Viking Ocean Cruises, sister company of Viking River Cruises, and shipbuilder Fincantieri have announced the signature of a Memorandum of Agreement for the construction of two new luxury ocean cruise ships. The memorandum also includes an option for a third vessel. In line with Viking's intimate, destination-focused approach to cruising, the new ocean ships will be small by today's standards at approximately 45,000 GRT and will host 998 passengers in 499 cabins. The first ship is scheduled for delivery in late 2014, the second one in late 2015. The parties have reached an agreement on the...
CLIA has launched its 36th online training seminar -- 40 Best Practices for Travel Agent Success. The three-hour session, when successfully completed, represents 15 credits toward CLIA Cruise Counsellor Certification. The 40 Best Practices for Travel Agent Success seminar distills hundreds of tactics, strategies and practices culled from all of CLIA's training programs into what we consider the most important ideas or recommendations for business success, said Bernie Blomquist, CLIA's director of training. "We urge all agents to find out what these practices are and how they can be made to...
Crystal Cruises is offering almost 30% more Crystal Adventures exploring Europe's extensive Jewish heritage this year. A predecessor to the line's new Christian heritage tours, the popular program gives Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony travellers the opportunity to intimately experience Jewish culture and history. The boutique outings visit neighbourhoods, museums, monuments, synagogues and more somber sites in/near Palamós, Berlin, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Dublin, Hamburg, Rome, Odessa, St. Petersburg and Israel. Highlights include: !!! Haifa: A kibbutz, the ancient holy city of...
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has launched a savings offer for families booking a 2012 cruise through May 13. With the "Little Norwegian's Explore For Free"offer, children 12 years and younger receive complimentary Norwegian-sponsored shore excursions and teens (13 to 17 years old) will receive half-off shore excursions when in the same stateroom with a paying adult on the same excursion. This applies to all 2012 sailings fleet-wide for all ports of call. Families can whale watch in Alaska; explore ancient cities in Europe; or have fun in the sun on a snorkel excursion in the Caribbean,...
With major refurbishments throughout, Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2 is set to sail its eighth transatlantic cruise season beginning in May. This year, the QM2 will sail 19 classic seven-day crossings between New York and Southampton, and six nine-day extended voyages between New York and Hamburg. This year's season includes several new offerings, such as new theatrical productions, jazz workshops, lecture programs, dining menus and spa treatments. Queen Mary 2's recent refurbishment included significant décor enhancements in all staterooms and suites, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, the...
Windstar Cruises has introduced its new 2013 collection of luxury sailing voyages in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Northern Europe, Italy, Mediterranean, Greek Isles and transatlantic crossings. Leading Windstar's new offerings for 2013 are seven entirely new voyages, each designed to provide guests a unique sailing experience in extraordinary destinations. The 2013 schedule is highlighted by two 11-day voyages, Footsteps of Faith, exploring origins of world religions between Athens and Alexandria, and Scandinavian Tapestry, which includes scenic sailing in the Norwegian Fjords and Stockholm...
Crystal Cruises has introduced special "Book Now"savings on Penthouse (PH) and Penthouse Suite (PS) categories on the Serenity -- an additional $2,000 per couple off, as well as a special Business Class add on. This offer is valid on all Serenity voyages from Aug. 13 to Nov. 28....
While well known for organizing cruises to Norway, European river cruises, polar adventure cruises and Asian land and cruise packages, GLP Worldwide Travel and Tours is now offering the magic and mystery of Africa with the launch of its first African Safaris & Luxury Wildlife Cruises brochure. The 28-page brochure is now available for agents and all package prices are in Canadian currency making it easy for clients to budget and book. The brochure highlights a number of safari and luxury cruise adventures beginning in the summer of 2012 and through 2013. GLP Worldwide, the Canadian...
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has included dates in Vancouver and Toronto for TrainingFest 2012, the touring combination of seminars and trade show that offers agents the opportunity to earn as many as 70 credits toward CLIA Cruise Counsellor Certification. In each location, the two-day program will enable participants to earn credits for up to four seminars and attend a Continental Breakfast Trade Show featuring CLIA member cruise lines. While CLIA-member agents receive a significant price break, non-CLIA travel agents are also invited to participate. TrainingFest 2012 will...
Several new dining and entertainment choices, including The Taste Bar complimentary appetizer program, The Punchliner Comedy Club presented by George Lopez and The Punchliner Comedy Brunch presented by George Lopez, will debut on the Carnival Miracle later today (April 12) with the launch of the line's first year-round schedule from New York. The program features three eight-day itineraries, each visiting a diversity of tropical destinations throughout the Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida. Carnival's newest casual dining option, The Taste Bar, is being introduced on Carnival Miracle with...