Big Fat Cruise Wrap
See More of the Murray on Exciting New 7 Night Cruise
Captain Cook Cruises is excited to announce a new cruise on the Murray River – the seven-night Upper Murraylands Cruise onboard Paddlewheeler, PS Murray Princess. The cruise will depart once a month from Friday, 21 April, 2017.
The seven-night Upper Murraylands Cruise will explore the northern area of the Murray River from Mannum to Morgan, before returning to Mannum. The diverse itinerary ensures this cruise offers something for everyone.
“We are very excited to launch this incredible seven-night cruise that will operate monthly on the Murray River. The cruise has a fantastic itinerary that explores Australia’s outback history and we are certain this cruise will be as popular as our regular 3, 4 and 7 night itineraries.
To be able to offer something new to our guests, many who are cruising with us for the third of fourth time is really exciting and we can’t wait for everyone to experience it.” Explains Donna Gauci, General Manager, SeaLink South Australia.
The Upper Murraylands cruise will visit historic towns including picturesque Waikerie, Morgan and Swan Reach, where guests will be taken on fascinating guided walks and visits to historic museums. At Blanchetown guests will be enthralled with the experience of going through Lock No. 1 (one of thirteen along the river).
The seven nights Upper Murraylands 2017 cruise departures include 21st April, 12th May, 9th , June, 14th July, 11th August, 15th September, 13th October and 10th November. Cruise departures in 2018 include 12th January, 16th February and 16th March.
The inaugural seven nights Upper Murraylands Cruise departs Friday, 21 April, 2017 and Early Booking Saver Fares start from $1902 per person twin share.
All fares include accommodation, all meals, guided nature walks, eco-excursions, onboard presentations, the Captain’s Dinner and Dance, live entertainment, use of the sauna, spa, sun deck, bar, two lounges, restaurant and mini gymnasium and complimentary scenic coach transfers from Adelaide or secure car-parking in Mannum.
Paradise Hotels & Cruises launch La Vela Cruises
Paradise Hotels &Cruises, creator of the most luxurious overnight cruise experiences on Halong Bay, are proud to introduce its newest line of cruise ships, La Vela Cruises. Further extending the companies unrivalled levels of quality and service in the Halong Bay cruise market.
The La Vela Cruises fleet consists of two ships La Vela Classic and La Vela Premium, with a third ship on its way later this year.
La Vela Classic houses 24 cabins – 22 deluxe cabins and 2 suites whilst La Vela Premium holds just 21 cabins – 13 premium cabins and 7 balcony cabins. For families wanting to experience the majestic Halong Bay, both ships offer interconnecting cabins.
“The La Vela fleet is a great addition to the Paradise Hotels & Cruises brand and offers an upscale 4-star journey, allowing more travellers to experience Halong Bay in style.” said Jonathan Milburn, Director of Complete Travel Marketing who represents Paradise Hotels & Cruises in Australia and New Zealand.
Home cook has potential to pan out as Luke Mangan CEO
Accomplished Australian restaurateur Luke Mangan has hand-picked two talented home cooks and foodies Sammy Jakubiak and Sofia Levin as short-listed finalists in his Search for a CEO (Culinary Experience Officer) campaign, launched in March. The campaign marks Mangan’s milestone of becoming the first restaurateur in the world with dishes served on land, sea, air and rail following a recent partnership with Eastern & Oriental Express.
Mangan called on foodies across the country to enter for the chance to be short-listed in one of the following categories: The Drinks Connoisseur, The Artisan Supplier and The Talented Home Cook, for which Sammy and Sofia were selected. The final crowned ‘CEO’ will be awarded with a smorgasbord of tasting and travel experiences at Luke’s international restaurants, across P&O Cruises’ ships, Virgin Australia and Eastern & Oriental brand partnerships in October.
Carnival Spirit to Make First Calls to Vietnam and Thailand on Singapore Sailing
Carnival Cruise Line has announced a special voyage to Singapore for Carnival Spirit, giving Australian holidaymakers a rare chance to enjoy an adventure through Asia combined with the fun of a Carnival cruise.
On sale now, Carnival Spirit’s 19-night cruise sails from Sydney on May 3, 2018 and will include five fabulous ports, including Airlie Beach and Darwin in Australia, Bali in Indonesia, as well as the ship’s maiden calls to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam for an overnight stay, and beautiful Ko Samui in Thailand. Carnival Spirit will reach the South East Asia hub of Singapore on May 22.
The Singapore voyage will feature the cruise line’s new Carnival Journeys enrichment program, designed to offer guests a deeper, richer connection with destinations visited as well as a fun and fully engaged experience onboard.
Guests on the cruise will have the chance to join Carnival’s new Academy of Fun knowledge-building sessions, and discover more about each destination with local entertainment classes featuring music and dancing. The 1980’s themed Throwback Sea Days will provide the perfect excuse to channel Madonna on the dance floor and enjoy a midnight buffet, and there’ll also be time to get to know the ship’s crew with special Q&A sessions, ship tours and even a crew talent show.
Holland America Line deploys ms Maasdam to Australia this October
Holland America Line’s ms Maasdam will be deployed to Australia this October joining ms Noordam for sailings around Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific throughout 2016 and 2017. It will be the first time the 1,259 capacity vessel has visited local shores.
In a brand new itinerary for Holland America Line, ms Maasdam will be departing on 22 November 2017 for the inaugural 31-day Pacific Explorer. This will be a highlight of ms Maasdam’s stay, with the itinerary taking guests on a journey to some of the region’s most beautiful destinations such as Tauranga, Nuku’alofa, Moorea and more. There will be no shortage of pristine landscapes, crystal clear waters and cultural experiences on the month long sailing, and overnight stays in many ports will ensure cruisers have ample time to explore and experience them all.
“We’re so pleased to be welcoming ms Maasdam to our region for the upcoming season. She’s a much loved ship, and one, in fact, that Holland America Line Mariners consistently name as one of their favourites in the fleet,” said Tony Archbold, Holland America Line Director of Sales, Australia and New Zealand.
“It’s also great news that she’ll be back again later in 2017 for the 2017/18 season. With this is mind, we felt it only fitting that the Maasdam be the first of our ships to sail the new Pacific Explorer itinerary. We know our guests are going to be delighted and excited by this culturally rich and spectacular sailing.”
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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