We dispel the myths around cruises after an informative lunch hosted by Mundy Cruising
When I was invited to join a group for lunch at The Bath Priory by Mundy Cruising, I have to admit at first I couldn’t quite work out quite what was going on. Who, or what, is Mundy Cruising? Why were they organising a lunch at the hotel? Was this going to be some sort of timeshare event where I would leave having put down a deposit for my next holiday? And what was the connection between cruising and The Bath Priory, home to one of our city’s most outstanding restaurants?
Well it turns out that the reason I was invited was to answer all these questions, and also dispel some of the assumptions I held about cruise holidays.
“We invite guests to enjoy excellent food, with gracious and attentive service. In a relaxed environment akin to what they would experience on board, we give an informal presentation about the perfect holiday opportunity”, said Alexander, Mundy Cruising’s enthusiastic director of sales and marketing, over a glass of Champagne on the terrace at The Bath Priory.
“I used to work for a luxury tour operator dealing with exclusive hotels in the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles but moved to specialise in cruise four years ago. Like most people, I thought cruising was all about huge ships and queues for the buffet, but that’s simply not the case with our carefully selected luxury partners. Cruise ships are as varied as hotels and we work with the equivalent of Bath Priory at sea: that’s why we’re here.”
We were also joined by Dani from Seabourn, one of Mundy Cruising’s key partners. After taking our seats for lunch, we heard a little about both companies. Established in 1970, Mundy Cruising is the UK’s oldest cruise only specialist.
“We’ve spent the last 45 years helping our clients create trips tailored to their individual tastes, advising on which cruise line is most suited to their needs, arranging hotel stays, flights and transfers, and taking care of all the details so our guest can just look forward to the their holiday”, Alexander explained.
“We work with a handful of luxury cruise operators who cater to a few hundred discerning guests, cruise lines that provide exceptional service and outstanding cuisine.”
Cue Seabourn’s presentation, which was quite a revelation. Accommodating just 450 guests on their current ships (they have three) their all-inclusive cruises operate around the world, from the Mediterranean to Antarctica to the Orient.
They have a menu designed by the world renowned Thomas Keller, the culinary genius behind three Michelin star restaurants The French Laundry and Per Se; they have their own toiletries range from Molton Brown; rooms are spacious and comfortable, most with a private balcony; and all this is delivered in a relaxed, yacht like atmosphere. This was a long way from my preconceived idea of a floating tower block at sea.
Onboard a Seabourn ship
Over an outstanding three course lunch, delivered superbly as always by the team at The Bath Priory, I had the opportunity to discuss cruising a little further.
“It’s the personal service and attention to detail that sets Seabourn apart. Staff are totally focused on getting to know each guest individually, and on providing a level of service that shows a perfect understanding of their tastes and preferences. You will be recognised, and called by name, from day one. I’ve no idea how they do it,” joked Dani.
“The result of that is that guests frequently say how welcomed and nurtured they feel. Complimentary fine wines, Champagnes and spirits are served throughout the ship, you can dine when, where and with whom you like, there are watersports from the ship’s marina, and a partnership with UNECSO ensures time ashore is well spent.”
Talking over a glass of wine, I was delighted to speak with other guests. Some had cruised before and others were there to find out more. One gentleman was looking to tick Antarctica off his bucket list without comprising on luxury – it was a trip his daughters were insisting would make the perfect family holiday.
A couple who had cruised several times before wanted something a little bit more special now their children had flown the nest, and a group of friends, some of whom had travelled with Seabourn before, were trying to convince the others to go.
What I found particularly surprising was just how friendly the atmosphere was. With outstanding food and excellent wine the conversation flowed and we all spoke of our shared love of travel. It gave me a glimpse into what it must be like on board, surrounded by like-minded travellers who want to discover new destinations whilst enjoying the finer things.
So now I’ve had my own preconceptions challenged, am I looking to travel with Mundy Cruising and Seabourn? Of course – I have my eye on a fantastic cruise to Alaska next summer.
For more information about Mundy Cruising visit mundycruising.co.uk or call 020 7399 7670. For more on Seabourn visit mundycruising.co.uk/cruiselines/seabourn.
Mundy Cruising will be returning to the The Bath Priory on 27 June 2017.
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