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Latest on the scrapping of the Blue Lady (EX-France)

Cruise Line Exec's address Med port congestion concerns at SeaTrade Miami

Speaking on behalf of his association’s 68 member ports in 20 countries, MedCruise secretary general Jose Campos said many were already suffering congestion, a problem set to increase with more ships of larger size heading for the region. ‘In the worst case scenario, local residents and environmentalists are complaining,’ he said, ‘and this needs to be dealt with in good way.’

Campos suggested that ports should liaise with shore excursion providers, tourist boards, local authorities and others to contain the problem and ensure a wide offer of coordinated excursions. ‘More collaboration, more coordination and better management is key,’ he said. For its part, MedCruise can help ‘to look at other excursions and destinations to assist with planning,’ Campos added.

Multiple cruise ships all following each other on the same port rotation was identified as a another factor that negatively impacts passengers’ perceptions of a unique and diverse vacation.

Speaking from the floor, MedCruise chairman Laurent Monsaingeon echoed a suggestion made late last year by Costa’s Roberto Ferrarini for the introduction of ‘itinerary planning conferences.'

Representing the cruise lines’ view, Fred. Olsen’s Nigel Lingard said that the European offer of cruise ports and shore excursions had certainly become ‘more sophisticated’ in recent years, but that ports’ advance notification of their scheduled bookings could still be improved. He also pointed out that the trend toward larger ships ‘does pose a problem with pioneering new destinations.

Vijay Singh, Winner of this weekends - Arnold Palmer Invitational, held at Arnold's Bay Hill Club was welcomed in his home country,  Fiji, recently when he visited the Pacific Island nation.  The legendary golfer viewed the progress of work on the planned golf course, located on the Coral Coast, he designed as part of the Natadola Marine Resort, known as InterContinental Resort Fiji, a 275-room hotel.  The 18-hole championship course and hotel are due to open in early 2008.  This was the golfer’s fourth trip to oversee work on the course.  Along with the golf course, Singh will be personally involved in a special Golf Academy where Fijian youth can develop their game. 

Some ideas for new destinations.

Recent visits to several Central and South American countries by both Steve Bloss and Jim Castle have created an interest in promoting these destinations to our clients. Whilst a number of countries in this area are still a little unsettled for tourism never the less many are have stable governments who are actively creating secure and safe environments for tourism to flourish.

Steve & Diana Bloss cruised back to Florida from Lima, Peru via the Panama Canal. making stops in Guatemala, Ecuador, Panama amongst others.  The cruise on the Regent Seven Seas Navigator was pretty much a full sailing, many of the passengers took advantage of the excellent shore excursions offered, all without any incidents.  Steve was excited that here were places with new and exciting offerings all within a relatively short flight or cruise from the United States.

Jim Castle was in Colombia for the best part of a week, Initially in Cartagena which proved to be an incredible destination, an excellent and safe cruise port with the 3rd oldest city in the America's at it's door.

For those of you who have not had the opportunity to visit Cartagena, I recommend you do so..   I found the city to be an amazing experience.  The Colombian tourism authority are creating an environment which is encouraging major investment in the tourism industry.  The city boasts a number of hotels of all categories, ranging from family resort hotels along the miles of beach front, to exquisite boutique hotels in the old city, many of which are restored 15th/16th century Spanish style mansions.  Sofitel, has an incredible hotel in the old city - The Santa Clara - it has been reconstructed inside the walls of an old convent/hospice. Numerous restaurants are located both inside the old city and "downtown" as the new city is called.  Downtown offers many shopping options with designer shops, boutiques, restaurants and clubs.

The city is surrounded by 11 km's of outer walls and a number of fort both large and small protect the old city.  Cartagena is a World Heritage site and as such restoration has to be undertaken in a careful way to preserve the original fabric of the city.  The city government is enthusiastically encouraging groups and practically all of the public buildings including the churches, squares and forts are available for functions.  The city also hosts several excellent and knowledgeable DMC's which we would be happy to recommend.

A couple of hours to the north is the America's 2nd Oldest City - Santa Marta, located in a beautiful bay, another gem, with a sea port and endless white sand beaches. Also in the area are a number of per-Columbian ruins including the "Lost City" which would make a wonderful day excursion.

Bogotá was another city visited on this trip.  As one would expect in a capital city, it was noisy and busy with all the usual traffic problems we have learned to live with.  That aside the city offers many interesting sites and museums worth visiting as well as a good selection of hotels, restaurants and night clubs.. indeed something for every taste.

I found the Colombian's to be extremely friendly, even the beach vendors where not pushy.