Cruise
Scenic Group Extends Suspension
The Scenic Group has is suspending all river and ocean cruises, and land tour operations on its Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Cruises and Evergreen Cruises & Tours brands until Aug. 31, 2020 as part of its ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. The company also advised that Scenic Eclipse sailings will be suspended through Sept. 30, 2020. Rob Voss, COO for The Scenic Group, explained: “Our top priority is to ensure that our guests and crew are able to travel safely before we resume operations. Although we see some easing of national lockdowns and...
Set Sail With AMAWaterways Today
AmaWaterways has unveiled the majority of its 2022 deployment and it’s now open for group and individual bookings - a full six months ahead of previous season openings. All itineraries in France, Portugal, Holland and those traveling the Rhine and Moselle rivers are open for reservations, with added rewards for guests who book early. By May 20, the remaining 2022 river cruise voyages with pre- and post-cruise land extensions will also be available. While the company would typically open 2022 bookings much later in the year, increased demand for 2022 sailings led to early release...
Safe Travels
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has unveiled a range of new worldwide measures to restart the sector. The new measures are have designed to rebuild confidence among consumers so they can travel safely once the restrictions are lifted. Called Safe Travels, the new protocols provide consistency to destinations and countries as well as guidance to travel providers, operators and travellers on the new approach to health and hygiene in the post COVID-19 world. The health and safety of travellers and workers is put at the heart of the new global protocols, which have been...
Voices In The Mist
2020 was shaping up to be a banner year for travel with endless itinerary options, a bounty of direct flight routes and a slew of travellers eager to embark on adventures. The Travel Corporation had its centennial to celebrate, Goway Travel planned on promoting its 50th anniversary and G Adventures was gearing up to mark 30 years in business. Instead, plans were turned upside down by COVID-19 and tour operators were forced to make tough decisions and enforce drastic cost saving measures resulting in layoffs, terminations and downsizing as international travel came to a grinding...
Hurtigruten Plans Gradual Phase-In Of Operations
As a response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Hurtigruten – the world’s largest expedition cruise line – will extend the temporary suspension of worldwide sailings to Mid-June. The company aims to gradually restart operations from June 16. Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam explained: “We are two months into what is a truly extraordinary situation. In one way or another, the consequences of the pandemic impact us all.” Skjeldam said that as the company extends suspension of pole-to-pole operations of their fleet of small, custom built ships until June 15, and hopes to...
Ashford Leaving Holland America
Orlando Ashford is leaving his post as president of Holland America Line at the end of May. Ashford, who heads the premium cruise line within the Carnival Corporation family of brands, has been at the company for nearly five and half years and led a rejuvenation of the brand through an emphasis on enhanced onboard entertainment, live music and culinary experiences. Since November 2014, he has served as president of Holland America Line, overseeing its sales and marketing, revenue management, deployment and itinerary planning, public relations, hotel operations and...
Join Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways launched its new virtual “Sip & Sail” Cocktail Hour on April 22. The first in the series was hosted by Kristin Karst, co-founder of AmaWaterways and Godmother of AmaKristina, who was joined by eight of the leading river cruise line’s travel industry Godmothers. Close to 2,000 travel advisors attended. The live onscreen “Sip & Sail” series was launched to help the line remain personally connected with travel advisors and past guests until AmaWaterways’ much anticipated return to the rivers. “I am overjoyed by the tremendous turnout and feedback on our...
Something Special From Adventure Canada
Adventure Canada is paying an additional 5% commission for May bookings. The offer is for new Ocean Endeavour bookings only and must be confirmed with a registration form and deposit by May 30. The offer doesn't apply to Antarctica sailings. "Our travel partners mean the world to us. In these times, the value of travel advisors shines more than ever through the wealth of their knowledge , connections and communities," says Mathew Bradley-Swan, Adventure Canada's director of business development. "As a thank you for your loyalty and hard work, we are offering bonus commissions for...