Global Travel News

Silversea Cruises 11th, and newest ship, Silver Nova, is scheduled for delivery this summer. Built with a revolutionary asymmetrical design – a first for the cruise line – the new ship will offer guests all-new outdoor spaces for an unprecedented openness, with a reimagined, outward-facing pool deck, an al fresco dining area, and a sky bar that offers panoramic views from the ship’s aft.

Silver Nova’s asymmetrical design has enabled the creation of a reimagined pool area and unseen outdoor venues on decks 10 and 11. Each space places emphasis on the destination, with panoramic views that connect guests with the world beyond.

The following venues and deck spaces highlight Silver Nova’s all-new outdoor offering:

The Pool Deck – Decks 10/11

Silver Nova’s pool decks will be the primary outdoor areas in which guests can relax, refresh, and socialize – with ample space for 280 sunbeds on decks 10 and 11. The horseshoe-shaped pool area will occupy a generous space on the starboard side of the ship, affording unobstructed views on the destination from the swimming pool, the adjacent pool bar, and the sunbathing areas.

The uppermost level, deck 11, forms an amphitheatre-shaped structure with deck 10. It will offer guests a quieter, more intimate space for relaxing, with expansive views over the destination and out to sea. At its centre, overlooking the ship’s port side, extends an all-new infinity edge whirlpool, named The Cliff Whirlpool.

The Marquee – Deck 10

Silver Nova’s design has also enabled the introduction of two new food and drinks venues on deck 10. The Marquee is the first of the pair, positioned towards the ship’s aft on the port side and enjoying views out to sea. The al fresco dining venue will welcome up to 220 guests, incorporating The Grill and Spaccanapoli – two of Silversea’s existing signature venues, which offer guests the cruise line’s trademark ‘hot rocks’ culinary concept.

The Dusk Bar – Deck 10

The second of the two new food and drinks venues, The Dusk Bar is an open-air sky bar that provides an elegant space for up to 70 guests to enjoy a drink, with 270-degree, panoramic views from Silver Nova’s stern.

Among her eight dining venues, Silver Nova will offer guests a selection of Silversea’s signature restaurants on decks 3 and 4 – enlarged and reimagined with enhanced designs.

Suites

 Silver Nova will host up to 728 guests in 13 different suite categories – the largest variety of suites in Silversea’s history. Every suite on board will offer guests the use of a private veranda. Among the most spacious suites at sea, a new collection of aft suites will afford stunning 270-degree views on the destination. As well as Otium, the cruise line’s Roman-inspired wellness program, and S.A.L.T.Ò, its immersive culinary offering, Silver Nova will offer guests Silversea’s an array of pioneering, new features.

La Terrazza

The largest of Silver Nova’s restaurants, La Terrazza will seat 340 guests with floor-to-ceiling windows that surround the restaurant’s interior space, offering panoramic views to connect diners with the destination, while its outdoor terrace will be larger than ever.

S.A.L.T. Lab

Relocated to deck 10 for a prime view on the destination and with a new outdoor area, the S.A.L.T. Lab will be greatly enhanced aboard Silver Nova with a fresh layout—enlarged to approximately 112.4m2 and accommodating 28 guests. The test kitchen will enable guests to travel deeper into each sailed region through the lens of food and drink, providing the opportunity to get hands on with regional ingredients under the guidance of local food experts and Silver Nova’s S.A.L.T. Host. Enjoying the same bright, elegant interior design as on previous ships, the S.A.L.T. Lab will comprise cooking stations and a larger, redesigned central workstation aboard Silver Nova—at which participating guests will be able to sit to view demonstrations.

Sustainability

As well as incorporating a new design approach, Silver Nova will push boundaries in ultra-luxury cruise travel with pioneering sustainability credentials. She is set to become the world’s first low-emissions cruise ship with advanced hybrid technology that utilizes fuel cells, emitting zero harmful emissions while in port – an industry first.

“Silver Nova represents the next iteration of Silversea’s unique take on luxury, with an entirely new design approach that will enhance our guests’ cruise experience,” says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s President and CEO. “With her outward-facing, asymmetrical layout and her all-new outdoor venues, Silver Nova will offer our guests a brand-new way to connect and engage with each destination. Moreover, with her ground-breaking environmental credentials, Silver Nova will strengthen our position at the forefront of sustainable cruise travel.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Protests and pilots were in the news last week, while CATO called for consumer contributions to the Ontario Compensation Fund. Jamaica was jammin’ over its new numbers, and Porter introduced a new loyalty program…

NEWS

Canada’s surge of low-cost airlines is adding to an already existing pilot shortage that could become an even bigger problem for this country’s aviation industry in the years to come, claim industry experts. Start-up discount airlines such as Flair, Lynx, Canada Jetlines and Swoop have been rapidly expanding since the COVID-19 pandemic, but even before that a 2018 report by the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace said that a third of flight operators in this country cited pilots as their biggest skills shortage and that an additional 7,300 pilots would be needed by 2025.

Consumers should help fund Ontario’s Compensation Fund, says the Canadian Association of Tour Operators, echoing long-held views by the retail industry that its members should not be solely responsible for mandatory consumer protection against supplier failure in the province, and equally that the Fund is insufficient to meet current needs. CATO’s call comes as the Travel Industry Council of Ontario continues a comprehensive review of its overall funding framework, including the “comp fund,” begun last year.

Over 400 visitors, 300 of them foreigners, were stranded in Machu Picchu on Saturday when Peru’s government shut the famed ancient ruins indefinitely in the wake of anti-government protests that are increasingly engulfing the South American country. The Culture Ministry said it had closed the country’s most famous tourist attraction, as well as the Inca Trail leading up to the site, “to protect the safety of tourists and the population in general.”

BY THE NUMBERS

Led by growth from the Canadian market, Jamaica is “leapfrogging” previous forecasts and on track to achieve 11% growth this year. The projected growth is based on Jamaica’s primary markets with Canada strengthening its position to deliver 38.7% growth, the US showing steady growth of 7%, and UK/Europe ticking ahead at 5.3%.

AIR

Porter Airlines is relaunching its VIPorter loyalty program with additional membership levels, added benefits, and the enhanced ability for economy travellers to earn perks. The upgrades coincide with Porter’s new Embraer E195-E2 jet service on Feb. 1. VIPorter members will earn a minimum of five VIPorter points for every dollar they spend with Porter, including on airfares, checked bags, flight changes and seat selection. Points can be redeemed for flights across the growing Porter network using either points-only or a combination of points and cash.

 Air Canada has announced that Lucie Guillemette, Executive VP and CCO will retire at the end of April 2023, ending a career that touched five decades at the airline. A resulting realigned senior management structure will see Mark Nasr become Executive VP Marketing and Digital, and President of Aeroplan, while Mark Galardo will become Executive VP, Revenue and Network Planning, including responsibility for Air Canada Vacations. The new appointments will be effective May 1, 2023.

RETAIL

American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), the world’s leading B2B travel platform, has announced a new agreement with climate tech company CHOOOSE to integrate its carbon emissions calculations across Amex GBT’s travel booking and reporting tools. The aim is to enhance Amex GBT’s sustainability solutions by increasing the precision and consistency of greenhouse gas emissions data and to build architecture for future carbon compensation.

DEALS

Rocky Mountaineer is offering $150 p.p. off on all Canadian journeys and US$150 p.p. on its US route on select travel dates in 2023 when booked by Feb. 24. The “Explore the Rockies” and “See the Southwest” offers apply only to GoldLeaf service in Canada and SilverLeaf and Silver+ in the US.

For bookings made by Feb. 28. Silversea Cruises guests can save up to 20% on selected all-inclusive expedition voyages to Greenland, Arctic Canada, and Arctic Norway. Deposits have also been reduced to 15%. Sample excursions include the 10-day “Greenland: Reykjavík to Kangerlussuaq,” departing June 25; “Arctic Norway: Longyearbyen to Tromsø” on July 12; and, on Aug. 10, “Canadian High Arctic: “Pond Inlet, Nunavut (Round Trip).”

TOURS

Three new South Australia tours join AAT Kings roster in 2023-24: the four-day “Outback Explorer” itinerary takes guests from Uluru through the stunning Red Centre to the winelands of Adelaide; and also the five-day “Adelaide to Kangaroo Island” tour and comprehensive week-long “South Australian Eyre Peninsula.” AAT Kings is a division of The Travel Corporation.

In Marathon, in the Florida Keys, the dog-friendly Salty Pup Adventures enables visitors to spend time on the water with their dogs (under 18 kg.) on a eight-metre catamaran-style vessel with Yamaha engines. The World Cat 270 SD offers spacious lounge seating at the bow, bench seating at the stern and is equipped with a large ladder for easy access to and from the water. Excursions include a two-hour sunset, four- and six-hour sandbar, four- and six-hour snorkel and sandbar, and six-hour island getaway tours from Marathon Sailfish Marina at 100 Avenue I.

RESORTS

Hilton has announced the signing of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand’s third property in Mexico, the new-build Waldorf Astoria San Miguel de Allende expected to open in early 2025. Located in the heart of one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country, Waldorf Astoria San Miguel de Allende will offer 120 hotel guest rooms and 24 best-in-class Waldorf Astoria branded residences in the colonial city – a UNESCO World Heritage site – known for its architecture, thriving art scene and rich history.

 Marriott Hotels has debuted its first resort in the United Arab Emirates. The Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah Dubai is situated along the island’s golden West Beach across over 7,000 sq. m. of white sand seafront and features 10 dining concepts, an expansive pool, kids club, spa, fitness centre, water sports, and marine activities.

HOTELS

Cambria Hotel Orlando Universal Blvd. will welcome guests this winter. Located in the International Drive Resort area – near major attractions as well as local shopping and restaurants – this 118-room property offers amenities including a rooftop pool and lounge, state-of-the-art fitness centre, the sophisticated Veer Kitchen & Bar restaurant, rooftop bar and more.

The iconic St. Moritz hotel, dating from 1906, will re-open its doors this summer under its new name, Grace La Margna St. Moritz. The Swiss hotel sits above the local railway station, with a panoramic view over Lake St. Moritz. The rebirth of the 74-room property includes a new, modern extension with new rooms and an extensive spa area, next to the original historic Art Nouveau building. Bookings are being taken for July.

 CRUISE

Effective April 7, UnCruise Adventures will allow guests to cruise regardless of vaccination status. Masks and tests are also not required and the cruise line will no longer sail with limited capacity.

Cunard reports that in the first week of January it booked more guests than any equivalent period in the last decade. The luxury brand saw strong booking momentum across 2023 and 2024 sailings, with summer itineraries and Queen Anne’s maiden season proving to be particularly popular.

ATTRACTIONS & THEME PARKS

Universal Orlando Resort’s annual Mardi Gras celebration will run daily Feb. 4 through April 16 at Universal Studios Florida. The parkwide celebration will feature cuisine inspired by Carnaval celebrations from New Orleans to Brazil to Belgium and beyond, plus a lively parade filled with vibrant floats where partygoers can catch beads by the handful. And on select nights, guests can cap the festivities with live concerts by top names in music. Access to Universal’s Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval is included with regular admission to Universal Studios Florida.

The largest cross-company global celebration in the history of The Walt Disney Co. kicked off Jan. 27 at Disneyland Resort – the heart of the celebration – with limited-time offerings taking place throughout the year. Highlights include platinum-infused décor throughout the resort; two all-new nighttime spectaculars: “World of Colour – One” at Disney California Adventure Park and “Wondrous Journeys” at Disneyland Park; the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction; the opening of the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown in spring 2023; and the long-awaited return of the “Magic Happens” parade at Disneyland Park in time for spring.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

Carnival Cruise Line’s annual ‘Amp Up Commission Challenge’ offering travel advisors the opportunity to qualify for higher commission rates in 2023. Through the program, agents will be able to increase their commissions up to 15% for the full 2023 year based on bookings made from Jan. 1 through March 31, 2023. Agencies that currently qualify for 10 to 14% commission will need to make from 20 to 125 bookings during the January to March 2023 booking period to qualify for higher commission levels between 11 and 15%, which will be applied to bookings made from April 1 through Dec. 31, 2023. Opt-in must be completed by Feb. 15 at GoCCL.com.

EVENTS

The Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) kicked off its 2023 series of Tourism Town Halls. The coast-to-coast road show is designed give tourism stakeholders across the country an opportunity to meet with TIAC and its partners to better understand efforts on national and local tourism issues, and offers a forum for open dialogue, discussion, and debate. Dates are:  Jan. 27, Vancouver; Feb. 1, Toronto; Feb. 21, Halifax, and with locations TBA – Feb. 22, Quebec; Feb. 23, New Brunswick; March 7, Manitoba; March 15, Yukon; March 17, Nunavut; March 21, Newfoundland and Labrador; March 30, Prince Edward Island; April 4, Northwest Territories; date TBD, Alberta For information and to register, visit HERE.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

TIAC has announced the addition of five new members to its Board of Directors: Matthew Jelley, President, Maritime Fun Group​; Philip Mondor, President, Tourism HR Canada;​ Jean-Francois Cote, Quebec City Tourism​; John Wilson, President, CEO, Wilson’s Transportation, BC​; and Laura Pallotta, VP Sales and Distribution, Marriott International. The organization is also announcing its new all-female Board executive team: Chair: Nina Kressler, Shaw Centre; and Vice Chairs Michelle Caine, Centennial College, and Teresa Ryder, Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada.

Greek small ship cruise company, Variety Cruises, has named Steven Simao as VP of Sales for North America. For 30 years, Simao has honed his skills throughout the cruise industry for companies such as Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America, and more recently, at Windstar Cruises where he served as VP of Global Sales.

DESTINATIONS

The Islands of the Bahamas is celebrating 50 years of independence this year. While formal Independence Day is July 10, events will take place throughout the year.

The idea to link Lake Geneva and the lakes of Thun and Brienz dates to 1873, but the launch of the new GoldenPass Express in Switzerland marks the first non-stop train route between Interlaken and Montreux. The new trains combine metric and standard gauge, bridging the gap between mountain railways and high-speed trains, and will feature 2nd class, 1st class, and Prestige class, where there are 18 rotating seats that provide passengers with 360° views.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1970, the Boeing 747 made its first commercial flight when a Pan Am jumbo jet flew from New York to London.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

The Walt Disney Company marks its 100^th anniversary this year and the Disneyland Resort will commemorate the milestone with new experiences, entertainment and more throughout 2023. Disney100 will celebrate our incredible storytellers and creators, along with the fans and families who’ve brought us into their hearts, as they together spark the magic and wonder of Disney. This celebration honours the journey we’ve been on and the memories we’ve created together, and it will bring new experiences with our beloved characters along with heartwarming new stories.

We can’t wait to have Guests join us to celebrate at the Disneyland Resort! From an all-new attraction and entertainment to dazzling décor and special food and beverages, here’s everything you need to know about the 100th anniversary happenings at The Happiest Place on Earth – and more magic to come later in the year.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse star in their very first ride-through attraction at the Disneyland Resort! Inside the El CapiTOON Theater in Disneyland Park (which houses an exhibit unique to Disneyland), this family-friendly experience transports Guests into the wacky and unpredictable cartoon world of Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, where Guests will board a train engineered by Goofy and embark on a zany adventure.

To experience Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, you’ll need to join the complimentary virtual queue*, which is only accessible via the Disneyland app.** There will not be a standby line for this attraction at this time. The virtual queue enrollment times will be twice daily, at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. PT. Guests may also get quicker entry to this attraction with the purchase of an individual Lightning Lane arrival window, subject to availability.

“World of Color – ONE”

This all-new nighttime spectacular at Disney California Adventure Park celebrates the storytelling legacy started by Walt Disney, illustrating how a single action, like a drop of water, creates a ripple that can grow into a wave of change. This is the first Disneyland Resort nighttime spectacular to feature characters, music and moments from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, the Avengers and Star Wars in the same production.

Guests will be able to access the viewing area for “World of Color – ONE” through the virtual queue system* available only via the Disneyland app. Distribution for the complimentary virtual queue will begin at 12 p.m. PT, daily (subject to availability) and is available for guests who have entered Disney California Adventure Park for the day or have entered Disneyland Park with a Park Hopper ticket. More information and how-to details are available on Disneyland.com. Joining the virtual queue is not required, but it is highly recommended as walk-up viewing options for each performance are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Wondrous Journeys”

Each evening at Disneyland Park, “Wondrous Journeys” transforms Main Street, U.S.A., Sleeping Beauty Castle, the façade of “it’s a small world” and the Rivers of America into an artist’s canvas with lighting effects, customized projections and more. This nighttime spectacular by Disney Live Entertainment will take you on an epic adventure through 100 years of Walt Disney Animation Studios storytelling. On select nights, “Wondrous Journeys” takes to the skies with sparkling fireworks.

Platinum-Infused Décor and Limited-Time Offerings

Both theme parks, the Downtown Disney District and the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort will be adorned in beautiful, platinum-infused décor.

Around the resort, Guests will find platinum statues and medallions – which make great photo opportunities!

At Disneyland Park, Sleeping Beauty Castle will be accented by two new water fountains and dressed in platinum banners and bunting, a magnificent cabochon and a shining wishing star. On Main Street, U.S.A., Guests may find Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their pals in platinum-inspired looks designed to reflect the optimism and creativity that are at the heart of everything Disney.

Feeling hungry amidst all these festivities? Savour a century of magic through specialty food and beverages like the platinum trifle and potato and cheddar cheeseburger. Plus, Guests can collect novelties such as the Disney100 Mickey Mouse sipper and platinum Mickey Mouse balloon bucket.

Guests can also bring the magic home with commemorative Disney100 merchandise and collectibles released throughout the year, such as the Disney100 Platinum Celebration Collection, collectible medallions and pressed pennies.

The Disney Gallery Presents: Disney 100 Years of Wonder

We’re excited to announce that The Disney Gallery on Main Street, U.S.A., at Disneyland Park will house a new exhibit inspired by Walt Disney’s vision for Disneyland to be where his films come to life. Inside, you’ll see beautiful artwork created by original Disney animators for some of Walt’s early films, alongside artwork concepted by original Disney Imagineers to recreate those stories in the park.

The exhibit will also display an animator’s desk, a model of a multi-plane camera and more. It’s a magnificent tribute to Disney films that became Disneyland Resort attractions, park experiences that later inspired Disney films and the rich traditions they both share.

“Magic Happens” Parade – Returning Feb. 24

Even more fun is still to come! The “Magic Happens” parade makes its highly anticipated return to Disneyland Park on Feb. 24. Led by Mickey Mouse and his pals, the daytime spectacular celebrates moments of magic from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios films with grand floats, artistic costumes and an energetic musical score.

Mickey’s Toontown – Reopens March 8

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be joined by additional new experiences and returning favourites when the reimagined Mickey’s Toontown reopens on March 8, 2023! The beloved land will feature more play activities and attractions than ever before, as well as grassy play spaces for you to unwind.

There’s so much to look forward to this year at Disneyland Resort!

Entertainment, experiences, and offerings may be modified, limited in availability or unavailable, and are subject to restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice. Both valid Theme Park reservation and admission for the same Park on the same day are required for Park entry. Park reservations are limited, subject to availability and not guaranteed. Park admission and offerings are not guaranteed. Visit https://disneytraveltradeinfo.com/dlr for important information to know before visiting the Disneyland Resort.

*Virtual queues are limited and subject to availability, and joining a virtual queue does not guarantee entrance to any experience. Guests may only enter the virtual queue for each experience once per day. Subject to other restrictions, and change or cancellation without notice.

**Message, data and roaming rates may apply for the use of the Disneyland app and Play Disney Parks app. Availability subject to handset limitations and features may vary by handset or service provider. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News