Cruise
Princess Unveils 2015 Japan Program
Demonstrating a continuing commitment to developing the Japan cruise market, Carnival Corporation has announced the 2015 Japan cruise program for Princess Cruises which features Diamond Princess returning for the line’s third season, and introduces new cruises as short as three nights to appeal to those local travellers seeking a quick getaway. Beginning next April, the Japanese-built Diamond Princess will once again offer a season sailing from the two home ports of Tokyo (Yokohama) and Kobe. During the four-month summer season the ship will offer 20 departures on a mix of...
ALBATours’ Transatlantic Crossing Now on Sale
The fall 2014 sailing of ALBATours’ popular transatlantic crossing cruise is now available in the system and features savings of up to $900 per couple when booked by May 16. The 26-day/24-night cruise holiday, which this year takes place aboard the Costa Mediterranea, starts from $2,799 plus taxes and fees p.p. That price reflects an early booking discount of up to $200 per couple plus a free stateroom upgrade. Departing from Toronto on Nov. 16, the package includes: !!! Direct flight from Toronto to Rome, with a connecting flight to Naples, aboard Alitalia; !!! A six-night...
Carnival to Add Third Year-Round Ship in Galveston
Carnival Cruise Lines – Texas’ number one cruise line – will add a third year-round ship in Galveston when Carnival Freedom launches a seven-day cruise schedule in February 2015, marking the first time that a cruise line has deployed three year-round ships in Texas. Carnival’s repositioning of Carnival Freedom represents a 38% capacity increase for the line in Galveston, carrying more than 600,000 guests a year from that port. Prior to its arrival in Galveston, Carnival Freedom will undergo a previously announced makeover that will add an array of innovative new features...
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...