Category Archives: Cruises

Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) entered a landmark partnership with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. This exclusive agreement marks the first time a cruise line has partnered with GHA, bringing together two leading luxury brands in the travel sector. GHA DISCOVERY members, who have access to 800 hotels, resorts and palaces operated by 40 hotel brands in 100 countries, are rewarded with the program’s innovative rewards currency, DISCOVERY Dollars (D$1 equal to US$1). Through this exclusive partnership, the program’s 24 million members will now enjoy the additional benefit of earning D$ by reserving a voyage with Regent and will be able to redeem those benefits in any GHA hotel, resort and palace. GHA DISCOVERY members who reserve a Regent cruise will also be fast-tracked to GHA DISCOVERY Titanium status, which provides a number of benefits at GHA hotels and resorts worldwide. In addition, GHA members will receive a special welcome gift of champagne and chocolates to be enjoyed once on board their reserved voyage. “We are the perfect match, with Regent Seven Seas Cruises being the world’s leading luxury cruise line, offering itineraries that connect key cities across the globe, and GHA DISCOVERY uniting the world’s largest collection of luxury hotel brands, with some of the best hotels in the world in those same destinations,” said GHA CEO Chris Hartley. “This strategic partnership will expand our reach, provide more choice and rich new benefits to our customers; and for GHA, it will drive significant enrolments notably from key markets such as the U.S., generating incremental revenue to our hotel brands.” “We are delighted to partner with GHA to bring Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ unrivaled luxury experiences to even more discerning guests around …

Al Tayer Holidays (a division of Al Tayer Travel) will represent Crystal in the Middle East. This partnership was announced to a selected group of travel agents who cater to the niche luxury cruise market in the UAE at an event where Matthew Boutwell, Senior Director Charter & Incentives of Crystal shared details on the two new ships that will sail in the GCC by October this year. The route will include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha etc. Speaking with Tourismbreakingnews, Boutwell shared the exceptional offerings especially for the GCC and Middle East region, in terms of  accommodation which will include connecting rooms, larger spaces, more suites, a host of food options from halal and kosher, not just packed food but with a whole kitchen. This partnership will enhance and enrich Al Tayer’s niche cruise offering and a completely new cruising experience to their valued guests. Crystal Cruises has been synonymous with the word exceptional, it is known for its award winning voyages for over three decades and offers some of the most amazing itineraries and destinations around the world. Last year Abercrombie and Kent (A&K) Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand and its two most beloved vessels; Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony ushering in a brand new era. Boutwell reiterated that both their ships have been renovated by A&K Travel Group to bring in exceptional design, comfort and a whole set of modern features. One of the most unique features notable would be that the ships have 14 different dining options Crystal Symphony offers nearly one staff member per guest and accommodates 606 guests whereas Crystal Serenity accommodates 740 guests.  

Royal Caribbean International’s highly anticipated Icon of the Seas is in ship shape. The all-new vacation reached the next construction milestone after successfully completing its initial round of sea trials and sailing the open ocean for the first time. Icon returned to the Meyer Turku shipyard, where it is under construction, after four days of preliminary tests on a lineup of its latest technologies and equipment. From the main engines to the hull, to the brake system, to steering as well as noise and vibration levels, the hundreds of workers on board covered an extensive check list of key technical areas. Between preparations and the trials, the important step in the journey to bring Icon to life involved more than 2,000 specialists, hundreds of miles traveled, four 37- to 67-ton tugboats and more than 350 hours of work. Next up will be a second round of sea trials later this year, which will be when the first Icon Class ship is pushed to its limits ahead of its debut in Miami in January 2024. As the first-of-its-kind combination of the best of every vacation, Icon will introduce a new era of vacations for years to come. From the resort getaway to the beach escape and theme park adventure, every type of family and kind of adventurer can make memories together and on their own terms without compromise across record-breaking thrills, relaxing ways to chill, a neighborhood designed for young families, more than 40 ways to dine, drink and be entertained, and more. Icon will sail 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations from Miami all year. Vacationers on board will island hop from destinations like Royal Caribbean’s award-winning private island destination, …

Qatar Tourism revealed that the country welcomed 253,191 cruise visitors during the 2022/2023 cruise season (December 2022 – April 2023), representing an increase of 151% compared to the same period last season (100,500 visitors). Qatar continues to strengthen its position as a global tourism destination supported by a variety of leading tourist attractions and a range of exciting festivals and events. This significant growth in total visitors is particularly significant given that this year’s cruise season started later than usual (i.e. in December instead of October), as Doha Port welcomes floating hotels to accommodate visitors and fans coming to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ™™. Of the cruise ship visitors received this season, 20 per cent were part of the partial transformation flights from which Doha was the starting and returning point, an increase of 790 per cent compared to the 4,172 passengers who came on these cruises during the previous season. Qatar also received 54 cruise visits during the 2022/2023 cruise season, whether transit or round trip, representing an increase of 59% compared to last year. Qatar’s cruise sector has shown great resilience and remarkable growth, and despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar has seen a steady increase in the total number of cruise ships received and the number of visitors on board, and the cruise sector promises further growth in the coming seasons. Qatar’s growing cruise sector has become a key pillar of the country’s efforts to achieve the objectives of its long-term tourism strategy, as evidenced by the comprehensive refurbishment of Doha Port, which can now receive two superships at a time and up to 12,000 visitors per day arriving on cruises. Commenting …

Cruise Saudi announces the launch of its owned cruise line, AROYA Cruises. AROYA Cruises will offer Saudi nationals, expatriates, and regional guests a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of Saudi from the sea. With a commitment to showcasing Arabian experiences, AROYA Cruises will reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, providing an immersive journey, designed and tailored to reflect its brand values of inspiration, enrichment, generosity and respect. AROYA Cruises is committed to an exceptional passenger experience and will offer the highest standard of service, facilities and shore excursion programme culminating in a unique offering in the region. “This momentous step marks a historical milestone in Cruise Saudi’s ambitious strategy to create a premium cruise ecosystem in Saudi, in line with Vision 2030.” quotes Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi. “AROYA Cruises will be operating as an autonomous brand within the Cruise Saudi portfolio, aiming to provide experiences and services specifically designed to embrace Arabian preferences.” The launch of AROYA Cruises’ will be led by Ghassan Khan. The brand will be managed as a separate business unit supporting the fulfilment of Cruise Saudi’s strategic goals of welcoming 1.3 million cruise visitors by 2035 and providing 50,000 direct and indirect jobs. Ghassan Khan quotes: “This is an extremely exciting time. It is a privilege to bring this cruise line to launch as a core element of Saudi’s development as an international cruising destination.” AROYA Cruises itineraries and packages are currently under development and will be announced at its commercial launch to be held in the coming months.    

Cruise Saudi  is committed to creating 50,000 direct and indirect jobs in Saudi by 2035, which will benefit the local workforce. In line with this, Cruise Saudi was keen to participate in the Ministry of Tourism’s first two-day Tourism Job Fair, with the aim of recruiting Saudi talents in the rapidly growing cruise tourism sector. Cruise Saudi Chief Human Capital Officer Ayman AlGhamdi said: “As we are developing a new industry that supports the Saudi Tourism sector, we believe in investing in the local community and its cadres. With a Saudization rate of 71 per cent, we are proud of our local talents who have proven their capabilities, qualifications and fast development in a wide range of cruise related fields.” Additionally, Cruise Saudi has outperformed the female employment goals outlined in Vision 2030, with their participation in the workforce now reaching 32 per cent, ahead of the 2030 target of 30 per cent. Saudi tourism is currently undergoing a massive transformation with a focus on long-term, sustainable growth. Under plans set out in Vision 2030, tourism will become an important tributary for national economy. Deputy Minister of Tourism Human Capabilities Development Mohamed Bushnaq said: “This forum comes at a pivotal moment, as Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is undergoing substantial development. Having transformed into a regulated industry backed by regulations, systems, projects, and programs, it is striving to become one of the most important pillars of Saudi Vision 2030. The ultimate aim is to contribute to the diversification and prosperity of the national economy. “We are here today, steadfastly continuing our journey to provide more opportunities for this generous nation by launching the first tourism employment forum both in-person and through …

PIF-owned Cruise Saudi has welcomed MS Amadea to Saudi waters for the first time. More than 400 international passengers experienced Saudi’s unique history, natural wonders and warm and welcoming hospitality. MS Amadea is operated by German-based travel agency Phoenix Reisen. The stop in Jeddah is part of a 150-day worldwide itinerary, with the ship concluding its voyage in Nice on 22nd May 2023. During its maiden call to Jeddah, a plaque and key exchange ceremony was held with the Cruise Saudi team and the captain of MS Amadea. After Jeddah, the ship travelled further along the Red Sea to Hurghada, Egypt, and continued to Nice for the end of the trip. Commenting on MS Amadea’s visit, Cruise Saudi Director, Port, Terminal & Asset Operations, Serafin Blazquez, said: “Relationships with global cruise liners, travel agents and tour operators are hugely important to our strategy in growing Saudi as a tourism destination, and we’re thrilled to have partnered with MS Amadea in welcoming new travellers to experience all that Saudi has to offer.” MS Amadea Captain Martin Rittig said: “It was a pleasure to visit Saudi for the first time. We received excellent feedback from our passengers and were particularly impressed by the enthusiasm shown by all parties. ” “During the traditional plaque exchange ceremony, you could really feel the passion and motivation from the team. Based on this first experience, we are really looking forward to coming back and to watch Saudi grow as a cruise destination.” Launched in 2021, Cruise Saudi was created to develop the infrastructure and services required to scale a full-suite cruise market in Saudi Arabia. The company is responsible for the development and operation of cruise berths and …

What began nearly a century ago as a rowboat ride across Switzerland’s Lake Lugano has rippled into a robust portfolio of independent, touring, and cruising vacations across 6 continents, 70 countries with over 500 vacations – the largest escorted travel company in the world based on numbers of departures & pax traveled. “On his rowboat by Lake Lugano, Antonio Mantegazza had a dream to show travelers the world,” says Scott Nisbet, President, and Chief Executive Officer for the Globus family of brands. “And in 1928, when he launched Globus, he did that – and so much more. From creating the world’s first European touring vacations and unveiling value tours for cost-conscious travelers to designing Suite Ships that changed the tide in river cruising, the Globus family of brands has a 95-year history of creating life-enhancing journeys across the globe. As we look back on our history, we’re celebrating this very real, very ‘today’ current of change.” Rowing Towards Awe & Wonder Since 1928. Throughout Globus’ history, the company has been a difference-making leader. Here are just a few of the travel industry-wide changes the company initiated in touring, among others. – The first to create “modern” European Touring vacations. – The first to unveil Panorama Touring-itineraries: Vacation packages highlighting multiple countries. – The first to develop Circular Touring: Touring vacations that start and end from the same gateway, creating cost-savings and seamless experiences for travelers. – The first to create value-focused touring vacations, in the form of a new brand – Cosmos! – The first to develop Regional Touring – vacations, providing an immersive experience in the same destination. – The first to name and unveil Local Favorites: Opportunities for …

Cruise Saudi will join global travel professionals to consider the future of the travel and tourism industry and create business opportunities during the four-day showcase. This year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM), held at Dubai’s World Trade Centre, has seen a 27% YOY rise from 2022 in exhibitor participation making it the largest professional tourism event in the region. Speaking ahead of ATM, Cruise Saudi’s CEO, Lars Clasen said: “Arabian Travel Market is the leading international travel and tourism trade event in the GCC. Cruise Saudi is confident in unlocking further business potential throughout our participation and we look forward to being present alongside leading industry stakeholders and peers.” Cruise Saudi’s objective is to contribute to Saudi’s tourism industry growth through attracting 1.3 million cruise passenger visits by 2035, in line with Vision 2030’s plan to increase total GDP from the tourism sector to 10%.  Mr. Clasen confirmed that he was excited to showcase Cruise Saudi’s rapid growth and how it supports Saudi’s position as a prominent new tourism destination. “Saudi offers superior connectivity to the rest of the world – approximately 250 million people in Europe, Asia and Africa, live within a three-hour flight from the Red Sea or Arabian Gulf.” “Cruise Saudi has been spearheading the development of a fully integrated, world-class cruise industry in the country,” Mr. Clasen continued. Since the company’s launch in 2021, Cruise Saudi has completed two successful cruising seasons and is more than halfway through its third season, opening areas of Saudi previously untouched by international tourism. Mr. Clasen outlined Cruise Saudi’s expansion plans adding: “With the support of the government and our partners, we have been able to develop three ports – Jeddah …

Qatar Tourism (QT) led a delegation of government and private agencies at the 2023 Seatrade Cruise Global, the world’s annual cruise industry gathering. In addition to QT, Qatar’s pavilion included Mwani, Doha Bus, Al Tawfeeq Travel, and Qatar International Tours. The 2023 Seatrade Cruise Global took place in Fort Lauderdale from March 27-30, 2023, at the Broward County Convention Center. It gathered more than 70 industry speakers who discussed key industry trends from sustainability to technology, and over 500 exhibitors including ports and destinations, ship equipment and shipbuilding, entertainment, environment and health, hospitality, information technology, and more. During the event, Qatar Tourism participated in a panel discussion where it showcased the unique offerings of Doha as a premier cruise destination, highlighting Qatar’s rich culture and history, modern infrastructure, and family-friendly entertainment. In addition, Qatar Tourism met with several major global cruise lines on the side-lines of the event, including Ponant, Silversea, TUI, Costa, AIDA, Windstar, MSC, Swan Hellenic and NCL. Qatar Tourism also attended the ‘Meet the Itinerary Planners’ event to promote Qatar as a top cruise destination and develop partnerships that will bring more cruise passengers to the country. Maryam Saoud, Head of Tourism Product Support Section at Qatar Tourism, said: “Events of global significance like the Seatrade Cruise Global present a valuable opportunity for tourism stakeholders to engage in meetings and share knowledge with prominent industry influencers and senior cruise executives. Such gatherings also offer an excellent platform to stay informed about the latest developments within the cruise industry and allow major international cruise operators to discover Qatar’s world-class tourism infrastructure and the unique features that make it an appealing addition to their cruise programs.” With a goal …