Maritime Silk Road cruises gaining popularity in China

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 27 April 2015 27 April 2015

The growing interests in Maritime Silk Road has prompted at least two companies in China to establish cruises to destinations dotted along this ancient sea route. Alan Lam reports.

In February this year the first-ever nine-day Maritime Silk Road cruise was launched from Beibuwan Cruise Terminal in China’s Guangxi Province to Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia, with calls at Da Nang, Nha Trang, Genting and Kuantan. This itinerary will now be extended to include Redang Island in Malaysia from May.

With the approval of the State Department of Transportation, the ASEAN Haishangsilu Cruise Lines began operations shortly before the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year), using the 9,960 gross ton con-pax vessel, Beibu Gulf Star. The vessel is certified to carry 399 passengers and 160 TEU of containers.

In April 2013, Coconut Princess, a ro-pax supply vessel, began offering cruises from Hainan Province to Xisha Islands. It has so far undertaken about 40 voyages, carrying about 6,000 tourists to these destinations. With the growing interest in the Silk Road, this operation was re-routed and rebranded as a Maritime Silk Road cruise only two days after the launch of Beibu Gulf Star cruises.

China’s National Tourism Administration declared 2015 as the year of Silk Road Tourism. The 200-berth Coconut Princess route is one of seven Maritime Silk Road cruises Hainan Province Tourism Commission has announced.

It is believe that these itineraries will proliferate in the coming years. More cruise lines will emerge on this route. Although, at present, the cruises are generally more expensive and ships less modern, the demand for far-flung destinations is growing among the Chinese clientele. The nascent ocean cruise business in China is segmenting and the demand for expeditionary-type itineraries is growing in the shadow of the Asian mass market gold rush.

Windstar names Star Legend Godmother, announces new appointment

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 25 April 2015 25 April 2015

Windstar Cruises has made three major announcements at the Cruise3Sixty press conference in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Gloria Bohan is the Godmother for the line’s newest yacht, Star Legend; Windstar debuts a new Rising Star program for travel professionals; and Steven Simao is appointed as Vice President of Travel Agency Sales.

Gloria Bohan, CEO of Omega World Travel, announced as Godmother of Windstar’s Star Legend. A seasoned travel executive and entrepreneur, Bohan brings over four decades of experience, expertise, and knowledge to the travel industry. She is the founder of Omega World Travel, the largest travel agency founded, operated, and majority-owned by a woman. Bohan is a travel industry leader with expertise that crosses all aspects of travel including corporate, government, meetings, vacations, and cruises.

Bohan cruised with Windstar for the first time in November, 2014 and enjoyed every minute of her experience. “I am so pleased to solidify my relationship with Windstar through my appointment as Godmother,” says Bohan, "It’s an honor to represent such beautiful ships, sailing such magnificent itineraries, and offering guests a true country club lifestyle experience. Windstar has really created a special cruising experience."

Windstar will unveil Star Legend on May 25 at a Christening Ceremony in Rome, hosted by Bohan as Godmother. The ceremony involves a pier-side celebration and the maritime ceremony of naming and christening the ship. "We are honored to have Gloria serve in the prestigious role of Godmother of Star Legend. She is well respected in the travel industry, and a valued trade partner, says Hans Birkholz, CEO of Windstar Cruises. "Gloria is active with several philanthropic organizations and passionate about mentoring other entrepreneurs. Her entrepreneurial spirit aligns with Windstar’s own philosophy, and we are delighted to partner with her."

In March Windstar announced female travel influencer Wendy Perrin as the Godmother for Star Breeze, Windstar’s other addition to its fleet in 2015, which launches on May 6, 2015. Both Star Legend and Star Breeze underwent $8.5 million complete stem-to-stern renovations with new public spaces, suites, and dining venues. The addition of these vessels, as well as Star Pride that debuted in May of 2014, is allowing the company to cruise to new destinations in 2015 including Iceland, as well as year-round sailings in Tahiti.

Avalon Waterways unveils its 2016 collection of river and small ship cruises

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 23 April 2015 23 April 2015

Avalon Waterways’ 2016 cruise season is shaping up to be a big one with new ships and a robust offerings of diverse river landscapes. On the heels of announcing two new Suite Ships in Europe, the company is also expanding its exotic cruise offerings, including announcing a return to the Nile River aboard the MS Mayfair and a new ship partnership on the Amazon River via the Amazon Discovery. Further, Avalon is providing travelers two new, intimate 36-passenger Suite Ships on the Irrawaddy and Mekong Rivers – The Avalon Siem Reap and Avalon Myanmar – as well as small-group discovery (maximum of 20 guests) experiences on the Yangtze River.

"As more travelers adopt river cruising as their preferred travel style, they want to broaden their experiences," said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. "We’re expanding our offerings to help them engage with a plethora of cultures in places like Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, China, Tibet, Egypt, Peru and the Galápagos Islands in the comfort of a floating hotel."

Mekong River

For the past three decades, “change” has been a constant for Vietnam and Cambodia as they diligently forge paths to the future. Today, these captivating countries are achieving a successful balance between modernization and ancient traditions. And Avalon Waterways is offering travelers a “suite” way to cruise the Mekong River aboard our all-suite Avalon Siem Reap, one of our incredible Suite Ships. Unveiled in 2015, the Siem Reap was designed to provide an intimate experience for a maximum of 36 passengers, giving our travelers the chance to truly immerse themselves in the culture, people and sights along the Mekong. Built by local craftsmen, the ship has modern features yet retains the colonial charm fitting to Vietnam and Cambodia. Time on board delivers a refreshing outdoor experience as all 245-square-foot suites open to the outside, offering great, panoramic views.

The 13-day Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River itinerary is priced from $4,069.

Irrawaddy River

To travel to Myanmar, formerly Burma, is to step back in time to a place that has changed little since the British colonial era. On our new all-suite Avalon Myanmar ship – built for only 36 –passengers and set to unveilin late October 2015 – “included” is a favorite word among guests.  Spacious outside Avalon Suites with a sitting area and huge, 14-foot, wall-to wall-window is included.  Local Favorites designed to help travelers immerse themselves in the culture is included.  Regional cuisines, local beer and spirits are included.  VIP entrance into must-see sights is also included.  The 14-day Golden Myanmar & the Alluring Irrawaddy itinerary is priced from $5,849.

Yangtze, Nile & Amazon Rivers

On three of the most iconic rivers in the world, Avalon Waterways charters space aboard equally great ships to deliver unforgettable, small-group discovery vacations for our travelers.

On the Yangtze River, groups of no more than 20 Avalon travelers will enjoy Cruise & Tour vacations.  On the Yangtze, they will sail more than 600 miles through the river’s most impressive stretch aboard the contemporary and elegant Century Paragon or Century Legend ships.  Deluxe staterooms, measuring 266-square-feet – greet each guest – on two itineraries: Magical China & The Yangtze River (12 days, priced from $3,519) or Cultural China & Tibet with Yangtze River Cruise (16 days, priced from $4,259).

In addition, in 2016, Avalon Waterways is making a return to the Nile River, offering a four-night cruise aboard the MS Mayfair on a nine-day vacation featuring the sights of Cairo, Luxor, Edfu and Aswan.  This Highlights of Egypt cruise and tour itinerary, priced from $3,017, offers travelers a personal Egyptologist to better showcase the areas history, archeological wonders, culture and more.

And, Avalon Waterways’ From the Inca Empire to the Peruvian Amazon small-group discovery vacation features a 3-night cruise aboard the Amazon Discovery (a new ship for Avalon Waterways) with a local Naturalist.  Priced from 4,499, this vacation offers travelers experiences in Lima, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and the Amazon.

Galápagos Islands

Rounding out its exotic offerings, Avalon Waterways also offers travelers the chance to board a luxury yacht (the Isabella II) to explore and discover the wildlife that inspired Charles Darwin on two itineraries: Ecuador & Its Galápagos Islands (9 days, priced from $4,669) and Discover the Galápagos & Peru (15 days, priced from $6,319).

MSC Divina to sail again year-round from Miami

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 23 April 2015 23 April 2015

MSC Cruises, the world’s fourth largest cruise line and largest privately-owned cruise company, announced that when MSC Divina – one of the cruise line’s most ultra-modern and elegant ships – returns from her season in the Mediterranean, she will once again sail year-round from Miami to the Caribbean starting November 2015.  

"North America is a key market for MSC Cruises as the company works to double its capacity by 2022," said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises.  "Since the arrival of MSC Divina in Miami in November 2013, we’ve seen significant growth in the market and strong demand by consumers and travel agents for MSC Divina to sail from North America year-round. We’re thrilled to be able to meet this demand, providing more opportunity for North American guests to enjoy the unique ‘Mediterranean Style Cruise’ experience that only MSC Cruises can offer."

MSC Divina’s already published November 2015 through April 2016 itineraries will remain unchanged. New itineraries from April 2016 through March 2017 will rotate between Eastern and Western Caribbean routes and include stops in St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Mexico, and the Bahamas.

A testament to the company’s long-term commitment to North America, MSC Cruises’ also recently announced that MSC Seaside, set to debut in November 2017, will sail year-round from Miami to the Caribbean.

"MSC Cruises has received extremely positive ratings from travel agents and guests, who rave about the beauty of our Mediterranean-inspired décor, quality of international cuisine, and world-class, standing-ovation quality entertainment," said Rick Sasso, President of MSC Cruises USA. "Keeping MSC Divina in North America year-round will help us expose even more travel agents and consumers to the MSC Cruises’ brand as well as build excitement for the arrival of MSC Seaside in 2017."

"PortMiami welcomed MSC Cruises for the first time in November 2013 with MSC Divina," said PortMiami Director and CEO Juan M. Kuryla. "MSC Divina is among the most modern and elegant ships in the industry today. We are extremely proud to welcome her back home for year-round sailings starting November 2015 and are excited for MSC Seaside to join her at PortMiami a few years later." 

In addition, MSC Cruises’ Miami-based operations will benefit from a newly renovated and expanded dedicated berth and terminal at PortMiami.

Booking information and special launch promotion

April 2016 through March 2017 sailings on MSC Divina will open for booking on Friday, May 1. As a special launch promotion, MSC Cruises will offer consumers a value-added offer that includes shipboard credit, a beverage package and a WiFi package, depending on the category of stateroom booked.

The line will also offer 18 percent flat commission for group bookings, along with complimentary stateroom upgrades and shipboard credit for guests in the group.

Summer 2016 in the Mediterranean

Due to the success of MSC Divina in the Mediterranean in summer 2015 and to meet strong demand for the unique MSC Cruises’ product in the region, MSC has created a highly appealing Mediterranean itinerary on the same class, 3,274 passenger, MSC Fantasia. She will sail Mediterranean cruises with seven ports in seven days from Genoa. This itinerary includes a visit to one of the French Riviera’s most iconic destination – Cannes – followed by a call to Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona, two iconic destinations in the Med. From Barcelona, MSC Fantasia will set sail towards one of France’s most beautiful islands and a new destination on this itinerary: Corsica and the city of Ajaccio. The next call will offer MSC Cruises’ guests the chance to visit Pompeii and see Mount Vesuvius for themselves, with a call in Naples, followed by a unique opportunity to see Cinque Terre or Florence and Tuscany through a call in La Spezia, before returning to Genoa.

In addition, to make it even easier to plan a vacation in the Mediterranean, MSC Cruises will once again offer its popular all inclusive fly & cruise packages to Barcelona for summer 2016.

MSC Cruises, which has grown by 800 percent in capacity since 2004, carried 1.67 million guests and achieved strong financial results in 2014, with a turnover of $1.5 billion. In addition, the company is forecasting an additional 10 percent growth in 2015.