Pandaw River Cruises introduces new Phnom Penh excursions

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 19 February 2014 19 February 2014

Pandaw River Cruises, the Singapore based company that operates river cruises in Asia, says it encourages individual travelers and is the first cruise company to offer customised excursions on their Mekong Cruises.

The company offers its passengers the possibility to experience Cambodia’s capital city Phnom Penh and beyond in small or private groups at your own pace, choose your destination from our new excursion menu – all included in the Pandaw All Inclusive Boutique Cruise.

“We are very proud to take the lead again and to set new trends here on the Mekong” General Manager Alex explains, ”when offering excursions in small groups or even as individuals, our new Pandaw Excursion Program allows our passengers not just to visit but to experience country, culture and people.”

Pandaw’s destination manager, Srey Mey, has carefully selected sights, using her local knowledge and being proud to support suitable projects but to minimise the impact on culture and traditions. Excursions to choose from include a visit to a traditional Khmer music school, the wildlife rescue center, cooking classes, the local markets or get a Khmer boxing lesson from a master!

Prior to arrival in Phnom Penh, Pandaw guests can gather all information on the Pandaw iPad, provided on board the RV Mekong Pandaw. In addition all pre and post cruise arrangements booked through Pandaw in Siem Reap/Angkor and Saigon are on a private basis and include highlights such as the visit to the Cambodian Circus Phare Ponleu Selpak. Your guide is happy to adjust the itinerary according to your interest and pace.

Pandaw has revived the corporate identity of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company (IFC) that operated a large number of steamers in Burma from its foundation in 1865 until the Japanese invasion in 1942. IFC was set up by Scottish merchants; the owners of Pandaw as Singapore based Scots and the company offers cruises on the Irrawaddy River in Burma..

Cuba Cruise announces 2014/2015 season

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 18 February 2014 18 February 2014

Midway through its successful inaugural season, Cuba Cruise, the niche product affiliated with Louis Cruises, has announced new sailing details for the 2014/2015 season. The Canadian company launches its second season with seven-night circumnavigation sailings embarking every Monday from Havana, Cuba and every Friday from Montego Bay, Jamaica from December 22nd, 2014 to March 30th, 2015. Travellers can take advantage of Cuba Cruise's Early Bird Discount and book their next winter escape beginning March 2014.

"The feedback is overwhelmingly positive and we look forward to providing future cruisers with the same great itinerary, impeccable service, delicious food and first rate entertainment program next winter," says Dugald Wells, Cuba Cruise President. "Cuba has welcomed us with open arms and we're not saying goodbye anytime soon."

Across social media and online forums, Cuba Cruise's valued guests are raving about their voyage, describing the itinerary as completely unique and an authentic immersion into Cuban life and culture. Notable compliments include the outstanding entertainment team, friendly crew, engaging shore excursions, well-appointed cabins and delectable dining options, the company says in the statement.

The Louis Cristal resumes calling at six ports including Havana, Holguin (Antilla), Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos, Punta Frances on the Isle of Youth and Montego Bay, with minor changes to its exclusive itinerary. Guests will now have more leisure time on idyllic Punta Frances to soak up the hot Caribbean sun, swim and snorkel in the crystal clear water and relax on the white-sand beach.

MSC Cruises to hold event to award travel agents

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

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Published: 18 February 2014 18 February 2014

MSC Cruises, the Geneva based cruise shipping company, will host an “All-Stars of the Sea” event, a special four-day global trade cruise on board MSC Splendida, the company said in a statement.

"From 24 to 27 February 2014, individual travel agents, networks and tour operators of 35 different nationalities will be welcomed on board the elegant flagship sailing between Genoa, Italy and Marseilles, France. Over 1,500 travel agents, and selected media representatives are scheduled to attend what promises to be one of the most important events in the MSC Cruises’ calendar, complemented by the presence of more than 200 people from MSC Cruises’ direct sales force around the world," MSC Cruises said.

The gathering will include 15 MSC Academies - meetings and workshops to discuss market opportunities and set future objectives - an exquisite gala dinner and several delightful entertainment options, from live music performances to signature shows in the ship’s
1,600-seat The Strand Theatre.

The event will include award ceremonies where the “Best Foreign Individual Traveller Producer”, “Best Group Producer”, “Best Network”, “Best Initiative”, and “Best Online Agent” category awards will be presented to over 130 individuals or agencies that have made exceptional contributions to MSC Cruises.

The participants will be welcomed on board MSC Splendida by MSC Cruises’ top management: Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago and CEO Gianni Onorato.

“Many MSC Cruises travellers book their cruise through a travel agent” said MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato announcing the event. “We rely on them hugely, there’s no doubt about it, and our success depends on their knowledge of who we are and the extraordinary product we’ve created and why guests should choose us over the vast array of holiday choices available. They understand, as we do, that travel planning isn’t just about places it’s about people, experiences and memories. We want travel agents on board to experience hands-on MSC Cruises’ authentic Mediterranean identity and to get to know the details of our company’s original vision. This event is the perfect opportunity to do so," the company said.

Frank Weber rejoins Norwegian Cruise Line

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

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Published: 17 February 2014 17 February 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that Frank Weber, a seasoned cruise industry executive, rejoined the company as vice president, product development. In this new role, Weber will lead various product development and enhancement projects on the hotel operations team, including the development and implementation of new menus, food upgrades, service and culinary training for Norwegian’s complimentary dining venues; development of new restaurant, bar and entertainment concepts; and expansion of existing brand partner relationships.

Norwegian’s unique Freestyle Cruising proposition has been at the forefront of the industry for more than a decade; and in his new role, Weber will be responsible for ensuring Norwegian’s legacy is taken to the next level. Weber plans to introduce a variety of new innovative dining concepts, enhanced menus and distinct culinary alliances in a strong effort to enhance the on-board experience and increase guest satisfaction.

"Frank Weber brings a wealth of experience, entrepreneurial spirit and drive for innovation to our team," said Michael Flesch, senior vice president, hotel operations. "He has rejoined our team at the right time and will fully support our growth and drive business and product improvements moving forward."

"I am very excited to be a ‘Norwegian’ again," Weber said. "Norwegian Cruise Line is truly the most exciting and most progressive cruise company in the industry."

For the past 10 years, Weber served as Vice President Food & Beverage Operations at Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., where he built an award-winning Food & Beverage operation. In addition, he was responsible for developing many new, innovative dining concepts. Weber also built significant brand relationships including the first fully licensed ‘Starbucks at Sea’ in the cruise industry.

Weber began his cruise line career at Norwegian Cruise Line in 1992, serving shipboard and shore side as Executive Chef and Hotel Director, through 1999. From there, he held a variety of hotel operations positions at Radisson Seven Seas and Pan Hotel Services.

Weber has been recognized in the hospitality industry for his dedication to quality and innovation and has received several awards including the Ivy Award in 2010 and the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA) Silver Plate Award in 2012 in the Hotel and Lodging category, the first time that the IFMA recognized a cruise line executive.