The BBC gardening presenter, Steve Brookes, will be joining a Fred. Olsen cruise to the Canary Islands in 2013.  Boudicca’s ‘Gardens & Beaches of the Canaries’ cruise, D1307, is for 12 nights, departing from Liverpool on 21 April 2013, the first departure in the cruise line’s new season from this port, the company said in a statement.

"The cruise, a treat for garden lovers, visits the islands of Lanzarote, Tenerife, La Palma and Madeira – the latter known as the ‘Garden Isle’ - before returning to Liverpool.  The Canary Islands are a horticultural paradise, with a wealth of rare plants and flowers, some of which are unique to these islands. The Botanical Gardens in Santa Cruz, Tenerife, are among many garden highlights to be visited on this cruise."

Steve Brookes will be the perfect Vistas host. "A fun and charismatic gardening presenter, his enthusiastic approach, combined with his extensive horticultural knowledge, allow him to inform and entertain novice and experienced gardeners alike. Steve currently presents a weekly gardening show on BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire, which won him the prestigious ‘Garden Writers Guild’ award for the best radio gardening programme. He can also be seen around the country at the major gardening events presenting his hints & tips stage show. Steve has also been a presenter of Central TV’s popular 'Gardening Time’ programme and has won a Royal Television Society Award for his Channel 4 series ‘Growing Plants'."

Steve’s entertaining talks will enhance the experience of guests, while the ship is at sea, and increase their knowledge and understanding of the plant life they will be able to enjoy while visiting these glorious islands, the company said.

Costa Crociere, the Italian unit in the Carnival Corp & plc group, says it has appointed new Vice President Marketing, Frederik Pénot. He will coordinate all marketing activities concerning the development and positioning of the brand, communication, research and product development.

Beginning his new role with Costa Crociere from 3 September 2012, Pénot will report to Norbert Stiekema, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing. Pénot started his career at a strategic consultancy business before moving to Disneyland Paris where he held a series of senior sales and marketing positions. This period culminated in his appointment as Vice President Sales and Marketing for the French market.

Norbert Stiekema said in a statement: “I am certain that, with Frederik’s guest focus, skill set and international experience in key Costa markets, we will further strengthen our leadership team and secure our competitiveness in a rapidly changing marketplace”.