This week’s cruise wrap has left us scratching our heads and wondering whether it’s still the weekend, given the plethora of alcohol-related announcements.

Viking launches 2019 Wanderlust Cruise Sale

Viking has announced the launch of its Wanderlust Cruise Sale, featuring offers on an extensive selection of Viking cruises, including savings of up to $6,000 per couple, complementary stateroom upgrades and free flights.

The Wanderlust Cruise Sale is only available on bookings made before 31 August 2019 unless sold out prior.

A Viking fare includes everything your client needs and more — from meals, beverages and Wi-Fi to a culturally enriching shore excursion at every port of call.

For more information, call Viking Cruises at 138 747 (Australia) and 0800 447 913 (New Zealand) or visit vikingcruises.com.au.

Carnival’s private-label beers arrive in Australia

Building on the growing demand for craft beer in Australia, Carnival Cruise Line has become the first cruise line to can and keg its own private label beers crafted by Brewmaster Colin Presby (left in featured image) and the in-house brewery team aboard Carnival Horizon and Carnival Vista.

The three beers, which are based on recipes developed by Brewmaster Colin Presby and the Carnival brewery team, are now available in cans on Carnival’s Australia-based ship, Carnival Spirit. They will also be available on Carnival Splendor, the newest and largest ship to be home-ported in Australia, when it arrives through the Sydney Heads in December.

The beers include:

• ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat – an unfiltered wheat beer with flavours of orange and spices
• ParchedPig West Coast IPA – the embodiment of a traditional US West Coast India Pale Ale, this hoppy, intense beer is loaded with bitterness and features a bright flavour profile and the distinctive aroma of citrus and pine; and
• ParchedPig Toasted Amber Ale – highlighted by its rich amber colour and notes of toasted caramel and biscuit, this beer is well balanced, smooth and highly drinkable.

Coral Expeditions continues fleet growth with order of fifth ship

Coral Expeditions has expanded its Australian-flagged fleet announcing the order of a fifth ship, Coral Geographer, to be delivered in December 2020.

The new build, which is currently under construction at VARD Shipyard, will be a sister ship to the company’s recently launched Coral Adventurer, which arrived in home waters in Darwin, Australia, earlier this month.

The 120-passenger Coral Geographer will feature the same state-of-the-art specifications as the Coral Adventurer.

In response to market demand, the new ship will have an increased proportion of bridge deck suites – up from two to six large suites – all featuring horizon bathtubs.

The new ship order further extends the growth plans of the company and the modernisation of the fleet towards 2021.

The fleet is designed for exploration with small passenger numbers, world leading proprietary expedition capabilities, and ability to access the farthest regions of the world with comfort and ease.

Norwegian Cruise Line announcements

Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2019/20 ‘Meet the Winemaker’ series to be featured on Norwegian Joy and sister ships

Master Sommelier and three-time James Beard Award-winner, Andrea Robinson.

The 2019/2020 season of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Meet the Winemaker series is available on the brand’s latest ships and will feature accomplished experts including Gerard Bertrand of Languedoc Roussillon; Juan Munoz of Columbia Crest; Bob Bertheau of Chateau Ste. Michelle; and Master Sommelier and three-time James Beard Award-winner, Andrea Robinson.

The experience will be available on select cruises aboard Norwegian Joy, Norwegian’s latest ship in North America; its sister ships Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Escape and soon-to-debut Norwegian Encore; as well as on the newly renovated Norwegian Dawn.

The seasonal program provides enthusiasts with exclusive opportunities to engage with winemakers and other experts through a variety of enriching seminars and activities including open-forum discussions, meet-and-greets, intimate wine tastings and wine-paired dinners, interactive cooking demonstrations and educational sessions.

Top travel partners to sail onboard Pride of America 

Norwegian Cruise Line – in partnership with Hawai‘i Tourism Oceania and Hawaiian Airlines – is reminding Australian and New Zealand trade partners that they still have over two weeks to qualify for a once in a lifetime opportunity to sail onboard Pride of America as part of NCL Legends, their trade recognition program.

For information and terms and conditions for Norwegian Cruise Line’s Take 5 offer, click here.

Norwegian Getaway completes first sailing after extensive bow-to-stern renovation

Norwegian Cruise Line is celebrating the completion of Norwegian Getaway’s first sailing after the ship’s extensive refurbishment, as part of The Norwegian Edge program.

Following a two-week dry dock in Brest, France in late May, Norwegian Getaway returned to Copenhagen, Denmark after completing her first sailing showcasing new venues and artwork, updated social spaces and refreshed accommodation and décor. The renovations were completed just in time for a European summer of Scandinavia, Russia and Baltic cruising.

P&O Cruises announces new EZpay feature and launches Future You Sale

P&O Cruises Australia is making it even easier for guests to budget and pay for their next holiday by offering P&O EZpay – a new feature which conveniently spreads the cost of a cruise over a period of time.

Holidaymakers who book with P&O from 12 June 2019 can make a deposit then have the option to divide the cost of the cruise into equal, interest-free monthly instalments, which can be made right up to the final payment due date.

Guests can reward themselves for booking a cruise in 2020 by paying a $1 deposit per person and receiving up to $900 onboard spending money per room, thanks to P&O Cruises’ new Future You Sale.

P&O is also offering up to $450 onboard spending money per room on cruises departing now until the end of the year.

Guests have the ability to opt out of the plan at any time without incurring any additional charges or fees. For more information, click here.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages Australia launches around-the-world voyages for 2021

Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has launched its wide range of Grand Voyages for 2021 and its 2021 World Cruise, alongside a host of other ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ voyages.

Australians seeking a grand adventure are invited to sail around the world with CMV to experience a number of true wish-list destinations and landmarks at very competitive early-booking fares. The series of grand voyages on offer for 2020/21 means guests can explore Australia and the world on one of CMV’s small to mid-sized ships.

The new itineraries showcase some of the most desirable destinations and regions in the world including Asia, Africa and South America, and with highlights of Machu Picchu and the Amazon River in South America, the Great Wall of China and the wildlife-laden plains of South Africa.

The voyages go on sale to the public from 13 June 2019 with a special buy-one-get-one-free offer. Guests are encouraged to book early to secure the best fare.

For more information, visit www.cmvaustralia.com.