One of the best aspects of being the editor of a cruise magazine has to be the opportunity to experience brand new ships; I had the good fortune recently of having the opportunity to get on board the lovely Sky Princess for its shakedown sailing from Trieste to Athens.

You can read my blog online (just search for Sky Princess at cruisetradenews.com), and on page nine of this issue of the magazine you’ll find an interview with the line’s vice-
president for the UK & Europe, Tony Roberts. He talks about the importance of education in the context of hosting agents to enable them to have a first-hand impression of the ship’s amenities, overall feel and approach to service.

Other interviews in our November issue include deputy editor Gary Peters’ conversation with MSC’s director of sales for the UK & Ireland, Steve Williams, who discusses the line’s ambitious expansion plans (pages 22-23).

The spotlight also falls on Celebrity Cruises, with Claire Stirrup taking us through the role technology plays in helping to add the wow factor to guests’ time aboard the ships in its fleet (page 21).

Elsewhere, we look at the rapidly growing phenomenon that is multi-generational holidays: our regular Win at Selling column (page 15) explores the ways that agents can capitalise on this by promoting the flexible nature of such trips, which can offer tailored activities for each different age group.

Our river cruising feature (pages 36-38) picks up this theme and highlights the growing number of family-friendly sailings designed to float everyone’s boat, so to speak. From exploring fairy tale castles on the Rhine to taking a spooky Venetian ghost walk, or meeting French cowboys in the Camargue, children, parents and older relatives can all have fun together thanks to a fascinating range of authentic on-ship and on-shore adventures.

We hope you enjoy the issue – see you again next month.