Viking Ocean Cruises, the new oceangoing cruise line launched last week as sister to Viking River Cruises all under the new Viking Cruises name, will align its policies by including port fees and taxes in its commissionable fares, meaning that it will effectively have no so-called non-commissionable fares (NCFs), according to Viking Chairman Tor Hagen. The new cruise line, which will introduce its first ship, Viking Star, in May 2015, also will include one shore excursion in every port of call as part of the fare, effectively making those trips commissionable.

Elite Travel International, the Los Angeles-based host travel agency owned by Stacy Small, has officially become a standalone full member of Virtuoso, the luxury travel network. The home-based host agency, with 12 outside travel agents, had previously been affiliated with Virtuoso through New York-based Smart Flyer.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Sunshine has arrived in its summer homeport of Barcelona, Spain, after a 12-day inaugural voyage from Venice, Italy. The ship, formerly known as Carnival Destiny, underwent a $155 million renovation. The ship will operate nine- and 12-day Mediterranean cruises through October.

The week before Memorial Day weekend, which traditionally kicks off summer in the U.S., the Atlantic City Alliance is reminding travel trade and consumers that the AC Boardwalk is “NOT damaged and is opening new attractions, nightclubs and restaurants” for the big holiday weekend.

United Airlines has announced the launch of the MileagePlus Small Business Network, a travel loyalty program that will allow businesses to earn and redeem miles. United says it is the first of its kind in the United States. Businesses can earn award miles when they buy goods and services from the program's vendor partners. These partners include printing, shipping, credit card payment processing, office supplies and computing services.