Travel Agent - November 26, 2007 - (Page 101)

Holland America’s Take on Freestyle NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE (www.ncl. com) now has some company in the freestyle cruising arena: Holland America (www. hollandamerica.com), which plans to implement what it calls “As You Wish Dining” on all of its ships by May. NCL pioneered freestyle cruising—which gives guests flexibility with when and where they dine onboard—and it’s only reasonable that other cruise lines would follow along, as travelers seek choice at every turn on their vacations. For Holland America, this means that passengers who enjoy traditional seating times will eat on the ship dining room’s lower level, while those who prefer an open-table policy or reserving their own meal times will dine on the upper level. This “freestyle” option was one of several initiatives that Holland America outlined during its Centurion cruise, a special annual trip for the line’s top 100 producers, which took place aboard the Oosterdam earlier this month. On top of the more than $425 million Holland America is putting toward fleet improvements, the line is broadening its marketing efforts, raising its concern over environmental matters and developing a more robust shore excursion program. CRUISE private guided travel National Geographic Adventure Best Travel Companies on Earth 2008 Targeting Younger Clients The line’s new marketing campaign includes redesigned brochures, greater use of ebrochures and a framework to attract a younger clientele. “We are looking to challenge the perception that Holland America is just for older people,” said Rick Meadows, the company’s executive vice president of marketing, sales and guest programs. “We want to connect with others besides the boomers.” The line is also looking to connect with alternative, environmentally friendly power sources, such as “cold ironing,” wherein a ship plugs into a city’s power source when in port. Many of these efforts by the cruise line are being brought to market by Holland America’s new vice president of sales, Paul Allen, who also unveiled four series of shore excursions for passengers. The Medallion Collection excursions give guests access to places they otherwise wouldn’t be able to visit. Trips in the Encore Collection are for the “been there, done that” crowd, who want something new and unusual. The World Wonders Collection explores the world’s treasures and marvels, through such activities as safari trips in Africa. Finally, the Signature Collection—which Allen characterizes as “personally yours”—allows guests to design their own excursions and is intended for highend and choosy clients. Freestyle activity…now that just might catch on! —DAVID EISEN CONNECTING YOU For coverage of Holland America’s signa ture programs, visit www.travelagentcentral.com/hal Private guide & vehicle per couple Kenya 6 days from $1503 Egypt 9 days from $1428 India 6 days from $1337 China 6 days from $1217 Customized Luxury Tours 24/7 Local Support 10% Commission K ensing ton To u r s.c om Toll-Fr ee (8 6 6) 4 45 -8978 Vista Dining Room aboard Holland America’s Oosterdam November 26, 2007 TravelAgent | 101 http://kensingtontours.com http://www.ncl.com http://www.ncl.com http://www.hollandamerica.com http://www.hollandamerica.com http://kensingtontours.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/hal

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - November 26, 2007

Travel Agent - November 26, 2007 Online Now Contents From the Editor From the Publisher Contributors Europe: InterContinental Geneva Puts Forth a New Look and a New Way to Get to Know the Swiss City London’s Soho Hotel Pacific/Asia: Taichung: Taiwan’s Third Largest City Pacific/Asia Briefs and Packages Tanzania Travel Specialist Mexico: A Roundup of Premier Hotels in Mexico City Q&A with U.S. Director of the Mexico Tourism Board Mexico Deals Las Vegas: A Three-Day Itinerary for Gen-X couples Creating a Kid-Friendly Vacation for Gen-X Clients that Still Includes Alone Time for Parents Richard Harper of Mandalay Bay Caribbean & Bahamas: What’s Happening in St. Kitts Puerto Rico’s Other Rainforest, Toro Negro Hawaii: The Big Island: First-Class Resorts and Native Culture Hotels: The Sky Lodge in Park City; The Lodge at Vail Tours: American Safari Cruises in Alaska’s Inside Passage Pacific Northwest: Suncadia, Eco-Friendly Resort Near Seattle Cruise: The Added Lure of Sailing with a Celebrity Onboard Small Ships Offer Up-Close Experience Cover Story: Hip Hotelier, Social Scientist Supplier Profile - Maximilian Brockmann: The New Face of Auto Europe Agent Profile: Sigrid Carter of Envoyé Travel The Orient-Express: Fabled Train Remains an Elite Product Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Europe Bookings as Dollar Falls Freestyle Cruising Casinos On the Rise in the Caribbean Maui’s Grand Wailea Resort Prepares for Major Renovation Visit Europe Media Exchange In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch

Travel Agent - November 26, 2007

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