Cruise
AmaWaterways Posts Strong Numbers
AmaWaterways has reported its strongest month ever for future cruise bookings. A record-setting September saw 2017 bookings up significantly, indicating the outlook for European river cruising remains optimistic. Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways, said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to announce that our company has completed its most successful month for future bookings in our 14-year history.” Karst continued: “We place a heavy emphasis on providing our guests with immersive experiences and exceptional service. Our personal touch and...
ACV Offer Air Inclusive On MSC Divina
Air Canada Vacations is now offering weekly Saturday sailings out of Miami onboard the MSC Divina. The packages - available through Sirev - include roundtrip air; transfers; a seven-night cruise; plus all taxes and fees. Twelve beverage vouchers that can be used for beer, non-premium spirits, soft drinks and bottled water are also included in the package as well as 50% off all fitness classes and personal training; complimentary delivery fee for room service; and complimentary continental breakfast in bed. Clients that book by Oct. 31, 2016 will save $175 and only need to pay a...
Scenic Is Cruising With Travel Guarantee
Beginning in 2017, Scenic will be offering a River Cruising Travel Guarantee for every one of its guests at no charge. To do this, Scenic has partnered with a major global insurance company to put together an insurance plan that automatically covers every guest on the commencement of their cruise for any delays or cancellations due to weather, natural disasters, mechanical breakdowns or labor strikes. Coverage will include high/low water issues that plague the industry every year. And just as impressive is that approved claimants will receive direct monetary refunds, up to $750...
Cunard Celebrates World Space Week
Cunard's Queen Mary 2, will offer a special transatlantic crossing to coincide with International World Space Week in October 2017. To celebrate this international event, Cunard has curated a bespoke voyage which will take guests on an exceptional journey across the Atlantic, featuring a range of space themed experiences including talks from renowned space exploration experts including: Dr Jeffrey Hoffman, NASA Astronaut, Scientist and former Shuttle Pilot; Charles Barclay from the Royal Astronomical Society; Stephen Attenborough, Commercial Director of Virgin Galactic; and Ken...
CLIA Opens Individual Agent Membership Enrollment
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has launched its 2017 Individual Agent Membership (IAM) program, providing travel agents with the best benefits, tools and resources to navigate the cruise industry, attract more clients and increase their earnings. A host of new benefits has been added to the CLIA 2017 Membership Program, based on member feedback, including: EMBARC ID: All CLIA Individual Agents receive the CLIA EMBARC ID, the official credential of the global cruise industry. For the first time, EMBARC IDs will be mailed directly to agents upon membership approval....
MSC Splendida On The Move To China
MSC Cruises reports that it will deploy MSC Splendida to China as of May 2018, a move being made in conjunction with the cruise line's opening of a new management and operations team based in the region. Built in 2009, Splendida will become one of the largest ships operating in the region with 1,637 staterooms – 76% of which feature a balcony – and can accommodate a total of 4,363 guests. In its new positioning, MSC Splendida will join MSC Lirica, which has been serving the Chinese market since May 2016 and recently moved its homeport to Tianjin for the winter season. MSC...
Miss USA Named Carnival Godmother
Miss USA Deshauna Barber has been named godmother of Carnival Cruise Line’s newest and largest ship, Carnival Vista. Barber made history earlier this year when she became the first woman serving in the US military to win the title of Miss USA. Barber will officially name the 133,500-ton vessel during a shipboard ceremony that is part of an overnight gala event honouring Operation Homefront and featuring an exclusive invitation-only concert by seven-time Grammy-award winning artist Carrie Underwood. The festivities will include overnight accommodations, meals, activities and...
ACV Offers Air-Inclusive Oasis of the Seas Packages
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) is now offering air-inclusive packages on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas sailing weekly out of Port Canaveral. The cruise includes alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries and will be the first time that an Oasis-Class ship has a home port in Port Canaveral – repositioning from Fort Lauderdale in November. ACV’s air-inclusive packages include a specialty dining dinner for two adults worth approximately US$60. Flights for these packages are offered onboard Air Canada Rouge with prices starting at $1,309 (plus $579.92 taxes) for March...