Cruising continues to go from strength to strength in 2011 and who better to tell us what to watch out for than Flo Powell, Director of the Association of Cruise Experts (ACE). From new destinations to the latest ship launches, she’s got it covered.
I wonder what thoughts you may have for travel in 2011 – are you looking for snow or sunshine, an exotic or cultural experience, expedition or relaxation, formal or fun? Since joining ACE just over a year ago I’ve discovered that whatever the choice, a cruise holiday fits the bill perfectly.
A record 1.77 million Brits are predicted to take a cruise holiday this year and many people have quizzed me recently on why cruising is enjoying such success – particularly in this tough economic climate. As readers of Cruise International, I hardly need to labour this as you already know, it’s all about choice, the fantastic value, the world-class service and the utter joy of unpacking once and visiting the most exciting, intriguing, varied and enjoyable destinations in the world.
At the time of writing this column my ACE team was out in Miami, enjoying the thrills of the newly-launched Allure of the Seas, the ever-so-slightly bigger sister to the Oasis of the Seas. These new mega ships from Royal Caribbean herald a change in the cruise industry making the ship the destination – a floating resort for families and groups of all ages to enjoy.
But a cruise holiday is all about choice. Alongside the largest cruise ships in the world we have luxury lines that offer an intimate cruise experience to wonderful, very different, destinations including the Amazon and the Far East, and such amazing places as the Galapagos Islands and the North West Passage.
THE ONE TO WATCH
River cruising is definitely my ‘one to watch’ for 2011 as it offers such an interesting way to travel the main waterways of the world at a slower pace in an informal environment.
Unlike ocean cruises, river vessels tend to moor overnight in a port and sail during the day giving passengers the opportunity to sightsee after dinner and view the destinations they pass at close proximity, such as the beautiful landscapes and historic monuments along the Rhine. This is the main difference and advantage of a river cruise. Destinations can be seen ‘up-close’ with passengers hopping off the vessel, straight into the heart of the town or city.
Often river cruises dock at more than one port a day, and overnight ports are becoming increasingly popular, offering passengers the opportunity to really explore their new surroundings. There are a huge range of river cruises, and a growing number of operators offering these fantastic cruises.
ACE now has six river cruise members who sail along the major rivers of the world, including the Nile, Rhine and Danube as well as the more exotic rivers such as the Yangtze in China, the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, and the Russian Waterways taking in Moscow and St Petersburg.
 | There are seven new ships being launched for the UK market in 2011 covering very different styles of cruising |  |
What I’ve found particularly encouraging over the last 12 months is that although cruise customers are increasingly researching information online, they still value the expert knowledge provided by their ACE-trained travel agent and are making their booking directly with them. These agents provide impartial, informed advice on the many different types and styles of cruise ship, allowing you to make an informed choice when choosing your next cruise.
We’re gearing up for another fantastic year – there are seven new ships being launched for the UK market covering very different styles of cruising. At the ultra luxury end there’s Compagnie du Ponant’s L’Austral and Seabourn Quest, carrying 264 and 450 passengers respectively. The first water-coaster at sea will be seen on board the new Disney Dream, while Oceania, Celebrity Cruises, Costa Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line all launch new ships with passenger numbers varying from 1,258 to 3,690.
The theme for this year’s ACE Convention is ‘365’ highlighting that there is a cruise for everyday of the year as well as for every type of customer. Flo
Vessels
Allure of the Seas
Oasis of the Seas
L’Austral
Disney Dream
About Flo Powell
Hi Flo,
It’s also possible to cruise for 400 days aboard WorldWide Cruise Line’s Caribbean Cruise. You can book this voyage on your iPhone or iPad; visiting 160 different Caribbean Island destinations:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/wwcl-caribbean-cruise/id410802639?mt=8
All the best
Clive