At Dream Designs Colchester we are thrilled to have this opportunity to share with you some belated and much overdue news from our recent summer of events.

We are delighted to inform you that our brand new especially assigned drawing of Royal Caribbean International’s Jewel of the Seas has been officially displayed aboard the vessel!

We were made aware of this following our visit to Jewel of the Seas on August 19th 2012 at Harwich International Port, where we officially presented our brand new especially assigned drawing to Staff Captain, Thomas Roth. We received an email just 3 days after our visit aboard, which had a number of photographs of our drawing proudly on display. 

Staff Captain, Thomas Roth, said:

“It was a pleasure to meet you; we put your drawing right outside of the bridge together with the ships general drawings, as you can see it actually just matches the plans from the shipyard.”

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

“ It was overwhelming how quickly our drawing of Jewel of the Seas was put on display, following our visit. Quite extraordinary!.”

He added:

“ We were delighted to have the chance to visit Jewel of the Seas at Harwich International Port last month before the ship left Harwich for the last time on August 31st 2012.” 

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] 

Today, September 24th 2012 two of our most recent especially assigned drawings of Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Freedom and Carnival Liberty set off from Dream Designs Colchester together on their very own journey to the United States of America.

The two drawings are part of one of our latest ambitious plans which will see the drawings officially presented to the Captains of the two vessels in the Caribbean. 

Our newest Volunteers @ Sea, Debbie & Earl will present the drawings to the Captains of both Carnival Freedom and Carnival Liberty on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester during their very own cruises aboard the ships in October 2012.

In May 2011 Debbie & Earl were kind enough to agree to present our previously assigned drawing of Carnival Dream to Captain Carlo Queirolo during their 7 night Western Caribbean cruise. They had the opportunity to present the drawing to the Captain in person and were invited to the bridge where the official presentation took place.

Our two especially assigned drawings are expected to arrive in the United States of America during earlier October 2012. Debbie & Earl are due to embark aboard Carnival Liberty on October 20th 2012 setting sail on their 7 night Western Caribbean cruise before returning to Miami, Florida. On Following their cruise aboard Carnival Liberty, on October 28th 2012, they will board Carnival Freedom for their 6 night Western Caribbean cruise aboard the vessel.

During their cruises aboard both Carnival Freedom and Carnival Liberty it is hope that Debbie & Earl will be lucky enough to meet with the Captains of both of the vessels, to officially present our two newest drawings! At present we are still working with Carnival Cruise Lines to arrange for Debbie & Earl to meet with both the Captains.   

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

" I am very excited about our planned double drawing presentation of our two newest drawings, of Carnival Liberty and Carnival Freedom. I am thrilled that our newest Volunteers @ Sea, Debbie & Earl will be presenting the drawings to the Captains of both the vessel on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester. "

He added:

“ This is a truly fantastic opportunity for us to continue our connection with Carnival Cruise Lines.”

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]     

On September 12th 2012, we had the opportunity to visit Thomson Cruises’ Thomson Spirit at Harwich International Port for the second time this year, following our previous visit on September 1st 2012.

On the occasion of the second visit, Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, was joined by his father Brian Cotterill during the visit to Thomson Spirit at Harwich International Port.

Less than two weeks previously Harry had visited Thomson Spirit together with Gavin Pamment, Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester where they met with the Captain and officially presented a brand new especially assigned drawing.

Thomson Cruises were kind enough to invite Harry and his father Brian to visit Thomson Spirit on September 12th 2012 so that they would have the opportunity to see the drawing displayed aboard.

Harry and Brian were joined aboard Thomson Spirit by a number of travel agents and fellow members of the Ocean Liner Society. Visitors were given a complete tour of the ship’s amenities and many of the different cabins too. 

Once the tour had finished visitors were invited to the Compass Restaurant to enjoy lunch aboard Thomson Spirit. Upon entering the restaurant Harry and Brian had the chance to see the drawing of Thomson Spirit in its splendid new frame. Unfortunately a place had not been found for the drawing.

After having a number of photographs taken together with his drawing, Harry decided to disembark the vessel and not join the other visitors for lunch due to the fact that he had only just returned from Southampton the night before. 

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

“My father and I were very pleased to be able to visit Thomson Spirit and enjoyed touring the ship together with the other visitors. However we were slightly disappointed to see that our drawing had not yet been displayed as promised.”

He added:

“I am confident that Thomson Cruises will find a suitable location to display the drawing. Although the drawing was not displayed the frame which had been put together by the crew on board looked marvellous!”

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]    

On September 10th 2012, Dream Designs Colchester had the honour of visiting Seabourn Cruise Line’s, Seabourn Sojourn, whilst the vessel was berthed alongside Ocean Terminal in Southampton.

Seabourn Cruise Line was kind enough to offer us the opportunity to visit Seabourn Sojourn after we sent our especially assigned drawing of their newest ship, Seabourn Quest to them in February 2012. We were of course delighted to accept the invitation.

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester was delighted to be joined by Gavin Pamment, Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester for the visit to Seabourn Sojourn. 

On the morning of their visit aboard Seabourn Sojourn they awoke at 05:15 and made their way from the Hotel which they were staying at to Town Quay, where they watched the ship arrive and carefully manoeuvre alongside her berth at Ocean Terminal.

Upon boarding Seabourn Sojourn Harry and Gavin were immediately taken to the bridge where they were greeted by Richard Roll, Third Officer, Seabourn Sojourn. As they waited for the Captain to arrive on the bridge Harry and Gavin took the chance to take a number of photographs.

At 10:00 the Master of Seabourn Sojourn, Captain Hamish Elliott entered the bridge and personally welcomed Harry and Gavin aboard. Harry then had the opportunity to unveil his especially assigned drawing of Seabourn Sojourn to the Captain. The Captain was very impressed with our drawing. He informed us that Richard Meadows, President, Seabourn Cruise Line was equally impressed by our drawing of Seabourn Quest which was sent to him in February 2012. 

After unveiling his drawing to the Captain, Harry then officially presented the Captain with the drawing and a special presentation plaque. Gavin captured a number of photographs of the official presentation.

In return for our especially assigned drawing of Seabourn Sojourn Captain Hamish Elliott presented Harry with a lovely framed photograph of the ship. Once the official presentation was complete Harry and Gavin chatted to the Captain for quite some time together with the Third Officer.

Once the Captain had left the bridge, Richard invited Harry and Gavin to explore the bridge in more detail and guided them through the countless controls and systems which are used aboard Seabourn Sojourn. 

Sometime later after an extensive and informative tour of the bridge Richard then escorted Harry and Gavin throughout the various public areas on board as well as many of the crew areas too. Their tour started on Deck 10 at the Observation Lounge, before taking a look at the Sun Terrace on Deck 11. On their way around the ship they had the opportunity to look at many of the different categories of suites on board, including the extravagant Winter Garden Suite. As they worked their way through the ship they visited the many other public areas on board including The Restaurant, Seabourn Square and The Colonnade. 

Throughout the tour of Seabourn Sojourn Harry and Gavin were taken into many of the crew areas aboard the ship. On Deck 4 they explored the main galley before working their way through the many other crew areas on board on the lower decks. This included areas such as the forward and aft mooring station, the control room, the on board stores and various other areas.

When Richard had completed the tour he then escorted Harry and Gavin back up to the bridge on Deck 9 where they awaited for the Captain to finish his duties with other visitors. As they waited it gave Harry and Gavin the chance to explore a little more before departing the vessel. Once he had completed his duties with the other guests, the Captain briefly spoke to them, before bidding them farewell. Richard then escorted both Harry and Gavin from the bridge to Deck 4 where the gangway was situated. 

Later that evening Harry and Gavin ventured to Calshot which is a popular viewing point for shipspotters. They arrived at Calshot at approximately 17:30. Upon arriving Gavin picked the perfect vantage point to capture Seabourn Sojourn as she sailed up the Solent. With Harry alongside they waited as the ship approached Calshot. 

Before they departed Seabourn Sojourn Harry and Gavin informed Captain Hamish Elliott and Richard Roll, Third Officer, Seabourn Sojourn that they would watch Seabourn Sojourn as she departed Southampton from Calshot and told them to keep a look out! As Seabourn Sojourn passed the Calshot the Captain had his binoculars at the ready and spotted Harry and Gavin on the shoreline. The Third Officer Richard then waved a large cut out hand to them from the starboard bridge wing, together with the Captain.

Harry Cotterill, President and Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester Said:

“It was a great honour and privilege to visit Seabourn Sojourn and have the chance to present my drawing to Captain Hamish Elliott. I was overwhelmed by the elegance and style which Seabourn Sojourn has. She really is an incredible ship!”

He added:

“ I would like to extand my appreciation to Seabourn Cruise Line for giving us the opportunity to visit Seabourn Sojourn and officially present our especially assigned drawing to the Captain.”

Gavin Pamment, Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester Said:

“ This was my third visit aboard a ship with Dream Designs Colchester and I felt we received a very warm welcome from all the crew aboard Seabourn Sojourn, including the Captain and Third Officer, Richard Roll. His detailed tour of the ship showed us what life at sea is like for both passengers and the crew.”

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]   

On September 4th 2012, we were very lucky when we had the unexpected opportunity to officially present our especially assigned drawing of Costa neoRomantica to the Master of the vessel, Captain Paolo Fusarini.

Costa neoRomantica was originally built in 1993 in Italy at the Fincantieri shipyard. In November 2011 the vessel underwent a major refurbishment at the cost of €90 million. The most significant part of the refurbishment was the addition of two brand new decks on the bow which increased the number of balcony cabins considerably. Together with the additional balcony cabins which were added midships on deck 6 and 7, the total number of cabins which offer balconies now exceeds 80.

Dream Designs Colchester has had a close connection with Costa Cruises since 2009. We have had our drawings presented aboard Costa Atlantica, Costa Magica, Costa Luminosa, Costa Deliziosa and Costa Pacifica, whilst the vessels were berthed at Harwich International Port.

Our staff noticed that a number of Costa vessels would be visiting Harwich International Port, particularly Costa neoRomantica. We worked hard with Costa Cruises to arrange a visit aboard but unfortunately all of our attempts were unsuccessful. Despite this in late August 2012 we took the decision to especially assign a drawing of Costa neoRomantica.

On September 4th 2012, Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester visited Harwich International Port to see the vessel berthed alongside the Cruise Terminal. They arrived at approximately 17:00 where they were overwhelmed by the scale of the ship.

Whilst there Harry and Gavin took the opportunity to capture some photographs of Costa neoRomantica. Harry then noticed a member of the ship’s crew and hurried over before noticing it was in fact the Captain. He then briefly introduced himself to the Captain and informed him of our especially assigned drawing

Harry then beckoned Gavin over together with the drawing and introduced him to the Captain. After introducing Gavin, Harry took the chance to unveil his drawing of Costa neoRomantica to Captain Paolo Fusarini in front of the returning passengers, which drew quite a bit of attention. 

Captain Paolo Fusarini seemed very impressed with the drawing and was interested to learn about our previous drawing presentations. He then asked Harry and Gavin to wait as he headed for the gangway to board the ship. However due to the many returning passengers who were boarding, rather than boarding himself he radioed security on board. A short while later one of the Security Officers on board appeared at the top of the gangway and carefully threw a blue box to the Captain on the dock below.

The Captain then proceeded with the box back over to Harry and Gavin who were waiting outside the Cruise Terminal. Captain Paolo Fusarini then presented Harry with the blue box which was in fact a beautiful model of Costa neoRomantica. They then took the opportunity to pose together next to the Cruise Terminal and the ship to allow Gavin to capture a number of photographs. Harry and the Captain thanked one another for their gifts before the Captain proceeded to board the ship. 

After the unexpected official presentation of our drawing Harry and Gavin decided they would wait for the remainder of the returning passengers to arrive before watching the ship depart at Harwich International Port. Whilst they waited Gavin spent some time capturing more photographs of Costa neoRomantica from various angles across Harwich International Port.

At approximately 18:15 the pilot arrived at the Cruise Terminal before he boarded Costa neoRomantica. Shortly after the remainder of the passengers boarded the ship upon returning from their Shore Excursions. Unexpectedly Costa neoRomantica then began to depart Harwich International Port, some 25 minutes earlier than scheduled.

Harry and Gavin watched the ship depart from outside the Cruise Terminal before swiftly making their way to Harwich Seafront to watch the ship pass the Port of Felixstowe as she headed out to sea. 

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

“I was quite astonished to meet with Captain Paolo Fusarini outside the Cruise Terminal at Harwich International Port and be able to officially present my drawing of Costa neoRomantica to him in person.”

He added:

“I was delighted when Captain Paolo Fusarini kindly presented me with a model of the ship in return for my drawing. He promised to find somewhere on board to display the drawing and said he would upload a photograph to the Dream Designs Colchester Facebook page.”

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]  

On September 1st 2012, Dream Designs Colchester had the privilege of visiting Thomson Cruises’ Thomson Spirit whilst the vessel was berthed alongside the Cruise Terminal at Harwich International Port.

During the summer of 2009, Harwich International Port were kind enough to agree to present our drawing of Thomson Spirit to the Captain on our behalf. We were later invited by the Captain to visit the ship on August 28th 2009, where we had the opportunity to visit the bridge before touring the ship and enjoying lunch on board in the Lido Restaurant. The visit then ended in the ship’s reception area where we had the surprise of seeing our drawing displayed.

After such a successful drawing presentation and visit aboard the ship in 2009 when we realised Thomson Spirit was returning to Harwich International Port in August 2009 we immediately wanted to visit the ship again. We therefore took the decision to contact the ship to request permission to visit the ship again and officially present the Captain and his crew with our brand new especially assigned drawing.

Sue Stewart, Thomson Charter Manager, Thomson Spirit responded to our request and agreed to grant us permission to visit the ship whilst at Harwich International Port. After corresponding with her we arranged to visit the ship twice, once to present our drawing and the second to see it officially displaced aboard.

The first of these two visits on board was on September 1st 2012. Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester was joined by Gavin Pamment, Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester for the visit. They arrived at Harwich International Port at approximately 07:30. They then took the opportunity to take a number of photographs of the ship, before enjoying breakfast in the Café adjacent to the Cruise Terminal.

Before boarding the vessel Harry and Gavin were required to collect their passes from the passes desk inside the Cruise Terminal. They were then informed by a member of the ship’s crew outside the Cruise Terminal their scheduled time of boarding the vessel at 10:00 was now delayed and would be at 10:15 instead.

At approximately 10:05 were met by one of the ship’s Security Officers who escorted them through security at the Cruise Terminal before taking them aboard Thomson Spirit. Once aboard they were given their shipboard passes by the Security Officer and were then met by Sue Stewart, Thomson Charter Manager, Thomson Spirit.

After welcoming Harry and Gavin aboard Thomson Spirit, Sue then invited them to visit the bridge and escorted them there personally. On the bridge they were met by Captain Ioannis D.Notarakis. Harry was then given the opportunity to officially present his brand new drawing of Thomson Spirit. In return the Captain presented him with a commemorative inaugural plaque, in return for his drawing.

Once the official presentation was complete, Harry and Gavin enjoyed a drink together with Sue on the bridge and then took numerous photographs on the ship’s starboard bridge wing overlooking Harwich International Port. 

Sue then invited Harry and Gavin to tour the ship and escorted them to the ship’s reception where they were introduced to Vicky, Future Cruise Adviser, Thomson Spirit. Although their tour of the ship was very brief it gave them the opportunity to view the majority of the ships passenger amenities, including The Compass Rose Restaurant, the Lido Restaurant and the swimming pool as well as many of the entertainment venues, such as the Broadway Show Lounge. They were lucky enough to view many of the ships different cabin categories, including the Presidential Suite on Deck 9.  

The tour then ended back at the ship’s reception at 11:15 where Harry and Gavin disembarked Thomson Spirit together with Vicky who was then kind enough to accompany them back to the Cruise Terminal. 

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

“Our visit aboard Thomson Spirit and the official presentation of our brand new drawing to the Captain was a fantastic way for us to continue our friendship with Thomson Cruises” 

He added:

“I very much look forward to visiting Thomson Spirit again with my parents on September 12th 2012 to see the brand new drawing on display.”

• You can see more photographs from the ship visit and drawing presentation on the new 'September 1st 2012' page in the'Our History' section of our website!

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]  

At Dream Designs Colchester we are thrilled to officially announce to you another of our latest forthcoming ship visits and drawing presentations, which was recently confirmed.

On September 10th 2012, Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester are set to visit the six star luxury cruise ship Seabourn Sojourn, whilst the vessel is berthed alongside Ocean Terminal, Southampton.

In February 2012 we took the opportunity to assign a drawing of Seabourn Cruise Line’s newest ship, Seabourn Quest which was officially named in June 2011. In an attempt to develop a connection and friendship with Seabourn Cruise Line we made the decision to send the then brand new drawing to Richard Meadows, President, Seabourn Cruise Line. 

Patty Desharnais, Executive Assistant to Richard Meadows, President, Seabourn Cruise Line was kind enough to take the time to acknowledge our drawing of Seabourn Quest and inform us of just how impressed she was with the drawing and our accomplishments.

At a later date Seabourn Cruise Line offered us the chance to visit Seabourn Sojourn on September 10th 2012 in Southampton. We were delighted to accept this invitation and agreed to also present a brand new especially assigned drawing of Seabourn Sojourn to officially present to the Master of the vessel, Captain Elliott Hamish Frederick. 

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

“We were absolutely thrilled to be invited by Seabourn Cruise Line to visit their beautiful Seabourn Sojourn in Southampton. It will be an honour to meet with the Captain and officially present our brand new especially assigned drawing to him.”

He added:

“Our visit to Seabourn Sojourn and the official presentation of our new drawing is a truly splendid way for us to further develop a close connection and friendship with the company.”

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]