Cruise
Carnival Expands Pre-Cruise Purchasing Capabilities
Carnival Cruise Line has enhanced its “Hub App” with the launch of a pre-cruise purchasing functionality and online check-in for its North American-based ships. The app’s popular “Pizza Anywhere” on board function is now available on 11 ships with a fleet-wide rollout expected to be completed later this year. “At Carnival, we want to help our guests Choose Fun from the moment they book their cruise. The new features on the Hub App bring their vacation planning to the palm of their hand in ways that consumers have come to expect from great technology,” said Ron...
Windstar Launches New Agency Recognition Program
Windstar Cruises has introduced a new travel agency recognition program dubbed Club 180, a riff on Windstar’s tagline that sailing with the small ship company is truly “180 Degrees from Ordinary.” The multi-tier agency recognition program is designed to reward top-producing agencies with a top 10 Platinum distinction, a top 11-20 Gold award, and a 21+ Silver category. Recognition is in the form of a number of amenities agents can offer their clients (such as complimentary WiFi and shipboard credit); additional marketing and sales support from Windstar (including advance notice...
HAL Celebrates Dedication of Nieuw Statendam
In an event rich with inspiration and tradition, Holland America Line (HAL) held a dedication ceremony for Nieuw Statendam Feb. 2 at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Godmother Oprah Winfrey – philanthropist, film star, TV icon, founder and editorial director of O, The Oprah Magazine – officially named the ship in a ceremony on board in the ship’s World Stage. During the daytime celebration, Winfrey was joined by Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line; Stein Kruse, Holland America Group and Carnival UK chief executive officer; and Arnold Donald, president and CEO...
PONANT Savings
PONANT has announced savings and additional commissions on new bookings for a selection of 33 itineraries to Latin America in 2019 and 2020. In addition to bonus savings of up to 30% on fares depending on the dates, travellers can enjoy a $950 air credit ($1,900 per couple), and agents who book the itineraries will receive an additional 5% commission. Savings apply to new bookings only and must be reserved with deposits paid by June 30. In 2019, PONANT will have four ships exploring Latin American waters (Le Boreal, Le Soleal, L’Austral and the new Le Champlain), calling at ports...
Royal Caribbean Marks Construction Milestone
Royal Caribbean International marked an important milestone Feb. 1 as the first piece of steel was cut for its second Quantum Ultra Class ship at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The 27th ship in the global cruise line’s fleet is set to be named Odyssey of the Seas. Set to debut in fall 2020, Odyssey will sail from the United States. Additional details on Odyssey will be revealed later this year. Pictured, Richard Fain, chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., who was on hand to announce that the ship will be named Odyssey of the Seas and debut in the fall...
Australis Savings
Australis Cruise Lines is offering 25% off on bookings on its cruises that navigate the Beagle Channel, Cape Horn and the remote islands of Tierra del Fuego. Savings on a four-night, one-way cruise are US$739 per person, on the all-included expedition cruise experience. This offer is good on bookings made on the new Ventus Australis and the Stella Australis when a deposit is received before Feb. 17 for the March 1 and 5 departures from Punta Arenas, Chile and the March 13 departure from Ushuaia, Argentina. Australis ships are the only ones permitted to sail in the narrow fjords...
Uniworld Taking It To The Next Level
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is set “to evolve its offerings” even further throughout the next two years with major expansion and renovation plans. By 2020, more than half of the ships in Uniworld’s fleet will be a “Super Ship” with the addition of three new vessels in Vietnam, Egypt and Portugal and another Super Ship renovation in Italy. The new floating boutique hotels will feature the signature touches and distinctive themes the company’s ships are known for – more suites, more dining venues and more luxurious finishes, while maintaining their high...
Disney Announces Return of Star Wars Day at Sea
In 2020, epic adventures at sea return to Disney Cruise Line with limited engagements of two popular experiences – Star Wars Day at Sea and Marvel Day at Sea. Setting sail on the Disney Fantasy and Disney Magic to the Caribbean and Bahamas, these seven- and five-night sailings combine a Disney Cruise Line vacation with a special day at sea filled with unique character encounters, live shows and action-packed entertainment. Star Wars Day at Sea Guests can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga on special seven-night Disney Fantasy...