Cruise
CLIA Reports River Cruising On The Rise
In its 2016 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook, CLIA reports that the demand for the river cruise experience is at an all-time high. In fact as of 2015, there were 169 river CLIA member cruise ships on the water with 18 additional ships ordered for 2016. CLIA's president and CEO, Cindy D’Aoust observed: “These intimate voyages allow passengers to experience multiple, memorable destinations in a short amount of time all while travelling the world’s most famous, historic rivers.” D'Aoust also pointed out that: “As the demand for river cruising grows, there are now more...
NCL Unveils Harvest Caye Experience
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has revealed details on its new premier Western Caribbean destination experience, Harvest Caye, Belize. Norwegian is developing Harvest Caye to feature an authentic Belizean environment that provides easy access to Southern Belize, coupled with luxurious amenities, a variety of eco-activities, the country’s only cruise ship pier for guest convenience and comfort, the opportunity for guests to easily depart to mainland Belize for the adventure excursion or cultural immersion of their choice, and more. The resort-style port of call, set to welcome guests...
Ovation of the Seas Joins Royal Caribbean Fleet
There’s a new member of the Royal Caribbean family as the global cruise line officially took delivery of its 24th ship, Ovation of the Seas, in a ceremony held Friday (April 8) in Bremerhaven, Germany. Royal Caribbean's chairman and CEO Richard D. Fain received the new ship from Meyer Werft Yard’s managing partner Bernard Meyer at an official handover ceremony. Ovation of the Seas is the third Quantum-class ship built at Meyer Werft, together with sister ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas. “It’s wonderful to welcome Ovation of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean...
Royal Caribbean Raising Daily Gratuities Charges
Royal Caribbean International is increasing its recommended gratuities guideline. Taking effect April 14 for all sailings departing on or after May 1, the new recommended gratuities guideline will be US$13.50 per day, per guest in standard accommodations, and US$16.50 per day, per guest in suites. For guests' convenience, Royal Caribbean automatically registers the daily gratuities in guest folios; however guests are free to change the amount at their discretion with the ship's Guest Services staff. Guests who prepay their gratuities prior to the effective date can still do so...
Princess Adding Two New Ships To Fleet
Princess Cruises is set to expand its fleet after reaching an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri S.p.A. to build two new ships, entering into service in 2019 and 2020. The finalization of the contract follows an announcement late last year of a memorandum of agreement between Princess's parent company, Carnival Corporation & plc and Fincantieri for five new ships, including the Princess Cruises new builds. The unnamed 143,700-ton, 3,560-passenger ships will be the brand’s fourth and fifth Royal-class vessels, featuring an evolution of the successful design platform...
‘Sensations of Southern France’
Emerald Waterways has introduced a new sailing itinerary for 2017 – “Sensations of Southern France.” The eight-day voyage on the new Emerald Liberté will take passengers from Lyon to Arles along the Rhône and Saône Rivers, passing through Chalon-Sur-Saône, Tournon and Avignon. The region’s wine and culinary offerings are highlighted through tastings, both on board and off. Thirty departures are set for between April and October, 2017, starting at ange from $2,995 p.p., based on double occupancy. Booking by April 30 reduces those fares by $250. The voyage, which...
Tauck Christens New ms Grace
Tauck family members and executives recently joined with select partner-suppliers and travel agents to celebrate the christening of the new ms Grace riverboat in Maastricht, Netherlands. The launch of the sleek and elegant Grace comes as Tauck is more than doubling the size of its European riverboat fleet, from four vessels at the start of 2014 to nine later this year with the June christening of another new ship, the ms Joy. Following remarks from Tauck CEO Dan Mahar and Maastricht mayor Annemarie Penn-te Strake, the Grace was officially christened by three long-time Tauck...
The Joy Of Uniworld
With special offers and the truly all-inclusive nature of a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise, there may be no better time for clients to book that one-of-a-kind trip of a lifetime, reports assistant editor, Greg Coates in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. The award-winning Uniworld – a sponsor in this year's Agents' Choice Awards – offers a “six star” experience on itineraries in destinations throughout Europe, Russia and Asia. The company’s European fleet features luxurious ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, one of the highest staff-to-guest...