Your August 2024 Update from Michael Wilson

Hello and welcome to my August update!

I’m writing this from a beautiful villa on Lake Como, one of my all-time favourite destinations. It’s a superb part of the world, and I’m thrilled to be here for the wedding of some of our best friends. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this special occasion. Although I’ve visited the Italian Lakes before, it was always during one-night stopovers on my annual lads and dads motoring trip. This time, I’m finally able to relax and truly appreciate the charm of this beautiful region.

You might not think that the Italian Lakes and cruising go hand in hand, but one of our most popular Cruise & Stay holiday selections takes you to the Italian Lakes, which are only a short train ride from Venice! For example, you can enjoy Lake Garda and Cunard’s Queen Victoria on one of our tailor-made holidays, departing on 17 May next year (no longer available). This fabulous inclusive trip starts with a two-night stay in Istanbul, followed by a seven-night cruise, a one-night stay in Rome, and finally, a three-night visit to Lake Garda, staying in a superb five-star hotel. We even include full-day tours of both Istanbul and the Dolomites. Of course, this is just one example; our Cruise & Stay team can customise any sailing from Venice to include a stay in the Italian Lakes. Just ask our Cruise Experts, and you too could be enjoying these breathtaking views very soon!

The past couple of weeks have also seen us add some introductory Formula 1 Cruise & Stay holidays to our website. We have seen increased demand for pairing cruise holidays with motorsport-themed activities and experiences, and this dedicated page offers just a glimpse of what is possible. If this is something you are particularly interested in, you can update your email preferences to include ‘motorsport cruises’ and we will send all the latest information straight to your inbox.

Last month, I announced our renewed partnership with Marella to sell their cruises, and I’m pleased to report that we began taking reservations last week. Previously, prices varied across their distribution network, leading to differing prices for the same product, but I’m happy to say that we have now negotiated price parity with their main website, allowing us to offer you the lowest price from Marella. Plus, you’ll enjoy Cruise Club Cashback, giving you even greater value. Marella is a very popular all-inclusive cruise line, with over 100 destinations worldwide, with each one allowing you to add one or more resort hotels pre and post-cruise from their massive selection. I was excited to see multiple bookings coming in on our very first day, and we will be introducing online booking before the end of this year. I will keep you updated on developments.

July marked the much-anticipated debut of Utopia of the Seas, the latest cruise ship from Royal Caribbean. My daughter Katie, our Chief Operations Officer, and my son Oliver, Team Leader in our Cruise & Stay department, were both invited to the inaugural sailing from Port Canaveral in Florida. They had an incredible time exploring this remarkable ship and were thoroughly impressed with its overall quality, design, and extensive facilities. Utopia of the Seas will primarily offer weekend and four-night cruises from Port Canaveral, accommodating up to 5,668 passengers.

While this might not initially seem like everyone’s cup of tea, Katie and Oliver returned with high enthusiasm, convinced that Utopia will appeal to both seasoned cruisers and newcomers seeking a short trip filled with activities, dining, and entertainment options. Here are just a few of Utopia’s many features:

• Dining experiences: The ship features the first-ever outdoor seating for Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and Wine Bar, and an expanded Izumi, Royal Caribbean’s Asian-inspired theatrical dining experience.
• Entertainment: The Bionic Bar has been replaced by The Pesky Parrot, a vibrant tiki bar with a resident parrot named Brian.
• Park Café: This complimentary venue offers extended hours and a wider range of food options, blending seamlessly into Central Park.
• The Lime and Coconut Bar: A multi-storey bar that enhances the open deck experience.

The highlight of Katie and Oliver’s trip was a visit to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas that has become a massive international hit. This includes Oasis Lagoon, the Caribbean’s largest freshwater pool, featuring a swim-up bar, in-water loungers, and a family-friendly area with a sloping entry. Thrill Waterpark is home to 13 slides, including Daredevil’s Peak, the tallest waterslide in the Caribbean, while Up and Away is a helium balloon ride that offers stunning views of the island. For those looking to relax, Chill Island provides a serene beach area to soak up the sun and enjoy the crystal-clear waters. The island also offers multiple dining options and shopping to complete your Perfect Day! Be sure to keep your eye out for upcoming editions of Into the Blue, which will feature a comprehensive article on Katie and Oliver’s travels with Royal Caribbean aboard Utopia of the Seas. They’ll share all the exciting details about this extraordinary new ship, along with a few cheeky days at Disney before heading home!

Since my last update, Princess Cruises have launched their 2026 Alaska sailings. The cruise line’s newest ship, Star Princess, will be heading to the region following her maiden season, alongside passenger favourites such as Discovery Princess, Grand Princess, Coral Princess, and Island Princess. Alaska remains one of our best-selling destinations, with our Cruise & Stay team helping many of our Cruise Club Members put together their holidays to the region. If this is somewhere that features on your bucket list, I would urge you to speak to our Cruise Experts on 01246 819 819 and we will create your dream trip. 

P&O Cruises have recently announced two new departures on board Britannia in 2026. The passenger-favourite ship had been scheduled to go into dry dock, but this has now been replaced with two cruises to the Norwegian Fjords. The first departs Southampton on 25 September 2026 for seven nights, while the second is a nine-night sailing, also from Southampton, on 2 October. You can see further details of these itineraries on our website, and they are available to book now. The Norwegian Fjords is a beautiful part of the world, and not that I’m at all biased, but there really is no better way to see it than by sea!

If you have just returned from a cruise, then you might be interested in a new partnership we have recently formed. The Cruise Maps create personalised prints that show the exact route your cruise has taken; I’m sure you’ll agree this is a novel idea for the cruise lover in your life, or if you have enjoyed a particularly memorable holiday and would like a unique keepsake. I am delighted to reveal we have secured an exclusive discount code for our Cruise Club Members – if you quote BOLSOVER10 when making your online purchase, you will receive an additional 10% off your order. More details are available on our website.

Awards season is fast approaching, and I am delighted to reveal we have been shortlisted in the Favourite Cruise Travel Agent category at The Wave Awards. These awards recognise excellence across the travel industry, and our success depends on public votes. I hope you will spare a few minutes to show your appreciation for our team, which you can do by visiting this page and following the link, selecting Bolsover Cruise Club from the dropdown box. Voting is open until 16 September, and you could be in with the chance of winning a nine-night Norwegian Fjords cruise with Fred. Olsen.

There is also still time to register your vote in the British Travel Awards, where we are in the running for ‘Best Travel Agency for Cruise Holidays’. Public votes likewise determine the outcome of these awards, and you can cast yours by visiting this website and filling in the form before voting closes on 29 September. Various prizes are once again up for grabs, so don’t miss out!

On behalf of myself and the entire team, I would like to thank everyone who has voted for us so far, as without your support, our continued recognition at such awards would not be possible.

Once again, thank you for following my updates. I wish everyone travelling over the next month Bon Voyage and a great holiday!