Cruise
Sailing Into The Comeback
“It’s a whole new world right now,” says Ealeen Wong, Director, Strategy and Business Development at Expedia Group. “The great news is with pent up demand for travel like never before people are eager to make up for missed moments.” In fact, the travel company is witnessing a surge of interest that’s translating into longer trips, booking upgrades and more diverse destinations across the board. “At Expedia Cruises, we’ve seen a shift towards higher spend per cabin and modern trips. In Q1 of this year we saw the average length of a booking jump up from nine to 11...
Hope Floats
Hope floats, oh yes it does. The Celebrity Edge set sail from Ft. Lauderdale over the weekend, becoming the first cruise ship to sail from a U.S. port in 15 months. Celebrity Cruises’ President and CEO, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo tweeted: “#HopeFloats. Today marks the rebirth of our company and our industry, as our beautiful Celebrity Edge sets sail on a new-luxury experience that will - once again - feed peoples’ love of travel.” Captain Kate McCue, the first and still only American female to captain a major cruise ship, now leads Celebrity’s fleet – and the industry – back...
Industry Group Urges Govt. To Act To Restart Cruising
A group of tourism, business, labour and cruise industry leaders have a message for the Canadian government. Take immediate action to signal the safe restart of Canada’s multi-billion-dollar cruise ship industry. With over 17,000 jobs in British Columbia alone at risk, the coalition of industry partners is asking Ottawa to send a clear signal that Canada is open for safe cruise service and tourism by announcing a scalable restart of the cruise industry and rescinding the order on the suspension of cruise in Canada by the end of the year. Walt Judas, CEO of Tourism Industry...
Make Port In Port Colborne In 2022
There’s lots of excitement in Port Colborne as the city is preparing to welcome an influx of cruise ship activity beginning in May 2022; allowing those who enjoy cruising, day-trips, and onshore excursions to add Port Colborne to their list of Great Lake cities to explore. And with the city scheduled to become one of many ports of call for several Great Lakes cruise lines, Port Colborne is expecting to see an influx of both tourism and economic benefits, thereby solidifying its place on the map. Port Colborne Mayor Bill Steele said: “We are excited to welcome guests to Port...
Holland America Sets Its Course For Fall 2021
Holland America Line is preparing for the restart of cruising out of San Diego with cruises to Mexico, Hawaii and along the California coast aboard the Koningsdam and Zuiderdam. The cruise line has expanded the season with the addition of six new cruise departures for Zuiderdam and two new cruises on Koningsdam, offering a total of 40 cruises from San Diego from September 2021 through April 2022. Holland America is also looking toward to cruising in the Caribbean with four ships. All will be sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. The Nieuw Amsterdam begins the season on...
Caribbean Wants Cruise Passengers Vaccinated
Heads of government from across the Eastern Caribbean have thrown their support behind calls made last week by U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) Governor Albert Bryan Jr. to encourage the state of Florida to allow cruise lines to enable vaccination checks for Caribbean-bound passengers. In a letter to the USVI leader, Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica and Chairman of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), expressed the sub-regional group’s deep appreciation to Governor Bryan for writing to Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis seeking special...
Smooth Sailing Ahead
A federal district court in Tampa has granted Florida’s request for a preliminary injunction against the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) No Sail Orders that have prevented cruise lines from sailing out of Florida ports. Florida governor, Ron DeSantis hailed the ruling as a major victory, pointing out that Judge Steven Merryday concluded the CDC’s restrictions are likely unconstitutional and overstepping their legal authority. The order goes into effect on July 18, however, the CDC can offer a ‘narrower’ proposal by July 2. A statement from the...
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Extends BOGO Deal
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line (BPCL) is extending its BOGO offer through June 28. Travellers who book a two-night Bahamas cruise with the cruise line will receive 50% off for the second guest and will also be able to choose between two perks – a $50 onboard credit or Kids Sail Free. As well, the cruise company has rolled out its ‘all-new’ Paradise Premium Package, which can be combined with the BOGO offer. The Paradise Premium Package allows guests to add on amenities for $99 per person per day. These include: One shore excursion 10 drinks per person One specialty...