Cruise
U by Uniworld’s ‘The B’ Sets Sail
U by Uniworld, the new river cruise brand for 21-45-year-olds, debuted its first ship Oct. 7 in Paris, France. The B set sail on its maiden voyage along the Seine River with top influencers with a combined reach of nearly 10 million, lifestyle media, travel agents and contest winners onboard to get an exclusive “Sneak Peek” of the first-ever river cruise brand for millennials. After its successful inaugural sailing of The B, U by Uniworld also announced expansion plans. The brand has set its sights on the Mekong River in Asia for a third ship, with plans for a fourth ship to...
Royal Caribbean Set For St. Thomas Return
Royal Caribbean has set the date for its return to St. Thomas since the Caribbean destination was impacted by the hurricanes last month. On Nov. 10, the cruise line will make its way to St. Thomas for the first time since early September with Adventure of the Seas. In partnership with the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Royal Caribbean also has committed to undertaking the complete restoration of Magens Bay, one of St. Thomas’ most popular tourist attractions – with plans for a grand re-opening of the pristine destination during Adventure of the Seas’ visit on Nov....
Carnival ‘Amps Up’ The Commission
Expanding on its “AMP Up Commission Challenge” in September, Carnival Cruise Line is giving travel agencies a new opportunity to earn higher commission percentages in 2018 with its new “AMP Up Commission Program.” The program gives agencies the ability to increase their commission rate up to 15% based on active deposited bookings made from Jan. 1 to March 31, 2018. Qualifying agents who reach booking goals during this window will earn increased commissions on new bookings made April 1 to Dec. 31, 2018. Registration for the program is open through Nov. 12 on GoCCL.com. “We...
Celebrity to Offer Legal Same-Sex Marriages
Celebrity Cruises reports that same-sex marriages performed onboard are now legally recognized, marking a historic first for the brand. The motion follows a transformative vote in Malta, where a majority of the Celebrity fleet is registered, which passed the country’s parliament 66-1. The long-awaited referendum opens the door for Celebrity to legally recognize same-sex marriages performed onboard, and have the fleet’s captains officiate the ceremonies. “Celebrity Cruises has a long history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community and I cannot think of a more important time in our...
Carnival Gives Agents a Chance to Win $10,000
Carnival Cruise Line is giving travel agents an opportunity to win $10,000, cruises and inaugural celebrations aboard the new Carnival Horizon, gift cards valued at $250, as well as branded “Travel Agents Rock” prizes as part of its new “Keep on Rockin” sweepstakes, which runs through Nov. 5. Each week, Carnival will ask agents to demonstrate how they “Keep on Rockin” as travel agents with a question shared on Vice-President of Sales & Trade Marketing Adolfo Perez’s Facebook page. The contest is designed for agents to showcase unique best practices and professional...
AmaWaterways Celebrates ‘Plan A Cruise Month’
In celebration of Plan a Cruise Month, AmaWaterways is offering savings of up to $1,500 per stateroom plus free pre-paid gratuities to travellers booking select Europe and Asia cruises throughout October. AmaWaterways’ 2017 CLIA Plan a Cruise Month offer is valid on select 2017 Holiday cruises and a wide range of 2018 Europe and Asia sailings, excluding Portugal and Wine Cruises (new bookings only made between Oct. 1-31). It is not valid on group bookings or combinable with single supplement waived offers. Guests who take advantage of AmaWaterways’ Plan a Cruise Month offer on...
Viking Looks To The Stars
Viking is looking to the stars with the announcement that American chemist, emergency room physician and recently retired NASA astronaut Dr. Anna Fisher will be honoured as godmother of its fifth ocean ship, Viking Orion, which will debut in July 2018. The new ship was named after the prominent constellation and in honour of Dr. Fisher's contributions to NASA's Orion exploration vehicle project. The 930-guest Viking Orion reached a major construction milestone last week, when the ship met water for the first time during a “float out” ceremony at Fincantieri's Ancona shipyard. Dr....
MSC Cruises Ready For The Holidays
With the holiday season close at hand, MSC Cruises is ringing in the season with a host of on board experiences with holiday themes and inspiration to make every celebration – from Thanksgiving to the New Year – memorable for the whole family. MSC Seaside, MSC Cruises newest ultra-modern mega ship – arrives just in time for the holidays in December 2017 and will join MSC Divina in sailing the Caribbean from PortMiami. As one of MSC Cruises most ultra-modern ships sailing from Miami to the Caribbean, MSC Divina brings elegance and glamour to the cruise experience with stylish...