Crystal Reports Advance Bookings Boost

Crystal Cruises reported a 38% bump in advance bookings compared to last year, bringing in increased revenue of $96 million. Exclusive Book-Now fares are available until April 30.

Crystal is also offering a private Sunday mass at the Our Lady of Aparecida Chapel in Rio de Janeiro in an excursion limited to 15 guests. The excursion, priced at $145 per guest, is available on Crystal’s Exotic Amazon voyage starting March 10. Fares start at $9,415 per guest for the 21-day journey if booked by Feb. 28.

Seabourn Sells Three To Windstar
Seabourn Cruise Line has sold its original three vessels to Xanterra Parks & Resorts, the owner of Windstar Cruises. The Seabourn Pride will be transferred in April 2014, once its published schedule ends, while the Seabourn Spirit with be transferred to Windstar in April 2015. Finally, the Seabourn Legend will become a Windstar vessel in May 2015.

Expect Seabourn to further expand its line with a new ship modeled after its newer Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest vessels.

“Seabourn is already in discussion with shipbuilders and an order is likely to be announced within the current fiscal year,” said Richard Meadows, Seabourn president. “The new ship will allow Seabourn to maintain much of its current guest capacity.”

American Queen Plays Ball This Summer
Two Baseball Legend journeys will be offered this summer by The American Queen Steamboat Company, connecting the cities of St. Louis, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. Onboard speakers include Ron Blomberg, baseball’s first designated hitter dubbed “the Jewish Mickey Mantle,” and Art Shamky, who hit four homeruns in consecutive at-bats for the Cincinnati Reds.

The St. Louis to Cincinnati itinerary departs July 19 and ends July 27, while the Cincinnati to Pittsburgh journey departs July 26 and concludes August 1. Both are priced from $1,820 per guest, double occupancy, and include a one-night pre-voyage hotel stay.

Regent Unveils Summer 2014 Collection
More than 60 itineraries are included in Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ summer 2014 collection, with 17 new ports of call and 23 extended voyages from 19-44 nights. All sailings include free roundtrip business class air for penthouse suites and higher on European voyages, two-for-one fares and a bonus saving of up to $15,000 per suite.

The Seven Seas Voyager will begin the season in Northern Europe and make its way to Russia. The Seven Seas Mariner will traverse the Mediterranean coastline from April to November. The Seven Seas Navigator will spend May to August in Alaska, then journey between Vancouver and San Francisco.

60+ New Itineraries From Oceania
The 2014 summer collection from Oceania Cruises is comprised of 90 voyages, 10 new ports of call and the return of the vessel Insignia. All summer voyages offer two-for-one cruise fares and free airfare with bonus savings of up to $3,500 per stateroom when booked before August 31, 2013. Bookings made by May 31, 2013, come with free pre-paid gratuities.

Oceania’s newest ship, Riviera, will spend the entire summer in the Mediterranean. The Marina will spend the first half of the season in Scandinavia, Russia and the British Isles before heading to the Mediterranean. The Nautica will sail the Western Mediterranean, followed by Scandinavia. The Insignia, returning after a two-year charter, will cruise through the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Portugal, Spain and France.

Victoria Sets Discounts on Yangtze Cruises
Victoria Cruises is offering a 40% discount on private balcony accommodations on board the Victoria Anna for 2013 departures paid in full by March 31. Guests can receive 40% off shore excursions, as well.

Victoria’s Three Gorges Highlights itinerary begins at $880 per person, double occupancy, for private balcony staterooms, or $528 with the discount. The Grand Yangtze Discovery program is priced from $1,610 per person, double occupancy, for a private balcony stateroom, or $966 after the discount.

Deadline for Carnival Sweepstakes Approaching
A travel agent sweepstakes promoting Carnival’s upcoming 2013 European voyages of the Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Legend will end March 8.  For every online booking made for a voyage on either ship, agents may enter into a drawing to win a seven-day Carnival cruise for two of their choice, $100 gift cards or 10,000 Travel Agent Rewards Program bonus points.