Cruise
CLIA Launches Renewed Certification Programs
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has renewed its certification programs. Designed to help travel agents take their business to the next level at every stage of their career, the new certification programs are part of CLIA’s Career Seascape, a one-stop professional development platform. These enhancements feature updates to CLIA's existing Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC), Master Cruise Counsellor (MCC) and Elite Cruise Counsellor (ECC) certifications, as well as a new certification – Certified Cruise Counsellor (CCC) – for travel agents who are starting or...
Cruise Lines Taking A Pass On Istanbul
Following the recent attack at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport, more and more cruise lines are taking a pass on Turkey this year – and some into 2017 – with only Princess Cruises and Holland America Line still offering Istanbul as a port of call, reports assistant editor, Greg Coates in this week's digital edition of Travel Courier. Norwegian Cruise Line has suspended all calls to Turkey through 2017 across all NCLH brands, which also includes Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “We will continue to closely monitor the situation and make future itinerary adjustments as...
Crystal Mozart Christened in Vienna
Crystal River Cruises' Crystal Mozart was officially welcomed to the luxury line's fleet Monday (July 11) in Vienna, Austria. During an elegant ceremony attended by local dignitaries, media and distinguished executives from Crystal, the “Queen of Europe’s Rivers” was christened by Godmother Elisabeth Gürtler, managing director of both the Hotel Sacher, Vienna’s most famous hotel, and the city’s historic Spanish Riding School. Mozart’s maiden voyage on July 13 will mark the official launch of Crystal River Cruises, which will see four additional river yachts launched by...
Sailing With Sunwing
Sunwing Vacations has launched its 2016/2017 cruise brochure featuring sailing with MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). When customers reserve their stateroom with Sunwing on either MSC or NCL, packages include direct roundtrip flights on Sunwing Airlines, pier transfers and all onboard meals. Families can also benefit from free accommodation for children on select sailings. Travellers booking MSC with Sunwing can fly direct from Toronto, Montreal, Winnipeg, and new for this season, Ottawa and Halifax to join the MSC Opera in Havana. Eastern and Western Caribbean...
Carnival Offers Agents ‘Cruise Night’ Sales Kit
Travel agents can now access Carnival Cruise Line’s new “Cruise Night Kit,” a sales and marketing tool featuring a variety of materials for planning a successful cruise night event. The kit can be accessed via the “Onboard With You” section of GoCCL.com, the line’s travel agent Internet portal. Carnival’s sales experts have assembled a wide range of proven sales and marketing resources that are most requested by travel agents to create the ideal “cruise night.” These include: customizable invitations; Carnival Cruise Line product presentation; tips on how to host a...
Exclusive From Ponant
PONANT has launched its 2017 Exclusive Collection – a selection of cruises designed in partnership with brands sharing the same values of excellence with PONANT. For the first two editions, PONANT is offering an oenology cruise in partnership with Château Latour and another for art lovers in conjunction with Christie’s. These two voyages feature unique programs, combining private access and distinguished guest speakers to offer passengers an exclusive travel experience. The Oenology Cruise, called “Vines & Ocean,” is in partnership with Artémis Domaines, Château Latour,...
AmaWaterways, Backroads Expand Relationship
AmaWaterways and Backroads have launched an expanded 2017 line-up of active river cruise departures. The companies will offer more than 100 sailings in 2017, further developing their growing alliance to bring active adventure biking, walking and hiking tours to the world’s most renowned river cruise destinations. “Our work with Backroads has been a resounding success so far, enhancing the experience of our guests, while attracting a new category of travellers to the rapidly expanding river cruise market,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice-president and co-owner of...
Crystal Unveils New River Cruise Designs
As Crystal River Cruises launched the first of its seven river vessels, Crystal Mozart in Vienna yesterday (July 11), the luxury line has simultaneously announced design plans for the next phase of its four newly built river yachts. The river yachts, Crystal Ravel, Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy (pictured, artist's rendering) and Crystal Mahler, are set to embark in spring and summer of next year. “Emulation has never been part of our formula for success, rather, we have enjoyed a long reputation for innovating and leading the way in luxury travel experiences,” says Crystal...