Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2016 - January 2017 i Cruise & Travel

SWIM FIT ON Britannia Olympian and six-time world champion swimmer Mark Foster will be hosting fitness and swimming sessions on P&O Cruises’ Britannia next summer. Children or adults can have daily swimming lessons with the former Strictly contestant, as well as attending fitness sessions (pocruises.com). Read an interview with Mark on page 114. We love... Hygge They’ve given us tasty bacon and a decent helping of Nordic Noir, and the latest trend to come out of Denmark is ‘hygge’. Pronounced ‘hue-gah’, it means creating a cosy, warm atmosphere in your home and life, whether that’s blankets and mulled wine, hand-knitted socks or simply taking the time to enjoy the simple things in life – and that’s definitely something we can all learn to embrace. Did you know?   Just one…

A private jet takes you from Nice to Rwanda for a week in Africa, then there’s a flight to Morocco for a couple of nights in Marrakesh Award-winning P&O Cruises has a new series of sailings departing from Malta that work in the same way as a package holiday, with included charter flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Newcastle and the East Midlands. Some of the trips on Oceana focus on the eastern Med, calling at places such as Messina in Sicily and Split in Croatia, while others head west, with one even visiting Monaco for the Grand Prix. The seven-night Italy and Croatia cruise departing April 7 starts at £799. Equally simple and to the point are Thomson Cruises’ seven-night Spanish sailings on new ship TUI Discovery 2.…

Winner VIKING RIVER CRUISES Viking was your top choice for its enriching shore excursions, variety of world-class cuisine and its contemporary yet elegant Scandic interiors across its ships. Fascinating guest speakers and a wide range of onboard activities designed to help guests learn more about the destination complement the impressive itineraries it offers. Highly Commended UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISE COLLECTION Uniworld’s sumptuous furnishings which include Savoir beds, original artwork and Murano glass chandeliers continue to impress you, while outstanding service, personal touches and all-inclusive itineraries mark it out as one of the most popular river cruise lines of 2016.…

Winner SILVERSEA CRUISES With luxurious small ships designed to take guests into the heart of a destination and cruises that call at some of the world’s hidden gems, it’s little wonder you voted Silversea Best for Adventure. And, having recently announced two new seven-night Galapagos itineraries, along with the refurbishment of the formerly named Galapagos Explorer II, the popularity of its itineraries looks set to grow even further in 2017. Highly Commended VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY From tropical shores to ancient ports, a journey with Voyages of Discovery offers an intimate yet adventurous experience, as its ships only have a capacity of 540 guests and calls at exotic destinations such as Sri Lanka, Egypt and Vietnam. You especially loved the well thought-out excursions with expert insights.…

Winner JANE CHADWICK, GO CRUISE WITH JANE Jane has been passionate about cruising since stepping foot on her first ship from a young age and, after fulfilling a long-standing ambition to work in the industry in 1996, set up her own Go Cruise franchise in 2006. Praised for always going the extra mile, you felt Jane deserved to be crowned Best Cruise Agent for her expert advice and no-can-do attitude when it comes to finding the right cruise for her customers. Highly Commended SUE WINSBY, CRUISE CONNECTIONS Having worked as a secretary for many years in London, Sue decided to travel the world for a couple of years before settling down to have a family. She then joined Cruise Connections and now, with around 20 years’ experience, Sue has amassed…

Winner ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL With the introduction of the world’s biggest ship Harmony of the Seas in 2016, Royal Caribbean showed it knows how to deliver an exciting programme of onboard activities in the form of state-of-the-art facilities – most notably its latest vessel’s thrilling water slides, which include the Ultimate Abyss and the Perfect Storm, and favourites including the FlowRider. Highly Commended P&O CRUISES Whether you want to learn a new skill or brush up on old ones, P&O Cruises provides a wide variety of activities from dance classes to art workshops to help you create a memorable cruise, plus the appearance of celebrity chefs as part of interactive cookery demonstrations helped it score highly with you.…

Winner P&O CRUISES With a combination of last-minute cruise deals, saver fares and extra onboard spending money, P&O Cruises is a hit with you when it comes to offering fantastic value. And there is more to celebrate in the coming years as it honours 180 years of P&O history in 2017, as well as the arrival of its newest ship in 2020, which will feature a Center Parcs-style glass dome as one of its main attractions. Highly Commended CELESTYAL CRUISES Celestyal’s itineraries are well regarded for the variety and number of cultural experiences it offers and you felt this plus attractive all-inclusive cruises and drink packages mark it out as a great-value cruise line, allowing you flexibility in you budget and helping you to create your dream cruise holiday.…

Winner ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL From show-stopping performances to high-octane acrobatics, the range and quality of entertainment on board Royal Caribbean’s modern fleet scored highly with you, especially the bigger-and-better-than-ever line-up of events on its newest ship Harmony of the Seas. You were especially wowed by two new headline shows on board, Grease, and an original production, Columbus, The Musical! Highly Commended P&O CRUISES P&O’s Strictly Come Dancing-themed cruises have marked it out as one of the Best for Onboard Entertainment for you, while its Music Festivals at Sea, which feature live guest musicians, are an impressive addition to its fantastic entertainment programme, not to mention the film screenings, cabarets, West End-style shows and seminars.…

Winner SHIPMONK Having carved out a career as a journalist for almost 40 years, Dave Monk started cruise writing in 2005 and offers cruise reviews and news at shipmonk.co.uk in a relatable and informative style that has clearly won you over. Formerly Deputy Editor of the Metro, he was also a judge for the Outstanding Contribution award. Dave is known for regularly updating his social media feeds and has even created his own app, which has impressed you. Highly Commended TIPS FOR TRAVELLERS Formerly working for major multi-national companies, Gary Bembridge has created his own niche in the cruising world with his blog tipsfortravellers.com. You were impressed with his regular vlogs, podcasts and features, which offer expert advice and inspiration on cruising the world, from the must-see places to travelling…

Winner ARNOLD DONALD, CEO CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC The Outstanding Contribution to the Cruise Industry award is the only Cruise Award decided by our panel of judges, and 2016’s worthy recipient is Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc. Born in 1954 in New Orleans, Arnold was an ambitious young boy. His passion led him to executive leadership roles in various research and development industries, eventually becoming President and Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Corporation & plc in 2013 after having been a director since 2001. Arnold has overseen restructuring and has grown the group’s market capital from about $25 billion to some $37 billion. He has helped the group to make history this year by being the first US-owned cruise line to be permitted to sail into Cuba…

From spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites to beautiful vineyards, the destinations along the Gironde, Garonne and Dordogne rivers boast many treasures – and here’s your chance to explore this region of France renowned for fine food and wine in our fantastic competition. We’ve teamed up with award-winning Viking River Cruises to give you the chance to win a Chateaux, Rivers & Wine cruise on board a stylish and modern Viking Longship. With calls at Bordeaux, Cadillac, Saint-Émilion, Blaye and Pauillac, embark on a delightful journey where you can savour exquisite local cuisine, while splendid churches, quaint city squares and grand architecture provide a feast for the eyes. The eight-day cruise includes return travel to and from the UK, guided tours and all meals, as well as complimentary wine, beer and…

Standing on the familiar stone steps, she looked like any other tourist. But as soon as Elisabeth von Trapp opened her mouth and began to sing, we all gasped. “Doe, a deer, a female deer, Ray, a drop of golden sun…” The lyrics came effortlessly, and her voice soared – pure, rich and utterly gorgeous. The step-granddaughter of Maria von Trapp was leading us in a rendition of Do-Re-Mi in Mirabell Gardens in Salzburg – the chocolate box setting used as the location for The Sound of Music movie. Elisabeth was a young girl when Julie Andrews played Maria in the hit 1965 Hollywood musical, but for a treat she was allowed on set to watch the filming. “My grandmother and my sister even appear in the movie,” Elisabeth smiled.…

A voyage to this Arctic archipelago, discovered in the 12th century, uncovers dramatic terrain of frozen peaks and glaciers as well as an abundance of wildlife and raw, untamed nature. These islands are famed for being the home of more polar bears than people, while the seemingly foreboding landscapes appeal to adventurers who explore its vast wilderness by hiking, husky sledding and snowmobiles. Adding to the ethereal magic of the desolate wastelands are the Northern Lights, the mesmerising natural phenomenon that projects vibrant swirls of colour onto the vast sky. >>Turn to page 92 to read our ultimate guide to adventure cruising…

Winner PRINCESS CRUISES Princess Cruises, the star of TV show “The Cruise”, was named Best Cruise Line for the third year running.You love the glamour of the cruise line’s ships, with their innovative features such as poolside-cinema Movies Under The Stars and glass-bottom walkway SeaWalk, the outstanding onboard service, and the wide range of itineraries. Highly Commended P&O CRUISES Pioneering the first TV culinary school at sea, P&O Cruises continues to score highly with you thanks to its engaging cookery and Strictly Come Dancing- themed cruises plus its family-friendly vessels. With plans to deliver the largest ship for the UK market in 2020, the future looks very bright for P&O Cruises.…

Winner OCEANIA CRUISES It’s little surprise Oceania Cruises was awarded Best for Food – it counts Master Chef Jacques Pépin as its Executive Culinary Director, meaning all the food across its fleet has been curated with an expert hand into highly delectable menus. You were also wowed by its speciality dining options such as the award-winning Red Ginger restaurant, Toscana and Parisian-inspired Jacques Bistro. Highly Commended PRINCESS CRUISES Thanks to its wide range of speciality restaurants – from gastropub The Salty Dog to Italian restaurant Sabatini’s – Princess has impressed you with its sumptuous food and tantalising treats that includes signature recipes from skilled chefs and the fabulous Chef’s Table experience.…

Winner SAGA CRUISES Along with its itineraries that give you the opportunity to discover UNESCO World Heritage sites, sacred cities and some of the most incredible wildlife in the world, you love Saga’s excellent onboard lectures featuring well-known experts in their field. Most recently these have included former MI5 Director General Dame Stella Rimington, art historian Malcolm Culkin and archaeologist Gillian Hovell on board Saga Sapphire. Highly Commended CUNARD LINE Striving to “engage, enlighten and entertain” its guests, Cunard’s enrichment programme Cunard Insights offers regular talks on contemporary issues by well-known celebrities and personalities, offering the opportunity to discover more about topics ranging from art, history, music and dance.…

Winner BERYL GIBSON, NORTHUMBRIA TRAVEL Beryl has worked in the travel industry for 37 years and founded Northumbria Travel in 1984. She has enjoyed a great year after becoming godmother to Viking Vilhjalm, and recently celebrated her 85th birthday. Beryl says she has no plans to retire any time soon, showing her commitment to continue helping her clients and colleagues. Her dedication to the industry made her your favourite to receive this award. Highly Commended JOHN COOPER, VISION CRUISE Having started his career aged 20 as a holiday rep in Spain, John got a taste for life abroad early on. In 2008 he moved to Vision Cruise, where he has become a stalwart presenter. His entertaining and knowledgeable style has made him a trusted voice on cruising and you agree…

Winner HOLLAND AMERICA LINE From luxurious and relaxing treatments at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon to fitness classes including yoga, Pilates and cardio circuits on board, you decided you were so impressed with Holland America Line’s wellbeing facilities that you crowned the cruise line winner. Treatment rooms that afford a view of the sea on its newest ship Koningsdam add a sense of calm, helping to promote a rejuvenated mind. Highly Commended MSC CRUISES The wide range of treatments available at MSC’s Aurea Spa scored highly with you. It includes exotic Balinese therapies as well as hot stone massages, aromatherapy and acupuncture – ensuring you have the most relaxing time at sea – while fitness packages include dance/fitness lessons with a personal trainer.…

Winner TITAN’S VIP HOME DEPARTURE SERVICE Making the transfer to your holiday and back again has been made easier and more comfortable thanks to Titan’s VIP Home Departure Service. You love the fact that you are picked up from your home and taken to your departure port or airport and back again – which is why you agreed in your thousands that it deserved recognition as Best Product or Service. Highly Commended AZAMARA’S AZAMAZING EVENINGS Allowing you to become fully immersed in local culture through music, such as recitals in the Tuscany hills; dance, like a private ballet performance; and exquisite cuisine, Azamara’s exclusive AzAmazing Evenings won your praise for its ‘destination immersion’ experience.…

Winner THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS With its breathtaking verdant landscapes, spectacular waterfalls and wild coastline, it’s little wonder you have crowned the Norwegian Fjords as the Best Destination in Europe once again. It’s a superb location for adventure seekers and culture lovers alike, where you can learn more about Norway’s Viking history in cities such as Stavanger, Bergen and Oslo, and enjoy voyages to see the spectacular Northern Lights in winter. Highly Commended VENICE One of the most visited cities in the world, you love the Floating City, its stunning architecture, iconic waterways, Grand Canal and beautiful landmarks including the Rialto Bridge and St Mark’s Basilica, plus the food. Home of the traditional Italian aperitif, the Aperol spritz, you agree that a cruise here at any time of year is simply…

Winner DISNEY CRUISE LINE You were truly amazed by the non-stop entertainment that comes with a Disney cruise on board its four fabulous ships – Magic, Wonder, Fantasy and Dream. Broadway-style shows and appearances from Disney characters won’t fail to enchant children of all ages, while exciting ports of call such as New York, Miami, Vancouver and San Juan appeal to the whole family. Highly Commended ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL Offering plenty of family-friendly onshore excursions and youth clubs to keep the children entertained, as well as endless dining options to cater to even the fussiest eater, Royal Caribbean is one of your top choices for a family cruise. Of course, the cruise line also calls at breathtaking destinations, from Dubai to the Mediterranean.…

THESE TRIPS ARE POPULAR WITH THOSE WHO ENJOY COMBINING AGILITY AND FITNESS INTO THEIR CRUISE Whether your idea of an adventure is dog sledding, snowmobiling, heli-skiing, looking for the Big Five on safari, exploring remote areas of the world or immersing yourself in ancient culture and traditions, there’s an adventure cruise itinerary to suit you. “Adventure cruises are a fast-growing travel trend,” says Simone Clark, Managing Director of Iglu Cruise. The company’s sales to the Galápagos Islands are up by 138 per cent, and they are already booking cruises on the new Scenic Eclipse luxury discovery yacht, which doesn’t launch until 2018. “We are certainly seeing an increased demand for adventure cruises, especially with those who have had a taster of a more traditional cruise and are now looking for…

QI have a close-knit family and I love to keep them updated on my travels. Which cruise ships offer complimentary wifi and internet? A In the past, using wifi at sea was expensive and often a struggle if the ship was mid ocean. But the past couple of years have seen considerable improvements in pricing structures and increased bandwidth. In terms of complimentary wifi, river cruise lines tend to be more generous than ocean-going lines, although Viking Cruises do offer free wifi on all their vessels. Uniworld and AmaWaterways also offer complimentary wifi, as do Saga Cruises and luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises. Crystal and Silversea provide all guests one hour of free internet access, with unlimited availability in the highest grade suites and…

Taiwan is already welcoming cruise passengers while building new terminals in places such as Kaohsiung, its second city The Far East cruise boom that has seen so many new-build ships sail straight to China is great news for Western travellers thanks to the number of new ports opening up. In the past few years, Shanghai and Tianjin have become homeports for cruise ships venturing out to Japan, Taiwan and Thailand, plus there are the already established cruise terminals at Singapore and Hong Kong – which now has purpose-built cruise ship facilities at its second terminal. In China the 2015-built Zhoushan terminal – four hours’ drive from Shanghai and big enough for much bigger ships than Shanghai can deal with – is expected to increase its passenger numbers from 20,000 to…

A silvery light, pure enough to carry a hallmark, was beginning to darken as a rogue wind ploughed furrows across the Sound of Mull; an unmistakably Scottish backdrop for the small, sturdy ship before us. The muted lights beckoned to a cosy interior with well-polished silver and gleaming crystal as the smart platoon of passengers crossed the gangway to the strains of a bagpiper. Purpose-built in 1964 as MV Columba to transport 600 passengers on regular sailings to Scotland’s Western Isles, Hebridean Princess was lovingly and extensively reconstructed then relaunched in 1989, but still seems to belong to another age, when travel was a more elegant affair. As we sailed from the Victorian fishing town of Oban and headed into the burnished silver night, I began to find my way…

Winner VIKING RIVER CRUISES Viking is a hit with you for its immersive and culturally intensive itineraries, particularly on the Yangtze, Rhine and Irrawaddy, and its stylish fleet. With décor inspired by its Scandinavian heritage, Viking River Cruise ships continue to be a popular choice for you, and its fleet is set to grow with the addition of two new Longships, Herja and Hild, in 2017. Highly Commended EMERALD WATERWAYS Emerald Waterways only launched in 2014 but is going from strength to strength. Its commitment to providing a range of all-inclusive, great-value cruises is popular with you, as is its modern fleet. Expect to see it grow further with the arrival of three ships, Emerald Destiny, Emerald Liberté and Emerald Radiance.…

Winner REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES It’s little wonder you rated Regent Seven Seas Cruises Best Luxury Cruise Line – you are wowed by sublime touches such as Versace plates, exquisite design and sumptuous furnishings, while the fabulous Compass Rose restaurant is now even more impressive thanks to a recent makeover as part of fleet-wide refurbishments. Highly Commended HOLLAND AMERICA LINE Offering the best of traditional cruising with a contemporary flair, Holland America Line has won you over with its varied itineraries on board sleek, modern ships. Its latest addition, 2,650-guest capacity Koningsdam, is the first in its new Pinnacle Class and offers glamorous surroundings with fab dining options.…

Winner CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE A cruise line now synonymous with fun, you were impressed by Carnival’s warm and welcoming approach to first-timers, its easy to understand and flexible booking system and range of itineraries to suit all tastes. The arrival of its newest ship Carnival Vista in 2016 helped to cement its standing as an innovative and family-friendly group, with new features such as the Skyride and the first IMAX Theatre at sea a big pull for new cruisers. Highly Commended NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE You were so impressed with Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising philosophy – which allows you to plan your own schedule, dine where and when you want and dress as you please – that you rated it highly in the Best for First-Time Cruisers category, while a variety of…

Winner HARMONY OF THE SEAS Larger than the Eiffel Tower, everything about Harmony of the Seas is big and takes the very best elements of Royal Caribbean’s fleet and combines them with new, enticing features. These include Central Park which is kitted out with real trees; the world’s tallest slide at sea, The Ultimate Abyss; robotic bartenders; and a wide array of bars, shops and restaurants, helping it to score so highly with you. Highly Commended VIKING SEA With its trademark cool, Scandinavian style, Viking Cruises’ Viking Sea has proved a hit with you, thanks to its sumptuous interiors. Highlights include the main swimming pool area, the Wintergarden, a soothing space for afternoon tea, and the Explorer’s Lounge, affording the most fabulous views at sea.…

What better way to unwind and uncover the heart of a destination than by cruising along its waterways? Award-winning operator Titan Travel and CroisiEurope have teamed up to provide a number of culturally enriching itineraries that allow you to leave behind the hustle and bustle of everyday modern life for the serenity of barge cruising. It’s the perfect chance to kick back and soak up views of verdant countryside, ancient villages and beautiful towns while discovering more about the region as you glide along. As canals are never far from the land, you can get a real taste for local gastronomical dishes along with sumptuous regional wines. COSY SURROUNDINGS CroisiEurope’s barges are ideal home from homes for canal cruises. Completely refurbished to high standards and with wifi capability throughout, MS…

Winner NEW YORK Exhilaratingly cool, dynamic and with an endless array of things to see and do, the Big Apple is one of the most enthralling cities in the world and a fantastic stay-and-cruise destination. You love it for the variety it offers, the incredible range of cultural activities, its extraordinary architecture and the breathtaking views of the iconic skyline as your ship sails into or out of the harbour, making it a must-do for any cruise fan. Highly Commended ALASKA Famous for its majestic glaciers, snowcapped peaks and incredible wildlife, the US state is proving increasingly popular with cruise enthusiasts. The area offers a diverse range of experiences and, of course, the opportunity to go whale and bear-watching, while enjoying the most dramatic natural scenery.…

Winner SEABOURN CRUISE LINE You crowned Seabourn as your favourite boutique cruise line because of its excellent service, extravagant dining and sumptuous 300sq ft staterooms. Seabourn’s three ships – Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest – are luxurious and elegant yet have a relaxed and casual ambience, while the cruise line’s newest ship, Encore, is Seabourn’s largest. Ovation is due to arrive in spring 2018 and heralds a growing company that appeals to cruisers who enjoy the finer things in life. Highly Commended VIKING OCEAN CRUISES Christened in 2016, Viking Sea, sister ship to Viking Star, offers an infinity pool, LivNordic spa and spectacular Scandinavian-inspired interiors and is no doubt a hit with you. Viking Star continues to make waves and, with a number of new US itineraries, you are keen to…

Imagine you found yourself on a cruise with several leisurely days stretching out before you. How would you spend your days? Would you brush up on your bridge and trivia skills? Would you curl up with that book you have been wanting to read? Or would you don a chef hat and apron, and learn how to cook like a pro? Our unique Culinary Discovery Tours™ offer the opportunity to experience first-hand the culinary culture of worldwide destinations. In local markets you will find the colourful produce, fresh fish and exotic spices used in traditional recipes that inspire people to gather around the table. Accompanied by a master chef, tour a winery in Madeira or a fish market in Rio de Janeiro, taste the authentic flavours of a region, learn…