I started as ACE's new Director on Monday 5th October 2009. On arrival at the lovely London offices behind Oxford Street I was given a whirlwind tour of the offices, the systems and the team by Debbee Dale who had been standing in as interim Director since June (and doing a superb job I might add).
My feet were barely behind the desk before I was flying to Barcelona for the ABTA Travel Convention on Tuesday! I felt extremely lucky and excited about the four days. Debbee and I chatted away for most of the journey, doing my handover and briefing whilst in the air. The flight was 80% occupied by other convention delegates, many of whom were catching up with each other much to the bemusement of the other passengers who probably all felt like a spare part at a wedding.
On arrival at Barcelona it was clear we'd left the wintry England weather behind, it was a lovely 25 degrees. The first night was taken up with bumping into old friends and colleagues at the hotel bar and meeting new ones at the icebreaker party including ACE's competition winners Gary Hudson, Martin Hay, Richard Rochester and Katherine Doyle.
The convention was a heady mix of interesting convention sessions, cocktail parties, dinners, drinks receptions, trade fairs, forums, ship visits and a lot of alcohol and networking! I collected a huge number of business cards as I met so many interesting people, all of whom seemed to be having a great time - I was delighted with the opportunity to visit three ships in Barcelona; the Thomson Destiny, Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas and MSC Fantasia.
The Cruise Forum on the Thursday was fantastic, we had over 150 delegates. The forum kicked off with a presentation from Debbee on ACE's achievements so far - over 3,000 travel agency members, 35 cruise line members and over 20,000 agents trained in 2008! I then gave a brief overview on my plans for ACE including revamping and rebranding ACE events, retaining and increasing membership and new training modules coming online for cruise line products and destinations. The forum included a great presentation from Carol Marlow from P&O, a Q&A with Michael East and Jane Archer and a panel discussion with cruise lines and agents talking about the sticky issues of gratuities on ships and discounting cruise holidays in the recession.
I learned a huge amount in Barcelona and came away extremely motivated and more excited than ever to get into the ACE job and start work! During my second week I met with some of ACE's cruise line members to discuss plans for the UK Cruise Convention in 2010, wrote an article for Cruise News and learned how to operate ACE's comprehensive online system so I could answer agent queries regarding training and logging in and send out the weekly e-newsletter, 'Watermark'.
On Thursday 15th I was invited to the Mail Newspapers' box at the Royal Albert Hall for the International Ballroom Dancing Championships; something I was not expecting to enjoy but was thoroughly riveted, especially by some of the outfits (or lack thereof!!)
It's my third week and I now have the website programmers and creative team on speed dial, I've briefed the ACE team with my plans, designed and sent out a membership survey for ACE members to let me know their feedback on our benefits, and emailed all cruise line members with a huge list of questions and requests!
I'm absolutely delighted to be working with such a fantastic team; Adele & Nat who work exclusively on ACE, as well as Bill, Kat and Hayley at the Passenger Shipping Association and Penny, the PR Director for both ACE and the PSA. The office is incredibly busy and I'm sure many of our members will be shocked to learn that ACE is run by just three people - we are a small organisation with a big ambition. It is my aim to improve our benefits to members and get even more travel agents trained in cruise lines, destinations, cruise products and services and business skills. I want to offer more benefits to our ACE Ambassadors who have managed to get 600 points through ACE training and cruise experience, host a fantastic UK Cruise Convention in Southampton in 2010, publish a programme of inspirational events including ship visits, EXPOs and fam trips for our members and make our online training resources even more interesting, exciting and accessible.
I will be going on my very first cruise on 3rd November, on the P&O Aurora ship to the Med so watch this space as I'll be twittering and blogging my experiences!
See you soon,
Flo Powell
Director - ACE
Thursday, 22 October 2009
Fred. Olsen Cruises Travel Agent Educational.
Cruise BD0918, 4 Night Mini Cruise 01st – 05th August 2009
My trip began on the 31st July when I flew to Edinburgh with Flybe and stayed at the Premier Inn, South Queensferry. This hotel was the nearest I could get to the port of Rosyth where we would be embarking the M/S Boudicca the next day.
After a comfortable night’s sleep and a great breakfast, I was met by Amanda Anderson, Area Sales Executive – Scotland & Northern Ireland and was taken to the Port of Rosyth. I was one of the fortunate agents as I was viewing the ship prior to embarking as a passenger. I was not impressed with the Cruise Terminal, there was no restaurant or bar for passengers to purchase food & drink, instead there were hot and soft drinks machines. My first impression of the ship was good; I liked it, its size and how compact it appeared. Below are a few statistics about the ship:
• The M/S Boudicca has 437 cabins
• The ship holds up to 856 passengers,(maximum of 900)
• Total amount of crew is 360
• It has stabilisers and was last refitted in 2006.
• The Boudicca is a sister ship of the Black Watch.
• Her gross tonnage is 28,400 and is 205 m in length.
• Email/Internet access is available 24 hours a day.
After the ship tour and lunch it was time to meet the other 20 agents and Fred. Olsen Staff in the terminal to check-in for our cruise. We were issued with our cruise cards and met up with whom we were sharing with. I was allocated cabin number 4035 and while I found it very spacious although I thought the television and wallpaper dated the cabin and felt that this was the only part of the ship that let it down. The bed was comfy and we had a bath (not that it was used) and shower combo, which is always nice to have the option. A wee tip, not all cabins have this bath/shower combo so make sure you check this for your client.
Waiting for us was a folder introducing us to the Boudicca and our Daily Times advising us what was on and where, an introduction to Captain (Master) Bjarte Roksund and his Senior Management Team. It was 6pm and we were setting sail for Lerwick. After welcome drinks in the Lido Lounge we made our way to the Tintagel Restaurant; our dining room for this evening (and every evening) and the smiling waiters and waitresses were ready to look after us. They were all so friendly and courteous and extremely efficient throughout our stay. We had a different menu each night and the food was glorious and Amanda very generously treated us all to wine or whatever our poison was.
After dinner we congregated in the Neptune Bar for some after dinner drinks and chit-chat. After a comfortable night’s sleep, I awoke to the views over Lerwick in the Shetland Islands. Breakfast was taken in the Secret Garden Café and the crew were at the entrance with the compulsory hand lotion for all passengers to scrub up before touching any of the utensils at the buffet. (This lotion was given to you each time you dined and when you came back onboard the ship).
After breakfast we all attended the compulsory lifeboat drill and we were taught the SOLAS Regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea) and informed of our muster station in the event of an emergency.
We then went ashore, and as this was a Sunday I was surprised to find so many shops, bars and restaurants open. Lerwick is a very small town but quaint all the same. After torturing the locals in one of the pubs it was time to go back to the ship, I think they enjoyed the banter though?
We were setting sail now for Bergen. I had not been to Bergen before and was so looking forward to it. I was not disappointed, it was beautiful and Amanda had arranged an excursion for us (Introduction to Bergen) so we saw the town in great detail. The tourguide spoke fluent English, the whole area was pristine clean and the sun was shining - we were blessed with the weather. After the tour we had lunch onboard and lay by the pool for the rest of the day and entertained the other passengers – it was a great day and we did not set sail until 11pm.
Our final day was at sea and at this stage in my report I should point out that the amount of activities onboard all Fred. Olsen Ships, whether in port or at sea are extensive. Please contact me for a list of these. The Boudicca Show Company kept us entertained with the swinging 60’s and sensational 70’s plus Elvis “Love me tender” presentations, they were excellent.
After breakfast we had a business session with Amanda and the rest of the Fred. Olsen team. This lasted for only 2 hours and after this we all hit the shops and the bazaar for those last minute bargains and souvenirs and paid our extras’ bill. Although the weather was good it was breezy on deck and some dined inside and others at the poolside café. Tipping onboard Fred. Olsen Ships is a matter left to the individual at their discretion. It was so wonderful to finally see one of Fred. Olsen Ships, the group we had were fantastic for a large group and Amanda Anderson was an exceptional hostess.
For more information on Fred. Olsen Cruises please visit www.fredolsencruises.co.uk
I have almost 200 photographs and if you would like to view these, please contact me. Enjoy the read.
Warm Regards, Brendan.
Compiled by Brendan O’Connor, Bryan Somers Travel.
My trip began on the 31st July when I flew to Edinburgh with Flybe and stayed at the Premier Inn, South Queensferry. This hotel was the nearest I could get to the port of Rosyth where we would be embarking the M/S Boudicca the next day.
After a comfortable night’s sleep and a great breakfast, I was met by Amanda Anderson, Area Sales Executive – Scotland & Northern Ireland and was taken to the Port of Rosyth. I was one of the fortunate agents as I was viewing the ship prior to embarking as a passenger. I was not impressed with the Cruise Terminal, there was no restaurant or bar for passengers to purchase food & drink, instead there were hot and soft drinks machines. My first impression of the ship was good; I liked it, its size and how compact it appeared. Below are a few statistics about the ship:
• The M/S Boudicca has 437 cabins
• The ship holds up to 856 passengers,(maximum of 900)
• Total amount of crew is 360
• It has stabilisers and was last refitted in 2006.
• The Boudicca is a sister ship of the Black Watch.
• Her gross tonnage is 28,400 and is 205 m in length.
• Email/Internet access is available 24 hours a day.
After the ship tour and lunch it was time to meet the other 20 agents and Fred. Olsen Staff in the terminal to check-in for our cruise. We were issued with our cruise cards and met up with whom we were sharing with. I was allocated cabin number 4035 and while I found it very spacious although I thought the television and wallpaper dated the cabin and felt that this was the only part of the ship that let it down. The bed was comfy and we had a bath (not that it was used) and shower combo, which is always nice to have the option. A wee tip, not all cabins have this bath/shower combo so make sure you check this for your client.
Waiting for us was a folder introducing us to the Boudicca and our Daily Times advising us what was on and where, an introduction to Captain (Master) Bjarte Roksund and his Senior Management Team. It was 6pm and we were setting sail for Lerwick. After welcome drinks in the Lido Lounge we made our way to the Tintagel Restaurant; our dining room for this evening (and every evening) and the smiling waiters and waitresses were ready to look after us. They were all so friendly and courteous and extremely efficient throughout our stay. We had a different menu each night and the food was glorious and Amanda very generously treated us all to wine or whatever our poison was.
After dinner we congregated in the Neptune Bar for some after dinner drinks and chit-chat. After a comfortable night’s sleep, I awoke to the views over Lerwick in the Shetland Islands. Breakfast was taken in the Secret Garden Café and the crew were at the entrance with the compulsory hand lotion for all passengers to scrub up before touching any of the utensils at the buffet. (This lotion was given to you each time you dined and when you came back onboard the ship).
After breakfast we all attended the compulsory lifeboat drill and we were taught the SOLAS Regulations (Safety Of Life At Sea) and informed of our muster station in the event of an emergency.
We then went ashore, and as this was a Sunday I was surprised to find so many shops, bars and restaurants open. Lerwick is a very small town but quaint all the same. After torturing the locals in one of the pubs it was time to go back to the ship, I think they enjoyed the banter though?
We were setting sail now for Bergen. I had not been to Bergen before and was so looking forward to it. I was not disappointed, it was beautiful and Amanda had arranged an excursion for us (Introduction to Bergen) so we saw the town in great detail. The tourguide spoke fluent English, the whole area was pristine clean and the sun was shining - we were blessed with the weather. After the tour we had lunch onboard and lay by the pool for the rest of the day and entertained the other passengers – it was a great day and we did not set sail until 11pm.
Our final day was at sea and at this stage in my report I should point out that the amount of activities onboard all Fred. Olsen Ships, whether in port or at sea are extensive. Please contact me for a list of these. The Boudicca Show Company kept us entertained with the swinging 60’s and sensational 70’s plus Elvis “Love me tender” presentations, they were excellent.
After breakfast we had a business session with Amanda and the rest of the Fred. Olsen team. This lasted for only 2 hours and after this we all hit the shops and the bazaar for those last minute bargains and souvenirs and paid our extras’ bill. Although the weather was good it was breezy on deck and some dined inside and others at the poolside café. Tipping onboard Fred. Olsen Ships is a matter left to the individual at their discretion. It was so wonderful to finally see one of Fred. Olsen Ships, the group we had were fantastic for a large group and Amanda Anderson was an exceptional hostess.
For more information on Fred. Olsen Cruises please visit www.fredolsencruises.co.uk
I have almost 200 photographs and if you would like to view these, please contact me. Enjoy the read.
Warm Regards, Brendan.
Compiled by Brendan O’Connor, Bryan Somers Travel.
CELEBRITY EQUINOX LAUNCH VOYAGE TO NORWAY 31 JULY 2009 REVIEW
After all the excitment of the celebrations around the launch where the trade and selected consumers and prize winners had the chance to marvel at this second in the series of five Solstice class vessels, it was now time for the Equinox to WOW its first passengers.
I was lucky enough to be aboard for the naming, so it was great to be able to stay aboard and sit in the Cafe on deck 5 and watch the first passengers board. Many had clearly never sailed with Celebrity before having sailed with other cruise lines from Southampton so it was great to see the amazment on their faces as they boarded, promptly offered a glass of chilled Champagne and look into the stunning central atrium.
The vessel offers a premium cruise experience with varied amount of bars and restaurants and stunning public areas and an amazing top deck area complete with 14,000 SQ FT lawn set high on deck 15.
We sailed at 17.00 and excitement filled the ship as people found there way around and settled into the varied stateroom options aboard.
Cabins are large with good space for all those bits and bobs people take away with them, together with flat screen tv systems which offer every aspect of entertainment and information needed on the voyage and shipboard facilities.
Dining aboard is offered across many outlets with main dining an outstanding affair within the best restaurent I have ever seen afloat.
The speciality restaurants consist of French,Italian and Asian fusian together with the Blu restaurant offering for guest chosing to stay within the Aqua Spa cabins. This is complemented by a wonderful Ocean view cafe on deck 14 .
Entertainment is as always first class with three big production shows and headline singers to entertain an expectant crowd.A great touch is the live Celebrity band which plays with all the shows,a refreshing change to some of the other cruise lines taped music with their shows..
The whole onboard experiance is pulled together by the most respected and well know Brothers at sea the Weir Brothers. Nick Weir (Cruise Director) and Simon Weir, (Hotel Director). Their style and attention to detail is across the ship with the most amazing crew under their command providing outstanding service.
The fjords were just stunning as seen in the pictures below, which seemed to match our onboard experience. The chance to sit on the lawn on deck 15 as we moved up the fjords was quite surreal, but outstanding .
Both the trade and consumer have now a real alternative to more traditional cruise line offerings at Southampton next year aboard a truly stunning product.
Full details of all the Cruise options can be found on the dedicated website of www.celebritycruises.co.uk and the usual Advantage intranet.
Jason Peters
Advantage Cruise Consultant
I was lucky enough to be aboard for the naming, so it was great to be able to stay aboard and sit in the Cafe on deck 5 and watch the first passengers board. Many had clearly never sailed with Celebrity before having sailed with other cruise lines from Southampton so it was great to see the amazment on their faces as they boarded, promptly offered a glass of chilled Champagne and look into the stunning central atrium.
The vessel offers a premium cruise experience with varied amount of bars and restaurants and stunning public areas and an amazing top deck area complete with 14,000 SQ FT lawn set high on deck 15.
We sailed at 17.00 and excitement filled the ship as people found there way around and settled into the varied stateroom options aboard.
Cabins are large with good space for all those bits and bobs people take away with them, together with flat screen tv systems which offer every aspect of entertainment and information needed on the voyage and shipboard facilities.
Dining aboard is offered across many outlets with main dining an outstanding affair within the best restaurent I have ever seen afloat.
The speciality restaurants consist of French,Italian and Asian fusian together with the Blu restaurant offering for guest chosing to stay within the Aqua Spa cabins. This is complemented by a wonderful Ocean view cafe on deck 14 .
Entertainment is as always first class with three big production shows and headline singers to entertain an expectant crowd.A great touch is the live Celebrity band which plays with all the shows,a refreshing change to some of the other cruise lines taped music with their shows..
The whole onboard experiance is pulled together by the most respected and well know Brothers at sea the Weir Brothers. Nick Weir (Cruise Director) and Simon Weir, (Hotel Director). Their style and attention to detail is across the ship with the most amazing crew under their command providing outstanding service.
The fjords were just stunning as seen in the pictures below, which seemed to match our onboard experience. The chance to sit on the lawn on deck 15 as we moved up the fjords was quite surreal, but outstanding .
Both the trade and consumer have now a real alternative to more traditional cruise line offerings at Southampton next year aboard a truly stunning product.
Full details of all the Cruise options can be found on the dedicated website of www.celebritycruises.co.uk and the usual Advantage intranet.
Jason Peters
Advantage Cruise Consultant
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