Travel News

With the roadmap out of the pandemic looking more and more positive, countries are opening their boarders and the news ‘Double Vaccinated’ have no need to isolate on return, we can’t think of a better time to start your business.

While the appeal for ocean cruising has continued to expand, so too has the interest in river cruising with more than 200,000 embarking on a sailing in 2017.

After recently upping the daily service charge onboard its ships, P&O Cruises has announced it will be scrapping it across the entire fleet from May 2019.

Last week saw Sir Richard Branson announce the name for the first Virgin Voyages ship. Scarlet Lady, set to launch in 2020, will revitalise the cruise industry.

As smaller ships depart the P&O Cruises fleet, we take a closer look at the brand new Iona and how she outlines the future of traditionally British cruising.

Great Yarmouth has become the latest addition to the range of British ports, with Seabourn Quest guests able to experience everything the town has to offer.

Last week saw the Royal Caribbean holding company acquire a 66.7% share in Silversea. This marks the company’s bold new venture into the ultra-luxury sector.

Channel 5’s ‘Cruising with Jane McDonald’ has returned for a fourth season, with the presenter singer embarking on cruises around New Zealand and South America.

Branson’s vision for Virgin Voyages outlines an intention to do things differently. This is depicted in new renderings, which were released last week.

Scheduled to launch in 2020, P&O Cruises’ newest build, Iona, will be environmentally friendly and come equipped with a range of new features.

Silversea is one of the biggest lines in the Ultra-luxury sector and, this week, the line has revealed plans to launch a new €320million ship in 2021.

British discovery cruise brand, Swan Hellenic, went into administration in 2017. Now, the brand looks set to make a comeback under new owners, G Adventures.

In 2019, Spectrum of the Seas will become Royal Caribbean’s first Quantum-Ultra class ship. We take a look at some of the features she might have on board.

Cunard’s iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 ship was once dubbed one of the most important vessels in recent history, bringing consumers back to the cruise industry.

This week, Liverpool unveiled plans for a new £50 million cruise terminal, which will be able to support some of the world’s largest super liners.

MSC Cruises has confirmed their new vessel, MSC Bellissima, will be christened in the UK. The ceremony will take place in Southampton on the 2nd March 2019.

For passengers struggling to decide exactly where they want to go; Silversea is now offering an exclusive sailing that incorporates all seven continents.

Viking is one of the most renowned names in river cruising. The line is now looking to ocean cruise, with plans to launch as many as 11 new ships by 2027.

Symphony of the Seas will arrive in Barcelona this month prior to sailing out of Barcelona. We take a look at why this is the ultimate family-friendly ship.

Fred Olsen Jnr has unveiled plans to roll out exploration cruises. The line is looking to launch a new ship and has exciting plans for the existing fleet.

Tipping may be far from commonplace in British culture and each cruise line has a different procedure. To make things easier, we have created an easy guide.

Over the next 5 years, cruise lines will seek to abolish all single-use plastic items from on board their ships – creating less of an impact on the environment.

In 2017, a record-breaking number of passengers boarded a cruise out of Southampton. With new ships coming in 2018, this figure is set to be broken once again.

Cruising offers an enjoyable way to see the world in a short amount of time. But did you know it is also considered to be good for you? Our blog explains all.

2018 will see many new trends introduced in a bid to attract millennial holiday-makers. We take a closer look at how this could shake-up the industry.

ITV’s ‘The Cruise’ will return next week, 11th January 2018, and will offer a unique insight into the operation aboard Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess.

While expedition cruising has opened up many inaccessible areas, it has failed to associate with luxury. Many lines are now beginning to cater to this sector.

St Maarten was severely damaged by Hurricane Irma during the summer. Now, three months late, the island is ready to welcome cruise tourists once more.

Many cruise lines are competing to offer the most appealing experiences to millennial holiday-makers and Hurtigruten has found a gap in the market.

MSC Cruises embarking on a new path of exponential growth. Last week, details of the line’s brand new Meraviglia-Plus ship were received to the public.

Azamara Club Cruises has announced their new ship, Azamara Pursuit, will be christened in the UK after agents received a significant increase in demand.

2018 looks set to be another monumental year for the cruise industry. We take a look at five of the most eagerly anticipated vessels set to launch next year.

In 2014, Richard Branson announced he would launch his own cruise line. New details of the line’s first ship were finally unveiled at a ceremony in Genoa.

Celebrity Cruises has confirmed the brand new Celebrity Edge will operate sailings out of Europe including an inaugural sailing out of Southampton in May 2019.

River cruises may be about elegant ships, port lectures and walking tours, but U by Uniworld is set to redefine the industry by appealing to a younger market.

Since 1997, Viking has grown significantly and is the most recognisable river line in the industry. Last week, the line announced plans for further expansion.

The transfer of Adonia from P&O Cruises to Azamara marks a statement of intent from P&O Cruises and asks questions about the future of smaller ships.

Joining Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, Cunard’s first new ship in 12 years will sit comfortably amongst these three luxurious ships.

The ultra-luxury cruise sector is one of the most diverse in the industry. Our guide, this week, offers a guide to each of the ultra-luxury lines.

Ultra-luxury lines are continuously striving to offer the most elegant cruise product. Now, Silversea has stepped forward with the announcement of a new ship.

With demand for cruise holidays continuing to rise, Cunard and P&O Cruises are both launching their full range of 2017 itineraries later this month.

Channel 5’s ‘Cruising with Jane McDonald’ is returning for a second series, with episodes set to focus on larger ocean-bound vessels and river cruise ships.

Royal Caribbean have detailed plans in place for the next few years and last week marked the beginning of their work on the brand new Spectrum of the Seas.

Many holiday makers hold reservations when considering embarking on a cruise for the first time. This week, we debunk some of the myths that are most common.

For the first time, P&O Cruises will be able to offer same-sex marriages on board their ships, with the first ceremonies taking place on Azura in January 2018.

Currently under construction at the STX France shipyard in St. Nazaire; Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas is beginning to take shape.

In 2020, P&O Cruises will launch the newest addition to their fleet. The line is inviting members of the public to name their new 5,200-passenger flagship.

In June 2017, franchisees from around the UK gathered in the charming Belgian town of Mechelen for the Annual Summer GoCruise Conference.

While cruise lines continue to build ships that are increasingly larger in size, considerable efforts are also being made to ensure each vessel stays afloat.

If ever you needed evidence that the cruise market is expanding to suit a more eclectic range of tastes and desires, Ritz-Carlton’s decision to enter the industry may do just that.

Last week saw Cruise and Maritime Voyages launch their new ship, Columbus. At a glitzy launch event, the line also teased that more ships may be on the way.

The past decade has seen vast technological leaps within the cruising industry and MSC Cruises are set to make ripples with their latest RFID gadgets.

ITV’s ‘The Cruise’ and Channel 5’s ‘Cruising with Jane McDonald’ have both received the go-ahead for new series – which is great news for the cruise industry.

From 25th May, Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral will commence a series of 13 voyages out of Newcastle’s Port of Tyne, taking passengers to destinations throughout Europe.

Following the rise in popularity for river-based cruises, Fred. Olsen has decided to purchase their own river-specific vessel – which is set to sail in 2018.

While holiday-makers enjoy the benefits of cruising, the sector is also having a positive effect around the world and attempting to create a sustainable image.

The future of cruising has arrived in the form of wearable technology, which is able to track the whereabouts and monitor the habits of passengers on board.

On the 27th April, Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Norwegian Joy will head to China, offering a range of exciting and luxurious amenities to a new market.

Proposals for the construction of a new permanent cruise terminal in Liverpool could see the return of Cunard transatlantic itineraries operated out of the city.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Premium All Inclusive offering will see cruise fares that include all meals, selected drinks, gratuities and much more.

In 2018, MSC Cruises will operate their first vessel out of UK shores in three years and the line plans to offer a product that appeals to British consumers.

Royal Caribbean has confirmed its fourth Oasis-class vessel will be named Symphony of the Seas and this exciting new ship will become the largest in the world.

Speaking at a launch event for the new Fred. Olsen 2018/19 brochure, Fred Olsen Jnr announced that plans for new ships were in fact on the table.

In 2019, P&O Cruises will operate the line’s first fly-cruise season to the Arabian Gulf, with Oriana taking guests to destinations in UAE, Bahrain and Oman.

Throughout 2017, some of the finest ships will sail out of the UK. The cruise ship tracker allows you to follow your favourite ships prior to docking in the UK.

Since 1998, Disney Magic has provided cruisers with a range of opportunities across a range of unique destinations, the newest of which will be Cork in 2018.

Throughout 2017, the cruise industry will welcome many exciting new ships. We take a closer look at six vessels which could be game changers for the industry.

This Friday, Channel 5 will launch a new cruise TV series. 'Cruising with Jane McDonald' will deliver an insight into a range of ocean and river cruise vessels.

Princess Cruises’ Royal Class represents a new era of elegant cruising. This unique fleet is set to be joined by four brand new vessels between 2017 and 2022.

With cruising becoming more and more popular, each cruise line strives to offer new experiences across a range of untouched destinations.

The turn of the New Year meant that it was time, once again, for the annual January GoCruise Conference, which was held at Coombe Abbey in Coventry.

The cruise industry looks set to grow once again in 2017. You can take advantage of this growth by embarking on an exciting business opportunity with GoCruise Franchise.

Carnival Corporation’s social impact line, Fathom, has paved the way for 5 US lines, including NCL and Royal Caribbean, to operate itineraries to Cuba in 2017.

In 2018, Celebrity Cruises will homeport Celebrity Eclipse in Dublin, making her the first vessel from a major cruise line to sail out of the Irish capital.

Following a push for fly-cruises last year, MSC Cruises have announced they will return to the UK in 2018, operating itineraries out of Southampton.

Christmas presents a chance to escape the bitterly cold winter with a number of new cruising opportunities that enable passengers to enjoy sunnier climes.

With as many as four new ships set to launch between 2018 and 2021, it may seem difficult to think what Royal Caribbean has in store beyond this - but exciting plans are already in the works.

Many of the world's most respected figures started at the same point. But through their own unique philosophies, they have enjoyed years of respect and success.

River cruising enables passengers to travel through a variety of regions while exploring interests such as wine, cuisine, art, music, culture, and much more.

With the right planning, a cruise can be an affordable holiday option. Our guide highlights the factors that should be considered when booking a family cruise.

P&O cruises have announced plans for a new 5,200-passenger vessel, which will be built by Meyer Werft in Germany and is set for delivery in 2020.

With the average UK wedding costing in excess of £21,000, more British couples are making the decision to get married on board a cruise ship.

Crystal Cruises vessel, Crystal Serenity, will embark on a controversial journey through the Northwest Passage. A journey made possible through climate change.

Cunard’s former ship, Queen Elizabeth 2, restored the pride of the nation. The ship was retired in 2008 and is gathering mould. Can this iconic ship be saved?

Last year's venue for the GoCruise summer conference, Copdock Hall, played host once again to Geoff Ridgeon and Bridget Coe as they offered an insight into the past year of business.

Since the 1970’s, Princess Cruises has enjoyed being in the limelight. In 2017, Royal Princess will become the star of ITV documentary series ‘The Cruise’.

According to statistics released by CLIA, the cruise industry remains vital for the UK economy, having contributed a total of £2.58 billion in 2015.

Set to launch in July 2016, the highly anticipated fourth addition to the Regent Seven Seas fleet could well be the most luxurious vessel to ever sail.

Utilising data from Google Trends from the last few years, we at Cruise Franchise are able to establish the most popular cruise lines and destinations.

In June 2016, Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Dream will make her call in the Scottish port of Invergordon as part of a series of European itineraries.

The Mediterranean is home to some of the most popular cruise ports in the world. This week, we take a closer look at the ports which are set to gain the highest numbers of visitors.

Other than being the largest cruise ship ever built, what else does Harmony of the Seas have to offer? We take a closer look at the ship's unique features.

We are proud to have been nominated in the 2016 Agent Achievement Awards under the category of 'Homeworking Agency'.

From 2017, Cruise and Maritime ships, Marco Polo and Magellan, will operate itineraries out of Newport and Cardiff to a variety of European destinations.

Following an extensive travel embargo between the US and Cuba, diplomatic discussions have taken place and paved the way for cruises from Florida to Havana.

Passengers sailing on board Cruise and Maritime Voyages brand new ship, Columbus, in 2017 will be able to bring their children on board for the first time.

Earlier this month, Ovation of the Seas became Royal Caribbean’s third Quantum-class ship. This week, we break down this huge ship into digestible figures.

Hurtigruten offers cruises to some of the most naturally amazing destinations on earth and is determined in its efforts to protect the environment.

Following the launch of Viking Star, Viking Ocean Cruises has continued to receive critical acclaim and receive accolades within the cruising industry.

Following an extensive travel embargo, Carnival Corporation has become the first American cruise company to establish regular itineraries to Cuba.