Amadeus added Cunard Line to its Amadeus Cruise roster enabling agents to book the Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2 via one of the more than 40,000 Amadeus Cruise terminals in 80 countries worldwide.
Bob Lowry, senior vice president, products and support, Amadeus North America, said, “our continued investment in our Amadeus Cruise application has resulted in significant efficiencies in time and productivity for our users.”
As seagoing vacations continue to grow in popularity, cruise lines have introduced new ports of call around the world and next year will be no different.
In 2006, travelers will find a portfolio of new cruises to the far reaches of the globe. The 19 cruise line members of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) take travelers to 1,800 ports of call on more than 150 ships of varying styles, from yacht-like luxury ships carrying 150 passengers to mega vessels carrying more than 3,000 guests.
With two motor sailing yachts exploring the far reaches of the Caribbean this winter, Windstar Cruises´ PADI-certified (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) dive program provides ample opportunities to discover underwater sites teeming with marine life.
Dive instructors lead a range of programs from Discover Scuba Diving for novices to advanced specialty courses for certified divers.
Royal Caribbean International kicked off what it called an “aggressive” charter resale push with a two-ship, full-charter program featuring a concert by Dave Matthews & Friends.
The charter, in partnership with Clear Channel Entertainment, launches an effort to attract corporate meetings and incentive business and targets affinity groups in the music, religious and lifestyle arenas.
Norwegian Cruise Line´s Norwegian Spirit will join sister ship, the Norwegian Dawn, and add calls to Bermuda for the 2006 summer season from New York.
The Norwegian Spirit´s new eight-day itinerary will feature a daylong call in Bermuda, an overnight in St. Thomas, USVI, and a call at Tortola in the British Virgin Islands.
Star Cruises executives at World Travel Market confirmed that the company will base the Superstar Libra, the former Norwegian Sea, in Malta for seven-day cruises beginning June 6 next year.
The Malta cruises will be marketed in the U.S. by Norwegian Cruise Lines. The Star product also is sold by some tour operators in the U.S., including Asian Affairs and Gala Tours.