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Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines extends enjoyment promise

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 April 2014 10 April 2014

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, the UK based destination focused operator of four medium sized ships, has announced an extension to its innovative ‘Enjoyment Promise’ – the biggest initiative of its kind ever to take place in the UK to encourage people to try cruising!

‘Fred.’s Enjoyment Promise’ is now applicable on all Fred. Olsen cruises in 2014 and 2015, booked at least 14 weeks in advance, on sailings of seven nights’ duration or more (and less than 36 nights), the company said in a statement.

‘Fred.’s Enjoyment Promise’ was originally introduced as part of Fred. Olsen’s ‘Turn of Year’ sales campaign, which ran from November 2013 until 28th February 2014. Under the Promise, people who have never cruised with Fred. Olsen before can try a Fred. Olsen cruise, and if they find that it is not for them, within 48 hours, Fred. Olsen will fly them home and refund their cruise fare*.

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “When we launched ‘Fred.’s Enjoyment Promise’ last year, we wanted to target those guests who have not cruised before, or who have not previously taken a Fred. Olsen cruise, and were unsure of whether it would be the right holiday for them.

“After seeing a very exciting surge in ‘new to cruise’ – or ‘new to Fred.’ – customers since the beginning of 2014, we have found that our unique ‘Enjoyment Promise’ is an important reason why so many new people are choosing to take their holidays with us…and so far, we have not had to fly anyone home!”

As an added incentive to book, Fred. Olsen is also offering guests the chance to save on multiple cruise bookings; if they book before 7th May 2014, they can benefit from 20% off two cruises, and if they buy three or more cruises, they can save 30%.

Fred. Olsen offers 32 night no fly Caribbean cruise from Greenock, Scotland

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 April 2014 10 April 2014

For the first time ever, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is offering Scottish guests the chance to take a convenient, no-fly cruise to the Caribbean from ‘right on their doorstep’.

The 32-night ‘Caribbean from Scotland’ cruise, W1521, on board 804-guest Black Watch, will depart from Greenock (Glasgow) on 10th November 2015, and will take in 12 sun-drenched islands, including Barbados, the West Indies, St. Maarten and Antigua, to name but a few.

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “This very special Caribbean ‘island-hopping adventure’ offers our valued guests in Scotland the chance to travel further afield on a sunshine, ex-UK holiday, without having the hassle of flying. Not only is Fred. Olsen embarking on its first-ever sailing from Scotland to the Caribbean, but we are also the first cruise line ever to do so.

“This ‘Caribbean from Scotland’ cruise has been met with huge popularity amongst our Scottish guests, and is fast becoming one of our best-sellers, so we would recommend booking quickly to secure your place!”

As an added incentive to book, Fred. Olsen is offering guests the chance to save on multiple cruise bookings; if they book before 7th May 2014, they can benefit from 20% off two cruises, and if they buy three or more cruises, they can save 30%.*

First port of call is to Leixoes in Portugal, for trips to Oporto – which has been voted as the ‘Best European Destination 2014’ by European Consumers Choice – before stopping at Santa Cruz, Tenerife. Here, guests can indulge in some shopping at one of the local markets, or take a trip to bustling Playa de Las Americas or Puerto de la Cruz.

Black Watch will then sail to its first visit in the Caribbean – Bridgetown in Barbados, where guests can relax on the sandy bays, sit under a palm tree canopy or visit the historical Chamberlain Bridge and Cheapside Street Markets.

Next port of call is St. George's in Grenada, known as the ‘Spice Island’, which boasts 45 pristine beaches.

Black Watch will then call at Bequia, the second largest island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A serene and tranquil port, Admiralty Bay hosts an abundance of grand yachts and lavish sailboats for guests to admire.

Castries on St. Lucia is the next port of call; a classic Caribbean resort with white sands, crystal clear waters and a tropical rainforest backdrop. Guests can ‘walk on the wild side’ and take the aerial tram through the treetops of the rainforest, or relax in the sunshine whilst enjoying a fruity cocktail!

Black Watch then cruises onwards to St. Kitts, calling at the island’s capital, Basseterre. Offering a varied collection of shops, bars and restaurants, as well as an array of Georgian architecture, beautifully restored from bygone eras, there is plenty for guests to see.

Gustavia in St. Barthelemy is next. Here, guests can take a trip up to Fort Gustave, where the amazing panoramic views are mesmerising.

Black Watch will then arrive in Philipsburg in St. Maarten. Staying here for an overnight stay, guests will have the opportunity to soak up all that this stunning island has to offer. Guests can ‘bob to the rhythm’ at an evening of steel drums and dancing, or relax on deck looking out to the calm, blue sea.

Next stop is Road Town in Tortola, in the beautiful British Virgin Islands, before a day in St. John’s (Antigua). Discover English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard, or take a catamaran around the island.

Black Watch will then stay overnight on Ponta Delgada, in the alluring Azores, before returning to Greenock (Glasgow).

Prices for this exotic Caribbean cruise start from just £2,799 per person, based on two adults sharing a twin, ‘Inside’ cabin, and include accommodation, all meals and entertainment on board, and port dues.

Fred. Olsen was delighted to be voted ‘Best Affordable Cruise Line’ and runner-up ‘Best Cruise Line’ in the ‘Cruise International Awards 2013’, and ‘Best Value for Money’ in the Cruise Critic ‘Editors’ Picks UK Awards 2013’.

MSC Cruises held crisis management drill involving passengers, crew and shore staff off Oman

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 April 2014 10 April 2014

MSC Cruises, the Geneva based cruise shipping company, said it held a crisis management drill involving about 2,500 persons on board the 58,600 gross ton MSC Lirica off Oman.

“On Monday 31 March at 15:00 CET, MSC Cruises organised a crisis management drill on board MSC Lirica as she was cruising off the coast of Oman. The drill saw the involvement of close to 2,500 people between the crew members, the employees ashore and the passengers on board the ship,” the company said in a statement.

MSC Cruises UK appoints Janet Parton head of sales

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 10 April 2014 10 April 2014

MSC Cruises, the Geneva based cruise shipping companny, has appointed Janet Parton in the newly created role of Head of Sales for the UK and Ireland.

Parton will start at the beginning of July and will be responsible for overseeing the cruise line’s sales, distribution and trade strategies in both markets. She joins after seven years at Carnival UK where she was most recently Senior Sales Manager for trade business for P&O Cruises and Cunard.

MSC Cruises’ Executive Director UK, Ireland and Australia Giles Hawke commented: “Janet is an excellent addition to our UK and Ireland leadership team and will be leading our sales organisation through a period of significant growth planned for the brand.”

Parton, who has more than 16 years’ experience in the travel industry, has extensive knowledge of the trade. Previous roles include field sales manager at Carnival UK and as a store manager for Thomas Cook.

She added: “I am really excited about working with the MSC Cruises team and can’t wait to get started. The company has ambitious plans and a fantastic product that deserves to be known far and wide. My focus is increasing brand awareness by maximising our support to travel agents.”

Newly refurbished Seven Seas Mariner sets sail

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 09 April 2014 09 April 2014

Regent Seven Seas Cruises completed a multi-million dollar refurbishment and upgrade to the all-suite, all-balcony ship Seven Seas Mariner. The ship has re-entered service and is in the midst of a 10-night sailing from Monte Carlo to Venice. The newly renovated Seven Seas Mariner will call the Mediterranean home for the remainder of the season.

The refurbishment of Seven Seas Mariner added a fresh, elegant and luxurious new look, while retaining the warmth and charm for which Regent Seven Seas Cruises is acclaimed. The ship's suites and lounges are resplendent with elegant new furnishings, rich upholstery, custom-milled carpeting and hand-selected accents. Seven Seas Voyager recently underwent a similar refurbishment and Seven Seas Navigator was similarly upgraded in 2012.

"Regent Seven Seas Cruises sets the benchmark for luxury in the cruise industry and after witnessing the transformation on Seven Seas Mariner it's clear we once again raised the bar. She is simply breathtaking," said Kunal S. Kamlani, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises. "This investment in our fleet underscores our commitment to providing our guests with the ultimate, ultra-inclusive experience on the most luxurious and stylish ships," he added.

Highlights of the Seven Seas Mariner transformation include:

– The ship's Grand, Master, Mariner, Seven Seas, Horizons and Penthouse Suites received all-new furniture, upholstery, lighting and wall coverings. Each features sophisticated, timeless décor with new sofas and chairs, new dining tables, new lamps and accent lighting that exudes Park Avenue elegance. Rich, luxurious fabrics were chosen to give each category of suites their own unique look and character. Soft tones of mint green, dove grey, fawn and wheat will play off of a palette of rich, dominant hues of espresso, chocolate, gold, burgundy and silver.

– The ship's two-deck high, state-of-the-art show theatre was renovated with a new LED wall to enhance the on-stage productions, and new carpeting, upholstery, wall coverings, cocktail tables, wall sconces, banquettes and chairs to provide additional comfort for our guests. Inside the theater, Regent Seven Seas Cruises mounts its largest and most ambitious production to date. Titled "Cirque Rock 'n Roll" this stunning spectacle is filled with aerial theatrics choreographed to music from Michael Jackson, Pink, Queen and more.

– The Stars Lounge features a dramatic new décor and ambiance. A new stone-topped bar anchors the room and the décor of plum, smoky-grey, gold, black and cream creates a subdued yet elegant atmosphere. Rich woolen carpets, supple leather, dark hardwood paneling and hammered-copper accents create an air of distinction, taste and elegance.

– The Horizon Lounge received a distinctive new stone-fronted bar, chic new furnishings, tony carpeting, lustrous wall coverings, and new lighting. While the Mariner Lounge was reconfigured with a spacious "open" floor plan and features a new bar, new stone flooring, lamps and tables.

– The Observation Lounge sports a stunning new décor of rich ivory, ebony and wine tones. A dramatic new back-lit bar serves as the room's centerpiece which offers sweeping 270 degree views.

– The Canyon Ranch Spa received new steam rooms, new stone flooring in the reception area, refurbished changing rooms and the Fitness Center was equipped with brand new state-of-the-art exercise equipment.

– The exterior decks and al fresco lounges received a makeover as well. New teak was installed on the balconies of all 350 suites and the teak decking in common areas was resurfaced and refinished to brand-new condition. The Pool Deck, as well as the ship's outdoor relaxation areas were furnished with brand new resort-style sofas, chairs, and loungers. The Pool Grill and La Veranda also received eye-catching upgrades with new mosaic tiling, new wall coverings draperies, lighting and awnings.