Cruise
Victory Unveils Details on Fourth Vessel
Victory Cruise Lines, operated by American Queen Steamboat Company, has unveiled details of its upcoming fourth vessel, Ocean Discoverer. Currently under construction, the Ocean Discoverer will be delivered in September 2022 and will join Ocean Victory in Alaska in 2023. Ocean Discoverer will make its debut with the Discover Beyond Alaska Expedition Adventure Cruise itineraries, currently available for booking on board the Ocean Victory. “We are pleased to welcome our second Alaska-bound expedition ship and expand our Victory Cruise Line experiences,” said John Waggoner, founder...
COVID-19 Update: Scenic, Costa Cruises and More
The Scenic Group is temporarily suspending all European river cruise operations on its Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises and Evergreen Cruises & Tours brands until April 30. SE Asia river cruises are suspended for the remainder of their season, which ends mid-May. Lisa McCaskill, vice-president, sales and marketing, Scenic Group Canada, said, “With the news of increasing COVID-19 cases in countries around the world, the health and safety of guests and crew is our primary focus. We will continue to ensure they come first and foremost in all our...
More Cruise Lines Suspend, Postpone Operations
Following the lead of Princess and Viking, numerous other cruise lines, including Uniworld, Windstar and Disney, have announced plans to suspend or postpone operations due to concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak. Windstar Cruises announced it is temporarily suspending operations worldwide for cruises embarking March 14 through April 30. “After much thought, we believe we are making the most responsible decision we can during this coronavirus pandemic,” said Christopher Prelog, chief operating officer of Windstar Cruises. “This worldwide pause in the operation of our fleet of...
COVID-19 Update: A Message From Ontario Registrar
Ontario Registrar Has A Message On COVID-19 In a message to Ontario travel industry registrants, TICO CEO and registrar, Richard Smart writes: “These are unprecedented and dire times for travellers and the entire travel industry. Our hearts and thoughts go out to the people who have been affected by this unparalleled event and we appreciate the healthcare workers, local communities and governments around the world who are on the front-lines working to contain the coronavirus/COVID-19.” Smart continues: “For our registrants, we acknowledge the extreme challenges underway for...
Operators, Destinations Take Action
With senior health officials across Canada advising Canadians not to travel over March Break – and if they do and take their children, they will have to keep them out of school for 14 days – the travel industry here in Canada and around the world continues to be battered by COVID-19. Today, PressToday has updates on changes that company's are making in response to the impact of COVID-19. Those changes include: Globus family of brands voluntarily suspending travel to all destinations Germany postponing the Germany Travel Mart Jamaica suspending all public activities in...
Prime Minister Asks Canadians To Stay Home
Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, himself in self-isolation after his wife, Sophie, tested positive for COVID-19, told Canadians that the government is recommending that they cancel or postpone all international travel in order to protect themselves, their families and to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Before the Prime Minister spoke, senior members of his government updated Canadians on new measures the government was implementing. Transport minister, Marc Garneau announced that cruise ships and ferries carrying more than 500 people (including crew) will not be allowed to...
Hornblower Niagara Set To Sail March 28
The Voyage to the Falls catamarans, Niagara Thunder and the Niagara Wonder are set to sail the Niagara River for the 2020 season on March 28 – the earliest they have ever hit the water with passengers aboard. A relatively mild winter and a favourable long-term forecast through to the end of March makes the early start to the season possible. The attraction didn’t open last year until May 15 because of excessive ice build-up in the upper Niagara River. No such situation exists this year. “A record early opening is possible by not only favourable weather, but also by the efforts...
Silversea Eases Cancellation Policies
Silversea Cruises has temporarily eased its new booking and cancellation policies, providing travellers with additional time to evaluate their travel plans in these times of uncertainty surrounding travel. Travellers who make new bookings on sailings departing between June 1 and Dec. 31 will be able to cancel up until 30 days prior to departure, paying only a customary administrative fee on the cruise fare. Additionally, Silversea will negotiate on guests’ behalf for the same cancellation options on other components of the booking such as air travel, hotels and shore excursions....