New to Cruise Theatre

The Sky Travel theatre is where new and first time cruisers can get the low down on the many types and styles of cruises possible, directly from our panel of cruising experts. There is a cruise for all ages and most budgets, it is just a case of discovering the one that is right for you. Whether it is relaxing in the sun, want to know more about No Fly cruising from a UK Port, or a new family holiday destination you are looking for - it will be covered here. 

Saturday 21 March

11:00 to 11:15     Sky Travel - New to cruise programme

11:15 to 11:55     New to cruise Q&A session with the experts  

The experts:  Steve Read - Sky Travel

                    Jo Rzymowska - Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

                    Jane Archer - The Telegraph

Cruising is becoming more popular by the day. With more new ships and itineraries being introduced the choice of cruise styles and destinations has never been greater. Join this presentation with your questions for the panel and get the answers to; choosing the right ship, getting the best cabins, what is included, single supplements, where are the hottest new destinations, how to pack and more.

12:00 to 12:40    Antarctica & the High Arctic – Sean Keddy, Peregrine Adventures  

Sean Keddy, recently returned from Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands, will recount his voyage highlights and experiences onboard a Peregrine Antarctic voyage. Peregrine's world leading small-ship expedition voyages to the High Arctic, Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, offer the ultimate wildlife and wilderness experience. With a maximum of 110 guests these vessels are the perfect platform from which to explore with Zodiac boats in search of amazing wildlife and spectacular scenery. 

The experts: Simon Calder - LBC 97.3

                   Jo Rzymowska - Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

Cruising is not just all about the onboard action, to find out more about making the most of the destination and ports of call – make sure you visit this discussion to ask the experts. Are there destinations more suited to first time cruisers, what to expect from land based excursions, making the most of your destination of departure pre- or post - cruise and more. 

14:00 to 14:40      Emma Soames, Saga Magazine

Emma Soames is Editor at Large of Saga Magazine, which she joined in March 2002 and edited for six years. She was formerly Editor of the Saturday Telegraph Magazine for seven years and before that Editor of ES Magazine, the Evening Standard, Tatler and the Literary Review.

While at Saga Magazine she sat as a judge on several literary prize panels and continues to be a voracious reader. Join Emma for a light-hearted review of essential books to pack for a cruise. From Moby Dick to Alexander McCall Smith's series of witty novels on the First Lady Detective agency there'll be something for everyone looking forward to some quality time onboard in the company of some great books.

A family cruise can offer a value for money and stress free holiday experience. With everything from specialist programs for the kids, rock climbing and teen only discos.  If you want to plan an exciting new family holiday – our experts are on hand to tell you more about the destinations and how to book so that you have separate rooms and more than one bathroom.  

The experts:  Steve Read - Sky Travel

                    Simon Veness - World of Cruising Magazine

                    Carolyn Spencer Brown - Cruise Critic

The traditional idea of formal cruising has evolved into a modern and more informal style of holidaying. These days cruises can be very informal, with some cruise lines actively avoiding dress codes and encouraging a laid back and fun-focused atmosphere. Join the experts to discuss the different ways in which modern cruise holidays break away from old fashioned conventions; come along to discover some of the fun activities you’ll be able to enjoy on a cruise holiday, and rest assured that you and your family can leave your formal evening wear at home.  

Sunday 22 March

10:30 to 11:00     Ania Mudrewicz, Galapagos Classic Cruises

11:20 to 12:00     Go cruising with Judith Chalmers OBE, sponsored by Saga Cruising.

For a generation of TV viewers, dreams of travelling to close-by and far flung destinations around the world have been brought to the UK by Judith Chalmers, the well-respected and loved presenter of Wish You Were Here..?
Known throughout the world for her easy manner, immense knowledge of travel, professionalism and friendliness, this is a unique opportunity to join Judith for an informal question and answer session to inspire you in a choice of your first or latest cruise.

12:00 to 12:15     Sky Travel - New to cruise programme

12:15 to 12:45     New to cruise Q&A session with the experts  

The experts:  Steve Read - Sky Travel

                   Carolyn Spencer Brown - Cruise Critic

                   Jane Archer - The Telegraph

Cruising is becoming more popular by the day. With more new ships and itineraries being introduced the choice of cruise styles and destinations has never been greater. Join this presentation with your questions for the panel and get the answers to; choosing the right ship, getting the best cabins, what is included, where are the hottest new destinations, how to pack and more.

12:45 to 13:00     Sky Travel -  Family Cruise programme

13:00 to 13:45     Family cruise Q&A session with the experts    

The experts:  Steve Read - Sky Travel

                   Carolyn Spencer Brown - Cruise Critic

                   Jane Archer - The Telegraph

Expedition Cruise Theatre

The Wanderlust Theatre will be full of inspiration and practical information for travellers looking to discover the world by boat. Be it exploring the Amazon or planning an Arctic voyage. 

Saturday

11:00 to 11:45             Cruising around the Galapagos Islands – Richard Furlong

Join Richard Furlong to learn more about exploring the Galapagos Islands. Richard and his wife, Dawn, have escorted trips to Alaska, Antarctica, Canada, Costa Rica and Panama, Greenland, and New Zealand, but Galapagos is the firm favourite. Nowhere else on earth do you have the opportunity to react with such a wide array of wildlife. And in most cases you can walk or swim right up to these creatures and they couldn't care less. It's not that they are tame. It's simply that they have never developed an instinctive fear of man, and thus, we are blissfully ignored. Richard will offer a practical introduction to Galapagos voyaging based upon first-hand knowledge. He will also explain how visitors can ensure the best possible holiday experience, while at the same time help conserve the islands for future generations. In this anniversary year, come and follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, and enjoy an experience as close as you can get to the extraordinary!

12:00 to 12:45             Falkland Islands – Jake Downing 

Gain a fascinating insight into the exclusive Falkland Islands and discover why this stunning archipelago is an increasingly popular draw for cruise ships and expedition vessels. Learn about the abundant wildlife, fascinating history and shore excursions and tours available that allow cruise passengers to visit sites that remain largely inaccessible 

13:00 to 13:45             Amazon Adventure – Trixi Lange-Hitzbleck, Hapaq-Lloyd Cruises  

Introducing a typical exploration/expedition cruise on the Amazon from Belem to Iquitos,illustrating with approx 200 first-class images what passengers will get to do and to see, making guests familiar with the beautiful flora and fauna of the rainforest, giving first-hand information and practical tips arising interest in trips to the Amazon, making guests understand advantages of travelling on a expedition cruise ship rather than taking a backpack tour 

14:00 to 14:45             Spitsbergen  & the Antarctic Circle – Paul Goldstein, Exodus 

Paul Goldstein has led many expeditions to the realm of the Polar bear. He is a photographer, lecturer, writer and guide in many continents. He is opinionated and passionate and his talks are seldom forgotten mainly due to the frequently outspoken commentary and dazzling images. The 24 hours of daylight suit his all-action expeditions well but he is also fiercely protective about the polar regions believing them to be the domains of small, sensitively run ice-rated ships, not cruise ship carbuncles or palatial, vast gin palaces'.  Of all the areas in the world Paul Goldstein has travelled too, Antarctica generally tops his list. As a photographer, guide and presenter he loves nothing more than being out in a Zodiac in the 7th continent at all hours. He has done a dozen tours there now and is particularly fond of early season ice in the peninsular, the rookeries of South Georgia and the extraordinary Emperor Penguin colony at Snow Hill Island which he is leading an expedition to this November. Those who like two sittings at dinner, shopping, bingo, shuffleboard and dance shows need not attend, you have been warned. 

15:00 to 15:45             Everything you need to know about expedition cruising 

Join Wanderlust Magazine, Paul Goldstein - travel photograher & expedition leader Exodus, Conrad Combrink - expedition specialist Noble Caledonia and Richard Heller - expedition specialist, G.A.P Adventures as they discuss and answer your questions about everything you need to know expedition cruising. 

16:00 to 16:45            South of Patagonia expedition Cruise – Ingrid van de Grint, Cruceros Australis 

The discovery of the strait of Magellan and Cape Horn, the trip of Darwin in the Beagle Chanel, the pirate Francis Drake and the Indians that first discovered this place...  

17:00 to 17:30            Luxury European River Cruising – Sarah Quickfall, Scenic Tours 

Enjoy beautiful sights, fine food and drink and the best river cruises on Europe’s waterways.

Sunday

10:15 to 10:55            River Cruises in Europe, Russia and China – John Carter, Viking River Cruises  

John Carter is a seasoned traveller, well known for presenting the BBC Holiday programme and a prolific travel writer. The benefits of river cruising are many.  The chance to travel through the very heart of the country relaxing as the scenery gently passes you by; easy access to towns and cities as your ship moors close to their centres; and the comfort of a luxury floating hotel to return to after your escorted tour or own exploring. First class cuisine, hotel-style accommodation and the need to unpack once are just some of the reasons more are turning to the tranquillity of river cruising for their next escape.  

11:00 to 11:45             Spitsbergen  & the Antarctic Circle – Paul Goldstein, Exodus 

Paul Goldstein has led many expeditions to the realm of the Polar bear. He is a photographer, lecturer, writer and guide in many continents. He is opinionated and passionate and his talks are seldom forgotten mainly due to the frequently outspoken commentary and dazzling images. The 24 hours of daylight suit his all-action expeditions well but he is also fiercely protective about the polar regions believing them to be the domains of small, sensitively run ice-rated ships, not cruise ship carbuncles or palatial, vast gin palaces'.  Of all the areas in the world Paul Goldstein has travelled too, Antarctica generally tops his list. As a photographer, guide and presenter he loves nothing more than being out in a Zodiac in the 7th continent at all hours. He has done a dozen tours there now and is particularly fond of early season ice in the peninsular, the rookeries of South Georgia and the extraordinary Emperor Penguin colony at Snow Hill Island which he is leading an expedition to this November. Those who like two sittings at dinner, shopping, bingo, shuffleboard and dance shows need not attend, you have been warned. 

12:00 to 12:45            The Northern Lights – Dr John Mason, Hurtigruten  

Join renowned astronomer, Dr John Mason, to hear about the magical Aurora Borealis or “Dawn of the North” as it’s poetically called. Dr Mason brings the world of stars and planets closer with an inspirational presentation about catching a glimpse of this most spectacular celestial display.  

13:00 to 13:45             Paul Rose, BBC Oceans 

14:00 to 14:45             Polar Adventures with Tom Avery, sponsored by Discover the World

Join Tom Avery for a talk on the Polar Regions and learn about the remarkable beauty, captivating wildlife and pristine landscapes of these remote destinations still largely untouched by man. Tom is one of only 41 people ever to have reached both the North and South Pole on foot and is the youngest Briton to have been to both Poles. He famously led the expedition described by the Guinness Book of Records as "the fastest surface journey to the North Pole", which retraced Robert Peary and Matthew Henson's footsteps to the Top of the World, proving that the journey was possible in the time reported by Peary and Henson. Tom will also be speaking about the vast variety of travel experiences to be enjoyed in these diverse regions of breathtaking scenery, magnificent wildlife and fascinating history.  

Tom is appearing on behalf of Discover the World, one of the UK's leading expedition cruise specialists who offer a wide variety of adventures in both the Arctic and Antarctic.

15:00 to 15:45         Antarctica & the High Arctic - Sean Keddy, Peregrine Adventures 

Sean Keddy, recently returned from Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands, will recount his voyage highlights and experiences onboard a Peregrine Antarctic voyage. Peregrine's world leading small-ship expedition voyages to the High Arctic, Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, offer the ultimate wildlife and wilderness experience. With a maximum of 110 guests these vessels are the perfect platform from which to explore with Zodiac boats in search of amazing wildlife and spectacular scenery