Cruise
Puerto Vallarta Fully Operational
Tourism officials in Mexico report that Puerto Vallarta is fully operational following Hurricane Patricia, with 100% of its hotel and restaurant facilities open, as well as its International Airport (PVR), marina, cruise port and convention centre. All domestic and international airlines as well as buses, taxis and other ground transport companies have resumed normal services. All tourists who were transferred to shelters and hotels outside of Puerto Vallarta as a precaution measure have been safely returned to Puerto Vallarta. Officials also report that no changes have been made...
European Waterways Offers Early Spring Specials
European Waterways is offering 10% off per cabin and 10% off whole boat charters for select cruises in March and April 2016 on many of its popular routes. Among the hotel barges offering 10% off per cabin is L’Art de Vivre in Burgundy for its April 10 and 17 departures; the Anjodi on the Canal du Midi in the Languedoc-Rousillon region for its March 20 and 27 departures; and the Rosa in Gascony for its April 17 and 24 departures. These “specials” must be booked by Dec. 31. “Along with comfortable temperatures, a landscape in bloom and fewer tourists, spring is an ideal time...
NCL Takes Delivery of Norwegian Escape
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) took delivery of the line’s largest ship to date, the 164,600 gross ton Norwegian Escape, from MEYER WERFT during a ceremony in Bremerhaven, Germany, on Oct. 22. Escape is the first ship in the company’s new Breakaway Plus Class, signifying an evolution of Norwegian Cruise Line and bringing to life the brand’s promise of “freedom and flexibility with a premium experience from bow to stern.” Following delivery, the ship set sail for Hamburg for the start of its European inaugural festivities. After a two-night stop in Southampton, Norwegian...
A Texas-Sized Makeover
Royal Caribbean International's 3,634 passenger, Liberty of the Seas will undergo an extensive, bow-to-stern, makeover as it prepares introduce a number of firsts to its sailing of Mexico and the Caribbean from the port of Galveston, Texas. During the dry dock, the Liberty of the Seas will see the addition of a collection of waterslides called the Perfect Storm – including the first ever boomerang style slide at sea, Tidal Wave. The new hair-raising slide features a steep drop that propels riders up a near vertical wall for a moment of weightlessness and into free fall. The...
Seaworthy Adventure Focus of New Campaign
A newly launched brand campaign, entitled “Come Seek,” by Royal Caribbean International is inviting travellers to discover the unique world of cruising with vacation options filled with adventure and exploration. According to officials, “Come Seek” reflects the brand’s adventurous spirit by placing the traveller’s personal experience and point of view at the heart of the campaign. It also showcases the essence of the experience that the brand has been delivering for more than 40 years – including the revolutionary Oasis- and Quantum-class ships – and such innovations as...
Silver Muse Unveiled
Silversea Cruises has released new details about Silver Muse, its newest ship, which embodies the tagline “Simply Divine.” Agents can now find detailed information on suites and restaurants, as well as many other elements at http://www.silvermuse.info, a web site specifically dedicated to the new ship which will set sail in spring 2017. Further information, such as details on itineraries, public spaces, deck plans, and more, will be added in coming weeks. Visitors to the site are greeted by an interactive discovery of Silver Muse with a 360-degree virtual tour, providing a...
Sailing To Gold
TravelOnly is busy these days, providing its member agents with in-depth training and earning honours from its key suppliers. In Halifax, the agency group brought its East Coast associates and potential travel guests to join them at the Halifax Cruise-a-thon which showcased top cruise lines. TravelOnly also hosted a live training seminar with Celebrity, Carnival, Crystal and Uniworld that included pre-booked, on-board ship inspections. As well, three of TravelOnly's top agents – Pat Probert, Kelly Neonakis-Morash and Reese Morash – discussed the benefits of cruising before...
NCL Unveils New Affinity Group Program
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled a new Affinity Groups Program for the North American market. The new program will see NCL providing affinity groups with more choices to allow greater customization based on the type of group booked, as well as the most attractive tour conductor policy in the industry. Effective for bookings beginning Dec. 1, 2015 for sailings Jan. 1, 2016 and beyond, the new program offers the strongest guaranteed amenities for the life of the group, along with highly flexible amenity options and a tour conductor policy that rewards partners for genuine...