Cruise
MSC Extends Fleet-wide Halt to July 10
MSC Cruises has extended its fleet-wide halt through to July 10. Here in Canada, MSC Cruises Canada is offering guests affected by this measure a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) where they have the opportunity to transfer the full amount paid for their cancelled cruise plus an additional 25% credit to a future cruise of their choice, on any ship and any itinerary, departing on or before Dec. 31, 2021. As well, the cruise company says that any applicable pre-paid items and government taxes will be refunded to the original form of payment. MSC Cruises Canada’s Cruise Assurance Program...
Bahamas Paradise Setting Sail June 13
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has announced its sailings will resume onboard Grand Celebration on June 13 and onboard Grand Classica on July 10. “We appreciate the support of our valued guests, partners, regulatory agencies, staff, and crew during this challenging time,” said Oneil Khosa, CEO, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. “We are utilizing this time to ensure that we are ready for our guests once we resume cruising. Travellers will be seeking a quick and safe getaway once leisure travel fully restores, and we look forward to welcoming them onboard for a unique,...
NCLH Extends Suspension To June 30
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd has extended its suspension of its global cruises to include voyages embarking between May 11 and June 30, 2020 for its three cruise brands. Those brands include Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The extended suspension is part of NCLH’s contribution to global efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 and the company said it will continue to work in tandem with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to take all necessary precautions to ensure the health, safety and security of guests, crew...
Victory Cruises Makes Sailing Changes
Victory Cruise Lines is extending its temporary suspension for all operations on board the Victory I through June 30, 2020 and cancelling all planned itineraries for the Victory II for the remainder of the 2020 season. The Victory I will resume service on July 5, 2020. The decision was made following continued, wide-spread governmental restrictions across ports, cities and public institutions and an extended no sail order through Canadian waters through June 30. VCL thanks its guests, travel agent partners, vendors and team members for their patience and understanding...
Retailers Say Low Fares Will Be Key To Cruise Recovery
A veteran Toronto travel agent says cruise companies should consider cutting their rates after international travel again gets the green light from authorities, saying offering financial incentives could win back passengers to a segment of the travel industry that has seen its image battered by the coronavirus pandemic, reports Press Today's Ian Stalker. Rudolph Nareen of Astor Travels says lowering cruise fares would be one of several measures that could help attract clients. The industry has had to cope with weeks of grim news accounts of passengers quarantined in their cabins...
Cruise Update – Carnival, Celebrity, Silversea, More
Continuing its long-standing tradition of supporting travel agents, Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled details of a variety of enhancements to its Onboard with You pledge to travel partners designed to support and sustain them during this unprecedented pause in operations. The enhancements include an additional 1% bonus commission on new retail bookings made through www.GoCCL.com or other online booking tools through June 30, 2020. As well, Carnival will maintain agencies’ current 2020 commission rates for 2021, regardless of whether they meet the necessary criteria for this...
Social Distancing Creating New Ways To Test The Waters
European Waterways says after months of practicing social distancing, some people may "test the waters" by going to the less crowded destinations first, adding they may hold off on Paris, for example, and check out the South of France. Luxury hotel barge specialist European Waterways says it and other boutique operators may be among the beneficiaries of this early trend. The company has a fleet of luxury hotel barges in the European countryside, each with a capacity of just six to 12 guests. And it offers six-night all-inclusive cruises that take the “path less travelled” of...
Pack Your Bags With AmaWaterways
AmaWaterways is introducing a virtual Marketing Suitcase in partnership with Sandra McLemore, travel business growth strategist with Travel Marketing & Media. Designed to help travel advisors build their individual brands and market one of the fastest growing segments in travel – river cruising – the virtual suitcase will be filled with expert knowledge and tips from Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways; customizable blog posts; a month’s worth of social media posts; and other marketing materials. Said Karst in launching the innovative...