Telegraph Cruise Show sets sail
The cruise show will draw on the expertise of Telegraph Travel’s unparalleled
pool of cruise and destination writers, while its innovative features will
underline the value-for-money proposition of a cruising holiday: inspiring
destinations, access to unique experiences, high-quality dining,
up-to-the-minute entertainment, opportunities for on-board pampering and
service akin to that found in a five-star hotel.
Highlights include a destination theatre featuring the Telegraph’s leading
columnists, its award-winning cruise and destinations experts, as well as
presentations from the main cruise lines. These interactive talks will cover
every key region – from Norway’s fjords and Europe’s picturesque waterways
to South America’s rivers and the tropical seas of the South Pacific. Teresa
Machan, Telegraph Travel’s cruise editor, said: “If you have wondered about
exploring the French waterways by river, pictured yourself kayaking in
Norway’s fjords or boarding an expedition ship to the poles, or if you
simply want to find the ship with the best Mediterranean itinerary, this is
the place to find out about it.”
A specialist stage will showcase cruise lines’ ever-expanding range of
adventurous itineraries and shore experiences, from polar expeditions and
rail and cruise trips to private tours of the Hermitage Museum. Unsure what
to pack, or which ship you should choose for a family celebration? The stage
will also be a platform for live QA sessions with Telegraph experts
offering advice to first-time, solo and family cruisers. Visitors can also
gain insight into a broad range of enrichment programmes, touching on
everything from photography to fitness. A food and wine theatre will offer
live demonstrations from the cruise lines’ leading chefs and wine experts,
an entertainment stage will showcase the world-class acts enjoyed on modern
ships, while a fully equipped day spa will offer a flavour of pampering
afloat.
With multiple on-board theatres, outdoor film screens, surf simulators and
white-knuckle water rides, cruising offers some of the best family
entertainment and activities at sea. Visitors can get a taste of this at the
children’s area, where there’s an opportunity to scale a climbing wall and
find out more about kids’ clubs. According to the Cruise Lines International
Association (CLIA), demand for luxury cruising has risen by 30 per cent.
Those considering a luxury holiday at sea will enjoy fast-track entry and
the rarefied surroundings of an upper-deck VIP area, with complimentary
drinks and superior service. In order to meet the needs of the thousands of
new-to-cruise holidaymakers the Telegraph Cruise Show will also offer a
unique one-to-one consultation lounge, in partnership with CLIA, where
first-timers can seek advice on the best cruise for their needs.
“We believe these one-to-one sessions will be a real highlight of the show –
people might be just one question away from taking their first cruise but
aren’t prepared to put their hand up in a big auditorium,” said Charles
Starmer-Smith, head of travel at Telegraph Media Group. “The industry has
done a lot to shatter preconceptions surrounding cruise holidays. This show
will be the best platform to showcase all that a cruise can offer – and just
how far it has come.”
In recognition of the fastest-growing area of cruising, the show will also
feature a dedicated river cruise pavilion. The number of Britons opting to
take a river cruise rose by 14 per cent last year to almost 130,000
passengers, and the growth in new ships, new itineraries and the inclusion
of new rivers to meet the demand continues apace – as does the improvement
in accommodation and facilities on board. Full-sized balconies, gourmet
dining and butler service are all part of the experience. Find out about
specialist river cruises aimed at wildlife, food, history or culture.
In spite of the difficult economic climate, demand shows no sign of abating. A
record number of ships will include a UK port of call during the 2013-14
season, including the world’s largest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, making
its first transatlantic sailing from the UK.
“No-fly” cruises are increasingly popular, with almost as many passengers
choosing to cruise from a British port as fly to join their ship – 807,000
compared with 894,000 respectively. Five years ago fly-cruises accounted for
65 per cent of all cruises.
Value for money, convenience and the opportunity to avoid the hassles and cost
associated with air travel are regularly cited as incentives to cruise. But
it is the continued commitment to improving the on-board experience that is
also driving demand – cruising has come a long way from the days of deck
quoits, bingo and bland buffets. As well as a step up in the level of
entertainment and cuisine offered on board (think Blue Man Group, Cirque du
Soleil, Strictly Come Dancing and signature restaurants from Nobu, Marco
Pierre White to Atul Kochhar and Aldo Zilli), cruise lines continue to
innovate, with spa suites, iPad lounges, cantilevered glass walkways and
simulated sky-diving, just a few of the additions to an on-board experience
that is beginning to rival that found on a superyacht.
Why don’t you be the judge? The ticket price includes free entry to the London
Boat Show, being held at the same venue. Another reason to make the
Telegraph Cruise Show your first port of call.
The following major cruise lines will be appearing at the Telegraph Cruise
Show:
American Queen
Rocky Mountaineer
Holland America
Hurtigruten
Silversea Cruises
Azamara Club Cruises
Telegraph readers have until November 17 to take up the exclusive
advance ticket offer of just £10. Click
here to book tickets
GETTING THERE
Rail
London’s main rail terminuses are Charing Cross, Euston, King’s Cross/St
Pancras International, Liverpool Street, London Bridge, Marylebone,
Moorgate, Paddington, Victoria and Waterloo.
Tube
The Jubilee Line is the quickest route to ExCeL. Alight at Canning Town and
take a Beckton-bound DLR train, for Custom House for ExCeL (West) or Prince
Regent for ExCeL (East).
Road
Follow signs for Royal Docks, City Airport and ExCeL. There is easy access
from the M25, M11, A406 and A13. For SatNav purposes, use the postcode E16
1DR. ExCeL London offers on-site car parking for 3,700 cars. See excel-london.co.uk
for details.
River and Cable Car
It’s now possible to travel by Thames Clipper between central London and the
O2 and then by the Emirates Air Line cable car across the Thames to ExCeL
London. The cable car takes five minutes. Thames Clippers run from all major
piers, including the O2, Greenwich, Canary Wharf, Tower, London Bridge,
Embankment and Waterloo, every 20 minutes during peak hours (from 6am to
1am).
Emirates Air Line: single £4.30, Oyster fare £3.20, child £2.20
Thames Clipper: single £5.50, Oyster fare £5, Travelcard £3.70
By Bike
ExCeL London has 60 free-to-use cycle racks. See excel-london.co.uk
for details
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