We’re back this Wednesday with another big fat cruise wrap. Grab a coffee and get informed!

UNIWORLD’S S.S. JOIE DE VIVRE SETS SAIL ON MAIDEN VOYAGE

Photo by Steve Dunlop

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s newest Super Ship, the S.S. Joie de Vivre, set sail yesterday on its maiden voyage along the historic Seine River.

The inaugural events included a christening ceremony in Paris led by the ship’s Godmother, Dame Joan Collins. Following the event, the S.S. Joie de Vivre embarked on its journey through Northern France along Uniworld’s Paris & Normandy itinerary, with unique programming in celebration of the highly anticipated launch.

With a length of 125 metres, rather than the typical 135 metres, the S.S. Joie de Vivre can conveniently dock in the heart of Paris in the shadow of its most beloved landmark, the Eiffel Tower. The ship has two Royal Suites, eight Junior Suites, and 54 staterooms for a maximum capacity of 128 guests. Sailings on the S.S. Joie de Vivre in 2017 run from 2 April to 27 December.

OCEANIA CRUISES INTRODUCES TEN NEW JOURNEYS TO CUBA

Oceania Cruises has announced ten new Journeys to Cuba in 2018. Sailing roundtrip from PortMiami, itineraries range in length from 7 to 10 days; all include calls in Havana and the storied destinations of Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba.

Aboard the Sirena, there are only 684 privileged guests who are catered to by 400 professionally trained staff. Travellers will indulge in

The Finest Cuisine at Sea in four open-seating gourmet restaurants where they will dine on continental specialties along with the bold and vibrant tastes of Cuba. Each of these voyages will feature a wide array of authentic Cuban dishes that were born from generations-old family recipes.

In addition to the new sailings, Oceania Cruises recently added six Journeys to Cuba aboard Insignia in the autumn of 2017 and added calls to Havana on four Regatta sailings in the spring and autumn of 2018. All told, Oceania Cruises offers a choice of 20 voyages to Cuba from autumn 2017 through autumn 2018.

Avalon Waterways “Waives” Goodbye to Single Supplements 

Avalon Waterways is extending a warm welcome to solo travellers, waiving single supplements for all 2017 cruises, as well as the cruise line’s 2018 preview cruises in a move which will deliver thousands of dollars in savings per cruise.

Available on both Avalon’s Europe and Asia departures, the offer applies to all cabin classes except Royal Suites (Europe) and Category A (Asia), for bookings made before April 4, 2017.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Makes Brand New Atlas Brochure

Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) has just made its comprehensive cruise Atlas brochure available for Australian travel agents who can order their copies through Brochure Flow or through the company’s website.

All four of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ luxurious vessels – Voyager, Navigator, Mariner and Explorer – are featured in the Atlas brochure, coupled with stunning images of both the on board experience as well as the ports of call.

The Atlas brochure includes a fold-out voyage calendar at the back, which serves as an excellent reference tool for travel agents. The brochure also comes with a price insert, which is updated quarterly as well as information on the new optional Business Class Air packages which are now available for all bookings from April 2017 on Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

P&O Pacific Partnership Expands Reach in South Pacific

The P&O Pacific Partnership is expanding its reach in the South Pacific with two new community programs, after surpassing a milestone of one million dollars in voluntary contributions from passengers and special donations in only four years.

Building on previous funding of health posts and kindergartens in Vanuatu, the two new projects are aimed at assisting women and young children in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, working in conjunction with Save the Children Australia.

Both PNG and the Solomons receive regular cruise calls by P&O Cruises’ ships. In 2017 alone, 11 P&O cruises will visit Papua New Guinea, with three of those cruises visiting Gizo Island and Honiara in the Solomons.

In the Solomon Islands, P&O Cruises is now supporting the Solomons Early Childhood Development Project, which integrates child protection with community-based early childhood interventions to ensure children grow up in protective environments that enable them to realise their full potential.

VIKING CRUISES’ BRAND NEW RESIDENT HISTORIAN PROGRAMME

Viking Cruises today announces the rollout of a brand-new Viking Resident Historian Programme across its ocean fleet, which includes Viking Star, Viking Sea and recently-launched Viking Sky. A video about the programme can be found on the Viking website.

A carefully-selected faculty of historians will provide guest enrichment programmes with historical education relevant to their specific itineraries. The programme explores the major chapters in world history through discussions, lectures, roundtable discussions, and one-to-one sessions with guests.

The lectures are exclusively produced by Viking Cruises under the direction of Dr. Charles Doherty, Chief Viking Resident Historian, who has lectured in more than 60 countries for The National Geographic Society, the Smithsonian and the American Museum of Natural History.

Aranui Offers Discounts on Tahiti 

Aranui Cruises is offering discounted cruises in 2018 with savings of up to $900 on four select voyages.

The Tahitian adventure cruise line is providing a 10 per cent discount across all cabin categories on Aranui 5’s January 13, March 29 and June 12 departures, with seniors also able to take advantage of a 10 per cent discount on the October 2 voyage.

Discounted premium suites are priced from $7830* per person twin share, a saving of $840. While a royal suite is available from $8557* per person twin share on the discounted voyages, a saving of $920.

SILVERSEA REVEALS SILVER CLOUD DESIGN IN NEW RENDERINGS

Silversea has released a selection of renderings showcasing the beautifully crafted Silver Cloud interiors ahead of her conversion into an ice-class expedition ship, which will take place between August and October this year.

The new renderings highlight the luxurious design of Silver Cloud’s public spaces including La Terrazza, The Restaurant, Observation Lounge, Panorama Lounge, and Venetian Lounge. The extensive refurbishment will include the creation of the Observation lounge, new teak flooring, upholstery and lighting in La Terrazza and new carpet and upholstery in The Restaurant. Silver Cloud will also feature a new gym with Technogym equipment.

In addition to interior updates, the multi-million dollar refurbishment will strengthen Silver Cloud’s hull enabling her to explore polar waters. Silver Cloud’s transition to an ice-class vessel will bring expedition guests the luxury, style and comfort synonymous with Silversea’s classic ships.

A guest capacity of 260 in non-polar regions and just 200 in polar regions means that guests will enjoy the highest levels of personalised and attentive service on board. The limited capacity in polar regions also means that all guests can disembark at the same time to explore each region.

Seabourn celebrates return to Alaska

Seabourn is celebrating its return to Alaska for the first time in 15 years by offering onboard spending money and air credits as well as complimentary upgrades as part of a two week sale.

On sale until April 3, 2017, the sale includes onboard spending money of up to US$1000 per suite and air credit to the value of A$500 per person on select sailings departing between June 1 and September 21, 2017.

Guests who book during the sale period will also receive complimentary upgrades from ocean view suites to verandas, with upgrades also available up to three veranda suite categories higher depending on availability and fare paid.

FLY TO EUROPE RETURN FROM JUST $495 WITH VIKING CRUISES

Viking has announced a series of great deals this week across both their river and ocean offering.

Fly return to Europe for $495 per person when cruising Viking’s 8-day Romantic Danube itinerary. Offer valid until 30 June 2017. Pricing from $2,995 per person on 24 Nov 2018 departure.

Book a 15 day Into the Midnight Sun ocean cruise and save $1,000 per couple. Offer valid until 30 June 2017. Pricing from $10,349 for 30 June 2018 departure.

Viking Cruises has launched a 2-for-1 deal on selected 2017 cruises, giving guests the chance to see the best of Europe for less.

Itineraries available on this great offer include:

• Elegant Elbe (Berlin – Prague), May to Oct 2017, from $3,745pp
• Lyon and Provence (Avignon – Lyon), Jun, Jul, Sept 2017 from $2,645pp
• Chateaux, Rivers and Wine (Bordeaux – Bordeaux) – Jun – Oct 2017 from $2,395pp
• Cities of Light (Prague – Paris) – Aug – Nov 2017 from $3,025pp
• Paris to the Swiss Alps (Paris – Zurich)– Apr, May, Jul – Nov 2017 from $3,245pp

On selected 2017 Viking river cruise departures pay for one person and the second person travels for free. Offer valid until 30 June 2017 unless sold out prior. Call 138 747 or visit vikingrivercruises.com.au.

MSC CRUISES ELEVATES DINING AT SEA TO A NEW HIGH

MSC Cruises has revealed their new innovative dining concepts – available on MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seaside.

Designed to meet the needs of today’s cruise guests, the MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seaside will introduce flexible dining options and packages. These can be booked at any time prior to embarkation and whilst on board, with the ability to change it at any time during their cruise.

For Fantastica booked clients the flexi dining options gives them the chance to choose their  dining time in the main restaurant and the opportunity throughout the cruise, to change this timing to suit their needs. Clients will be able to allocate a dining time to their Fantastica booking from 60 days prior to sailing through their Manage your Booking on the website or throughout their cruise onboard.

For Bella cruisers the Classic cruise dining experience is still available, with a choice of two sittings each evening. This is popular with guests who prefer a dedicated table each night – with personalised service from the same waiter.

MSC Aurea clients continue to enjoy “My Choice Dining” in the main restaurant for complete freedom, whilst MSC Yacht Club guests enjoy their dedicated MSC Yacht Club restaurant with free-time dining, with the option of reserving a table in advance for ease.

Casual dining venues are available for all guests 20 hours-a-day. The MSC Cruises buffet has been enhanced with a range of international food experiences. MSC Seaside will feature two casual dining venues, one of which will feature family-friendly options and child-friendly seating.

Speciality restaurants gives guests opportunities to experience cuisines from around the world. MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seaside will feature restaurants with innovative ‘open kitchens’ to experience chefs at work. Selected restaurants on MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seaside will also feature a Chef’s Table deal.

Oceania Cruises Special Europe 2017 Offers Ending 31 March  

 Oceania Cruises ‘Best of Europe 2017’ sailings are valid until 31 March 2017. For a limited time only, enjoy special offers on 36 voyages, sailing to over 200 different ports across Europe, including the very best of Northern Europe, the Baltic and the Mediterranean.

Guests booking these European voyages will benefit from an array of special offers, including OLife Choice; which includes FREE Internet, plus one of the following: FREE Shore Excursions, FREE Beverage Package or FREE Shipboard Credit.

Additionally, guests will enjoy a bonus US$250 to spend onboard and 50% reduced deposits for European voyages departing from March to December 2017, ranging from 7 to 58 nights.