Cruise
Sales Open for 2017 Ponant Summer Cruises
Travel agents can now make client reservations for summer 2017 itineraries in the Arctic, Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Baltic aboard Ponant. Nearly 50 cruises are offered across a range of program choices varying from one to two weeks, accompanied by guides, naturalists, experts or lecturers depending on the destination. Guests amenities include an open bar on all itineraries and for a limited time, up to 30% savings are offered on the brochure fare through the Ponant Bonus program. A range of curated pre- and post-cruise programs have been developed to complement each...
Jewel of the Seas Getting a US$30 Million Makeover
Royal Caribbean International's Jewel of the Seas will sail out for the summer 2016 Mediterranean season boasting a new shine as it readies to explore the “old world.” Jewel will receive a complete makeover from bow-to-stern, unveiling a fresh and thoroughly contemporary style – sparkling with ocean-facing glass elevators and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the ship. From May through October, Jewel of the Seas will sail round-trip from Rome, on an array of Eastern Mediterranean itineraries. Along with new restaurants and technology upgrades, additions will include a...
Empress of the Seas Heading to Miami
Following a stint with sister brand Pullmantur, Royal Caribbean International's newly enhanced Empress of the Seas will return to the fleet in March, offering a series of short Caribbean getaways out of Miami. Guests can languish over daily “Sunday” brunches served with a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary, enjoy the flexible “My Time Dining” with no formal nights, take in the new Las Vegas-style “Sequins & Feathers” show and then party all night long in the newly re-imagined Boleros Latin Lounge. Empress of the Seas will also offer fast pier-to-ship boarding with...
Royal Caribbean Unveils The Ultimate Abyss
Royal Caribbean International has unveiled the first look at the highly anticipated The Ultimate Abyss – the tallest slide at sea, which officials say will intimidate the bravest of guests and challenge them to prove their courage aboard Harmony of the Seas when it debuts in May. Towering more than 150 feet above sea level, overlooking the AquaTheater at the aft of the ship, the pair of side-by-side slides will release adrenalin-seeking travellers into a chilling 100 foot drop that twists and turns in a serpentine-like movement as they slide nine miles an hour, approximately, from...
PONANT Expands 2016/2017 Winter Collection
PONANT continues to expand its portfolio of destinations as it sets sail for Africa and the Indian Ocean to explore two new destinations in its Winter 2016/2017 collection of Caribbean, Latin America, Pacific, Asia and Antarctic cruises. In March 2017, a new itinerary from Cape Horn to Cape of Good Hope will see passengers able to discover spectacular scenery and wildlife. From the edge of the White Continent, passengers on Le Lyrial, Ponant's newest ship, will sail through the Falkland Islands and South Georgia to the Tristan da Cunha archipelago (British Overseas Territories) and on...
Avalon Cruise Discounts Set To Expire
Avalon Waterways is reminding agents that its early booking bonuses are set to expire Jan. 5. In Europe, guests can save a minimum of $225 on all cruises, up to $1,660 on select cruises; or save the single supplement on select cruises. In Southeast Asia, save 10% on all Vietnam and Cambodia cruises on the Mekong, as well as Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River, or waive the single supplement on select Irrawaddy sailings. And, when you book your clients’ flights with Avalon to coincide with cruise start/end dates, they’ll also receive free airport transfers in...
Spotlight on Uniworld
Uniworld president Guy Young is spending Christmas in Toronto this year and took time to drop by the PressToday offices yesterday to update the trade on happenings at the luxury river cruise line. The big news for 2016, says Young, is the line's new India program, which is proving popular and already 85% sold out. Young said the Uniworld program is a great way to see this unique destination with guests getting to spend five nights on land (staying in opulent five-star hotels) before setting out on a seven-night sailing on the Ganges River. “It's a great curriculum and doing very...
Crystal Esprit Christened in the Seychelles
Crystal Cruises officially welcomed Crystal Esprit to its fleet Dec. 20 as the sleek yacht was christened in an elegant ceremony held at Eden Island Marina in Mahé, Victoria, Seychelles. Crystal president and CEO Edie Rodriguez welcomed a distinguished audience of local dignitaries, yacht guests, travel partners and professionals and executives from the line’s new parent company, Genting Hong Kong (GHK), for a day of celebration, as Esprit marks the beginning of one of the most significant brand expansions in luxury travel and hospitality history. On hand to christen Crystal...