In response to the political unrest in Egypt, MSC Cruises cancelled MSC Armonia’s 2013-2014 winter itineraries in the Red Sea. Instead, the MSC Armonia will sail two new itineraries this winter departing from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. MSC Armonia's first itinerary visits the Canary Islands and makes calls in Funchal, Santa Cruz de La Palma, San Sebastian and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The second itinerary includes two calls in Morocco. Both of the seven-night itineraries can be combined to offer travelers a 14-night voyage. The new itineraries are available now.
Un-Cruise Adventures announced four weeklong yacht cruises in the Hawaiian Islands or Mexico’s Sea of Cortés this winter. Holiday departures are scheduled for Dec. 21 and 28, 2013 aboard the 64-guest Safari Voyager in Baja, Mexico and the 36-guest Safari Explorer in Hawaii. Travelers booked on a 2013 holiday cruise by Aug. 30 receive a per couple travel credit of $800 in Hawaii and $500 in Mexico. Rates for the inclusive weeklong holiday cruises start at $4,895 in Hawaii and $2,995 in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés, per person, double occupancy.
Carnival Cruise Lines is trying to squeeze out some last summer deals for travelers, naming August "Group Month" for the industry. From Aug. 1 through Aug. 31, 2013, the line is offering travel agents a group promotion featuring attractive group rates on virtually all sailings between Dec.1, 2013 through May 31, 2014. In addition, as part of the promotion, Carnival is offering travel agents one free cruise berth for every 10 full fare guests berthed, versus the current policy of one free cruise berth for every 15 full fare guests berthed. To support travel agents during “Group Month,” Carnival is also expanding its group department hours of operation during August to include Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. EST.