Cruise
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...
ACTA sets sail with spring panel session on cruising
ACTA is setting sail with quarterly professional development sessions focusing on different segments within the travel and tourism industry. The new initiative is designed to provide a platform for learning and discussion of industry trends, enhancing industry knowledge and fostering dialogue. About the panel session The 2024 spring session leadership panel takes place April 26 at 1 p.m. EST and will focus on the cruise segment. Future panels will facilitate learning and conversation in the air, accommodation and travel health insurance segments of the travel industry. The...
Carnival captain honoured with award for saving 16 lives at sea
Carnival Cruise Line Captain Niccolo De Ranieri and his team on Mardi Gras were honoured April 9 by the Association for Rescue at Sea (AFRAS) for saving the lives of 16 people. Ranieri accepted the Cruise Ship Humanitarian Assistance Award at the AFRAS annual awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., an event that recognizes heroism at sea by the U.S. Coast Guard, merchant mariners and cruise ship personnel. Captain De Ranieri was at the helm as Mardi Gras was returning to its homeport, Port Canaveral, Fla., on June 3, 2022 when the crew spotted a stranded vessel carrying eleven men and five...
Scenic Group unveils Emerald Cruises’ new luxury ocean yacht
Scenic Group has unveiled its next generation luxury ocean yacht, Emerald Kaia, the latest innovation in Emerald Cruises' yacht fleet. Merging increased capacity with an intimate ambiance, the yacht will accommodate 128 guests and introduce a suite of innovations that underscores Emerald Cruises' pioneering spirit in luxury yacht cruising. Of note, the Sky Deck has been expanded, now incorporating a new internal Sky Lounge, and offering guests a luxurious open-air experience alongside expansive panoramic views. All cabins and suites boast a 10 percent larger floorplan, offering...
Windstar adds two new yachts to fleet
Windstar Cruises is expanding its fleet with the addition of two all-suite motor yachts, Star Seeker and Star Explorer. The first of the two ships, new-build Star Seeker which is currently being constructed in the WestSEA shipyard, is expected to be delivered in December of 2025, followed by Star Explorer in December, 2026. “Our goal was to ensure these ships are unmistakably Windstar, and a significant amount of effort has gone into achieving this,” says Windstar Cruises’ president Christopher Prelog. “We are thrilled for this expansion, building on the success of...