Azamara Launches Evening Events Ashore

Nighttime Events Replace Line’s 50% Excursion Discount
Azamara Club Cruises is adding a complimentary nighttime event to all itineraries beginning in the 2013 European season. The AzAmazing Evening, as the initiative is dubbed, will be included in guest tariffs. The line also added a selection of complimentary liquors that will be available on its ships.

The AzAmazing Evening program replaces Azamara’s current 50% savings on Land Discovery tour excursions. An example of the type of distinctive evening experience guests can expect is an excursion to a pair of castles in Tuscany, said Azamara president and CEO Larry Pimentel, announcing the initiative. “We have tested this without announcement. The response was fabulous, because what was included was unique,” he said.

Travel agents will benefit from increased commissions, Pimental said, “because [the event and liquor] are included, and agents are compensated based on the tariffs.” Guests with existing bookings will be notified of the date of their AzAmazing Evening shortly, to prevent conflicts. Despite incorporating a new inclusive feature, Azamara does not plan to raise fares in 2013.

American Cruise Lines: Alaska, San Juan Islands on Tap for 2013
The 100-passenger American Spirit from American Cruise Lines will continue to operate roundtrip cruises from Juneau in the summer of 2013, beginning June 1. Beginning on April 13, the ship will also operate American’s newest itinerary – the seven-night Puget Sound & San Juan Islands, departing from Seattle. American’s complimentary pre-cruise hotel stay and shore tour package will again be offered in 2013 on all Alaska cruises.

Oceania Beefs Up Loyalty Program
Oceania Cruises has introduced a new entry-level program that allows passengers to begin earning awards after accumulating just two to four credits. The cruise line is also expanding benefits for members, adding options for its current loyalty levels. A few reward options have been eliminated, including two half-day shore excursions for platinum-level travelers and one full-day shore excursion for diamond-level members.

Silversea to Renovate Silver Cloud
A stern-to-stern refurbishment of Silversea Cruises’ Silver Cloud will take place this month during a three-week dry dock at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Palermo, Italy. The interior décor of the ultra-luxury ship will be completely renovated, including public spaces and suites. Outdoor spaces will also be updated, with a new jogging track and new furniture for the pool area.

Norwegian Getaway Set to Sail Early; Bookings Open This Month
Norwegian Cruise Line will take delivery of the Norwegian Getaway in late January 2014, earlier than originally scheduled. The 4,000-passenger ship will sail a seven-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary year-round, beginning in 2014. Group block bookings open this month, on Oct. 8, while reservations for the public will open on Oct. 22.

MSC Cruises Launches Sweepstakes for Agents
To celebrate the fall 2013 arrival of MSC Divina in the Port of Miami, MSC Cruises has launched a “Diva Like No Other” promotion for agents. Agents can visit http://www.msccruisesdivina.com for a chance to win daily and weekly prizes by answering questions about the vessel. The grand prize winner will receive a seven-night Caribbean cruise for two. The contest ends Nov. 2.

Tauck Wins River Cruise Acclaim, Schedules France Family Cruise
Tauck was named “World’s Best River Cruise Line for Families” by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine for the second year in a row. Tauck also detailed its new 10-day Bon Voyage: France Family River Cruise itinerary for 2013. The journey takes guests from Paris to Lyon, then on a seven-night cruise of the Rhone. The itinerary is priced from $4,690 per person, plus air.