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Last Month in Cruise October 2024 Review - Written By Sara MacefieldLast Month in Cruise October 2024 Review - Written By Sara Macefield
With this year’s sales riding high, cruise lines are looking beyond the horizon with ever-more ambitious itineraries for 2025 onwards, and even branching on to land with shoreside plans too. In true cruise tradition, they are also ensuring guests will be wined and dined in style. Distant horizons Cruise lines are sailing far and wide into 2025 and beyond.Celebrity Cruisesunveiled its first world cruise, a 110-night Grand Voyage onCelebrity Solsticedeparting in September 2026.Cunardis sending newest shipQueen Anneto Latin America on a South America Discovery voyage in January 2027 whileCarnival Cruise Lineis doubling its presence Down Under in 2026/27 with four ships in the region.P&O Cruises’Aurorawill make its maiden call at Galveston, Texas, on a 75-night Grand Tour departing in January 2027, whileMSC Cruisesmakes its Alaska debut next summer. River views AmaWaterwaysis planning a double whammy on Colombia’s Magdalena River in 2025 with the rescheduled launch ofAmaMagdalenain March, followed byAmaMelodiain June.Emerald Cruisesis promising the “next chapter” as it unveils new 180-guest Star Ship Emerald Astra for 2026 on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, and a string of upgrades across its European river fleet.TUI River Cruiseshas unveiled four new itineraries in 2026, plus a cruise-and stay, and announced the debut of fourth ship, the refurbishedTUI Ria,which starts sailingEurope’s waterways in summer 2026.VIVA Cruiseshasunveiled a new premium Viva Boutique arm, with its first shipViva Beyondlaunching in 2026 on the Seine. Land ahoy! Silverseahas turned its attention shoreside by developing a hotel in the southernmost city on earth, Puerto Williams, for guests on the line’s Antarctica sailings that depart the Chilean port. The 150-room property is due to be completed by the end of 2025.Royal Caribbean Internationalis to develop another Perfect Day resort withPerfect Day Mexicoon the country’s Caribbean coast at Mahahual, opening in 2027. This will follow theRoyal Beach Club Cozumel, which opens in 2026.MSC Cruises’conservation offshoot, MSC Foundation plans to expand coral research at its soon-to-be-completed Marine Conservation Centre on the line’s private Caribbean islandOcean Cay. Adventures afar Hermanus in South Africa, Vaeroy in Norway’s Lofoten Islands, Elmina in Ghana and Ilha Baia dos Tigres in Angola are highlights ofSwan Hellenic’s2025/26 itineraries which feature ports not visited by other cruise ships. Meanwhile,Marella Cruises, Ambassador Cruise Line, Oceania CruisesandScenichave joined the growing ranks of cruise lines offering sailings to view the next total solar eclipse over Europe in August 2026. Eat, drink and be merry . . . . . . thanks toExplora Journeys’new Chef Invité series starting with Michelin star chef Thierry Marx andCunard’spartnership with Michelin star chef Nathan Outlaw.Princess Cruises’has thirst-quenching tie-ups with Pantalones Organic Tequila (co-founded by American actor Matthew McConaughey and his wife Camila), and Hollywood star Blake Lively’s sparkling tipples Betty Booze and Betty Buzz. Whisky aficionados can now sampleFred Olsen Cruise Lines’limited-edition single malt, Amplitude, that matured onBorealis’sworld cruise, whileHolland America Linehas unveiled its first own-branded sparkling wine produced in Washington’s Columbia Valley. 05 November, 2024 -
Celestyal Visit Qatar Qatar Airways to host agents on Qatar super fam trip
Celestyal Visit Qatar Qatar Airways to host agents on Qatar super fam trip
Celestyal and Visit Qatar have announced they will be hosting 32 global agents on a Qatar super fam in the Arabian Gulf, including tickets to the F1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand prix 2024. Travelling in late November in partnership with Qatar Airways, agents from across the UK will be joining Janet Parton, VP Business Development in UK, Western Europe and Australia at Celestyal, for a five-night trip to Doha, Qatar, showcasing the very best of the region. Agents will experience a three-night land stay, which will include an array of exciting excursions in Qatar as well as taking in the Arabian Travel Market before embarking the 1260-guest Celestyal Journey for a further two nights while she is docked at Doha’s Grand Cruise Terminal. While onboard, guests will be invited to a speaker event with David Coulthard, who competed in Formula One from 1994 to 2008, winning 13 Grands Prix across 15 seasons, racing for Williams, McLaren and Red Bull. His subsequent TV commentating career has seen him work for the BBC and Channel 4. The trip’s finale will see guests attending the Qatar Grand Prix at Lusail International Circuit on December 1, with Grandstand ticket access. Janet Parton said: “As Celestyal Journey is making her way to Doha, we’re starting to rev up for our inaugural season in the Arabian Gulf with this adrenaline-fueled agent fam trip. Together with Visit Qatar and Qatar Airways, we’ve put together one of the most thrilling fam trip offers in the market. Not only will we showcase the stunning Arabian Gulf and our beautiful Celestyal Journey, but our agent partners are in for some pedal-to-the-metal F1 excitement which we’re sure will leave them racing to share with clients.” Celestyal’s ‘Desert Days’ cruises, will debut for the first time in November this year, sailing onboard Celestyal Journey. The seven-night itinerary departs roundtrip from either Doha (Qatar) or Dubai (UAE), and calls at Bahrain, Khasab (Oman), Sir Bani Yas Island (UAE) and Abu Dhabi (UAE). Prices start from £399pp. For more information visit celestyal.com or call 0808 258 4170. 05 November, 2024 -
Tauck to Launch Two New Riverboats in France in 2026
Tauck to Launch Two New Riverboats in France in 2026
Tauck has announced that two new ships will be joining the company's fleet of award-winning riverboats in 2026. The two ships, which have not yet been named, will launch in spring 2026 following construction next year in Serbia and The Netherlands. The two newbuilds include a 135-meter vessel that will sail on Tauck itineraries along the Rhone. Accommodating a maximum of just 130 guests in sixty-eight cabins, the 135-meter ship will boast twenty-two spacious 300-sq. ft. suites on its upper (Diamond) deck, thirty-four roomy 225-sq. ft. cabins primarily on the middle (Ruby) deck, and twelve 180-sq. ft. Category 1 cabins on the lower (Emerald) deck. A slightly smaller (125-meter) sister ship will host up to 124 guests along the River Seine, with accommodations including twenty 300-sq. ft. suites on its Diamond Deck, thirty 225-sq. ft. cabins (mainly on the Ruby Deck), and twelve 180-sq. ft. Category 1 cabins on the Emerald Deck. At 180-sq. ft., the Category 1 cabins on both newbuilds will be 20% larger than the Category 1 cabins found on Tauck's other riverboats. In keeping with Tauck's tradition of welcoming solo travelers, all Category 1 cabins on the new ships will have the single supplement waived on every sailing. TAUCK'S AWARD-WINNING FORMULA, WITH REIMAGINED PUBLIC AREAS According to Tauck CEO Dan Mahar, the two new ships will continue the company's proven formula for success on Europe's rivers. "With our two new riverboats, we'll continue to prioritize our guests' comfort and the quality of their onboard experience, rather than following the industry norm of maximizing revenue by maximizing passenger capacity," said Mahar. As an example, Mahar explained that other lines' 135-meter riverboats routinely carry 190 people, while Tauck's ships of the same size host just 130 guests. "Other lines' 135-meter ships carry a full 46% more people than Tauck's riverboats, and you simply can't provide the same service or quality of experience with nearly half-again as many guests." Mahar explained that by intentionally accommodating fewer guests, Tauck is able to offer roomier cabins (80% of the cabins on the two newbuilds will be 225 square feet or larger). Having fewer guests aboard also ensures that each ship's public areas are less crowded and provide a more relaxed and intimate onboard ambiance, thereby fostering the strong comradery and sense of community that are hallmarks of Tauck's river cruises. Mahar added that, as with Tauck's other riverboats, the two newbuilds will sail with a dedicated Tauck Cruise Director and up to three Tauck Director guides to provide the highest levels of service, and the itineraries offered on the new ships will be fully inclusive. Built into the price of every Tauck river cruise are all shore excursions, all gratuities, all onboard beverages (including wine, beer and spirits), arrival and departure airport transfers, all taxes and fees, and more. While Tauck has provided an overview of the new riverboats' accommodations, the company is offering few specifics about the ships' uppermost Sun Deck or other communal spaces including the vessels' restaurants, lounges, spa and gym facilities. Mahar explained that those areas are receiving some special focus, with details to be announced at a later date. "We've been listening carefully to what our guests have been saying, and to feedback from the Tauck Cruise Directors and Tauck Director guides who work aboard our riverboats, and we're reimagining our public spaces with some fresh and fun innovations," said Mahar. "We have some wonderful enhancements in the works, and we're looking forward to revealing more of our plans in the coming months." RECORD SALES, AND 2026 CRUISES NOW OPEN FOR BOOKING The announcement of Tauck's new ships comes as the company is concluding a record year with its European river cruises, including double-digit growth (percentage-wise) over last year's passenger levels. Demand for Tauck's 2025 sailings is also robust, with pre-season bookings likewise up double-digits year-over-year. In addition, Tauck opened its 2026 river cruises for preliminary bookings earlier this month and guests are now able toreserve spaceon the 2026 itinerary and departure date of their choosing. All guests who book 2026 cruises now will have the opportunity to cancel their bookings, and receive a full refund of their deposits, when pricing and final itinerary details are announced in early 2025. 03 November, 2024 -
Royal Caribbeans Next Bold Adventures In Europe To Headline Summer 2026
Royal Caribbeans Next Bold Adventures In Europe To Headline Summer 2026
Calling all vacationers: Royal Caribbean is turning up the adventure in Europe for summer 2026.Travelers can explore the best of Europe across 60-plus destinations with their pick of five headlining vacations starting inAthens (Piraeus), Greece; Barcelona, Spain; Rome (Civitavecchia)and Ravenna, Italy;andSouthampton, England. FromHarmony of the Seasand its bold return to Barcelona to all-time favoritesOdyssey,Brilliance,ExplorerandLiberty of the Seas, the variety of2- to 14-night getawaysmakes for an action-packed rosterwith ways for every type of family and adventurer to make memories.Starting today, vacationers can set their sights on Europe and book the new 2026 adventures onRoyal Caribbean’swebsite. The bold, new getaways in Europe set the stage for vacationers to visit, see, hear and taste their way around many of the world’s most sought-after destinations. The lineup spans from the sun-soaked beaches in theMediterranean, includingSantorini and Mykonos,Greece, to the historic streets ofDubrovnik, Croatia, and the jaw-dropping views of theNorwegian fjordsin northern Europe. Plus, adventurers can have front-row seats to see a rare solar eclipse in August onLiberty. The adventures continue in between with a combination of ways to thrill, chill, dine, drink and be entertained. Highlights include a range of flavors for all tastebuds, fromsteakhousestosushi, deck-defyingentertainment across air, ice, water and theater, and adrenaline-pumping activities like the RipCord by iFlyskydivingsimulator, the Perfect Stormracing waterslidesand the signature FlowRidersurf simulator. Europe Summer 2026 Highlights Harmony of the Seas–From Barcelona On7-night adventures,vacationers are set to visit destinations likePalma de Mallorca, Spain;Florence (La Spezia) and Naples, Italy; andProvence (Marseille), France. With everything from historic monuments to stunning landscapes, travelers can take in the vibrant culture of the Western Mediterranean and wander through the majestic Palma Cathedral in Mallorca or marvel at masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David at the Galleria dell'Accademia in Florence (La Spezia). All ages have something to look forward to onHarmonywith an impressive lineup of thrills, ways to chill and signature adventures that vacationers know and love. Families can enjoy the10-story Ultimate Abyss dry slide,thePerfect Storm trio of waterslides,full-scale entertainment across four stages, a nine-deck-highzip line, twin FlowRider surf simulators and aworld of flavorsacross dozens of restaurants, bars and lounges. Odyssey of the Seas–From Rome (Civitavecchia) Odysseyis set to deliver7- to 9-nightvacationsfrom charming destinations such asEphesus (Kusadasi), Turkey, and Naples to the idyllic islands ofMykonosandSantorini, Greece. Adventurers can immerse themselves in centuries of history and culture, from the iconic white buildings of Santorini to the temples of Ephesus. The memories continue on deck with thrills like the gravity-defyingRipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, along with indoor and outdoor pools and20-plusrestaurants, bars and loungesfrom around the world, like fresh sushi and sashimi atIzumiand Tuscan favorites atGiovanni’s Table. Liberty of the Seas–From Southampton Vacationers can set their sights on2- to 9-nightbucket-list adventuresto picturesque spots like the awe-inspiringNorwegian fjords, the medieval streets ofBruges, Belgium, and the colorful Nyhavn harbor and charming Tivoli Gardens inCopenhagen, Denmark. In between soaking up the culture of northern Europe, adventurers are in for thrills onThe Perfect Storm racing waterslides,ice skatingand bonding over family favorites at spots likeSorrento’s PizzaandJohnny Rockets. For an extraordinary total eclipse experience, families can join the specialsolar eclipse adventureon Aug. 7, 2026, and witness the celestial event with the ocean as the ultimate backdrop. Explorer of the Seas–From Ravenna With a combination of7- to 14-night adventures, vacationers can set their sights on theAegean and Adriatic seasand charming cities likeDubrovnikandZadar, Croatia, andAthens (Piraeus),featuring a mix of ancient sights, idyllic beaches and crystal-clear waters. Travelers are in for memorable experiences from sunrise to sunset, like unwinding by the pool or the adults-only Solarium, rejuvenating at theVitality Spa, catching a wave on Royal Caribbean’s signatureFlowRider surf simulatorand savoring flavors atChops GrilleandChef’s Tablefora five-course experience. Brilliance of the Seas–From Athens (Piraeus), Rome (Civitavecchia), Ravenna and Barcelona For those looking to dive into history, adventurers have their choice of7-nightvacationstoAthens (Piraeus), Rome (Civitavecchia), Barcelona, theGreek Isles, andEphesus (Kusadasi) and Istanbul,Turkey. Vacationers can explore the ancient wonders of Athens (Piraeus), from the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon to the Temple of Zeus, stroll through the vibrant streets of Barcelona and immerse themselves in the rich history of Rome (Civitavecchia) at the Colosseum or admire the intricate details of the Pantheon. OnBrilliance, travelers can enjoy a lineup of dining, entertainment, nightlife and more, unwind in the sereneadults-only Solarium,complete with pools and whirlpools; test their skills on therock-climbing wall; and savor flavors of all kinds, ranging from steakhouse classics atChops Grilleto sushi atIzumi. Holidaymakers can learn more about new and upcoming European adventures by visiting Royal Caribbean’swebsite. 03 November, 2024 -
Journey to the Magnificent Alaskan Wilderness with Virgin Voyages
Journey to the Magnificent Alaskan Wilderness with Virgin Voyages
DidJuneauthat Virgin Voyages is sailing to Alaska? Voted the best large-ship liner inCondé Nast Traveler’s2024 Readers’ Choice Awards and the best mega-ship liner inTravel + Leisure’s2024 World’s Best Awards, Sir Richard Branson’s brilliantly disruptive travel company is setting course for the Last Frontier in the summer of 2026. From cascading waterfalls to vast rugged landscapes, Alaska’s gripping wildlife and sprawling vistas await between May and September. Brilliant Lady, the newest ship in Virgin’s impressive fleet, will celebrate the grand finale of her inaugural North American tour with 17 new voyages – heroing 12 awe-inspiring destinations. Access for presale passholders opens on Thursday, while itineraries go on sale for the general public starting Nov. 13 with inaugural season pricing expected to rise quickly. Just in time for peak orca season, Brilliant Lady will offer Sailors a front-row seat on an unforgettable journey to the Pacific Northwest’s woody shores. Ports of call promise the adventure of a lifetime and the rare chance to witness majestic creatures in their natural habitat. There will be opportunities to spot bald eagles, seals and humpback whales, while salmon fishing, glacier trekking, lumberjack shows and dog sledding are just a sample of Shore Things on offer. Seven- to 12-night itineraries depart from Seattle and Vancouver with stops in Alaska’s magnificent wilderness and Canada’s untouched northwest. The MerMaiden voyage (May 21-28), for example, departs from the Emerald City and spends a day sailing to Ketchikan, a quaint village located amongst the Tongass National Forest. From there Brilliant Lady docks in verdant Sitka – the iconic seaside town teeming with local culture that inspired Ryan Reynolds’ and Sandra Bullock’s rom-com “The Proposal” – followed by a day voyaging up the impressive Tracy Arm Fjord. Brilliant Lady will also dock in Prince Rupert (British Columbia), a picturesque coastal town offering cosmopolitan amenities, before spending a final day traveling back to Seattle. With all of the incredible wildlife that lies beyond Brilliant’s bow, guests are spoiled for spaces to take in the sights. Sailors can wrap up in their warm, knitted cabin blanket with a cup of hot cocoa or glass of Moët and marvel in the serene beauty as 86% of cabins boast balconies with hand-woven hammocks. The Galley, Virgin’s food hall with food all included, offers floor-to-ceiling windows so Sailors never miss a beat, while cozy daybeds at The Athletic Club and The Dock make for desirable outdoor viewing spaces. Even The Runway, Virgin Voyages’ suspended running track, can serve as a sightseeing platform, making morning runs even more exhilarating. For foodies, new “Treat Yourself” culinary enhancements will feature locally sourced Alaskan seafood. Virgin Voyages’ CEO Nirmal Saverimuttu said, “We have incredibly high repeat rates, so our Sailors are always challenging us to seek new horizons; they always want to know ‘where else can we sail with Virgin?’ This brand is charting new paths, and the sold-out response to our Front(ier) of the Line passes earlier this year showed us just how sought after our Alaskan itineraries are. We continue to reach for the high seas with our itineraries, with Brilliant Lady being no exception. Soon our Sailors can visit one of the world’s most incredible destinations on the No. 1 cruise line, all while enjoying new and exciting artists, chefs and musicians that bring the Virgin vibe.” Following the announcement of Brilliant Lady’s North American tour, bookings for the coveted US itineraries surpassed anticipated demand. Debuting in September 2026, Brilliant Lady kicks off her inaugural season in New York with voyages from Miami, LA and Seattle planned in the months that follow, including an epic 16-night sailing through the Panama Canal. The bucket-list Alaskan voyages, however, really stole the show. In May, 2024, members of the brand’s Sailing Club – Virgin Voyages’ loyalty program – were offered a chance to snag Front(ier) of the Line passes to pre-purchase the limited Alaskan itineraries. After selling out, the Front(ier) of the Line passholders get booking access starting this week, with voyages opening to the general public on Nov. 13. In addition to Alaska, the brand is unveiling an additional seven-night itinerary from Los Angeles. Highlights include Cabo San Lucas, magical Mazatlàn and charming Puerto Vallarta. Virgin Voyages is a brand that believes in offering its Sailors more value and more choice without nickel and diming at every turn. Always included and built into every voyage fare is specialty dining and Michelin-inspired food, essential bevvies, high-speed wifi, gratuities, group fitness classes and entertainment. 03 November, 2024 -
10 New US Ships in 3 Years
10 New US Ships in 3 Years
American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that it has signed contracts with Chesapeake Shipbuilding for 4 more new ships, bringing the Line’s total orderbook with Chesapeake to 10 ships over the next 3 years. All the newbuilds are expressly for the U.S. cruise market; the fastest growing segment of the river cruise industry. American Cruise Lines has been a trailblazer in that market for more than 50 years and will operate 21 small ships around the country next year. The 10 new ships from Chesapeake begin with the delivery of American Legend this week. The newest Coastal Cat in American’s fleet passed sea trials and is on schedule for its first cruise on November 25th . The remaining newbuilds on order will roll out every few months over the next 3 years. They include 3 riverboats and 6 additional coastal ships. Now available for booking are: American Patriot and American Pioneer (2025); American Maverick and American Ranger (2026), and new riverboat American Encore (2026). More details on the 4 additional newbuilds for 2027 will be released soon. American’s commitment to U.S. River cruising is longstanding, but the rapid expansion of the company’s fleet in just the past several years is demonstrative of the growing interest and demand for world-class cruise experiences in the United States. American has introduced 19 of the 24 cruise ships built in the U.S. in the past 20 years. The company operates the only 100% U.S. flagged fleet of riverboats and small ships in the world and remains fully committed to introducing only new small ships built specifically for domestic cruising. The company’s unique fleet enables all-domestic river and coastal itineraries that no other lines offer. American Cruise Lines will operate 21 small ships in 2025; sailing the largest collection of 100% domestic River and Coastal itineraries ever offered in the United States. The company will continue to introduce new ships with top-notch amenities that are unusual for small ships—unlocking amazing new opportunities for cruising closer to home and exploring America year after year. To view all American Cruise Lines riverboats and small ships, including virtual tours and deck plans please visit AmericanCruiseLines.com and click the SHIPS tab from the top of the homepage. 03 November, 2024 -
New study reveals NZ$1.37 billion value of cruise tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand
New study reveals NZ$1.37 billion value of cruise tourism in Aotearoa New Zealand
November 1, 2024 – The full value of cruise tourism in New Zealand has been detailed for the first time in a new economic analysis, showing a total windfall of NZ$1.37 billion for communities around the country during the 2023-24 financial year. An economic impact assessment jointly commissioned by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA) provides the first detailed analysis of cruise tourism in Aotearoa, quantifying its full economic impact alongside the employment it supports. Announced today, the assessment shows NZ$1.37 billion in total economic output generated by cruise tourism in New Zealand during 2023-24. This included direct expenditure by passengers, crew and cruise lines worth NZ$637.8 million, as well as indirect/induced expenditure of NZ$729.2 million. It shows that cruise tourism supported a total employment of 9,729 New Zealand jobs last financial year and provided NZ$425.9 million in wages to New Zealand workers. CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said the assessment provided the first comprehensive picture of New Zealand’s cruise economy, expanding on the data produced in past years by StatsNZ. While past assessments have shown only direct expenditure by passengers, crew and cruise lines, this latest analysis also calculates the indirect and induced benefits that flow through the New Zealand economy, as well as the employment created. “Cruise tourism provides enormous economic benefits, not just in the major cities but also dispersed among regional ports and destinations around New Zealand,” Mr Katz said. “For the first time, we can now see the full value of New Zealand’s cruise economy, including the employment it creates around the country.” NZCA Chief Executive Officer Jacqui Lloyd said cruise ships had delivered NZ$439.5 million in passenger spending to virtually every region of New Zealand in 2023-24. “A cruise passenger spends an average NZ$283 every day on shore in New Zealand, but that’s only one piece of the picture,” Ms Lloyd said. “We also benefit from the spending of crew members and the spending of cruise lines to support their operations and provision their ships.” “Cruise tourism supports a huge variety of local Kiwi businesses like tour operators, travel agents, hotels and restaurants, retailers, transport providers and port operators,” Ms Lloyd said. “Cruising is also supported by an extensive supply chain, creating benefits for New Zealand farmers and food producers, winemakers, providores and maritime service providers.” Although the value of cruise tourism is high, the cruise industry has warned that rising costs and regulatory complexities are hampering the industry in New Zealand, leading to a fall in local cruise ship deployment. “While cruise tourism is thriving in the rest of the world, New Zealand is going backwards and local communities are facing a 20% reduction in visitor numbers over the coming season,” Ms Lloyd said. “New Zealand has become one of the world’s most expensive destinations for cruise operations, and this is already costing Kiwi businesses millions of dollars as ships head elsewhere.” The Value of Cruise Tourism economic impact assessment for New Zealand was prepared by AEC Group on behalf of CLIA and the NZCA. Its key findings for 2023-24 show: A total economic output of NZ$1.37 billion nationally, including direct* output of NZ$637.8 million and indirect/induced* output of NZ$729.2 million. Total employment of 9,729 people nationally, with total wages of NZ$425.9 million generated for New Zealand workers. A total of 21 New Zealand ports and destinations visited, welcoming 1,011 ship visits and 1.55 million passenger visit days. Total direct passenger expenditure of NZ$439.5 million and direct crew expenditure of NZ$23.5 million. An average passenger spend per day on shore of NZ$283 per person. Average crew spend per day on shore NZ$73.9 per person. The largest beneficiary of direct passenger expenditure was the retail shopping sector which received NZ$123.5 million, or 28.1% of passenger spending. Other beneficiaries included the food and beverage sector (NZ$109.6 million, 24.9%), shore excursion product (NZ$76.7 million, 17.4%), hotels and accommodation (NZ$57.6 million, 13.1%), transport providers (NZ$34.5 million, 7.9%), and entertainment (NZ$30.1 million, 6.9%). Direct cruise line expenditure totalled NZ$317.6 million, including NZ$146.2 million paid to ports and government as fees and charges (46.0% of cruise line spending). The North Island received the largest portion of cruise tourism, with a total economic output of NZ$981.9 million and total employment of 6,886 jobs. The South Island had a total economic output of NZ$385.0 million, supporting 2,843 jobs. The top regions for cruise tourism were: Auckland (inc Great Barrier Is, Tiritiri Matangi Is, Waiheke), NZ$604.7 million, 4,184 jobs; Otago (Dunedin), NZ$156.0 million, 1,155 jobs; Canterbury (inc Akaroa, Christchurch, Kaikoura, Timaru), NZ$135.2 million, 990 jobs; Bay of Plenty (inc Tauranga, Whakatane, Rotorua), NZ$111.8 million, 784 jobs; and Wellington (inc Kapiti Island), NZ$100.1 million, 758 jobs. [Note: figures are available for other regions, including Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Northland, Taranaki, Marlborough, Nelson and Southland]. *Direct expenditure: total expenditure by passengers, crew, and cruise lines. **Indirect & induced expenditure: total expenditure generated by the spending of the direct expenditure, by businesses (indirect) and their employees (induced). 01 November, 2024 -
CLIA wins top training award at NTIAs
CLIA wins top training award at NTIAs
October 28, 2024 – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has been honoured at Australia’s National Travel Industry Awards (NTIAs), receiving the award for ‘Most Outstanding Travel Industry Training Institution’. Announced at a gala dinner in Sydney on Saturday night, the award recognises CLIA’s extensive professional development programs and the role they have played in fostering an expanding community of cruise-specialist travel agents. It is the second time CLIA has been awarded in this category at the NTIAs, having won previously in 2022. CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said demand for travel agent training was at an all-time high. “The most successful travel agents are also the most highly trained, and so CLIA’s focus over recent years has been on developing skills and knowledge among our members so they can benefit from cruising’s global strength,” Mr Katz said. “Our online education programs and in-person training events have attracted record levels of engagement from our agent members, and we feel honoured that this has been recognised at the NTIAs.” CLIA Head of International Training & Development Peter Kollar said the award helped acknowledge the dedication shown by Australasian travel agents. “The commitment our travel agent members have shown over recent years has been phenomenal and the feedback we receive shows they feel more confident selling cruise,” Mr Kollar said. “I think this award is an acknowledgement that CLIA travel agents are the best-trained and most knowledgeable cruise specialists in our region, and our members can take pride in having made our professional development programs a success.” 28 October, 2024 -
TUI River Cruises launches its highest capacity ship TUI Ria
TUI River Cruises launches its highest capacity ship TUI Ria
TUI River Cruises has announced a newly refurbished ship, with the highest capacity in the fleet, to set sail down two rivers: the Rhine and Moselle from Amsterdam, Basel and Frankfurt for summer 2026. The new ship will be the river cruise line’s highest capacity passenger ship across the fleet, which will accommodate 190 passengers and will also offer new flight routes from Newcastle Airport to Frankfurt and Bristol Airport to Amsterdam. This launch comes after the river cruise line has seen strong demand during its third year in action, with an increase of 17% bookings year on year. TUI Ria will be the latest ship to join the TUI River Cruises fleet and fourth to hit the European waterways, joining the three other adult only ships: TUI Isla, TUI Maya and TUI Skyla. The ship will operate six, seven, eight and nine-night Full Board Plus* sailings from Amsterdam, Basel and Frankfurt with three new itineraries making nine itineraries in total. The ship will be the first TUI River Cruise ship in Europe to include a pool with panoramic views, a sauna, sun loungers, a putting green and a shuffleboard on the upper deck. The onboard pool will double as a versatile area, serving as a pool during the day. In the evening, the pool floor will rise to close off the water, transforming the space into a secondary dining venue and entertainment area. The pool has a retractable roof, offering year-round, weatherproof enjoyment – another first for the fleet. The ship will also have modern and spacious interiors with a choice of restaurants, lounges and entertainment spaces. The 190 passengers will be accommodated across96 cabins including standard French balcony cabins and superior cabins, housing more customers than ever before to sail through the European waterways on the river cruise line. The two new direct flights will fly on selected dates and itineraries. Flights from Bristol Airport to Amsterdam will operate on the 4th May, 1stJune and 28thSeptember 2026. The second new route will be from Newcastle Airport to Frankfurt and will operate on the 4th,11thand 25thApril 2026. Katy Berzins, Head of TUI River Cruises, TUI River Cruises said:“We’re thrilled to be expanding our fleet with the addition of the latest ship to sail the European waterways. This marks another significant step in the growth of TUI River Cruises, following our second newly refurbished ship announcement in just one month. TUI Ria will provide more customers than ever the opportunity to explore Europe’s stunning rivers, offering new routes and alternatives, all with convenient access from UK regional airports. Onboard TUI Ria, guests can enjoy a unique all-weather pool with panoramic views and a versatile venue that transitions from a daytime space to an evening dining and entertainment area. These innovative features of TUI Ria, combined with enhanced accessibility from UK regional airports, will strengthen TUI River Cruises’ position in the market, offering customers more choice and flexibility in how they choose to sail with us.” Like the rest of the European fleet, TUI Ria will be Full Board Plus, as standard with the option for guests to upgrade to all-inclusive and will include a day and night entertainment programme.The three new itineraries include the Moselle & North Rhine itinerary sailing from Frankfurt, and the North Rhine & Moselle Explorer and Dutch Delta Discovery itineraries from Amsterdam sailing with TUI Ria. 28 October, 2024 -
TUI River Cruises reveals new venues onboard the TUI Al Horeya
TUI River Cruises reveals new venues onboard the TUI Al Horeya
TUI River Cruises unveils its new venues onboard the fully refurbished five-star ship, TUI Al Horeya, which is due to set sail on its maiden voyage this November on the river Nile. The TUI Al Horeya will be equipped with 74 cabins to house 145 guests per sailing, and it has been designed with flexibility and choice in mind to cater for all customer’s needs. The ship’s new venues echoes that personal choice for the customer with its hybrid multi-functional Top Deck, which is home to a swimming pool and two hot tubs by day, and al fresco dining space, Felucca, by night. The five new venues onboard theTUI Al Horeyaare: TheTop Deckwill be the hybrid multi-functional space split between relaxation and activity zones for all customers. It will host TUI River Cruises’ first swimming pool and two hot tubs, as well as sun-loungers for customers to relax in the sun. In addition to this, customers can try light bites available throughout the day such as: mini burgers and fruit served in the afternoon. The multi-functional space will host the river cruise’s famousAfternoon Teawhich includes tasty sandwiches, cakes, scones and a selection of teas At night, theTop Deckwill transform into an al fresco dining space haven,Felucca, which will offer locally inspired cuisine from shish veal kebab, boneless chicken and beef kofta served with rice.Feluccawill be a reservation only dining space for an intimate 30 customers onboard per evening, where waiters will serve customers in traditional galabaya clothing The main restaurant,Lazeeza, which means ‘delicious’ in Arabic, will sit141onboard the ship for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The waiter-service restaurant will be open to all customers and will offer a buffet mix and live cooking prepared by the ship’s chef onboard. Thegala dinnerfor each sailing will take place inLazeezawhere customers can be served a seven authentic course meal which takes them on an Egyptian culinary journey with every course The Observatorywill be the heartbeat of the ship as it will host nightly traditional entertainment from Egyptian Whirling Dervishes and local Nubian acts. It will also be home to a range of entertainment onboard including live quizzes, music and film showings The Wellness Areawill include relaxing massaging room, a fully equipped exercise area with a treadmill and cycling machine Katy Berzins, Head of River Cruises, says:“We’re so excited that TUI River Cruises will be revealing its fully refurbished ship this November. We have focused on TUI Al Horeya having quality venues, with flexibility in mind for all our customers. The design of each of these venues gives choice to our customers from the intimate Felucca dining space to the traditional Lazeeza main restaurant. We’ve gone from the European waterways of the Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle and now our first North-African cruise ship down the Nile, which will offer our customers the chance to experience Egypt in a whole new light. Coupled with the option of TUI flying means that we can truly ensure a seamless end-to-end customer experience.” 28 October, 2024