We were set to go on all of these cruises very soon, but unfortunately, we twisted our ankle dancing at the bus stop this morning and won’t be able to. Fine, only the ankle part’s true.

See the world in 2018 with Uniworld’s picture-perfect savings 

For a limited time, guests can save up to $2,800 per couple on select 2018 Uniworld cruises through Europe, Asia, Egypt and India.

With Uniworld’s Picture-Perfect Savings offer, travellers can cruise along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers from Amsterdam to Budapest on Uniworld’s European Jewels itinerary to indulge in majestic art, architecture, music and history on an all-encompassing journey of a lifetime. The 10-day Gems of Northern Italy itinerary is perfect for lovers of art and architecture as guests aboard the River Countess journey from dynamic Milan to romantic Venice on an odyssey through Northern Italy.

Travellers can also choose from cruises in France, China, India, Egypt, Vietnam and stay in lavishly appointed river view staterooms and suites onboard Uniworld’s ships with handcrafted Savoir of England beds, high-thread count 100 per cent Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options.

On sale until 31st May 2018 on select 2018 departures.

Carnival Cruise Line and Heinenmann partnership sees state-of-the-art duty free shopping experience come to life

Carnival Cruise Line today announced the launch of a new state-of-the-art duty free store available on Carnival Spirit, on Australian cruises, from 25 June, 2018, further enhancing the guest experience the cruise line is known for.

Today’s news is the result of a new partnership between Carnival Cruise Line and Heinemann Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of Gebr. Heinemann. The partnership will deliver an ideal mix of local and global brands such as Seafolly, Quay Australia, Swarovski, Swatch, Lacoste and Clinique to Carnival’s Australian guests.

The move into the Australian market by Heinemann Asia Pacific follows the success of an existing partnership between the two brands in the US with similar experiences onboard Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Liberty and Carnival Ecstasy.

Heinemann has been a master concessionaire at Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport since 2015, with the brand building a strong reputation with Australian travellers. Using consumer insights, Heinemann has carefully curated duty free offerings for the Aussie cruising market with a particular focus on cosmetics, liquor and local brands.

MSC Cruises’ new digital personal assistant to be named Zoe – will launch on MSC Bellissima

MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise company and leading cruise line in Europe and South America, revealed that its industry-first digital personal assistant will be named Zoe.

MSC Cruises’ CEO Gianni Onorato made the announcement yesterday at the 12th annual CLIA Conference 2018 held in Southampton where he was keynote speaker. Southampton is also where MSC Cruises will christen MSC Bellissima, the ship on which this innovative tool will first be available. The topic for the speech was the significance of technology in the cruise industry and this latest innovation demonstrates how MSC Cruises is employing the next-generation technology to create a connected cruise experience that puts the guest in control of their cruise, tailoring the way they receive information to their individual needs.

The introduction of the Digital Personal Assistant marks a new phase in the ongoing evolution of MSC Cruises’ digital innovation programme MSC For Me, which was first introduced in 2017 with the launch of MSC Meraviglia. This connected cruise experience is also now available on MSC Seaside, MSC Splendida with a special adaptation for Asia and will be introduced on MSC Seaview when the latest flagship comes into service on June 10.

Enjoy the ultimate German experience at Oktoberfest with U by Uniworld

U by Uniworld, the first river cruise brand dedicated to offering adventurous experiences for a new generation of adult travellers, has launched an exclusive VIP Oktoberfest package – giving guests a unique and VIP experience to the most popular beer festival in the world.

From 22nd September until 7th October, Munich will be transformed into the world’s largest Volksfest, offering a taste of local beer and wine, not to mention the delicacies to go with it – such as bratwurst, sourdough rye bread, cheeses and pretzels, of course.

With U by Uniworld, experience the magic at the renowned festival, with reserved table seating, an authentic Bavarian meal, Oktoberfest Gingerbread with the guest’s name on it, transfers to and from the festival, access to beer tents and VIP service – all exclusive to U by Uniworld guests and all organised for you.

The VIP Oktoberfest package costs $449 per person and is available to book on U by Uniworld’s eight-day Frankfurt to Regensburg Germany’s Finest sailing on 22 September where travellers bike through the fairytale town of Lohr, the home of Snow White and experience some of Germany’s most unique cities or the eight-day Regensburg to Budapest The Danube Flow 29 September sailing exploring the charming small towns and big cities along the Danube.

Crystal Debussy officially joins Crystal River Cruises Fleet during Christening Ceremony in Amsterdam

Crystal River Cruises, the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line, officially welcomed its newest ship to the fleet today, as Crystal Debussy was christened in Amsterdam.

Marking the occasion were Crystal’s president and CEO, Tom Wolber, Crystal River Cruises’ vice president and managing director, Walter Littlejohn, and Crystal Debussy’s godmother, Broadway star Rachel York.

The ceremony took place during the ship’s three-day stay in Amsterdam on its 10-day ‘Splendours of the Rhine’ voyage, allowing guests aboard the sailing to participate in the traditional festivities, while Crystal crew members looked on from the decks of the ship.

Godmother Rachel York serenaded guests with her rendition of Defying Gravity from the musical Wicked, a nod to her esteemed career on the stages of the world, including those aboard Crystal’s ships as part of the Crystal on Broadway program.

Unforgettable New Year’s Eve Celebrations on the Murray Princess

Celebrate a unique Australian New Year’s Eve on the mighty Murray River and make memories that will last forever on the Murray Princess New Year’s Eve Cruise. The four-night cruise departs 31 December 2018 and fares start from only $1320 per person. The special four-night New Year’s Eve cruise will set the standard for a fantastic New Year. Bring in 2019 with an unforgettable New Year’s Eve dinner, fabulous festivities and all-night dancing. After the celebrations, sit back and relax and enjoy the amazing four-night cruise itinerary.

Explore the Murray River from Mannum to Blanchetown and visit Burk Salter Winery for a vineyard tour and cellar door tastings, learn about Aboriginal history at Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Conservation Park, experience a fun and very Australian Woolshed Sheep Shearing Show at Sunnydale, then fall in love with the animals at the Native Wildlife Shelter.

Optional activities on the Murray Princess, offered at an additional cost include a Barossa Wine and Heritage Tour, Swan Reach Museum (gold coin donation), a Nocturnal Tour at Sunnydale and a Bush Tucker Breakfast.

On-board sit back in one of two air-conditioned paddlewheel lounges and watch the working paddle wheel through a spectacular two-story glass window while enjoying the amazing river views as the Murray Princess cruises past towering limestone cliffs and picturesque riverbanks.

Cruise360 expands to include Cruise Destination Showcase

Cruise360 Australasia is taking on the world this year with a bonus Cruise Destination Showcase offered for the first time. The inaugural Cruise360 Cruise Destination Showcase will be held on Thursday, 30 August 2018, and will see 10 cruise destinations present their destination highlights for cruise passengers and itinerary suggestions for pre-or post-cruise stays.

Cruise destinations presenting include Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, Monaco, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand and New York as well as local tourism bodies – Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

The showcase will be held from 2pm to 530pm in the Wharf conference rooms at the Hyatt Regency in Sydney and has been timed to follow the optional ship visit on Carnival Spirit earlier in the day, turning Cruise360 Australasia into a jam-packed two-day event. Any delegates attending Cruise360 Australasia can register for the Cruise Destination Showcase at no additional cost.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia & Asia Managing Director Joel Katz said the Cruise Destination Showcase had been added following feedback from last year’s event.