Royal Caribbean International is predicting that its Caribbean cruise tourism business will grow by 50% by 2030, with overall economic benefit of cruise reaching US$6 billion.
President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Bayley told a recent Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) outlook forum that with the region continuing to grow in popularity among cruisers – eight of the top 10 cruise destinations worldwide are in the Caribbean, he said – now is the time to prepare for further increases in cruise passenger numbers.
“The Caribbean was, is, will always be, the number one...
This November MSC Cruises will welcome its first guests on to its new private island destination in The Bahamas, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve.
With endless sweeping vistas of crystal blue waters and two miles of white sandy beaches, Ocean Cay is the ideal getaway for guests to discover nature’s pure, untouched beauty through a variety of activities designed for all ages. From ocean discovery activities like snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking to relaxing in a cabana on the beach or during a luxurious spa treatment, there is something for everyone. Guests can also enjoy...
Things are looking bright for PONANT Yacht Cruises & Expeditions in 2020 with the addition of two new ships, a new partnership and 42 new itineraries through such destinations such as North America, Europe, Asia and Africa.
Officials from PONANT, the only small, luxury cruise line sailing under the French flag, dropped by Toronto yesterday (Oct. 17) as part of a five-city road show to update the trade on all that's new at the luxury line.
PONANT currently operates a fleet of nine ships and has two new Explorer ships coming onboard next year – Le Bellot and Le Jacques Cartier....
Royal Caribbean has announced that Lelepa, Vanuatu in the South Pacific will be the home of its newest private island destination – Perfect Day at Lelepa, Vanuatu.
Vanuatu’s Prime Minister, Charlot Salwai, and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley unveiled the details.
Salwai and Bayley said the destination will be created in partnership with the community of Vanuatu to showcase the distinct natural ecological beauty and diverse local culture of the island nation as well as provide employment and education opportunities.
Perfect Day at Lelepa will...
For the third year in a row, Carnival Cruise Line is bringing back its popular AMP Up Commission Challenge just in time for the 2020 Wave Season.
Agents can now register to earn higher commissions of 11% to 15% based on the number of bookings they make between Jan. 1 and March 30, 2020.
To participate in the program, travel agencies must register during the opt-in period between Oct. 14 and Nov. 30. Once registered and confirmed for the AMP Up Commission Challenge, participants who make 20 to 125 bookings during the three-month booking period will qualify for higher commission...
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has released a sneak peek of new Super Ship S.S. São Gabriel, set to debut in Portugal on April 9, 2020.
One of four Super Ships launching next year as part of the brand’s continued elevation, the new S.S. São Gabriel will join fellow new Super Ships S.S. Sphinx, Mekong Jewel, and S.S. La Venezia for the highly anticipated 2020 season.
“Expanding upon our commitment to transform our entire fleet to Super Ships in the coming years, we’re thrilled to share a first look at the stunning S.S. São Gabriel,” says Uniworld president Ellen...
MSC Cruises’ first Meraviglia Class smart ship made its North American debut last week and its inaugural visit to Quebec City on Oct. 14, as part of its first ever cruise from North America.
MSC Meraviglia is MSC Cruises’ largest ship sailing from the U.S and sets the record for the largest ship to ever port in Quebec City as well as in other Canadian ports: Corner Brook (Newfoundland and Labrador) on Oct. 11, Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) on Oct. 12, Saint John (New Brunswick) on Oct. 21, Halifax (Nova Scotia) on Oct. 22 and Sydney (Nova Scotia) on Oct. 23.
Ian...
Cunard has announced three additional opportunities for guests to sail roundtrip from Victoria on some of the line's 2020 Alaska itineraries.
New roundtrip 2020 voyages out of Victoria on Queen Elizabeth include (fares are per person, based on double occupancy):
A 12-night Alaska voyage July 8-20 calling at Vancouver, Sitka, Glacier Bay National Park, Anchorage, Kodiak, Seward and College Fjord. Fares start at $1,599.
A 10-night Alaska voyage July 20-30 calling at Vancouver, Juneau, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier, Sitka and Ketchikan. Fares start at $1,449.
A three-night getaway...
Norwegian Cruise Line has introduced an array of upcoming cruise offerings for new and experienced cruisers alike, including a “Meet the Winemaker” series, three- and four-day cruises to the Bahamas and special Spring Break sailings.
The Meet the Winemaker series calls on all wine enthusiasts and foodies. Pairing destinations with world-class vintages and gourmet cuisine, the series offers guests an exclusive opportunity to engage with trailblazing winemakers, sommeliers and other industry experts through open-forum discussions, meet-and-greets, intimate wine tastings and...
Royal Caribbean International has announced the homeport and name of its fifth Oasis Class ship – Wonder of the Seas.
The next ship to join the cruise line’s innovative lineup will set sail from Shanghai, China. Details were revealed by Royal Caribbean president and CEO Michael Bayley at a global cruise industry conference event in Shanghai. Slated for a highly anticipated debut in 2021, the world's largest cruise ship will introduce a new era of cruising as the first of the renowned Oasis Class to sail the Asia Pacific.
“Royal Caribbean is known for its innovation and...