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Holland America Line celebrated its 153rd Anniversary by naming its new signature tulip “Savour the Journey”. The ceremony took place at the iconic Keukenhof Gardens, in the Netherlands. The vibrant orange flower is a symbol of Holland America Line’s Dutch heritage, and its long-standing ties with Dutch culture, craftsmanship, and tradition.

The Savour the Journey Tulip, cultivated by KP de Geus and Maveridge International exclusively to represent Holland America Line, embodies the qualities that have long been associated with the brand, including elegance, warmth, attention to detail, and hospitality. Its vibrant orange petals and glowing centre embody tradition and vitality. They also echo the enduring relationship between Holland America Line, the Netherlands and its rich horticultural heritage.

“Our Dutch heritage is at the core of who we are and naming the Savour the Journey Keukenhof tulip is a meaningful expression,” said Nico Bleichrodt. Vice president, International Sales and Marketing, Holland America Line. “We are grateful for the chance to name this tulip, and for the care that went into its creation. It reflects our brand’s sense of purpose and how we invite our guests to experience the World.

The tulip’s official name was announced at a Keukenhof ceremony that brought together Holland America Line leaders and partners, as well as guests to celebrate the moment. The event traced Holland America Line’s year-long search for and adoption of the new tulip. It also highlighted the cruise line’s longstanding relationship and Dutch heritage with Keukenhof. The program culminated with a live sand art performance that revealed the name of the tulip, Savour the Journey. This was followed by the official dedication led by Captains Eric Barhorst, Jeroen Bajens, KP de Geus and Olympic medallist Joy Beune. The celebration culminated with a Champagne reception in the gardens.

Joy Beune, an Olympic medalist and one of the Netherlands most celebrated speedskaters brings a deep connection to the moment. Beune, a proud Dutch athlete and partner with Holland America Line, has been a part of the cruise line since 2025. She embodies its spirit of excellence, heritage, and forward momentum. Holland America Line has extended the maritime tradition of naming and welcoming ships into service with godparents to its signature tulip. Beune’s role of godmother for the Savour the Journey Tulip reflects the brand’s seafaring heritage while celebrating modern expressions Dutch culture.

Joy Beune said, “It is a special honor to be the godmother of this tulip.” “There’s no Dutcher than tulips or speed skating – both are part our national identity.” Holland America Line’s Dutch heritage is being celebrated in a meaningful manner. ‘Savour the Journey,’ which reflects my own mindset, is a great way to do this.

Holland America Line took part in the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek Flower Parade, which attracts around one million visitors every year. The cruise line participated in the parade for the first time in 1948, when it was first invited to celebrate its role in transporting tulips to the US. This year’s return is a continuation of a long-standing tradition.

Ferry Huurman is the director of operations at Keukenhof. “We are honored to continue our longstanding partnership with Holland America Line,” he said. “Flowers and tulips are deeply rooted into Dutch tradition. We always enjoy welcoming a new flower to our gardens. This celebration symbolises our shared Dutch heritage and the joy that tulips can bring to visitors around the world.

Holland America Line’s Dutch heritage continues today to shape the guest experience, especially on its Northern Europe Cruises departing from Amsterdam, Dover, and Rotterdam. The cruise line’s roots are brought to life on every journey, from Dutch Day celebrations aboard to regionally-inspired cuisine and enrichment. Cruise guests can explore the most historic ports of Northern Europe while sailing on selected Northern Europe itineraries. Itineraries include

* 7-Day Viking Trails and Celtic Origins: Edinburgh Evening Stay on June 14, 2026, Reykjavik – Rotterdam

* 14-Day Baltic and Scandinavian Capitals, 26 or 27 June 2026 — Roundtrip From Rotterdam or Dover

* 7-Day Norwegian Fjords & Hidden Gems, Sept. 5, 2026 — Amsterdam to Rotterdam

* 13-Day Fjords Tour of Norway, Sept. 19 2026 — Rotterdam – Dover

* 15-Day Arctic Journey and Northern Lights — Dover to Rotterdam, Oct. 15, 2020

* 7-Day Norwegian fjords and Sognefjord, 8 May 2027 — Roundtrip From Amsterdam

Consult a travel agent for more information or to book a Holland America Line cruise.

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Scenic Group, encompassing Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Emerald Cruises, has announced the appointment of Shane Lewis-Riley as director of trade sales and partnerships.In his new role, Lewis-Riley will lead the trade sales team, working closely with agent partners while also driving new ideas and generating incremental business through strategic partnership opportunities.Lewis-Riley joins Scenic Group at a pivotal time, as the business enters a significant phase of growth. Scenic Group, which is celebrating 40 years of operations, has announced its most ambitious fleet expansion since nearly a decade. Nine new river and ocean vessels are set to launch in 2026-2028. This investment will strengthen the company’s position in European and Asian markets while responding to the increasing demand for small-scale, ultra-luxury experiences. Based in Manchester, Lewis-Riley joins a newly formed UK Leadership Structure designed to support this new stage of growth. He joins newly appointed marketing directors Laura Gerrard (formerly of Merlin Entertainments) and Jane Witherington (formerly with Mamas & Papas). Lewis-Riley has previously held roles with Virgin Voyages, P&O Cruises and long-time digital director Eleni Kessels. Most recently he was director of trade distribution at Titan Travel.ADVERTISEMENTNichola Absalom said: “We are really excited to be building a team that will take the UK business to the next level. Shane’s extensive experience, his strong industry reputation, and his tenacious attitude to driving sales makes him a fantastic add-on. We are seeing a growing demand for alternative niche and personalised cruise experiences. Shane’s experience will be crucial in helping us capitalize on this momentum. I can’t wait for him join an already high performing team as we take the things up another level.” Lewis-Riley said, “I am thrilled to join Scenic Group during such a dynamic period of growth. I’m thrilled to be a part of a team that is already well respected, and to introduce new opportunities and strengthen partnerships. The product is exceptional and there’s a wealth of potential for agent partners to grow their businesses with us”For more information, visit scenic.co.uk / emeraldcruises.co.uk,

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Blacklane is a global chauffeur service that operates in more than 500 cities around the world. We offer a range of services to business and leisure travellers that value consistency, certainty and exceptional service. These include airport transfers, city-to-city trips, chauffeurs-by-the-hour, and more. During major disruptions, our guests and clients are not just looking to get to A to B. They are looking for a reliable, high-quality service that will help them stay productive and relieve stress. What is the expected impact of the tube strikes in London between 21 and 24 April?The impact on those who travel to and around London during strike days and the days surrounding them is significant. The impact of the strike is felt before and after it officially begins. Alternative routes are also affected. Travellers should not assume that the service will be normal. In practice, disruptions will last for several days, not just the hours of formal action.

The problem is that everyone makes the same calculation. TfL reports that the tube carries more than four million passengers a day. That’s a lot of trips above ground. The second mistake is to leave arrangements until the last moment, when the most reliable options will already be in high demand. The extra frenzy can make London and its vastness difficult to navigate for those who are unfamiliar with the city, such as leisure travellers needing to travel to or from an airport in London, or international business travelers visiting the city to attend an event.

Airport transfers are particularly vulnerable, as they are often time-critical. There is also very little room for error. The second most important business appointment is for those who are moving between multiple locations in the city. London is one of world’s biggest business cities and the economy doesn’t stop when there is a strike. We also see events affected, but larger events are often rescheduled late due to the logistical challenges a lack tube service can bring for many major venues. London is one of the most connected cities in the world. What happens when a part of the transport system grinds to a stop?

London is open for business but moving with confidence and efficiency becomes more difficult if you don’t plan ahead. The city is built on connectivity, for business, tourism, hospitality and everyday life. When a major part is disrupted the effects are immediate. What does smart planning during a strike look like for business travellers who have time-sensitive schedules?

If the day is important, then the travel plan should be treated as part of the business plan. The travel plan should be considered part of the business strategy if the day is important.

Book the airport transfer as soon as possible if the journey is important. Ideally, you should do this at the same time that you book your flight, confirm the meeting or commit to an event. So, your transport is never a last-minute risk and you can concentrate on the actual reason you are there. You have spoken about the importance of flexibility. Why is an hourly chauffeur model more sensible than a point-to-point trip during a strike disruption?

We recommend a chauffeur-by-the-hour for days with multiple appointments. This will give you complete flexibility and eliminate the need to book a vehicle at the last minute. You can also conduct other calls or meetings on-the go from a comfortable vehicle.

During a strike, schedules can change, meetings can run late, routes may need to be adjusted, and travellers might need to make multiple stops. Hourly chauffeur services provide continuity and flexibility when people need them most. What do you see from your customers during times like this? More anxiety, more last minute changes, or more demand for reliability.

The theme that defines this era is the increased focus on reliability. People are more aware of risk and plan more carefully. Our guests select options that are flexible to accommodate a wide range of unpredictable events. Strikes are often triggered just as cities return to normal business after a holiday. How difficult is this timing for London’s corporate travel and hospitality sectors?

It is a challenge because many industries, including hospitality, rely on the city’s transport system to function ‘normally.’ Disruption causes delays and cancellations. It puts pressure on everything, from hotel reservations and meetings to restaurant bookings and transfers at the airport, and can change behaviour. The economic impact of a conference in London falling on strike days could lead to a business moving to another city. Speakers and attendees, including VIPs, are still required to attend high-profile events and major conferences, despite the transport challenges.

It is very important. The overall experience of London is shaped by the confidence that international visitors have in their ability to navigate around London. If this confidence disappears, London can feel less accessible and less welcoming. We are working with our leisure and corporate partners to ensure that there is no disruption to schedules and that Londoners receive a warm welcome. What does this strike action say about the importance of resilience and contingency plans in urban travel, beyond this specific strike?

Resilience has become a key component of modern travel planning. Disruption has become a standard for both individuals and businesses. Extreme weather events, for example, cause major disruptions around the globe. The more time-sensitive your journey, the more you need a flexible solution that can adapt and support your changing needs while offering 24/7 customer care as standard.

Book early and allow for more travel time than usual. The volume of people travelling above-ground can cause additional traffic problems. You can adjust your plans more confidently if you choose a flexible option. Schedules are unpredictable on strike days. Look for airport transfer companies that offer a meet-and-greet service. London’s terminals can be crowded and with the disruption of transport, it can be difficult to find your destination. A chauffeur who is well-versed in airport routes and exits will be able to navigate them with ease.

When disruptions occur, a chauffeur service offers practicality, certainty, and peace of mind. Premium ground transportation is valued for its reliability, professionalism and comfort when it counts most.

Repeated disruptions can start to erode the confidence in wider infrastructure, leading to people considering reliable, trusted alternatives when they have important meetings, events, and flights to catch. London must always be a welcoming, accessible and easy city to visit.

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Cruise.co.uk, an online travel specialist, has launched a ‘Florida Thrill and Hero Caribbean Chill” itinerary. The 15-night trip includes a seven-night Caribbean voyage on Royal Caribbean’s upcoming ship Hero of the Seas. It also includes a five-night Orlando stay; two nights in Miami and a complimentary one-day Universal Epic Universe ticket. The cruise includes Perfect Day at Coco Cay, Royal Caribbean’s private Bahamas Island, Costa Maya and Cozumel. Philipsburg, Roatan, and Philipsburg are also included. Prices start at PS2699pp for nine departures between August 2027 and April 2028. All packages include return flights to London and overseas transfers. ADVERTISEMENTTony Andres, managing director at cruise.co.uk said: “This package reflects the increasing demand for holidays which combine iconic destinations with standout experience.” A ‘Florida Thrill & Caribbean Chill package’ is already available with cruise.co.uk. The package includes more than 100 departures with options from multiple cruise lines. For more information, call 0870 990 8888 or visit www.cruise.co.uk.

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This pioneering movement established a safe and proven route through the Strait, enabling other cruise operators to follow. The pioneering move established a safe, proven route through the Strait that other cruise operators can follow. On Saturday, April 18th, Celestyal journey, led by Captain Angelos Vasilakos successfully navigated the passage, leading a larger convoy of cruise ships departing the area using the established corridor. Their efforts in navigating complex and sensitive conditions were instrumental in ensuring the safety of all crew and the successful passage of both ships.ADVERTISEMENTCelestyal also recognises the close collaboration with regional authorities and partners, whose support enabled a coordinated and responsible approach for the wider cruise industry.Following their successful transit, both Celestyal Discovery and Celestyal Journey are now repositioning to the Mediterranean, where they will commence the upcoming summer season as planned.Celestyal can confirm that all future sailings currently on sale will operate as scheduled, providing guests and travel partners with confidence and continuity as the company transitions into its Mediterranean deployment.