Cruise
Costa Serena Starts India Cruise Program
Costa Cruises is celebrating as the Costa Serena begins operating its newly created India cruise program from Mumbai. The program will operate from Nov. 4, 2023 to Jan. 11, 2024 and the Costa Serena will sail two-, three-, and five-day itineraries, with calls in Mumbai, Kochi, Goa and the island of Agatti in Lakshadweep. A special event in Mumbai to mark the milestone in the 75-year anniversary of Costa was attended by Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, along with Francesco Raffa, Director Asia Region & Growth Markets, Costa...
Dondra Ritzenthaler Named Incoming CEO For Azamara
Azamara has named Dondra Ritzenthaler as its Incoming Chief Executive Officer. A 40-year veteran of the travel industry, Ritzenthaler was most recently the Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Services for the Americas for Celebrity Cruises. Prior to her 20 years with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, she spent nearly 20 years with American Airlines in a number of sales and marketing leadership roles. Ritzenthaler will begin at Azamara in May 2024. Until that time, Chair of Azamara, Dan Hanrahan, will provide day-to-day leadership and oversight of the...
Celebrity Cruises Announces Name Of Next Edge Series Ship
Celebrity Cruises has announced that the fifth ship in its Edge Series will be named Celebrity Xcel. The reveal was made at Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France, as executives from both Royal Caribbean Group, the world’s leading family of cruise vacation brands that includes Celebrity Cruises, and the shipyard cut the first piece of steel for the new ship. Celebrity Cruises’ President Laura Hodges Bethge, said: “The Edge Series has shattered preconceived notions of cruising, and I am thrilled to announce our next bold step as a brand with Celebrity...
Windstar Cruises Has A Deal For Travel Advisors
Windstar Cruises’ first-ever winter and holiday itineraries in Europe are now available for booking, and on top of low pricing from just $1,399 per person, Windstar has added a new offer for travel advisors: Sell One & Sail Free. Advisors who make a reservation through Dec. 31, 2023 for one of the Legendary Winter in the Mediterranean cruises (sailing from December 2023 to April 2024) earn a complimentary suite for themselves and a guest. Details of the offer are available at https://advisorhub.windstarcruises.com/marketing-support/promotions As announced in October,...
Travel Masters Sets Sail on Virgin Voyage’s Scarlet Lady Cruise
Travel Masters embarked on an exclusive VIP trip aboard Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady. The 5-night expedition that departed from Miami, brought together some members of Travel Masters team and a number of its travel agents. Travel Masters’ VIP voyage featured visits to: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: A rich tapestry of culture and sun-kissed beaches welcomed the travellers, providing an immersive experience into the heart of the Dominican Republic. Bimini Island, The Bahamas: Exclusive access to Virgin Scarlet Lady’s private beach club on Bimini Island offered a...
TTAND Agents Out In Force At River Cruise Summit
The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) was out in force at the ACTA and Avalon Waterways River Cruise Summit, with 25 of its agents on board for the event that was held last week. TTAND CEO, Flemming Friisdahl said: “We are very proud that 25 of our agents earned a spot on this first-time ever ACTA summit on board a river cruise with Avalon. This is a testament to how well our agents support Avalon and we were delighted so many of them were accepted to attend the summit. We are very grateful to Avalon and ACTA for the opportunity.” Friisdahl added: “This was an amazing...
Bookings Now Open For NCL’s Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled the evolution of the Prima Class with the all-new Norwegian Aqua, the first of the expanded Prima Plus Class setting sail in April 2025. Travellers can book Norwegian Aqua’s first voyages to the Caribbean with seven-day itineraries departing from Port Canaveral, Fla. Voyages include calls to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas. Building upon the award-winning experiences of Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva,...
Work And Wander With Azamara
Azamara has launched ‘Work & Wander’ -- a program designed for business professionals looking to combine work with exploration. With Starlink’s high-speed internet, office equipment, and dedicated IT support, guests will have everything they need to work onboard, and Extended Destination Days, including late nights and overnights, that allow ample time to roam the world. Carol Cabezas, President of Azamara, said: “We are excited to introduce our ‘Work & Wander’ package, giving professionals the opportunity to take their work with them as they set sail. Our...