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Tivoli Gardens - Copenhagen

Agents share their best destination memories

Simone Clarke, managing director, Planet Cruise:

What was your first ever cruise and where did you visit?

A Grand Mediterranean Cruise onboard Emerald Princess from Barcelona to Venice – calling at all the major ports such as Istanbul, Athens, Rome and Naples.

Where is your favourite port of call and why? 

I love New York for the shopping and dining and also Barcelona as it’s a great mix of beach and city.

Where is on your cruise bucket list? 

Santorini – never been and looks stunning.

Have you ever worried that you wouldn’t make it back to the ship in time?

No!

Which destination has surprised you the most?

Copenhagen – fabulous city to walk around and the Tivoli Gardens are amazing.

Is there anywhere you would opt to stay onboard?

Livorno – I’ve been to Florence, Pisa and Tuscany many times so if it’s sunny I enjoy the ship to myself – I may dash off for some Italian specialities though!

If you could do one cruise itinerary all over again, which would you do?

Greek islands – fabulous weather and so relaxing.

Have you ever had a rough crossing? 

Bay of Biscay numerous times – but most of the time it’s been fine.

What’s been your best ‘port’ souvenir? 

A pair of Aquazzura shoes from Rome.

Most memorable view you’ve seen from a ship’s deck

Sailing out of the Bosphorus in Istanbul – pink skies, and the turrets of Topkapi on the hill – a stunning mix of east/west.  It’s sad that cruises hardly stop there anymore.

David Mills, product & commercial manager, Iglu Cruise:

What was your first ever cruise and where did you visit?

First sailing I ever did was to the Red Sea with Thomson Cruises – superb destination, loads to do. I hope the situation improves, as the whole region has much to offer.

Where is your favourite port of call and why?
I suppose I’m not allowed my home town of Southampton! At this time it would have to be Barbados – especially with Mount Gay Rum, spiced fish cakes, and Delish Bajan Seasoning on everything.

Where is on your cruise bucket list? 

Galapagos, no question. After seeing the marine iguanas on Planet Earth 2 – with David Attenborough hosting of course.

Have you ever worried that you wouldn’t make it back to the ship in time? 

So many times! Thankfully the quad bikes on Mykonos are faster than they look!

Which destination has surprised you the most? 

I guess the Caribbean – on the surface may appear to be all fairly similar, but the diversity of the islands once off the beaten track is staggering.

Is there anywhere you would opt to stay onboard? 

Maybe Iceland – after they annihilated us at the football in the summer, I could barely look them in the eyes!

If you could do one cruise itinerary all over again, which would you do? 

I love the idea of the transatlantic crossing to
New York (perhaps in the pre Wi-Fi world) – imagine being completely cut off from the demands of the digital age for weeks on end. Bliss!

Have you ever had a rough crossing?

The Bay of Biscay has certainly claimed a few sets of crockery while I’ve been onboard.

What’s been your best ‘port’ souvenir? 

I have a piece of actual lava from Vesuvius (from Naples) – the little ones have used it for show and tell about six times.

Most memorable view you’ve seen from ship

Sailing around Stromboli on Regent Seven Seas Voyager while it was erupting on a wonderfully clear summer’s evening in the Med was breath-taking.

 

 

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