Thursday April 24

Fresh from Easter - and talk of chocolate this week in the industry - by P&O Cruises of course with further details revealed on their new ship Britannia.  According to Travel Weekly these new features include a beer map of Britain, chocolate making masterclasses, speciality cheese selections and gun tasting! And all of this in addition to its Food Heroes headed by James Martin.  Tasty!  Read here.

Talking of new ships - Regal Princess is now just weeks away from launch, and is back in the ship yard after sea trials to ready herself for service: read here

There is of course more on-going itinerary announcements making the news, with Quantum of the Seas destined to head to China - a reflection of the importance this region will make in the future - read here; whilst Holland America Line will use Ryndam is to increase its sailings from Harwich - another endorsement by a major cruise line of the importance of the UK - read here.

This week we also saw a focus on the great many advances in environmental efforts by the cruise industry, demonstrating the huge investment being made by all cruise lines in this area - read here

Meanwhile over at Crystal Cruises the talk has turned to attracting a younger cruise guest - a great chance for Crystal to showcase recent developments such as bicycle tours and classes in video production - read here

And finally in a story that serves to demonstrate the positive economic impact of the industry on local economies, over in Plymouth talk turns to cruising - read here

CLIA UK & Ireland very much looks forward to seeing delegates at the River Cruise Expo next week - and would like to thank all sponsors of the 2014 Selling Cruise Conference - see here

Until next week...