Cruise news served sunny side up today, with all the info you need to be an A+ cruise expert. Enjoy!

Evergreen Tours Launches 2018 Europe River Cruising

Evergreen Tours announced a very special preview offer for its popular 2018 Europe River Cruising program with the popular 15 Day Splendours of Europe River Cruise between Amsterfrom just $3,995pp*, a saving of up to $5,130 per couple*.

The offer is based on an E Category Emerald Stateroom on the October 5, October 13 and October 14 departures in 2018, and includes an Early Payment Discount of $400pp.

Visit www.evergreentours.com.au for the full range of offers across the 2018 Europe River Cruise Preview brochure including Fly Free* to Europe including taxes, No Single Supplement* or Fly Business Class for $3,995pp including taxes*.

Unless sold out sooner, these preview offers expire on 30 April, 2017 or when Evergreen’s main 2018 Europe River Cruising brochure is released, whichever comes first.

PONANT throws support behind IWD

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, PONANT is announcing its support for a Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) programme for women in Africa.

For a number of years, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility policy, PONANT has been working to promote women’s rights with its “Women at the helm” (Femmes à la barre) programme, which seeks to encourage the gender balance among its crew. It also works regularly with the French shipowners’ association, Armateurs de France and the National Maritime Academy (Ecole Nationale Supérieure Maritime) to honour female officers.

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, PONANT is announcing an additional element to its social programme: support for the work of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) in Africa with women and mothers.

The partnership agreement, signed by Jean Emmanuel Sauvée, President and co-Founder of PONANT and Benoit Muller, Partnership and Philanthropy Development Manager for MSF, focuses on one of MSF’s maternal and child health programmes in Africa, incorporating obstetrics, paediatrics and preventing HIV transmission.

Viking Cruises Launches 2017-19 Ocean Brochure and New TVC

The 2017-2019 ocean brochure showcases the expanding ocean fleet and unique itinerary offering, including 13 new itineraries to Alaska, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and South America.

As part of the supporting marketing campaign, a series of 15 and 30 second TVCs will be on air from 5 March 2017, and will run over a nine-week period on metro and regional, free to air and digital channels.

Royal Caribbean’s worldwide WOW Sale is now on

Travellers can stretch their holiday dollars with savings of up to 30 percent, USD$200 bonus onboard credit and 50 percent deposits. 

The spectacular offer is available for all new bookings on international and local voyages departing after 15 March 2017. But be quick, the offer ends Saturday 11 March 2017.

As well as low fares, guests who book more than 70 days prior to departure date pay 50 per cent reduced deposits and are eligible to receive up to USD$200 onboard credit per stateroom. Cruises for five nights of less will receive USD$50 per stateroom while sailings for six to nine nights receive US$100 per stateroom. On voyages of 10 nights or more, guests will receive USD$200 per stateroom.

One of children’s books most loved characters – the Cat in the Hat –  was on deck on Carnival Spirit today to celebrate a very important occasion – the birthday of popular  author Theodor Seuss Geisel.

Dr. Seuss jumps aboard Carnival Cruise lines

Dr. Seuss, who would have been 113 today, wrote more than 40 children’s books throughout his career, with his words still quoted by children and adults alike.

As part of an exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss, Carnival Cruise Line offers Seuss at Sea across its 25 ships – including its Australian-based Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend – with the magic of Dr. Seuss’ books brought to life at a Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with the Cat in the Hat and Friends, special showings of beloved Dr.

Seuss movies and the Seuss-a-Palooza Character Parade where guests join Dr. Seuss characters in a conga line along the Promenade before watching a Dr. Seuss show in the theatre.

Oceania Cruises Announces Around the World in 180 Days Voyage for 2019

 World travellers wanting to experience more travel milestones during a single journey than many do in an entire lifetime can achieve their dreams with Oceania Cruises’ announcement of another awe-inspiring 180-day world cruise for 2019.

With the unveiling of this global odyssey, the line is offering guests the flexibility of embarking the full world cruise in New York, Miami or Los Angeles. 

Aboard the elegant and intimate 684-guest Insignia, the Around the World voyage brings travellers the journey of a lifetime, sailing more than 45,000 nautical miles across two oceans and 16 seas while visiting 90 fascinating destinations in 36 countries.

Departing New York on January 11, 2019; Miami on January 14, 2019; or Los Angeles on January 30, 2019, this epic five-continent expedition invites seasoned travellers to explore the far corners of the world in luxury and style.

Travel Agents Turn to Isaac for Quick and Easy Online Advice

Princess Cruises has revealed that agents are increasingly turning to Isaac for advice with the cruise line’s online chat service fielding more than 84,000 queries since its launch in Australia in late 2015.

Named after the most recognisable bartender at sea, Isaac from the long-running TV series The Love Boat, the ‘Ask Isaac’ click-to-chat service has been a huge hit down under.

Available through Princess’ One Source portal, the service was designed to give agents access to assistance without interrupting their sales calls, ‘Ask Isaac’ enables agents to type in questions from clients, which are directed to an appropriate Princess Cruises expert to address.

Agents can then pass on the Princess response to their client without any disruption to their conversation, eliminating the need to contact the consumer assistance call centre or navigate time-consuming call menus.

Uniworld Announces New “You deserve the Best Upgrade”

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection  announced the new promotion, that offers accommodation upgrades and an air travel incentive on more than 20 itineraries that sail the world’s most picturesque rivers. The promotion is applicable to all guests on select bookings in Europe, India and Vietnam in 2017. 

Guests who book select 2017 voyages by April 30, 2017 will receive a complimentary stateroom upgrade. In addition to this, those booking a trip to Europe can choose from $499 economy return airfares or $4,599 business class return airfares with Etihad.

For guests travelling to Asia, incredible free economy airfares are offered to Vietnam or India otherwise business class airfares from $2,699 to Vietnam are available with Singapore Airlines

Oceania Cruises’ Sirena makes Spectacular Debut in Australian waters

Oceania Cruises announces its newest fleet addition, Sirena, is in Australian waters for the first time following a successful inaugural season in the northern hemisphere after her launch last year.

The 684-passenger Sirena has undergone a US$50 million refurbishment, with amenities such as four gourmet restaurants, six elegant lounges and bars, the renowned Canyon Ranch SpaClub, and 342 lavish suites and luxurious staterooms.  

 Enhanced on board entertainment options include new productions such as the Rat-Pack inspired Tuxedo, and pop sensation Acoustic Sessions, as well as world-class comedic productions.

 Sirena marks her presence in the Australian and New Zealand region through a series of regional itineraries including a 34-day Sydney-to-Sydney circumnavigation of Australia departing March 6th – with highlights including the Whitsundays, Papua New Guinea, Komodo, Bali, Broome, Kangaroo Island and Tasmania.

Viking Introduce Customer Info Sessions to Oz Market 

This Month, Viking Cruises are presenting three information sessions designed to immerse potential guests in the brand’s new ocean itineraries, extensive river cruise offerings and award-winning fleet.

Hosted by experts from the cruise company, with a special offer only available to attendees, the free sessions will be held in Melbourne (23 March, Grand Hyatt Melbourne), Brisbane (28 March, Pullman King George Square) and Sydney (4 April, Primus Hotel). Two sessions each day will be held on River Cruising and two on Ocean, with the following sessions scheduled:

·       10am – 11am: Europe River Cruising

·       12pm – 1pm: Ocean Cruising

·       2pm – 3pm: Europe River Cruising

·       6pm – 7pm: Ocean Cruising

Agents are invited to bring their clients along. Sessions are free but seats are limited. Tickets can be reserved at http://www.vikingrivercruises.com.au/why-viking/community/index.html.

MSC Cruises Travelling to Japan for the First Time

MSC Cruises (the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line) is announcing the company’s first cruise from Dubai to Japan. Spectacular 28 night cruises will bring guests to various major cities in 2018.

The MSC Splendida will embark on this cruise from 31st March 2018, for this holiday through Asia.

The stylish eco-ship offers guests entertainment at The Strand Theatre, the Royal Palm Casino and the Club 33 Disco. Fitness routines can be maintained at the four pools, jogging track, squash court and gym. Pampered services will revive individuals at the MSC Aurea Spa. The bar will be a chilled out venue at the Top 18 sun deck. Kids and teens will be entertained with dedicated programs. There is something for everyone aboard the MSC Splendia, soon to travel around Asian countries.

Travellers are encouraged to book soon, as a special offer will be available until 13th March 2017. Celebrating this new itinerary, MSC Cruises will offer reduced rates and $100 on-board credit. Prices start at just AUD$2,619pp* or NZD$2,789pp*.

Shannan Ponton Shows How to Stay Shipshape with Carnival

Fitness and healthy living expert Shannan Ponton is set to jump back onboard Carnival Cruise Line in October this year, with a special cruise featuring a pack of fitness-themed activities.

Guests on the cruise will have the chance to join Shannan’s popular Biggest Bootcamp at Sea on the top decks, discover his secrets to a healthy, happy life in a motivational seminar and learn more about healthy eating habits in a special nutrition seminar.

In between sessions, guests will be able to make the most of a range of features on Carnival Legend designed to keep them ship shape, including a world-class two-deck gymnasium with regular fitness classes, a sports court and a dedicated running track.

Shannan’s eight-night roundtrip cruise to New Caledonia on Carnival Legend departs Sydney on October 10, 2017, with fares from $1399* per person twin share.