CRUISES: Oceania, Regent Unveil Anti-Rebating Rules

4/24/2012 - Oceania Cruises and its sister line Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced new anti-rebating policies that take effect May 1. After that date, you may not advertise or promote these lines' voyages at prices lower than their published fares or the fares in your agency's group contracts. You may advertise amenities as long as they don't go over 5 percent of the advertised fare. Also, the lines clarified which agency gets commissions on transferred bookings (it's the receiving agency if the booking moves within 30 days of the res date but before final payment, but it's the originating agency if the transfer happens more than 30 days after the res date or within he final payment window). Costa Cruises plans to take delivery of its new ship "Costa Fascinosa" in Venice on May 5. After a travel agent preview sailing, the ship's inaugural cruise will depart Venice on May 11 before operating weeklong sailings from Venice and Bari to Greece and Croatia through November. Holland America Line will send three ships to South America this fall: the "Maasdam," the "Prinsendam," and the "Veendam." They will operate several itineraries in the region (13 to 68 days), including a new 49-day "Amazon and Carnival" cruise on the "Maasdam" early next year. Fares start from $1,399 ppdo for these voyages. Globus posted new European river cruise itineraries for its Avalon Waterways division next year (plus a new culinary-themed voyage). The new programs range from the eight-day "Tulips of Northern Holland" (from $2,449 ppdo) to the 13-day "Highlights of Germany (from $3,399 ppdo). The culinary-themed cruise will include cider and wine tastings, visits to farms and distilleries, and meals by local chefs. Meanwhile, the line will add two new ships in Asia next year (the "Century Legend" and the "Century Paragon") plus a new 15-day China itinerary (with stops in Beijing, Xian, Lijiang, Shanghai, and Hong Kong from $3,629 ppdo). AMA Waterways an OSSN supplier member! - unveiled new "Culinary Delights" excursions on selected European voyages that include cooking classes, tastings, and walking tours. Capped at 20 passengers per tour, these trips range from chocolate tastings in Antwerp to goulash preparation in Budapest. (Credit: Oceania Cruises)