Cruise
CUBA CRUISE SETS SAIL
Cuba Cruise will begin its seven-night sailings that will circle the Caribbean island at the end of the year, with the first sailing slated for Dec. 16. The sailings will continue to March 24 and are aboard the Louis Cristal, which has a yacht-like design and staterooms and suites, some with balconies and all with shower, bathroom, telephone, hairdryer and television. Also found are restaurants, a casino, promenades and an Internet corner. The all-inclusive sailings will have Cuban entertainment and cuisine imported from Canada. Participants will b e able to visit six UNESCO World Heritage...
CRUISING TO EDUCATION
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) will be presenting a comprehensive training curriculum, including the introduction of six new courses, at its annual cruise3sixty conference that will take place from June 19 to June 23 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The educational seminars will be offered alongside three days of general sessions led by industry leaders and cruise experts. Travel agents enrolled in the cruise3sixty "Institute Track" will have the opportunity to earn up to 150 credits toward CLIA's certification requirements. New CLIA seminars debuting at cruise3sixty include...
VENETIAN UPGRADES
Star Clippers is offering a one-category cabin upgrade and 40% savings on two round-trip Venice, Italy, sailings aboard Royal Clipper in September 2013. The seven-night departures provides a chance for passengers to explore Montenegro, Croatia and Slovenia -- three countries that, while less visited, are gaining in popularity. Medieval towns and the Boka Fjord in Montenegro are also highlighted on the itinerary. The cruises depart on Sept. 14 and on Sept. 28, 2013, and call at Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Hvar and Rovinj, Croatia, and Piran, Slovenia. Passengers receive a one-category cabin...
AQSC SAILS WEST
The American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) has purchased the Empress of the North from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) for an undisclosed amount. AQSC, which owns and operates the US-flagged American Queen, will rename its new ship, he American Empress, with the vessel scheduled to resume sailings on the rivers of the Pacific Northwest in April 2014. Portland, Oregon will be the home port for AQSC's newest ship. Ted Sykes, president and COO of AQSC, said: "The American Queen has ushered in a rebirth of US river cruising, welcoming thousands to discover the heartland of the United...
SPLENDOR FROM NYC
Beginning in 2014, Carnival Cruise Lines has significantly diversified Carnival Splendor's year-round offerings from New York, adding new four- and five-day Canada cruises, seven-day Canada/New England departures, and the only program of eight-day eastern Caribbean voyages operating one-way between New York and San Juan. These new voyages complement the ship's popular year-round eight-day departures that showcase top destinations in the Caribbean, The Bahamas and Central Florida. In total, Carnival Splendor will offer 10 different itineraries visiting more than a dozen destinations throughout...
ENCORE BONUS COMMISSION
For a limited time, Encore Cruises is rewarding agents who book any 2013-2014 Celebrity Cruises sailing with a 2% bonus commission. Plus, when booking any 2013 Celebrity Cruises' Europe sailing, they will also receive a $50 Esso gift card. The offer is valid on all new bookings made between May 15 and May 23 for any 2013-2014 cruise. Agents simply need to ask for promo code ADTPRO CEL2 at the time of booking. The bonus commission is also applicable on all of Celebrity's 2013-2014 cruisetours. Upon booking, agents will receive the 2% bonus on each applicable file. Files will be adjusted to...
CRUISE INTO FALL
American Cruise Lines (ACL) has unveiled details of its Fall Cruise Collection, which include the Columbia & Snake Rivers, the Upper Mississippi River, Hudson River, and American Cruise Linesã newly launched itinerary, Puget Sound & San Juan Islands. Timothy Beebe, vice-president of ACL, said of the line's new fall program: "The fall season is one of the best times to experience small ship cruising with American Cruise Lines. This cruise collection showcases one of the most beautiful and anticipated seasons in America with various sailings offered during peak foliage. Each cruise offers...
SAILING THE OCEAN BLUE
Viking Cruises has now launched its ocean product line -- Viking Ocean Cruises -- marking the introduction of the travel industry's first new cruise line in nearly a decade. Developed from the ground up to return the focus of cruising to the destination, Viking Ocean Cruises will begin sailing in May 2015 with its first vessel, the Viking Star, embarking on maiden voyages in Scandinavia and the Baltic; and the Western and Eastern Mediterranean. Viking Cruises has aggressive expansion plans in both the ocean and river cruise categories, with a second ocean ship on order for delivery in 2016...