Don`t be reluctant to sell Los Cabos, especially now with deals

Transcription

December 4, 2014
Volume 42 Issue 45
C A N A D A’ S
T R A V E L
T R A D E
P U B L I C A T I O N
Don’t be reluctant to sell Los Cabos,
especially now with deals – operators
TORONTO — Travel agents should not
be reluctant to sell Los Cabos in the
wake of Hurricane Odile, according to
Sunwing and Sunquest executives who
inspected the resort late last month.
Plus there are great deals available.
But bookings are down which has
Sunwing’s Group Vice President,
Business & Corporate Affairs, Lawrence
Elliott more than a little frustrated.
“Do not ask me to explain this but
the consumer mentality seems to be
that when a hurricane hits a destination
it is wiped off the face of the earth.”
TPI President and CEO Morris Chia (left) and Gary Sadler, Sandals Senior Vice President of Sales, attend
TPI’s 20th anniversary.
THISWEEK
4
G’S FAMILY TRIPS
27
BUSINESS FORECAST
G Adventures has launched a lineup of
family trips to 14 countries in 2015
American Express is forecasting neutral
to slightly higher prices for 2015
12
34
CLUB MED CONTEST
As part of its thank you to agents, Club
Med has a contest to win a resort stay
PM40015622
CRUISING UPDATE
MSC Cruises took the first step towards the
doubling of its fleet capacity
He said travel agents should try to
convince clients that they’ll never see
bargains like this again.
“There are some real deals now compared to before the hurricane when
sales to Cabo were off the charts.”
He said the airport is functional, palms
have been replanted and, although some
hotels are closed for extensive renovations, Sunwing and Signature have some
two dozen properties ready for sale.
Sunwing began returning to Cabo
Nov. 6 and although there has been
some minor consolidation, Elliott said
total winter capacity to the destination
will be about 90% of the original plans.
He said group business remains strong
but individual bookings are down which
he says is “very frustrating because there
is no reason not to go there”.
Sunquest’s senior buying team last
week visited Los Cabos to assess the
situation with the various hotels, and
the destination in general, following
the damage caused in September by
Hurricane Odile.
“Overall the destination looks great,”
said Elvi Cal, Vice President, Product Development, Sunquest. “There is very little
evidence that a hurricane even hit; much
less a very strong Category 3 storm.
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“Cabo San Lucas is clean, the buildings and shops have been repaired and
are operational, and the restaurants
and bars are open for business,” continued Cal. “In terms of the resorts in this
area, along with those in the Corridor
and in downtown San José del Cabo,
overall they are in great shape. There
are some properties that had more
extensive damage and are still working on repairs, but generally speaking
things are looking very good. The airport is fully operational and welcoming visitors and any remaining repairs
are merely cosmetic.”
at the Barcelo Grand Faro Los Cabos:
save $340 per couple on all new 7-night
package bookings made between Nov.
27 and Dec. 8 for travel anytime between Jan. 1 and April 30, 2015. The offer is valid out of any gateway.
For more information and to book,
visit SunquestAgent.ca.
Oliver Kluth, Riu’s SVP Sales & Business Development, was in Toronto late
last month and he also wants agents
to know that Los Cabos “is back” after
Hurricane Odile. Riu has two resorts in
the area: the Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas
and the Riu Sante Fe. “The airport is
the redesigned PRO Specialist program
for travel agents in Canada and Latin
America.
The PRO Specialist program enables
travel professionals to earn different levels
of benefits based on their bookings.
When travel agents become PRO,
they receive access to valuable marketing tools and a unique digital interactive
educational source that allow agents to
learn about the resorts and key ame-
MANZANILLO
DO NOT ASK me to explain this but the
consumer mentality seems to be that when a
hurricane hits a destination it is wiped off the
face of the earth.
LIVE IT TO BELIEVE IT
TORONTO DEPARTURES . ONE WEEK . ALL INCLUSIVE
MANZANILLO, MEXICO
Here is the status of the hotels in Sunquest’s line-up:
Barcelo Grand Faro, now open; Fiesta
Americana Grand, now open; Posada
Real Los Cabos, now open; Royal Solaris
Los Cabos, now open; Secrets Puerto
Los Cabos, now open; Sandos Finisterra
Los Cabos, now open; Holiday Inn Los
Cabos, re-opens Dec. 15; Dreams Los
Cabos, re-opens March 1; Zoëtry Casa
del Mar, re-opens March 1; Marquis Los
Cabos, re-opens March 1; Hyatt Ziva
Los Cabos, re-opens April 15; Melia
Cabo Real, re-opens June 30.
As part of Sunquest’s Black Friday
event, there are savings available now
open and the roads are clean and the
hotels are up and running again. People
in Los Cabos depend 100% on tourism.
Our message to agents is, Cabo is back.
Think again of Los Cabos.”
Palace Resorts
expands travel agent
program to Canada,
Latin America
MIAMI — Palace Resorts, the company
that specializes in five-star, all-inclusive
resort accommodations, is expanding
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December 4, 2014 TRAVELWEEK 3
topnews
nities. PRO members can maximize
their business efforts like never before
by taking advantage of program inclusions, such as educational events, personalized marketing consultations, logo
usage, custom marketing materials and
opportunities to partner with Palace
Resorts in national co-op ad campaigns.
As a leader in enhancing resort/
travel agent relations, the PRO program
comes at a key time in the increasingly
competitive leisure and business travel
markets. The objective of the program
is to further develop the knowledge of
travel agents, empowering them to become Palace Resorts experts in the eye
of the consumer.
“The Palace Resorts team truly values
the hard work of our travel agents and
understands that the continued success
of the brand’s properties is due in large
part to their efforts,” said Frank Corzo,
Vice President of U.S. Field Sales, Palace
Resorts. “We have studied the needs of
our valued agents and based on their
feedback, we are eager to launch the
PRO Specialist program and expand
our reach within new markets.”
Through this program, agents have the
opportunity to affiliate themselves with
a leading hotelier in the all-inclusive segment while increasing sales and boosting
their bottom line. A dedicated inside sales
team offers up-to-the-minute support as-
4 TRAVELWEEK December 4, 2014
sisting travel agents with product updates
to help increase revenue.
The PRO program consists of four
levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum,
each level with specific advantages and
perks ranging from invitations to private events, discounts on spa and golf
to complimentary airfare.
For more information on the new
PRO Agency Partner program, visit
PALACEPROAGENTS.com where travel
agents can find useful sales and marketing tools to improve their sales. The site
also contains details on bonus commissions and incentive programs.
G Adventures
launches lineup of
2015 family trips to
14 countries
TORONTO — Leading small-group adventure travel tour operator G Adventures is launching its collection of 2015
family adventures.
Spanning three continents and 14
countries, the company’s family-friendly trips are designed to deliver a mix of
adventure and education.
“Travelling is a great way to open up a
child’s world to possibility and wonder.
Experiences lead to new interests and exposure to different cultures, languages and
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Sandals Resorts brings five-star luxury to this
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included. Unlimited land and water sports. Dining
at 11 gourmet restaurants. Premium drinks always
on the house. And beautifully appointed suites,
many with private outdoor Tranquility Soaking
Tubs. The new Sandals Barbados. Distinctively
chic. Decidedly luxurious. Unmistakably Sandals.
For more information, call
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Sandals is a registered trademark. Unique Vacations, Inc. is the
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environments helps the kids of today become the responsible, well-rounded adults
of tomorrow,” says Alistair Butchers, Innovation Manager, G Adventures.
Beginning in 2015, the tour operator
will offer ‘Teen Adventures’. Developed
based on feedback from agents and clients, the departures for ages 12 and above
feature more age-appropriate activities.
“Teenagers are just as keen to experience the world and have the same curiosity and yearning to explore as adults.
What these departures will do is combine the best of our regular trips while
ensuring you’re travelling with similar,
like-minded families,” adds Butchers.
To mark the launch, travellers will
receive $200 off per adult with promo
code G15TRAVELFAMILY on family
tours booked by Dec. 15, 2014, for travel between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2015.
All family adventures are two weeks or
less in length and planned around school
holidays. Group sizes are no larger than
20 travellers and average around 12. Each
trip comes with a skilled Chief Experience
Officer (CEO) responsible for enriching
the journey and offering local insight.
The 2015 family brochure is now
available. Sample itineraries include:
O Classic Vietnam Hanoi to Ho Chi
Minh City – Teenage Adventure: Experience bustling Hanoi, sail on a junk
boat through Halong Bay, shop in romantic Hoi An, squeeze through the Cu
Chi tunnels, sip Vietnamese iced coffee and people-watch in hectic Saigon.
Priced from $1,149 per adult and $1,049
per child. Minimum age 12 years.
O Morocco Family Adventure: Experience the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, try mint tea and learn Arabic
and wander the souk of Essaouira.
Priced from $1,099 per adult and $999
per child. Minimum age six years.
O Peru
Family Experience: Search
for wildlife along the Amazon River,
explore the mysterious Inca ruins at Machu Picchu and sample the seafood in
Lima. Priced from $1,849 per adult and
$1,749 per child. Minimum age is six years.
For more information, visit:
gadventures.com/travel-styles/family.
CWT Canada names
Jocelyne Faucher
to lead Associate
Program
TORONTO — Carlson Wagonlit Travel
(CWT) Canada has named Jocelyne
Faucher director of CWT Canada’s Associate Program.
The CWT Associate Program is a network of independently-owned travel
agencies nationwide that operate as an
extension of the CWT Canada’s network.
Faucher will be responsible for continuing to drive growth of the Associate
Program within Canada’s leisure team,
which has thrived in recent years, according to CWT, in part to the access
associates receive to exclusive products
and services in conjunction with CWT’s
membership programs. Her role will include a focused effort on client retention
and recruiting new associate members in
key locations across the country.
“With more than 20 years of experience in all aspects of the travel industry,
Jocelyne brings the knowledge of driving business results and customer satisfaction to the CWT Canada Associate
Program,” said Sherry Saunders, senior
vice president and general manager,
CWT Canada.
Faucher most recently served as
the director of national accounts for
Transat Tours Canada and holds an
MBA from the University of Guelph.
CWT Canada’s Associate Program offers an opportunity for travel agencies
to partner with CWT to enhance and
grow their businesses by aligning with
CWT’s globally recognized brand, and
by receiving access to exclusive products and services in conjunction with
CWT’s membership programs, which
include the Royal Bank of Canada’s RBC
Rewards program and The Royal Canadian Legion.
The program focuses on building
long-term relationships with customers,
delivering strategic technologies, preferred supplier relationships and exclusive
membership programs to the associate
branches within the network.
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TPI celebrates 20
years, hosts 400 in
Mexico
WINNIPEG — Travel Professionals International (TPI), a Virtuoso member
and a leading network of independent
travel advisors, welcomed nearly 400 of
its travel advisors and their guests, preferred partners and TPI head office staff
to the company’s historic 20th anniversary annual conference.
The conference was held at the
Platinum Yucatan Princess and Grand
Riviera Princess All-Suites Resorts and
Spas, Riviera Maya, Mexico.
“It is hard to believe that it was two
decades ago, in 1994, that our concept
and vision for this company came to fruition and TPI was founded. I am thankful
every moment for what we have accomplished together as a team at TPI,” said
Morris Chia, TPI President and CEO.
With a theme of ‘Stir the Skies’, attendees were invited to dream big per-
sonally and professionally and to hold
steadfastly to those dreams even in the
face of adversity.
During his opening keynote address,
Chia revisited the company’s humble
beginnings in 1994 in Winnipeg, when
his financial advisor told him that,
“(he) would be better off to work at a
regular 9 to 5,” but Chia said, “I had a
dream.”
It took Chia and his small initial team
of staff and travel advisors many years
to gain industry acceptance.
Looking forward, Chia outlined the
company’s top three priorities for the
next 20 months – consumer and advisor engagement, technology development and taking advantage of industry
trends in exclusivity.
Tim Morgan, TPI Vice President,
dove further in to these three priorities alongside Mark Luimes, TPI Director of Technology, and Joelle Goldman,
Virtuoso North Central Regional
Director of Global Member Partner-
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ships. Together, they outlined a calendar for 2015 which includes over 160
in-person advisor or consumer events
focused on increasing advisors’ travel
sales, technology enhancements and
solutions to maximize advisor efficiency and to take advantage of web-based
sales channels, and continuing to utilize value-added amenities exclusive to
Virtuoso members to drive consumer
retention and referrals.
“Here’s to 20 more years and beyond
of living our passion and sharing the
many wonders of the world with those
around us,” said Chia.
In addition to the record-breaking
near-400 guests in attendance, further
records were shattered in the form of
50 supplier representatives from 33 preferred partners in attendance. Among
those partners was Gary Sadler, Sandals
Senior Vice President of Sales, who addressed the crowd on the importance
of Sandals’ longstanding relationship
with TPI.
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The historic TPI 20th anniversary annual conference was made possible by the
support of its presenting partners, WestJet and WestJet Vacations, and its platinum partners, TIC Insurance and Transat
Holidays/Nolitours, among others.
Airlines agree to
repatriate to, from
and within Europe
after bankruptcy
BRUSSELS — The International Air
Transport Association (IATA) has put in
place a new arrangement to help passengers impacted by airline bankruptcy.
A voluntary agreement on behalf of
its members flying to, from and within
Europe will cover the repatriation of
passengers unable to return home due
to an airline ceasing operations as a result of financial failure.
“I am delighted to say that passengers
left stranded in the rare and unfortu-
nate event of an airline bankruptcy will
be offered ‘rescue fares’ from airlines to
ensure they can get home,” said Tony
Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO,
speaking at a round-table meeting with
journalists in Brussels.
The agreement formalizes a longstanding custom that many airlines
have traditionally offered.
Under the agreement, in the event of
an airline bankruptcy, IATA member airlines flying to and from the EU will make
their best efforts to offer repatriation to
passengers stranded away from home.
These passengers will be provided access
to discounted transport to return home,
subject to available capacity. The ‘rescue
fares’ of a nominal amount will be available for purchase up to a maximum of
two weeks after the event to anyone flying to and from or within Europe who
does not already possess insurance covering this eventuality.
States responsible for the licensing
of the insolvent airline should also play
their role in communicating to stranded passengers the possibility of this rescue service.
“This agreement on rescue fares
shows that the airline industry is
more determined than ever to ensure
reliable and consistently excellent
customer service. Airlines have formalized a unique cooperation agreement that puts passenger needs first,”
said Tyler.
The European Commission has estimated that between 2011 and 2020,
only 0.07% of all passengers could be
affected by airline bankruptcy, and of
them, only 12% would require assistance in getting home. A permanent
statutory fund to aid passengers in such
situations has been a topic of considerable discussion. The airline industry
has opposed such a fund as financially
prudent airlines would be subsidizing
riskier airlines. More importantly, estimates of the bureaucracy needed to
run the fund suggest that up to 85%
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of the money would be eaten up in administration.
“A compulsory levy on airlines to deal
with repatriation would not serve anybody’s interest. We commend the European Commission for resisting this and
for encouraging airlines to adopt this
coordinated and customer-focused approach,” said Tyler.
Club Med launches
contest for travel
agents
MONTREAL — As part of its B2B campaign ‘Thank you by Club Med’ dedicated to travel agents, Club Med launches
this week a contest to win a stay for two
adults at one of its resorts.
To participate, travel agents must prove
by Dec. 14 that they are subscribed to the
website dedicated to travel agents clubmedagents.ca as well as on the Facebook page
for them: facebook/english.clubmed.
The winner will be drawn among all
participants on Dec. 15, 2014.
This is another way for Club Med to
thank its loyal partners. And that is not all.
During the next weeks, the Club Med Canada team will continue thanking its travel
partners for their commitment through
exclusive content and surprises.
Club Med, pioneer of the all-inclusive, upscale and multicultural vacation, offers a selection of more than 65
all-inclusive resorts worldwide.
To find out more, go on clubmedagents.ca
and facebook.com/agents.clubmed.
Club Med has launched a contest for travel agents.
Sunwing’s Royalton
Cayo Santa Maria in
Cuba ranked #1 by
TripAdvisor
TORONTO — Sunwing Vacations’ exclusive property – the 5-star Royalton
Cayo Santa Maria resort – has been voted the number one ‘All Inclusive Resort
in the World’ at the 2014 TripAdvisor
Travellers’ Choice Awards.
The accolade comes after the hotel had
already been recognized within three categories earlier in the year, notably ‘Most
Popular Hotel in the Caribbean’, ‘Most
Romantic Hotel in the Caribbean’ and
‘Best Hotel in the Caribbean’.
Part of Sunwing’s exclusive Adults Collection, the Royalton Cayo Santa Maria is
one of Sunwing’s highly recommended,
luxurious adults-only properties. One of
the island’s leading resorts, the Royalton
Cayo Santa Maria has a beachfront setting
on one of Cuba’s most unspoiled islets.
The first Royalton resort to open in the
Caribbean less than two years ago, the
hotel has quickly become a firm favourite amongst Sunwing customers, said
the tour operator. Guests are welcomed
with a special cocktail, cold towel service, a bottle of rum in each room, beach
towels and other luxury amenities upon
arrival. They can also look forward to 24hour room service with special menus for
breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Andrew Dawson, Chief Operating Officer for the Sunwing Travel Group, said “we
are delighted that Royalton Cayo Santa
Maria has won this important accolade
such a short time after opening. The award
is especially valuable to us as it is based on
genuine feedback from our customers.
“Moreover, with the introduction of
new direct flights from Bagotville, London, North Bay and Val d’Or this winter to
Cayo Santa Maria, it’s now even easier for
our customers to experience this awardwinning resort for themselves. Sunwing
Airlines will now be offering direct connections to this tropical Cuban beach resort from 17 Canadian gateways and has
also increased its scheduling to offer daily
connections from Montreal as well as Toronto for the first time.
“Adults-only luxury is a growing trend
amongst our clientele, and to this end we
look forward to the opening of two new
properties this winter; the CHIC Punta
Cana by Royalton Resorts, Dominican
Republic together with the Hideaway at
Royalton Riviera Cancun in Mexico.”
A week at Royalton Cayo Santa Maria
is available from $1,385 per person plus
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$315 taxes based on double occupancy
of a Junior Suite King Terrace Garden
View on an all-inclusive basis from either March 6 or 20, 2015. Return flights
from Toronto are also included.
Vacation.com’s
Engagement program
expands with
record-breaking
number of
promotions for 2015
TORONTO — Vacation.com will be
offering a record-breaking number of
promotions throughout 2015 for its
award-winning Engagement program.
In total, Vacation.com members can
partake in 164 direct mail and e-mail promotions; that equates to millions of partner-funded client touch points. Vacation.
com also announced that Engagement
now provides members with advanced
features such as client list customization
– where members may ‘opt out’ certain
clientele – and agent name display.
Engagement is complimentary to all
Vacation.com member agencies.
“Vacation.com’s Engagement program,
introduced in 2001, is one of our organization’s strongest marketing tools. It has
evolved to meet and exceed our Canadian members’ and clients’ expectations,”
said Vacation.com Vice President Canada,
Christine James. “Engagement continues
to prove itself as one of the industry’s most
advanced and sought-after marketing programs. At no cost, our members are able to
capitalize on millions of dollars in partner
marketing funds in order to drive more
business to their agency. Engagement is
just one of the many benefits that come
with being a Vacation.com member.”
Engagement’s order site recently incorporated a new feature to assist members
in deselecting clients from promotional
mailing lists, based on whether the individual customer received an Engagement pro-
motion in the last 30, 60 or 90 days. This
feature provides greater targeting precision, ensuring clients and potential clients
receive the promotions and special offers
that best align with their areas of interest.
The client list customization tool is available for both Engagement direct mail and
e-Engagement e-mail promotions.
Also newly introduced are enhanced
personalization tools to Vacation.com’s
e-Engagement e-mail promotions specifically for members utilizing Engagement Select with Trams ClientBase. In addition to
displaying an agency’s name, members can
now include an individual agent’s name.
This allows members to direct clients to
a personal travel consultant in order to
streamline inquiries for faster responses.
“Vacation.com’s Engagement program and marketing tools allow a
smaller agency like ours the ability to
communicate with existing and prospective clients as if we were a large,
multi-location agency,” said Helga Omstead of Migrations Travel and Cruises
Tax Savings!
When you book your next
Cuba vacation in the sun…
Save on the tax!
Was 273.91
Now $180
Saving has never felt better!
Please inquire on full details.
Departures until April 2015.
AGENT ACCESS: www.holacaribeagent.ca t Amadeus t Sirev | CALL CENTER/RESERVATIONS: 905.882.9445 or 1.800.668.8178
Prices are in CAD, per person, based on double occupancy and subject to change without notice. Space is subject to availability at time of booking. Rates based on lowest room category offered.
All departures are from Toronto on Cubana Airlines and Air Transat and taxes of $180 must be added to the published rates. All EBB’s mentioned will reflect in the published rate. Refer to our
CSPDIVSFGPSGVMMUFSNTBOEDPOEJUJPOT)PMB4VO)PMJEBZTt8FTU#FBWFS$SFFL3E6OJU3JDINPOE)JMM-#$0OU3FH
ADVENTURE FOR ALL
The 2015 G Adventures brochures are here
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them all in the 2015 G Adventures brochure lineup. New this year: Rail – a special insert inside our
Earth brochure – which highlights the planet’s most incredible journeys by train. Order your copies
today at gadventures.com/sherpa or at envoynetworks.ca.
Hike, Bike, and Kayak Your World
Africa & Middle East | Asia | Europe | South America
Central America | North America | New Zealand
Online only
The 2015 G Adventures brochures are now available to order
via Envoy Networks. Order yours online today at envoynetworks.ca.
1 877 390 9050 | gadventures.com/sherpa
topnews
Ltd. in Palgrave, Ontario. “The program
has added value to our agency and best
of all, Engagement is included in our
membership.”
Vacation.com members can learn
more about Engagement by visiting agent
universe.com. Agencies interested in becoming a Vacation.com member to take
advantage of the benefits Vacation.com
offers can go to joinvacation.com.
Tourcan offers short
stay escapes in
Southern Africa
TORONTO — For those clients travelling to Southern Africa and wanting to
extend their journey, Tourcan Vacations
is offering a number of packages.
A two-night Victoria Falls breakaway
for $855 per person sharing includes accommodation, daily breakfast, return
airfare from Johannesburg, a tour of
the Victoria Falls and a Sunset Cruise on
the Zambezi River. This package can be
further extended to add two nights at
a game lodge in Chobe, Botswana. For
$1,715 per person sharing it includes all
items listed for the Victoria Falls package, plus accommodation at a game
lodge, all meals on safari and morning
and afternoon game drives.
The six-night Cape Town and Safari
package offers four nights accommodation in Cape Town and airport transfers, daily breakfast, a tour of the city
and Table Mountain as well as a highlights tour that includes Cape Point and
the Winelands.
Domestic air is included for the flight
to Johannesburg from where a transfer
is arranged to the game lodge for a twonight stay. The safari includes all meals
and morning and afternoon game
drives. The cost per person sharing
is $1,765.
For more information, contact
tours@tourcanvacations.com or call
416-391-0334 or 1-800-263-2995.
Jamaica Tourist
Board adds
dedicated volunteer
page to official
website
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica
Tourist Board has added a dedicated
page to its website for clients who want
to volunteer during their vacation trip
to the island.
The combination of voluntary service
with the traditional elements of a vacation has become increasingly popular
in Jamaica and the website page is in
response to this growing trend. One of
the first of its kind in the Caribbean, the
page offers a database of faith, health
and education based volunteer programs, with more categories to appear
as they become available.
“The Jamaica Tourist Board is focused
on allowing our visitors to have an
Continued on page 27 ...
Avoid the malls & give back
this holiday season.
Buy your gifts online at the 2014 Yellowbird Silent Auction
BIDDING HAS BEGUN.
HURRY UP CLOSING SOON!
Closing is Dec. 8.
Don’t miss out on these once in a lifetime
prizes! Bid Online.
www.32auctions.com/Yellowbird
Family Travel
Memories Grand Bahama Beach Resort & Casino
Sunwing Vacations brings Bahamas a
little closer to Canadians this winter
by Vawn Himmelsbach
With the introduction of its new direct Vancouver service, more families
can enjoy some Bahamian sunshine
this winter as Sunwing Vacations increases its number of direct gateways
to Freeport, Grand Bahama to eight
across the country.
One of the most accessible islands
within the Bahamas archipelago, lying just 80 kilometres off the coast of
Florida, Grand Bahama is especially
popular among clients travelling with
younger children, since it requires a
shorter flying time than many other
Caribbean destinations.
This laid-back destination offers a
blend of “toes-in-the-sand” relaxation
and soft adventure. Active families
could try kayaking, scuba diving, jeep
safari and mountain biking adventures,
while those looking for Bahamian culture can join in on a fish fry in the traditional village of Smith’s Point or take in
Junkanoo-style carnival events in Freeport’s Count Basie Square.
Opened earlier this year, Sunwing’s
Memories Grand Bahama Beach Resort
& Casino offers families a beach setting from which to explore the island.
Situated on the white sands of Lucayan
beach, opposite the colourful open-air
entertainment and dining complex of
Port Lucaya, this expansive property
offers a casino, spa and free unlimited
green fees at the nearby Reef Course.
Part of Sunwing’s Family Collection,
the resort offers a supervised kids’ club
featuring appearances from cartoon
characters such as the Berenstain Bears
and Toopy and Binoo. There’s also a
dedicated teens’ lounge with the latest computer games. The on-site splash
park combines toddler-friendly splash
pads and water slides for older children.
The daily activity and evening entertainment is also devised with families
in mind. In addition to dining options
designed for younger palates, babysitting services are also available, allowing
mom and dad to enjoy destination dining at the Bella Cucina Italian restaurant
or H Steak House — or sample island
cocktails in a choice of seven bars.
sunwing.ca
Tai Pan Tours offers
cultural add-ons for
kids of all ages
Tai Pan Tours is offering a variety of
family vacation packages to Asia with
cultural activities suitable for all ages.
In China, children can learn simple
Chinese calligraphy when visiting a local family in a hutong or learn a few
basic movements of Tai Chi Chuen outside the Temple of Heaven.
In Japan, they can try on a traditional Japanese kimono, visit a Ninja
theme park, learn how to make su-
Family Travel
TORONTO DEPARTURES
PUNTA CANA, D.R.
ONE WEEK . ALL INCLUSIVE
BARCELÓ DOMINICAN BEACH
+++PLUS
JAN 06 & 13
HOTEL ROOM
$
795
+ $425 Taxes
Toronto departures. Price is gross per person based on double occupancy for 7 nights on all inclusive vacations (unless otherwise specified) and was available at the time of printing. Seats at the above price are limited and
subject to change without prior notice. Applicable to new bookings only. Not combinable with any other offers. Transportation taxes & related fees shown must be pre-paid. In flight services vary by flight and destination.
Applicable local taxes payable in destination are extra (DR $30US). Flights are with Sunwing Airlines or Travel Service. For full terms and conditions, please refer to the Sunwing Vacations 2014/15 brochure. 27 Fasken Drive,
Toronto, Ontario, M9W 1K6. Ont Reg #2476582 | 12062014
shi or carve a wood-block print in a
handicraft centre.
For kids who love animals, they can
take care of an orphan elephant for a
day in Thailand. Or they can visit the
Karen hill tribe and other minorities
north of Chiang Mai.
If kids are keen on rides or want to see
their favourite heroes and characters,
head to Disneyland in Tokyo and Hong
Kong, Universal Studio’s in Japan and
Singapore, and Legoland in Malaysia.
Any of these family-oriented activities can be added onto Tai Pan Tours’
Explorer Asia programs.
taipantours.com
Families encounter
dolphins, heritage
sites on ATOURZ’s
Philippines tour
For clients that want a mix of landscapes,
seascapes, rainforests, wildlife, history,
villages and culture, ATOURZ’s tour
through the Visayan Islands in the Philippines fits the bill. ‘Beautiful Visayas’ is a
10-day tour that combines both natural
wonders and historical sites.
“From Cebu to Guimaras Island to
Caticlan, this tour is for people who
have a passion for true traveller-style
sightseeing. This beautiful country has
so much to see and experience,” says
Elena Prountzopoulos, head of tour operations at ATOURZ.
“Travellers have the opportunity to
see dolphins by a sandbar, crater lakes
in a rainforest, a Trappist monastery
and the famous Miag-ao Church included on UNESCO’s World Heritage
list. It’s really quite an incredible trip.”
Once clients land in Cebu, they are
transferred to Cebu Pier for a ferry to
the seaport city of Dumaguete in central Visayas, and are then transferred to
their resort.
The next day involves a short sail
on an outrigger to Tanon Strait with
a stop at Talubong Mangrove Island,
a 400-hectare protected mangrove
full of wild birds and crustaceans.
Next stop is the Campuyo sandbar to
watch for dolphins, including bottlenose, melon-head and spotted dolphins. Next up is a trek to the twin
crater lakes of Balingsasayao and Danao. Overlooking the lakes is a view
of coastal plains and valleys of Negros
Oriental and Tanon Strait.
The next day, clients take a boat to
the island of Siquijor for two days of
swimming, rest and relaxation. On day
five, travellers return to Dumaguete for
a tour of Dumaguete City. They’ll see Silliman University, founded by American
Presbyterian missionaries who came to
Dumaguete a century ago, the public
market, the provincial capitol building
and the bell tower of the Cathedral of
St. Catherine of Alexandria, the city’s
most popular architectural landmark.
Clients are then taken on a five-hour
journey to Bacolod City. Exploring the
area includes a visit to a sugar plantation and a sugar heritage tour.
Clients move on to the province of Iloilo where they’ll tour Guimaras Island.
Guimaras is known for mangos and cashews, as well as the southern countryside of Iloilo. The tour winds down on
the island of Boracay.
Pricing for the ‘Beautiful Visayas’ tour
is $3,249 per person (double occupancy)
or $5,889 per person (single occupancy).
The 10-day package includes nine nights’
accommodation, daily breakfast, four
lunches, ferry tickets and entrance fees, all
airport and pier transfers, and the services
of a professional guide on all tours within
the package. Some surcharges apply within specific peak season dates.
atourz.ca
MSC Cruises creates
ultimate Lego
experience at sea
MSC Cruises and the Lego Group have
joined forces to bring children the ulti-
R
83
#
A
NS FOR RAM
O
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AD
EA
WEST RA
LO
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TH
E
“Fall Fun”
A ways
Al
book at
ramada.
amada.ca
a
ca
G
UA
RANTEE
D
YOU DO YOUR THING. LEAVE THE REST TO US.®
Every time you book a client into a Ramada hotel you’ll be guaranteeing them
comfy beds, free internet, the opportunity to earn Wyndham Rewards points
on qualified stays and most everything else they need to make their stay a fall
in love experience.
Ramada.ca | 1-800-272-6232
*Terms and conditions apply. Please visit www.whgspecialist.com for details. To learn more about the free-to-join Wyndham Rewards loyalty program, including full program terms and conditions,
please visit www.wyndhamrewards.com.
©2014 Ramada Worldwide Inc. All rights reserved. Most hotels are independently owned and operated. A limited number of international hotels are managed by an affiliate.
Family Travel
And a partnership with Chicco, announced in July 2014, will provide families with childcare equipment, a dedicated family guide and custom-built
children areas on select MSC ships.
msccruises.com
TRYP by Wyndham
set to open second
Manhattan hotel
mate Lego experience at sea, including
Lego-designed playrooms and entertainment options.
As part of the partnership, MSC Cruises is offering Lego-themed competitions
and games on a designated day during a
sailing. Children who participate in the
Lego Experience Day will receive an official Lego Junior Master Builder diploma.
In addition, all guests will have the
chance to meet and greet Sailor Walkabout — the Lego Sailor Mascot —
who will be available during cruises for
photos and entertainment.
The Lego Group is also working to
design new play areas on the MSC Armonia, the first ship in MSC Cruises’
Lirica class of ships. The MSC Armonia’s
dedicated offerings of Lego play materials include: Lego Duplo for children
under three, including games and challenges; Classic Lego bricks and Vertical
Play Wall for 7-11 year olds; and Building Happening (themed builds with
limited bricks) for 6-11 year olds.
The Lego features will be available
free of charge to guests, and will be replicated on two new ships, scheduled to
be delivered in 2017.
Guests who want to take the Lego experience home will be able to visit the
Lego corner found in shops on board.
“The LEGO Group and MSC Cruises
are both family businesses that are recognized worldwide, so our two companies are a great match,” says MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato.
“The LEGO Group bricks and toys
are close to the hearts of millions of
people who grew up playing with them,
and with this partnership we hope to
give our younger guests some magical
memories that they’ll treasure forever.”
MSC Cruises’ partnership with Lego
comes as the line seeks to optimize the
overall on-board experience for guests
and families by partnering with top
global brands. While MSC Cruises’ has
long made the Lego toys available on
all 12 ships in its fleet, this partnership
enhances the offering, bringing MSC
guests more dedicated products and
areas for younger travellers.
Ships undergoing the Renaissance
Program will feature separate clubs
and facilities for five age groups: Baby
(under three); Mini (3-6); Junior (7-11);
Young (12-14) and Teen (15-17).
Wyndham Hotel Group has announced
the expansion of its select-service TRYP
by Wyndham brand in New York City
with the signing of a franchise agreement for a 334-room hotel in Manhattan’s Times Square, marking the brand’s
second property in the market.
The hotel, scheduled to open by
spring 2015, is undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation and redesign led
by owner and operator Hampshire Hotels Management. Its location on West
48th Street in Times Square will put
guests directly in the hub of the city’s
world-famous attractions, major businesses and public transportation.
Signature guest rooms at TRYP by
Wyndham New York Times Square
will include five ‘Fitness’ rooms, which
feature fitness equipment for a private
workout, and 45 over-sized ‘Family’
rooms with bunk beds for children and
a larger, separate bed for adults.
Additional amenities will include free
high-speed wireless Internet access; a
coffee bar; the brand’s signature blog
wall, comprised of two 46-inch screens
to keep guests updated on local events
and connected to hotel staff; business
services; and a fitness centre.
tryphotels.com
atourz.ca
877 728 6870
grecianholidays.com
800 268 6786
FAMILY-FRIENDLY
VACATIONS
Cuba
Private Pool in the Grand Village, Iberostar Ensenachos
Iberostar shows off three Premium
Gold properties in Havana, Varadero
by Francesca Spizzirri
VARADERO — Spectacular beaches,
tranquil Caribbean waters, pulsating
Rumba beats, premium cigars and renowned hospitality have made Cuba
a preferred holiday destination for
Canadians.
On a recent press trip to Cuba sponsored by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts,
three of the company’s Premium Gold
properties were showcased: Iberostar
Parque Central, Iberostar Varadero and
Iberostar Ensenachos.
Positioned in prime locations that
have been carefully selected, Iberostar
is an all-inclusive resort brand, loaded
with amenities, services and activities
for the whole family.
Long considered the best hotel in
Havana, the Iberostar Parque Central
is an elegant five-star Spanish colonialstyle hotel that echoes the rich beauty
that surrounds it. Located in the heart
of Havana, it is within walking distance
of the city’s top attractions. Clients can
sip daiquiris at El Floridita, walk the
Malecón boardwalk, listen to live music at La Bodeguita del Medio and enjoy
the seductive energy of Havana.
The Iberostar Parque Central is divided into two buildings adjoined by a
covered walkway, each with a rooftop
pool offering views of Havana that can
be seen from many of the 427 rooms
and suites, as well as the spa.
The property has three bars, a buffet
with international and Cuban dishes,
plus two à la carte restaurants (Italian
and a steakhouse). Just 20 minutes from
José Marti International Airport, it’s the
perfect location to relax and recharge.
Located two hours east of Havana, the
five-star Iberostar Varadero occupies a
privileged location on one of the Caribbean’s legendary beaches where warm turquoise waters kiss the sugar-sand shore.
This colonial-inspired luxury beachfront resort features 386 rooms and
suites spanning 11 buildings across an
expansive property. The three room
categories of Junior Suite, Family Room
and Spa Room ensure there is something to suit every need.
Kids can enjoy their own kids’ club
and waterpark located near the Family
Rooms, which include one free babysitting service with each booking.
For relaxation, the property features
SPA Sensations with a full-service hair
salon, as well as four pools, seven bars
and four restaurants: one buffet and
three à la carte restaurants featuring
international, Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine.
Guests are treated to evening entertainment and can dance the night away
at the Discotheque Gaz 53. Iberostar
Varadero is 50 kilometres from Juan Guadalberto Gomez International Airport.
Last but not least, Iberostar Ensenachos is an expansive colonial-style resort with two white-sand beaches
Cuba
(Playa Megano and Playa Ensenachos)
that stretch more than two-and-a-half
kilometres along turquoise-green waters.
Built on the island of Cayo Ensenachos amidst lush vegetation, Iberostar
Ensenachos features 506 rooms and
suites divided into three separate areas.
The Park Suites are located by the
kids’ club, pool and waterpark. The
adults-only SPA Suites include two
pools and a Jacuzzi that surround the
SPA Sensations Wellness Centre with a
fully equipped beauty salon and list of
spa services.
And the 14+ Grand Village features
luxury villas with living room, dining
room, kitchenette, two bathrooms and
an outdoor Jacuzzi on a veranda with
inspiring views. There’s also private
check-in, 24-hour butler and room service, a private pool, beach and a gourmet restaurant.
In total, the property offers five pools,
five bars and six restaurants: the main
buffet, the beachside snack and grill,
plus four à la carte restaurants (Italian,
Japanese, international and Mediterranean) and the gourmet restaurant for
guests of the Grand Village.
“Providing a great dining experience
is something Iberostar prides itself on,”
said Mariela Zaldivar, marketing manager for Canada with Iberostar Hotels &
Resorts. “New chef Juan Carlos Espejo is
a prime example of our continued dedication. He has worked with culinary
great Alain Ducasse in several Michelin
star restaurants and brings with him
years of experience and expertise that
we’re excited to share with our guests.”
Iberostar Ensenachos is located on
the northern coast of Villa Clara, 120
kilometres from Santa Clara Airport
and 10 kilometres from the Cayo Las
Brujas airport.
For off-property fun, Iberostar properties offer excursions including tours of
Havana, swimming with dolphins, snorkelling, Catamaran cruises and visits to
local cultural and historical attractions.
Press trip participants travelled to Cuba
via Sunwing. Sunwing Vacations offers allinclusive vacation packages to Iberostar
properties in Cuba with weekly direct
flights on Sunwing Airlines’ Champagne
Service flights.
Canadian favourite
Mercure Playa del
Oro added to CanJet
Vacations lineup
by Vawn Himmelsbach
CanJet Vacations has announced it will
be offering the hotel Mercure Playa del
Oro, a long-time Canadian favourite in
Varadero, as part of its portfolio.
“We are thrilled to be offering this hotel — we know it is a huge favourite with
Canadians who return year after year,”
says John Kirk, vice-president of sales
and marketing with CanJet Vacations.
“We have an excellent product line-up
in Cuba, thanks to many long-standing
auténtica wilderness
We have more than one way to take your breath
away. This is auténtica Cuba. Explore it at gocuba.ca
relationships there, and this hotel will be
one of the centrepieces of that program.”
The Mercure Playa del Oro is located on
a stretch of white sandy beach and offers
several amenities, an activities program
and a kids’ club. At press time, the hotel
was featured at a price of $459 (plus $316
in taxes) for the Jan. 10, 2015 departure.
CanJet Vacations is committed to
Cuba with an extensive Cuba program,
according to the company. A substantial
number of the tour operator’s weekly
flights are to various points in Cuba.
CanJet Vacations has also partnered
with the Cuban government in a campaign to promote Cuba through newspaper ads and billboards.
CanJet Vacations is gearing up for
its first flights to Cuba beginning Dec.
18, just in time for the holidays. And,
CanJet Vacations is paying travel agents
commission on the fuel surcharge and
currency surcharge portion of the price.
All packages feature flights from
Toronto with CanJet Airlines Boeing
737-800 aircraft, serving complimentary Champagne, hot meal service, bar
service and inflight entertainment with
complimentary headsets.
Agents can also upgrade their clients
to CanJet Select to receive priority checkin, complimentary seat selection, priority
baggage handling and additional baggage
allowance of up to 10 kg per segment.
CanJet Select guests also receive a Comfort
Kit southbound and complimentary wine
and alcoholic beverages during bar service.
CanJet Vacations is available in SIREV,
Sabre Vacations and Galileo.
canjetvacations.com
Melia offers Royal
Service for families
Families can get the royal treatment at
Paradisus Varadero Resort & Spa in Cuba,
located on a stretch of white sand beach.
Royal Service includes amenities such
as a personal butler, a private pool, a
baby and mini club, as well as activities
for teens. There’s also an exclusive gourmet restaurant along with access to all
six à la carte restaurants in the main hotel. For larger families, connecting suites
are available in Royal Service and family
suites are available in the resort section.
In December 2015, a new level of allinclusive luxury will be available, thanks
to the opening of the exclusive Family
Concierge section at Paradisus Varadero
Resort & Spa. This section will add 264 junior suites and 30 suites to the resort, including junior suites with a swim-up pool.
The Family Concierge rooms will have
a specially assigned family concierge
who will assist them during their stay
and coordinate all services and information. Among the advantages for families
are a private lobby, a snack and drinks
area, and a relaxation area with a reading corner and Internet, all designed for
children from 2 to 12 years of age.
meliacuba.com
NEW HOTEL OPENING
Entertainment, relaxation, inspiration and comfort in Playa Flamenco, one of the most beautiful spots in
Cayo Coco. An all-inclusive five star hotel with a wealth of leisure and entertainment options, with even
more in the neighbouring tourist village. Particularly recommended for families, honeymoons, events,
diving, fishing and bird watching.
CUBA , A TR UE PL EA S UR E
CUBAMIGOS l ADORE BY MELIÁ CUBA l MEETINGS & EVENTS
Australia, NZ & South Pacific
Milford Sound, New Zealand
Goway offers savings on motorhome
vacations in New Zealand
by Vawn Himmelsbach
Goway’s new Australia & New Zealand Escorted Vacation brochure is
now available. And clients can save up
to 40% on motorhome rentals in New
Zealand and receive a free two-night
stopover in Fiji at a deluxe beachfront
resort — adding up to $1,290 in savings per couple.
Trips start from $1,999 (from Vancouver) or US$1,499 (from Los Angeles) and include roundtrip airfare
with Fiji Airways, all taxes and fuel
surcharges, Maui Motorhome rental
for 12 days, transfers in Fiji and free
accommodation with breakfast for
two nights at a choice of five-star
beachfront resort in Fiji.
“New Zealand is really a great selfdrive destination,” said product manager Meghan Boyd, “and this new deal
offers great savings for travellers.”
The deal is valid for travel from May
to Sept. 2015.
Goway’s self-drive tours include a
‘Co-Pilot Kit’ that contains not only a
detailed day-by-day itinerary, but also
maps, directions and discounts for
NEW ZEALAND IS really a great self-drive
destination, and this new deal (from Goway)
offers great savings for travellers.
travellers. In addition to motorhome
rentals, customized self-drive vacations can be arranged by the Goway
‘Wizards of Oz’ team.
Goway has also introduced a vacation escape to Australia, New Zealand
and Fiji.
Clients will visit Sydney and Auckland, with a free stopover in Fiji.
This 12-day vacation is priced from
$2,849 and includes roundtrip airfare
from Vancouver or Los Angeles with
Fiji Airways, all taxes and nine nights
hotel accommodation (four nights in
Sydney, three nights in Auckland and
two nights in Fiji with airport-hotelairport transfers and breakfast).
Goway has also included a Sydney
Unlimited Attraction Pass offering a
choice of attraction entries and tours
at more than 35 attractions (worth
approximately $900 in entrance fees).
goway.com
Trafalgar mixes
natural wonders
with culture in
Australia and N.Z.
Whether the day begins with glacier
or geyser, Maori culture or Aboriginal
dance, Trafalgar’s tours in Australia and
New Zealand offer a mix of history and
culture with natural wonders.
Trafalgar’s 12-day ‘Contrasts of
New Zealand’ offers the best of
the north and south islands. Starting in the north with two nights in
Auckland and ending with a night in
Christchurch, the trip takes clients
to Rotorua, Franz Josef Glacier and
Queenstown.
The trip includes a visit to the
Agrodome Sheep Show in Rotorua to
see the art of sheep shearing, a stop at
a jade factory in Hokitika and a stop
at Mrs. Jones’ Orchard at Cromwell to
taste New Zealand’s stone fruit. A Be
My Guest experience will take clients
to a Maori Hangi dinner at the Tamaki
Family Marae in Rotorua, accompanied
by local wine and followed by a concert.
Following a cruise of the picturesque
Milford Sound, guests have a day in
Queenstown with Trafalgar’s Included
Choice, where they can choose from a
range of activities like a Thunder Jet ride
on Lake Wakatipu, a wine tour, a round
of golf or a gondola ride to the Skyline
Restaurant for dinner.
The 24-day ‘Highlights of Australia
and New Zealand’ starts in Melbourne
and ends in Christchurch, with overnights in 10 cities and towns, including
Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Cairns, Sydney, Auckland and Queenstown.
Featuring many of the Insider Experiences found on the ‘Tropical Escapade’ and ‘Contrasts of New Zealand’
itineraries, this trip also includes three
Be My Guest dining experiences, including a lunch at Morelea Farm with
hosts Angie and Stan Taylor, as they
welcome guests to their working farm
and 600-acre garden.
A highlight of this trip is two nights at
Ayers Rock Resort, where guests will fall
asleep and wake up to Uluru as their backdrop. Other highlights include dinner at
the top of Auckland’s Skytower, a cruise
through Sydney Harbour and a boat tour
of the Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto.
trafalgar.com
Your Gateway
to
Auckland
Clients receive two
nights free in Fiji
when travelling with
Fiji Airways
Fiji Airways is offering a special deal where
two passengers travelling together from
Canada to Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, Tonga or Vanuatu will receive two
free nights on Denarau Island in Fiji.
Clients must purchase their ticket by Dec.
31 for travel up until June 2015. Faresstart
from $1,435 (Vancouver to Sydney), including two free nights accommodation.
The deal includes accommodation
and breakfast at the Westin, Sheraton
Fiji Resort, Radisson Blu and Sofitel.
Denarau Island, on the main island of
Viti Levu, is the largest integrated resort
in the South Pacific. Just 20 minutes
from the Nadi airport, it features shopping, dining, adventure and an 18-hole
championship golf course.
fijiairways.com
Australia’s first TRYP
by Wyndham Hotel
opens in Brisbane
TRYP by Wyndham Fortitude Valley,
Brisbane’s first street art hotel — and
the first TRYP hotel in Australia — has
officially opened its doors.
Located in the heart of Brisbane’s entertainment hub and the emerging corporate headquarters of Fortitude Valley,
the four-and-a-half-star, 65-room hotel
offers a boutique-style experience for
both corporate and leisure travellers.
The hotel joins the global select-service TRYP by Wyndham brand, which
offers contemporary, unique lodging
options in some of the world’s most
cosmopolitan cities.
10 NIGHTS IN
NEW ZEALAND & FIJI
FROM YVR
$
*
3317
YYC/YEG
3579*
$
PP
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PP
3719*
$
PP
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Round-trip airfare
4 nights at Copthorne Auckland City
2 nights at Copthorne Bay of Islands
Full day cruise with lunch
4 nights at Sofitel Fiji
And more...
Includes
2 Free nts
in Fiji compliments of
Call Boomerang Tours today!
1-888-722-4212
*Restrictions Apply
Australia, NZ & South Pacific
$8675$/,$
GD\V
Air from Vancouver on Fiji Airways, airport transfers, 28 nts at
Outrigger Twin Towns on the Gold Coast and FREE 2 night Fiji stopover.
Sunshine Coast & New Zealand options available!
Request our Travel Planner
Call Toll Free or visit ZZZJRZD\FRP
*Pp, twin. Book by 31 Dec‘14. Travel 1 Feb – 31 Mar’15, blackouts do apply. Taxes included. Subject to availability. Trip code: 233685.. TICO#1543989. 3284 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON.
The hotel was designed with street
art by acclaimed artists Beastman,
Rone, Numskull and Fintan Magee,
with all four artists assigned a different floor of the hotel to design with
their original artwork and murals,
celebrating Brisbane’s lively art scene.
The four-storey hotel’s queen and
king rooms reflect the street-art
theme, with edgy décor complementing
contemporary
styling.
Select king rooms feature a balcony spa, internal spa or courtyard.
Guests are within walking distance of
key business centres and some of Brisbane’s top attractions, including shop-
Australia &
New Zealand
with the Insiders
SAVE
up to
$1,380*
per couple
Contact your Sales Manager,
call 1-800-387-2680 or visit
www.trafalgar.com
*Sample savings is per couple, based on Highlights of Australia
& New Zealand, departing Oct 2 - Nov 27, 2015, including 7.5%
savings when booked and paid in full by Jan 29, 2015. See
www.trafalgar.com for more details.
TICO # 1583987W. 33 Kern Rd, Toronto ON M3B 1S9
ping and dining, clubs and bars, James
Street Market and Chinatown.
Celebrity chef Warren Turnbull has
opened Brisbane’s first Chur restaurant on the ground floor of the hotel.
The chef, who masterminded some of
Sydney’s and Auckland’s busiest restaurants and bars, is also the brains behind
TRYP by Wyndham Fortitude Valley’s
rooftop bar, UP on Constance.
“Guests can expect a completely
unique experience that combines the
very best of Brisbane’s eats, beats and
local secrets with TRYP by Wyndham’s
differentiating service culture and Wyndham Hotel Group’s promise to deliver
great experiences,” says Barry Robinson,
managing director for Wyndham Hotel
Group in the South Pacific.
“We are thrilled to introduce this
cosmopolitan brand to Australia and
expand Wyndham Hotel Group’s portfolio of offerings in the South Pacific.”
TRYP by Wyndham Fortitude Valley
joins 15 Wyndham Hotel Group properties in the South Pacific, 11 of which
are open and operating in Australia under the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts
and Ramada brands.
trypbrisbane.com
BabyQ is a family’s
best friend at
QT Sydney
Travelling with children can sometimes
be a bit of a headache. Between packing
the strollers, reserving cots and arranging appropriate sustenance for the little
ones, many parents decide to forgo vacations all together.
But QT Sydney has parents covered,
from bassinets to baby bottles. Design
Hotels has introduced BabyQ, a package available for travel-loving families.
Parents can leave the nappy bags at
home and experience the bliss of hassle-free, kid-friendly travel.
Teaming up with Bugaboo, the hotel
offers parents the use of a Bugaboo Bee
urban baby stroller during their stay,
which provides 50+ sun protection.
Available from the moment they arrive
at the hotel, it can be used as their own
personal stroller throughout their stay.
QT Sydney has also partnered with Milk
& Co. to offer the ‘Take Me Away’ travel
pack. Included are all the essentials from
the Milk Baby range, including Bath Time
wash, Shampoozle & Conditioner, Moisturising Qweam and anti-bacterial wipes.
Included in the BabyQ package
(valid for bookings until March 31,
2015) is a two-night stay in a QT
King Deluxe room, use of the Bugaboo stroller, Milk & Co. travel pack, a
bottle of Champagne on arrival, spaQ
treatments for mom and dad, a complimentary iiamo baby bottle and use
of a Leander Cots bassinet with fresh
linens for about CAN $368 a night.
Located on Market Street in Sydney’s
central business district, the 200-room
QT Sydney is set within two of the city’s
most iconic buildings — the historic
Gowings Department Store and heritage-listed State Theatre.
While the facades have been restored
to their former glory, inside is a mix of
original features, curated art installations,
eclectic artefacts and quirky design pieces
inspired by the retail and theatre history
of the buildings. LED art walls are framed
by restored art-deco and baroque details
next to spotlights and ornate gilt display
cases throughout the hotel.
designhotels.com/qt-sydney
topnews
Continued from page 16 ...
enriching experience while they vacation on the island,” said Paul Pennicook,
Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “While
our Jamaican people will surely benefit
from the assistance of altruistic travellers, we hope that they take home an
experience of a lifetime, and share the
celebrated Jamaican spirit and warmth
with their friends and family.”
From the home page of VisitJamaica.
com, visitors can go to the ‘Feel the Vibe’
tab and click ‘Volunteer in Jamaica’. There
are a host of activities for travellers to
choose from, along with an FAQ section
and guide to volunteering in Jamaica.
A sample of volunteer opportunities
includes:
O Girl’s Brigade (GB) is one of the
available programs that travellers can
integrate into their trip to Kingston.
Volunteers will participate in empowerment sessions with girls imparting values and principles that equip them for
the future.
O The
health-based volunteer
program, Angels of Love, provides
voluntary services for critically ill underprivileged children of Jamaica. Whether
it is a visit to the hospital to play with
the children, or helping plan a fundraising event, visitors are encouraged to donate some of their time.
O Children First is an organization
that caters to the needs of children
through education. Volunteers can
participate by helping out at the youth
wellness centre, the mobile health clinic
or through a variety of empowerment
and educational programs.
For further information on volunteering in Jamaica, clients can visit
visitjamaica.com/volunteer.
TravelOnly launches
free romance and
cruise travel guides
for consumers
BRANTFORD, ON — TravelOnly, one
of Canada’s top travel marketing organizations with over 600 agents across
the country, is launching niche travel
guides covering romance and cruising
for consumers.
The two separate guides, which are
available free online or as a ‘print and go’
version, educate consumers on niche travel. The romance guide will offer advice to
those looking to travel for a destination
wedding, honeymoon or anniversary. The
cruise guide will advise on popular cruise
lines, ports of call and onboard activities.
“With travel experts specializing in various niches, our goal with the travel guides
is to educate consumers and let them
know that our agents can do more than
just secure bookings,” says Gregory Luciani,
TravelOnly President and CEO. “As experts, they give clients the best advice and
recommendations offering a completely
unique and curated experience.”
To view the TravelOnly travel guides
– Just for Love 2014/2015 Travel Guide
and Sail Away Cruise 2014/2015 – visit
romanticgetaways.travelonly.com and
cruisetravel.travelonly.com.
ALBATours’ 2015
Europe & the
Mediterranean
product now on sale
TORONTO — The new brochure was
launched at an event last month, and
now ALBATours’ 2015 Europe & the
Mediterranean product is in the system
and ready to sell.
Featuring everything from fully escorted tours and flexible short stays to
island cruising and long stay holidays in
Italy, Portugal, Greece, Ireland, Turkey
and Israel, the new ALBATours line-up
offers breadth of product and value.
ALBATours has also made its
new brochure available online at
online.fliphtml5.com/aaag/amgz/.
For more information or to book,
visit ALBAToursAgent.com.
American Express
forecast sees neutral
to slightly higher
prices in 2015
TORONTO — The American Express
Global Business Travel Forecast 2015
predicts air, hotel and ground transportation prices to be neutral to slightly
higher across all regions in 2015.
At a country-by-country level, airline
consolidations, stricter corporate travel
topnews
policies and limited hotel supply are
changing supply and demand dynamics
and are also expected to impact pricing
next year. In North America, an improving economy in the United States will
likely cause price increases across all
categories. Canadian air and hotel suppliers are expected to benefit from this
improvement, as well as a stable domestic economy. Increased business travel
combined with weak competition in
the airline industry and nominal room
supply growth in major cities including
Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal will
make price increases in 2015 likely.
Despite static economic progress across
Europe, the United Kingdom is a bright
spot for the region, with strong countrylevel financials and expectations for continued growth next year. Following years
of positive growth predictions for Asia Pacific, the region is expected to experience
more moderate price increases next year,
as China stabilizes. In particular, this will be
fridayfive
Eric Rodriguez
– Sunwing Travel Group
The beach destination of Cartagena, Colombia is getting a
lot of attention these days. Eric Rodriguez, Vice President
of Product Development, Sunwing Travel Group talks about
the next ‘it’ spot for sun-seekers and what makes the “town
within a fortress”, complete with great beaches, such an
unforgettable getaway.
reflected in tempered hotel rate increases
for the year.
American Express Global Business Travel’s annual Forecast provides subscribers
with over 2,000 pricing predictions across
airfares, hotel rates and car rental rates in
the Americas; Europe, Middle East and
Africa (EMEA); and Asia Pacific (APAC),
as well as related travel management program recommendations.
“Canada’s economy is expected to remain stable or grow in 2015, increasing
one
SUNWING VACATIONS WILL
BEGIN NONSTOP FLIGHTS OUT
OF TORONTO TO CARTAGENA
ON JAN. 7, WITH HOTEL
PACKAGES. WHAT PROMPTED
THE MOVE?
Rodriguez: As a tour operator, we’re
constantly on the look out for new
vacation options for our clientele. We’ve
seen a rise in popularity amongst other
more ‘off the beaten track’ destinations
that we have introduced recently, such
as Panama and La Ceiba. So we felt
that Cartagena, Colombia would be
the perfect addition to this emerging
product range.
An evolving destination, there
are considerable hotel and overall
infrastructure developments underway
so we felt the time was right to explore it.
two
CARTAGENA IS BECOMING A
GO-TO EMERGING DESTINATION
FOR CANADIAN SUN-SEEKERS.
WHAT CAN VACATIONERS LOOK
FORWARD TO IN THE DESTINATION?
Historic colonial buildings in Cartagena, Colombia
Rodriguez: What makes Cartagena so
special is that mix of culture and beach
relaxation. Often, historical centres are
located far from tourist resorts so you
can only appreciate them once as part of
your vacation. Here the old town is just a
10-minute shuttle ride from your hotel so
you can explore as much as you like.
topnews
business travel across the country and
abroad. The reality of supply and demand
along with a focus on yield management
will benefit Canada’s air and hotel suppliers who will likely increase pricing.
This will place even greater emphasis on
companies and travel managers to find
ways of evolving their travel programs to
improve the returns on their travel expenditures,” says Colin Temple, Vice President
& General Manager at American Express
Global Business Travel, Canada.
In North America, business travellers
can expect price increases across travel
categories in 2015. With an improving
economy and greater corporate confidence, capacity discipline by U.S. carriers, and the recent consolidation of the
domestic market, airlines are predicted
to raise their long- and short-haul fares
in the coming year. Inventory controls
are likely to improve yields for airlines,
leading to fewer seats in lower fare
classes on busier routes.
In Canada, the Forecast predicts
prices to rise as the country continues to benefit from the improving U.S.
economy. Additionally, North American companies continue to redefine
their cabin eligibility policies, which
may create greater opportunities for
Asian and European carriers who offer
distinctive ‘premium economy’ classes
for companies looking to book cheaper
seating options with minimal traveller
resistance.
Recognized by UNESCO, old Cartagena
is essentially a town within a fortress; it’s
breathtaking.
Cartagena can also be a springboard
for some captivating excursions. There’s
excellent snorkelling and diving in the
Rosario archipelago, a protected national
park that’s just a short boat ride from the
city. Another popular trip is the El Totumo
volcano. Or for a true jungle adventure,
head to Tayrona National Park where you
might spot quetzals and howler monkeys.
four
WHAT ARE THREE IMPORTANT
offers much more. It’s hard to think of
another destination with so much variety.
THINGS ABOUT CARTAGENA
(AND COLOMBIA) THAT AGENTS
SHOULD BE TELLING THEIR CLIENTS?
5WHAT SORT OF LEAD-IN PRICES IS
three
CAN YOU TALK A BIT ABOUT THE
CARTAGENA HOTELS ON OFFER
WITH SUNWING’S PROGRAM?
Rodriguez: We launched our program
with two hotels that allow our customers
to enjoy a complete resort experience yet
also offer a regular shuttle service back
into the old town.
Set on a long sweeping beachfront,
the Las Americas Resort and Spa has
a colonial-style village layout. A good
choice for families, there’s a nine-pool
complex, playground and water park.
The Occidental Grand Cartagena has a
more modern, compact feel. There’s a
great beachfront where complimentary
non-motorized watersports are on offer
plus a pool and fitness complex. We’re
currently adding a few more hotels to
our collection too, including the Hotel
Caribe, which is a five-star property in
one of the city’s historic buildings within
walking distance of the old town
Rodriguez: Firstly, there are often
misconceptions about security when it
comes to Cartagena. In reality, this is not
the case. It is an extremely welcoming
destination to visit. The people are very
friendly and English is widely spoken. I
have explored the old centre on foot
without a problem. However for those
that prefer escorted tours, our destination
management company, NexusTours,
has a good range of possible excursions
together with local representatives in our
resorts who can also offer more advice on
how best to explore.
Secondly, the quality of
accommodation and service levels
are high. It has more of a European
feel over, say, a classic Latin American
ambience. The cuisine in particular
makes the destination stand out.
Thirdly, while there are plenty of
options to go sunbathing, Cartagena
SUNWING OFFERING?
Rodriguez: A week at the Las Americas
Resort and Spa or the Occidental Grand
Cartagena is available from $895 plus
$390 taxes per person based on double
occupancy, on an all-inclusive basis, on
either Jan. 7 or 14, 2015. Return flights
from Toronto are also included.
FOR ME, IT’S ONE of the most complete
destinations we offer in terms of the difference
vacation experiences available ranging from
jungle adventures to heritage discoveries.
topnews
In 2015, North American hotel rates
are expected to trend upwards, buoyed
by favourable economic growth, increasing demand, and a lack of new inventory.
After an extended period of relative weakness, hotels are looking to capitalize on
favourable market dynamics to increase
profitability. As the economy picks up and
business demand grows, price increases
are anticipated across the region; however,
the degree of these increases will vary sig-
nificantly city-to-city. In this environment,
moderate and upscale hotels continue to
explore ways to further differentiate themselves from the competition.
Consolidation, fleet management and
pricing dynamics continue to shape the
North American ground transportation
market. Recent industry consolidation has
posed several challenges for the three key
industry players, with some facing excess
inventory issues due to a large number
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of retail vehicles that were acquired during mergers. Base rates and average daily
rates are predicted to increase slightly as
car rental companies raise prices to remain
profitable and continue to push ancillary
fees; however, corporate buyers are expected to continue to push back and negotiate their rates, making it likely that rental
companies will work with their customers
to keep their corporate rates generally flat
next year.
AMResorts opens
Secrets Playa Mujeres
Golf & Spa Resort
PHILADELPHIA — AMResorts, an Apple Leisure Group, has officially opened
the doors to its 36th resort: Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort.
The opening of the adults-only resort in
the private Playa Mujeres Resort complex
continues AMResorts’ rapid growth this
year, with the company’s portfolio rounding out at 37 resorts by the end of 2014.
“We are proud to open Secrets Playa
Mujeres at 90% occupancy,” said Gonzalo
del Peon, President of AMResorts. “This
is further evidence of the incredible demand for premium all-inclusive options
in the region and travellers’ loyalty to AMResorts’ Unlimited-Luxury concept.”
This is the 13th property for the Secrets
Resorts & Spas brand, and the first of
two AMResorts properties now planned
for the area. The company recently announced the opening of Dreams Playa
Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort in 2016.
“The AMResorts Collection continues to
grow strategically in highly-desired markets
like Playa Mujeres,” said Javier Coll, Executive
Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of
Apple Leisure Group. “Naturally beautiful
and easy to access locations remain a winning formula for guests and owners.”
“Finding desirable opportunities for
owners and future hoteliers looking to
enter the all-inclusive segment successfully remains a priority as much as continuing to find ways to cater to today’s
sophisticated traveller,” added Alex Zozaya, CEO for Apple Leisure Group.
topnews
Set along an intimate, white sand beach,
the 424-suite Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf &
Spa Resort offers adults an Unlimited-Luxury escape in a secluded location. Located
just 10 minutes north of Cancun, the resort
is situated on 2.3 miles of gated beachfront
property on the Yucatan Peninsula. The
resort will also feature access to a signature
Greg Norman golf course.
Signature amenities include: elegant,
all-suite accommodations; 24-hour room
and concierge services; gourmet dining
at nine on-site restaurants; unlimited premium drinks at seven bars and lounges;
complimentary mini-bar refreshed daily;
day and nighttime activities and entertainment; Secrets Spa by Pevonia; complimentary greens fees; free WiFi and international
calling with Unlimited Connectivity; dedicated on-site wedding coordinators.
Secrets Playa Mujeres also offers a
uniquely romantic setting and dedicated wedding services for couples seeking
personalized attention from expert coordinators.
For more information on the new Secrets Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort,
visit SecretsResorts.com/Playa-Mujeres
or call 1-866-GO-SECRETS.
dian guests sailing from the UK throughout Northern Europe. The introduction of
Magellan will increase capacity by 40% increasing carryings up to 74,000 passengers.
Having already sold 65% of capacity for
next year we remain confident that Magellan will help satisfy the growing demand
for our product”.
Christian Verhounig, CEO and Chairman of CMV, said, “The introduction of
Magellan to our growing ocean fleet is
another important milestone in the expansion and strategic development of
the group’s presence in the UK and wider
international markets which will increase
overall capacity to 115,000 passengers. The
CMV brand is now creating much wider
recognition and we remain confident that
our medium to longer term growth objectives will be achieved”.
A new 2015 special launch edition
brochure was released last month
Featured this week:
INTREPID
A wide range of trip
themes including
wildlife and trekking
Diverse and dynamic
landscapes
See mountain gorillas
in Rwanda and the
Big 5 in the Mara
Three trip styles for
all budget and comfort
levels
Small group adventure
(average of 12 travellers)
Cruise & Maritime
Voyages (CMV) to
add a new flagship
for 2015
FORT LAUDERDALE — Cruise Operator
Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) is adding Grand Holiday from Costa Crociere to
the CMV fleet, commencing operations
under the CMV livery in spring 2015.
She will be re-named Magellan and at
46,052 tons will carry about 1,250 passengers and become the new flagship
of the CMV ocean fleet operating as an
adult-only (16 years plus) ship alongside
Marco Polo (800pax), Astor (600pax)
and Azores (550pax).
John Dennis, Vice President Sales and
Marketing CMV USA, commented, “We
are delighted to have secured this excellent
addition to our fleet which we believe will
be very well suited to our U.S. and Cana-
Order
your
travel
brochure
today!
1 866 915 1511
INTREPIDTRAVEL.COM
ATTENTION
TRAVEL AGENTS:
ORDER THIS
BROCHURE
HERE
www.envoynetworks.ca
Click & Print
topnews/extras
detailing Magellan’s inaugural CMV
summer 2015 and winter 2015-16
program. Special introductory fares
with savings of up to 50% plus a 25%
single supplement deal for the solos
market will be on offer to launch the
program. The maiden CMV voyage will
be a 12-night cruise to Iceland and the
Faroes for the Solar Eclipse and Northern Lights sailing from London Tilbury
on Sunday March 15, 2015. She will also
be sailing from Newcastle Tyne. Other
program changes include an Azores
Liverpool based summer season and
an 11-night Autumn Mediterranean
cruise series from Rome and Venice
and a second Marco Polo 34-night
Autumn Commemorative voyage to
Canada. Magellan will be cruising to
the Amazon in winter 2016 while Marco Polo will embark on a new 54-night
voyage to Brazil, Argentina & Chile and
Tierra del Fuego.
marketplace
notes
people
Lounge access to NY
Times
Contiki names new
Global CEO
From Monday Dec. 1, guests of Plaza
Premium Lounge worldwide, including its independent airport lounges
in Hong Kong, London Heathrow,
Abu Dhabi and Toronto, will be able
to enjoy free, unlimited web access
to the International New York Times,
including the U.S, International and
Chinese editions. By connecting to
the lounge’s Internet service, guests
can access nytimes.com on any web
browser on any device with no restrictions , a benefit that is typically
only available to International New
York Times’s premium digital subscribers.
Contiki has named Casper Urhammer as
Global CEO based in Geneva. Urhammer
comes to Contiki from Groupon, which he
established in his native Denmark, before
moving to Sydney as Managing Director of
Sales and Marketing for Groupon Australia
and New Zealand. Brett Tollman, CEO of
Contiki’s parent company, said “With Contiki’s targeted youth market being so connected, it was crucial that the new leader
be someone who wholly understands and
embraces digital channels. Casper’s background and proven successes demonstrate
an eye for innovation, a passion for growth
and a keen understanding of Gen Y, making him the perfect fit for Contiki.”
marketplace
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cruisingupdate
MSC Cruises takes first step
towards doubling fleet capacity
as MSC Armonia is relaunched
in Genoa
FORT LAUDERDALE — MSC Armonia, the first of four MSC
cruise ships to be enlarged and enhanced under the Renaissance
Program, was relaunched amid much fanfare in Genoa last month
for a 10-day inaugural cruise to the Canary Islands.
Hundreds of journalists and travel industry representatives
boarded MSC Armonia, which was moored at the historic Italian
port of Genoa, as MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato unveiled her
range of new options and features.
The $273 million Renaissance Program is the first step in a $6
billion fleet enlargement plan, which includes four brand new
ships, comprising two different, state-of-the-art prototypes, to be
delivered by STX France and Fincantieri, in Italy, between 2017 and
2019, with options for three more by 2022.
In 2004, MSC Cruises carried 80,000 guests a year; today the
company has grown by 800% and the number of guests carried
reaches 40,000 a day. The fleet’s capacity is on course to be doubled by 2022, meaning 3.4 million people will vacation with MSC
Cruises every year.
Among the novelties presented, MSC Armonia has more balcony staterooms, more spacious common areas, flexible new dining
options and new dedicated clubs for younger guests of all ages. She
also has a stunning new outdoor Spray Park – a fun-filled wet zone
with interactive jets, slides and ingenious water features.
MSC Armonia is also the first cruise ship in the world to feature
tailor-made areas for children that have been officially designed,
equipped and endorsed by Chicco and LEGO.
All these enhancements complement MSC Armonia’s existing
amenities such as two open-air swimming pools, distinctive restaurants and bars and the beautiful Fenice Theatre.
Key new features: 94 beautifully appointed balcony staterooms;
redesigned restaurants and bars; buffet open 20 hours a day; 20
hours of entertainment daily; separate Baby (0-3); Mini (3-6); Juniors (7-11); Young (12-14); and Teens (15-17) clubs; Baby Club
designed and equipped by market-leading childcare company,
Chicco; playroom designed and equipped by LEGO.
After her inaugural cruise, the renewed MSC Armonia will be
deployed for a winter season of seven-night cruises to destinations
en route to the Canary Islands and Morocco.
MSC Cruises has compiled an exhaustive range of shore excursions that really take MSC travellers to the heart of the places visited. Among them are many city tours, including in Aix-en-Provence,
Cartagena and Cadiz; a guided tour of Seville’s gothic cathedral –
the world’s third largest church – or a visit to the wine cellars of
Jerez de la Frontera to learn about the famous Jerez sherry.
Full details of shore excursions can be found at msccruises.com.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings
to expand Oceania fleet in 2016
MIAMI — Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has signed a definitive agreement with Princess Cruises to purchase Ocean Princess
for its newly acquired Oceania Cruises brand.
The 684-passenger ship joins Oceania’s trio of sister ships Insignia, Regatta and Nautica. The new addition will be named Sirena.
Upon delivery in March 2016, Sirena will immediately undergo
a 35-day, $40 million refurbishment in Marseille to elevate the ship
to the Oceania Cruises’ standard of elegance. Drawing on the recent transformation of Insignia as inspiration, the ship will feature
Oceania Cruises’ specialty dining restaurants, Toscana and Polo
Grill, along with more recent additions to the fleet such as Baristas
and the cook-to-order grill at Terrace Café. The ship will welcome
her first guests in late April 2016.
The addition of Sirena, along with the recently completed refurbishment of Insignia, Nautica and Regatta, demonstrates Oceania
Cruises’ unwavering commitment to mid-size ships and destination orientated cruising, said the company. With Sirena, Oceania
Cruises will expand the number and diversity of destination-rich
itineraries offered.
“The acquisition of Sirena provides measured capacity growth
based on the proven platform of Oceania Cruises’ highly regarded
mid-size ships,” said Kevin Sheehan, president and chief executive
officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, parent company of
Oceania Cruises.
The inaugural season for Sirena will be released in late February
2015 with reservations opening on March 4, 2015.
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