Destinations
Carnival Introduces Special Alaska Cruise
For the first time, Carnival Cruise Line will offer a 14-day Alaskan adventure round-trip from Long Beach, Calif., in September 2017. The itinerary features seven destinations, including Glacier Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the line’s first visit to Icy Strait Point, an unspoiled wilderness area offering some of the best whale and bear watching in the state and the world’s longest zip-line. The one-of-a-kind voyage – part of the line’s Carnival Journeys cruise enrichment series – will take place aboard Carnival Miracle departing Long Beach Sept. 2 and returning...
Globus, Monograms Offer South Pacific, Hawaii Savings
The Globus family of brands has launched their 2017 Hawaii and South Pacific programs – complete with Early Booking Bonus incentives. Globus has brought back its seven popular escorted South Pacific tours ranging from 14 to 27 days and including itineraries focusing on Australia only or Australia in combination with New Zealand, and all with an optional Fiji extension. In Hawaii, the operator again is offering its three best-selling itineraries, including a cruise to Oahu, Maui, Hawaii and Kauai with Norwegian Cruise Lines. For those booking early, a 5% savings is being offered...
It’s Amazing
Well, things just got a little more amazing. Toronto area travel agents not only got a taste of the wonders of Thailand last night (Aug. 23), courtesy of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), they were also amongst the first to hear the news that TAT is opening a dedicated tourism office in Canada in 2017. Srimala Waraphaskul, director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, was up from New York and made the announcement. In a first for Thailand, the office will be located in Toronto and house seven to 10 staff. Agents attending last night's event at Toronto's King Edward Hotel...
Toronto To Get a Taste of Europe Via Icelandair
Icelandair will take to the streets of Toronto between Sept. 7-11 to give Torontonians a taste of Europe and chances to win trips via Icelandair. While most know Icelandair flies to Iceland, the airline wants travellers to know they can also fly via Icelandair to 28 destinations in Europe with gate-to-gate WiFi, personal inflight entertainment and some of the fastest travel times from Toronto-Pearson International. Icelandair will sponsor an airplane-inspired food truck ready to serve up European classics representative of the delicacies one may find served in one of Icelandair’s...
Uniworld Enhances The All-Inclusive Experience
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has added two new itineraries to its European offerings now available for booking for travel in 2017, as well as enhancements to its all-inclusive guest experience. Additionally, in March 2017, Uniworld will inaugurate the Joie de Vivre, the first Super Ship in Uniworld’s fleet to sail on the Seine River. The debut of Uniworld’s new itineraries, Rhine-Main Discovery & Munich and Paris & Impressions of the Seine, will provide guests with an opportunity to explore the history, art, gastronomy and architecture by river, which lies...
Andaz Opens in Ottawa
Hyatt Hotels' Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market is open for business, marking the brand’s official entry into Canada. The Ottawa hotel is the 13th in the brand's portfolio. Three other Andaz hotels will open by the end of this year, including Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa, Andaz Delhi and Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya. Set in the heart of ByWard Market, the capital’s newest hotel boasts 200 rooms, flexible meeting space, a ground floor restaurant and bar, as well as a rooftop lounge, offering sweeping views of the Ottawa cityscape. An all-day coffee bar with grab-and-go bites...
Spain Year-Round With Air Transat
Air Transat has added a supplementary flight to Malaga, Spain, to its transatlantic winter program, departing twice weekly from Montreal during high season. Service will also be available from Toronto thanks to the airline's domestic flight program. “Characterized by its mild winters, among other things, the Costa del Sol is perfect for combining relaxation and discovery during a short or long stay,” commented Annick Guérard, president and general manager of Transat Tours Canada. “In addition to the flights, travellers get access to plenty of one-stop packages, or à la carte...
Major Quake Hits Central Italy
A major earthquake hit Central Italy overnight. Reports indicate that the the magnitude 6.2 quake devastated a number of towns, including Amatrice. Between 40 and 60 aftershocks were reported following the initial quake which struck early in the morning when most people in the area were sleeping. According to reports, the epicentre of the quake was at Norcia, which is approximately 170 kilometres northeast of Rome. At press time, reports of dead and injured were continuing to...