Virgin Voyages Introduces Golden Ink Awards For Agents

Virgin Voyages has confirmed its first-ever First Mate Spectacular Soire and Golden Ink Awards, in a get-together cruise for its travel agents, according to a press release.

The cruise line will invite the top 100 North American “First Mates” with the most bookings between November 1, 2021, and October 31, 2022, to come aboard for a complimentary cruise in January, according to Virgin Voyages.

“Our First Mates have always been in our corner, so we wanted to find a way to celebrate their commitment to this incredible brand. The Golden Ink Awards are one of the only advisor-focused awards in the cruising industry. It’s so important that we take the time to show First Mates our appreciation and to treat them to the same incredible experience that their clients have loved,” said John Diorio, vice president of North American sales, Virgin Voyages.

The four-night cruise aboard the Valiant Lady will depart from Miami on January 4, 2023, and will take guests to Key West and Bimini, as well as a stop at Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club. Each First Mate participant will be invited to bring a guest to share the experience on a sea terrace cabin and will receive $200 in onboard credit. There will also be representatives from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) onboard.

The First Mate Spectacular Soiree will also include a cocktail party, exclusive cabin drops, educational opportunities, and the first-ever Golden Ink Awards, which will recognize the top agents in a variety of categories, ranging from sales manager-nominated categories to best creative marketing.

With a deadline of October 31, 2022, the company has not yet finalized its top 100 list, so agents still have time to book their clients and earn a spot on the coveted list. First Mates can increase bookings by reminding clients of any remaining Future Voyage Credits, booking reservations of 10 or more cabins, taking advantage of the line’s new Match and Sea More project, and using Virgin Voyages’ LetsGoBook platform.

Next Princess Ship Set to Be Named Sun Princess, Debut Spring 2024

Princess Cruises today revealed the new Sun Princess, which will debut in early 2024.

“Sun Princess is a new and bespoke ship platform, designed to simultaneously embrace Princess heritage while boldly pressing into the future with iconic, elegant and pure lines unique to our brand,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “A show-stopping, first-of-its-kind Dome on the top deck and suspended glass Piazza in the centre of Sun Princess offer innovative designs showcasing expansive ocean views for incredible opportunities to connect with the sea.”

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard and scheduled to debut in early 2024, the 175,500-ton vessel is the largest Princess ship ever constructed and embraces Italian heritage by featuring a next-level, brand-iconic Piazza and The Dome, a cutting-edge entertainment space inspired by the terraces of Santorini. Sun Princess will also feature the exclusive Princess Medallion, the company said.

The 4,300-guest ship will feature innovative entertainment venues, multi-story dining rooms and next-level stateroom accommodations while remaining true to the smooth clean lines and design aesthetics inspired by the Seawitch icon and popularized in the original “Love Boat” TV series and returning to the venerable “Sun Princess” name back into operation.

The cruise line also announced that Sun Princess will sail an inaugural spring/summer season of Mediterranean cruises followed by Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages out of Port Everglades, Florida in the fall of 2024.

According to Princess, infused with light, the ship connects guests with dynamic views of the world and innovative experiences, from service to food to entertainment. The line’s Piazza spans three stories, forming an iconic architectural feature offering guests an outward-looking suspended space with comfortable seating and areas to enjoy the ocean views in every direction. An impressive LED screen is also showcased in the centre of the Piazza that can be moved and configured to deliver live entertainment programming. Adjacent to the Piazza Atrium will be a new coffee shop, Coffee Currents, Bellini’s Cocktail Bar, along with Princess favourites like Crooners Bar and Alfredo’s Pizzeria.

The other stand-out structure onboard Sun Princess is The Dome. Inspired by the terraces of Santorini, it is a multi-level covered deck and first-of-its-kind true glass-enclosed dome ever constructed on a cruise ship. During the day, the Dome features an indoor/outdoor pool, and unique water feature, in a comfortable and relaxed space. At night, the pool becomes a stage, and the Dome completely transforms into an entertainment venue with a South Beach vibe, state-of-the-art lighting effects and the ability to deliver aerial performances.

The company said that with 2,157 total staterooms, including 50 suites and 100 connecting rooms, the 21-deck Sun Princess features more outdoor balcony space and all-balcony accommodations feature an in-room sofa.

Also launching exclusively on Sun Princess will be a new level of suite accommodations, the Signature Collection. In addition to premium stateroom amenities, Signature Collection suites include access to the Signature Restaurant, Signature Lounge, and Signature Sun Deck, a private area of the Sanctuary.

With Sun Princess, Club Class accommodations onboard this ship, and all Princess ships will now be called Reserve Collection, which is the best-located mini-suite staterooms. Within the Reserve, Collection will be Reserve Collection Cabana rooms, resort-style staterooms that offer a balcony and private cabana, and extra-large outdoor lounge space. These premium accommodations also include access to the Reserve Collection Restaurant.

Carnival Corporation cruise brands Cunard and P&O Cruises have paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II named Cunard ship QE2 in 1967 (Credit: Cunard)

Carnival Corporation cruise brands Cunard and P&O Cruises have paid tribute to Her Majesty QueenElizabeth II, who became a key figure in the history of both lines during her 70-year reign.

The Queen passed away peacefully at Balmoral on Thursday (8 September) aged 96; she became the UK’s longest-serving monarch in 2015. The tributes were led by Cunard, the line’s association with The Queen dating to 1938 when she accompanied her mother to the launch of Queen Elizabeth.

The Queen subsequently launched Caronia in 1947 and QE2 in 1967. She also named Queen Mary 2 in 2004 and Queen Elizabeth in 2010 and attended a number of events over the years onboard Cunard ships – including the line’s 150th-anniversary celebrations in 1990.

“For all of this and much more, Cunard will be forever grateful to The Queen,” said the line. “Cunard, on behalf of its employees worldwide, is deeply saddened at the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

“Cunard joins the UK and nations around the world in expressing our deep sympathy at the death of Her Majesty, and we extend sincere condolences to The Royal Family.”

Paul Ludlow, president of Cunard’s Carnival Corporation sister brand P&O Cruises, echoed its stablemate’s warm reflection on the monarch, The Queen having named two P&O ships.

“P&O Cruises and its staff both ashore and at sea express deep sadness at the news of the death of Her Majesty The Queen,” said Ludlow. “Her Majesty will forever be remembered at P&O Cruises not least for the fact that she named two of the company’s ships, Oriana and Britannia.”

Statement from Spacejunkie2 owner of this Blog.

I am 56 years old and all I have ever known is the Queen a hardworking, friendly, Mother of the United Kingdom and her Common Wealth whose name in shipping creates a luxury with the Cunard Queen Elizabeth 2, and pride with the Royal Navy Aircraft carrier, It is a sad time to say goodbye to a constant of my life but also welcomes a new era with my first ever King Charles the 3rd, God bless Queen Elizabeth and Hail the New King.