Big Fat Cruise Wrap
MSC Cruises is rolling out a month of amazing offers on a week by week basis, with cruises selling for half price!
Travellers can explore Spain, Malta and France from the West Mediterranean or take a cruise from Venice to the Greek Islands, Croatia or Montenegro for 7 nights and pay half the normal price. There are over 130 cruises to choose from between April and November, with prices starting at only AU$667pp* /NZ$815pp. The deal ends on Saturday – so people should hurry to not miss out.
Beginning 21 March, week two showcases the Caribbean at its best with seven nights from AU$467pp*/NZ$685pp*. There are over 20 departures exploring either the East or West Caribbean, and these deals are for cruising from June 2017, all the way until February 2018.
Cuba deals go on sale from 28 March for one week only, while half price deals for the longer cruises on Grand Voyager departures roll out in the final week starting 4 April.
Ponant Announces Discounts on Fall Sailings, with up to 30% off Fares
Luxury cruise line, Ponan hast launched 30 percent off select autumn 2017 voyages, with additional savings of up to $1,600 per couple on flights and excursions when booked by March 31, 2017.
The offer is available on eight itineraries sailing to Antarctica, Asia, Oceania, and South America. 2.
Highlights of Ponant’s autumn voyages include:
- Join War II historians on board the new Gems of Southeast Asia sailing, October 3-19, 2017.
- Visit the historic walled town of Cuenca, Ecuador on the Panama and Pre-Columbian Treasures voyage, October 14-23, 2017.
- See the Gambier Islands during the Polynesia and Easter Island sailing, October 27-November 9, 2017
MKR Takes to the High Seas with Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line has signed up as an official 2017 sponsor of Australia’s number one show, Channel Seven’s My Kitchen Rules, with its Sydney-based ship Carnival Spirit set to make a guest appearance in two episodes this week.
In a top secret shoot, Carnival Spirit hosted 11 MKR teams plus judges last year, with contestants only told the location of filming at the last minute, providing plenty of excitement but leaving little time to consider the challenges of cooking at sea.
The first episode, a Cruise Canape Challenge, is hosted in the ship’s adults only Serenity Retreat. Using a makeshift kitchen set-up, teams are tasked with cooking canapes for 150 guests with many appropriately opting for seafood-themed dishes.
In the second episode, Carnival Spirit provides the setting for a Sudden Death Cook-Off and Elimination, with the two teams that failed to impress in the previous challenge sent to a cook-off in the ship’s galley.
The MKR Cruise Canape Challenge will air on Wednesday, March 15 at 7.30pm on Seven, with the onboard Sudden Death Cook-Off and Elimination to follow on Sunday, March 19 at 7pm.
European Waterways offer 2018 hotel barge cruises at 2017 prices for both charters and cabin bookings
The promotion allows small groups and multi-generational families, as well as couples celebrating anniversaries, honeymoons and other milestones, to plan their holidays well in advance. Charter cruises offer more flexibility for groups to tailor their excursions, depending on the itinerary, to specifically satisfy the varied interests of the guests.
According to Banks, a growing number of European Waterways’ charters are being booked by small groups and multi-generational families. One of their biggest challenges is selecting a cruise date that is convenient for every guest. The Burgundy region and Canal du Midi in France are among their most popular destinations and therefore tend to sell out sooner. By planning ahead, everyone has ample time to set aside the special date and completely enjoy their cruise.
APT’s Celebration Sale is entering its last days with deals that are not to be missed
Celebration Sale deals will cease on Wednesday March 15, which is the final day for bookings for the campaign.
Agents can quickly secure Celebration Sale offers on remaining selected 2017 departures of Magnificent Europe and France River cruises, as long as bookings are made by March 15.
For example, on select departures of the eight day Bordeaux return cruise, priced from $5,545 per person twin share, guests can still receive international return flights and a cabin upgrade on one of APT’s Aria river ships.
The sale is finishing but the party is continuing. APT will host a Gala Event in Melbourne for Diamond and Platinum VIP agencies, and industry partners later this month.
Celebrity Cruises Reveals Celebrity Edge, A Ship Designed to Transform Expectations
Celebrity Cruises reveals the transformational Celebrity Edge, whose dramatically expanded staterooms, ship-climbing Magic Carpet platform and stunning suites set a new standard for ship design. The 2,918 cruise is designed completely in 3-D, and features the work of A-list global architects and designers.
The new Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda turns guest quarters into a seamless space, from the room’s door all the way to the water’s edge. The Magic Carpet is an engineering feat that scales the 16-deck ship through the day and evening, positioning at four of the ship’s decks, transforming into a new and exciting experience at each one. The Retreat, features a private pool and lounge, boasting around-the-clock personal butler service, and the exclusive Suite Class restaurant, while the Rooftop Garden hosts games and activities through the day. At night, it is home to live music and the outdoor movie-and-meal pairing.
Celebrity Edge will homeport in Fort Lauderdale, FL, making her first sailing December 16, 2018. Bookings are now open.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
APT Cruises cruise Cruise Sale cruises deals european waterways msc cruises ponant Travel dealsLatest 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!