Dwain Wall, SVP for agency and trade relations for Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), announced he will be leaving the association by the end of the year. Wall will remain in the travel industry, with details expected to be shared in the coming weeks. On Oct. 1, under Wall’s leadership, CLIA launched a redesign of the travel agent and travel agency membership program, which was created “for Travel Agents by Travel Agents”, stated Dwain Wall.
A search for Wall’s replacement is underway. During the transition, Mark Conroy, former CEO of Regent Cruise Lines and currently a consultant and strategic advisor to CLIA, will expand his time with CLIA, taking on the leadership role with CLIA travel agency members.
Costa Cruises held a naming event for Costa Diadema in its headquarters city of Genoa, Italy. Costa's new flagship was built at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard at a total investment of $688 million. Costa Diadema arrived at Genoa at the end of its first or "Vernissage Cruise," which departed Trieste, Italy, Nov. 1.
Costa Diadema departed Genoa, arriving at Savona, Italy, on Saturday, Nov. 8, for the inauguration of the second terminal at the Palacrociere, Savona Cruise Terminal, managed by Costa Cruises. From Nov. 8 until the end of 2015 summer Mediterranean season, Costa Diadema will depart Savona on seven-night cruises calling at Marseille, France; Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain; and Naples and La Spezia, Italy.
Avalon Waterways announced that author of the Outlander novels, Diana Gabaldon, will christen the Avalon Tapestry II, the first Suite Ship in France, as its godmother. The ceremony will take place on March 24, 2015 in Les Andelys, France.
After the christening ceremony, the 361-foot, 128-passenger Avalon Tapestry II will welcome travelers aboard on itineraries from Paris to Normandy's Landing Beaches and Grand France (northbound and southbound).