Robin Murray, Travel Weekly (UK) Journalist Profile

Articles

Diana Ross named godmother of Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas

3 weeks ago | travelweekly.co.uk | Robin Murray

Musical icon Diana Ross has been named godmother of Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas. Ross will attend the naming ceremony of the line’s second Icon Class ship, which is set to take place in Port Canaveral, Florida, in August. Royal Caribbean said she will “join a longstanding maritime tradition of bestowing safekeeping onto the ship, its crew and the millions who will make memories on the ultimate family vacation for years to come”.
Ship review: MSC World America

3 weeks ago | travelweekly.co.uk | Robin Murray

Overview: MSC World America is the second ship in MSC Cruises’ World Class, following MSC World Europa’s launch in 2022, and like its predecessor, it is powered by liquefied natural gas. The ship has capacity for 6,764 passengers across 22 decks, making it the biggest in MSC Cruises’ 23-strong fleet. It will sail seven-day eastern and western Caribbean cruises departing from MSC’s new terminal at PortMiami. Cabins: The ship has 2,614 cabins across 25 categories, 65% of which feature a balcony.
Comment: Don't underestimate the magic of television

1 month ago | travelweekly.co.uk | Robin Murray

In an era of fragmented media and infinite scrolling, television remains one of the most powerful and arguably still the most effective tool for shaping perception and sparking aspiration - particularly in travel. Appearances on prime-time programmes showcase the experiences on offer, bring destinations to life and connect emotionally with millions of potential holidaymakers from the comfort of their sofas.
EasyJet to open three-aircraft base at Newcastle airport

1 month ago | travelweekly.co.uk | Robin Murray

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Celestyal to feature in Channel 5's Cruising with Susan Calman

1 month ago | travelweekly.co.uk | Robin Murray

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MSC World America named by Drew Barrymore at new Miami terminal

2 months ago | travelweekly.co.uk | Robin Murray

MSC Cruises’ new flagship World America has been named at a ceremony held at the line’s new cruise terminal in Miami. The event culminated with the ship’s godmother Drew Barrymore cutting a ribbon to smash a bottle of champagne against the bow of the 6,764-passenger vessel, in keeping with maritime tradition. Also in attendance was British actor Orlando Bloom, who features alongside Barrymore in MSC Cruises’ latest advertising campaign, which launched during this year’s Super Bowl.
EasyJet holidays ‘on track’ for 25% annual customer growth | Travel Weekly

2 months ago | travelweekly.co.uk | Robin Murray

The chief executive of easyJet holidays has said the operator is on track to grow its customer numbers by at least 25% this year, buoyed by the launch of its 10th base at Southend airport. Speaking as the operator and airline celebrated the launch on Monday (March 31), Garry Wilson said the move would play a “critical role” in helping easyJet’s in-house tour operation achieve its goal of becoming the UK’s largest travel company.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises holds keel-laying ceremony for Prestige

Mar 27, 2025 | travelweekly.co.uk | Robin Murray

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has held a keel-laying ceremony for Seven Seas Prestige at the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy. The line said the event “honours a pivotal moment in the construction of the brand’s next generation of ship”, which will “once again redefine luxury travel”. Three coins were welded onto the keel of the ship to mark the occasion and to “bring luck for all who sail on board”, with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings president Harry Sommer among the guests watching on.
Not Just Travel fills newly created franchise manager position

Mar 24, 2025 | travelweekly.co.uk | Robin Murray

Not Just Travel (NJT) has appointed Mel Garthwaite to the newly created position of franchise manager. The role aims to “strengthen the community” of the agency’s 720+ consultants and bring together the homeworkers and corporate team to “become a stronger collective”. Garthwaite will head NJT’s TC Forum – an advisory board and community council that was launched in September.
Heathrow to resume some flights today as it targets full Saturday service

Mar 21, 2025 | travelweekly.co.uk | Robin Murray

Some flights at Heathrow are due to resume later today as the airport targets a return to normal operations on Saturday. The London hub experienced a “significant power outage” this morning following a fire at a local power station. In an update issued this afternoon, the airport said some flights would take off later today, with the first being repatriation flights and to relocate aircraft. The statement read: “Our teams have worked tirelessly since the incident to ensure a speedy recovery.