INDUSTRY INTERVIEW: Q&A with Andrea Mendelsohn Tell us about yourself and how long you’ve been in the travel industry? I have been in the industry too many years to admit to as that would be telling. I started my career back in South Africa working for KLM Dutch Airlines and worked for Sabre,...
Celestyal expands North American team and debuts new itineraries beginning in Qatar IAN STALKER Greek cruise company Celestyal has its sights firmly set on the Persian Gulf when next winter rolls around. The company has announced that Celestyal Journey will visit four new countries and six new ports...
A first-hand look at Crown’s Edge on Icon of the Seas ANN RUPPENSTEIN Intensity of attraction: extreme. Disorientation possible. I wasn’t feeling that nervous about the adventure ahead until I read the safety sign for Crown’s Edge, the new thrill offered on Icon of the Seas where those...
Royal Caribbean is all about families ANN RUPPENSTEIN Even though the cost of goods has gone up, Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean International’s senior vice president of sales, trade support and service, says the North American market is still placing a high value on vacations. “They’re...
Canadian F1S advisors indicate the trend toward smaller, more intimate experiences First in Service LTD (F1S), an independent travel agency, recently unveiled the top trends in cruise and yacht experiences as identified by its travel advisors across Canada. These insights reflect the evolving preferences...
Sun Princess can carry 4,300 passengers IAN STALKER The cruise company that brought you the Love Boat loves to reminisce about it. A recent Baxter Media webcast had Carmen Roig, Princess’ vice-president of sales, note that the show provided Princess with an international platform, showcasing it on a regular...
Seven tips for selling Virgin Voyages ANN RUPPENSTEIN In a short period of time, Virgin Voyages has made a mark in the cruise industry by doing things differently. Like other Virgin companies, Virgin Voyages is fun, playful and even a little bit edgy. “Virgin Voyages offers a unique blend of boutique...
Travel courier was amongst the first on board the new ship ANN RUPPENSTEIN As one of the oldest cruise lines in the world — dating back to 1840 — Cunard has garnered a longstanding reputation for its classic, traditional and elegant spaces reflecting the golden age of travel. On Queen Anne,...
ANN RUPPENSTEIN It was a Monday night but that didn’t stop Royal Caribbean International from kicking off “The World’s Biggest Weekend.” And while this particular pre-inaugural naming ceremony sailing with a performance by godmother Meghan Trainor was special, the weekend vibe...
