Cruise
New evidence exonerates Princess in rescue case
Princess Cruises has released recently discovered video footage of a rescue at sea of a small boat adrift for nearly a month in the Pacific Ocean that conclusively confirms the adrift boat, the Fifty Cent, was not the small boat spotted and photographed by three Princess passengers several weeks earlier. The story, which broke last April, received extensive press coverage with Princess and the ship's captain widely criticized for not coming to the rescue of the men onboard, two of whom subsequently died. Princess has been sued six times by the survivor and relatives of fishermen on the adrift...
Princess names new ship Regal
Princess Cruises marked the beginning of construction of the second of its new generation of ships with the official keel laying ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, yesterday. At the same time the line announced that the ship's name will be Regal Princess. The vessel, a sister ship to Royal Princess, will debut in spring 2014. The company and shipyard officials started the countdown to the ship's launch as the keel - the bottommost part of the ship - was ceremoniously lowered into position in the building dock. "Just as Royal Princess was named after one of our iconic...
GLP offers special Hurtigruten discounts
GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel & Tours, which represents Hurtigruten in Canada, is offering those who book a Hurtigruten trip by Sept. 30 a special 25% early booking discount. Agents are also advised that prices are expected to go up for 2013 cruises making this a good time to book. Discounted 2013 Winter Classic Voyages (six-day Southbound Voyage) start at $1,286 p.p., cruise only, based on Category I cabin. There are also seven-day Northbound Voyages, as well as 11-day Norwegian Discovery Voyage and a 12-day Classic Round Voyage. Highlights of the Winter Classic Cruise Southbound Voyage...
Victoria Cruises offers ‘early bird’ discount
Encouraging early bookings for its river cruises through China's famed Yangtze River, Victoria Cruises (http://www.victoriacruises.com) is reducing published rates up to 30% on all 2013 itineraries booked by Dec. 31 with its "Early Bird"discount. Travellers can experience the splendours of the mist-shrouded Yangtze with Victoria's three- or four-night Three Gorges Highlights journeys with private balcony Superior Staterooms starting from US$329 p.p. during the winter season, based on double occupancy, and regular season rates from US$616 p.p., double occupancy (based on a 30% discount...
Silversea details 2013 Voyage collection
Silversea Cruises has released two new brochures showcasing more than 200 voyages sailing from January through December 2013 to over 450 destinations on seven continents. The new 2013 Voyages atlas features 176 pages devoted to the journeys of Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and Silver Spirit. Also just released is Silversea Expeditions' 2013 Voyages brochure. Formerly enfolded within the cruise company's main atlas, it is now available as a standalone 48-page guide to Silver Explorer's voyages of adventure. It highlights 27 expedition cruises sailing from pole to...
Body Glove adds extra sailing
The Big Island's Body Glove Cruises is adding a fourth day to its popular Historical Sunset Dinner Cruise to Kealakekua Bay. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. this family friendly adventure offers guests an enlightening narration from a local historian who reveals history and legends associated with the numerous landmarks along 12 miles of Kona coastline. The journey back in time includes a complimentary cocktail, an all-you-can-eat Pacific Rim buffet and live Hawaiian entertainment....
G Adventures upgrades Galapagos fleet
G Adventures is upgrading its fleet for 2013 with the acquisition of three 16-passenger motor yachts - Daphne G3, San Jose G5 and Queen of Galapagos G8. The company will add additional vessels in the coming months as it makes room for further growth. Jeff Russill, VP of Innovation, G Adventures, says the upgrades have been made to provide an improved customer experience and to future-proof the fleet ahead of further customer demand and new regulations. "Our new vessels have larger and more comfortable public spaces and will focus heavily on the customer experience, offering the best wildlife...
Agents invited to Encore product launches
Encore Cruises is making waves with its Fall 2012/Winter 2013 product launch, which will be unveiled across Canada beginning in mid-September. The dates are as follows: Sept. 13, Mississauga, Ont., Hilton Garden Inn; Sept. 26, Laval, Que., Chateau Royal; Oct. 2, Vancouver, Metropolitan Hotel; Oct. 9, Quebec City, Que., Alt Hotel. Agents attending one of the four product launches will have the opportunity to win a space at the SEA U 2013 conference aboard the Allure of the Seas. There will also be a draw for gifts from Michael Kors and Tiffany & Co. available. For more information, visit...