Edition 20 PSA Membership Newsletter (June 2009)

PSA Membership News Edition 20 June 2009 Noble Caledonia is delighted to announce that following six years of charter, it will be acquiring the MS Island Sky (formerly Renaissance VIII) from its current Danish owners in early 2010. A substantial refit is planned for the vessel in spring 2010, and from May 2010 all gratuities will be included in the price of the voyages. The vessel will be in British and Baltic waters from May to August 2010, with the brochure for the remainder of 2010 available from July 2009. Guinness World Record-breaking Christening of Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica Genoa, Italy 5 June 2009. Attended by press and dignitaries from across the globe, the 13th and 14th members of the Costa Cruises fleet were inaugurated in extraordinary fashion with an aerobatic display from the Tricolori National Aerobatic Team and the musical extravaganza of An Italian Portrait in Music and Light . Four thousand VIP guests attended a sumptuous gala dinner, courtesy of twoMichelin-star chef Ettore Bocchia. Broadcast live on the Internet, and in line with the Italian company s environmentally friendly policies, Costa Cruises endeavoured to provide a zero impact joint inauguration, planning to plant 100 olive trees in the Cinque Terre National Park. Christened at exactly the same moment by the Olympic champion fencer Valentina Vezzali, godmother to Costa Luminosa, and recording artist Noa, godmother to Costa Pacifica, the ribbons were cut, releasing the two bottles of Aneri prosecco wine to break against the bows of the ships. www.costacruises.co.uk Island Sky Noble Caledonia is also pleased to announce a new edition to its River Cruise Fleet for the 2010 season. In April 2010 the Spirit of Caledonia will begin operating cruises along the Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube Rivers. Cruises will range from 7 to 14 nights and include such routings as Basle to Budapest, Basle to Amsterdam and Basle to Trier. The 75-cabin vessel will offer a four star standard and join Noble Caledonia s existing fleet of the MS Johann Strauss and MS Rembrandt. Brochures for all Noble Caledonia's European River Cruises will be available in July 2009. www.noble-caledonia.co.uk FERRY GOOD NEWS FOR SCOTLAND Scottish Viking, the specially-commissioned ship that will service the new Norfolkline Rosyth-Zeebrugge route, made her very first journey up the Firth of Forth on Tuesday 19 May and was welcomed by First Minister, Alex Salmond. Fresh from her maiden voyage from the shipyard in Italy via Zeebrugge, the Scottish Viking reinstated Scotland s only continental ferry link. The route is a vital transport link for Scotland and will make a significant economic contribution in terms of carrying both leisure passengers and freight to and from Scotland. Commenting on the launch of the new route, Thomas Woldbye, CEO and group managing director of Norfolkline, said: This is an exciting day for Norfolkline, and the Scottish-based team will be working hard to ensure the success and long-term future of this important link to the Continent. Scottish Viking approaches Rosyth passing under the Forth Rail Bridge As Scottish Viking berthed at the Port of Rosyth, the First Minister greeted the first passengers and freight to arrive on Scottish soil. He said: I m delighted to welcome the Scottish Viking and its first homecoming passengers to Scotland. Securing the continuation of this service is a real success story and hugely important to Scotland's economy. www.norfolkline.com Update from Bill Gibbons Director PSA Passenger Rights The debate on Passenger Rights continues. We have established a very good working relationship with the Department of Transport on this matter. The main areas of strong concern remain the clauses on persons with reduced mobility for the Cruise Sector, and delays and cancellation for the Ferry Sector. Meeting with Shadow Ministers On the basis that a change of Government is likely soon, the PSA has recently held meetings with Shadow Ministers Julian Brazier, Shipping and Damien Green, Immigration to brief them on issues particularly relevant to the Ferry Sector. ECC Conference, Rome The ECC conference held in Rome on 19-20 May was very productive and timed to coincide with the European Union Maritime day. The 2008 data Contribution of Cruise Tourism to the Economies of Europe is available, and anyone wishing to receive a copy should please contact Kathleen O Hara at the PSA. kathleen@psa-ace.org Conferences I attended the ABTOF Conference (Association of British Tour Operators to France) in Reims, and also the Shippax Conference which was held on board the ferry Napoleon Bonaparte sailing between Marseilles and Corsica. National Ferry Fortnight The first ever National Ferry Fortnight took place in May, and first indications suggest the PSA initiative was a success. SailandDrive members created some great travel offers and deals which were highlighted in both the national and regional press. Coverage included a ferry supplement in the Mail on Sunday and features within The Daily Telegraph, The Times, Sunday Mirror, News of the World and Daily Express. A full evaluation of the campaign is underway but it's hoped that we will see another National Ferry Fortnight in 2010. National Cruise Week Following on from the ferry promotion, creative ideas are now being considered for the second National Cruise Week which will take place in September. Travel agencies the length and breadth of Britain will join the campaign which is aimed at highlighting the huge choice of cruises and destinations open to today's travellers. CruiseBritain CruiseBritain came under the PSA s wing on 1 April 2009. Hayley Martin, PSA, is responsible for its administration. Five new associate members have joined PSA/CruiseBritain: Holy Loch Port Ltd., Guernsey Government, London Central Cruise Moorings/Cory Cruise, Portsmouth Commercial Port and Cruise Scotland. Kay Greenway was appointed the consultant to prepare a business plan which was well-received after being presented at the CruiseBritain meeting on 28 May. Mike Bedingfield has left VisitBritain to join Tourism South East, and Louise Bryce has taken over his position as the VisitBritain partner with CruiseBritain. Farewell to Andy Harmer Finally, on 3 July we will say farewell to ACE Director, Andy Harmer, who is moving on to become Sales & Marketing Director of The Cruise Portfolio which represents Crystal Cruises and Windstar Cruises. Over the past three years, Andy s achievements as Director of ACE have been outstanding, and he is leaving on a high with new travel agencies signed to ACE. The forthcoming ACE conference, the UK Cruise Convention, to be held in Dover 17-19 June, will be Andy s swan song. We will miss his drive, creativity and charisma. Our intent is to recruit a suitable replacement for his role as soon as possible. Andy Harmer responded "We have, as an industry, achieved so much in the last three years. The fantastic team effort, supported by cruise lines, ACE travel partners, member colleges, travel agencies and the media, means that ACE will go from strength to strength under new management. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported the changes we have implemented, and particularly the team at PSA and ACE, with personal thanks to Bill. It has been a pleasure working with you all." w.gibbons@psa-ace.org andy@psa-ace.org The PSA is delighted to welcome new Associate Member Hepburn Bio Care Ltd Hepburn Bio Care Ltd is the leading supplier of sustainable environmental solutions for all types of cleaning, grey/black water line maintenance, and treatment of contaminated bilge and waste water. In these uncertain economic times, putting the bottom line at the top of the corporate agenda is a necessity and, as the findings from the Green List 2008 show, saving money and saving the world can go hand in hand. Our products have been specifically designed for the Marine Industry, delivering efficient, cost effective, and environmentally responsible solutions for all vessel types from yachts to cruise liners, ferries to container ships. Customers include Carnival, Disney, NCL, Princess, Silversea, Octopus. We are based in Southampton (UK), trading since 1999, and supply our products worldwide, with depots in all the major marine hubs covering Europe, USA, Asia and Australasia. We supply products that will reduce your inventory to as few as 6 technical and 12 hotel products. ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ Streamlines your inventory Reduces your budget Reduces your carbon foot print Reduces your corporate risk Reduces odours, blockages and solids Super concentrated and super efficient Phosphate free and Ammonia free Creates a safer work and leisure place Helps you to Protect our environment Margaret V. Hepburn, Owner/Chairman m.v.hepburn@hepburnbiocare.com www.hepburnbiocare.com Aragon Tours joins Intercruises Aragon Tours, a leading provider of shore excursions for cruise lines and ground services in the UK, has now become part of the Intercruises Shoreside and Port Services team. Aragon Tours focuses on organising shore excursions for cruise lines and operates services in all UK & Irish ports. The company was established by its three shareholders, Malcolm Payne, Richard Ashley and Peter Bidgood, who have built up an excellent reputation for quality and high standard tour programmes over the years. All three of the directors of Aragon Tours and their full time staff have joined our UK team which we are delighted about. They will remain based at their offices in Stevenage in the UK. Mark Robinson, Managing Director Intercruises Shoreside and Port Services, commented: It will be business as usual with no changes to the operations and the same high quality and consistent service will be provided in all ports under the direction of Malcolm and his team. We will look at integrating the back office operations and at various synergies for the benefit of our mutual customers. Malcolm Payne, Director Aragon Tours, commented: We are very proud to be part of Intercruises. Intercruises is the leading provider of turnaround services in the UK, whilst the shore excursions market was dominated by Aragon Tours. By joining our forces, we will now consolidate our position as market leaders in the UK cruise handling business. Intercruises offers ground services and port agency services in more than 50 countries worldwide to both ocean and river cruise lines in more than 360 sea and 60 river ports. Intercruises operates from the Americas to the Far East, South Africa to Northern Europe as well as in the West Med & East Med, UK, Middle East, Caribbean and the Asia Pacific regions. m.robinson@intercruises.com b.rayment@intercruises.com 2 www.intercruises.com Andy Harmer NEW INITIATIVE FROM THE CRUISE INDUSTRY BENEFITS THE BALTIC SEA On 19 May, international cruise companies committed to taking a key role in helping to protect the unique environment of the Baltic Sea. The European Cruise Council (ECC) has agreed to work closely with HELCOM, as the organisation representing the governments of the Baltic States, to safeguard the environmental future of the region. The ECC recognises the threat to the area caused by eutrophication the process whereby excessive nutrients can stimulate unwanted plant growth and undertakes to reduce the nutrient discharge from cruise ships. Although these discharges represent an extremely small fraction of the total nutrients being released into the Baltic Sea, cruise companies are committed to playing their part to protect the region. Around 60 cruise ships visit the Baltic every year and, while they play an important role in the region s economy, the ECC is aware that this positive contribution needs to be balanced with a commitment from the cruise industry to protect the environment in which it operates. Following discussions with HELCOM and stakeholders, ECC member companies will now discharge waste water ashore at Baltic ports where adequate port facilities are available. The ECC is also committed to working alongside HELCOM in undertaking a full assessment of the port reception facilities in the Baltic with a view to the ports establishing adequate facilities across the whole area, similar to those that already exist in the Port of Helsinki. The ECC is calling upon all Baltic governments and the European Union to work with the industry and NGOs to ensure the overall goal of making a practical contribution in the reduction of eutrophication is realised. In reacting to the ECC undertaking, Anita Makinen representing WWF stated: The WWF very much welcomes the ECC initiative as an important signal of the industry s commitment to actively contribute to safeguarding the fragile Baltic Sea environment. As such we look forward to co-operating closely with the ECC and HELCOM in working towards the establishment as soon as possible of adequate reception facilities throughout the Baltic on similar lines as already exist in my home city of Helsinki. We are pleased therefore to join the ECC in calling upon all Baltic Governments to actively work towards this goal. www.europeancruisecouncil.com Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd participates in European Cruise Council Conference Company contributes to the European cruise industry growth Key executives from Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. participated in the 2009 European Cruise Council Conference to discuss the expansion of the cruise industry in Europe. Now in its third year, the 2009 Conference was held in coordination with the European Commission and its European Maritime Day event. Topics addressed included the European Commission s Integrated Maritime Policy, the status of the cruise industry in Europe, including its economic impact, environmental issues, destinations and port infrastructure, as well as sustainability issues and new regulations. Royal Caribbean has increased its European deployed fleet from 13 to 22 ships in the last 12 months. The company also has significant economic impact in the broader European cruise industry through its new ship construction. Activity includes: ¨ ¨ Six ships under construction in European yards. Five brands dedicated to the full range of target audiences and categories, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara Cruises, as well as market-dedicated brands such as Pullmantur, serving the Spanish market and Croisieres de France serving France. 22 of 38 ships in service will be deployed in the European region in 2009, verses eight in 2005. Significant investment and support in developing local infrastructure, such as the Roma Cruise Terminal. In 2009, the Royal Caribbean International brand and its guests will contribute to the European economy in 87 ports across 32 countries; Celebrity Cruises and its guests will do the same in 76 ports throughout 29 countries, and Azamara Cruises and its guests will do the same in 91 ports across 36 countries. Additionally, Royal Caribbean has a 50% investment in a joint venture with the German-based company TUI A.G. The joint venture, TUI Cruises, recently began sailing its first ship. ¨ ¨ ¨ ¨ The Economic Impact Report presented at the 2009 European Cruise Council Conference shows that in 2008, 21.7 million passengers visited a European port, 4.7 million passengers joined their cruise at a European port and the number of cruise ships operating in Europe in 2008 rose by 35% compared to 2005. www.royalcaribbean.com THE FIRST CAROUSEL AT SEA ON OASIS OF THE SEAS BOARDWALK TO RECEIVE YOUR COPY OF: Contribution of Cruise Tourism to the economies of Europe Kathleen O Hara, PSA Services Manager Please email: kathleen@psa-ace.org NEXT PSA SHEW MEETING (Safety & Security, Health & Hygiene, Environment & Welfare) Wednesday, 9 September 2009 at 13.00 hours PSA Offices First Floor, 41/42 Eastcastle Street London W1W 8DU (nearest tube station is Oxford Circus) PSA/ECC Members/Associate Members Welcome to Attend (An agenda and further notice will be sent to all nearer the time) Installation of the Carousel on Oasis of the Seas The centrepiece of the Boardwalk neighbourhood will be a one-of-a-kind carousel the first-ever at sea. Hand-crafted from poplar wood and especially created for Royal Caribbean International s Oasis of the Seas, due to be launched later this year, this full-sized, traditional carousel took eight months to complete. It will feature 21 figures suspended from stainless steel poles showcasing a time-honoured menagerie of animals such as zebras, giraffes and lions, alongside a variety of hand-painted horses including a princess horse and a crowned frog prince. SUGGESTIONS FOR MATTERS RAISED to: Members: kathleen@psa-ace.org Associates: maggie@the-psa.com 3 Wärtsilä successfully test runs engines on renewable fuels Wärtsilä has successfully performed a number of tests that demonstrate the ability of its engines to run on a range of vegetable and animal-based oils. This enables a wider range of renewable fuel options for the Wärtsilä engines, while at the same time enabling further CO2 emission reductions. In the tests, conducted between February and April 2009 at the VTT technical research centre in Espoo, Finland, a Wärtsilä engine successfully operated on jatropha oil, fish oil and chicken oil. The first tests with engines running on a liquid biofuel were carried out in 1995, when Wärtsilä began testing with rapeseed oil. Since 2003, Wärtsilä engine land based power plants have been in commercial operation using palm oil as the fuel source. Wärtsilä has, as an example, a market share of more than 95% in Italy for power generation from liquid biofuels. The aim of these recent tests has been to assess the capability of engines to operate on renewable fuels which do not compete with agricultural uses. Liquid biofuels represent an emerging market for power plants. Fuel supply infrastructures for crude vegetable oils are being developed at an increasing pace, suggesting that the availability of such fuels will be vastly extended during the next 5 to 10 years. Wärtsilä provides technology that can use these new fuels, and has demonstrated that the chain from fuel to electricity exists. In addition to commodity fuels, there is a significant potential in industry process side streams such as fish and chicken oils which can be used for generating renewable energy. All Leisure Group plc, which operates Swan Hellenic and Voyages of Discovery, is pleased to announce that it has purchased the unique small cruise ship, Hebridean Princess. All Leisure group plc is keen to ensure that the Hebridean Princess will continue to offer distinctive cruises around the Scottish Highlands and islands and through the Norwegian fjords and will continue to operate from its head office in Skipton. Hebridean Princess Lord Sterling, Chairman, Hebridean Island Cruises commented For many years I have admired this highly respected cruise ship and know that it has a tremendous following of people who enjoy exploring our beautiful coastline. I am delighted to have been invited to become Chairman of this highly respected brand, and am pleased to confirm that these cruises will continue to operate as in the past. It is important to preserve well-established and much loved British cruise lines; this latest news underscores our commitment to preserving the best of our shipping heritage. Roger Allard, Chairman, All Leisure Group plc said We have been looking to expand our specialist small ship cruise fleet and I welcome Hebridean Princess into our group, enabling us to expand our range of special interest destination cruise holidays. We recognise that the captain, officers and crew of Hebridean Princess, along with the long-serving and dedicated office staff in Skipton, provide a unique cruising experience, which is cherished by her loyal following. www.hebridean.co.uk Wärtsilä Corporation in brief: Wärtsilä is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphasising technological innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximises the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. In 2008, Wärtsilä s net sales totalled EUR 4.6 billion with 19,000 employees. The company has operations in 160 locations in 70 countries around the world. Wärtsilä is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland. www.wartsila.com Small ships website targets UK trade Founded in the US last April, eWaterways is headed by chief executive Daniela Wagner, formerly the global managing director of Octopus Travel and vice-president of corporate affairs for the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). She is working alongside Soren Langelund, previously the vice-president operations for international markets at Cendant Travel Services which owned Octopus Travel. eWaterways features 500 vessels on its website, comprising river cruise ships, hotel barge trips, expedition voyages, coastal cruises and sailing and yacht journeys. BOB LEPISTO VISITS LONDON FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HIS NEW ROLE AS PRESIDENT In May, SeaDream President, Bob Lepisto, completed his first visit to London in his new role as President. Meeting with travel trade representatives, MICE agents and the media, accompanied by UK Director, Ian Buckeridge, Bob spoke of how SeaDream is reacting to the current economic marketplace; the fact that 2008 was a record year for SeaDream experiencing extraordinary revenue growth; and year to date the company is running at 97% occupancy levels. He also commented realistically on the challenges ahead of the industry in 2010 and brought with him news of the investment made in creating the new Admiral Suites aboard both SeaDream I and II. www.seadreamyachtclub.com Daniela Wagner Clive Howard, who has had 20 years experience in the cruise industry, is spearheading eWaterways trade push. Wagner said With the average price of £1,400 per person, the launch of eWaterways is not only a great earning opportunity, as we pay generous commission rates, but also a chance for members of the trade to expand their portfolios as these are products which have not been on sale in the UK before now. Wagner added that there is a gap in the market because these sort of vessels are highly sought-after, but difficult to source. eWaterways covers ships between four and 150 cabins and in destinations around the world. www.ewaterways.com Bob Lepisto 4 Over 40% growth A record number of calls & bookings for Regent Seven Seas Cruises UK International Rescue PSA style! At the end of April 2009, Capt. Trevor Bailey, from Seatag Safety Systems Limited, took part in a major exercise in Ketchikan, Alaska, which simulated the evacuation of a large cruise ship to shore. Seatag s aims were to prove that, by using the CT@Gâ system, a 100% accurate real-time account of all passengers and crew could be achieved quickly. Regent Seven Seas Cruises UK has experienced astonishing growth in both telephone enquiries and booking volumes in 2009. UK call volume has increased by 41% between January May 2009 compared to the same period in 2008, and bookings are up by 48% May being the highest booking month ever. Graham Sadler, UK Managing Director, Regent Seven Seas Cruises commented: We have introduced a number of unique promotions, which is creating unprecedented demand. Our strategy has been to offer exceptional added value benefits rather than to significantly reduce fares. These promotions are proving extremely popular with our guests, who not only seek luxury and relaxation but are looking for new and genuine authentic travel experiences. He added This incredible growth is even more amazing considering the challenging economic environment. Our strategy to preserve our guest integrity by retaining our fare prices and adding value to our cruises has proved to be the right decision. Regent recently announced it is the most inclusive luxury product in the marketplace. In addition to the already-inclusive fares that include all soft drinks, fine wines, and premium branded spirits, onboard gratuities, all dining options including specialty restaurants, 24 hour complimentary room service and in-suite dining and daily guest lecture programmes, we have added free shore excursions on many 2009 and all 2010 departures. Pricing incentives such as a fixed exchange rate of $1.95 = £1 on all cruises, plus FREE flights on select 2009 sailings and additional savings of up to £500pp on all 2010 voyages have also been strong incentives. www.rssc.co.uk Simultated evacuation in Ketchikan CT@G® achieved the following results: 100% accountability during the onboard muster. 1,781 passengers and crew accounted to boats and rafts in just under 2 hours using only 2 PDAs. This represented scanning passengers approximately once every 3 to 5 seconds. In a shipboard installation, this would have been achieved with approximately 24 PDAs - somewhere between 10 and 15 mins maximum elapsed time for the muster. Coupling the use of modern technology with established safety processes and procedures, CT@G® provides reports, inter alia, for muster verification, boat assignment, main vertical zone reporting and the LANDFALL function which provides an integrated accountability process, even after passengers and crew have been landed ashore. Capt. Trevor Bailey said afterwards: We have developed a safety system that will set a standard for future passenger safety issues. www.seatagsafety.com Seabourn Odyssey to be launched in Venice on 22 June Seabourn Odyssey will be launched in Venice on 22 June, and begins her Maiden Voyage Adriatic & Aegean Highlights - Venice to Istanbul, 24 June 08 July 2009. Past guests have been invited to become a godparent of Seabourn Odyssey in recognition to their loyalty, and this unique opportunity makes the Maiden Voyage extra special. Peter Deilmann Cruises Signs Second Major Distribution Deal of 2009 Peter Deilmann River & Ocean Cruises has further increased its distribution channels by agreeing commercial terms with Advantage Travel Centres, the agency consortium which represents over 750 independent travel agents across the UK. The new partnership will see Advantage Agents selling Peter Deilmann River Cruises on a variety of sailings across Europe including the Rhine, Danube, Elbe as well as the Seine, Rhone and Saône. With a wide variety of departures across the year, guests who book with Advantage will have the opportunity to experience five star luxury on each seven night itinerary visiting some of Europe s most beautiful areas and delightful cities including Berlin, Prague, Budapest and Paris. Commenting on the deal, Claire Hancer UK Head of Sales said: Since April 2007 we have grown our sales through the trade by 20% as we have actively pursued our plan of building strategic partnerships with agency groups as well as specialist independents. The deal with Advantage is the first consortium agreement we have signed and will bring a greater awareness of the unique traditional luxury experience that can only be found on a Peter Deilmann river cruise. The partnership also offers the Advantage Agents an excellent opportunity to sell a luxury product in a rapidly growing river cruise sector. www.deilmann.co.uk Seabourn Odyssey The Yachts of Seabourn has announced that the next highly anticipated ultra-luxury yacht will be named Seabourn Sojourn in a glittering ceremony in London in June 2010 before sailing on her 14 day Maiden Voyage. Like her sister, Seabourn Odyssey launching in June 2009, Seabourn Sojourn provides the most exclusive all-suite accommodation available at sea, with 225 suites in total, 90% of which have private balconies. A third ship, as yet un-named, is due in 2011. www.seabourn.com 5 UK Continent Ferry Survey 2008 Based on the responses of over 9,000 UK Continent ferry passengers in 2008, the UK Continent ferry survey provides a comprehensive understanding of UK Continent ferry passengers and how they differ between sectors. The UK Continent ferry market is far from homogenous and is made up of many different market segments from the Western Channel to the North Sea, and these can be contrasted with the responses from Eurostar and Eurotunnel passengers. Anyone needing to understand the market segments of UK Continent ferry passengers and how best to target them would do well to have tailor-made analysis of the UK Continent Ferry Survey. If you would like to know more about the tailor-made analysis of the UK Continent Ferry please contact Fred Hitchins at IRN Research on: 0121 635 5210 or email: Fred@irn-research.com www.irn- research.com Norfolkline onboard with National Ferry Fortnight Norfolkline Irish Sea Ferry Services is pleased to announce a fantastic response to its participation in the UK s first ever National Ferry Fortnight. This initiative was promoted by the Passenger Shipping Association s sailanddrive.com website which represents leading ferry operators running services between the UK and Europe. National Ferry Fortnight took place 9 22 May and was aimed at encouraging the use of ferry travel for a holiday or short break. During the fortnight, sailandrive.com showcased fantastic deals from leading ferry operators, and a tagline to promote ferry travel as never being so accessible, easy or enjoyable! Commenting on the Norfolkline offer for Irish Sea crossings Diane Poole, General Manager Passenger said: National Ferry Fortnight came at exactly the right time for us. Summer is approaching and consumers thoughts turn to getting away from it all. In the present economic climate, the Norfolkline offer provided a relatively inexpensive, comfortable and stress free travel option for people who want a short break or holiday in Britain or Ireland. National Ferry Fortnight has given the ferry industry a chance to shout about its services, the benefits of ferry travel and the fantastic fares on offer. www.norfolkline.com Norman Arrow arrived at the Port of Dover 26 May 2009 LD Lines' brand new catamaran, Norman Arrow, arrived for the first time at the Port of Dover on Tuesday 26 May, following completion of her three week delivery voyage from Hobart, Tasmania. Norman Arrow departed Tasmania on 2 May and her journey included calls into Fremantle (South West Australia), Port Victoria (Seychelles), transit through the Suez Canal and a final call into Valetta (Malta) from where she departed on 24 May, en route to Dover and Boulogne. LD Lines' Norman Arrow will be the largest ever fast ferry to operate on the cross channel routes between England and France, when she commences service on the Dover Boulogne route. Following the vessel's arrival into Dover on 26 May, Norman Arrow then sailed to the Port of Boulogne for the first time and, following a period for berthing trials and crew training, commenced a full schedule Dover - Boulogne service on Saturday 6 June. The PSA / CruiseBritain is delighted to welcome new Associate Member Guernsey Government St. Peter Port, Guernsey s capital one of the most picturesque seaports in Europe is a stunning location for cruise line calls. With quality port services, professional handling arrangements and a warm meet and greet, Guernsey has earnt its enviable reputation. The Guernsey Harbour Authority is responsible for the administration and operation of the Ports of St. Sampson s and St. Peter Port, and has other maritime responsibilities. * To provide commercial port facilities for the use of sea passengers and freight. * To provide berthing and handling facilities for the local fishing fleet. * To provide berthing and marina facilities for local and visiting yachtsmen. * To act as the local lighthouse authority. * To act as the Guernsey Registrar of British Ships. * To provide a maritime search and rescue co-ordination service and publish maritime safety information. * Licensing and control of commercial vessels in local waters. www.cruiseguernsey.com www.guernseyharbours.gov.gg Norman Arrow The fast ferry is the world's largest diesel-powered catamaran and will be the first-ever freight carrying high speed vessel to operate across the Dover Straits and first Incat 112 metre to operate in Europe. LD Lines new Dover-Boulogne service will be greatly enhanced as the new fast ferry will increase frequency from the current two to six return sailings daily. All types of tourist traffic will be carried including cars, caravans, motorhomes, motorcycles, coaches and foot passengers, in addition to freight. The fast ferry will operate up to four return sailings daily between Dover (Eastern Docks) and Boulogne with a crossing time of 1 hour. Two return sailings daily to Boulogne and one to Dieppe (Monday Friday) will continue to be operated by the conventional ferry, which introduced the new Dover Boulogne service in February 2009. Crossing time by conventional ferry is 1 hour 45 minutes. Both vessels will initially operate into the Port of Boulogne s existing ferry berths, but following completion of Boulogne s new Hub Port Ro Ro Terminal from 1 July 2009, both will then transfer to inaugurate and operate into the first linkspan of the new Hub Port Terminal. www.ldlines.com Holy Loch Marina The PSA / CruiseBritain is delighted to welcome new Associate Member Holy Loch Port Limited Holy Loch Marina is situated on one of the Clyde's finest natural harbours, and is the marine gateway to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Argyll, Scotland. It is just 20 minutes by frequent ferry from Gourock, which is not far from Glasgow. Loch Long and the Upper Firth of Clyde are just a short sail away. Holy Loch Marina has been established since 1999 and is still expanding to 400 berths. www.holylochmarina.co.uk 6 MANANNAN OFFICIAL NAMING CEREMONY The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has officially renamed its new vessel Manannan. The ceremony was performed on board the 96-metre catamaran by Mrs Mary Cringle JP, wife of the President of Tynwald, who unveiled a plaque which will be displayed on board for all to see. Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Chairman Robert Quayle opened the event, which also marked Manannan being welcomed to the Isle of Man Shipping Register and proudly wearing Douglas on her transom as her port of registry. Robert Quayle said: This ceremony marks another milestone in a major investment programme by the Company. The User Agreement with Government requires us to invest £46 million by 2015. To date we have invested £80 million and it s still only 2009. Since 1995 the number of passenger services has doubled to Heysham and trebled to Liverpool. Freight capacity has quadrupled and, even in 2009, a difficult year, passenger numbers are up. Most importantly, passenger fares have halved in real terms over the same period and 80% of our passengers now benefit from special fares! It is quite a contrast to the difficult days of the 70s and 80s. NEW BLUE PETER PRESENTER TAKES THE HELM New Blue Peter presenter, Helen Skelton, took the helm of a giant wavepiercing catamaran when she became an honorary Condor Ferries skipper for the day. Under the watchful eye of Condor Ferries Captain Fran Collins, the children s presenter assisted as the state-of-the-art ferry travelled from Poole in Dorset to Guernsey and Jersey. Helen, 25, took to the water for a special feature on the popular BBC . show, taking a behind the scenes look at the role of the captain on board a modern ferry. Helen did a great job and it was a wonderful opportunity for myself and the rest of the crew to give younger viewers an insight into what life is like on the bridge of a fast ferry explained Captain Fran Collins. As well as helping with navigation, Helen assisted us with our inspections prior to departure and we even gave her the chance to try her hand at steering under expert supervision she added. L/R: Captain Fran Collins Former Newsround journalist Helen Blue Peter s Helen Skelton rd became Blue Peter s 33 presenter back in September last year. Originally from Cumbria, she is a qualified tap dance teacher and has completed the London Marathon. Recently, she took part in a gruelling 78-mile ultra marathon in Namibia, and one of her remaining ambitions is to climb Mount Everest. Helen s experiences on board Condor Vitesse are due to be broadcast on BBC One later next month. www.condorferries.com Manannan Manannan has undergone a complete refurbishment which, it has been noted, is the largest conversion ever undertaken on an aluminium vessel anywhere in the world. The extensive work has included the construction of completely new aft accommodation and a much enlarged skylounge on the top deck, both of which have contributed to the vessel s increased seating capacity of more than 800 passengers and a car deck capable of holding around 200 cars. www.steampacket.co.uk Despite a general downturn in visitors to the island, the Port of Jersey and Jersey Marinas are reporting encouraging statistics within the commercial port for the month of April 2009, with year to date UK and inter-island passenger movements and the numbers of visiting yachts all rising. The passenger figures are particularly encouraging, with movements from the UK increasing by 12% year to date and interisland visitors increasing by 13%. This is, in part, as a result of new initiatives being offered by Condor Ferries. The first two weeks of May saw Condor Ferries taking part in National Ferry Fortnight , offering UK and local residents half price day trips to and from Jersey. This is further to its recent Visiting Friends and Family offer to encourage tourists to come to the island by sea. This is the start of several joint marketing initiatives that have been made possible due to the excellent working Myra Shacklady relationship between the Port of Jersey, Condor Ferries and the French foot passenger Business Development Director Jersey Harbours operators. The good news doesn t stop with the commercial port, Jersey Marinas has also seen a rise in visiting yachts which are up by 32% and yachtsmen themselves are up by 18%, year to date. www.jersey-harbours.com The PSA / CruiseBritain is delighted to welcome New Associate Member Portsmouth Commercial Port www.portsmouth-port.co.uk 7 Expanded terminal for 2010 season Its key location at the entrance to the Mediterranean has made Gibraltar one of the longest-established cruise ports, but it has never seen such consistent growth in its cruise traffic as experienced in recent years. Photo: Saga Ruby in Tromsø A new type of ISPS security fence a wall of snow! A record 2008 total of 268 calls and 309,000 passengers is almost certain to be followed by another record in 2009, with 280 calls carrying up to 322,000 passengers scheduled. These include seven inaugural calls mostly by Costa, Princess and Celebrity ships. As a result of this growth, the port is planning to expand the cruise terminal by converting the building next door to the existing 1997-built facility and refurbishing the adjoining quayside. Work is due to start in September and will be completed in time for the 2010 season. In fact, the existing terminal has already had an unplanned refurbishment following an unprecedented storm, which hit Gibraltar s corner of the Mediterranean last October. This caused the terminal serious damage but this was quickly repaired and the terminal restored to full working order in time for the first cruise of the 2008 season by Holland America Line s Prinsendam at the end of March. NORWAY'S FIRST WINTER CRUISE IN MARCH 2009 Saga was the first cruise line to arrange a winter cruise to Norway in March this year. 460 passengers and 409 crews onboard the 18 nights cruise to Norway - in search of the Northern Lights. "Many passengers felt the cruise was perfect, the best ever, and that it exceeded their expectations. In fact 100% of passengers rated it as being Good or Excellent on their questionnaire. They felt privileged to be part of such a pioneering expedition and to repeat the cruise. They praised the hospitality of the Norwegian people and the wonderful arctic scenery. One passenger even went so far as to say that if heaven was as good, he would be happy!" www.cruise-norway.no The Marine Facade Passenger Port in St. Petersburg, Russia, opened the navigational season on 4 May with the arrival of NCL s m/s Norwegian Jewel. The Marine Facade Passenger Port is the new marine passenger ship terminal in St. Petersburg which plans to handle 112 cruise liners in 2009 - over one third of all calls to St. Petersburg. This season the marine passenger port will receive about 28 ships, carrying approximately 230,000 tourists. Most of the cruise liners will make a few trips to St. Petersburg each month. The season will close on 25 September after the departure of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines m/s Boudicca. L/R: Albert Poggio O.B.E., UK Representative, Gibraltar Port Authority; Giovanni Spadoni, President, MedCruise; The Hon J J Holliday This quick and efficient rebuilding operation reflected the expertise which won the cruise terminal an award for the most efficiently-managed and operated cruise terminal in the Mediterranean category of the Dream World Cruise Destinations magazine s awards programme. Gibraltar also received a commendation in the Destination with the Best Tour Guides category. A series of new tours have also been created to expand the range of excursions cruise lines can offer in this popular destination. The port is also popular with cruise lines because of its bunkering, waste management and repair facilities. It promotes itself primarily through MedCruise, of which it was a founder member and it remains a very active supporter, as well as Seatrade and European Cruise Council events such as the annual conference. It sees this conference as a vital forum because of the high quality of the speakers and delegates. www.gibraltar.gov.uk ms Jewel of the Seas, 23-24 May, The Marine Facade Passenger Port L/R: Shavkat Kary-Niyazov, President, Marine Facade Management Company; Elvira Nabiullina, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation; Valentina Matvienko, Governor of St. Petersburg and companion On 23 May, Elvira Nabiullina, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation and Valentina Matviyenko, Governor of St. Petersburg, visited the Marine Facade Passenger Port and met with Shavkat Kary-Niyazov, President, Marine Facade Management Company. Governor Matviyenko is personally in charge of the construction and completion of the project, and that is why Minister Nabiullina heard a detailed description of the project's development straight from the governor's lips. The Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation noted that the construction of the port and the foundation of the area "is one of the few investment projects that is progressing during the economic crisis just as it was before it." www.passengerport-mf.spb.ru 8 AFRIMAR TUNISIA NOMINATED AS PORT AGENT FOR COSTA CROCIERE IN TUNISIA Afrimar Tunisia has been nominated as the port agent for Costa Crociere in Tunisia. Hassen Salah, President, Afrimar Group (North Africa) said Cruising has become an increasingly popular way to travel to Africa and enjoy the sights in comfort. Afrimar has specialised in the North African market for 30 years and we can offer support and expertise to all yachts, cruise and cargo ships visiting ports in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya. management@afrimar.com www.afrimar.com MSC LIRICA comes to Tilbury in Mediterranean Sunshine On a glorious Sunday at the end of May, a combination of Italian officers in white tropical uniforms and multi-national staff brought a flavour of the Italian Riviera to the London Cruise Terminal at Tilbury when MSC Lirica arrived with 800 tourists bound for the historic sites of London and 1,300 international passengers joined or left the vessel during her stay. Inbound from her cruise to the Norwegian Fjords and the Land of the Midnight Sun, at 253 m long and 59,000 tonnes MSC Lirica is believed to be the largest passenger vessel to have called at the London Cruise Terminal. Dominating the skyline and river front for both Tilbury and Gravesend, this prestigious vessel attracted considerable local interest as she left the landing stage, turned and sailed off to Amsterdam. THE CANARIES 1.13 Million CRUISE tourists In 2008 The Canary Islands received a total of 1.13 million cruise tourists in 2008, a figure which is 18% higher than the previous year, according to figures given by port authorities. The data shows that the Port Authority of Las Palmas registered the greatest increase at 31.2%, with more than 576,000 passengers. The Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife received 557,000 tourists, 7% more than the previous year. Ports which received cruise ships in the Canary Islands: Port Authority of Las Palmas Port of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria Port of Arrecife, Lanzarote Port of Rosario Fuerteventura Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife Port of Los Cristianos, Tenerife Port of Santa Cruz de la Palma Port of San Sebastian de La Gomera Port of La Estace, El Hierro Continuing Growth These figures support a growing tendency in cruise ship traffic in the ports of the Canary Islands, and reflect a continual growth in the number of passengers disembarking in local port facilities in recent years. The Port Authority of Las Palmas has established itself at the lead in terms of cruise visitors to Spain from the beginning of 2009, according to statistics given by the State Ports authority. www.turismodecanarias.com To commemorate the event, MSC Liricas s Staff Captain, Silvio Musap exchanged gifts with Port of Tilbury s Managing Director, Perry Glading Port of Tilbury s Managing Director, Perry Glading, toured the vessel with Chairman of MSC Cruises UK & Ireland, Peter Pate, and Chief Executive, Giulio Libutti together with invited guests. . Welcoming MSC Lirica, Perry Glading said The arrival of MSC Lirica is not only a major step forward to Tilbury s London Cruise Terminal plans but also demonstrates that in difficult economic times, requiring cost effective solutions with a high degree of service delivery, Tilbury s cruise management and staff have shown what can be achieved. We believe that the tourist market should take note of this and the facilities that are available in Thurrock Essex. PADDY WALSH NEW BOARD APPOINTMENT Milford Haven Port Authority recently welcomed the appointment of a new non-executive member to its Board of Directors. The Secretary of State for Transport, The Rt. Hon. Geoff Hoon MP, confirmed the appointment of Paddy Walsh who replaces the former General Manager of Murco, Nigel Tranter. As UK Ports Manager for Irish Ferries, Paddy has over 35 years of experience in the industry, working in ship and operations management across a number of UK ports. Paddy has a strong affinity with the port of Milford Haven having been responsible for managing Irish Ferries investment in, and re-development of, its UK port operations in both Holyhead and Pembroke Dock during the 1990 s. Paddy Walsh MSC Lirica Peter Pate responded, We are very pleased to bring MSC Lirica to the Port of Tilbury as part of our programme to increase our share of the UK cruise market. The Port of Tilbury gives us access to London and a wide range of excursions to the Home Counties, Essex, Kent and Suffolk. We look forward to returning to Tilbury in the future. www.londoncruiseterminal.com www.msccruises.co.uk Following a restructuring of the company around that time, Paddy also served as the General Manager for the vessel Isle of Innishmore and operations at Pembroke Dock and Rosslare, relocating to Pembrokeshire in the late 1990 s. Currently responsible for Irish Ferries operations in both Pembroke Dock and Holyhead, Paddy brings to the Board valuable commercial experience of the industry, as well as a sound understanding of the local context in which the Authority is operating. Chairman of the Milford Haven Port Authority Board, David Benson, is delighted to be welcoming such an experienced Director to the Authority and commented Paddy s career has been linked with the development of this port in recent years, as he took a major part in the development of Ferry Terminal operations at Pembroke Dock. I m sure that he will be a valuable asset contributing to the future direction of the organisation, especially at a time when the Authority is keen to develop further strategic partnerships with Ireland. www.mhpa.co.uk 9 NORWEGIAN EPIC TO DEBUT THE ONLY TUBE AND LARGEST BOWL SLIDE AT SEA NCL Freestyle Cruising has revealed another industry first for its next generation Freestyle Cruising ship Norwegian Epic - an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea - to be called The Epic Plunge. NCL, the pioneer of Freestyle Dining, is introducing more dining options and making its most popular restaurants even better on board Norwegian Epic, as well as introducing 24-hour room service. New dining options include The Manhattan Room, reminiscent of an elegant art deco supper club and Shanghai s, serving traditional Chinese dishes and noodle bar specialities. O Sheehan s Neighbourhood Bar & Grill will be the perfect spot for sports fans with its three lanes of bowling, pool tables and dartboards. The atrium s two-story high screen will be visible from inside the restaurant and additional flat screen televisions will show sporting events. Firm favourite, Cagney s Steakhouse, is back with a twist the addition of Argentinian churrasco. In addition to mouth-watering steaks, guests will be able to sample a variety of skewered meats presented by tableside passadors. www.ncl.com Norwegian Epic s Aqua Park The line unveiled seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first abseiling wall at sea. Norwegian Epic will also have the most bowling lanes afloat with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck for guests to engage in eight different sporting activities; as well as three separate kids and teens activity areas and the first squash court at sea. CONFIRMS SALE OF BLACK PRINCE Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has agreed the sale of its ship Black Prince to Servicios Acuaticos de Venezuela CA. Completion of the sale and delivery of the 451 passenger vessel will take place shortly after its last cruise ends in Southampton on 16 October 2009. It is understood that the vessel will be used for coastal cruising on domestic routes. Thomas Miller is again entering a team in the 24 Peaks Challenge in aid of Seafarers UK, taking place over the weekend of 18-19 July 2009. Our experience last year has only served to increase our desire to give it another try. Because of all the very generous contributions we received, we were awarded the trophy for the team that collected the largest amount of sponsorship in 2008 and we are hoping that, with your support, we can again claim that title in 2009. Seafarers UK is a national charity that fundraises and gives grants to over 70 charities that help people who have worked at sea, including helping people and their families from the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy and fishing fleets. Seafarers UK aims to unite the maritime charity sector to address the specific needs of seafarers and their families. Seafarers UK is able to use its experience of working with the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy and fishing fleets to raise money and distribute it where it is needed. For more information on Seafarers UK and its work please visit: www.seafarers-uk.org The Challenge is to climb 24 peaks in the Lake District (all of which are over 2,400 feet in height) in 24-hours walking time. The peaks to be conquered include 8 out of the 10 highest in England; including Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, Broad Crag and Great Gable. We need to raise at least £5,000 and we would be very grateful for any donations received. To donate you can forward cheques, payable to Seafarers UK, to Martin Turner, Thomas Miller P&I Ltd, 90 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4ST or via our justgiving web page: www.justgiving.com/thomasmiller24peaks 10 Black Prince Black Prince entered service for Fred. Olsen in October 1966, initially as a joint cruise ship and vehicle ferry between the UK and the Canary Islands, and the UK and Norway. In recent years she has been a full time cruise ship operating from various regional UK ports to destinations in Europe, the Arctic, Africa and the Caribbean. NEW PORTS OF CALL FOR FRED. OLSEN 2010 and 2011 will see Fred. Olsen ships call at a number of ports for the very first time. Balmoral s 2010 world cruise will visit the Hawaiian islands with calls at Hilo, Lahaina and Hawaii, and the 2011 world itinerary will feature Borneo, Brunei, and Cambodia, all for the first time. Black Watch s Round South America cruise in 2011 also features some new ports including Puerto Chacabuco in Chile, General San Martin and Salaverry in Peru. www.fredolsencruises.co.uk RMS ST HELENA ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR SPECIAL VOYAGE TO TRISTAN DA CUNHA A one off voyage allowing passengers the rare opportunity to twin the remote South Atlantic islands of Tristan da Cunha and St Helena has been announced by the St Helena Line, sailing on the RMS St Helena. Departing Cape Town on 25 January 2011, the 20-day voyage will call at Tristan da Cunha for three nights before sailing on to its island namesake St Helena for a further two nights, returning to Cape Town on 13 February. This will be the first time that the Royal Mail Ship a blend of cargo vessel and passenger ship - has called at Tristan da Cunha since February 2006. With no plans to incorporate Tristan da Cunha in any future voyages to St Helena, this is a truly unique opportunity to experience both of these fascinating islands on the same voyage. Orion Expedition Cruises 2010 itineraries! Popular expeditions including the Antarctic, Kimberley, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand will continue in 2010, alongside a host of new destinations including a range of 7-night East Coast Australia, South Australia and Tasmania explorations stretching from Cairns to Hobart. Managing Director, Sarina Bratton, commented Our 2010 itineraries continue to build on our core promise to take guests on paths less travelled and we are very excited to be providing expeditionary voyages to explore more Australian coastal marine parks, nature reserves, National Parks and World Heritage areas than ever before. 2010 voyages feature: 6 new rarely-visited island destinations in Papua New Guinea; 3 new ports in the exotic Spice and Tanimbar Islands; Orion s inaugural visit to Irian Jaya, famous worldwide for its vibrant Asmat Art woodcarvings; New Australian coastal voyages from Cairns to Hobart including World Heritage listed marine parks, nature reserves, national parks and wilderness areas; Inaugural voyages to Melbourne, the Limestone Coast, Kangaroo Island, Eyre Peninsula and Fleurieu Peninsula; Christmas in New Zealand s spectacular fjordland. www.orionexpeditions.com RMS St Helena The RMS St Helena is perfect for tourists who want something a bit different to traditional cruising, and celebrates a nostalgic era of travel. The 128-berth liner, very much a working ship, acts as the lifeline to St Helena being the sole source of supply of all goods to her island namesake. Passengers are made up of tourists and St Helenians, or Saints as they are fondly known locally, travelling home. www.rms-st-helena.com CRUISING INTO THE FUTURE TOGETHER! CONGRATULATIONS to photographer, Steve Dunlop, and Kristina Wallen, managing director of HARP wallen Executive Recruitment on their recent marriage which took place in central London at the end of May. The ceremony was witnessed by family members and close friends, many of whom were from the cruise industry. Kristina established HARP wallen in 1995, and the company has gone from strength to strength combining a wealth of experience with a unique understanding of the travel, leisure, corporate and hospitality sectors. Kristina and Steve Dunlop Cutting the Cake The team at the PSA wishes Kristina and Steve much happiness for the future. k.wallen@harpwallen.co.uk ITV Hell s Kitchen star Marco Pierre White Marco Pierre White now offers private cooking and tasting sessions on board select Ventura cruises throughout the year. The interactive sessions involve participants joining Marco as he creates a three-course feast and tasting the finished dishes. Marco will also answer questions about the meal being prepared or any related cooking questions. Marco Pierre White said For me it is all about passing on the knowledge I have and about using good ingredients to create simple and flavoursome dishes. These private cooking sessions are a first for me and I can t wait to get on board to start cooking. The Marco Pierre White Heavens Kitchen sessions cost £75 per adult and £35 per child. 11 www.pocruises.co.uk Marco Pierre White LAUNCH OF VIKING LEGEND IN JULY Highlight of Viking River Cruises year is the launch next month of its new luxury 189 passenger ship, the Viking Legend. At 443ft, the Viking Legend will be the longest ship on the Rhine and will operate a 15-day itinerary, the Grand European, cruising from Amsterdam to Budapest, or vice versa along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. Viking Legend For the first time , popular Rhine-based itineraries are offered with rail travel as the primary means of transfer. The Christmas Market cruises by rail are expected to be a popular choice with the first departure on 30 November, utilising the Eurostar connection to Brussels or Paris for onward connections to Strasbourg or Cologne, depending on the itinerary. Other cruises offered with travel include Viking s six and seven day Christmas and New Year cruises on the Rhine or the longer eight day Rhine Discovery cruise. (Air travel is available on all itineraries). Danube Christmas Market cruises are also new with four or five day cruises on offer from Passau or Nuremberg and including the town of Regensburg with its traditional Christmas market in the grounds of Thurn und Taxis Palace. www.vikingrivercruises.co.uk RAIL OPTION FOR WINTER The successful introduction of Eurostar rail transfer connections to a number of its river cruise itineraries this summer, has prompted Viking River Cruises to extend these arrangements to its winter programme. Association of Cruise Experts Update By Andy Harmer, Director ACE In July 2006, I joined what is now the Association of Cruise Experts (ACE) - almost exactly three years ago. The progress made during this time has been a real credit to the PSA and ACE teams, with thanks to the cruise lines and ACE Travel Partners who have been so supportive during this time. To chart the changes in numbers, we have grown in membership from 750 agencies to over Andy Harmer, UK Cruise Convention 2008 3,000; we have gone from training around 450 agents a year to almost 25,000; and grown from 23 cruise line members to our current membership of 36. In real terms, ACE has focused on raising the profile and accessibility of cruise training to the travel trade via award winning online training, introduced our regional Cruise Expo events, and created the ACE UK Cruise Convention which, in just three years, has become the largest agent gathering in the UK. Our ACE Vision scheme, which aims to bring understanding of the sector to colleges and further education establishments, continues to gather momentum with almost 25 colleges now in membership, and rising fast. Other initiatives have been the introduction of National Cruise Week which will take place this year again in September, the Cruise Forum at ABTA, new guides and learning resources, and a state of the art website that provides a one-stop shop to users. As a result ACE is now rightly recognised as providing engaging and effective cruise training and support to all travel agents, allowing them to sell with confidence and with a level of knowledge that can only help to further grow the sector. Thank you to everyone who has supported these developments over the past three years - it really has been a fantastic team effort! andy@psa-ace.org www.cruiseexperts.org 12 FC Ticket aids event management and tracks attendees Fidelio Cruise s recently launched FC Ticket has been specially designed to track attendees at on board shows, in the theatres and any organised activities by providing a real-time overview of occupancy. Spaces that have not been sold are clear to see and, as a result, shipboard staff can focus on promoting any remaining tickets thereby maximising on board revenue. Fidelio Cruise President Tony Heuer explains: As cruise vessels become larger and passenger numbers increase, managing activities and events - and tracking any related equipment - is a growing challenge. FC Ticket has been designed to help event managers co-ordinate the ticketing function and ensure that appropriate charges are automatically sent to guests' central accounts. At the same time, FC Ticket assists on board and shore-side personnel with monitoring the relative popularity of activities through their respective attendance levels, enabling planners to fine-tune future offerings accordingly. Tony Heuer President FC Ticket is an add-on module to the company s core product, Ship Property Management System (SPMS). It has been developed on similar principles to the FC Shore Excursion module and provides flexibility to suit varying operational circumstances. The software is already in effective operation aboard AIDA Cruises 2000-passenger AIDAluna, recently delivered from Meyer Werft, Papenburg, and now cruising the Baltic. www.fideliocruise.com NEW SINGLE-DAY RECORD FOR CALLS Bookings Soar in May Silversea Cruises has announced it achieved the highest call volume day in its 15-year history on 26 May 2009. The single-day record occurred during a three-week period where bookings surged nearly 150% compared to the same period last year, and average call volume for May was up almost 40% in comparison with April 2009. "This past month we saw continual spikes in booking activity that far exceeded our expectations and shows we are making excellent headway in boosting our sales" said Trudy Redfern, Silversea's Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for UK, Ireland & Middle East. "With the launch of our new Silver Spirit just months away, the growing excitement in the marketplace for our product is certainly a contributing factor, plus there is no doubt the value adding programmes we have implemented are helping to drive these positive booking trends. This confirms that luxury travellers appreciate value and know a great deal when they see one." The company is currently offering significant savings on all suite categories on over 50 worldwide voyages and recently expanded its popular $1,000 Onboard Spending Credit offer to 70 sailings in 2009. Free or specially priced airfare is also available on select voyages. New WindSpa Lifestyle Programme on board Windstar Cruises 3 motor-sail-yachts Deluxe operator Windstar Cruises has introduced a new WindSpa Programme on board Wind Star, Wind Surf and Wind Spirit. Windstar has always believed in offering both male and female guests, while sailing, the opportunity to enhance a sense of their well being, whether indulging in a series of relaxing body treatments, hair or aromaveda rituals, or spending time in the Fitness Centre. Now available on board, OSPA London is a completely certified organic spa experience designed for both face and body, selecting products created with time-proven organic essential oils and extracts of aromatic plants and herbs. Earth and sea botanicals are designed to actively treat, soothe, nourish, revive and restore the skin and the body. www.windstarcruises.com Silver Wind Silversea Cruises is recognised as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard five intimate, all-suite vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper - and launching in December, Silver Spirit - all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents. www.silversea.com New ports, new itineraries, new inclusive onboard product Oceania Cruises new 2010 European collection has gone on sale featuring the company s most extensive and wide-ranging European itineraries to date and, for the first time, unlimited complimentary bottled water and soft drinks for all guests. Oceania Cruises on sale for Summer 2010 Top Entertainment on board Marco Polo After the start of the Summer 2009 Marco Polo cruising season from Tilbury, 95% of passengers have rated their cruise experience as excellent or good and over 80% preferred the convenience of a UK departure thus avoiding the hassle of airports. The main reasons for booking have been price and value, interesting itinerary and convenient embarkation port. Guest services and entertainment are receiving top ratings on our customer questionnaires according to Sales Manager Michelle Daniels. Michelle Daniels added We have further enhanced our entertainment with new shows and guest acts. It is our aim to offer cruises that combine innovative itineraries with a superb programme of entertainment. Together with our lecture programmes, our first class team of hosts will arrange everything from stretch classes in the gym to your favourite quiz show. Marco Polo may not be the largest cruise ship but the entertainment is outstanding! www.transoceancruises.co.uk 13 Regatta The programme features 34 unique itineraries, more than any other premium or deluxe brand. Oceania s three upper premium, mid-sized ships, Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, will offer discerning travellers new and unique opportunities to travel to new and off the beaten path destinations in Russia, Greece, Syria, Iceland, Turkey along with chic yacht harbours in France, Italy and Spain. The line has added 30 more ports to its list of European destinations, a total of 137 in all. www.OceaniaCruises.co.uk Swan Hellenic has recently launched a dedicated Antarctic Expedition brochure for its winter 09/10 programme which will provide customers with an in-depth insight into the ultimate Antarctic Expedition. Owing to the limited numbers allowed on Swan Hellenic s Antarctic Expeditions and the fact that space is selling up fast, the brochure is also a limited edition that comes with a DVD showing awe-inspiring footage of what passengers can expect aboard Minerva. There is also an online brochure available too: http://www.swanhellenic.com/antarcticabrochure Fresh from the success of its return to European river cruising, Swan Hellenic is extending its river programme in 2010 with the Rhine as a new destination. Swan Hellenic s River cruises in 2009 featured the Rhone and the Danube destinations that also feature in the 2010 programme. L/r: Rob Bryant, CEO, Roger Allard, Chairman, Dudley Smith, Director of Operations, Geoff Lawrence, Sales & Marketing Director, All Leisure Group plc; Colin Stone, Managing Director, Swan Hellenic. Joint Venture Swan & Voyages of Discovery Voyages of Discovery is launching a series of destination specific brochures, the first of which will be dedicated to India & The Orient - featuring 28 November 2009 to 29 January 2010 departures; an Africa & Indian Ocean brochure - featuring 10 Feb 2010 through to 15 April 2010 departures. These will both be available at the end of June. The brochures will provide an in-depth focus on the destinations visited by Discovery along with highlights of each cruise. www.voyagesofdiscovery.com Swan Hellenic and Voyages of Discovery invited guests to spend an atmospheric evening with Raja the Komodo dragon and Ricky the Rockhopper penguin at London Zoo. Both cruise lines teamed up for the event to give the media an evocative insight into Voyages of Discovery s Far East and Orient programme for winter 2009/10 and Swan Hellenic's Antarctica itineraries, also for this winter. First stop for guests was drinks in the Zoo's Komodo Dragon house, where speaker Sir James Hodge, a retired diplomat and ambassador to Thailand (who is also an onboard guest speaker on Discovery), evoked the spirit of Asia. The PSA is delighted to welcome new Associate Member CRUISES IN THE ATLANTIC ISLANDS www.puertosdetenerife.org Cruises in the Atlantic Islands is a Promotional & Marketing Association formed by the Port Authority of Madeira (including Port of Funchal, Madeira and Porto Santo, Port Santo), Port Authority of Las Palmas (including Ports of Las Palmas, Gran Canaria; Arrecife, Lanzarote; Puerto de Rosario, Fuerteventura) and the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (including Ports of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Los Cristianos, Tenerife; Santa Cruz de La Palma, La Palma; San Sebastian de la Gomera, La Gomera; La Estaca, El Hierro). The aim of Cruises in the Atlantic Islands is to promote Madeira and Canary Islands as cruise ports. marketing@apram.pt comercial@puertosdetenerife.org NEW SUMMER 2010 MED PROGRAMME Ocean Village has announced its hotly-anticipated summer 2010 Mediterranean programme aboard the original Ocean Village ship featuring FIVE brand new ports of call: Messina (Sicily), Marmaris (Turkey), La Spezia (Italy), Cagliari (Sardinia) and Toulon (France). Featuring SEVEN Med itineraries in total, the new programme aims to appeal to the full spectrum of Ocean Village passengers. Want to do something different this year? Fancy learning more about the Northern lights from an expert? Hurtigruten has launched its 2009-10 Northern Lights programme featuring more themed voyages, new flights and new excursions such as reindeer sledging. The brochure offers a host of unique experiences in Norway for all ages something for everyone. www.hurtigruten.co.uk Seeing the Northern lights continues to be high on people s wish list of things to see in their lifetime. After Hurtigruten s recent research into why people travel in winter, the overriding response from all demographic groups was to see the Northern Lights. Following the success of the BBC Joanna Lumley Northern Lights TV programme last year, the operator is confident that the demand is there and expects the trade to play a key role in generating sales for tours this winter. The groups market will also be developed going forward. Last winter, agents increased their group trade bookings by over 300%. With excellent earning opportunities, the groups market will continue to be focus for the operator over the coming months with workshops being held across the UK to give agents the support and tools to develop their group business. Brand new Transatlantic cruises The brochure also introduces a brand new transatlantic cruise option: a 15 night sailing from Barbados to Crete departing 24 March 2010 which combines the tropical treasures of the Caribbean with Mediterranean charm. Transatlantic sailings can be extended with Caribbean or Mediterranean 7 night sailings before or after the crossing. www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk 14 CELEBRITY EQUINOX EMERGES FROM SHIPYARD DE VERE GRAND HARBOUR HOTEL Pre and Post PSA Annual Dinner LIMITED EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTED RATES! A reminder for those of you who may wish to stay overnight in a superb local hotel pre or post the PSA Annual Dinner on board Celebrity Equinox on 26 July. PSA Associate Member, De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel, Southampton is offering specially discounted rates for all PSA/ECC members and associate members, ACE trade members and travel partners. Rates apply to 24 - 31 July inclusive, and 1 - 2 August 2009. Celebrity Equinox Celebrity Equinox saw daylight for the first time on 6 June during her official "docking out" from Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The 1,425-guest ship is the second in Celebrity Cruises widely heralded Solstice Class fleet. She will sail from Papenburg down the River Ems on 19 or 20 June, depending on the winds and tides, and following various provisioning activities, sea trials and inspections, will host a series of invitation-only special events for press, travel agents and consumers from Southampton, England before entering service on 31 July. Book online at www.devere-hotels.com with the following promo code XTR or call the Reservations team on 0845 3752808 and quote the promo code for the discount rate. These are exclusive, one off rates and non commissionable. Applicable only to the dates stated. Please note if you are attending the PSA Dinner, Celebrity Equinox will sail at 17.00 hours on Sunday 26 July, returning to port in the early hours of 27 July. You will therefore not be able to disembark after the Dinner. For any further enquiries, please contact: Joanne Emery, Cruise Manager Joanne.Emery@devere-hotels.com De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel (023) 8063 3033 Option 4 extn 800 www.devere-hotels.com/offers/promotions/now-you-re-sailing PSA ANNUAL DINNER To be held on board Celebrity EQUINOX Sunday 26 July 2009, Southampton BOOK YOUR PLACES TODAY! Only a few tables left! Contact: Kathleen O Hara kathleen@psa-ace.org Tel: +44 (0) 20 7436 2449 PSA Council of Management & PSA Associate Members SHIP VISIT & COMPLIMENTARY LUNCHEON Courtesy Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines On Board BALMORAL Dover, Friday 28 August 2009 ITINERARY 10.45 11.00 11.15 11.45 12.15 14.00 Check-in at Terminal Embarkation Brief Presentation / Welcome drink Guests free to wander the ship with self-guided tour map Luncheon LATEST Disembark NEW BROCHURE FOR 2010 - 2011 Celebrity Cruises has unveiled its new 2010 - 2011 worldwide brochure to the trade this week, raising the bar for contemporary cruising and adding an extended choice with an exciting range of new destinations and itineraries. The new brochure features over 200 ports of call from 10 different ships and, of these, 25 ports will be called at by the latest Southampton ported ship, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010. Jo Rzymowska, general manager and associate vice president, Celebrity Cruises, UK and Ireland commented Celebrity Cruises is ramping up its profile in the UK and Ireland. When Celebrity Eclipse arrives in the fleet in April 2010 and becomes the first new-build Celebrity Cruises ship to sail from the UK then we really will be one of the major players in the luxury large cruise ship market. This is exciting for us and our agent partners alike, as we are now able to offer greater choice to our guests wishing to sail from the UK. The brochure focuses attention on the benefits of sailing from Southampton, including free car parking, great value regional flights and transfers and convenient door-to-port service. www.celebritycruises.co.uk RSVP Deadline: 21 July 2009 Council Members: kathleen@psa-ace.org Associate Members: maggie@the-psa.com 15 LIMITED PLACES! Conference Sessions and Speakers confirmed for Seatrade Europe 2009 We are delighted to announce that the keynote speaker for Seatrade Europe is David Dingle who will be joined by Michael Bayley, Michael Thamm, Pierfrancesco Vago and Richard Vogel to discuss The State of the Cruise Industry in Europe . The diversity of subjects includes shipbuilding and refurbishment, regulatory challenges for the cruise industry, finance for passenger vessels and itineraries and destinations. Innovations this year include a Hospitality at Sea forum looking at a range of issues including procurement, service quality, design, innovation and sanitation. River Cruise Day, on the Wednesday, includes The State of the River Cruise Industry and operations issues. Travel agent training will be led by Scott Koepf, President of NACTA. This includes an interactive session with cruise lines and meeting cruise destinations. The brand new exhibition hall at Hamburg Messe Fairground is the place to do business and discover new products, new suppliers and the latest developments in shipbuilding and technologies. The Seatrade Europe Party, sponsored by Hamburg Cruise Center and AIDA Cruises will include the Seatrade Insider Cruise Awards ceremony (principal sponsor Fidelio Cruise). If you haven t already entered for an award, please note the deadline of 1 August 2009. Seatrade Europe takes place in Hamburg from 15 17 September 2009. Visit www.seatrade-europe.com for more information, to register and to enter for the Awards The Daily Telegraph presents PSA & ACE AGM & Buffet Luncheon Friday 3 July 2009 All PSA Members & Associates are invited to join us for the PSA and/or ACE AGM/s and Complimentary Buffet Luncheon RSVP At Your Earliest! Members: kathleen@psa-ace.org Associates: maggie@the-psa.com CRUISE 27- 28 March 2010 Olympia , London www.cruisingshow.co.uk After a hugely successful first year in 2009, CRUISE , the only consumer show dedicated to cruising, is moving to a bigger hall at Olympia. The venue offers easier access for visitors and offers more space for increased number of show features. It is the ultimate live platform to meet and do business with thousands of affluent consumers looking for inspiration for their next cruise holiday. A staggering 68% said they visited the show to book a cruise and 21% had never been on a cruise before. The show is a truly unmissable event, offering so much under one roof. For further information please contact: Martin Anslow or Chris Erasmus Escape Events Ltd. T +44 (0)1795 843799 cruise@escapeevents.com The Passenger Shipping Association Ltd. First Floor, 41/42 Eastcastle Street, London W1W 8DU Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7436 2449 Fax: + 44 (0) 7636 9206 website: www.the-psa.org William Gibbons, PSA Director w.gibbons@psa-ace.org Andy Harmer, Director, ACE andy@psa-ace.org Penny Guy, PR Director penny@psa-ace.org Kathleen O Hara, PSA Services Manager kathleen@psa-ace.org VIEW NOW! The On-line PSA Membership Directory http://www.the-psa.co.uk/directory/psa_directory_09.pdf Hayley Martin, PSA Office Manager hayley@psa-ace.org Adele Foster, Head of Membership Services adele@psa-ace.org Natalie Budgen, Membership Services Executive natalie@psa-ace.org Maggie Ann Gibbons, Associate Membership Services Executive Editor/Publisher PSA Membership Newsletter maggie@the-psa.com A First Class Business & Contact Source SPONSORED BY PORT OF TYNE Next newsletter: September 2009 16 Thank you for your invaluable news input!