 At Dream Designs Colchester we are always looking for ways to improve everything that we do. That's why earlier this week we moved into our brand new office and drawing room based at home in Colchester. The new room features two desks, one for office based work and our multi-functional drawing desk. It also offers much more storage space for our drawing equipment and materials as well as for displaying our many ship models, plaques and photos! Directly below is a small selection of photographs for you to take a lot at! ENDS
For more information please Contact Us on the following details below Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester Mobile: 07778940245 E-mail: [email protected]
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 Queen Victoria - Welcome Sign On December 11th 2013, Dream Designs Colchester had the chance to visit Cunard Line's Queen Victoria, whilst the ship was berthed at Mayflower Cruise Terminal in Southampton. Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester was joined aboard Queen Victoria by Anthony Marshall and Christian Reay. Harry had contacted Cunard Line a few weeks before to request permission to visit Queen Victoria to view his drawing displayed aboard in The Zone on Deck 10. In addition to this, our Volunteer@Sea, Stephen who originally present the drawing aboard in November 2009, on our behalf was also embarking Queen Victoria for his cruise. It was therefore the perfect opportunity to meet on board for lunch! Cunard Line kindly agreed to grant us permission and the visit was made possible thank to Captain Peter Philpott and Michael Gallagher, Public Relations Manager, Cunard Line. On the morning of December 11th 2013, Harry, Anthony and Christian arrived at Mayflower Terminal just before 10:30. Michael Gallagher had agreed to meet with them at Mayflower Terminal at 10:30 and escort them on board Queen Victoria. Unfortunately boarding was slightly delayed as Michael Gallagher got stuck in traffic, due to roadworks in nearby Ocean Terminal, where he had disembarked Queen Mary 2.  Visitors seen making their way ago the quayside to board Cunard Line's Queen Victoria berthed alongside Mayflower Cruise Terminal in Southampton Upon boarding on Deck 2 just before 11:00, Michael Gallagher officially welcomed Harry, Anthony and Christian on board Queen Victoria and invited them to enjoy lunch on board and tour the ship at their leisure, ensuring they disembarked at 15:00 before the ship left Southampton. Before touring Queen Victoria, Anthony & Christian took a moment to sign a book of condolences for Nelson Mandela, who sadly died on December 5th 2013.
Before starting their tour, Harry also wanted to check at the Pursers Office on Deck 1 if it was possible to gain access to The Zone on Deck 10 to view his drawing of Queen Victoria on display. The Chief Purser was kind enough to call a member of the Youth Team, who allowed Harry, Anthony and Christian into The Zone.  Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester with his drawing officially displayed aboard Queen Victoria in The Zone on Deck 10 Having viewed Harry's drawing it was now time to start touring the many passenger amenities on board Queen Victoria. They started their tour on Deck 11, where they got to see the Queens Grill, Princess Grill, The Grills Lounge and The Courtyard, all exclusive areas for Grill passengers only.
Next they made their way back down to Deck 10 and headed towards the bow on the outside deck, overlooking the Pavilion Pool. Whilst outside and at the forward end of the ship, they took the chance to visit the Sports Deck on Deck 11.
Continuing their tour, back down to Deck 10, Harry, Anthony and Christian explored the Commodore Club, Admiral's Lounge, Churchill's Cigar Lounge and Hemispheres, all offering great views!
Deck 9 was up next on their self guided tour of Queen Victoria. Starting at the forward end of the ship, Harry, Anthony and Christian had the opportunity to take a look at the Cunard Royal Spa & Fitness Centre, which included the Thermal Suites, Gymnasium, Hair Salon and HydroPool.
Continuing along Deck 9 moving aft, other venues which they toured included the Winter Garden, The Lido Restaurant and the Lido Pool at the stern. Next they made their way back to the Winter Garden, where they had arranged to meet with our Volunteer@Sea, Stephen Crooks, along with his friend Alan and mum Jean.
Harry, Anthony and Christian joined Stephen, Jean and Alan in the Lido Restaurant on Deck 9 and all enjoyed a wonderful buffet lunch together and had a lovely time discussing all of their upcoming cruises and ship visits.  From Left to Right: Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester enjoys lunch aboard Queen Victoria in the Lido Restaurant with newly embarked passengers Alan, Stephen and Jean  From Left to Right: Christian Reay, Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Anthony Marshall enjoy lunch aboard Queen Victoria in the Lido Restaurant After enjoying a well deserved break in the Lido Restaurant it was time for Harry, Anthony and Christian to continue their self guided tour of Queen Victoria, exploring Decks 2 & 3. Starting on Deck 3, they explored the Midships Lounge, the Card Room, the Library and the magnificent Grand Lobby, before continuing forward along Deck 3.
Deck 2 was next, where they began midships, visiting the Queens Room, the Empire Casino, Royal Arcade before ending up in the Royal Court Threatre, .
Heading aft, they continued exploring Deck 2, where they saw many of the other passenger amenities, including the Golden Lion Pub, the The Verandah, and the Champagne Bar to name just a some.
Finally at the end of Deck 2, Harry, Anthony & Christian entered the two-tiered Britannia Restaurant, taking a look at both the lower and upper levels.
Having now completed their self guided tour of Queen Victoria, Harry, Anthony & Christian took a short stroll along the Promenade Deck on Deck 3 and took the opportunity to take some more photos to add to each of their personal collections.
After their leisurely stroll around the Promenade Deck, prior to disembarking Queen Victoria they spent a few minutes playing a quick game or two of table tennis on Deck 9.
It was now sadly approaching the 15:00 and was time to disembark Queen Victoria. Harry, Anthony and Christian made they way down to the Grand Lobby on Deck 2, where Michael Gallagher was awaiting to escort them off the ship them back to Mayflower Terminal, to return their boarding passes.  Queen Victoria towering over the quay at Mayflower Terminal in Southampton Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said: VISIT OUR NEW 'DECEMBER 11TH 2013' PAGE TO VIEW EVEN MORE PHOTOGRAPHS!  ENDS
For more information please Contact Us on the following details below Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester Mobile: 07778940245 E-mail: [email protected]  Ailsa Dixon with Staff Captain, Matthew Recently we arranged for Dream Designs Colchester supporter Ailsa Dixon to view our drawing of Celebrity Infinity during her recent cruise aboard the vessel. Ailsa contacted us last year and informed us that she would love to view our drawing displayed aboard the ship during her upcoming cruise on board. We later emailed the Captain of Celebrity Infinity and asked if it would be possible for Ailsa to view our drawing. Captain Michael Symporus kindly replied to our email and agreed for Ailsa to view the drawing, which he informed us was displayed outside his office. Master of Celebrity Infinity, Captain Michael Sympouras, said: 
Dream Designs Colchester supporter, Ailsa Dixon with Staff Captain, Matthew viewing our drawing displayed outside the Captain's office aboard Celebrity Infinity
On February 26th 2014, during her cruise aboard Celebrity Infinity, Ailsa Dixon was invited to view our drawing displayed outside the Captain's office and was escorted there by the Staff Captain, Matthew. 
Our especially assigned drawing of Celebrity Infinity proudly displayed aboard the vessel outside the Captain's Office
Ailsa Dixon, said: 
ENDS
For more information please Contact Us on the following details below Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester Mobile: 07778940245 E-mail: [email protected]  Oriana berthed at Ocean Terminal, Southampton On December 1st 2013, Dream Designs Colchester had the opportunity to visit P&O Cruises’ Oriana, whilst the ship was berthed alongside Ocean Terminal in Southampton. Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester invited Anthony Marshall and Christian Reay to join him on board Oriana for the ship visit. Harry was able to organise the visit aboard Oriana through direct correspondence with the Captain and as a result was also able to arrange to view his drawing displayed in the Captain’s Office. On the morning of December 1st 2013, Harry, Anthony and Christian arrived at Ocean Terminal around 08:15 and made their way to the Passes Office in the terminal building to collect their visitor passes before boarding the ship. Captain Robert Camby had requested they boarded the ship at 08:30 in order to meet with him and view the drawing, as he was handing the ship over to Captain David Pembridge. 
Anthony Marshall & Christian Reay admire Oriana from the quay at Ocean Terminal
Upon boarding Oriana on Deck 5 (F Deck), Harry asked a member of the ship’s security team to contact the bridge. A short while later Harry, Anthony and Christian were met by a cadet who welcomed them on board and asked if they would like a tour of the ship. They took the lift up to Deck 12 (Lido Deck) and took a stroll alongside the two main swimming pools, before making their way up to Deck 13 (Sun Deck) passing the ships funnel and taking a look over the ship's tiered decks at the stern.
Making their way back along the deck towards the bow, Harry, Anthony and Christian passed the ship's name under the funnel and took the opportunity to have a photograph taken together next to it. A short while later whilst still touring the outside decks the cadet touring them around received a message from the Captain, stating that he was free to meet with them. 
Left to right: Anthony Marshall, Christian Reay and Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester on board P&O Cruises' Oriana
They were immediately taken to the Captain's Office, where Captain Robert Camby was ready to meet them. They also had the opportunity to view Harry's especially assigned drawing of Oriana which is displayed right behind the Captain's desk. The drawing was presented aboard to Captain David Pembridge by our Volunteer @ Sea, Peter on March 26th 2013, during his cruise on board. 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester stands proudly alongside his drawing of P&O Cruises' Oriana displayed aboard in the Captain's office!
Captain David Camby was very welcoming and friendly and after chatting for sometime took Harry, Anthony and Christian up to the bridge. We did not get a photograph with the Captain as he was out of uniform and thought it might be rude to ask. The Captain introduced Harry, Anthony and Christian to another Cadet, Imogen Cornick, who was training to become Third Officer. They were given a complete tour of the bridge and even had the opportunity to each have a photograph taken at the ship's wheel! 
Imogen Cornick, Deck Cadet, P&O Cruises, talks Anthony Marshall & Christian Reay through the various controls and equipment on the bridge of Oriana
After spending quite sometime on the bridge it was time to start touring the rest of the ship, looking at the many wonderful amenities on board. Harry, Anthony and Christian were guided around Oriana by Imogen Cornick, starting their tour in The Conservatory on Lido Deck.
Having taken a look at The Conservatory (Lido Deck) the tour continued to the stern of the ship, down to D Deck to the Terrace Pool. On Deck D, Harry, Anthony and Christian had a chance to look at the new staterooms which had recently been added.
Continuing along D Deck heading towards the bow, other venues which they got to take a look at include Chaplin's Cinema, The Library, Ocean Grill At The Curzon Room and the Atrium.
The tour continued further, moving down to the Promenade Deck and E Deck, where there were many more exciting amenities to see, including Theatre Royal, Anderson's, The Peninsular Restaurant and The Oriental Restaurant.
Having toured most of the amenities on board Oriana, Imogen agreed to escort Harry, Anthony and Christian back to the bridge, to see if Captain David Pembridge had boarded Oriana yet and if he was able to briefly meet with them. Captain David Pembridge had indeed boarded the ship, but unfortunately was busy dealing with the hand over of the ship with Captain Robert Camby. This was of course understandable. 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester (left) with Christian Reay (right) in the atrium aboard Oriana
Whilst nearby to the bridge, Harry, Anthony and Christian were allowed to take a look at the Golden Cockerel trophy, which was in the Captain's very own lounge. The trophy is kept aboard the fastest ship in the P&O Cruises fleet and was formerly aboard the Canberra and original Oriana.
Leaving the bridge area, they took the opportunity to explore some of the many luxurious suites on board Oriana on B Deck, before the awaiting passengers embarked.
Next they made their way back to The Conservatory on Lido Deck. Cadet Imogen Cornick now had to return to her duties, but informed Harry, Anthony and Christian that they were welcome to spend the afternoon aboard Oriana, touring the ship at their leisure. Following a quick break in The Conservatory, the tour continued, as Harry, Anthony and Christian explored the ship some more by themselves and took the chance to view the amenities they had not yet seen before lunch, such as the Gymnasium and the Oasis Spa on Lido Deck.
On Sun Deck they took a look at some other amenities they had not yet seen, including The Crows Nest, Cyber@Study and Medina Room.
With still plenty of time before lunch, Harry, Anthony and Christian made their way down to E Deck, where they viewed some of the Ocean View Staterooms on board Oriana.
After exploring some of the staterooms, they made their way up to the Promenade Deck above and took a brief look at the Monte Carlo casino, before strolling around the open Promenade Deck.
After their stroll along the Promenade Deck from bow to stern, they made their way inside into the Pacific Lounge, where priority boarding passengers were enjoying a champagne reception. The HR Manager, John Lawlor, who they passed on their guided tour around the ship earlier that morning had recommended they take a look and enjoy a drink together before lunch. 
Left to right: Anthony Marshall, Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Christian Reay, join passengers for a Champagne Reception aboard Oriana
Harry, Anthony and Christian spent a short while in the Pacific Lounge, with the embarking priority passengers, but did not stay too long, as they did not want to impose. Next it was time for lunch in The Conservatory. The buffet style restaurant was exceptionally good, with a good choice of food! 
Left to Right: Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, Christian Reay and Anthony Marshall enjoy lunch in The Conservatory aboard Oriana
After a truly delicious lunch, Harry, Anthony and Christian decided to enjoy some of the sports on the outside decks of Oriana, including deck quoits, basketball and tennis!
Having spent close to seven hours aboard the ship it was unfortunately time to disembark Oriana, a ship which had exceeded Harry, Anthony and Christian's expectations.
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said: VISIT OUR NEW 'DECEMBER 1ST 2013' PAGE TO VIEW EVEN MORE PHOTOGRAPHS!
ENDS
For more information please Contact Us on the following details below Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester Mobile: 07778940245 E-mail: [email protected] |
Harry CotterillHarry Cotterill set up his blog when he was just 16-years old, making him one of the youngest cruise bloggers in the world. In later years he became known across the world for his amazing talent of drawing cruise ships! Blog Archive
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