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Insider Travel Report assists travel advisors by discussing the changing travel landscape with a line-up of special guests VIP guests, the movers and shakers...
Episodes
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Jerry Mpfune, president-North America & Global Creative Leader for South African Tourism South African Tourism, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his country’s many attractions and experiences for travelers. Mpfune details the latest tourism numbers, new airlift to the South Africa, new accommodations and much more. For more information, visit www.southafrica.net.
Tuesday Aug 29, 2023
Tuesday Aug 29, 2023
Melissa DaSilva, president of TTC Tour Brands, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas about her company’s many brands—including Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold, Brendan Vacations, Contiki and Costsaver. Da Silva details how these brand differ and how they fit together for a complete set of tour experiences that you can sell to your clients. For more information, visit www.ttc.com.
Tuesday Aug 29, 2023
Tuesday Aug 29, 2023
Andrea Tonet, vice president of product strategy for Silversea, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how his luxury cruise line conceived and completed the revolutionary Silver Nova. Tonet details how Silversea developed the ship’s design, culinary program, rooms and suites, entertainment and activities. It all adds up to a unique new luxury experience at sea. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
Monday Aug 28, 2023
Monday Aug 28, 2023
Silversea’s Joe Leon, head of sales for the Americas, and Peter Shanks, managing director-U.K., Ireland, Middle East and Africa, talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the key selling points of y previous cruise ship. From the position of the pool and the stack on the top decks to the spacious new interiors, Silver Nova sets out to reinvent the luxury cruise ship. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
If interested, the original video of this podcast can be found on the Insider their brand new Silver Nova, which has a unique asymmetrical design unlike anTravel Report Youtube channel or by searching for the podcast's title on Youtube.
Monday Aug 28, 2023
Monday Aug 28, 2023
Helen McCabe-Young, senior vice president of marketing for Virtuoso, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at this month’s Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas about how the luxury travel network is marketing the benefits of both its travel advisor members and preferred partners, using a series of dedicated So Virtuoso videos, a revamped Virtuoso magazine, new digital marketing and much more. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.
Friday Aug 25, 2023
Friday Aug 25, 2023
Adam Sachs, director of Silversea’s S.A.L.T. (Sea Air Land Taste) program, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how S.A.L.T. now has more space and more resources onboard the new Silver Nova, with venues designed for the program specifically. There’s a dedicated S.A.L.T. kitchen with meals served reflecting the destinations visited by the ship; a S.A.L.T. Bar, with drinks reflecting those destinations; and a S.A.L.T. lab, which offers a cooking school focused on local fare, which doubles as a S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table at night offering an elaborate tasting menu. Plus there are S.A.L.T. excursions to wineries, markets and restaurants at most of the destinations visited by the ship. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
Friday Aug 25, 2023
Friday Aug 25, 2023
David Kolner, executive vice president of Virtuoso, the luxury travel network for top travel advisors and partners, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about the size of the network, the market for luxury travel, how Virtuoso members are feeling about their business prospects, how Virtuoso advisors and partners are viewed by clients, and Virtuoso benefits that members value you most and more. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
Gilad Berenstein, a member of Virtuoso’s board and TK, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the state of travel technology today, particularly the technology that is beig used and can be applied to the travel trade. Berenstein led a special conference on technology at Virtuoso Travel Week earlier this month were top tech companies served on panels and gave talks about their products, and even technology companies from outside travel participated. From AI to back office systems to itinerary developers and more, it’s once again a whole new world out there. For more information, visit www.virtuoso.com.
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
Thursday Aug 24, 2023
Roberto Bruzzone, senior vice president of marine operations for Silversea, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Silver Nova, the luxury cruise line’s revolutionary new, 728-guest vessel. Bruzzone explains why Silver Nova’s unique asymmetrical design provides more space on the top decks and in the interiors. You may be tempted, as we were, to move the ship’s stack and pool to the center, but you soon get used to a whole new boutique hotel form of cruising. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
Wednesday Aug 23, 2023
Wednesday Aug 23, 2023
Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-owner of AmaWaterways, and Lisa McCarl, owner of Millersville, Md.-based McCarl Travel, an Inteletravel affiliate talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about an upcoming new specialty river cruise focused on plant-based travel. This culinary specialty is a growing trend for many clients who rely on plant-based food for their health. For more information, visit www.amawaterways.com or email iisa.mccarl@gmail.com.
Wednesday Aug 23, 2023
Wednesday Aug 23, 2023
Barbara Muckermann, president of Silversea, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report onboard the new Silver Nova, the 728-guest ship that features a unique asymmetrical design. This new design provides more room on the top decks and the interiors of the ship. Muckermann details these innovations for this groundbreaking new vessel. For more information, visit www.silversea.com.
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Yulanda Marais, head of spa and wellness for Explora Journeys, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the wonderful treatments available at Explora 1’s new spa, the facilities available In the spa, and what your clients can expect (and yes, we tested the spa out—amazing). For more information, visit www.explorajourneys.com.
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Tuesday Aug 22, 2023
Cal Almaguer, senior vice president of sales and Service for Princess Cruises, talks about his line’s upcoming new ships, Sun Princess and Star Princess; new inclusions for the Princess Plus and Princess Premier programs: the new homeport in Port Canaveral; Princess Perfect Weddings; and how the line is expanding even more in Alaska and Europe. For more information, visit www.princesscruises.com.
Monday Aug 21, 2023
Monday Aug 21, 2023
Heike Berdos, general manager for Explora I, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her brand new ship, which offers exquisite décor, sumptuous suites and some very fine dining. There is no cruise director or hotel director about, but Berdos fills those roles as part of her role as general manager of a luxury boutique hotel at sea. For more information, visit www.explorajourneys.com.
Monday Aug 21, 2023
Monday Aug 21, 2023
Matthew Upchurch, chairman and CEO of Virtuoso, sits down with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report to review last week’s Virtuoso Travel Week, the state of the Virtuoso luxury travel network today, how now just might be the best time to be a travel advisor. For more information on Virtuoso, visit www.virtuoso.com.
Friday Aug 18, 2023
Friday Aug 18, 2023
Drew Gowland, head of entertainment for Explora Journeys, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what guests can see and do onboard the revolutionary new Explora 1. The ship has effectively replaced a theatre with a nightclub and lounge, offering singers, jazz combos, bands, and pianists playing Steinways. In other venues Explora I offers “luminaries” speaking on all kinds of topics related to the places the ship visits. It’s a different kind of entertainment that breaks the mold of more traditional offerings. For more information, visit www.explorajourneys.com.
Thursday Aug 17, 2023
Thursday Aug 17, 2023
Jason Gelineau, head of product and guest experience for Explora Journeys, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what your clients can expect from the new luxury Explora I, which just had its first cruise the first week of August. Gelineau explains why Explora Journeys is not selling itself as a cruise, but as a luxury boutique hotel experience at sea, complete with the ultimate in fine dining, super accommodations and unique entertainment, all while visiting wonderful destinations. For more information, visit www.explorajourneys.com.
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
Franck Garanger, head of culinary for Explora Journeys, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on the new Explora I about the amazing dining options available on the luxury ship, including six restaurants—including Anthology, Emporium Marketplace, Sakura, Marble & Co. Grill, Fil Rouge, Med Yacht Club. He also describes the manyother dining experiences onboard, such as a Chef’s Kitchen that on this sailing was created by Garanger himself. For more information, visit www.explorajourneys.com.
Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
Tuesday Aug 15, 2023
Capt. Serena Melani, master of Explora I, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her absolutely beautiful new luxury ship, the first of six from Explora Journeys. Capt. Melani details the ships capabilities, the design and the sailings for her new vessel, as well as what your clients will experience. She also tells the story of her own remarkable maritime career. For more information, visit www.explorajourneys.com.
Monday Aug 14, 2023
Monday Aug 14, 2023
Chris Austin, chief sales officer for Explora Journeys, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on the first sailing of the brand new, ultra-luxury Explorer I about the ship’s spacious public areas, beautiful décor, multiple pools, brilliant sun decks, exquisite dining options and more. For the past three years, Austin has been actively and successfully selling a ship that didn’t exist—but now he has an exemplary vessel that truly lives up to all the advance hype. For more information, visit www.explorajourneys.com.
Friday Aug 11, 2023
Friday Aug 11, 2023
Bernie Leypold, senior vice president of hotel operations for Crystal Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about how Crystal completely refurbished the beautiful Crystal Serenity to return it to its former glory and then some. Leypold, a veteran Crystal executive, describes how he helped oversee the renovation of the ship, which took place in less than a year from when the Crystal brand was purchased by Manfredi Lefebvre D’Ovidio. For more information, visit www.crystalcruises.com.
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Thursday Aug 10, 2023
Marett Taylor, chief sales officer for A&K Travel Group and Crystal Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the top selling points for the “new” Crystal, including fine dining at top specialty restaurants and the main Waterside restaurants; larger, redecorated suites; the same top service from a very experienced crew; and beautiful redesigned public spaces. For more information, visit www.crystalcruises.com
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
Wednesday Aug 09, 2023
Scott Peterson, hotel director on Crystal Serenity, talks with James Shillinglaw on Insider Travel Report about the ship’s newly expanded and redecorated suites, top dining venues and top-notch service from the crew make cruising with Crystal a true luxury experience once again. Peterson, a veteran hotel director with Crystal, describes what’s new on Serenity and what’s still the same at a very high standard. For more information visit www.crystalcruises.com.
Tuesday Aug 08, 2023
Tuesday Aug 08, 2023
Rick Spath, cruise director once again on Crystal Serenity, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the refurbished ship’s return to service along with 80 percent of its former crew. Spath, who was cruise director of Serenity for the former Crystal Cruises, details how he and his fellow crew members are thrilled to be back onboard, how the ship delivers great entertainment and dining, along with larger, renovated suites, and how it continues to deliver a truly Crystal luxury experience. For more information, visit www.crystalcruises.com.
Monday Aug 07, 2023
Monday Aug 07, 2023
Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, parent of the “new” Crystal Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw aboard the completely refurbished Crystal Serenity about why the company purchased the Crystal brand and its two ocean ships, Serenity and Symphony. Levis also tells why owner Manfredi Lefebvre D’Ovidio, former owner of Silversea Cruises, wanted to get back into a business his family has been in for many years. She details how Crystal Serenity was completely new and expanded suites, refurbished restaurants and how 80 percent of the crew has returned to serve Crystal guests. For more information, visit www.crystalcruises.com.
Monday Aug 07, 2023
Monday Aug 07, 2023
Here is a preview of one of the panels taking place this week at Virtual RoadShows-Selling Cruise Vacations. Luxury cruising has evolved dramatically in just the last few years, with new players entering the market and the concept of luxury itself changing as well. Luxury cruise lines are adding new and more exotic itineraries, refocusing on world cruises, changing the onboard product, and offering a more inclusive experience. This panel looks at how luxury cruising is changing and how travel advisors can better sell it to their higher end customers. Moderated by Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report. this panel includes Tricia Wolf, vice president of sales for Oceania Cruises; Brenna Abels, director trade management for Regent Seven Seas Cruises; and Elizabeth Fettes, vice president of sales for Scenic and Emerald Cruises,. To join Virtual Roadshows-Selling Cruises Vacations,, visit and sign up at www.taconnect.travel/agent-reg-cruise-vacations-vrs.
Friday Aug 04, 2023
Friday Aug 04, 2023
Back in March we interviewed Annarita Aprea, director of sales and marketing at Casa Angelina, in New York's Central Park about her luxury property on the Amalfi Coast. Now James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report talks with her once again, but this time on the rooftop of Casa Angelina, itself, located in the tiny town of Praiano, Italy. The property has 37 rooms with gorgeous views of nearby Positano, a gourmet restaurant where you can dine al fresco, pool and casual restaurant, a spa and unique modern glass sculpture throughout. For more information, visit www.casangelina.com.
Thursday Aug 03, 2023
Thursday Aug 03, 2023
Mariella Avino, managing director of Palazzo Avino, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about her legendary family owned luxury hotel in Ravello, Italy. Avino tells you how your clients can dine at the hotel’s Michelin-star restaurant with incredible views of the Amalfi coast, the range of unique accommodations that can satisfy any guest, and even a newly renovated beach club located directly on the sea far below the property. For more information, visit www.palazzoavino.com.
Wednesday Aug 02, 2023
Wednesday Aug 02, 2023
Jaqueline Gil, marketing director for Visit Brasil (Embratur), talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the country's new tourism marketing campaign based on how Brasilians spell their nation's name with an “s” instead of a “z." The campaign plays on words with an with "s" in them and defines what makes for an authentic Brasil experience. Gil also discusses the return of U.S. visitors to her country, new flights and connectivity, including partnerships with Latam and Delta Air Lines, new hotels, events, sustainability, travel advisor programs and visitor safety. For more information, visit www.VisitBrasil.com/Spectacular.
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Tuesday Aug 01, 2023
Scott Wiseman, the new CEO of Nocturne Luxury Villas and former senior vice president and general manager of ALG Vacations, talks with Alan Fine of Insider Travel Report about the history of Nocturne, its recent mergers, his plans for the company, what makes it different from other companies offering villas, and special incentives for travel advisors. For more information, visit www.NocturneLuxuryVillas.com.
Monday Jul 31, 2023
Monday Jul 31, 2023
Brandi McBride, a travel advisor with Connoisseur Travel, talks with James Shillinglaw about how younger travel professionals are entering the agency business and finding new leadership roles in professional organizations like ASTA. And McBride should know, she is McBride is on the New York ASTA (NYASTA) board as secretary and liaison to ASTA's Young Professionals Society. Even more significantly, she was named ASTA's YPS Person of the Year for 2023. In this interview, she talks about how she got into the business, how she's grown in the profession and why being a travel advisor is such a rewarding job for younger people For more information, visit www.asta.org and www.ctltd.com.
Friday Jul 28, 2023
Friday Jul 28, 2023
Jade McBride, president of Ted Turner Reserves, sits down with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report to talk about his complex of luxury sustainable properties in New Mexico developed by media tycoon Ted Turner on his own land and homes. These award-winning resorts offer true Western getaways for guests with great food, accommodations, wildlife, and activities. For more information, visit www.tedturnerreserves.com.
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
Thursday Jul 27, 2023
Kelly Kimple, CEO of Adventures in Good Company (AGC), talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about how she creates experiences of a lifetime for women seeking new adventures. AGC’s small group getaways encourage women of all ages and life stages to connect and re-connect with their adventurous selves, other women and cultures, and the natural world. For more information, visit www.adventuresingoodcompany.com.
Wednesday Jul 26, 2023
Wednesday Jul 26, 2023
Rosana Morillo, Secretary of State for Tourism for Spain, sat down with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report when she was in New York earlier this month to participate in a UN conference on sustainable tourism. Morillo describes how Spain is working to make tourism more sustainable, as well as how the country measures that sustainability. She also reveals the latest numbers of visitors to Spain, noting strong growth from the U.S. market. For more information, visit www.spain.info.
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
Tuesday Jul 25, 2023
Michael Lim, acting director-U.S. for Hong Kong Tourism Board, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about what's new in Hong Kong, which is now completely open for travel after three years where it was virtually closed due to the pandemic. Lim describes Hong Kong's new arrival and departure experience at the airport, new hotels, new dining options, museums, festivals and much more. For more information, visit www.discoverhongkong.com.
Monday Jul 24, 2023
Monday Jul 24, 2023
Jacqueline Barney, senior vice president-global marketing for Crystal Cruises, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report at a lunch at Nobu Downtown in New York City to celebrate the renewed partnership between Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Crystal, which will once again feature his restaurants aboard its two renovated ships. For more information, visit www.crystalcruises.com.
Friday Jul 21, 2023
Friday Jul 21, 2023
Jeff Adam. director of sales for Down Under Answers, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about a fam trip to New Zealand we took with 10 travel advisors that offered a great overview of this fabulous destination. From Māori culture to Ruby in Auckland to lots of wind in Hawkes Bay to adventure activities in Queenstown, this trip had it all. Adam reviews what we did and how we did it. This is the final video of a series we’ve been posting on this trip. For more information, visit www.duatravel.com.
Thursday Jul 20, 2023
Thursday Jul 20, 2023
Jason Burgess, lead guide for Bush & Beach Tours in Auckland, New Zealand, takes James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report on a tour of the parks, beaches and suburbs just outside the city to discover the country’s nature preserves, history and a whole lot more. This video is from a fam trip organized by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit https://bushandbeach.co.nz or visit www.duatravel.com.
Wednesday Jul 19, 2023
Wednesday Jul 19, 2023
Lee Saunders, owner and lead guide for Alpine Luxury Tours, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his local tour operation in Queenstown. Saunders details how Alpine Luxury can deliver almost any experience, from hiking to jetboating to culinary and wine experiences and more, when your clients visit this most scenic area of New Zealand. This video is from a fam trip created by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit www.alpineluxurytours.co.nz or www.duatravel.com.
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
Tuesday Jul 18, 2023
Tegan Worthington, sales and marketing manager for Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters, talks with James Shillinglaw about her company’s flightseeing tours to explore the mountains, glaciers and lakes around Queenstown, New Zealand. With the latest helicopters and great pilots Glacier South Lakes Helicopters is the operator many turn to for both transportation and tours of the area. This video was produced during a fam trip created by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit www.glaciersouthernlakes.co.nz and www.duatravel.com.
Monday Jul 17, 2023
Monday Jul 17, 2023
Geraldine McMillan, sales manager for RealNZ, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the adventures her company can provide to your clients, from an excursion to Milford Sound for a cruise past the waterfalls to a dinner experience at Colonel’s Homestead restaurant on Wakatipu in Queenstown, plus much more. This interview was completed during a fam trip created by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit www.realnz.com or www.duatravel.com.
Friday Jul 14, 2023
Friday Jul 14, 2023
Dr. Merel Dalebout, a submersible pilot and naturalist, and Seb Coulthard, a submersible pilot and historian, talk with James Shillinglaw about Seabourn Venture’s two U-Boat submersibles (submarines), which offer guests an adventure in this case in the depths of the cold blue waters of Greenland. Dalebout and Coulthard talk about how they learned how to pilot the submersibles, what they like about the subs, and what else they do as part of the expedition team aboard the ship. For more information, visit www.seabourn.com.
Friday Jul 14, 2023
Friday Jul 14, 2023
Katherine Cahill, sales and events manager for Headwaters Eco-Lodge at Glenorchy, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about this completely sustainable hotel near Queenstown, New Zealand. With a unique restaurant focusing on local products, comfortable public lounges and bars, and some very special rooms and cabins, Headwaters is positioned as the perfect place to enjoy the region’s natural and adventure attractions. We visited this lodge as part of a fam trip offered by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit www.theheadwaters.co.nz or www.duatravel.com.
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Gerald Mosslinger, senior vice president-hotel operations for Seabourn, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about Seabourn Venture, the line’s first luxury expedition ship. Mosslinger details the range of accommodations, including spectacular suite, as well the dining onboard at the Colonnade and The Restaurant, plus a brand new room service program. Most of all, he talks about how Seabourn delivers its personal brand of service on a true expedition ship. For more information, visit www.seabourn.com.
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Thursday Jul 13, 2023
Mark Rose, chief executive of the Rees Hotel in Queenstown, New Zealand, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about his sumptuous accommodations overlooking Lake Wakatipu. With a wide range of rooms, suites and even apartments, the Rees, named after Queenstown’s first European settler, features a top-notch restaurant, spa and other comforts for those needing a base to explore the region. Travel advisors and Insider stayed at the Rees as part of a fam trip developed by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit www.therees.co.nz or www.duatravel.com.
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Matt Woods, CEO of Destination Queenstown in New Zealand, talks with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report, about the incredibly varied attractions of his popular city and region, including wineries, fine cuisine, ski resorts, jetboating, spectacular mountains, and much more. This video is from a recent fam trip organized by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit www.queenstownnz.co.nz or www.duatravel.com.
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Brandon Payne and Robert Egelstaff, lead kayak guides on Seabourn Venture, talk to James Shillinglaw about the experience they deliver to guests, including a paddle through stunning fjords past massive mountains and glaciers, thousands of bird species, seals and more. They also regale us with some surprising stories about the joys of kayaking. For more information, visit www.seabourn.com.
Tuesday Jul 11, 2023
Tuesday Jul 11, 2023
Robin West, vice president-expedition operations and planning for Seabourn, talks with James Shillinglaw about how the luxury cruise line develops its expeditions and forms its teams. On an Arctic cruise of Greenland and Iceland, West describes what guests will see and do in these remote destinations, including kayaking, Zodiac rides through fjords and past glaciers, wildlife viewing of birds, seals and whales, and much more. For more information, visit www.seabourn.com.
Tuesday Jul 11, 2023
Tuesday Jul 11, 2023
Alia McWhirter and Kim Botherway of Altitude Tours in Queenstown talk with James Shillinglaw of Insider Travel Report about the range of services their small group operator provides to deliver wine tasting experiences, jetboat rides, helicopter rides, transfers and a whole lot more. This tour was booked as part of a fam trip created by Down Under Answers. For more information, visit www.altitudetours.co.nz or www.duatravel.com.
Monday Jul 10, 2023
Monday Jul 10, 2023
Comedian Jay Leno, former host of NBC’s Tonight Show, spoke with the press last month just before he served as godfather to rechristen Carnival Venezia as the part of the “Fun Italian-Style” Carnival fleet. What we found out: Leno has never cruised before, he likes the fact that his Italian heritage fits in with the Carnival Venezia’s theme, and he thinks his immigrant grandfather would have been amazed that he was christening a cruise ship. For more information, visit www.goccl.com or www.carnival.com.