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Royal Caribbean International unveils 2015 European programmes

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 February 2014 19 February 2014

Following the news that both Anthem of the Seas and Allure of the Seas will call Europe home from summer 2015, Royal Caribbean International unveiled the itineraries for the five other ships that will sail the region in 2015, including three from the UK.

The company, which has 21 ships in all, will employ six ships in Europe next year. It is the contemporary market unit of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCCL) group.

Both Anthem of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas will share the Port of Southampton from May 2015 until late October 2015 while Brilliance of the Seas will return to her home port of Harwich. Serenade of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas complete the cruise line’s European deployment with each sailing European waters from summer 2015, the company said in a statement.

Serenade of the Seas will join Anthem of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas in the North Sea in summer 2015, and offer a range of Scandinavia and Russia, as well as Norwegian Fjords, sailings from Copenhagen, Denmark, and Stockholm, Sweden. Adventure of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas 2015 itineraries will open for booking on 26 February 2014. Cruise only prices from £519.00 on Serenade of the Seas

Adventure of the Seas will sail three- to 16-night, roundtrip itineraries to Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, or Madeira, Azores and Canary Islands. The ship also will sail two trans-Atlantic Ocean Voyages – a 12-night itinerary from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Southampton on 3 May 2015, and from Southampton to Port Canaveral, Fla. on a 15-night return itinerary on 16 October. Cruise only prices from £279.00 for three night sailing.

Offering holidaymakers a second British port to embark on a Royal Caribbean holiday, Brilliance of the Seas will reposition from Tampa, Florida. to its homeport of Harwich, England, on a 14-night trans-Atlantic Ocean Voyage on 4 May 2015, and continue with 12-night roundtrip Scandinavia and Russia sailings from mid-May. A 29 July sailing will take guests on a special 12-night Norwegian Fjords and Iceland itinerary, featuring an overnight call at Reykjavik, Iceland.

Serenade of the Seas also will offer holidaymakers seven- to 13-night Scandinavia, Russia and Norwegian Fjord itineraries from May through August. The ship will sail from Copenhagen from May through June and in the month of August, bookending sailings from Stockholm from mid-June through July.

Guests also can choose from four repositioning cruises on Serenade of the Seas. The 11 April 2015, sailing will take guests on a 13-night Caribbean itinerary from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Boston, Massachusetts, followed by a 15-night trans-Atlantic Ocean Voyage to Copenhagen via the North Sea. Finally, a 16-night westbound trans-Atlantic Ocean Voyage from Copenhagen to Cape Liberty via Iceland will depart on 30 August.

Additionally, Rhapsody of the Seas will offer three 10- and 11-night Black Sea itineraries from Istanbul, Turkey, and then sail a variety of seven- to 11-night Greek and Turkey itineraries from Rome (Civitavecchia, Italy). Finally, Splendour of the Seas will offer seven-night Greek Isle and Turkey itineraries from Venice, Italy. Rhapsody of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas’ summer 2015 season will be open to the general public on 18 February 2014. Cruise only prices from £519.00 on Rhapsody of the Seas.

Norwegian to host webinar for UK agents 26 February

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 February 2014 19 February 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line will be hosting a webinar focusing on its new preview brochure at 9.15am on 26 February 2014, the next in the series of Partners First Webinars.

Hosted by Francis Riley, general manager & vice president international and Nick Wilkinson, director business development UK, Ireland & Scandinavia, discussions will include information about the 2015-16 preview brochure, which includes new European cruises to the Norwegian Fjords, North Cape and around Britain.

Agents will be able to catch up on Norwegian Getaway’s inaugural celebrations (with lots of agent photos), including the successful ‘Try Before you Buy’ taster cruise. The advantages of Norwegian Cruise Line’s all new and improved Travel Partners Website, which now combines trade resources and online learning portal NCL U in one seamless interface, will also be discovered.

Francis Riley general manager & vice president international said “This webinar will give all Partners First agents the opportunity to find out the latest news and developments at Norwegian Cruise Line. I’m looking forward to helping our key travel partners to discover more about how best they can sell to their clients, staying on top of news and trends.”

SNCM abandons damaged Napoleon Bonaparte to underwriters

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 February 2014 19 February 2014

Societe Nationale Corse-Mediterranee (SNCM), the French ferry company, has reportedly abandoned the damaged cruise ferry Napoleon Bonaparte to underwriters for €60 million. The ship has been laid up since October 2012, when it was seriously damaged after it had broken its moorings in the port of Marseille during a storm, hit a pier and partially sunk.

The ship that has a gross tonnage of about 43,000 was built in 1996 and it has high class passenger accommodation. However, the engine room, electrical systems and various other technical areas of the ship were badly damaged by the ingress of water. It is assumed that the underwriters, the identity of which was not disclosed, would sell the ship for scrap.

Pandaw River Cruises introduces new Phnom Penh excursions

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 19 February 2014 19 February 2014

Pandaw River Cruises, the Singapore based company that operates river cruises in Asia, says it encourages individual travelers and is the first cruise company to offer customised excursions on their Mekong Cruises.

The company offers its passengers the possibility to experience Cambodia’s capital city Phnom Penh and beyond in small or private groups at your own pace, choose your destination from our new excursion menu – all included in the Pandaw All Inclusive Boutique Cruise.

“We are very proud to take the lead again and to set new trends here on the Mekong” General Manager Alex explains, ”when offering excursions in small groups or even as individuals, our new Pandaw Excursion Program allows our passengers not just to visit but to experience country, culture and people.”

Pandaw’s destination manager, Srey Mey, has carefully selected sights, using her local knowledge and being proud to support suitable projects but to minimise the impact on culture and traditions. Excursions to choose from include a visit to a traditional Khmer music school, the wildlife rescue center, cooking classes, the local markets or get a Khmer boxing lesson from a master!

Prior to arrival in Phnom Penh, Pandaw guests can gather all information on the Pandaw iPad, provided on board the RV Mekong Pandaw. In addition all pre and post cruise arrangements booked through Pandaw in Siem Reap/Angkor and Saigon are on a private basis and include highlights such as the visit to the Cambodian Circus Phare Ponleu Selpak. Your guide is happy to adjust the itinerary according to your interest and pace.

Pandaw has revived the corporate identity of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company (IFC) that operated a large number of steamers in Burma from its foundation in 1865 until the Japanese invasion in 1942. IFC was set up by Scottish merchants; the owners of Pandaw as Singapore based Scots and the company offers cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Burma..

Cuba Cruise announces 2014/2015 season

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 18 February 2014 18 February 2014

Midway through its successful inaugural season, Cuba Cruise, the niche product affiliated with Louis Cruises, has announced new sailing details for the 2014/2015 season. The Canadian company launches its second season with seven-night circumnavigation sailings embarking every Monday from Havana, Cuba and every Friday from Montego Bay, Jamaica from December 22nd, 2014 to March 30th, 2015. Travellers can take advantage of Cuba Cruise's Early Bird Discount and book their next winter escape beginning March 2014.

"The feedback is overwhelmingly positive and we look forward to providing future cruisers with the same great itinerary, impeccable service, delicious food and first rate entertainment program next winter," says Dugald Wells, Cuba Cruise President. "Cuba has welcomed us with open arms and we're not saying goodbye anytime soon."

Across social media and online forums, Cuba Cruise's valued guests are raving about their voyage, describing the itinerary as completely unique and an authentic immersion into Cuban life and culture. Notable compliments include the outstanding entertainment team, friendly crew, engaging shore excursions, well-appointed cabins and delectable dining options, the company says in the statement.

The Louis Cristal resumes calling at six ports including Havana, Holguin (Antilla), Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos, Punta Frances on the Isle of Youth and Montego Bay, with minor changes to its exclusive itinerary. Guests will now have more leisure time on idyllic Punta Frances to soak up the hot Caribbean sun, swim and snorkel in the crystal clear water and relax on the white-sand beach.