As summer 2011 now draws to an end, we would like to take this opportunity to look back at the many exciting events which took place during the summer of 2011.

In May 2011 we saw our drawings presented aboard Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica at Harwich International Port, but also aboard Carnival Dream in the Caribbean too, which we are proud to now have our drawing officially displayed aboard.

The success continued into July, with help from Harwich International Port once again, who kindly agreed to present our drawing aboard Astor whilst the vessel was berthed alongside the cruise terminal. 

July 2011 also saw our drawing officially presented aboard Norwegian Pearl by our respected Volunteers @ Sea, John & Marilyn.

August 2011 was particularly successful, with an impressive 5 official drawing presentations, including invitations to visit 3 of the 5 vessels as well.

At the beginning of August 2011, Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and his father, Brian Cotterill visited Crystal Serenity at the Port of Dover, where they were given the opportunity to meet with Vice Captain, Cato Christensen, to officially present our drawing of the vessel.

Later on August 10th, our newest and youngest Volunteer @ Sea, Ben officially presented our drawing of Disney Magic to the Captain of the vessel during his 7 night cruise aboard, together with his parents. Captain Marco was very impressed with our drawing of Disney Magic and informed Ben that our drawing would be displayed in the Crew Bar.

On August 17th 2011 Dream Designs Colchester had the delight of joining a selection of VIP guests aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' flagship, Balmoral, during her inaugural visit to Harwich International Port. Whilst on board we were treated to a Champagne Reception and 'Brunch' in the Avon Restaurant, before a guided tour of the vessel's passenger amenities took place.

Upon finishing the tour, Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and his father, Brian Cotterill, where invited to visit the bridge and meet with Captain Atle Knutsen personally to officially present our drawing of Balmoral to him.

Just 2 days later on August 19th 2011, Dream Designs Colchester visited the beautiful Hebridean Princess, during her inaugural visit to Harwich International Port. Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and his father, Brian Cotterill, we escorted aboard the vessel by the Master, Captain Richard Heaton and were lucky enough to spend quite sometime together with the Captain and were invited to the bridge.

We were also given the opportunity to officially present our drawing of Hebridean Princess to Captain Richard Heaton and in return we were presented with the ship's official plaque.

On the same day, our honourable Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Enda we invited to the bridge of P&O Cruises' Arcadia during their 13 night 'Around Britain' cruise aboard the vessel. They were fortunate enough to meet with Captain Peter Philpott and were given the chance officially presented our drawing of Arcadia.

Our drawing of Arcadia has since been framed and is now displayed aboard Arcadia in the alleyway leading the the Navigation Bridge, directly outside the Captain's office too!

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

" Summer 2011 was a truly very success period of time for Dream Designs Colchester, during which time we saw numerous official drawing presentations, many of which were so successful they have since been displayed aboard, not the mention a number of ships visits too. "

He added:

" I would like to take this opportunity to extend my greatest appreciation to everyone who has helped Dream Designs Colchester recently, especially our Volunteers @ Sea and our cruise line connections and friends, who made Summer 2011 to be so superb! "

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, Saturday 24th September 2011, our Volunteers @ Sea, John & Marilyn board Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Star in Vancouver, before departing on their 7 night cruise aboard the vessel.

Whilst on board they are due to officially present our especially assigned drawing of Norwegian Star to the master of the vessel, Captain Konstantinos Fafaliosto, on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester.

In July 2011 John & Marilyn presented our drawing of Norwegian Cruise Lines' Norwegian Pearl to the Captain on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester. They were originally due to present the drawing in May 2011 during their cruise aboard Norwegian Pearl, but sadly our drawing encountered a delay in shipping.

Fortunately, whilst aboard Norwegian Pearl in May 2011, our Volunteers @ Sea, John & Marilyn were able to meet with Matthhias Holz, Hotel Director aboard Norwegian Pearl, who later kindly arranged for John & Marilyn to visit Norwegian Pearl in July 2011, where they had the opportunity to officially present our drawing to Julie Valeriote, Cruise Director, aboard Norwegian Pearl.

The staff aboard Norwegian Pearl who arranged for John & Marilyn to visit the vessel in July 2011, have been kind enough to contact Norwegian Star on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester and arrange for our Volunteers @ Sea, John & Marilyn to officially present our drawing during their 7 night cruise aboard.

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

" We were delighted with the success that John & Marilyn achieved during the presentation of Norwegian Pearl in July 2011. We are sure they will do us proud once again and would like to wish them a pleasant cruise aboard Norwegian Star. "

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

Dream Designs Colchester are extremely proud to be able take this opportunity to share with you some very exciting news in our illustrious history of outstanding achievements.

Recently we have been closely in contact with P&O Cruises and last week we were informed that our especially assigned drawing of Arcadia, was to be framed and displayed aboard the vessel.

Earlier this week we received a very pleasant surprise, when P&O Cruises kindly sent us a selection of photographs, which Captain Peter Philpott took of our drawing of Arcadia displayed aboard the vessel.

Our drawing is displayed in a truly wonderful and prominent position, in the main alleyway leading the the Navigation Bridge, directly outside of the Captain's personal office!

Our drawing of Arcadia was officially presented to Captain Peter Philpott by our Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna, in August 2011, during their 13 night 'Around Britain' cruise aboard the vessel. P&O Cruises were kind enough to arrange for Ernie & Edna to meet with the Captain personally on the Navigation Bridge, where they had the opportunity to officially presented our drawing of Arcadia.

Master of P&O Cruises' Arcadia, Captain Peter Philpott, said:

" The Carpenters on board Arcadia have done their usual superb job and made an excellent frame for Harry's drawing, completely from scratch, using wood they already had in their workshop! 

I hope you enjoy the attached photos of it mounted in the alleyway adjacent to the door into the Navigating Bridge and also near to my Office door (pictured directly below)."

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

" I was delighted to be informed by P&O Cruises that our drawing of Arcadia, which was presented to Captain Peter Philpott last month by our honourable Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna, has now been framed and displayed aboard the vessel. I feel very privileged and proud to know my drawing is displayed in such a prestigious position! "

He added:

" I would like to take this opportunity to thank P&O Cruises, including Captain Peter Philpott, his Carpentry team and Kerry Laight, PA to Carol Marlow, Managing Director, P&O Cruises & Philip Price, Head of Brand Marketing, for all the help and support given. "

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

Dream Designs Colchester are pleased to inform you that our most recently assigned Cruise Ship Drawing of Royal Caribbean International's giant 158,000 tonne Freedom of the Seas, has arrived in Florida in the United States at our Volunteer @ Sea, Sue's home.

Freedom of the Seas is one of three drawings which we recently sent to the United States. The two others being Norwegian Cruise Lines' Pride of America and Norwegian Star, both of which are due to be presented to the Captain's on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester later this year.

Our Volunteers @ Sea, Sue & Sheila are set to present our drawing of Freedom of the Seas to the Master of the vessel, Captain Rob Hempstead, during their annual family cruise aboard the vessel in October 2011.

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

" I was delighted to be informed by our Volunteer @ Sea, Sue, that our drawing of Freedom of the Seas had successfully arrived during the weekend at her home in Florida. I cannot wait until she meets with Shelia and boards Freedom of the Seas to officially present our drawing to Captain Rob Hempstead. "

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

On Thursday 15th September 2011, our Volunteer @ Sea, Stephen, took the opportunity to visit Liverpool to see Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 berth alongside the City's cruise terminal.

Last week on Thursday 8th September 2011, Stephen also visited Liverpool to see Queen Elizabeth berth at the cruise terminal during her inaugural call to the City.

Stephen is one of our longest serving Volunteers @ Sea and has played a great part in the growth of Dream Designs Colchester in recent years. In July 2009 Stephen kindly agreed to present our original drawing of Queen Mary 2 to Captain Nick Bates, whilst aboard the vessel during his 4 night northern Europe voyage. 

In November 2009, Stephen was kind enough presented our especially assigned drawing of Queen Victoria to Captain Paul Wright during his voyage aboard the vessel. Stephen was lucky enough to be invited to the bridge where he met with Captain Paul Wright, who kindly agreed displayed our drawing of Queen Victoria aboard the vessel.

Captain Paul Wright also invited us to visit Queen Victoria and meet with him personally, but sadly we were unable to do so during the arranged dates. Since then Captain Paul Wright has retired, but we do hope to get the opportunity to visit Queen Victoria in the not too distant future.

Captain Paul Wright, Master of Queen Victoria, said:

" I must say how impressed I am with your work - truly magnificent!! A very special thank you for the wonderful drawing of Queen Victoria. We are having it framed and displayed on the Bridge but we may move it round occasionally so other guests may enjoy it, I am sure they will be similarly impressed! "

In November 2010, Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and his father, Brian Cotterill, took their first ever cruise, aboard Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2. Our respected Volunteer @ Sea, Stephen also joined us aboard during the 2 night voyage.

During the voyage, Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and his father Brian Cotterill, had the opportunity to meet with Commodore Bernard Warner on the bridge of the vessel to officially present our drawing of Queen Mary 2.

In October 2011, Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and his father, Brian Cotterill, shall board Queen Mary 2 for a 2 night voyage aboard the vessel. They will also be joined on board by our honourable Volunteer @ Sea, Stephen, who is also on board for the voyage to Cherbourg.

Dream Designs Colchester recently contacted Cunard Line to arrange a meeting with Peter Shanks, President & Managing Director, Cunard Line, before boarding Queen Mary 2 on October 14th 2011.

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

" We were very pleased to hear that our Volunteer @ Sea, Stephen, who has had a close connection to Cunard Line for many years now, took the opportunity to see both Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2 berthed alongside at Liverpool cruise terminal earlier this month. "

He added:

" It is hoped that we will be lucky enough to have the opportunity to meet with Peter Shanks, President & Managing Director, Cunard Line, before we board Queen Mary 2 in Southampton on October 14th 2011. It will be a great joy to finally meet with Peter Shanks after corresponding with him for quite sometime. "

Below you can view our Volunteer @ Sea, Stephen's video of Queen Mary 2 berthing alongside Liverpool cruise terminal on Thursday 15th September 2011.

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

Dream Designs Colchester are very pleased to be able to take this opportunity to update you on the progress of two of our most recently assigned Cruise Ship Drawings, of Norwegian Cruise Line's Pride of America and Norwegian Star.

Last week we were informed by James Bryd, ex Guest Service Supervisor, Pride of America, that our drawing of Pride of America had successfully arrived at his home in Ohio, United States.

James Bryd has since had a major change in his career path and has sadly left the ship. He is now hoping to arrange for his friends and ex colleagues aboard Pride of America to officially present our drawing to Captain Buz Radican.

Even more recently, yesterday, Monday 12th September 2011, our Volunteers @ Sea, John & Marilyn, informed us that our drawing of Norwegian Star had arrived at their home in Seattle, United States.

John & Marilyn are due to board Norwegian Star on September 24th 2011, before departing on their 7 night cruise aboard the vessel. Whilst on board it is hoped they will be lucky enough to meet with the Master of the vessel, Captain Konstantinos Fafaliosto officially present our drawing on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester.

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

" I am delighted that both our drawings of Pride of America and Norwegian Star have successfully arrived at their destinations in the United States. I look forward to hearing more on the next step of their exciting journeys! "

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, Sunday 11th September 2011 marks the tenth anniversary of the tragic events which took place in New York City on September 11th 2001.

For the first time, families who lost loved ones on September 11th 2001 either at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, the plane which crashed in Pennsylvania or the 6 who lost their lives in February 1993, will be able to see their names carved in brass around the two waterfalls which mark the foundations of where the World Trade Center towers once stood so proudly, dominating the skyline.

America is now rising, with construction of the new World Trade Center. The new World Trade Center is a vision of downtown New York that combines modern, safe and sustainable commercial space, convenient transportation, and a destination cultural center. 

When complete, the new World Trade Center development will include, five new skyscrapers, The National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center, The World Trade Center Transportation Hub, 550,000 square feet of retail space and a Performing Arts Center.

Our thoughts are with all who lost loved ones on that most tragic of days. We hope that the new developments and the memorial, will put closure to the many individuals who were impacted that day. The future is now bright for New York and the world. The story of September 11th 2001, will never be forgotten and we will always remember those who tragically died in the horrific events which took place 10 years ago.

We have learnt from yesterday, to make tomorrow a better day...

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

Dream Designs Colchester are delighted to be able to take this opportunity to share with you yet more exciting news, from the busy events of August 2011.

Late last month on August 31st 2011 our Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna returned home from their 13 night ‘Around Britain’ cruise aboard the vessel.

Earlier this week Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester took the chance to meet with Ernie & Edna to hear all about their time aboard Arcadia!

Whilst on board the vessel they were lucky enough to have the opportunity to officially present our drawing of Arcadia to the Master of the vessel, Captain Peter Philpott. P&O Cruises were kind enough to arrange for Ernie & Edna to visit the bridge, where they presented our drawing to Captain Peter Philpott personally.

Captain Peter Philpott took the time to write to our Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna and enclosed a photograph of the official drawing presentation as well as a signed postcard for us too.

Captain Peter Philpott, wrote:

" Dear Edna & Ernest, Thank you for presenting Harry Cotterill superb drawing of Arcadia to me on the Bridge. Please find enclosed 2 photo - one for yourself and one for Harry - which he is welcome to use on his website if he should care to do so. Please pass him my thanks and regards, Best Wishes, Captain Peter Philpott. "

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

" It was wonderful to meet with Ernie & Edna earlier this week to hear all about their time aboard Arcadia. I was very pleased to hear that they had the chance to meet with Captain Peter Philpott in person on the bridge, where they also officially presented our drawing of Arcadia. "

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, Monday 5th Setember 2011, our most recently assigned cruise ship drawing of Royal Caribbean International’s Freedom of the Seas began it’s long journey to Florida, across the Atlantic Ocean.

The drawing was especially assigned last week, after our two wonderful Volunteers @ Sea, Sue & Sheila kindly agreed to present the drawing to the Master of the vessel, Captain Rob Hempstead, during their annual family cruise together, scheduled later this year.

Sue & Sheila are due to board Freedom of the Seas together with their families, for the 7 night Western Caribbean Cruise on October 9th 2011. Whilst on board it is hoped that they will have the opportunity to officially present our drawing of Freedom of the Seas to Captain Rob Hempstead.

In October 2010 Sue & Sheila presented our especially assigned drawing of Ruby Princess to the Princess Cruises' Commodore, Commodore Giuseppe Romano during their annual cruise together. Commodore Giuseppe Romano was very impressed with our drawing and was kind enough to frame and display the drawing on board.

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

" Today is another important milestone for Dream Designs Colchester, as yet another of our most recently assigned cruise ship drawings is sent on its way to begin it's exciting journey! "

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

Earlier this year, on Wednesday 17th August 2011, Dream Designs Colchester had the special privilege of joining a delegation of VIPs aboard Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' flagship, Balmoral, during the vessel's inaugural visit to Harwich International Port.

Dream Designs Colchester has had quite a close connection with local Ipswich based, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines since June 2010, after contacting Mike Rodwell, Managing Director, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to share with him our work, including our original drawing of Balmoral, as well as to take the opportunity to request permission to present our drawing of Black Watch to Captain Torbjørn Lund during the vessel's inaugural visit to Harwich International Port in August 2010.

Whilst on board Black Watch in August 2010, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines invited us to visit Balmoral the following year, to present the original drawing, which was sent to Mike Rodwell, Managing Director, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, to the Master of the vessel, during her inaugural visit to Harwich International Port.

We are truly delighted to now be able to take this opportunity to share with you the official drawing presentation photographs from the VIP visit to Balmoral, courtesy of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, which were recently sent to us.

Whilst on board Balmoral, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines very kindly arranged for us to meet with Captain Atle Knutsen on the bridge of the vessel, where Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, officially presented his drawing of the vessel.

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

" A very special thank you to Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines for sending us the wonderful photographs from the official drawing presented on board Balmoral during the VIP last month at Harwich International Port. It's great to see our drawing of Balmoral captured in such detail! "

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