Cruise
Sunwing MSC’s Partner of the Year
Sunwing has been named MSC Cruises’ “Tour Operator Partner of the Year” for 2019. It is the third time that Sunwing has received the award. Ian Patterson, country manager, Canada for MSC Cruises, commented, “Since Sunwing started their cruise program in 2009, the tour operator has been a valued partner of MSC Cruises. Their convenient cruise package options from a host of gateways across Canada make it easier than ever for vacationers to set sail on board MSC Cruises. We look forward to continuing and growing our relationship with Sunwing in the years to...
TravelBrands Launches Price Match Policy for Cruises
TravelBrands is making cruise bookings a little less worry-free with its new price match policy. Now, TravelBrands will price match any Canadian tour operator. “Our goal is to provide the best travel options possible for both agents and their clients,” says Nathalie Tanious, COO, TravelBrands. “By offering this new automatic price match policy, it is just another way to get the best deals possible for a cruise getaway. The steps to claim the price match are so simple and our team will automatically adjust the booking.” To take advantage of this new policy, agents can...
Sapphire Princess Set To Call Australia Home
Princess Cruises has announced plans to add 44 new cruises from five major Australian cities with the redeployment of Sapphire Princess 'Down Under.' The 2,670-guest ship will arrive six months earlier than planned in Australia to commence an extended year-long season from May 1, 2020. The Sapphire Princess program will offer a range of itineraries highlighting some of the Australia’s favourite cruise ports. Highlights of the new program included: A 10-night Coral Coast voyage sailing from Perth (Fremantle), visiting West Australia’s coastal destinations such as Broome,...
Carnival Is Coming To A City Near You
From Canada to Barbados and Puerto Rico and almost everywhere in between, Carnival Cruise Line is planning a 2020 WUATA Party in a city near you. To drive home its enhanced “100 Reasons Why Use a Travel Advisor” message, Carnival is staging 100 WUATA Parties in 100 cities across North America and the Caribbean this year. From a modest four events in 2019, Carnival is ramping up the party frequency with the goal of drawing 25 times more consumers than last year to learn why they should use a travel advisor to plan their vacation. As in the original WUATA Party plan, attending...
MSC Updates Bellissima ‘Grand Voyage’ Itinerary
MSC Cruises has updated the itinerary of MSC Bellissima for its forthcoming 28-night “Grand Voyage” sailing from the Gulf to Asia on March 21. The updated itinerary of the Grand Voyage, from March 21 to April 18, will see the cancellation of port visits to Shenzhen, mainland China; Hong Kong; and Keelung, Taiwan, and the addition of Laem Chabang/Bangkok, Thailand; Phu My/Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; as well as an extra day in Kobe, Japan. In addition, the ship will now also call Sir Bani Yas Island, United Arab Emirates, instead of Khor Fakkan, UAE. MSC Bellissima’s voyage to...
Fly Solo With European Waterways
With the travel industry calling solo travel an “unstoppable trend” and barge cruise bookings on the rise, European Waterways has launched an exclusive “Solo Cruise” on the company’s largest luxury hotel barge, the 20-passenger La Bella Vita. Departing Oct. 11 and sailing from Venice to the Renaissance city of Mantua, the six-night, all-inclusive cruise includes a special offer of 10% off per person. With the special, cabins start at $5,040 for single occupancy, a savings of $560 off the $5,600 rate. For friends sharing a cabin, double occupancy rates start at $3,645 per...
American Queen Introduces Special Interest Sailings
American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) has introduced new special interest sailings ranging from Pacific Northwest Wine Cruises on the American Empress to the American River BBQ Challenge on the American Countess, American Queen and American Duchess along the lower Mississippi River. “All of our river cruises are a reflection of the regions they sail,” said John Waggoner, founder and CEO of American Queen Steamboat Company. “When it comes to these unique voyages, each element of the special interest whether it be wine or marquee Americana events, is thoughtfully woven into...
Riviera Unveils Festive Sailings
Riviera River Cruises will be offering new cruises on Europe’s Danube and Rhine rivers over Christmas and New Year’s during the 2020-21 holiday season. On Christmas cruises, passengers will be able to explore festive markets, then enjoy a Christmas Day gala dinner and Christmas musical performances back on board the ship. On New Year’s cruises, ring in 2021 with drinks and canapés on board the ship at midnight New Year’s Eve, then wake to a New Year’s Day brunch. Marilyn Conroy, Riviera River Cruises’ executive vice-president sales and marketing North America, said,...