Cruise
Celestyal Acquires New Ship
Celestyal has confirmed the acquisition of a new vessel. Originally built as the Ryndam for Holland America Line and more recently operating for P&O Australia, the 1,260-guest Celestyal Journey will undergo an extensive, €20 million (approximately $21 million), refurbishment and technical maintenance overhaul before entering service. Chris Theophilides, CEO, said: “While the global events of the past few years have placed our growth plans on pause, the positive industry outlook along with strong bookings for the coming season, provides Celestyal with the opportunity to...
Windstar Lifting COVID Vax Requirement June 1
Windstar Cruises will lift its COVID-19 vaccine requirement on June 1, 2023, no longer requiring guests to be vaccinated against the virus in order to sail with the small ship cruise line. Crew, however, will still be required to be vaccinated and will be tested upon their first arrival to work, during their first week, and as needed moving forward. Windstar Cruises President Christopher Prelog said: “We’ve invested in and improved our health and safety processes, including upgrading the HVAC systems on all of our ships, which has led to a cleaner and safer environment on board....
Emerald Unveils 2024 Europe River Cruise Collection
Emerald Cruises has unveiled its 2024 Europe river cruise collection, including a selection of Epic Voyages -- multi-river itineraries up to 23 days in length and perfect for travellers looking to maximize vacation time -- and two new sailings that offer fresh takes on Europe’s most popular rivers. Travel agents can order Emerald Cruises’ brochures by going to www.envoynetworks.ca. The new brochure price grids include special Early Booking Promotions valid until July 31, 2023. The Super Earlybird offer includes return international airfare on sailings of eight-days or longer...
Explora Journeys Unveils New Explora I Itineraries
Explora Journeys has unveiled a new line-up of journeys for the autumn and winter 2024 - 2025 season of EXPLORA I, the first of a planned fleet of six luxury ships, which are now open for booking. Featuring 23 journeys and two grand journeys between September 2024 and April 2025, the itineraries will encompass 73 destinations across 24 countries. Eight of them will be a first for Explora Journeys, including Macapá, Alter-do-Chaõ and Manaus in the Amazon, and the Devil’s Island in French Guiana. Each journey has its own character that reflects the distinctive spirit of the...
Small Is Big For Tauck
Tauck is ramping up its small group offerings for 2023, boosting the number of special land tour departures featuring small group sizes this year by 35% over pre-pandemic levels. In total, the operator will feature small group departures on some 75 land journeys in North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand. Most departures will average 24 passengers, with many of Tauck’s African safaris featuring as few as 18 guests on all departures. As well, Tauck is supporting the expansion of its small group land journeys with a new...
Leahy Named President Of Seabourn
Seabourn has appointed Natalya Leahy as the business’s new president. Leahy, whose seven years with Holland America Group included operational oversight of Seabourn, succeeds Josh Leibowitz who is leaving the brand to pursue new opportunities. Leahy was most recently chief operating officer for Holland America Group serving Princess, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Australia and land operations. Prior to joining the cruise industry, she held various leadership roles with Procter & Gamble and Coca-Cola, supporting iconic brands and new product launches. As part of a...
A Diamond Dog
Carnival Cruise Line has a unique new member joining the top ranks of its loyalty club – a retired U.S. Army service dog named Sarge. While sailing on Carnival Celebration recently, Sarge reached Diamond status of the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club – though in this case, the “P” could also stand for “pooch.” The 14-year-old Belgian Malinois just completed his 55th cruise and was honoured during Carnival Celebration’s Platinum and Diamond loyalty event, for spending more than 200 nights at sea. Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said:...
AmaWaterways Sets A Course For South America
AmaWaterways says its decision to begin Colombia river cruises next year is quickly paying financial dividends. The company will have two vessels -- one the 30-cabin, 60-passenger AmaMagdalena -- sailing two seven-night Magdalena River cruises, cruises that the company says are already drawing strong interest. "This is going to be a race for space," Alex Pinelo, AmaWaterways' senior vice-president of sales told a March 1 webinar. Interest is “off the chart,” he added. The sailings will mark AmaWaterways' debut in this hemisphere, and South America will be the fourth...