MSC Cruises has today begun the roll-out of itstravel agent booking platform, MSC Book

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 02 September 2014 02 September 2014

MSC Cruises has today begun the roll-out of itstravel agent booking platform, MSC Book in the UK, France and Germnany, the company said in a statement.

Developed and built in-house over the last 18 months, the new system is being soft launched over the coming month. Five cruise specialist retailers – Barrhead Travel, Cruise.co.uk, Cruise 1^st, Iglu and Cruise Nation – will be the first to gain access, with more agencies going live each week during September.

The new system has been designed to make it easier for agents to book MSC Cruises’ itineraries and associated products – and is another example of the company’s drive to work more closely with its agent partners, following the launch of its ‘Serving You’ initiative in July.

A cleaner graphics-led interface leads users through a simpler booking path, allowing them to book flights, choose cabin type, onboard Experience level (Bella, Fantastica, Aurea and MSC Yacht Club) and dining options, as well as secure extras such as excursions and spa treatments.

MSC Book additionally acts as a complete resource centre for the trade, containing comprehensive information about MSC Cruises’ ships, itineraries, ports of call, excursions and latest promotions. Agents can compare potential cruise options for customers and use it to email quotes and booking confirmations. The system also allows users to view potential commission earned on each package.

MSC Cruises Executive Director UK and Ireland Giles Hawke, said: “We promised the new booking system when we launched our ‘Serving You’ programme and we have delivered it as planned.

“Agents very often say that booking cruises is a time-consuming and complicated process, so we have invested in making it as easy as possible. MSC Book should be a real boon to agents familiar to MSC Cruises as well as a great tool for attracting new retailers.”

Versions of MSC Book will be introduced simultaneously in France, Italy and Germany and will eventually replace MSC Cruises’ existing trade booking portal MSC Online, which will be switched off in the UK in November.

FleetPro to manage Haimark's Saint Laurent

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 01 September 2014 01 September 2014

FleetPro has announced the technical and hotel operational management of the Saint Laurent starting services on May 3rd, 2015.

Haimark Line, with offices in Denver, Chicago and Berlin will launch the highly popular Great Lakes and St Lawrence Seaway Cruises with the intimate 210 guest Saint Laurent. Saint Laurent, formerly known as Sea Voyager was purposely build for Great Lakes Cruises and expedition-focused exotic Central and South American sailings.
 
The Saint Laurent will be completely updated and refurbished before entering into service. Including the addition of expedition cruise features such as a new fleet of zodiacs and refurbished outdoor areas idea for enjoying vistas.
 
Tom Markwell, Managing Partner of Haimark Line states that: “operating a ship that was especially constructed for the Great Lakes, Saint Lawrence Seaway and coastal New England along with a more ‘esoteric’ Central and South America cruise program will give our guests the experience of ports and destinations that can only be enjoyed by small cruise ship. These itineraries are for discerning travelers who care about the distinctive aspects of unique ports we visit.”
 
Hans Rood EVP for FleetPro adds further that; “our strong experience in running this high-quality cruise services and the introduction of a newly refurbished boutique-style ship will make the Saint Laurent a most desirable travel opportunity.
 
FleetPro Ocean (formerly ISP) and FleetPro River (formerly River Advice) manages a combined fleet of ocean-going passenger ships, expedition cruise ships and river cruise ships in excess of 60 vessels, making it the largest passenger ship management company in the world. What distinguishes FleetPro is a hands-on managing approach with extremely strong technical and top notch hotel operation expertise. This allows FleetPro to service a wide array of clients in the demanding global arena of river cruise operations, ocean going cruising and the itinerary intensive expedition cruise segments.

SuperStar Aquarius to include calls in Puerta Princesa City with its second season at Kota Kinabalu

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: More News More News

Published: 01 September 2014 01 September 2014

Star Cruises has announced that SuperStar Aquarius will return to the Sabah (Malaysia) and homeport in the city of Kota Kinabalu from 8th November 2014 till 1st March 2015. In conjunction with this, the 13-storey SuperStar Aquarius will introduce an exciting new destination to Puerto Princesa City, located at Palawan Island province in the Philippines. Star Cruises will offer the all new and exotic 4D/3N Kota Kinabalu/Puerto Princesa City destination cruise, 2 Night high seas cruise (available alternate week) and the regular 1 Night high seas cruise onboard SuperStar Aquarius.  

Known as the city in a forest, Puerto Princesa City lives up to its reputation as one of the most environmentally-conscious cities in the Philippines. Located at the mid-section of the long strip of the Palawan Island province, Puerto Princesa City is a top tourist destination, known mostly to locals and well-travelled foreigners. It is home to many beautiful sights and natural wonders - pristine beaches, coral reefs and lush greeneries that are unique to the place. The climate-friendly city offers some of Philippines’ best kept heritage, culture and natural attractions.

Among some of the must-see places include the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the new 7 Wonders of Nature. As one of the most distinguished protected areas in the Philippines, the park features unspoiled natural beauties such as old reserved forests, clear white-sandy beaches, diverse endangered wildlife species and one of the world’s most impressive caves systems, with a series of spectacular limestone formations. The park also contains an 8.2 km underground river, which is said to be the longest navigable underground river in the world that flows directly to the South China Sea. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is truly a remarkable place like no other and is on many travellers’ bucket list.

The Palawan Island province is also home to various indigenous tribes including the shy and peaceful Batak tribe that lives in the foothills and mountains northeast of Palawan. The “Batak” which means mountain people in Cuyonon, is known for its rich traditions and heritage. Another highlight of the island is the Maoyon River Cruise that explores the rainforest jungle with a rare glimpse of the century old Dao tree, which is the tallest and oldest in Maoyon. An interesting tale and a piece of history awaits you in this enchanting place.

For adventurers that seek the ocean depth pleasure or simply relaxing by the beaches, Honda Bay is another premiere tourist destination located on Palawan Island. Consisting of several islets, Honda Bay’s clear sandy beaches and shallow reefs are well-known places for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Other surrounding islands at Honda Bay include Starfish Island that has various starfish, and hence its origin name. Another famous island is the Lu-li Island, which is only visible during low tide and completely submerges underwater when the tides change. The Pandan Island which is named after the fragrant “pandan” plant is also another low-key tropical paradise that is rich with natural flora and fauna. If you are lucky, you may even meet a sea turtle on the beach.  

While at Puerto Princesa City, there are also many interesting sites within the city to explore and discover. The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre, which was formerly known as the Crocodile Farm and Nature Park is also a popular attraction. Endangered species like the Philippine Crocodile, as well as other endemic wildlife to the island such as the bearcat, are also protected in the sanctuary. Another interesting highlight of the city is the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm. Contrary to one imagining a penal establishment, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm is a unique correction establishment and is essentially a village that houses nearly 2,000 prisoners. There are no walls or barriers and yet prisoners do not attempt to escape. This is because families can stay with them and work together to earn a living at that area. It is really an amazing concept and you have to see it to believe it. Also, take a glimpse of unconventional religious structures by visiting the Immaculate Conception Church, which is famous for its angular structures. For those looking for a bargain of unique local gifts and souvenirs, be sure to visit the Flea market and you will find many interesting items such as cultured freshwater pearls and local crafts.

With plentiful of natural attractions, deep heritage and strong culture, Puerto Princesa City is indeed the perfect holiday get-away and ideal destination cruise for travellers of all ages. Make a date with Star Cruises to Puerto Princesa City as SuperStar Aquarius homeports in Kota Kinabalu from 8th November 2014 till 1st March 2015, offering new itineraries that include the much anticipated 4D/3N Kota Kinabalu/Puerto Princesa City destination cruise, 2 Night high seas cruise (available alternate week) and the regular 1 Night high seas cruise.  

Britannia to feature largest spa in P&O Cruises’ fleet

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: More News More News

Published: 29 August 2014 29 August 2014

P&O Cruises, the UK focused contemporary market unit in the Carnival Corp & plc group, says it will unveil the most opulent wellness facilities in its fleet as well as the largest gym and most extensive selection of classes and additional spa treatments when Britannia launches in March next year.

“The Oasis Spa will boast two new features designed to appeal to couples or groups, with a private villa in the spa area and a fun new blowout menu, for a fabulous blow dry, style and make-up in the hair salon,” the company said in a statement.

With an estimated gross tonnage of 143,000, Britannia will be the largest vessel in the fleet of P&O Cruises and its entry into service will increase the number of vessels in the fleet to eight.

The addition of the Oasis Villa marks a first for the P&O Cruises fleet, offering an exclusive area where pampering fans can unwind in sumptuous surroundings that include a private whirlpool and personal spa therapist for a treatment of their choice. They can even complete the hedonistic treat by ordering a glass of champagne.

Also making its debut is the blowout menu which is trending across UK hair salons. Perfect for black tie evenings on board, passengers can pop along to have their hair expertly styled by head honchos of the hair dryer and masters of the make-up brush. Options include deep conditioning hair treatments to full blown bombshell makeovers with hair up and make-up.  

As with the rest of the P&O Cruises fleet, Britannia’s Oasis Spa will feature Elemis products and the list of treatments has been expanded to include seven new advanced facials. The line’s first Spa Shop will also open its doors, featuring skin and haircare products by Elemis, La Therapie, Phyto, Bliss and Sebastian.

Like its sister ships, Ventura and Azura, Britannia will have a VIP open-air deck area, The Retreat, where stewards serve cold flannels, chilled drinks and snacks, and alfresco spa treatments are offered in the privacy of shaded cabanas.

The Hydrotherapy suite provides a suitably impressive roll-call of sybaritic temptations, from heated loungers, waterbeds and a salt cave to a hydrotherapy pool with reflexology, massaging jets and air recliners.