Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports that the ninth annual cruise3sixty conference and trade show is reaching near sell-out status, with nearly 1,300 national and international travel selling professionals registered to attend the event set for June 19-23 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Cruise3sixty is the largest cruise focused travel agent conference in North America, and is attracting participants from nearly all 50 states and Canadian provinces as well as international representation, including a contingent of 40 from Australia. Approximately 46% of the agent audience...
Guests on several Tauck itineraries visiting London will learn about Sir Winston Churchill, regarded by many as the most influential figure in British history, from a source intimately familiar with his life - his granddaughter Celia Sandys. An internationally acclaimed author and speaker, Sandys is a noted biographer who has published five books and hosted television specials chronicling Churchill's life. "Winston Churchill is one of the most fascinating figures of the 20th century. Not only did he lead England through its 'darkest hour' as prime minister, but he was also a Nobel...
Carnival Triumph departed Mobile, Ala., yesterday under its own power bound for Freeport, Bahamas, to enter a dry dock facility where final repairs and shipboard operating enhancements will be completed, along with implementation of a variety of new Fun Ship 2.0 features. The ship is expected to arrive at Grand Bahama Shipyard on May 11. Following the dry dock, Triumph is slated to re-enter regular service from Galveston, Texas, June 13. "With the ship temporarily out of service for repairs, we decided to take the opportunity to add a host of new dining and bar venues that are part of our...
Holland America Line's (HAL) Nieuw Amsterdam strayed from its transatlantic itinerary over the weekend to come to the rescue of two sailors stranded in the mid-Atlantic. On May 4, Amsterdam received a call from the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center at Norfolk, Va., regarding a mayday signal it had received from sailing yacht Embla, which was disabled and adrift. Amsterdam immediately diverted from its course and arrived on the scene at 9 p.m. local time. The cruise liner then initiated rescue of the sailboat's crew, two males ages 29 and 61. The men were taken aboard Amsterdam...
Throughout May, Encore Prestige is offering agents a $50 spa gift credit when they book their clients on any 2013 river cruise with AmaWaterways and Avalon Waterways. Valid on all new bookings made between May 6 and May 31 for any 2013 river cruise, agents will receive a $50 gift card (one per booking) with WaySpa.com, an online spa company that works in partnership with thousands of spas across North America. To take advantage of this promotion, ask for promo code: ADTPRO SPA at the time of booking. Encore Cruises is also giving agents a $25 Sears gift card for every 2013 Europe booking made...
With age comes privilege and Costa Cruises is offering baby boomers lower fares on select European sailings with a "Senior Savings Spectacular"promotion on bookings made during May. The offer lets travellers 55 and older select among summer and fall seven- to 14-day itineraries for rates from US$469 in the Mediterranean and US$999 in northern Europe, p.p., double occupancy. Guests must be at least 55 years old bookings must be made through Costa's call centre using the rate code "SENIOR."Along with the Senior Savings Spectacular promotion, Costa recently launched Kids Free, a program for...
Given the growing trend of multi-generational travel on Crystal Cruises and the surge of family groups, the luxury line is taking significant steps to nurture this burgeoning market. On June 4, in advance of its summer season, Crystal will debut nine new adjoining staterooms on Crystal Symphony -- ideal for use as family suites. Several of the connecting rooms offer sofas as third berths to accommodate parents with more than two children. Crystal is refitting 18 verandah and deluxe outside staterooms to enable connections, when desired. Guests will have a choice of verandah and non-verandah...
Princess Cruises is getting ready for summer with a special sale on the line's popular summertime destinations - Alaska and Europe. The Summer Clearance Sale runs through May 8 and features savings of up to 50% off launch fares. More than 200 cruise departures are featured, including voyages to some of the most intriguing destinations throughout Europe, including the Mediterranean, Greek Isles and Scandinavia & Russia. Or travelers can explore the natural beauty of the 49th state with Alaska cruises and cruisetours. In addition to special fares, passengers booking balcony staterooms or above...
Royal Caribbean International is enticing families with a selection of offers aimed at crafting the perfect family vacation adventure at a great value. Travellers can choose from among three offers, including children touring free aboard select ships in Europe, a free upgrade opportunity for Bahamas, Bermuda or Caribbean sailings in the fall, or for a limited-time the ability to purchase Royal Incentive Reward certificates for an anticipated vacation or to gift a loved one. "Royal Caribbean offers families and friends an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones while enjoying unmatched...
Luxury yacht cruise company Compagnie du Ponant is celebrating its 25th anniversary with 25% off on a selection of eight cruises in Asia, the Mediterranean, the Great Canadian North, South America and Russia. As part of the celebration, an exceptional series of celebrity guests including musicians, performers and lecturers will be on board select sailings throughout the year. The anniversary savings offer is valid for reservations made by May 25 for cruises on Le Boréal, L'Austral and Le Soléal (each offering 132 staterooms and suites), and three-masted Le Ponant (with 32...