Cruise
Vacation Of Choice
According to new research from both the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), cruise travel is becoming the vacation of choice around the world and is quickly outpacing leisure or land-based travel. The UNWTO's research reveals that in the last decade – 2004 to 2014 – global cruise vacations have grown faster in popularity than global land-based vacations by a 23% margin. And in its 2016 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook, CLIA reported that the industry is showing no signs of slowing down with 24 million...
Book Emerald, Fly Free
Travellers have until the end of the month to take advantage of Emerald Waterways' free air offer on select 2016 sailings. All guests booking a Balcony Suite, including the Panorama Balcony Suite, the Grand Balcony Suite and the Owner’s One Bedroom Suite on 2016 Europe river cruise itineraries departing through Aug. 31 will get free round-trip airfare from major Canadian and US gateways. Guests booking a stateroom cabin category on a Europe itinerary will be eligible for a reduced airfare rate of $995 per person. Additionally, guests booking any cabin category on all 2016 Southeast...
MSC Partners With World-Renowned French Chocolatier
MSC Cruises guests are set to discover new culinary delights as the cruise line has partnered with acclaimed French chocolatier and pastry chef, Jean-Philippe Maury, who will bring his culinary genius aboard the line’s ships. “We constantly look to surprise and delight our guests with new and authentic culinary experiences. Jean-Philippe Maury is a world pastry champion who embodies passion, elegance, innovation and excellence – the same characteristics that distinguish MSC Cruises,” said Rick Sasso, president of MSC Cruises. “We partner with the world’s leading brands and...
cruisExcellence Schedule Includes Toronto Stop
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released its cruisExcellence 2016 schedule that includes a stop in Toronto on Sept. 10. CLIA’s cruisExcellence is a regional training program featuring live, instructor-led training, virtual ship inspections and informative workshops. Attendees also have the opportunity to win prizes from cruise lines, CLIA and industry partners. Training topics are designed to expand an agent's cruise industry knowledge, broaden destination awareness and sharpen sales skills. Participating CLIA Individual Travel Agent Members currently enrolled...
Cruise Growth, Increased Passenger Spending Forecast
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released the latest edition of the Travel Agent Cruise Industry Outlook Report, revealing that North American agents expect to see notable growth in the number of cruises people take this year as well as an increase in passenger spending. The report, conducted at the end of 2015, is the first in what will be a quarterly research study from CLIA, designed to forecast trends in the cruise industry among the travel agent community. At the end of 2015, CLIA released its 2016 State of the Cruise Industry which projected another strong...
Encore Offers AmaWaterways Savings
Encore Cruises has introduced a special “$1,000 Air Credit, plus Free Prepaid Gratuities” offer on some of AmaWaterways’ most popular itineraries. Valid on all new bookings made by Feb. 29, when consumers book one of the applicable sailings along with air with one of Encore Cruises’ airline partners, they will receive a $1,000 air credit plus free pre-paid gratuities per couple. The offer is applicable on AmaDante’s Europe Rivers & Castles June 9 and 16 sailings, AmaDolce’s Taste of Bordeaux June 3, 10 and Aug. 26 sailings or AmaLyra’s Enchanting Rhine July 22 and...
Striking It Rich With HAL
In honour of the 120th anniversary of the Klondike Gold Rush, Holland America Line (HAL) has launched a “Find Your Gold” giveaway that will award five lucky travellers an authentic gold nugget valued at approximately $1,000 each. HAL's travel agent partners also can strike it rich with the chance to win a gold nugget and earn bonus commissions for 2016 Yukon+Denali Land+Sea Journey bookings. New bookings will earn an additional $50 commission, and the top Yukon+Denali booking agent will win a nugget valued at nearly $1,000. “Holland America Line was looking for a memorable way...
European Waterways Upgrades Fleet
European Waterways is investing more than US$500,000 on an extensive program of refurbishing and upgrading its 17-vessel fleet in preparation for the 2016 cruising season. According to officials, every vessel has been thoroughly inspected to ensure they meet the highest standard of comfort and luxury as they prepare for the new season cruising through some of the most scenic inland waterways of France, Holland, Italy and the British Isles. “We carry some of the most discerning passengers in the cruise industry, so we pay attention to every detail, from replacing linen, glassware...