Cruise
Ovation of the Seas Heading Down Under
Royal Caribbean International is heading “Down Under” in 2016-17 when its new Ovation of the Seas home ports in Sydney, Australia for the winter season. Currently under construction in Germany, Ovation of the Seas will not only claim the title of the largest cruise ship to ever call Australia home, but also the most technologically advanced in the region. “Royal Caribbean has been breaking the boundaries in Australian cruising since we arrived in 2007 but today, we have completely changed the face of the cruise industry, making the single largest investment in Australia by any...
Natalie Cole to Join QM2 Blue Note Jazz Cruise
Cunard reports that multiple Grammy Award-winning vocalist Natalie Cole will headline the first-ever Blue Note jazz themed cruise, which will debut on Cunard’s flagship, Queen Mary 2, on Oct. 29. Cole will join a roster of venerable jazz musicians on this special transatlantic crossing, including Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist and record producer Robert Glasper, acclaimed trumpet player Keyon Harrold, tenor saxophonist Marcus Strickland, guitarist Lionel Loueke, bassist Derrick Hodge and drummer Kendrick Scott. In addition to these celebrated musicians and others, the Blue Note...
Carnival Breeze, Magic on the Move
Carnival Cruise Line has announced deployment changes designed to enhance its position in two key homeports – Galveston and Port Canaveral, Fla. – while providing new “Fun Ship” itinerary choices in time for next summer’s cruise season. Carnival Breeze will reposition to Galveston in May 2016 and Carnival Magic to Port Canaveral in April 2016, several months earlier than previously announced. Breeze will assume Carnival Magic’s year-round schedule of seven-day Galveston cruises beginning May 8. Carnival Magic will take over Carnival Valor’s current seven-day Port...
Staying in Touch Made Easy With Silversea
Starting with voyages departing in January, Silversea will offer free Wi-Fi to all guests, throughout the ship, including all suites and public spaces, on all cruises, including expedition cruises. “For well over 20 years, Silversea has set the course in defining the all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise experience. By offering truly free Wi-Fi to all guests regardless of the suite reserved, Silversea is once again setting the standard for all-inclusive luxury,” said Kristian Anderson, Silversea's senior vice-president of sales and general manager for the Americas. “Because we know...
Silversea Site Now Available in Multiple Languages
Silversea Cruises reports that its web site, http://www.Silversea.com, is now available in Spanish, French, and Portuguese – in addition to English and German. “As a worldwide luxury cruise operator, we are committed to expanding our global reach,” said Kristian Anderson, Silversea's senior vice-president and general manager for the Americas. “By offering easy access to information on our web site in five languages, we are better able to serve our loyal guests, attract new guests, and support our travel agent partners in a variety of markets.” Visitors can now easily...
Celebrity Launches Shore Excursion Site for Agents
Following the unveiling of a newly designed shore excursions program with new special-interest categories and more destination experiences, Celebrity Cruises has relaunched a shore excursion web site specially created for travel partners. The interactive hub provides agents with rich content and opportunities to plan their clients’ vacations with more real tools and solutions for better business. According to officials, the online resource is a one-stop shop for travel agents, providing fast and convenient access to all the latest information on the Celebrity's destination...
Celebrity Enhances Caribbean Itineraries
Celebrity Cruises is introducing additional overnight stays on more than 40 Caribbean sailings for January 2016 and beyond. The popularity of Celebrity's current overnight program has led to 43 newly enhanced itineraries, giving guests the chance to enjoy evenings in destinations such as Cartagena, Colombia; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Cozumel, Mexico; Aruba; Curacao and Barbados. “Guests and travel agents love our overnight program in Europe, Asia and around the world, and their feedback has been amazing. This demand led us to revisit our current Caribbean itineraries and add even...
Azamara to Upgrade its Two Ships
Azamara Club Cruises reports that its two ships – Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest – will undergo “major upgrades” while in dry dock in early 2016. The mid-size ships that accommodate up to 686 guests will be outfitted with new venues, public spaces and technologies to bring fresh services and amenities to guests. According to officials, no area on the line’s ships will be left untouched. The upgrades include all staterooms and suites, dining, spa and entertainment. “We are best known for our Land Discoveries programs which have enabled us to boast an unprecedented...