Cruise
Uniworld Taking River Luxury To New Levels
Three new European river cruises, enhanced itineraries, a new ship in China and an exclusive new partnership with Air Canada Vacations has Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection sailing smooth waters for the upcoming 2018-2019 cruise seasons, reports assistant editor, Greg Coates in this week's Travel Courier cover story. Newly announced by the luxury line is that U by Uniworld is now open to guests of all ages, with the 21- to 45-year age restriction eliminated. According to Michelle Palma, vice-president, Field Sales, North America, this decision was made based on feedback...
HAL’s Statendam To Sport Enhanced Staterooms
Holland America Line’s (HAL) Nieuw Statendam is set to debut in December, and when it sets sail from the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy, will feature distinct stateroom enhancements. The newest 2,666-guest Pinnacle-Class ship will have eight more staterooms than sister-ship Koningsdam, and all categories have been re-imagined from top to bottom to “showcase more thoughtful touches and innovative additions.” Among the most noticeable enhancements is the redesigned Pinnacle Suite – the largest on the ship – as well as reconfigured Family Staterooms. However,...
Jann Arden To Host Avalon River Cruise
Fans of Jann Arden have a treat in store – next year she will be hosting a special sailing of Avalon Waterways’ Blue Danube Discovery cruise departing June 18, 2019. As well as mingling with passengers, Arden will perform a private concert on board and participate in a photo op and CD signing. Arden, who acted as Godmother of the ship Avalon Tranquility II in 2015 and hosted another cruise in 2017, is a fan of Avalon Waterways and says she’s very much looking forward to sailing with them again. The 12-day trip starts with a two-night stay in the Hungarian capital Budapest...
Victoria Cruises Renews Partnership With Globus
As the 2018 sailing season begins on China's mist-shrouded Yangtze River, Victoria Cruises is celebrating its renewed partnership with Globus as the exclusive Yangtze River cruise partner for the tour brand. Passengers will experience scenic landscapes and cultural interactions on four-day cruises with private-balcony accommodations on the five-star Victoria Katarina with the 12-day Classic China & the Yangtze or 14-day Flavors of China & the Yangtze tours from Globus. Participants of either tour will have an opportunity to see Beijing's renowned treasures from the Forbidden...
‘Adventure Hosts’ Added To Avalon Sailings
On the heels of announcing “Active Discovery” itineraries on the Rhine, Danube and Rhône Rivers, as well as a new “Avalon Choice” program featuring included “Classic,” “Discovery” and “Active” excursions on each and every itinerary throughout Europe in 2019, Avalon Waterways has also announced plans to add an Avalon Adventure Host, based in a new Adventure Center, to all 2019 European cruises. “The river cruise demographic is changing and we’re seeing more active passengers who want to keep up their fitness regime when on vacation – or maybe even discover a...
MSC Armonia To Homeport In Miami
Beginning Dec. 10, MSC Cruises' MSC Armonia will add Miami to its seven-night Cuba and Caribbean itinerary and will homeport there alongside MSC Divina and MSC Seaside. With the addition of Miami, guests will be able to enjoy an even richer itinerary across the Caribbean, as well as benefit from more in- and outbound travelling options for their cruise vacation. According to officials, MSC will be the only cruise line offering a seven-night program regularly including two days in Havana. MSC Armonia was the first ship in MSC Cruises’ $250 million Renaissance Program and was...
‘Kids Sail Free’ With Costa
Costa Cruises is making it easier for families to book and save on one of the line’s Mediterranean itineraries with “Kids Sail Free” and “Senior Fare” specials. “With our Squok Club programming, Samsara Spa and incredible dining options, a Costa cruise is one of the best ways for a multi-generational family to expand their travel horizons,” said Scott Knutson, vice-president of sales and marketing for Costa Cruises, North America. “Costa Cruises has been a family favourite for over 70 years and families can now save as they make lasting memories together with our Kids...
Silversea Can Now Be Booked In Canadian Dollars
Silversea is making it easier for Canadians to book their next vacation – guests residing in Canada can now reserve any Silversea voyage in Canadian dollars. Proof of residency is required at the time of booking. “Our new policy gives our Canadian guests the peace of mind in knowing they won't be adversely affected by currency fluctuations or foreign currency credit card fees,” said Mark Conroy, Silversea's managing director for the Americas. “They can be sure the fare they book is the fare they will pay, with no surprises with currency conversion on final...