From June 1-7, Cunard Line will offer significant savings on select seven-day transatlantic crossings on board flagship Queen Mary 2 in honour of Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee. This year's transatlantic season includes several new offerings, such as new theatrical productions, jazz workshops, lecture programs, dining menus and spa treatments. The seven-day Diamond Jubilee Sale offers fares starting from US$795, complimentary double upgrades, and up to US$150 in onboard credit (per person, based on double occupancy)....
Avalon Waterways has introduced a series of agent specials on European river cruises this year. Discounts range from 60% to 70% for agents plus one travelling companion on a host of departures from June through October, on itineraries ranging from the four-day Taste of the Danube to the 13-day Blue Danube to the Black Sea. The agents' rates exclude airfare, port taxes and gratuities, and apply to all categories of accommodation except Royal Suites; single accommodation is not available. For rates, dates and information, contact Andrea Jong at [email protected] or visit...
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports that the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee has incorporated a number of recommendations from the ongoing Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review in its meetings in London, being held May 16-25. The committee focused extensive attention on passenger ship safety and considered a number of recommendations developed by the Review, launched on behalf of the global cruise industry in January, along with other safety recommendations submitted by IMO member governments. "CLIA commends the IMO, its...
Silversea Cruises has announced the appointment of Kristian C. Anderson as its new vice-president of sales for North America, effective mid-June. In this position, based in Fort Lauderdale, he will develop sales strategies and initiatives to increase revenue in the US and Canadian markets, and oversee a sales team dedicated to helping travel agents grow and expand their luxury travel business. Anderson, who will report directly to Ellen Bettridge, Silversea's president of the Americas, has nearly 25 years of sales and management experience with several top travel companies. Most recently,...
Crystal Cruises is honouring heroes past and present with onboard get-togethers for veterans and loved ones of all nations on every cruise. Activities planned for the upcoming American Memorial Day weekend promise to be extra special, with a unique Crystal Adventure to the WWII landing beaches of Normandy, and each ship remembering those who have died in service of their nation, as follows: !!! Crystal Symphony: Four-Star Marine General Anthony Zinni, former Commander in Chief of U.S. Central Command, will host an open forum at sea on May 26. On Memorial Day itself, Crystal president Gregg...
The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver has unveiled its packages for the 2012 summer season, which runs from June 1 to Aug. 31. Partnering with Prince of Whales Adventure Tours, the Westin Bayshore offers two packages that include overnight accommodations. One package has guests cruising on the high-speed, 74 passenger vessel, Ocean Magic. The other has guests experiencing an adrenaline rush as they take off in a sea plane, bound for Victoria. Both packages allow guests to witness a variety of whales, sea lions, eagles, sea birds and more in their natural habitat. The Ultimate Day Tour package is...
Royal Caribbean International is adding the Legend of the Seas and the Vision of the Seas to the fleet of ships it will have sailing in Europe in 2013. In all, Royal Caribbean will have a total of nine vessels operating European programs next year. The Legend of the Seas and Vision of the Seas augment the already announced U.K.-based Independence of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas; Barcelona-based Liberty of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas; and Italy-based Navigator of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas to offer a total of 276 sailings to 88 ports on 58...
Goway has launched its first brochure dedicated to cruise travellers bound for Australia. The operator notes that selling cruise trip packages can be challenging for agents these days with the amount of non- commissionable elements, including airfares, shore excursions, etc. A strategy to improve selling cruises is by offering add-on services from land extensions, pre- or post-cruise accommodations or shore excursions in Australia, all of which are fully commissionable through Goway. Goway points out that travellers should spend time on land to see more of Australia and it offers many cruise...
The Celebrity Millennium set sail last week after completing completing Celebrity Cruises' "solsticizing" process which incorporates a host of the venue and experiences that cruise passengers enjoy on the line's Solstice Class ships. In all Celebrity Cruises has invested $140 million in less than two years to "solsticize" four of its Millennium class ships. Celebrity's president & CEO, Dan Hanrahan said: "Solsticizing has been such an exciting initiative for us, and more importantly, for our guests, as indicated by their response to each of our Solsticized ships. Our Millennium Class ships...
Vacation.com hosted some 1,200 travel agents, suppliers and staff aboard Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas last week for its 14th International Conference & Trade Show. "Think Big" was the theme and Vacation.com Canada's Christine James said: "This year's conference sets the standard as the ultimate travel industry event ... Participation has exceeded expectations and with our action-packed seven days of education, entertainment and networking, it's no surprise we sold out early." This year's event marked Vacation.com's first-ever International Conference at sea and featured...