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Cruise information blog for group cruises, reunions, fundraising cruises and general cruise information
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
DFDS Seaways warns over French road safety changes
Leading Dover – France ferry operator, DFDS Seaways is highlighting the need for drivers to carry disposable breathalysers in their cars and motorbikes when driving in France. The new law, made compulsory by French officials from July 1st, states that breathalysers will enable drivers to check whether they are under the legal limit before driving.
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Holland America Line introduces Master Chef’s international dinner
Holland America Line has unveiled a new Master Chef’s International Dinner in the main dining room, a unique experience showcasing signature dishes from around the world. The exotic menu is offered once a cruise and features cuisine from six continents crafted by Holland America Line’s award-winning Master Chef Rudi Sodamin in collaboration with several of the line’s expert chefs.
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Monday, June 25, 2012
The debut of American Queen’s 2013 voyages
The Great American Steamboat Company is pleased to announce the 2013 schedule for the reigning queen of the Mississippi river, the grand American Queen. These fabled river voyages on the Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee Rivers for the 2013 season will go on sale Friday, June 22, 2012. Once again, travelers will enjoy this truly American experience, celebrated by Mark Twain and others, of steamboat voyages on the great rivers of the America’s heartland. With convenient departures from some of the United States’ most storied cities.
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ all-inclusive voyages in South America
Regent Seven Seas Cruises http://www.rssc.com brings its hallmark all-inclusive luxury voyages to South America this winter where guests can sail along the mighty Amazon, cruise around Cape Horn, explore the Panama Canal and visit the largest Magellanic Penguin colony in the world. Each voyage offers Regent Seven Seas’ incomparable value of two-for-one fares, free round-trip air, unlimited complimentary shore excursions, a pre-cruise luxury hotel package and bonus savings.
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Paul Gauguin Cruises presents 2013 preview brochure
Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, presents its 2013 Voyages by Gauguin Preview Brochure featuring 19 itineraries with visits to 22 countries and 73 maiden ports by the cruise line’s two luxurious small ships
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Tauck sees 50% jump in preseason bookings for its small ship Ocean Cruises
Tauck is seeing robust growth in preseason bookings for its 2013 small ship ocean cruises, the company announced today. According to Tauck CEO Dan Mahar, sales for the coming year’s cruise departures are running 50% ahead of last year, and a whopping 120% ahead of two years ago. The strong preseason bookings follow a very good year for Tauck’s 2012 small ship cruises, said Mahar.
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Princess Cruises bartender to compete for Bartender of the Year
Matias Grosso, Star Princess bartender, will be competing for the prestigious title of Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Bartender of the Year at the competition finals in Rio de Janeiro next month. Grosso is one of four Princess Cruises bartenders who contended in the event’s semifinals last week in Miami, and one of more than 10,000 bartenders worldwide who have been battling throughout the competition.
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New low solo fares for Crystal fall European voyages
Crystal Cruises already charges one of the lowest rates in the luxury cruise industry for sole occupancy of a double occupancy room, but with a new solo travelers’ sale on fall Mediterranean voyages, guests traveling alone can enjoy even lower fares to vacation in ease through one of the most beautiful cruising areas in the world. A significantly-reduced solo supplement of just 10% can save individuals up to almost $900 off a private, deluxe outside stateroom (Category C) of their own.
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Uniworld’s New RiverTalk™ interactive webinar series designed for their travel agent partners
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises proudly announces their new webinar series, RiverTalk™, for the Travel Agent community. Uniworld’s first webinar in their new series will take place on July 16, 2012 with the focus on what to expect in 2013 and beyond.
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Port of Los Angeles Waterfront summer attractions
Summertime on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles is heating up. From a new battleship and craft marketplace to concerts, a classic car show, fireworks, festivals and movies, the Port of Los Angeles has a jam-packed summer planned with a variety of events to entertain families and people of all ages.
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CLIA PRESIDENT CHRISTINE DUFFY CHRISTENS AMAWATERWAYS' AMACERTO IN VILSHOFEN, GERMANY
Press Releases CLIA PRESIDENT CHRISTINE DUFFY CHRISTENS AMAWATERWAYS' AMACERTO IN VILSHOFEN, GERMANY Press Contacts
David Peikin
Industry Policies/Regulatory
& Legislative Issues
dpeikin
CRUISE LINES INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION COMMEMORATES NATIONAL MARITIME DAY
In honor of National Maritime Day, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is proud to recognize the efforts of the civilians serving in the United States Merchant Marines, who play an integral role in the transportation of passengers, goods and services in and out of the navigable waters of the United States.
INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION (IMO) INCORPORATES RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CRUISE INDUSTRY OPERATIONAL SAFETY REVIEW IN MEETING OUTPUTS
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today announced that the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee incorporated a number of recommendations from the ongoing Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review in its meetings in London, being held May 16 to 25. The committee focused extensive attention on passenger ship safety and considered a number of recommendations developed by the Review, launched on behalf of the global cruise industry in January, along with other safety recommendations submitted by IMO member governments.
“CLIA commends the IMO, its Secretary-General, the Maritime Safety Committee and the 170 IMO member States around the world for their ongoing commitment to working with the industry to improve the safety of passengers and crew, which is the number one priority of CLIA members,” said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA. “We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the IMO and a wide range of stakeholders to undertake further continuous consideration, development and implementation of measures to strengthen our industry’s safety culture.”
At the meeting, the IMO put forth immediate actions to enhance passenger ship safety, with the Review the source of many of the items. The Review includes a comprehensive assessment of the critical human factors and operational aspects of maritime safety and the development of comprehensive best practices for industry-wide implementation. # # # About CLIA
“CLIA commends the IMO, its Secretary-General, the Maritime Safety Committee and the 170 IMO member States around the world for their ongoing commitment to working with the industry to improve the safety of passengers and crew, which is the number one priority of CLIA members,” said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA. “We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the IMO and a wide range of stakeholders to undertake further continuous consideration, development and implementation of measures to strengthen our industry’s safety culture.”
At the meeting, the IMO put forth immediate actions to enhance passenger ship safety, with the Review the source of many of the items. The Review includes a comprehensive assessment of the critical human factors and operational aspects of maritime safety and the development of comprehensive best practices for industry-wide implementation. # # # About CLIA
The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 26 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members across North America. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org. CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International Association's Facebook and Twitter fan pages.
CLIA ANNOUNCES NEW VICE PRESIDENT OF TECHNICAL AND REGULATORY AFFAIRS
The Cruise Line International Association today announces Bud Darr will assume the role of Vice President of Technical and Regulatory Affairs.
Darr will lead the technical and regulatory affairs function at CLIA, including monitoring of domestic and international regulatory policies, developing industry-wide recommendations and representing the industry on a variety of technical and regulatory issues. In addition, Darr will lead the Technical and Regulatory Affairs team in their role as CLIA representatives at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Darr joined CLIA in September 2010 after 17 years of service in a variety of roles both military and civilian for the U.S. Coast Guard, and has been Director of Environmental and Health Programs. Prior to joining CLIA, Darr served as Deputy Chief of the Office of Maritime and International Law, where he was responsible for the domestic and international legal aspects of numerous mission areas. During his notable career, Darr was also an enlisted submarine nuclear propulsion supervisor in the U.S. Navy, after which he enrolled at Kings Point, where he graduated with honors in the Marine Transportation program and received his Merchant Marine License as a deck officer. Darr is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and received his Juris Doctorate degree with honors from George Washington University Law School. Darr succeeds Michael Crye, who is leaving CLIA after twelve years of distinguished senior leadership to the cruise industry.
“I look forward to Bud Darr’s continued leadership on behalf of the cruise industry,” said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA. “Bud is a maritime and cruise industry expert who has provided tremendous value to CLIA members, and we look forward to working with him on many of the critical issues that will shape our growing and dynamic industry for many years to come.”# # # About CLIA
Darr will lead the technical and regulatory affairs function at CLIA, including monitoring of domestic and international regulatory policies, developing industry-wide recommendations and representing the industry on a variety of technical and regulatory issues. In addition, Darr will lead the Technical and Regulatory Affairs team in their role as CLIA representatives at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Darr joined CLIA in September 2010 after 17 years of service in a variety of roles both military and civilian for the U.S. Coast Guard, and has been Director of Environmental and Health Programs. Prior to joining CLIA, Darr served as Deputy Chief of the Office of Maritime and International Law, where he was responsible for the domestic and international legal aspects of numerous mission areas. During his notable career, Darr was also an enlisted submarine nuclear propulsion supervisor in the U.S. Navy, after which he enrolled at Kings Point, where he graduated with honors in the Marine Transportation program and received his Merchant Marine License as a deck officer. Darr is licensed to practice law in the Commonwealth of Virginia and received his Juris Doctorate degree with honors from George Washington University Law School. Darr succeeds Michael Crye, who is leaving CLIA after twelve years of distinguished senior leadership to the cruise industry.
“I look forward to Bud Darr’s continued leadership on behalf of the cruise industry,” said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA. “Bud is a maritime and cruise industry expert who has provided tremendous value to CLIA members, and we look forward to working with him on many of the critical issues that will shape our growing and dynamic industry for many years to come.”# # # About CLIA
The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 26 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members across North America. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org. CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International Association's Facebook and Twitter fan pages.
CRUISE LINES INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION COMMEMORATES WORLD OCEANS DAY
In honor of World Oceans Day, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) highlighted the industry’s longstanding support of measures to protect the world’s oceans wherever its ships operate.
“The cruise line industry is fully committed to the responsible, sustainable stewardship of our oceans, coastal areas and beaches,” said CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy. “The world’s oceans are critical to the long-term success and viability of our industry and our member lines employ a number of responsible practices and innovations to protect the oceans for future generations.”
World Oceans Day has been celebrated on June 8 since its proposal at the 1992 Earth Summit in Brazil. Since 2008, the United Nations has recognized the day dedicated to the honor, integrity, and importance of the world’s oceans.In honor of World Oceans Day, the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation (CICF), which is funded by CLIA’s member cruise lines, has made a $5,000 donation to the Cousteau Society, a non-profit organization founded in 1973 by Jacques Cousteau. The Cousteau Society raises funds for ocean exploration, research, and conservation.# # # About CLIA
“The cruise line industry is fully committed to the responsible, sustainable stewardship of our oceans, coastal areas and beaches,” said CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy. “The world’s oceans are critical to the long-term success and viability of our industry and our member lines employ a number of responsible practices and innovations to protect the oceans for future generations.”
World Oceans Day has been celebrated on June 8 since its proposal at the 1992 Earth Summit in Brazil. Since 2008, the United Nations has recognized the day dedicated to the honor, integrity, and importance of the world’s oceans.In honor of World Oceans Day, the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation (CICF), which is funded by CLIA’s member cruise lines, has made a $5,000 donation to the Cousteau Society, a non-profit organization founded in 1973 by Jacques Cousteau. The Cousteau Society raises funds for ocean exploration, research, and conservation.# # # About CLIA
The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 26 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members across North America. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org. CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International Association's Facebook and Twitter fan pages.
SUMMER CRUISING SEASON IN EUROPE OPENS WITH 206 CRUISE SHIPS SERVING 528 DESTINATIONS
cruising.org
Tel: 754-201-2131
Cell: 301-706-9996
Tel: 754-201-2131
Cell: 301-706-9996
Lanie Morgenstern
Travel /Industry
Marketing Issues
lmorgenstern
CLIA DEVELOPS CRUISE INDUSTRY SAFETY TOOL KIT FOR TRAVEL AGENTS AND THEIR CLIENTS
cruising.org
Tel: 754-201-2131
Cell: 301-706-9996
Tel: 754-201-2131
Cell: 301-706-9996
Lanie Morgenstern
Travel /Industry
Marketing Issues
lmorgenstern
CRUISE LINES INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION COMMEMORATES DAY OF THE SEAFARER
In honor of Day of the Seafarer, today, June 25, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) highlighted the industry’s long-standing support of its crewmembers, who help ensure the well-being of the general public and cruise passengers worldwide.
“The cruise industry today thanks and honors the 1.5 million seafarers around the world for their unrelenting commitment to maritime service,” said CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy. “They are the lifeblood of our industry, ensuring each day that families and cruise patrons worldwide enjoy a safe, reliable, and sustainable cruise. While we celebrate them today, we are working diligently as an industry to maintain the highest standards of safety and fair treatment for our crews, and to create best workplace cultures that reward outstanding performance.”
The cruise industry provides employment for seafarers from more than 150 countries, and more than 80 percent return for repeat employment. In addition to the cruise industry, seafarers play a vital role in the economy and sustainable development worldwide, enabling ships to carry more than 90 percent of world trade.
Additionally, the charity funded by CLIA’s member cruise lines, Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation (CICF), has made a $5,000 donation to The Seamen’s Church Institute in commemoration of the Day of the Seafarer. Founded in 1834, the Institute is North America's largest and most comprehensive mariners' service agency, promoting safety, dignity, and improved working and living conditions for millions of men and women serving in the maritime workplace.
The Day of the Seafarer is one of the annual United Nations Observances. It was first established in 2011 as a result of the June 2010 Conference of Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, which adopted major revisions to the STCW Convention and Code.# # # About CLIA
“The cruise industry today thanks and honors the 1.5 million seafarers around the world for their unrelenting commitment to maritime service,” said CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy. “They are the lifeblood of our industry, ensuring each day that families and cruise patrons worldwide enjoy a safe, reliable, and sustainable cruise. While we celebrate them today, we are working diligently as an industry to maintain the highest standards of safety and fair treatment for our crews, and to create best workplace cultures that reward outstanding performance.”
The cruise industry provides employment for seafarers from more than 150 countries, and more than 80 percent return for repeat employment. In addition to the cruise industry, seafarers play a vital role in the economy and sustainable development worldwide, enabling ships to carry more than 90 percent of world trade.
Additionally, the charity funded by CLIA’s member cruise lines, Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation (CICF), has made a $5,000 donation to The Seamen’s Church Institute in commemoration of the Day of the Seafarer. Founded in 1834, the Institute is North America's largest and most comprehensive mariners' service agency, promoting safety, dignity, and improved working and living conditions for millions of men and women serving in the maritime workplace.
The Day of the Seafarer is one of the annual United Nations Observances. It was first established in 2011 as a result of the June 2010 Conference of Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, which adopted major revisions to the STCW Convention and Code.# # # About CLIA
The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 26 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members across North America. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org. CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International Association's Facebook and Twitter fan pages.
Friday, June 15, 2012
A 'low-profile' unveiling for flagship Costa Fascinosa
The Costa Fascinosa was christened in Venice last week, but without the hoopla that would typically have attended the introduction of a flagship vessel.
Costa Cruises President Gianni Onorato said the line "decided to keep a low profile with the Fascinosa's christening" out of respect for the victims of the Costa Concordia grounding in January.
The few hundred christening attendees seemed swallowed by the ship's 1,282-seat theater. Early in the ceremony the ship's cruise director asked for a minute of silence for the victims. The only music was a single song by a pair of vocalists accompanied by a guitarist.
But brief speeches by top executives of Costa, shipbuilder Fincantieri and the Italian tourism minister pointed to the launch of the Fascinosa as a positive step forward for all concerned.
The 3,800-passenger Fascinosa at times twinkles, at times gleams. It draws the attention away from being a floating hotel through use of imaginative displays of art; an impressive fitness area and salon; and gadgetry such as a "4-D" movie theater and a Formula 1 racing car simulator.
Colors are from the quiet side of the artist's palette: rust and medium brown, beige and muted blues. The larger public areas
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Costa Cruises President Gianni Onorato said the line "decided to keep a low profile with the Fascinosa's christening" out of respect for the victims of the Costa Concordia grounding in January.
The few hundred christening attendees seemed swallowed by the ship's 1,282-seat theater. Early in the ceremony the ship's cruise director asked for a minute of silence for the victims. The only music was a single song by a pair of vocalists accompanied by a guitarist.
But brief speeches by top executives of Costa, shipbuilder Fincantieri and the Italian tourism minister pointed to the launch of the Fascinosa as a positive step forward for all concerned.
The 3,800-passenger Fascinosa at times twinkles, at times gleams. It draws the attention away from being a floating hotel through use of imaginative displays of art; an impressive fitness area and salon; and gadgetry such as a "4-D" movie theater and a Formula 1 racing car simulator.
Colors are from the quiet side of the artist's palette: rust and medium brown, beige and muted blues. The larger public areas
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Post-Concordia safety procedures outlined
Costa Cruises has implemented measures aimed at enhancing passenger safety, a result of the loss of 32 lives following the grounding of the Costa Concordia.
The policies, grouped into seven categories, were announced following the christening of the Costa Fascinosa.
During a press conference and interview aboard the Fascinosa last week, Costa President Gianni Onorato said, "We tried to be self-critical of internal procedures
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The policies, grouped into seven categories, were announced following the christening of the Costa Fascinosa.
During a press conference and interview aboard the Fascinosa last week, Costa President Gianni Onorato said, "We tried to be self-critical of internal procedures
View the Original article
No NCFs part of Cruise and Maritime Voyages' U.S. push
By Donna TunneyCruise and Maritime Voyages, the U.K.-based operator of the Marco Polo and the Ocean Countess, is hoping to get the attention of U.S. agents with a "no NCF" policy, meaning it will pay full commission on all taxes, fees and port charges.
Noncommissionable fees, or NCFs, are a frustration to cruise retailers because cruise lines typically subtract those costs from published fares, reducing the commissionable portion.
Cruise and Maritime Voyages, which last week officially opened its North American sales office in Fort Lauderdale, operates British Isles, Northern Europe and Scandinavia itineraries. All departures on the two 800-passenger ships are from U.K. ports.
"Our opening of this key office in South Florida
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Noncommissionable fees, or NCFs, are a frustration to cruise retailers because cruise lines typically subtract those costs from published fares, reducing the commissionable portion.
Cruise and Maritime Voyages, which last week officially opened its North American sales office in Fort Lauderdale, operates British Isles, Northern Europe and Scandinavia itineraries. All departures on the two 800-passenger ships are from U.K. ports.
"Our opening of this key office in South Florida
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Concordia removal plan aims to protect environment, tourism
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Posted on: May 28, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyMarine salvage experts last week began work to refloat and remove the wrecked Costa Concordia.The two salvage companies hired by the ship's owner, Costa Crociere, have a four-point plan to haul the ship from the rocky reef off Italy's Giglio Island, where it grounded and capsized Jan. 13, Costa said at a press conference in Rome May 18. (View a slideshow with details of the plan here.)
In April, Titan Salvage and Micoperi won the bid to remove the shipwreck after filing a joint plan. Titan is a U.S.-owned marine salvage and wreck-removal company with offices in Pompano Beach, Fla.; East Sussex, England; and Singapore. Micoperi is an Italian marine contractor and specialist in underwater construction and engineering based in Ravenna, Italy.
The removal plan, which will take a year to complete, involves refloating the hull in one piece while protecting Giglio's economy and tourism industry and maximizing safety, Costa Crociere said.
The Concordia plowed into the reef a few hours after departing Civitavecchia (Rome's port) with 3,200 passengers and 1,000 crew onboard. Thirty-two people died in the accident, and the ship has remained half-submerged just outside Giglio's harbor.
The Concordia's fuel tanks, carrying 500,000 gallons of fuel, were emptied earlier this spring.
The salvage companies plan first to build a subsea platform, and caissons will be fixed to the side of the ship that is above water. A caisson is a retaining, watertight structure.
Two cranes fixed to the platform will pull the ship upright, helped by the caissons, which will be filled with water.
When the ship is upright, caissons will also be fixed to the other side of the hull.
The caissons on both sides will then be emptied of water and filled with air.
Once floated, the wreck will be towed to an Italian port and dealt with in accordance with the requirements of Italian authorities, said Costa.
The plan includes measures to safeguard Giglio's tourism industry and wider economy, Costa said.
"Salvage workers' presence will not have a significant impact on the availability of hotel accommodations for the island's summer season," Costa said in a statement. "The operating base will be located on the mainland near Piombino, where equipment and materials will be stored, avoiding impact on the island's port activities."
The statement continued: "Environmental protection will have top priority throughout the monumental salvage operation, the likes of which has not been attempted before anywhere in the world. Once removal is complete, the sea bottom will be cleaned and marine flora replanted."
Giglio is one of seven islands that make up the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, a protected area.
"From the early stages of the accident, Costa Crociere has fully committed its resources, professional expertise and organization to minimizing the impact of the shipwreck on the environment and on Isola del Giglio in particular," said Gianni Onorato, Costa Crociere's president. "As was the case with the fuel-removal operation, we have always worked to find the best possible and safest solution to protect the island, its marine environment and its tourism industry.
"We are now launching a salvage operation with characteristics and technical complexities that have never been faced before. There will inevitably be some unknowns in a project of this scope, but we are sure we have made the right decision and will continue to work to our best ability and on schedule."
Representatives from Costa Crociere, its parent company Carnival Corp., and Fincantieri, which built the ship, formed the evaluation team that selected the plan. This page is protected by Copyright laws. Do Not Copy. Purchase Reprint email the editors email a friend small medium large Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. blog comments powered by Disqus
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Top StoriesRepublican lawmakers allege Brand USA misused fundsOpening of Cars Land completes Disneyland's $1 billion makeoverSydney cruise passenger tax proposedHotel companies support standardized measure of emissionsYosemite cabins closed due to rockfall threatFollow Us on Twitter Free Newsletters Subscribe Travel Deals---View the Original article
Ama, Crystal target river, ocean cruisers with co-op effort
By Michelle Baran
In what appears to be an industry first, river cruise line Ama Waterways and ocean cruise line Crystal Cruises recently partnered to cross-market to past passengers in the hope of getting ocean cruisers to try river cruising and vice versa.
Each cruise line developed an exclusive offer that was emailed to past passengers with an introduction from the other brand. The email to Ama's past guests, for example, stated that "Ama Waterways and Crystal Cruises have partnered in order to offer their valued guests even more luxurious choices and benefits.
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Royal Caribbean road show to offer agent training, recognition
By Donna TunneyRoyal Caribbean International is poised to launch Royal on the Road, an invitation-only agent program that will travel to major cities, starting this week.
Led by Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support, each stop will recognize travel agents in that market; offer sessions about personal branding, marketing and sales strategies; and deliver collaterals, the line said.
Giveaways and "hands-on exhibits" in a Royal Caribbean International trade show will be part of the visit to each location.
Other Royal executives
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Led by Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support, each stop will recognize travel agents in that market; offer sessions about personal branding, marketing and sales strategies; and deliver collaterals, the line said.
Giveaways and "hands-on exhibits" in a Royal Caribbean International trade show will be part of the visit to each location.
Other Royal executives
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Royal Caribbean Int'l to deploy Mariner of the Seas in China
By Donna TunneyUnderscoring its growing commitment to the China market, Royal Caribbean International will deploy a second Voyager-class vessel to the destination in June 2013.
The line will send its 3,114-passenger Mariner of the Seas to replace the 1,800-passenger Legend of the Seas, officials said at a media briefing in Beijing May 24.
The Legend of the Seas, which has operated from Singapore and Shanghai for the past three years, will reposition to Europe.
The larger ship will join the 3,114-passenger Voyager of the Seas, which launched service for the first time in China last week.
Royal Caribbean said the move is designed to attract the fast-growing Chinese cruise vacation population as well as non-Chinese passengers who wish to visit the country and sail in Asia.
"We've made it clear we see Asia in general, and China in particular, as a strategic objective," said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., parent of the line. "We have been so pleased by the market's response to bringing Voyager of the Seas to Asia that it made strategic sense to send a second ship of equal size."
Line President and CEO Adam Goldstein said, "Mariner of the Seas recently received a host of Royal Advantage enhancements, and I'm confident
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The line will send its 3,114-passenger Mariner of the Seas to replace the 1,800-passenger Legend of the Seas, officials said at a media briefing in Beijing May 24.
The Legend of the Seas, which has operated from Singapore and Shanghai for the past three years, will reposition to Europe.
The larger ship will join the 3,114-passenger Voyager of the Seas, which launched service for the first time in China last week.
Royal Caribbean said the move is designed to attract the fast-growing Chinese cruise vacation population as well as non-Chinese passengers who wish to visit the country and sail in Asia.
"We've made it clear we see Asia in general, and China in particular, as a strategic objective," said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., parent of the line. "We have been so pleased by the market's response to bringing Voyager of the Seas to Asia that it made strategic sense to send a second ship of equal size."
Line President and CEO Adam Goldstein said, "Mariner of the Seas recently received a host of Royal Advantage enhancements, and I'm confident
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CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. upgrade consumer sites
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Posted on: June 7, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Agent Issues CruiseOne and Cruises Inc., sister brands owned by World Travel Holdings, upgraded their consumer websites with interactive features and an enhancedView the Original article
Swan Hellenic adds itineraries
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Posted on: June 7, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneySwan Hellenic added several itineraries and maiden port calls to its summer 2013 schedule for the renovated Minerva.The 350-passenger ship will call for the first time at Spitsbergen, Norway; Bangor, Northern Ireland; Dingle, Ireland; Cartagena, Colombia; and the San Blas Islands.
New itineraries include a 15-day Empires of the Black Sea; a 16-day Baltic Splendor; a 15-day Realms of the British Isles; a 16-day Sagas of Iceland and the Faroes; a 15-day Adriatic Accolade; and an 18-day Mysteries of the Maya.
The Minerva’s refurbishment increased the number of suites with balconies and installed new bathrooms in all cabins.
Swan Hellenic is a unit of All Leisure Holidays, a U.K.-based company that also owns Hebridean Island Cruises and Voyages of Discovery.
For cruise news and updates, follow Donna Tunney on Twitter
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Judge appointed 'referee' in S.C. lawsuit against Carnival
in a lawsuit filed in June 2011 against Carnival Cruise Lines.
It remanded the case to Judge Clifton Newman, a spokeswoman for the high court said. A referee judge typically collects testimony in a litigation and makes recommendations to the court.
Newman is slated to begin work on the case later this month, although a firm date could not immediately be confirmed.
The state supreme court took jurisdiction over the Carnival lawsuit in early 2012. The suit, filed by the Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of four citizen groups, charges that the 2,000-passenger Carnival Fantasy violates zoning ordinances, including height and environmental regulations, noise limits and accommodations rules.
Additionally, the suit charges that the Fantasy creates a public nuisance on turnaround days, when passengers leaving and arriving at the pier clog traffic and cause street closures.
The city of Charleston and the South Carolina State Ports Authority, both of which support the continued operation of the Carnival Fantasy, late last year attached themselves as defendants in the lawsuit. The city and the authority asked the state supreme court to take jurisdiction over the case.
The Preservation Society of Charleston, the Historic Ansonborough Neighborhood Association, the Charlestowne Neighborhood Association and the Coastal Conservation League are plaintiffs in the suit.
For cruise news and updates, follow Donna Tunney on Twitter
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It remanded the case to Judge Clifton Newman, a spokeswoman for the high court said. A referee judge typically collects testimony in a litigation and makes recommendations to the court.
Newman is slated to begin work on the case later this month, although a firm date could not immediately be confirmed.
The state supreme court took jurisdiction over the Carnival lawsuit in early 2012. The suit, filed by the Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of four citizen groups, charges that the 2,000-passenger Carnival Fantasy violates zoning ordinances, including height and environmental regulations, noise limits and accommodations rules.
Additionally, the suit charges that the Fantasy creates a public nuisance on turnaround days, when passengers leaving and arriving at the pier clog traffic and cause street closures.
The city of Charleston and the South Carolina State Ports Authority, both of which support the continued operation of the Carnival Fantasy, late last year attached themselves as defendants in the lawsuit. The city and the authority asked the state supreme court to take jurisdiction over the case.
The Preservation Society of Charleston, the Historic Ansonborough Neighborhood Association, the Charlestowne Neighborhood Association and the Coastal Conservation League are plaintiffs in the suit.
For cruise news and updates, follow Donna Tunney on Twitter
View the Original article
Carrying cupcakes and bonuses, Fain talks, listens and learns from agents
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Ex-Cruise West ships join InnerSea, American Safari fleets
InnerSea Discoveries, parent company of American Safari Cruises and InnerSea Discoveries, has christened two ships for this summer's Alaska season, one for each brand.
In a recent dockside ceremony at Seattle's Fishermen's Terminal, the 86-passenger Safari Endeavour joined the American Safari Cruises fleet, and the 76-passenger Wilderness Explorer entered service for InnerSea Discoveries. Both ships previously were operated by Cruise West, the small-ship line that went out of business in 2010.
The Wilderness Explorer is the former Spirit of Discovery, and the Safari Endeavour is the former Spirit of Endeavour. The two ships will cruise in Alaska.
Company CEO and principal Dan Blanchard led the traditional maritime christening. He and Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing, unrolled a banner announcing the firm's marketing theme: the Un-Cruise.
A spokeswoman for the company explained that the names of the brands are not changing. Un-Cruise Adventures is being used "in marketing, as an umbrella over both brands." The Safari Endeavour is sailing weeklong cruises in the Inside Passage through August, roundtrip from Juneau. The Wilderness Explorer operates weeklong cruises between Juneau and Sitka through August.
Norwegian unveils island cabanas
Norwegian Cruise Line took the wraps off 10 cabanas available on Great Stirrup Cay, the line's private island in the Bahamas.
Located west of the island's main beach, the Cabanas on the Cay can be reserved for $249 per day either through the line's website or shipboard at the shore excursion desk.
Each cabana accommodates up to six guests and is furnished with lounge chairs, tables, a cooler, beach towels and a shower.
The rental includes a $50 food and beverage credit, up to six all-day passes to the Hippo Waterslide, one large float, bottled water and a fruit basket. A special menu will be offered to cabana guests, too, the line said.
Passengers who book a cabana receive priority tender service to the island.
Grandeur of the Seas Baltimore-bound
Royal Caribbean International in 2013 will deploy the 1,950-passenger Grandeur of the Seas to Baltimore, replacing the 2,252-passenger Enchantment of the Seas, which will reposition to Port Canaveral.
The Enchantment of the Seas will replace the 2,390-passenger Monarch of the Seas, which is being assigned to Pullmantur, a sister line to Royal. Parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced in March that the Monarch would join Madrid-based Pullmantur, Spain's largest tour operator/cruise line.
On April 13, the Enchantment of the Seas will sail a 12-night Southern Caribbean sailing from Baltimore to Port Canaveral before launching year-round three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries from Port Canaveral starting April 25.
In Baltimore, the Grandeur of the Seas' summer itineraries will alternate between seven-night Bermuda sailings, featuring a two-night call at Kings Wharf, and seven-night sailings to the Bahamas, calling at Port Canaveral, Nassau and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.
The Grandeur of the Seas' fall schedule will alternate between six-night Bermuda and eight-night Canada and New England sailings. The winter season will consist of rotating 10-night sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean as well as eight-night sailings to the Bahamas. This page is protected by Copyright laws. Do Not Copy. Purchase Reprint email the editors email a friend small medium large Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. blog comments powered by Disqus
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In a recent dockside ceremony at Seattle's Fishermen's Terminal, the 86-passenger Safari Endeavour joined the American Safari Cruises fleet, and the 76-passenger Wilderness Explorer entered service for InnerSea Discoveries. Both ships previously were operated by Cruise West, the small-ship line that went out of business in 2010.
The Wilderness Explorer is the former Spirit of Discovery, and the Safari Endeavour is the former Spirit of Endeavour. The two ships will cruise in Alaska.
Company CEO and principal Dan Blanchard led the traditional maritime christening. He and Tim Jacox, executive vice president of sales and marketing, unrolled a banner announcing the firm's marketing theme: the Un-Cruise.
A spokeswoman for the company explained that the names of the brands are not changing. Un-Cruise Adventures is being used "in marketing, as an umbrella over both brands." The Safari Endeavour is sailing weeklong cruises in the Inside Passage through August, roundtrip from Juneau. The Wilderness Explorer operates weeklong cruises between Juneau and Sitka through August.
Norwegian unveils island cabanas
Norwegian Cruise Line took the wraps off 10 cabanas available on Great Stirrup Cay, the line's private island in the Bahamas.
Located west of the island's main beach, the Cabanas on the Cay can be reserved for $249 per day either through the line's website or shipboard at the shore excursion desk.
Each cabana accommodates up to six guests and is furnished with lounge chairs, tables, a cooler, beach towels and a shower.
The rental includes a $50 food and beverage credit, up to six all-day passes to the Hippo Waterslide, one large float, bottled water and a fruit basket. A special menu will be offered to cabana guests, too, the line said.
Passengers who book a cabana receive priority tender service to the island.
Grandeur of the Seas Baltimore-bound
Royal Caribbean International in 2013 will deploy the 1,950-passenger Grandeur of the Seas to Baltimore, replacing the 2,252-passenger Enchantment of the Seas, which will reposition to Port Canaveral.
The Enchantment of the Seas will replace the 2,390-passenger Monarch of the Seas, which is being assigned to Pullmantur, a sister line to Royal. Parent company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. announced in March that the Monarch would join Madrid-based Pullmantur, Spain's largest tour operator/cruise line.
On April 13, the Enchantment of the Seas will sail a 12-night Southern Caribbean sailing from Baltimore to Port Canaveral before launching year-round three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries from Port Canaveral starting April 25.
In Baltimore, the Grandeur of the Seas' summer itineraries will alternate between seven-night Bermuda sailings, featuring a two-night call at Kings Wharf, and seven-night sailings to the Bahamas, calling at Port Canaveral, Nassau and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.
The Grandeur of the Seas' fall schedule will alternate between six-night Bermuda and eight-night Canada and New England sailings. The winter season will consist of rotating 10-night sailings to the Eastern and Western Caribbean as well as eight-night sailings to the Bahamas. This page is protected by Copyright laws. Do Not Copy. Purchase Reprint email the editors email a friend small medium large Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. blog comments powered by Disqus
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Judge assigned to Carnival Fantasy suit in S.C.
By Donna TunneyThe South Carolina Supreme Court has appointed a Circuit Court judge to serve as a "special referee" in a lawsuit against Carnival Cruise Lines' homeporting of the Carnival Fantasy in Charleston Harbor.
A referee judge typically collects testimony in a litigation and makes recommendations to the court. A spokeswoman for the high court said it assigned the case to Judge Clifton Newman. He is slated to begin work on the case later this month, although a firm date could not immediately be confirmed.
The supreme court took jurisdiction over the Carnival lawsuit early this year. The suit, filed a year ago by the Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of four citizen groups, charges that the 2,000-passenger Carnival Fantasy violates certain local zoning ordinances, including height and environmental regulations, noise limits and accommodations rules.
Additionally, the suit charges that the Fantasy creates a public nuisance on turnaround days, when passengers leaving and arriving at the pier clog traffic and cause street closures.
The city of Charleston and the South Carolina State Ports Authority, both of which support the continued operation of the Carnival ship, late last year attached themselves as defendants in the case. The city and the authority asked the supreme court to take jurisdiction over the case.
The Preservation Society of Charleston, the Historic Ansonborough Neighborhood Association, the Charlestowne Neighborhood Association and the Coastal Conservation League are plaintiffs in the suit. This page is protected by Copyright laws. Do Not Copy. Purchase Reprint email the editors email a friend small medium large Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. blog comments powered by Disqus
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A referee judge typically collects testimony in a litigation and makes recommendations to the court. A spokeswoman for the high court said it assigned the case to Judge Clifton Newman. He is slated to begin work on the case later this month, although a firm date could not immediately be confirmed.
The supreme court took jurisdiction over the Carnival lawsuit early this year. The suit, filed a year ago by the Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of four citizen groups, charges that the 2,000-passenger Carnival Fantasy violates certain local zoning ordinances, including height and environmental regulations, noise limits and accommodations rules.
Additionally, the suit charges that the Fantasy creates a public nuisance on turnaround days, when passengers leaving and arriving at the pier clog traffic and cause street closures.
The city of Charleston and the South Carolina State Ports Authority, both of which support the continued operation of the Carnival ship, late last year attached themselves as defendants in the case. The city and the authority asked the supreme court to take jurisdiction over the case.
The Preservation Society of Charleston, the Historic Ansonborough Neighborhood Association, the Charlestowne Neighborhood Association and the Coastal Conservation League are plaintiffs in the suit. This page is protected by Copyright laws. Do Not Copy. Purchase Reprint email the editors email a friend small medium large Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. blog comments powered by Disqus
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As volume recovers, Costa to deploy bigger ship in Med in fall
By Donna TunneyFour months after the CEO of Costa Cruises raised the specter that the line "could fail as a brand," the Italian company announced it would add capacity in the Mediterranean before the year is out.
Bookings at the line had plummeted by 35% in the weeks following the Jan. 13 grounding of the Costa Concordia off Tuscany and the Feb. 27 engine room fire aboard the Costa Allegra. But since then volume has steadily rebounded.
Citing "significant positive booking trends in Europe," Costa last week said it would replace the 1,680-passenger Costa Classica with the 3,470-passenger Costa Magica in the Med starting Nov. 18.
The larger ship will operate 12-day cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean, calling in Greece, Israel and Turkey, and 11-day cruises to Portugal and Morocco in the Western Mediterranean.
"Our enduring strength has always been the Mediterranean, where our itineraries are consistently rated as 'best of the best,'" said Scott Knutson, vice president of sales and marketing for Costa Cruises North America.
"Long cruises to the east and west are particularly popular, so given the recent uptick in Med demand, it made perfect sense to double our offerings and capacity on the 11- and 12-night program with the Costa Magica at an opportune time when most other lines exit the region," he added.
Costa also is adding to its capacity in the United Arab Emirates.
The Costa Classica will be deployed there beginning Nov. 17, joining the 2,112-passenger Costa Atlantica. The ships will operate weeklong cruises from Dubai to ports in the Emirates and Oman.
Costa began operating in the Middle East in 2006. Last winter it deployed the 3,800-passenger Costa Favolosa in Dubai, a move that it said solidified its "leadership role in the UAE market."
Before its repositioning to the Med, the Costa Magica had been scheduled to deploy with four other Costa ships to South America next fall.
Passengers booked on South America itineraries aboard the Costa Magica will be accommodated on a similar itinerary on one of the other ships, said the line. This page is protected by Copyright laws. Do Not Copy. Purchase Reprint email the editors email a friend small medium large Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. blog comments powered by Disqus
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Bookings at the line had plummeted by 35% in the weeks following the Jan. 13 grounding of the Costa Concordia off Tuscany and the Feb. 27 engine room fire aboard the Costa Allegra. But since then volume has steadily rebounded.
Citing "significant positive booking trends in Europe," Costa last week said it would replace the 1,680-passenger Costa Classica with the 3,470-passenger Costa Magica in the Med starting Nov. 18.
The larger ship will operate 12-day cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean, calling in Greece, Israel and Turkey, and 11-day cruises to Portugal and Morocco in the Western Mediterranean.
"Our enduring strength has always been the Mediterranean, where our itineraries are consistently rated as 'best of the best,'" said Scott Knutson, vice president of sales and marketing for Costa Cruises North America.
"Long cruises to the east and west are particularly popular, so given the recent uptick in Med demand, it made perfect sense to double our offerings and capacity on the 11- and 12-night program with the Costa Magica at an opportune time when most other lines exit the region," he added.
Costa also is adding to its capacity in the United Arab Emirates.
The Costa Classica will be deployed there beginning Nov. 17, joining the 2,112-passenger Costa Atlantica. The ships will operate weeklong cruises from Dubai to ports in the Emirates and Oman.
Costa began operating in the Middle East in 2006. Last winter it deployed the 3,800-passenger Costa Favolosa in Dubai, a move that it said solidified its "leadership role in the UAE market."
Before its repositioning to the Med, the Costa Magica had been scheduled to deploy with four other Costa ships to South America next fall.
Passengers booked on South America itineraries aboard the Costa Magica will be accommodated on a similar itinerary on one of the other ships, said the line. This page is protected by Copyright laws. Do Not Copy. Purchase Reprint email the editors email a friend small medium large Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. blog comments powered by Disqus
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Carnival overhauls loyalty program
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Posted on: June 12, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyCarnival Cruise Lines revamped and rebranded its loyalty program into a five-tier structure called the Very Important Fun Person Club, or VIFP.
The new categories are based on the number of cruise days sailed, rather than the previous number of cruises.
The Blue level is for first-time cruisers that enables those who have never sailed with the line to join the club and receive access to members-only specials, promotions and other offers.
The Red level, for those whose total number of days sailed reaches 24, provides a free alcoholic/specialty beverage at breakfast or lunch or at the Punchliner Comedy Brunch Presented by George Lopez, an e-newsletter, and members-only cruise offers.
The Gold level (25 to 74 cruise days sailed) offers members a Gold member pin, a cocktail party with free drinks and appetizers, as well as all of the benefits of Red level membership.
The Platinum level (75 to 199 cruise days sailed) provides priority embarkation, debarkation, tender service and dining times (including main dining room and specialty restaurants), a ship- and year-specific pin for each voyage, a dedicated phone number and concierge desk onboard, free wash-and-fold laundry service, a buy-one get-one casino tournament entry, free arcade play ($5) for guests under 18 and the benefits of the Red and Gold level memberships.
The Diamond level (200-plus cruise days sailed), offers members guaranteed dining times and specialty restaurant reservations, acknowledgement from the captain at the cocktail party with free drinks, unlimited wash-and-fold laundry service, free dinner for two in a specialty restaurant, free luggage tag and passport holder, a one-time upgrade or free fare for a third or fourth guest, a $100-per-member contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and the benefits of Red, Gold and Platinum level membership.
Additionally, the line rolled out a program called Milestone Cruise Rewards. VIFP Club members sailing on their 25th, 50th and 75th cruise will receive a shipboard credit equal to 25%, 50% or 75% of their cruise fare, respectively, for that voyage.
Members sailing on their 100th cruise earn a Caribbean, Mexican Riviera or Alaska voyage of up to eight days in length.
VIFP Club members also have access to a web portal where they can review and modify their cruise history, chart their progress to the next VIFP Club level, watch a video overview of the program and view members-only specials and promotions.
All Carnival guests are automatically enlled in the new VIFP Club and can use their existing past-guest number to activate their profile by visiting www.carnival.com/activate.
The new loyalty programs take effect with departures on and after June 25, except for the new Carnival Breeze; the effective date for that ship is July 9.
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Cruise.com moves to storefront location
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Posted on: June 12, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics The Web By Donna TunneyCruise.com, a unit of Omega World Travel, has moved from Fort Lauderdale to a larger headquarters in nearby Dania Beach, Fla., where it hopes to attract walk-in clients.Its former location was open to visitors, said a spokeswoman, but the site didn’t attract a lot of consumers. With the move, the company’s new strategy includes having travel consultants in the office to meet with potential clients.
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American Cruise Lines to operate Puget Sound cruises
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Posted on: June 12, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyAmerican Cruise Lines in 2013 will begin offering eight-day cruises of the Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands aboard the 100-passenger American Spirit.Operating roundtrip from Seattle, port calls along the Washington coast will include Anacortes, Friday Harbor, Port Townsend and Poulsbo.
The sailings are scheduled to begin April 6.
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Sydney cruise passenger tax proposed
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Posted on: June 14, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyA cruise passenger tax proposed by the New South Wales government is slated to take effect in July 2013 for vessels docking in Sydney.The tax will be $20 per passenger next year, rising to $25 in 2014 and $30 in 2015. It will replace the port’s current berthing fee of $250 per hour, according to published reports.
Sydney has two cruise passenger terminals: the Overseas Passenger Terminal and the Wharf 5 Cruise Passenger Terminal.
The tax will be based on the passenger manifest and has a minimum fee based on 1,200 passengers, or $24,000.
Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) Australia, a nonprofit group that advocates for tourism interests, criticized the proposal, which was revealed earlier this week in government budget documents.
In a Seatrade Insider report, TTF called the tax excessive and said it is designed to give harbor operator Sydney Ports a new profit stream.
Neither TTF nor Sydney Ports were immediately available for comment about the tax.
According to Sydney Ports' statistics, with the combination of passenger and crew spending and vessel-related costs, the cruise industry in New South Wales contributes more than $150 million annually to the state’s economy.
The 2011-12 Sydney cruise season will be the busiest on record, it said, with 214 cruise ship visits, up from 150 in the previous season. This page is protected by Copyright laws. Do Not Copy. Purchase Reprint email the editors email a friend small medium large Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. blog comments powered by Disqus
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Crystal discourages agency-transferred bookings
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Posted on: June 14, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyCrystal Cruises tightened its anti-rebating policies with new rules that affect onboard solicitations.Under the line's new regulations, when a passenger books with Crystal's onboard cruise consultants and subsequently asks that the reservation be transferred to a travel agent who did not book the current cruise, a reduced commission of 5% will be paid to the receiving agent regardless of when the transfer is processed.
If the onboard booking remains with the original agent, the full commission will apply.
Also, agency-transferred bookings that originate onboard also will be excluded from any earned overrides and group tour conductor credits, said Crystal.
Crystal operates the 1,070-passenger Crystal Serenity and the 922-passenger Crystal Symphony. This page is protected by Copyright laws. Do Not Copy. Purchase Reprint email the editors email a friend small medium large Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. blog comments powered by Disqus
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Paul Gauguin aims to raise youths' eco-consciousness
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UBS reports 'share shift' among cruise lines to smaller agencies
By Donna Tunney The major cruise lines are broadening the base of their agent distribution systems in an effort to sell more cruises through smaller agencies that are less likely to reach override volume targets, according to a UBS Investment Research report.
"Cruise lines benefit from selling through smaller agents who have lower commission costs if volume override targets are not hit, and cruise lines have meaningfully shifted share to lower-cost distributors in the past few years," wrote UBS analyst Robin Farley in the report titled "Cruise Lines Outlook 2012-13."
In terms of "share shift" in the distribution channel, the report stated that in the past, 20% of agents did roughly 80% of bookings. However, as recently as a few years ago, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. noted that 40% to 50% of agents were booking 80% of the business, according to Farley's report, which was issued May 14.
"So sales are less concentrated in the distribution channel," Farley said.
'Effective commission rates' down
"Both Royal Caribbean's and Carnival's effective commission rates have come down without the companies having to resort to commission cuts as a result of this share shift to selling through lower-cost agents," she said, adding,"Carnival noted that in FY2011 no controlled group of travel agencies accounted for 10% or more of their revenues."
Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. together account for 80% of North American capacity, Farley said.
A Carnival Corp. spokeswoman declined to comment on Farley's observations, explaining that since each Carnival brand sets its own commission structures, she couldn't offer a companywide perspective.
Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean International's senior vice president of sales, trade support and services, said the line is "dedicated to working with all travel agencies, big and small."
"It does not have to do with overrides or commissions being lower, but rather, many new travel agents are entering the business as encore careers," she said in response to Farley's report. "Therefore, when rookies start out, they have to grow their overall volume to obtain higher commissions and/or overrides."
The report said that in the past, "Many have argued the way to reduce distribution expense is to increase direct sales and disintermediate the travel agent, but that may not have gained much traction."
Farley said she estimates that between 70% and 80% of all cruise vacations are still booked through agents. The new approach, she said, is to reduce distribution costs by making agent sales more efficient through automated
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"Cruise lines benefit from selling through smaller agents who have lower commission costs if volume override targets are not hit, and cruise lines have meaningfully shifted share to lower-cost distributors in the past few years," wrote UBS analyst Robin Farley in the report titled "Cruise Lines Outlook 2012-13."
In terms of "share shift" in the distribution channel, the report stated that in the past, 20% of agents did roughly 80% of bookings. However, as recently as a few years ago, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. noted that 40% to 50% of agents were booking 80% of the business, according to Farley's report, which was issued May 14.
"So sales are less concentrated in the distribution channel," Farley said.
'Effective commission rates' down
"Both Royal Caribbean's and Carnival's effective commission rates have come down without the companies having to resort to commission cuts as a result of this share shift to selling through lower-cost agents," she said, adding,"Carnival noted that in FY2011 no controlled group of travel agencies accounted for 10% or more of their revenues."
Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. together account for 80% of North American capacity, Farley said.
A Carnival Corp. spokeswoman declined to comment on Farley's observations, explaining that since each Carnival brand sets its own commission structures, she couldn't offer a companywide perspective.
Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean International's senior vice president of sales, trade support and services, said the line is "dedicated to working with all travel agencies, big and small."
"It does not have to do with overrides or commissions being lower, but rather, many new travel agents are entering the business as encore careers," she said in response to Farley's report. "Therefore, when rookies start out, they have to grow their overall volume to obtain higher commissions and/or overrides."
The report said that in the past, "Many have argued the way to reduce distribution expense is to increase direct sales and disintermediate the travel agent, but that may not have gained much traction."
Farley said she estimates that between 70% and 80% of all cruise vacations are still booked through agents. The new approach, she said, is to reduce distribution costs by making agent sales more efficient through automated
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Seabourn defends debarking elderly couple for skipping drill
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Posted on: May 21, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyThe most striking image to date in the saga of how maritime safety has changed since the Costa Concordia wreck might well be the sight of two elderly passengers standing with their baggage on a Lisbon pier, debarked for having missed a muster.Seabourn, the line that booted them, is standing by its decision to force the California couple to disembark the Seabourn Sojourn on May 12, after the wife missed the ship's mandatory passenger safety drill before the ship departed from Lisbon.
And the agent who booked them said the lesson learned is simple: He will relate this experience to other cruise clients so they are fully aware what the ramifications can be if they don't show up at a drill.
The agent, Steven Shulem, president of Strictly Vacations, in Santa Barbara, Calif., said the couple had booked a 20-day, three-leg cruise from Rome to Hamburg, Germany, and had participated in the drill when the ship left Rome on May 4. At the start of the second leg, from Lisbon, another drill was announced and held, per industry policy.
But the 84-year-old woman wasn't feeling well, and since she had participated in the drill before leaving Rome, she decided to skip it, Shulem said. Her 90-year-old husband attended both drills.
Within an hour of the Lisbon drill, the two found themselves watching from shore as the Sojourn sailed off.
"I think Seabourn could have handled this differently," Shulem said. According to his client's account, when the elderly lady didn't show at the drill, a crew member was sent to her room. She told that person she wasn't well.
"Fifteen minutes later, an officer was at their door, telling her the couple needed to disembark," Shulem said. "The staff packed them up and put them off."
Passenger safety drills have taken on new urgency
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Harbor pilot strike ends in Norway
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Posted on: June 4, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyThe strike by harbor pilots and pilot boat skippers in Norway ended June 2 after union agreements on wage increases were reached.Harbor pilots in Oslo and boat skippers along the Norwegian coast went on strike in late May, causing cruise ships to miss scheduled calls in some ports.
The Norwegian Coastal Administration said that it is
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Norwegian to buy cruise ship from shareholder
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Posted on: June 4, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyNorwegian Cruise Line has signed a memorandum of agreement to exercise its option to purchase the 2,000-passenger Norwegian Sky.The line has operated the Norwegian Sky under a bareboat charter with a purchase option from Ample Avenue, a subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong Limited, a 50% owner of Norwegian Cruise Line.
The purchase price is about $260 million, according to Norwegian, and financing is being provided by the seller.
The Norwegian Sky sails three- and four-night voyages year-round from Miami.
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Suite renovations completed on Seven Seas Navigator
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Posted on: June 4, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyThe Seven Seas Navigator has emerged from drydock following the redecoration of the ship’s eight Grand and Master suites, said Regent Seven Seas Cruises.Also, Sette Mari at La Veranda, an Italian dining venue, was added.
Suite renovations included new built-in cabinetry, headboards and bedding, balcony furniture, carpeting, designer accessories and original art.
All suites received new carpeting, wall coverings, dining tables and outdoor furniture.
The 490-passenger ship’s breakfast and lunch buffet venue, La Veranda, was repurposed to create Sette Mari at La Veranda, offering buffet and a la carte dining.
Prime 7, the ship’s American-style steakhouse, was enlarged to accommodate 70 guests and features a new sculpture at its entrance.
The ship this summer is operating seven-day voyages between Vancouver and Anchorage.
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Grandeur of the Seas renovated
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Posted on: June 4, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyRoyal Caribbean International's Grandeur of the Seas completed a $48 million revitalization at the Navantia ship yard in Cadiz, Spain.Upgrades to the 1,950-passenger ship include the addition of five dining venues; technological enhancements; a poolside LED screen; new furniture, carpeting and upholstery; and a new aerial entertainment show in its six deck Centrum.
In addition, the ship received a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members, a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top-tier loyalty guests, a Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, and a redesigned Viking Crown Lounge.
Grandeur of the Seas this summer is operating a series of seven- to 11-day Mediterranean itineraries from Venice, Marseille and Palma de Mallorca.
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Costa Cruises beefs up Mediterranean capacity
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Posted on: June 5, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyCosta Cruises plans to increase capacity in the Mediterranean and in the United Arab Emirates later this year.Citing
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Royal Caribbean road show to offer agent training, recognition
By Donna Tunney
Royal Caribbean International is poised to launch Royal on the Road, an invitation-only agent program that will travel to major cities, starting this week.
Led by Vicki Freed, senior vice president of sales and trade support, each stop will recognize travel agents in that market; offer sessions about personal branding, marketing and sales strategies; and deliver collaterals, the line said.
Giveaways and
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Carnival raises cover charge for steakhouse
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Posted on: June 6, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyCarnival Cruise Lines hiked the cover charge for its steakhouses by $5, to $35 per person.View the Original article
SeaDream to sail Panama Canal cruise
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Posted on: June 6, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneySeaDream Yacht Club said that its 112-passenger SeaDream I for the first time will transit the Panama Canal in 2013.The ship will sail a 10-day positioning cruise from Barbados on Nov. 9, 2013, to Panama City.
Following the transit, the SeaDream I will be based in Caldera, Costa Rica, where it will operate a series of seven-day cruises along Costa Rica’s west coast.
Naturalists will be onboard for all of the Costa Rica sailings, said the luxury line.
Port calls in Costa Rica will include Golfito, Drake Bay, Isa del Cano, Quepos and the Tortuga Islands. The ship also will visit Isla de Coiba, Panama; and San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.
A two-night pre- or post-cruise package is available.
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Monday, June 4, 2012
Cruise ships skip Norway ports due to strike
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Posted on: May 29, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyA massive public workers’ strike in Norway, including cruise ship harbor pilots in Oslo, is affecting port calls to the destination.The strike, which began late last week, has forced ships operated by Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Star Clippers to avoid calling at Oslo.
According to the Norwegian Coastal Administration, 42 harbor pilots are on strike in Oslo, and the number could increase to more than 100 across all Norwegian ports if union negotiations don’t make headway by May 30.
The strikers are holding out for higher salary increases, reports from Norway indicate.
The action is unfolding just as the summer Norwegian fjord cruises are getting under way. Among the cruise lines that are scheduled to operate a series of Norwegian coastal cruises are Costa, Royal Caribbean and Princess.
Hurtigruten, the Norway-based expedition line that sails the coast, is not affected by the action, reports say.
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MSC Divina christened
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Posted on: May 29, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyMSC Cruises’ 3,500-passenger Divina was christened May 26 in Marseille and will begin its summer series of roundtrip sailings from Venice on June 2.Fleet godmother Sophia Loren christened the ship, which was constructed at the STX Shipyard in Marseille.
Actor Gerard Depardieu; Italian singer, pianist and composer Paolo Conte; and Russian violinist Maxim Vengerov were among the celebrities who gathered to christen MSC’s 12th ship.
The Divina will operate from Miami during winter 2013-14, offering a series of eastern and western Caribbean cruises. It will be the line’s first positioning of a vessel in Miami.
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Sunday, June 3, 2012
IMO makes cruise safety recommendations
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Posted on: May 29, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyAn International Maritime Organization (IMO) committee adopted a resolution asking the IMO’s member states to recommend several safety changes to cruise lines.The Maritime Safety Committee, meeting in London last week, invited member states to urge
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Seabourn says couple’s ejection followed ‘multiple’ warnings
By Donna TunneySeabourn’s decision to escort an elderly couple off the 450-passenger Sojourn because one of them refused to attend a muster drill followed
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San Fran cruising gets lift from Princess move, new terminal
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Scenic Crystal: New design, array of excursions
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Norway strike widens, threatening fjord cruising
"BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px solid; BORDER-LEFT: 0px solid; PADDING-BOTTOM: 3px; PADDING-LEFT: 3px; WIDTH: 410px; PADDING-RIGHT: 3px; HEIGHT: 232px; BORDER-TOP: 0px solid; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px solid; PADDING-TOP: 3px; align: left" alt
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U.K. ship restores power after outage
overnight on May 29 and lost engine power for about three hours, the U.K.-based line said.
The ship had departed Liverpool and was operating an eight-night Scotland cruise. It diverted to Holyhead, Wales, where engineers were investigating the problem.
Full power and services were restored.
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The ship had departed Liverpool and was operating an eight-night Scotland cruise. It diverted to Holyhead, Wales, where engineers were investigating the problem.
Full power and services were restored.
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Third yacht in the works for Ponant
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Posted on: May 30, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyView the Original article
Paul Gauguin Cruises abolishes rebating
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Posted on: May 30, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyPaul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the 332-passenger Paul Gauguin, will institute an anti-rebating policy on June 1.Agents won't be permitted to surrender part of their commission to lower the cruise fare.
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Norwegian Cruise Line unveils cabanas on private island
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Posted on: May 31, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyView the Original article
Carnival Breeze delivered
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Posted on: May 31, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna Tunney
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Longtime lobbyist leaving CLIA
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Posted on: May 31, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Donna TunneyView the Original article
Disney schedules Pixar-themed cruises on the Wonder
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Posted on: May 31, 2012 email the editors email a friend small medium large View Comments Home Topics Cruise By Allie BarnesThe Disney Wonder will have even more magic in store for guests, beginning in September. The 2,700-passenger ship will sail four Pixar-inspired seven-day cruises along the coast of California.The Wonder’s cast of cruise characters will include Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie of the "Toy Story" series; Remy from "Ratatouille"; Mr. Incredible from "The Incredibles"; and Carl Fredricksen from "Up."
Guests will be able to interact with the characters throughout the cruise and during themed dance parties.
Pixar artists and filmmakers will give guests a behind-the-scenes look at animated features and short films. Guests will explore the making of "Brave," a Pixar film to be released June 22. Sneak peaks of footage from future Pixar movies will also be shown.
To gain a better understanding of the conceptualization behind the films, storyboards, character sketches, scale models and environment paintings will be on display.
The entire collection of Pixar films, including short animations, will be available for viewing during the cruise, with special screenings taking place in the two theaters onboard.
The Pixar-themed voyages will take place between Sept. 16 and Oct. 14, 2012. They will sail from Los Angeles and call in San Francisco, San Diego and Ensebada, Mexico. This page is protected by Copyright laws. Do Not Copy. Purchase Reprint email the editors email a friend small medium large Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. blog comments powered by Disqus
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Top StoriesUnited to cut capacity and jobs at Houston Bush IntercontinentalBest Western housekeepers get high-tech cleaning toolsBroadmoor to remain open during $60 million renovationTravel Weekly names sections editor, cruise editorMarriott to acquire Gaylord brandFollow Us on Twitter Free Newsletters Subscribe Travel Deals---View the Original article
Fun with no fuss at Disney's private isle Castaway Cay
July 14, 1998: Disney Magic makes first stop at Castaway Cay
Source: Disney Cruise Line Aside from the sheer beauty of Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, and its slew of attractions, there's also a major convenience factor: no tendering.
Disney ships dock at the island, making the visit an uncomplicated project for the hundreds of families with small children who disembark for a day of sun and fun.
It's also important for multigenerational groups, said Randy Garfield, president of Walt Disney Travel Co. and executive vice president of worldwide sales and travel operations for Disney Destinations.
"The extended families who sail with us often have little kids and grandparents, so we decided early on that we would build the dock and avoid tenders altogether," he said in a recent interview aboard the Disney Fantasy.
"That's very unusual for a private island call," he added. "And we did a lot of environmental work before we constructed the dock."
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Source: Disney Cruise Line Aside from the sheer beauty of Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, and its slew of attractions, there's also a major convenience factor: no tendering.
Disney ships dock at the island, making the visit an uncomplicated project for the hundreds of families with small children who disembark for a day of sun and fun.
It's also important for multigenerational groups, said Randy Garfield, president of Walt Disney Travel Co. and executive vice president of worldwide sales and travel operations for Disney Destinations.
"The extended families who sail with us often have little kids and grandparents, so we decided early on that we would build the dock and avoid tenders altogether," he said in a recent interview aboard the Disney Fantasy.
"That's very unusual for a private island call," he added. "And we did a lot of environmental work before we constructed the dock."
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