Cruise News

Volcano causes price eruption!

Air fares are forecast to rise by more than five per cent this year in the wake of the Icelandic volcanic ash crisis and increasing oil prices.UK travellers can expect to pay an additional £1.8 billion or £48 each on average, according to figures from the Centre for Economics and Business Research for the website Kelkoo.

The study warns that fares are set to rise by 11.5% by 2012, adding £62 to the cost of an average economy flight from London to New York – from £518 to almost £580.The rises are predicted as carriers attempt to claw back an estimated £1.3 billion in costs due to the ash cloud disruption by the end of last week.It is believed that up to two thirds of the costs will be borne by European airlines.

  

Oil Price Causes Hike In Fares!

P & O Cruises and Cunard are set to join Fred. Olsen by imposing a daily fuel supplement for all new bookings made from 10 May 2010. The supplement will apply to all departures from 1 November 2010 across both of these brands.The supplement will be £2.50 per person per day, up to a maximum of £100 per person.

The supplement will apply to every paying passenger travelling, including 3rd and 4th person fares and paid children's places. No supplement will be applied to free child places...

From 5th May 2010, Fred. Olsen will charge £3 per person per night to a maximum of £60 per person and £1.50 per person per night for third and subsequent occupants of a cabin, to a maximum of £30 per person.These charges will apply to all bookings made on departures featured in the Fred. Olsen Cruises 2010/2011 Worldwide brochure and the 2011 Preview brochure.

Thomson's Dream may be postponed

Thomson is currently in meetings to decide whether its new cruise ship will make its inaugural voyage next month.

The first sailings on Thomson Dream may be postponed after the vessel, currently the Costa Europa, was damaged in Sharm el Sheikh last week. Thomson Dream, which will be based in Palma, is due to make its first cruise, a five- night Western Mediterranean itinerary, on April 22.

The four-star vessel, built in 1986, was damaged when it hit the side of the dock in Sharm el Sheikh last Friday in high winds. Three sailors were killed during the accident and a handful of the 1,473 people onboard injured. The ship has a two-metre hole and extensive damage along its hull.

A Thomson spokeswoman said: “We are currently discussing the extent of the damage and if it will affect delivery.”.

  

US set to charge for online Esta applications

Travellers to the US will soon have to pay a $10 charge to use the Esta online immigration system after a key law was passed by the US Senate.The vote in favour of the Travel Promotion Act clears the way for the creation of a new organisation to promote the US as a destination around the world.

This will be partly funded by the introduction of the $10 fee to use the Esta (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) immigration form which all travellers have to fill in online at least 72 hours before travelling to the US. US President Barack Obama is expected to sign the Travel Promotion Act into law within days.

The Visit USA Association has said that the charge for Esta may rise to $15-$17 once credit charges and administration costs are added. Esta is valid for two years and allows multiple visits to the US.

Black Watch undergoes Major Refurbishment

Black Watch has completed her recent dry dock in December 2009 and returns to service following some major refurbishment work.

The work included a major refurbishment of the ship’s public areas, including a new casual dining area, which has been created in the space where the Braemar Lounge and Garden Café were situated. The transformed area is now the Braemar Garden, a casual dining area with seating for 120 persons, and replaces the Garden Café which seated 80 persons. One section of this newly created dining area is screened off, creating a 40 seat room that can be used for private dining. This new area has been completely refitted with new soft furnishings, a new bar, and buffet.

Other areas of the ship have also received new soft furnishings, including the Neptune Lounge, Pipers Bar, Glentanar Restaurant and the Observatory Lounge. In addition, many cabin bathrooms have been refitted.

  

MSC Invest In UK Cruise Market

Italian cruise line MSC has announced the ship 'Opera' will be sailing from Southampton from 2011 and will undertake 4 exciting itineraries including the 'Mediterranean', the 'Opera' is operating from Dover for 2010 with sailings to the Baltics, North Cape & Norway prices from as little as £899pp for 11 nights.

MSC Opera has 856 cabins and is capable of carrying 2055 guests, it features 30 Suites & 172 Cabins with balconies.

With 'MSC Kids Cruise Free' when sharing a cabin which makes an MSC holiday perfect for families there is plenty of opportunities for kids to have fun while Mum & Dad relax - and visa versa!

Cruising from Southampton could not be easier with 4 modern cruise terminals to meet the huge increase of demand from the UK cruise market and 3 new ships for 2010 Queen Elizabeth, Azura & the Eclipse.

Pre Register Here Complete the form to recieve the latest MSC information and offers.