A Travel Agent Winner, Cruise News And Caribbean Tips: This Week's JimBits

Air Canada Vacations is pleased to announce Josée Kaigle, travel agent and owner, Voyages Optimistes Inc., as the winner of Travel Agent Cruise Contest with Royal Caribbean International Cruise.

For booking the most Cruise only and Cruise & Flight packages with Royal Caribbean International between July 9 and July 29, 2018, Josée has received a Cruise and Flight Package for two.

Fly and Cruise with more confidence thanks to Air Canada Vacations' Cruise Promise which offers perks like the lowest fares available or it's free, a guarantee that they'll never miss their cruise, and a lot more.*

*Certain restrictions apply.

Luxury cruise line company Cunard today announced the World of Adventure Sale featuring fares from $999 as well as Free Drinks and Free Gratuities for Grill Suite guests on select 2019 Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth voyages. The offer applies to sailings ranging from 5 to 50 nights to sensational destinations such as Africa, Alaska, Asia, Australia, Japan, Middle Eastern, Northern Europe, Pacific Coastal, and Transatlantic voyages.

The World of Adventure Sale is the perfect opportunity for guests to reserve their space for Cunard's return to Alaska on Queen Elizabeth, including the ship's voyage from Japan to Alaska in May 2019 and 10-night roundtrip voyages out of Vancouver in May and June. These sailings feature calls in Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point and Victoria, and include close-up views of the magnificent landscape of the Inside Passage, Tracy Arm Fjord, and Hubbard Glacier.

The World of Adventure Sale, runs from October 1, 2018 through January 31, 2019 and applies to new bookings only. A sampling of the voyages include:

Queen Mary 2's signature 7-night Transatlantic Crossing between New York and London, England from $999

Queen Elizabeth's 10-night Alaska voyage roundtrip out of Vancouver from $1,399

Queen Elizabeth's 15-night itinerary sailing down North America's West Coast from Vancouver to Los Angeles from $2,559

Queen Mary 2's 11-night sailing from Singapore to Shanghai which includes overnights in Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong, from $1,399

Queen Victoria's 21-night repositioning voyage from San Francisco to Sydney from $3,499

The Free Drinks package and Free Gratuities are applicable to guests booking a Princess Grill or Queens Grill Suite. The Grills provide an unparalleled level of personal service and feature the Grills Lounge and Grills Terrace, a private concierge, and single-seating dining in the Princess or Queens Grill restaurants and array of other amenities.

Bookings are based on double-occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses ranging from $80 to $325 per person are additional and subject to change.

For travel agents interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSource or call Cunard toll free at 1-800-528-6273

There's a lot to love about Britain. From Shakespeare to shepherd's pie … from Pink Floyd to Harry Potter. England, Scotland and Wales are home to a mix of historic heroes and happening haunts. And, in 2019, sister escorted-tour companies Globus and Cosmos are inviting your clients to see, taste and hear the brilliant experiences waiting for them in "Undiscovered Britain" with a series of nine tours - many new - that take travellers on cobblestones less travelled.

"It's not hard to picture Big Ben and thatched cottages," says Stéphanie Bishop of the Globus family of brands' Canadian office. "And we take your clients there - as well as to many way off-the-beaten-path destinations. And bring it all to life with insights on the many legendary Britons and iconic cultural touchstones of this 'green and pleasant land'." Destinations featured in the tours include: Tours spotlighting more of Great Britain in 2019 include:

THE BRITISH INVASION

Liverpool (The Beatles)

Bath (Tears for Fears)

Cambridge (Pink Floyd)

Edinburgh (Idlewild)

Glasgow (Simple Minds)

BANGERS & MASH & MORE

Dundee (Dundee Cakes)

Northern England (Shepherd's Pie)

Wales (Welsh Lamb)

Isle of Mull (Fish & Chips)

GLOBUS:

NEW! Britain Uncovered

NEW! Hidden Treasures of Southern England

Scottish Escape

Bonnie Scotland

Scottish Highlights & Islands

COSMOS:

NEW! British Highlights

NEW! Scottish Outlander Adventure

COSMOS LITE:

NEW! England Explorer

NEW! Scotland Explorer

Book early and save. Clients save 10 per cent on any 2019 Globus Europe vacation when they book by November 27 this year (Excluding Escapes by Globus). Book by October 23 this year and they'll save $50 off 2019 Cosmos tours (excluding Cosmos Lite). For more information, visit www.agentlingo.ca.

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced an expansion of the free and reduced roundtrip airfare offer for new reservations on select cruises sailing from November 2018 through September 2019.

The company has extended the recent free and reduced airfare offer for Norwegian Joy's inaugural season in Alaska in 2019 to include additional itineraries sailing from the U.S. This limited-time offer is available through October 16 for sailings to the Caribbean and North America, with no official end date for Hawaii cruises.

The promotion includes free or reduced roundtrip economy class airfare for up to two guests from over 100 airports across the U.S. and Canada flying to Norwegian's most popular homeports, including Honolulu, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Port Canaveral, San Juan, Seattle and Tampa. Guests reserving an oceanview, balcony and mini-suite stateroom receive free or discounted airfare from select gateways. The Haven and Concierge level receive complimentary airfare at all eligible airports. The Free Air promotion is also combinable with Norwegian's Unlimited Internet Package, and Norwegian's Free at Sea offer, which allows guests to select up to five specified amenities of their choosing.

Available on 12 of Norwegian's award-winning ships, including Norwegian's newest sister ships: Norwegian Joy and Norwegian Bliss, the promotion applies to select sailings of the brand's top itineraries including Alaska, Bahamas and Florida; Bermuda; the Caribbean; Canada and New England; Hawaii; Mexican Riviera; and the Panama Canal.

Canadians have new ways to reach the Spice Island of Grenada.

Starting December 18, Grenada will have three direct flights per week from Toronto Pearson Airport on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. This additional weekly flight will give Canadians more options to fly from Toronto direct into St. George's, Grenada.

As well, from December 22 through March 30 of 2019, American Airlines is adding an additional flight to Grenada from Miami.

"This is great news for Pure Grenada as airlift is critical to the continued growth of our destination's tourism industry," noted CEO of the Grenada Tourism Authority, Patricia Maher. "The US and Canada represent two of our largest source markets and we are thrilled to see that our airline partners recognize that Grenada is trending upwards and validate our growth with additional airlift."

European Waterways has announced the availability of its 2019 brochure, featuring a new look and more than 100 colorful pages detailing the wide range of luxury hotel barge cruises on tap for the new season across Europe. With the demand for experiential excursions at an all-time high, the brochure highlights an expanded assortment of exclusive guided tours led by local personages such as Counts, Baronesses and even members of the French military. In between are exclusive wine tastings, fine dining and visits to unique attractions that include castles, stately homes and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The brochure is available to download from EuropeanWaterways.com or by calling toll-free 1-877-879-8808.

"The European Waterways experience is truly about the journey, not the destination," said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. "Our guests will leisurely cruise through the quiet, lush countryside enjoying the highest standard of comfort, luxury and fine dining. Personalized excursions immerse them in the culture, history and traditions of the region. There are also onboard surprises that can include entertainment from local musicians, artists and storytellers for people of all ages and interests."

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has announced the opening of Ivan Dawson Primary School, the first school to be constructed as a result of the company's Hope Starts Here hurricane relief campaign.

Together with All Hearts and Hands - Smart Response, the company raised over $2.5 million USD to deliver early relief response and rebuild safe, resilient schools in the Caribbean communities impacted by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. A portion of the proceeds was used to build the primary school on Tortola, British Virgin Islands. On Oct. 5, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings officials attended the grand opening celebration of the Kindergarten through sixth grade school, which will open its doors to students on Oct. 31.

"We are incredibly proud to celebrate the opening of this first school in partnership with All Hearts and Hands - Smart Response, which is a direct outcome of our Hope Starts Here hurricane relief campaign," said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. "We are immensely grateful for all those who have contributed to the construction of the Ivan Dawson Primary School and who have helped restore hope to families in the community."

The Hope Starts Here hurricane relief program launched in late September 2017, when the company partnered with relief organization All Hands and Hearts - Smart Response to help provide immediate relief in Key West and reconstruct schools and critical infrastructure in affected islands in the Caribbean including St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Tortola. It has been the largest fundraising campaign in the company's history. Within 90 days of the launch, Hope Starts Here reached its goal of raising $2.5 million USD to assist All Hands and Hearts - Smart Response. The program has received more than $1.25 million in donations from the company's valued team members, loyal guests, travel partners and business partners, which Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. has matched.

Avalon Waterways is cruising farther into the Far East by adding a second Suite Ship on the Mekong River, with the launch of the NEW Avalon Saigon.

"Any trip to Southeast Asia is special, but with just 18 incredibly comfortable staterooms and delicious local and European-style food, we plan to make it even more special for your clients," says Stéphanie Bishop, managing director of the Globus family of brands, Avalon's parent company, for Canada.

On the Avalon Saigon, passengers are welcomed to well-appointed Suites, each with 245 square feet of living space. And, while other ships may offer guests tiny balconies, this Suite Ship introduces travellers in Asia to Avalon's innovative Open-Air Balconies featuring floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall panoramic windows measuring over four meters wide, with retractable screen systems and doors that slide open three meters, creating the feeling of sitting outside. In front of each Open-Air Balcony is a sitting area complete with love seat, chair and table. And facing the passing views are Avalon's Comfort Collection Beds, inviting passengers to relax and enjoy the daily scene of life on the Mekong River.

Effective immediately, the Avalon Saigon will sail the Heart of Cambodia & Vietnam - a new 18-day journey - as well as 13-day Fascinating Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River.

DEAL ALERT: Book clients now & save. Clients can fly free on select 2019 Mekong river cruises when you book them between now and October 23, 2018.

This holiday season, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts invites Canadians on a voyage of exploration into the traditions and sensations of Cuba and Havana, combined with the chance to relax and enjoy the calm tranquillity of the island's beaches. The Spanish hotel chain, which is celebrating 25 years since its arrival on the island, is offering a tailor-made trip from Havana to Varadero. Visitors will not only have the chance to welcome in 2019 in style, but also celebrate 500 years since Havana was founded - with festivities planned that are guaranteed to make this a truly unforgettable holiday.

Havana has a new grand luxury hotel that offers all the quality and exclusivity the Iberostar name is known for. The newly refurbished Iberostar Grand Packard combines the original architectural features of a historical building with an eye-catching and innovative reconstruction project that manages to retain all the charm and splendour of its origins. The facilities include 321 luxury rooms and an infinity pool overlooking the Malecón esplanade. On December 24 and 31, the hotel is offering unique ways to celebrate the holidays and ring in the new year, beginning with a themed dinner on the fabulous sixth floor terrace. Guests can also indulge in a gala buffet, including an open bar and an evening of entertainment featuring first-class performances.

After time spent exploring Old Havana and the Malecón esplanade, the finishing touch to this experience comes with a relaxing break spent on the paradisiacal beaches of the Varahicacos Ecological Reserve. Lovers of ornithology and water sports will have the time of their lives bird-watching or enjoying sports such as scuba diving and catamaran trips. This is the chance to unwind and experience summer sensations in mid-December, when Canadians are more accustomed to snow and freezing temperatures. For those seeking some much-needed relaxation and a chance to detox, the Iberostar Bella Vista Varadero - an all-inclusive five-star hotel in the heart of Varadero - is the ideal option.