Cruise
European Waterways Upgrades Fleet
European Waterways is investing more than US$500,000 on an extensive program of refurbishing and upgrading its 17-vessel fleet in preparation for the 2016 cruising season. According to officials, every vessel has been thoroughly inspected to ensure they meet the highest standard of comfort and luxury as they prepare for the new season cruising through some of the most scenic inland waterways of France, Holland, Italy and the British Isles. “We carry some of the most discerning passengers in the cruise industry, so we pay attention to every detail, from replacing linen, glassware...
Celebrate Chinese New Year With Cunard Savings
This Chinese New Year, travellers are invited to celebrate with the “Lucky Cunard Savings Event” and sail in a Balcony for the same fare as Oceanview with free gratuities. This offer is available available through Feb. 12 on eight select Exotic Cruises, eight Mediterranean voyages and eight transatlantic crossings. Featured voyages Include: Herbie Hancock “Jazz at Sea” (eight-night), Southampton to New York, Queen Mary 2, Aug. – inside fares from US$1,288; Roundtrip Rome (seven-night), Queen Victoria, Oct. 8 – inside fares from US$888; Hong Kong to Singapore...
Princess Debuts New Livery Design
Princess Cruises announced yesterday, on Chinese New Year, that Majestic Princess – the first cruise ship built and designed specifically for the China market – will also be the first ship in its fleet to debut an elegant new livery design featuring the company’s iconic logo. The new livery design – which symbolizes the smooth and flowing gracefulness of ocean waves – will roll out fleetwide over the next few years. “For nearly half a century our Princess logo has represented the adventure of cruise travel around the globe,” said Princess president Jan Swartz. “Now...
Costa’s New CostaClub Kicks Into High Gear
Costa Cruises is celebrating the 15th anniversary of CostaClub, its guest loyalty program which has seen more than three million cruises taken by members since its inception. Costa has updated its CostaClub with two new membership clubs and new limits and rules for accumulating points, as well as new benefits to reward the most loyal travellers with exclusive and personalized privileges. CostaClub not only includes discounts and gifts but also exclusive services and experiences onboard and at home. “The new CostaClub is an important investment by Costa in terms of ideas, energy...
Scenic Unveils World’s First Discovery Yacht
As it celebrates its 30th anniversary, Scenic has announced the launch of its First Discovery Yacht, the Scenic Eclipse. Three years in planning, Scenic’s recently established Ocean Cruising Line will usher in a new era for the luxury operator when Eclipse embarks on its maiden voyage on Aug. 31, 2018. The vessel will sail from Istanbul to Venice, followed by discovery voyages to The Americas, Antarctica, Europe and the Mediterranean, and the Arctic and Norwegian Fjords. A video is available at http://www.youtube.com/c/Scenicusa. The ultra-luxury mega yacht, described as a...
CLIA Enhances 2016 Membership Benefits
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is offering a host of new benefits for its 2016 Agency and Individual Agent Membership (IAM) programs. As a thank you to members, CLIA has introduced a special Valentine-themed promotion. The “CLIA Loves Agents” initiative gives CLIA-member travel agencies five chances to win a $100 American Express gift card when they enroll for 2016. Those enrolling by Feb. 15 will be entered in a random draw to win one of the five cards. Last year, CLIA surpassed its North American goals and enrolled more than 9,000 travel agencies and 18,000...
‘New’ Azamara Journey Emerges From Dry Dock
Azamara Journey – the first of Azamara’s two ships undergoing “major upgrades” – has been outfitted with new venues, public spaces and technologies to bring fresh services and amenities to guests. “There is no area on the ship that has been untouched,” says Azamara Club Cruises president Larry Pimentel. All stateroom and suites were redone, using authentic stone and porcelain throughout. Two new Spa Suites have been built adjacent to the Sanctum Spa, offering exclusive access to unique spa amenities included in the price of these staterooms. The Club World Ocean and...
‘Countdown to Koningsdam’
Holland America Line has debuted its fourth “Countdown to Koningsdam” video in the series that details the new ship’s staterooms and suites. The short videos were created to provide updates and share the news ms Koningsdam nears delivery in April 2016. Hosted by Johnathan Rogers, Koningsdam’s inaugural cruise director, the video, “Countdown to Koningsdam Episode 4,” features HAL’s Deputy Director of Interior Design My Nguyen, who takes guests inside the ship’s accommodations, including the new family and single staterooms debuting on board. Koningsdam will boast...