This Week in Cruise: New in Europe, Alaska

It’s been a busy week in the cruise industry for news out of Europe and Alaska

This week Royal Caribbean International announced that the new Odyssey of the Seas will spend summer 2021 homeporting in Civitavecchia (Rome). The line’s newest Quantum Ultra-class ship will spend that summer season offering itineraries in the eastern Mediterranean, with calls in Turkey and Greece, before repositioning to its winter homeport of Port Everglades, FL. In an interview with Travel Agent, Royal Caribbean SVP Sales Vicki Freed said that the ship will sail with a number of new features, including a “next generation” SeaPlex, the line’s indoor activity space, as well as features from previous ships, such as a glass skywalk similar to the one found on Spectrum of the Seas and the Quantum class’ signature Northstar glass observation capsule. 

On Europe’s rivers, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection announced a number of Wave Season promotions aimed at driving business to travel advisors. The line’s three-pronged strategy includes an ad campaign, newly launched this month, with a 30-second spot that closes with a call-to-action inviting consumers to contact their preferred travel advisor. Uniworld has also introduced a new Floating Deposit concept that allows guests to put down a deposit with an early booking discount without deciding on the exact cruise, as well as a new referral incentive for members of its loyalty program. 

Finally, in Alaska, Carnival Cruise Line announced plans to expand capacity with the deployment of the Carnival Freedom to Seattle beginning in April 2021. The ship, which will operate the cruise line’s week-long Glacier Route itineraries, will join Carnival Miracle, which will operate 10- and 11-day Alaska cruises from San Francisco beginning in May 2021. 

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