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Hello and welcome to my April 2026 update!
With spring well underway and longer daylight hours upon us, it’s a time of year when holidays are at the forefront of everyone’s mind. That has certainly been evident over the past month, with overall trading ahead of last year. In March, we even recorded a standout day, booking over 600 clients on a single P&O Cruises departure – an extraordinary achievement. Likewise, our ‘best sellers sale’ selection of P&O Cruises sailings has proved exceptionally popular, highlighting the continued strong demand we are seeing across the board.
On the subject of P&O Cruises, by the time you read this message, we will be very much in launch mode for their Summer 2028 programme. I can hardly believe we are already talking about 2028, but as this is such a key date in our annual calendar, and with demand expected to be exceptionally high, it would be remiss of me not to highlight the exciting activity ahead.
From Tuesday 21 April, we will open for pre-booking, giving you the opportunity to speak with our team and discuss your requirements for the new summer collection. Reservations then open a week later, and with many of the most popular itineraries and cabins expected to sell quickly, sharing your preferences in advance will give you the very best chance of securing your first choice.
With decades of P&O Cruises launches behind us, this is something we have truly mastered. Combined with our bespoke, ultra-fast booking system, we are confident of achieving close to a 100% success rate in securing our clients’ preferred cruise and accommodation. Be sure to look out for our preliminary brochure, and I strongly encourage you to speak with our Cruise Experts on 01246 819 819 ahead of your chosen launch date to ensure everything is in place.
Cunard has also launched a limited-time offer in partnership with the Olivier Awards, and it’s certainly one worth highlighting. Selected voyages are currently benefiting from a 5% saving, applying to Cunard Fare, Early Saver and selected Late Saver bookings departing between April 2026 and December 2027, offering a wide range of options across the fleet. For those considering a higher level of accommodation, even greater savings are also available on selected Grills suites.
In addition to savings on the voyage itself, you can also enjoy a 5% saving on a range of onboard experiences, including dining, drinks, shore experiences and spa treatments when booked in advance, adding further value to your time on board.
With the offer available until 16 April, this is an excellent opportunity to secure a Cunard sailing, whether you are a returning guest or perhaps considering experiencing the line for the first time. I would encourage you to speak with one of our Cruise Experts on 01246 819 819 if this is of interest.
We have also recently secured a selection of exclusive Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines sailings, available only through Bolsover Cruise Club, each with up to £130 per person onboard credit included. These departures across 2026 and 2027 represent excellent value, particularly for those who enjoy the more traditional style of cruising that Fred. Olsen is known for. With added onboard credit on top of the usual inclusions, they offer a little extra to enjoy on board, whether that’s dining, drinks or shore experiences, and are well worth exploring if you are considering your next cruise.
Just a reminder that a few months ago, I launched a photo competition in our popular Into the Blue magazine. We’ve received some fantastic entries so far, with Malcolm from our hometown of Chesterfield featured as the March/April winner, proudly posing in front of Arvia in Grenada with the magazine. However, it’s not just about winning a £250 voucher, it’s about having a bit of fun and getting involved. We’re encouraging members to capture the most interesting and imaginative photo featuring Into the Blue. I do hope you’ll take part by taking a copy along on your next travel adventure, and I challenge you to create something truly different. Full details on how to enter can be found in the magazine or via this link.
I will be bringing some exciting news from the Cruise Centre in the coming weeks relating to luxury cruise partners, and in advance of this I would like to invite you to update your marketing preferences with us. If you are interested in luxury cruise lines, please select this on your preference page to ensure you are included in any future relevant communications. You may also wish to review your preferences more broadly, allowing us to tailor our communications with relevant information. Please follow the link to update your details.
Following a number of requests, I recently launched an additional monthly message from myself with a view to sharing my favourite cruise ideas or something that has particularly resonated with me. My first choice was to feature the most successful Cruise & Stay package we have ever offered – Asian Horizons – and I was delighted to see a strong surge in bookings after my email was sent. I hope you enjoy these going forward. If you missed the first one, please update your email preferences, or you can see the full details of the holiday by clicking here. Otherwise, look out for the next edition coming later in April, featuring the Rocky Mountaineer Train combined with a variety of Alaska cruise options.
There have also been a number of interesting developments and offers across the industry worth highlighting. Royal Caribbean has recently revealed Hero of the Seas, a brand-new ship set to launch in 2027 and the latest addition to its highly successful Icon Class. Building on the concept introduced with Icon of the Seas, the ship is expected to take family cruising to another level, with a strong focus on multi-generational travel. From expansive neighbourhood-style spaces and innovative entertainment to an impressive range of dining options and activities for all ages, it’s clear that Royal Caribbean continues to push the boundaries of what a modern cruise holiday can offer.
Closer to home, the line has also confirmed an update to its Southampton deployment for summer 2027, with Freedom of the Seas now set to sail from the UK, replacing Mariner of the Seas. This will be a welcome addition for many of our Cruise Club Members, as the larger Freedom Class ship offers a broader range of onboard facilities and experiences. It also reinforces the appeal of cruising from Southampton, providing the opportunity to enjoy a Royal Caribbean holiday without the need to fly.
Meanwhile, Oceania Cruises has announced that Oceania Marina will undergo a major refurbishment in 2026. The work will see a comprehensive refresh across staterooms and public areas, ensuring the ship continues to deliver the refined, destination-led experience the line is known for. Having sailed on Oceania Vista myself a few years ago, I was particularly impressed by the standard of both the ship and the service on board. It’s a cruise line that has always stood out for its attention to detail, so I have no doubt these enhancements will be very well received.
It’s also worth highlighting a number of current offers which may be of interest if you are considering your next holiday. Princess Cruises is currently offering free Southampton car parking on selected departures, adding extra convenience and value to your journey from the very start. In addition, there is also a flight sale available on selected fly-cruise holidays, with savings of up to £250 per person.
P&O Cruises is also offering a low £50 per person deposit on selected holidays of up to 23 nights, providing a simple and flexible way to secure your next cruise, particularly if you are looking to plan ahead. As this offer is only available until 20 April, it’s well worth considering sooner rather than later.
Finally, to all of you setting sail in the coming weeks, I wish you a wonderful holiday and bon voyage. We look forward to helping many more of you discover the world by sea as we head into what promises to be an exciting spring and summer.
