Big fat cruise wrap
Dreaming of a holiday on hump day? Cruise through this wrap and imagine yourself floating through the ocean (on a ship, that is).
Indulge for free on Celebrity Cruises’ most stylish ship
Celebrity Cruises has launched an incredible offer to celebrate the upcoming debut of the brand new billion-dollar cruise ship, Celebrity Edge, in Europe.
Guests who book an Oceanview Stateroom and above on eligible Celebrity Edge sailings departing between 12 February and 31 December 2019 will receive the cruise line’s Go Best offer for free, including a Premium Beverage Package, US$600 Onboard Credit, free wifi and savings of up to USD$300 per stateroom.
Choose a ten-night Iberian Peninsula cruise departing Southampton on 15 May 2019. Visiting Bilbao, La Coruna, Lisbon, Gibraltar, Palma De Mallorca and finishing in Rome, the cruise is priced from $3,549 per person, twin share, for an Infinite Veranda Stateroom. This includes a free Premium Beverage Package, US$600 Onboard Credit per person, savings of up to US$300 per stateroom and free unlimited wifi.
Or, choose a seven-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise. Departing Rome on 10 August 2019, the round-trip cruise makes calls to Naples, Palma De Mallorca, Monte Carlo, Santa Margherita and Florence. Priced from just $3,039 per person for an Infinite Verandah Stateroom, twin share, the fare also includes a free Premium Beverage Package, US$600 Onboard Credit per person, savings of up to US$300 per stateroom and free unlimited wifi.
Offer ends on 31 January, 2019. Terms and conditions apply. Go here for more info.
European Waterways’ announce $700,000 fleet-wide upgrade ahead of 2019 season
European Waterways have announced that it is investing more than $700,000 toward a fleet-wide upgrade program that will see cabin redesigns, upgraded on-board amenities and modernised bathrooms on numerous vessels to provide a more comfortable and immersive experience.
Cabins on L’Impressionniste in Southern Burgundy have been redesigned and restructured to create a more comfortable environment in which to relax after the day’s cultural excursions and wine tastings. Aboard Enchanté, the largest hotel barge on the Canal du Midi, guests are being treated to a new built-in saloon bar where they can request a cocktail or two before the evening’s fine dining commences.
MSC Cruises reveals a “beautiful” line-up for MSC Bellissima’s March 2 naming ceremony in Southhampton
With just over one month until MSC Cruises’ new flagship MSC Bellissima comes into service, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line has revealed today details of the all-star line-up for her glittering naming ceremony on March 2nd.
Hosting the evening’s proceedings as the Master of Ceremonies will be the English TV presenter and star of ITV, Holly Willoughby. Best known for her current presenting roles on ‘This Morning’ (ITV), ‘Dancing on Ice’ (ITV) and ‘Celebrity Juice’ (ITV2). She recently joined Dec in jungle for a once in a lifetime opportunity co-hosting last year’s ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’. Holly will bring her trademark charm and wit as well as style and elegance to the stage.
Providing the live music for the evening and getting the audience on their feet will be none other than Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and three-time Grammy Award-winner Nile Rodgers and his band Chic. His decades of danceable hits will definitely raise the roof and make this a memorable night.
No MSC Cruises naming ceremony would be complete without Academy Award-winning actress and MSC Cruises’ beautiful godmother – Sophia Loren who will perform the traditional ribbon-cutting and officially name the spectacular vessel, MSC Bellissima.
Travelmarvel Announce Three New River Ships
Travelmarvel, the leaders in premium cruising and touring today announced the order of three new European river ships.
Sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest and vice versa on Travelmarvel’s European Gems itinerary, the first of the brand-new Contemporary Class vessels will set sail on her maiden voyage in April 2020, followed by her two sister ships in April 2021.
The new ships feature a 2 ½ deck design, allowing maximum access to the ship’s Sun Deck throughout the cruise. Guests will be able to enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar, find a shady spot to unwind at the terrace garden, or go for a dip in the heated whirlpool.
Further details and itineraries will be included in Travelmarvel’s 2020 Europe brochure, available Friday 1 February here.
RCL Cruise Hosts Stellar “Summer Of Consultant Rewards” Event
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises celebrated the trade in style last night at the first “Summer of Rewards” party on The Island, with over 100 NSW travel, industry and media partners attending.
The event was held in celebration of the cruise lines’ “Summer of Consultant Rewards” programme – RCL Cruises’ biggest consultant incentive offer yet, in action throughout the 2018/19 Wave season, from December to March.
Summer of Consultant Rewards enables Australian and NZ retail agents to earn points on every new fully-deposited booking made on any Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises sailings between 11 December 2018 and 31 March 2019.
Points earned can be redeemed on a range of e-gift cards from top lifestyle retailers, including Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Coles and Woolworths, David Jones, Myer and Kathmandu on the cruise line’s dedicated Summer of Consultant Rewards website, and are tiered according to the brand and category of stateroom booked.
Top selling agents can also enter the draw to win one of three cruise prizes over the season, on ships like Ovation of the Seas, Celebrity Eclipse and Azamara Pursuit which will be announced at the end of the incentive period.
Princess Cruises to activate three additional Princess Medalionclass ships in 2019
Princess Cruises announced today the expansion of its Princess MedallionClass™ experience to three additional ships – Royal Princess, Crown Princess and Sky Princess – building on the enhanced and personalised cruise vacations guests are currently enjoying on its Caribbean Princess ship sailing the Caribbean, and with Regal Princess starting February 17, 2019.
The OceanMedallion™, included complimentary, is a wearable device that elevates the guest experience by delivering an enhanced level of personalisation and innovative services resulting in high guest satisfaction scores.
With the Princess MedallionClass experience coming to Crown Princess in July and Sky Princess in October, all guests sailing with the brand in the Caribbean will be able to enjoy an enhanced vacation through simplified, personalised and engaging experiences by the end of 2019.
The addition of Royal Princess will also be the first time a Princess MedallionClass ship will be sailing in Alaska.
Last cabins on A&K’s exclusive new Kimberley Cruise
With over 25 years of experience in the field including polar journeys (Antarctica, Arctic) and immersive cultural journeys (Japan, Europe), this June the long-time leader in expedition cruising is operating its first luxury expedition cruise in Australia.
Gain privileged access on foot to ancient Aboriginal rock art, pristine mangrove ecosystems and coastal gorges.
Marvel at coral reefs, waterfalls and native wildlife – both marine and terrestrial. Helicopter over Mitchell Falls, skim through the Horizontal Waterfalls, a unique ocean phenomenon described by Sir David Attenborough as “Australia’s most unusual natural wonder”, and much, much more.
Limited to just 150 guests and with only one departure, Abercrombie & Kent’s 13-day Kimberley Cruise departs 20 June to 2 July 2019 and is priced from $18,295 per person, with a limited number of cabins still available.
But if you miss out, don’t despair; given overwhelming traveller interest, Abercrombie & Kent is already looking to include additional expedition cruises to its Australia and New Zealand portfolio beyond 2019.
To book your A&K itinerary today or to enquire further please contact Abercrombie & Kent on 1300 590 317 or visit go here.
Aurora Expeditions launches brand new agent incentive to celebrate the launch of 2020/21 program
To celebrate the launch of its 2020/21 program, Aurora Expeditions, a world leader in expedition cruising and an Australian home-grown polar exploration specialist, has launched a brand new agent incentive.
Agents who book a 2019, 2020, or 2021 departure between 16 January to 31 March 2019, will go into a draw to win an Aurora Expeditions’ voyage for two to the most remote continent on earth – Antarctica. Each booking is considered a separate entry, so agents will have more than one shot at taking home the trip of a lifetime.
Aurora Expeditions Sales Director Dianna Schinella said the incentive is a fantastic opportunity for new and existing Aurora distribution partners to experience an expedition first hand.
For more information go here.
U Announces a new home for the B in 2020
Following its inaugural year, U, the first river cruise dedicated to a new generation of adult travellers, is excited to announce The B will be moving to Central Europe for the 2020 season.
With increasing demand for the region, where sister ship The A also resides, The B will cease operation on the Seine river and resume cruising in the 2020 season with brand new itineraries in Central Europe.
In 2020, The B will sail from Brussels to Amsterdam and Amsterdam to Frankfurt, while The A will sail from Nuremberg to Vienna and Vienna to Belgrade. Additional details for the new 2020 itineraries will be announced in the coming weeks.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
big fat cruise wrap carnival cruise euopean waterways u uniworldLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!