Destinations
MSC Divina Back in Miami
As part of a US expansion strategy, MSC Cruises recently celebrated the arrival of MSC Divina – one of its newest ships – to Miami where it will sail year-round to the Caribbean. MSC Divina spent this past summer in the Mediterranean, following an inaugural Caribbean season sailing from Miami between November 2013 and April 2015. In other news, MSC announced that sales for its next-generation cruise ship MSC Seaside will open on Dec. 15, two years ahead of its debut in December 2017. Seaside, which will join Divina in sailing from a newly renovated and expanded dedicated berth...
Caribbean Calling
In this week's digital edition of Travel Courier, senior staff writer, Ian Stalker reports that the Caribbean tourism showcase that in most years past has been held in Toronto alone will this year also visit Burlington and Kitchener-Waterloo, something Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) secretary general Hugh Riley says underscores the CTO's efforts to reach out to a broad swathe of people. “The Caribbean loves Canada and we're extremely grateful that Canada loves us back,” Riley told Travel Courier in advance of the Nov. 16 to Nov. 19 event. Caribbean Week highlights include...
Montreal Is Totally Cool
Maripierre D'Amour says Montreal's igloofest is totally cool. The outdoor celebration will be held on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from Jan. 14 to Feb. 6 in Montreal's Old Quarter, with the parties aimed at those in the 18-to-35 age bracket. Participants will find music and DJs in what's been described as a “totally festive environment.” This winter marks igloofest's 10th year and D'Amour says it's easy to attract people to an outdoor party scene during the height of Montreal's winter. “We have to embrace winter,” she said during a Tuesday Toronto event. “We're...
Staying Strong
Despite geopolitical turbulence and slow economic growth in the Eurozone, international tourist arrivals to Europe have been growing steadily during the first half of 2015. According to the European Travel Commission's (ETC) latest report, “European Tourism -- Trends & Prospects,” the majority of European destinations recorded positive results during the summer period in 2015. Data up to August suggest a 5% increase in tourist arrivals to Europe compared to the same period last year. However, more importantly, the region was able to offset the sag in arrivals from Russia and...
China Proving Popular With Carnival Corporation
Carnival Corporation & plc is set to capitalize on the cruise market in China with plans to further expand its operations there with the deployment of two additional cruise brands in 2017. Carnival Cruise Line and AIDA Cruises will join Costa Cruises and Princess Cruises in the Chinese market, making Carnival Corporation the first company to operate four brands in China – which officials expect to eventually become the world's largest cruise market based on surging demand for cruise vacations by Chinese travellers. As a result of Carnival Corporation's expansion in China in...
ACV Adds New Hotel In Guadeloupe
Air Canada Vacations (ACV) has added the Langley Resort Fort Royal to its Guadeloupe line-up. The resort sits on the beach in Anse du Petit Bas Vent, Deshaies and is a 30-minute drive from the International Airport of Pointre-à-Pitre. Langley has 133 standard rooms, seven suites and 82 bungalows. Standard rooms and suites can accommodate up to six people and include ocean and garden views. The bungalows include a terrace, with some located on the beach. There are two bars on the property, as well as Le Royal Restaurant offering a combination of Creole and international dishes....
Caribbean Week Kicks Off Nov. 16
Caribbean Week in Canada is on the move. The Caribbean tourism showcase that in most of its past years has been held in Toronto alone will this year visit Ontario's capital and the other Ontario cities of Burlington and Kitchener-Waterloo, something Caribbean Tourism Organization secretary general Hugh Riley says underscores the CTO's efforts to reach out to a broad swathe of people. “The Caribbean loves Canada and we're extremely grateful that Canada loves us back,” Riley told TravelPress in advance of the Nov. 16-19 event. Caribbean Week highlights include a Nov. 16...
Iceland Tour Showcases Magical Aurora Borealis
Avid travellers looking to check the Aurora Borealis off their bucket list can now do so with Collette’s new “Iceland’s Magical Northern Lights” tour – offering travellers a chance to witness the natural wonder before the brilliant light show hits the dimmer switch. While the Northern Lights are not disappearing, the 11-year solar cycle is slowing down with the phenomenon appearing less regularly through 2024. Guests will spend seven days in Iceland, splitting their time between the capital city of Reykajvik and Vik, the country’s southernmost village. Tour highlights...