“We were curious about seeing what happened and to see it close up,” said Antonella Totti, who had travelled from the Tuscan town of Follonica.

However, ferry services were booked out and many tourists found themselves disappointed.

Those who did manage to reach Giglio were shocked by the sight of the half-submerged ship, which hit a rock on January 13.

Source: telegraph.co.uk/eturbonews

Image via csmonitor.com

The company was putting all its efforts into a successful conclusion of the rescue operation, it said, as pictures were beamed round the world of the huge modern cruise ship on its side off the Italian coast with helicopters circling overhead and reports of chaos aboard.

The pictures jar with the image presented by glossy brochures put out by the sector, which has continued to boom through difficult economic times by selling the dream of idyllic cruises under blue skies. The images of the half-submerged Costa Concordia could put an end to that boom and ignite a new debate on safety aboard modern ships.

The European Cruiser Association (Eucras), which represents the interests of passengers and crew, sees the disaster off the Tuscan coast as a severe blow to the industry.

The accident is so far a mystery, given the modern navigational equipment aboard the large vessel (which was only delivered in 2006), Eucras President Stefan Jaeger said. Other officials were reluctant to comment, preferring to await more detailed information on the cause, while press reports suggest human error.

At the CMT trade fair in Stuttgart, there was talk of anything else over this week. “We asked ourselves how something like this could happen, given the modern technical equipment on board today,” one visitor said.

“You start asking yourself whether you will ever take a cruise again.” Susanne and Peter Baesler have already made their decision. “I wanted to book a trip with AIDA (another cruise company) in September. This accident is simply incredible. And if it happens to them, it could also happen to AIDA,” Susanne said.

But Andrea Eberle took a more sanguine view of things. “We’ve booked our trip for June and we’re going. Of course, you get goose pimples when you see that, but I think to myself: planes fall out of the sky and something could happen in a car any day.”

Torsten Schaefer, press spokesman for the DRV German travel association does not believe the sector will suffer long-term negative effects resulting from the disaster. Cruise ships are among the safest ways to travel, he says.

“Bad as this accident is, it just shows once again that we live in a world where anything can happen at any time.”

Growth in the cruise shipping sector has been on a steep upward path for years, with annual rates of increase of around 20 per cent. Where once the relatively high prices for years made cruises a niche market for the well off, the sector has long since drawn mass-market tourists.

The cruises on offer have expanded dramatically over recent years, offering relatively inexpensive holidays on so-called “club ships” to travellers on a budget, alongside the expensive luxury cruises.

An increasing number of young people are taking advantage of this.

In Germany, where cruises are increasingly popular, 1.2 million passengers booked a berth over the course of 2010, according to DRV figures, and the sector has turned into a market worth billions of dollars.

AIDA and Hapag-Lloyd, two major cruise companies achieved turnover of more than $2.5 billion in 2010, and sector experts are predicting even better times ahead.

“The German market is still very undeveloped,” Schaefer says, comparing it with the US and UK, where cruises have long been popular among public, with considerably higher percentages of the population going on a cruise at some point.

Source: omanobserver.om

The stricken Costa Concordia / Image via REX

Tragically, there are reports of some deaths and injuries. This is a terrible tragedy and we are deeply saddened. Carnival Corporation & plc offers our sympathies and heartfelt condolences to all of the Costa Concordia guests, crew members and their families. Carnival Corporation & plc and Costa Cruises are committing our full resources to provide assistance and ensure that all guests and crew are looked after.

We want to express our deep gratitude to the Italian Coast Guard and local authorities and community members who have gone to extraordinary lengths to assist in the evacuation of the ship and provide support for our guests and crew.

We are working to fully understand the cause of what occurred. The safety of our guests and crew members remains the number one priority of Carnival Corporation & plc and all of our cruise lines.

Costa Concordia was sailing on a Mediterranean cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome) with scheduled calls at Savona, Italy; Marseille, France; Barcelona, Spain; Palma de Mallorca; Cagliari and Palermo, Italy.

Friends and family members may use the following country-specific contact numbers to reach Costa Cruises:

Italy

848505050

U.S.

800-462-6782

Austria

00438109006565

Germany

+4940570121314

France

+33155475554

Spain

+34934875685

Portugal

+34914185951

UK

08453510552

Image via businessinsider.com

Smoking is Being Stubbed Out: New policies to cut back smoking onboard cruise ships go into effect in January on several lines. Based on feedback from the Cruise Critic community, whose members are becoming increasingly upset by smoke-filled vessels, lines are clearly responding to pressure from their customers. It’s good news if you don’t smoke, great news if you want to quit, but bad news for ardent smokers.

Cruising’s Worst Moment, Celebrated: The 100th anniversary of the Titanic tragedy will be observed in April 2012, and memorial cruises on Fred. Olsen’s Balmoral and Azamara Journey will mark the occasion. Although most agree that it’s an event that should be remembered, debate continues as to whether events commemorating the sinking of the “unsinkable” are in good taste or not.

Ship Launches Come With a Sense of Deja Vu: For the most part, cruise lines launching new ships in 2012 will not be offering anything entirely new. All the large new ships coming out in 2012 are siblings to existing vessels with some design tweaks, including those from Disney, Oceania, Costa, AIDA, MSC Cruises, Carnival and Celebrity.

Refurbs, Not New-builds: The pace of cruise-ship orders has slowed, but cruise lines continue to pour millions into upgrading older ships in lieu of building new ones. To see which ships will get a facelift in 2012, check out Cruise Critic’s Refurbishment Chart (http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=521).

Steady Stream of River Ships: In contrast to their oceangoing counterparts, the river cruise lines continue to float out new ships, and Viking, which will launch six new-builds in 2012, is leading the way. River vessels have long been spartan and basic, but the more astute cruise lines — especially Uniworld — are redefining the concept so ships are as much a part of the experience as the ports.

Tighter Quarters: With refurbishments and new-builds alike, cruise lines are adding extra cabins — and either taking space away from public areas or not expanding them to meet the extra capacity. This puts a lot of pressure on public facilities and dining venues, in particular.

Revival of U.S. River Cruising: The Mississippi gets two new ships in 2012. The first, the Great American Steamboat Company’s American Queen, will commence regular sailings in April, following extensive refurbishment. In August, American Cruise Lines will unveil Queen of the Mississippi, the first completely new ship built for the Mississippi in 15 years.

Destinations to Watch: They include Australia, Libya, North Africa and Banana Coast.

Australia is a boom continent, both in terms of cruisers from the region and visitors to the country — prompting the cruise lines to respond by increasing capacity and improving itineraries. Adventurous cruisers should keep an eye out for itineraries that include Libya and North Africa. If stability returns to these regions, the lines will start talking about restoring visits. For those who prefer their sun and sand made-to-measure, Banana Coast in Honduras is the place to watch; this manmade port is scheduled to open in late 2012.

Homeports Heating Up: Check out Galveston and New Orleans.

Commencing in September 2012, Disney Magic will sail the Caribbean from Galveston, positioning Disney as a drive-to option for millions of Gulf Coast and Texas cruisers. Some 370 miles east, New Orleans is also celebrating a new lease on life, with the first full complement of cruise ships sailing from the port since Hurricane Katrina.

From now until Jan. 18, 2012, fans who “like” the line’s Facebook page can submit their favorite Holland America Line highlight and upload an optional photo to go with their written entry. Then, from Jan. 19-Feb. 2, entrants are encouraged to share their highlight and ask friends and family to vote. The 10 entries that receive the most votes will be announced Feb. 3 and become finalists to win the Europe cruise prize.

“We continually hear from our guests about their once-in-a-lifetime experiences onboard, and we want to bring these memorable stories together and share them,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “Our Facebook community allows us to connect and interact with our fans on a more personal level and this is an ideal way to feature their cruising highlights.”

Once the 10 finalists are determined, a panel of judges composed of Holland America Line executives and shipboard officers, including Vice President of Marine Hotel Johan Groothuizen, Director of Mariner Society Gerald Bernhoft, Captain Albert Schoonderbeek and Hotel Manager Marco van Belleghem — as well as well-known travel journalist and Editor-in-Chief of ExpertCruiser.com Anita Dunham-Potter — will select the winner. The winning highlight will be announced Feb. 15, 2012.

The contest is open to legal residents 18 years or older of the United States, D.C., Canada (excluding Quebec), the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany and Australia.

Los Angeles Times Travel & Adventure Show – Jan. 14-15

AdventureSmith Explorations Booth Number: 1148

First up is Southern California‚s largest travel show at the Long Beach Convention Center, 300 East Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA. The show is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Please see www.adventureexpo.com/losangeles.

Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show – Feb. 18-19

AdventureSmith Explorations Booth Number: 1009

The company then moves north to the San Francisco Bay Area to exhibit at Northern California‚s leading vacation show held at the Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great American Pkwy., Santa Clara, CA. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

See: http://www.adventureexpo.com/Default.aspx?id=d35b9d5d-461c-4323-9b7a-0efdc904fe51

Complimentary Tickets

Prior to each event, visitors are encouraged to sign up to attend by accessing AdventureSmith Explorations‚ Facebook Page to receive complimentary tickets to either show. Then at the show registrants will receive an AdventureSmith Explorations organic cotton baseball hat as a show of appreciation. For the LA Travel & Adventure Show go to: http://www.facebook.com/events/306773146018879/. For the Bay Area Travel & Adventure Show go to: http://www.facebook.com/events/295121763872844/.

Show Promotions and Specials

Here are some show specials and giveaways available at the AdventureSmith Explorations‚ booth:

< Sign up for AdventureSmith‚s e-newsletter at the show and be entered to win a $500 future trip credit (one credit will be awarded each day of the show).

< Save 20% plus free binoculars aboard the March 20-29, 2012 Antarctic Voyage aboard the MV Plancius

See: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/315

< Save 10% aboard the June 26-July 3, 2012 Arctic Voyage aboard the MV Ortelius http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/292

< Save 5% on select 2012 Galapagos Cruises aboard the sister yachts Eric, Letty, Flamingo http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/425

< Second person is half price on Great Barrier Reef cruises from Apr. 1, 2012 through Mar 21, 2013. See: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/324

< Save 15% on Australia Kimberly Cruises during select „Waterfall Season‰ departures in April 2012. See: http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/337

About AdventureSmith Explorations

AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. Company founder Todd Smith helped pioneer the concept of wilderness cruising that combines the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking, hiking and exploring remote wilderness areas ashore. The company matches guests with the top names in small ship cruising as well with intimate, boutique ships that may not make the radar of most travelers.

In moving through exotic natural environments and exploring vibrant native cultures seldom associated with more mainstream cruise itineraries, AdventureSmith Explorations dedicates its efforts to small footprint, sustainable travel and has launched a carbon free cruising initiative. Its off-the-beaten-path destinations include Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica, Belize, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Hawaii, Peru, the Arctic, Antarctica, and Australia.

The company was named by National Geographic Adventure as one of „The Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth‰ and is the recipient of Conde Nast Traveler‚s prestigious „World Savers Award.‰

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, California along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or 530-583-1775. Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com or visit:

www.AdventureSmithExplorations.com

“Floriade 2012 is one of the most colourful and entertaining festivals worldwide and we wanted to give our cruise passengers the opportunity to visit this festival which happens only every ten years,” said Patrick Tsung, president of GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel and Tours. “We will even cover the admission fees for your visit to Floriade 2012 to make it easier to attend,” added Tsung.

GLP is offering free admission on many of its AMA Waterways European river cruise program including the following cruises: (Note – some cruise dates go beyond Floriade 2012’s dates.)

Tulip Time Cruise – 9-day cruise through Holland & Belgium . Departure dates of March 27 to April 28, 2012. Cruise only price starts from $2,199.00 CAD per person based on double occupancy.

The Enchanting Rhine – 13 days with 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Basel, with 2 nights in Lucerne and 2 nights in Zurich. Departure dates of March 28 to November 21, 2012. Cruise only price starts from $2,199.00 CAD per person based on double occupancy.

Magnificent Europe – 16-day grand cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest through the Heart of Europe and crossing the Continental Divide. Departure dates of April 25 to December 25, 2012. Cruise only price starts from $4,799.00 CAD per person based on double occupancy.

Vineyards of The Rhine & Mosel – 12 days with 7-night cruise from Amsterdam to Luxembourg, then 3 nights in Paris. Departure dates of March 31 to September 19, 2012. Cruise only prices starts from $2,299.00 CAD per person based on double occupancy.

The cruises are all aboard AMA Waterways fleet of luxurious and elegant ships. Please contact GLP Worldwide for full details on cruise and land prices as well as cruise, land and air prices and other terms and conditions. Prices exclude port charges.

Floriade 2012 will feature more than 100 exhibitors from many countries. The park in Venlo will comprise of five colourful worlds and themes – Relax and Heal, Green Engine, Education & Innovation, Environment and World Stage Show and be connected by wooded areas in the 66 hectare park. There will be more than 900 featured acts from around the world filled with music, dance, theatre, literature and graphic art.

AMA Waterways leads the cruise industry with its fleet of eight luxuriously appointed vessels all designed with passenger comfort in mind. There are two new ships that have joined the fleet, the MS AmaBella and the MS AmaVerde – two 162 passenger vessels with the most modern and innovative facilities available today.

The 32 -page brochure AMA Waterways brochure is available and provides information on Included Features, Daily program elements, cabin categories, ship sailing dates and prices (in Canadian dollars), photos of the scenery and attractions, AMA Waterways’ premium experience features, and photos and complete description of the six vessels. The 2011 and 2012 AMA Waterways brochure is online as well at www.glpworldwide.com. It can be downloaded from the website.

Enjoy AMA’s premium experience which includes the following features: ships accommodate a maximum of 150 passengers (excluding the MS Amakatarina which has 212) ; spectacular 360 degree riverside views; small group shore excursions; complimentary High-Speed internet and Wi-Fi; flat panel TV’s with comprehensive entertainment options; staterooms with French balconies, gourmet dining and nightly entertainment; hair and beauty salon and massage therapist; complimentary bicycles; elegant public areas, and professional and friendly staff.

For further information please contact GLP Worldwide at tel: (905) 258-7778 or toll-free at (866) 760-1987; fax: (905) 258-7779; email: info@europeanwaterways.ca; www.europeanwaterways.ca. For a complete listing of cruises and land tours GLP Worldwide Expedition offers go to www.glpworldwide.com

Photo – Greeted by walrus, photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins/Lindblad Expeditions

In stark contrast to the 1596 official discovery by Willem Barents of the Svalbard Archipelago, Franz Josef Land lay in wait for discovery for almost three more centuries. While there may have been some Norwegian hunters to the islands slightly earlier, the official discovery of Franz Josef Land on August 30, 1873 is credited to the Austro-Hungarian expedition of Julius Payer and Carl Weyprecht on the Admiral Tegetthoff. During the expedition the ship was finally locked in the ice, abandoned, and the crew was forced to drag their boats over the frozen sea to open water and eventually to rescue by Russian ships at Novaya Zemlya.

For the next half century Franz Josef Land was the site of many pioneering expeditions both to explore the area and as a launching place to try and reach the North Pole. Expeditions from Austria, Holland, Great Britain, USA, Italy, Russia, and Norway all came to this remote island archipelago, many of them utilizing the very landing at Cape Flora on Northbrook Island that Lindblad Expeditions used today.

On April 15, 1926 Russia issued a decree claiming all lands north of the Russian mainland to the North Pole to be Soviet territory. By the early 1930’s Franz Josef Land was shut off from most of the outside world and, other than a brief occupation by a German weather station during World War II, the entire archipelago has been shrouded in obscurity throughout the Cold War.

Starting in 1990, The Norwegian Polar Institute joined with Russian researchers in several joint summer projects in Franz Josef Land. Russian authorities began to open up access to more foreign scientists and eventually historians and other visitors were allowed access to this seldom-visited area.

www.expeditions.com

Each tour gives an overview of a culture within a culture, while also providing intimate connection with spaces, exhibits, artifacts, traditions, and people that bring the international Jewish narrative to life. Among the highlights:

• St. Petersburg: Discover how this resilient Russian Jewish community survived Communist oppression, war, and hardship to flourish today, as demonstrated through its people, community centers, music, and an intimate home visit.

• Mumbai: Visit three synagogues, ranging from Baghdadi to Bene-Israel congregations.

• Copenhagen: Learn how 99% of Denmark’s Jews survived the Holocaust, at the Museum of Danish Resistance.

• Dublin: Take in the social, legal, and political contributions of the Irish-Jewish community; see the first dedicated day school and home of Israeli ex-President Chaim Herzog.

• German Concentration Camps: Explore Neungamme, which housed 100,000 prisoners outside Hamburg, and Berlin’s Sachsenhausen, which became the blueprint for all other camps.

• Rome: Walk through the 2000+ year-old Jewish Quarter of Rome.

While most 2012 excursions are still in development, Crystal is planning a Jewish heritage tour of Shanghai for its 2012 World Cruise.

“These experiences offer meaningful opportunity for education, understanding, and reflection, for Jews and non-Jews alike,” says Vice President, Land and Port Operations John Stoll.

Crystal Cruises’ passion for creating unique and impactful luxury shore-side experiences are cornerstones of its Crystal Adventures program, and have earned top line ratings from international travelers for two decades.

image via breakingtravelnews.com

“Agent’s time to train and learn about destinations and products is very limited so this training program was designed for agents to be taught the most relevant information quickly and efficiently, “said Patrick Tsung, president of GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel & Tours.

No matter what the level of knowledge the agent has of the cruise product they will find the training modules user friendly and easy to complete without spending a lot of time. The training modules will be broken down in five simple sections:

Why Cruise

The Fred. Olsen Difference

The Fred. Olsen Fleet

Life on Board and Ashore

Fred. Olsen Facts

Each module will have 10 multiple choice questions and upon successful completion of the modules the agent will receive an e-certificate as proof of their achievement. For further details agents can go to: http://www.onlinetraveltraining.co.uk/fred-olsen-training.aspx

Fred. Olsen Ship Agent Visit Training Program –

Agents can also increase their product knowledge another way – by actually visiting one of the ships that is part of the fleet of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines. This agent ship visiting programme offers agents to learn about the product along with an escorted tour of the ship. Ideal for those just new to the product or agents who want to increase their knowledge and obtain selling tips.

Dates for this fall that are open for agents to experience the ship:

October 4, 2011 – Black Watch ship – Dover, England

November 10, 2011 – Balmoral ship – Southampton, England

December 8, 2011 – Balmoral ship – Southampton, England

Timetable/Format:

9:30 am – Arrive at terminal and check-in with Fred. Olsen sales team

9:45 am – Embark for welcome refreshments and introduction

10:30 am – Begin ship visit

12:30 pm – Buffet Lunch

1:15 pm – Recap and Quiz

2:00pm-2:30pm – Disembark

Canadian agents interested in participating in the ship visit can request an application form from GLP Worldwide by email at: focruises@glpworldwide.com. Space is limited so please apply and return the form as soon as possible.

Fred. Olsen Cruises are ideal for those mature clients who want a more personalized cruise experience with its ships large enough (818 to 1350 passenger capacity ships) that you feel you have plenty of room but not feel like you are in a labyrinth and can never find your way. Its fleet offer all the modern conveniences but without all the hassle of a large vessel – and it can access points in the heart of city that much larger ships cannot.

Agents can obtain copies of the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines 2011 printed brochure by contacting Hippo Express or if they need a larger quantity by contacting GLP Worldwide. Pricing is in Canadian dollars. The 2012 e-brochure for Fred. Olsen Cruises Lines is now online at www.glpworldwide.com – please inquire for Canadian dollar pricing.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines contact GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel and Tours at (905) 258-7778; Toll Free: (866) 760-1987, Fax: (905) 258-7779 or E-mail: requests@cruisefredolsen.ca.

GLP Worldwide represents the following cruise and land products: AMA Waterways, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines , Go Barging, Hurtigruten, Imperial Waterways, Luftner Cruises, Variety Cruises, Klein Tours, Aqua Expeditions and MV Indochine as well as organize other China, Orient and South American packages and tours.

GLP Worldwide Expedition Travel and Tours, Canada’s leader in niche cruise products, makes available to retail travel agencies a variety of Canadian dollar priced brochures at Hippo Express. Please visit www.hippoexpress.ca to order. For large quantities please contact us directly via telephone toll-free at (866) 760-1987, visit our website at www.glpworldwide.com or email us at sales@glpworldwide.com