Cruise
CRUISING FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Royal Caribbean International has unveiled new Caribbean cruises for Explorer of the Seas from November 2014 through early January 2015. After eight consecutive years dedicated to the New York metropolitan area with year-round sailings from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J., Explorer of the Seas will redeploy to Port Canaveral, Fla., to offer a range of four- to nine-night Bahamas, and Western and Southern Caribbean vacations. Throughout the short season, Explorer of the Seas will join Freedom of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas at Port Canaveral to offer the most ships and...
A QUANTUM WOW!
Royal Caribbean International is set to deliver some more "WOW" to its passengers when the Quantum of the Seas sets sail in November. The cruise line has unveiled the first 18 Caribbean sailings of its newest ship and they range from 7 to 12 nights, with the official inaugural voyage set for Nov. 23, 2014. Bookings will be available to Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program members beginning May 28, 2013 before opening to the general public on June 4. Vacationers in the New York-metropolitan area and around the world can choose among seven- and eight-night Bahamas, eight- to 11-night Eastern...
BILL OF RIGHTS SETS SAIL
CLIA's board has approved the adoption of a Cruise Industry Passenger Bill of Rights which details CLIA members' commitment to the safety, comfort and care of guests in a number of important areas. The CEOs of CLIA North American member cruise lines are each immediately verifying in writing that they have adopted the Passenger Bill of Rights, which is a condition of membership in the Association. CLIA also will submit the Passenger Bill of Rights to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), requesting formal global recognition and applicability under the IMO's authority over the...
CUBA CRUISE SETS SAIL
Cuba Cruise will begin its seven-night sailings that will circle the Caribbean island at the end of the year, with the first sailing slated for Dec. 16. The sailings will continue to March 24 and are aboard the Louis Cristal, which has a yacht-like design and staterooms and suites, some with balconies and all with shower, bathroom, telephone, hairdryer and television. Also found are restaurants, a casino, promenades and an Internet corner. The all-inclusive sailings will have Cuban entertainment and cuisine imported from Canada. Participants will b e able to visit six UNESCO World Heritage...
CRUISING TO EDUCATION
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) will be presenting a comprehensive training curriculum, including the introduction of six new courses, at its annual cruise3sixty conference that will take place from June 19 to June 23 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The educational seminars will be offered alongside three days of general sessions led by industry leaders and cruise experts. Travel agents enrolled in the cruise3sixty "Institute Track" will have the opportunity to earn up to 150 credits toward CLIA's certification requirements. New CLIA seminars debuting at cruise3sixty include...
VENETIAN UPGRADES
Star Clippers is offering a one-category cabin upgrade and 40% savings on two round-trip Venice, Italy, sailings aboard Royal Clipper in September 2013. The seven-night departures provides a chance for passengers to explore Montenegro, Croatia and Slovenia -- three countries that, while less visited, are gaining in popularity. Medieval towns and the Boka Fjord in Montenegro are also highlighted on the itinerary. The cruises depart on Sept. 14 and on Sept. 28, 2013, and call at Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Hvar and Rovinj, Croatia, and Piran, Slovenia. Passengers receive a one-category cabin...
AQSC SAILS WEST
The American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC) has purchased the Empress of the North from the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) for an undisclosed amount. AQSC, which owns and operates the US-flagged American Queen, will rename its new ship, he American Empress, with the vessel scheduled to resume sailings on the rivers of the Pacific Northwest in April 2014. Portland, Oregon will be the home port for AQSC's newest ship. Ted Sykes, president and COO of AQSC, said: "The American Queen has ushered in a rebirth of US river cruising, welcoming thousands to discover the heartland of the United...
SPLENDOR FROM NYC
Beginning in 2014, Carnival Cruise Lines has significantly diversified Carnival Splendor's year-round offerings from New York, adding new four- and five-day Canada cruises, seven-day Canada/New England departures, and the only program of eight-day eastern Caribbean voyages operating one-way between New York and San Juan. These new voyages complement the ship's popular year-round eight-day departures that showcase top destinations in the Caribbean, The Bahamas and Central Florida. In total, Carnival Splendor will offer 10 different itineraries visiting more than a dozen destinations throughout...