 Harry Cotterill with Independence of the Seas For those that may not follow me on Facebook or Twitter, I’d like to say a massive “HELLO!!!” from Southampton. Sorry it has taken me until now to post this blog, but as I’m sure you will understand I have been quite busy as well as enjoying myself too! Firstly I’m pleased to report that the journey to Southampton last Tuesday (September 17th 2013) went very well and I am more than happy with the room I have been allocated in the student halls. Thanks to my Dad for bringing me all the way to Southampton and helping unpack everything! I have settled in very well and got to know the others who I share the kitchen with. I’ve also got to know some of their other friends as well. 
My new desk and work space in student halls
Last Wednesday (September 18th 2013) I was invited by my ‘ship friends’ Daniel Gosling, Christian Reay and Anthony Marshall to a ‘Welcome to Southampton’ meal in the City. I’ve also joined them at Town Quay to watch some of the cruise ships set sail including: Oriana, Arcadia, Independence of the Seas, AIDAsol, Mein Schiff I, Oceana, Balmoral, Marina, Ventura, Adventure of the Seas and Queen Mary 2! We went for another meal together Friday night after watching the ships sail. Yesterday some of my new friends who live in my halls even joined me at Town Quay. 
Oceania Cruises' Marina seen passing Town Quay on September 27th 2013
Last week I had the chance to visit Carnival House in Southampton with the University. Although I had previously visited the building it was interesting to see and learn a little more. We also had a visit to Beaulieu which was an enjoyable experience. 
Southampton Solent University, Cruise Industry Management & Tourism & International Tourism Management students visit Carnival House
Most excitingly, last week our tutor informed us about our compulsory field trip which is to take place in April 2014. We’ll be going on a cruise and I will hopefully be announcing more details at a later date. For now I would like to thank everyone for their support and friendship and hope that you will continue to follow along with my studies at Southampton Solent University and Dream Designs Colchester as a business. Best wishes, Harry Cotterill President & Managing Director Dream Designs Colchester 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 at Harwich As many of you will no doubt be aware, tomorrow (September 17th 2013) I will be leaving my home in Colchester and taking the approximately 160 miles journey to Southampton, marking the start of the next chapter in both my education and progression toward my future professional career. For those of you that don’t know or aren’t too sure, I am moving to Southampton as I will shortly be enrolling on the BA (Hons) Cruise Industry Management degree course at Southampton Solent University. The course has duration of 3 years, meaning I will finish in the summer of 2016. My official start date is September 23rd 2013, but teaching starts in early October.
Although the Dream Designs Colchester website may not be the best way to follow along with my move to Southampton and my first few weeks at Southampton Solent University, you’ll be able to keep up to date with my progress on my Facebook page should you wish to do so. 
Follow along with my move to Southampton and the start of my studies at Southampton Solent University on Facebook!
Before leaving Colchester for Southampton tomorrow, I’d like to extend my greatest appreciation and thanks to everyone who has supported me during recent years and I sincerely hope you will continue to do so during my 3 years at University. See you in Southampton!!! Harry Cotterill President & Managing Director Dream Designs Colchester 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  Harwich International Port view from the bridge On August 10th 2013 we had the chance to visit Thomson Cruises’ Thomson Spirit during a turnaround call at Harwich International Port. This was in fact our 4th visit aboard Thomson Spirit, our first being on August 28th 2009. On this particularly visit Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester was joined aboard Thomson Spirit by Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester. They arrived at Harwich International Port somewhat earlier than planned, so spent some time in the Café adjacent to the Cruise Terminal. At approximately 10:30, they made their way into the Cruise Terminal to collect their boarding passes from the Pass Office. Harry and Gavin were then invited to make their way aboard Thomson Spirit, passing through security before making their way along the passenger boarding gangway.  Thomson Cruises' Thomson Spirit berthed alongside the Cruise Terminal at Harwich International Port on August 10th 2013 Upon boarding Thomson Spirit on Deck 4 (Main Deck) they we welcomed aboard by the on board security team who contacted Dawn Lancaster, Thomson Charter Manager, Thomson Spirit, who together with Captain Ioannis Notarakis helped arrange the visit. A short while later Dawn Lancaster came to meet and welcome Harry and Gavin aboard Thomson Spirit. Nearby to where they boarded on Deck 4 (Main Deck) Harry had the opportunity to view his new drawing of Thomson Spirit displayed in the Reception area, which was officially presented to Captain Ioannis Notarakis on September 1st 2012.  Our newest especially assigned drawing of Thomson Spirit which is now proudly displayed aboard the vessel in the Reception area on Deck 4 (Main Deck) After viewing the drawing Dawn Lancaster kindly asked Harry and Gavin to wait in the Reception area whilst she contacted the bridge to see if the Captain was available, luckily he was, but was going ashore shortly. Dawn Lancaster then escorted Harry and Gavin were to the bridge on Deck 8 (Bridge Deck). Entering the bridge, Captain Ioannis Notarakis was quick to welcome Harry and Gavin, who he last met on September 1st 2012 during the official presentation of our drawing of Thomson Spirit.  Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester seen on the bridge of Thomson Spirit with Captain Ionnis Notarakis and Thomson Charter Manager, Dawn Lancaster Harry and Gavin spent close to half an hour on the bridge talking to Captain Ioannis Notaraksis, Dawn Lancaster and other members of the ship’s crew and enjoyed a drink whilst exploring the bridge too.  Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester on the starboard bridge wing aboard Thomson Spirt Whilst exploring the bridge, both they were sure to capture plenty of photographs and took the chance to have a number of photographs taken on the bridge wings as well as a shot at the wheel of Thomson Spirit!
Having extensively explored the bridge of Thomson Spirit, Dawn Lancaster invited Harry and Gavin to tour the ship at their leisure and enjoy lunch on board in the Lido Restaurant, should they wish to do so. Although both Harry and Gavin had toured Thomson Spirit previously they still enjoyed exploring some of the many venues on board, such as the Broadway Show Lounge, High Spirits bar and the Lido Deck & Terrace Grill before making their way to the Lido Restaurant on Deck 5 (Broadway Deck).
After enjoying their delicious lunch in the Lido Restaurant, Harry and Gavin took the chance to tour Thomson Spirit a little more before disembarking the vessel, including the Video Arcade, Oceans Health Club and the Sports Court.
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said: VISIT OUR NEW AUGUST 10TH 2013 PAGE IN THE HISTORY SECTION FOR MORE PHOTOS! 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  Royal Caribbean International's Brilliance of the Seas On July 27th 2013, we had the opportunity to visit Royal Caribbean International’s newly refurbished Brilliance of the Seas, during a turnaround call at Harwich International Port. Visiting Brilliance of the Seas were Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester. Upon arriving at Harwich International Port at approximately 09:00 Harry and Gavin entered the Cruise Terminal and made their way over to the Passes Office. Unfortunately there had been a mistake with the visitors lists, so they were required to wait for a member of the ship’s security team to meet them. 
Passengers seen checking-in at Harwich International Port Cruise Terminal, before departing on their cruise aboard Brilliance of the Seas
Sometime later they were met by a Security Officer, who they informed them that Julie Julie Sherrington, Guest Services Manager was coming to meet them and she would escort them both aboard Brilliance of the Seas. Sadly it took over 2 hours before we were met by the Guest Services Manager in the Cruise Terminal. Harry and Gavin waited almost another hour before they were finally taken aboard Brilliance of the Seas. Julie Sherrington told them that the delay in boarding was as the Staff Captain was not ready until 12:00. 
Julie Sherrington, Guest Services Manager seen escorting Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester aboard Brilliance of the Seas
Upon boarding the vessel on Deck 4 they waited in the Centrum Lobby with Guest Services Manager, Julie Sherrington, whilst the Security Officers contacted the bridge. A short while later the Staff Captain came to meet with Harry and Gavin and welcomed them aboard Brilliance of the Seas, inviting them to the bridge. 
Staff Captain, Fredric Malmberg, seen escorting Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester to the bridge
On the bridge of Brilliance of the Seas, Harry was able to officially present his especially assigned drawing of the vessel to Staff Captain, Fredric Malmberg and 1st Officers, Krasimar Vasilev and Cesar Lopez. All 3 senior members of crew were very impressed with the drawing and the Staff Captain said they would endeavour to find a suitable place on board to display the drawing. 
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester officially presents his drawing of Brilliance of the Seas to Staff Captain, Fredric Malmberg and 1st Officers Krasimar Vasilev and Cesar Lopez on the bridge
Following the official drawing presentation, Harry and Gavin were allowed to explore the bridge and had the chance to sit in one of the command chairs on board Brilliance of the Seas.
Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester, said: After exploring the bridge, Staff Captain, Fredric Malmberg invited both Harry and Gavin to enjoy lunch on board in the Windjammer Café on Deck 11 and informed them that they were welcome to explore the ship. Unfortunately having boarded so late, the Windjammer Café would have been very busy and instead Harry and Gavin decided to explore the wide range of amenities available to guest on board, starting from the upper decks and working their way down to Deck 4 where they had boarded.
During their self-guided tour they had the opportunity to see almost all of the venues and amenities on board, including many of the new additions added in the recent refurbishment, such as the Poolside Movie Screen, Izumi, Rita’s Cantina, the brand new Pub, Chef’s Table and the R Bar in the Centrum.
Other venues they explored included the Viking Crown Lounge, Adventure Ocean and Video Arcade, the famous Rock Climbing Wall and nine hole miniature golf course, the Vitality At Sea Spa and Fitness Center, the Solarium, Chops Grille, Casino Royale, the Mistrel Dining Room and more!
Ending their extensive self-guided tour on Deck 4 at approximately 13:45, they made their way back to the Centrum Lobby to disembark the vessel.
Before leaving Harwich International Port, Harry and Gavin both took the opportunity to have a number of photographs taken from outside the Cruise Terminal with Brilliance of the Seas berthed behind them.
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said: Visit our new JULY 27TH 2013 page in the HISTORY section of our website to view even more photos!
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
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