Cruise
Gilbert Christens The New Avalon Envision
Avalon Waterways christened its 13th Suite Ship in Europe in Budapest, Hungary this week. Acting as the ship's godmother, Elizabeth Gilbert -- author of the award-winning, New York Times-bestselling EAT PRAY LOVE – led the christening ceremony. During her blessing, Gilbert said: “We come from the water, we are made of the water, we are drawn to the water. Our lives are rivers meant to be explored and enjoyed.” Gilbert continued: “Let every curious soul who steps foot upon this vessel have a safe and blessed journey. May we all be changed for the better by what we discover...
Holland America Brings Back Ryndam Name
In a nod to its long line of historic ships that helped build the foundation for cruising as we know it today, Holland America Line (HAL) has announced that its next Pinnacle Class ship will be called Ryndam. The newbuild, due for delivery in May 2021, will be the fourth ship in the company’s history to carry the name. Ryndam will be similar to sister ships Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam, weighing 99,500 tons and carrying 2,666 guests. As the third in the series, Ryndam will feature enhanced Pinnacle Class amenities and innovations, along with HAL hallmarks that drive one of the...
Avalon Unveils New Tulip Time Cruises for 2020
Avalon Waterways has unveiled five cruises – including three new itineraries – that invite travellers to Europe in 2020 during Holland's colourful tulip season, when the crowds are small and the blooms are bountiful. “Every year, the fields of Holland transform into a colourful wonderland of beauty,” said Pam Hoffee, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “It’s a spectacle every world traveller should try to witness up-close, at least once. And in 2020, we’re giving our guests more opportunities to marvel at the beauty of those seven million blooms.” In 2020, Avalon...
Virgin Voyages Going To Cuba
Virgin Voyages president and CEO Tom McAlpin and Diana Block-Garcia, vice-president of destination, itinerary and revenue, were joined by La Habana Cruise Port officials this week for a ceremonial celebration of the formalization of Virgin Voyages’ contract to sail to Cuba in 2020. The contract formalization ceremony piggy-backed off a development visit to Cuba as the company continues to build its shore excursion program, which it affectionately refers to as Shore Things. “Our Sailors are eager to sail to Cuba and we are incredibly proud to celebrate our plans to visit Havana,...
Fly to Quito and Cruise with ACV, Celebrity
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has launched a new route from Toronto to Quito, Ecuador which will be operated by Air Canada Rouge three times weekly Dec. 8 through May 11, 2020. With this new addition, the tour operator now offers more cruise options for cruise lovers. Travellers can fly to Quito and discover the unique beauty and wildlife of the Galapagos Islands with Celebrity Cruises. Celebrity offers 10 nights or longer cruise packages, giving your clients the opportunity to explore the Galapagos and Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Galapagos and Quito cruise packages include...
Carnival Hosts Sunrise Launch Parties
Emphasizing the value of “See Carnival to Sell Carnival,” Carnival Cruise Line is inviting agents to three first-ever ship launch parties aboard Carnival Sunrise after it emerges from a nearly $200 million bow-to-stern makeover. The kick-off party is scheduled at Norfolk, Virginia, May 17, and two more after the ship relocates to New York City, June 10 and 20. The launch parties are a new and unique addition to inaugural-season activities and will enable advisors to see the results of the extensive refurbishment through an onboard exploration of the newest features, spaces and...
Avalon To Host Agent Info Sessions
Kim Clarke, director of sales for the Globus family of brands, is advising agents of a series of Avalon Waterways info sessions set to take place across Canada. The 90-minute sessions will outline some of the attractions of river cruising in Europe and Southeast Asia and detail the numerous advantages of sailing on Avalon’s charming “suite ships.” Travel agents are welcome to attend the free seminars and invite clients, though space is limited and pre-registration is necessary. There will be two sessions in each city, to take place as follows: British Colombia (Burnaby, May...
MSC Cruises Expands Canadian Presence
MSC Cruises is expanding its Canadian presence with the opening a fully staffed office in Mississauga, Ont. on May 1. MSC will employ 15 full-time employees across multiple departments, including Finance, Sales, Marketing, Contact Centre, and Groups. “As MSC Cruises expands globally, we see tremendous potential in the Canadian market with Canadians continually showing increased interest in cruise vacations and more of our guests coming from the Canadian market,” said Ian Patterson, newly appointed country manager (formerly, director of business development) for MSC Cruises in...