Cruise
Royal Caribbean, WWF Team Up
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have unveiled details of a five-year global partnership to help ensure the long-term health of the oceans. The partners will set measurable and achievable sustainability targets that will reduce Royal Caribbean’s environmental footprint, raise awareness about ocean conservation among the company’s more than five million guests, and support WWF’s global oceans conservation work. The targets focus on supply chain sustainability and emissions reductions through 2020. Royal Caribbean and WWF are also working together...
Hadfield To Join Quark Expedition
Astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield will join Quark Expeditions on a voyage exploring the Arctic and Greenland on its Arctic Icebreaker Expedition: Best of the Canadian High Arctic voyage in true expedition style on the legendary icebreaker, Kapitan Khlebnikov. This voyage, Aug. 22 – Sept. 8, is the third of four separate journeys, which together culminate in a historic, full circumnavigation of the Arctic. “Chris Hadfield’s Generator” is a science-based variety show that blends knowledge, perception, music and comedy, hosted by the celebrated astronaut and featuring special...
On The Edge With Norwegian
Norwegian Cruise Line is taking its cruise experience to another level with the launch of The Norwegian Edge, an innovative program that promises to introduce a “new standard of excellence that encompasses the entire guest experience, from ship hardware to culinary enhancements and exclusive private destination developments.” The Norwegian Edge reflects a significant two-year $400 million investment through 2017, the centerpiece being an extensive ship refurbishment initiative that will elevate the experience on board the Norwegian fleet to this new standard. “Norwegian has a...
Free Gratuities, Air Credit Up For Grabs
Through Jan. 31, Encore Cruises and Royal Caribbean International are offering free gratuities for first and second passengers and an air credit of $200 per couple on any roundtrip Europe sailing on Jewel, Vision or Rhapsody of the Seas departing April – November. This exclusive offer is in conjunction with Royal Caribbean’s “BOGO FURTHER” promotion, which includes a 50% discount for the second passenger and up to US$600 savings per stateroom or 50% discount for the second passenger and a beverage package plus up to US$300 onboard credit per...
MSC Suspends Calls In Turkey
MSC Cruises says it has decided to suspend its calls in Turkish ports until further notice. The Swiss-based cruise line indicated that the decision will impact MSC Magnifica’s itinerary as it will be based out of Venice, Italy as of March 26. Its weekly calls in the cities of Istanbul and Izmir from March 29, 2016 will, for the time being, be replaced by calls in the Greek capital – Athens – and to Mykonos. The decision was made by the company amid growing concerns by guests as a result of the recent tragic events in...
Encore Named NCL’s Top Partner for 2015
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has named Encore Cruises its top wholesaler/tour operator for 2015. “The TravelBrands team is thrilled to be recognized by Norwegian Cruise Line as the top partner for 2015. The support from our travel agency partners has lead us to great heights and this award is a testimonial of that success,” commented Nathalie Tanious, vice-president. “Encore Cruises continues to grow and flourish thanks to the invaluable partnerships we have. Norwegian Cruise Line`s unwavering backing is the ultimate...
Dollar Daze
With the Canadian dollar hitting a 13-year low this week, Canada has just become the travel bargain of 2016 for international visitors who could save as much as 30% on their vacations here. Outer Shores Expeditions' founder and president, Dr. Russell Markel said that: ““Our 2016 inquiries already show that discerning international travellers recognize that they are going to get the most value from their travel budget by exploring Canada this year.” Canada has long had a reputation as one of the most enthralling places in the world to visit and guests consistently rank their...
Growing The Brand
MSC Cruises has unveiled its new global brand positioning, one that builds on the cruise company's core brand heritage, and which was developed to support its the upcoming global growth plan. The cruise company is currently in the midst of a $6 billion investment plan which will double capacity for the company’s fleet and bring seven next-generation ships into service between 2017 and 2022. The company said that the new positioning follows a year-long global consumer research study into vacationers’ needs, perceptions of MSC Cruises’ current products and the brand’s core...