Cruise
Tauck Christens New Joy Riverboat in Germany
Tauck family members, officials and special invited guests recently gathered in Straubing, Germany, the new Joy was officially welcomed into Tauck’s fleet of European riverboats. The christening ceremony along the Danube River marked the launch of Tauck’s second new ship this year, following the christening of Grace in April. Serving as godmothers for Joy were three longtime Tauck employees, Jacque Moran, Mary Murrin and Kristin Robinson. According to officials, like the other ships in Tauck’s fleet, Joy will carry far fewer passengers, 130 guests, – yet will have far more...
‘Sip & Sail’ With Princess
Princess Cruises has launched a thirst-quenching deal with its “Sip & Sail” promotion offering free all-inclusive beverages, plus an early booking bonus offer of free specialty dining for bookings made by July 5. More than 350 cruise vacations for Summer 2017 to Spring 2018 are on sale to destinations around the globe. Guests booking a balcony, mini-suite or suite staterooms will receive a free All-Inclusive Beverage Package for two people. Plus, reduced fares as well as free Unlimited Soda & More Packages for third and fourth guests. The All-Inclusive Beverage...
Carnival Celebrates the Opening of Splash Island
Carnival Cruise Line, along with community dignitaries and local families, recently celebrated the opening of Splash Island at Atlanta’s historic Adams Park. The interactive red, white and blue-coloured splash pad, funded in part by Carnival and inspired by Carnival WaterWorks, the cruise line’s onboard water experience, is the latest addition to the park's pool area. The day’s festivities included a ceremonial ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling presided over by the City of Atlanta in partnership with Carnival executives, former Hawks player and nine-time NBA All-Star Dominique...
‘New’ Norwegian Dawn Sails To Boston
Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) Norwegian Dawn has sailed to its seasonal homeport of Boston as an essentially new vessel, following a month-long dry dock where it received enhancements to every part of the onboard experience, from two brand new restaurants and three new bars and lounges, updated design and décor in all public spaces, to a refurbishment of all staterooms including a complete makeover of the ship’s signature Garden Villas. Norwegian Dawn’s extensive renovation is a part of The Norwegian Edge program, a US$400 million investment. “As with each of the ship...
At Sea With Viking
With the newly christened Viking Sea now part of its fleet, Viking Ocean Cruises has added 10 new itineraries to its offerings for 2017 and 2018. Adding more than 30 ports of call to its portfolio, Viking's new itineraries will explore destinations throughout Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean, including Cuba. “As we continue to grow our fleet, we have more opportunities to offer guests new and different options for experiencing the Viking way of destination-focused cruising, an approach that is completely unique in the industry,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking...
CLIA, Marriott Launch New Partnership
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and Marriott International have launched a new partnership to provide qualifying CLIA members a variety of benefits, including commissions on qualified hotel bookings across Marriott’s 19 brands. The new partnership also provides CLIA Agency and Individual Agent Members access to Marriott’s Fam-Tastic familiarization rates. Agents who are associated with a qualifying CLIA Travel Agency and hold a CLIA EMBARC ID are eligible to access the rates once they successfully complete Marriott’s Hotel Excellence! training program and become a...
A Sparkling Celebration
AmaWaterways christened its two newest ships – AmaViola and AmaStella – in Vilshofen, Germany last week. On hand for the celebrations were the line’s co-founders, Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst, who were joined by the ships’ godmothers and local dignitaries. The events included a signing of the ship’s guestbook, prayer by the abbot, live music and Bavarian cuisine. A special song was also written in honor of AmaViola by a local Vilshofen musician, and performed during the ceremony. During the festivities, AmaWaterways welcomed Nexion president, Jackie Friedman as the...
Celestyal Adds Punta Frances to Cuba Program
Celestyal Cruises has added Punta Frances, Cuba, as its newest port for the upcoming 2016-2017 Caribbean season. Chosen for its “authentic vibe, impeccable beachfront and crystalline waters coloured every shade of blue,” Punta Frances will replace Maria La Gorda on Celestyal's all-inclusive seven-day Cuba itinerary. Located on the secluded Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth), the largest of over 300 islets that make up Cuba’s Archipelago de los Canarreos, Punta Frances is an idyllic destination for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling. Guests will travel to the western tip...