I recently had the pleasure of attending the CLIA Ocean Cruise Conference in Southampton with some of my colleagues. It was a three-day event where we joined other travel professionals and cruise suppliers from across the UK to learn all about what’s happening in the cruise industry and hear about exciting new developments that I can’t wait to share with my customers!
Day 1-
After travelling down to Southampton, I headed straight to the conference, where the day was filled with informative sessions and engaging discussions from many of our preferred suppliers. It was a valuable opportunity to connect with a wide range of travel agents and cruise lines to develop my knowledge!
One of the highlights of the day was hearing from the guest speakers. We heard from ex-barrister and TV personality Rob Rinder who provided first-hand accounts of his most memorable travels.
Throughout the conference, it was encouraging to hear first-hand about the exciting innovations shaping the future of cruising. There truly is a cruise ship and itinerary for everyone out there. Our preferred suppliers are constantly coming up with fresh new ideas, and it was fantastic to be able to hear all about it directly from them.
The day concluded with an enjoyable networking event alongside many of our valued cruise supplier partners. It was great to be able to talk to our suppliers about their offers, new itineraries and be inspired. It was an excellent opportunity to learn more about the products and experiences available to our customers and gain a deeper understanding of what each cruise line can offer.
It was fantastic to spend time with so many knowledgeable and passionate individuals. I cannot wait to share the insights I gained throughout the day with my fellow colleagues and customers back in branch. There was such a buzz in the room and around cruising and it’s easy to see why!
Day 2- Onboard Britannia
Day two began bright and early with a visit onboard the gorgeous Britannia. This was an exciting opportunity to experience one of the UK's most popular cruise ships first-hand.
We enjoyed a self-guided tour of the ship, allowing plenty of time to explore the various public spaces and accommodation options. I was blown away by the atrium upon arrival of the ship. It was spacious, light and modern. With high ceilings, a spiral staircase and pianist it is the perfect space to relax once onboard.
We spent some time visiting every cabin type they offer. One of the first things that struck me was the size of the cabins. Across the different cabin categories we visited, the rooms felt spacious, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed, offering guests plenty of room to relax during their holiday.
As we explored further, it became clear just how much Britannia has to offer. There were numerous bars, lounges, and quiet areas throughout the ship. Despite her size, I felt there were plenty of opportunities and areas for guests to sit and relax outside of their cabin. The ship never felt crowded.
The spa area was well equipped with many private treatment rooms. They offer a wide variety of treatments perfect for a little at sea pampering. Although they have a lot of rooms available, my advice would be to book in as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
We were then treated to a delicious three-course lunch, featuring duck breast to start, roast beef for the main course, and a traditional sponge pudding for dessert. The quality of the food was excellent and showcased the high standard of dining available onboard.
Following lunch, we had the chance to watch a performance from the onboard entertainment team. The segment they presented was truly outstanding and felt every bit as polished and professional as a production you would expect to see in London's West End. The talent, energy, and production value were incredibly impressive.
What stood out most throughout the visit was the overall atmosphere onboard. Britannia felt light, airy, and exceptionally modern, with stylish interiors and elegant public spaces throughout. The crew members were so friendly and welcoming. They couldn’t do enough to help.
After my time on Britannia, although brief, it is clear to see why customers thoroughly enjoy their time onboard. It was a fantastic opportunity to experience the ship first-hand and gain valuable knowledge that I can share with customers looking for their next cruise adventure with P&O.
Day 3- Onboard Insignia
Our final day began with another early start as we headed back to Southampton's cruise terminal to visit Oceania Cruises' Insignia. From the moment we stepped onboard, we were made to feel incredibly welcome by the crew who greeted us with mimosas in the Observatory Lounge. This is the ideal location to enjoy a drink and take in the views on a sea day.
Our tour began with a look at the ship's accommodation, including the impressive Owner's Suite, luxurious Penthouse Suites, and stylish Veranda Staterooms. The Owner's Suite was particularly impressive, offering a vast amount of space. When you book the Owner’s Suite you can also enjoy a range of exclusive benefits designed to elevate the guest experience. From priority embarkation to 24-hour butler service, it felt like Oceania had thought of every detail to ensure guests feel thoroughly pampered whilst onboard.
One of the highlights of the visit for me was undoubtedly lunch. If you’re a foodie like me then Oceania is the cruise line for you. They are renowned in the industry for their culinary delights and it’s safe to say they live up to expectations! When docked in port, they will use fresh local produce for their menus, so you truly are immersed in a location on and off the ship. We enjoyed a beautifully presented four-course meal and I can say that every dish was packed full of flavour. My fillet steak was cooked to perfection and showcased the exceptional quality of the dining experience available onboard.
The service throughout the day was outstanding. Every member of the crew went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable and well looked after. They all had such a genuine enthusiasm for the job, and it created such a welcoming atmosphere.
We also had the opportunity to visit the onboard spa and fitness centre, both of which were exceptionally well equipped and designed to help guests relax, unwind, and maintain their wellness routines while at sea.
My time onboard Insignia was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The combination of outstanding service, luxurious accommodation, exceptional dining, and welcoming atmosphere made it easy to understand why Oceania Cruises has such a loyal following. I left the ship feeling thoroughly impressed and with valuable first-hand knowledge that I can share with my customers who are considering a luxury cruise holiday.
Attending the CLIA Conference in Southampton was an incredibly valuable experience, and I am now ready to share what I learned with my customers. If you would like to discuss your next cruise, I would be more than happy to help you in Chepstow! Telephone 01291 762 059 or email [email protected]
