Big fat cruise wrap
Dreaming of a holiday on hump day? Cruise through this wrap and imagine yourself floating through the ocean (on a ship, that is).
Indulge for free on Celebrity Cruises’ most stylish ship
Celebrity Cruises has launched an incredible offer to celebrate the upcoming debut of the brand new billion-dollar cruise ship, Celebrity Edge, in Europe.
Guests who book an Oceanview Stateroom and above on eligible Celebrity Edge sailings departing between 12 February and 31 December 2019 will receive the cruise line’s Go Best offer for free, including a Premium Beverage Package, US$600 Onboard Credit, free wifi and savings of up to USD$300 per stateroom.
Choose a ten-night Iberian Peninsula cruise departing Southampton on 15 May 2019. Visiting Bilbao, La Coruna, Lisbon, Gibraltar, Palma De Mallorca and finishing in Rome, the cruise is priced from $3,549 per person, twin share, for an Infinite Veranda Stateroom. This includes a free Premium Beverage Package, US$600 Onboard Credit per person, savings of up to US$300 per stateroom and free unlimited wifi.
Or, choose a seven-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise. Departing Rome on 10 August 2019, the round-trip cruise makes calls to Naples, Palma De Mallorca, Monte Carlo, Santa Margherita and Florence. Priced from just $3,039 per person for an Infinite Verandah Stateroom, twin share, the fare also includes a free Premium Beverage Package, US$600 Onboard Credit per person, savings of up to US$300 per stateroom and free unlimited wifi.
Offer ends on 31 January, 2019. Terms and conditions apply. Go here for more info.
European Waterways’ announce $700,000 fleet-wide upgrade ahead of 2019 season
European Waterways have announced that it is investing more than $700,000 toward a fleet-wide upgrade program that will see cabin redesigns, upgraded on-board amenities and modernised bathrooms on numerous vessels to provide a more comfortable and immersive experience.
Cabins on L’Impressionniste in Southern Burgundy have been redesigned and restructured to create a more comfortable environment in which to relax after the day’s cultural excursions and wine tastings. Aboard Enchanté, the largest hotel barge on the Canal du Midi, guests are being treated to a new built-in saloon bar where they can request a cocktail or two before the evening’s fine dining commences.
MSC Cruises reveals a “beautiful” line-up for MSC Bellissima’s March 2 naming ceremony in Southhampton
With just over one month until MSC Cruises’ new flagship MSC Bellissima comes into service, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line has revealed today details of the all-star line-up for her glittering naming ceremony on March 2nd.
Hosting the evening’s proceedings as the Master of Ceremonies will be the English TV presenter and star of ITV, Holly Willoughby. Best known for her current presenting roles on ‘This Morning’ (ITV), ‘Dancing on Ice’ (ITV) and ‘Celebrity Juice’ (ITV2). She recently joined Dec in jungle for a once in a lifetime opportunity co-hosting last year’s ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’. Holly will bring her trademark charm and wit as well as style and elegance to the stage.
Providing the live music for the evening and getting the audience on their feet will be none other than Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and three-time Grammy Award-winner Nile Rodgers and his band Chic. His decades of danceable hits will definitely raise the roof and make this a memorable night.
No MSC Cruises naming ceremony would be complete without Academy Award-winning actress and MSC Cruises’ beautiful godmother – Sophia Loren who will perform the traditional ribbon-cutting and officially name the spectacular vessel, MSC Bellissima.
Travelmarvel Announce Three New River Ships
Travelmarvel, the leaders in premium cruising and touring today announced the order of three new European river ships.
Sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest and vice versa on Travelmarvel’s European Gems itinerary, the first of the brand-new Contemporary Class vessels will set sail on her maiden voyage in April 2020, followed by her two sister ships in April 2021.
The new ships feature a 2 ½ deck design, allowing maximum access to the ship’s Sun Deck throughout the cruise. Guests will be able to enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar, find a shady spot to unwind at the terrace garden, or go for a dip in the heated whirlpool.
Further details and itineraries will be included in Travelmarvel’s 2020 Europe brochure, available Friday 1 February here.
RCL Cruise Hosts Stellar “Summer Of Consultant Rewards” Event
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises celebrated the trade in style last night at the first “Summer of Rewards” party on The Island, with over 100 NSW travel, industry and media partners attending.
The event was held in celebration of the cruise lines’ “Summer of Consultant Rewards” programme – RCL Cruises’ biggest consultant incentive offer yet, in action throughout the 2018/19 Wave season, from December to March.
Summer of Consultant Rewards enables Australian and NZ retail agents to earn points on every new fully-deposited booking made on any Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises sailings between 11 December 2018 and 31 March 2019.
Points earned can be redeemed on a range of e-gift cards from top lifestyle retailers, including Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, Coles and Woolworths, David Jones, Myer and Kathmandu on the cruise line’s dedicated Summer of Consultant Rewards website, and are tiered according to the brand and category of stateroom booked.
Top selling agents can also enter the draw to win one of three cruise prizes over the season, on ships like Ovation of the Seas, Celebrity Eclipse and Azamara Pursuit which will be announced at the end of the incentive period.
Princess Cruises to activate three additional Princess Medalionclass ships in 2019
Princess Cruises announced today the expansion of its Princess MedallionClass™ experience to three additional ships – Royal Princess, Crown Princess and Sky Princess – building on the enhanced and personalised cruise vacations guests are currently enjoying on its Caribbean Princess ship sailing the Caribbean, and with Regal Princess starting February 17, 2019.
The OceanMedallion™, included complimentary, is a wearable device that elevates the guest experience by delivering an enhanced level of personalisation and innovative services resulting in high guest satisfaction scores.
With the Princess MedallionClass experience coming to Crown Princess in July and Sky Princess in October, all guests sailing with the brand in the Caribbean will be able to enjoy an enhanced vacation through simplified, personalised and engaging experiences by the end of 2019.
The addition of Royal Princess will also be the first time a Princess MedallionClass ship will be sailing in Alaska.
Last cabins on A&K’s exclusive new Kimberley Cruise
With over 25 years of experience in the field including polar journeys (Antarctica, Arctic) and immersive cultural journeys (Japan, Europe), this June the long-time leader in expedition cruising is operating its first luxury expedition cruise in Australia.
Gain privileged access on foot to ancient Aboriginal rock art, pristine mangrove ecosystems and coastal gorges.
Marvel at coral reefs, waterfalls and native wildlife – both marine and terrestrial. Helicopter over Mitchell Falls, skim through the Horizontal Waterfalls, a unique ocean phenomenon described by Sir David Attenborough as “Australia’s most unusual natural wonder”, and much, much more.
Limited to just 150 guests and with only one departure, Abercrombie & Kent’s 13-day Kimberley Cruise departs 20 June to 2 July 2019 and is priced from $18,295 per person, with a limited number of cabins still available.
But if you miss out, don’t despair; given overwhelming traveller interest, Abercrombie & Kent is already looking to include additional expedition cruises to its Australia and New Zealand portfolio beyond 2019.
To book your A&K itinerary today or to enquire further please contact Abercrombie & Kent on 1300 590 317 or visit go here.
Aurora Expeditions launches brand new agent incentive to celebrate the launch of 2020/21 program
To celebrate the launch of its 2020/21 program, Aurora Expeditions, a world leader in expedition cruising and an Australian home-grown polar exploration specialist, has launched a brand new agent incentive.
Agents who book a 2019, 2020, or 2021 departure between 16 January to 31 March 2019, will go into a draw to win an Aurora Expeditions’ voyage for two to the most remote continent on earth – Antarctica. Each booking is considered a separate entry, so agents will have more than one shot at taking home the trip of a lifetime.
Aurora Expeditions Sales Director Dianna Schinella said the incentive is a fantastic opportunity for new and existing Aurora distribution partners to experience an expedition first hand.
For more information go here.
U Announces a new home for the B in 2020
Following its inaugural year, U, the first river cruise dedicated to a new generation of adult travellers, is excited to announce The B will be moving to Central Europe for the 2020 season.
With increasing demand for the region, where sister ship The A also resides, The B will cease operation on the Seine river and resume cruising in the 2020 season with brand new itineraries in Central Europe.
In 2020, The B will sail from Brussels to Amsterdam and Amsterdam to Frankfurt, while The A will sail from Nuremberg to Vienna and Vienna to Belgrade. Additional details for the new 2020 itineraries will be announced in the coming weeks.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
big fat cruise wrap carnival cruise euopean waterways u uniworldLatest News
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.
Bonza’s future on knife edge
It would seem a long road back from here, perhaps a knife's edge is too much credit.
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 […]
Jetstar offers 200,000 return for free flights to celebrate 20th anniversary
Jetstar hits 20 and everyone else gets the presents with free return flights to domestic and international destinations.
Amora Hotels & Resorts set to double APAC portfolio, announces new Sydney office
Staff in the new Sydney office have been welcomed by a week of rain on the forecast.
RIU opens Chicago hotel and rooftop bar a few steps from the world-famous Magnificent Mile
Rooftop cocktails hold a dear place in your heart? Look no further than RIU Chicago.
How can travel agents best sell cruises? Uniworld’s Alice Ager tells all: Travel Weekly TV
Agents, you don't want to miss this. Yes, that's the case with everything in the newsletter, but we really mean it here!
South Africa bookings are back in action
It's a wrap! South Africa in the news with resumed flights, film fest and booking tech.
Agents’ chance to score free spot on Intrepid trip to Antarctica
This is the trip of a lifetime, even if you are scared of the cold!
Bonza nosediving amid mass cancellations and reports of repossessed planes
Bonza's days appear to be numbered as the low-cost carrier today announced mass cancellations around the country.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Pullman Sydney Penrith ties up with Trilogy Hotels, announces new GM
The crew from Trilogy hotels doing their best impression of the Penrith front row here.
Linkd appoints Carolyn Nightingale and Lawson Dibb to new roles
Linkd Tourism sings praises of Carolyn Nightingale and dubs Lawson Dibb as Kyushu Tourism Office guru.