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Top News & Stories of the Week: Thursday, November 20, 2008

Nov 20, 2008

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» Cruise Value Center Shuts Down
» Leading Hotels Focuses on Luxury in a Down Economy
» Free Oceanview Balcony Upgrades on Cruises
» Buy One, Get One Free on "Smooth Cruise"
» Celebrity Solstice Christened: Post-Panamax Ship Wows Agents
» John Lynch Steps Down from Unique Vacations
» Mandarin Oriental, Riviera Maya
» Azul Sensatori Hotel by Karisma in Mexico
» How Consumers View Airline Fees and Bag Policies
» On Travel Agent Central

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Cruise Value Center Shuts Down

Major cruise selling agency closes after 14 years of business. ...
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Leading Hotels Focuses on Luxury in a Down Economy

Ruthanne Terrero reports from The Leading Hotels of the World’s Annual Convention, where speakers touched on the failing economy's impact on the luxury side of the business. ...
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Celebrity Solstice Christened: Post-Panamax Ship Wows Agents

Senior Contributing Editor Susan Young was on location for the emotional christening ceremony of the Celebrity Solstice. ...
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John Lynch Steps Down from Unique Vacations

John Lynch will step down as EVP of sales worldwide at Unique Vacations, worldwide representatives for Sandals, Beaches, The Royal Plantation Collection and Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts. ...
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Mandarin Oriental, Riviera Maya

The third stop on Travel Agent’s recent tour of Cancun and Riviera Maya properties was perhaps one of the best luxury products we’ve ever seen in Mexico. ...
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Azul Sensatori Hotel by Karisma in Mexico

Travel Agent recently concluded its onsite coverage of the new Azul Sensatori Hotel by Karisma and experienced first hand what Karisma has been preaching for the last year. ...
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How Consumers View Airline Fees and Bag Policies

Travelers want choice, new Amadeus survey says. ...
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Free Oceanview Balcony Upgrades on Cruises

Agents can boost sales by offering customers balconies for price of Oceanview Staterooms. ...
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Buy One, Get One Free on "Smooth Cruise"

Haven Entertainment offers a "Buy One, Get One Free" promotion on select cabins and a "Buy One, Get One 50 percent off" promotion in upgraded cabin categories onboard the 2009 Smooth Music Cruise. ...
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Whether it's been our polls about commissions on shore excursions or cruise line discounts, our on location blogs aboard such ships as the Ruby Princess, or the latest industry news and announcements, the Cruise section of our website has received a lot of attention this week. Here's the latest featured story, news, and deals from our cruise content.

New Developments in European River Cruising

River cruising through Europe has exploded over the past few years, growing from niche market to luxury bragging right. The trend seems poised to grow: With the recent economic downturn, people are looking for ways to relax and de-stress without breaking the bank, and an all-inclusive cruise is an ideal way to go.

Crystal Cruises, MSC Cruises and Peter Deilmann Revise Fuel Surcharge Policy

Cruise lines have dropped fuel surcharges for several 2009 sailings and will adjust rates should the price of oil drop below $65 per barrel before particular dates.

Sheehan in as NCL CEO

Kevin Sheehan replaces longtime NCL CEO Colin Veitch, who will take on an advisory role.

Bonus Commissions for Agents, Savings for Clients on Red Sea Cruises

Elegant Cruises & Tours is offering 15 percent commission for agents plus savings of $300 per person for passengers for Monasteries of the Lonely Desert, a cruise/tour adventure exploring the Red Sea, Gulf of Suez and Gulf of Aqaba aboard the 62-passenger m/s Monet.