Carnival Opens Reservations for Carnival Panorama

Posted on 22 March, 2018 by Spacejunkie2

Carnival Cruise Line today began accepting reservations for the 133,500-ton Carnival Panorama, which kicks off its year-round seven-day Mexican Riviera schedule from Long Beach, Calif., Dec. 14, 2019, according to a press release.

The ship will also offer a special one-time three-day cruise to Ensenada from Long Beach Dec. 11-14, 2019.

Following that, the ship will sail a week-long cruise program departing on Saturdays from Long Beach with three port calls: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.

“Carnival Panorama promises to be a spectacular addition to our fleet and we’re delighted to provide our guests with an opportunity to be among the first to sail on our first new ship on the West Coast in two decades,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Curacao Traffic Boosted by New Pier

Posted on 21 March, 2018 by Spacejunkie2

Traffic is skyrocketing in Curacao as the 2018 calendar year is set to see a 16 percent increase in passenger arrivals boosted by a second mega pier, which opened to ships in late 2017. Additional mooring dolphins added early this year allow for even bigger ships to dock, according to Raul Manotas, COO of Curacao Ports.

“With our new mega pier completed, we expect to see a continuation of the growing trend of the last decade. Our objective is to reach the million passenger mark,” Manotas told Cruise Industry News.

Summer traffic this year includes 63 calls and accounts for about 23 percent of passenger arrivals.

“The second mega pier was essential in driving additional growth opportunities in the industry,” continued Manotas. “Our primary objective is to further brand the destination and establish strategic partnerships that can promote the destination. Curacao offers a unique blend of culture, history, gastronomy and entertainment that we will capitalize on.”

Interporting is done primarily by niche and luxury lines, Manotas said. “The objective is to further promote this among the smaller lines,” he added.

Carnival Launches Upgrade Program for Agents

Posted on 15 March, 2018 by Spacejunkie2

Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Victory — PHOTO: Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Victory. (photo courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

Agents can offer specially priced cabin upgrades to booked clients, thanks to Carnival Cruise Line’s “Be the Hero” program. Agents can opt into the program on the agent portal GoCCL.com through April 4, 2018.

Agents with eligible bookings who have registered for the program will receive offers on a weekly basis starting April 11, 2018. All confirmed and paid upgrades are fully commissionable.

“We know how much our guests value the experience of booking with travel agents and this upgrade opportunity provides an additional way for agents to deliver enhanced sales and service to their clients,” said Adolfo Perez, Carnival’s senior vice president of sales and trade marketing.

“Our research shows that guests who sail in upgraded accommodations have a greater tendency to continue booking at that level moving forward, making this an ongoing upsell opportunity for our travel partners.”

The new “Be the Hero” initiative features upgrades within the booked category, from an interior to an ocean-view or balcony, and an ocean-view or balcony to a suite. Upgrades are based on availability and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Upgrades can be accessed on the “upgrade your client” link in the “manage booking” section of GoCCL.com. Agents may also send their clients the available upgrade offers directly, with ready-to-use templates. Payment is due at the time of redemption and agents will receive a report with completed upgrades, including their enhanced commission, the following day.

The “Be the Hero” program is the line’s latest addition to #thelist, which includes new travel agent initiatives as part of its “Travel Agents Rock” program.