Your September 2025 Update from Michael Wilson

Hello and welcome to my September 2025 update!

The past month has been both exciting and productive, with a strong focus on recruitment and team growth. As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering even better service, we have been completing the restructuring of our main Sales and Support departments. This has led to several new appointments, strengthening our ability to provide faster, more responsive, and more personalised support for our customers.

Beyond Sales and Support, we have also expanded our IT and Marketing teams, introducing new roles designed to help us innovate further and drive the business forward.

Alistair has joined us as a Technical Project Manager. He will be building a new IT team and leading a group of data specialists to oversee the replacement of our existing IT systems over the next few years. This is a significant step to ensure we keep pace with technological advances and harness the opportunities that AI innovation can bring.

We’re excited to introduce Ellis, who has joined our Marketing team as Videographer and Content Creator. His role will focus on producing dynamic content to further enhance our social media presence. Expect to see more behind-the-scenes moments, including appearances from my children, Oliver and Katie, to bring a personal touch to our communications. The first production is now live, with more to come as Ellis settles into his role. Make sure you are following us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to catch all the latest updates.

Together, these developments mean we now have the largest workforce in our history – a milestone that reflects both the growth of our business and our ambition for the future.

As the team grows, we are also investing in our surroundings. In August, we completed the full replacement of our air conditioning systems, achieving a much higher level of energy efficiency and further strengthening our green credentials.

We also began work to enhance our staff’s leisure facilities by converting the open balcony into a conservatory. The balcony – originally designed to replicate the feel of a cruise ship deck – was a great idea in theory, but the British weather has meant it is only used during the warmer months of the year. As I write this newsletter, the steel framework has just been lifted into place. Over the coming weeks, glazing and fabrication will be installed, transforming the space into a bright, airy extension of our canteen. The finished conservatory will provide a comfortable, air-conditioned environment where staff can relax, free from the prevailing winds that so often sweep the area.

In the wider cruise industry, Celebrity River Cruises has revealed full details of its new European river cruise programme, bringing the brand’s signature luxury, design flair, and attentive service to the Rhine and Danube. Interest is already high, with guests eager to experience Europe on the two new ships, Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker.

Life on board promises to be every bit as stylish and indulgent as you’d expect from Celebrity, with expansive open decks, an infinity-edge plunge pool, a top-deck bar and grill, and plenty of places to relax. Staterooms have been designed with comfort in mind, from king-sized beds and smart storage to spacious balconies – and suites even come with your very own butler. Dining is equally impressive, with eight restaurants and bars, 24/7 options, and menus inspired by the destinations you visit. One feature I am particularly intrigued by is the Magic Edge’s cantilevered dining pods, which have proved popular on Celebrity’s ocean ships. It will be fascinating to see how these translate to a river setting. Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker will operate 33 seven-night sailings along the Rhine and Danube in 2027, featuring overnight stays, multiple port calls per day, and a range of excursions. 

We will share more details on Celebrity River Cruises as they become available, so keep an eye on our website for updates. You can also update your marketing preferences to make sure you’re the first to hear all the latest news.

I am delighted to reveal that Bolsover Cruise Club has been shortlisted in the prestigious 2025 Wave Awards in the Favourite Cruise Travel Agent category. Voting is now open to decide the overall winner, and we’d be incredibly grateful for your support. It only takes a couple of minutes to cast your vote via this link, and whether you’ve booked with us recently or in the past, your vote truly means the world to us.

Please feel free to share the link with friends and fellow cruisers. Voting closes on 30 September, and everyone who participates will be entered into a prize draw to win a Viking Rhine Getaway river cruise for two people, worth at least £2,095 per person. Thank you, as always, for your continued support, and I will be sure to let you know if we are successful.

If you are one of our Cruise Club Members, issue 63 of Into the Blue should be with you very soon. Our main feature explores the incredible variety of destinations you can experience by sea, whether you’re planning a world cruise or a shorter voyage. From bucket-list cities to remote corners you’d struggle to reach any other way, the world really does open up when you choose to cruise. You’ll also find a fantastic feature on page 36, highlighting six of the most iconic river journeys, both close to home and further afield.

As always, if you’re not already signed up to receive your complimentary copy of Into the Blue, simply fill in your details and we’ll add you to the mailing list for future issues.

Lastly, I would like to draw your attention to a number of promotions we are currently running with our cruise line partners. If, like me, you are ready for a change of scenery once the darker nights draw in, a fly-cruise to the Canary Islands with P&O Cruises could be just the thing. Each island offers something a little different, and it’s a wonderful way to break up the winter months with some much-needed sunshine. If you are considering a trip, there’s an added incentive to book now: on applicable Select Price holidays booked by 29 September 2025, you’ll receive up to £580 per cabin in on-board spending money, giving you extra flexibility to make the most of your time on board.

There is also an opportunity to save up to £800 per cabin with the latest price drops from P&O Cruises. A range of destinations are available in this particular promotion, including the cruise line’s ever-popular Caribbean, Canary Islands and Norwegian Fjords itineraries. You can see all the eligible sailings on our website.

If you have your sights set on a longer duration cruise, then now is a great time to book. We have just launched an offer with Cruise Maps, where you will receive a free detailed map of your cruise on your return home when you book a sailing of 50 nights or more. The map is worth up to £119 and is a great memento of your time on board – you can see all the details, and applicable cruises, by following this link.

There are only a few days left to take advantage of our current Cunard promotion, which closes on 17 September 2025. Not only can you enjoy 10% off most 2026 voyages, but you will also be eligible for our exclusive triple Cruise Club Cashback. Whether you’re planning a world cruise, a classic transatlantic crossing, or a shorter getaway, this is a great opportunity to secure your next Cunard voyage. Click here to see more details, or give our Cruise Experts a call on 01246 819 819 to book.

To all those setting sail in the coming weeks – bon voyage, and may you enjoy every moment of your holiday!