MSC Cruises announces new and improved ‘Future Cruise Program’

TORONTO — MSC Cruises has enhanced its Future Cruise Program to further benefit travel agents and their clients.

The program applies to clients who used a travel agency for their holiday at sea and who book their next sailing while onboard. The original travel agents who booked their voyages will receive full commission for any new booking made on board.

New aspects of the program for guests include a reduced ‘onboard-only deposit’ starting at $100 per person for their next cruise, greater flexibility to allow customers to change a reservation based on their needs prior to final payment, as well as an extended ‘best price guarantee’ timeframe.

Existing benefits of MSC’s ‘Future Cruise Program’ include: up to $200 in shipboard credit for a customer’s next cruise; double points for the line’s loyalty program, MSC Voyagers Club; the ability to combine market offers with the rewards scheme; and the chance to choose from the best selection of cabins and suites.

According to MSC Cruises, the newly enhanced program will allow agency resources to be better allocated and provide funds to foster new clients.

“We believe that the new Future Cruise Program is an extension of an agency’s business as we at MSC Cruises continue to build loyalty with our valued travel partners,” said Achille Staiano, SVP Global Sales. “We are confident that this new initiative will be a win-win for both the trade and cruise holidaymakers as we know that highly satisfied guests on board our fleet of 22 ships means that travel agents have highly satisfied customers.”

Exodus Travels expands Premium Adventures, announces September FAM trip

TORONTO — Exodus Travels is expanding its Premium Adventures program with new trips, and travel agents will be first in line to experience the ‘Premium’ difference firsthand.

A total of 12 new Premium Adventures have been added to the tour operator’s 30-trip collection, featuring unique accommodations, frontof-the-line access and exclusive experiences. In addition, all Premium Adventures are eco-conscious, reducing the carbon footprint and supporting conservation efforts and rewilding projects in the destinations visited.

As part of the launch of these new trips, Exodus is offering travel agents a special FAM trip this fall. Running from Sept. 7-11, 2023, qualified professionals will take part in Exodus’ nine-day Kingdoms of Jordan – Premium Adventure, which visits Petra, Wadi Rum, the Red Sea and the Dead Sea. To register for the FAM, click here.

Travel agents can also learn more about Premium Adventures by signing up for one of two training sessions taking place on July 26 and Aug. 2. To register, click here.

Some of the new Premium Adventures include:

• Trails & Treasures of the Amalfi Coast - Premium Adventure: This seven-day trip begins in Naples, Italy before travelling south to Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii. Upon reaching the Amalfi Coast, travellers will stay at beautiful properties in Cetara and Amalfi and enjoy a full-day trip to the island of Capri. Prices start at $7,045.

• Cycle Champagne & Burgundy

- Premium Adventure: Starting in Reims, Champagne and ending in Beaune, Burgundy, this cycling adventure takes in vineyards, wine villages and illustrious wine estates. Guests will sample the local produce and hear from experts while cycling along vineyard-lined roads. Prices start at $7,445.

• Treasures of Morocco - Premium Adventure: Travellers will enjoy seaside Casablanca and Marrakech, plus journey into the Sahara where they will navigate dunes on camelback and stargaze around a campfire. Other highlights include village visits, kasbah tours, lunch with an Amazigh family, a hammam session and stays in tradition riads, an award-winning ecolodge and a luxury desert camp. Prices start at $4,375.

• Andalucía Highlights Walk - Premium Adventure: While on this adventure, travellers will discover white-washed villages, Córdoba and Seville, plus visit tapas bars and take in flamenco performances.

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Starting in the mountaintop town of Ronda, they’ll also enjoy easy walks along the dramatic El Caminito del Rey cliffside pathway. Prices start at $5,345.

For more information, email agents@ exodustravels.com.

Railbookers launches five new packages in Switzerland

TORONTO — Railbookers has launched five new independent train holidays through Switzerland, each

Winner announced for Exoticca’s wallet credit contest

The grand prize winner has been named for Exoticca’s recent contest with Travelweek. Steven Latanville of Expedia Cruises-The Beach, Toronto has won a $400 wallet credit with Exoticca, which can go towards a future dream trip, including upgrading flights, tours and activities and other travel-related expenses.

During the contest period between May 1 and June 30, participating travel agents were automatically entered into the contest when making a reservation for a trip of their choice. The more bookings they made, the higher the chances of winning. The winner was randomly selected. Congratulations, Steven!

of which can be booked for travel as soon as today or up to two years in advance.

The new itineraries include the seven-day Zurich and Lucerne, the nineday Swiss Mountain Peaks, The GoldenPass Express, and Zurich and The GoldenPass Express, and Swiss Mountain Peaks from Zurich trips, and two spectacular 10-day journeys with St Moritz, The Top of Europe, and The Matterhorn from Milan and The Matterhorn, The Top of Europe, and St. Moritz from Zurich.

While each itinerary includes different destinations and activities, they all include hotel accommodations and rail travel through Switzerland, along with handpicked sightseeing and activities that Railbookers’ experts have created. Many of the trips are along Switzerland’s most scenic routes, while several of them feature the GoldenPass Express, an unforgettable train journey from Montreux to Interlaken.

Other highlights include a boat cruise and tour of the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Zurich as well as journeys up several of the most famous Swiss Alps including the Jungrau, Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi.

As with all of Railbookers’ 5,000plus itineraries, everything is customizable. Travellers can add additional hotel nights and sightseeing, or include luxury upgrades, to name a few. Railbookers also offers hundreds of cruise extension trips that can add to an existing sailing.