Holland America Line to cruise from Dover for the first time in 10 years

Dover photoed from a leaving cruise line photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Holland America Line will sail a full season of round-trip itineraries from Dover for the first time in more than 10 years.

The line will base Pinnacle-class ship Nieuw Statendam out of the UK port for 10 departures in the summer of 2025.
 
From Dover, the vessel will sail itineraries ranging from 14 to 42 days to the Canary Islands, British Isles, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Iberia and the eastern Mediterranean.
 
In addition to Dover, HAL will depart from nine homeports throughout Europe, with an increase in cruises over 10 days, more sailings to Iceland and a combined 62 overnight calls or late-night departures in leading cities.
 
"We’re really excited about Nieuw Statendam homeporting in Dover for a whole season in 2025 and the additional opportunities this provides to the trade, as well as our guests," said Karen Farndell, director of UK sales and marketing.
 
"The itineraries look incredible and varied, offering something for everyone – beyond Dover, our 10 homeports span Europe, and in 2025 we’re offering the most diverse range of itineraries that include everything from week-long holidays to the Med to month-long explorations to the Arctic."
She praised the line’s travel agent partners for their continued support and commitment throughout the company’s milestone 150th year.
 
Other highlights of HAL’s 2025 Europe cruising season include seven-day Norway and Denmark and Norwegian Fjords itineraries onboard Rotterdam, while Oosterdam will sail its entire season in the Mediterranean on cruises from Piraeus, Barcelona, Civitavecchia and Trieste.
 
Nieuw Statendam visits the Canary Islands on a 14-day Canary Island Enchantment with Morocco and Portugal cruise departing on 20 April 2025, and the Voyage of the Vikings itinerary returns in 2025 onboard Zuiderdam.

5 Interesting Carnival Cruise Line Itineraries Taking Place This Year

5 Interesting Carnival Cruise Line Itineraries Taking Place This Year

With a fleet of 25 cruise ships and a global reach, Carnival Cruise Line is sailing from all major U.S. homeports in addition to having a presence in Europe and Australia.

Cruise Industry News selected some of the most interesting cruises being offered by the U.S.-based company still to take place in 2023.

Greenland and Canada from Baltimore
Ship: Carnival Legend
Date: August 13, 2023
Length: 14 nights
Homeports: Baltimore (United States)
Complete Itinerary: Sydney, St. Anthony and Corner Brook (Canada); Qaqortoq and Nanortalik (Greenland)

The Carnival Legend will offer a series of unique 14-night cruises to Greenland and Canada in August and September. Departing from Baltimore, the vessel is set to sail to the Arctic region, with itineraries that include visits to at least five ports.

On August 13, for instance, the vessel sails from Maryland on a two-week voyage that features stops at Sydney, St. Anthony and Corner Brook, in Canada, as well as Qaqortoq and Nanortalik, in Greenland.

British Islands and Ireland
Ship: Carnival Pride
Date: September 1, 2023
Length: Nine nights
Homeports: Dover (England)
Complete Itinerary: Greenock (Scotland); Dublin and Cork (Ireland); Belfast (Northern Ireland); Liverpool (England); and Holyhead (Wales)

Continuing its summer program in Europe, Carnival Pride is offering a nine-night cruise to the British Islands in September.

Sailing roundtrip from the Port of Dover, in England, the port-intensive itinerary sails to all of the major countries that are part of the United Kingdom, in addition to Ireland. Destinations set to be visited include Greenock, Dublin, Belfast, Liverpool, Holyhead and more.

Southern Caribbean with the Carnival Celebration
Ship: Carnival Celebration
Date: September 9, 2023
Length: Eight nights
Homeports: Miami (United States)
Complete Itinerary: Oranjestad (Aruba); Kralendijk (Bonaire); and Willemstad (Curaçao)

Adding more destinations to its regular cruise schedule, the Carnival Celebration is offering a few longer sailings to the Southern Caribbean during the remainder of the year.

Sailing from Carnival’s Terminal F in PortMiami, this eight-night cruise, for instance, is set to depart in September and features visits to the ABC Islands: Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.

Return to Mobile
Ship: Carnival Spirit
Date: October 6, 2023
Length: Eight nights
Homeports: Mobile (United States)
Complete Itinerary: Bimini, Freeport, Nassau and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas)

The Carnival Spirit will mark Carnival Cruise Line’s return to Mobile after a year-long gap. Starting in October, the 2001-built vessel will offer new itineraries from the Alabama homeport.

The first cruise of the program, for example, is an all-Bahamian trip that features visits to Bimini, Freeport and Nassau. Before returning to Mobile, the eight-night cruise also pays a visit to Half Moon Cay, one of Carnival Corporation’s private destinations in the country.

Mexican Riviera with La Paz
Ship: Carnival Panorama
Date: November 18, 2023
Length: Eight nights
Homeports: Long Beach (United States)
Complete Itinerary: La Paz, Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta (Mexico)

Stepping away from its regular seven-night itinerary to the Mexican Riviera, the Carnival Panorama is offering a few longer sailings later this year.

On November 18, for instance, the ship sails from Long Beach on an eight-night cruise that, in addition to Mazatlán, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, adds a visit to another port of call: La Paz.

Carnival Pride Cruise Cancelled After Technical Issue

Carnival Pride Cruise Cancelled After Technical Issue

Carnival Pride in Alsund, Norway photo credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Carnival Cruise Line cancelled the upcoming cruise onboard the Carnival Pride following a technical issue with the vessel.

Scheduled to sail roundtrip from Dover, England, on July 21, the nine-night itinerary was set to visit the British Islands and Ireland.

According to a statement published by Brand Ambassador John Heald, following the technical issue, the Carnival Pride made an unplanned stop in Kiel, Germany, to board expert technicians.

While work onboard is underway to get the ship back to Dover “as quickly as possible,” it was necessary to cancel the upcoming departure, the statement said.

“We know you have been looking forward to your summer cruise and are very sorry to share this unexpected, last-minute news,” Carnival added.

Affected passengers will be offered different compensation and options, based on their current location and plans.

Those who have not yet travelled to Europe will receive a full refund and a 100 per cent future cruise credit (FCC), plus any airline cancellation fees, Carnival stated.

Meanwhile, the passengers already in Europe will receive reimbursement for the expenses related to the cancelled cruise.

These guests will be eligible to receive a refund of two nights of hotel accommodation (up to $300 per night) and food per diem of US$100 per day, per person, beginning on Friday.

Carnival is also covering airline fees in case the passengers decide to return home now.

“Based on when we can make the repairs and return the ship to Dover, we may be able to operate a revised itinerary with a shorter cruise that will end in Dover on the originally scheduled debarkation date of Sunday, July 30,” the company added.

If a shorter cruise does go ahead, Carnival will provide a prorated refund of the original cruise fare, in addition to offering a to-be-determined amount of onboard credit.

Carnival is also said to be exploring any availability on seven-day cruises onboard its sister brands out of Southampton on July 22.

Passengers currently onboard in Germany, meanwhile, can opt to return to the United Kingdom or to stay onboard.

“Our team has been busy exploring all options to get you back to the UK so you can catch your return flights home or continue your vacation in Europe,” the company said in a statement delivered onboard.

“We cannot project when the Carnival Pride will depart for Dover, but for those guests with flexibility, you may stay on the ship until Dover if that is an option for you,” the letter said, adding that the extended period onboard won’t have any cost to the guest.

All passengers who boarded the vessel on July 9 will also receive a one-day prorated refund of their cruise fare plus a 25 per cent future cruise credit.

Fred. Olsen Cancelling Some Winter Cruises Due to Lack of Demand

Fred. Olsen Cancelling Some Winter Cruises Due to Lack of Demand

Fred. Olsen Cruise Line announced it is cancelling four winter cruises on the Bolette due to a lack of bookings.

In addition, the next cruise on the Balmoral is cancelled due to a propeller issue and the company also noted that none of these challenges is due to the resignation of Chairman Fred. Olsen Jnr. decided to step down after spending 35 years in the cruise industry.

The company said it continues to be proud of its family-run business with both Fred. Olsen and Anette Olsen remain on the board.

"We got through the pandemic which was the most difficult time for the travel industry, and cruise lines in particular. During this time, we invested in our business by buying two beautiful new ships. Like every travel company, trying to get back to normal, we are still having to navigate some choppy seas along the way," said Peter Deer, managing director, in a prepared statement. "Our job during this is to look after our guests and crew and ensure we provide a wonderful experience. I sincerely apologise to all guests who are affected on cruises this winter. I hope you will give us the chance to put this right for you."

In regards to Bolette's cancellations, the company said:  "This is always a quieter period for cruising and this small number of sailings did not quite reach the guest numbers we were hoping for, especially in light of the current high fuel prices we are all facing. With most of our crew remaining onboard (and the remainder taking their planned leave), we will use this time to bring forward some routine technical work which we had planned to do in 2023 - it will also leave us with one of our ships in the north of the country and one in the south for most of the winter."

The company said that cancelling these cruises was not an easy decision its team has been speaking with affected guests to help them find an alternative cruise to look forward to.

The Bolette will return on December 21 2022 for her planned Christmas cruise to Norway.

The company also made the decision to move her full winter schedule from Tilbury to Dover and Southampton, and any guests who are affected by this have been contacted over the last couple of days.

Making matters worse, the company also said it had an issue with one of the propellers on the Balmoral this week.

"These things happen of course, but the timing really couldn’t be worse," the statement read. "As a result, she will need to go into a very short drydock in Newcastle which means we have been left with no alternative but to cancel her next cruise which was due to depart from Rosyth on Monday. We have been looking after these guests today, explaining their options. Balmoral will be sailing again from Southampton on 11th September and the rest of her schedule will remain unchanged."

 

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ new flagship Bolette departed from Dover.

This milestone sailing follows a refurbishment programme that saw public areas revamped, cabins updated, new bathrooms installed and new carpets laid throughout the vessel

Amenities on board include an all-weather pool, a two-tiered theatre, an auditorium, a gym, a sports centre, eight bars and six restaurants.

The 690-cabin vessel can hold up to 1,338 guests and 615 crew members at standard occupancy.

 

The sailing follows a refurbishment programme which saw public areas revamped, cabins updated, new bathrooms installed and new carpets laid throughout.

Peter Deer, managing director of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, described the milestone as a "very important" day for the line.

"The team on board has worked incredibly hard to add our own Fred Olsen touches to the ship, with every element designed with the elegance and attention to detail that we are so well known for," he added.

 

"After many weeks of successful cruising, I am so proud to enhance our offering with a second new ship in the fleet today. I know that guests will love her just as much as we do, and our wonderful crew can’t wait to welcome guests, both new and returning, onboard."

Fred. Olsen Unveils 11 British Isles Sailings from July 2021

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has unveiled a new program of cruises around the British Isles for summer 2021. This was announced in a press release.

The 11-cruise program includes departures from Dover and Liverpool, with “scenic sailings taking in the best of the British Isles, including the Shetland and Orkney Islands and the Isles of Scilly,” the cruise line said.

“We are so excited to be unveiling these new summer cruises today. So often overlooked, our British Isles are home to some of the most wonderful wildlife, and so much spectacular scenery that is best enjoyed from the water … With this selection of shorter sailings, guests can dip their toes back into cruising and enjoy all that they love about being on board with us before we all begin to venture further afield again,” said Managing Director at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Peter Deer.

“This is an incredibly important milestone for our business, and we can’t wait to welcome our guests onboard our new-look fleet this summer,” he added.

According to the press release, the Borealis will be the first of the fleet to set sail, with a three-night ‘Maiden Voyage’ from Liverpool on July 5, with the Bolette to depart on a three-night ‘Maiden Voyage’ from Dover on August 16.

Cunard UK "staycation" cruises

The sailings onboard Queen Elizabeth will operate in UK waters departing the line’s Southampton home port. More details of the range will follow later this month said Cunard on Thursday (11 March).

The line’s flexible booking terms will apply to these new voyages.

“With the UK government confirming domestic travel is close on the horizon, we are introducing a series of exciting, shorter duration holidays for Brits looking for the perfect staycation in Cunard luxury this summer," said Cunard president Simon Palethorpe.

"These will be sailings from Southampton, for UK residents, around the UK and will make the very most of the summer sunshine."

It comes after P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises confirmed they would offer sailings in UK waters this summer.

Cunard’s new programme will, however, replace a number of international sailings that will be cancelled due to the ongoing impact of the Covid crisis on travel, affecting both Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2’s programmes.

"With international travel restrictions still in place, we, unfortunately, need to cancel a number of departures," said Palethorpe.

 

"We know how much everyone is desperately looking forward to longed-for holidays overseas, so to all affected by this news, I am sincerely sorry for the disappointment this will cause."

Sailings onboard Queen Victoria are now cancelled for all departures up to and including 27 August.

 

Its summer Mediterranean fly-cruise season, and all sailings departing up to and on 11 October, have also been cancelled.

All Queen Mary 2 departures up to and including 12 November have also been cancelled, with Cunard citing "a number of factors".

Guests booked on cancelled cruises will automatically receive a future cruise credit worth 125% of what they paid. This 125% credit can be redeemed against any new booking made by the end of December 2021 on any cruise on sale at the time of booking.

Guests can otherwise apply for a 100% refund via a form on the Cunard website.

DFDS pledges to continue France and Netherlands sailings

DFDS pledges to continue France and Netherlands sailings

Ferry operator DFDS will continue to operate passenger routes between the UK, France and Netherlands, despite the government decision to add the countries to the quarantine list.

The company runs 57 sailings a day on routes from Dover to Calais and Dunkirk; three per day between Newhaven and Dieppe; and daily crossings between Newcastle and Amsterdam.

Kasper Moos, head of DFDS’ short routes and passenger business, said: “Customers with existing bookings or those considering booking a holiday to Europe can rest assured that we will continue to operate our passenger routes between the UK, France and Holland.

“While arrangements may have changed for what they must do when they return from their break, we continue to provide a safe and relaxing means to travel to and from the continent.”

DFDS has introduced safety measures onboard its ships to allow for social distancing and enhanced cleaning regimes.

On its Dover-France routes, all bookings include a free meal in the onboard restaurants, meaning passengers can avoid having to break their journey to stop for food before getting onboard.

For the Newcastle-Amsterdam route, passengers can pre-book dinner and breakfast options during the online booking process.

Customers travelling on its routes from Dover and Newcastle have a ‘Travel Guarantee’, so they can cancel their journey and re-book for a future date for free.

Fred Olsen chief appeals to government to support cruise lines

Fred Olsen chief appeals to government to support cruise lines

The boss of Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has called on the government to provide more support for the cruise industry.

With cruise operations suspended until May 23 during the coronavirus pandemic, the UK-based cruise line has been forced to dock its four ships.

Peter Deer, Fred Olsen’s managing director, praised the government for the schemes it had introduced to ease cash flow constraints on companies across the country but appealed for further help to be extended to the cruise sector.

UK chancellor Rishi Sunak said the government was prepared to enter negotiations with individual airlines to discuss “bespoke support as a last resort” last week.

Speaking to Travel Weekly, Deer said: “As a cruise line you hear quite a lot about the airline industry receiving funding from the government. We’re quite a passive bunch. I suspect our margins are better but lining up ships is not a cheap thing to do.

“The government needs to recognise that cruise is a big part of travel in the UK and find ways to support it.”

He called for lobbying from “every angle”, adding: “This is a hairy time for every cruise line, particularly the ones that have brought in new tonnage. It makes your life a bit tougher.”

In Fred Olsen’s 2021-22 brochure, the line offers departures from five UK ports – Southampton, Newcastle, Dover, Liverpool and Edinburgh.

Deer outlined how food, fuel and other services are bought by Fred Olsen from UK businesses.

Deer added: “We are worth a huge amount to the UK market. When we talk about a holiday environment, money is spent on that destination but with a cruise line that money is spent on a ship.

“It would be great to see some positive spin from the government.”

Asked if Fred Olsen was preparing for a “bounce back” in terms of consumer demand later this year, Deer said: “I think at some point we will see it, but it is all about consumer confidence. People do not have the will to think about their holiday in the short-term.

“They do not know when this event is going to subside. Everyone wants to go on holiday but they need some confidence that the virus is going to disappear.”

Deer said that it was “too early” for targeted marketing but added that the business was still trying to remain at the forefront of customers’ minds.

“We are just talking about our company and what we are doing,” he said. “It is a broader approach.

“People will see if cruises go-ahead before they commit their money.

“People may not do long-haul fly-cruises. They may look to the Mediterranean or the Canaries. I think people just do not know.”

P&O Cruises Details Fleet Status

P&O Cruises UK has detailed the status of its cruise fleet in a recent update.

• The Arcadia is en route to Southampton, due to arrive April 12. She will then berth in Southampton before relocating to Dover.
• The Aurora arrived in Southampton on March 16 and is now en route to Dover where she will berth at Cruise Terminal 2. 
• The Azura is in the Caribbean heading to Barbados. All guests will fly home on Friday or Saturday. The ship will then sail home to the UK with no guests. She will then berth in Southampton prior to relocating to Portland.
• The Britannia is en route to Southampton, due to arrive March 25 and will berth at the Mayflower Terminal.
• The Oceana arrived in Southampton on March 18 and is now berthed in Dover at Cruise Terminal 1.
• The Ventura arrived in Southampton on March 17 and remains at the Ocean Terminal.

Saga Sapphire to Leave Fleet in 2020

Saga Cruises today announced the Saga Sapphire will leave its fleet, with the last cruise heading to Norway on a "Musical Norway" sailing in spring of 2020.

"For Saga Sapphire’s last foray to the Norwegian fjords, we’re cruising off the beaten track for an in-depth exploration of this country’s beautiful fjords, mountains and villages," the company said.

The 10-night cruise leaves from Dover on April 11, 2020, and offers live jazz performances onboard while sailing 2,376 nautical miles through the Norwegian fjords.

Sailing roundtrip from Dover, calls include Alesund, Trondheim, Geiranger, Ulvik and Haugesund, along with four days at sea.

The Sapphire leaving Saga's fleet complete's the British company's fleet renewal program. The Pearl II will depart the Saga fleet in early 2019, making way for the Spirit of Discovery, a 1,000-guest new build that joins the fleet in summer 2019.

As the Sapphire leaves in early 2020, the Spirit of Adventure, a second newbuild, joins the fleet in summer 2020.

Three Inaugural Calls for Dover in May

The Port of Dover saw three first-time cruise calls in May, highlighted by the Viking Sun and also including the Deutschland and Zenith. 

The ships were greeted in true Dover Cruise style with a water salute from Dover Tugs Doughty and Dauntless, the port said.

In addition, the first bank holiday weekend saw the historic Western Docks at full capacity for the first time since 2016 with three cruise ships berthed together.

There was also a call from the expedition vessel, the Silver Cloud. The ship's guests enjoyed a unique kayaking experience to view the iconic White Cliffs up close.

Holland America Line's Prinsendam arrived in port on the Royal Wedding day on Saturday, May 19 to a celebratory great British Street Party in Cruise Terminal Two.

"Complimentary tempting food and drink were provided along with musical entertainment from the talented Nick Bosworth on piano and keyboard. Life-size cardboard figures of the Royal Family were positioned in the terminal where guests enjoyed taking selfies with them creating unique holiday memories. It was marvellous to see the affection passengers from all over the world have for our Royal Family," the port said.

MSC maintains market presence and touts return to ex-UK

By Phil Davies 

MSC Cruises is maintaining capacity in the UK market despite withdrawing departures from Southampton after this year.

The Italian line is concentrating on fly-Med sailings in 2015 with dedicated charter flights to serve five ships from Venice and its two biggest vessels MSC Fantasia and Preziosa sailing year-round from Barcelona and Genoa.

Regional connecting flights will be commissionable at 5%.

But UK, Ireland and Australia executive director Giles Hawke (pictured) does not rule out a return to ex-UK cruises in the future.

Hawke, speaking ahead of the 2015/16 programme going on sale on Wednesday - the earliest date ever - revealed that the company aims to more than triple UK passenger numbers from 60,000 this year to 200,000 by 2017.

He would not be drawn on when or if MSC would return to ex-UK departures, but said there would be eight calls in either Southampton or Dover next year which will allow agents to make ship visits.

"We will more than replace our ex-UK capacity with our fly-Med programme," he said, indicating that MSC would be the biggest player in the sector in 2015 with departures covering both the western and eastern Mediterranean.

The company has taken 500 pre-registrations from consumers ahead of the on-sale date and expects strong trade support, with early booking offers such as discounts of up to £200 off the brochure price and free cabin upgrades for bookings made between April and June.

Prices lead in at £499 per person based on a seven-night fly-cruise from Barcelona on newest ship MSC Preziosa on December 6, 2015.

Other options include the first ship with upgraded MSC Yacht Club facilities - MSC Splendida - sailing in northern Europe.

Hawke said: "I believe we will return to ex-UK cruising but first we want to build the brand and consumer demand to justify us having one of our biggest ships operating out of Southampton.

"We want to build a brand that the consumer understands and one that commands the kind of prices it deserves."

MSC Opera is being withdrawn to be stretched in size alongside three other Lirica-class ships following this year's season of departures from Southampton.

Eurotunnel ferry service wins appeal

Eurotunnel is to be allowed to continue to offer ferry services from Dover after it won an appeal against a Competition Commission ruling.

The commission overturned a decision in June to ban Eurotunnel from operating the service for at least two years amid concern it could dominate the crossing.

The commission quashed the decision due to a technical legal point, which means MyFerryLink can operate as normal. The competition body will now reconsider the case and assess whether it has the jurisdiction to review the matter.

Eurotunnel hailed the move as a "victory for the consumer".  chairman and chief executive of Groupe Eurotunnel, said: "We are delighted by the CAT decision, which recognises the benefits and practicalities of our presence in the maritime cross-Channel market."

Eurotunnel, which runs the channel rail tunnel, including the Le Shuttle Dover to Calais car rail service, bought three ships from Sea France after it went into liquidation in January 2012.

Carnival Legend- Review Baltic Cruise- Dover to St. Petersburg.

Carnival Legend- Review

Baltic Cruise- Dover to St. Petersburg.

My Cruise photos can be seen on Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/45642696@N07/sets/72157635095801316/ 

We had sailed on 4 other companies (Costa, Royal,NCL and MSC) and between us have all ways said that there are good points and some great points in all the companies, example we like NCL Freestyle Dining, and MSC style, so joining Carnival Legend for the first time from Dover was going to be an experience, the check-in at Dover was the best we have ever had, we were on-board having a wee dram by 11am, that was a first for us. Legend is an exact layout as the Costa Mediterranea which was our first ship, happy memories. She is a lovely ship which needs a dry dock which she is having i Jan 14 (I think) before going down under, just to spruce her up a bit.

The food in the main dining room was excellent with always a Didja Ever option on the menu, which we enjoyed trying that something different such as Alligator, Frogs Legs, and Snails. The service was very good and a waiter dance at 7:15 in the evening, which they grabbed a willing volunteer in my wife, she enjoyed it and i enjoyed videoing the show for evidence and later brownie points when needed.

The show's where the best we had seen on any cruise before, the dancers were fantastic, and the singers were top notch. Head of Entertainment John Heard was an excellent compare, and was always willing to chat when seen around the ship. the entertainers around the ship were average and we have seen better on the Norwegian Jade, there seemed to be too many quiz's and not enough music.

The tours were well organised and seemed to be a fair price considering the tours of St. Petersberg and a train trip to Berlin.

The shops on board were the normal offerings such as a Logo/tee shirt shop, a sweet shop, and a top end Jewellers. The photo gallery was the largest selling the mandatory on-board pics, places of interest pics, and a camera and accessory section.

Overall I would not hesitate to join a Carnival Cruise again, and we enjoyed the company of our fellow passengers, especially those pesky Canadians, who we keep in-touch with. Thanks to all who served and cleaned up after us.

If anyone who sailed on the same Baltic Cruise as us, we were the Stars of the cruise from the Welsh Non-Romantic Couple.

A Carnival Legend returns

By Lee Hayhurst |  

Carnival Cruise Lines has announced a return to cruising in UK waters for the first time since 2008 with the deployment of Carnival Legend to Dover.
The 2,600-capacity ship, which was named in 2002 by Dame Judi Dench in Harwich, will operate 17 cruises from the Kent port between April 22 and October 31 2013.
The decision to bring a ship back to the UK reflects Carnival’s ambitions to significantly grow brand awareness under new managing director Adolfo Perez.
Carnival was forced to put plans to establish a permanent base in the UK on the backburner when the financial crisis hit in 2008 after it named Carnival Splendor in Dover.
But Perez said the line believes now is the right time to re-establish its global expansion with the UK being one of its key markets outside of the US.
“Our goal is to grow the cruise market by attracting new-to-cruise,” said Perez. “The fact we are putting a ship in the UK’s backyard gives us access to UK guests and our marketing campaign is going to drive the brand.”
As well as Baltic cruises Legend will also sail in the Norwegian Fjords and around the British Isles as well as some Mediterranean cruises.
The positioning of the ship in Dover and the British Isles cruise, with ports of call in Scotland and Ireland, means Carnival will be able to showcase its product to more agents.
Carnival expects there to be an international mix of guests onboard its ex-UK cruises, but to be sourcing more UK passengers than it has ever done in the past.
A brochure featuring the UK deployment is due out in May and Perez said he would be looking for trade support.
“We realise how important the trade is for us to be successful in the UK so we have been in discussions with many trade partners here and we are very excited about working closely with the trade,” he said.