Voyages of Discovery to offer 147 night Central and South America cruise in 2012-13

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 19 September 2011 19 September 2011

Voyages of Discovery, the destinational unit in the UK based All Leisure group of cruise brands, will send its 15,300 gross ton Voyager for a 147 night cruise that  take the ship to Central America before sailing around South America and touching the coast of West Africa before return to the UK. The ship will sail from Portsmouth on 4 December 2012 and return there on 29 April 2013, thus making this probably the longest cruise currently for sale in the UK.

“Central America promises a bounty of natural and historic wonders. Uncover the mysteries of the ancient Maya, unlock the secrets of the rainforest and step ashore in cities where architecture reflects the cultures of conquerors past. South America is truly a ‘World in One Continent’ – an amalgam of primitive and sophisticated, spiritual and spectacular, tropical rainforest and endless beaches, snow-capped mountains and ochre-red desert,” the company said in a statement.

Voyager, which was launched in 1990 as Crown Monarch for the now defunct Crown Cruise Line, has been operated on charter by German and Turkish operators, but owned by the All Leisure group since 2009. It will join the UK group’s Voyages of Discovery brand next year and operate in tandem with the 20,636 gross ton Discovery.

 

Swan Hellenic unveil details of Minerva refit

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 19 September 2011 19 September 2011

Swan Hellenic, the educational cruise brand in the All Leisure group in the UK, have unveiled details about a major refit of their 12,500 gross ton deep sea cruise vessel Minerva. The ship has been on charter to the company since All Leisure group relaunched the previously Carnival owned brand in 2007. The current charter was due to expire in 2013, but a company spokesperson says it has been extended.

“Imaginative design will transform the public areas on board providing increased passenger space for our 350 passengers. A new wrap-around Orpheus Lounge and Bar will be created at the forward end of the top deck providing expansive panoramic views,” the company said in a statement.

Shackleton’s Bar will be extended into a horseshoe shape allowing passengers additional space in which to relax and enjoy the intimate on board ambience prior to dining in the newly named signature Swan Restaurant, named after our founders W F and R K Swan. A new walk round teak Promenade Deck, which preserves the classic days of cruising, will be laid at the top of the ship. This, with the Orpheus Lounge and Bar, will offer the perfect vantage points, both inside and out, for arrivals and departures, early morning walks and pre and post dinner cocktails.

“A reconfiguration of the public areas on Bridge Deck will see the former cinema upgraded to an additional lounge, to be known as the Livingstone Lounge. The internet area, currently located in the Library, will move to the port side of the ship and be renamed the Internet Lounge. This larger facility will meet our passengers’ expectations, allowing them to remain in close touch with family and friends. The renowned and popular Swan Hellenic library, which boasts some 5,000 volumes, an integral part of the Swan Hellenic heritage, will remain unchanged. “

Furthermore, a new Salon Centre and Gymnasium will be created at the aft end of Aegean Deck. The aft end of the new Sun Deck will be extended with teak decking to create an additional, sheltered outside space for relaxation, while the teak deck surrounding the pool area on Bridge Deck will now benefit from a canopy arrangement to provide protection from the sun. This will create an enhanced space for dining alfresco and also create a late evening entertainment venue.

All Discovery Cruising restructures for expansion

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 18 September 2011 18 September 2011

All Discovery Cruising North America promotes Ivonne Brown to Vice President of Sales & Marketing and creates three Key Account Specialist roles to manage top agency account relationships.

In response to recent announcements of a multi-million dollar investment to develop its three cruising brands which includes new ship Voyager (Voyages of Discovery), a major design upgrade for Minerva (Swan Hellenic) that increases balcony cabin accommodations to 23%, and a new Five-Star river cruising program aboard Royal Crown (Hebridean Island Cruises), All Discovery Cruising is restructuring its North America office to support their growing presence.

Reporting to Steve Novello, President of All Discovery Cruising's North America office, Ivonne Brown will manage North America's marketing, sales, and public relations initiatives. She most recently served as Senior Director of Marketing and brings a wealth of experience to the role with her strong sales and marketing background acquired within the cruise, travel, GDS, and publishing industries.

"We've come a long way since the day we hired Ivonne. She was the key hire that played a significant role in strengthening our North American market presence. Ivonne's marketing expertise allowed us to re-establish our relationship with our loyal past guests, get exposure in front of new travel agents, and most importantly, provide key marketing tools to our agent partners who were loyal to these brands in the past. Her contribution, along with a committed investment in marketing and operations for the North American office by the UK parent, is indicative of the transformation that Ivonne helped to lead in our market. Without her, and the commitment and belief of our current staff in her, this would not have been possible," states Novello.

In her new role, she will focus on growing the business by introducing advanced marketing efforts to help educate agents and their clients about our numerous niche offerings. The strategy includes converting three current positions to new dedicated Key Account Specialists that work closely with key travel partners to provide a "boutique" approach to sales and service.

All Discovery Cruising is a niche cruise company (accommodating 50-to-650 guests), with each brand offering its own distinctive characteristics and style. Together they share a combined focus on delivering superior destination and enrichment cruises to the world's most beautiful destinations. "Because of the unique nature of our cruises, our strategy is to continue developing new and existing partnerships with those travel partners who have the right demographic mix for our products. In addition, travel partners will benefit from new programs that will be implemented in the coming months to improve operational efficiencies through enhanced technology," adds Novello.

MSC Cruises brings additional refinement to MSC Yacht Club

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 16 September 2011 16 September 2011

Family-owned cruise line MSC Cruises continues to surprise and delight with unexpected innovations. MSC Yacht Club is a prime example. This exclusive ship within a ship on MSC’s acclaimed new flagships stunned the cruise world with its private club ambience, luxurious facilities and comfort. And at the same time it surprised, transforming MSC’s cruise experience with the unsurpassed personal attention of a prestigious traditional butler service.

Now MSC has joined the ranks of those innovating this most unchanging of professions - led by none other than HM Queen Elizabeth II - and recruited its first women butlers to enhance the MSC Yacht Club staff. Fully trained and impeccably attired in traditional livery, their introduction has delighted guests and proven a tremendous success. 

Thirty-five-year-old Larysa Fedoruk is a perfect example of the modern woman who is bringing a feminine touch to this demanding role - and bringing a multitude of skills with her. Fluent in English, German, Italian and Russian, she trained as a dancer. Indeed, that’s what first took her to sea, working in one of the world-class troupes performing on MSC’s ships. Enchanted by the experience, she formed the ambition to become one of the company’s first woman butlers, and - with a dancer’s grit and determination - passed the rigorous selection procedure and training programme with flying colours. 

Larysa’s enthusiasm has actually grown with her work, as she herself explains: “I’ve always loved the challenge of providing close personal service in so many different areas, from room and valet services to arranging custom excursions and assisting at the buffet and bar. And I really appreciate how MSC enables all its people to achieve their full potential. Becoming an MSC Yacht Club butler has allowed me to experience the satisfaction of tuning in to our guests’ habits and preferences to provide that special level of service which pleases by providing exactly what someone wants without their having to ask. It’s such a reward to see their expression of pleasure and surprise.” 

“Then there are other surprises, too”, she continues. “Like the time I was asked to organise a city tour by hot air balloon for a couple who wanted to celebrate their anniversary in the sky. I made sure champagne and a cake were awaiting them in the basket, so they could drink to their happiness while drinking in the views. It’s the same when guests ask for my advice about a gift, excursion or what to wear. It makes me part of their unforgettable experience in MSC Yacht Club.”

With the sensitive touch that Larysa and her new female butler colleagues bring to complementing MSC Yacht Club’s attentive service, there’s no doubt that this is another tradition which has strengthened its values through innovation, true to the spirit of MSC Cruises.