Gary Peters

London

Editor at Cruise Trade News

Editor, @cruisetradenews. Focusing on cruise and travel. Views my own.

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Articles

Qatar set for record-breaking cruise season as tourism plan takes shape

Dec 12, 2023 | cruisetradenews.com | Gary Peters

Qatar has officially kicked off its 2023/24 cruise season, following the arrival of Crystal Symphony in Doha. The new season, which will run to April 2024, is expected to be Qatar’s best yet, with more than 75 ships and approximately 350,000 passengers calling in Doha. Over the course of the next few months, ships such as Norwegian Dawn and Le Bougainville will be making their debuts in Qatar, with both ships operating as full homeporting vessels embarking from Doha.
Cunard unveils 2025 Alaska season

Dec 12, 2023 | cruisetradenews.com | Gary Peters

Cunard has revealed that it will offer 11 voyages in Alaska for its 2025 season. Sailing roundtrip from Seattle, Queen Elizabeth will operate itineraries ranging from seven to 11 nights, from 12 June until 25 September. Sales open from 2pm GMT today (12 December) exclusively for Cunard World Club Members, with bookings available to all from 2pm on 13 December.
Princess Cruises holds keel laying ceremony for Star Princess

Dec 11, 2023 | cruisetradenews.com | Gary Peters

Princess Cruises has announced the beginning of construction of the second Sphere-class ship, Star Princess. The line held a keel laying ceremony in Monfalcone, Italy, at the Fincantieri shipyard, where the keel was lowered onto blocks in the dry dock, where the ship will remain until the float out. Star Princess will join sister ship Sun Princess as the largest vessels ever built for Princess, capable of carrying 4,300 guests.
Holland America Line's Karen Farndell: 'An exceptional year'

Dec 6, 2023 | cruisetradenews.com | Gary Peters

Holland America Line UK director of sales and marketing Karen Farndell chats to Gary Peters about a record-breaking year for agent engagement and sailing from the UK in 2025. “An exceptional experience” – that’s how Karen Farndell describes her time so far at Holland America Line. Formerly senior sales manager at Princess Cruises, Farndell joined HAL in summer last year as UK director of sales and marketing, following the change in structure that saw the HAL and Seabourn teams separated in the UK.
Celebrity Cruises offering 'unmissable rewards' in wave campaign

Dec 6, 2023 | cruisetradenews.com | Gary Peters

Celebrity Cruises has announced the return of its Celebrity Moments wave campaign. From now until 29 February 2024 a host of rewards are up for grabs, with the top 100 selling agents receiving £500 to spend how they like on their Celebrity Rewards Mastercard. All agents will receive a £50 bonus for every five new bookings they claim, while new-to-cruise agents will earn a £25 bonus for the first three Celebrity Cruises bookings they make and claim on Celebrity Rewards.
CTN Investigates: Why 2024 could be the 'year of cruise'

Dec 5, 2023 | cruisetradenews.com | Gary Peters

The cruise industry bounced back to (almost) pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Courtesy of larger ships and impressive value for money, 2024 is set to be an impressive year. Calum Brown explains why. In the past, terms such as ‘cruise travel’ and ‘youth’ went together like ice cream and gravy. In short, cruises were seen as exclusively marketed to the nouveau riche. However, that was then. This is now, and things have changed. Cruising now accommodates everyone from all walks of life.
Explora I: Inside the new ultra-luxury ship

Dec 4, 2023 | cruisetradenews.com | Gary Peters

Explora I, the first ship in the Explora Journeys fleet, set sail in August 2023. Designed in partnership with superyacht and luxury hospitality designers, the innovative ship blends elegant Swiss precision with modern European craftsmanship and vibrant design. With 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, guests will enjoy feeling closer to the sea thanks to their floor-to-ceiling windows and private terrace.
Tech talk: Digital collaboration in cruise

Dec 3, 2023 | cruisetradenews.com | Gary Peters

As we exit 2023, Traveltek chief commercial officer Cressida Sergeant reflects on what has been a transformational year for cruise. After a challenging period, momentum is back with a bang and the staggering numbers in 2023 are a very solid foundation for greater growth as we enter 2024. What is also clear is the need for the industry to simplify and collaborate more in the digital world.
Cruise Challenge: Record-breaking year for unique training event

Nov 24, 2023 | cruisetradenews.com | Gary Peters

What a year it has been for the Cruise Challenge. In total, 700 travel agents have attended a Cruise Challenge event over the course of 2023. The event – organised by Cruise Trade News – travelled the length and breadth of the country, visiting cities across the UK, delivering travel agent training with a difference. The unique format, which fuses informative presentations from cruise lines with a gameshow, gave agents the opportunity to learn and grow their businesses.
On the road with: AmaWaterways BDM Jayne Lambert

Nov 23, 2023 | cruisetradenews.com | Gary Peters

AmaWaterways business development manager Jayne Lambert looks ahead to the line’s launch of river cruises in Colombia. How has being ‘on the road’ and meeting agents changed in recent times? My role is to ensure I equip our trade partners with the tools, knowledge and support they need to sell our product. We are in an industry that never stands still and agents’ needs have changed, especially with so many now working from an office space or from home.