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As you read this issue of CLIA Today we are barely two weeks away from cruise3sixty in Vancouver. I hope you will be one of the 1,400 travel agents who made this year’s conference another record-breaker. If not, plan ahead; registration for next year’s cruise3sixty opens right after Vancouver, so don’t miss out of the biggest opportunity in the cruise industry!
Based on the huge response we had this year, it is obvious that this is an industry that really wants to get together, share ideas, develop new strategies for success and interact. Not only will we have sell-out participation by agents, the trade show with some 300 exhibitors, including CLIA member cruise lines, is also at full capacity. And, one of the most exciting benefits of meeting in Vancouver – aside from the city itself – is the tremendous enthusiasm we’re getting from Canada and its travel agents. More proof that cruising is truly going global.
As we sail into summer there are more and more reasons to be optimistic about selling cruises. So, take advantage of every opportunity to grow your business; TrainingFest 2010, coming to a city near you, is a great way to start. In the meantime, Happy Sailing!
CLIA Breaking News
cruise3sixty Just around the Corner; CLIA announces Hall of Fame Inductees
With cruise3sixty in Vancouver less than a month away, CLIA has announced five inductees to the 2010 Cruise Industry Hall of Fame. They will be honored at a gala dinner on June 5 during the sell-out conference and trade show taking place June 2-6. This year’s inductees Micky Arison, Carnival Corp. plc's chairman and CEO; Matthew Upchurch, CEO of Virtuoso; the travel industry educators, marketers and travel agents Doris and Phil Davidoff; and the Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH).
In its sixth year, the Cruise Industry Hall of Fame honors those individuals, past and present, whose efforts and accomplishments represent a significant contribution to and positive impact on the development and growth of cruise vacations. They are selected based on nominations from CLIA's membership, review by a nominating committee made up of Travel Agency Advisory Board (TAAB) and cruise line members, and approvedl by CLIA's Executive Committee. Inductees are chosen in three categories: cruise retailer, cruise line executive, and an "At Large" category that may be any individual, such as an additional retailer or cruise line executive, a politician, publisher, or shipbuilder, whose accomplishments warrant nomination.
"This year's inductees into the Cruise Industry Hall of Fame are not only remarkable in their own right but, from the evolution and growth of the industry to education, technology, marketing and professional selling, to the importance of making cruise travel available to everyone, they encompass the entire scope of what this amazing industry is all about. On behalf of all CLIA members, we offer our heartfelt congratulations," said Terry L. Dale, CLIA's president and CEO.
Micky Arison grew up in the cruise business and spent the better part of two decades learning it from the ground up. He began in the Carnival Cruise Lines sales department, became reservations manager in 1974, and succeeded to the presidency in 1979. In 1990, he was appointed chairman. Carnival went public in 1987 and continued its growth through new ship construction and diversification into new market segments. Arison engineered the acquisition of Holland America Line, Cunard Line, The Yachts of Seabourn and Costa Cruises.
In April 2003, Arison spearheaded the transaction that combined Carnival Corporation's various cruise operators with the wide-ranging brands of P&O Princess Cruises, creating a truly global cruise operator with the leading cruise brands in both North America and Europe. The transaction included Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises, Ocean Village, AIDA Cruises, and P&O Cruises Australia. Most recently, the Carnival global portfolio was expanded to include IberoCruises, which caters to the Spanish market. Arison's attention to marketing and growth priorities has resulted in revenues increasing from approximately $600 million in 1988 to $13.2 billion in 2009.
As chief executive officer, Matthew Upchurch oversees the marketing, sales, technology and operational systems that have made Virtuoso a multi-billion-dollar, by-invitation-only enterprise of exceptional travel advisors and travel providers in the luxury travel arena. While many were predicting the downfall of the travel consultant with the onslaught of online booking engines, Upchurch envisioned a back-to-the-future alternative that repositioned true travel specialists into their original role - knowledgeable advisors. He saw the Internet as a resource, not a threat, and perceived the Baby Boomer generation as one that prefers to work with experts, especially when planning leisure travel.
Following a childhood that included African safaris in the summers, private tours of Europe during the holidays, and a multi-cultural upbringing on several continents, he turned his sights on the travel industry in the early ‘80s. Two family businesses, Percival Tours and Upchurch Travel led to his vision of Virtuoso: a virtual corporation of the upscale travel agencies supported by centralized marketing vehicles and exclusive agreements with the finest travel suppliers in the world.
Leading travel industry professionals also active in travel and tourism marketing, education and training, Doris and Phil Davidoff were co-founders and co-owners of Belair Travel Consultants in Maryland from 1969 to 2003 when they merged with Liberty Travel. From 1992 to 1997, they directed the activities of VALU Travel Marketing, Inc. and owned Fan Club Cruises, which operates special interest cruise groups, as well as Davidoff Associates, Inc., a travel industry consulting company.
Together, the Davidoffs served as travel and tourism educators for more than thirty years, holding designations as Certified Travel Counselors (CTC), Certified Travel Industry Executives (CTIE), Life Members of the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (ICTA), Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC) and Master Cruise Counsellor (MCC). They also served as members of the tourism faculties of The George Washington University and Northern Virginia Community College and presented seminars for Vacation.com, Empress Travel, Travel Weekly and Travel Trade magazines, ASTA, ARTA, CLIA and many other industry organizations. They were joint recipients of the first Achievement Award from the Society of Travel and Tourism Educators in 1988 and were co-recipients of Travel Trade Magazine's Travel Agent of the Year award for 1991.
Currently the owner and president of Davidoff Associates, and Fan Club Cruises, Doris Davidoff is also a project manager working independently with Marc Mancini to produce educational materials for a variety of travel companies. For 20 years she wrote a monthly column on technology and online marketing for Travel Trade magazine, and has written on management for Travel Weekly and Agent@Home magazine. The travel industry mourned the passing of Phil Davidoff in 2009. In addition to the business activities he shared with his wife, he was president and chief executive officer of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) from 1990 to 1992 and ASTA's staff vice president for education and training from 1982 to 1984. He was named Travel Agent magazine's Travel Industry Man of the Year award in 1992 and served as director-at-large for Travel Industry Association of America from 1991 through 1993.
The Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH), founded in 1976, is an educational nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to raise awareness of the needs of all travelers with disabilities, remove physical and attitudinal barriers to free access and expand travel opportunities in the United States and abroad. Members include travel professionals, consumers with disabilities and other individuals and corporations who support their mission.
SATH participated in the writing of the regulations for the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Air Carriers Access Act, as well as Resolution 700 and 1700 of the International Air Transport Association. A Code of Conduct toward travelers with disabilities written by SATH was adopted by the World Tourism Organization in 1991. The Society organizes conferences and provides speakers and panels for other industry associations and has sponsored the World Congress for Travelers with Disabilities and the Mature since 1977. It also sponsors Travelers with Disabilities Awareness Week, created in 1990 by SATH founder Murray Vidockler, and works closely with corporations, the travel industry and media to further its goals, and serves as a clearinghouse for access information.
TrainingFest 2010 Scheduled for a City Near You; Registration Now Open
CLIA has opened registration for TrainingFest 2010, the two-day program that travels throughout North America and provides a “Fast Track” for travel agent training and Certification. Between July and September, eleven cities will be visited, from California to the East Coast and Toronto, Canada.
TrainingFest offers the opportunity to take four seminars, from a choice of eight, and participate in a CLIA member cruise line trade show while earning up to 70 Cruise Counsellor Credits in locations chosen to offer easy access for as many CLIA member agents and agencies as possible. “By traveling to key cities across the country and in Canada, we are making it easier than ever for agents to further their professional development, an absolute necessity given the realities of doing successful business today. Even more important, full participation in TrainingFest completes the mandatory requirement for CLIA’s MCC, or Master Cruise Counsellor, Certification, in just two days,” said Bob Sharak, CLIA’s executive vice president.
This year’s TrainingFest features seminars on social networking, group sales, principles of professional selling, time management, building business plans, and public relations techniques, as well as an introduction to selling cruise vacations and a seminar designed to help agents explore their own abilities, skills and strengths. The two-day program is offered on consecutive Thursdays and Fridays, with a Thursday evening trade show. The three-hour seminars are scheduled from 9am to 12pm and from 1:30pm to 4:30pm.
The TrainingFest 2010 schedule is as follows:
- July 8/9 Dallas, TX
- July 15 /16 Atlanta/College Park, GA
- July 22 /23 Denver/Greenwood Village, CO
- July 29 /30 Los Angeles/San Pedro, CA
- Aug. 5/6 Washington, DC/Arlington VA
- Aug. 12/13 Las Vegas, NV
- Aug. 19/20 St. Louis, MO
- Aug. 26/27 Fort Lauderdale, FL
- Sept. 9 /10 San Francisco/Burlingame, CA
- Sept. 16/17 Philadelphia, PA
- Sept. 23/24 Toronto, ONT
If you want to register for TrainingFest 2010 or get more information about the seminars, visit http://www.cruising.org/training-certification/trainingfest
CLIA Training
A message from Rick Sasso...
"From the very beginning of CLIA thirty-five years ago, the training of travel agents has been a top priority. We were providing classroom education before we did almost anything else. And, thirty-five years later that hasn’t changed; nothing CLIA does is more important than helping our 16,000 travel agent partners become more professional and more successful through training and Certification. The result? You’ve heard it before and it’s absolutely true: CLIA agents who participate in professional development report increased cruise sales of 261 percent! You can’t argue with that." Rick Sasso, chairman, CLIA Marketing Committee
3rd Quarter ATP - Now Open for Registration
The 3rd Quarter Agent Training Program (ATP) is available for registration on CLIA’s. The 3rd Quarter program will run from July 13 through September 21, 2010 featuring two very informative and relevant seminars in 10 cities throughout the United States. Both seminars are 3 hours in duration and are worth 15 credits each.
CUSTOMER RELATIONS MANAGEMENT: MADE EASY (15 Credits) 8:30 am - 11:30 am
What's the hottest topic in travel these days? It's CRM, or Customer Relationship Management. In this seminar you'll learn dozens of strategies -- technological and otherwise -- to help you understand and profit from your customers, as well as reinforce the whole relationship you have with them.
DELIVERING GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE (15 Credits) 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Great service is the cornerstone of success for any retail business. But providing it is a challenge in today's fast-pace, high-expectation travel marketplace. In this seminar, you'll explore the five emotional factors that drive your clients' service needs, the ten standards of excellence that the best service-providers follow and the leading technologies that can support and enhance your ability to provide superior service.
Please click here for the 3rd Quarter Agency Training Program schedule.
2nd Quarter ATP 2010
It may not be too late to sign up for CLIA’s 2nd Quarter Agency Training Program seminars; just click here for available cities and register. The 2nd quarter ATP features two informative and essential seminar topics:
POWER SELLING TECHNIQUES (15 Credits) 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
This seminar focuses on methods to boost cruise sales. Implement the “forgotten” steps of sales that can have a huge effect on your closure rate, apply super skills that can make your job easier and produce remarkable results, and become a superstar salesperson.
SELLING TO SPECIAL INTERESTS – NICHE MARKETS (15 Credits) 1: 30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Most of us know how to sell to that mass-market client, but what about customers with highly specialized interests? Is there a place in cruising for them? In this interactive seminar you’ll learn dozens of strategies to help you reach and satisfy niche clients. You’ll see how both mainstream and specialized cruise products can satisfy their needs. And you’ll explore the profile of six common niche client types and precisely what they want from a vacation travel experience.
Please click here for the 2nd Quarter Agency Training Program schedule.
Be Sure to Claim Your Training Records
If you are enrolled in Certification or have attained any level of Certification, it is essential that you claim your course records and achievements. And, as we mentioned last month, now it’s easier than ever to do with a three-step registration process:
- Step 1: Visit www.CLIAacademy.com to register for a new master account
- Step 2: Then list as many personal logins from previous training courses as possible at the prompt “Claim My Old Record.” Customer Support then takes over.
- Step 3: Wait for email confirmation of your record merges and then you will have access, with a single login, to your entire training history.
CLIA is the recognized leader in travel agent education and delivered over 40,000 total training events in 2009. CLIA's Agent Training Program (local classroom training) and online training programs alone served over 11,000 agents in 2009, with 19,000 exams taken.
CLIA Seminar of the Month
This month's seminar, NEGOTIATING TO WIN, presents concepts that you can apply to almost any negotiating situation. Key topics include: establishing common goals, understanding competitive and collaborative negotiations, defining strategies and breaking an impasse.
Featured Online Course of the Month
Did you know that if you purchase five online CLIA training courses at one time, and successfully complete them, you will earn a bonus of five credits toward Certification, for a total of 80 credits?
Here's CLIA's featured online seminar of the month: Who Are You? An Exploration Of Your Abilities, Skills And Strengths.
Almost everyone has heard the old, wise saying "Know Thyself." But is this relevant to our modern world? Absolutely. Knowing your strengths, overcoming your weaknesses and applying the lessons you learn from self-discovery are essential to just not personal fulfillment but also your business success. In this unique seminar, we'll take you through a series of exercises that will assess your professional skills and provide insights on how to excel in all that you do. For more information please visit www.CLIAacademy.com today!
Please join Windstar Cruises and CLIA for a 2010 Seminar At Sea
Windstar Cruises’ Wind Surf will depart Rome on August 29, 2010 for a 7 night sailing arriving in Rome on September 5, 2010. You will be able to earn up to a total of 24 CLIA Credits towards Certification. This offer is for CLIA members only.
Pricing information:
- $714* per person (includes NDA, taxes and gratuity)
- $1126 single (includes NDA, taxes and gratuity)
*one guest (21 years or older) in the same cabin is allowed at the same rate
To register please fax Windstar Cruises at 206.299.9798 (fax only number) or email inventory.control@windstarcruises.com a completed application form. Please click here for a registration application.
CLIA’s Training Comes to You!
CLIA’s training programs come directly to you by way of scheduled classes and CLIA’s Training By Request Program (when you gather 50 agents or more for training). View our calendar and find the next training classes in your area or call us at 754-224-2200 ext. 225 or 220.
CLIA Membership
CLIA Webinar Series Announces Summer Dates
Thousands of CLIA travel agents have already benefited from participation in this webinar series that features the opportunity to learn all there is to know about selling individual member cruise lines. Following cruise3sixty, the series resumes with a summer schedule of three seminars:
- Hurtigruten: Tuesday, Jun 22, 2010 - 1:00pm EDT
- Windstar Cruises: Thursday, Jul 22, 2010 - 1:00pm EDT
- Oceania Cruises: Tuesday, Aug 3, 2010 - 2:00pm EDT
Watch your emails for invitations and information on other upcoming events.
The Four Myths Associated With Sales - by Mike Marchev
Successful selling is hard enough without voluntarily making it more difficult than it has to be. It is time to put an end to the four myths usually associated with the selling profession … and learning what you can do about them.
Myth #1: Selling is a number’s game.
This implies that if you simply do enough “stuff,” … call enough people, write enough letters, make enough appointments, send enough postcards, return enough phone calls, that you will be rewarded handsomely for your efforts. I am not disagreeing that if you throw enough marbles into the air, one or maybe two will land in the cup positioned next to the fica tree planted ten feet away. There is something to be said about the Law of Numbers and probability percentages.
However, this does not take into consideration that you only have 50-60 years left to get this sales-thing right. Playing by the numbers is another way for going to market by “spraying and praying.” Bottom Line: This just is not your best bet if you have any interest whatsoever in maintaining a consistent and healthy eating habit. I prefer that you think of sales as a game of darts. Once you have designated a “logical” target board to direct your efforts (darts), the chances of hitting a bulls-eye are dramatically improved. This removes blind faith from the equation and replaces it with a little skill. Selling, my friends, is a game of darts.
Point. Aim. Toss. Adjust. Toss. Adjust. Toss. Win. Smile. Celebrate.
Myth #2: Rejection comes with the territory.
The old popular warning is, “In sales, you will be receiving more “no’s” than “yeses. Get jiggy with it” - or something like that. My friends, if you spend three milliseconds bemoaning the fact that any single individual “rejected” you, it is my professional opinion that you just wasted three milliseconds of your life. Repeat after me: “IT IS NOT ABOUT ME.” Stop flattering yourself believing that it was you who was being rejected. Take Two. Repeat after me: “IT IS NOT ABOUT ME.”
People don’t give a hoot about you. They don’t have time, inclination or reason to reject you. They have decided not to purchase the service or product based on any one of a thousand reasons. And if you do happen to be one of those reasons, it is probably number 957 or higher. If, for some reason, you do feel rejected after a sale goes south, and you feel confident that you professionally said and did everything you could have, I want you to say these two words that will, in all certainty, make you feel better: “WHO’S NEXT?”
Note: Yes, it is important that you sell yourself. Yes, at times it is you that your clients are buying. Yes, this may have sounded like I just contradicted myself. Yes, it is time to address
Myth #3. Stress is inevitable.
Stress is only a “given” if you insist on pretending that the world works differently than the world works. That’s when stress enters your life. Once you realize that you are living in an imperfect world and playing on an occasionally unfair game board, you will exhibit what I refer to as Emotional Intelligence and much, if not all, of your self-inflicted stress will be minimized. Stress is optional my friends. Learn to see the world as it really is. And when betting on you or the world, the smart money is going to bet on the world.
Myth #4: You have to like people.
To be successful in sales, you have to like people. Well fasten your seat belts because what I am about to tell you may rock your boat. “I have been in sales since 1975 and I think I can say, as a blanket statement, that I don’t particularly like people.” How are you feeling now about me? Allow me to explain
The “I like people” card is far too general for my liking. Reason being, I have been around the bases more than once and I have come across some pretty nasty, difficult, boring, obnoxious, rude, dishonest, manipulative, negatively-aggressive individuals, and I must say with all sincerity, I DON’T LIKE THESE SLUGS. You say - “But, Mike, you are a professional salesman and you are supposed to like people. These people are people.”
My polite response: “Yes. These people are people. But they are also slugs. I don’t like slugs. I have no time for slugs. I choose to have nothing to do with slugs. I won’t work with slugs.” Haven’t we instructed our children that they will be judged by the company they keep? If this is true, you too will be judged by the company you keep. If you work with, and happen to enjoy the company of less-than-squared-away individuals simply because they have the capacity to fog a mirror and carry a wallet, what does that say about you? Are you feeling me?
Nobody ever said you have to do business with everybody. I don’t like people. I like the people I like. These people not only get my attention, focus, and energy, they get my enthusiasm and continuous effort as well. The people I like get all of me. Just as it makes sense to “pick your battles” it makes sense to “pick your customers.” My recommendation is to fill your customer list with people you like.
Mike Marchev is a motivational sales trainer and frequent contributor at industry events. Check out his new online Radio Video Show at www.themikeandnolanshow.com Together with friend and trainer Nolan Burris, the lads may very well put a little bounce back in your selling efforts.
CLIA Events
Countdown to cruise3sixty! Are you Ready?
Have you signed up for your cruise3sixty courses? Ship inspections? Pre- and post- excursions in beautiful Vancouver and British Columbia? CLIA’s first cruise3sixty in Canada, June 2-6, is a sell-out and that means a lot of people – over 1,400 – will want to make the most of their commitment to learning, networking and fun. One of the early highlights is the gala Welcome Reception at the spectacular Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park, sponsored by Tourism Vancouver. Don’t miss it!
Meanwhile, how about a sneak peek of cruise3sixty’s dynamic keynoter, Alison Levine? We’re honoring outstanding women in business in Vancouver and there’s no one more impressive than Alison. See for yourself – on Mt. Everest. When she speaks at cruise3sixty, Alison will have just returned from leading the American women’s expedition to the summit of the world’s highest mountain; check it out on her blog (www.kepplerspeakers.com/Alison_Levine_Everest.aspx) or read her tweets as she climbs at twitter.com/levine_alison. See you at the Vancouver Convention Center in Vancouver!
Caribbean in New York, June 6-12
Caribbean Week in New York is a celebration of the sights, sounds, colors, culture and unique vacation attributes of the Caribbean. Tourism officials, the media, artists, performers, celebrity chefs, sponsors and strategic partners converge on New York for a week of Caribbean hospitality and vacation special offers.
Arranged by the Caribbean Tourism Organization, the Week combines business sessions and sponsored events with food, entertainment and networking opportunities, including Rum and Rhythm! The week culminates with two extremely popular events – The Governments of the Caribbean State Ball at the Plaza Hotel on Friday, June 11, followed by the Caribbean Travel and Cultural Fair on the North Plaza at Lincoln Center, on Saturday, June 12. Other events include the Meetings and Incentive Travel showcase, a Travel Auction and the Caribbean Fair. Visit www.CaribbeanWeekNY.com or www.onecaribbean.org.
THETRADESHOW, September 12-14 in Orlando
Connecting sellers of travel with destinations and travel related companies to establish new business relationships, the newest addition to THETRADESHOW is the e-Learning Center, which will offer you unlimited access to webinars of all 50+ educational seminars taught in Orlando. Register now with the Best Value Package and have access to the e-Learning Center as well as on-site perks. Can’t make it to Orlando? Register now for the Virtual Package, which gives you unlimited access to all the educational seminars via the new e-learning center. Sign up now; rates increase June 5. Visit www.thetradeshow.org.
Community Marketing's 11th International Conference on Gay & Lesbian Tourism
This unique educational and networking opportunity will be held at the beautifully renovated Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, October 24-26, 2010. Educational programs include a comprehensive orientation session to the market for newcomers, plus two full days of panel discussions and workshops about gay/lesbian independent travel, meetings, and events; sales and marketing; keynotes about gay market demographics and trends; plus meals and fun social receptions. For more information and registration, visit http://www.communitymarketinginc.com/mkt_mts_glt.php Be sure to enter "clia2010" in the "Discount Code" box, for a $50 member discount.
12th Annual Luxury Travel Expo, December 7-9, Las Vegas
Produced by Luxury Travel Advisor and Travel Agent magazine, the twelfth annual Luxury Travel Expo remains the pre-eminent luxury-focused educational program. Advisors interested in attending at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino can expect to partake in the largest luxury travel tradeshow in North America. Advisors will leave the show being able to implement a solid plan to immediately increase bookings and earning potential. The 2010 conference program will feature over 25 sessions with the ability to earn 25 CLIA Certification Credits. www.LuxuryTravelExpo.com.
Mark Your Calendars!
World’s Largest Cruise Night 2010 is October 13. Last year, this major promotion of cruising that is supported by all CLIA’s member lines, generated more than $45 million in cruise vacation sales, resulting in almost $6 million in travel agent commissions. Think ahead, strategize, and make plans to turn WLCN 2010 into your most-profitable cruise promotion of the year.
CLIA Industry Focus
Alaska Lowers Cruise Passenger Tax
In a move welcomed by CLIA and its member lines, the state of Alaska in April voted to lower the state head tax on cruise passengers from $46 a passenger to $34.50 and allow deeper offsets for ships stopping in at least one of two ports, Juneau and Ketchikan. The goal was to help reverse the declining cruise capacity in the state – an estimated drop of 142,000 Alaskan cruise passengers for 2010 – by making Alaska more welcoming, appealing and competitive as a cruise destination.
The Alaska Cruise Association issued this statement: “The changes made this year by the Governor and the State Legislature represent a sea change in Alaska. For the first time, we have recognition from the State of Alaska of the tremendous economic benefits provided by the cruise industry and support of the State to help the industry grow. More specifically, the reduced tax rate and restrictions on how the tax should be spent in the future will not only make Alaska a more attractive place to operate but provides the industry and its customers more confidence that taxes paid will be used to benefit the cruise passengers. In addition, the nearly 80% increase in state marketing funds will help build demand for Alaska cruises, which is a critical component of future deployment decisions.”
CLIA Cruise News
6,000 and Beyond
On March 13, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas made maritime history by sailing with 6,007 passengers, the first cruise ship to do so. With a listed capacity of 5,400, the ship can actually carry 6,296 guests when every bed and pull-out sofa is occupied. According to the line, the sailing’s passenger list included travelers from 64 countries.
Celebrity Eclipse Begins Service after Aiding Stranded Passengers
Celebrity Cruises’ third of five Solstice-class ships, Celebrity Eclipse, was delivered on April 16 to company officials and almost immediately set sail to aid travelers in Spain following the eruption of Iceland’s volcano whose ash disrupted air traffic throughout Europe. The 2,850-passenger vessel has now begun roundtrip sailings from Southampton to Scandinavia, Russia and the Mediterranean.
Seabourn Sojourn completes Trials
The Yachts of Seabourn's new Seabourn Sojourn completed four days of sea trials in the Mediterranean last month in preparation for delivery in late May. Sojourn tested her propulsion system off the coast of Italy. Once in service she will visit Scotland, the Faroe Islands, even Iceland, before making a series of Baltic and Russian cruises.
Uniworld's River Antoinette To Cruise the Rhine in 2011
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will launch River Antoinette, the sister ship to the new River Beatrice, in March 2011 along the Rhine River, becoming the premier ship to offer the company’s popular Castles Along the Rhine itinerary. River Antoinette will be Uniworld's largest ship: it is 443 ft. long and 37.5 ft. wide, with the additional space used for extra spacious staterooms and suites rather than guest capacity.
Carnival names New Executives
Bringing extensive experience as a consultant in travel and tourism, retail and consumer goods, including wine and spirits, Gus Antorcha has been named to a newly created position at Carnival Cruise Lines: SVP Guest Commerce. He takes responsibility for the company's core on-board revenue functions and concessions, including tour operations, photography, spa, casino and beverage operations, as well as on-board marketing.
Antorcha spent 12 years with the Boston Consulting Group, a global strategy and management consulting firm that includes Carnival as a client. Most recently, he oversaw the implementation of number of shipboard projects for Carnival as partner of BCG's Miami office where he focused on branded travel and hospitality companies, including the hotel, airline, timeshare, restaurant and cruise line sectors.
Lania Rittenhouse has been named VP Product Development at Carnival, overseeing the development of product features and services and long-term planning for the line's various ship refurbishment projects. She also will play a key role in developing and designing Carnival's next generation of ships.
Chris Arnholt has moved to the newly created position of VP On-board Marketing, where she will create and direct programs to promote and communicate services, amenities and offers across multiple areas.
Hans Birkholz Named President, CEO at Ambassadors International, Windstar Cruises
Hans Birkholz has been named Ambassadors International, Inc.’s president and CEO as well as CEO of Windstar Cruises, which is owned by Ambassadors. Birkholz most recently served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Grand Expeditions, Inc., a collection of travel companies specializing in unique luxury travel experiences. He was also on the executive management team of The Moorings, the world’s largest sailing vacation company, and held executive positions in the restaurant and food industries.
Fleet News
Two Additions to the CLIA Fleet: Avalon Felicity and Celebrity Eclipse
Avalon Felicity is one of the latest additions to the Avalon Waterways river cruising fleet, with a design that reflects the uniqueness of its sailing region, and which differentiates her from the other Avalon river cruise vessels. Carrying a maximum of just 138 passengers in four suites and 65 staterooms, she is the smallest of the Avalon ships, yet her staterooms are equally spacious and well appointed, with floor-to-ceiling windows on two decks. Accommodations feature a minimum of 172 square feet of space and are the largest on European rivers today. In addition, there is an elevator, and the whirlpool on the Sky Deck allows for refreshing relaxation after a day of sightseeing. The rear lounge is perfect for small groups.
Features exclusive to Avalon Felicity include floor-to-ceiling glass doors in most staterooms, French balconies, flatscreen satellite TV and radio, private bath with shower, comfortable, hotel-style beds, European-style duvets, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, large closets, minibar, hairdryer and safe in the room, and individual climate control.
Avalon Felicity offers eight-day (nine-day packages including travel to the ship) “Romantic Rhine” cruises from Amsterdam to Basel or from Zurich to Amsterdam on the Rhine River with departures through October.
With a late April arrival in Europe, Celebrity Eclipse is Celebrity Cruises’ newest Solstice Class ship, designed for wanderlust in Europe and the Caribbean. With a length of 1,033 feet and carrying 2,850 guests, she offers elegant amenities, stylish design and exceptional service.
For those who have entered a spa and never wanted to leave, Celebrity Eclipse offers the new AquaClass℠ stateroom. Sharing a deck with the AquaSpa® relaxation room, these accommodations incorporate select spa elements into the staterooms, allows for specialized access to spa amenities, and features assigned seating at the healthfully delicious Blu restaurant. Other dining opportunities include Murano, the Tuscan Grille, Qsine, and the main dining room, beneath a two-story glass wine tower and dazzling chandeliers.
Other appeals include live entertainment in the Eclipse Theatre and the romance of the Sky Observation Lounge. Inspired by the vineyards of Napa Valley, Cellarmasters brings to life the experience of a global wine while the Lawn Club provides a unique experience at sea: a freshly manicured lawn on the highest deck - a decidedly Country Club atmosphere.
Port Talk
Boston Cruise Season Blossoms
Cruise ships in Boston harbor are an official sign of fun-filled days and warmer weather. Costa Atlantica, opens the 2010 season as one of 109 cruise ship calls expected to bring more than 300,000 passengers in and out of Cruiseport Boston this year.
“We are excited about the 2010 cruise season as it promises to be another record-breaking year for passenger numbers,” said Mike Leone, Massport’s Port Director. “Cruiseport Boston offers New England cruise-goers and Logan Airport passengers wonderful opportunities to take Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean-repositioning and trans-Atlantic voyages right from Boston.”
The cruise industry contributes well over $400 million to the region’s economy each season and in 2010, passengers will see major improvements to the cruise terminal as Phase I of an $11 million upgrade nears completion. Phase II is on schedule to finish later this year. Some eye-catching improvements are the 16-foot high, red-lettered Cruiseport Boston sign atop the terminal roof and several graphic panels of famous Boston sites on the terminal’s exterior.
The flagship of Cruiseport Boston’s home-based ships is Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2,000-passenger Norwegian Spirit which sails weekly to Bermuda. Holland America’s Maasdam sails every other week to Montreal, and Royal Caribbean’s Jewel of the Seas offers cruises from Boston to ports in Canada and New England later in the year.
Port Everglades Wins Recognition
Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is America’s best homeport, according to Porthole Cruise Magazine, which has just announced its 2010 awards. Presenting the award to the port’s director, Phil Allen, the magazine’s publisher said, "Port Everglades is setting the standard for cruise ports with its new cruise terminal built for Oasis-class ships and the Port’s ability to accommodate a large number of guests on busy cruise ship days. The Port's cruise fleet remains one of the finest with the ongoing arrival of newly constructed ships making their debut here year after year."
Port Everglades recently welcomed five brand-new cruise ships, including Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas, and just announced a 15-year agreement with Carnival Corporation. The port expects 3.4 million passengers in 2010.
Royal Caribbean Calls New Orleans Home
Royal Caribbean International will make New Orleans a homeport for the Voyager of the Seas next year, the largest cruise ship ever to call New Orleans home and generating an additional 165,000 cruise guests per year for the port. The ship will offer seven-night Western Caribbean cruises from New Orleans departing on Saturdays, with 24 trips from port during the winter cruise season between November 2011 and April 2012. The cruise line has committed to New Orleans for the 2012-2013 winter cruise season as well, and it will have three one-year options to continue calling New Orleans into the future.
The decision marks the return of Royal Caribbean to New Orleans after an absence of 3 years. Following Hurricane Katrina, the company completed one winter cruise season there but then decided to deploy some of its resources to other parts of the world.
Manhattan Cruise Terminal Refurbished
The New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has spent almost $200 million to refurbish the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on the Hudson River. into upgrading the Manhattan facilities. Pier 88 now features improved passenger flow; a sophisticated system for screening and loading luggage, new aprons for quicker provisioning; new gangways; a taxi stand across the street; double the number of check-in counter space; and VIP waiting areas. A park surrounding the terminal is also planned. Cruise line users of the facilities have reported much higher levels of guest satisfaction.
Up from 139 a year ago, cruise calls for 2010 at the Manhattan terminal are expected to total 196, helped by the arrival of MSC Cruises and the return to New York of Holland America Line up from 139 a year ago. Spending by cruise passengers and crew totaled $93.8 million in New York in 2009, or $174.18 per day, according to EDC officials.
EDC has also spent an additional $55 million to build a cruise terminal in Brooklyn used by Cunard Line and Princess Cruises.
Port Metro Vancouver Introduces new Power System
CLIA member lines and cruise3sixty attendees will be among the first to see Port Metro Vancouver’s new shore power system. Holland America's ms Amsterdam connected to the system in late April, representing the first of 58 scheduled cruise ship calls this summer.
"We're excited to kick off our cruise season with a shore power enabled ship, as this year will mark the first full year of operation for our two new shore power connections at Canada Place," said Port Metro Vancouver's President and CEO, Robin Silvester. "There are only three such systems in the world, which allow cruise ships to connect to the local electrical grid and shut off their diesel engines, greatly reducing their impact on the region's environment."
The system, completed in 2009, is a $9-million initiative by the Government of Canada, the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, BC Hydro and Port Metro Vancouver which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Vancouver by up to 3000 tones/year. It was also a key component in Port Metro Vancouver's Air Action Program, which was recognized recently with an ecoFREIGHT Sustainable Transportation Award at Globe 2010, an international conference focused on environmental issues.
Stockholm Expects New Arrivals
Ports of Stockholm expects Stockholm to be visited by around 420,000 cruise passengers arriving on 260 international cruise liners. This year many cruise liners will call into Stockholm for the first time, including the Walt Disney vessel Disney Magic and the 317 meter long Celebrity Eclipse, which will be the longest vessel to date to arrive in Stockholm.
Cruise passengers are an important source of tourist industry revenue and in total they spend around SEK 450 million in Stockholm annually. Surveys have shown that the cruise passengers say they would be happy to return to Stockholm and recommend the city to others. In June a new cruise centre will open in Stockholm. This is located in the 100 year-old Tullhuset building at Stadsgården. With the opening of this new terminal the passengers will be offered an even better standard and service.
For a list of the vessels calling into Stockholm this season please go to: www.stoports.com
Ports of Stockholm is the largest ports group in the Baltic area, with ports in Kapellskär, Stockholm and Nynäshamn. The group has around 215 employees and a turnover of SEK 656 million in 2009. Business operations include shipping services and the leasing of quayside space, land and premises.
Cruiseport Boston Celebrates One Millionth Passenger to Cruise from Boston
Lucky Passenger Bound for Bermuda aboard Norwegian Spirit
BOSTON – The Massachusetts Port Authority celebrated a major milestone when the one millionth passenger embarked today on a cruise starting from Cruiseport Boston. Thomas “Bear” Gibbons, Jr. from Lakeville, Mass was the lucky passenger who boarded Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Spirit. He received a gift package to commemorate the event from Cruiseport Boston, the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors’ Bureau (GBCVB), and Norwegian Cruise Line.
“We are thrilled to reach this impressive landmark in Boston’s cruise business,” said Mike Leone, Massport’s Port Director. “We are excited about the 2010 cruise season as it promises to be another record-breaking year for passengers beginning a cruise from Boston.”
The day began with 998,160 passengers having started their vacations at Cruiseport Boston over the years. Massport officials counted passengers as they entered the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal and Mr. Gibbons walked through doorway C at the Black Falcon terminal at 1:30 p.m. accompanied by his son Djamel Cicerano, the boy’s mother, Traci Cicerano, and Mr. Gibbons’ father, Thomas Gibbons Sr. This was the second time the family has cruised out of Boston. They went to Bermuda in 2008.
By being the one millionth passenger to take a cruise originating in Boston, Mr. Gibbons received a $500 onboard credit from Massport. The GBCVB donated a “Best of Boston” prize package that includes a complimentary one night weekend stay for two at the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel, a breakfast for two at Sauciety Restaurant and a pair of tickets to a Boston Red Sox game. Norwegian Cruise Line is providing a free dinner for all of Gibbons’ cabin guests in of Norwegian Spirit’s specialty restaurants and a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship.
“We are proud to be a partner in the continued growth of cruise visits to Boston,” said Patrick B. Moscaritolo, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB). “The Bureau has been working extensively with Massport to promote Boston pre-and-post cruise vacations and to increase cruise visitor shopping, dining, sightseeing and cultural spending while in Boston.”
The cruise industry currently contributes more than $400 million to the New England economy each year through ship requisitions and the spending by the more than 300,000 passengers who either depart on a cruise from Boston like Mr. Gibbons, or arrive for port-of-call visits to Boston. The port of call visitors take day sight-seeing trips to local attractions as well as experience Boston’s shops and restaurants.
“Congratulations to Cruiseport Boston on embarking the one millionth guest,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line Chief Executive Officer. “This is quite an achievement, and we are excited the one millionth guest will be able to celebrate their designation on board Norwegian Spirit’s seven-day trip to Bermuda.”
Cruiseport Boston’s cruise business is roughly 60% port of call and 40% originating cruise. In 2009, Boston’s cruise business set a new passenger record with nearly 300,000 people, an 11% increase over 2008. Over the past ten years, total passenger numbers have jumped 51%. Spurred by this growth, Massport is spending $11 million to improve the cruise terminal.
Cruiseport Boston offers those New England travelers as well as those arriving at Logan Airport an opportunity to take Bermuda, Canada & New England, Caribbean-repositioning and trans-Atlantic voyages embarking from Boston.
### Cruiseport Boston’s Black Falcon Cruise Terminal is located just 10 minutes from the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) and Routes 1 and 93. It is also conveniently located just 10 minutes from Boston Logan International Airport and downtown Boston. Cruiseport Boston offers an attractive mix of cruises to Bermuda, Canada & New England, Europe and the Caribbean. You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/cruiseportboston or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/cruiseboston. The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) operates Boston Logan International Airport, the Port of Boston, Hanscom Field and Worcester Regional Airport. Massport is a financially self-sustaining public authority whose premier transportation facilities generate more than $8 billion every year and enhance and enable economic growth and vitality in New England. For more information you can visit massport.com.Destination Spotlight
‘Cruisin' the U.S. Virgin Islands
With three distinctly unique islands all accessible via inter-island transportation systems, the U. S. Virgin Islands offer cruise passengers a hassle-free getaway rich in exciting cultural experiences. St. John and St. Thomas are connected via a short ferry ride, while St. Croix offers seaplane service to and from St. Thomas. So, whether the cruise ship calls on St. Thomas or St. Croix, the other islands are merely a hop, skip or jump away.
St. Croix is characterized by its historic charm, cultural diversity and its culinary appeal. Visitors enjoy touring the Cruzan Rum distillery, meandering through the quaint shops, art galleries and landmarks of Frederiksted and Christiansted, and exploring the unique local fare like fish and fungi, salt fish paté and kallaloo.
As the smallest of the three islands, St. John retains a tranquil, unspoiled beauty. Two-thirds of the island is a protected U.S. National Park with 9,500 acres of lush, undulating land and an underwater reserve. Visitors enjoy hiking through the Reef Bay Trail, snorkeling along the underwater trail at Trunk Bay and perusing the unique locally-made craft shops that dot the cobblestoned paths of Mongoose Junction.
Heralded as the shopping capital of the Caribbean and the most cosmopolitan of the three islands, St. Thomas offers every genre of retail therapy imaginable, from the local handicraft vendors and jewelry stores in Charlotte Amalie, designer boutiques at Yacht Haven Grande and colorful shops throughout Havensight Shopping Mall and Crown Bay Center.
U.S. residents are entitled to a $1600 duty-free allowance; almost double that of many other Caribbean destinations.
CLIA Cruise Line Profiles
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways
Award winning Avalon Waterways sets the standard in river and small-ship cruising with the youngest fleet and amazing itineraries throughout Europe. With the industry’s largest staterooms at 172 sq. ft., resort style amenities, fine dining including complementary wine, beer or soda with dinner, the best shore excursions and incomparable service by English-speaking crews, Avalon delivers a world-class cruise experience. Each year award-winning vessels are added, with the most recent christening of the Avalon Affinity and the Avalon Creativity in Europe, and in 2010 the Avalon Felicity and Avalon Luminary will join the fleet. Although one of the youngest river cruise lines in the world, Avalon is quickly becoming one of the most renowned brands in its category boasting a 97% traveler satisfaction rating as well as the recipient of multiple industry accolades and awards.
Key Selling Points
- "Newest ships (average 2 years in age) with the largest staterooms and modern amenities - 172 sq. ft. with flat screen TV, mini-bar, Egyptian linens and large wardrobes.
- 85%+ of staterooms have floor-to-ceiling windows or French balconies.
- Fine dining with complementary wine, beer or soda with dinner.
- The best on land programs, arranged by Globus, the leader in escorted travel for over 80 years.
- Included sightseeing, an English speaking crew, an average crew to traveler of ratio 4:1 and a 97% satisfaction rating on post-vacation surveys.
- Unparalleled support (200 support staff & 32 offices worldwide).
Phone Numbers
- General Office: 303-703-7000
- Brochures/General Information: 866-270-9850
- Individual Reservations: 800-221-0090
- Charter Reservations: 800-221-0097
- Group Reservations: 800-221-0097
- Incentive Sales: 866-270-9850
- Air Arrangements: 800-221-0090
- Special Needs/Accessibility Passenger Services: 800-221-0090
- Guest Relations: 800-221-0090
- Travel Agent Sales Support: 866-270-9850
- Travel Agent Relations: 866-270-9850
Azamara Club Cruises
Welcome to Azamara Club Cruises, a boutique cruise line of distinction. It’s a sophisticated yet relaxed way of traveling that delivers unique destinations. We know every port of call like we live there, and we share our insider’s knowledge of the best sights, shops and restaurants to allow our guests to immerse in the destination.
Azamara Club Cruises will take guests to destinations, and create experiences that are once in a lifetime. See the world through the local culture with music, dance, art and history, or enjoy a more active trip on extended biking trips, walking or hiking. Shopping and dining are musts, of course, and our local experts can prepare the time ashore with insights about the right flavors and tastes, as well as great knowledge about local artisans and shops.
Not only are we destination experts, we also provide an onboard environment of wellness and vitality with a relaxing and pampering spa , multiple gourmet dining options, specialty wines from around the globe, and an amazingly social environment.
Why Club Cruises? Because our guests are truly part of a club whose members are treated to the warmth and hospitality of our onboard staff, on smaller, more intimate ships. Join us soon, and become an instant member of Le Club Azamara. You’ll never want to cruise any other way again.
On an Azamara Club Cruise guests will see the world as only a fortunate few ever will. Because our ships are smaller, we can take you to ports that others cannot. And because we’re in no hurry since we spend long days and overnights in many of our ports, you can see and experience so much more of what awaits you on shore.
And to ensure that guests enjoy an exciting, yet worry-free time, Azamara Club Cruises includes a multitude of features.
- Bottled water, sodas and specialty coffees and teas throughout the day.
- Gratuities for housekeeping and dining staff.
- House pouring wine with lunch and dinner.
- Self-service laundry.
- Shuttle bus in port when offered.
- Destination enrichment.
- Destination flavored entertainment.
- English Butler service in all suites.
- A host of highly trained room attendants in the staterooms.
- Specialty dining is complimentary for suite guests every night.
- Specialty dining cover of $15 per person for stateroom guests, with two nights guaranteed seating, and then seating is based on availability.
Key Selling Points
- Destination Immersion: Azamara Club Cruises will visit 140 ports in 50 countries in 2010, with itineraries featuring more overnight stays to allow guests to immerse themselves in communities and cultures.
- Fine Cuisine and Wines from Around the World: Azamara Club Cruises will continue to place a heavy emphasis on fine cuisine, and will expand the focus on wine to include vintages from boutique wineries around the world.
- Wellness and Vigor: Wellness and vigor will be a core component of the Azamara Club Cruises experience, too, with onboard and land-based experiences designed to help guests feel and look healthier and more youthful.
- Extraordinary Service: Service onboard the Azamara Club Cruises ships will be anticipatory and pampering yet never intrusive.
Phone Numbers
- General Office: 305-539-6000
- Brochures/General Information: 877-222-2526
- Individual Reservations: 877-999-9553
- Charter Reservations: 305-539-4185
- Group Reservations: 877-222-2526
- Incentive Sales: 800-722-5934
- Air Arrangements: 877-222-2526
- Special Needs/Accessibility Passenger Services: 866-592-7225
- Guest Relations: 877-256-6649
- Travel Agent Sales Support: 877-222-2526
- Travel Agent Relations: 877-222-2526
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia, California, Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera, New Zealand, Northern Africa, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Canada, Europe and Australia through its cruisetour affiliate. Noted for "The World's Best Large Ships," as voted by the readers of Conde' Nast Traveler (February 2007 Cruise Poll), Celebrity's current fleet will be joined by Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, and a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011.
Key Selling Points
Every Celebrity cruise is a multidimensional experience designed to reinvigorate the body, enrich the soul and strengthen the bonds that connect people to others and the world around them.
With a guest-to-staff ratio of 2:1, the exotic AquaSpa by Elemis, one of the world's largest corporate collections of original contemporary art, exceptional cuisine, and onboard experiences including enrichment lectures, naturalists' presentations, sophisticated wine tastings and an outstanding array of shore and land excursions to complement every cruise, it's little wonder that the readers of Condé Nast Traveler voted more Celebrity ships among the world's 10 best than those of any other line for the sixth consecutive year.
Phone Numbers
- General Office: 305-539-6000
- Brochures/General Information: 800-235-3274
- Individual Reservations: 800-437-3111
- Charter Reservations: 800-345-7225
- Group Reservations: 800-437-4111
- Incentive Sales: 800-345-7225
- Air Arrangements: 800-636-2440
- Special Needs/Accessibility Passenger Services: 800-242-6374
- Guest Relations: 800-280-3423
- Travel Agent Sales Support: 800-327-2056
- Travel Agent Relations: 800-280-3423
CLIA Member Line FAM & Education Opportunities
Great Rate on AMAWATERWAYS
CLIA agents, now is the time to become a river cruise expert by taking advantage of this very special AMAWATERWAYS FAM rate. Learn first-hand why AMAWATERWAYS is the award-winning industry leader with its fleet of luxurious new ships and complimentary amenities. This is an educational opportunity that will help you understand the wonderful cruise experience provided by AMAWATERWAYS and allow you to match up the best cruise for your customers.
For a limited time, CLIA agents can join one of the following sailings for the rate of $630* per person. Contact AMAWATERWAYS at 800-626-0126 or log on to our website for additional itinerary information at www.amawaterways.com
- Europe's Heartland cruise from Nur-Trier on the MS Amadolce. Cruise dates: 6/27/2010 to 7/4/2010 or 8/8/2010 to 8/15/2010
- Black Sea Voyage from Rousse, Bulgaria to Budapest on MS Amadolce Cruise dates: 7/25/2010-8/1/2010 or 10/17/2010 to 10/24/2010
- Romantic Christmas cruise from Vilshofen, Germany-Budapest on MS Amadolce Cruise Dates: 11/28/2010 to 12/5/2010
- Christmas Time Cruise from Budapest-Nuremberg on MS Amadolce Cruise Dates: 12/19/2010 to 12/26/2010
*Based on double occupancy in a Cat. E; Upgrades 50% off brochure fare; Port charge of $133 pp and land program and any taxes are additional. Promotion is limited to availability and is not combinable with other offers. Visit www.amawaterways.com for additional information about itineraries or call 800-626-0126.
Agent-Exclusive Rates on Azamara Club Cruises
We invite you to experience Azamara Club Cruises for yourselves with these agent-exclusive reduced rates*. Become familiarized with our exciting itineraries, amazing amenities, superior service and all our onboard inclusions and offerings. While onboard, you will enjoy the following inclusive amenities:
- Bottled water, sodas, specialty coffees & teas offered at no charge
- Azamara's preferred vintage red and white wine of the day poured at lunch and dinner complimentary
- Housekeeping, dining and bar staff gratuities included
- Complimentary shuttle service to/from port communities when available Self-service laundry at no cost
| Asamara Journey | |||
| Date | Itinerary | Nights | Ocean-view Agent & Companion Rate |
| May 16, 2010 | Rome (Civitavecchia) to Barcelona | 7 | $700 |
| May 23, 2010 | Barcelona to Copenhagen | 14 | $1.,400 |
| June 6, 2010 | Copenhagen roundtrip | 12 | $1,200 |
| June 18, 2010 | Copenhagen roundtrip | 12 | $1,200 |
| June 30, 2010 | Copenhagen roundtrip | 12 | $1,200 |
| Azamara Quest | |||
| Date | Itinerary | Nights | Ocean-view Agent & Companion Rate |
| May 15, 2010 | Rome (Civitavecchia) roundtrip | 14 | $1,400 |
| May 29, 2010 | Rome (Civitavecchia) to Athens (Piraeus) | 12 | $1,200 |
| June 10, 2010 | Athens (Piraeus) to Istanbul | 10 | $1,000 |
| June 20, 2010 | Istanbul to Athens (Piraeus) | 12 | $1,200 |
| July 2, 2010 | Athens (Piraeus) to Istanbul | 10 | $1,000 |
| How to book: | |||
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| *Daily rates for our travel partners in Europe are as follows: Club Interior $80 / Club Oceanview $100 / Club Veranda $130. Amounts are per day and include NCCF. Taxes and fees are additional. | |||
VIP Treatment from Carnival
We are pleased to offer you an amazing opportunity to participate in a variety of training events including “Fun For All” Weekends, VIP shipboard luncheons and Executive Conferences! These popular events provide a fun way to learn about the innovative features and amazing amenities on Carnival ships as well as a chance to learn about new sales programs and the hottest selling tips.
These events will count toward your CCL University graduate degrees and CLIA Cruise Counselor Certification. Space is limited so take a look at all of these great programs and register today!
| "Fun For All" Weekend Events: May – July 2010 | |||
| Galveston, TX | Long Beach, CA | Miami, FL | |
| June 9-11 | July 10-12 | June 25-28 | September 24-27 |
| August. 20-22 | July 24-26 | July 16-19 | |
| August 28-30 | August 13-16 | ||
| New Orleans, LA | Baltimore, MD | Tampa, FL | Orlando, FL |
| August 6-8 | July 16-19 | July 30-August 1 | June 4-6 |
| August 13-15 | August 27-29 | August 6-8 | |
| September 10-12 | September 10-12 | ||
| Executive Conferences: July 14-16, October 13-15 |
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| VIP Shipboard Luncheons | |||
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Galveston, TX |
Mobile, AL - Carnival Elation July 17 August 14 September 25 |
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| Jacksonville – Carnival Fascination July 15 August 18 September 9, 18 |
New Orleans – Carnival Triumph |
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| Miami, FL June 5 – Carnival Destiny June 6 – Carnival Valor June 26 – Carnival Liberty July 17 – Carnival Destiny July 19 – Carnival Imagination August 14 – Carnival Liberty August 15 – Carnival Valor |
Long Beach, CA |
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| Port Everglades, FL June 27 – Carnival Freedom |
Port Canaveral, FL September 12 – Carnival Sensation |
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| Seattle, WA – Carnival Spirit June 8, 22 July 13, 27 |
Portland, ME September 27 - Carnival Glory |
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| Tampa, FL August 29 – Carnival Legend July 19 – Carnival Imagination |
Halifax, NS August 12 - Carnival Glory |
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Register today before these popular events are sold out. You will find all the details on Carnival’s “Fun For All” Weekends, two-day Executive Conferences and VIP luncheons on the CCLU Grad School site.
Holland America Has A Library Of Webinars To Help You Maximize Your Profits!
It's AS SIMPLE AS: go to www.hollandamerica.com, click Travel Agent HQ, type in user ID and password (if you don't have this, just apply with your CLIA number), click Training, click Signature Webinar Series, Click on Signature Webinar Series... Bingo you can click on any one of 20 and get excellent training. PS: Agents create their own user ID and password
Hurtigruten Announces Webinar Schedule
Catch up on everything there is to know about Hurtigruten and its cruise itineraries in Norway, Spitsbergen, Europe, Greenland and Antarctica through the company’s easily accessed webinar series. Upcoming dates and links:
- Tuesday, May 25, 10am PT/1pm ET, www1.gotomeeting.com/register/809278856
- Tuesday, June 8, 10am PT/1pm ET, www1.gotomeeting.com/register/766804016
- Tuesday, June 22, 10am PT/1pm ET, www1.gotomeeting.com/register/172767841
Opportunities to Experience Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Lines offers myriad opportunities for travel partners to visit our ships and experience our onboard product. Two programs are being offered in 2010:
- PhD@Sea gives travel partners the opportunity to sail in a balcony stateroom, with a guest, at a greatly reduced rate, as well as earn CLIA credits, experience Freestyle Dining and peek behind-the-scenes and meet the ship’s crew. Hosted by representatives from CLIA and NCL, the PhD@Sea program is open to travel partners who are Freestyle Certified as part of NCL’s online education program, NCL U. To become Freestyle Certified agents should register and take all the requisite courses by visiting www.ncluniversity.com
- NCL’s Let’s Do Lunch program offers travel partners the opportunity to visit Norwegian Cruise Line ships while in port, enjoying a tour, presentation and lunch onboard. The Let’s Do Lunch program is offered to any student registered in NCL U. In 2010 NCL will host 4000 travel partners as part of this program. To register and begin taking courses to qualify for Let’s Do Lunch, agents may begin by visiting www.ncluniversity.com
Oceania Invites Agents to Become Specialists
"Go to www.TAUniv.com and become an Oceania Cruises Specialist today!" That’s the message from Oceania, which will welcome 1,258-guest Marina in January, 2011. With elegantly appointed and custom-crafted accommodations that are among the most spacious at sea and specifically designed for epicureans, Marina will feature a total of ten dining venues, six of which are open seating gourmet restaurants, all at no additional charge.
Oceania is the world’s only upper-premium cruise line, offering gourmet cuisine, gracious service and award-winning itineraries at an exceptional value. A leader in destination cruising, we offer 300 of the world’s most alluring ports onboard the elegant 684-guest Regatta, Insignia and Nautica.
CLIA Partners
American Express OPEN
American Express OPENSM is dedicated exclusively to the success of small business owners and their companies. With tailored products and services, the team delivers purchasing power, flexibility, control and rewards to help customers run their businesses.
Business Cardmembers can leverage an enhanced set of products, robust on-line account management capabilities, and automatic savings from an expanded lineup of air, lodging and other business partners. OPENForum.com, an example of the resources OPEN provides, is an on-line portal that offers insights from expert business owners as well as opportunities for networking with other entrepreneurs.
To obtain more information about OPEN, visit OPEN.com, or call 1-800-NOW-OPEN to apply for a Card. Terms and conditions apply.
British Columbia - Pre/Post Cruise Options – Victoria
Victoria, British Columbia’s provincial capital, is an easy three-hour trip by road and ferry, or an exhilarating half-hour floatplane flight from Vancouver. It's one of BC's prettiest and most visited towns, boasting the mildest climate in Canada: it rarely snows here and flowers typically bloom in February.
Victoria has clung steadfastly to its British roots. Afternoon tea is served at the Empress Hotel, as it has been daily since 1908; antique, tweed and sweet shops abound, as do pubs, gardens, red phone boxes, and even double-decker buses. Its setting at the southern tip of Vancouver Island, is sublime. The city centre, with its stately Edwardian architecture, surrounds the Inner Harbour. Street entertainers play along the causeway in the summer and flower baskets hang from the lampposts. The mountains of Washington State, across the Juan de Fuca Strait, form a backdrop and, come evening, the Parliament Buildings are lit with 3,333 tiny lights. www.hellobc.com
Starwood, Vancouver and c3s
Heading to Cruise3Sixty? We invite you to visit our portfolio of Vancouver pre and post cruise options including The Westin Grand, Vancouver; the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre; The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver; Sheraton and the Vancouver Guildford. For a list of Starwood Global Pre and Post Cruise booking options, visit www.starwoodpro.com/cruise.
Starwood’s 2010 Book and Win BIG promotion: In 2010, each month Starwood is giving away 50,000 Starpoints, five land based vacations at Starwood resorts in North America. Also, there will be a grand prize of 1 million Starpoints to a random travel professional winner at year’s end. To submit a booking and a chance to win one of the great prizes, travel professionals can log on to www.starwoodpro.com.
Starwood is a proud sponsor and supporter of CLIA and we look forward to seeing you at cruise3Sixty.
We Need to Talk
What do you need? Talk to Amadeus and tell us what your travel business needs to succeed. More money? To compete online? To reduce costs? We’re listening. Visit www.amadeus.com/ineed.