20 May 2012
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1 November 2010
Shearings launches cruises ideal for beginners
Shearings Holidays has announced three no-fly cruises as part of its 2011 programme, designed to cater for the increasing number of over 50s trying a cruise for the first time.
Latest figures from the Passenger Shipping Association reveal that around 1.77 million people in the UK are expected to take a cruise next year, up 8% on 2010*, meaning many will be doing so for the first time.
In response to the trend, Shearings has created three exclusive itineraries which provide an easy introduction to cruising, are simple to join with free transport to the port, and offer excellent value with no hidden costs. The escorted tour operator has exclusively chartered the small, well-appointed MV Discovery and is offering cruises to the Norwegian Fjords, the Baltic Capitals and around the British Isles.
Caroline Brown, commercial director for Shearings said: “From our own research we know that today’s over 50s are looking for new experiences and different ways to explore and travel, whether they’re visiting an exotic location or staying close to home.
“Despite this they want the reassurance of booking with a company they trust, as well as the ease, comfort and affordability that an escorted tour can offer.
“Since we first dipped our toe in the water with sea cruising we’ve seen demand continue to grow and, as a result, we’ve chartered a full ship for the first time. The benefit of this being that we can offer our customers everything they love about a Shearings holiday, from the friendly staff to lively evening entertainment – essentially offering an escorted tour on a ship.”
All the ‘hidden extras’ usually associated with cruising have been included in the price. This includes all gratuities, all service charges, free return coach travel to the ship, all port taxes, car parking at Shearings’ interchanges and departure ports, all meals, all on-board activities and entertainment and even unlimited tea and coffee 24 hours a day.
The environment is also designed to be as relaxed and friendly as possible, with a full English-speaking crew and currency on-board in Sterling.
Caroline added: “Many people can find the prospect of a huge cruise liner quite daunting, which is why the Discovery offers the perfect alternative for beginners. With only 650 passengers on board, the ship offers an intimate and friendly atmosphere while maintaining a luxury setting, boasting two pools, a gym and cinema.”
The announcement marks the company’s latest step in its evolution from traditional coach operator to over-50s specialist escorted tour operator and follows the launch of a collection of new worldwide tours earlier this year.
Cruise Itineraries
Norwegian Fjords
This 8-day no-fly cruise discovers the magical landscape of Norway and the breathtaking beauty of the Norwegian Fjords. Departing from Portsmouth, the cruise visits Bergen, Orsta, Floro and Flam in Norway before returning to Harwich.
Priced from £899 the cruise includes free connection to the port, all meals, Captain’s cocktail party and gala dinners, entertainment and port charges. It also covers all on-board gratuities, all on-board service charges and free porterage from the cruise terminal to the cabin.
Departs on 28 May 2011.
Baltic Capitals
This 14-day no-fly cruise offers the chance to step foot in lands of Viking warriors, German merchants, seafaring wanderers and Tsars with a historic journey combining Scandinavia and Russia.
Highlights include three days in St Petersburg with a visit to the royal palaces, visits to Copenhagen, Stolkholm, Berlin and the Old Town of Tallinn. Passengers will also enjoy sailing along the Kiel Canal – an important waterway in Baltic history.
Priced from £1599 the cruise includes free connection to the port, all meals, Captain’s cocktail party and gala dinners, entertainment and port charges. It also covers all on-board gratuities, all on-board service charges and free porterage from the cruise terminal to the cabin.
Departs on 20 August 2011.
British Isles
This 10-day no-fly cruise circumnavigates the 12,000 kilometre stretch of rugged coastline of the British Isles. It departs from Harwich and visits St Peter Port in Guernsey, Cobh, Dublin, Oban, Isle of Skye, Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands before returning to Harwich.
Highlights include exploring the charming and vibrant city of Dublin, seeing the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands, romantic lochs and glens and exploring the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye and Lerwick on the Shetland Islands.
Priced from £1099 the cruise includes free connection to the port, all meals, Captain’s cocktail party and gala dinners, entertainment and port charges. It also covers all on-board gratuities, all on-board service charges and free porterage from the cruise terminal to the cabin.
Departs on 2 September 2011.
For more information call Shearings Holidays on 0844 209 7143 or visit www.shearings.com
* The UK ocean cruise market continues to buck the trend with a record number of passengers predicted for 2011. www.the-psa.co.uk
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Latest figures from the Passenger Shipping Association reveal that around 1.77 million people in the UK are expected to take a cruise next year, up 8% on 2010*, meaning many will be doing so for the first time.
In response to the trend, Shearings has created three exclusive itineraries which provide an easy introduction to cruising, are simple to join with free transport to the port, and offer excellent value with no hidden costs. The escorted tour operator has exclusively chartered the small, well-appointed MV Discovery and is offering cruises to the Norwegian Fjords, the Baltic Capitals and around the British Isles.
Caroline Brown, commercial director for Shearings said: “From our own research we know that today’s over 50s are looking for new experiences and different ways to explore and travel, whether they’re visiting an exotic location or staying close to home.
“Despite this they want the reassurance of booking with a company they trust, as well as the ease, comfort and affordability that an escorted tour can offer.
“Since we first dipped our toe in the water with sea cruising we’ve seen demand continue to grow and, as a result, we’ve chartered a full ship for the first time. The benefit of this being that we can offer our customers everything they love about a Shearings holiday, from the friendly staff to lively evening entertainment – essentially offering an escorted tour on a ship.”
All the ‘hidden extras’ usually associated with cruising have been included in the price. This includes all gratuities, all service charges, free return coach travel to the ship, all port taxes, car parking at Shearings’ interchanges and departure ports, all meals, all on-board activities and entertainment and even unlimited tea and coffee 24 hours a day.
The environment is also designed to be as relaxed and friendly as possible, with a full English-speaking crew and currency on-board in Sterling.
Caroline added: “Many people can find the prospect of a huge cruise liner quite daunting, which is why the Discovery offers the perfect alternative for beginners. With only 650 passengers on board, the ship offers an intimate and friendly atmosphere while maintaining a luxury setting, boasting two pools, a gym and cinema.”
The announcement marks the company’s latest step in its evolution from traditional coach operator to over-50s specialist escorted tour operator and follows the launch of a collection of new worldwide tours earlier this year.
Cruise Itineraries
Norwegian Fjords
This 8-day no-fly cruise discovers the magical landscape of Norway and the breathtaking beauty of the Norwegian Fjords. Departing from Portsmouth, the cruise visits Bergen, Orsta, Floro and Flam in Norway before returning to Harwich.
Priced from £899 the cruise includes free connection to the port, all meals, Captain’s cocktail party and gala dinners, entertainment and port charges. It also covers all on-board gratuities, all on-board service charges and free porterage from the cruise terminal to the cabin.
Departs on 28 May 2011.
Baltic Capitals
This 14-day no-fly cruise offers the chance to step foot in lands of Viking warriors, German merchants, seafaring wanderers and Tsars with a historic journey combining Scandinavia and Russia.
Highlights include three days in St Petersburg with a visit to the royal palaces, visits to Copenhagen, Stolkholm, Berlin and the Old Town of Tallinn. Passengers will also enjoy sailing along the Kiel Canal – an important waterway in Baltic history.
Priced from £1599 the cruise includes free connection to the port, all meals, Captain’s cocktail party and gala dinners, entertainment and port charges. It also covers all on-board gratuities, all on-board service charges and free porterage from the cruise terminal to the cabin.
Departs on 20 August 2011.
British Isles
This 10-day no-fly cruise circumnavigates the 12,000 kilometre stretch of rugged coastline of the British Isles. It departs from Harwich and visits St Peter Port in Guernsey, Cobh, Dublin, Oban, Isle of Skye, Orkney Islands and the Shetland Islands before returning to Harwich.
Highlights include exploring the charming and vibrant city of Dublin, seeing the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands, romantic lochs and glens and exploring the natural beauty of the Isle of Skye and Lerwick on the Shetland Islands.
Priced from £1099 the cruise includes free connection to the port, all meals, Captain’s cocktail party and gala dinners, entertainment and port charges. It also covers all on-board gratuities, all on-board service charges and free porterage from the cruise terminal to the cabin.
Departs on 2 September 2011.
For more information call Shearings Holidays on 0844 209 7143 or visit www.shearings.com
* The UK ocean cruise market continues to buck the trend with a record number of passengers predicted for 2011. www.the-psa.co.uk
