Get your nose close enough to this and you’ll almost smell the open seas. Plus, you’ll look incredibly silly doing it.

Coral Expeditions announces maiden 2019 itineraries for new ship, the Coral Adventurer 

Coral Expeditions, Australia’s pioneering cruise line, has today opened bookings for its new expedition cruise vessel, the Coral Adventurer. The Coral Adventurer will debut with a series of voyages themed “In the trail of Tasman” that retraces the historic explorations of Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who was the first to map the coastlines of New Zealand, New Guinea and Northern Australia in the seventeenth century. These voyages are designed to showcase the expedition capabilities of the Coral Adventurer, conceived and built to take guests to remote areas inaccessible to larger or less capable vessels.

The first of these will be a 17 night cruise beginning in Singapore on April 24th, 2019 and finishing in Darwin, Australia. Apart from picking up the Tasman trail, the Coral Adventurer will disembark guests using its trademark ‘Xplorer’ tender mechanism directly on Anak Krakatau, the famed volcanic island emerging from the middle of the ocean in the Sunda Straits. Other highlights include Komodo Island, home of the famed dragons and the coral gardens of remote Pulau Alor, which offers some of the best snorkeling in the region. The combination of history, wildlife and marine activity offered by this epic expedition voyage promises to be unique.

Following this inaugural voyage, the Coral Adventurer will undertake two more 11 night cruises, both departing from Darwin in May 2019 following the trail of Tasman into the Gulf of Carpentaria, New Guinea and the Spice Islands and the Kimberley coast. Thereafter, the Coral Adventurer will slip into the regular Kimberley season between Broome and Darwin, which Coral Expeditions has been operating for 24 years.

Viking launches Australia and New Zealand cruise extensions

With only three months until Viking makes its debut in Australia and New Zealand waters, the luxury cruise operator has announced three new cruise extensions to its new 2018 15-day Australia & New Zealand ocean itinerary.

Guests can now choose to maximise their cruise holiday and enjoy additional days pre or post their cruise to explore more of Australia’s spectacular landmarks with either a four-day extension to Port Douglas & the Great Barrier Reef, or the seven-day The Best of Australia extension exploring Melbourne, Alice Springs and Uluru, and the breathtaking beauty of New Zealand with the five-day Auckland & Tongariro National Park.

Viking’s 15-day Australia & New Zealand ocean cruise from Sydney to Auckland or vice versa, sails between December 2018 and February 2019 and is priced from $8,295 per person. This cruise features nine guided tours in Australia and New Zealand. Book before 31 December 2017 to save $1,000 per couple.

P&O Cruises Kicks Off NRL Premiership Incentive for Travel Agents

P&O Cruises is giving Australian travel agents the chance to be part of NRL history at Western Australia’s first ever double header game in Round 1 of the 2018 NRL Telstra Premiership season.

Launching yesterday and running for the month of November, the incentive program will give away 50 tickets to the historic season opener at the brand new Perth Stadium on March 10, 2018.

The winning agents will have the chance to witness the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs tackle the Melbourne Storm and the South Sydney Rabbitohs take on the New Zealand Warriors for their first home games of the year.

The prize also includes twin share accommodation at the Crown Towers Perth, a welcome reception party, return coach transfers from hotel to stadium and a $1,000 Visa Gift Card to use towards travel expenses.

Nominations open for ‘the CLIAs’ –  The Cruise Industry’s night of nights 

It’s the cruise industry’s ‘night of nights’ and to celebrate another big year of cruising, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia is inviting Australian and New Zealand member agents to submit nominations for the 17th Cruise Industry Awards dinner. 

A total of 20 awards will be presented including Cruise Agency of the Year, Online Agency of the Year, Homebased/Mobile Agent of the Year (Broker in NZ), Cruise Consultant of the Year, the Rising Star award and the latest entrant to the CLIA Hall of Fame, as nominated by CLIA members.

CLIA member agents can submit nominations online at www.cruising.org.au for the following categories: 

·         Agent Promotion of the Year Australia / New Zealand 

·         Network Promotion of the Year (Australasia)

·         Plan a Cruise Month Agency Award (Australasia) 

Nominations will be judged by an independent panel based on a selection of set criteria as specified on the CLIA website. 

Lindblad Expeditions signs agreement with Ulstein Verft for building of new polar vessel

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings Inc., the global leader of expedition cruises and adventure travel experiences, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Norwegian shipbuilder and ship designer Ulstein to build the world’s foremost expedition ship.

The new vessel will be built in Ulsteinvik, Norway and is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2020, with an option for two additional ships to be delivered in subsequent years.

The state-of-the-art polar vessel has been designed as the ultimate expedition platform with a focus on safety and comfort, as well as incorporating innovative sustainability solutions to reduce its environmental impact.  A core feature is Ulstein’s signature X-BOW, a distinctive bow that provides fuel efficiency while significantly improving guest comfort in rough seas; and a very high ice class for access deep into polar regions.  The ship’s expanded fuel and water tanks provide for extended operations in remote areas; while the zero-speed stabilizers will ensure stability underway, whether at zero speed when stopped for wildlife observation, or embarking/disembarking the ship.

Evergreen’s Balcony Suite Sale offers savings of up to $1,500 per person

Evergreen Cruises & Tours’ Balcony Suite Sale offers savings of $1,500pp on Vista and Horizon Deck Suites on selected 2018 cruise departures between Amsterdam and Budapest.

The $1,500pp saving applies to Emerald Balcony Suites (Categories C, B and A), Grand Balcony Suites (Category S) and Owner’s One Bedroom Suites (Category SA) on June, July and August 2018 departures of the 15 Day Splendours of Europe River Cruise.

Upgrades start at $450pp for a Category C Suite with lead-in pricing from $8,295pp* including the upgrade. Availability is limited and the offer is valid until December 31, 2017 or until sold out.

Genting Dream honoured in the Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Guide 2018

Dream Cruises has received a Star Performer Top Ten rating in the highly-revered Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Guide 2018, now in its thirty-third year of continuous printing. Based on ratings awarded by Douglas Ward, the Guide’s eminent expert author, Genting Dream was placed sixth in the Large Resort category. 

Meticulously updated every year by cruise expert Douglas Ward, the Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Guide 2018 is divided into two main parts: the first helps readers work out what they are looking for in a cruise holiday and how to find it with lively text and colour photographs describing every aspect of life on board, including safety, the highs and lows of the cruise experience and how to save money.

The second part contains unbiased reviews and fascinating detail of almost 300 ocean-going cruise vessels, and grades them on service, food, entertainment and facilities, using an internationally recognised ratings system. 

As the recipient of this honour, Dream Cruises are at liberty to use their official logo in our collaterals and communications.

Royal Caribbean Releases 2019/2020 Alaska, Caribbean and Europe Sailings

Royal Caribbean International has announced its 2019-2020 deployment plans, including and the first-ever Quantum Class ship to visit Alaska, four new ports of call in Europe, and unrivalled Caribbean voyages. Combined with newly transformed ships, Royal Caribbean is offering more adventures than ever for guests of all ages.

Making her U.S. debut for the 2019 Alaska season, Ovation of the Seas will homeport in Seattle, Washington during the Northern Hemisphere summer. Only on Ovation will guests glimpse the Northern Lights and other Alaskan wonders from the North Star, the ship’s signature glass observation capsule with panoramic views from 90 metres above sea level – the best views possible without taking flight. Ovation guests also will have the chance to skydive, surf and swim alongside glaciers from the comfort of the ship’s thrilling indoor SeaPlex sports complex, Solarium and indoor or outdoor pools.

Ovation will sail seven-night itineraries to destinations from Juneau to Victoria, British Columbia, showcasing Alaska’s natural treasures and luring adventure seekers with stately spruce forests, island-studded waters, native wildlife and awe-inspiring glaciers. Ovation will join Radiance of the Seas in the Alaska market, which sails seven-night open-jaw itineraries between Seward, Alaska and Vancouver, British Columbia. Alaska itineraries will be available to book the week of 11 December 2017.

Save up to $400 pp and receive a free perk of your choice on Oceanview bookings

Celebrity Cruises, the cruise line renowned for modern luxury holidays at sea, is celebrating its Season of Savings available on over 700 cruises when booked before 3 December 2017, including savings of up to $400 per person and a free perk for Oceanview bookings and above. Offer is applicable for new bookings for sailings of four nights or longer departing between 10 December 2017 and 30 April 2019.

Guests who make an eligible booking will save up to $100 per person for an Interior Stateroom, $200 per person for an Oceanview or Balcony Stateroom, $300 for Concierge and Aqua Class Staterooms and up to $400 per person for a Suite.

The offer is combinable with Celebrity Cruises’ evergreen Go Big Better Best offer, which allows guests who book an Oceanview Stateroom or above to add one ‘free perk’ per person to their cruise package at no extra cost, ranging from a Classic Beverage Package, US$150 onboard credit or unlimited internet. Or guest can choose to Go Better and pay just AUD$20 per person per day on top of the fare to receive two free perks of their choice. Guests who book a Suite will receive four free perks

Sea Princess Emerges from Dry Dock in Singapore offering a Host of New Features and Facilities

Sea Princess has emerged from a two-week dry dock in Singapore with a new look on the ship’s bow, new entertainment and dining options as well as luxury beds in all cabins. The 1,950-guest ship is embarking on a 12-night Treasures of Southeast Asia cruise bringing guests to Phuket, Langkawi, Penang, Port Klang, Bali and Fremantle.

Sea Princess will then begin her homeporting season in Australia on 18 November sailing to destinations in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific until May 2018 when she will embark on a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti and South Pacific cruise. From June to September 2018, Sea Princess will sail on a 106-night world cruise before returning to Australia to homeport until January 2019.

The new design on the bow of Sea Princess features the iconic Princess Cruises logo with her elegantly flowing hair like the waves of the ocean. Sea Princess follows Diamond Princess in presenting this new look which was also painted in Singapore.

Carnival Cruise Line calls Aussie stars to light up the stage at sea

Carnival Cruise Line knows that when it comes to entertainment, Aussies are a talented breed who always punch above their weight, which is why this November entertainers with flair are being urged to attend auditions in Sydney and Brisbane to join the Carnival family. 

Global talent head-hunters will be in Sydney and Brisbane November 13, 15 and 17 to recruit hundreds of singers and dancers for Carnival’s Broadway style stage shows. From vintage pop singers to country duos, classical to contemporary dancers, the opportunity to secure arguably one of the most fun jobs in the world awaits.

One of the biggest perks for performers across the 25 ship Carnival fleet, is the opportunity to travel to the most beautiful destinations across the globe. From the exotic islands of the Caribbean, to the breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Alaska, it’s all on your doorstep when you are part of the Carnival Cruise Line crew.

Back by popular demand: Uniworld brings back ‘our best offer ever’ for 2018

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has announced the return of Our Best Offer Ever promotion following its success last year for the 2017 season. The exceptional new promotion includes savings of up to 40 per cent on an extraordinary 339 departures in 2018.

Valid now until 31st December 2017, guests will receive up to 40 per cent off unique itineraries throughout Europe and Russia and can choose from an array of Uniworld’s award-winning 8-22 day itineraries and indulge in majestic art onboard the ships, music, history and regionally inspired cuisine on an all-encompassing journey in unsurpassed luxury.

Itineraries include Uniworld’s eight-day Bordeaux, Vineyards & Chateaux — cruising on the Garonne, the Dordogne and the Gironde rivers from $3,149 (a savings of $1,350), the popular region of Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley for 11 days from $4,479 (a savings of $3,020), Castles Along the Rhine — cruising through The Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland over eight days from $3,059 (a savings of $2,240), European Jewels — a 15 day journey through four countries, three great rivers— the Danube, Main and Rhine—and numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites from $8,879 (a savings of $2,220), and much more.

Holland America Line Launches ‘Best Price Guarantee’ on Thousands of Worldwide EXC Tours

Holland America Line is making sure that guests who pre-book the cruise line’s award-winning EXC Tours will have the lowest rates through a Best Price Guarantee program launching today. Best Price Guarantee is available on all ships and all itineraries except Asia cruises and promises that if a guest finds a comparable shore excursion elsewhere at a lower price, Holland America Line will provide an onboard credit of 110 percent of the price difference.