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Dave Monk

@shipmonk.bsky.social
199 followers 17 following 62 posts

Award-winning cruise writer

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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
Yachting is the new cruising... my latest piece for @ttgmedia.bsky.social www.ttgmedia.com/cruise/saili...
ttgmedia.com
Sailing the high-end seas: why agents are perfectly placed to bring yachting to the masses
As demand for mainstream and high-end yachting product and itineraries soars, could these smaller-ship sailings not only prove an important gateway into the world of cruising but also stand alone as i...
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
Congratulations to Jo Rzymowska, who has been made an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours List today for her outstanding contribution to diversity and inclusion in the travel industry. She said: ‘We must keep pushing for a world where everyone feels seen, heard and valued.’
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
My piece for @ttgmedia.bsky.social about residential cruising is now online… www.ttgmedia.com/cruise/livin...
ttgmedia.com
Living the dream: the growing – and lucrative – market starting to appear on the trade's radar
TTG contributor Dave Monk discovers how the growing number of residential ships offer both high-net-worth clients and cruise agents a dream scenario
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
For the first time in 20 years, I’m about to board QE2 - the former Cunard ship that is now a luxury hotel in Dubai.
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Sailing towards Dubai on Celestyal Journey
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Food in the main dining room of Celestyal Journey last night. The steak was a €25.95 supplement but I fancied it.
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 02/03/2025
The Al Fateh Grand Mosque in Bahrain, as seen on an excursion from Celestyal Journey
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
Sailing away from Doha as our Arabian Gulf cruise on Celestyal Journey begins…
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
My junior suite on Celestyal Journey
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
Boarding Celestyal Journey in Doha for a week’s cruise around the Arabian Gulf
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
Waking up in Doha ahead of joining Celestyal for a week-long cruise around the Arabian Gulf
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
Living the high (32,000ft) life in Qatar Airways business class
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
Settling into my seat on Qatar Airways - business class certainly spoils you!
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
And so the adventure begins - I’m at Heathrow preparing to fly with Qatar Airways to Doha to board Celestyal Journey for a week’s cruise around the Arabian Gulf. Follow me on X/Twiitter, Bluesky or Instagram (all @shipmonk) for updates and pictures.
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
MSC World America has successfully completed sea trials in the Atlantic. The 23rd ship in the MSC Cruises fleet is due to be handed over at its French shipyard on March 27 and named in Miami on April 9.
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 18/02/2025
Legend of the Seas, the third Royal Caribbean Icon-class ship, will launch in Europe. The newcomer will debut with 7-night Western Mediterranean holidays from Barcelona between July and October 2026 before heading to the Caribbean later in the year.
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
The £1.2bn project hoping to bring cruise ship building back to Scotland - my latest piece for the Telegraph (subscription service) www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/...
telegraph.co.uk
The £1.2bn project hoping to bring cruise ship building back to Scotland
The founder of Dark Island hopes the uber-wealthy will fork out up to £41m for a suite on his residential cruise ship
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Reposted by Dave Monk
TTG @ttgmedia.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Celebrity River Cruises will rock the boat and shake up river, agents say
dlvr.it
Celebrity River Cruises will rock the boat and shake up river, agents say
Celebrity Cruises’ planned entry into the river market will attract the brand a swathe of new customers and rock the boats of the sector’s established operators, agents have told TTG
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Celebrity River Cruises will rock the boat and shake up river cruising, agents say - my piece for @ttgmedia.bsky.social www.ttgmedia.com/cruise/celeb...
ttgmedia.com
Celebrity River Cruises will ‘rock the boat and shake up river’, agents say
Celebrity Cruises’ planned entry into the river market will attract a swathe of new customers to the brand and rock the boats of the sector’s established operators, agents have told TTG
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Royal Caribbean Group has signed an agreement with Chantiers de l'Atlantique to order a sixth Edge-class ship for delivery to Celebrity Cruises in 2028. Edge 6 or ‘Xcel 2’ will be the sister ship to Celebrity Xcel, which is preparing to take its inaugural voyage later this year.
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Cruisers are being invited to help make key decisions on culinary, entertainment and interior design offerings on Celebrity Xcel, launching in November. Through online polls and in-person events, the Dream Makers will test, try and vote on new experiences.
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 15/01/2025
Artist Jim Moir (aka Vic Reeves), author Jenny Eclair and celebrity photographer Scarlet Page will capture guests’ most memorable moments on Fred Olsen cruises in 2025 - Moir on Borealis leaving Dover on May 28; Eclair on Balmoral from Rosyth on June 27 and Page on Bolette from Liverpool on July 25.
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
The new Viking Vela was forced to change course from Narvik to Ålesund after passengers reported the ship was rocked by 100mph winds and 35ft seas off the coast of Norway. A Viking spokesperson confirmed: ‘The weather conditions were worse than forecast.’
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
Why Disney is betting big on cruise ships - my latest piece for the Telegraph (subscription service) www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruis...
telegraph.co.uk
Why Disney is betting big on cruise ships
The entertainment behemoth’s cruise line plans to more than double its fleet in the next six years
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Reposted by Dave Monk
DCL Duo Podcast @dclduo.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
Your favorite cruising Duo and our friends the Morrill’s were featured in a Daily Telegraph article today by David Monk (aka @shipmonk.bsky.social). It’s a fun read. Be sure to check it out! www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruis...
telegraph.co.uk
Why Disney is betting big on cruise ships
The entertainment behemoth’s cruise line plans to more than double its fleet in the next six years
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 24/12/2024
Have a wonderful time, everyone! And here's to a fabulous 2025!
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
The conclusion to Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks at Disney World last night 🎆 (Music on! ☺️)
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 13/12/2024
After an exhausting (but fun) 12 hours in Disney World, I haven’t the energy to post about all the amazing things I saw and did, including some terrifying rides! I leave you with one picture of Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime fireworks ☺️
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 12/12/2024
At Disney World ☺️
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
Skeletal fish sing and dance in the Haunted Mansion Parlor on Disney Treasure #disneytreasure #disneycruiseline
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
The Haunted Mansion Parlor on Disney Treasure #disneytreasure #disneycruiseline
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
The Incredibles Incredi-Games assault course on Disney Treasure #disneytreasure #disneycruiseline
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
A cartoonish figure with big ears… standing next to Mickey Mouse ☺️ #disneytreasure #disneycruiseline
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
The incredible Tomorrow Tower Suite in a funnel of Disney Treasure #disneytreasure #disneycruiseline
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
More, er, treasure awaiting me in my cabin last night #disneytreasure #disneycruiseline
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
Fireworks end pirates night on Disney Treasure #disneytreasure #disneycruiseline
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
A final picture from today at Castaway Cay. Thanks to Chantelle Champs for the great shot ☺️ #disneytreasure #disneycruiseline
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
Just saw the stage production of The Tale of Moana on Disney Treasure (no photography allowed). The production and performance levels were off the scale. Breathtaking effects and faultless singing - everything you would expect from Disney #disneytreasure #disneycruiseline #moana
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
The Periscope Pub on Disney Treasure #disneytreasure #disneycruiseline
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
Disney Treasure at Castaway Cay #disneytreasure #disneycruiseline
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
A whole new world… first sights on Disney Treasure #disneytreasure #disneycruiseline
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
My cabin on Disney Treasure #disneytreasure #disneycruiseline
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
Delicious meal in Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge last night #disneytreasure #disneycruiseline
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
On board Virgin Atlantic to Orlando to spend a night in Disney World then board the new Disney Treasure ship for a three-night cruise tomorrow. Follow me for pictures and updates ☺️
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
New year, new look: Cunard's Queen Elizabeth is to get a major refurb ahead of her 2025 Alaska and Caribbean seasons shipmonk.co.uk/2024/12/04/n...
shipmonk.co.uk
New year, new look: Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth is to get a major refurb ahead of her 2025 Alaska and Caribbean seasons
Changes include refreshed Queens Room and Grills
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
Virgin Voyages is to launch an Annual Pass in 2025, allowing travellers to enjoy unlimited cruises for a year on all the line’s adult-only ships. Priced at £94,689.12/$120,000 (excluding taxes/fees), the pass is available on a first-come, first-served basis until March 31.
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
Viking Vela has become the 13th ship to be delivered by Fincantieri to Viking - and the first with an increased passenger capacity of 998. The vessel was handed over in Ancona, Italy. Including options and confirmed orders, another 13 ships are due to join the fleet.
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
Cunard reports record-breaking bookings in 2024 following the launch of its latest ship, Queen Anne. From January 1 to October 31, bookings were up 73,000, or 23%, on the same period in 2023.
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Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 28/11/2024
Hurtigruten has been acquired by a consortium of existing investors and has received around €110m in new, long-term funding. The transaction will mark the end of the process to separate the company from HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions) and won’t affect its daily operations.
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Reposted by Dave Monk
Dave Monk @shipmonk.bsky.social · 28/11/2024
I'm elated to join 'endless cruise' at last, says woman originally banned from boarding over WhatsApp complaints shipmonk.co.uk/2024/11/28/i...
shipmonk.co.uk
I’m elated to join ‘endless cruise’ at last, says woman originally banned from boarding over WhatsApp complaints
Bonny Kelter will join Villa Vie Odyssey in December
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