News
What’s new in the world of cruising
PHOTOLIBRARY
THE BIG PICTURE
PLAY IT COOL
Havana, Cuba
The US embargo on ships visiting Cuba might not have been lifted yet, but that hasn’t stopped a growing British invasion. The latest cruise line to join the wave is Thomson, who is introducing three new 14-night itineraries to the Caribbean island in December. Up until now, only Fred Olsen made sporadic stops in Havana, but when Thomson Dream starts her winter season this year, she will not only have regular calls to Cuba’s colourful capital for a full season, but will also anchor there for two or three whole days on each sailing – plenty of time for classic cars and cigars. And, with year-round sunshine, all you need to do there is order a mojito in one of its gloriously crumbling bars and watch the world go by. It’s what Hemingway would have done.
NOW BOOKING
CARIBBEAN SAIL
Now is the cheapest time to book a Caribbean cruise for next year. To prove it, we charted the prices of three cruises over the course of last year. Get booking!
ITINERARIES CHARTED:
P&O Ventura
SAILING 26 FEBRUARY 2010 15-night Caribbean roundtrip from Barbados, calling at St Kitts, Grand Turk, Dominica, St Lucia, St Maarten, Antigua and St Vincent. WENT ON SALE: APRIL 2008
Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas
SAILED 31 JANUARY 2010 Seven nights of Southern Caribbean sailing, from San Juan (Puerto Rico) to Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, St Maarten and St Croix. WENT ON SALE: JUNE 2008
Princess Cruises Ruby Princess
SAILED 19 JANUARY 2010 10 nights from Fort Lauderdale to Princess Cays (Bahamas), St Thomas, Dominica, Grenada, Curacao, Aruba and back to Fort Lauderdale. WENT ON SALE: JULY 2008
SHORE EXCURSION
Pack your trunk
See these majestic creatures in their home
The best place to see Sri Lankan elephants is in one of the country’s many national parks or reserves. But if you really want to get up-close and personal with them, the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is sure to leave an impression. A 90-minute scenic drive from the bustling capital of Colombo (where you dock) will bring you to Kegalle, where a 101,171-square metre lush coconut plantation is home to the one of the largest herds of abandoned and orphaned wild elephants in the world. Costa Allegra is sailing to Colombo as part of her Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and India itinerary, departing 3 April 2010, so you can watch them bathe in the Maha Oya river and get their lunchtime fix, or just coo over the calves. Either way, you’re bound to have a wild time.
EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT…
AT THE VERY EAST
With an increasing number of cruise lines redeploying ships to the region, does the future of sailing lie in South-East Asia?
With Voyages of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure pulling out of Antarctica, and Swan Hellenic announcing it is moving into the Far East this winter, South-East Asia is fast emerging as the hot cruise destination of 2010.
According to Ocean Shipping Consultants, 1.54 million people are expected to cruise the region in 2010, up 44% from 2005, and that figure will jump a further 2.02 million by 2015.
“We’ve definitely seen a lot of European interest in the area,” confirms Andrew Magowan, Yachts of Seabourn’s Europe, Middle East and Africa director, following the recent relocation of Seabourn Pride to Asian waters. “We had the opportunity to reposition Pride to a new, exotic and exciting location. Asia fit the bill, not only because our vessels can reach the more off-the-beaten-path ports there, but it’s also the perfect place for year-round sailings.”
With more and more mainstream cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, also taking to the region (Legend of the Seas began operating year-round cruises last November from Busan in South Korea), Magowan believes it’s only a matter of time before other cruise lines follow suit.
And South-East Asian ports are ready to accommodate the growing numbers. Singapore, for example, is aiming to become a major cruising hub, with a new terminal slated for 2011. It will allow the port to double its capacity and provide docking space for mega-ships the size of Oasis of the Seas. Likewise, Hong Kong, another major departure point, is also planning a big expansion for 2012.
RIVER CRUISING
FULL STREAM AHEAD
River cruising is a fascinating and economical way to see the world, especially when the prices are all-inclusive. Here are four not to be missed
Danube
Perfect for
First-time river cruisers.
The ship
APT launched ms Amacello in 2008, so its design and facilities are up-to-the-minute. Expect contemporary bars and lounges, and internet access in every stateroom.
The route
Departs Budapest on 17 May 2010 for eight days, calling at Bratislava, Vienna and Linz, final destination Nuremberg.
Tell me more
It may not be too far from home, but you’ll still take in more unusual stops than your average European cruise, such as Regensburg, the beautifully preserved medieval German city, and the Sound of Music-esque town of Melk in Austria.
But wait, there’s more
Guided tours of towns, gratuities and local wines served with dinner are included in the cruise price. You can also borrow the ship’s bicycles for free at ports.
The Nile
Perfect for
History fans.
The ship
The slightly older ms Jaz Royale is more mature, like its crowds, but still has a good range of amenities that are ideal for soaking up the Egyptian sun, such as a deck pool and Jacuzzi.
The route
The Magic of the Nile itinerary sails the 6,650km river over seven nights, roundtrip from Luxor, on 7 June 2010.
Tell me more
You’ll see the ancient sights, such as the Valley of the Kings and Tutankhamun’s tomb, and the fascinating, but lesser known, temples and tombs in the ancient towns of Esna, Edfu and Aswan (above, top).
But wait, there’s more
Seven shore excursions, including the temples of Karnak in Luxor and the Aswan Botanical Garden, are included in the price, as are all the transfers and travel insurance.
The Yangtze
Perfect for
Avid adventurers.
The ship
The 306-passenger Viking Century Sun is larger than your average river ship, so you get more of a cruise-ship experience – think spa, fitness centre and all-balcony cabins.
The route
After exploring Beijing and Xi’an, you fly to Lhasa, where you board for Shanghai. The total trip is 16 nights and departs 11 July 2010.
Tell me more
This is a trip that takes in tradition (Tibet), bustling cities (Shanghai) and monumental sights (the Great Wall).
But wait, there’s more
The cruise comes with a whopping 18 tours and shore excursions, so whether you scope out the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an or visit the 1,300-year-old Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, you won’t have to dig into your wallet.
Amsterdam to Budapest and Venice
Perfect for
Luxury lovers.
The ship
Ms Scenic Ruby is one of Scenic Tours’ ‘space ships’ (above), which are 22% roomier than comparable river ships.
The route
The 18-day Jewels of Europe voyage begins on 26 July 2010, sailing along the Rhine and Danube Rivers. You then fly to Venice, where you board the Orient-Express back to the UK.
Tell me more
Most cabins have balconies, which are perfect for taking in the Rhine Gorge and Wachau Valley. And, after a two-day stay in Venice, you make your way home aboard a world-famous luxury train.
But wait, there’s more
Guests choose from a selection of free shore excursions, and all tips and transfers are included. Wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and dinner are also free.
SHIP
Crystal clear
Join in the celebration of Crystal Cruises’ 20th anniversary this year by sailing to exotic destinations such as Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, just two of their maiden ports of calls for this year. You can even drive a classic Caterham racecar on the F1 Bahrain International Circuit… but only if you’re quick off the mark.
FIVE OF THE BEST…
FLOWER POWER
This spring, it’s all about floral prints, and scarves are the best way of doing them in style
PIXELEYES PHOTOGRAPHY
Cambridge Circus skinny printed scarf, £45, Radley (www.radley.co.uk). Belize floral and geo silk sash, £10, Accessorize (www.accessorize.co.uk). Silk scarf with pistachio floral and polka dot, £49, Aspinal of London (www.aspinaloflondon.com). Vintage silk scarf by Beyond Retro, £2 (www.beyondretro.com). Winter Rose silk scarf, £25, Laura Ashley (www.lauraashley.com)
WELLBEING
FLOATING BLISS
Forget urban and resort retreats – ships have become the latest destinations for the ultimate spa break. Try these for size
Samsara Spa on Costa Serena
This adults-only, Balinese-inspired spa has 99 staterooms that allow direct and unlimited visits to the thermal suite, as well as two free treatments. We recommend that you be true to your surroundings (that’s the sea) and go for an Elemis Pro-collagen Marine Facial, then relax in the Japanese Tea Garden with a cup of char.
Cloud 9 Spa on Carnival Dream
Spa junkies will feel like they’ve gone to heaven and back in one of the largest facilities afloat. Check in to one of the 69 spa suites for free access to the Thermal Suite, which has various steam and heat chambers and baths, including a rasul mud bath. Warning: you may end up so blissed-out that you’re oblivious to the rest of the ship.
AquaSpa on Celebrity Equinox
Spread out over two floors, AquaSpa is a tranquil haven, with water fountains, waterfalls and a Persian Garden. The acupuncture is a favourite, but if that sounds too scary, retreat to one of 130 AquaClass staterooms and let the Hansgrohe waterfall shower (inspired by rainforests) ease you into a heavenly state of relaxation.
IN NUMBERS
WHAT’S FOR BREAKFAST?
After all, it is the most important meal of the day
1.2
million slices of white bread are eaten each year on Carnival Splendor
75,000
eggs are scrambled, fried, poached or boiled on a 14-day P&O Ventura sailing
5%
of Fred Olsen passengers order room service for breakfast
700
croissants are baked every morning on a Crystal Cruises ship
280kg
of coffee beans are used on a seven-night Thomson cruise
2,617,784
breakfast pastries are consumed on Ruby Princess annually
907kg
of cereal is purchased every week across the NCL fleet
ONBOARD WITH…
LILIA KOPYLOVA
Despite being married to fellow dancer Darren Bennett, the Strictly Come Dancing star would rather cruise with her mum, says Anisha Patel
Strictly takes up about six months of our year, because after the show we have the live tour in January and February.
My favourite dance partner so far is Darren Gough, who I won the show with in 2005 – he was a joy to work with. Julian Clary was fabulous when we did the tour together last year. He made me laugh a lot. Darren was a better dancer, but Julian wasn’t as bad as everyone made him out to be. He just jokes around too much, which makes the dance look worse.
We’ve done Darren and Lilia’s Get Up and Dance with Thomson Cruises for the last two years. We judge a dance competition, do shows and give lessons. We’ll be doing it again this April (16-23 April), on Island Escape. The passengers compete over eight or 10 cruises and then the finalists from each will come on this main cruise, where Darren and I will judge a winner.
The standard is actually very high, and contestants get very competitive. They really get into it, getting all dressed up in costumes they’ve prepared. The year before last, a couple in their 80s won with the cha-cha and the second place was taken by two 14-year old girls. It’s something everyone can take part in.
I love the relaxing atmosphere onboard
and being surrounded by a lovely group of people. It’s a great way to see a lot of places in one go and slow down the pace of life. You go to bed, you wake up and you’re in a new place. It’s a very handy way to travel the world.
My ideal cruising companion would be my mum. She’s done some river cruises in Siberia and Russia, but she’s never done an ocean cruise before. I think she’d love the hassle-free element, and the convenience of seeing so many places in one go. She’d be happy to go anywhere because she hasn’t travelled much.
BEAUTY
TAKING ROOT
These homegrown treats will keep your skin looking fresh onboard
Cocooning Body Lotion, £14.69, Life NK (www.spacenk.com). Rose Petal Bath and Shower Cream, £6.95, The Berkeley Square Cosmetic Company (www.bsquare.co.uk). Loving Body Butter, £22.50, ARK (www.arkskincare.com). Revitalising Body Lotion, £22, Green & Spring (www.greenandspring.com)
BEHIND THE SCENES
Clare Moran, Bar Supervisor, Crown Princess
I’ve been a bar supervisor for seven years, working on various Princess cruise ships, including the old Pacific Princess, the original Love Boat.
We very rarely get rowdy, drunk passengers. We’re the ones responsible for serving them the alcohol in the first place, after all. But if someone has had too much, we would just refuse to serve them any more, in a very polite way. And if they were nasty towards us, we would call security to deal with them. It’s very rare we get that, though.
There is a separate crew bar, which is manned by the bar department, so sometimes we have to work down there, too. The atmosphere down there is very relaxed. It can be quite fun, and we go there to unwind. There’s sometimes one or two crazy parties going on down there. It’s open from six in the evening until one in the morning.
I started working on cruise ships 12 years ago as a junior bar steward, taking orders in the lounge and serving drinks to the passengers. I did a stint as a wine steward back when we had them, and then I was a bartender, and finally, a bar supervisor.
It’s all about speed. You have to work fast and get the drinks out so nobody’s waiting around. There can be times where you are madly rushed off your feet for half an hour, non-stop.
I currently supervise the Wheelhouse Bar and Crooners, our martini bar. There are six bar supervisors on the ship, and we’re each responsible for two or three of the bars. We do the stocktake, the rotas, work behind and supervise the bars. We’ll rotate every two to three months.
Generally, on port days, the bar is very quiet because passengers are off exploring. I work a couple of hours in the deck bar as a cover and then go to the Wheelhouse Bar later. Our busiest time is the pre-dinner cocktail hours. Throughout the evening we’ll make drinks for those who have an earlier seating, and we also service the Princess Theatre for the shows. After checking everything’s okay, making the schedule for the following day and having a chat with the passengers, we close at about 1am.
The late nights and early mornings can be tough but we do get part of a day off every week. It’s not a full, 24-hour day, but we have a break to go on tours to see the ports as an escort, which is good because we interact with the passengers. It also means we can recommend excursions to other passengers, having done them first hand.
The travel definitely attracted me to the job. When I was young, all I wanted to do was see the world, and this seemed like the perfect way to do it. I love Tahiti, Australia and Asia. One of my fondest memories was on the Amazon River, fishing for piranhas.
When a passenger remembers you from five years ago, and you remember them and what their favourite drink is, that’s a great moment. Some passengers will even ask which ship you are moving onto, and they will go on that ship because you’re going to be there.
I know being away from home is hard for some but I don’t find it so difficult. I adjust to wherever I am. I phone home all the time and, when I’m on round-Britain itineraries, my family visitS me in Southampton or Liverpool. We do a six-month contract and then get two or three months off, so you get a good, long break to spend time with the family.
Working behind a bar, you overhear all kinds of things, and people tell you all kinds of things too.
But I can’t share any. It’s a bartender’s confidentiality. We never share.
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