 |
| AMA Waterways is adding two new ships next year. Shown here is its AMADagio vessel. |
AMA Waterways has two new luxury ships and four new itineraries in 2013. The 164-passenger AmaPrima will charter European sailings in April 2013, while the 108-passenger AmaVida debuts sailing Portugal’s Douro river valley. AmaVida sails this river as part of AMA Waterways’ new 10-night Enticing Douro itinerary. The second new itinerary in Portugal is the 13-night Port Wine & Flamenco voyage, which travels to Lisbon. Other new itineraries include the seven-night Paris & Normandy, and the Jewels of France itinerary, which sails the Rhone and Seine rivers.
Silversea Cruises named Ellen Bettridge president of the Americas. Bettridge will head the company’s Fort Lauderdale office. She was previously vice president of the American Express U.S. Retail Travel Network, where she worked for over 20 years as a travel counselor, account development executive, field performance manager for the eastern region in corporate services and director of account development in corporate services.
Crystal Cruises is providing guests with high-class treatment on and off their ships with its new Crystal VIP Airport Service, which provides a limousine or town car transfer between the guest’s home, the airport and the ship. Crystal also prepares a greeting upon the guest’s arrival at the airport, a luggage porter service, and flight tracking and handling that includes assistance with delayed or cancelled flights. The service also gives guests access to restricted airport lounges and preferred boarding privileges.
Viking River Cruises is doubling its number of Viking Longships with the commissioning of six ships for 2013. The new ships will feature two 445-square-foot Explorer Suites, which come with a private veranda. The new Longships are the quietest yet, featuring energy-efficient hybrid engines that reduce vibrations in the water. Other sustainability upgrades include solar panels and an organic herb garden onboard.
Seabourn launched its 2012 European Suite Sale, offering savings of up to 50 percent and complimentary veranda upgrades on Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages. Travelers can earn up to $1,000 in air credits per suite aboard select sailings of Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Legend.
Regent Seven Seas Cruise is kicking off its 20th anniversary season with the debut of Sette Mari at La Veranda. Translated from the Italian “Seven Seas,” the new restaurant will offer a casual dining experience with a menu of antipasti and Italian items paired with Italian wines. Al fresco dining is also available.
Sette Mari debuts on Seven Seas Navigator on May 30, followed by Seven Seas Voyager on July 2 and Seven Seas Mariner on July 13. Sette Mari is open for dinner only; reservations are not required.