Robin Murray

1 month 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.

1 month 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.

1 month ago | 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.

1 month ago | 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.

1 month ago | 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.