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AmaWaterways boosts UK team following record yearAmaWaterways boosts UK team following record year
AmaWaterways has announced it is expanding its UK team following a record year for UK sales, and its strongest ever January wave period. Jennifer Shah has joined the business in the role of Sales and Marketing Support Executive, following the promotion of Aimee Boschier to Marketing Manager. Jennifer returns to the travel industry after career break, having previously worked for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts & Uniworld River Cruises. Additionally, the luxury river cruise line has revealed it is expanding its reservations team by 30% in order to meet demand. “AmaWaterways continues to go from strength to strength.” says Jamie Loizou, Managing Director “These new appointments demonstrate our commitment to supporting the trade in every way possible. As well as being a record year for sales, 2024 saw us work with more agency partners than ever before. Our philosophy has always been to offer them the same high level of service that our guests experience on our ships. With new products and multiple ships in the pipeline, this approach is more important than ever, and these new hires ensure we have the resource to continue to offer an industry leading service.” Three new AmaWaterways ships are due to set sail in 2025 including two in the brand new destination of Colombia, as well as a third on Portugal’s Douro River. New Wellness themed cruises are also launching this summer. 10 February, 2025 -
Travel agents honoured at UK Cruise Awards 2025
Travel agents honoured at UK Cruise Awards 2025
The UK’s leading travel agents were recognised last night at the UK Cruise Awards 2025, a prestigious event hosted by Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Seabourn. Held at The Pelligon in Canary Wharf, the evening brought together over 200 industry guests to celebrate the achievements of the past year. BBC Radio 2 DJ Sara Cox hosted the event. Each cruise line recognised two standout travel partners, presenting Partnership Achievement Awards for exceptional collaboration and Outstanding Contribution Awards for long-term dedication to their brands. Additional accolades were also awarded to travel partners and individuals who demonstrated excellence in specific areas. Carnival UK & P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow said: “The UK Cruise Awards underscore the vital role that our dedicated travel partners play in driving forward the cruise industry. It was simply inspiring to be surrounded by so many people who share a joint passion for delivering the very best cruise holidays.” Paul Ludlow presented the Outstanding Contribution Award to Michael Wilson of Bolsover, recognising his long-standing reputation for excellent customer service and dedication to innovation. Barrhead Travel took the Innovative Marketing Campaign Award for its social media strategy, presented by Cunard president, Katie McAlister and UK and Europe vice president Princess Cruises, Eithne Williamson. Trailfinders was recognised for its Outstanding Customer Care, presented by Holland America sales and marketing director Karen Farndell and Seabourn sales director, Tom Andrews. Nick Watts of Cruise.co.uk received the Rising Star Award, presented by Carnival Cruise Line vice president of international sales, Iain Baillie and P&O Cruises vice president of sales, brand and marketing, Robert Scott. The cruise lines’ individual winners were as follows: Carnival Cruise Line: Partnership Achievement Award: Viva Cruise Outstanding Contribution: Cruise.co.uk Cunard: Partnership Achievement Award: WTH Outstanding Contribution: Reader Offers Ltd Holland America Line: Partnership Achievement Award: Stewart Travel Outstanding Contribution: Iglu Cruise P&O Cruises: Partnership Achievement Award: TUI Outstanding Contribution: Hays Travel Princess Cruises: Partnership Achievement Award: Hays Travel Outstanding Contribution: Iglu Cruise Seabourn: Partnership Achievement Award: The Cruise Line Outstanding Contribution: Sovereign Cruise Club 07 February, 2025 -
AmaWaterways Launches Celebration of Wellness River Cruises
AmaWaterways Launches Celebration of Wellness River Cruises
AmaWaterwayshas announced itis elevating its focus on wellness with the launch of newCelebration of Wellness River Cruises,offering travellers a transformative experience focused on physical health and mental well-being. These specially crafted itineraries provide guests with the opportunity to explore Europe’s iconic destinations through a wellness lens. With excursions tailored for active travellers, including hiking, biking, and guided runs, guests can enhance their best selves throughout their journey. Onboard, they will enjoy healthy, fresh cuisine with specially curated menus, as well as a series of daily wellness classes led by expert Wellness Hosts. The firstCelebration of Wellness River Cruisesare available on two summer sailings in 2025:Melodies of the Danube(August 2-9, 2025) andParis & Normandy(August 9-16, 2025). “As an advocate for a healthy lifestyle, I am passionate about offering our guests a holiday that nurtures their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being’’ said Kristin Karst, co-founder and executive vice president at AmaWaterways. “We’ve been pioneers in the active river cruise sector for many years, and today, more travellers are seeking experiences that promote health and wellness, even while on holiday. Whether it's staying active or connecting with the destinations in a meaningful way, these travellers are choosing cruises that align with their lifestyle. We’re proud to be at the forefront of this trend and offer travellers the opportunity to prioritise their well-being while discovering Europe’s most iconic destinations”. TheCelebration of Wellness River Cruisesoffer a comprehensive wellness experience, with enhanced tours, including extended hikes, bike tours, and guided runs, as well as at least six daily host-led wellness classes such as Champagne Yoga, core strengthening, circuit training, dance and resistance band stretching. A specially curated healthy menu will be available throughout the journey, complemented by a morning juice bar. Onboard wellness talks will provide further insights into maintaining a balanced lifestyle, while two dedicated Wellness Hosts will be on hand to offer personalised support. The firstCelebration of Wellness Cruisewill take place on the popular seven-nightMelodies of the Danubeitinerary (Budapest to Vilshofen), from 2nd-9thAugust 2025. Designed with both active travellers and wellness enthusiasts in mind, this cruise features the guidance of two Wellness Hosts and gives guests a chance to connect with nature, explore new avenues of wellness on board, and enjoy extended hiking and biking excursions—all included in the river cruise fare. Travellers will explore the heart of Old-World Europe, where empires were built, kings and queens were crowned, and some of the world’s greatest music was composed and performed by the likes of Mozart and Beethoven.The seven-night cruise onboardAmaLeacosts from £3,234 per person (was £3,884) based on two sharing a category D stateroom. The second 2025 summerCelebration of Wellness Cruisewill take place on the scenic seven-nightParis & Normandyitinerary (Paris to Paris), from 9th-16thAugust 2025. This departure includes a variety of guided hikes and walks through the stunning landscapes of Northern France - from the scenic coastal paths in Normandy to the picturesque streets of Paris. Highlights include an invigorating bike ride to the Eiffel Tower, and long walks along the historic D-Day beaches. In addition to these active excursions, guests will benefit from onboard wellness classes and personalised guidance from two dedicated Wellness Hosts.The seven-night cruise onboardAmaDantecosts from £3,216 per person (was £4,116) based on two sharing a category D stateroom. All AmaWaterways’ cruises include return economy flights from London or Manchester, overseas transfers, fine dining, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks, a daily choice of small group excursions, high-quality Wi-Fi and a Wellness programme with a variety of host-led fitness classes. To reserve anAmaWaterways river cruise for a client, visit AmaWaterways.co.uk or call 0800 520 2250. 07 February, 2025 -
Celebrity Cruises announces launch of The Bazaar debuting on Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Cruises announces launch of The Bazaar debuting on Celebrity Xcel
A transformational experience awaits on Celebrity Xcel. Introducing The Bazaar, a brand-new multi-level, multi-sensory space unlike anything else at sea. The new experience will be an epicentre of excitement on board and will introduce authentic experiences that extend guests’ time “on shore” to enjoy destinations in an unconventional way. Offering non-stop exploration, The Bazaar invites guests to get swept away in the sights, sounds, flavours, and traditions of the places they visit, and the festivals made famous by those destinations, all while on board Celebrity Xcel. A first of its kind concept, no two days at The Bazaar are the same. Each day, the three-storey space will transform, introducing new ways for guests to immerse themselves in the destinations called on throughout their sailing. The Bazaar comes alive to blend guests’ on board and in port experiences in an elevated, authentic and unique way throughout sailings; from a market featuring local artisan products and hands-on craft experiences, to destination inspired festivals specific to each itinerary, regionally inspired culinary experiences, and unforgettable entertainment. “The Bazaar is a truly one-of-a-kind space designed to seamlessly blend ship and shore and transform the way guests experience destinations,” shares Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. “Celebrity Xcel intentionally extends the destination experience onboard through a continued authentic offering between ports of call, allowing guests to take the destination with them.” Four unique Caribbean destination-inspired festivals - each linked to a destination where the ship is sailing – will immerse guests in the cultures of ports they visit. Every festival will bring a destination to life in a myriad of ways, including local food and beverage offerings, crafting experiences, retail enrichment activations, destination-inspired cooking and dance classes, pop-up entertainment, performances from local musicians, and other Caribbean-inspired activities. As Celebrity Xcel heads to Europe in 2026, The Bazaar will transform to feature festivals, markets and culinary experiences inspired by Mediterranean destinations. On sea days, Market at The Bazaar invites guests to take the cities they visit with them. Guests can excite their senses with unique and engaging displays from local artisans who will come onboard to showcase their crafts, skills and traditions, and even teach guests how to make their own local creations. As with all experiences at The Bazaar, the offering at the Market will change throughout sailings to reflect each of the four festival themes. Depending on the festival theme, guests can expand their palate with activities including rum and chocolate pairings and local hot sauce tastings, dive deep into the destination’s culture with experiences like live basket weaving demos, and find one-of-a-kind keepsakes from local vendors such as an authentic Caribbean mask shop, traditional Mexican leather hats, embroidery stations, and more. For those happiest when connecting to new cultures through food, new destination-inspired dining options in The Bazaar will delight palates with local cuisines. An open kitchen concept, Mosaic, will serve reimagined and elevated dishes, inspired by the regions Celebrity Xcel is sailing, enhancing guests’ appreciation of the incredible places they have visited. For something extra special, guests can delight in an industry-first Chef’s Table experience at Mosaic. Celebrity’s global culinary leadership team will each develop a dish inspired by their native cuisine, plated and presented in an elevated way. The Chef’s Table experience at Mosaic serves a diverse, multi-course tasting menu of childhood favourite dishes representing all continents, each perfectly paired with wines from Celebrity Cruises’ award-winning selection. Adventurous foodies can learn to cook regional delicacies at Chef's Studio at Mosaic. Celebrity’s first-ever destination inspired cooking school. Chef’s Studio invites guests to discover their inner chef as they learn to prepare new dishes from each destination they visit. Throughout the sailing, the cooking school repertoire will change to reflect the destination-inspired festival themes, allowing guests to master local favourites and add to their recipe books alongside creating new memories. For guests on the go, a new casual dining concept, Spice, will offer a daytime selection of rotating bites with special items inspired by the ports visited on the itinerary. A breathtaking café on the water’s edge, the inviting new seating area at Spice features floor-to-ceiling windows where guests can take in spectacular sea and port views. Holidaymakers can have their say and determine how The Bazaar experiences will come to life onboard Celebrity Xcel. Celebrity Cruises’ Xcel ‘Dream Makers’ is offering cruisers a first of its kind chance to help make key decisions across culinary, entertainment and interior design to finalise the cruise line’s newest ship. Open to all who wish to join, Dream Makers is a global community of holidaymakers who will test, try and vote on new experiences they would like to see onboard Xcel. For The Bazaar, Dream Makers will shape how the festivals come to life, choose entertainment and activities in Market at The Bazaar, select menu items at Mosaic, and more. Those interested in joining Xcel ‘Dream Makers’ can register at www.celebritycruises.com/xceldreammakers An enriched holiday experience continues for guests in port, as Celebrity’s authentic shore excursions offer multiple unique ways to explore a region’s culture, designed to meet varying guest travel styles. Experiences range from exploration of culture through the senses on Chef’s Market Discoveries, expertly crafted Small Group Journeys curated and led by local guides, and personalised, exclusive visits on Private Journeys. Guests seeking a unique beach experience in Nassau, will revel in the brand-new Royal Beach Club offering an all-inclusive beach day with the vibrant Bahamian spirit and culture at the heart of it all. Launching late 2025 and featuring pristine beaches, pools for every vibe and the world’s largest swim-up bar to island-style spots for Bahamian fare and experiences featuring local artisans and live music, Celebrity Xcel guests will be some of the first to experience what is set to become Nassau’s newest hotspot. Celebrity Xcel is sailing her inaugural season from Fort Lauderdale, offering seven-night itineraries alternating between the Bahamas, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten. In Summer 2026, Celebrity Xcel will set sail on her inaugural European season where guests can immerse themselves in the Mediterranean like never before on seven-to 11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including all new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal. For more information or to book, call 0800 441 4054, visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk or talk to your travel agent. 07 February, 2025 -
Christine Duffy celebrates 10-year anniversary as Carnival Cruise Line president
Christine Duffy celebrates 10-year anniversary as Carnival Cruise Line president
Carnival Cruise Line’s Christine Duffy has marked 10 years as the line’s president. Christine joined the operator in 2015, following a spell as CEO of Cruise Lines International Association. Prior to that she worked in the travel agency and meeting planning sectors. In her time leading the cruise line, she has overseen the launch of nine ships and 70 ship refurbishments. During her tenure, 13,500 cruises have departed, with 42.5 million guests sailing with Carnival. In October 2024, Christine took part in a skydive for Hurricane Helene relief efforts and has supported fundraising work for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In July 2025, Carnival will open its new exclusive destination, Celebration Key, and additional expansion is taking place on the newly renamed RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay. The Carnival Cruise Line fleet will also expand with five new ships on order, for delivery through to 2033, and the transfer of Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter from P&O Cruises Australia in March 2025. To watch a video of Christine’s 10-year highlights, click here. 07 February, 2025 -
Disney Cruise Line Embraces Summer 2026
Disney Cruise Line Embraces Summer 2026
Disney Cruise Line invites families on unforgettable summer adventures to new and favorite ports of call around the world during the 2026 season. With a soon-to-be expanded eight-ship fleet, there will be more Disney Cruise Line itineraries to choose from than ever before. Every flavor of vacation awaits Disney Cruise Line guests in summer 2026, from the pristine shorelines of Alaska to charming cobblestone streets in the British Isles. Cruisers can choose to soak in sun-drenched beaches in The Bahamas, stroll through the vibrant, historical cities of Italy, or unlock endless opportunities for exploration onboard the Disney Adventure departing from Singapore. Each voyage will also include the signature entertainment, world-class dining and unparalleled service that distinguishes every Disney Cruise Line vacation Early booking windows for Disney Cruise Line Castaway Club members begin on Feb. 10, 2025, and bookings will open to the public on Feb. 17, 2025. For more details about 2026 summer itineraries, visit disneycruise.com. Alaskan Adventures from Vancouver With the introduction of a second ship to Alaska, Disney Cruise Line will return with even more sailings bound for the picturesque glacial landscape of North America. Beginning in May, both the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder will embark on seven-night voyages from Vancouver, Canada. Itineraries will vary and include ports of call such as Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, all famous for their prehistoric glaciers, rich histories and eclectic shopping. On most sailings, cruisers will also discover the incomparable natural beauty of Alaska when they visit Dawes Glacier, a majestic tidewater glacier that towers over 600-feet tall. Itineraries on the Disney Magic will feature a stop at Icy Strait Point, known for its unique wildlife. New European Escapes For the first time, the Disney Dream will call on the island city of Cagliari, located in Sardinia, Italy, a brand-new destination for Disney Cruise Line. As the Disney Dream returns to Europe for the summer, it will invite guests to travel to picture-perfect ports across Italy, Greece, Croatia, Malta, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. The Disney Dream will kick off summer with a 14-night transatlantic crossing from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Barcelona, Spain. Departing from Barcelona or Civitavecchia, Italy, the Disney Dream will then set sail on seven- to twelve-night Mediterranean cruises. Guests will call upon popular Greek islands to visit the blue-topped spires in Santorini, the famous windmills of Mykonos, ancient landmarks in Rhodes, and many more scenic locales. The Disney Dream will finish out the season with three-, four-, and seven-night sailings out of Southampton, United Kingdom to Northern Europe and the Norwegian Fjords. Exploration awaits guests in the quaint, idyllic village of Olden, Norway; the seaside capital of Copenhagen, Denmark; the rocky shores of Portland, United Kingdom; and many more exciting ports of call. Tropical Getaways from Central Florida Guests seeking a sunny escape will be able to depart from Port Canaveral, Florida on three different Disney Cruise Line ships to destinations in The Bahamas and Eastern or Western Caribbean, including stops at Disney’s tropical retreats, Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Both offering Bahamian itineraries, the Disney Fantasy will set sail on four- and five-night voyages and the Disney Wish will depart on three- and four-night voyages. The Disney Fantasy will also offer a 10-night cruise to the Southern Caribbean. Meanwhile, the Disney Treasure will embark on seven-night sailings to Eastern or Western Caribbean, giving guests a chance to soak up rays on the beautiful beaches of Tortola, British Virgin Isles; Falmouth, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Grand Cayman, the Cayman Islands; and Disney Castaway Cay in The Bahamas. Sunny Vacations from South Florida Departing on four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, the Disney Destiny, which launches in November 2025, will visit Nassau, The Bahamas, Disney Castaway Cay and/or Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. The Disney Destiny will also offer two seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean during the summer season. Explorations at Sea from Singapore The Disney Adventure, which will set sail in December 2025, will offer a lineup of three- and four-night itineraries from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore from April through summer 2026. Onboard the Disney Adventure, guests will unlock epic experiences that celebrate beloved stories from Disney, Pixar and Marvel. From three brand-new, Marvel-themed attractions at sea to an array of dining options and Broadway-style musical spectaculars including “Remember,” developed exclusively for the Disney Adventure, there is much in store for guests to discover. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can visit disneycruise.com or contact their travel agent. 07 February, 2025 -
AmaWaterways and Smithsonian Journeys Announce Alliance to Offer Co-Branded River Cruises
AmaWaterways and Smithsonian Journeys Announce Alliance to Offer Co-Branded River Cruises
AmaWaterways, the award-winning river cruise line known for immersive cultural experiences, is proud to announce an alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel programme of the Smithsonian Institution and a leader in authentic and enriching small-group travel. Beginning in April 2026, select European river cruises will feature exclusive Smithsonian-crafted experiences, drawing on the Smithsonian’s 175+ year history as the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex. These itineraries will include notable Smithsonian Journeys experts and offer opportunities for local immersion and discovery. This collaboration reflects AmaWaterways and Smithsonian Journeys’ shared commitment to inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel. Thirty-three departures exploring some of the most breathtaking and historic rivers of Europe, including the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine, and Rhone, will debut in 2026, with each providing exclusive excursions and opportunities to engage with a variety of experts, ranging from art historians, archaeologists and scientists to anthropologists, historians and more. All departures feature an assortment of pre- and post-cruise land packages, hosted by an AmaWaterways cruise manager, for guests to explore further beyond the cruise itinerary. “What sets AmaWaterways apart is our commitment to creating truly immersive experiences,” said Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and president of AmaWaterways. “Our goal is to go beyond simply seeing destinations—we want our guests to connect with the places we visit. By combining our expertise in river cruising with Smithsonian’s dedication to cultural and educational exploration, we offer travellers a unique opportunity to gain deeper insights into local history, traditions and ways of life, all while enjoying the exceptional comfort and service aboard our ships.” “We are excited to bring the Smithsonian experience to the great rivers of Europe aboard the ships of AmaWaterways,” said Walter Littlejohn III, senior vice president of Smithsonian Journeys. “Our dedication to lifelong learning and passion for exploring the world drives us to continually develop authentic, enriching experiences for travellers. These trips provide a bevy of new options for intellectually curious travellers to indulge in the rich history and cultures of countries such as Austria, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Portugal and more through the unique lens of the Smithsonian.” This alliance with Smithsonian Journeys further solidifies the river cruise line’s commitment to delivering deeply immersive and enriching experiences, both on board and during shore excursions. Cruising with AmaWaterways includes fine dining in multiple venues, including The Chef's Table speciality restaurant, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour, a variety of small group excursions, high-quality Wi-Fi, a Wellness Programme with a variety of host-led fitness classes, airport transfers, and much more. 07 February, 2025 -
January 2025 ReviewJanuary 2025 Review
What a rip-roaring start it’s been to 2025. Amid reports of record-breaking bookings with some lines smashing sales targets, there have been cruise company tie-ups, a debut ship announcement and a surprising new name to enter the world of rivers. Rivers are rockin’ Who could have predicted the newest player to make a splash on the rivers scene?Celebrity Cruisessays it will usher in a new era to the world’s waterways withCelebrity River Cruises,and an initial plan for 10 ships. The premium brand is due to debut in 2027 and will open for bookings this year. Meanwhile,CroisiEuropehas unveiled special offers to mark its 30 years of sailing the Rhone and 25 years on Venice’s waterways.VIVA Cruiseschristened its third shipViva Enjoyin Dusseldorf, whileRiverside Luxury Cruisesis promoting selected zero single supplements on 2025 and 2026 departures. Industry moves make waves This was a mergers and acquisitions month with news ofAmbassador Cruise Linejoining forces with French cruise companyCompagnie Française de Croisièresto form theAmbassador Groupas a springboard for future expansion andPonant Explorations Groupacquiring a majority stake in boutique lineAqua Expeditions.Following the float-out of its newest shipCelebrity Xcel,Celebrityupped the ante by announcing its sixth Edge-class ship to launch in 2028. World cruises and far-flung adventures As this year’s world cruises depart, so ones in 2027 are being unveiled withAzamara Cruises’longest-ever global voyage at 188 nights from San Francisco to Copenhagen aboardAzamara Quest.Crystalis inviting guests on its 140-night Pacific Rim journey from San Diego to Vancouver aboardCrystal Serenity.Seabournis offering six voyages, from eight to 24 days, onSeabourn Venturealong the Northwest Passage in 2026, whileCunardhas put its 2026 Alaska season on sale with 23 round-trip voyages onQueen Elizabethfrom Seattle.Holland America Linehas unveiled its 2026/27 programmes to Australia, New Zealand and Asia featuring itineraries of 13 to 35 days, plus South America and Antarctica. Stay a little closer Fred. Olsen Cruise Lineshas unveiled five new 2026 voyages from Liverpool onBolette, including sailings to the Mediterranean, Norway and Scotland, whileWindstar Cruisesis to operate its first full winter season of Canary Islands cruises from November 2025 until February 2026 aboard its newly-renovated sailing shipWind Star.Ambassador Cruise Lineshas axed single supplements on remaining sailings this winter. Special interests and famous faces Cunardguests can go all honky tonk with jazz stars Jools Holland and Jamie Cullum who are headlining exclusive performances onQueen Victoriathis year. MeanwhileFred. Olsenhas teamed up with Jim Moir aka comic Vic Reeves, comedian and novelist Jenny Eclair and celebrity snapper Scarlet Page – dubbed its “Moments Crew” – who will join specific voyages to capture guests’ onboard moments through painting (Jim is a comedian turned artist); writing journals, led by Jenny, and photography with Scarlet. Crafting cruises led by actress Julie Peasgood, Orca wildlife voyages and an 80s nostalgia sailing are special-interest cruises unveiled byAmbassador Cruise Linesfor this year, whileSwan Hellenichas launched its first-ever cultural expedition cruise focusing on wine and gastronomy from Lisbon to Portsmouth this May. 04 February, 2025 -
MSC Cruises Opens Sales For MSC World Asia
MSC Cruises Opens Sales For MSC World Asia
MSC Cruises’ newest World Class ship,MSC World Asia, is now open for booking, offering guests an opportunity to experience the art of cruising in the Mediterranean from December 2026. The new ship is the third World Class ship - each of which is named in homage to the world’s continents, reflecting the global nature of MSC Cruises, which sails to every corner of the globe, offering an unparalleled choice of destinations. Commencing on 11 December 2026 for the winter 2026/27 season, the ship will offer seven-night sailings to the most popular destinations in the Western Mediterranean – Barcelona (Spain), Marseille (France), Genoa, Civitavecchia for Rome, Messina (Italy) and Valletta (Malta) with accessible embarkation in every port. For the summer 2027 season,MSC World Asiawill offer a seven-night itinerary serving Barcelona, Marseille, Genoa, Naples, Messina and Valletta. MSC World Asiais the latest innovative ship in the cruise line’s LNG-powered World Class followingMSC World Europaand the soon-to-be-launchedMSC World America, which will sail in the Caribbean from Miami (U.S.) in April. MSC World Asiafeatures subtle design elements that reflect Asia’s rich culture, art, and beautiful landscapes. It retains the signature plumb bow rising vertically from the waterline and the iconic Y-shaped aft that opens onto the impressive outdoor promenade, hallmarks of MSC Cruises’ World Class ships. Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises said,“We have chosen to deploy our latest flagship in the WesternMediterranean as it is our most popular region. MSC World Asia will further enhance our lineup in the region, giving guests even more choice of embarkation ports and itineraries for their winter escape or summer holiday. As with each of our new ships, we’ll introduce innovative new concepts, venues and services to deliver the ultimate cruise experience for our guests.” Itineraries forMSC World Asiaare now available to book:here. MSC Voyager’s Club members who book by 13 February 2025 will receive 1000 extra points, plus an onboard credit of €50 per person. They will also benefit from their usual Voyager’s Exclusives benefits when booking more than 12 months ahead of their departure, including a 5%+5% discount, double membership points after the cruise is booked and €50 onboard credit from MSCVoyager’s Club Silver status. See website for full terms and conditions. 31 January, 2025 -
CroisiEurope joins CLIA's Australasian community
CroisiEurope joins CLIA's Australasian community
January 31, 2025 – French river cruise specialist CroisiEurope has joined Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) as a River Cruise Marketing Affiliate in Australasia, bringing its distinct family-run brand into CLIA’s expanding cruise industry community. The partnership will showcase CroisiEurope Australasia to CLIA’s 6,000-strong travel agent membership across Australia and New Zealand, placing it among CLIA’s leading cruise operators from around the world and executive partners representing ports, destinations, tourism operators, and industry suppliers. CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said CroisiEurope was a welcome addition to CLIA’s ranks at a time when river cruising was enjoying a growing appreciation among travellers. “CroisiEurope has been at the heart of river cruising for almost half a century and is part of a sector that is thriving on the world’s great inland waterways,” Mr Katz said. “We’re delighted to have CroisiEurope join our community amid such passionate interest in river cruising from both travellers and travel agents alike.” CroisiEurope Asia Pacific Director Naidah Yazdani said the company looked forward to an even stronger relationship with the Australasian travel trade and CLIA community. ‘’We look forward to the opportunity to develop CroisiEurope in Australasia, where travellers can discover exclusive destinations, unique itineraries at an affordable price,” Mr Yazdani said. “In addition to our presence on all major rivers we also proudly serve the Elbe, Venice, Loire valley and Andalusia alongside a fantastic variety of offerings such as our 11-cabin canal barges throughout France, our authentic Southern Africa boat/lodge safari on Lake Kariba and our five ships on the river Mekong.’’ ‘’Our international markets currently account for approximately 50% of our business and by strategically developing our presence in Australasia alongside our established offices in the US and UK, we aim to significantly grow this segment,” Mr Yazdani said. “We want these markets to experience the exceptional value that CroisiEurope offers. As part of our commitment to this growth and as one of the largest river cruise lines in the world, our CLIA membership will play a crucial role in educating Australians and New Zealanders about our unique offerings and helping to develop the river cruising market in this region.’’ CroisiEurope became a pioneer of cruising on the Rhine under its founder Gérard Schmitter in 1976 and has since expanded to offer a wide range of destinations and itineraries on canals, rivers and seas in Europe and around the world. It operates a fleet of 50 intimate-sized ships, offering affordable inclusive packages and a style of service that shares the French joie de vivre. CroisiEurope Australia representatives will be attending CLIA Australasia events throughout the year. For more information visit www.croisieurope.travel/en. 30 January, 2025