Cruise
Crystal launches new fast-track embarkation program
Crystal Cruises has introduced a new check-in process designed to ease embarkation procedures for all guests. Effective today in every Crystal embarkation port, "Crystal Fast-Track Check-In"eliminates 100% of ship check-in procedures in port terminal waiting areas, transitioning guests from dock security to the comfort of Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity lounges. By utilizing a new barcode on each guest cruise ticket, a new ticket scanning system and the consistency of Crystal's own onboard crew, the cruise line is accelerating the check-in required on the first day of sailing. As is...
Costa responds to environmental concerns
Costa Cruises is moving quickly to respond to environmental concerns in the wake of the grounding of the Costa Concordia off the coast of Giglio, Italy. In a statement, the cruise line said: "For Costa Cruises protecting the environment is an integral part of its corporate mission, as it has demonstrated by obtaining the most stringent international certifications (UNIEN ISO 14001)." And it continued: "The company therefore recognized the need to promptly address issues concerning the protection of the marine environment following the Costa Concordia accident. In the hours immediately after...
Haida Gwaii luxury schooner cruises set for 2012
Dates are now set for the 2012 sailings of the nine-day, eight-night Haida Gwaii eco-cruises operated by Maple Leaf Adventures of Victoria. The company does so with a classic 28-metre schooner that sails into the Gwaii Haanas National Park Marine Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, an area rarely travelled and explored. The cruises depart from Masset, BC (returning to Sandspit, BC) on May 7, May 16, May 25, Jun. 4 and June 13. The cost per passenger is $4,640 and includes all shore excursions, meals, accommodations and use of onboard equipment....
Encore offers summer cruisers free designer handbag
Encore Cruises has brought back its "Europe in Style"promotion, designed to make sure agent's clients not only feel good on their European cruise this summer, but also look good doing it. Valid on a new bookings made between Jan.16 and March 4 for departures between May 1 and Sept. 30, travellers booking a minimum seven-night sailing in a balcony stateroom or higher with any of Encore's cruise partners will receive a Michael Kors leather handbag (valued at $225) as a special gift. The applicable cruise lines are: AMAWaterways, Azamara Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, MSC Cruises, Norwegian...
UPDATE: Costa extends “heartfelt sympathies”
In an updated statement following the grounding of its ship, the Costa Concordia, Costa Cruises issued the following statement this morning (Wed., Jan. 18, 2012). "We are deeply saddened to learn that additional people have been found during the search of Costa Concordia, and extend our heartfelt sympathies to their families." "We continue to cooperate with authorities to support the rescue and recovery efforts, and to help secure the vessel to ensure that there is no environmental impact." And it concludes: "Our main priority remains the location of those passengers and crew who have not yet...
Crystal adds new sales manager in Western Canada
Crystal Cruises has doubled its Canadian sales support with the appointment of Stephanie Vazquez as district sales manager for western Canada. The hiring marks the first time the luxury line has positioned dedicated sales managers in eastern and western Canada. Based in Vancouver, Vazquez will manage sales efforts in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. She comes to Crystal from Encore Cruises, one of Canada's premier cruise specialists. The addition of Vazquez comes two months after Crystal announced the appointment of Karen Scott Caplice to manage the Canadian sales...
Avalon set for 2012 dual christening
Avalon Waterways is gearing up to unveil two more "Suite Ships"-- the Avalon Vista and Avalon Visionary -- with a dual christening in May. Joining the Avalon Panorama in the all-suite category, these new vessels boast two full decks of suites, Panorama and Royal Suites, measuring 18- and 27-square metres respectively. While the Avalon Vista is a sister ship to Panorama, the Visionary is a smaller 52-suite vessel that will offer the river cruise experience on the river cruise line's most popular Rhine River itinerary. Serving as the Visionary's godmother is Nicole Mazza, representing American...
ASTA issues statement in wake of Concordia grounding
In the wake of this weekend's accident involving the grounding of the Costa Concordia off the coast of Italy, ASTA has issued the following statement: "ASTA wishes to extend its heartfelt sympathies to all those affected in this tragic accident. Our hearts and prayers go out to the friends and families of the passengers and crew whose lives were lost or who were injured,"said ASTA president Nina Meyer. "On behalf of the travel agent community, we stand ready to assist in any way possible."She added the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and Carnival Corporation & plc, Costa...