For the first time, MSC Cruises is introducing new Red Sea itineraries for 2012-2013. On Nov. 2, MSC Armonia will depart Venice on an eight-night cruise to its new homeport of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, with stops in Ancona, Italy; Heraklion, Greece; and Marmaris, Turkey as well as a transit of the Suez Canal. Armonia will then begin a series of weekly roundtrip seven-night cruises from Nov. 10 through April 6, 2013, each stopping at Safaga, Egypt; Elat, Israel, Aqaba, Jordan; and Sokhna Port, Egypt. On April 6, 2013, Armonia departs on a nine-night return to Venice, with stops in Sokna Port,...
Cunard Line has unveiled its 2013 Voyage Programme, offering an extensive range of sailings across its three ships featuring 106 voyages visiting 99 ports in 35 countries, and open for sale as of April 24. Highlights include several maiden calls and overnight stays, and multiple departures for its most popular itineraries, including the St. Petersburg & Baltic Explorer, Fjords & Waterfalls and Greek Isles & Mediterranean Treasures voyages. Queen Mary 2 will continue to offer its legendary transatlantic crossings (17 in total) between New York and Southampton, as well as extended nine- and...
Since April 1, Azamara Quest has remained in Sandakan, East Malaysia, while teams onboard assess damage caused by a March 30 engine fire. Due to the time needed to repair the damage, officials have cancelled Quest's next voyage, which was scheduled to depart Singapore on April 12. Azamara Club Cruises will be contacting guests on this sailing personally, or through their travel agent, to discuss the details regarding their cancelled sailing. Agents/guests who have any questions regarding Azamara Quest may call...
A determination by Canadian cruise retailers to gather as much product knowledge as possible impressed and pleased executives at the Cruise Showcase forum in Vancouver earlier this week, reports Press Today's western editor Ted Davis, who attended the event. Company brass from six "niche"and luxury cruise ship companies met with 75 top Canadian cruise agents at the educational event, which was held at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel. Executives attended from All Discovery Cruising, MSC Yacht Club, Orion Expedition Cruises, Paul Gauguin Cruises, Silversea and Windstar Cruises. Without...
Royal Caribbean International has announced that Liberty of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas will be among the cruise line's ships in 2013 to deliver the culture, history and cuisine that Europe has to offer. This latest deployment opening offers 121 sailings on 25 itineraries that call on 30 ports. This is in addition to the already announced Independence of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas' deployment from Southampton, U.K. Royal Caribbean's 2013 Europe cruises and Cruisetours for these five ships are open for booking and additional deployments in the region will...
Paul Gauguin Cruises has unveiled 2013 itineraries for the cruise line's second ship, the 90-passenger Tere Moana, which will offer voyages in Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. In the tradition of Paul Gauguin, cruise fares for The Moana are all-inclusive with gratuities, soft drinks, select wines and spirits included. After undergoing a multifaceted renovation to be completed in December, The Moana will set sail under the Paul Gauguin Cruises' banner on Dec. 29 on a gala seven-night Caribbean voyage with chairman Richard Bailey aboard. The Moana will sail 13 itineraries in 2013. Like...
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is extending its "Norwegians Take it to the Next Level"sales event through April 15. All new cruise reservations on all ships booked through April 15 will receive a free upgrade within the same stateroom category, along with e-coupons providing onboard savings worth $400 (for sailings taking place before Dec. 31). As a special bonus, the line is offering cruisers the opportunity to "take it to the next level"with a mini-suite for the price of a balcony; balcony staterooms for the price of an oceanview, and oceanview staterooms for the price of inside staterooms on...
The Azamara Quest has been brought safely ashore in Malaysia after spending 24 hours adrift in Philippine waters following an engine room fire in which five crew members suffered smoke inhalation. The fire was immediately extinguished, but the Quest was stranded off the southern Philippines with about 1,000 people aboard, including 45 Canadians. Propulsion was restored the next night and the ship reached the harbour of Sandakan city in Malaysia's eastern state of Sabah on Borneo island late Sunday. The rest of the cruise has been cancelled and according to reports passengers will be fully...
After a month-long US$54 million dry dock, Royal Caribbean International's Rhapsody of the Seas has emerged from Singapore's Sembawang Shipyard as a virtually new ship. The newly revitalized Rhapsody features a host of new dining options, visually stunning entertainment and unique amenities after the ship's bow-to-stern transformation. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy all of the vessel's new signature features as they sail in Alaska this summer or Australia in the fall. The all-encompassing revitalization introduced a range of guest amenities and premium experiences, including the...
AmaWaterways has announced that Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) president Christine Duffy is to be the godmother of its newest ship, the AmaCerto. Duffy is entrusted to guide the AmaCerto and will bless it at the christening ceremony in Vilshofen, Germany on May 16. "We knew the AmaCerto needed a godmother befitting to the modern elegance of the beautiful ship,"said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways' executive vice-president and co-owner. "Christine Duffy's long history in the industry and her love for cruising makes her the perfect fit. We are so pleased to know our beloved AmaCerto...