Paying a visit to Dublin port this week was the flagship of the Holland America Line, M.S. Rotterdam, and the cruise line utilised the visit to host a group of top travel agents to lunch and a presentation on board.
Holland America has a fleet of 15 mid-size ships and annually offers more than 500 cruises to 415 ports of call in 98 countries. The line also has a new ship on order for delivery in February 2016.
The M.S. Rotterdam has capacity for 1,404 guests and offers a wide range of culinary choices across a multiplicity of dining locations onboard. There is even a dedicated ‘Martini Bar’ for those who like it stirred but not shaken.
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK and Ireland gave an insightful media briefing onboard. The CLIA has 45 cruise line members and more than 1,700 travel agents members in the UK and Ireland.
Andy Harmer, the CLIA Director, said that the organisation provides support to its trade members to grow their cruise business and to grow profits.
They have designated the week beginning on 27th September to be Pan European Cruise Week, with the objective of putting a focus on cruising. They also provide an online learning facility, which on completion gives accreditation by the London-based City & Guilds.
Andy went on to say that river cruising has grown by 22% in the last year.
The M.S. Rotterdam offers one of the highest guest to space ratios in its class – 47.1. The ship has $2 million collection of fine antiques and artwork themed on Dutch exploration.
