Cruise
Celebrity Sets Sail With New Protocols
Celebrity Cruises has released details of its new protocols for guests sailing from U.S. and European ports, dropping vaccination requirements and simplifying testing guidelines, making cruising more accessible and easier for travellers. Beginning Sept. 5, 2022, all guests, regardless of vaccination status, departing on most sailings from the U.S. and Europe can now cruise as long as they meet local testing requirements to board. As well, Celebrity Cruises will now accept any commercially available test, including unsupervised self-tests, in many destinations. Lisa Lutoff-Perlo,...
A Little Adventure From Star Clippers
Star Clippers has launched its latest tall ship cruise brochure -- the first in print since 2019 -- featuring its full catalogue of sailings through November 2024 including summer 2024 itineraries that have not yet been published. This latest brochure contains new adventures as well as many favorite authentic sailing itineraries across the entire fleet, including Royal Clipper. Star Clippers sails year-round, with itineraries in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Central America as well as Atlantic Ocean crossings. The brochure is available digitally online and can be requested...
AMG Top Producers Are Cruising
TRAVELSAVERS and NEST, brands of the American Marketing Group (AMG) just returned from hosting their top producing agencies at their Elite Retreat on the Regal Princess, which sailed August 6-13 in the Greek Isles and Italy. Over 100 guests were treated to exemplary services, and high-end amenities throughout the 7-day cruise. Kathryn Mazza-Burney, Chief Sales Officer, said that: “Sailing these amazing countries was a wonderful opportunity for our U.S. and Canadian agency owners, suppliers and staff to explore more of this area of Europe and experience the rich culture, history...
Windstar Cruises Eliminates Pre-Cruise COVID-19 Tests
Windstar Cruises has revised its COVID-19 protocols and procedures and will no longer require a pre-cruise COVID-19 test for embarking guests -- unless required by one of the countries on our current scheduled itineraries. These changes will go into effect for cruises departing on or after Sept. 6, 2022. As part of its Beyond Ordinary Care health and safety program, Windstar will still require all guests to be fully vaccinated and show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The exception to this new testing procedure is that Windstar must follow the local rules and regulations of all the...
Viking Saigon Sets Sail In Southeast Asia
Viking’s newest river ship, the Viking Saigon, has begun its inaugural season in Southeast Asia. Purpose-built for the Mekong River, the 80-guest ship sails between Kampong Cham, Cambodia and My Tho, Vietnam as part of Viking’s popular 15-day Magnificent Mekong itinerary. With the 2022-2023 season now underway, regular sailing dates are available through March 2023; the 2023-2024 season begins in July 2023. Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, said: “The fascinating cultures of Vietnam and Cambodia have always made this region a favorite destination among our guests,”...
Virgin Voyages Expands North America Sales Team
Virgin Voyages is expanding its sales team in North America by 150%. Exponential, triple digit growth in bookings and the sunsetting of the CDC’s voluntary Program for Cruise Ships is signaling that the industry is rebounding to pre-pandemic levels. To continue driving momentum for the new brand, Virgin Voyages is expanding its sales & support teams in North America and promoting key individuals to elevated roles. Based at the brand’s headquarters in Plantation, Fl, these additional team members will support First Mates (Virgin Voyages’ term for travel advisors). A...
St. Lawrence Cruise Lines Now Booking For 2023
With demand increasing for North American river cruising, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines has officially sold out all 2022 cruises and is now booking passengers for 2023. The strong demand was initially fuelled by the decision of many Canadian and American travellers to plan their travel close to home and abstain from international travel during the most recent stages of the pandemic. In response to the growing demand for North American river cruising, the Canadian-based small ship operator has extended its 2023 season and added an additional cruise to accommodate travellers. The...
New Funding Fuels Virgin Voyages’ Growth
Virgin Voyages has closed on $550 million in new capital raised to support its growth. The funding was led by funds and accounts managed by BlackRock and includes new external financing and additional capital from existing investors including Bain Capital Private Equity and Virgin Group. As well, Virgin Voyages has received additional, continued support from its existing lenders. The new funding will enable Virgin Voyages to continue the execution of its growth strategy and further strengthen its financial position as cruise demand continues to gain momentum. Officially launched...