Cruise
Viking Ocean Celebrates Float Out of Third Ship
Viking Ocean Cruises' third ship – the 930-passenger Viking Sky – was “floated out” last week, marking a major construction milestone and the first time that the new ship touched water. The traditional ceremony took place at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, just one day before the company took delivery of its second ship, Viking Sea, which will officially debut to guests next month. Viking Sky is scheduled for delivery in early 2017. The company also today announced that it has placed an order with Fincantieri for three additional sister ships, which will bring Viking’s...
Royal Caribbean Cancels Six Empress Sailings
Royal Caribbean has cancelled six sailings of the Empress of the Seas which were scheduled to depart from Miami starting next week to give the vessel more time to complete an extensive makeover, including the addition of a rock-climbing wall, new pools and whirlpools, and the signature steakhouse, Chops Grille. This additional time in the shipyard means it will be necessary to cancel the March 30, April 4, April 7, April 11, April 16 and April 21 sailings of Empress of the Seas, which recently transitioned into the Royal Caribbean fleet after sailing with Pullmantur...
Tauck Expands Cuba Offerings
Beginning this fall and for the very first time, Tauck will offer travellers the chance to choose between a week-long Cuba tour or an expanded 13-day itinerary to the Caribbean nation. The Connecticut-based company will operate a total of 22 departures between the two programs from September to December, and Tauck is crediting continued growth and strong demand for its doubling of itinerary choices. According to company CEO Dan Mahar, Tauck had offered its guests both the shorter and longer tours to Cuba in the past, but never at the same time. “We launched in Cuba in 2012 with...
Capturing the True ‘Spirit’ of Scotland
While European Waterways offers many themed cruises featuring specialized itineraries that allow guests to experience the history and culture of Europe, there's one that can truly be said to capture the “spirit” of a country – the company’s “Whisky Trail Cruise” in the Highlands of Scotland. Travelling aboard the hotel barge Scottish Highlander, the voyage goes along the Caledonian Canal where guests will visit at least three historic distilleries. Along the way, the hotel barge will glide across the scenic deep water lakes that include Loch Ness, past “spectacular...
Princess ‘Come Back New Sale’
Princess Cruises has launched a “Come Back New Sale,” offering travellers up to $600 in free onboard spending money, and the opportunity to experience the line’s newest onboard enhancements. In addition, guests booking a suite during the sale will receive a free Lotus Spa treatment, featuring the choice of a hydrating facial or 50-minute Swedish massage. The sale offers deals on cruises to the line’s most popular destinations including Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, California Coast, Hawaii, Canada and New England, Australia and New Zealand, South Pacific, Asia and South...
GLP Hosting Exclusive Norway Cruise for Agents
Agents are invited to experience first-hand the “World's Most Beautiful Voyage” and witness the “Arctic Awakening” sailing down Norway’s fjord-filled coastline. GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel and Tours, the Canadian representative for Hurtigurten, is offering an agent fam trip April 21-29 (actual sailing is April 23-28). Participants will not only experience Norway on board the MS Minatsol, but also learn about other Hurtigruten cruise and land products GLP offers. Agents must register by March 25. Space is limited and for qualified agents only. “This is an opportunity...
Crystal to Build Luxury Polar Yacht
Just months after the successful launch of Crystal Yacht Cruises and the 62-guest Crystal Esprit – and in response to traveller’s feedback and enthusiasm – Crystal is again upping the ante with “the world’s first purpose-built polar class megayacht.” Measuring 183 metres long, officials say the 25,000 gross ton new build with 100 guest suites will be the largest and most spacious megayacht afloat. Speaking at the annual SeaTrade Cruise Global convention in Fort Lauderdale, Crystal president Edie Rodriguez unveiled plans for the line’s first-ever expedition megayacht,...
Regent Bookings Could Lead to Free Cruise
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has launched a new promotion that will benefit both agents and their clients. Agents booking clients aboard an all-inclusive 2016 voyage between March 1 and April 30 during the line's “Sale Into Spring” promotion will earn up to a $500 gift card. Plus, clients will receive up to a $600 shipboard credit per suite. As an added incentive, agents making five qualifying bookings will be entered to win an invitation aboard Seven Seas Explorer on its pre-inaugural voyage in the Mediterranean. Every booking after the first five earns an additional...