Cruise
Emerald Cruises Makes A Splash
From the launch of the 100-passenger superyacht Emerald Azzurra — sailing on March 11th in the Red Sea before heading to the Mediterranean and Adriatic for the summer season — to the likes of Frankie Flowers and celebrity chef Michael Bonacini coming onboard, “2022 is going to be a big year” for Emerald Cruises. Despite announcing the build of Emerald Azzurra in February 2020 on the cusp of worldwide travel restrictions setting in, Juna Ueda, General Manager, Sales, for Emerald Cruises Canada says bookings grew at impressive levels throughout the pandemic. “Leading up to...
CLIA Comments On Ukraine
With the situation in Ukraine continuing to unfold, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said in a statement that along with its member lines, it is “closely monitoring the situation unfolding in Ukraine. Said CLIA: “We share with the world the concerns over the conflict in the region. As always, the safety and security of guests, crew and the communities we visit are of utmost importance and continue to be the criteria on which our cruise line members base their itinerary decisions.” The industry association noted that: “Most itineraries that include stops in...
Emerald Cruises Takes Delivery Of Emerald Azzurra
Emerald Cruises has taken delivery of Emerald Azzurra, the first of the brand’s two super yachts. After departing Ha Long Shipyard in Vietnam, the 100-guest yacht is headed to Aqaba, Jordan to welcome guests on board its inaugural sailing on March 11 -- an eight-day itinerary in the Red Sea. After its inaugural sailing, Emerald Azzurra will transit the Suez Canal to embark on a series of sailings in warm water of the Mediterranean and along the Adriatic coast over the summer before returning to the Red Sea next winter. Glen Moroney, Founder and Chairman, Scenic Group (which...
Scenic’s Antarctica Sales Are Cruising Along
Scenic is reporting that it is seeing a 100% global increase for year-over-year bookings to Antarctica on board it’s Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. And the significant spike in demand for these journeys is showing no signs of slowing down either, with last month’s (January 2022) bookings up a further 27% from last year. This leaves only limited availability remaining for 2022/2023 sailings. And due to that demand, Scenic has unveiled its full 2023/2024 Antarctica and South America Voyages & Land Journeys collection as the first in a series of destination brochures. The...
Uniworld Sets Sail With New Course For Agents
In 2022, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is setting sail with the addition of a new course to Uniworld University -- the brand’s online travel advisor education program. The course, titled New for 2022, will give advisors a sense of what their clients can expect onboard Uniworld cruises this year. After completing the course, advisors will receive a special discounted rate of up to 60% off 2022 cruises. Advisors taking the course will gain in-depth knowledge of Uniworld’s expanded list of Cruise & Rail itineraries including a new rail-only trip along the world’s greatest...
Costa Cruises Set To Restart Entire Fleet
Costa Cruises continues its gradual restart plan for 2022. From March 5, when the new Costa Toscana sets sail for its first cruise, an increasing number of the company's ships will return to service, joining those already sailing. By summer, the company's entire fleet will resume operations, with all four of the new ships delivered in recent months — Costa Toscana, Costa Smeralda, Costa Firenze and Costa Venezia — deployed in the Mediterranean. Also, for the summer season, with the hope of favorable regulations, the company is planning to lift rules around shore excursions...
Holland America Participating In CDC Program
Holland America Line will participate in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated program for cruise ships operating in U.S. waters. The line will continue to operate vaccinated cruises, with two key changes to onboard protocols for guests beginning March 1: Masks on board will be recommended but not required. There may be certain venues and events in which masks will still be required. Additional flexibility for pre-cruising testing requirements will become available. Details will be posted to the Travel Well section of the cruise line's...
Celebrity Has Big Plans For 2023-2024 Caribbean Season
Celebrity Cruises is taking its 2023-2024 Caribbean season to new heights with the addition of its newest ship, Celebrity Ascent. With eight ships navigating the island region, including three from the Edge Series, and itineraries ranging from 4 nights to 12 nights, guests will have more options to choose from when planning their dream vacation. Celebrity Ascent, the fourth ship in the Edge Series, which made its way from concept to construction on Nov. 22, 2021, will make its maiden voyage on Dec. 3, 2023. After departing from Ft. Lauderdale, it will explore the Eastern...