TRAVELHotNews.com Magazine

First Choice can choose

Thomas Cook also interested in tour operation

Last week TRAVELHotNews reported that interest in buying First Choice's mainstream tour operating business was not limited to MyTravel and it was thought TUI and Thomas Cook were also in the running. According to the Sunday Times, Thomas Cook, which is owned by German retail group Karstadt and Lufthansa has held discussions with First Choice and is indeed interested in the UK operator's mass-market holiday business. Business sources have apparently reported that though First Choice was in talks with both Thomas Cook and MyTravel, there was no certainty than any deal would be done. [Full text]

Carnival's 12 Days of Christmas

It sure beats pear trees and partridges

Carnival Cruise Lines has launched a new sales promotion - the "12 Days of Christmas" - offering a special deal on "Fun Ship" cruises each day between December 3-14. The promotion includes discounts, shipboard credits and upgrades on a wide range of three- to eight-day "Fun Ship" departures to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Mexico, along with a different pricing promotion each day. "As people get into the holiday spirit, the thought of 'togethering' with family and friends is top of mind and there's no better way to enjoy time with loved ones than on a 'Fun Ship' cruise vacation. Therefore, we are spreading some holiday cheer of our own by offering 12 days of terrific cruise bargains which can be applied to a variety of voyages throughout 2007," said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president and CEO. Upcoming offers for the "12 Days of Christmas" sales event include: [Full text]

TRAVEL AGENTS CAN SAVE WITH CHOICE

Agent appreciation offer $20.07
Choice Hotels Canada is showing its appreciation of the hard work and dedication travel agents bring to the hotel industry. The company is offering an exclusive travel agent rate of $20.07 from November 15, 2006 to February 28, 2008 at all participating Comfort, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn hotels in Canada.This exclusive rate is available per room, per night to a maximum of two nights per property. The offer is non commissionable and no coupon is required. [Full text]

NCL takes delivery of Norwegian Pearl

Debuts first bowling alley at sea

Norwegian Pearl

NCL Corporation (NCL) took delivery of its latest treasure, Norwegian Pearl, last week. The new 93,530-ton Freestyle Cruising vessel is the latest in a string of innovative Jewel class ships. Norwegian Pearl boasts an industry first - a bowling alley - and two NCL firsts - a rock-climbing wall and two top-of-the-ship Deluxe Owner's Suites. "As we get ready to celebrate 40 years of cruising innovation, it is only fitting that we welcome Norwegian Pearl, a crowning achievement, to our big, modern fleet," said Colin Veitch, president and CEO of NCL Corporation. "With the industry's first bowling alley and a host of other striking features, Norwegian Pearl epitomizes NCL's continued commitment to innovation." [Full text]

Canada's Ice Hotel recreates Atlantis

N'ice Club to open Janary 5

The Quebec City-area Ice Hotel will open for a seventh season on January 5. The new structure will be made from 15,000 tons of snow and 500 tons of ice, and hotel management reports the N'Ice Club will be redesigned to recreate the mythical city of Atlantis in ice. "We chose this theme for the N'Ice Club because it will allow us to attain a new level of creativity in architecture and design," says hotel artistic director Serge Peloquin. "This mythical world of dreams, adventure and fantasy will guide us in our realization of a unique version of this famous city, which will include the magical properties that light has on snow and ice." [Full text]

'No Passport Required' for US citizens to USVI

US Territory launches promotion

The US Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association has launched a No Passport Required promotion, to remind American citizens visiting the U.S.V.I. that they do not require a passport to re-enter the U.S. as the Islands are a U.S. territory. The promotion which features a minimum 20% discount on room rates on five-night stays at seven resorts on St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. [Full text]