Cruise
One Year And Counting
The countdown is on as Silversea Cruises celebrates one year to go until the christening of its new flagship, Silver Muse (pictured in an artist's rendering). Due for completion in April 2017, Silver Muse will showcase world-class locations to those who sail during its inaugural season, which will feature 52 UNESCO World Heritage Sites during its 2017 itinerary, from ancient Greek temples through to historic Caribbean fortresses. Launching from Monte Carlo, Silver Muse will spend the European spring and summer months in and around the Mediterranean. Thirteen of its European ports of...
Encore Europe Extravaganza
Between now and April 20, 2016, Encore Cruises is holding a Europe Extravaganza, featuring a range of special offers. Nathalie Tanious, vice president, Cruise and FIT for Encore, explained: “Whether you are looking for a traditional 7-day cruise, a luxurious adventure, a departure from Rome, Venice, Copenhagen … we have it all and so much more.” Tanious pointed out that: “We have worked with our cruise line partners to offer you an extravagant promotions and savings on most of our cruise product line PLUS you will benefit from an extra 1% bonus commission.” Promotions...
New Magic From Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line will be setting sail with new itineraries and new ports in 2017, including first-time visits to new destinations in Alaska and Europe. The cruise line will also return to Norway, the British Isles, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and the Bahamas in 2017. Bookings will open to the public on April 14, 2016. And additional details on the newly announced itineraries can be found on the Ports and Itineraries for 2017 page of http://www.disneycruise.com . One of the highlights in 2017 is that for the first time, Disney Cruise Line will take guests to Alaska’s Icy...
CLIA Reports River Cruising On The Rise
In its 2016 State of the Cruise Industry Outlook, CLIA reports that the demand for the river cruise experience is at an all-time high. In fact as of 2015, there were 169 river CLIA member cruise ships on the water with 18 additional ships ordered for 2016. CLIA's president and CEO, Cindy D’Aoust observed: “These intimate voyages allow passengers to experience multiple, memorable destinations in a short amount of time all while travelling the world’s most famous, historic rivers.” D'Aoust also pointed out that: “As the demand for river cruising grows, there are now more...
NCL Unveils Harvest Caye Experience
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has revealed details on its new premier Western Caribbean destination experience, Harvest Caye, Belize. Norwegian is developing Harvest Caye to feature an authentic Belizean environment that provides easy access to Southern Belize, coupled with luxurious amenities, a variety of eco-activities, the country’s only cruise ship pier for guest convenience and comfort, the opportunity for guests to easily depart to mainland Belize for the adventure excursion or cultural immersion of their choice, and more. The resort-style port of call, set to welcome guests...
Ovation of the Seas Joins Royal Caribbean Fleet
There’s a new member of the Royal Caribbean family as the global cruise line officially took delivery of its 24th ship, Ovation of the Seas, in a ceremony held Friday (April 8) in Bremerhaven, Germany. Royal Caribbean's chairman and CEO Richard D. Fain received the new ship from Meyer Werft Yard’s managing partner Bernard Meyer at an official handover ceremony. Ovation of the Seas is the third Quantum-class ship built at Meyer Werft, together with sister ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas. “It’s wonderful to welcome Ovation of the Seas to the Royal Caribbean...
Royal Caribbean Raising Daily Gratuities Charges
Royal Caribbean International is increasing its recommended gratuities guideline. Taking effect April 14 for all sailings departing on or after May 1, the new recommended gratuities guideline will be US$13.50 per day, per guest in standard accommodations, and US$16.50 per day, per guest in suites. For guests' convenience, Royal Caribbean automatically registers the daily gratuities in guest folios; however guests are free to change the amount at their discretion with the ship's Guest Services staff. Guests who prepay their gratuities prior to the effective date can still do so...
Princess Adding Two New Ships To Fleet
Princess Cruises is set to expand its fleet after reaching an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri S.p.A. to build two new ships, entering into service in 2019 and 2020. The finalization of the contract follows an announcement late last year of a memorandum of agreement between Princess's parent company, Carnival Corporation & plc and Fincantieri for five new ships, including the Princess Cruises new builds. The unnamed 143,700-ton, 3,560-passenger ships will be the brand’s fourth and fifth Royal-class vessels, featuring an evolution of the successful design platform...