Southampton fourth terminal to open Saturday 9 May

The new £19 million terminal at Southampton is set to open on Saturday 9^th May. The new facility is the first purpose-built cruise terminal to be built in the UK for almost four decades and will receive around 4,000 passengers travelling through it every day.

Ocean Dock, as the new terminal will be known, is located opposite the site of the old Ocean Terminal which was once home to many of the great transatlantic liners of the last century, when the port was first known as the ‘Gateway to the World’. The new terminal will stand both as testimony to Southampton’s ocean-liner history and as a symbol of the modern cruising age, with cruises from the UK becoming ever popular.

P&O Cruises ship Ventura will be the first ship to use the new berth. Priority use of the terminal will go to Carnival Cruises brands such as Princess Cruises and Ocean Village. Doug Morrison, Port Director at ABP Port of Southampton said: “Over the last few years, the cruise industry has seen enormous growth, which has securely positioned the port of Southampton as the cruise capital of Northern Europe. The new terminal is essential for the Port’s future growth within the cruise market but also represents a significant economic contribution to the Southampton region.”

CARNIVAL UK SIGNS FOR NEW SOUTHAMPTON CRUISE TERMINAL

A purpose-built cruise terminal is to be built in Southampton for almost £20 million to open in 2009.

The new terminal comes as part of a 20-year deal between Carnival UK and Associated British Ports for the multi-brand cruise giant to continue sailing from Southampton.

The £19 million terminal will be built at Ocean Dock, opposite the site of the old Ocean Terminal.

The agreement also gives Carnival UK priority use of the port's QEII and Mayflower Terminals. The cruise company's brands include P&O Cruises, Cunard, Ocean Village and Princess Cruises.
Carnival UK CEO David Dingle said: "Our brands are inextricably linked with Southampton and the port's maritime history.

"The signing of this agreement and the construction of our new headquarters building in the city together underpin our commitment to retaining Southampton as our long-term home.

"The new terminal agreement comes as we prepare to base further new ships in Southampton including Cunard Line's Queen Victoria, which was named in the city on Monday, and P&O Cruises' Ventura which will be home-ported here from next April.
"Our new ships are testament to the growth of the cruise industry, the strength of its links with Southampton and its massive economic contribution to the region, and it is fitting that they will sail from a new state-of-the-art terminal in the city."

by Phil Davies

P&O CRUISES AND NICK MUNRO COMPLETE BIGGEST DESIGN EXERCISE EVER UNDERTAKEN IN CONTEMPORARY BRITISH CRUISING

Leading designer Nick Munro has been commissioned exclusively by P&O Cruises to complete more than 200,000 items to be on board Ventura – the largest superliner designed for Britain - when she launches in April 2008.


Covering all aspects of the passenger experience, Nick's influence and bold new designs will be found right across the ship: in the cutlery, glassware, ceramics and in cabin amenities.


His commitment to the project has seen him make frequent visits to the Italian shipyard where Ventura is under construction, and get involved with many different aspects of the on board design.


“Wherever there was an opportunity for change and progress, we have encouraged Nick to get involved and apply his renowned creative flair and ability to work across many different materials all at once,” commented P&O Cruises head of brand marketing, Philip Price.


“As a result, not only will Ventura’s passengers experience the allure of Nick's uniquely designed 'Anemone' sculpture in Ventura’s stunning atrium, but they will also appreciate the quality and simplicity of Nick's more utilitarian designs, right down to the cabin waste bins."


“We know that it’s the tiny noticeable things that really make the difference on a project of this scale, and so we are paying great attention to detail with bespoke designs of cutlery, glassware and cabin amenities to name a few. All of these added extras will combine to make a spectacular passenger experience.”


Speaking of the partnership, Nick Munro said; P&O Cruises has a lot of experience of catering for British tastes and creating a depth of experience for holidaymakers. But, it also recognises the need to adapt and innovate to meet and exceed the ever-changing needs of the British holidaymaker, so being involved with them was a natural fit for me. Being a part of this contemporisation of cruising has been an exciting challenge and I can’t wait to see the finished product in just under 21 weeks time.”

Nick Munro himself explains the design elements of the ship on the dedicated and interactive website, www.virtualventura.co.uk. Ventura will be based in Southampton from April 2008.

VENTURA COMPLETES SEA TRIALS

P&O's Ventura, the largest cruise ship dedicated to the British market, has successfully completed its official sea trials.

The two weeks of trials included testing of the £300 million ship's navigation system and propulsion motors.

Completion of the sea trials signify that 3,100-passenger Ventura is close to completion, and will soon be sailing for the UK from its Italian shipyard prior to its launch in Southampton in April.

P&O Cruises' managing director, Nigel Esdale said: "We are delighted that Ventura passed her sea trials with flying colours.

"The next few months will be a busy time at the shipyard, as the innovative concepts and designs for Ventura come to life in the final stages of her development.

"We are very much looking forward to Ventura joining our fleet and embarking on her maiden season as the most family friendly superliner built for the British market."

The build of Ventura started with the laying of the keel in August 2006.

Since then more than 3,000 workers at the Fincantieri shipyard have worked to complete the project, and the final few months will be dedicated to creating and outfitting her contemporary, innovative and family friendly public spaces and cabins.

A sister ship is due to be delivered to the cruise line in 2010.

Meanwhile, sister brand Cunard's new ship Queen Victoria is due in Southampton today for a weekend of trade events prior to be named by The Duchess of Cornwall on Monday.

by Phil Davies

INDEPENDENCE OF THE SEAS WILL ARRIVE TWO WEEKS EARLY

Royal Caribbean International's newest ship, Independence of the Seas, will be coming into service two weeks earlier than scheduled.

Work has been completed earlier than expected so the cruise line will be able to offer an additional two sailings on board the new ship from the beginning of May 2008.

Managing director Jo Rzymowska said: "The extra couple of weeks provide our trade partners with further opportunities to earn commission, particularly over the peak booking period during the festive season and in the New Year.

"This complements our Turn Of Year campaign which has launched earlier than ever before."

The two additional sailings include a four-night Cork cruise that departs on May 2 and an 11-night Canary Island cruise on May 6.

Guests who have already booked onto the inaugural sailing on May 17 will be offered the first chance to move at no additional cost to the new maiden voyage on May 2, incorporating exactly the same itinerary from Southampton – Cork – Southampton.

Guests wanting to change to the new date should contact the cruise line by December 12 in order for their booked stateroom to be re-protected on the new sailing date.

Royal Caribbean International is writing to all its trade partners to fully explain the changes.

The new sailings are live for re-booking from December 7.

After a Nordic inaugural celebration in April 2008, Independence of the Seas will arrive in the UK on April 25 with UK celebrations taking place from April 26-30 in Southampton.

INTRODUCTORY OFFER FOR AN EPIC JOURNEY

Cunard have just released an introductory offer on the Queen Mary 2 for Transatlantic crossings from New York To Southampton.. This is your chance to enjoy two memorable holidays in one at an affordable cost of just £699pp for an 8 night package including flights from London. In conjunction with Jetline Cruises you can fly to New York and experience all this city has to offer then cruise home.

Stay for 2 nights in a central Manhattan hotel – take advantage of the strong pound and shop till you drop on on 5^th Ave, Perhaps stop for fresh pasta in the food court at Macys, watch the sunset over the city at the top of the Empire State Building, take in a Broadway show, marvel at the Statue of Liberty, visit Central park and check out the museums and art galleries.

After all that take a well deserved rest on board the art deco splendour of the Queen Mary 2. Be sure to try out the canyon Ranch Spa, the Planetarium, fish and chips in the Golden Lion Pub and book a romantic dinner in the Todd English restaurant. Dinner reservations in the one of the fabulous Kings Court restaurants is highly recommended for speciality waiter service dinning with an oceanview.

There are some great advantages which ever way round you choose to enjoy a Transatlantic crossing either Westbound to New York or Eastbound to Southampton.

A Transatlantic crossing is not a cruise but a voyage. It is more of an occasion than a journey – rather like a birthday is an occasion. This is the ultimate chance to relax – escape your mobile phone and your laptop, enjoy pampered luxury and self appreciation without the interruption of ports of call.

Your days are taken up deciding on where to eat, plotting your progress across the ocean, wallowing in the atrium pool on the top deck or relaxing in the many areas of the Canyon Ranch Spa. The thalasso therapy pool and relaxation lounge are our favourites. Perhaps having a read in the well stocked library or quiet contemplation in the Commodore Club over a cocktail or coffee on deck 9 at the front! Go star gazing in the planetarium or take in a lecture from one of the guest speakers on board. When the stars are not out in the Planetarium watch a feature film being screened there. Watch the world go by in the Palm Court over a civilised pot of tea or decide how much or how little you want to work out in the fitness centre. By the end of your voyage you will wonder where the time has gone and will be reluctant to disembark.

Arriving and departing from New York is absolute fun and a highlight of the cruise.

On a West bound cruise from Southampton to New York it is a pleasure to board in Southampton and start your experience immediately without having to go through lengthy check in and security procedures at the airport then waiting around in the lounges before boarding your flight to the US. Your 5 days at sea are 25 hours long to make up for the time difference between the UK and the USA. Everyone gets up at 5 in the morning on the last day to watch the Statue of Liberty glide pass as the sun rises behind the picturesque Manhattan skyline. On arrival at Brooklyn (only 20 minutes by taxi to Manhattan) you are in tune with US time and ready to enjoy a full day shopping, enjoying the sights and nightlife this city has to offer.

On an East Bound cruise from New York to Southampton and after a frantic time fitting all of the shopping and sightseeing in – it is an utter relief to board the Queen Mary 2... Throughout your time in New York there is great realisation in the fact that you have not got to endure the laborious check in and security procedures at the airport then a cramped and impatient overnight flight back to the UK. Everyone joins in the sailaway party in the afternoon celebrating the farewell to New York and the ultimate landmark sailing under the bridge as the ships horn blows for a final goodbye to the continental USA. Each day on board your clocks are adjusted by an hour so that you arrive in Southampton in tune with UK time – with no jet lag!

All in all a cruise on the Queen Mary 2 is a memorable experience more for the quality of your time on board and the relaxation … rather than the ports of call and the activities there are to do.

Our two featured westbound cruises include 3 nights hotel stay in Manhattan.

CRYSTAL TO RUN TASTER CRUISES

Luxury line Crystal Cruises is to run a 'taster' cruise from Southampton next year.

The sailing is he first of two being offered by the company in May.

The six-night itinerary on board Crystal Serenity departs Southampton for Lisbon on May 7 with calls in Bordeaux (overnight) and Bilbao.

The second is from Lisbon to Rome on May 13 calling at Gibraltar, Barcelona and Nice en route to the port of Rome.

by Phil Davies

Courtesy of Travelmole.com

QUEEN VICTORIA SEA TRIALS

Queen Victoria has successfully completed her sea trials. She is seen here (see right) being put through her paces in her first photograph at sea.

Sea trials are undertaken to ensure that ships operate safely and efficiently and as such, the performance is tested in order to identify and correct any equipment issues before the vessel enters service.

The various trials test the maximum speed achievable and manoeuvrability to evaluate the ship’s capabilities, putting stress on the major engine components to ensure they work under the most extreme conditions.

“Queen Victoria has successfully completed her first venture out to sea and now, back at the yard, her magnificent public spaces, luxurious suites and staterooms are coming to life with the addition of intriguing art work, elegant features and classical furnishings,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line.

Queen Victoria is scheduled to arrive in Southampton for the first time on Friday, December 7, this year, where she will be christened by Her Royal Highness, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall at a regal ceremony on Monday, December 10, which will also be attended by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

AN EXPERIENCE NOT TO BE MISSED

We always though that a transatlantic cruise to New York was an extremely expensive way to spend either 6 nights on holiday or as a means of getting to New York. But when we came up with a price of just £69 pp for a 6 night Transatlantic cruise from Southampton to New York plus 2 nights hotel stay in New York and a return flight back to London - then a Transatlantic voyage has become an extremely attractive late holiday for this year. Particularly when it is on board the world famous and upmarket Cunard Queen Mary 2.

Not only is a great way to take a late holiday this year for 9 nights it is also extremely inexpensive -being less than a first class flight seat to New York and a great way to do some Christmas shopping and take in the sights of New York at the same time.

These are the lowest prices we have ever seen and is an experience not to be missed.

Our £699 price is available on 13th Oct this year or we have a £799 price on 22nd April next year.

Arriving and departing from New York is absolute fun and a highlight of the cruise.

On a West bound cruise from Southampton to New York it is a pleasure to board in Southampton and start your experience immediately without having to go through lengthy check in and security procedures at the airport then waiting around in the lounges before boarding your flight to the US. Your 5 days at sea are 25 hours long to make up for the time difference between the UK and the USA. Everyone gets up at 5 in the morning on the last day to watch the Statue of Liberty glide pass as the sun rises behind the picturesque Manhattan skyline. On arrival at Brooklyn ( only 20 minutes by taxi to Manhattan) you are in tune with US time and ready to enjoy a full day shopping , enjoying the sights and nightlife this city has to offer.

On an East Bound cruise from New York to Southampton and after a frantic time fitting all of the shopping and sightseeing in – it is an utter relief to board the Queen Mary 2.. Throughout your time in New York there is great realisation in the fact that you have not got to endure the laborious check in and security procedures at the airport then a cramped and impatient overnight flight back to the UK. Everyone joins in the sailaway party in the afternoon celebrating the farewell to New York and the ultimate landmark sailing under the bridge as the ships horn blows for a final goodbye to the continental USA. Each day on board your clocks are adjusted by an hour so that you arrive in Southampton in tune with UK time – with no jet lag!

CARNIVAL UK CLAIMS SOUTHAMPTON PASSENGER RECORD

A record of more than 28,000 passengers on seven Carnival UK ships passed through the port of Southampton the weekend before last.

Between Friday, August 31 and Sunday, September 2, the company handled a total of 28,319 passengers in the port, breaking previous records.

These included a call by QE2 on the Friday and three ships each on the Saturday (Oriana, Sea Princess, Oceana) and on Sunday (Aurora, Arcadia, Grand Princess.)

Carnival UK CEO David Dingle said: "This is a spectacular result, both for our cruise brands and for the port of Southampton and seals Southampton's rightful place as the home of UK cruising. With some of our passengers less than a year old it also demonstrates the popularity of cruising across the generations.

"With the launch of P&O Cruises Ventura sailing from Southampton from
next April and the launch of Cunard's Queen Victoria this December, these numbers can only increase.

"It is further evidence that cruising has become a mainstream holiday choice and with the crowds and delays at airports people are recognising the benefits of ex-UK cruising."

by Phil Davies

H.R.H. THE DUCHESS OF CORNWALL TO NAME CUNARD’S NEW QUEEN VICTORIA

Cunard Line is delighted to announce that Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, will attend a ceremony in Southampton on 10th December 2007, to mark the introduction of Cunard’s new 90,000-ton liner Queen Victoria. At this ceremony, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall will perform the Naming of the ship.

This naming will be a milestone in both Cunard and British maritime history, and will be a major event of worldwide interest, with over 2,000 VIP guests from around the globe in attendance at the prestigious ceremony.

Carol Marlow, President and Managing Director of Cunard Line, comments:

“This will be an historic occasion. We are most honoured that Their Royal Highnesses have accepted our invitation and that Her Royal Highness will name our newest Cunarder. Every one of our Cunard Queens has been named by a member of the Royal Family and we are therefore delighted that Queen Victoria will follow in that tradition. In addition, this particular ceremony will mark the beginning of a new era, as it will be the first time in our 168-year history that we will have three Cunard Queens in service at the same time”.

Queen Victoria will not only be a classic Cunard ocean liner, offering the very best of our heritage and traditions, but will also be the second largest Cunarder the company has ever built. She will be in Southampton for four days, during which time over 7,000 guests from around the world will visit the ship. She will depart on her Maiden Voyage on Tuesday 11 December 2007.

QUEEN MARY 2… AND NOW WHAT WE REALLY THINK:

Enough of the brochure speak. Having cruised on the Queen Mary 2 several times – this ship is one of our favourites. Here are the myths – exploded :

OLDER SNOBS

Lots of people think Cunard and the Queen Mary 2 will be full of older snobs. On my first cruise it was pleasant surprise to find this was untrue. In fact ( at the age of 40) I met lots of like minded people on board and made some good friends. Holidays on the Queen Mary 2 are not as expensive as many think they are – just take a look at some of the fabulous deals we have negotiated for you. As a result there is a greater mix of people and age ranges on board.

TOO FORMAL

It is no more so than any other cruise ship – in fact you can get away without having to wear a suit on board. They do have dress codes for the main restaurant in the evening which varies from casual , smart casual ( shirt and jacket) and formal (suit & tie). If you do not want to participate simply eat in one of the fabulous Kings Court venues.

SEGREGATED DINING.

If you book a Princess suite – the main restaurant assigned is the Princess Grill which has open dining. If you book a Queens Grill suite – the main restaurant assigned is the Queens Grill – which also has open dining. Everyone else booking anything from interior staterooms to high grade balcony staterooms is assigned to the Britannia restaurant which has 2 sittings.

Having sampled the cuisine in the Queens grill I could not detect a difference to the food served in the Britannia restaurant. There is a larger menu and a more personalised service like flambé and filleting skills at your table side.

There are a number of other dining options throughout the ship which everyone can go to. With so many dining choices available the main restaurant assigned to your cabin is not one you would want to visit every night.

The Kings Court has four distinct and separate areas which are buffet style throughout breakfast , lunch and afternoon tea. These areas have tea and coffee on tap 24 hours per day. In the evening however 3 out of the four restaurants are converted to waiter service on a rotational basis whilst one remains as self service buffet style. For the waiter service ones you have to make reservations and there is no extra charge for this. We particularly recommend these restaurants in the evening if you are looking for an alternative to the main restaurant assigned to your cabin reservation – the menus are impressive and the service superb.

Other dining options include: The Golden Lion pub for traditional pub lunches such as ploughman’s, curry , fish and chips. The Boardwalk café on the top deck for buffet style alfresco dining. Finally the Todd English restaurant where reservations are required for evening dining at a charge of approx $30 pp.

TRANSATLANTIC CROSSINGS ARE BORING

On my first Transatlantic crossing I armed myself with 3 books to read during the 6 night cruise from Southampton to New York thinking I would be utterly bored. The opposite was the case and have since done another Transatlantic cruise. I would happily do another one again as these are the best cruises I have been on. A Transatlantic crossing is not a cruise but a voyage. It is more of an occasion than a journey – rather like a birthday is an occasion. This is the ultimate chance to relax – escape your mobile phone and your laptop, enjoy pampered luxury and self appreciation without the interruption of ports of call.

Your days are taken up deciding on where to eat , plotting your progress across the ocean, wallowing in the atrium pool on the top deck or relaxing in the many areas of the Canyon Ranch Spa. The thalasso therapy pool and relaxation lounge are our favourites. Perhaps having a read in the well stocked library or quiet contemplation in the Commodore Club over a cocktail or coffee on deck 9 at the front ! Go star gazing in the planetarium or take in a lecture from one of the guest speakers on board. When the stars are not out in the Planetarium watch a feature film being screened there. Watch the world go by in the Palm Court over a civilised pot of tea or decide how much or how little you want to work out in the fitness centre. By the end of your voyage you will wonder where the time has gone and will be reluctant to disembark.

Arriving and departing from New York is absolute fun and a highlight of the cruise.

On a West bound cruise from Southampton to New York it is a pleasure to board in Southampton and start your experience immediately without having to go through lengthy check in and security procedures at the airport then waiting around in the lounges before boarding your flight to the US. Your 5 days at sea are 25 hours long to make up for the time difference between the UK and the USA. Everyone gets up at 5 in the morning on the last day to watch the Statue of Liberty glide pass as the sun rises behind the picturesque Manhattan skyline. On arrival at Brooklyn ( only 20 minutes by taxi to Manhattan) you are in tune with US time and ready to enjoy a full day shopping , enjoying the sights and nightlife this city has to offer.

On an East Bound cruise from New York to Southampton and after a frantic time fitting all of the shopping and sightseeing in – it is an utter relief to board the Queen Mary 2.. Throughout your time in New York there is great realisation in the fact that you have not got to endure the laborious check in and security procedures at the airport then a cramped and impatient overnight flight back to the UK. Everyone joins in the sailaway party in the afternoon celebrating the farewell to New York and the ultimate landmark sailing under the bridge as the ships horn blows for a final goodbye to the continental USA. Each day on board your clocks are adjusted by an hour so that you arrive in Southampton in tune with UK time – with no jet lag !

All in all a cruise on the Queen Mary 2 is a memorable experience more for the quality of your time on board and the relaxation … rather than the ports of call and the activities there are to do.