HX this week launched a new advisor portal that provides a streamlined space for advisors to access and use various resources and tools. The portal offers updated brochures, marketing materials, one-pagers and webinars, including the newly launched HXplore series that covers various topics related to HX's expeditions. The portal also hosts a new online training program that consists of four modules on HX's destinations, sustainability, science, education and life onboard. Tip: Advisors who complete the training by the end of August will have a chance to win a $150 gift card.
The portal has a refreshed design that reflects HX's new visual identity and domain name, introduced earlier this year. The portal will also allow advisors to create and view bookings and will be updated with more marketing materials and B2B assets in early September. The portal aims to equip advisors with the knowledge and tools they need to effectively support their clients and sell HX expeditions.
Grupo Xcaret also launched its Xcaret Agents Pro Booking, a tool for travel advisors to book rooms at its three luxury hotels: Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Hotel Xcaret Arte and La Casa de la Playa. Advisors can check availability, confirm reservations and earn 15 percent commission on direct bookings. They can also access training programs on the hotels and their features. Guests at the hotels can enjoy unlimited access to Xcaret's seven parks and tours to archeological sites, cenotes, and islands.
New in Cruise
Last week, Victory Cruise Lines opened sales for its new 2025 season on the Great Lakes with the 190-passenger Victory I and Victory II. So, Travel Agent caught up late last week with John Waggoner, who purchased both former American Queen Voyages ships for less than $1 million each. Now in a new era for ownership, the relaunched Victory Cruise Lines will set sail in 2025 on 36 Great Lakes cruises. Some 33 of those will sail on all five lakes.
Transcend Cruises, a charter-only river cruise line, has signed a construction agreement with Den Breejen Shipyard for its first river cruise ship. The initial Transcend new-build ship will be delivered in Q4 2025, followed by a second new-build in 2026, subject to additional financing. The ships’ design has been developed in collaboration with Tillberg Design of Sweden. Transcend covers the affinity market, tour operators, travel advisors and meeting and incentive planners.
With the opening of Celebration Key one year away, Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled details about Pearl Cove Beach Club, its adults-only retreat on Grand Bahama. Carnival has also opened reservations for shore excursions, supervillas, cabanas and daybeds for guests booked on cruises visiting Celebration Key beginning in July 2025.
Virgin Voyages has introduced its first-ever "Eclipse Voyages" as part of its newest series, "Marvelous Voyages." The line’s collection of Eclipse Voyages, set for August 2026, will give guests the opportunity to cruise towards the path of totality. These 12- and 15-night itineraries include stops at Dublin, Glasgow and Reykjavik aboard Valiant Lady and the Amalfi Coast, Mallorca and Cannes on Scarlet Lady. Guests can also enjoy special onboard events and appearances.
In addition, Princess Cruises has enhanced its "Princess Premier" package with new unlimited options. Available for $90 per person per day, the Princess Premier package offers three new enhancements including an “Unlimited Premier Beverage Package,” “Unlimited Specialty Dining” and “Unlimited MedallionNet Max Wi-Fi.”
In the Caribbean
Close on the heels of the 2024 Olympics, BodyHoliday, an all-inclusive wellness resort in St. Lucia, is celebrating the island's first-ever gold medal with a new package. Julien Alfred landed St. Lucia's first ever medals at the Olympics by winning gold in the women's 100-meter and silver in the women's 200-meter sprints. Recognizing her accomplishments, BodyHoliday has introduced the "Balance and Performance Package." The all-inclusive experience is intended to both boost performance and promote recovery, complete with wellness techniques that are "gold-medal worthy" and equivalent "to Olympic-level fitness training."
Lastly, Sandals Resorts International has introduced its new “Experience Jamaica” sale for this fall and beyond. Guests at seven adults-only Sandals Resorts and two family-friendly Beaches Resorts in Jamaica can enjoy savings in the form of air credits plus a tour credit. Participating Sandals Resorts in Jamaica include Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals South Coast, Sandals Ochi, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Negril and Sandals Royal Caribbean. Additionally, families can avail of the “Experience Jamaica” sale at Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios.
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