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HARRY'S BLOG

Portuscale Cruises invite us aboard Azores to officially present drawing to Captain at Harwich International Port

26/4/2014

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PicturePortuscale Cruises' Azores
At Dream Designs Colchester we are delighted to take this opportunity to officially announce our first ship visit of 2014!

On May 6th 2014 we are set to visit Portuscale Cruises' Azores, whilst the ship is berthed alongside the Cruise Terminal at Harwich International Port.

During the visit on board we are to tour the ship as well as meet with the Captain to officially present our especially assigned drawing of Azores.

Oscar Mora, Commercial Department, Portuscale Cruise, said:

"The Captain will be waiting for you onboard on the 6th May. It’s for us a great pleasure to receive you onboard for the presentation of the drawing of the M/V Azores. Our sincere best regards."
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Our especially assigned drawing of Portuscale Cruises' Azores which is due to be officially presented to the Captain on May 6th 2014 during our visit aboard at Harwich International Port
VIEW DRAWING >>>
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

"We are delighted that Portuscale Cruises have accepted our request to visit Azores during her visit to Harwich International Port on May 6th 2014. It will be a great privilege to tour the ship and to officially present our especially assigned drawing to the Captain."
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ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk
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Captain Rune Myre sends us photos of our Norwegian Getaway drawing displayed!

17/4/2014

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At Dream Designs Colchester we are thrilled to officially announce that our drawing of Norwegian Getaway has been displayed aboard the ship!

For those of you who follow us on Facebook and Twitter, you may remember the photo which we shared of our drawing, sent to us by Captain Greybeard.

Following this we decided to contact the Master of Norwegian Getaway, Captain Rune Myre directly and asked if he could send us some photographs of our drawing on display.

Earlier this week we were very happy to receive a small selection of photographs from the Captain Rune Myre direct from the Norwegian Getaway, having recently return back to the ship following his vacation. 

Norwegian Cruise Line, said:

" The drawing that was given to the Norwegian Getaway by Harry during the ships visit to Southampton this January is posted in the crew area for every crew member to admire."

Norwegian Cruise Line added:

" Captain Rune Myre made sure that the drawing was posted in the most trafficked crew area on board as he and everyone on board were proud and honored to receive such an appreciation by Harry who obviously has a great passion for cruise ships and a great eye for details."
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VIEW DRAWING >>>
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

" It is fantastic that Norwegian Cruise Lines have so kindly displayed our drawing of their latest ship Norwegian Getaway following the official drawing presentation in January during the ship's inaugural call to Southampton!"
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ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk
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Dream Designs Colchester to celebrate Queen Mary 2's 10th Anniversary at Three Queens Event

14/4/2014

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PictureCunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2
At Dream Designs Colchester we are very excited to announce that we will be celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 next month, in Southampton.

On May 9th 2014, Cunard Line's entire fleet, comprising of Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth are to meet together in their home port of Southampton.

We are delighted to announce that we will be in Southampton to witness the celebration and rendezvous of the Three Cunard Queens.

Dream Designs Colchester has had a close connection and friendship with Cunard Line for many years and we are very proud to have one of our drawings displayed aboard each of the Three Queens! 

Unfortunately on this particular occasion we were unable to arrange a visit aboard any of the Three Queens. However we will be in Southampton to see the Three Queens arrive together on the morning on May 9th 2014, before watching the fleet depart together later that evening.

His Royal Highness, Prince Philip will be joining a group of special guests aboard Queen Mary 2, whilst the ship is berthed alongside Ocean Terminal in Southampton to enjoy lunch on board.

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Thousands of onlookers watch as Cunard Line's Three Queens arrive together in Southampton in June 2012, to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty, The Queen

VIEW OUR DRAWINGS OF CUNARD LINE'S THREE QUEENS WHICH ARE PROUDLY DISPLAYED ABOARD!

Queen Victoria

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VIEW DRAWING >>>

Queen Mary 2

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VIEW DRAWING >>>

Queen Elizabeth

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VIEW DRAWING >>>
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

“We are very proud of our close connection with Cunard Line and could not miss this special opportunity to see Cunard Line’s Three Queens in Southampton together again, this time celebrating the 10th Anniversary of their flagship, Queen Mary 2.”
ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk
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MARCO POLO 3 NIGHT CRUISE BREAK!!!

5/4/2014

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At Dream Designs Colchester we are very excited to be able to take this opportunity to officially announce to you our latest cruise!

We are thrilled to be sailing aboard Cruise & Maritime Voyages' Marco Polo!

The 3 night cruise break will depart Tilbury (United Kingdom) on September 18th 2014 and includes two delightful ports of call, Antwerp (Belgium) and Amsterdam (Netherlands).

Both ports of call as well as the departure port of Tilbury will be new to Dream Designs Colchester, as we have never visited them. What's more Marco Polo is also a ship which we have not yet cruised aboard or visited! 

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The 3 night cruise break certainly has lots to offer, including sumptuous dining and entertainment, be it cabarets or classical interludes as well as afternoon teas, late night snacks and plenty of daytime activities and leisure facilities to enjoy.

We are really excited to be sailing with Cruise & Maritime Voyages, following our 1 night cruise aboard Discovery in July 2013. We are most certainly looking forward to sailing with Cruise & Maritime Voyages again!
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Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

"We are very excited to be sailing with Cruise & Maritime Voyages again and this is a fantastic opportunity for us to continue our connection with the cruise line."

He added:

"Marco Polo is a very elegant and classic ship, providing a more traditional style of cruising which we look forward to trying out. In 2015 the ship will be celebrating it's 50th Anniversary!"
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ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk
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Cruise Awards 2014

3/4/2014

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Nominate your favourites for the Cruise Awards 2014

The Cruise Awards 2014 are designed celebrate and recognise the very best of the cruise industry, with all sorts of different award categories, from best new ship to be best food.

The awards are voted for by cruise passengers and holiday makers themselves and this year marks the four year of the Cruise Awards!

We've decided to post about the Cruise Awards 2014 here on our very own blog, as one of the nominations is for 'Best Cruise Blogger' and as we operate our own blog in the cruise industry we wanted to help spread the word.

Do you follow a cruise blog which you enjoy or really love? Then why not nominate them for the Cruise Awards 2014. If you like Our Blog, you could even nominate us, 'Dream Designs Colchester'. Every single nomination counts.

NOMINATE NOW >>>
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ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk
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Rotterdam Ship Visit & Official Drawing Presentation

1/4/2014

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PictureTwin funnels aboard Holland America Line's Rotterdam
On December 21st 2013, Dream Designs Colchester were welcomed aboard Holland America Line's Rotterdam, whilst the ship was berthed alongside the Cruise Terminal at Harwich International Port.

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester was joined aboard Rotterdam by Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester.

We were able to arrange this visit aboard Rotterdam thanks to Michael Langley, Cruise Director, Holland America Line.

Harry and Gavin arrived at Harwich International Port just after 08:30. Cruise Director, Michael had arranged a boarding time of approximately 09:00 with the drawing presentation planned to take place on the bridge at 09:30.

Before entering the Cruise Terminal to obtain their boarding passes, Harry and Gavin both took the opportunity to capture some photographs of Rotterdam from the quayside. Unfortunately the weather was very poor on what was the shortest day of the year.

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Passengers seen disembarking Holland America Line's Rotterdam at Harwich International Port to go ashore on their shore excursions on December 21st 2013
Having collected their boarding passes they made their way along the passenger boarding gangway, where coincidentally they met Cruise Director, Michael Langley who was on his way to meet them. Upon boarding Rotterdam on Deck 2 (Main Deck), Harry and Gavin were escorted to Exploration's Cafe on Deck 5 (Upper Promenade Deck), by Michael where they enjoyed a drink together before the official drawing presentation.

Just before 09:30 Michael took Harry and Gavin to the bridge on Deck 7 where they were introduced to the Master of Rotterdam, Captain Marco Carsjens. Here Harry had the opportunity to officially present his especially assigned drawing of Rotterdam to the Captain and Cruise Director.
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Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester officially presents his drawing to the Master of Rotterdam, Captain Marco Carsjens on the bridge joined by Cruise Director, Michael Langley
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Both the Master of Rotterdam, Captain Marco Carsjens and Cruise Director, Michael Langley where very impressed with the drawing and promised to find a suitable place on board to display it.

Whilst on the bridge Harry and Gavin took many photographs of the various navigational equipment on the bridge, as well as the opportunity to have a photograph taken together with Captain Marco Carsjens on the bridge wing.
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Navigational equipment on the bridge of Rotterdam
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Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester with the Master of Rotterdam, Captain Marco Carsjens on the starboard bridge wing
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An impressive view of the bridge of Rotterdam
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Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester with the Master of Rotterdam, Captain Marco Carsjens
Following the official drawing presentation, Michael invited Harry and Gavin to tour Rotterdam at their leisure. Michael agreed to meet with them later on during the day, as he had arranged a special tour off limits tour of some of the crew areas on board.

Leaving the bridge on Deck 7 (Navigation Deck), Harry and Gavin made their way up to Deck 9 (Sport's Deck), to begin their self guided tour of Rotterdam, starting in the Crow's Nest. Moving down to Deck 8 (Lido Deck), they explored The Greenhouse Spa & Salon, where they saw the Fitness Centre and Beauty Salon.
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Crow's Nest - Deck 9 (Sports Deck)
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Rest Area - Deck 8 (Lido Deck)
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Fitness Centre - Deck 8 (Lido Deck)
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Beauty Salon - Deck 8 (Lido Deck)
Continuing on Deck 8 (Lido Deck) they passed the Lido Pool and Lido Bar, both of which are covered by a large retractable glass roof. Continuing aft they passed through the Lido Restaurant, where they would later enjoy lunch on board.
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Lido Pool - Deck 8 (Lido Deck)
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Lido Restaurant - Deck 8 (Lido Deck)
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Lido Bar - Deck 8 (Lido Deck)
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Lido Restaurant - Deck 8 (Lido Deck)
Arriving at the aft on Deck 8 (Lido Deck) Harry and Gavin viewed The Retreat, one of the new areas which was added to the ship when it was refurbished in late 2009. The Retreat comprises of a shallow pool like area, a whirlpool along with a large television screen. Nearby is also the Bar at the Retreat and Slice a poolside grill.
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The Retreat - Deck 8 (Lido Deck)
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Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester on board Rotterdam
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The Retreat - Deck 8 (Lido Deck)
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Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester on board Rotterdam
Having braved the elements outside on Deck 8 (Lido Deck), Harry and Gavin went up to Deck 9 (Sports Deck) to have a photograph taken with the ship's twin funnels behind them. Following this they also briefly viewed The Oasis on Deck 10 (Sky Deck).
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Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester with Rotterdam's twin funnels
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The Oasis - Deck 10 (Sky Deck)
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Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester with Rotterdam's twin funnels
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The Oasis - Deck 10 (Sky Deck)
Staying outside they found the ship's builders plaque from Fincanteri, the shipyard at which Rotterdam was originally constructed. They also viewed the retractable roof over the Lido Pool on the deck below.
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Rotterdam's builders plaque
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Sliding roof over the Lido Pool
Continuing their self guided tour of Rotterdam, they moved down to Deck 5 (Upper Promenade Deck). Here they began by exploring the two tiered La Fontaine Dining Room at the aft end of the vessel.
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La Fontaine Dining Room - Deck 5 (Upper Promenade Deck)
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La Fontaine Dining Room - Deck 5 (Upper Promenade Deck)
Heading forward along Deck 5 (Upper Promenade Deck) Harry and Gavin got to see many more of the amenities aboard Rotterdam, including the Casino, the Atrium and The Showroom At Sea to name but a few.
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Casino - Deck 5 (Upper Promenade Deck)
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The Showroom At Sea - Deck 5 (Upper Promenade Deck)
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Atrium - Deck 5 (Upper Promenade Deck)
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The Showroom At Sea - Deck 4 (Promenade)
Whilst continuing their tour, now on Deck 4 (Promenade Deck) Harry and Gavin passed Cruise Director, Michael Langley again. He asked how they were getting on and confirmed that the special off limits tour was going to take place. Michael then stayed with Harry and Gavin taking them to some of the amenities on Deck 4 (Promenade Deck) such as the Wajang Theatre & Culinary Arts Center and the Pinnacle Grill.
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Wajang Theatre & Culinary Arts Center - Deck 4 (Promenade Deck)
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Pinnacle Grill - Deck 4 (Promenade Deck)
Next Michael took Harry and Gavin into some of the off limits areas, including the galleys of the Pinnacle Grill and the La Fontaine Dining Room. Here they got to see many different areas, like the Bakery and also got to watch crew preparing lunch and dinner for embarking passengers.
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Next up was the off limits tour of the provisional stores and others areas on the lower decks of the vessel. Michael introduced Harry and Gavin to another crew member, who would escort them around these areas. They began by viewing some of the food stores and the waste and garbage room.
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Continuing their off limits tour Harry and Gavin had the chance to see many more stores, most of them used to stored the vast amount of food which is needed to feed all the hungry passengers and of course crew as well!
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Lastly on their special tour Harry and Gavin were taken into the laundry room aboard Rotterdam. The laundry room is an essential part of any cruise ship.
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Having completed their special off limits tour, Cruise Director Michael guided Harry and Gavin to the Lido Restaurant on Deck 8 (Lido Deck) where he invited them to enjoy lunch aboard Rotterdam with him. Unfortunately we forgot to have a photograph taken together!
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After relaxing in the Lido Restaurant and enjoying a delicious buffet lunch with the Cruise Director, Harry and Gavin were given free roam of the ship once again, allowing them to view some of the other passenger amenities which they had not yet had time to take a look at. 

Continuing their tour of Rotterdam, Harry and Gavin made their way back down to Deck 5 (Upper Promenade Deck) to view the Ocean Bar and Mix, another new area which was added during the ship's refurbishment in 2009.
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Mix - Deck 5 (Upper Promenade Deck)
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Mix - Deck 5 (Upper Promenade Deck)
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Mix - Deck 5 (Upper Promenade Deck)
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Mix - Deck 5 (Upper Promenade Deck)
Having now toured most of the ship, Harry and Gavin braved the elements again, this time along the outside promenade deck on Deck 3 (Lower Promenade Deck), where they were slightly more sheltered from the relentless rain and wind. Along the promenade deck they got to see some of the doors of the Lanai Staterooms added in 2009, which feature sliding glass doors opening directly out onto the promenade deck.
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Promenade Deck - Deck 3 (Lower Promenade Deck)
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Lanai Staterooms along the Promenade Deck - Deck 3 (Lower Promenade Deck)
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Harwich International Port
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Promenade Deck - Deck 3 (Lower Promenade Deck)
It was now time to disembark Rotterdam, so Harry and Gavin made their way to the Cruise Director's Office on Deck 3 (Lower Promenade Deck) by The Atrium, where they reported to Michael Langley who escorted them off the ship back to the Passes Office in the Cruise Terminal.
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Holland America Line's Rotterdam berthed alongside the Cruise Terminal at Harwich International Port
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

" I would like to extend my greatest appreciation to Cruise Director, Michael Langley for all the effort he put in to making our visit aboard Rotterdam extra special and for making us feel so welcome whilst on board."

" It was an absolute pleasure to visit Holland America Line's Rotterdam and an honour to meet with Captain Marco Carsjens on the bridge to officially present my drawing to him."
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ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk
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    Harry Cotterill

    Harry 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!


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