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Oceania Cruises reveals new advertising campaign

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 18 October 2015 18 October 2015

Oceania Cruises is bringing its exquisite guest offerings to life via a new print and direct mail advertising campaign, which launched Friday.

The new campaign showcases how guests have the ability to tailor their cruise experience according to their interests, desires and passions by utilizing the diverse variety of offerings available on an Oceania Cruises vacation. Each ad artfully portrays imagery from the perspective of an Oceania Cruises’ guest as they complete a scintillating list of travel experiences, while indulging in some of the world’s most alluring ports of call. The campaign truly exemplifies the line’s signature tag line, “Your World. Your Way.”

“We’re sharing a day in the life of our guests, showcasing actual experiences they encounter while exploring the incredible destinations we visit,” said James Rodriguez, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Oceania Cruises. “Vacations are personal. Each guest brings their unique perspective and experience to the places we travel. With this campaign, we are celebrating Oceania Cruises’ ability to deliver a truly personalized travel experience based on the individual interests of our guests.”

For instance, one ad captures a guest’s visit to a Buddhist monastery in Rangoon, Burma where a monk presented the guest with a traditional and ceremonial rice offering in the spirit of friendship. According to Rodriguez, the images in each ad depict real experiences available to any guest.

“Today – The Experience” – created by Oceania Cruises’ in-house marketing team – leverages visually compelling photography to portray the aspirational travel moments Oceania Cruises delivers for its guests. The campaign also touches on the three pillars that make Oceania Cruises unique:

– Finest Cuisine at Sea – No cruise line is more focused on food and culinary excellence than Oceania Cruises. Exceptional cuisine has exemplified the brand since its first cruise in 2003 with world-renowned Master Chef Jacques Pépin serving as Executive Culinary Director and inspiring the culinary team to perform feats of epicurean wizardry. Guests can tantalize their palates at a variety of specialty and open-seating gourmet restaurants, at no additional charge.

– Destination Immersion Specialists – Featuring multiple overnight stays and late evening departures, Oceania Cruises places an emphasis on destination-rich itineraries. Oceania Cruises offers an abundance of compelling shore excursions to assist guests with exploring the destinations. Among the options are Culinary Discovery Tours that provide guests with a hands-on opportunity to become immersed in some of the world’s most fascinating culinary destinations.

– Intimate & Luxurious Ships – Oceania Cruises offers guests exceptional personalized service on a fleet of intimate and luxurious ships with a country club casual ambiance featuring elegant lounges, gourmet specialty restaurants and the world-renowned Canyon Ranch SpaClub. Oceania Cruises’ intimate fleet enables guests to explore exotic and secluded ports-of-call not accessible by larger vessels.

The print ad campaign will launch with one- or two-page spreads in several prestigious publications that serve Oceania Cruises’ targeted audience, including: Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveller, Wine Spectator, Departures, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and others.

Crystal Esprit to offer combinable Mediterranean itineraries

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 16 October 2015 16 October 2015

Just months after its maiden voyage through the Seychelles, Crystal Yacht Cruises’ Crystal Esprit will spend the spring, summer and fall of 2016 cruising some of the Adriatic Coast’s most coveted locales. Each of the seven-day voyages aboard the 62-guest yacht can be combined with the following one to create expanded vacations without repeating ports. From the end of March through October of 2016, more than 30 itineraries will cruise to destinations, many of which are only accessible by smaller vessels, captivating guests with the destination’s beauty, charm and historical significance.

“Crystal Esprit’s Mediterranean and Adriatic Coast voyages reflect the yacht itself – sailing in a region that has long been beloved by Crystal guests and travelers the world over, but also exploring destinations in an entirely new way,” says Crystal president and CEO, Edie Rodriguez. “These itineraries perfectly blend some of Western Europe’s most famously bustling cities with other, more remote and quaint spots.”

With a focus on intimate access and active experiences, the sailings will offer new perspectives on currently favored destinations visited by the line’s ocean-going ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. All of the itineraries have been carefully crafted to heavily explore several destinations within one or two countries, allowing guests a more immersive cultural experience. Some of the yacht’s Mediterranean locales include:

Piran, Slovenia – Set at the very tip of the Slovenian peninsula, which is the heart of what is affectionately known as the world’s outdoor playground, but also boasting a beautifully-preserved historic Old Town. Here, Crystal guests can enjoy the bounty of natural adventures and meandering walkways between seafood restaurants.

Kotor, Montenegro – A tradition-rich town that blends imposing walled fortresses with welcoming piazzas. Set at the base of a dramatically sloped mountain, Kotor is loved by history buffs and travelers with a taste for striking architecture and rich cuisine. The spectacular Kotor Fjord that surrounds the destination is, in itself, a “must see” for travelers.

Limassol, Cyprus – Truly a playground for virtually every type of traveler, with its storied past (look for Byzantine castles, Venetian walls and conflicting Greek and Turkish influences); outdoor escapes (with rugged landscapes that beckon hikers and explorers and waters that scuba divers find irresistible); and a vast menu of foods that reflect the many cultural influences on the island.

Kaş, Turkey – Where divers will find more than exotic sea life, but also centuries-old shipwrecks to explore in the famously inviting waters. Besides the plethora of outdoor adventures for which Kaş is ideal, the town is also populated with ancient walls, theaters and rock tombs that help tell its fabled history.

While Crystal Esprit’s itineraries along the Adriatic Coast and throughout the world will venture to new sites for the world’s most awarded luxury cruise line, what will remain is Crystal’s commitment to a superior standard of luxury for its globetrotting guests. Besides the vessel’s all-suite design that boasts a distinct atmosphere of sailing aboard one’s own private yacht, Crystal Esprit will be well appointed with elegant amenities; high-end finishes, modern technology and outfitted for adventure. This includes a two-passenger submarine, two 10-passenger zodiacs for special excursions and a 12-passenger Wider 32-foot super yacht tender for special boating adventures. Additionally, at the guests’ fingertips are water skis, wake boards, kayaks, jet skis, fishing, and snorkel equipment.

All-inclusive cruise fares for Crystal Esprit’s Mediterranean/Adriatic Coast voyages start at $3,920 when booked by October 30. The yacht’s complete selection of itineraries through the beginning of 2018 are available for viewing at www.crystalyachtcruises.com.

Fathom establishes preferred supplier agreement with Signature Travel Network

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 October 2015 15 October 2015

Fathom, the pioneer in social impact travel, today announced its agreement to become a preferred supplier with Signature Travel Network, one of the leading networks of retail agencies in the travel industry. The relationship will enable Fathom to market to a broad audience of purpose-driven travelers by leveraging Signature’s respected cooperative travel network of 205 members across 442 locations in the U.S. and Canada.

As a preferred Signature supplier, Fathom will reach travelers through a robust network of more than 6,000 front-line travel consultants globally who have proven track records of generating sales and driving market share for suppliers. Fathom will have access to an extensive range of discerning travelers who have long-term relationships with Signature and rely on the network’s travel professionals to identify distinctive and meaningful travel opportunities.

“As a company that has created an entirely new category of travel, it is important for Fathom to have savvy business partners to engage social impact travelers – many of whom have been hungry to make an impact, but have not known where to begin,” said Tara Russell, president of Fathom. “The Signature travel professionals are known for having lasting relationships with travelers seeking one-of-a-kind experiences and we feel fortunate to have a preferred partnership with them to effectively connect with our target audience of travelers.”

Signature members represent a diverse grouping of retail travel companies, including many of the nation's top multi-location, market dominant organizations; single location boutique travel specialists; cruise-only agencies: and top internet-based marketers. Signature works with its preferred supplier network to provide its member agencies with access to a wide range of exclusive offers and benefits to help close sales and build client loyalty.

“We are pleased to welcome Fathom, a travel industry innovator, to our exceptional family of preferred suppliers,” said Alex Sharpe, president and CEO at Signature Travel Network. “No other company provides what Fathom offers, and we believe Fathom will be a tremendous asset to our portfolio.”

Fathom has potential to open new revenue streams for Signature members

Launched earlier this year, Fathom is a purpose-driven company enabling travelers to immerse, learn, serve and flourish while making enduring, sustainable contributions. Fathom exists for people who want to combine their love of travel with their desire to make a difference. Fathom is developing lasting collaboration with local organizations to enable systematic, long-term educational, environmental and economic development benefits in its partner countries. Beginning in April 2016, Fathom will make its maiden voyage to the Dominican Republic and intends to begin sailing to Cuba in May 2016, subject to Cuban approval, which we are confident is forthcoming.

Fathom travelers will have the opportunity to choose from the two destinations and a range of activities – from social impact in the Dominican Republic to educational and cultural exchanges in both countries – designed to have a positive, transformative effect on the lives of the travelers and the communities they visit. Fathom expects to initially attract 37,000 annual travelers who collectively could spend a total of more than 100,000 days a year either volunteering or immersing in educational and cultural exchanges in local communities.

Prices for the seven-day trips to the Dominican Republic start at $974 per person, excluding taxes, fees and port expenses and including all meals on the ship, onboard social impact immersion experiences, three on-shore social impact activities and related supplies. Prices will vary by season. To secure a spot on future sailings, a fully refundable $300 per person deposit is required for all cabin categories and occupancy levels. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.

Prices for seven-day itineraries to Cuba start at $1,800 per person, excluding Cuban visas, taxes, fees and port expenses and including all meals on the ship, onboard social impact immersion experiences and on-the-ground cultural immersion activities. Prices will vary by season. To secure a spot on future sailings, a fully refundable $600 per person deposit is required for all cabin categories and occupancy levels. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. To reserve a spot on future sailings, travelers may call 1-855-9Fathom or through a travel professional. Learn more at www.Fathom.org.

SeaDream Yacht Club announces new 2016 Wine Voyages

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 October 2015 15 October 2015

SeaDream Yacht Club announces eight Wine Voyages designed by new Wine Director Ida Dønheim taking place from May 7 through November 5, 2016. Continuing its commitment to award-winning culinary experiences, guests onboard these itineraries will enjoy a selection of the world’s most well-known wineries, exclusive and rare wine tastings, excellent cuisine and wine pairings at the popular Winemaker’s Dinner, in which a local grower or winery shares treasures from their own cellars.

“As SeaDream continues to set the yachting vacation standard, most recently recognized as the ‘Best Niche Cruise Line’ by the experts at Virtuoso, our team understands the importance of always innovating the guest experience,” shares SeaDream Yacht Club President Bob Lepisto. “Ida’s attention to detail in every aspect of the new Wine Voyages ensures the ultimate wine experience at sea and ashore pairing our outstanding culinary team’s service with the most scenic backdrops in the world.”

SeaDream I and SeaDream II will sail along the Mediterranean coastline visiting exclusive ports and harbors in Italy, Spain, Greece and France’s renowned wine country. Each voyage will offer heightened experiences for beginners and veteran oenophiles with itineraries that have been expertly curated by Dønheim, a seasoned chef and sommelier. Activities include visits to boutique vineyards; casual tastings organized throughout sailings to highlight local producers from regions visited; and in-depth tastings that focus on a specific topic, grape or region led by Dønheim, the winemaker or an internationally recognized wine expert.

A SeaDream guest favorite, the Winemaker’s Dinner will feature top cuvees and select wines offered in earlier tastings allowing guests to experience a proper food and wine pairing and how the wine changes character when served with food. This dinner will feature a specially crafted menu to complement the wine of the winery joining for the evening.

SeaDream Yacht Club’s Wine Voyage itineraries for 2016:

– Seven-day Barcelona to Nice Wine Voyage, departing May 7, 2016 aboard SeaDream II – including overnights in Monte Carlo, Monaco and St. Tropez, France; and visitng Sanary-sur-Mer, Sete, Cannes and Nice, France; and Barcelona and Roses, Spain.

– Six-day Monte Carlo to Civitavecchia (Rome) Wine Voyage, departing May 18, 2016 aboard SeaDream II – visiting Monte Carlo, Monaco; St. Tropez, France; and Portofino, Cinque Terre, Florence, Lucca, Porto Ercole and Rome, Italy.

– Seven-day Cannes to Civitavecchia (Rome) Wine Voyage, departing June 4, 2016 aboard SeaDream I – visiting Monte Carlo, Monaco; Cannes, France; and Portofino, Cinque Terre, Florence, Elba, Porto Ercole and Rome, Italy.

– Seven-day Civitavecchia (Rome) to Athens (Piraeus) Wine Voyage, departing June 11, 2016 aboard SeaDream II – visiting Rome, Capri, Pompeii, and Taormina (Etna) Sicily, Italy; Fiskardo, Kefalonia, Galaxidi (Delphi), Corinth Canal, and Athens (Piraeus), Greece.

– Seven-day Civitavecchia (Rome) to Nice Wine Voyage, departing September 10, 2016 aboard SeaDream I – including an overnight in Monte Carlo, Monaco and visiting Porto Ercole, Elba, Florence, Cinque Terre and Portofino, Italy; and Nice, France.

– Seven-day Nice Roundtrip Wine Voyage, departing September 15, 2016 aboard SeaDream I – visiting Nice, Cannes, Sanary-sur-Mer, Cassis and St. Tropez, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco and San Remo, Italy.

– Seven-day Civitavecchia (Rome) to Cannes Wine Voyage, departing October 1, 2016. – visiting Rome, Elba, Florence, Cinque Terre and Portofino, Italy; and Villefranche-sur-Mer, St. Tropez and Cannes, France.

– Seven-day Cannes to Malaga Wine Voyage, departing October 29, 2016 – visiting Cannes, St. Tropez, Cassis and Collioure, France; and Barcelona, Valencia, Cartagena and Malaga, Spain.

Norwegian Cruise Line announces industry leading Affinity Group Program

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 15 October 2015 15 October 2015

Norwegian Cruise Line yesterday revealed a brand new Affinity Groups Program for the North American market, offering the most flexibility and strongest amenities in the cruise sector. With this industry-leading program, Norwegian is now providing affinity groups with more choices to allow greater customization based on the type of group booked, as well as the most attractive tour conductor policy in the industry.

Effective for bookings beginning December 1, 2015 for sailings January 1, 2016 and beyond, the new program offers the strongest guaranteed amenities for the life of the group, along with highly flexible amenity options and a tour conductor policy that rewards partners for genuine affinity groups.

“With our new Affinity Group Program, we have designed a product to customize a cruise for every affinity group and create the most attractive package available for group cruisers,” said Nathan Hickman, vice-president of field sales for Norwegian Cruise Line. “We’ve listened to what our travel partners have said that their customers want from an affinity program, we’ve taken action, and we’re proud to unveil this industry-leading program.”

Norwegian’s new Affinity Group Program offers three, customizable guaranteed amenity options for groups of 7-199 staterooms, ensuring that every affinity group will have an ideal package built to their needs. Options include:

– An industry-leading tour conductor policy of two complimentary berths for every 14 paid guests; or

– A tour conductor policy of one complimentary berth for every 14 paid guests, plus the choice of an Ultimate Beverage Package* or Pre-Paid Service Charges for the first and second guest in each stateroom; or

– A tour conductor policy of one complimentary berth for every 14 paid guests, plus two choices from the following options per stateroom: 250 minute Internet package; $50 Per Port Shore Excursion Credit**; 20 Image Photo Package; $75 OBC; $75 Fundraiser credit; $75 bonus commission; Group Cocktail Party; or up to a Four-Day Specialty Dining Package***

Travel partners who are interested in more details on Norwegian’s new customizable affinity group program should contact their local business development manager or visit Norwegian Central (www.norwegiancentral.com).