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Phuket – Beyond the Beaches

If you’ve got the Thai island of Phuket on your cruise itinerary then brace yourself for a destination that’s a mass of contrasts and contradictions. You can munch on fried insects from a street vendor on Bangla Road whilst drinking out of a plastic bag, all the while looking at the Starbucks and McDonald’s across the street. You can be in the ultra-modern shopping and entertainment mall Central Festival one minute, then trekking through the jungle on elephant back the next and it’s perfectly possible to bump into a gaggle of sequined, high-heeled ladyboys whilst touring the temples and religious shrines. So you see, to simply go straight from port to the tourist magnet Patong Beach would be a real shame. Phuket has so much to experience that even a year’s worth of port stops wouldn’t be enough but here are some suggestions to get you off that sunlounger and exploring this hot, heady hotspot in the ‘Land of Smiles’: Big Buddha Even if you’re not in the slightest bit religious, the temples in Phuket are an incredible spectacle. One of the newest additions is the still work-in-progress Big Buddha, which sits high on the Nakkerd Hills (yep, you will be if you choose to hike up there!) and it’s pretty difficult to miss this gleaming white marble monument which measures in at 45 metres tall. Whether you’re feeling...

Cruise Lines Step Up In Aftermath Of Cyclone Pam

Two major cruise lines have pledged large sums of money to help the victims of cyclone Pam, which struck last Saturday. The category five storm has wreaked havoc and destruction on Vanuatu and at least eleven people have been confirmed dead. Aid agencies have said the area has been left in “complete devastation.” Unsurprisingly, 3 cruise ships which had been due to sail near the affected area have been diverted. P&O’s Aurora, Celebrity Solstice and Holland America’s MS Oosterdam have all avoided the area for the safety of its passengers. Vanuatu declared a state of emergency shortly after the cyclone hit. Cruise Lines have responded by pledging money to help the recovery of the area and help aid agencies to support survivors. Carnival Cruise Lines were the first to respond to the crisis, as they pledged $150,000 Australian Dollars to help the Save the Children Australia team who are already on the ground. Carnival Legend will also call at Vanuatu’s largest island of Santo and bring supplies which include fresh water and tarpaulin to create temporary shelter. Carnival Australia issued a statement which said: “The people of Vanuatu have always welcomed our guests and crew to their beautiful islands with warm smiles and open arms. Our hearts and minds are with the inhabitants of Vanuatu.” “We also have a number of Ni-Vanuatu staff on P&O Cruises’ ships and we...

Chairman Says P&O Aren’t Worried About Anthem!

The UK is known for having a booming cruise industry and according to Carnival Corporation’s chief executive Arnold Donald, the country has enough room for two brand new cruise ships. In just over five week’s time on April 20th, Anthem of the Seas – the newest vessel to join Royal Caribbean’s fleet – launches in Southampton, joining sister ship Quantum of the Seas. Speaking at a press conference in Southampton, ahead of Her Majesty the Queen naming P&O Cruises’ newest ship Britannia today Mr Donald said: “there may be some people who experiment with both , but I don’t see them in competition. Britannia is cruising for UK people, Anthem is not that.” Britannia and Anthem of the Seas have both been scheduled to sail similar itineraries. Anthem will then take its place at its new homeport in Bayonne, New Jersey, this October. Passengers can expect a range of entertainment on board both vessels, but with a very different angle. Those who choose to embark on an Anthem cruise may wish to try their hand at a selection of fun-filled activities, including a roller disco, bumper cars, simulated skydiving and a 360-degree capsule (the North Star) on the top deck of the ship. In contrast, passengers who set sail with Britannia might choose to join the Supper Club and the Cookery Club, or watch some well-loved sit-coms in the...

The Queen and the Commoner

So what exactly have the Queen and a travel agent got in common? They’re both godmothers to cruise ships of course! With the Queen announced to be naming the Britannia it’s made the www.CRUISE.co.uk team think about the times when she’s been Godmother to ships such as Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth, as well as naming P&O’s Oriana twenty years ago. It’s fairly common for royalty to be godmother to a ship – as you might expect with most ships having names like “queen” or “princess!” The Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton became godmother to Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess, Diana Princess of Wales was godmother to the first Royal Princess in 1984 and The Duchess of Cornwall is godmother to Cunard’s Queen Victoria. What you might not know is that whilst the Queen is naming Britannia – she isn’t godmother! That duty has been taken by Louise Hunt, a travel agent who won the competition to be godmother to the P&O ship and took part in the official ceremony during Britannia’s float out ceremony. And it’s not just P&O that are allowing this prestigious role to be fulfilled by those that aren’t aristocracy… Royal Caribbean (surprisingly!) haven’t chosen a “royal” candidate (geddit?) to be godmother of their new ship, Anthem of the Seas. Instead, they have launched a competition so that a travel agent can win the...

Splendour of the Seas Joins the Marella Fleet!

Marella Cruises has announced it will be expanding its fleet with the addition of a Royal Caribbean International vessel. Royal Caribbean has agreed to sell its ship Splendour of the Seas to Marella Cruises in the second quarter of 2016, from which it will then be leased to Marella Cruises. The vessel first entered service in 1996. It weighs in at 69,130 tonnes and boasts a 1,830-passenger capacity. Michael Bayley, president and chief executive of Royal Caribbean International, said: “Splendour of the Seas has been a treasured member of the Royal Caribbean International family since she entered service. “She has offered countless guests memorable vacation experiences and we look forward to continuing to provide the same Gold Anchor Service our brand is known for right up to the last sailing.” Before being transferred, Splendour of the Seas will complete its scheduled cruises, meaning the agreed sale will not alter or disrupt any sailings. The ship will be the largest in Marella Cruises’ fleet and features a range of onboard entertainment, including a swimming pool, rock-climbing wall, eight bars and lounges, and many restaurants and cafes. Helen Caron, managing director of Marella Cruises, said: “This is the first step in our fleet modernisation and transformation strategy and will bring an enhanced offering to our customers with more balcony cabins than ever before, a wider choice of suites, an increased number...