Cruise Cotterill
  • Artwork
  • Tips & Advice
  • Destinations
  • Cruise Lines
  • Cruise News
  • Blog
  • Shop

HARRY'S BLOG

Norwegian Getaway 1 Night Cruise Booked!!!

26/10/2013

0 Comments

 
PictureNorwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Getaway
At Dream Designs Colchester we are very excited to be able to take this opportunity to officially announce to you our latest cruise!

After discussing it during the latter part of this week, today officially booked our 6th cruise. 

We are thrilled to be sailing aboard the brand new Norwegian Getaway!

We’ll be departing Southampton on January 14th 2013 at 17:00 before arriving back in Southampton the following morning at approximately 08:00.

During the overnight 'cruise to nowhere' we’ll have the chance to experience the brand new ship and what Norwegian Cruise Line has to offer. 

At 146,600 tonnes Norwegian Getaway carries over 4,000 passengers and features countless bars and restaurants and various other unique and innovative features such as the Waterfront and 678 Ocean Place.

Picture
BOOK NOW >>>
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

" We are absolutely thrilled to have booked this unique 1 night cruise experience aboard the world's newest cruise ship, Norwegian Getaway, when she debuts in January 2014. This is a truly fantastic opportunity for Dream Designs Colchester to continue our connection with Norwegian Cruise Line."
Picture
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]
0 Comments

MAJESTIC MAERSK: World's Largest Ship sighting up close at the Port of Felixstowe

22/10/2013

0 Comments

 
PictureMajestic Maersk berthed at the Port of Felixstowe
On October 7th 2013, Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester took the decision to visit the viewing point at the Port of Felixstowe to see the world’s largest ship, Majestic Maersk during her rare visit into the United Kingdom.

He was joined on the visit by Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester who had visited Harry that weekend in Southampton where Harry is now studying at University.

From Southampton they travelled over 180 miles to the Port of Felixstowe. Unfortunately due to numerous hold ups due to accidents on the roads they did not arrive in time to see the Majestic Maersk arrive as planned.

Harry and Gavin left Southampton at approximately 08:00 and arrived at the viewing point at the Port of Felixstowe at approximately 14:00. 

The 399 meter long Majestic Maersk was originally scheduled to arrive at 14:00 but arrived somewhat earlier. Upon her arrival she was accompanied by a number of tug boats to aid her docking and to welcome her to the Port of Felixstowe for the first time.

Picture
After more than 180 miles and close to six hours of travelling, we arrive at the Port of Felixstowe, Britain's Premier Port to see the world's largest ship, Majestic Maersk
The viewing point area and car park was quite busy upon their arrival, but not as busy as had been predicted which was a relief.

From the viewing point and beach they had the good view of the Majestic Maersk berthed at the Port of Felixstowe’s Berths 8&9, located at the southern end of the port.
Picture
On-lookers gather at the viewing point in Felixstowe to see the world's largest ship, Majestic Maersk
Whilst on the beach Harry took the opportunity to have a photograph taken with his especially assigned drawing of the first 18,000 TEU Triple-E class vessels from Maersk Line, Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller.
Picture
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester with his especially assigned drawing of the first Triple-E class vessel Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller, together with Gavin Pamment, Chief Photograpehr, Dream Designs Colchester
VIEW DRAWING >>>
After this they took a short walk together along the beach to get a better view of the Majestic Maersk and captured some more photographs of the gigantic vessel. All seven of the ship-to-shore gantry cranes at Berth 8&9 where working on the vessel.
Picture
Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester and Majestic Maersk at the Port of Felixstowe
Picture
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Majestic Maersk at the Port of Felixstowe
Having taken plenty of photographs of the Majestic Maersk they left the viewing point at the Port of Felixstowe and took the last minute decision to visit Tomline House to see if one of Harry’s contacts Debbie Coe, Customer Relations Manager, Port of Felixstowe was available.

Dream Designs Colchester had previously worked closely with the Port of Felixstowe in 2012 and organised a visit to the Port of Felixstowe on February 28th 2012, when Debbie Coe took Harry and his parents on a guided tour of the entire port. Due to the arrival of the Majestic Maersk and the anticipated media coverage around it, we were not expecting Debbie to be available.
Picture
Majestic Maersk berthed alongside Berths 8&9 at the Port of Felixstowe
Picture
Majestic Maersk at the Port of Felixstowe
Picture
Majestic Maersk at the Port of Felixstowe
To their surprise Debbie agreed to meet Harry and Gavin and they were kindly asked to wait 10 minutes and shortly after Debbie came to greet them both in the reception of Tomline House at the Port of Felixstowe. She was very surprised to hear that both Harry and Gavin had traveled all the way from Southampton to see the ship.

Harry and Gavin were both very surprised when Debbie offered to take them into the Port of Felixstowe and alongside the Majestic Maersk in Berths 8&9 to see the vessel up close from the quayside. Of course they were delighted to accept this very kind invitation!
Picture
Majestic Maersk viewed upon entering Berths 8&9 at the Port of Felixstowe
They had to wait quite some time before they were able to be taken into the Port of Felixstowe, but this was understandable. At approximately 17:00 Debbie met Harry and Gavin again in Tomline House and gave them each a pass to enter the Port of Felixstowe. (Luckily they had both got their passports!)

Exiting Tomline House into the car park Debbie drove them over to the security gates to enter Berths 8&9, where their security passes where checked before entering.

Debbie then began to drive over to the quayside at Berths 8&9 and stop in front of the bow of the Majestic Maersk to allow Harry and Gavin to take some photographs. The sheer size of the vessel was overwhelming, especially with the newly designed bow!
Picture
Majestic Maersk up close alongside Berths 8&9 at the Port of Felixstowe
Picture
The gigantic rounded bow of Majestic Maersk design for more container capacity
Picture
Seven ship-to-shore gantry cranes towering over the Majestic Maersk
Passing the stern of the vessel Debbie once again parked the vehicle and allowed Harry and Gavin again to capture some more photographs and watch the activity taking place right along the 730 meter quay of Berths 8&9.

The stern of the vessel was truly vast in size, with containers stacked 10 high on deck and with a width of 59 meters the vessel appeared exceptionally large.
Picture
An impressive view of the stern of Majestic Maersk and the quayside at Berths 8&9 with seven ship-to-shore gantry cranes loading and unloading containers from the vessel
Picture
Container operations at Berths 8&9 at the Port of Felixstowe alongside Majestic Maersk
Picture
Majestic Maersk twin funnels towering high above the quayside and containers on board
Debbie then drove back along Berths 8&9 next to Majestic Maersk to allow Harry and Gavin to capture more photographs, stopping at the bow again, before heading back to TomLine House where Harry and Gavin handed in passes and thanked Debbie for being so kind.
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

“ As many of you will know our decision to journey from Southampton to the Port of Felixstowe was a very last minute, but we believed this was an opportunity not to be missed! Seeing the world's largest ship Majestic Maersk berthed at the Port of Felixstowe was certainly an impressive sight!

He added:

" I would like to take this opportunity to extend my greatest appreciation and thanks to Debbie Coe, Customer Relations Manager, Port of Felixstowe for being so kind and escorting both Gavin and I into Berths 8&9 to view the Majestic Maersk up close from the quayside. It was a truly wonderful surprise!

VISIT OUR NEW 'OCTOBER 7TH 2013' PAGE TO VIEW EVEN MORE PHOTOS OF MAJESTIC MAERSK!

Picture
Picture
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] 
0 Comments

Celebrating 175 Years of the Port of Southampton!

19/10/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
On October 12th 2013, Dream Designs Colchester joined close to 1,500 guests at the QEII Terminal to celebrate the 175 years of the Port of Southampton, to the exact day!

The concert allowed the whole community to celebrate the 175 years of the Port of Southampton, with tickets available to purchase online prior to the celebration for just £10.00.

The concert was a truly spectacular celebration to be part of and included so many diverse and wide ranging acts of amazing talent, from the wonderfully skilled String Fever to the stunning Love Soul Choir.

Picture
String Fever
Picture
Love Soul Choir
Comedy, Kev Orkian, who appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in 2010 was hilariously funny. Other acts included stars from the West End cast of Les Miserables!
Picture
Kev Orkian
Picture
Les Miserables
 The concert was headlined by Shane Richie & The Prelude at the end that got the audience up on their feet dancing to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Port of Southampton until close to midnight!
Picture
Shane Richie & The Prelude
Picture
Shane Richie
Picture
Shane Richie & The Prelude
During the concert rare pictures and video of the Port of Southampton over the last 175 years were shown to the near 1,500 guests. 1 extremely lucky guest also won a 14 night cruise, courtesy of P&O Cruises!
Picture
The lucky winner of the 14 night cruise courtesy of P&O Cruises and the two runner ups
Also proceeds raise from the concert were donated to the Port of Southampton’s chosen charity of the year,  Joe Glover Trust, which works closely with children suffering from cancer.

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

" It was a great honour to be part of the historical event and attend the spectacular concert at the QEII Terminal celebrating 175 years of the Port of Southampton last weekend. The event was thoroughly entertaining! "

He added:

" I would like to take this opportunity to extend a massive congratulations to the Port of Southampton for all the hard work they have done over last 175 years."

YOU CAN VIEW EVEN MORE PHOTOS ON OUR NEW OCTOBER 12TH 2013 PAGE!!!

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] 
0 Comments

Celebrity Solstice Official Drawing Presentation

16/10/2013

0 Comments

 
PictureCelebrity Solstice's bridge wing
At Dream Designs Colchester we are thrilled to be able to share with you news of our latest official drawing presentation.

On September 10th 2013, our Volunteers @ Sea, John & Marilyn officially presented our brand new especially assigned drawing of Celebrity Solstice on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester to Captain Zisis Taramas.

John & Marilyn embarked Celebrity Solstice in Seattle on September 6th 2013, before departing on their 7 night Alaskan cruise.

Prior to John & Marilyn boarding Celebrity Solstice we had emailed the Captain who confirmed he would be happy to receive our drawing and invite John & Marilyn to the bridge.

During the first day spent at sea aboard Celebrity Solstice, John & Marilyn received a message from the Events Coordinator, who helped to later arrange the visit to the bridge, where the official drawing presentation took place.

Picture
Our Volunteers @ Sea, John & Marilyn officially present our brand new especially assigned drawing of Celebrity Solstice to Captain Zisis Taramas on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester on the bridge during their 7 night cruise aboard on September 10th 2013
Volunteer @ Sea, John said:

“We were pleasantly surprised to find out that we were to be on the bridge during sail away from Skagway on September 10th 2013.  This was a very special day for us as it was our 35th wedding anniversary.”

He added:

“We were escorted to the bridge at about 6pm and presented the drawing just before we sailed from Skagway. The captain invited Marilyn to stand on the bridge wing as he moved the ship from the pier.”
Picture
Our Volunteers @ Sea, John & Marilyn officially present our brand new especially assigned drawing of Celebrity Solstice to Captain Zisis Taramas on behalf of Dream Designs Colchester on the bridge during their 7 night cruise aboard on September 10th 2013
We are very thankful to John & Marilyn for kindly agreeing to present the drawing on our behalf and that they were able to meet Captain Zisis Taramas on the bridge during their 35th wedding anniversary.
Picture
Our brand new especially assigned drawing of Celebrity Solstice, which was officially present to Captain Zisis Taramas on our behalf by our Volunteers @ Sea, John & Marilyn on September 10th 2013
VIEW DRAWING >>>
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

" Once again our wonderful Volunteers @ Sea, John & Marilyn had done us proud! I would personally like to say "Thank You" to them both for all their support and for kindly agreeing to present our drawing of Celebrity Solstice on our behalf."

He added:

" I would also like to thank Celebrity Cruises and Captain Zisis Taramas for his time and for allowing John & Marilyn to visit the bridge to officially present our drawing."
Picture
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] 
0 Comments

Upcoming Saga Ruby Ship Visit & Official Drawing Presentation Confirmed by Captain

14/10/2013

0 Comments

 
PictureSaga Ruby at sea
At Dream Designs Colchester we are very excited to be able to officially announce our next forthcoming ship visit and official presentation.

On October 25th 2013 we are set to visit Saga Ruby during one of her last turnaround calls in Southampton, before retiring in early 2014.

Joining us on board Saga Ruby will be Christian Reay and Anthony Marshall, who are both keen followers of Dream Designs Colchester and studying BA (Hons) Cruise Industry Management at Southampton Solent University.

We were able to arrange this visit aboard Saga Ruby after contacting the current Master of Saga Ruby, Captain Wesley Dunlop directly from our previous correspondence with the ship via email. On August 15th 2009, Robert Taylor kindly presented our previously assigned drawing of Saga Ruby to Captain Phillip Rentell during his cruise aboard the vessel.

Picture
Robert Taylor, who kindly presented our previously assigned drawing aboard Saga Ruby on August 15th 2013, seen with the Master of Saga Ruby, Captain Phillip Rentell
Master of Saga Ruby, Captain Wesley Dunlop, said:

" Lovely to make your acquaintance and thank you for taking the time to write to me. Having looked at your pictures you most certainly have a real talent and I applaud your obvious enthusiasm for ships and the industry. I would of course be delighted to welcome you on board during one of the calls."

He later added:

" I’m happy to confirm that Mr. Ross Furlong, our Director of Hotel Operations from Saga Head Office, will be onboard on the 25th and would be delighted to receive your drawing with me. We are all very much looking forward to meeting you and your friends on this day."
During our visit aboard the vessel in Southampton we will be meeting with Captain Wesley Dunlop and Ross Furlong, Director of Hotel Operations, Saga Shipping to officially present our brand new especially assigned drawing of Saga Ruby. It is hoped whilst on board we will also have the opportunity to tour the ship and perhaps even enjoy lunch on board.
Picture
Our brand new especially assigned drawing of Saga Ruby, which is due to be officially present to the Captain Wesley Dunlop during our visit aboard in Southampton on October 25th 2013
VIEW DRAWING >>>
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

“ We are truly delighted that Captain Wesley Dunlop has accepted our request and so kindly agreed to welcome us aboard Saga Ruby to officially present our brand new drawing, before the ship leaves Southampton for the final time in January 2014."

Picture
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] 
0 Comments

Dream Designs Colchester to join Port of Southampton 175th Celebration Concert at QEII Terminal

11/10/2013

0 Comments

 
PicturePort of Southampton 175 Years
Tomorrow, October 12th 2013, Dream Designs Colchester will be joining 1,500 guests at the QEII Terminal for a concert to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Port of Southampton.

Proceeds raised from the event will be going to chosen charity for the year, the Joe Glover Trust, which works closely with children suffering from cancer.

The line up for the concert includes: Shane Richie & The Prelude, Love Soul Choir, Dude Crew and stars from the West End cast of Les Miserables. The event will also feature rare video and picture archives of the Port of Southampton over the last 175 years.

Picture
Doug Morrison, Port of Southampton, Director, said:

"The port is at the heart of the city and the people of Southampton have always been the secret to our success. So, when it came to celebrating our 175th anniversary, we were determined to invite local people into the port to celebrate with us."

He added:

"We have assembled a spectacular night of entertainment that will be not only a chance to have fun together but to celebrate the unique relationship between port and city."
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] 
0 Comments

BREAKING NEWS: Upcoming World's Largest Ship Sighting at Port of Felixstowe

6/10/2013

0 Comments

 
PictureMajestic Maersk under construction
At Dream Designs Colchester we are delighted to be able to announce some very exciting and last minute news.

Tomorrow, October 7th 2013, we will be journeying from Southampton to the Port of Felixstowe to see the world's largest ship, Majestic Maersk.

The 399 meter long vessel is making a very rare call at Berths 8&9 and is scheduled to arrive at 14:00 tomorrow and depart at 14:00 on October 8th 2013.

Unfortunately due to the rarity of the ship calling at the Port of Felixstowe and the last minute decision to journey over 200 miles from Southampton to the Port of Felixstowe, we have not been able to work with Maersk Line or the Port of Felixstowe to arrange a ship visit or official drawing presentation.

Picture
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester and Gavin Pamment, Chief Photographer, Dream Designs Colchester together with our especially assigned drawing of Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller, the sister ship to Majestic Maersk and the first in the 18,270 TEU capacity Triple-E Class
Depending on the time it takes to journey from Southampton to the Port of Felixstowe we might be lucky enough to witness the huge vessel arrive at Berths 8&9. We're predicting the surrounding areas, especially the viewing point at the Port of Felixstowe to be very busy with hundreds if not thousands of onlookers.
Picture
Our especially assigned drawing of Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller, sister ship to Majestic Maersk
VIEW DRAWING >>>
Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

" After spending sometime discussing whether to travel from Southampton to Felixstowe, yesterday we came to the decision to undertake the 200 mile journey to view the Majestic Maersk and witness the very rare arrival of the record breaking ship."

He added:

" It seems only fitting to do so, after witnessing the of the Emma Maersk arrive at the Port of Felixstowe in November 2006 for the very first time. We are very excited about witnessing the arrival of the latest world's largest ship at the Port of Felixstowe.
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]  
0 Comments
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    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!


    Blog Archive

    May 2024
    April 2024
    December 2023
    October 2023
    July 2023
    February 2019
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    October 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010

home

about

SHOP

ARTWORK

CONTACT

Quick Links

Tips & Advice
Destinations
Cruise Lines

Blogs

Cruise Blog
Cruise News
​Harry's Blog
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Cookie Policy
 ​​Copyright © 2010 - 2025 Cruise Cotterill
  • Artwork
  • Tips & Advice
  • Destinations
  • Cruise Lines
  • Cruise News
  • Blog
  • Shop