Largest cruise conference in the Caribbean and Mexico officially opens

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 07 October 2015 07 October 2015

Yesterday leaders from cruise lines and Mexico officially opened the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show-the largest cruise conference in the Caribbean and Mexico and one of the best ways to target the cruise industry and maximize its benefits.

Participants included Micky Arison, chairman of Carnival Corporation & plc and the FCCA; Roberto Borge, Governor of Quintana Roo; Honorable Enrique de la Madrid Cordero, Secretary of Tourism for Mexico; Karl Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line; Freddy Marrufo, Mayor of Cozumel; and Michele Paige, president of the FCCA.

Mayor Marrufo welcomed all attendees-nearly 1,000 cruise tourism stakeholders from tour operators and taxi drivers to port authorities and ministries of tourism, along with 100 cruise executives-to "one of the most important ports in the world" and invited all to enjoy the wonderful sites that would be on display during and after the event.

Paige told that hosting the FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show displays Mexico's hard work-not only for coordinating the event, but also for developing a prominent cruise destination. " We are here to revel and learn from the success," she said and pointed out that Cozumel received more than 3.3 million passengers from FCCA Member Lines last year-one million and nearly 50 percent more than in 2007, when Cozumel last hosted the event.

She spotlighted cruise tourism's significance to the entire country, with Mexico welcoming more than 5.5 million FCCA Member Line passengers last year, expecting nearly 5.7 million this year and more than 6.1 million for 2016. She shared some of the economic benefit from this industry, with cruise tourism directly contributing to $565.4 million in expenditures, along with 15,9990 jobs paying wages of $93.5 million, during the 2006/2007 cruise year-when the country overall participated in the Business Research & Economic Advisors study, Economic Contribution of Cruise Tourism in Mexico.

She also told attendees that Mexico's resurgence showed the importance of engaging a proactive approach and constant communication, ensuring a safe environment, and always improving products.

Holz delivered the keynote address and discussed the industry's growth, with "continued bookings strength, the introduction of innovative new ships and experiences, and a commitment by the industry to continually up the ante with technology, entertainment, dining and virtually every other aspect of the cruise vacation," along with port development.

He displayed this growth by mentioning that passenger arrivals in the Caribbean, Latin America and Mexico have jumped from 8 million to more than 20 million expected from FCCA Member Lines this year.

"The question then becomes, how does the Caribbean keep growing with the expansion of the cruise industry?" He told it takes "adapting to the changing marketplace, taking risks, launching innovations and ultimately delivering on ever-evolving consumer expectations... We must continually adjust our approach in order to meet consumer demands and introduce exciting new dimensions to our business - dimensions that will keep drawing cruisers to the Caribbean."

This model is similar to the cruise lines' own way of differentiating and innovating, he said. He then mentioned Disney's focus on telling stories and assured the audience that the industry's "greatest stories have yet to be told...As long as we can envision a brighter tomorrow, there's no limit to where our imagination can take us."

Arison awarded winners of the annual FCCA Foundation Children's Essay Contest, which provided more than $30,000 to Caribbean and Latin American essayists and schools in 2015.

Governor Borge praised the growth from hosting the last event and expressed excitement for again actualizing the event's potential. He highlighted Quintana Roo's improved infrastructure and product, touted the jobs and improving social conditions resulting from cruise tourism, and assured that "Mexico wants to keep growing with the cruise industry."

Secretary Hon. Cordero, also representing President Enrique Peña Nieto, elaborated on the importance of tourism overall to the entire country, representing nearly 9% of GDP and providing jobs to 8 million people, including 20% of employment of young persons and a large segment for small to medium businesses and entrepreneurs. He then shifted to cruise tourism, reiterating the passenger arrivals and focusing on the significance of destinations like Mazatlan and Vallarta recuperating.

"We want to work as partners with the cruise industry," he said and told how the country continues to do so by constantly asking, "What are your needs" and "how can we innovate new products?"

"We are aware we are in a world of constant competition," he said and unveiled some of Mexico's competitive advantages, including location and source markets that travel and spend, along with the "secret weapon-Mexicans...a population that likes to treat people well."

Cruise Critic names the best cruise lines of 2015

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 05 October 2015 05 October 2015

Cruise Critic, the world’s leading cruise reviews site and online cruise community, has announced the winners of its 8th annual Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards, naming the best of the cruise industry in 25 categories, chosen by Cruise Critic’s international team of editors. Focused primarily on ocean cruises in the past, this is the first year a full list of awards for river cruises has also been announced.

“Our editors live and breathe cruising, sailing year-round and covering every aspect of the industry – from new ships and programs to updated amenities and features,” explained Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic. “With so many wonderful cruise options available, it’s never an easy list to narrow down, but these awards truly represent the lines that our experts have recognized as the best of the best. This year we also highlight the top river cruise lines, reflecting the growth of this sector – in terms of both interest and options.”

In this year's awards, announced today, Viking Star was named Best New Ship of 2015 in the ocean category. As the first ship in the Viking Oceans fleet, the 930-passenger Viking Star offers an entirely new product for cruisers. Beyond the ship’s overall design – which editors compared to a boutique hotel – Viking also carried over its more inclusive price structure from its river offerings, with inclusions like complimentary Wi-Fi, alcoholic beverages at lunch and dinner and a free shore excursion in every port.

Carnival Cruise Line was named Best Value-for-Money for the second year in a row for its range of affordable fares and well-rounded offerings onboard. In the river category this award went to Emerald Waterways for its variety of inclusions and onboard amenities.

Azamara Club Cruises was awarded Best Shore Excursions for the second consecutive year, a nod to the line’s range of tour options – from small-group cultural experiences during the day, to tours and outings in the evening. Azamara also received Best Itineraries for its ability to visit less frequented ports, and its commitment to destination immersion.

In the river category, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection received awards for Best River Cruise Line, Best New River Ship – for the new S.S. Maria Theresa – and Best Shore Excursions. Editors praised the line’s lavish onboard offerings and amenities, new itineraries and innovative excursion offerings.

2015 Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards (Ocean)

Best New Ship: Viking Star (Viking Ocean Cruises)

Best Ship Refurbishment: Star Breeze (Windstar Cruises)

Best for Luxury: Crystal Cruises

Best for Families: Royal Caribbean International

Best Itineraries: Azamara Club Cruises

Best for Adventure: Un-Cruise Adventures

Best Value-for-Money: Carnival Cruise Line

Best Dining: Celebrity Cruises

Best Entertainment: Royal Caribbean International

Best Suites: Royal Caribbean International

Best Inside Cabins: Disney Cruise Line

Best Standard Cabins: MSC Cruises

Best Shore Excursions: Azamara Club Cruises

Best for Romance: Windstar Cruises

Best Nightlife: Norwegian Cruise Line

Best North American Homeport: Port Canaveral

2015 Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards (River)

Best River Cruise Line: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Best New River Ship: S.S. Maria Theresa (Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection)

Best Dining: AmaWaterways

Best Cabins: Avalon Waterways

Best Enrichment: Grand Circle Cruise Line

Best Shore Excursions: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Best for Active Cruisers: AmaWaterways

Best Itineraries: Viking River Cruises

Best Value-for-Money: Emerald Waterways

To view the full details on each winning line, visit the 2015 Cruise Critic Editors’ Picks Awards.

New culinary experiences unveiled for Oceania Cruises’ newest ship, Sirena

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 05 October 2015 05 October 2015

Oceania Cruises announced last week that Sirena – the newest member of the Oceania Cruises fleet set to debut in April 2016 – will feature two new specialty restaurants: Tuscan Steak and Red Ginger. Additionally, the line recognized for serving the finest cuisine at sea will transform the Grand Dining Room into Jacques Bistro for lunch, offering an exclusive menu featuring some of legendary chef Jacques Pépin’s signature dishes.

The overwhelming popularity of Red Ginger and Jacques on the line’s recent new builds, Marina and Riviera, led Oceania Cruises to add variations of these remarkable dining experiences to the more intimate, 684-guest Sirena.

“The addition of Tuscan Steak, Red Ginger and Jacques Bistro to Sirena further exemplifies our commitment to epicurean excellence and steadfast focus on serving our guests the finest cuisine at sea,” said Jason Montague, president and chief operating officer for Oceania Cruises. “These new dining experiences, along with Sirena’s collection of unique, destination-rich itineraries will provide guests with another exciting choice within the Oceania Cruises’ portfolio.”

Sirena will be the first ship in the Oceania Cruises fleet to offer this collection of exquisite dining options, providing guests with new culinary indulgences to explore.

Tuscan Steak, a completely new restaurant concept inspired by both Oceania Cruises’ traditional steak house, Polo Grill, and the line’s authentic Italian restaurant, Toscana, is destined to become an instant classic. The innovative and diverse menu offers succulent steaks and seafood with a Tuscan flair, cooked to perfection and expertly served in an elegant, contemporary setting. Its eclectic menu will offer authentic favorites that celebrate the passion and tradition of Italian dining, while continuing to offer savory steakhouse fare. Among its varied and delectable offerings will be the signature Tuscan porterhouse, bistecca alla fiorentina; iberico de bellota pork chop with gaeta black olives; and Maine lobster fra diavolo.

Featuring glossy wood paneling with a platinum and silver color scheme and hardwood floors, the motif at Tuscan Steak is a modernized treatment of the classic steakhouse. Adorning the entrance will be a stunning wine cellar featuring an extensive selection of the fine vintages to perfectly complement the meal.

Red Ginger, the beloved contemporary Asian-inspired restaurant currently available on Marina and Riviera, will offer familiar culinary delights such Miso Glazed Sea Bass and Lobster Pad Thai. The restaurant’s décor features vibrant red crystal chandeliers, ebony wood furnishings and a striking collection of modern Asian artwork. The stylish, contemporary décor is a study in feng shui, and perfectly complements the restaurant’s Pan-Asian cuisine.

Available for lunch, Jacques Bistro will transport guests to an authentic Parisian bistro in Sirena’s Grand Dining Room. Inspired by Oceania Cruises’ Executive Culinary Director and world-renowned Master Chef Jacques Pépin’s namesake restaurant on Marina and Riviera, the bistro will offer simple and elegant French fare. As evidenced by its hand-written chalkboard displaying the day’s specialty items, Jacques Bistro will convey a comfortable and warm mid-day charm.

The menu at Jacques Bistro will be seasonal in nature, with its hot weather menu focused on grilled and short-cooked fare, and its cold weather menu featuring more sauce- and stew-oriented dishes. Menu highlights include lemon sole fillet with seafood cream sauce, free-range chicken fricassee, and braised oxtail terrine.

The 684-passenger Sirena will offer diverse and destination-rich itineraries appealing to both seasoned world travelers and passionate cruisers who crave a more intimate and luxurious cruise experience. Before entering service the ship will be elevated to Oceania Cruises’ standard of elegance by undergoing a 35-day, $40 million refurbishment. The ship’s decks will be resplendent in the finest teak, custom stone and tile work; and its lounges, suites and staterooms will be completely refreshed, including major design changes to the Owner’s Suites, Vista Suites and Horizons Lounge.

Following the design blueprint of its sister ships Regatta, Insignia and Nautica, Sirena will feature a world-class fitness center and spa, six lounges and bars, a casino, and 342 lavish suites and luxurious staterooms, nearly 70% of which feature private verandas.

Sirena is scheduled to enter service on April 27, 2016 with a 14-night cruise from Barcelona to Venice. During its inaugural season, the ship will feature a mix of classic destinations and exotic new ports of call, including the famed beaches of Gaeta, Italy; the pristine rainforest of Golfito, Costa Rica; and the well-preserved provincial township of La Paz, Mexico.

The recent expansion of OLife Advantage, the line’s early booking incentive program, provides guests who book any suite or stateroom category on Sirena or any of its sister ships by Dec. 31, 2015 with numerous complimentary amenities, including free shore excursions, unlimited Internet and pre-paid gratuities.

CLIA Spain launches weeklong online campaign

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 05 October 2015 05 October 2015

Alan Lam reporting

From 5th to 11th of October, six major cruise brands operating in the Spanish market will make available to their customers various discounts, special promotions and competitive offers via CLIA Spain website.

For the first time in its brief history, CLIA Spain will roll out the so-called “Vente de crucero” campaign, which is known in other European markets as “CLIA Cruise Week. The objective of this exercise is to promote a greater awareness among the Spanish population in general “the offers, experiences and itineraries” of this form of holidaying, which is so far enjoyed by about half a million Spaniards each years.

During the week, potential cruise customers will be able to benefit from special promotions and discounts by visiting CLIA Spain website and make bookings “under conditions very advantageous over offers by any travel agents”.

“We are very proud to launch in our country an initiative that has been, for years, proven to be successful in other markets such as those in the USA, Australia, the UK and France,” said Alfredo Serrano, Director of CLIA Spain. “With this move we hope to bring cruises closer to the public so that they may be able to enjoy the variety of possibilities and services the industry has to offer.”

“Vente de crucero” is exclusively an online campaign, participated and endorsed by Costa Crociere, CroisiEurope, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Pullmantur, and Royal Caribbean International. It is a heavily social media oriented initiative, developed by Ontwice, involving YouTube and Twitter, with hashtag #Ventedecrucero. The move is quite a departure from CLIA’s usual travel agent focused strategy.