This cruise wrap is so long, it might take you all day to get through it! You can thank us later.

P&O Cruises reveals exclusive itineraries to Papua New Guinea as it unveils 2019-2020 program

P&O Cruises Australia is offering six dedicated cruises to the colourful, cultural and tropical paradise of Papua New Guinea in its latest program release, calling at Alotau, Kitava Island, Rabaul, Kiriwina Island and the Conflict Islands.

One of the highlights is a new 11-night round-trip voyage to one of the most remote locations in the Coral Sea, the fascinating Conflict Islands. The exclusive itinerary on board Pacific Aria departs Sydney Harbour mid-November 2019 and calls at the picturesque group of 21 islands which surround a bright blue lagoon and are home to one of the world’s most biodiverse reef systems.

In 2016 P&O became the first cruise line in the world to offer calls to the Conflict Islands, bringing the pristine white sand beaches, World War II history, lush flora and exotic animals of Papua New Guinea within reach of more Australian holidaymakers.

The latest program sees five 10-night New Guinea Island Encounter cruises departing Brisbane with an option for families to take advantage of the two Papua New Guinea cruises taking place during the school holidays. Fares start from $1139* per person quad share departing Brisbane on September 19, 2019. The cruise line’s latest brochure also features an exotic line-up of six new one-way cruises to or from Singapore including an 18-night Australia & Southeast Asia Discovery cruise departing Adelaide in March 2019 and calling at Port Kelang, Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia and Phuket in Thailand.

Visit the most remote destination on the planet on a Chimu cruise to East Antarctica

Following the adventure of their 2017 voyage which saw travellers sail 4025,1 nautical miles; identify eight species of penguins; spot thirteen mammal breeds; experience air temperatures of minus six degrees; and cross the Antarctic Circle no less than six times, polar specialists Chimu Adventures invite those who want the ultimate Antarctica experience to get involved in 2018.

Voyagers will embrace the East Antarctic world of weather, wildlife, scenery and history as they visit the most remote place on Earth. Chimu will again be taking a very limited number of guests to the isolated, wild and rarely visited Commonwealth Bay in East Antarctica on their exclusive expedition cruise, In the Wake of Mawson. This unique journey sets sail from Hobart, Australia on 10 December 2018 aboard the Akademik Shokalskiy and ends 28 days later in Invercargill, New Zealand. It is the only cruise in 2018 to this area departing from Australia and has capacity for less than 50 passengers.

Commonwealth Bay is situated approximately 2700 kilometres south of Hobart and involves 11 days of sailing on the Southern Ocean through an area called the ‘Roaring Forties.’ The bay is an integral part of Australian Antarctic history; Sir Douglas Mawson and his team built one of Australia’s most historically important structures, Mawson’s Huts, here during the 1911 to 1913 Australasian Antarctic expedition amid the challenging surroundings. Constructed in 1912, the huts have endured over 100 years of ferocious Antarctic conditions. Less than 300 tourists have made the journey to Commonwealth Bay in the past six years and more people have summitted Everest than have stepped inside Mawson’s Huts.

Dream Cruises travels to Melbourne to in a show of appreciation to Express Travel Group

Dream Cruises’ Senior Vice President of International Sales, Michael Goh, travelled to Australia from Singapore last week to meet and greet key trade partners, solidify relationships and show appreciation for ongoing support received by the brand since its inception in 2016.

The Dream Cruises Sales team travelled to Melbourne where they paid a visit to Express Travel Group.

Pictured is Mr Goh with Assistant Vice President, Brigita Devries and Sales Manager, Andrew Loving, as they presented a Genting Dream ship model to Mr Ari Magoutis, General Manager of Express Travel Group.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises reveals new Sydney to Hong Kong Grand Voyage

The world’s most luxurious all-inclusive cruise line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has announced its new ‘Down Under & Far East Grandeur’ 67-night immersive ocean, river and land itinerary onboard Seven Seas Mariner.

Now part of their ‘Grand Voyages’ collection, this one-of-a-kind sailing departs Sydney on 20th January 2019 onboard the intimate, all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner, which will be setting sail off the back of a bow-to-stern multi-millions dollar refurbishment. Guests are invited to experience first-hand the opulence that a Grand Voyage with Regent Seven Seas Cruises allows. Explore the beauty of Australia’s East Coast – taking in the sights of local highlights such as Cairns and Darwin – before cruising the Timor Sea to exotic Far East ports-of-call including Bali, Penang, Phuket, Ho Chi Minh City and Hong Kong.

Another aspect that makes this Grand Voyage unique is the fact that the itinerary integrates an amazing combination of ocean, river and land experiences. Bespoke amenities and inclusions for this decadent sailing include unlimited laundry service, a commemorative gift and one night’s accommodation with dinner in a luxury hotel in Sydney pre-cruise. A complimentary 15-night post-cruise land programme from Hong-Kong to Shanghai, which includes a four-night cruise aboard the Yangzi Explorer along China’s Yangtze River is also included, allowing guests to truly immerse themselves in the wonders of the ‘Land of the Red Dragon.’

Take a mate and save big with Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is offering its guests the chance to take a mate and save big, with incredible savings of up to 60 per cent! Eligible bookings made between now and 31 May 2018 on all Royal Caribbean International sailings departing from May onwards will receive up to 60 per cent off the total fare of the second passenger, and up to 30 per cent off the total fare for the third and fourth guests. Offer excludes China sailings.

Book an 11-night Tropical Delights Cruise departing Sydney on 16 November 2018 onboard Explorer of the Seas. Visiting Lifou (Loyalty Islands), Isle of Pines, Mystery Island (Vanuatu), Port Vila and Noumea, the round-trip cruise is priced from just AUD$1,749 per person, twin share, for the first guest, and AUD$809 per person, twin share, for the second guest.

Or, book a 12-night New Zealand Voyage departing Sydney on 14 February 2019 onboard Ovation of the Seas. Priced from AUD$2,859 per person, twin share, for the first guest and AUD$1,149 per person, twin share, for the second guest, the round-trip cruise visits the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Dunedin, Dusky, Doubtful and Milford Sounds.

Windstar Cruises announces sommeliers on four ships, beverage experts on James Beard Culinary Cruises and beverage package enticements on Longer Star Collector Voyages

Small ship cruise line, Windstar Cruises has hired a team of Sommeliers to serve guests on sailings in 270 ports around the world. These new wine experts provide a major guest enhancement as the northern Summer cruise season begins and builds on the trend for ongoing fleet-wide enhancements to Windstar’s wine, beverage and culinary programs in 2018.

The addition of the Sommeliers elevates the Windstar guest experience and draws on the influence and talent of the line’s hotel operations team and desire to best cater to the discerning palates of experienced travellers.

Four Windstar ships now offer Sommeliers on board, with the program launched on the 310-guest Wind Surf which arrived in Lisbon in April for the northern Summer season in the Mediterranean. Windstar’s three all-suite ships serving 212 guests each cruise also offer onboard Sommeliers — Star Breeze and Star Pride sailing throughout Europe and Star Legend that kicked-off the roll-out in Asia in January and will arrive in Alaska for her maiden season in May; offering travellers kayaking adventures by day, followed by culinary and wine indulgences each evening, an attractive pairing.

Windstar also recently announced a multi-year partnership as the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation. This year the culinary-themed cruises feature James Beard-recognised guest chefs and beverage experts hand-selected by the James Beard Foundation, including top Sommeliers from across the United States.

Sri Lanka Sailing success results in new east coast itinerary – another ‘travel first’ as G Adventures expands sailing programme

G Adventures has announced it is launching a new sailing trip along Sri Lanka’s east coast, following the splash made by its industry-first sailing trip along the south coast of the island nation. The first itinerary launched in February this year and is already 90 per cent sold out in its first season. This further demonstrates Sri Lanka’s increasing popularity as a travel destination, with the country also experiencing a tripling of demand for G Adventures’ land-based trips in 2017.

The new Sailing Sri Lanka – East Coast itinerary is designed to complement the existing Sailing Sri Lanka – South Coast tour, meaning sailing trips will run in the country throughout the year and give travellers two different options. Trips will travel the east coast from July to September 2018, before heading to the south coast from November 2018 to April 2019.

While the south is quite populated and features more on-land excursions, the east coast is more deserted and secluded, with some of Sri Lanka’s best snorkelling opportunities. Both itineraries are timed for optimal whale-watching in-season, and travellers can also take advantage of the two kayaks and two stand-up paddle boards that are always onboard.

Both sailing trips take place on a brand new 52-foot catamaran carrying up to eight travellers. The boat was launched this year for G Adventures and has four double/twin cabins with ensuite bathrooms, portholes, and pop-up skylights.

Sail New Zealand for less with Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises has announced a spectacular sale on a range of New Zealand itineraries departing in 2018 and 2019. Guests making new bookings on eligible sailings in Oceanview Staterooms and above before 30 May 2018 can save up to AUD$400 per stateroom off their cruise, enjoy Free Drinks and a discount of up to 50 per cent off the kids’ cruise fares.

Savings are tiered according to type of stateroom. Oceanview and Balcony Staterooms will save up to AUD$200, receive free drinks and up to 50 per cent off kids’ fares. Concierge and Aquaclass Staterooms will save up to AUD$300, enjoy free drinks and a discount of up to 50 per cent off kids’ fares.

Book a 10-night Fiords, Wines and Bays cruise departing Auckland on 20 November 2018 onboard Celebrity Solstice. Visiting the Bay of Islands, Tauranga, Napier, Picton, Wellington, Akaroa, Dunedin, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds and finishing in Sydney, the cruise is priced from just AUD$2,499 per person, twin share, for an Balcony Stateroom, with AUD$100 savings per person, and free drinks.

Or, choose a 14-night The Best of New Zealand Cruise departing Auckland on 17 January 2019 onboard Celebrity Solstice. Calling to the Bay of Islands, Tauranga, Wellington, Picton, Akaroa, Dunedin, Dusky and Doubtful Sounds, Hobart and finishing in Sydney, the cruise is priced from just AUD$2,749 per person, twin share, for a Balcony Stateroom, with AUD$100 savings per person, and free drinks.

Norwegian Cruise Line launches new 2019 Europe itineraries for Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian Cruise Line recently revealed its much-anticipated Norwegian Spirit itineraries for Europe summer 2019. Guests can choose from a selection of 10-day or longer once-in-a-lifetime itineraries journeying to destinations such as the British Isles, Iceland, Norwegian Fjords, the Arctic Circle, and the Baltic, with a variety of new ports such as Liverpool, Riga, Ijmudien, Dartmouth and Holyhead.

The romance, history and charm of Europe will be on full display for guests exploring the region aboard Norwegian Spirit, with the ship now sailing from more departure ports, including Rome, Barcelona, Southampton and Stockholm. The newly released March – October 2019 itineraries include a 15-day Baltic sailing departing from Southampton and overnighting in European ports such as St. Petersburg in Russia, a land rich in architecture and history – and a 12-day roundtrip British Isles Heritage sailing embarking from Southampton and visiting truly remarkable destinations such as Scotland, England and Ireland.

Experience Norwegian Spirit, recently refurbished as part of the Norwegian Edge program, and enjoy award-winning entertainment at the Stardust Theatre. Or take the kids to Buccaneer’s Wet and Wild pool, all while having access to 14 mouth-watering dining options including Teppanyaki, Le Bistro French Restaurant, and Cagney’s Steakhouse; 12 bars and lounges; and the Splash Academy kid’s club. Guests on board Norwegian Spirit can also choose from a diverse range of accommodation options, including interconnecting family staterooms with a private balcony for larger groups.

The Robards Method, by Tim Robards, launches twosome 10 week challenge

The Robards Method, founded by celebrity sports chiropractor and wellness coach Dr Tim Robards, has launched its new challenge for 2018 – the TRM Twosome Challenge, open to couples, besties and siblings.

The 10-week challenge with The Robards Method (TRM) provides members with knowledge and new habits to keep their best body for good, with the support of the TRM community and training program to set them up for success. Officially launching 8 May 2018 with final entries to be submitted by May 20, the winning duo will be determined by the TRM judging panel consisting of Robards and his fiancé Anna Heinrich, along with additional prominent fitness figures.

TRM has partnered with U by Uniworld for the grand prize, U is the first boutique river cruise brand dedicated to offering immersive and adventurous experiences for a new generation of adult travellers looking for fun, culture and a unique way to experience Europe.

The winning duo will be awarded the experience of Rolling on the Rhine, cruising the idyllic rivers from Amsterdam to Frankfurt. The prize includes return flights to Europe, studio accommodation on the part yacht/restaurant/bar/hotspot ship The A, on-shore and off-shore excursions including scenic cycling through whimsical cities, rooftop yoga on the deck, wine tastings, silent disco, farm-to-table brunch and dinner included – all valued at approximately $12,000. The chic ship also has the biggest gym on the European rivers, so the lucky couple can continue their training whilst on holiday.

Retail Deal: Ready Steady Fun Sale

Carnival Cruise Line has launched its Ready Steady Fun sale, giving cruise lovers the incentive to book their next fun adventure with savings of up to $500 per twin cabin plus $99 deposits per cabin.

Clients looking for a fun holiday can access this incredible offer between 14 May and 7 June 2018 for select sailings between 6 June 2018 and 30 December 2019.

Taking advantage of this promotion, fun-seekers can book a holiday at some of Carnival’s most beautiful destinations, including the palm-lined beaches of the South Pacific islands from New Caledonia to Vanuatu.

Holidaymakers get to experience all the fun that Carnival has to offer, with 45+ daily activities, including the thrilling Green Thunder waterslide, themed nights, live Broadway-style entertainment and the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss with Seuss at Sea.

Kids go free to Kangaroo Island!!!

Save up to $100 per family when travelling to Kangaroo Island with SeaLink’s ‘Kids Go Free to Kangaroo Island’ deal. The deal offers free return SeaLink ferry travel for up to two kids when travelling with one or two adults and their car. The deal is on sale until 22 September 2018.

Kangaroo Island, Australia’s third largest Island, is only a short 45-minute ferry ride from Cape Jervis and with hundreds of kilometres of quiet roads and adventure to discover, it is made for a self-drive family holiday. Adults and kids alike will love the amazing wildlife, spectacular coastal scenery, beautiful beaches, adventure activities, scenic landscapes and fantastic National Parks.

A visit to Little Sahara! will guarantee hours of family fun as everyone enjoys the thrills and spills of sandboarding or tobogganing down the massive white sand dunes and see Australian sea lions in their natural environment as they sleep, play and swim on a guided beach tour at Seal Bay Conservation Park.

Experience the magic of swimming with the dolphins on an Island Explorer Tour with KI Marine Adventures and KI Ocean Safaris. From the tour vessel see dolphins in their natural environment and relaxation areas, as pods of bottle nose dolphins swim by. The more adventurous families can grab a wetsuit and snorkel gear and swim with these beautiful mammals.

Pandaw announces India debut

Pandaw has announced the launch of an India river expedition that will take guests on an epic journey along The Lower Ganges, aboard the stately Orient Pandaw.

The seven-night, The Lower Ganges sailing from Kolkotta to Farraka and vice versa, will debut on 23 December 2018 and will offer weekly departures until the end of April 2019. It will re-commence in July 2019 through to April 2020.

Starting in Kolkotta, the upstream itinerary sets sail at noon, passing by the old Danish colony of Serampore to Barrackpore, where guests will take a walk through the cantonment – past the Semaphore Tower, Government House, the Temple of Fame and Flagstaff House. On day two, guests will sail up to Chandernagore, a French possession until 1950, and visit the 18th century church and Dupleix’s House of the former Governor-General of French India.

Guests will also experience rural India at its most idyllic by enjoying a walk through the fields of the sleepy village of Baranagar to visit its three miniature terracotta temples. Continuing up The Lower Ganges, which transforms into a charming waterway twisting and turning between banks lined with mustard fields and mango orchards, guests will eventually reach a mooring close to the Farakka Barrage. Finally, on day seven, the ship will cruise to a mooring by the Farakka lock and guests will disembark and go on a full-day excursion by road to Gaur, near the town of Malda, or English Bazar

Cruise & Maritime Voyages announces epic cruises to launch new ship

Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) today announced its new ship Vasco da Gama will sail from Singapore to London and London to Sydney in 2019 before launching its inaugural Australian cruise season. Passengers can choose from a range of options along the routes of up to 55 nights with bookings open from Thursday 17 May 2018.

The ship’s exciting 44-night Maiden Voyage from Singapore to London will include Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Jordan, Egypt and the iconic passage through the Suez Canal. The cruise will continue to Israel and around the best of the Mediterranean, finishing with Morocco and Portugal before docking in London. Guests wanting more can stay aboard and disembark in Amsterdam (Netherlands) or Bremerhaven (Germany).

Vasco da Gama’s 53-night Inaugural Southbound voyage will depart London on 9 October 2019. The Southbound cruise includes 16 ports of call in countries such as Morocco, Barbados, Mexico and New Zealand before arriving in Sydney.

SeaLink Travel Group partners with NRMA to save Aussie holiday-makers money

Travel has just become more affordable for 2.6 million Australians, with SeaLink Travel Group partnering with the NRMA to offer NRMA Members up to 25 per cent off tours and cruises nationally.

NRMA this week launched Blue, a new membership program, offering all members a range of travel benefits, including discounts on SeaLink tours and cruises.

Captain Cook Cruises and SeaLink are offering member benefits on cruises and tours in New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland.

Booking a travel experience is also quicker and easier than ever, with the new MyNRMA app. Members simply log-in using their membership details and the 25 per cent discount will be automatically applied.