'Create Your Itinerary' - the New Web Tool From ATLANTIC ALLIANCE for Processing the Preferences of Cruise Passengers and Requirements of the Cruise Lines

MIAMI, March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- With the aim of responding to and realising the wishes and requirements of cruise passengers and cruise lines in the most effective way, "ATLANTIC ALLIANCE" - a marketing partnership of the 17 most important western European cruise ports - has developed a new web tool. By going to the website www.atlanticalliance.eu cruise passengers, potential cruise passengers, cruise lovers and seasoned hands alike can now put together their own dream trip along the western coast of Europe on the virtual level. Cruise lines too can plan their itineraries along the Atlantic west coast.

Under the "Cruise Planner" menu item of the ATLANTIC ALLIANCE website, cruise passengers and cruise lines can obtain comprehensive information in text and pictures about the various member ports.

The new web tool offers cruise lines a special entry dialogue, making it possible for them to find out about potential ports of call in the light of the special requirements of their ships (are there any restrictions in terms of length or draught, for instance). A further step makes it possible to choose between "one way" and "round trip". Based on this you can determine the duration of the cruise individually.

The cruise line itinerary planner defines the cruising speed, and the departure and arrival time from the starting port and for the port of call. When you enter these essential parameters, the system will tell you which ports can be reached and in what time. After you have completed your itinerary, it can be printed out.

"Our aim is to make it easier for the customers of our member ports - the cruise companies, to plan their routes in future with the help of this online dialogue," says Dirk Moldenhauer, Chairman of Atlantic Alliance, explaining the implementation of this ambitious tool. "In this way the cruise lines can respond to the wishes of the market in the most effective way possible - ideally speaking, they will be able to come up with a cruise to meet the customer's preferences immediately."

Cruise passengers as well will find that the system has something to offer. A modified version of the tool makes it possible for passengers to work out their own complete route. Having planned their dream trip on an individual basis, visitors to the website can then notify ATLANTIC ALLIANCE. The data submitted will be collected, evaluated with the help of a special software program and passed on to the Cruise lines.

As an incentive to encourage customers to register their cruise preferences, ATLANTIC ALLIANCE is offering an annual prize draw - those taking part can win two overnight stays, each for two persons, in one of the member ports.

"This internet service is the first direct bridge to be created between passengers or potential passengers and the cruise lines. After all, we want to get both sides enthusiastic about the member ports of our marketing partnership," Moldenhauer concludes.

The founding members of the Atlantic Alliance are:

Hamburg * Bremerhaven * IJmuiden * Amsterdam * Rotterdam * Zeeland * Antwerp * Dover * Portland * Cherbourg * Le Havre  *  Nantes * La Rochelle * Bordeaux * Santander * Vigo * Lisbon

For more information, please visit www.atlanticalliance.eu or contact Nadine Palatz (Assistant Manager, Atlantic Alliance)

SOURCE ATLANTIC ALLIANCE