Cruise
Silversea appointment
Silversea Cruises has appointed Keith Spondike as its new vice-president of marketing for the Americas, effective Aug. 6. Based in the company's Fort Lauderdale office, Spondike will report to Ellen Bettridge, Silversea's president of the Americas. He will oversee day-to-day marketing activities, including the development, implementation and management of advertising, collateral, direct marketing and e-marketing programs. Prior to joining Silversea, Spondike was chief marketing officer for Avantair, a leading private air travel services company. His past experience also includes 18 years with...
Princess unveils Royal Princess fitness facilities
Princess Cruises has revealed the sports and fitness features that will be aboard the new Royal Princess when the ship debuts next June. Passengers of all athletic abilities can test their mettle and keep in shape with a new outdoor jogging track and additional circuit exercises, the multi-activity Princess Sports Central and a fitness centre full of the latest equipment with a private aerobics studio for special classes. The new sports and fitness features are detailed in the company's latest video previewing Royal Princess, available at http://www.princess.com/learn/ships/rp/video_tours ....
CLIA agents optimistic
Halfway through the year, travel agents cite optimism about selling cruises in 2012, according to a new survey of members of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). More than 50% of respondents report they are already selling more vacations at sea than in 2011 and 64% expect cruise booking volume over the course of 2012 to increase over last year. The online survey of over 300 CLIA-member agents, conducted in early July, measured several major aspects of the cruise industry from the agent perspective, including consumer confidence and attitudes toward cruising, popular cruise...
HAL details Early Advantage savings for 2013
Holland America Line has announced details of its Early Advantage savings on a wide selection of 2013 cruises and CruiseTours for guests booking well in advance of their departure. The promotion features free upgrades on select sailings, as well as savings of up to 50% by combining two cruise itineraries on select Collectors' Voyages in Europe. Also on some sailings, free and reduced cruise fares are available for third or fourth guests who share the same stateroom. "By planning ahead, our guests can take advantage of significant savings and ensure they are able to take their dream...
Compagnie du Ponant goes all-inclusive
Compagnie du Ponant has gone all-inclusive - moving to a "simpler and thoroughly transparent pricing structure"that highlights all-inclusive fares. All meals, open bar, stocked mini-bars in all staterooms and suites, a welcome-aboard cocktail party, 24-hour room service, all entertainment as indicated within the itinerary, gratuities, port charges - even taxes and fees, are now included in the pricing. Select itineraries also offer air inclusive options. The only extras are guests' personal expenses, air (in most cases), transfers and optional excursions. The new all-inclusive policy takes...
Hanrahan leaving Celebrity
Daniel Hanrahan has announced that he's leaving his post as the president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises at the end of July to "take an exciting new opportunity." In making the announcement, Hanrahan said: "While leaving Celebrity isn't easy for me, I am very proud of what we have been able to accomplish the last seven years. The delivery of Celebrity Solstice in 2008 changed what was a great brand into the finest premium cruise line in the industry. In four years, we took delivery of five new ships, 'Solsticized' the Millennium class, repositioned the brand around 'Modern Luxury,' achieved...
A first for Scenic Tours
Scenic Tours reports that its river vessel, the Scenic Tsar, which launched on June 16, is the first new ship to be granted Russian registration in 25 years. The Russian Maritime Authority classifies "new build" as one that is at least 80% new and any ship wishing to meet that level of qualification must go through a stringent "new build" Russian registration process. The Scenic Tsar underwent a total reconstruction, the most extensive re-build ever undertaken in Russia, and met all criteria. With only its original steel hull, floors and ceiling remaining, Scenic Tsar now boasts a new deck of...
Agents cruising with Un-Cruise brochure
Travel agents selling adventure cruises can look for a new selling tool this week with the release of InnerSea Discoveries' and American Safari Cruises' first Un-Cruise brochure dedicated to adventures in Mexico's Sea of Cortes and the Hawaiian Islands. The 16-page brochure details cruises aboard the 36-guest Safari Explorer in Hawaii and 86-guest Safari Endeavour in Mexico's Sea of Cortes, along with Active Adventures on the 76-guest Wilderness Explorer in Hawaii. The brochure covers adventures from November 2012 through April 2014. Agents have an extra incentive to offer to clients who book...