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Greenwich cruise dock could open in 2014

Plans for a huge dock, capable of handling ships up to 240 metres long, have finally been approved. Located between the Cutty Sark at Enderby Wharf and the O2 arena, visiting passengers could reach the West End in 20 minutes. This is a great news for inbound cruise passengers as currently ships can only dock in Tilbury which is over 20 miles from the centre of London.

Over 700 homes and a hotel will be built alongside the dock. Over 100 ships a year, carrrying up to 3,000 passengers each, are expected to use the dock each year. This would deliver a huge boost to the borough of Greenwich’s local economy.

This has been a long time in the planning, see our older post here - http://blog.exemplarcruises.com/post/2978392604/london-to-get-its-first-cruise-ship-terminal 

Titanic lunch menu on sale

A menu, dated 14 April 1912, lists the food offered to first class guests on the very last day on board the Titantic before it sunk. The menu was saved by a Mrs Dodge who hid it in her handbag as a memento, totally unaware of the tragic events that were about to unfold.

The sale will be held at Henry Aldridge & Son in Wiltshire and the menu is expected to fetch at least £100,000.

Photo of the Silversea’s Silver Cloud moored alongisde the...

Photo of the Silversea’s Silver Cloud moored alongisde the HMS Belfast. The photo was taken from London Bridge on Friday 26 August 2011. You can see Tower Bridge in the background.

The world's most expensive yacht

The world’s most expensive private yacht, History Supreme, has been commissioned by an anonymous leading Malaysian business man at a cost of £3 billion!

At 100ft the yacht took 3 years to complete. 100,000 kilograms of solid gold and platinum were added. All of the features including the deck, dinning area, rails and anchor are made from precious metals. Even the base of the vessel was wrapped in a thin layer of gold.

The main sleeping quarter is adorned with platinum accents of which included,  a wall feature made from meteoric stone and a genuine bone from a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Compagnie du Ponant Cruises.This short video provides an...

Compagnie du Ponant Cruises.This short video provides an introduction into Compagnie du Ponant and their world of “yacht cruising”. In their own words…

“Our mission is to transport you to mythical destinations and secret ports only accessible to small capacity ships. To offer the delights of a French-inspired cuisine in an intimate environment - a discreet service where no attention to detail is spared - and unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character. To combine sophistication and conviviality, with priority given to authentic experiences, emotions and the ongoing quest for excellence.”

The 10 largest cruise ships in the world

Whilst big ship cruising, with it’s resort style approach and endless fellow cruisers, is not to everyone’s taste, it is impossible not to be amazed by the impressive feat of engineering that goes into construction these enormous vessels. Below is a list of the 10 largest cruise ships in the world (ordered by Gross Tonnage):

Joint first and second placeMS Allure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International)MS Oasis of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International) Gross Tonnage: 225,282Built: 2009-2010Length: 1,187 feetPassenger capacity: 6,296

Joint third, fourth and fifth PlaceMS Freedom of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International)MS Liberty of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International)MS Independence of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International) Gross Tonnage: 160,000Built: 2006-2008Length: 1,081.9 feetPassenger capacity: 4,370

Sixth placeNorwegian Epic (Norwegian Cruise Line)Gross Tonnage: 155,873Built: 2010Length: 1,111 feetPassenger capacity: 4100

Seventh PlaceRMS Queen Mary 2 (Cunard Line)Gross Tonnage: 151,400Built: 2004Length: 1,132 feetPassenger capacity: 3056

Joint Eighth and Ninth PlaceMariner of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International)Navigator of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International)Gross Tonnage: 138,279Built: 2002Length: 1,020 feetPassenger capacity: 3,114

Tenth PlaceExplorer of the Seas (Royal Caribbean International)Gross Tonnage: 137,308Built: 2000Length: 1,020 feetPassenger capacity: 3,114

An introduction to Orion Expedition Cruises

Expedition Cruising with Orion Cruises.

Expedition cruises are the epitome of Exemplar Cruises, and with Orion’s mantra “a path less travelled”, one is all but guaranteed to experience the wonders of the remote and seldom visited destinations away from conventional tourism. With a maximum occupancy of just 100 guests, Orion is the quintessence of small ship cruising. 2011 offers twice the opportunity for discovery of unique experiences in amazing destinations, with the addition of the Orion’s second ship, Orion II,

Orion and Orion II primarily sail in the Asia Pacific region. Both ships have been purpose built with the intention that they could go virtually anywhere in the world.

Aboard the Orion and Orion II one has the opportunity to enjoy enriching voyages to some of the most stimulating destinations on earth, including; the Russian Far East – the land of ice and fire; a selection of the most captivating cities of Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia; the home of the orangutan and one of the planet’s most biologically diverse ecosystems, Borneo; the tropical and exotic lands of Papua New Guinea; the wild and remote splendours in the Kimberley region of Australia as well as New Zealand. With ice class hulls both Orion and Orion II are able to sail unassisted in most ice conditions allowing them to explore sub-Antarctic islands and the Antarctic Continent, which has been recognised by UNESCO as one of the worlds’ precious regions of unique biodiversity.

We are meticulously researching and reviewing the expeditions available with Orion Expedition Cruises and will be bringing to you their best selection of voyages to some of the most wonderful but rarely seen places on earth.

Hundreds of skeletons discovered at our new office

An ancient graveyard has been uncovered directly opposite our new London office in Liverpool Street! The skeleton remains are thought to belong to inmates of St Bethlehem Hospital. Opened in 1247 the hospital was the first dedicated to mental health patients. Infact the word bedlam, meaning uproar and confusion, is derived from its name. The dig at Liverpool Street is now bringing those unfortunates to light for the first time in hundreds of years.

The map below shows the scale of the graveyard under Liverpool street…

This photo was taken from our new office window…

A video documenting this amazing discovery is available on the BBC News website. You can watch the video by clicking here.

This film uses time-lapse photography to give you a brief...

This film uses time-lapse photography to give you a brief insight into cruising aboard the Silversea expedition ship Prince Albert II as she explores Greenland’s Skjoldungen fjord.

Cruising is on the up and up!

Figures released yesterday from the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) show that Britons took a record 1.62 million cruises in 2010 - a considerable six percent increase year on year.

These figures, are particularly impressive bearing in mind that 2010 has been a difficult year for the rest of the travel industry. The PSA has attributed this continued growth to the exceptional value and very high standards of quality and service offered by a cruise holiday. Cruising now accounts for 11.7 percent of the overseas package holiday sector (up from 10.6 percent in 2009).

Apparently this growth is set to continue, with the PSA forecasting that cruise passenger numbers are expected to reach 1.7 million in 2011, going on to surpass the two million mark by 2014.

Cruising from British ports increased by 10 per cent – with more than 650,000 people choosing to cruise from the UK, while fly-cruises also saw an increase of three per cent. The Mediterranean continued to be the most popular cruise destination with 43 per cent of Brits choosing the region, an 18 per cent increase, whilst Northern Europe retained second place.

PSA Director, William Gibbons, said: ‘The choice and diversity of cruising has never been greater – from intimate, ultra luxury yachts to floating passenger ‘resorts’.  The exceptional standards of quality and service are the key to our continued growth, along with the huge choice of worldwide destinations and the wide range in styles of cruising.’

William Gibbons continued to say: ‘The sheer diversity of the cruise market means there is a holiday for everyone, whether it’s a cruise departing from the UK, an ultra-luxury experience in the Caribbean, a cultural river cruise or a photographic expedition to the Fjords, many more people are getting onboard to discover a world of cruising.’

An introduction to Silversea Cruises

We are currently researching a selection of exciting cruise lines for our portfolio, and during the course of the next few weeks we will be bringing you highlights from some of the best we have found on the market.

Silversea offer near infinite possibilities for richly abundant, highly personalised cruising experiences. With voyages to seven continents, visiting 80 countries and taking in more than 400 ports of call, Silversea’s small, agile ships can take you almost anywhere in the world you may wish to go, including the routes and waterways less travelled.

We have found the Silversea fleet to be particularly impressive and their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of cruising excellence has seen them receive an expansive list of accolades, including, in recent years, being voted ‘Worlds Best Cruise Line’ and ‘Best Small Ship Cruise Line’ by various consumer and trade publications.

2011 brings with it a new ship, Prince Albert II, the World’s most luxurious expedition ship, which ventures to the most intriguing and unspoiled corners of the globe. Prince Albert II is custom-designed to withstand the most extreme conditions, so voyages to even the most remote destinations, normally beyond the reach of conventional cruising, are possible.

With so many ports of call visited, the plethora of itineraries available is almost overwhelming, whether you wish to be venturing from Pole to Pole, experiencing the staggering diversity of South America, sharing the traditions of jungle cultures, learning about the colourful African tribal customs, or landing on beaches undisturbed by tourist and islands uninhabited by man, for example. Here at Exemplar Cruises, our research team are diligently hand-picking selected itineraries that we believe will showcase the very best that Silversea has to offer.

In terms of price, when comparing similar itineraries, a Silversea cruise primarily falls into the highest pricing bands, however, it would be somewhat difficult to argue the value for money on offer. After all, this is a luxury cruise line offering exceptional service and superlative comfort, with opulent amenities, all-inclusive board basis, superior personal butler service and gastronomic excellence, which not only makes Silversea one of the best for luxury value at sea, but also a rival for some of the worlds most luxury resorts.

WIN Tickets to the Cruise Show in London

The Cruise Show, the only exhibition dedicated to helping travellers discover a world of voyages, is taking place in London at the Olympia Grand Hall from Saturday 26th March to Sunday 27th March 2011. Tickets are £6 in advance or £10 on the door.

Enter our prize draw and you could WIN free admission for yourself and a partner! To enter just sign-up to receive our newsletter by clicking here. The winner will be announced on Friday 18th March and contacted by email.

The 2011 London CRUISE Show is bigger than ever before with 3 talk theatres where you will find experts offering FREE advice and inspiration. This year the show also has more features and more exhibitors (from the major cruise lines to river and expedition cruise operators) which should guarantee you’ll have a great day out. More importantly, you will be able to discover at first-hand everything the world of cruising has to offer.

For more information why not visit the Cruise Show website at cruisingshow.co.uk

Star Clippers operates three of the world’s largest and tallest...

Star Clippers operates three of the world’s largest and tallest sailing vessels. Visiting ports often untouched by larger cruise ships and offering passengers the activities, amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht, Star Clippers is recognized as one of the premier specialty cruise lines.

This 10 minute video provides a fantastic insight of cruising aboard a tall sailing vessel.

A film festival, a motor race and a sail ship cruise

We asked our directors to pick a note-worthy cruise for 2011. In true Exemplar style, their chosen itinerary was about as original and unique as they come.

Departing on 19 May 2011, this voyage unusually begins on land rather than water. A two night stay at the Cannes Riviera Hotel will allow you to experience the glitz and glamour of the Cannes Film Festival. The festival, which runs from 11-22 May, will be reaching the grand finale and the town will be bustling with the most influential and recognisable faces in Hollywood.

Following two nights of star gazing, you will transfer to the spectacular Star Flyer and begin your 14 night cruise. The Star Flyer is a true clipper sail ship, reflecting her proud heritage in every inch of her polished brass, gleaming brightwork and billowing sails. Over the next 15 days you will visit ports in Corsica, Portofino, St Tropez, and Sardinia before arriving in Monaco in time for the legendary Grand Prix weekend.

The Monaco Grand Prix has been running since 1929 and is widely considered to be one of the world’s most important and prestigious automobile races. The narrow streets of Monaco allow you to get closer to the action than any other circuit. This spectacle makes for a perfect end to a truly memorable and involving journey.