Travel News

Insect repellant on arm We dissect the cruising industry to find you the most recent developments to cruising holidays and what else to expect in 2016 and beyond.



2015 saw a number of changes and one most obvious one by Cunard where the shaking of hands has now been brought in.

 

 

Cruising has been as popular as ever and in 2015 we saw some new developments within the cruising world.  This was the year in which we were made aware of a more hands off approach to friendliness on board and the introduction of a ‘no hand shaking’ rule as seen on the ships of Cunard and many other cruise lines, including Crystal who also bought in their version of a ‘no contact’ with ship staff rule.

 

2015 also saw reality television take on the concept of the travelling cookery show filmed over two Mediterranean cruises on board ships run by P&O Cruises on their newest ship Britannia, two groups of five celebrities had to impress Marco Pierre White with their cooking skills.

 

Another introduction to the cruising repertoire of available locations for travellers from the US was Cuba, showing visitor numbers up over 30 per cent since July.  Although other nationalities have been able to cruise around Cuba, Saga sailed their ship Panorama through its relatively shallow waters with excursions to The Bay of Pigs.

 

Then there was the ‘world’s newest cruise ship’ to explore.  The Norwegian Escape will carry 4,248 passengers, making her one of the world’s five biggest ships with her maiden voyage in November.  On board activities feature a 76 meter long loop the loop water for the fans of walking the plank there are two extending from the ship that allow for great photo opportunities and for the more agile amongst the guests there’s the chance to hang from zip wires Sky Rails and a three storey rope course to navigate.

 

With an eye to the future the latest cruise liner to be designed with Chinese passengers in mind is to be launched in 2017.  The Majestic Princess will carry over 3,500 passengers.  Its Chinese name translates to Grand World was chosen by its Chinese employees. Shèng Shì Gōng Zhǔ Haò will be sailing with just some of the 83 million passengers the Hong Kong Tourism Board says could be taking to the open seas annually to destinations such as South Korea and Japan. The ship will cost in the region of 600 million euros and is being built in Italy.

 

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