Cruise
Quite An Experience
A group of Canadian retail travel VIPs were in Budapest recently for the christening of Avalon Waterways' Envision – the 13th Panorama class ship in the line's fleet. After the ship was christened by Eat Pray Love author Elizabeth Gilbert, passengers enjoyed a celebratory meal. Among the Canadian VIPs were, from left to right (standing): Criz Punaslan of Cruise Connections; Lindsay Pearlman of Ensemble Travel; Stéphanie Bishop of the Globus family of brands, parent company of Avalon; and (seated) Leah Pearlman; Una O?Learay of Carlson Wagonlit and Victor...
Avalon Has Some Summer Lovin’ For Agents
Summer is a time for hot deals for clients and cool rewards for agents from Avalon Waterways. To thank Canadian travel agents for their ongoing support, Avalon has announced generous rewards for bookings for both this year and next, for all bookings made and deposited between May 1 and August 31 this year. Agents booking 2019 departures will be eligible to receive a $100 gift card for all bookings, while every booking for a 2020 departure will be eligible for a $50 gift card. Any group bookings, when a $250 non-refundable deposit has been paid, will be eligible for the same...
HAL Expands Guests’ Digital Options
Leveraging technology to further personalize the cruise experience, Holland America Line (HAL) is expanding the functionality of its browser-based Navigator tool into a user-friendly, free app for mobile phones and tablets that can be used on board. iPhone and Android users can download the Navigator app from the iTunes App and Google Play stores, respectively. Using Navigator, guests can plan daily activities, explore and book shore excursions, view restaurant menus and make dining reservations, view spa treatments, check their account statement and more. Expected to be the most...
Windstar Introduces ‘All-In Package’
Windstar Cruises is making the convenience of a cruise even more appealing and effortless by offering a new inclusive onboard package. Guests who purchase Windstar’s new “All-In Package” receive unlimited WiFi access, unlimited laundry service, hotel and beverage gratuities, and the top shelf Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package featuring all wines by the glass, all beer selections, all mini-bar beverages, and a broad assortment of cocktails – all for US$89 per person, per day. The “All-In Package” is available to purchase now on more than 550 cruises (ranging from...
Get In The Know With Carnival
Carnival Cruise Line has launched a new “Loyalty Rocks: Learn and Earn” training program for agents. Custom-built as part of the cruise line's Loyalty Rocks program, Learn and Earn is designed to recognize and reward advisors for investing in their professional development. The easy-to-use training content is video-based and puts agents on an 80% faster path to graduation. Featuring Gold, Platinum and Diamond levels, agents can better support their clients while earning rewards and perks for themselves. Enhancements include bonus Loyalty Rocks reward points, no booking...
MSC Flips The Switch On New Canadian Office
MSC Cruises has “flipped the switch” at its new office in Mississauga, Ont., significantly expanding its presence in Canada. MSC officials, including president Roberto Fusaro and Ian Patterson, newly appointed country manager, Canada, held a celebratory reception last night (April 30) at the new office. Speaking with PressToday, Fusaro said this is a significant milestone for MSC, which he described as the fastest growing cruise line in the world. MSC currently has 15 ships under construction with the newest to be delivered this fall. He noted that Canada is a strong market...
Royal Caribbean Sets A Course To The Future
The revolutionary Oasis Class will soon have a new sister, as Royal Caribbean International recently celebrated the steel cutting of a fifth Oasis Class ship, scheduled to be delivered in 2021. The steel cutting, marked the official start of construction on the new ship and took place at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. The Oasis Class took the cruise industry by storm with the introduction of Oasis of the Seas a decade ago and again with the introduction of Symphony of the Seas in 2018. The fifth Oasis Class ship will combine the iconic...
Scenic, National Geographic Set A Course For Canada
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and National Geographic Expeditions are set sail for their third season as river cruise partners with an expanded line up that will now be available in the Canadian market. Canadian travel agents and their clients will be able to book these experiential cruises -- and the 2020 line up of itineraries will now include sailings in Russia, Egypt, France's Rhône River and a Rhine Christmas cruise. The new offerings, along with the existing sailings on the Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle Rivers, and Portugals Douro Valley, will combine Scenic's...