Cruise
UPDATE: Costa extends “heartfelt sympathies”
In an updated statement following the grounding of its ship, the Costa Concordia, Costa Cruises issued the following statement this morning (Wed., Jan. 18, 2012). "We are deeply saddened to learn that additional people have been found during the search of Costa Concordia, and extend our heartfelt sympathies to their families." "We continue to cooperate with authorities to support the rescue and recovery efforts, and to help secure the vessel to ensure that there is no environmental impact." And it concludes: "Our main priority remains the location of those passengers and crew who have not yet...
Crystal adds new sales manager in Western Canada
Crystal Cruises has doubled its Canadian sales support with the appointment of Stephanie Vazquez as district sales manager for western Canada. The hiring marks the first time the luxury line has positioned dedicated sales managers in eastern and western Canada. Based in Vancouver, Vazquez will manage sales efforts in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. She comes to Crystal from Encore Cruises, one of Canada's premier cruise specialists. The addition of Vazquez comes two months after Crystal announced the appointment of Karen Scott Caplice to manage the Canadian sales...
Avalon set for 2012 dual christening
Avalon Waterways is gearing up to unveil two more "Suite Ships"-- the Avalon Vista and Avalon Visionary -- with a dual christening in May. Joining the Avalon Panorama in the all-suite category, these new vessels boast two full decks of suites, Panorama and Royal Suites, measuring 18- and 27-square metres respectively. While the Avalon Vista is a sister ship to Panorama, the Visionary is a smaller 52-suite vessel that will offer the river cruise experience on the river cruise line's most popular Rhine River itinerary. Serving as the Visionary's godmother is Nicole Mazza, representing American...
ASTA issues statement in wake of Concordia grounding
In the wake of this weekend's accident involving the grounding of the Costa Concordia off the coast of Italy, ASTA has issued the following statement: "ASTA wishes to extend its heartfelt sympathies to all those affected in this tragic accident. Our hearts and prayers go out to the friends and families of the passengers and crew whose lives were lost or who were injured,"said ASTA president Nina Meyer. "On behalf of the travel agent community, we stand ready to assist in any way possible."She added the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and Carnival Corporation & plc, Costa...
Significant’ human error, grave consequences
In a statement following the grounding of its ship, the Costa Concordia, Costa Cruises said it was "deeply saddened by this tragedy, and our hearts and prayers go out to everyone affected." The cruise line said that over the past 48 hours, more than 1,100 Costa employees have been working tirelessly in the wake of this terrible event. "We are working closely with the authorities to support ongoing search-and-rescue operations, and are focusing on ensuring that all guests and crew members return home safely," Costa stated. "Our immediate priority is to account for all passengers and crew, and...
Grounding hits Carnival’s bottom line
Carnival Corporation & plc, parent company of Costa Cruises issued a financial disclosure statement today as a result of the grounding of the Costa Concordia on Jan. 13, 2012. Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation's chairman and CEO, commented that, "At this time, our priority is the safety of our passengers and crew. We are deeply saddened by this tragic event and our hearts go out to everyone affected by the grounding of the Costa Concordia and especially to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives. They will remain in our thoughts and prayers." However, Costa's parent company...
Concordia grounding, six dead now confirmed
On Monday (Jan. 16), six people have been confirmed dead and 16 still unaccounted for in the wake of the grounding of the Costa Concordia on Friday (Jan. 13) near the island of Giglio, off the coast of Italy. Rescue efforts have now resumed after being suspended earlier today (Monday)when working conditions became dangerous. Along with continuing to search for the missing, rescue crews were also working on plans to remove fuel from the grounded cruise ship, as worries about the potential environmental damage that fuel leak could cause grow. The Concordia, which was carrying approximately...
Free business class, anniversary savings with Regent
With 2012 marking the line's 20th anniversary, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has added increased value on 36 Mediterranean voyages, offered from April through October. Depending on the cruise, travellers can enjoy bonus savings of up to $8,000 per suite when booked by March 31. As part of the limited time offer, guests in Penthouse and higher suites receive free upgrades to Business Class on transatlantic flights. Guests in deluxe suites can upgrade to Business Class for $999 each way. Travellers can choose from seven-, 10- and 14-night itineraries aboard the 700-guest, all-balcony, all-suite...