PONANT announces Central America 2019 – 2020 special offer: $1,300 flight credit per person

By booking early, guests can also enjoy the best PONANT Bonus discount available, with savings of up to 30%.

For more info go here. 

Royal Caribbean orders sixth Oasis-class vessel

Royal Caribbean Cruises today announced that it has entered into an agreement with French shipbuilder Chantiers de l’Atlantique to order a sixth Oasis-class ship for delivery in the fall of 2023.

“It is such a pleasure to announce the order of another Oasis-class ship,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “This order is a reflection of the exceptional performance of this vessel class and the extraordinary partnership between Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.”

“This is the twenty-third cruise ship that RCL will be building at our shipyard, and we are especially proud of it,” said Laurent Castaing, General Manager, Chantiers de l’Atlantique. “The order reflects the confidence our customer puts on us, based on the exceptional quality of our long-term co-operation between the two companies and on our capacity to bring innovative solutions to meet our customer’s expectations.”

This order is contingent upon financing, which is expected to be completed in the second or third quarter of this year.

Cruise the pristine arctic circle with all-inclusive luxury onboard Silver Cloud with complimentary business class flights

For one month only, Silversea Cruises is offering guests complimentary business class air on four incredible Arctic voyages aboard their majestic ship; Silver Cloud. Guests booking select Arctic voyages between 14th February and 14th March 2019 will receive free roundtrip business class air, plus transfers between airport and ship.

Encompassing the untamed beauty of the region, and on board Silversea’s most spacious ice class vessel, the four carefully curated voyages take in the very best of what the Arctic Circle has to offer, with the choice of both 10 and 14 days voyages. With over 60% of the Svalbard region covered in ice, the breathtakingly beautiful icebergs and glaciers of the Svalbard Archipelago will not fail to disappoint. Guests will observe rare seabirds on Zodiac® trips along remote stretches of water and search for Polar Bears during an ice cruise. The coastal waters provide fantastic opportunities to see walruses, while the terrain provides spectacular views of the surrounding valleys.

On board, luxury awaits the adventure traveller, with personal all-inclusive service space and a staff to guest ratio of almost 1:1, four world-class dining options, and spacious luxurious suites, most with private verandas, perfect for taking in those once-in-a-lifetime views, including the world-famous Northern Lights. Specialist experts lead immersive shore excursions along with informative lectures, discussions and recaps on board. With 18 Zodiacs® on board, guests can enjoy explorations, hikes and nature walks ashore — all of which are included in the price.

More info here.

Upgrade your Royal Caribbean adventure with Royalup

Australian & Kiwi guests can now bid to upgrade their stateroom with RoyalUp by Royal Caribbean. From Oceanview and Balcony staterooms to some of the most expansive suites at sea – just like a Royal Caribbean adventure, the possibilities are endless.

Guests booked on eligible local and international sailings will receive an email from Royal Caribbean, advising them of the available stateroom upgrade options and inviting them to submit an offer of their choice.

If the offer is accepted, the guests will be automatically charged and upgraded, guaranteeing the perfect start to their Royal Caribbean adventure.

The program follows the successful roll out of Celebrity Cruises’ MoveUp program in Australia and New Zealand in 2018.

More info here.

AmaMagna a New Era in River Cruising

APT (in partnership with AmaWaterways), Australia’s most trusted cruise and touring specialist, is proud to announce the delivery of its brand new European river ship, AmaMagna, debuting on the Danube in May 2019.

At nearly twice the width of traditional European river ships, the innovative and forward thinking design, combines the grandeur of ocean liners expansive space and facilities, with the intimacy of river cruising.

At 22 metres wide, the AmaMagna was specifically designed to sail the Danube, Europe’s second largest river that connects the shores of ten countries from Germany to Romania. Thanks to its larger than normal locks, the Danube allows the unique grand design of this industry-first vessel.

More info here.

Princess Cruises showcases progress of three new royal-class ships under construction at Fincantieri Shipyard

Princess Cruises is growing and today major milestones for three ships under construction at the same time were celebrated, at Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

The three milestones included the introduction of the Sky Princess crew member who was nominated by her peers to serve as Madrina to celebrate the recent float out of the ship which will enter service in October 2019; the keel laying ceremony for Enchanted Princess launching June 2020 and the steel-cutting ceremony for the sixth and final Royal-Class ship, yet to be named, debuting 2022. With two additional ships on order for delivery in 2023 and 2025, Princess Cruises will increase its capacity by 32 percent over the next six years, adding to its current fleet of 17 ships.

Oceania Cruises unveils 2021 around the world cruise 

Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line revealed their latest epic world journey for savvy travellers who aspire to visit all four corners of the globe, the 2021 Around the World In 180 Days aboard the better-than-new Insignia.

The Around the World In 180 Days voyage offers the trip of a lifetime, journeying more than 72,000 nautical kilometres across three oceans and 44 seas, while visiting 100 ports of call in 44 countries.

Departing Miami on the 9^th January, 2021 and culminating in New York City on the 9^th July, 2021, this remarkable six-continent voyage offers an unparalleled opportunity to travel the world in impeccable style and comfort while enjoying the finest cuisine at sea.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au