Cruise
Victoria Cruises enhances ‘Executive Deck’ program
Yangtze River-specialist Victoria Cruises is further enhancing its new "Executive Deck"VIP program, now available on all of the company's ships, with additional amenities. The Executive Deck program features a variety of services to eligible passengers, including enhanced ship placement, access to exclusive VIP areas, complimentary beverages (including morning coffee and tea service), exclusive shore excursions for groups of six or more, enhanced dining privileges, exclusive happy hour and complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access in the Executive Lounge and lobby areas, with computers available...
CLIA calls for industry to elevate role of agents
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has introduced a new report calling for a travel-industry dialogue aimed at elevating the role of the travel agent industry, a critical sales force for the entire travel and tourism industry. CLIA's report, "From Travel Agent to 'Travel Advisor': Defining, Elevating and Promoting the Role of Travel Agents for the Next Generation,"outlines the state of the travel agent business today, emphasizing the important role it plays for the broader travel industry, and identifies some of the key issues that the profession must address to continue to be...
Scenic Cruises christens new Crystal
Glen Moroney, Scenic Cruises' founder and managing director, was in Rüdesheim, Germany this week to launch the company's sixth "Space-Ship,"Scenic Crystal. The ship boasts the company's signature all-inclusive formula as well as a new feature called the Scenic "Sun Lounge."Cabins offer sealable units that act as a vertical sliding door, converting from a private, open-air balcony to a fully weatherproof lounge with the simple touch of a button. Scenic Crystal, which can host 169 passengers in 85 cabins, joins the line's five other "Space-Ships,"the Scenic Pearl, Scenic Emerald, Scenic...
Carnival to return to Boston in 2013
With less than six weeks until the start-up of Carnival Cruise Lines' first extended schedule from Boston aboard the Carnival Glory, the cruise line and Cruiseport Boston have announced that the ship will return to the refurbished Black Falcon Cruise Terminal in 2013 to operate a series of cruises to Atlantic Canada next summer. When Glory arrives in Boston next year, it will offer a variety of new dining, bar and entertainment options that are being added during a drydock in November as part of the line's ongoing "Fun Ship 2.0"enhancement program. Carnival Glory's 2013 schedule from Boston...
Crystal set ‘fore’ Europe 2012
Crystal Cruises has lined up 10 of Europe's top championship golf courses for exclusive, luxury play during two limited-access "Experiences of Discovery"golf-themed cruises this summer. Hosted by 51-time PGA tour winner Billy Casper, travellers can strike balls in Spain, Portugal, and Monaco during Crystal Serenity's July 13 voyage or throughout the British Isles on Crystal Symphony's Aug. 25 sailing. Courses include: Edinburgh/Rosyth: Gleneagles King's and Queen's Courses; Barcelona: Real Club de Golf El Prat, Club de Golf Masia Bach; Monte Carlo: Monte Carlo Golf Club; Valencia: El Saler...
Princess raises the curtain on new entertainment venue
Princess Cruises has raised the curtain on Princess Live!, a new type of entertainment venue aboard the Royal Princess. Taking passengers behind the scenes to share the excitement of a working television studio, the high-tech Princess Live! will showcase live television broadcasts, intimate performances from musicians and special events such as cooking shows, plus will feature an adjacent café. Located on Royal Princess' deck 7 just aft of the Piazza, Princess Live! will be a flexible, 280-seat venue based on a television broadcast studio. When the ship debuts in June 2013, Princess...
Avalon gets busy in 2013
On the heels of announcing two new Suite Ships in Europe and Avalon Choice, Avalon Waterways is also unveiling plans to add five new itineraries plus a new themed cruise to its roster of cruise options. "We're not only expanding choices as far as dining and excursion options go,"says Stéphanie Bishop of Avalon's Canadian office. "We now have more itineraries throughout Europe, including a new Culinary Cruise in northern France -- which I know will be a huge success with Canadians."The company is also adding a cruise along China's Yangtze River, aboard two new ships. Avalon is expanding...
Costa Fascinosa set for May 5 delivery
Costa Fascinosa, Costa Cruises' new flagship, will be officially delivered to the cruise line in Venice on May 5. The 114,500-ton, 3,800-guest cruise ship was built at Fincantieri's Marghera yard. Fascinosa has successfully completed sea trials, passing a series of running tests on its systems, machinery and engines, and will be officially handed over to Costa Cruises by Fincantieri a day before a scheduled preview cruise. On May 6, Costa Fascinosa is scheduled to depart Venice bound for Slovenia; Trieste, Italy, and Croatia on a cruise hosting the 19th edition of "Champions of the Sea,"an...