More than 200 people attended award-winning independent agency Haslemere Travel’s first Surrey Cruise Show at the Old Thorns Luxury Golf & Spa Hotel in Liphook.

Waiting to greet them were all the members of the Haslemere-based team of expert travel consultants, as well as representatives from 11 top luxury river and ocean cruise companies.

Every guest received complimentary refreshments and a light continental breakfast, as well as a Haslemere Travel eco cotton bag, which contained copies of the agency’s latest magazine and special offers from companies present on the day. Guests were entertained by popular cruise line singer Samantha Palin. There was also a full timetable of informative seminar talks throughout the day, which were well attended.

Several lucky attendees were also winners in the regular raffle draws throughout the day; such as Mr Richard May from Liphook who won a beach bag with a bottle of champagne, an umbrella and Molton Brown goodies, kindly donated by Seabourn. Mrs Carol Burnham from Grayshott won £30 of M&S vouchers, courtesy of Silversea. Other prizes included champagne, a case of Prosecco and the top prize of £500 off a future cruise.

“We were delighted with the overwhelming success of the inaugural Haslemere Travel Surrey Cruise Show,” said Gemma Antrobus, owner of Haslemere Travel.

“It was thrilling to see so many guests enjoying themselves and actively enquiring, as well as booking, both ocean and river cruises to worldwide destinations and I am very grateful to the TTNG, exhibitors and local Haslemere businesses, such as Amazing Grace, who supported the show.

“I was immensely proud of my talented team who worked so hard to make this such a special day – and one I certainly hope we will repeat in future.”

Picture: Gemma and the Haslemere Travel team at the inaugural Surrey Cruise Show