Tag Archives: southampton

MSC pushes summer 2021 ex-UK sailings with an all-inclusive offer

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MSC Magnifica

MSC Magnifica photo credit to Dave Jones

Summer 2021 ex-UK sailings are included in a new all-inclusive promotion launched by MSC Cruises.

The early booking promotion sees a premium drinks package included as part of the price on more than 1,000 departures between April and November 2021 from multiple embarkation ports across the world.

The initiative, which covers bookings made until December 2, includes all 22 MSC Magnifica sailings from Southampton on the ship’s second full ex-UK season as well as the Caribbean and Mediterranean fly-cruises.

UK and Ireland managing director Antonio Paradiso said: “After receiving feedback from our agents, as well as loyal customers, and taking into consideration the market landscape we’ve decided now is the right time to launch our latest promotion.

“We are seeing a definite appetite for booking holidays for 2021, however the feedback from the market has been that it has to be the right product at the right price.

“Our all-inclusive promotion is always incredibly popular, however now more than ever it’s important for guests to know that everything is taken care of.

“The all-inclusive price includes service charge and a premium drinks package so there really is nothing additional guests need to worry about.

“We understand the need from consumers to have a product that is great value, easy to understand and flexible which is why we think this promotion, combined with our stress-free cruising programme allowing flexible booking terms is the right promotion to stimulate bookings.”

He added: “We think this promotion provides a great opportunity for agents who we know are receiving enquiries from guests interested in a cruise to convert that initial interest into bookings, and ultimately to get their customers a great deal.”

Sailings from Southampton lead-in at £319 per person for a two-night mini-cruise.

A seven-night cruise on one of the flagship MSC Grandiosa starts at  £644pp.

Cunard puts 2022 world cruise on sale

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Queen Mary 2 Cruise Ship

Cunard has confirmed plans for a 2022 world cruise by flagship Queen Mary 2.

The 104-night voyage departs from Southampton on January 10 and returns on April 24, 2022.

Calls to Greece, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Australia, Bali, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Italy and Portugal are planned with sailings through the Suez Canal on both the outbound and return legs.

Overnight stops in Haifa, Dubai, Hong Kong, Sydney and Singapore are included plus a late-night departure from Colombo.

The voyage has gone on sale today despite all ocean cruises currently being cancelled due to government travel restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prices for an inside cabin start at £11,499 per person.

Cunard president Simon Palethorpe said: “Our guests have told us they want memorable destinations which combine intrinsic glamour and heritage.

“This unique programme spans 16 countries, offering a combined 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which we hope will combine the perfect blend of exploration onshore and relaxation on board.”

Palethorpe added: “This 104-night voyage can be split into six sectors and booked individually, which is tailored to those who want to fully immerse themselves in the Cunard experience for just a portion of the journey.

“It truly is the ultimate exploration of east meets west experienced from the magnificent setting of the world’s only ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2.

“Guests on board will be able to take advantage of a multitude of luxurious offerings whether they want to be entertained, learn something new, get active or simply relax, while the ambience throughout the ship is warm, friendly and inclusive.”

Those sailing the full World Voyage will enjoy a welcome onboard reception, services of a World Voyage Concierge and use of a private lounge, a gala event ashore and complimentary daily gratuities.

Cunard Cancels Cruises Into 2021 and Makes Sweeping Deployment Changes

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Queen Mary 2
Queen Mary 2

Cunard will be extending its pause in operations from November 2020 until March 25, 2021 for its ship Queen Elizabeth; until April 18, 2021 for Queen Mary 2 and until May 16, 2021 for Queen Victoria, the company announced.

Cunard president Simon Palethorpe said:  “We are so sorry to all those guests who were due to sail on any of the cancelled voyages and for the disappointment this news will cause. After very careful consideration and reviewing the latest guidance, we simply do not feel it would be sensible to start sailing again with our current schedule so we have reviewed future itineraries.

“Queen Elizabeth has returned to the UK and with ongoing uncertainty over the re-opening of many ports and countries, it is sadly not practical to continue her planned itineraries for 2021.

“Therefore, in addition to the pause in operations, all of Queen Elizabeth’s sailings due to depart between March 26, 2021 and December 13, 2021, in and around Australia, Japan and Alaska, will be cancelled.

“These voyages will be replaced with a programme of shorter duration European holidays ranging from three to 14 nights, departing from Southampton. These will start at the end of March 2021, with a series of scenic voyages around the coast of Cornwall, the west coast of Ireland and the Scottish Isles. There will also be short breaks to Amsterdam which will include an overnight in the city, as well as voyages to northern and southern European destinations including Norway and the Iberian coast, with several of these itineraries featuring overnight city stays.

Fincantieri | Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth

“Queen Elizabeth’s new program will be completed with a series of seven and 14 night voyages in the Mediterranean, sailing from Barcelona. It is an exciting new programme which I am sure will have great appeal.”

All new itineraries onboard the Queen Elizabeth will be available to book from September 29, 2020.

Palethorpe continued: “Additionally, recognising the immense disappointment of those onboard Queen Mary 2’s curtailed World Voyage this year, and the cancellation of her World Voyage in 2021, we are delighted that Queen Mary 2 will sail a classic World Voyage in 2022. This will replace her scheduled sailings departing January 3, 2022 to April 3, 2022, including the voyage to South America.”

The new 104 night adventure will depart from Southampton on January 10, 2022 and include calls to Greece, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Australia and Bali before returning to Southampton via Abu Dhabi, Oman, Italy and Portugal. The ship will sail through the Suez Canal both on the outbound journey and on return. It will be bookable, either as a full world voyage or as one of six sectors, from September 8, 2020.

“Given the current uncertainty, the complexity of our scheduled World Voyage with our international mix of guests visiting many countries and continents, each with its own evolving travel regulations was a very real factor in our decision making.”