A Tale Of Three Luxury Cruise Lines

Paul Gauguin Cruises, Regent Seven Seas and AMA Waterways teamed up to host a product seminar for travel agents at the Lonsdale Quay Hotel in North Vancouver last night.

The three luxury cruise lines, while remaining friendly competitors, acknowledge that they have complementary products and similar target markets, and have partnered to familiarize travel agents with their respective products during a series of joint presentations held throughout September and October from Vancouver Island to Winnipeg.

The latest from Regent Seven Seas

It was announced earlier this month that Norwegian will acquire Prestige Cruises International, Inc., the parent company of both Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises. The deal is expected to be finalized this fall, and Samantha Jervis, director of sales, Western Canada, said that there are no changes planned for the brand’s product.

Jervis said that the biggest news is Regent Seven Seas is planning to expand its fleet of three ships to four.  In 2016; the cruise line will be introducing the Regent Seven Seas Explorer, which Jervis said will be "the most luxurious ship on the ocean.”  The Explorer’s destinations are yet to be determined, but Jervis said the ship will deliver on the brand’s promise of non-pretentious luxury and its restaurants will feature the line’s signature French haute cuisine.

In 2016, the Regent Mariner, with the most capacity in the fleet, will be moving to Vancouver to accommodate increasing demand for the Alaska market.

The latest from Paul Gauguin Cruises

Vicky Lubyk, director of sales, Western Canada, Paul Gauguin Cruises, showcased the line’s core product- all-inclusive luxury voyages in Tahiti on the ms Paul Gauguin. Lubyk pointed out the value of the all-inclusive product in the notoriously pricey Tahiti, and said that the line features the most onboard inclusions.

“We are a small, customer-centric brand, and there is no nickel and diming-it’s about getting onboard and having everything included,” Lubyk said. Paul Gauguin is the only cruise line to a have a certified diving program, and Lubyk said all water sports are also included.

Paul Gauguin’s only other ship, the 88- passenger mv Tere Moana, will be sailing the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Latin America in 2015.

The latest from AMA Waterways

AMA Waterways’ BDM for Western Canada, Shauna Carter, said the river cruise line has big expansion plans, with two new ships added this year, and two more planned for next year. The new ships will have capacity for 161 passengers and will feature 170 square foot cabins with French balconies and some adjoining cabins- a first for the line.

AMA is also introducing a new Myanmar itinerary for next year, and has several themed cruises, from knitting and wine themes to war memorial journeys to the beaches of Normandy.

Carter said that AMA river cruises are best suited for travellers rather than tourists, as many of the shore excursions focus on activity in destination. Carter also introduced a new online marketing tool for the trade, available through the website’s travel agent portal.

The presentation series continues this week with events held in the lower mainland and Fraser Valley.

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