 Dream Designs Colchester teams up with Royal Caribbean Fans At Dream Designs Colchester we are very excited to have recently teamed up with our friends at Royal Caribbean Fans. We are delighted to announce that on July 26th 2014 we will be visiting Royal Caribbean International’s Brilliance of the Seas at Harwich International Port. For some time we have thought about teaming up with Royal Caribbean Fans and this ship visit seemed like the perfect opportunity. Jordan Bailey, Founder, Royal Caribbean Fans will be joining Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester on board Brilliance of the Seas for the special ship visit. Jordan Bailey, Founder, Royal Caribbean Fans, said: Dream Designs Colchester visited Brilliance of the Seas last summer on July 27th 2013 during which time we officially presented our especially assigned drawing on board. It is hoped that the drawing is displayed aboard and during the visit we might get to see it! Jordan Bailey was lucky enough to be invited aboard Brilliance of the Seas for a special overnight sailing from Harwich last year following the ship’s refurbishment. 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester officially presents his especially assigned drawing to the crew of Brilliance of the Seas on the bridge during his visit on board on July 27th 2013
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, 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: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk
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 Captain Yannis Berdos with Volunteers @ Sea John & Marilyn At Dream Designs Colchester we are always delighted to receive confirmation that one of our drawings are displayed aboard, as is often promised by many of the cruise lines and Captains which they are officially presented to. Most recently we were able to confirm that our especially assigned drawing of Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Solstice is displayed on the bridge! The drawing was presented aboard by our Volunteers @ Sea John & Marilyn on September 10th 2013. During their most recent cruise aboard Celebrity Solstice they were invited to the bridge by Captain Yannis Berdos to view the drawing for themselves. John Shulman, Volunteer@Sea, Dream Designs Colchester, said: Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, 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: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk  P&O Cruises' Arcadia in Southampton During our visit to Southampton last month to see Cunard Line's Three Queens during the special celebrations for Queen Mary 2's 10th Anniversary on May 9th 2014, we were lucky enough to also enjoy a visit aboard P&O Cruises' Arcadia. Unfortunately is was not possible to visit Queen Mary 2 during our time in Southampton due to the very busy day which Cunard had planned. We therefore thought it would be wise to try to visit another vessel in Southampton and we chose P&O Cruises' recently refurbished Arcadia. Our drawing was officially presented on board Arcadia on August 19th 2011 by our Volunteers@Sea Ernie & Edna. We also knew the drawing was displayed on board and thought it would be a great opportunity to view it for ourselves and visit Arcadia for the first time. On the morning of May 9th 2014, Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester made their way from the hotel they were staying in to Mayflower Cruise Terminal where Arcadia was berthed. Upon entering Mayflower Cruise Terminal, Harry and Gavin were quickly met by Jenny Hadley, Public Relations Executive, P&O Cruises who along with colleagues in the Public Relations and Marketing team at P&O Cruises had helped arrange the visit aboard Arcadia. 
P&O Cruises' Arcadia berthed alongside Mayflower Cruise Terminal in Southampton on May 9th 2014
Once Harry and Gavin had made their way to the Passes Office to collect their visitor passes they were then escorted through security by Jenny Hadley and were able to board Arcadia for their visit. They boarded Arcadia on G Deck (Deck 1) entering the bottom of the atrium. With some time to waste before the planned meeting and viewing of the drawing, Jenny suggested touring part of the ship. The guided tour started midships on Promenade Deck (Deck 3), beginning at the brand new designed shopping boutique area. Heading forward along Promenade Deck (Deck 3), Harry and Gavin had the chance to view the Library, Café Vivo, The Screening Room and The Palladium which spans three decks, between G Deck (Deck 1) and Promenade Deck (Deck 3).
Next they moved down to F Deck (Deck 2) passing through the Monte Carlo Casino and the adjacent The Rising Sun, a traditional British themed pub. Moving towards midships they explored The Globe, a small show-lounge venue which has now been separated from the main flow of passengers with glass doors, making for a more exclusive environment and feel. Surrounding The Globe on the port-side is the Art Gallery which has a number of seats.
Continuing along F Deck (Deck 2) towards the aft, Jenny showed Harry and Gavin the Intermezzo, located at the top of the atrium and nearby to the Ocean Grill, Marco Pierre White's restaurant, which unfortunately was not possible to view on this occasion. Further along they passed through the Spinnaker Bar before entering the two tiered Meridian Restaurant at the stern.
Moving up to Promenade Deck (Deck 3) through the Meridian Restaurant, Harry and Gavin saw the few remaining public areas which they had missed on this deck at the aft end of the ship, such as the Photo Gallery and The Piano Bar, located at the top of the atrium.
Now approximately 10:45, Jenny took Harry and Gavin to Reception located on G Deck (Deck 1) where Deputy Captain, Thomas Connery was there to meet them along with Deck Cadet, Jack McManus. The Deputy Captain handed over to Jack who guided, Harry and Gavin as well as Jenny to the drawing of Arcadia, which is displayed right outside the Captain's Office, adjacent to the bridge on A Deck (Deck 8). 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester with his drawing of Arcadia displayed outside the Captain's Office
Both Harry and Gavin took plenty of photos of the Arcadia drawing, which was officially presented on board on August 19th 2011, nearly three years earlier. As always it was a proud moment for Harry to view another of his drawings displayed aboard one of the world's leading cruise ships. Following the viewing of the drawing a brief visit to the bridge took place, which was a nice surprise for Harry and Gavin and even Jenny too! Unfortunately on this occasion photography was not allowed, so we are unable to share any photographs with you. 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester with his drawing of Arcadia displayed outside the Captain's Office with Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester
After the surprise visit to the bridge, Deck Cadet, Jack escorted Harry, Gavin and Jenny back to the passenger stateroom corridor on A Deck (Deck 8). Right away the tour continued, only from Sun Deck (Deck 10) as Harry was keen to see some of the brand new staterooms which has been added during the recent refurbishment, including six single stateroom, four inside and two balconies.
Whilst on Sun Deck (Deck 10) they also viewed the Viceroy Room / Wedding Venue and The Crow's Nest Bar, which offered great views over the bow of the ship.
On Lido Deck (Deck 9) Harry and Gavin explored the Oasis Spa and many of the various venues located within it, such as the Hydro Pool, the Gymnasium and the Salon.
Next they passed through the Neptune Pool which features a large sliding glass roof or 'Skydome'. The pool area also features three Jacuzzis and the poolside Neptune Bar. Having spotted Holland America Line's Rotterdam departing Harry and Gavin quickly made their way up to the top of Arcadia for a better view of the ship passing and also got an up close view of Arcadia's traditional buff coloured funnel.
After watching Rotterdam manoeuvre for a few minutes the tour continued, heading back inside to The East Bar on Lido Deck (Deck 11). Harry and Gavin also explored the East restaurant before moving down briefly to Sky Deck (Deck 10) where Jenny showed them The Retreat.
One of the last areas yet to view was The Belvedere buffet restaurant on Lido Deck (Deck 10) as well as the Aquarius Pool and Aquarius Bar located outside on the stern.
It was now time to disembark Arcadia. From Lido Deck (Deck 10) Harry, Gavin and Jenny took one of the ship's four glass elevators down to G Deck (Deck 1). Here they quickly viewed one of the LB Outside category staterooms. As they headed towards the gangway they passed through the atrium and captured a few final photographs before disembarking Arcadia.
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, 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: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk  Voyages of Discovery's Voyager At Dream Designs Colchester we are delighted to take this opportunity to officially announce to you our next upcoming ship visit and official drawing presentation. On June 28th 2014, we will be visiting Voyages of Discovery's Voyager during her brief visit to Harwich International Port. Voyages of Discovery have agreed to welcome us aboard Voyager and meet with the Captain to officially present our especially assigned drawing. During our brief visit on board it is hope we might also have the opportunity to view some of the passenger amenities on board. Voyages of Discovery, said: 
Our especially assigned drawing of Voyages of Discovery's Voyager which is due to be officially present to the Captain at Harwich International Port on June 28th 2014
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, 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: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of Ernest Taylor, a member of our Volunteers@Sea team. Ernie passed away on Sunday 18th May 2014 at the age of 87. His daughter Marion informed us of his passing a few days later. We were truly shocked and saddened to receive such sad news. Ernie, his wife Edna and their daughter Marion had supported Dream Designs Colchester for a number of years. Together they helped to present drawings aboard P&O Cruises’ Aurora, Oceana, Arcadia and Azura. A funeral service was held on Thursday 12th June 2014. We wanted to say goodbye and thank Ernie for his support and encouragement. We hope that you will join us in sending your thoughts to Ernie’s wife and family. Below are some photographs to remember Ernie by. December 2010 - Oriana Official Drawing Presentation
December 30th 2011 - Ocean Official Drawing Presentation
August 19th 2014 - Arcadia Official Drawing Presentation June 23rd 2012 - Azura Official Drawing Presentation 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  AIDAstella at Harwich International Port On May 7th 2014 we had the pleasure of visiting AIDA Cruises' AIDAstella whilst the vessel was berthed alongside the Cruise Terminal at Harwich International Port. We were able to arrange the visit after we contacted Michael Ungerer, President, AIDA Cruises to request permission to visit AIDAstella to officially present our drawing on board. AIDA Cruises were happy to welcome us aboard AIDAstella. We were very excited to be working with AIDA Cruises for the first time and to be granted permission to visit one of their ships! On the morning on May 7th 2014, Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester arrived at Harwich International Port just before 10:00. Before entering the Cruise Terminal to obtain their visitor passes they took some photographs of the ship berthed alongside.
Harry also took the opportunity to unveil his especially assigned drawing of AIDAstella in front of the ship with some help from Gavin, before he later officially presented it on board the ship. Upon entering the Cruise Terminal and making their way over to the Passes Office, Harry and Gavin were informed that they were strictly no visitors! 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester unveils his drawing of AIDAstella in front of the ship aided by Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester
Luckily Harry spotted AIDAstella's Hotel Manager, Helmut Süss in the Cruise Terminal and explained the situation to him. He inform Harry that he would attempt to find out what the problem was. Eventually after waiting in the Cruise Terminal for sometime Julia Baumgartl, Photo Gallery Manager came to meet Harry and Gavin and was able to escort them on board once they had been given clearance from both security at Harwich International Port and the security team on board AIDAstella. 
Julia Haumgarlt, Photo Gallery Manager seen escourting Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester along the passenger boarding gangway to board AIDAstella
Boarding AIDAstella on Deck 5, Harry and Gavin were taken up to Deck 9, where they got to view some of the passenger amenities, including the AIDA Shop, Photo Gallery and Wine Store, before they were lead through the Theatrium to the Stella Bar, where the official drawing presentation was to take place.
Theatrium (Deck 9,10 & 11)
A short while after arriving at the Stella Bar, Jan-Philipp Schmid, Entertainment Manager and Heiko Schliek, General Manager came to meet with Harry and Gavin. They were both very keep to see Harry's drawing and before long invited him to officially present his drawing to them, joined by Julia. AIDAstella's very own photographer was also their to capture the moment! 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester officially presents his especially assigned drawing of AIDAstella to Jan-Philipp Schmid, Entertainment Manager, Heiko Schliek, General Manager and Julia Baumgartl, Photo Gallery Manager
Following the official drawing presentation, Harry and Gavin enjoyed a drink in the Stella Bar with Jan-Philipp Schmid, Entertainment Manager, Heiko Schliek, General Manager and Julia Baumgartl, Photo Gallery Manager. They also chatted for sometime about our website and our many previous drawing presentations as well as AIDA Cruises' new ship AIDAprima arriving in 2015. 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester photographed in the Stella Bar aboard AIDAstella with Jan-Philipp Schmid, Entertainment Manager, Heiko Schliek, General Manager and Julia Baumgartl, Photo Gallery Manager
Julia then invited Harry and Gavin on a guided tour of AIDAstella. Moving up through the Theatrium from Deck 9 to Deck 10, they got to see Café Mare, Bu alo Steak House and the AIDA Bar located near the front of the ship with its uniquely designed star shaped bar!
Heading back along Deck 10, towards the stern of the ship, Harry and Gavin viewed Brauhaus, a casual dining area which features its very own on board brewery and hosts shows and demonstrations as well as a quick look inside the Bella Donna Restaurant at the stern.
Continuing the guided tour, Harry and Gavin were taken up to Deck 11 where they explored the East Restaurant, which includes a Sushi Bar. They also got to see the California Grill and Beach Bar.
Heading outside they explored the free range area which features a large outdoor television screen. They also got to take a look at the pools, sundeck areas and Pool Bar. Julia also invited Harry and Gavin to explore some of the upper sundeck areas on Deck 15 above the Body & Soul Spa, which have a number of elevated deck areas offering stunning views from the very top of the ship!
Moving back down to Deck 11, Harry and Gavin viewed the Body & Soul fitness center and gymnasium on board AIDAstella. Located in the adjacent Theatrium are a number of other sporting facilities include the Timeout Bar and counters to book biking, diving and golf.
On Deck 14 Harry and Gavin viewed the outdoor Sports Court and also saw AIDAstella's funnel up close and took the chance to have a photograph taken together benief it. Inside on Deck 12 they explored the Anytime Bar with its futuristic entrance design.
Before finishing their guided tour, Julia took Harry and Gavin to the forward stairwell on Deck 10, where she showed them the amazing video wall aquarium which spans seven decks, from Deck 3 up to Deck 10! Finally on Deck 3 they saw the Pier 3 Bar, located just above the waterline and features doors on the size of the ship which can open when in port or anchored at tender ports.
Upon completing the guided tour, Julia escorted Harry and Gavin to Reception on Deck 5, where they were met by Heiko Schliek, General Manager again who presented them each with an AIDA Cruises souvenir cup and a crystal model of AIDAstella. 
Heiko Schliek, General Manager presents Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester each with a AIDA cup and a crystal model of AIDAstella
Having toured many of the passenger amenities aboard AIDAstella it was now time to disembark. Julia was kind enough to escort Harry and Gavin back to the Passes Office in the Cruise Terminal where they collected their passports before leaving the Harwich International Port. 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Julia Baumgartl, Photo Gallery Manager photographed outside the Cruise Terminal at Harwich International Port with AIDAstella behind
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, 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: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk  Today our Cruise Countdown has reached the 100 DAYS TO GO milestone!!! On September 18th 2014 we will set sail from Tilbury (United Kingdom) aboard Cruise & Maritime Voyages' Marco Polo. The 3 night cruise break 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 before. Even more exciting, Marco Polo is a ship which we have not yet cruised aboard or visited and in 2015 Cruise & Maritime Voyages will be celebrating her 50th anniversary! 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, 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: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk  Commodore Giuseppe Romano reading our letter and newspaper cuttings We wanted to take a moment to share with you some photographs which Dream Designs Colchester supporter, Everley Mudkins captured during his recent cruise aboard Ruby Princess. During his cruise on board Ruby Princess, Everley was able to find our drawing displayed on board and captured a number of photographs, which he shared with us. The drawing was officially presented to Commodore Giuseppe Romano by our Volunteers@Sea, Sue & Sheila on October 24th 2010, during their very own cruise. Following the official drawing presentation in October 2010, Commodore Giuseppe Romano emailed us to say thank you and informed us that he would find a suitable location on board to display the drawing. Until Everley sent us his photos we had not been able to confirm if the drawing was displayed. Everley Mudkins, Specialist Cruise Consultant, Cruise.co.uk, said: Our drawing of Ruby Princess is displayed nearby to the tender embarkation lounge on Deck 4 (Gala Deck). Also framed alongside the drawing are two newspaper cuttings which were enclosed with the letter we sent along with the drawing which Sue & Sheila presented on our behalf. 
Commodore Giuseppe Romano with our Volunteer@Sea, Sue on the bridge on Ruby Princess during the official drawing presentation on October 24th 2010
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, 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: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk  Azores berthed at Harwich International Port On May 6th 2014 we had the pleasure of visiting Portuscale Cruises' Azores whilst berthed alongside the Cruise Terminal at Harwich International Port. We contacted Portuscale Cruises sometime before the visit to request permission to visit Azores and officially present Harry's especially assigned drawing. Portuscale Cruises very kindly granted permission for both Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester to visit Azores. Harry and Gavin had been informed that they would be able to board Azores from 10:00 and arrived at the Cruise Terminal just before, to see that the ship was only just berthing alongside. Unfortunately as a result of the ships late arrival, embarkation was also delayed as the visitors list had not yet been sent to the Passes Office. Whilst they waited for the visitors list to arrive at the Passes Office, Harry and Gavin took the opportunity to take a number of photographs of Azores berthed alongside the Cruise Terminal, including some with Harry's especially assigned drawing, which as always attracted some attention from onlookers. 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester unveils his especially assigned drawing of Portuscale Cruises' Azores and the ship behind him alongside the Cruise Terminal at Harwich International Port
Eventually the visitors list arrived and Harry and Gavin were then able to obtain their visitor passes and proceed through security and along the passenger boarding gangway to board Azores. (They were the only two visitors!) Boarding Azores on Deck 4 (Mediterranean Deck) Harry and Gavin were asked to wait in the ship's reception area, whilst a the Staff Captain came to meet them. A few minutes later the Staff Captain arrived and welcomed them on board Azores. 
Reception area and atrium aboard Azores on Deck 4 (Mediterranean Deck)
Harry and Gavin were taken to the Sirene's Bar on Deck 4A (Calypso Deck) were they enjoyed a drink together with the Staff Captain and chatted for around ten minutes. Following this the Staff Captain invite them on a guided tour of the ship's passenger amenities. 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester enjoy a drink together with the Staff Captain of Azores in the Sirene's Bar
The guided tour started from the Sirene's Bar on Deck 4A (Mediterranean Deck) and headed forward, passing the Casino Circe, Ambiente Lounge, Internet Library and the Captain's Club.
Continuing on Deck 4A (Mediterranean Deck) they passed the Shopping Boutiques and Photo Shop, before taking a look in Lounge Calypso, the ship's main show lounge located at the forward end of the ship. 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester seen with the Staff Captain of Azores during his guided tour
Heading aft they passed the Sirene's Bar again as well as the small but impressive atrium, before entering the Buffet Restaurant at the aft end of the ship. On the outside decks at the aft Harry and Gavin were shown the Bar Elpinor and the swimming pool.
Moving up to Deck 5 (Promenade Deck) the guided tour continued and Harry and Gavin were able to briefly view Azores' promenade deck, which most modern cruise ships now no longer feature. Heading inside the Staff Captain showed them the Disco Club before finishing the guided tour.
Once the tour was over the Staff Captain guided Harry and Gavin back to the reception area, where Harry had a few minutes to officially present his especially assigned drawing of Azores. The Staff Captain seem very impressed and said he would do his best to find a suitable location on board to display it! 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester officially presents his especially assigned drawing of Portuscale Cruises' Azores to the Staff Captain
Understandably following the official drawing presentation the Staff Captain then had to return back to his duties on the bridge and left Harry and Gavin in the comfort of the crew in the Sirene's Bar once again. He invited them to enjoy lunch in the Buffet Restaurant when it opened.
After relaxing in the Sirene's Bar for a while until the adjacent Buffet Restaurant opened, Harry and Gavin made their way into the Buffet Restaurant where they enjoyed lunch together. 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester enjoying lunch together in the Buffet Restaurant aboard Azores
After enjoying lunch on board Azores in the Buffet Restaurant, Harry and Gavin headed back to reception, where they took the opportunity to have a few final photographs taken on board before disembarking. 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester in the atrium aboard Portuscale Cruises' Azores
Upon disembarking Azores, Harry and Gavin made their way back to the Passes Office in the Cruise Terminal to collect their passports and hand back their boarding passes. Before leaving Harwich International Port they took the chance to capture some more photographs of Azores berthed alongside the Cruise Terminal.
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, 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: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk |
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
February 2019
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