Cruise
ASTA issues statement in wake of Concordia grounding
In the wake of this weekend's accident involving the grounding of the Costa Concordia off the coast of Italy, ASTA has issued the following statement: "ASTA wishes to extend its heartfelt sympathies to all those affected in this tragic accident. Our hearts and prayers go out to the friends and families of the passengers and crew whose lives were lost or who were injured,"said ASTA president Nina Meyer. "On behalf of the travel agent community, we stand ready to assist in any way possible."She added the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and Carnival Corporation & plc, Costa...
Significant’ human error, grave consequences
In a statement following the grounding of its ship, the Costa Concordia, Costa Cruises said it was "deeply saddened by this tragedy, and our hearts and prayers go out to everyone affected." The cruise line said that over the past 48 hours, more than 1,100 Costa employees have been working tirelessly in the wake of this terrible event. "We are working closely with the authorities to support ongoing search-and-rescue operations, and are focusing on ensuring that all guests and crew members return home safely," Costa stated. "Our immediate priority is to account for all passengers and crew, and...
Grounding hits Carnival’s bottom line
Carnival Corporation & plc, parent company of Costa Cruises issued a financial disclosure statement today as a result of the grounding of the Costa Concordia on Jan. 13, 2012. Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation's chairman and CEO, commented that, "At this time, our priority is the safety of our passengers and crew. We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and our hearts go out to everyone affected by the grounding of the Costa Concordia and especially to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. They will remain in our thoughts and prayers." However, Costa's parent company...
Concordia grounding, six dead now confirmed
On Monday (Jan. 16), six people have been confirmed dead and 16 still unaccounted for in the wake of the grounding of the Costa Concordia on Friday (Jan. 13) near the island of Giglio, off the coast of Italy. Rescue efforts have now resumed after being suspended earlier today (Monday)when working conditions became dangerous. Along with continuing to search for the missing, rescue crews were also working on plans to remove fuel from the grounded cruise ship, as worries about the potential environmental damage that fuel leak could cause grow. The Concordia, which was carrying approximately...
Free business class, anniversary savings with Regent
With 2012 marking the line's 20th anniversary, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has added increased value on 36 Mediterranean voyages, offered from April through October. Depending on the cruise, travellers can enjoy bonus savings of up to $8,000 per suite when booked by March 31. As part of the limited time offer, guests in Penthouse and higher suites receive free upgrades to Business Class on transatlantic flights. Guests in deluxe suites can upgrade to Business Class for $999 each way. Travellers can choose from seven-, 10- and 14-night itineraries aboard the 700-guest, all-balcony, all-suite...
Crystal expands ‘voluntourism’ program
After a successful inaugural year of voluntourism around the world, Crystal Cruises is extending its "You Care, We Care"program with new hands-on opportunities throughout 2012. This year, every Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony voyage offers one complimentary shore excursion in which both guests and crew can give back to a local community-in-need, with Crystal handling all the logistics. Of the more than 45 socially responsible excursions completed last year, several philanthropic destinations are back on the 2012 calendar, accompanied by new international additions such as: Cambodia:...
Costa Concordia runs aground, at least six dead
Costa Cruises' Costa Concordia ran aground off the Tuscan island of Giglio, Italy, late Friday night leaving at least six dead. Two French passengers, a Peruvian crew member and two others died, and another 30 people were injured, two seriously. Divers are continuing to search the ship, which is lying on its side. As of this morning (Jan. 15), it's reported that 17 people are still unaccounted for. The ships' Italian captain has been arrested for suspected manslaughter and abandoning his ship. Costa Cruises' president Gianni Onorato has said the main task now is to assist survivors and help...
Sunwing expands Mediterranean cruise options
Sunwing is expanding its cruise offerings with new Mediterranean sailings departing from Barcelona, Spain this summer aboard Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. A Western Mediterranean itinerary is available aboard the Norwegian Epic, NCL's newest cruise ship, with seven-night cruises departing Sundays from June 17 to Sept. 2. Itineraries include the following ports of call in Spain, Italy and France: Barcelona, Naples, Rome, Florence, Nice and Provence. Cruise packages include roundtrip flights from Toronto as well as transfers to and from the Barcelona airport to the cruise pier. Sunwing...