WINTERTIME’S THE NEW TIME FOR CRUISING IN EUROPE
By WALLACE IMMEN/ With global conflicts seemingly never-ending, more cruise lines are shifting winter itineraries away from the Middle East and Africa to offer guests the security of Europe. And they’re seeing strong bookings because despite the cooler temperatures, the off-season promises a relief from tourist crowds.
5 REASONS TO BRING THE OYLYMPIC GAMES BACK TO THEIR SOURCE
By WALLACE IMMEN/ The brochures for Celebrity Cruises’ shore excursion in Katakolon, Greece say it’s an opportunity to re-live what it was like to participate in the ancient Olympiade.
7 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW NOW ABOUT CELEBRITY ASCENT.
Has Celebrity Cruises evolved to the point where the ship can be the destination? We’re about to find out on a cruise aboard the Celebrity Ascent, which offers a range of daily activities for every age and interest. But is it right for you? Here’s a look at the ups (and some downs) on the recent addition to Celebrity’s Edge Class of ships:
SHORT MEMORIES: Illness outbreaks unlikely to curb cruise enthusiasm
While a pair of high-profile outbreaks on cruises might have a temporary chilling effect, those in the industry predict the ships’ siren song will lure travellers back in short order.
THE TROUBLE WITH TRACY: Popular Alaska cruise stop off limits this summer
For years, a popular part of many cruises in southeast Alaska has been sailing up Tracy Arm, a long, narrow fjord marked by steep mountains, glittering waterfalls and calving glaciers.
TRANSCEND AIMS TO BE THE GO-TO FOR GROUP CRUISES
By WALLACE IMMEN/ A sleek, dark blue ship with interiors by luxury yacht firm Tillberg Design of Sweden is about to start sailing on Europe’s rivers. Gorgeous, but you can’t just book a single cabin, you have to commit to the whole ship. The Transcend Connect is only the first of 12 ships planned by Transcend Cruises, that sees an untapped demand for group charters on Europe’s rivers.
TITANIC LIFE JACKET AUCTIONED FOR OVER $1M
A life jacket worn by a passenger on RMS Titanic as she escaped the sinking steamship on a lifeboat sold recently at auction in the U.K. for 670,00 pounds ($1.3 million). The flotation device was worn by Laura Mabel Francatelli, a first-class passenger on the doomed ocean liner, and is signed by her and other survivors from the same lifeboat.
IT’S SHAPING UP AS A GREAT LAKES FUTURE
By WALLACE IMMEN/ Cruisers choosing to stay close to home, repeat guests and smoother sailing have cruise lines planning a long future in the Great Lakes.
IS THIS THE GOLDEN MOMENT FOR GREAT LAKES CRUISES?
By WALLACE IMMEN/ Victory Cruise Line is seeing a spike in new bookings for its Great Lakes cruises and owner John Waggoner knows why: “I hear it every day: There’s a stalemate in Middle East and the airlines are raising fares and cutting flights…”
FORMULA FOR SUCCESS: Carnival icon Micky Arison reflects on evolution of cruise industry
Five decades after entering a cruise business that operated on manual, paper-driven processes and communications, Micky Arison, the longtime chairman of Carnival Corporation & plc, says the fundamental formula for success remains strikingly simple: deliver a great experience that makes guests happy without breaking their budgets.