will fly the flag for Britain across the Globe.”

The biggest ship designed exclusively for Britain, Britannia is P&O Cruises’ latest vessel.
The ship will include a focus on cuisine, with 'Food Heroes' James Martin, Marco Pierre White, Atul Kochhar, Eric Lanlard, wine expert Olly Smith and cheese expert Charlie Turnbull all contributing to restaurants onboard.

Travel Weekly first reported the likelihood of The Queen naming Britannia on January 29.

Britannia to serve up the largest selection of British beers at sea

Where will you find an Orchard Pig Reveller side by side with a Knight of the Garter? A Rutland Panther sitting next to a Black Sheep? Or a Speyside Oak Aged Blonde rubbing shoulders with Admiral Lord Collingwood? You’ll find all of these - plus many more interesting beers, ales and ciders - on Brodie’s Great British Beer Menu on

P&O Cruises newest ship Britannia when it launches next March.

The Great British Beer Menu features 70 different bottled beers, ales and ciders from 56 UK counties including pilsners, ales, stouts, gluten-free beer and speciality beers such as Chocolate Tom from Robinson’s Brewery in Cheshire, Ginger Hare from Bath Ales in Somerset and Orange Peel from the Wadsworth Brewery in Wiltshire.

P&O Cruises spent months scouring the UK to source this selection of beers both from smaller, local, artisan brewers such as Windsor & Eton Brewery (Berkshire), Elgoods Brewery (Cambridge), Whitewater Brewery (Belfast), Fyne Ales (Dumbarton), Felinfoel Brewery (Pembrokeshire), Okell`s (Isle of Man) and the Hilden Brewing Company (County Antrim) as well as renowned breweries including Marstons (West Midlands), Greene King (Suffolk), Belhaven (Dumfries), Fullers (London), Theakstons (North Yorkshire), Brew Dog (Aberdeen) and Hall & Woodhouse (Dorset).

P&O Cruises marketing director Christopher Edgington said: “The UK boasts more breweries per head of population than any other country in the world with the industry growing at over 10% each year. This new beer menu celebrates the growing popularity of traditionally made British beers and ciders and reflects our aim of showcasing the very best that Britain has to offer.”

The Great British Beer Menu is available in Brodie’s, a classic pub which is named after one of the founders of P&O Cruises, Brodie McGhie Wilcox. A great place to meet with friends, relax with a beer or glass of wine, Brodie’s offers a variety of entertainment including quizzes, live music and karaoke as well as poker and roulette tables in the adjoining casino.

*A seven-night cruise on Britannia starts from £719 per person sailing to France, Spain & Guernsey. Departing September 5, 2015, the Select Price includes an inside cabin, full board meals, round the clock kids' clubs and entertainment on board.

My trip to Singapore and Dubai

15th November

Peacock on the Beach in Sentosa Singapore
This is very unusual swimming pool and beach and then a peacock!

  

  

15th November

Team Claire (our group)
On the Beach at Sentosa Island Singapore  

15th November
 
Last destination in Singapore pool at the Sentosa Island hotel in Singapore
Near Universal Studio

  

18th November

936 Sq Metres and 25k per night!
Bridge Suite Atlantis Palm Dubai

20th November
 
Sol - The Dolphin
He loved cuddles and kisses from me and a long dance

 

21st November
Bay by the Gardens Singapore

Tracey Holt,
Luxury Cruise Holiday

Longer than The Shard and wider than a Boeing 747 wingspan

The world's largest cruise ship sails into the UK for the first time

• Oasis Of The Seas stopping in Southampton for just one day, before departing for the US
• 1,187ft Royal Caribbean vessel is longer than the Shard and wider than Boeing 747
• Cruise ship has outdoor park with 12,000 plants, 82-ft zip wire, and high-diving performance venue 

The world's largest cruise ship arrived in the UK today for the first time.

The £800m Oasis Of The Seas sailed into Southampton at 10am on Wednesday in dense fog, welcomed by a crowd of hundreds and helicopters circling overhead.

Weighing 225,282 tonnes, the 1,187ft ship is longer than London's The Shard is tall, and at 208ft wide, larger than the wingspan of a Boeing 747.

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