Cruise
Regal Princess Completes Successful Sea Trials
Princess Cruises’ Regal Princess has accomplished another major milestone in preparation for its May 20 debut, with the completion of its sea trials. The new cruise ship set out to sea from its construction dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and was put through the paces with a series of maneuvers to test its propulsion, steering and navigational equipment. After a successful five days of trials, the ship is now back in the shipyard for further exterior and interior finishing. Regal Princess will be ready for its maiden voyage from Venice, a seven-day...
More Ships, New Itineraries for Viking
Demonstrating no slowdown in the European river cruise boom, Viking River Cruises has confirmed plans for further expansion in 2015. Viking has ordered 12 new river vessels for next year – 10 additional Viking Longships and two unique vessels for the Elbe River. Next year will also see the launch of two new itineraries highlighting the Rhine River. The announcement comes directly on the heels of Viking’s world record-setting christening last month of 18 vessels across four countries in five days and will bring the company’s total fleet size to 64 river vessels in 2015. Of...
Encore has Exclusive Royal Caribbean Offer
Encore Cruises is inviting travellers “Wine & Dine on Us” with an exclusive new promotion with Royal Caribbean International. Valid on all new individual bookings made between April 23-30 for travel between May 1 and Sept. 30, the promotion offers an onboard credit of $150 per stateroom, a specialty dinner for two, a bottle of wine and a Passport to Savings onboard value booklet that features savings of $450. The promotion applies to all Caribbean cruise itineraries of seven nights or longer (with the exception of Quantum of the Seas), in a balcony stateroom or above, and is...
Vacation.com, Azamara Launch Incentive Program
In recognition of its outstanding sales history, Vacation.com reports that Azamara Club Cruises now offers Vacation.com members a “High Value Guest Incentive Commission” program – the top commission offering Azamara Club Cruises offers. High value guest bookings are defined as any suite booking, any booking created 365 days or more to the sailing date, and any back-to-back booking. This mutually beneficial compensation program is now available to all Vacation.com members and will run through Dec. 31. “Vacation.com produces the largest network sales of cruise and tour product...
‘Dive-In’ With Holland America
Holland America Line (HAL) is enhancing the Terrace Grill on its 15 ships and rebranding the popular lunch spot as “Dive-In at the Terrace Grill.” The outdoor bistro-style grill area by the ships’ Lido pool will feature new signature burgers, hot dogs and fries. The first ships to open the new gourmet grill were Eurodam, Amsterdam and Maasdam. The remaining ships in the fleet will be opening Dive-In at the Terrace Grill throughout the summer. The areas will be decorated with new Dive-In signage and décor. All of the signature burgers are hand-formed, freshly made beef...
Carnival Sunshine Inaugurates Space Coast Service
Port Canaveral’s newest ship, the totally transformed Carnival Sunshine has kicked off a year-round schedule of five- to eight-day voyages from the Space Coast visiting destinations throughout the Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida. Carnival Sunshine is the first ship to feature all of the line’s Fun Ship 2.0 bar, dining and entertainment innovations which were added during a 75-day, $155 million makeover that was the most comprehensive in the company’s history. Innovations include a variety of dining options – from casual favourites like Guy’s Burger Joint, developed in...
China New Home for Quantum of the Seas
In a somewhat surprise announcement, Royal Caribbean International reports that its newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, will make its home port in Shanghai (Baoshan), China. The ship will reposition to China in May 2015, following an inaugural winter season sailing out of New York Harbor to the Caribbean. In China, Quantum of the Seas will join Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas in Asia, increasing the company’s capacity in the region by 66%. “Consumers in China have grown to expect the best the world has to offer, and Quantum of the Seas meets that standard like no other...
Gauguin Unveils 2015 Collection
Paul Gauguin Cruises has released its new Voyages by Gauguin 2015 Collection brochure. The brochure features 52 voyages by the cruise line’s two deluxe small ships, which both offer an elegant yet casual ambiance, luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, trademark Polynesian hospitality, and all-inclusive value. Fleet distinctions, dining venues, entertainment, activities, destination guides, deck plans, and sailing schedules are also highlighted. For 2015, seven- to 14-night voyages are offered on both ships, with The Gauguin sailing in French Polynesia, Tahiti, and the South...