Cruise
Registration Open for ‘Sea U’ 2015
Encore Cruises has opened registration for its fourth annual “Sea U” seminar-at-sea program, and this year for the first time it will run the program in both English and French. This year's event takes place Nov. 29 to Dec. 6, sailing a seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary aboard the Norwegian Getaway. Sailing roundtrip out of Miami, the cruise will stop in Great Stirrup Cay, Ocho Rios, George Town and Cozumel. Cost of participation is US$777 per person, taxes in, cruise only (air is available upon request), and includes prepaid gratuities, an Ultimate Dining Package (value...
Silversea: Shore Excursions, WiFi Included
Silversea Cruises is kicking off 2015 with an enticing new program that includes shore excursions and WiFi, now available for new bookings on any of the line's 52 Mediterranean cruises this year. “We're delighted to enhance the value proposition for our guests with the launch of this new ultra-inclusive pricing initiative,” said Kristian Anderson, Silversea's senior vice-president and general manager for the Americas. “Our company is known for pioneering the concept of all-inclusive voyaging. By including shore excursions and WiFi in the cruise fare, we're making the Silversea...
‘PartnerSHIPS’ With HAL
Holland America Line (HAL) has launched a new travel agent support program called PartnerSHIPS, rolling out all of the cruise line's trade programs and services into a single platform making it easier for travel professionals to have full access to an at-a-glance menu of resources. “We had a lot of conversations with our travel partners and the outcome is PartnerSHIPS,” said Eva Jenner, Holland America’s vice-president, North America field, charter and incentive sales. “The program includes several new amenity packages for groups, new marketing tools, a lower override...
Miracle Makeover On The Way
Carnival Miracle will undergo an extensive refurbishment this spring that will add an array of new on-board innovations, from unique bar concepts like RedFrog Pub and Alchemy Bar to fun entertainment choices such as Playlist Productions and Hasbro, The Game Show, and the family friendly Seuss at Sea program. The new features – part of the line’s ongoing Fun Ship 2.0 product enhancement initiative – will be added during a two-week-long dry dock that will take place March 7-21. The enhancements include: RedFrog Pub – a Caribbean-inspired watering hole featuring the...
What’s Next for CLIA?
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has announced its transition plan for the organization following the departure of Christine Duffy, president and chief executive officer, effective Jan. 31, 2015. In the interim, newly appointed Global CLIA chairman Adam M. Goldstein (pictured), president and COO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., will serve as the official spokesperson for the organization. Cindy D’Aoust, executive vice-president of membership and operations, will assume and oversee the management of US operations and the leadership teams in the Washington, DC, and Fort...
Encore Welcomes Cuba Cruise to Portfolio
Encore Cruises has added Cuba Cruise as its newest partner. And, to celebrate, it is featuring three special offers, including a $100 shipboard credit offer that is available exclusively from Encore. With weekly departures from Havana (Mondays) and Montego Bay (Fridays), and operating from December to late March, Cuba Cruise offers an in-depth look at this Caribbean destination. These seven-day itineraries, sailing aboard the Louis Cristal, circumnavigate the island and stop in Antilla (Holguin province), Santiago de Cuba, Montego Bay, Cienfuegos & Trinidad, Punta Frances on...
Royal Caribbean Delivers the ESPRESSO
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has unveiled ESPRESSO, a completely new reservation system designed for travel agents selling Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises and CDF Croisieres de France. Launching in March, officials say “ESPRESSO will deliver a faster, powerful and intuitive reservation system to help the cruise company’s travel agent partners sell more cruises, earn more commission and grow their businesses.” As part of the preparation for the launch of the next-generation reservation system, Royal Caribbean International,...
Introducing Star Breeze, Star Legend
Windstar Cruises' fleet will be expanded from four ships to six in May with the addition of two small luxury ships from Seabourn, and Windstar has unveiled the changes planned to transform these yachts to Windstar’s signature style. Windstar takes possession of the first Seabourn ship on April 15 when it undergoes an $8.5 million, three-week renovation in Genoa, Italy. It will debut as Star Breeze during a christening ceremony on May 6 in Nice, France. The second ship follows suit, joining the fleet on May 4 and completing a similar $8.5 million renovation. The yacht will be...