Big Fat Cruise Wrap
We’ve got an extra-long cruise wrap for you this week! Which, ironically, means you can make your Wednesday feel shorter by procrasti-reading it alllll day long.
MSC Cruises expands its environmental stewardship programme by launching global commitment to eliminate single-use plastics
MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise company and leading cruise brand in Europe, South America, South Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, today announced another new chapter in its environmental stewardship programme, by introducing a commitment to eliminate single-use plastics from its entire fleet globally and introduce sustainable alternatives if available.
Under its Plastics Reduction Programme, by the end of March 2019 MSC Cruises will now effectively phase out an extensive number of plastic items from all its ship operations and ashore, and will replace them with environmentally-friendly solutions. As a first step, the company has already taken action to replace by the end of the current year all plastic straws with 100 per cent compostable and biodegradable substitutes.
Throughout the years, MSC Cruises has taken voluntary steps to uphold this commitment under its global environmental stewardship programme. Through a series of previous actions, all MSC Cruises ships have been systematically readied for this programme and are equipped with state-of-the-art recycling facilities and efficient waste management systems. All crew are engaged in the company-wide effort to separate and handle waste in accordance with regulatory MARPOL requirements and CLIA’s sound environmental principles to prevent marine pollution.
Their efforts are closely monitored by a comprehensive and coherent system to manage and control all environmental aspects on board and ashore. An empowered team of dedicated Environmental Officers across the fleet makes sure the company’s policies and vision is effectively implemented. Through a robust training programme, the Company continually strives to raise the bar in this field and achieve improved waste management and recycling practices.
A unique cruising experience for sailing enthusiasts
Join PONANT’s latest small luxury expedition cruise ship Le Laperouse, for a seven-night voyage Sydney to Hobart, with pole-position viewing as the 2019 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race competitors clear Sydney Heads.
Board the ship for an early start on Boxing Day 2019, then leave the Harbour to be perfectly positioned off Sydney Heads, in the thick of the action when the maxi yachts round the mark and battle it out for the honour of clearing the Heads first.
Then enjoy cruising down the NSW coast, breaking the voyage to visit Trousers Point on Flinders Islands and iconic Wineglass Bay on Tasmania’s east coast, before joining the racing yacht fleet at Constitution Dock right in the heart of Hobart in time for presentations, New Year’s Eve fireworks and partying.
The voyage departs Sydney 26 December 2019 / seven nights and includes three nights at dock in Hobart – your perfect ‘floating hotel’ location for yachting and partying enthusiasts.
Uniworld takes its all-inclusive experience to a whole new level
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s most luxurious and all-inclusive river cruise line, has re-launched its Fly Free to Europe offer for the year, back by popular demand for three weeks only.
Guests will enjoy complimentary economy airfares when they book a 2019 European voyage or for those after a little more luxury, guests can also upgrade to business class and fly from $3,999pp. These offers are available for new bookings from 15 October until 7 November 2018.
Cruisers can expect impeccable personalised service, intimate and beautifully designed ships with original artwork from the old masters, farm to five-star dining onboard, unlimited premium wines, spirits, onboard entertainment; and over 80 exclusive excursions to choose from such as cycling, golf and gourmet foodie walks.
Scenic releases new 2018/2019 Australia Brochure
Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours has today announced a variety of great savings to encourage Australians to discover their own beautiful backyard in 2019. Released in conjunction with Scenic’s new 2019 Australia brochure – the Endless Wonders of Australia 2019 – the offers include a range of savings and flight offers.
The Endless Wonders of Australia 2019 brochure features 12 itineraries ranging in length from seven to 23 days, across Western Australia and the Northern Territory, Tasmania, South Australia and Norfolk Island.
Book by 28 February 2019 and receive:
- Book the 23-day Treasures of the West Coast (includes taxes up to $190 per person) and receive free flights – a saving of up to $1,450* per couple
- Partner fly free when booking the 12-day Top End and Kimberley Spectacular, 13-day South Western Mosaic or 20-day Territory Explorer and The Kimberley – a saving of up to $940 per couple
- Earlybird savings of up to $600 per couple for bookings on the 19-day Top End and Kimberley Snapshot Cruise, nine-day Territory Explorer, 13-day Ultimate Tasmania, 11-day Taste of South Australia or eight-day Historic Norfolk Island
P&O Cruises reveals an exclusive Beach Club for Pacific Adventure
P&O Cruises Australia will be offering a limited number of guests exclusive access to a private ‘beach club’ onboard its newest ship, Pacific Adventure. Called the “Byron Beach Club”, the retreat will be available to guests booked into Pacific Adventure’s suites and mini-suites.
The exclusive-access retreat offers a private outdoor pool, whirlpool spas and comfy seating situated on the top deck (16) of the ship. With expansive sea views, club-goers can enjoy pure relaxation and pampering in stylish surroundings.
In addition to the pool and spa area, Byron Beach Club guests can enjoy their own private dining concierge service including priority reservation at all of the ship’s dining outlets including the exciting new concepts from Australian chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan and award-winning Melbourne chef Johnny Di Francesco.
The 108,865-tonne ship, currently sailing as Princess Cruises’ Golden Princess, is scheduled to enter the P&O fleet in October 2020. The first program featuring Pacific Adventure will go on sale on November 1, 2018 and include sailings through to the end of 2020.
Oceania Cruises unveils 2020 Europe and Americas itineraries
Oceania Cruises, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line unveiled the new Europe & The Americas Collection of itineraries for 2020. These new voyages open for bookings on October 18, 2018.
Sailing to more than 400 ports across Europe and the Americas, the brand’s six intimate and elegant ships, carrying only 684 or 1,250 guests, showcase the splendour of the Mediterranean, the diversity of Europe’s western wine country, the storied history of the Baltics, British Isles and Norway, and the majesty of Alaska, Iceland, Greenland and the Canadian Maritimes.
As the pioneer of destination-focussed cruising, voyages spend more time in port often arriving at sunset and departing in the evenings, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the culture, history, and culinary highlights of the destinations visited. To allow even more time for travellers to explore, more than 50 of the voyages feature overnight stays.
Countdown begins to MSC Armonia‘s first cruise from Miami to Cuba
In just under two months MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and leading cruise line in Europe and South America, introduces MSC Armonia to Miami for the first time. From December 10th this year, MSC Armonia will offer unique seven-night Caribbean sailings departing from Miami and calling at Montego Bay, Jamaica; Georgetown, Cayman Islands; and Cozumel, Mexico before arriving in Havana, the Cuban capital, on Saturday and staying overnight until Sunday.
MSC Cruises’ seven-night programme to Cuba will include two days in the bustling city of Havana over the weekend. And, as excitement builds for this company-first, MSC Cruises will also introduce even more distinct culinary and entertainment features on board the ship to further elevate the guest experience, including elements of the Havana experience brought on board, a brand new specialty restaurant, original theatre performances and more.
MSC Armonia will join MSC Seaside and MSC Divina in Miami, further enriching our offer. MSC Cruises’ guests can expect not only a brand new attractive itinerary, but also a variety of enhancements to make the MSC Armonia experience that much more memorable. On board, guests will delight in fresh entertainment and new gourmet culinary choices, while ashore; an overnight stay in Havana will allow guests the full experience of this culturally vibrant city.
Royal Caribbean Cruises enters new Windfarm agreement
Royal Caribbean Cruises today announced it has signed an agreement with Southern Power, a leading U.S. wholesale energy provider and subsidiary of Southern Company, for Southern Power’s 200-megawatt (MW) Reading Wind Facility. This initiative, which will offset up to 12 per cent of Royal Caribbean’s emissions beginning in 2020, is the latest addition to the company’s extensive sustainability efforts, which include programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through innovations at sea and in port.
This project, Southern Power’s eleventh wind facility, is located in Osage and Lyon Counties, Kansas, and is Southern Power’s first to be validated as a carbon offset project under the Verified Carbon Standard. The agreement with Royal Caribbean provides Southern Power with the economic basis to construct the project. Royal Caribbean was advised on the execution of this agreement by Schneider Electric Energy & Sustainability Services.
The facility is expected to generate roughly 760,000-megawatt hours per year over the duration of the 12-year agreement, which translates to enough clean energy to offset 10-12 per cent of Royal Caribbean’s annual carbon emissions starting in 2020. With this innovative program, Royal Caribbean is able to apply a new approach while continuing its primary initiatives to advance sustainability efforts across the company’s fleet.
Viking using new survey results to strengthen trade relationships
Viking has received over 1,100 responses to its September 2018 trade survey, and will now begin analysing the results to discover how they can further strengthen their trade partnerships in 2019.
The survey, which ran from September 13 to September 24, was designed to gather feedback from Viking’s trade and industry partners about events, products, marketing materials, offers and the way in which Viking communicates. Given how much change and growth the travel industry experiences, Viking is dedicated to using this feedback to help develop new strategies and plan for the future with their partners’ needs in mind.
Survey participants were also given the chance to win one of five $100 Visa gift cards. The lucky winners are: Melissa Stafford, Tailor Made Travel; Jared Voss, Travel Associates Mt Eliza; Kerryn O’Neal, Dreamlines; Karen Jarvie, Helloworld Charlestown; Racheal Pearce, YOU Travel Eltham (NZ).
Seabourn announces upcoming distinguished luminaries for Seabourn Conversations Program
Seabourn, the world’s finest ultra-luxury cruise line, is continuing its mission to inspire and inform guests with a new line-up of remarkable speakers for its Seabourn Conversations program during the 2018-2019 cruise season.
The popular onboard enrichment program will host distinguished speakers with fascinating stories to share and expertise to enlighten across a wide array of disciplines including space exploration, mountaineering, television production, culinary, history, politics, and the arts.
The impressive line-up of Seabourn Conversationalists includes first-time and returning speakers sure to keep guests engaged and entertained as they explore natural and cultural wonders around the globe, including aboard the line’s newest vessel, Seabourn Ovation, which launched this past May.
For the full schedule of speakers participating in Seabourn Conversations for 2018 – 2019, visit www.seabourn.com.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
msc cruises oceania cruises p&o cruises ponant Royal Caribbean Cruises scenic seabourn uniworld vikingLatest News
Booking.com launches AI Trip Planner in Australia and New Zealand
Booking.com has announced its AI Trip Planner (Beta) is now available for travellers in Australia and New Zealand, the first markets to launch in Asia Pacific. Until now, AI Trip Planner was only available for US and UK travellers after it was launched in the Booking.com app in June last year. Built using Booking.com’s existing […]
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.
Sober travel and TikTok guide Australian Gen Z trips
Can you call it a sober holiday if you enjoy a few glasses of red on the flight? We think yes.
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
TTC: Deals are driving up demand for September trips
The latest market research from TTC Tour Brands shows interest in international leisure travel remains high for 2024, with 77 per cent of Australians over 18 still planning trips this year. Notably, 28 per cent of those travellers are eyeing September for their journeys. Europe continues to be the most popular destination, with 68 per […]
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Sno’n’Ski Holidays unveils 2025 mega famil to Colorado!
Let the games begin - this is certainly not a famil that you will want to miss!
Walk Japan launches Kyoto: Mountains to the sea walking tour
There are two types of people, one who enjoys walking on holiday and another who enjoys sipping Mojitos by the pool.
Which destination had a 48% boost in bookings following 10 MILLION TikTok views?
Here's a clue: it's not Malabar Beach.
Asher Telford appointed General Manager of SeaLink Whitsundays
Telford has plenty of reasons to smile after SeaLink doubles down and makes him GM after buying his tourism operation.
Qantas ‘working urgently’ to fix app data leak
Qantas is looking into customer reports that passengers have this morning been able to access other passengers’ personal information on the airlines app. X user Lachlan posted that he was able log into different accounts every time he opened the app. My @Qantas app logs me in to a different person each time I open […]
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Rail Europe ANZ: making dream journeys come true
Rail Europe's running a lottery! You're not going to win millions, but you might just snag a free holiday.
UPDATE: Bonza hole deepens as administrators investigate financial affairs
Administrators dig deeper as struggling airline unlikely to be revived.
Revamped Wailoaloa Beach hotel opens as Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa
Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa is open and ready for bookings after the first phase of a multi-million-dollar transformation. Part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ premium collection, the transformation has seen the completion of 106 guestrooms showcasing contemporary interiors reflective of the premium Crowne Plaza brand and is a first for the […]
Nielsen Data reveals brands spending big to attract Aussie tourists
Trip A Deal, Virgin and Ignite Travel walk into a bar, blow their cash on travel advertising instead of the pokies.
Kamalaya Koh Samui clinches clutch of wellness awards
Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa has so far clinched five prestigious awards in 2024, including being inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ at the World Spa & Wellness Awards in London. Founders of the Koh Samui sanctuary and spa John and Karina Stewart expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the awards. “We are profoundly honoured […]