Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

2 3 8 INTERV IEW Discovering new possibilities Susan Parker asks Timothy Littley how Seabourn’s move into expedition ships has provided a whole new canvas on which to further explore his passion for seeking out the new in destinations T o say that Seabourn’s senior director of deployment and itinerary planning has been around the block understates what Timothy Littley has contributed to the world of destinations. World being the operative word – and now even more so as the brand prepares for the arrival of its expedition newbuilds. “I would say what is dear to my heart is destinations,” he explains. “Everybody within the industry has a unique perspective on shore excursions. For me it is about new destinations and discovering new possibilities.” Fortunately for Littley, he does have quite a bit of freedom to innovate. “With that comes the ability to discover new ports of call, or to rediscover,” he says. “Visiting destinations and interacting with the people allows me to pull back the layers of the onion a bit and get to know a destination.” Littley also finds trade shows and port association gatherings rich ground for chatting to people “who might open the door to new possibilities”. Sometimes, he explains, destination ideas arise through a random conversation, although they don’t all come to fruition. One example of success (for Seabourn’s existing fleet) is that of Ras al Khaimah, which received its first-ever call in December 2019. RAS AL KHAIMAH Located just 45 minutes from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah is known for its Arabian Gulf beaches, terracotta desert planes and a rich history and culture dating back more than 7,000 years. It offers multiple shore excursion options for cruise guests. Destination note: Photo: RAK Ports