Carnival Corp. has rehired cruise icon Bob Dickinson to consult to the company on distribution and marketing strategies in North America. Travel agents reacted favorably, noting Dickinson’s advocacy of the retail channel. But re-earning agents’ trust won’t be easy.

A new consumer website from Mark Travel Corp. goes head-to-head with travel agents, offering a broad range of products and services for luxury travelers. Traterra, now in beta, promises expert advice and personal service – at no fee. “It’s everything that a typical travel agency does,” says one agency exec.

It’s been a busy month for shipyard order-takers. Carnival Corp. placed two orders for ships, including one for Holland America. Norwegian has two ships on order and Royal Caribbean is working on a deal for a new Oasis-class ship. Travel agents greeted the news with enthusiasm. “When any new ship comes out it helps the entire industry,” says Cruise Planners’ Michelle Fee.