Cruise
AmaWaterways’ webinar will help agents grow their business
Travel professionals wanting to increase river cruise sales are invited to join a live Travel Webcast on April 23 with AmaWaterways. Sandra Gardiner, Sales Director, Canada, and Jesica Benitez, Manager of Strategic Partner Networks, will discuss what sets the company apart. A leading force in the river cruise industry, AmaWaterways offers clients a diverse range of river journeys across four continents, complemented by an array of included shore excursions. Clients also enjoy critically acclaimed dining, evening entertainment featuring local performers from port cities,...
Carnival Cruise Line enhances booking experience for agents
Carnival Cruise Line is introducing a series of new features to its online booking tool for travel advisors, GoCCL Navigator. The enhancements streamline the booking process, providing travel advisors with the tools and resources they need to maximize efficiency and improve their overall experience to support their business and income growth. Along with a new design that makes it easier for searching, viewing and comparing offers, the platform’s variety of enhancements also includes: Enhanced Offer Details – Fares will be easier to review and compare to other offers...
Bert Hernandez named president at Silversea
Royal Caribbean Group recently announced that Barbara Muckermann will depart Royal Caribbean Group after 14 years with Silversea to pursue other opportunities. Effective immediately, Bert Hernandez will succeed her as president of Silversea. "I have had the pleasure of working with Barbara since 2018 when Silversea joined Royal Caribbean Group, first in her role as chief marketing and commercial officer and later as brand president," said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. "Barbara has helped position Silversea as the world's top ultra-luxury and expedition...
Azamara’s 2025/2026 sailings will visit 8 maiden ports
Azamara Cruises has announced its 2025 & 2026 winter sailings, visiting eight maiden ports and less frequented destinations only accessible to smaller ships. New sailings include a Grand Voyage circumnavigating South America and back-to-back Caribbean sailings without any sea days. With multiple Extended Destination Days on every sailing, travelers can spend more time exploring without ever feeling rushed. "We’re thrilled to be bringing our guests to eight new ports of call in 2025 and 2026, from Scarborough, capital of the small island of Tobago, to Pointe des Galets on...
Demand for cruise holidays continues to grow: CLIA
In its newly released 2024 State of the Cruise Industry report—which includes the release of 2023 passenger volume—the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reveals that passenger volume reached 31.7 million— surpassing 2019 by seven per cent. As well, the report also shows continued demand for cruise holidays, pointing out that the intent to cruise at 82 per cent. CLIA’s forecast for cruise capacity indicates an increase of 10 per cent from 2024 through 2028, as cruise lines make ongoing, concrete progress in pursuit of net- zero emissions by 2050. Other...
Viking adds Mongolia extension for China voyages starting in 2024
Viking is offering guests destination-focused experiences in Mongolia with the new Spirit of Mongolia extension program. The five-night, fully guided pre- or post-extension will allow guests to further immerse themselves in the rich traditions of the region, from the ancient city of Ulaanbaatar to the Gobi Desert. The Spirit of Mongolia and a variety of other pre- and post-extensions, including Hong Kong and Beijing, are available for Viking’s new, first-of-their-kind China itineraries: Best of China, China Discovery, Classic China & the Coast and Wonders of China. “We were...
Virgin Voyages looking seeks new market with all-inclusive offerings
Virgin Voyages says it had plenty of potential customers when it launched. Sean Russo, the company's Canadian sales manager, told a Baxter Media webcast that some 95 per cent of the world's population for a multitude of reasons haven't gone on a cruise. "Our challenge was to (create)... an experience that caters to people who don't like what currently exists out there," he said. "We've been quite successful thus far." The Richard Branson enterprise has three vessels now and a fourth is in the works, and welcomes passengers who are 18 or more, with Russo saying its sailings are for...
Paul Gauguin adds six year-round voyages for 2026
Paul Gauguin Cruises has opened reservations for its 2026 voyages offering six unique itineraries exploring the Society Islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, and Cook Islands more than any other luxury line in the region. On journeys of seven to 14 nights, the m/s Paul Gauguin will sail year-round from Papeete, Tahiti. Guests who book early will enjoy bonus savings of up to 30 per cent on fares starting at $2,990* per guest. “French Polynesia is a multi-layered destination unto itself, and our unmatched roster of itineraries reveals the nuanced cultural differences and natural beauty...