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MSC Cruises announces MSC Bellissima‘s deployment to Asia in Spring 2020

On the occasion of MSC Splendida’s arrival in Chinese waters, MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line, announced that MSC Bellissima will be deployed in Asia in Spring 2020. She will become MSC Cruises’ newest flagship for the region. MSC Bellissima, MSC Cruises’ second Meraviglia-class ship, is currently being constructed at STX France’s shipyard in Saint-Nazaire and is due to first come into service in March 2019.

Following her inaugural season in the Mediterranean next summer, MSC Bellissima will bring a range of cutting-edge innovations to China and Japan, including the longest LED Sky Screen at Sea at 80 metres long encompassing a stunning 96 metre long Mediterranean-style promenade, designed to become the social hub of the ship. Guests will be able to enjoy brand-new and exclusive to MSC Cruises Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows every night as well as next-generation MSC Yacht Club, with new features and luxurious accommodations spanning three decks, private facilities and butler service round-the-clock. MSC Bellissima will be among the biggest and most innovative cruise ships deployed in the region.

While MSC Bellissima will be mostly based in Shanghai to serve the Chinese home market, she will also offer a number of sailings from Japan with a number of Asian sailings for guests wanting to discover this popular region from the comfort and style of an MSC Cruises ship.

European Waterways launches ‘Guest Appreciation’ promotion with free hotel nights, single supplement waivers, and 50 per cent off ‘Champagne Cruise’

European Waterways has launched a ‘guest appreciation’ promotion with a wide range of complimentary offers that include free hotel nights in France, gondola rides in Venice, single supplement waivers and 50 per cent off a Champagne Cruise aboard hotel barge Panache when booked back to back with a qualifying Burgundy cruise. In order to be eligible, cruises must be booked by May 30, 2018.

As part of the promotion, guests who charter select vessels in Burgundy, France will also receive a complimentary hotel night and chauffeured transfers to the boat. They can stay at Hotel Westminster in Paris with eligible charters of La Belle Epoque, L’Art de Vivre, and Renaissance hotel barges; the Clarion Suites in Narbonne, with a charter of Anjodi; or the Grand Hotel in Dijon, with a charter of Finesse.

The friendly and social nature of hotel barging makes it ideal for solo travellers, who will quickly find themselves engrossed in animated conversations with like-minded guests. European Waterways is waiving the single supplement fee on a select group of hotel barges that include La Belle Epoque for its May 6 and June 17 departures; La Bella Vita in Venice for its May 6, June 10 and June 24 departures; and Panache, for departures on May 20 and 27, June 10, and July 1, 2018. Single Supplement waivers cannot be combined with other offers.

For visitors, riding in a gondola is the ultimate Venetian pastime. The 20-passenger La Bella Vita, European Waterways’ largest hotel barge, is also treating guests to a free gondola ride when they book cruises departing May 6, June 10, or June 24, 2018. La Bella Vita cruises the Venetian Lagoon, as well as the River Po and Canal Bianco between Venice and the Renaissance city of Mantua.

Royal Caribbean’s global WOW Sale returns

Royal Caribbean’s worldwide WOW sale has launched, with incredible savings of up to 30 per cent on cruise fares and up to USD$400 onboard credit per stateroom. The offer is available for all new bookings on local and international voyages departing after 24 April 2018, excluding China. But be quick, the offer ends on May 3 2018.

Guests who book on eligible sailings will receive onboard credit tiered by stateroom. Interior Staterooms will receive $USD100 onboard credit, Oceanview Staterooms will receive USD$150 onboard credit, Balcony Staterooms will enjoy USD$200 onboard credit and Suite guests can indulge in USD$400 onboard credit.

Choose an 11-night Tropical Delights cruise departing Sydney on 27 November 2018 onboard Explorer of the Seas. Visiting Lifou (Loyalty Islands), Isle of Pines (New Caledonia), Port Vila (Vanuatu), Mystery Island (Vanuatu) and Noumea (New Caledonia), the round trip cruise is priced from just AUD$1,399, per person, twin share.

Or, choose a 10-night New Zealand Journey departing Sydney on 3 January onboard Ovation of the Seas. Priced from just AUD$2,009 per person, twin share, the round-trip cruise visits Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dunedin, Wellington and Picton.

Scenic launches its exceptional ‘Free Flights for All to Europe’ campaign for 2019 European River Cruises

Scenic, recognised as the innovator and leader in European River Cruising, has once again brought exceptional value to new and existing guests. To align with the release of its 2019 Europe River Cruising brochure, featuring award-winning itineraries cruising the waterways of Europe, France, Portugal and Russia, it has also announced an unprecedented Scenic offer to reward guests that book early, to secure free flights to Europe ALL year, on ALL cruises (of 11 days or longer), in ALL suites, on ALL rivers in uncompromising ALL-inclusive luxury.

These exceptional 2019 offers will be very popular and available for a limited time only. Not only do guests receive Free Flights for ALL to Europe, they have the unparalleled choice of travelling ALL year, in ALL suites, on ALL rivers and ALL cruise itineraries of 11 days or longer. Only Scenic can provide this with our signature ALL-inclusive luxury.”

Scenic’s iconic 15 days Jewels of Europe, from Amsterdam to Budapest is from only $6,695 per person, the historic 11 Day Normandy and Gems on the Seine is from only $6,645 per person, and the Beautiful Bordeaux 11 day cruise is from only $6,695 per person.

Fly Free to Myanmar, India and Sri Lanka with APT

Today, APT, the leaders in luxury river cruising and touring, launch their 2019/20 Myanmar, India and Sri Lanka brochure with a range of Superdeals for early bird bookings, including Fly Free on all itineraries and departures.

The brochure includes a number of exciting new additions, giving guests the chance to experience India by rail in complete luxury aboard the lavish Deccan Odyssey; travel in small groups of 16 or less through Sri Lanka; and discover the untouched region of Myanmar on an exclusive culinary journey escorted by APT ambassador and acclaimed Chef Luke Nguyen.

With APT, guests will travel in total luxury and enjoy fine dining, unforgettable sightseeing, exceptional service and remarkable accommodation. APT’s range of unique or exclusive Signature Experiences will ensure guests get to explore these incredible destinations in greater depth than the average traveller.

With the release of the new brochure comes some amazing early-bird savings thanks to APT’s Superdeals. Book before 31 October 2018 to take advantage of a range of offers including ‘Fly Free’ on all itineraries and departures, or fly Business Class return for only $995 on all Myanmar and Vietnam combination tours. Superdeals are strictly limited and will sell out.

Save of spend big with Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara Club Cruises is inviting its guests to ‘save or spend’ big with a spectacular new “Spend or Save” offer. Guests making eligible bookings on a range of local and international sailings departing on or after 31 October 2018 will have the choice to receive up to AUD$3,000 off their cruise, or receive the same amount in US dollars onboard spending money per stateroom.

Savings are tiered according to stateroom and are based on double occupancy. Interior and Oceanview Staterooms will receive up to AUD$1,000 savings or onboard credit, Balcony Staterooms will receive up to AUD$2,000 savings or onboard credit, and Suites will enjoy AUD$3,000 savings or onboard credit.

The offer is combinable with back to back savings, onboard booking program, LCV quarterly savings and reduced singles. Choose a 10-night Thailand and Vietnam Voyage departing Singapore on 26 November onboard Azamara Quest. Visiting Ko Samui, Bangkok (Thailand) and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), the round-trip sailing is priced from just AUD$3119 per person, twin share, for an Oceanview Stateroom, as part of Azamara’s new deal.

Or, choose a seven-night Spain Intensive cruise departing Lisbon on 6 April 2019 onboard Azamara Pursuit. Calling to Seville, Malaga, Almeria, Valencia, Palma De Mallorca and finishing in Barcelona, the cruise is priced from just AUD$2679 per person, twin share, for an Oceanview Stateroom, as part of Azamara’s limited offer.

Retail deal: kids sail free sale

Today, Carnival Cruise Line launched its ‘Kids Sail Free’ promotion, encouraging Aussie families to book their next fun-filled adventure.

Families that make the most of this opportunity can cruise to beautiful destinations around the South Pacific Islands, to Tasmania, the Great Barrier Reef or to Moreton Island. This offer also applies to Carnival’s Melbourne Cup cruise.

The promotion is available on select sailings between 7 September and 26 November 2018 for bookings made between 1 May and 14 May 2018.

Families can experience all the fun Carnival has to offer with over 45 activities on board including the Green Thunder waterslide, mini golf, Broadway-style entertainment, theme nights and the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss with Seuss at Sea.

Double the Fiji Fun for half the Price!

Bring friends or family for half the price but have double the fun on all three, four, seven and eleven-night cruises with Captain Cook Cruises Fiji’s, ‘Friend & Family Fare 50 per cent Off Sail’. Every second person cruises for half price and solo travellers receive a 25 per cent discount. The sale is valid for travel from 1 May 2018 and on sale until 30 June 2018.

All cruises are aboard the 130-passenger, fully accommodated and newly refurbished small ship, MV Reef Endeavour, equipped with a hydraulic platform to make getting on and off the ship easy.

Offering a truly heart-warming cultural experience, visit remote Fijian villages and schools, interact and play with local children, experience a Fijian church service and a traditional village Sevusevu ceremony, Meke and Lovo feast. As well as being immersed in Fijian culture there is plenty of time for kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkelling over coral reefs, relaxing on white sandy beaches, swimming in crystal clear waters, and learning about marine life on a glass bottom boat ride.

Have the extra thrill of experiencing this spectacular underwater world with mind blowing scuba diving operated by Viti Water Sports, a PADI5 Star Dive Centre Dive onboard Reef Endeavour. Two or three dives are offered most days and always in different locations.

Silversea announces special savings offers for Galápagos expeditions

Now is the perfect time for travellers to discover the timeless treasures of the Galápagos Islands aboard Silversea’s award-wining Silver Galapagos luxury expedition ship. Travellers who book by 31 May, 2018 a special economy air roundtrip offer is available for AUD$999, departing from Australia, on voyages departing between 7 July and 15 December, 2018.

Additionally, for Galápagos sailings departing between 7 July and 29 September 2018, an incredible saving of AUD$650 per person will apply to travellers under the age of 18 when booking before 30 October 2018.

These exclusive promotions enhance an already value-rich proposition, as the all-inclusive package fares for the Galápagos voyages include virtually everything, such as roundtrip airfares between Ecuador and the Galápagos, pre- and post-cruise hotels, transfers and all park and porterage fees.

The refined, 100-guest Silver Galapagos operates two distinct seven-day itineraries. Departing on Saturdays from either Baltra or San Cristóbal, each voyage reveals the Galápagos’ outstanding value as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from the archipelago’s rich marine ecosystem and pristine landscape, dotted with ongoing volcanic activity, to the amazing animal life, such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, Darwin’s famous finches, and much more.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises set new record for most bookings in a single day

Upon opening reservations for its newest luxury ship, Seven Seas Splendor, Regent Seven Seas Cruises had the best single booking day in the brand’s 26-year history, accounting for a 32 per cent increase over the previous all-time high on inaugural season launch day for Seven Seas Explorer in January 2015. Locally, reservations for Seven Seas Splendor saw that biggest booking day since the Regent Seven Seas Cruises office opened in Sydney in April, 2016.

With the highly anticipated ship as the driving force, the company not only saw record bookings for her inaugural season, but they also had strong reservations across the other four ships in the fleet, Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager.

When Seven Seas Splendor launches in 2020, it will deliver a new level of elegance to the cruise industry and perfect the luxury experience for travellers. Guests will enjoy awe-inspiring public spaces as well as 375 beautifully appointed, all-balcony suites ranging from the 307 square-foot, entry-level Veranda Suite, to the lavish 4,443 square-foot Regent Suite. Every part of the ship has a distinctive look, all featuring intricate design details that create an aesthetically stunning and relaxing environment for guests as they sail through some of the most desirable destinations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and North America.

Go better for free with Celebrity Cruises

Guests booking holidays on Celebrity Cruises can delight in spectacular savings this month with the cruise line’s ‘Go Better for Free’ sale.

New bookings made in Oceanview Staterooms and above on a range of Caribbean, Asia and Europe sailings departing between 1 June 2018 and 30 April 2019 will receive two free perks in the form of a Classic Beverage Package, USD$150 per person Onboard Credit, Complimentary Unlimited Wifi or an additional US$150 per person Onboard Credit. But hurry, offer ends on 7 May 2018.

Suite bookings on eligible sailings will enjoy even more and receive the ‘Go Best’ option for free, which includes all four free perks with a Premium Beverage Package upgrade. Additionally, third and fourth passengers can sail for up to 50 per cent off.

Choose a 10-night New Zealand cruise departing Auckland on 13 December 2018 onboard Celebrity Solstice. Calling to Tauranga, Wellington, Picton, Akaroa, Dunedin, Dusky, Doubtful and Milford Sounds, and finishing in Sydney, the cruise is priced from just AUD$1,899/NZD$2049 per person, twin share, for a Balcony Stateroom, with two additional free perks.

Signature land programmes: Silversea unlocks nine new remarkable experiences for guests

Enabling guests to travel deeper, Silversea unveils an exciting new collection of land programmes in nine breathtaking destinations around the world, named the Signature Land Programme Collection. Preserving Silversea’s hallmark of luxurious adventure and born from the success of the cruise line’s momentous Couture Collection, the Signature Land Programmes will unlock some of the world’s most spectacular experiences from September 2018.

The Signature Land Programmes will be led by Silversea’s experienced expedition leaders and will complement select voyages in:

• Iceland – 29 September, 2018
• Sri Lanka – 24 September, 2018
• Canada’s Great Lakes – 2 & 9 October, 2018
• Bolivia – 20 October & 11 November, 2018
• Nepal – 9 November, 2018
• Chilean Wine Country – 26 October, 2018
• Beijing – 13 November, 2018
• Myanmar – 3 November & 7 December, 2018
• Vietnam – 19 November, 2018

Now open for sale on Silversea.com, the fully-inclusive experiences start from just AUD$8,000 and will allow guests private and exclusive access to extraordinary locations and experiences across the world. Staying in premium accommodation, dining on gourmet cuisine, and with private group transportation, guests will encounter the best of each country in superlative comfort.

Sun Island Tours launches brand new Age-Specific Croatian Cruise

Australia’s leading Mediterranean and Middle Eastern travel experts, Sun Island Tours, has launched a brand new weeklong chartered cruise in Croatia aimed exclusively at 30 – 49 year olds.

Aptly named ‘3049’, the 8D/7N deluxe cruise package is not only the first of its kind available in the Australian market, but is also the first of the company’s 2019 cruise packages available for booking. With each cruise limited to only 38 passengers, agents are advised that four guaranteed departure dates in 2019 are scheduled from 08 – 15 June, 22 – 29 June, 17 – 24 August, and 28 September – 5 October.

The cruise will depart from Split and make its way to Dubrovnik via Brac, Hvar, Vis, Korcula, Mjlet and Slano. Highlights include seven guided city tours, visits to Diocletian’s Palace and an ancient monastery in the Isle of St Mary, wine tasting, oyster tasting, a panoramic cable car ride up to Srd Hill and more.

For all bookings fully paid by 30 June 2018, agents can pass on to their clients a generous $200 savings per person. Prices start from AU$2,635pp twin share.