Global Travel News

Keeping sustainability at the forefront of all new ship builds, MSC Cruises has risen to new heights with the launch of its new flagship, the 6,762-passenger MSC World Europa.

As part of MSC’s commitment to the environment, the ship is touted to be one of the most environment friendly vessels at sea and the first in the MSC fleet to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), one of the world’s cleanest marine fuels available. It is also equipped with shore-to-ship power capabilities, allowing it to connect to local power grids (when available) and turn off engines while in port, reducing emissions.

The ship also features advanced wastewater treatment systems and an underwater radiated noise management system, as well as a range of energy efficient equipment and systems designed to optimize engine use. According to officials, Europa has the lowest carbon footprint per passenger in the industry.

Speaking at World Europa’s official naming ceremony in Doha, Qatar earlier this month – with Travel Industry Today in attendance – MSC Group Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said the LNG-powered ship paves the way towards the uptake of carbon-neutral synthetic and other alternative fuels as soon as they are available at scale.

“This ground-breaking vessel represents the next phase in our journey toward net zero and sustainable cruising and a symbol of our unwavering commitment to both,” he said.

Vago described the ship as “elegant and sophisticated,” offering something for all cruisers, families, older couples and even solo travellers.

“Each one will find their own place,” he said.

Ian Patterson, MSC Country Manager for Canada, says the ship is a “game changer,” one that will resonate with the North American market.

“It offers many special experiences,” Patterson told Travel Industry Today. “You can make your own gin. It has its own micro brewery. It definitely has an identity of her own. There’s something for everybody and not everyone gravitates to the same places which is important on a ship of this size. I can’t wait until sister ship MSC World America arrives in 2025.”

It will be based in Miami and offer a series of Caribbean sailings.

While he couldn’t give details, Patterson said MSC will introduce a special agent incentive program for Canadians early in the new year.

By the numbers

MSC World Europa is the line’s biggest ship, spanning 22 decks and sporting 2,626 staterooms. It is 47 metres wide and boasts more than 40,000 sq. m. of public space. There are seven swimming pools and 13 whirlpools.

Europa highlights

• The World Promenade: The 104-m.-long outdoor World Promenade is described as the heart of the ship, a place offering all-day entertainment, including The Venom Drop, the longest dry slide at sea spanning nine decks. Connected to the Promenade is the World Galleria, an indoor promenade with shopping and dining experiences.

• Food & Beverage: MSC World Europa offers a choice of 33 restaurants, bars, and lounges, including six specialty restaurants and seven new bar and café concepts. These include the Chef’s Garden Kitchen, a collaboration with Michelin-starred chef and TV personality Niklas Ekstedt. Focusing on natural ingredients, the restaurant features the first-at-sea hydroponic garden; La Pescaderia, the signature Mediterranean seafood restaurant where guests may get to choose their own fresh fish; Masters of the Sea, MSC’s first onboard microbrewery, in partnership with Teo Musso, the founder and brew master of Italian craft and farm brewery Birra Baladin; The Gin Project, a must-stop shop for gin aficionados with more than 70 craft gins; the Raj Polo Tea House, taking a step back in time to turn-of-the-century India, where “Indian and English tea traditions converge in a relaxing, tropical setting.”

• Entertainment options: Guests have no reason to get bored while at sea with entertainment options including three concert-style shows in the multi-purpose Luna Park Arena; five new full-scale theatre productions in the 1,153-seat World Theatre; four themed experiences in the Panorama Lounge; and pop-up live exhibits throughout the ship; and Sportplex, multi-use venue home to Bumper Cars, roller skating and basketball. The ship also boasts MSC’s largest children’s area.

• Yacht Club: MSC World Europa features an expanded MSC Yacht Club, the cruise line’s “ship within a ship concept,” offering suites – there are 152 on Europa – with butler service, exclusive public spaces, and luxurious levels of comfort.

One of the 17 Canadians onboard Europa in Doha for the christening was Rosa DeRienzo, franchise owner, Expedia Cruises, in Laval, Que.

“A naming ceremony is aways an amazing event, MSC Cruises and Qatar did not disappoint. It was truly a memorable experience. One of the best,” she said. “The World Europa is truly an amazing ship. MSC sure stepped up the ladder on this build, the next level of Italian design. This ship will be very successful wherever it will sail, from the waters of the Middle East to the Mediterranean. I cannot wait to sail on her again.”

Mylene Matteau of Access Croisieres et Voyages in Beauharnois, Que. said, “MSC World Europa is undoubtedly the most majestic ship that MSC has created. We dive from one atmosphere to another with such precise design details. The ship is simply magnificent.

“The efforts that MSC is also putting in place to achieve their goal of zero emissions by 2050 is equally admirable. It’s interesting to see the actions already taken onboard to recover the different materials,” she added.

After serving as a “floating hotel” during World Cup 2022, MSC World Europa will spend its inaugural season offering seven-day cruises from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Doha. She will then head to the Mediterranean for summer 2023, offering seven-night cruises calling at the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples, and Messina, as well as Valletta in Malta, Barcelona in Spain, and Marseille in France.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Carnival Cruise Line’s new flagship Carnival Celebration arrived at its PortMiami homeport and was christened by actress Cassidy Gifford on Sunday evening. The festivities were befitting of the ship’s name and underscored Carnival’s year-long celebration of “50 years of fun.”

An innovative Excel-class sister to the ground-breaking Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration is launching year-round service from its hometown of Miami.

“Tonight’s naming ceremony of our new flagship Carnival Celebration is the perfect culmination of our 50th birthday as this spectacular ship honours our past and signifies the fun and growth ahead,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, who noted the unique features of the ship, including a a top deck roller coaster.

Duffy spoke before an audience gathered for the ceremony in the ship’s three-deck-high atrium, Celebration Central. Carnival Celebration Godmother Cassidy Gifford christened the ship, with a traditional breaking of a champagne bottle, alongside Capt. Vincenzo Alcaras. Gifford was also joined by her mother, Kathie Lee Gifford, who served as godmother of Carnival Celebration’s namesake, M/S Celebration, which was similarly christened in 1987.

Along with an impromptu performance by Kathie Lee, who sang the memorable tune to the commercials that helped to popularize the Carnival brand in the 1980s, attendees were also treated to a preview of Carnival Celebration’s spectacular entertainment programming, including an aerialist performance and a concert by Kool & The Gang, who capped off the night with their dance classic, “Celebrate!” In addition, the event was broadcast online so Carnival fans could share in the festivities from anywhere.

Carnival Celebration’s first guests to board the ship from Miami departed Moday on a special six-day Thanksgiving cruise, with visits to Grand Turk; Amber Cove and Nassau. On Nov. 27, the ship will begin a rotation of week-long Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings that depart every Sunday and visit popular destinations, such as the Dominican Republic and St. Thomas, as well as Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico.

The ship

Carnival Celebration accommodates more than 5,200 guests and features more than 20 dining venues, and a dozen bars and lounges across six unique zones. The ship’s Miami-themed zone, 820 Biscayne, is named after Carnival’s first headquarters address and is designed as a tribute to Miami’s cultural vibe and its dining and beverage offerings.

The ship’s top deck features the award-winning all-electric roller coaster BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster, which has been operating on Mardi Gras since its debut in 2021. The top deck is also home to the resort-style Loft 19, which can be accessed directly from premium category Excel suites – one of 11 styles featured across 180 total suites on board. The ship boasts over 2,600 staterooms in all.

Carnival Celebration is also the second ship in the Carnival fleet, and the first to homeport in Miami, with a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) propulsion system, which is part of Carnival Corporation’s pioneering green cruising platform.

At the Sunday ceremony, chef Emeril Lagasse cut a ceremonial ribbon on his second restaurant at sea, Emeril’s Bistro 1397 inside Carnival Celebration’s The Gateway zone, a first-of-its-kind concept in cruising that includes a new travel-inspired bar concept, Latitudes, that evokes a classic airport or train station with a modern take on a vintage “departures” board.

Terminal F PortMiami

Carnival’s newly redesigned and expanded Terminal F at PortMiami opened its doors in conjunction with Carnival Celebration’s arrival.

The terminal’s new clean and open design allows for exceptional efficiency and flexibility and maximizes technology so guests move through the embarkation process quickly and enjoy a more seamless boarding experience.

Digital media experiences are built into all three levels of the new terminal, including an immersive tunnel on level two that guests will pass through. The digital screens showcase images of the ship, destinations, underwater seascapes, and the nighttime sky.

Adding Carnival Celebration at Terminal F, now five of Carnival’s 24-ship fleet are homeported in Miami. Going forward, Carnival expects to embark more than 20,000 guests per week from PortMiami.

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

One wonders if Zeina Gedeon missed her calling: comedian extraordinaire. After all, the outrageously outspoken president and CEO of newly minted Trevello (formerly Travel Professionals International, or TPI), certainly knows how to crack up an audience.

Gedeon’s quirky presentation (well, not for her), was delivered to a group of VIP trade partners at the equally unusual Rec Room venue at Square One shopping mall in Mississauga, where guests were later invited to stay for bowling, snooker, and ping-pong afterwards. Not your typical trade event.

Trevello’s more serious intent of the evening was to show partners that, with rebranding efforts complete, it is ready, as the always understated Gedeon declared, “to take over the world.”

Jokes aside, Gedeon detailed the host agency’s plans to have “the most innovative model” for a host agency in 2023, including new commission levels – all the way up to 100% on some products – as well as more earning and customization opportunities.

Foremost among them is Trevello steaming full on into the cruise sector, the organization introducing a full product line of cruise companies. Headed by Caroline Hay, the division will offer a comprehensive cruise strategy that includes agent training, including seminars at sea, marketing campaigns, newsletter, and creating a cruise community.

“We want you to know that we are both land and sea,” Hay said.

Other product lines to be tapped by Trevello will include luxury and sustainability.

Gedeon touted radical tech changes at the organization that will allow for greater analytics and replacing what she frankly called “the worst back-end system in the world.”

That will include the introduction of a lead generation program and a social media platform for members to utilize.

Member services are also in for an upgrade with the addition of eight new staff members, and another eight to come.

In 2023, a strategic partners program will take flight.

Gedeon says the pandemic was obviously a curse – “no business at all” – for members, but also a blessing by giving the former TPI a chance to up its game, including its rebranding efforts.

The timing for the unveiling of Trevello is perfect, she said, adding, “Advisors are much more hungry and much more focussed (coming out of the pandemic), and we want to run with it.”

Indeed, she reports, sales this year are already up 5% over record year 2019, and commissions up 9% based on average bookings of about $1,900, which is significantly higher than the $1,100 pre-pandemic level.

2023 will also feature expansion into the US and something big Gedeon said was killing her not to reveal yet.

But she did assure her guests, in her inimitable way, that as the new year unfolds and the new-look Trevello hits its stride, “We will be kicking ass all along the way!”

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Masks are back, or at least should be according to the federal government. Also last week, a new Canada-India deal was announced, Japan lifted its cruise ban; Tommy Bahamas said it is getting into the resort business; and there were many –many! – Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals launched.

NEWS

The Canadian government strongly encouraged people to wear masks on planes and trains – but stopped short of making it a requirement. In the face of increased growth” of COVID-19 variants, influenza and a surge of the respiratory syncytial virus that is posing a challenge for the health system in several parts of the country, the transport said it is a kind thing to do.

Finnair flights are expected to return to normal today (Monday) after the carrier was forced to cancel approximately 100 flights leaving Helsinki Airport on the weekend due to a strike by the Finnish Transport Workers’ Union AKT. Flight cancellations and rerouting of customers began on Saturday, however return flights for long-haul flights cancelled on Sunday and Monday will not be flown and there may be delays and cancellations on individual flights, warns the airline.

Canada and India have expanded their air transport agreement to allow designated airlines to operate an unlimited number of flights between the two countries. The previous agreement limited each country to 35 flights per week. The agreement gives Canadian air carriers access to Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai, and Indian air carriers access to Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver, and two additional points to be selected by India. Other cities in both countries can be served indirectly through code-share services.

Frontier Airlines and five international carriers have agreed to refund more than $600 million combined to travellers whose trips were cancelled or significantly delayed since the start of the pandemic, according to federal officials in the US. However, the largest US airlines, which accounted for the bulk of complaints about refunds, avoided fines.

BORDERS

Japan is lifting a more than 2-1/2-year ban on international cruise ships that was imposed following a deadly coronavirus outbreak on the cruise ship Diamond Princess at the beginning of the pandemic. Japan’s Transport Ministry says cruise ship operators and port authorities’ associations have adopted anti-virus guidelines and that Japan is now ready to resume its international cruise operations Among the first is a Japanese ship departing from Yokohama in December for Mauritius and returning in January.

BY THE NUMBERS

Jamaica has welcomed over 2 million stopover arrivals for 2022. Full-year projections are for over 3 million stopover arrivals and generating total earnings of over US$3.7 billion. The destination is also expected to return to 2019 pre-Covid arrivals levels in 2023 and remains on track to welcome 5 million visitors by 2025.

AIR

WestJet has announced an enhancement to its codeshare agreement with Japan Airlines, enabling the airline’s “WS” code on Japan Airlines (JAL) operated flights between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Narita International Airport (NRT) in Tokyo, Japan.

Sunwing will be offering weekly flights from Thunder Bay, Ont. to Cancun on Mondays starting on Dec. 12, until April 10, 2023, and weekly flights to Varadero on Tuesdays starting on Dec. 13 until April 11.

The Caribbean region’s newest airline, Arajet, took to the skies with direct flights between Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and Kingston, Jamaica, reducing airfare from an average US$800 to US$252 round-trip and travel time from more than 20 hours (via Miami) to under two hours. Inter-Caribbean air service has long been a goal in the region.

British Airways is increasing its service from Pittsburgh to London Heathrow to six times a week. Current service operates on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with a fifth flight to commence April 24 and a sixth on May 14. With the new frequencies, British Airways Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft will arrive at PIT every day of the week except Saturday.

THEME PARKS

For a limited time, Canadian residents can save 25% on a 5-Day/5-Night Vacation Package to Universal Orlando Resort that includes five-night hotel accommodations at Cabana Bay Beach Resort or Aventura Hotel, five days of park-to-park admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay, Early Park Admission, complimentary transportation around the destination, and more. The offer must be book by Feb. 28; travel window is Feb. 21-May 26 (blacked out March 31-April 15).

BLACK FRIDAY/CYBER MONDAY

A host of Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals are being offered across the industry. Here are but a few:

Valid on new individual bookings made by Nov. 27, Transat’s Black Friday promo applies to flights to Europe, the South, US, and Canada, as well as South and Europe packages for travel through and Oct. 31, 2023. The latter features $500 off packages for two including one complimentary checked bag per person. Visit the web sight for details.

Promotional rates from Swoop include 70% off base fares network wide Nov. 21, and 50, 40, and 30% off respectively on domestic, transborder and international from Nov. 22-28, all for travel January-March. The promo code to access the deals is BFLYDAY, posted on the website.

From up to 50% off Uniworld River Cruises to savings around the world with Trafalgar, TravCorp brands – also including Insight, Contiki and Costsaver – have various deals throughout the week; see individual web sites for details.

Travellers can receive up to 60% off winter, spring, or summer getaways at Club Med’s resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Canada. The deal includes 60% off Deluxe and Suite Rooms and 55% off Superior Rooms. Additional perks include free cancellations and free stays for kids under four. Book by Nov. 27 at https://www.clubmed.ca/ .

From Nov. 23-29, promotional rates are available from AMR Collection brands Zoetry, Secrets, Dreams, Breathless and Sunscape. Visit amrcollection.com for details. Applies to travel through Dec. 22.

Velas Resorts‘ Cyber Monday sale kicks off on Nov. 28 offering 15% off in regular room categories, 20% off in superior room categories, 50% off for kids up to 12 years old, and a $50 spa credit per adult per night. Go to https://blackfriday.velasresorts.com/ .

From Nov. 22-30, guests can choose from 60 sailings under $60 per day (per guest), and hundreds more sailings under $100 per day (per guest) from Princess Cruises. In addition, guests booking through the sale can take advantage of $1 deposits, meaning those who reserve their sailings to worldwide destinations by Nov. 30 don’t have to pay the remaining balance until 90 days before their trip.

Continuing through Dec. 5, Norwegian Cruise Line’s “Greatest Deal Ever allows the second guest to sail free for any voyage on any NCL ship. The promo can be combined with the ‘Free At Sea offer,’ offering travellers up to six free perks including unlimited open bar; specialty dining; shore excursions credits; WiFi; airfare for the second guest when airfare is purchased for the first; and discounted rates for friends and family ($99 p.p. on select sailings) when sharing a stateroom with guests one and two. Savings value is up to US$3,450.

The annual promotion from Seabourn offers 15% savings on nearly 500 voyages through summer 2024 with average savings of CDN$3,750 per suite. The Black Friday Sail is available until Dec. 5. The offer can be combined with promotions in the market and Seabourn Club Savings.

Through Nov. 27, clients booking a Holland America Line cruise, starting from 2022 holiday sailings, will receive prepaid stateroom crew appreciation (gratuities) and have access to up to 40% off cruise-only fares. The offer is combinable with Holland America Line’s ‘Have It All’ premium cruise package, which includes four popular perks: shore excursions, a beverage package, specialty dining and Wi-Fi.

For select sailings booked by Dec. 2 for travel through January 2024, passengers on the Cunard Queens – flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth – will receive an onboard credit up to $600 per stateroom and 50% reduced deposit. Promo Code: RD8; offers apply to the first two guests per booking.

Bargain hunters will have the chance to secure Jimmy Buffett-inspired Margaritaville at Sea between Palm Beach, Florida and Freeport, Bahamas sailings starting at $99 p.p. with kids sailing free, as well as receive a $25 p.p. Ocean View upgrade and 25% off all supplements.

HOTELS

Coulibri Ridge, located in Petit Coulibri, Dominica, is the first Caribbean property to become part of Beyond Green’s global portfolio of sustainable hotels. Beyond Green is a global portfolio of planet Earth’s most sustainable hotels that represent sustainability leadership based upon action and impact. Committed to building a better and brighter future for people and the planet, Beyond Green offers travelers a curated way to discover, plan, and enjoy adventures that align with their responsible travel values and aspirations.

RESORTS

Breezy island clothing retailer come lifestyle brand Tommy Bahama has plans to open its first resort, adding a new plank to its portfolio of 160 retail locations, which includes stores, bars, and restaurants worldwide. The Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa will debut in Indian Wells, Ca. in late 2023 and will offer 215 custom appointed rooms including 23 suites, three resort style pools, and signature treatments at the 1,100-sq. m. spa. The resort will cater to leisure travellers, groups, events, retreats, and weddings, as well as a locals’ hangout.

CRUISE

MSC Cruises lit up Doha, Qatar last week during the official naming ceremony of its newest ship, MSC World Europa. On hand were dignitaries, travel industry partners, including Qatar Airways, and media from around the world for the ceremony, which included local entertainment, an amazing drone show and a performance by singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli, followed by a fireworks display. And, of course, the traditional breaking of the champagne bottle against the bow.

FAMS & INCENTIVES

During November, Canadian travel agents are invited to test their knowledge of Jamaica by correctly identifying resort areas featured in 12 images of iconic sites and locations (photo) showcased in the island’s new ‘Come Back’ campaign. The top 10 winners will receive a $50 Amazon gift card and Jamaica-branded gifts. Winners of the “Come Back to Jamaica Photo Contest” will be announced on Dec. 12. The entry page can be found HERE.

Throughout November, agents making a deposit for a new booking with Ponant cruise line will earn an extra $500 gift card while clients receive a 5% discount.

EVENTS

The eight-part “Grow Your Regent Business Series” webinar series from Regent Seven Seas Cruises that completed its live sessions last week is still available on demand. Subjects include Digital Prospecting; Paid Digital Video; Database Optimization & Direct Mail; and more. Travel partners can register or view on demand HERE.

PEOPLE/APPOINTMENTS

Laura Di Nardo is the new field sales manager – Eastern Ontario for Celebrity Cruises Canada. The Toronto native boasts eight years experience in the industry and can be reached at ldinardo@celebrity.com.

DESTINATIONS

The Washington DC Metropolitan Area Transit Authority has opened the second and final phase of its Silver Line Metrorail extension which connects Dulles Airport to the region’s flagship mass transit system. Riding from the airport to Metro Center in the city takes just under an hour.

The Las Vegas Great Santa Run is returning to the streets of downtown Las Vegas for its 18th year. The event features a hybrid format this year, offering runners in person (Dec. 3) and virtual options (Dec. 3-24). The event begins with a pre-show under the Viva Vision canopy at Fremont Street Experience, complete with food trucks, vendors, and live entertainment. Proceeds of the event benefit Opportunity Village, a local non-profit that supports individuals with severe physical and intellectual disabilities.

LAST WEEK IN TRAVEL HISTORY

In 1869, the Suez Canal formally opened for navigation. The manmade waterway, which stretches 168 km and joins Port Said on the Mediterranean Sea to Suez on the Red Sea, greatly reduced the distance by sea between Europe and the East.

Send info to baginski@travelindustrytoday.com

First published at Travel Industry Today

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News