Big Fat Cruise Wrap
APT Launches Myanmar 2017/18 River Cruises
Travel agents can now book APT’s Myanmar 2017/18 river cruise departures, with the luxury travel operator launching a new brochure to the trade.
The new brochure showcases a choice of four itineraries departing between September 2017 and April 2018.
Two itineraries focus purely on Myanmar and two offer combinations with other countries. For the first time APT is offering a combination itinerary featuring Myanmar and India. Agents can also offer Myanmar and the Mekong to clients who want to explore more of Asia in one journey.
APT’s new custom built ship, the RV Samatha, set sail on Myanmar’s Irrawaddy River for the first time in January 2016.
Offering accommodation for just 60 guests, the new vessel offers all the facilities synonymous with an APT luxury rivership, including a sundeck with spa pool; day spa; complimentary Wi-Fi; and a main lounge and bar.
Alaska sailings entice more Australians on Celebrity Cruises
The allure of Alaska has well and truly taken hold in Australia, as Celebrity Cruises marks the first departure of its Alaskan cruises for the season, with more Australians onboard than ever before.
Celebrity Cruises has seen Australian bookings for Alaskan sailings increase by 65% year on year, with more than 5500 Australians expected to experience Alaska’s magnificent scenery in 2016 onboard three of Celebrity’s beautifully modern cruise ships.
“It’s natural to see ebbs and flows in cruising trends, and while there has always been a steady flow of Australians making the trip to Vancouver, Seattle or Seward in Alaska to experience this beautiful part of the world by cruise ship, 2016 has seen an unprecedented level of interest for Celebrity Cruises,” said Celebrity Cruises Australia commercial director, Adam Armstrong.
“It’s no surprise, given Alaska is one of the most spectacular destinations in the world. Exploring it by sea allows you experience incredible sights and wildlife unique to this region, many of which can only be seen from the water”, Armstrong added.
Seabourn Offers ultra-luxury agent incentive
As it prepares to welcome its new ship Seabourn Encore, the world’s finest ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn has launched the ultimate incentive promotion for Australian agents – the chance to experience the youngest and most luxurious ship in the world.
Retail agents who book any Seabourn 2016 European departure between now and June 30, 2016, will go into the draw to win a cruise for two aboard Seabourn Encore.
The agent with the most entries during the campaign period will win a $15,000 seven-day Mediterranean cruise for two on the stunning 600-guest ship.
Meanwhile State winners will receive a luxurious Seabourn hamper including champagne, Molton Brown products and a Thomas Keller cook book.
Seabourn Encore will cruise Australian waters during its first season, making nine maiden calls to Australian ports from Darwin to Geelong between January 22, 2017 and March 17, 2017 following its gala naming ceremony in Singapore in early January.
RCI and Azamara Club Cruises offer new ways to explore
Royal Caribbean International and boutique sister brand Azamara Club Cruises are taking travellers further, staying longer, and discovering more with new Overnight Adventures.
The range of new overnight adventures in some of the world’s most remarkable places allow more for travellers wanting to delve deeper into the destinations they visit.
The experiences offers guests immersive two- and three-day overnight journeys that include even more adventure and provide guests with the chance to go further, stay longer and discover more.
Some highlights of Royal Caribbean’s new multi-day adventures include:
- Tikal and Ceremonial Show – Beginning with a flight from Belize to Guatemala (or from Honduras to Guatemala), guests will discover the ancient Mayan capital on an overnight tour; embark on an expedition into the jungle to walk the ruins of the Mayan empire at Tikal National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and enjoy an authentic Mayan ceremonial experience, all before boarding their return flight to meet their Royal Caribbean ship.
- Agrolida Region and Katakolon – This two-day excursion takes travellers back in time to Greece’s famous citadels. Culture-seekers will discover the Acropolis of Athens and the Ancient Mycenae site of Argolida; stay the evening in the Mediterranean nation’s first capital, Nafpolio; and travel to Ancient Olympia, where the first Ancient Olympic Games took place.
- Bangkok – This experience in the “City of Angels” brings the sights, sounds and flavours of Thailand’s historic capital to guest’s fingertips. The two-day itinerary features adventures into the city’s canals and river tributaries via motor launch and inspiring visits to iconic monuments and sites including the Wat Traimit, also known as the “Temple of the Golden Buddha”, the Asiatique riverfront, Wat Arun – the “Temple of Dawn”, and the Grand Palace, adorned with murals, gilded spires and unique architectural design.
Highlights of Azamara Club Cruises overnight experiences include:
- Queenstown – Journey from Milford Sound to Dunedin and enjoy an overnight stay in the spectacular Queenstown. Guided activities for your journey include a cable car ride, dinner at a sheep farm, time in Arrowtown and more.
- Overland Tour of Venice & Florence – Enjoy more time to experience two of Italy’s most artful and culturally rich cities on an overnight and sightseeing adventure in Venice and Florence. Explore the Doge’s Palace of Venice one afternoon only to find yourself standing before Michelangelo’s David in Florence on the next.
- Cochin To Goa – With three full days and two overnights, guests will have ample time to view one of the world’s most beautiful architectural world wonders — the Taj Mahal — and spend time in the magnificent city of Delhi.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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