Two third of Brits want to explore something new in 2014, study shows

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 21 January 2014 21 January 2014

Exploration is the key holiday trend for 2014 as research published today reveals that two thirds (65%) of Brits are keen to experience something new on holiday this year, Celebrity Cruises said in a statement.

"In addition Brits are proving their holiday ambition grit with over a third (35 %) believing they will be able to tick off their bucket list of top destinations to visit in their lifetime. One in ten think it is likely or very likely that they will experience them all,"  according to the research from Celebrity Cruises.  

Britain is the second largest source market for ocean cruise passengers in the world, with 1.79 million passengers last year, an increase of 5% on 2012, figures released by Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) show.

Brits are keener than ever to venture into the unknown with trips that will exercise the mind, rather than the body. The biggest holiday ambition is to visit a famous site (30%), followed closely by being able to see wildlife (25%) and experience a new culture (18%.

 "Celebrity Cruises commissioned the research ahead of the launch of ‘Ben Fogle’s Great Adventures’ – a series of unique and exclusive shore excursions  developed for those keen to add an alternative element to their holiday and really make the most of their time away. Writer, broadcaster and explorer Ben Fogle was appointed as the Celebrity Cruises ‘Destination Expert’ in 2013 to share his knowledge of the world with the cruise line’s guests and even shape the experiences they have on holiday. From life as a castaway on a Scottish island, to racing across the Antarctic and trekking the Sahara, he is certainly well qualified to advise on adventure and how to add a different dimension to holiday programmes. The new shore excursion programme includes speedboat rides and snorkelling with salmon in Norway, a gastronomic tour through Sicily, triathlon trails in Croatia and kayaking through the Stockholm archipelago."

 "Specifically Brits are keen to raise the bar, or even out-do friends and family when it comes to choosing our holiday. A quarter of those surveyed (24 per cent) choose their holiday based on the opportunity to do something and go somewhere completely different, compared to only three per cent who book their holiday based on a family or friend’s recommendation. The over 55s are the most innovative holidaymakers as 23 per cent are keen to do something different, compared to just 16 per cent of under 24s."

 "Brits’ bucket lists for 2014 reveal that we are keen to explore shores closer to home with 32 per cent opting for holidays in Europe, compared to 12 per cent in Australia and New Zealand, 10 per cent to the Caribbean and North America. Just three per cent are keen to follow the sporting hype of the World Cup and travel to South America."

Commenting on the results, Ben said, “It is really encouraging to see Brits realising that holidays can be more than a break away and an opportunity to try something different.  Many are keen to realise their ambitions to take the road less travelled and immerse themselves in new cultures and experiences. With the launch of my Great Adventures, Celebrity Cruises are leading the way in innovative and exclusive shore excursions across the globe that will add a new and exciting dimension to their cruise holidays in 2014 and beyond.”

Jo Rzymowska, managing director for Celebrity Cruises UK & Ireland adds, “Exploration and enhancing the travel experience for guests are at the heart of Ben Fogle’s Great Adventures. As Blue Monday is officially behind us and with the first payday of the year approaching, now is the time to plan exciting holidays for the year ahead. The research published today suggests that 2014 will be the year Brits truly broaden their horizons on holiday. With ambitions to tour famous sites, become immersed in a new culture and savour new cuisine, exploration looks set to be the holiday trend for this year.”

 Ben Fogle’s Great Adventures offer Celebrity Cruises guests the opportunity to embrace the spirit of exploration with excursions that include speedboat trips and snorkelling with salmon in Norway, a triathlon-themed tour across Croatia, a nature-themed excursion across the Stockholm archipelago by kayak and RIB boat and a gastronomic tour of Sicily.

 

Mein Schiff 3 to be named in Hamburg 12 June

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 21 January 2014 21 January 2014

Mein Schiff 3, the first of two 99,300 gross ton newbuildings TUI Cruises has on order at STX Finland in Turku, will be named at a ceremony in Hamburg on 12 June, the company said in a statement. The vessel is now 78% complete and construction has progressed according to plan. Meanwhile, the keel of Mein Schiff 4 is due to be laid next month so that the vessel can enter service early in 2015.

P&O Cruises introduces regional flights from seven airports for Ventura's Med programme

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 20 January 2014 20 January 2014

P&O Cruises, the UK focused contemporary market unit in the Carnival Corp & plc group, has added departures from seven regional airports on selected Fly-Med cruises on Ventura for this summer, the company said in a statement.. 

The direct* regional charter flights will be available, at no extra cost, on 16 Fly-Med cruises across seven regional airports including; Bournemouth, Belfast, Cardiff, East Midlands, Glasgow, Newcastle and Stansted. Flights are also available from London, Manchester or Birmingham as standard. 

P&O Cruises marketing director Christopher Edgington said: “This is great news. We all want our holidays to be made as easy as possible and our new regional airport departures for the Fly-Med cruises do exactly that.  They will cut the travel time dramatically from home to holiday, providing even quicker access to the sun.” 

New for 2014, P&O Cruises is offering fly-cruise holidays in the Med on its large family-friendly and contemporary ship Ventura. Flying straight to the sunshine these cruises tick all the boxes for couples and families; excellent age-specific kids' clubs facilities both day and night, a new city to explore, beach to laze on or pool to play in every day, a fantastic choice of dining from relaxed pizzas by the pool to al fresco fine dining in Marco Pierre White's restaurant, and a new place to explore nearly every day - all in one action-packed holiday. 

A variety of seven and 14-night fly-cruise holidays are available from March to October. Ventura will sail from either Venice or Genoa and sail round the Greek Islands, Dalmatian coast, French Riviera and take in some of the region’s most iconic cities including Rome, Venice, Naples, Dubrovnik and Florence, as well as other smaller destinations including Kotor and Ajaccio in Corsica. 

Windstar Cruises unveils transformation of Star Pride

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 20 January 2014 20 January 2014

Windstar Cruiseshas unveiled major renovations for Star Pride's public spaces, suites, and dining venues. Windstar takes delivery of Star Pride on April 17, 2014, the first yacht of Windstar's 2013 purchase of three luxury cruise ships. The work to transform Star Pride into Windstar's private yacht style will take place in Barcelona immediately following handover. Star Pride's inaugural voyage embarks May 5, 2014.

"The planning for Star Pride's transformation to Windstar's unique private yacht style is nearly complete. Our enhancements include significant style changes and stem-to-stern upgrades," said Hans Birkholz, chief executive officer of Windstar Cruises." The main theme is a casual elegant ambiance, with a warm contemporary style. The look and feel of the renovations will align with our sailing fleet."

Windstar is working in partnership with Alan McVitty and Trimline Interiors, both of whom played a part in the success of Windstar's recent $18 million sailing fleet-wide renovation, to complete Star Pride's stem-to-stern transformation that will renovate public spaces, dining venues, and suites.

Public Spaces: the majority of public areas will receive updated décor, complete with new furnishings, upholstery, lighting, wall coverings, carpeting, ceiling finishes, window treatments, and floor coverings. The enhanced color palette combines sand and marine shades to contrast with the warmth of wood finishes, elevating the look and feel to casual elegance.

– Yacht Club: the indoor observation area on the top deck will become a chic coffee bar and lounge, where guests enjoy espresso and various sandwiches and pastries while relaxing with a good book, exploring their iPads with wifi, or just watching the coast line as they sail to the next destination. The area will receive a complete overhaul, with new Amtico® flooring, furniture, and an open layout that embraces the view.
– Compass Rose: the club space will turn into Windstar's popular Compass Rose, redesigned with all new contemporary furnishings, including rich new flooring finishes, plantation shutters, and comfortable chairs and bar stools designed for socializing. Live music can be found here nightly.
– Reception: this area will be refreshed with new paneling, light fixtures, and wall coverings. An additional desk for guests to consult with the destination manager and guest service manager will also be added.
– Star Bar: the outdoor deck bar will offer casual drinks during the day and a venue for star-gazing by night. The bar area will be expanded with teak decking, new stools, and lighting.

Dining Venues: all restaurants will be transformed to embrace Windstar's casual elegance, where guests are free to eat when, where, and with whom they please (no jackets or ties required). All dining experiences are complimentary.

– AmphorA: Windstar's formal dining experience will be introduced as AmphorA Restaurant. The main dining room will be redesigned, featuring mirror panels with Murano glass, new soft lighting, wall coverings, and art work. The room will feature a new seating layout; setting the stage for Windstar's signature dining experience featuring contemporary, international menus and fresh, local dishes.
– Veranda/Candles: the restaurant in the aft of the yacht will be an inviting buffet during the day, with plentiful outdoor seating highlighting Veranda's new look – the perfect spot for breakfast and lunch alfresco. At night the venue will transform to Candles Grill, a favorite Windstar romantic experience where guests can dine with table service under the stars.

Suites: all 106 suites will be renovated to showcase new furnishings, leather headboards, plush sofas and chairs, drapes, new lighting features, window coverings, plush carpeting, new art work, stylish bed cushions, and luxurious bed throws. The suites will feature a warm color palette that embraces comfort and relaxation.

– Destination Suites: the Owners Suites will now showcase different, unique Windstar destinations, such as the Bora Bora Suite. Guests can get a taste of one of the hidden harbors that Windstar sails to, all in the comfort of their suite.

Life Onboard: Star Pride will highlight Windstars small ship advantage of sailing with fewer than 300 privileged guests.  Life on board will showcase many of the experiences found on Windstar's sailing fleet.

– Sail Away: guests will experience Sail Away from each port enjoying the enchanting music of 1492: Conquest of Paradise as the yacht cruises to the next days adventure.
– Deck Barbecue: the line's signature Deck Barbecue gala will take place one night per voyage on the pool deck. The 5-star buffet offers an array of dishes from lobster to an Asian-style suckling pig, jerk marinated chicken and other specialties. Seafood paella is cooked right on deck giving guests a taste of the Spanish favorite with a local twist. After dining is complete, guests enjoy the ever-popular crew show.
– Open Bridge: Windstar will continue its Open Bridge experience, inviting guests to come into the Bridge when the yacht is at sea. Guests can talk with the Captain and officers on watch, view the navigational chart, and enjoy some of the best views on the yacht.
– Watersports Platform: the swim and sports platform located at the back of the yacht will be brought to life Windstar style. The platform offers a variety of water toys such as water skis, wakeboards, kayaks, paddleboards, and sailboats, guests can also enjoy the freedom of their own private yacht by swimming to and from the platform.
– Service: Windstar's crew members are highly valued and famous for their pampering without pretense, offering service that is personal, anticipatory, and genuine. In 2013 Windstar's service garnered #1 placement in the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Readers Choice Awards Small Ship Cruise Line category. This same level and style of service will be found on Star Pride.
– Luxury as You Like It®: Unlike many of the all-inclusive luxury brands, Windstar offers a choice of personal amenities. Shore excursions can be booked as a collection or by individual tour. Alcoholic beverages are available a la carte or through a beverage package, ensuring that guests arent paying for someone elses bar bill. A variety of other amenities are available for guests to tailor their cruise as they choose.