Cruise
TravelBrands Earns Kudos From NCL
TravelBrands Cruises, by Encore Cruises is proud to be the recipient of Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) Marketing Partner of the Year award. The global cruise line company presented awards to multiple Canadian organizations across several key categories. Nathalie Tanious, senior vice president, TravelBrands, said: “We are so honoured to be recognized by NCL and proud of the great marketing efforts we have achieved together. Our team cannot wait to continue working with NCL on future marketing campaigns, ultimately providing Canadian travellers with amazing cruise experiences. Thank...
Galveston, Royal Caribbean Sign Long-Term Agreement
The Port of Galveston, the fourth most active cruise port in North America, has signed a long-term contract with Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) for a new US$100 million cruise terminal. Through the public-private partnership, RCL will build the terminal, then lease it from the port for an initial term of 20 years, with four 10-year extension options. The two-storey terminal will have a footprint of approximately 170,000 square feet on 10 acres in the eastern section of the port known as Pier 10. Construction is expected to begin in April. Anticipated to open in fall 2021, the...
Port of Quebec Concludes Strong Season
The Port of Quebec concluded another successful cruise season with 236,715 cruise passengers visiting from 148 ships calling worldwide. Quebec City is a growing embark/debark port with 22 turnarounds in 2019. In addition to its strong passenger growth and more lines calling, nine ships made inaugural visits with first-time visits from five cruise lines including Hurtigruten, MSC, TUI, Scenic and Peace Boat. Construction of a second terminal (see rendering above) is underway and set to launch in fall 2020. The new 100,000 square-foot facility will accommodate vessels up to 4,000...
Wave Deals From Holland America
Holland America Line is ready for wave season, setting sail with its popular View & Verandah promotion that is more robust than ever before with a special $50 beverage card bonus for booking early. Guests who book select 2020 and 2021 cruises to practically all of Holland America Line’s global destinations and Alaska Land+Sea Journeys will receive a stateroom upgrade, onboard spending money up to $500 per stateroom, free or reduced fares for kids to plan spring breaks or summer vacations, 50% reduced deposits and 10% off select shore excursions. Suite bookings also receive...
The Moorings Sails Into Brazil
Premier yacht charter company The Moorings has expanded its operations to include a new partner base in Paraty, Brazil. Surrounded by towering jungles plummeting into the waters of Baia Carioca, this charter cruising region features bays boasting islands and world-famous beaches. Paraty adds to the charter company’s more than 20 worldwide yacht charter vacation destinations. Centrally located between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Paraty (pronounced “Para-chee”) holds the key to many natural wonders that can only be discovered by boat. Backed by mountains on Brazil’s Costa...
MSC Celebrates Virtuosa’s Float Out
MSC Virtuosa's float out capped a month-long triple celebration for MSC Cruises. The float out marked the third major milestone during the past month, following delivery of MSC Grandiosa and cutting of first steel for LNG-powered MSC Europa. MSC Cruises celebrated the float out of MSC Virtuosa at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France recently, marking the third major new ship building milestone the company has celebrated in the past month at the shipyard. The float out follows the successful delivery on Oct. 31 of MSC Grandiosa as well as the steel cutting ceremony on...
Carnival Panorama Officially Named by Vanna White
The arrival of Carnival Panorama – Carnival Cruise Line's first new ship on the West Coast in 20 years – was celebrated in true Carnival fashion with Wheel of Fortune’s Vanna White serving as godmother and officially naming the ship during a memorable ceremony on board. White delivered poignant comments during which she spoke about her love of cruising and the commitment she shares with Carnival and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, as well as the cruise line’s relationship with Wheel of Fortune, which she has co-hosted for the past 37 years. Then, in a nod to her...
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Hosts Webinar, Giveaway
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line – the only provider of two-night cruises to Grand Bahama Island and Nassau – is hosting a webinar this afternoon (Dec. 12) from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. EST. During the session, attendees will learn about the cruise line’s new Accelerate Groups Program, innovative Cruise & Stay program, gain a sneak peek at Wave Season offers for 2020, and get an inside look at partner hotels on Nassau and Grand Bahama Island. Every agent who successfully completes the webinar will receive their choice of a free two-night cruise for two aboard Grand Classica or Grand...