Cruise
New ECO Program Available on Nova Star
The Nova Star cruise ferry’s daily crossing of the Gulf of Maine between Portland, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, is not only carrying tourists and commercial trucks, the ship also serves as a quasi-ocean research vessel for scientists from Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay who have been conducting scientific studies of the region’s changing waters and marine life for the past 17 years. This work, along with seabird marine surveys, was the inspiration for the establishment of a new ECO Program aboard Nova Star, where scientists share their experiences and...
Crystal River Cruises Sets Sail in March 2017
On the heels of last month’s huge expansion announcement, Crystal Cruises has released more details about its collection of two Crystal river yacht vessels, which will be launched in Europe starting in late March 2017. According to officials, the new series of vessels will boast a yacht-like design featuring larger accommodations and space-to-guest ratio than any other river cruise ship, and include Crystal’s signature all-inclusive six-star service, plus a fresh approach to the traditional river itineraries and experiences. “We continue to listen to what our guests and the...
Cuba Cruise Offers Early Bird Savings
Celestyal Cruises, which recently launched a new seven-day all-inclusive Cuba cruise, has introduced Early Bird Savings of 20% off a winter cruise if booked by Aug. 31. The 2015-2016 season begins Dec. 18 and continues through to April 11, 2016. Early bird rates start at $1,299 per person. Cuba Cruise by Celestyal is the only all-inclusive cruise visiting four ports of call in Cuba during one seamless itinerary. Guests begin their cruise in either Havana or Montego Bay, visiting Maria La Gorda, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba. Each day is spent soaking up the island’s captivating...
Wave of Avalon Promotions Due to Expire Sept. 15
It’s no secret that river cruising is enjoying huge success and to help agents close even more sales Avalon Waterways has a host of promotions available which are set to expire Sept. 15, applicable to 2016 sailings. They include: 15% savings on all France cruises; 10% to 15% on all other Europe cruises; 10% on all Southeast Asia; and 5% on all China, Egypt and South America itineraries. Other promotions soon to expire are: Savings of $1,000 per person or waived single supplement on select Irrawaddy (Myanmar) sailings; Book 9 and the 10th sails free in Europe or Southeast Asia; and...
Gifford Debuts New ‘GIFFT’ Pinot Noir Rosé
Today show host Kathie Lee Gifford, original Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson and current brand partner with her GIFFT wine collection, recently boarded Carnival Splendor in Manhattan to officially launch her GIFFT wine Pinot Noir Rosé. The new blend joins the GIFFT Red Blend and Chardonnay that were introduced fleetwide aboard Carnival’s ships earlier this year. Created in consultation with California-based Scheid Family Wines – one of the largest vineyard owners in Monterey County and known for having the longest growing season in California – the limited-edition Pinot Noir...
ACL Doubles Capacity on the Columbia, Snake Rivers
American Cruise Lines reports that the Queen of the Mississippi (to be renamed) will join the Queen of the West in the Pacific Northwest on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The three-year-old vessel, featuring oversized staterooms and private balconies, will more than double the capacity on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The line’s new riverboat America will replace the Queen of the Mississippi on the Mississippi River in early 2016. The repositioning of this riverboat to the Pacific Northwest and the introduction of the new 185-passenger paddlewheeler America to the Mississippi...
A Prescription For Success
When an Ontario travel agency joined forces with a British Columbia company specializing in continuing education for the medical profession, it gave a whole new meaning to the term ``medical tourism,” reports Montreal editor, Mike Dunbar in this week's digital edition of Canadian Travel Press. Oakville’s Uniglobe Adventure House Travel and Vancouver’s Sea Courses, last week announced a merger that will ``significantly expand” the range of a product that is currently limited to medical and dental education programs delivered aboard cruise ships. Veteran retailer Ron Dawick...
Windstar Expands Yacht Club Benefits
Windstar Cruises is expanding benefits for returning guests, offering exclusive discounts at partner travel operators and resorts under parent company Xanterra Parks & Resorts. Windstar cruisers are automatically registered as members of the Windstar Yacht Club following their first sailing, later enjoying special benefits when they book future cruises, amenities while on board, and when they share the Windstar experience with friends and family. With the new partner program, Yacht Club Membership rewards now include the following discounts: 5% off an Austin Adventures adventure...