Cruise
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....
Big Things Happening In The Bahamas
Holistica Destinations -- a new joint venture between Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and privately held ITM Group -- has announced its first major project in The Bahamas: a development in Freeport, Grand Bahama with an initial investment of $300 million. The venture spans two locations including the enhancement and expansion of the port terminal, to be called Harbour Village, and the Lucaya Property, which will be situated at the current Grand Lucayan resort. The project includes plans for employment, job training, community investment and sustainable construction practices. Robert...
Carnival To Host 100 Agent GoCCL Training Sessions
Carnival Cruise Line is set to host “100 GoCCL Trainings” in 100 Cities to help teach agents throughout Canada, the US, Puerto Rico and Barbados the benefits of using the GoCCL Navigator online tool. The educational program is intended to bring thousands of advisors up to speed on GoCCL.com – Carnival’s powerful online agent portal – which is faster and easier to use than ever following a recent multi-million-dollar upgrade. The in-person 100 GoCCL Trainings will be led by regional business development managers in local movie theatres and include opportunities for live...
Royal Caribbean Group Adopts ‘Cruise With Confidence’ Policy
With COVID-19 adding uncertainty to travel plans around the world, Royal Caribbean Group is giving travellers greater control over their vacation decisions, allowing guests to cancel cruises as late as two days before departure. The “Cruise With Confidence” policy allows guests on Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara and Silversea to cancel up to 48 hours before a sailing. Guests will receive a full credit for their fare, usable on any future sailing of the guest’s choice in 2020 or 2021. The policy applies to both new and existing cruise bookings. “Our...
Arabian Travel Market Postponed
Reed Travel Exhibitions is postponing the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). The event was scheduled to be held from April 19 to April 22, 2020 at the Dubai World Trade Centre in Dubai, U.A.E and it has now been rescheduled to run from June 28 to July 1, 2020 at the same venue. In a statement, Reed said: “We at Arabian Travel Market want to express our concern for everyone impacted by coronavirus. Like all of you, we have carefully monitored the global health crisis related to COVID-19 coronavirus. Our top priority is the health and safety of everyone involved in Arabian Travel...
Princess Temporarily Revises Cancellation Policy
Princess Cruises is temporarily modifying its cancellation policy for cruises and cruise tours departing through May 31. The cruise line is implementing the revised policy to assist guests making decisions regarding their upcoming cruise vacations during the evolving worldwide COVID-19 situation. The details vary by departure date. Date of Departure: April 3 or earlier, cancel up to 72 hours before sailing to receive future cruise credit (FCC) for 100% of cancellation fees; April 4 – May 31, cancel by March 31 and receive FCC for 100% of cancellation fees; June 1-30, final...