Cruise Lines Step Into 2024 With Even More Booking Opportunities

SCENICCruise Lines Step Into 2024 With Even More Booking OpportunitiesBy Paloma Villaverde de RicoComing off a banner year for the cruise industry, where bookings surpassed expectations—even those who were keeping a close eye on all the data—Recommend wanted to know what was in store for 2024. So, we reached out to several cruise lines to get the 411 from executives on what travel advisors should be focusing on in the coming year.One HUGE tip: Make sure your clients BOOK EARLY. AMA WATERWAYSAmaWaterwaysWhen it comes to AmaWaterways, Kristin Karst, the cruise line’s co-founder and executive v.p., says, “There’s a lot to keep in mind as AmaWaterways offers a fleet of 29 river cruise ships with cruise and land packages to 31 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. We strongly recommend travel advisors to join us for our educational weekly ‘Webinar Wednesdays’ to learn more about the AmaWaterways difference, from our latest itineraries to our unique excursions and enticing offers. These sessions, led by AmaWaterways executives, give advisors a deeper understanding of our river cruise experience and supply them with the tools they need to grow their river cruise business with us.”AMA QUOTE She emphasizes that “reservations for AmaWaterways’ 2024 river cruise vacations are far ahead of any previous years’ booking trends, which means travel advisors should be encouraging their clients to book early to ensure they have the best choice of dates, staterooms and airfares. Groups are another focal point for us, and we’ve made doing groups easy and profitable. We encourage travel advisors to visit the TA Portal on our website to take advantage of Enhanced Group savings and benefits still available on many sailings in 2024.”What’s New: The cruise line has recently launched Course 4 of its AmaAcademy educational platform, offering advisors valuable sales tips for the most popular European itineraries along the Rhine, Moselle and Main rivers. Additionally, we’re all waiting with bated breath for the debut of sailings on Colombia’s Magdalena River, where AmaWaterways will position two ships: AmaMagdalena will launch November 2024, and AmaMelodia will begin sailing June 2025, with two itineraries, Wonders of Colombia and Magic of Colombia. Beyond Colombia, the most recent news coming from the river cruise line is that they’ll offer a series of new combination cruises in Europe debuting in 2025. The new Grand series of 14-night itineraries are Grand Seine & Bordeaux, Grand Seine & Rhone and Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals. ACL SHIPAmerican Cruise Lines“U.S. river cruising,” says American Cruise Lines’ new director of business development Melissa Young, “continues to impress guests and is growing faster than ever before. American Cruise Lines’ 2024 expansion of U.S. itineraries, along with the addition of five new ships in just two years, is a testament to the growing demand for personalized small ship experiences. Travel advisors should consider booking early to secure the best of what our fleet has to offer, as all 19 small ships accommodate just 90-180 passengers.” ACL QUOTE She adds that the cruise line “remains very committed to helping travel advisors grow their businesses and I encourage them to connect with one of our business development managers and to visit our Travel Advisor Portal, which is a valuable resource for cruise information, marketing assets and booking tools.”What’s New: In 2024, ACL will visit 125 U.S. ports of call—from Sag Harbor, NY, to Washington, D.C., to St. Petersburg and Key West, FL—and introduce nine new itineraries. Among those new itineraries are the U.S. National Parks cruises such as the 18-day Grand Alaska National Park, the 15-day Alaska National Park, the 11-day Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the 15-day National Parks & Legendary Rivers. Additionally, the new 8-day Florida Gulf Coast & Keys will include excursions to Dry Tortugas and the Everglades. For those who have time on their hands, recommend the longest-ever U.S. river cruise itinerary sailing in 2024: The 60-day Great United States, which explores 20 U.S. states and sails Aug. 16 to Oct. 14, and the 35-day Civil War Battlefields cruise, sailing May 3 to June 6 and exploring 20 Civil War battlefields along the way. Two new 100-passenger Coastal Cats will debut next year—American Liberty and American Legend—with sailings starting in June and October, respectively. They are the third and fourth in ACL’s ongoing 12-ship series and are slated to sail a variety of U.S. itineraries in New England, Chesapeake Bay, the Hudson River and Florida. ATLAS VOYAGESAtlas Ocean Voyages “In 2024,” says Atlas Ocean Voyages’ president and CEO James Rodriguez, “the primary focus for travel advisors when selling Atlas Ocean Voyages should be highlighting the exceptional value of the all-inclusive expedition experience. Emphasize the unique itineraries, personalized service and immersive expeditions that set Atlas apart.” He adds that, advisors need to showcase the brand’s “commitment to quality, from the expertise of the expedition team to the intimate and luxurious onboard atmosphere.” He reminds advisors as well that Atlas Ocean Voyages provides travelers with “a diverse and enriching experience with year-round expeditions encompassing Polar, Epicurean and Cultural Expeditions. “Also,” he notes “let clients know about special offerings like free charter air service on our Polar Expeditions, free cultural immersion experiences and consistently outstanding service.”ATLAS VOYAGES QUOTEWhat’s New: The cruise line is introducing new Polar Expeditions by Atlas to Antarctica, sailing from November 2024 to March 2025. That means there’s a total of 48 expeditions aboard three yachts: World Voyager, World Navigator and World Traveller and guests can choose from 5- to 18-night Polar Expeditions, with most sailing roundtrips from Ushuaia, Argentina, complemented with Fly the Drake expeditions departing or ending in Punta Arenas, Chile. The Antarctica season is bookended by a selection of Cultural Expeditions by Atlas in spring 2024 or fall 2025 with new Cultural Expedition ports that include Isla de los Estados, Argentina, and the coastal town of Sao Francisco do Sul, Brazil. Plus, the line will newly feature South Orkney Islands and New Island in the Falkland Islands in its Polar Expeditions. Additionally, World Voyager, the fleet's third ship, is, as of press time, set to start sailing this November, and World Seeker will make her debut in 2025. DISNEY CRUISE CABANADisney Cruise Line“Disney Cruise Line,” says Sharon Siskie, the line’s sr. v.p. and general manager, “is in the midst of its largest expansion ever with three innovative ships, a second island destination, a new homeport in Florida and an incredible line-up of itineraries.” She notes that 2024 will offer more opportunities “than ever before for new and repeat cruisers to experience the magic of Disney storytelling aboard our world-class fleet. Our newest ship, the Disney Treasure, will debut next year, sailing 7-night voyages from Port Canaveral, FL. Plus, in June, we’ll welcome guests to Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which will celebrate the natural beauty, traditions and artistry of The Bahamas.”DISNEY QUOTEWhat’s New: As Siskie notes, all eyes are on the debut of Disney Treasure, which is set to embark on her maiden voyage from Port Canaveral on Dec. 21, 2024, followed by an inaugural season of 7-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean. The ship is going to take all the fan-favorite spaces from the Disney Wish and infuse them with an adventure theme, so think “Aladdin,” “Coco” and “Zootopia” as inspirations. And, of course, there’s the much-anticipated brand-new island destination, Lighthouse Point, located on the island of Eleuthera in The Bahamas. Highlights include a huge family beach located steps away from market-style eateries and featuring a family water play area with two slides, water drums, fountains and more, including a special area just for toddlers. If your clients enjoy family time but want a little more peace and quiet, there’s a separate beach on the southwestern shore of the island with 20 premium family cabanas available for rent, including four double cabanas for larger groups. And because parents need some time to themselves—not to mention traveling couples sans kids—Disney Cruise Line has added an adult-exclusive beach just north of the bustling family beach. This means tranquility on tap plus its own dedicated food pavilion for eats and adult beverages and six private cabanas (reservation only).RIVIERA CRUISESRiviera River CruisesAs Marilyn Conroy, executive v.p., sales and marketing, North America, for Riviera River Cruises, says, the line has a lot that’s new for 2024, including a new ship, the MS Porto Mirante, sailing 10 departures of the new Highlights of the Douro Valley and Salamanca itinerary from July to October next year. But, as Conroy notes, “those might just be the most visible additions as we’re also enhancing our product on board. Our new beverage package is free starting next year and includes wine, beer and soft drinks at lunch and also an open bar with mixed drinks, wine and beer from dinner till midnight. We’re also bringing more local entertainment on board. “Overall, we continue to improve on the value of the premium product we offer. Specifically to travel advisors, I would recommend booking as early as possible in order to get the best price for their clients. And we continue to be the only river cruise line that supports advisors 100 percent by not taking direct bookings. When we receive an inquiry for a direct booking, we turn it over to an advisor located near the guest with whom we are working proactively, and we provide full commission on the booking to the advisor,” she says.What’s New: When it comes to the 262-ft. MS Porto Mirante, here’s what you need to know—it will feature an atrium bar and lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows, a restaurant, a fitness center and a sun deck with a sky lounge, a bar and a splash pool. It will accommodate 118 passengers in 59 cabins that are 172 sq. ft. All Diamond (upper) and Ruby (middle) deck cabins will have a French balcony with sliding door, while Diamond, Ruby and Emerald (lower) deck standard cabins will have a lounge chair with small table. About that itinerary—the 8-day cruise will sail roundtrip from Porto and include a guided tour of Porto’s Old Town, a visit to Quinta da Pacheca, a visit to the 12th-century walled village of Castelo Rodrigo, a tour of Salamanca, Spain, a tour of Quinta da Avessada, visits to Lamego and the manicured gardens of Mateus Palace, and either a port wine tasting at Vila Nova de Gaia or a tour of Guimaraes.Royal Caribbean International“It’s been a year now since we introduced Icon of the Seas to the world,” Vicki Freed, sr. v.p. of sales, trade support and service for Royal Caribbean International, tells Recommend, “and the momentum has exceeded expectations and reached all-time booking records. Travelers of all ages are in for an experience unlike any other, and I’m thrilled that our valued travel partners can now book their clients’ vacations on Icon’s 2025-26 lineup of vacations a few months ahead of schedule. Coupled with the debut of Hideaway Beach at Perfect Day at CocoCay in January 2024 and the launch of Utopia of the Seas next summer, we are creating one-of-a-kind experiences driven by what travelers want out of their vacations.”RCI QUOTEWhat’s New: Icon will start sailing year-round from Miami in January 2024 with 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean vacations visiting destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay, The Bahamas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Cozumel, Mexico; and Roatan, Honduras. Because all of the news coming out of the cruise line regarding Icon can get a bit dizzying, here are some fast facts: The ship will offer 20 total decks, with 18 for passengers to explore; 2,805 staterooms and a maximum of 7,600 guests; seven pools and nine whirlpools; six waterslides; 28 different types of rooms, from a 3-story townhouse to the new Infinite Balcony; and 20-plus dining experiences. Debuting alongside Icon will be Perfect Day at CocoCay’s adults-only Hideaway Beach, with its own private beach and pools, new dedicated spots for drinks and bites, exclusive cabanas, live music and more. As if that’s not already enough news, Royal Caribbean’s second Icon-class ship, Star of the Seas, will debut in summer of 2025. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours “For Scenic,” says Robert Castro, Scenic Group USA's v.p. of marketing, “advisors can look at those guests who have experienced a cruise and want to try sailing in a more intimate setting. With that said, our vessels and programs are greatly suited for those who haven’t considered a cruise before but have gone on safari or a land program. With the destination immersion and experience variety, it is a great way to experience their desired travel destination whether it be on the river or on the ocean.”SCENIC QUOTEWhat’s New: On the rivers, Scenic will be debuting a new Danube in Depth itinerary. It will feature overnights in Nuremberg and Budapest, and, as Castro notes, “allow guests to enjoy these iconic cities more while also visiting some of the most beautiful and historic stops along the Danube.” On the ocean, Scenic has two discovery yachts—Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II. In addition to its iconic Antarctica program, new destinations for Scenic Eclipse include Polynesia, Indonesia, West Papua and the Soloman Islands. “Most special for us,” notes Castro, “is to take guests to The Kimberley in Western Australia with its stunning vistas and wildlife. For those that have conquered all seven continents, this is the next iconic destination to add to their list.” Christened just this past summer, here’s a little recap of Scenic Eclipse II’s offerings—114 all-verandah suites ranging in size from 345 sq. ft. to 2,659 sq. ft.; 10 dining options—from Asian Fusion to French fine dining to a Chef’s Table; a 5,920-sq.-ft. spa with a well-equipped gym and separate yoga and Pilates studio; two helicopters and electric submersible; a theater; indoor and outdoor plunge pools; butler service for all guests; and an almost 1:1 guest-to-staff ratio.VIKINGViking Cruises“We have seen our guests booking earlier than ever, even up to three years in advance for some itineraries, such as our very popular Nile River voyages,” says Richard Marnell, executive v.p. of marketing for Viking Cruises. “As advisors look to 2024, we suggest they encourage their clients to book as far in advance as possible to ensure all their preferences are available including specific itinerary, direction and stateroom category.” He adds, “Many of our guests have a keen interest in Europe’s rich history, culture and cuisine, and as a result, our itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube remain favorites,” says Marnell. “France also continues to be among the most popular destinations for our guests. We have launched a special 12-day voyage to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord and the historic battles of Normandy with the new Paris & D-Day 80th Anniversary voyage from London to Paris with departure dates running from March through November 2024. There was so much interest in this itinerary that we have extended it into 2025 as the London, Paris & D-Day voyage—and we will add an additional Viking Longship on the Seine in 2025 to meet the demand.”What’s New: Marnell points to the addition of Viking Vela in late 2024 to the line’s ocean fleet, noting that “unlike the large lines, most of our ocean itineraries focus on Europe, with the Mediterranean, Scandinavia and Northern Europe continuing to be favorite regions among Viking travelers.” Additionally, in 2025 Viking Sobek will join the company’s growing fleet as its sixth ship sailing the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary on the Nile River. Contact InformationAmaWaterways: amawaterways.comAmerican Cruise Lines: americancruiselines.com/travel-advisor-programAtlas Ocean Voyages: atlasoceanvoyages.com/contact-travel-advisorDisney Cruise Line: disneycruise.disney.go.comRiviera River Cruises: rivierarivercruises.com/agencyRoyal Caribbean International: secure.cruisingpower.com/SecureLogin.do
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours: scenicusa.com/agent-portalViking Cruises: myvikingjourney.com/agent/welcome

DISNEY CRUISE LINE COVERDISNEY CRUISE LINE IFCCOVERSANDALS SPREADTable of ContentsPALLADIUM BRAND ADPALLADIUM BRAND SPREAD ADEditor's NotesTURKISH AIRLINESAdvisor Speak: Carrie Wallace Wants to Be Your ‘FamGuru’WEBINAR HOUSE AD2023 Readers' Choice Awards WinnersAMAWATERWAYS SCAMAWATERWAYSDELTA VACATIONS SCDELTA VACATIONSDISNEY CRUISE LINE SCDISNEY CRUISE LINEGLOBUS SCGLOBUSHYATT INCLUSIVE COLLECTION SCHYATT INCLUSIVE COLLECTIONMGM RESORTS SCMGM RESORTSPRINCESS CRUISES SCPRINCESS CRUISESREGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES SCREGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISESROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL SCRCISCENIC LUXURY CRUISES & TOURS SCSCENIC LUXURY CRUISES & TOURSSANDALS SCSANDALSVIRGIN VOYAGES SCVIRGINA VOYAGESCUNARD SCALASKA RAILROAD SC/ADTURKISH AIRLINES SCGlobal: Outdoor Adventures & Wellness—What’s Trending for 2024PALLADIUM CAP CANA ADPALLADIUM BLESS HOTELOnsite Review: Sexy Getaway at TRS Cap Cana Waterfront & Marina HotelCaribbean Tourism UpdatePALLADIUM D.R. ADOnsite Review: Turks & Caicos—Barefoot LuxuryOnsite Review: Saint Lucia—Made for Enriching the SoulMexico: What’s New—Renovations, Grand Openings & New ExperiencesCruise Lines Step Into 2024 With Even More Booking OpportunitiesOnboard Review: Oceania Vista—A New Chapter for Oceania CruisesOnboard Review: Explora I—Ultra-luxe & Relaxed at SeaRECOMMEND EDU HOUSE ADCUNARD