Cruise wrap: P&O hosts Qld Maroons fan meet, SeaDream’s new sustainable ship, Cruise360 news + more!
Here’s a cruise wrap complete with a few ripper footy legends to get you in the mood for some State of Origin action next month.
P&O Cruises hosts 100 QLD rugby league super fans, says cheers to new premium drinks sale
One hundred Queensland rugby league fans got a “once-in-a-lifetime” selfie moment by having a photo on the bow of P&O Cruises’ flagship Pacific Explorer under the Sydney Harbour Bridge alongside Sam Thaiday, Meg Ward, Dane Gagai, Wendell Sailor and Corey Parker – and a seven-metre high giant cane toad.
P&O has also announced its latest sale. Available on cruises of seven-nights or more, the Premium Drinks Package includes soda, juice, mocktails, 600ml bottled water, beer, cider, wine, spirits and cocktails included in the fare.
Meanwhile, guests booking a cruise of six-nights or less can take advantage of free onboard spending money of up to $100 per room, and up to $200 per room for P&O’s 7-night Melbourne Cup cruise.
This sale ends 11 June 2019.
SeaDream Innovation to raise the bar for sustainability at sea
Setting sail in 2021 to all seven continents of the globe, SeaDream’s new mega-yacht, SeaDream Innovation, is set to be the world’s most advanced hybrid ship.
The company has received a grant for US$1.8 million for the creation of the revolutionary vessel from Enova, an organisation owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Climate and Environment that is responsible for the promotion of environmentally friendly production and consumption of energy.
Uniworld’s Ellen Bettridge to address Cruise360, Virgin Voyages to make debut
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection president and CEO Ellen Bettridge will visit Australia in August to join key speakers at this year’s Cruise360 Australasia conference, where she will tackle the impact Generation Z travellers are having on the cruise sector and travel agent community.
Additionally, cruising newcomer Virgin Voyages will make its first appearance at Cruise360, with its president and CEO Tom McAlpin confirmed as the latest international speaker to join this year’s conference.
McAlpin will address attendees as part of the conference theme #NextGeneration, just months ahead of the launch of Virgin’s first ship, Scarlet Lady.
To be held at Hyatt Regency Sydney, this year’s Cruise360 conference will be the sixth staged in Australasia and will include a trade show for cruise industry exhibitors on 30 August.
CLIA members will also have an opportunity to join a dedicated Executive Partner Product and Destination showcase as well as a ship inspection aboard Princess Cruises’ Sea Princess on 29 August.
Tickets for this year’s Cruise360 Australasia are now on sale and selling fast, with early booking rates available exclusively for CLIA members. For details and bookings, click here.
Discover the Caribbean’s hidden gems with Silversea in summer 2019
When booking a Caribbean cruise before 31 July 2019, Silversea’s guests can enjoy a complimentary shore excursion in every port on virtually all Caribbean voyages departing in summer 2019.
Those booking before 28 June 2019 will also receive an Early Booking Bonus saving of 10 per cent. Solo travellers will also enjoy exclusive single occupancy supplements at only 25 per cent on select voyages.
For more information on Silversea offers, click here.
Ecruising savings on Indian Ocean & African safari adventure
Kicking off 2020 in style, travellers looking for the ultimate African experience have until 31 May 2019 to book and enjoy great savings on ecruising’s 30-night Across the Indian Ocean & African Safari journey.
Combining an 18-night cruise from Fremantle to Cape Town plus an exciting 12-night land tour from Cape Town to Johannesburg, this itinerary kicks off on 14 March 2020 and will see guests cruising the Indian Ocean with stops in Mauritius, Reunion and Durban before commencing a spectacular South African adventure on 1 April 2020.
Priced from just $8929 per person twin share for a limited time only, Ecruising’s 30-night Across the Indian Ocean & African Safari journey includes a one-way economy flight to Australia, all accommodation, transfers and touring as per itinerary.
CLIA releases 2018 Asia Source Market Report, congratulates returning government
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released its 2018 Asia Cruise Industry Ocean Source Market Report
The report offers an in-depth look at the growth, demographics and trends of the top source markets in Asia, which together achieved a record-breaking 4.24 million ocean-going cruise passengers in 2018.
To download a copy of the 2018 Asia Cruise Industry Ocean Source Market Report, click here.
CLIA has also congratulated Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the Coalition on their election victory and said it looks forward to working with the returned government to further develop the Australian cruise industry.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises debuts more than 200 plant-based dishes fleetwide
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has announced the debut of an extensive array of innovative plant-based cuisine on menus across its fleet.
Beginning 1 October 2019, more than 200 gourmet plant-based selections will be offered at breakfast, lunch and dinner to meet the evolving tastes of luxury travellers who are following vegan or vegetarian lifestyles, or hunger to enjoy more plant-based fare.
New dishes showcase a range of cuisines including Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, Italian, Malaysian, and more.
Evergreen Cruises & Tours releases full range of deluxe 2020 Europe River Cruises
Evergreen has released its full range of 2020 deluxe European river cruises and tours offering the best prices for 2020 river cruises, cabins and sailings.
Selected cruises seamlessly combine with a tour of Eastern Europe or Spain, and city escapes are available in Paris, Prague, Lisbon or Nice.
For more information, call 1300 383 747 or click here.
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!