Fred Olsen Becomes Latest Line to Launch Price Promise

The Fred. Olsen Price Pledge means that if the price of the cruise is reduced for the cabin grade booked, Fred. Olsen will refund the difference through one or a combination of measures - a cabin upgrade, onboard credit (O.B.C.), or a cash refund.

The price pledge is applicable on bookings made from today (July 20th, 2012) to September 30th 2012, and applies to all sailings departing on or after April 6th, 2013 and which are featured in the current 2013/14 Worldwide Cruises brochure, except for the world cruises.

The moves follows that of Carnival, which introduced an Early Saver Promise into the U.K. market for the first time earlier this year; and P&O and Cunard, which both introduced Vantage Fares this week. Saga Cruises was in fact the first line to have an early booking promise, and has had this available to passengers for the past three years. Like P&O and Cunard's Vantage Fares, Saga's early price promise allows you to choose your cabin and if the price of a cruise is reduced - even for a day - the line contacts you and offers a reimbursement, again either in the form of O.B.C, an upgrade or refund.

Fred. Olsen has confirmed it will contact all guests entitled to refunds or upgrades before the cruise departure date to advise them of how they have benefitted.

Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “We want to offer our guests the best possible deal on their cruise with us, and by booking early with the Fred. Olsen Price Pledge, they will have the peace of mind that, should the cruise price reduce, then we will make up the difference, whilst they will be able to secure the best choice of cruise and cabins.”

The line also confirmed it will offer more ‘all-inclusive' cruises. The move follows a trial period with four limited-availability itineraries. The all-inclusive offers, which include drinks, but not tips, will now be extended to all cruise departures on or after April 6th, 2013 and featured in its current 2013/14 Worldwide Cruises brochure, for bookings before September 30th, 2012. The offer also excludes the world cruises and is limited to the first 100 bookings per sailing taken between now and the end of September 2012. The deal will also be added to all applicable bookings retrospectively.

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Final Cruise for P&O's Pacific Sun

P&O Cruises’ Pacific Sun departed Brisbane on Tuesday for its final voyage before it leaves the cruise line’s fleet.

The Pacific Sun has been sailing with P&O Cruises since 2004 and has carried more than half a million passengers on hundreds of holidays over that time.

The 47,000-ton ship was sold by P&O Cruises earlier this year as part of Carnival Australia’s continuing fleet renewal, but the buyer has yet to be named.

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, said Pacific Sun had been an enormously popular ship.

“Pacific Sun has carried hundreds of thousands of Australians and New Zealanders on great holidays and helped build demand for cruising,” Ms Sherry said.

“When Pacific Sun joined our fleet eight years ago, Carnival Australia had two ships based in Australia and now we have seven – so she has certainly played a role in that growth.”

Pacific Sun’s final cruise is a Pacific Island seven-night voyage.

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Cruise lines under fire for high internet fees

Ocean-going cruise lines are facing growing criticism over the high charges they impose on passengers for internet access.

Despite the fact that many cruise companies pride themselves on offering an all-inclusive holiday experience, and with free internet becoming increasingly common in hotels, bars and even fast-food restaurants, research by Telegraph Travel has revealed that every major cruise line is still charging for internet and Wi-Fi access – with rates as high as £37.85 for a single hour's browsing.

More than 20 cruise lines were analysed in the study. Regent Seven Seas had the highest fees. The company charges a "pay as you go" rate of $0.95 (59p) per minute, or $57 (£35.40) an hour, in addition to a one-off "activation fee" of $3.95 (£2.45). Alternatively, passengers can opt for a $600 (£373) bill for 20 hours of browsing.

Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, NCL and P & O were also found to impose some of the highest fees. Celebrity charges passengers $24.95 (£15.50) for 38 minutes' access, or 41p per minute; Cunard charges $0.75 (47p) per minute, or $47.95 (£29.80) for two hours' access; NCL charges $0.75 (47p) per minute, or $55 (£34.20) for 100 minutes' usage. P & O charges 50p per minute or £35 for 100 minutes' access; its charge to send a single email is £2.50.

Four hours of internet browsing on an Azamara Cruises ship will cost holidaymakers $99.95 (£62) – marginally more expensive than on Carnival Cruise Lines, which charges $89 (£55) for the same amount of web time.

The cheapest pay-as-you-go access was 20p per minute, offered by Fred Olsen, while Paul Gauguin Cruises offers some of the best-value packages, with 250 minutes' access costing $0.25 (16p) per minute – although the line does charge an activation fee of £2.45.

Several Cruise clients commented on the issue via Telegraph Travel who undertook the research into internet charges onboard cruise ships to express frustration at the charges, with some criticising the speed and reliability of the internet access they have paid handsomely for.

"The cost of accessing the internet was so overpriced it wasn't worth it," said Geoff Hebden, 58, from Ipswich, who took a P & O cruise last year. "And yet small businesses, bars and cafés across the world offer it free – it's ridiculous."

Cruise lines defend their charges by citing the high cost of providing the service – internet access at sea is delivered using satellite communication, making it dearer than the same service on land.

"The cost of providing internet access from the middle of the ocean is expensive," said Graham Sadler, managing director of Regent Seven Seas. "As a luxury cruise brand we choose a fast speed, which may be reflected in the charges – but the quicker download speed means it may eventually become cheaper."

In contrast to ocean-going cruise lines, several river cruise companies – including Scenic Tours, Viking and AmaWaterways – do not charge for internet access.

Irish Ferries, which operates services between Ireland and the United Kingdom and France, does not charge, either, even though it uses satellite communication to provide the service.
A spokesman for the company said that it could not say how much it spent on providing passengers with the service, as it could not "separate out the cost of providing free Wi-Fi from [the cost of maintaining its existing] satellite equipment".

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Free Cabin Upgrades in March with P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises is offering free cabin upgrades in March on a selection of 67 cruise holidays on all seven ships in the fleet, departing between June and December 2012.

All cruises in the promotion depart from Southampton and are between two and 35 nights in duration, to a choice of destinations such as the Mediterranean, Baltic, Canary Islands, Caribbean, USA and Canada, Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, and Around Britain.

The Ultimate Upgrade promotion is valid on bookings made throughout March, and entitles customers to a higher grade cabin at a lower grade price.

A nine night Atlantic Coast cruise on board Oceana, departing from Southampton on May 25, 2012, and calling in Gibraltar, Casablanca, Cadiz, Lisbon and Vigo, now has the following pricing*:

Inside cabin - Was: £949 - Now: £949

Outside cabin - Was: £1,259 - Now: £949

Balcony cabin - Was: £1,429 - Now: £1,259

Mini-suite - Was:£2,339 - Now: £1,429

Suite - Was: £2,869 - Now: £2,499

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “Customers booking in March will receive a fantastic value cruise holiday, offering the kind of cabin that may normally not be affordable for an even better cruise experience. This summer or autumn you could be enjoying a stunning view of the fjords from your balcony or toasting the Caribbean sunset from a suite; all for less than expected, thus highlighting the unbeatable value for money offered by a cruise holiday.”

*For more information visit http://www.pocruises.co.uk or call 0845 3 554 444.

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Britons take to the waves as cruise holidays soar

The popularity of cruise holidays will see the number of passengers setting off from British ports rise by almost third next year, official figures reveal.


With holiday budgets stretched, travel experts say that cruises are gaining popularity because they provide more “bang for your buck” than other holidays. Although the average cruise holiday costs around £1,000, the price includes food, entertainment and the chance to see numerous cultural sites in a one go. Falling prices, as a result of people booking holidays closer to the departure date, are also behind the rise.

According to the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA), 835,000 people will take a cruise holiday from a UK port in 2012, an increase of 28 per cent over the last two years

Many of the large cruise companies – such as P&O and Cunard – have launched large ships in the UK in the last few years to cater for the increased demand. For example in April 2010 P&O launched the Azura in Southampton, which can carry over 3,000 passengers.

The fact that cruise holidays are stress free – with no organization or map-reading required on the part of the holidaymaker – is an added attraction to make Britons.

Entertainment has become an increasingly important part of a cruise holiday. Singers such as Gareth Gates have recently appeared on ships. Other forms of entertainment include historical lectures or plays.

For example, Cunard has a commercial relationship with RADA, the acting school. The cruise company puts on “specially-edited versions of renowned plays, and adaptations of great literary classics on Transatlantic Crossings, each lasting no more than one hour”, according to its website.

Earlier this year, passengers on a week-long cruise from Southampton to New York got more than they bargained for in the entertainment stakes when Roger Daltrey, singer from The Who, took to the stage and sang a number of hits including My Generation.

Mr Daltrey was on the Queen Mary 2 liner with his friend, the Squeeze singer Chris Difford, who was on the ship giving writing workshops.

P&O Cruises January Sail

If you've been thinking about booking a holiday with P&O Cruises, January is the perfect month to do so.

For one month only you can choose from a selection of holidays, all with exclusive January Sail savings and on board spending money. With P&O January Sail, save up to £1,000* per couple plus up to £100 per couple on-board spending money**. Plus benefit from up to an extra 7.5% saving when booking online before 31 January 2010.

P&O Cruises to add 710-berth ship

P&O Cruises is to add a small ship to its fleet that will accommodate 710 passengers and visit “off the beaten track” destinations off limits to bigger vessels.


The new ship, which replaces Artemis in the fleet, will be named Adonia and will join the fleet in May 2011, to become the smallest of P&O Cruises' seven ships. It will be an adult-only ship, along with Arcadia.

Adonia was built in 2001 and has previously been with Princess Cruises and Swan Hellenic. More than 75% of its cabins have balconies.

P&O said Adonia's public rooms will have a traditional feel and feature wood panelling, leather armchairs and fine artwork. There will be a library with more than 4,000 titles and a lounge with an wooden dance floor and stage.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow said: “I am delighted to announce this great news in response to our passengers’ comments that some prefer smaller ships.

“She will offer a truly intimate and traditional cruise experience, yet with all the comforts you would expect from a modern vessel. With this size of ship our passengers will be able to get to know their fellow cruisers and crew easily as they travel to some of the most intriguing destinations on the map.

“While larger ships have their own appeal, with the spectrum of bars, dining and entertainment choices they can offer, others really enjoy a smaller ship, with its more intimate ambience.”

Adonia's itineraries and fares will be announced in spring next year.

Countdown Ventura - 102 days to go

There's an exciting new silhouette on the horizon. Come April 2008, Britain's newest superliner will emerge, ready to sail the world's oceans. Unique, imaginative and stylish, Ventura will show you just how inspiring your time away can be.

If you have a sense of wanderlust that is never satisfied, you’ll be pleased to know that Ventura can always offer somewhere new and exciting. But we’re sure you will find plenty of places you will want to return to along the way. The historic cities of Europe and the Mediterranean offering a myriad of attractions. From rolling countryside to beautiful cities bustling with activity and bursting with culture, there is something for everyone here.

Then there’s the sunshine and scenic delights of the Atlantic Isles. The palaces, gilded churches and imperial treasures of the Baltic. The majesty and serenity of the fjords, or the paradise islands of the Caribbean.

Holiday with Ventura and the world’s your oyster. With so many holidays available direct from the UK, you will find cruising with Ventura is the ultimate in relaxation. After all, there is something very appealing about gliding to your next destination without a care in the world.

Plus, with regional flights available on all Ventura fly cruises, it’s never been easier to fly straight for the sunshine. As you arrive relaxed and refreshed on new shores, you will find your feet itching to explore. Each island, bustling city and chic resort brings with it intriguing opportunities and Ventura's optional shore excursions will help you capture the essence of each and every port of call.

Find out more about the Ventura with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts.

2008 - The Year of Ventura

2008 is going to be a very exciting year for P&O Cruises as we welcome Ventura, the superliner designed for Britain and the countdown is now on!

There are now only 103 days remaining until she is named in Southampton and embarks on her maiden cruise to the Mediterranean.

During her naming festivities in April The Ventura will be welcoming many potential customers on board for a special preview of her innovative features.

Find out more about cruises on the Ventura with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts.

Carnival Announce new cruise terminal in Southampton

A fourth cruise terminal is to be constructed at the Port of Southampton after ABP and Carnival UK signed a major, 20-year contract.

The new terminal, which will be built at Ocean Dock opposite the site of the old Ocean Terminal. As Ocean Terminal 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.

The agreement will also give Carnival UK – the world’s leading cruise company, whose cruise brands include Cunard, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises – priority use of the port’s Queen Elizabeth II and Mayflower Terminals, further strengthening the group’s relationship with the port.

This announcement comes at a historic time for Southampton’s cruise business. Cunard’s Queen Victoria has, this Month (Dec 07), sailed into the port for the first time, and next year (2008) will see the arrival of P&O’s Ventura, the largest cruise ship ever to be built for the UK market. Both of these vessels will then be based at the port.

Check out the Latest offers on Cruises departing from Southhampton with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts.

P&O Cruises give Artemis a makeover

Artemis has taken a mini break this December to get a make over in preparation for her 84-night South American Odyssey departing on 17 December 2007.
A 15-day face-lift in Bremerhaven saw the public areas and cabins of the 46,000 ton ship transformed with soft furnishings and brand new carpets.


Areas, such as the Horizon lounge and the Coral dining room, have been re-designed with a completely new look for passengers to enjoy whilst keeping the traditional feel of the ship.

This will be the first re-fit on Artemis since her arrival into the P&O Cruises fleet in June 2005.

“New ships are joining the fleet and P&O are committed to ensuring that all thier ships are of the same high quality that passengers expect.

“Cabins have also been ‘elevated’ to include brand new 8” slumber land mattresses, Egyptian cotton linen, new bed presentation with stylish bed runners and scatter cushions.

“Small is beautiful and Artemis is set to wow passengers stepping on board in the future.”

Artemis re-fit included:

· Horizon lounge has received a completely new look including new British made furniture, dance floor, carpets and artwork

· The Coral dining room, the Conservatory and the Trumps card room have had a complete new colour scheme with changes including carpets, soft furnishings, curtains and blinds.

· Starlight’s has received an entire overhaul with replacement of carpets, upholstery, curtains, blinds and furniture.

· Cabins have been ‘elevated’ with brand new 8” slumber land mattresses, bedding, bed runners and scatter cushions

· All cabin bathrooms have been upgraded

Check out the latest offers on the Artemis with Hays Travel Cruise - The Cruise Experts.

Ventura Successfully Completes Sea Trials

The largest superliner being built exclusively for the British market has successfully completed her official sea trials.



Ventura’s trials took place over a period of two weeks and included testing of the navigation system and propulsion motors. Her maximum speed was tested and confirmed as 22.9 knots.

The completion of her sea trials signify that Ventura is well on the way to completion, and will soon be sailing for UK waters prior to her launch in Southampton in April 2008.

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.

Hays Travel Cruise are very much looking forward to Ventura joining the P&O 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 Italian 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.

Check out the latest offers on the Ventura whith Hays Travel Cruise

P&O Cruises Worldwide Exotic Holidays Brochure

P&O Cruises has published its 2009 Worldwide Exotic Holidays brochure, featuring 37 individual sectors of three world voyages, to a choice of 34 countries.


Holidays in the brochure range from 15 to 45 nights and can be enhanced with pre or post cruise city stays in Auckland, Brisbane, Cape Town, Dubai, Fremantle, Hong Kong, Mumbai, San Francisco, Singapore and Sydney.

Highlights of the brochure are:

Singapore to Southampton on Oriana, 24 nights, 8 March – 1 April 2009, from £2,719pp. Calling in Kuala Lumpur, Cochin, Mumbai, Sharm el Sheikh, Suez, transit Suez Canal, Port Siad (for Cairo and the Pyramids), Athens and Barcelona.

Sydney to Hong Kong on Arcadia, 23 nights, 19 February – 14 March 2009, from £2,949pp. Calling in Brisbane, Whitsunday Islands, Guam (Mariana Islands), Nagasaki, Xingang (for Beijing) and Shanghai.

San Francisco to Sydney on Oriana, 20 nights, 27 January – 17 February 2009, from £3,099pp. Calling in Honolulu, Pago Pago, Lautoka, Tauranga and Auckland.

Southampton to Singapore on Aurora, 35 nights, 11 January – 15 February 2009, from £3,799pp. Calling in Tenerife, St. Vincent (Cape Verde Islands), St. Helena, Cape Town (two days in port), East London, Durban, Reunion, Mauritius, Phuket, Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

Holidays in the 2009 Worldwide Exotic Holidays brochure are available to book now, with Hays Travel Cruise.

Hell's Kitchen star teams up with P&O Cruises

Great British Chef to delight diners across the P&O Cruises fleet

Hell’s Kitchen star Marco Pierre White and P&O Cruises have announced that in addition to a fine dining restaurant on board Ventura, the world-renowned chef will also be creating two new exciting dining experiences on board P&O Cruises superliners Aurora and Oceana.

Aurora’s Café Bordeaux will have a unique French bistro style menu created by the triple Michelin-starred chef. Classic French dishes will be given the Marco treatment especially for passengers on board.

Oceana’s Café Jardin will be offering a Frankie’s Bar & Grill style menu serving Italian inspired dishes such as antipasti, gnocci sorrentina, glazed belly pork marco polo and ribeye alla rosmarino. Café Jardin’s galley and restaurant will be upgraded during Oceana’s refit in March 2008.

“The two new restaurants on Aurora and Oceana will offer passengers completely different dining experiences and both will encompass the best possible ingredients cooked in my unique way.”

Check out the latest offers on P&O Cruises with Hays Travel the Cruise Experts.

New Spa comapny for the Ventura

P&O Cruises announces new on board spa company

P&O Cruises has formed a new partnership with The On Board Spa Company (TOSC) to operate the Oasis Spa on its new superliner, Ventura.

The Oasis Spa has also introduced a new product range, to replace current product houses, Thalgo and Guinot. The extensive treatment menu and product range will provide a tailor made solution for all contemporary skin conditions and types.

Passengers can also continue the treatments in their own cabins, or at home, with the advanced home care range.

The Oasis spa on board offers numerous ways to revitalise and invigorate the body and soul, including an endless pool and a thermal suite.

Check out the latest offers on P&O Cruises with Hays Travel Cruise