Plenty of juicy cruise news today for all the travel agents!

From sales and specials to revamps and rollouts, we’ve got you covered.

It’s Thursday, relax – you’ve almost finished another week. Pop the beers in the fridge. Enjoy.

MSC to homeport in Shanghai

China’s leading tourism guru has jumped aboard MSC Cruises, announcing it will sail into the sunset with a new partnership.

Caissa Touristic Group and MSC signed a strategic partnership that will make Shanghai the homeport of MSC Lirica as of May 2016, as a way of better serving the Chinese home market.

The strategic cooperation agreement between the two companies will be the longest-running and financially most significant between a cruise line and a tour operator in the history of cruising in China.

Legend returns to Singapore

Royal Caribbean’s first ever Queensland based ship Legend of the Seas has arrived in Singapore to begin her new season. Ahead of her inaugural Australian season this summer, Legend of the Seas will spend the next few months visiting 19 different ports in 10 different countries and territories all from her Singapore homeport.

During her five-month debut Australian season, Legend of the Seas will embark on 15 itineraries in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific ranging from two- to 18-nights before repositioning back to Asia in April 2016.

Azamara unveils Aza-mazing new app

Azamara Club Cruises has launched its App boasting a cruise industry first by featuring a series of 360-degree virtual reality video experiences.  The video series, known as Azamara 3di and featured on the dedicated website www.azamara3di.com, uses virtual reality technology to help immerse future guests in what it’s like to be onboard Azamara Journey via ship tours and to experience destination excursions in South and Central American ports of call.

From touring the onboard amenities of Azamara Journey or escaping to destinations like Costa Rica for zip lining or Cartagena, Colombia for a midnight carriage ride, the new Azamara App helps guests get a flavour of what the line offers.

Celebrity launches Europe earlybirds

Celebrity Cruises has announced the launch of its European Early Bird specials for 2016, offering guests highly competitive fares and double the complimentary inclusions on some of the region’s highest rated ships.

For a limited time, guests who book a European cruise in an Oceanview Stateroom or above will receive a complimentary upgrade from the standard Go Big tier to the premium Go Better, delivering two optional extras for free. Optional extras include a Classic Beverage Package, unlimited internet, pre-paid gratuities or USD$150 in onboard credit per person, representing a saving of up to $2650 per stateroom on a 14-night cruise.

APT celebrates Mekong voyage

APT today announced the expansion of its Asia river cruise fleet with the inaugural sailing of the new 124-passenger RV AmaDara along the Mekong River.

Joining sister ship the RV AmaLotus, the AmaDara features an innovative design, boasting 62 extra-spacious staterooms and luxury suites, as well as a new specialty restaurant. Each well-appointed stateroom includes a private ‘Twin Balcony’ comprising a French Balcony with a second full-sized step-out balcony. The ship’s interior is reflective of elegant French colonial décor, while inspired by Southeast Asia with authentic Mekong artifacts and accents.

Guests sailing aboard AmaDara will enjoy an array of comfortable amenities including air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, a spa, a fitness centre and a refreshing sun deck with swimming pool. The all inclusive lifestyle available to guests travelling on APT’s Vietnam and Cambodia holidays also extends to the AmaDara.

Avalon Cruise Week crazy sales

Avalon Waterways will end National Cruise Week on a high, offering early booking discounts of up to 15 per cent across its 2016 season of European river cruises.

The discounts are on sale now and coincide with Cruise Week (September 7-14, 2015), but must be booked by close of business on September 15, 2015.

Under the deal, Avalon Waterways is offering earlybird discounts of up to 15 per cent on all 2016 river cruises in France and select cruises aboard its ships Avalon Luminary and Avalon Felicity.  Avalon is also offering up to 10 per cent off all other 2016 European river cruises.

Captain Cruises hits the Murray

Captain Cook Cruises has announced the dates for its popular seven nights Loxton to Mannum cruises onboard the small ship paddle-wheeler, PS Murray Princess.

The Loxton to Mannum cruise will depart Loxton at 4.30pm on Friday 4 December and disembark in Mannum at 9am on Friday 11 December, 2015.

This historic 339km voyage between Loxton to Mannum, South Australia only operates every two years and follows in the wake of great 19th century pioneers on a unique journey through three Locks.

The Loxton cruise visits Katarapko, Cobdogla Creek, Overland Corner, Old Distillery, Morgan, Sunnydale and Piggy Flat/Coolcha for overnight stops with shore excursions along the way.

Captain Cook Cruises has also launched an exciting new sightseeing cruise that shares the intriguing stories of Sydney Harbour – the Harbour Story Cruise.

Operating on Captain Cook Cruises’ premium sightseeing vessels, the Harbour Story Cruise features fun and personalised commentary – delivered by our experienced commentators, on the sights, people, land, history and development of the world’s most beautiful harbour city.

Carnival brings party back to Oz

Carnival Cruise Line’s Aussie superliner Carnival Spirit has sailed from dry dock in Singapore boasting a ship load of exciting new features as it prepares for its fourth year of cruising down under.

When the ship returns to Sydney on September 14, it will offer 25 bars, lounges and dining options following the addition of seven new bars and restaurants during the multi-million dollar refit.

This summer Australian cruisers will be able to try the Boomerang burger at Californian celebrity chef Guy Fieri’s new onboard burger joint, a cocktail prescribed for cruising at Alchemy Bar, some tropical poolside concoctions at Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Rum Bar, an authentic Mexican-style beach cantina experience at the BlueIguana Cantina and Tequila Bar as well as some lively new entertainment offerings including the ship’s top deck Dive-In Movies.

MSC launches Cruise Week Cruise Sales

MSC Cruises is celebrating the annual Cruise Week Sale by offering clients additional inclusions to further enhance our value pricing.

Select from over 70 departures between September 2015 to May 2016 and receive the following: $100 per cabin on board credit; free WiFi; fresh fruit in cabin, priority dining and daily continental breakfast. Seven night cruising starts from an amazing $579*pp.

Choose from 7 up to 14 night cruises in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Arabian Peninsula or our newest destination Cuba or discover the best value on our Grand Voyages.

Coral’s cash incentive

To celebrate Coral Expeditions’ first cruise season exploring the Tasmanian coastline, travel agents are being offered an additional incentive of AU$200 cash per client booked on departures during the 2015/16 season.

This 7-night expedition round-trip from Hobart is an active adventure showcasing the natural and culinary wonders of Australia’s island state. Highlights of this itinerary include hiking the South Coast Track at Cockle Bay, an early morning walk at Wineglass Bay, & two days exploring the unspoilt world heritage wilderness area of Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour.

For departure dates and rates visit the Coral Expeditions website.