Cruise Planners/American Express, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the cruise industry, was recognized by three top travel companies with awards reflecting dedicated corporate partnerships and support to the cruise travel industry. The awards include the “Globe Award ” from American Express Vacations; the Globus “Top Producing Premier Partner” award; and recognition in Oceania Cruises'Cruise Connoisseur Club. Recognized for delivering outstanding customer service and booking unforgettable trave...

MIAMI, FL - March 17, 2010 - Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that its largest, most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, Norwegian Epic, will feature an extensive number of complimentary Freestyle dining options – 11 out of 21 total – that are included in the cruise fare. The additional 10 dining options will have a nominal cover charge. Guests on board Norwegian Epic can select from a variety of cuisines, dining styles and atmospheres on board with a total of 21 dining options. Those that will be free of charge are: • Taste, the atrium resta...

Three days after the MSC Magnifica flag ceremony at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire (France), MSC Cruises signed a letter of intent for the delivery of a new ship in June 2012, to join the eleven new vessels built in the last 7 years. Measuring 333.3m in length and 38m in beam, MSC Favolosa will have a total of 1751 cabins and will be able to travel at speeds ofup 23.7 knots. Thanks to award-winning naval architects De Jorio Design International the new addition to the Fantasia class, technically called V32, will herald a state-of-the-art concept in space management, which will...

Passengers Can Once Again Invite Friends and Family Aboard Ship On Embarkation Day SANTA CLARITA, Calif. -- Reviving a signature tradition from the early days of cruising, Princess Cruises is debuting an innovative, new program giving passengers the opportunity to invite their friends and family aboard their ship on embarkation day to wish them "bon voyage" and get a taste of the onboard experience. Called the "Bon Voyage ExperienceSM," the program is a new twist on the departure celebration of bygone days, when friends and family would routinely come aboard to see off pas...

MIAMI , FL – Cruise Planners/American Express, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the cruise industry, donated $18,000 to the Fisher House Foundation as part of its CP Cares initiative. The funds were collected at the company’s annual convention late last year through Cruise Planners t-shirt sales and a silent auction. “Cruise Planners has shown their commitment to improving the quality of life both locally and nationally by donating such an impressive gift,” said Mary Berrocal, director of the U.S. Department of Ve...