Carnival and MSC Offer Agent Promotions

Carnival Offers Lower Group Rates
Carnival Cruise Lines is offering lower group rates throughout August for most sailings from Dec. 1, 2013, to May 31, 2014. It’s also offering agents one free berth for every 10 full-fare guests booked during August, instead of the usual 15. In response to agent’s criticism during Carnival Conversation events, the line’s group department will now be open weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST to accommodate agents.

MSC Announces Agent Promotion
Until Aug. 9, agents will receive a complimentary interior stateroom for selling three staterooms on select fall and spring MSC Divina sailings and a free balcony stateroom for selling a minimum of five staterooms. Bookings can be made on one or multiple sailing dates departing Nov. 23, Dec. 10, Dec. 21, Jan. 12, Jan. 18 and Jan. 25. Agents should contact salesservice@msccruisesusa.com with qualifying booking numbers, a copy of IATA or CLIA verification and contact information to redeem by no later than August 30, 2013.

Cunard Details Australian Land Stay Cruises
Cruises can now combine World Voyage Segments across different vessels—the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth or Queen Victoria—to explore a wider variety of destinations across Australia. Excursions begin in Sydney and continue on across the Blue Mountains and the Outback and then on to Cairns, Queensland.

Windstar Heads to Monaco Grand Prix
A new VIP experience is being offered by Windstar Cruises during the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix in May 2014. Guests can sail on a Grand Prix-themed cruise on the Star Pride or embark on a Grand Prix excursion package on the Wind Surf. The Grand Prix-themed cruise will be hosted by John Bisignano, a former Formula One pit reporter.

Victoria Anna Returns to Service
The Victoria Anna has returned to service on the Yangtze River following an extensive overhaul of its interior and a redesign of its common areas and suites. Victoria Cruises began the renovation earlier in the year and has now installed a Karaoke Lounge along with an expanded onboard spa.

Country Artist Joins Veterans Charity Cruise
Singer Rockie Lynne has joined Princess Cruises’ upcoming fundraising cruise to support U.S. veterans. Lynne will perform with his five-piece band on the Nov. 5 sailing of the Caribbean Princess from Houston. Other guests will include Admiral Michael Mullen, General George Casey and Vietnam War reporter Joe Galloway.

Princess Grows in China
Carnival PLC opened five new offices in China to better represent Princess Cruises in Asia and support the brand’s passenger sourcing in China. The new offices are in Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Guangzhou and Chengdu. Cherry Wang, Princess’ country director for China, will oversee the offices from Shanghai.