Marriott to build two more all-inclusives
Marriott International will build all-inclusives in Jamaica -- the 800-room Marriott Hotel Al Amaterra, expected to debut in early 2020 -- and Curacao, a 283-room Autograph Collection resort in Willemstad opening by 2024. The resorts add to Marriott's all-inclusive Caribbean footprint that includes plans for all-inclusives on Mexico's Riviera Nayarit and in the Dominican Republic and the acquisition of Elegant Hotels' all-inclusives in Barbados.
TripAdvisor platform lets agent control ads
TripAdvisor launched a self-serve advertising platform, TripAdvisor Media Manager, for small-to-midsize businesses and travel agencies. Users can upload content, set budgets and schedules and adjust their campaigns as well as target prospective customers based on location, browsed destinations or recent travel planning.
2nd Virgin ship to be named Valiant Lady
Virgin Voyages will name its second ship the Valiant Lady. Scheduled to debut in May 2021, the 2,770-passenger ship will homeport in Barcelona and sail three seven-day itineraries in the Mediterranean, each with an overnight on Ibiza. Cruises will depart on Sundays to facilitate precruise stays in Barcelona. One itinerary features mostly Spanish ports while the others visit France, Italy and Monaco, as well.
Paul Gauguin to get two newbuild ships
Ponant has ordered two ships for its newly acquired Paul Gauguin brand, to be built by Italy's Fincantieri shipyard. The 230-passenger ships, modeled on Ponant's Explorer class, will cost $332 million combined and be delivered in 2022. Paul Gauguin has long operated one ship in French Polynesia. The new vessels will enable smokeless operation at anchor in ports and in environmentally sensitive areas, Fincantieri said.
Fairmont entering Czech Republic
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will take over the InterContinental Prague and flag it the Fairmont Golden Prague, the brand's first hotel in the Czech Republic. Located in Prague's Old Town, the property will come under Fairmont management in May. It will undergo a renovation starting in 2022 and officially debut by early 2023, with 300 rooms and a restaurant with city views.
Riders will set speed on Carnival coaster
The Bolt electric roller coaster on Carnival's upcoming Mardi Gras will let riders set their own speed, up to 40 mph. Cameras along the 800-foot-long track and on the sleds will provide riders photos of the experience. The Bolt will be the centerpiece of the ship's top-deck Ultimate Playground, which will feature three waterslides, a ropes course and miniature golf.