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GowayPro loyalty program offers tiered cash rewards
Crystal Symphony to join Crystal Serenity in the Caribbean starting Aug. 5, 2021
MIAMI — Crystal Symphony will join Crystal Serenity in the Caribbean this summer with a series of 10-night ‘Luxury Caribbean Escapes’ roundtrip from St. John’s, Antigua.
The 15 sailings start Aug. 5 and run through December 2021 and include a holiday sailing on Dec. 23. Ports of call include Barbados, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Maarten and British Virgin Islands. It marks the first time a cruise ship has established a homeport on a scheduled basis in St. John’s.
The stop at Trinidad and Tobago is subject to government review with changing health and safety conditions.
Crystal also notes that as more islands in the Caribbean begin to open, the cruise line may add additional ports to the itinerary and will inform passengers and travel partners of any itinerary changes.
Reservations for the new Luxury Caribbean Escapes, with reduced capacity sailings, open on April 20.
Crystal announced in February that guests must be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to boarding any Crystal ship. This new requirement is in addition to existing, comprehensive Crystal Clean+ measures, including negative COVID-19 tests for both guests and crew, reduced capacity, social distancing, mask requirements and health screening questionnaires.
“The islands of the Caribbean are a warm welcome back to traveling the world, rich in fascinating history and the kind of natural beauty that astounds even the most seasoned travellers, and St. John’s is an ideal home port to begin luxury journeys through such a paradise,” said Jack Anderson, Crystal’s interim president and CEO.
The news comes a month after Crystal Cruises announced, on March 11, 2021 that Crystal Serenity would set sail in July 2021 with all-Bahamas itineraries. The news made Crystal the first ocean-going cruise line to offer 2021 sailings in the Americas amid the pandemic.
Crystal says Crystal Symphony’s return to sailing marks the resumption of service for 97% of Crystal’s oceangoing fleet in the summer 2021.
“Minister Charles Fernandez and his team, and the local tourism businesses throughout the islands, have been working to renew travel to the islands safely and we are thrilled to partner with them to support economic growth in the region and to deliver the kind of luxuries and hospitality Crystal guests have been craving for the past year,” said Anderson.
Charles Fernandez, Minister of Tourism and Investment for Antigua and Barbuda, said he is “delighted to welcome Crystal Symphony and her guests to Antigua and the Caribbean, as this represents an important milestone in reinvigorating tourism here, as well as deeper support of our island communities’ economies as Crystal becomes the first cruise line to homeport on a scheduled basis in St. John’s.”
Best available cruise fares start at US$2,999 with Book Now Savings of up to $1,000 per guest and As You Wish spending credits of $200 per guest. Returning guests will get double Crystal Society Savings of 5% while new to Crystal guests will save 2.5%. Travellers can book their Crystal Symphony Luxury Caribbean Escapes with a reduced deposit of 15% and have until 60 days prior to departure to make final payments. Single supplements for these voyages begin at 125%. Passengers with Future Cruise Credits and Future Cruise Payments may redeem them on these voyages.
Crystal Symphony
“It’s time for agents to earn like a pro”: GowayPro loyalty program
TORONTO — Goway says its new GowayPro Loyalty Program aims to give extra value to the tour operator’s travel agent partners.
With GowayPro’s tiered productivity levels, agents can earn cash rewards on every sale they make with the company.
Bronze-status members earn 0.25% on FIT and Groups bookings, as well as a flat $5 reward per passenger for air-only bookings.
Members can upgrade their status and earn up to 1% on all FIT and Groups bookings.
Membership status is determined by annual gross sales from the previous financial year (April 1 - March 31), so the more agents sell with Goway, the more they earn.
“I’m delighted to bring this revitalized loyalty program to the travel industry, especially at a time when our partners need our support,” says Renee Stanton-Defaria, General Manager of Sales at Goway.
“This program is solely based around receiving additional cash on every booking. It’s also tiered, so the more agents sell, the more they can earn with us. GowayPro will see agents earning more money than ever before. The program also reinforces Goway’s promise to our agent partners that we are committed to making their lives easier, not only through providing exceptional customer service, but also by rewarding them for their loyalty and partnership over the years,” says Stanton-Defaria.
She adds that GowayPro is competitive, convenient, and comprehensive, and that rewards apply to all bookings. The process is automated, so once an agent joins the program, cash rewards will be automatically added to their rewards card upon their client’s return date.
Agents can check out Goway Agent or contact a Goway Destination Specialist for more information.
With GowayPro, rewards apply to all bookings, says the company.
Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line getting ready to set sail on July 2
WEST PALM BEACH — Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line has relaunched its website and booking capability amid plans to set sail again on July 2.
Oneil Khosa, CEO of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, said the past year has been incredibly challenging for the cruise industry, and particularly difficult for BPCL as an independent, family-owned and operated boutique cruise line.
“That said, we are pleased to announce that our website is now live and accepting bookings for sailings beginning July 2, when Grand Classica will make her much-anticipated return to the Bahamas,” added Khosa in a statement.
“I am incredibly proud of our entire team for their efforts over the past year and immensely appreciative of the Sheehan family, who have worked tirelessly to chart a course for Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s future,” said Khosa.
“We have worked, collectively and in collaboration with our partners in the Bahamas, at the CDC and elsewhere, to carefully and thoughtfully prepare for our return to Grand Bahama Island.”
Khosa noted that since the initial outbreak of COVID-19 BPCL has remained one of the few cruise lines that reported no cases of the virus onboard its ships.
He says BPCL has worked to install the highest safety protocols onboard Grand Classica.
The cruise line’s website now has FAQs around the overall cruising experience, as well as an updated booking engine.
Khosa finished by saying: “We also want to thank our partners, crew, the Bahamian government, the travel advisor community and our loyal guests for their support and patience during an unprecedented year. We are ready to return to the waters and look forward to welcoming guests back onboard in July!”
Add Utah to your shortlist of spa and wellness destinations in the U.S.
This up-and-coming haven for wellness-seekers and spa aficionados has both the serene setting and the sumptuous spa resorts, with luxury lodging to fully treat yourself.
Utah’s capital, Salt Lake City, offers numerous day spas and hotel spas for the urban vacationer eager to unwind.
And for spa and wellness options that put visitors in the heart of Utah’s wonderful wide open spaces, read on…
SOUTHERN UTAH
The ‘red rock oasis’ of Southern Utah is home to some of the top-rated spa resorts in the state. A spiral labyrinth and walking trails are the perfect way to start a spa getaway at one top pick, the aptly-named Red Mountain Resort. The property’s Essential Adventure Retreats mix relaxation and self-paced adventure, and the Red Rock Hiker’s Massage is a must after a day on the trails.
In Moab, Sorrel River Ranch embraces an ethos of wilderness, privacy and serenity, with high-end accommodation to boot. After a horseback ride from the resort’s stables, clients can unwind with spa treatments, meditation sessions and yoga.
And for the ultimate in luxury, the 600-acre Amangiri boasts the 25,000-square foot Aman Spa, upscale accommodation at the southernmost edge of Utah’s red rock country. The five-star resort’s therapies are inspired by the holistic wellbeing traditions of the Navajo. Grounding rituals offer respite from plugged-in, busy lives, while yoga on
Capitol Reef Resort, Utah
Peace and Serenity in Unexpected Places: Utah’s Spa & Wellness Retreats
the rocks offers 360-degree views of stunning Navajo National Monument.
PARK CITY & HEBER VALLEY
Famous for its extensive ski and snowboard offerings, Park City is almost as well known for its aprèsski scene, and that includes spas. Remède Spa in The St. Regis Deer Valley is the premier day spa in Park City, with water-inspired amenities.
Another favourite, Spa Montage at Deer Valley, taps Utah’s own beautiful native wildflowers for its Tata Harper Floral Facial.
Everything from Bellabaci Cupping Massages to Mountain Salvation Sports Massages are at the Waldorf Astoria Spa.
And local favourite Park City Yoga Adventures offers a diverse range of yoga options for all skill levels. The forward-thinking company integrates yoga into hikes, snowshoe excursions, and aerial silks. They even offer Instagram-worthy paddle boarding yoga in Utah’s Homestead Crater.
UTAH’S ‘MIGHTY 5’ NATIONAL PARKS
Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef and Zion National Parks are Utah’s famous ‘Mighty 5’, best known for their outdoor adventure opportunities and views for days.
They’re also the perfect spot for wellness-minded retreats, even for just a day. Whether it’s yoga, horseback riding, or meditation, the Mighty 5 offer the ultimate setting for slowing down, tuning in and being present with nature.
For more information check out Visit Utah.com/things-to-do/wellness-in-utah
Silversea Moon’s Eastern Med lineup for 2021 comes as Silversea requires all guests, crew to be fully vaccinated
MONACO — Silversea has joined the growing list of cruise lines to require all guests and crew to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to boarding.
The new requirement, which is in line with the CDC’s recommendations for safe international travel, will apply to all Silversea voyages globally, with the exclusion of sailings departing from Australia, for which protocol is still under evaluation.
All crew and guests will also be required to take a COVID-19 test prior to boarding, with only those who test negative permitted to board. All guests will undergo pre-embarkation health screening, including an enhanced health questionnaire and touchless temperature check.
In addition, guests will also need to comply with local health regulations in the country of embarkation. These could include an additional COVID-19 test (PCR or other) that may be required to enter the country or port of departure. “Our guests share our excitement for our eagerly-anticipated healthy return to service. In recent months, we have seen the cruise industry resume responsibly in destinations around the world and we are delighted to announce these new inaugural sailings for our flagship,” says Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO of Silversea Cruises.
“Vaccinations will play a critical role in ensuring the health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit, which we priorities above all else. Paired with our science-backed onboard procedures, which leverage on the expertise of the Royal Caribbean Group’s Healthy Sail Panel, vaccinations will enable our guests to travel deep into the world once again, with a renewed sense of appreciation for our beautiful planet,” he added.
The new mandate will go into effect ahead of newly announced sailings onboard Silversea’s new flagship, Silver Moon. Setting sail from June 18, the ship will depart Greece on 10-day roundtrip itineraries to the Eastern Mediterranean, with calls that include Santorini, Paros, Mykonos and Crete, as well as Haifa (Israel) and Cyprus. The new itineraries will be unveiled and go on general sale from April 15.
Silversea
G Adventures celebrates 100th trip since September restart
TORONTO — G Adventures has reached the milestone of leading 100 trips since restarting operations last September.
The 100th trip departed on April 2 in Costa Rica, one of 11 countries that the company has been able to run tours in since the onset of the pandemic. All 100 trips that have run since September have operated with G Adventures’ ‘Travel with Confidence’ policy that includes the most-up-to-date health and safety measures.
“We’re delighted to have been able to deliver life-changing experiences for both travellers and locals during this challenging time, and are confident we will continue to lead the way as the world opens up again,” says Bruce Poon Tip, founder of G Adventures. “Travelling during the pandemic is a personal choice and we have gone to great lengths to ensure that travellers who have the desire and ability to explore can do so safely and responsibly.”
Feedback from travellers, adds Poon Tip, has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting how safe they felt on tour. Victoria from New Jersey, who travelled to Costa Rica, said: “My first trip with G Adventures, during the pandemic, completely blew me out of the water. I was so impressed with our CEO (chief experience officer) and her knowledge, recommendations and spirit on the trip. I truly feel that everyone needs to travel with G Adventures to really get the local experience.”
Thuong from New York, who travelled to Egypt, added: “I felt super safe and I am glad I booked G Adventures. It was my first time with G Adventures and first time going on a trip with a group and I highly recommend it. My CEO was amazing, knowledgeable and very organized.”
For travellers currently unable to travel due to government regulations such as hotel quarantines, as is the case with Canada, G Adventures is offering a ‘book now for travel later’ incentive with 15% off select Classic trips and 15% off the ‘My Own Room’ option for guests looking for more personal space. Bookings must be made during the month of April for departures up until June 30, 2022.
Sample itineraries with 15% off include: the 9-day ‘Costa Rica Quest – Plus,’ now priced from $1,104 pp (previously $1,299 pp); 8-day ‘Best of Egypt,’ now priced from $1,147 pp (previously $1,349 pp); and the 7-day ‘Best of Iceland Plus,’ now priced from $2,320 pp (previously $2,729 pp). For more information or to book call 1-888-800-4100 or go to gadventures.com.
Barbados’ new protocols for vaccinated travellers start May 8; Roach departs BTMI
BRIDGETOWN — Petra Roach is moving on from the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) to take up a new position at the Grenada Tourist Board.
Roach has served as interim CEO of BTMI since November 2020. She joined BTMI in 2002, back when it was the Barbados Tourism Authority, as VP on the UK team. She first served as interim CEO in 2014 during the organization’s transition to the BTMI. In 2015 she was named Director for the U.S. and four years later took on the role of Global Head of Markets.
“On behalf of the Board, management and staff we say a sincere thank you to Petra Roach for her years of service and leadership,” said BTMI Chairman Roseanne Myers, in a statement from the BTMI board. “She has been a tremendous asset to Barbados for two decades and her contribution to the growth and development of tourism sector has been outstanding.”
Roach thanked the BTMI, adding: “I wish brand Barbados well because it's been a great experience that has helped me hone my skills.”
BTMI’s current UK Director, Cheryl Carter, will act as Head of Global Markets, and he BTMI board is expediting its recruitment of a CEO. The tourism board has a new commercially-focused marketing mandate. NEW ENTRY PROTOCOLS EFFECTIVE MAY 8
In other news the government of Barbados has updated its travel protocols, with the Ministry of Health and Wellness approving the COVID-19 AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech or Johnson & Johnson vaccinations for entry into Barbados and effective May 8, 2021.
Travellers who are considered to be fully vaccinated are required to: • Provide proof of a negative COVID-19
PCR test result 3 days prior to travel • Provide a vaccination certificate on arrival to Barbados • Have a standard or rapid COVID-19
PCR test done at the airport or their approved accommodation • Use specially designated transportation providers for their transport to their approved accommodation and while awaiting their COVID-19 PCR test result • Stay at their approved accommodation where they are free to move around in accordance with the guidelines of that property
All fully vaccinated travellers will be required to quarantine for 1 to 2 days.
Any traveller who has not been fully vaccinated, not vaccinated at all, does not have any evidence of vaccination or has travelled from or transited through a country where the prevalence of certain variants of COVID-19 are deemed of particular concern to Barbados, are required to: • Provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test on arrival 3 days prior to travel • Use specifically designated transportation providers for their transport from the airport to approved accommodation • Stay within their rooms/suites before receiving a 2nd negative COVID-19
PCR test. Travellers are not allowed to leave their rooms/suites • Take their 2nd test 5 days after their arrival to Barbados
All unvaccinated travellers will be required to quarantine for approximately 5 to 7 days.
Children under 18 who are travelling with fully vaccinated guardians will be allowed to adhere to the fully vaccinated traveller guidelines.
Also, anyone travelling within a group as a vaccinated traveller with other unvaccinated travellers, will be subject to unvaccinated traveller guidelines if they choose not to be separated.
All unaccompanied minors under the age of 18 must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken no more than 3 days prior to arrival. Vaccinated unaccompanied minors will follow the guidelines for all vaccinated travellers, whereas, unvaccinated unaccompanied minors will follow the protocol of unvaccinated travellers.
The latest updates can be found at barbadostravelprotocols.com.
Riviera River Cruises to require full vaccination or negative tests
FORT LAUDERDALE — Passengers and crew will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 when sailing with Riviera River Cruises.
As the latest cruise line to announce the requirement, Riviera is prioritizing health and safety by mandating that guests must have all doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, with the final dose taken a minimum of seven days before departure.
Guests who aren’t fully vaccinated will be offered a complimentary COVID-19 test to allow them to depart on their cruise. Those who test positive for COVI-19 before their cruise will be allowed to transfer their departure to another date for free.
The requirements will also apply to crew members, who will have additional daily temperature checks and ongoing health screenings.
“As we eagerly await our return to Europe’s rivers, we’ve decided to require full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test before departure to increase safety,” said Marilyn Conroy, Riviera River Cruises’ Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing North America. “This new requirement, combined with our comprehensive customer care policies and health and safety protocols that will be in place aboard our ships, will allow guests to travel with us with confidence.”
Riviera previously announced flexible customer care policies that include free changes to new bookings, COVID-19 Cancellation Protection and a happiness guarantee in which guests who are not satisfied by the second day of their cruise will be brought home with a refund for their cruise and any change fees or fare increases from their original airline ticket paid by Riviera.
Additional health and safety protocols aboard ships include guest health screening and luggage sanitization, daily temperature checks, social distancing in public areas, continuous cleaning of public areas and touch points, full waiter service in restaurants and lounges, deep cleaning and ventilation between cruises, and quarantine periods and medical checks for all new crew members. Masks or face coverings may also be required when moving about ships or on excursions.
WUATA Virtual Event
Carnival brings back WUATA event in virtual format
MIAMI — Carnival Cruise Line’s hugely successful WUATA party is going virtual this year and travel advisors are encouraged to invite a guest or two.
WUATA, an acronym for ‘Why Use a Travel Advisor,’ is scheduled for April 29, 2021 at 5 p.m. EDT and will be hosted by Mike Pack, cruise director for Carnival’s newest cruise ship, Mardi Gras. The hour-long event is the only dedicated consumer-facing campaign promoting the value of travel advisors and is designed to help them attract new clients, strengthen existing relationships, create sales opportunities and drive business.
Carnival is encouraging advisors to invite one current client and one “not yet a client” to the virtual event, during which they will hear from Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Global Trade Sales and Marketing Adolfo Perez. A wide range of prizes will be awarded, including gift cards, Carnival-branded merchandise and a draw for a free Carnival cruise. Clients will also receive a special Carnival offer to use when booking their next cruise with their travel advisor.
“We’re delighted to resume our popular WUATA parties, which reinforces the value of using a travel advisor while creating a pipeline for new business,” said Perez. “Travel advisors are more important than ever and connecting more clients to our valued travel advisors is a critical win-win for our industry.”
MONTREAL — Transat has launched its ‘Here Comes the Sun’ promotion offering reduced deposits, price drop guarantees, booking flexibility and more.
With sun flights on hold until April 30 after a request from the federal government, last month Transat announced it was extending its suspension of operations until June 23.
“Transat presents its Here Comes the Sun promo and is inviting Canadians to plan their winter getaway right now to benefit from exclusive perks, while we wait for travel to resume,” says the company.
Prices start at $899. The promotion applies to new individual bookings of Transat South packages made between April 8 and May 31, 2021, for travel Sept. 1, 2021 - April 30, 2022.
With the Here Comes the Sun promo, travellers that book a South package will get reduced deposits of only $100; Transat’s Price Drop Guarantee; the option to change travel dates, destination and/or hotel up to seven days before departure; the option to cancel the trip at no charge up to 25 days before departure; and final payment due 25 days before departure.
Agents can earn five times the Bonbon rewards on South packages, which means $25 per room, adds Transat.
To learn more, agents can visit transat. com or Get Connected.
Collette’s ‘Spring into Travel’ sale runs through April 23
TORONTO — Collette’s ‘Spring into Travel’ sale is on now.
The sale offers savings worth up to 20% off tours worldwide, targeting clients planning travel for the second half of 2021 and beyond.
Travellers can book through April 23, 2021 for travel May 1, 2021 - Aug. 31, 2022. Travel destinations around the world are available, including the Oberammergau Passion Play in 2022.
Collette’s Traveling Well Experience includes the tour operator’s health and wellness protocols. A pre-tour wellness declaration form is required for all guests.
Collette’s Travel Protection Plan also financially protects clients in the event that they need to cancel or move their trip to a different date.
The sale is combinable with the Advanced Commission Program, where agents can receive partial payments prior to their client’s departure date. See collette.com/springsale (offer code SPRINGSAVE21).
Quark adds new polar vessel to fleet
SPLIT — Quark Expeditions has taken ownership of a “game-changing” vessel that will further cement its position as a leader in polar adventures.
The official handover of the 128-metre Ultramarine took place in Split, Croatia earlier this month, where Andrew White, President of Quark Expeditions referred to the polar vessel as more than just a new ship.
“Today, we officially welcomed into our fleet a game-changing vessel that will soon become an unrivalled operational base for polar adventures,” he said. “This commitment of time and money, especially during an industrychallenging pandemic, reflects our confidence in the future of polar travel and underscores our commitment to delivering life-changing polar experiences no one ever thought possible.”
Accommodating 199 guests, the Ultramarine will feature two twin-engine helicopters and two heliports. The H145 helicopters will allow more pas-
sengers to simultaneously experience new destinations accessible only by air, and to enjoy more aerial perspectives of the Polar regions than on any other ship.
The ship will also offer 20 quicklaunching Zodiacs at four embarkation points, so the expedition team can load and embark Zodiacs faster, safer and easier than ever before.
With its two helicopters and 20 Zodiacs, Ultramarine will offer an industry-leading portfolio of off-ship adventure options that include flightseeing, heli-hiking and helicopter-supported alpine kayaking, among others.
Ultramarine’s sustainability features include the Micro Auto Gasification System (MAGS), which converts waste into energy at the site that it’s generated. MAGS eliminates the environmental impact of waste transportation, offering an innovative sustainability feature that exceeds industry standards.
Win a trip to Cuba with Cuba Tourist Board’s new photo contest
TORONTO — With Travel Agent Day fast approaching on May 5, the Cuba Tourist Board has launched a new photo contest that will award one lucky agent with a trip to Cuba.
All Canadian travel agents are invited to share their favourite memories of Cuba and submit their travel photos in JPG format to info@gocuba.ca. The agent’s full name, agency’s name, contact information and social media capability must also be included.
The contest closes on April 30, with the winner being announced on May 5.
“To pay tribute to our travel partners for their continued support we are organizing this exciting competition,” says Lessner Gomez, Director of the Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto. “There is no better time to go down memory lane and go through your past Cuba trip albums, select your favourite images and submit the ones that best inspire travel and showcase the uniqueness and diversity of our country.”
The top three prizes are as follows: • First place: Four nights all-inclusive at Iberostar Selection Varadero Hotel (double room) • Second place: A complimentary fullday catamaran cruise for the winner’s next vacation to anywhere in
Cuba, courtesy of Gaviota Group • Third place (also included in the first and second place prizes): Photo and contact of the winner will be published on Cuba Tourist Board’s Facebook page and on its website
For more information email info@ gocuba.ca.
WUATA Virtual Event
Flair to launch new Ottawa-Kelowna service in August
EDMONTON — Flair Airlines has announced a new nonstop route between Ottawa and Kelowna starting this August.
Part of the ultra low-cost carrier’s expansion, the new YOW-YLW route kicks off on Aug. 4 with flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays. By summer Flair’s network will grow to include 19 destinations, and 13 new aircraft will be welcomed into its fleet throughout the year in anticipation of the safe restart of travel.
“Growing our service by connecting two iconic destinations on each side of the country is an important step in
our bringing low fares and affordable travel options to more Canadians,” says Stephen Jones, President & CEO. “We know there is a need for ULCC service as travel begins to return and connecting two cities that are year-round destinations will ensure Canadians can explore their country affordably all year long.”
Flair, which was one of the first airlines to reduce service to only essential routes during the pandemic, will begin increasing service in May.
“We know there is pent-up demand for people to see families and have affordable vacations once it is safe for us to travel again,” adds Jones. “As a ULCC, our efficiencies are passed along in our pricing. Our low fares are an important step in restarting the tourism industry as they allow people to explore more, and both Ottawa and Kelowna are two attractive regions for domestic tourism.”
One-way fares on the new route start at $59, taxes and fees included. Flair provides COVID Coverage, which allows passengers to easily change their travel plans given the continued uncertainty caused by the pandemic. Bookings are now available for travel through Oct. 30, 2021.
