Carnival Cruise Lines is reorganizing its contact centers and related customer support areas, comprising approximately 2,000 employees, following an extensive five-month review.
Avalon Waterways is expanding its themed vacations in 2010 because of “increased demand for passion travel,” offering cruises focusing on wine, music or holiday traditions. In addition, Avalon offers the chance to attend the legendary Oberammergau Passion Play with extensions combinable with several river cruise itineraries.
Cunard Line announced its 2010-11 programs for Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria. In 2010, the Queen Elizabeth joins the fleet, but its itineraries have not been announced.
MSC Cruises has confirmed the sale of the MSC Rhapsody to a new owner. The 16,852-ton ship measures 681 feet in length and 89 feet in width and offers 382 staterooms.
MSC Cruises released its 2009-2010 Caribbean brochure, featuring the MSC Poesia. The brochure features the ship’s Caribbean, Bermuda and trans-Atlantic sailings from October 2009 through April 2010 as it enters North American waters for her inaugural Caribbean season.
Celebrity Cruises and deluxe sister brand Azamara Cruises said that beginning April 1 and running through April 30, 2009, cruisers can book a limited number of berths on select Alaska and Europe sailings at a two-for-the-price-of-one rate based on published brochure rates. Any of these cruises booked during April 2009 also feature a price-protection component and a travel agent booking incentive.