Cruise
CLIA Calls for Hall of Fame Nominations
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is calling for nominations for its Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Awards – recognizing individuals and organizations whose efforts and accomplishments represent a significant contribution to the cruise industry. Nominations are being accepted from CLIA’s membership, with the winners being announced at a gala event at CLIA’s Cruise360, the largest and only official conference of the cruise industry, June 1-6 in Vancouver. The nominations are open to CLIA Agency and Individual Agent Members. Cruise Line members can also nominate...
The ‘Royal Genie’ Out of the Bottle in May
When Royal Caribbean debuts its new Royal Suite Class in May (aboard several of its ships), guests in Star Class – Loft Suites or higher categories – will have the opportunity to have their own personal “Royal Genie.” The Royal Genie will serve as the ultimate insider helping craft one-of-a kind experiences based on a guest’s personal style and preferences. From planning the perfect date night or a unique family celebration to creating the memorable adventure of a lifetime in one of the ship’s destinations, the Royal Genie will curate personalized experiences catered to...
The Hottest Digs at Sea
Have a client thinking of cruising with their family? Cruises make for an excellent family vacation, but the experts at CruiseCompete note it's important to plan carefully to find the cruise that’s right for everyone. One important thing to consider are the staterooms where the family will rest their heads, so it’s good to know what the cruise lines offer that are geared especially for families. The following is a look at some of CruiseCompete’s favourite cabins for families on today’s premium cruise lines: Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line and...
Viking Ocean Celebrates Float Out of Third Ship
Viking Ocean Cruises' third ship – the 930-passenger Viking Sky – was “floated out” last week, marking a major construction milestone and the first time that the new ship touched water. The traditional ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, just one day before the company took delivery of its second ship, Viking Sea, which will officially debut to guests next month. Viking Sky is scheduled for delivery in early 2017. The company also today announced that it has placed an order with Fincantieri for three additional sister ships, which will bring Viking’s...
Royal Caribbean Cancels Six Empress Sailings
Royal Caribbean has cancelled six sailings of the Empress of the Seas which were scheduled to depart from Miami starting next week to give the vessel more time to complete an extensive makeover, including the addition of a rock-climbing wall, new pools and whirlpools, and the signature steakhouse, Chops Grille. This additional time in the shipyard means it will be necessary to cancel the March 30, April 4, April 7, April 11, April 16 and April 21 sailings of Empress of the Seas, which recently transitioned into the Royal Caribbean fleet after sailing with Pullmantur...
Tauck Expands Cuba Offerings
Beginning this fall and for the very first time, Tauck will offer travellers the chance to choose between a week-long Cuba tour or an expanded 13-day itinerary to the Caribbean nation. The Connecticut-based company will operate a total of 22 departures between the two programs from September to December, and Tauck is crediting continued growth and strong demand for its doubling of itinerary choices. According to company CEO Dan Mahar, Tauck had offered its guests both the shorter and longer tours to Cuba in the past, but never at the same time. “We launched in Cuba in 2012 with...
Capturing the True ‘Spirit’ of Scotland
While European Waterways offers many themed cruises featuring specialized itineraries that allow guests to experience the history and culture of Europe, there's one that can truly be said to capture the “spirit” of a country – the company’s “Whisky Trail Cruise” in the Highlands of Scotland. Travelling aboard the hotel barge Scottish Highlander, the voyage goes along the Caledonian Canal where guests will visit at least three historic distilleries. Along the way, the hotel barge will glide across the scenic deep water lakes that include Loch Ness, past “spectacular...
Princess ‘Come Back New Sale’
Princess Cruises has launched a “Come Back New Sale,” offering travellers up to $600 in free onboard spending money, and the opportunity to experience the line’s newest onboard enhancements. In addition, guests booking a suite during the sale will receive a free Lotus Spa treatment, featuring the choice of a hydrating facial or 50-minute Swedish massage. The sale offers deals on cruises to the line’s most popular destinations including Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, California Coast, Hawaii, Canada and New England, Australia and New Zealand, South Pacific, Asia and South...