Cruise
Costa’s New CostaClub Kicks Into High Gear
Costa Cruises is celebrating the 15th anniversary of CostaClub, its guest loyalty program which has seen more than three million cruises taken by members since its inception. Costa has updated its CostaClub with two new membership clubs and new limits and rules for accumulating points, as well as new benefits to reward the most loyal travellers with exclusive and personalized privileges. CostaClub not only includes discounts and gifts but also exclusive services and experiences onboard and at home. “The new CostaClub is an important investment by Costa in terms of ideas, energy...
Scenic Unveils World’s First Discovery Yacht
As it celebrates its 30th anniversary, Scenic has announced the launch of its First Discovery Yacht, the Scenic Eclipse. Three years in planning, Scenic’s recently established Ocean Cruising Line will usher in a new era for the luxury operator when Eclipse embarks on its maiden voyage on Aug. 31, 2018. The vessel will sail from Istanbul to Venice, followed by discovery voyages to The Americas, Antarctica, Europe and the Mediterranean, and the Arctic and Norwegian Fjords. A video is available at http://www.youtube.com/c/Scenicusa. The ultra-luxury mega yacht, described as a...
CLIA Enhances 2016 Membership Benefits
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is offering a host of new benefits for its 2016 Agency and Individual Agent Membership (IAM) programs. As a thank you to members, CLIA has introduced a special Valentine-themed promotion. The “CLIA Loves Agents” initiative gives CLIA-member travel agencies five chances to win a $100 American Express gift card when they enroll for 2016. Those enrolling by Feb. 15 will be entered in a random draw to win one of the five cards. Last year, CLIA surpassed its North American goals and enrolled more than 9,000 travel agencies and 18,000...
‘New’ Azamara Journey Emerges From Dry Dock
Azamara Journey – the first of Azamara’s two ships undergoing “major upgrades” – has been outfitted with new venues, public spaces and technologies to bring fresh services and amenities to guests. “There is no area on the ship that has been untouched,” says Azamara Club Cruises president Larry Pimentel. All stateroom and suites were redone, using authentic stone and porcelain throughout. Two new Spa Suites have been built adjacent to the Sanctum Spa, offering exclusive access to unique spa amenities included in the price of these staterooms. The Club World Ocean and...
‘Countdown to Koningsdam’
Holland America Line has debuted its fourth “Countdown to Koningsdam” video in the series that details the new ship’s staterooms and suites. The short videos were created to provide updates and share the news ms Koningsdam nears delivery in April 2016. Hosted by Johnathan Rogers, Koningsdam’s inaugural cruise director, the video, “Countdown to Koningsdam Episode 4,” features HAL’s Deputy Director of Interior Design My Nguyen, who takes guests inside the ship’s accommodations, including the new family and single staterooms debuting on board. Koningsdam will boast...
‘Come Back New’ With Princess
Princess Cruises has launched “The Come Back New Promise,” a US$450 million multi-year product innovation and cruise ship renovation campaign that will continue to enhance the line’s onboard guest experience. “The Come Back New Promise differentiates our approach to cruising and offers our guests enriching vacation experiences by connecting them with each other, nature and different cultures in a new way,” said Princess president Jan Swartz. “Our promise is to provide guests transformative moments designed to inspire them to discover the world and themselves, ultimately...
‘Leap Into Group Savings’ With Carnival
As part of a new “Leap Into Group Savings” promotion, Carnival Cruise Line is waiving its initial deposit requirement for group bookings, as well as offering an enhanced free cruise berth program, through Feb. 29. Through the new promotion, deposits are waived for group bookings on select sailings departing between August 2016 and April 2018. In addition, Carnival is offering travel agents one free cruise berth for every 10 full fare guests berthed, compared to the line’s current policy of one free cruise berth for every 15 full fare guests berthed. As a special bonus,...
Encore, Royal Caribbean Giving Away $5,000
Encore Cruises and Royal Caribbean International are celebrating the month of love with a special travel agent incentive called ‘It’s a Royal Romance,” which will award 10 lucky agents $500 each. Running through Feb. 14, agents simply need to book and apply payment on any Royal Caribbean cruise of six nights or longer, in any category, that departs any time before Dec. 31, and their name will automatically be entered in a draw to win one of 10 $500 Visa gift cards. Draws will be held and winners announced during the week of Feb. 15. Bookings can be made by phone...