Cruise
MSC Suspends Ukraine, Egypt Calls
MSC Cruises is suspending calls in Ukraine and Egypt by its ships, the Sinfonia, Opera, Fantasia and Musica. As a result, MSC will be offering its passengers a choice of a number of Mediterranean destinations as alternatives. The cruise company noted that it was making the change “in response to clear market demand” and as a result from the autumn of 2015 to the winter of 2016, the Sinfonia, Opera, Fantasia and Musica will variously incorporate the Greek islands of Rhodes and Crete, as well as Cyprus and Israel into their sailings. MSC said that the itinerary changes attest to...
NCL Expands Its All-Inclusive Offerings
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is expanding its all-inclusive offerings beginning in January when Norwegian Sky guests (21 and over) sailing out of Miami will enjoy free unlimited beer, wine and premium spirits. “We’re taking Freestyle Cruising to the next level to provide our guests with an experience unmatched by any other contemporary cruise line,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief operating officer for NCL. “Norwegian Sky guests will have the freedom to enjoy a cruise vacation the way they desire – whether it’s lounging by the pool with a margarita, having a laugh at a...
CLIA Unveils New E-Learning Courses
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has unveiled eight new training and professional development e-learning courses for travel agents, all of which will be available online as of April 29. Created by CLIA’s professional development team, the courses offer business, niche, geography, sales and professional development content. The courses are easily accessible via computer anytime on CLIA’s web site. “CLIA is excited to unveil our new Career Seascape e-learning offerings to help advance the expertise of our travel agent community,” said Cindy D’Aoust, CLIA...
Cunard Delivers White Star Service to Top Agents
Cunard recently deployed life-size cardboard cut-outs of James the Bellman to top-producing travel agents in North America to acknowledge their support of Cunard, celebrating the cruise line's legendary 175 years at sea. Gracious, charming and always ready to help, James the Bellman epitomizes White Star Service, and travel agencies are enthusiastically displaying their James cut-outs in their storefronts and inside their offices to demonstrate the true meaning of White Star Service. “Our James the Bellman is getting a lot of attention from our clients,” said Sue Countryman,...
Anthem of the Seas Christened
Royal Caribbean International's Anthem of the Seas was officially introduced Monday (April 20) during a naming ceremony in Southampton, U.K. led by Godmother, British travel agent Emma Wilby, who took centre stage during the ceremony with Welsh choir Only Boys Aloud to deliver the performance of her life. Welby was selected for the honour in a singing competition for travel agents. Anthem of the Seas spans 18 decks, encompasses 167,800 gross registered tons, carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,090 staterooms. The ship features Royal Caribbean's latest adventures...
NCL Introduces Expanded Canadian Team
Building on its “Partners First” philosophy, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled an expanded sales team that will support travel partners in Canada. “Part of our brand promise is ‘Partners First,’ which is simply our commitment to invest in our agency partners’ success, be easy to do business with, and listen to our partners and take action. Today, I’m happy to say that our ‘Partners First’ philosophy is also “Canada First,” said NCL president and chief operating officer Andy Stuart. The newly revealed Canadian team will be led by industry veteran Dana...
CLIA To Stream Live From cruise3sixty
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has launched a new multimedia platform – CLIA Cruise tv – at videos.cruising.org. Developed as a resource for travel agents, this new platform will include video content featuring information on cruise travel and showcase industry leaders and the latest cruise trends. To kick-off CLIA Cruise tv, the channel will present a live stream from cruise3sixty on Wednesday (April 22) at 12:45 p.m. EDT, and feature the opening general session. Highlights will include: State of the cruise industry presented by Adam M. Goldstein, Global CLIA...
Scenic Re-brands
Scenic Tours/Scenic Cruises has unveiled a new name – Scenic. According to officials, the re-brand comes after an extensive 12-month project when the name Scenic Tours was no longer perceived as an accurate description of the company’s extensive product offering. And differentiating by using the name Scenic Cruises in the US didn’t reflect the company’s vertical integration – with its huge tour offerings. The business, founded by Glen Moroney in 1986, has evolved from a domestic coach touring operator to a luxury global travel company and officials say needed a name and...