Cruise
More choice, more value
In response to an increasingly time deprived society, many members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) are reporting a trend towards new short, or shorter, cruise sailings in all parts of the world. These mini or sampler cruises are proving popular with frequent as well as first-time cruisers. CLIA's president and CEO, Christine Duffy observed that: "Lifestyles are changing. Consumers have extraordinarily busy schedules but they also want to travel and are savvy about getting their money's worth. As the cruise industry continues to grow, the convenience, affordability and...
Cruising has economy sailing
The North American cruise industry continued to expand its contribution to the U.S. economy in 2011 according to an independent study commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). Direct purchases by CLIA's 26 member lines and their passengers and crew totalled approximately $19 billion resulting in $40.4 billion in total economic impact. The related cruise industry spending generated nearly 350,000 jobs paying $16.5 billion in wages to American workers. The study notes that after a strong rebound in 2010 from the recessionary impacts of 2009, the North American cruise...
Azamara Club making it new
Azamara Club Cruises has unveiled plans for the renovation of its two European boutique hotel-style ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest. Both ships are scheduled separately to enter drydock in 2012 and 2013, respectively, where each will receive a shipwide facelift and a new profile with a new dark-blue hull. Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises, observed that the cruise line "is offering up-market travellers more of what they love about our brand." And he continued: "Our distinctive destination-immersion proposition and the warm and authentic personal service from...
Sunquest ‘Divine Mediterranean Odysseys’ unveiled
Sunquest has unveiled its 2013 long duration "Divine Mediterranean Odysseys"cruise program aboard the MSC Divina, which debuted last year. Featuring three options, with prices starting from $2,499 p.p., clients can choose between a 17-, 18- or 19-day itinerary. Each itinerary includes roundtrip air from Toronto to Rome and Naples on Alitalia, an 11-night Mediterranean cruise starting in Rome and travelling to Genoa, Barcelona, Casablanca/Marrakesh, Tenerife, Funchal/Madeira Island and Malaga, and hotel stays in Sorrento and Rome. Here's what's available: !!! Option 1 (17 days/15 nights)...
Celebrity chefs spice up Silversea voyages
Renowned chefs and food writers are set to share some of the world's finest gastronomic traditions on seven upcoming Culinary Arts voyages aboard Silversea Cruises. The unique culinary theme cruises showcase the skills of culinary experts and award-winning chefs of top dining establishments from around the world, including the internationally acclaimed chefs of Relais & Châteaux, the distinguished international association of charming properties and gourmet restaurants. One special Culinary Arts voyage, "The Flavors of Europe,"will take place aboard Silver Explorer's Expedition Voyage...
Record August ‘heat’ for Crystal Cruises
Reservations for Crystal Cruises surged this summer as the cruise line finished the month with its highest ever August booking week and month in its history. With the expiration of its Aug. 31 "Book Now"fares, travel agents booked more than 110% more revenue than any prior year during the same week and for the entire month of August. Effective Sept. 1, Crystal launched a new "Book Now"deadline of Oct. 31 for its worldwide line-up of 2012, 2013 and early 2014 cruises. While the new series of "Book Now"fares offer generous bonus savings of as much as US$3,000 p.p., the line has also increased...
Princess introduces small-ship Caribbean experience
Princess Cruises has introduced a new Caribbean cruise opportunity for travellers looking to get away from the cold January weather. Featuring the intimate cruise experience of its small ship Pacific Princess (680 passengers), the 10-day sailing features the line's only calls at the boutique ports of Tortola and St. Barthelemy in 2013. Sailing from Jan. 17-27, this Eastern Caribbean voyage also offers full day calls in Antigua, St. Lucia and St. Kitts, featuring a late evening departure to give guests more time on the island. "Because Pacific Princess travels the globe, we rarely have the...
Compagnie du Ponant courts agents with special rates
Compagnie du Ponant has introduced special travel agent rates on select cruises - up to 50% off the regular rate. Agents are invited to explore the Caribbean aboard the three-masted sailing vessel Le Ponant or South America on board either of the company's newest 264-guest yachts, L'Austral or Le Boréal. The cruise company relies on the agent market for sales and makes it a priority to educate agents on its upscale product line, knowing that it's far easier for agents to sell a product if they have first-hand knowledge. The fams allow agents to experience the intimacy, authenticity and...