Carnival Cruise Lines has revamped its guest recognition program, changing its title to the Very Important Fun Person Club (VIFP) and offering five levels of service (Blue, Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond) based on the number of cruises taken by passengers. Additionally, VIFP Club members sailing on their 25th, 50th and 75th cruise will receive a shipboard credit equal to 25, 50 or 75 percent of their cruise fare for that voyage. Members sailing on their 100th cruise earn a complimentary Caribbean, Mexican Riviera or Alaska voyage of up to eight days in length.
MSC Cruises is making it possible to visit Europe during the height of the vacation season and into the fall on its fleet of ships – including the new MSC Divina – with limited-time-only rates that begin at $449. Available only for bookings made by June 30, 2012 on select sailings, these cruise-only rates (per person, double occupancy; government fees and taxes are additional) begin at $449 for select seven-night summer cruises and at $499 for select seven-night fall itineraries.
Great American Steamboat Company introduced two new themed historical voyages onboard the American Queen. The first voyage is the nine-night "Lincoln's Legacy" itinerary that celebrates the life, achievements and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln while traveling from Vicksburg, Miss,, to Louisville, Ky., departing Aug. 30. The second is the eight-night "PBS 'Washington Week' Election 2012" sailing from St. Louis, Mo., to St. Paul, Minn., on Sept. 28.