Amanda PhillipsCruises are one of the most popular holiday types that Barrhead Travel sells and they definitely keep our specialists busy. But this isn’t just because they sell a lot of cruises – it’s also because we regularly send them cruises to experience the ships for themselves.
One of our most recent trips was a joint educational between DFDS and Celebrity Cruises. A group of Barrhead Travel staff members were treated to an overnight ferry from Newcastle to Amsterdam on board the Princess Seaways from DFDS. While on board they were able to enjoy the nightly entertainment as well as dining in a different restaurant each night. Once in Amsterdam they were treated to a four-hour tour of the Celebrity Silhouette before any other passengers were on board. The tour took them round all parts of this mega-liner including the legendary Lawn Club (with giant deck chairs) and even the Penthouse Suite.
Needless to say our staff now have a lot of compliments they want would like to share.
Kelsey Marshall, Junior Web Developer
The Princess Seaway was a large ferry with loads to do. The different classes of room types were very interesting to see – definitely enough room for a group of people to travel together. The entertainment on board would also suit everyone as there is also a quieter bar for those just wanting a drink. Over all experience on DFDS was it changed my opinion majorly – it wasn’t like a ferry to your holiday, it could be a start of a holiday. I know a few people who are scared of flying and would definitely recommend using this way of transport to start a holiday early and have fun without having the fear of getting there.
From looking at pictures at work my impression of Celebrity was it was luxury but really really expensive. After seeing the Celebrity Silhouette I can say yes it is LUXURY but it’s modern – it’s definitely a cruise line I would book and stay myself. The ship was stunning with a lot to do but not so big you would get lost. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!
What was your favourite part of the two ships? The food on board DFDS and I can’t choose between the Lawn Club and the Spa on the Silhouette!
Courtney Smith, Canada Marketing Executive
Before going on the trip I never had any experiences with ferries and to be honest did not have high expectations at all for them. After embarking on the Princess Seaways my pre-concepted views could not have been more wrong. The ferry’s facilities were better than I could ever imagine with the Columbus Club Bar and entertainment being the highlight for me. The steak from the Blue Riband was one of the best I have ever had (and I have had many).
The visit on Celebrity’s Silhouette has sold cruising to me. If I am not able to sell people Celebrity cruising through my work they at least have a customer in me. The cruise totally embodies “Modern Luxury” and class. What excites me most about the ship is the options you have for dining and how quirky they are with the likes of Qsine and the Michelin star molecular bar.
Overall the trip was a great learning experience for both ships and I would not hesitate to return on either and would recommend it to anyone.
What was your favourite part of the two ships? The Ice Bar was definitely my favourite part of the Silhouette visit. As for as DFDS, I’m finding it really hardtop pick as it all really exceeding my expectations.
Morag Lee, Content & Social Executive
My only experiences of travelling by ferry were when I was a child crossing the North Sea or exploring the Scottish islands. Having not been on an overnight ferry for over a decade I wasn’t sure what to expect on board the DFDS Princess Seaways. This was certainly a bigger ferry than my eight-year-old self had ventured on and was the first time the curtain had been pulled back on the exclusive commodore facilities. I was really impressed by the amount of amenities on board: I didn’t expect there to be a small casino, lounge, a sun deck, games room and five restaurants. We ate at two of the restaurants during our trip including the à la carte Blu Riband restaurant and I was really impressed (and well-catered to as a vegetarian).
I only started at Barrhead Travel in December, and previously the world of cruising had not been on my radar. Since starting in the digital department, Celebrity Cruises was one of the cruise lines that had been catching my eye so I was really excited to get on board the Silhouette. I was not disappointed – she’s just the kind of cruise ship I’d book myself a trip on. In particular it was the Lawn Club I had wanted to explore (an area of the top deck covered in real grass) but I hadn’t known about the giant deckchairs (fun to get into, probably more fun to get out of). When I book a trip on a Celebrity Cruise for myself, that’s definitely where you’ll find me.
What was your favourite part of the two ships? I loved the food available on the Princess Seaways, and my favourite feature of the Silhouette was – no prizes for guessing – the giant deck chairs on the Lawn Club.
Gemma Gordon, Modern Apprentice: Operations and Regional Co-ordinator
My first ever trip travelling on an overnight ferry and visiting a cruise, has exceeded my expectations. We all had a “whale of a time” on board both of the ships. I suffer with travel sickness and I was worried that I would be feeling seasick on board the ferry and I had heard stories from others that it would by very rocky. But the sea was only a little choppy when I was sleeping therefore I had the best sleep, with a gentle sway rocking me to sleep.
I started in Barrhead Travel in June last year as a Modern Apprentice personal assistant to the Regional Managers and Directors of Barrhead Travel. I have minimum knowledge of cruising and I was quite unsure on what to expect, from seeing the size of the Silhouette ship as we walked on board the cruise in Amsterdam. I was amazed to view the range of facilities including the staterooms, dining areas, bars, casino, library, outdoor Lawn club, health suites etc etc. I can’t believe that this mini town is all floating on water and each time you wake up you will be in a different city. I would love to stay on The Celebrity Silhouette Cruise Ship, I would definitely recommend this cruise as there is a lot of exploring to do onboard and to travel in style to each destination is a must.
I absolutely loved my trip onboard the DFDS Princess Seaways and visiting the Celebrity Silhoutte Cruise Ship. I will never forget my first ever experience on an Overnight ferry and Cruise.
What was your favourite part of the two ships? On board the DFDS Princess seaways I really enjoyed the entertainment at night, with live music playing until late. It was a great way to catch up with everyone with a boogie and a cocktail. The Celebrity Silhouette Cruise Ship was incredible, I had never seen anything like it before: spectacular. The choice of what to do onboard, you will never have nothing to adventure to.
Steven Laird, Social Media Executive
The staff on board were fantastic, the food was equally amazing and we collectively as a group had a fantastic time. The ferry was really nice and the facilities on board were great. I really cannot think of anything else to say other than, I very easily sold the idea of the DFDS ferry to Amsterdam to my friends and we are all booking up to go do the crossing at the end of the summer.
What was your favourite part of the ship? The culinary selection on board both ships. I’m such a foodie! (The cocktails on the DFDS ship were amazing too!)
Gary Spiers, Cruise Marketing Executive
Celebrity has always been close to my heart as it is the account I have been marketing for over a year now, so to have the chance to visit one of the Solstice Class ships was amazing. DFDS on the other-hand was a learning curve for me as I knew very little about the product.
The DFDS Princess Seaways ship was lovely. Perfect for a city break, especially for students as the prices were ridiculously cheap – from as little as £25pp! The décor was nice, and the food was beyond what I had expected it to be, it was amazing. There’s a mix suitable for all ages and tastes, including at least one family-friendly film option! Overall DFDS was a great experience, so much learned and would definitely use for a quick getaway abroad, and the beds.. very comfortable!
On board with Celebrity Cruises, contemporary design, sophisticated venues and warm spaces combine to offer an experience that truly brings the idea of luxury to life. I was impressed at not only the attentive service from the staff but the whole experience as soon as you step onboard. Like the first Lawn Club at sea. The first Hot Glass Show. Some other things that set the Celebrity Solstice cruise ship apart are its specialty restaurants. Their passion for outstanding cuisine has taken the restaurants, the food and the overall dining experience to a whole new level in the cruising world.
What was your favourite part of the ship? From the numerous bars and restuarants, to the innovitive and elegent designs of the ship, my favourite MUST be the Lawn club – how could it not be? There’s absolutely nothing like it. A freshly manicured lawn on the highest deck of Celebrity Solstice. You can enjoy casual outdoor activities in a decidedly Country Club atmosphere, it’s brilliant and unique – something every cruise line strives to be. Like to cut lawns? If there was ever a perfect job, it would be the lawn keeper in charge of the Lawn Club. Imagine taking 6 months out, visiting numerous countries to look after the grass. I am in the wrong job!