So long 2015

As the New Year approaches it’s time to say goodbye to 2015.

As ever in the cruise world  a lot has happened. Here’s a round-up of some of the stories from this year:

We have seen the newest, most innovative ship so far, Anthem of the Seas launched and based in the Southampton for her maiden season. This introduced the concept of dynamic dining, sky-diving at sea and the North Star viewing capsule to a UK based ship.

A U-turn was announced on the decision to ban cruise ships sailing in to Venice.

Plans announced to change the extortionate wifi charges from the Carnival group, so watch this space in 2016 to see if the reports of 90% savings are true…

We had a baby born at sea on the Independence of the Seas. Mother and baby both doing well!

Brand new ports announced by several cruise lines.

  Norovirus hasn’t gone away despite the stringent measures put in place by cruise lines.

In March the launch of P&O’s flagship, Britannia went off with lots of pomp and ceremony with the Her Majesty the Queen officially naming the ship.

Viking expand their product to ocean cruising and already have 2 more ships planned in the near future. They have also extended their successful TV advertising campaign to the ocean product.

Celebrity cruises announced a change in dress code from formal nights to ‘evening chic’.

P&O send their ship, Adonia off to take part in eco holidays in the Caribbean, aiming to help local communities in the Dominican Republic.

Lots of new shopping & entertainment venues announced including the Cavern Club on NCL ships, Cirque du Soleil on mSC ships and the first Tiffany & Co store at sea on the Oasis of the Seas.

In the ever-changing world of travel much has happened this year and these are just a few of them. I wonder what 2016 will bring. Let’s see- same time same place next year……

Happy New Year!