jrtravel.net

One million hour countdown to May 2012 christening begins MSC Divina is afloat and ready for dressing up Wednesday, September 07, 2011 MSC Divina , the third and latest addition to the MSC Cruises ’ flagship Fantasia class, was ceremoniously floated out of dry dock B of the STX Europe ship yard in Saint-Nazaire, France on Saturday 3 September and transferred to dock C for final fitting and furnishing ahead of her christening in May next year. Representing a major milestone in the mammoth build of the new 140 000 ton, 4, 363 passenger cruise ship, the occasion was witnessed by a select group of guests who gathered to applaud the ship which will become the 12th and most magnificent of the MSC Cruses fleet. “It is a proud moment

Company received Europe’s Sustainable Tourism Award for Norwegian Epic Norwegian named “Europe’s Leading Cruise Line” for fourth consecutive year Wednesday, September 07, 2011 Norwegian Cruise Line has been named “Europe’s Leading Cruise Line” by the World Travel Awards for the fourth consecutive year and also received Europe’s Sustainable Tourism Award for its newest and most innovative ship Norwegian Epic. The 18th annual awards recognize travel companies for delivering an outstanding customer experience and are voted by travel agents and consumers worldwide.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises will join sister company, Oceania Cruises Regent Seven Seas Cruises to move ships to Miami in 2012 Monday, September 05, 2011 Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced that beginning in fall 2012 it will join sister company, Oceania Cruises , at the Port of Miami. The line’s ultra-luxury ships presently sail out of Port Everglades

Carnival Corporation & plc announces exchange rate for quarterly dividend Friday, September 02, 2011 On July 13, 2011, Carnival Corporation & plc announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 (U.S.) per share.  The dividend is payable on September 16, 2011, to shareholders of record on August 26, 2011. Holders of Carnival Corporation common stock or Carnival plc ADSs will receive a dividend payable in U.S. dollars

Tourism Australia welcomes SeaLink Travel Group purchase of Captain Cook Cruises Tuesday, August 30, 2011 Tourism Australia Managing Director Andrew McEvoy has welcomed the sale of the iconic Captain Cook Cruises to leading tourism and transport operator SeaLink Travel Group , as a collective vote of confidence and new capital investment in Australian tourism product. The flagship Sydney-based tourism cruise operator, which began as the first privately owned tourism ferry in the harbour city in 1970, today annually carries over 750,000 passengers across its 15 vessel fleet situated on Sydney Harbour and along the Murray River

Cruise Shipping Asia conference and exhibition scheduled from Nov. 16-18, 2011 Cruise Shipping Asia attracts international exhibitors from 12 countries Monday, August 29, 2011 Exhibiting companies from 12 countries already have signed up to participate in the inaugural Cruise Shipping Asia conference and exhibition scheduled from November 16-18, 2011 , in Singapore

Bonus commission for agents and free on board spending money on select 2012/13 sailings Norwegian Cruise Line launches autumn campaign Monday, August 29, 2011 Norwegian Cruise Line will launch a ‘Book Early – Cruise Happy’ promotion on 1 September allowing agents to offer guests up to $500 of free on board spending money per stateroom when booking select 2012/13 Europe itineraries. The campaign, which runs until 30 September, gives agents the opportunity to drive forward bookings as well as receive a bonus commission of £30 for each sale made.

Access to unparalleled expertise and first-class resources Announcing Leading Travel Authority for all agents Friday, August 26, 2011 Leading Travel Authority (LTA), a host agency formed to provide home-based and independent travel agents with a comprehensive travel agency environment specializing in the finest cruise, resort and travel experiences worldwide, announced that skilled or novice travel agents can join and access the company’s best training programs, booking tools and marketing materials.   “We are pleased to announce this new opportunity for travel agents. LTA invites agents to join and take advantage of the technology, systems and programs needed to build a successful career in today’s competitive travel marketplace,” noted Steven Heydt , CEO of The Fairweather Group, parent company of LTA. “From those just entering the field to experienced professionals, LTA has a program that specifically matches each individual’s goals and needs.”  The LTA management team has an average of more that 25 years of experience and is comprised of the most qualified and knowledgeable veterans from the cruise and resort industry.

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Viking River Cruises announced two more ship builds in 2012 in response to the high demand for 2012 & 2013 bookings.

The award-winning luxury line demonstrates dedication, innovation, hospitality Virtuoso names Regent Seven Seas Cruises “Best Luxury Cruise Experience” Thursday, August 25, 2011 Regent Seven Seas Cruises has been recognized as the “Best Luxury Cruise Experience” by Virtuoso, the luxury travel network. The award-winning luxury line was chosen above other nominees as the very best in its category demonstrating dedication, innovation, hospitality and overall performance. The prestigious Virtuoso Performance Awards for 2011 were revealed August 18 at a gala dinner during Virtuoso’s 23rd annual Travel Mart conference, which took place at the Bellagio in Las Vegas