Growth expected in cruise tourism sector
The cruise tourism sector will go from strength to strength in 2014, with four to five per cent growth expected within the industry over the course of the year.
This is according to attendees at the Cruise Shipping Miami expo, the 30th edition of which wrapped up last week, with various key players commenting on how they expect the playing field to develop over the next 12 months.
As always, the Caribbean is likely to account for much of the growth due to the fact it is a favourite for both regular cruisers and those who are new to the experience, thanks to its fantastic array of islands and islets that are great to explore on a small cruise vessel.
Locations such as Cuba and Martinique are particularly alluring due to their pristine beaches cropped with palm tree forests, glittering azure waters supporting extensive coral reefs and, above all, a tropical climate that ensures plenty of sunshine.
However, attendees at the four-day Cruise Shipping Miami event were quick to point out that European destinations are most certainly pulling their weight when it comes to drawing in the international cruisers.
Representatives of 24 Spanish port authorities, as well as 70 companies from the port community, chambers of commerce, city halls and port city tourism boards in Spain, pointed out that 7.6 million cruisers arrived in the nation’s ports in 2013 – a 275 per cent increase in the last decade.
Greece has also indicated a strong performance in terms of cruise arrivals, with visitors attracted to the history, mythology and natural beauty of its vast collection of islands.
With the health of the sector predicted to go from strength to strength throughout 2014, it can only be good news for travellers and operators alike.
UK cruise passenger departures hit 1m
Record numbers of cruise passengers started their holidays from the UK last year, with the figure topping one million for the first time in the industry's history.
Data released by port operator cruiseBritain indicated that of that figure, more than 800,000 (21 per cent) of cruisers were overseas passengers beginning their journeys in the UK, as opposed to being residents of the country.
More than 100 ships called into ports around the nation and 866,000 passengers made day visits to Britain's multitude of unique attractions – a 20 per cent increase on 2013, suggesting that London 2012 is still working its magic as an advertiser for the UK.
Incoming cruiseBritain chairman Daren Taylor welcomed the news, claiming that 2014's figures are likely to equal or exceed the previous year's judging by current booking sales.
"With a day call growth rate of this magnitude, we are on course to see over a million passenger day calls into UK ports this year," he said. "This represents significant tourism revenue for each of the ports visited."
Being conveniently located with plenty of access to Europe, Britain is often used as a stopover for those wishing to journey through the continent, exploring locations such as the beautiful Greek islands and the spectacular coast of Italy.
News of Britain's record-breaking stats came during the closing days of Cruise Shipping Miami, the industry's largest expo, where major industry figures spent the week pointing to Europe as a major growth market.
The continent offers a huge variety and its Mediterranean climate, sparkling blue seas and splendid beaches prove to be all too enticing for British tourists, many of whom want to experience a different culture without wishing to endure a long journey from the UK.
Big attraction for British travellers is the convenience of sailing from a port close to home and avoiding the need to fly. Seafarer will be introducing some small ship UK departures such as Falmouth, Dover and Hull soon…watch this space!
Group and family discounts now available
Groups and families looking for a cruise ship adventure should take advantage of new offers that have just been made available for our mega yacht holidays in a plethora of destinations.
Whether you prefer somewhere close to keep the kids happy – the islands of Greece or the coastline of Italy, for example – or would rather indulge in something a little more exotic such as the Seychelles or Cabo Verde, there's something available.
And thanks to these discounts, an enjoyable cruise trip with comfortable surroundings, in-the-know staff and great excursions is now better value than ever.
Families will no doubt want to take advantage of the Kids Go Free offer, which allows either a single parent or a couple to take one or two children aboard completely free of charge provided the adults pay the full rate.
The offer only applies to those aged between seven and 12 – those above this age will be charged the child fare. It's bookable all year, but parents must remember to quote Kids Go Free when arranging their holiday.
Groups can also take advantage of great rates, with a five per cent reduction on the fare and one cabin free for every nine booked. The offer is available for all Variety cruise programmes in 2014 and 2015, so there is a huge range of choice when it comes to destinations.
Whether your group wants to experience the natural treasures of Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, or the laid-back atmosphere in coastal Greece, they can now do so at a reduced price that fully reflects the value of such a great holiday.
If you're looking for inspiration, why not take a Variety Cruisess mega yacht out on a special family occasion such as a birthday or anniversary? With their smaller size of between 22-26 cabins, they're also great for corporate incentive trips if you're looking to reward a particularly hardworking team.
Furthermore, the yachting division of Seafarer offers a range of motor yachts and sailing yachts with between two and 12 cabins that can be perfect for small groups of friends and family – and the group discount can mean it's surprisingly affordable.
Friends, family and co-workers often make your time away more worthwhile, so treat this as an opportunity to spend some much-needed time with loved ones, and book your cruise today.
Explore new destinations with us at Seafarer
At Seafarer, we’re always looking to add exciting tours to our list, and what better can we offer than a brand new destination and a thrilling new take on the Greek Islands with Istanbul thrown in for good measure? To help you understand what exciting new horizons await you as a result of these fantastic additions, take a look at our little round-up below.
Madagascar and its Mozambique Islands
Anyone who fancies getting away from the stuffy office and enjoying the incredible Great Outdoors is in for a treat on a holiday to Madagascar and its Mozambique Islands. Lemurs, baobabs, rainforest, beaches, desert, trekking and diving – this is but a taste of what’s on offer.
Seafarer’s itinerary allows you to explore a number of individual landmasses during your journey, but let’s keep it simple for now and simply address the island of Madagascar, which is worth visiting on its own. There’s no denying its unique ecosystem – five per cent of all known animal and plant species can be found here, and you can go from tropical rainforest to dry arid desert within just 300 kilometres. A Seafarer trip always likes to focus on the coast, and there is more than enough of that to take in at Madagascar. A grand total of 5,000 kilometres, to be precise. Quite frankly, cruising is most definitely the best method of exploring the island, since the roads are in a pretty sorry state.
All this is without considering the other stop-off points. The Mozambique Islands allow you to experience a wide variety of activities, from exquisite diving that reveals underwater kingdoms to exhilarating water sports across the charismatic coast. Find tranquillity in a small deserted cove on the coastline of Nosy Tanikely, characterised by its soft white sands and occasional patches of shallow coral. Or get to know the unique fishing community located on Nosy Iranja, which is also home to some of the most incredible wildlife in the world – Hawksbill turtles. Failing that, just explore the open ocean in search of humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins, which can be found cruising alongside you in the warm month of August.
Aegean Mosaic
Our newly announced Aegean Mosaic itinerary is perfect for everyone who wants to incorporate a sizeable chunk of time in Turkey during their holidays. The eight-day programme splits things pretty much right down the middle so that you have the opportunity to really make the most of both these unique destinations. Part of the joy of experiencing Greece and Turkey in one cruise is that, although they are located near to one another, they are exceedingly different.
For example, Turkey possesses an East-meets-West explosion of cultures that is impossible to find anywhere else. The exciting atmosphere in Istanbul, powered by busy markets, enormous mosques and a street life that never seems to sleep, makes it an incredible place to start your journey. Then there is the opportunity to explore Canakkale, with an action-packed excursion that encompasses a visit to where the ancient battle once raged.
By day four – after stopping at Dikili and Kusadasi – you will be well on your way to Greece, finishing up the Turkey part of the tour with Ephesus, one of the greatest archaeological sites in the Aegean region, which contains its own beautiful collection of landmasses. The islands incorporated into this part of the trip allow you to visit the Lipsi Islands, Mykonos, Santorini and more. Explore their beautiful secluded beaches and beautiful ruins.
As if that wasn’t enough, we’ll be conducting this cruise with the flagship of Variety Cruises mega-yacht fleet flagship, the luxurious 36 cabin ‘Voyager’, which allows you to embark on the adventure in complete comfort.
If our introduction to Seafarer’s new cruises has triggered some excitement, why wait? Book your next holiday today on the Aegean Mosaic Itinerary or the Madagascar and its Mozambique Islands Itinerary.
Cruise vessels: Picking the ideal
When it comes to your perfect cruise holiday, it is as important to get the vessel right as it is the destination. After all, a very sizeable segment of your time will be spent on board – either travelling between destinations or relaxing in anticipation of the next excursion. We at Seafarer recognise the plethora of tastes when it comes to sailing – that some people favour luxurious amenities while others prefer the romance of a full tall ship with its magnificent sails. Of course, there are some things they all offer, such as swimming in pristine bays from the ship's swimming platform. For this reason, there are plenty of options available when you travel with us, with a selection of vessels available for many of the areas we sail to. Take a look below and see if you can find your ideal cruise holiday today.
Caribbean
The Caribbean remains the most popular destination among cruise-goers, securing enthusiasts from both first-timers and veterans who have heard tale of its tropical weather and holiday culture. For this reason, we like to make sure that there is an element of choice as to the type of vessel, so that you can enjoy your idyllic holiday of perfection.
Those entranced by the sweeping camera angles and extraordinary seascape battles perpetuated in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean will no doubt want the experience of sailing on a Star Clipper, which looks stunning when in full sail. You can count on this experience also when boarding the Tall Ship Royal Clipper, a larger vessel where you can enjoy the feeling of grandeur that comes with sailing to the full, particularly if you climb the mast to one of the passenger crow's nest platforms.
For those seeking a more intimate experience of the Caribbean, perhaps a catamaran trip to Cuba or Martinique is on the agenda. These vessels contain fewer cabins – six or eight – so you can be sure of bonding with the crew and your fellow passengers during the trip.
Croatia
More fashionable than ever before, the stunning coastline of Croatia attracts thousands of admirers every year. Those seeking tradition are invited to hop aboard the motor sailers of the Katarina Line fleet. which offer oodles of charm and an abundance of cabin space. If you're after a more active holiday might consider sailing aboard the sailing cruiser Panorama. Housing kayaks and snorkelling equipment, she has all you need to take to the sea of your own accord.
Indian Ocean
The tours available in the Indian Ocean largely rely on catamaran vessels that can really get into the nooks and crannies of destinations such as the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles. Despite the smaller size of these yachts, you can still expect plenty of comfort in your cabin, and there is more than enough room for relaxation above deck. Those looking for something with all the bells and whistles should consider the sleek and stylish Pegasus megayacht for a Seychelles cruise, which has everything from en suite facilities with a shower to hair dryers and internet and email services.
Egypt
Egypt's famous River Nile maintains a long lasting appeal that owes a lot to the many historic sites one can see on its banks. To reflect this, travel in luxury aboard one of our five-star deluxe cruise vessels, which have ample deck room to admire those incredible sights. You'll benefit from a private bathroom, a full-length panoramic window and modern air conditioning depending on which tour you choose. Cabins also contain an LCD TV, should you need it, and you can expect to share the experience with no more than 150 fellow passengers.
Greece
It is only appropriate that, when it comes to our most popular destination, we offer as many modes of transport around it as is humanely possible. The Greek islands are a wonder to explore and we have no fewer than five cruise vessels that routinely take people from one to the other. From the large (Louis Olympia is capable of housing and entertaining 1664 passengers) to the cosy (Harmony V and the similarly sized Panorama 2 have just 25 cabins each) you can be sure of getting an intimate and extraordinary experience courtesy of Seafarer and Variety Cruises. More than anything, you will have an extensive choice of both destinations to be explored and the vessel you travel aboard. You'll feel like a guest of a Greek tycoon on one of the fabulous mega yacht cruises on offer. Alternatively choose a majestic tall ship and enjoy the elegance of a by-gone era.
Turkey
It is only appropriate to explore the seas of Turkey in a gulet. Our fleet of these traditional Turkish vessels – commonly found in Bodrum and other seaside ports – provide a wonderfully informal location from which to enjoy your exploration of the turquoise waters surrounding the country. For those unfamiliar with the design, this type of ship consists of two or three masts and is generally wooden in construction. With Seafarer, you can expect to relax with music and TV in the saloon or take a more active approach and go for a canoe trip. You'll certainly want to spend hours in the spacious public areas or on deck, working on your tan.
No matter which cruise ship you decide to opt for in the end, you can be sure that Seafarer's knowledgeable staff will be with you every step of the way. An informal atmosphere and a fulfilling itinerary is also guaranteed. So what are you waiting for?
Top 3 honeymoon cruise destinations
You've booked the church, chosen a cake, sorted the flowers and sent out the invitations. All the little details – including food, drink, music and the reception venue – are sorted. There's only one thing left to do, and that's book the honeymoon.
Your first holiday as a married couple needs to be something memorable. Something that combines an appropriate level of excitement with an equal amount of lazing about in the lap of luxury. Wouldn't you enjoy a holiday that takes you to multiple destinations, giving you both something new to wake up to every day? A cruise sounds ideal the more you think about it, whether you've been on one before or are completely new to the experience.
But the idea of sharing a ship with 2,000+ other holidaymakers may seem more than a tad intimidating, which is understandable. You're far more likely to get the personalised and intimate honeymoon you deserve by booking onto a small cruise ship. There's no need to forsake the luxury amenities you get with the larger vessels, with our collection of mega yachts, gulets and catamarans fitted with everything from beautiful en suite cabins, swimming pools and comfortable lounges above and below deck. It's also likely you'll want to shake off the formality of the wedding and properly enjoy one another's company – this is something you can do on a small ship cruise, but not necessarily on a larger one.
And where destinations are concerned, you're spoilt for choice. Take a look at the options below and see which locations we consider to be the best honeymoon choices.
We're not alone in thinking the Maldives is a simply stunning place to get your marriage off to a perfect start. Fodor's Travel named the archipelago its number one destination for honeymooning couples, citing its 1,100 coral islands and unspoilt beaches as primary draws. Taking a cruise is undoubtedly the best way to experience such a diverse destination – around every corner, there lurks an incredible stretch of charismatic coastline, an idyllic cove that's perfect for swimming in or some interesting marine life. Great honeymoon experiences include fishing at sunset, snorkelling among the tropical marine life and exploring the local villages of this vibrant culture.
Travel trends come and go, and where holiday destinations are concerned, Tahiti is currently at the top. It's set to stay there for a good while yet – its tried and tested formula of astounding views, Polynesian archaeology and tropical conditions has proven irresistible for honeymooning couples over the past few years. Aboard your stylish and comfortable catamaran, you'll be able to enjoy fantastic experiences including kayaking, beachcombing and coral garden swimming – certainly not something you can claim to do everyday. With only four other cabins aboard, you can be sure of an intimate experience on one of these vessels, and you'll certainly get the privacy you want as a new couple when you need it. Also, the splendid full batten mainsail adds a touch of romance and splendour to the whole affair.
European tourism 'recovering'
The scars left by the global recession, the harshest since the Second World War, are gradually fading in the European tourism sector as various countries report rising levels in the number of tourists.
This is according to ISTAT data released earlier this week, which released a report indicating a 5.4 per cent rise in tourism across the first ten months of 2013, although some countries fared worse than others when it came to recovery across their travel sectors.
Despite apparent confirmation that Italy's tourism industry was back on track from data published at the start of January, the country was found to be suffering from below par visitor numbers, particularly compared to its European equivalents.
While the rest of Europe published a rise of 5.4 per cent, Italy's arrival figures actually fell by 4.3 per cent in arrivals and a 4.4 per cent drop in overnight stays, showing that some nations are experiencing problems not highlighted by the collective survey data.
Despite this, the report remained optimistic that tourism across the continent – and particularly in the Mediterranean – will witness dramatic recovery over the next few years.
"The period of economic uncertainty will produce an increase in spending by tourists with a growing availability of expenditure and those most sensitive to economic cycles," it stated, adding that countries such as Italy need to focus on their tourism levels in a unified manner.
Those wishing to glean an insight into a more authentic side of this magnificent nation should consider a small size cruise vessel, such as the 36-cabin Variety Voyager yacht offered on the Treasures of Italy itinerary.
Elsewhere, tourism numbers for Greece have been soaring, with the country's collection of beautiful islands proving as popular as ever and the country's airports welcoming in a 21 per cent increase in foreign visitors.
Island hopping is an especially popular pastime, and whether you fancy experiencing the Idyllic Aegean or prefer exploring the Jewels of the Cyclades, you're bound to appreciate the temperate climate and
How to explore the Caribbean
The Caribbean Tourist Organisation has just this month announced impressive growth within its travel industry, with a dramatic rise in both visitor expenditure and visitor numbers. With images of vast azure oceans and pristine beaches accompanying each article on the story, we'll understand if you find your own adventurous spirit pining for what is undoubtedly a very special part of the world.
However, the experience you have of the region will vary dramatically depending on how you choose to explore it. The Caribbean famous for its collection of islands, which makes cruising the natural choice for exploration as you can witness what it's like on each one rather than sticking to one location. Collecting a collage of memories from each location is a great way of ensuring your experience of the Caribbean never fades from your mind.
It's not as simple as deciding to go on a cruise, though. There are other elements to be considered, such as the type of vessel you'd prefer to take – something that can have a profound impact on your itinerary as well as your sailing conditions.
Would you rather experience the majesty of climbing aboard a magnificent Tall Ship that sweeps you to the well-known spots you want to boast to your friends about? Like Barbados, St Lucia and Dominica? Or does a more intimate journey around the nooks and crags of lesser-known islands such as Nevis, De Saintes and Gustavia sound more like your style? Both options are favourable over taking a large cruise ship and sharing it with more than 2,000 people – a smaller vessel allows you to bond with your fellow travellers and enjoy a more personalised touch. But more than that – these yachts are much better at showing you every intimate detail about each island.
They don't skimp on the luxury either – those on the Tall Ship Royal Clipper can expect a superb service with a one-of-a-kind health club and spa on board. Those on the Star Clippers, meanwhile, benefit from two swimming pools – just in case they don't want to get their hair salty in the pristine waters. Rather than drawing attention away from the splendour of the Caribbean, such features only go towards enhancing the experience, making sure you are entirely comfortable for the duration of your trip.
Each yacht offers a choice of two individual itineraries, giving you not just two choices but four. And if you fancy focusing on either the wonders of Cuba or Martinique – both of which are Caribbean destinations – there are other holidays available. Aboard a comfortable catamaran, you can explore one of these two islands in incredible detail thanks to our knowledgeable staff. Beautiful beaches, stunning natural wonders and a glittering ocean awaits. What's more, the S/C Panorama will be returning to the Caribbean for a 20-week series of cruises around Cuba next winter. This sleek, stylish 25-cabin vessel is the perfect transportation for exploring such a beautiful location, and with our knowledgeable crew aboard, you'll get the most out of the places you visit.
So that's your transportation sorted. What can you expect from the Caribbean culture? The answer is a unique mixture of African heritage, enduring legacies of the native Indians and even aspects shaped by European colonists. Aboard a Seafarer cruise, you'll have the chance to get to grips with the music, song and artwork of the people that call this paradise 'home' – their culture, their day-to-day way of life. You can be guaranteed the laid-back atmosphere and tropical setting, but oftentimes cultural identities emerge where you least expect them. Barbados, for example, retains a culture touched by many places, but you'll find many British traditions are kept up here thanks to its colonial history. For this very reason, exploring the Caribbean is a pleasantly surprising and enjoyable activity. But if you want to do it properly, island hopping really is the only way to travel.
Cruise calls at Cape Verde rise
When it comes to experiencing the cruise trip of a lifetime, more people are considering Cape Verde as the ideal holiday destination, newly released data suggests.
According to Enapor port authority, cruise traffic to the archipelago saw a 96 per cent jump in 2013 in terms of the number of vessels docking, while the amount of passengers disembarking rose by an equally incredible 98 per cent.
Porto Grande in the city of Mindelo saw the most visitors with 61 separate holidays incorporating it as part of the journey, with Porto Praia taking the second ranking with 42 calls. Both ports can accommodate three ships of various sizes at the same time, explaining their popularity with operators.
While the undeniable beauty of Cape Verde is certainly a huge draw, product development and plans to turn the country – which encompasses ten volcanic islands – into a more tourist-friendly destination have played their part in the rising figures.
"The growth is the result of good planning, execution and team work by all stakeholders involved but there is still much work to be done at a local level, and the government is stepping up its support," commented Luis de Carvalho, consultant to the Cape Verde Cruise Project.
"Our long term goal is to gradually expand itineraries and initiatives to include other West and Central African countries that are being motivated by the success of Cape Verde," he added.
The training of more guides and provision of better-suited facilities to island ports such as those of Sal, Boavista, Fogo, Sao Nicolau, Maio and Brava are developments that are thought to have resulted in the explosion of popularity.
Consider exploring the islands of Cape Verde aboard the Harmony V mega-yacht operated by Variety Cruises, which can provide a unique perspective to its surrounding islands with plenty of luxury available above and below deck in addition to stunning destinations and inspiring itineraries. Failing that, keep an eye out for Seafarer's short series of cruises sailing from next November to this fabulous destination, priced from £1,199 excluding port charges and flights.
Best Island in Europe – 2014 Travelers’ Choice Awards SANTORINI
Best Island in Europe – 2014 Travelers’ Choice Awards SANTORINI #7 – TripAdvisor
Even if you’ve never been to this Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea, you’d still recognize it immediately – candy-colored houses carved into cliffs, sapphire waters, gleaming white buildings topped with half-spheres the color of a stormy sky. Here you’ll find peace as you roam the black sand beaches or the streets of a provincial village like Imerovigli. Beautiful Oia is world famous for its sunsets, which seem tinted with every shade of an artist’s palette.
See on www.tripadvisor.com
Santorini Cruises With Seafarer Cruises
Aegean Odyssey Cruise in Greece
Jewels of the Cyclades
Classical Greece
Why not visit the cruise links above or call one of our consultants (0208 324 3117) to book an unforgettable vacation.
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