Travel News: Fire at Shipyard on NCL Epic & More

By
Sue Lobo
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1029
Booking a Cruise While on a Cruise
  • A fire broke out onboard Norwegian Cruise Line‘s new-build Norwegian Epic at STX Europe’s shipyard in France on Monday night.    The fire was on deck 4 below the galley, and appears to have damaged mainly wiring.   The cause of the fire is being investigated.  According to NCL, the ship is expected to be delivered on schedule next month.
  • Carnival Corporation finalized the details on 2 new ships for it’s brand, Princess Cruises.  The ship will carry 3,600 and weigh 141,000 tons.  They will be the largest ships for Princess Cruise line.  The Ruby and Emerald Princess are currently the largest in the fleet holding 3,070 passengers.  The new ships are to be delivered in 2013 and 2014.  Plans include expanded spa and adults only area, and larger public spaces. We hope they will include new dining options as well.
  • Yesterday British Airways was the first airline to announce an immediate fuel surcharge effective today for all tickets from the US and Canada for travel to Europe.  Fuel surcharges range from $180 to $250 pp, round trip.  This gave us less than 24 hours to contact our clients and notify them that they either had to pay for airline tickets in full or pay the additional fees.  Fred Olsen Cruises made a similar announcement over the weekend.  Will we hear from other airlines and cruise ships in the coming day?
  • Celebrity Cruises announced 4 new drink packages.  The packages are as follows:
    – The Classic Non-Alcoholic Package ($14.95) includes sodas, bottled and fresh-squeezed juices and water and premium coffees.
    – The Premium Non-Alcoholic Package ($18.40) comprises everything in the Classic Non-Alcoholic Package plus specialty coffee, name-brand bottled water, energy drinks, flavored water, smoothies and frozen non-alcoholic drinks.
    – The Classic Package ($44.85) has everything in the Classic Non-Alcoholic Package plus beers that cost up to $5 each, and spirits, cocktails and wines by the glass that go for up to $8 each.
    – The Premium Package ($56.35) includes all beverages in the Premium Non-Alcoholic Package plus all beers, all spirits, cocktails and wines with a value of up to $12 per glass.
    Do you think these packages are reasonably priced?
  • Based on feedback from Guests, Disney Cruise Line® has modified its holiday sailing schedule, replacing a 10-night sailing on Dec. 29, 2010, with two 5-night sailings. This provides you new opportunities to help Clients celebrate the holidays at sea with sailings departing Dec. 29, 2010, and Jan. 3, 2011.
  • Exclusive offer from Viking river cruises for clients who book through a travel agent. Clients will enjoy the value and convenience of the Silver Spirits Premium Beverage package for bookings made before May 28th, 2010.  This FREE all-inclusive beverage package; just will be added to your booking at no additional cost.  This complimentary offer is valid only on May-August 2010 embarkations of most Europe, Russia, Ukraine and China itineraries and valued up to $950 per double occupancy stateroom.  Not included for the MS Maribelle, Ms Elegant or on Egypt itineraries.  Not combinable with future cruise credit certificates.  Other restrictions may apply, please call for details.  Value of package based on length of cruise.
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Sue Lobo
Sue Lobo
https://blog.atlastravelweb.com/author/atlassue/
Sue, our esteemed Operations Manager, has been honored as a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler for 2023 and 2024. With over 25 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue brings a wealth of expertise to our company, particularly in the areas of group travel, event planning, and blogging. As a passionate traveler herself, Sue has explored more than 20 countries across three continents, including captivating destinations such as Cuba, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. Her firsthand experiences allow her to provide invaluable insights and recommendations to our clients, ensuring that their travel dreams become a reality. Sue's dedication to the travel industry extends beyond her role as Operations Manager. She has successfully coordinated over 200 travel groups, meticulously planning and executing each trip to perfection. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence have earned her a reputation as a trusted and reliable travel professional. In addition to her operational expertise, Sue is a gifted writer at heart. She leverages her writing skills to share her love of travel and provide consumers with essential industry-related news and updates. Her engaging blog posts offer a unique perspective on the world of travel, inspiring others to embark on their own adventures. When she's not planning extraordinary trips or writing captivating travel content, Sue indulges in her passion for cooking, exploring the diverse flavors and culinary traditions of the places she visits. With her unwavering enthusiasm and extensive knowledge, Sue continues to be an integral part of our team, ensuring that every traveler's experience is truly unforgettable.
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