Cruise Wrap: Destination NSW joins CLIA, Hurtigruten launches hybrid ship, Aussie cruise season kicks off + MORE!
Tired of your colleagues outsmarting you when it comes to the latest cruise brochures and deals? Get the upper hand right here.
Destination NSW joins CLIA as an executive partner
Australasia’s biggest cruise destination has thrown its support behind the cruise industry, with the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW joining Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) as an Executive Partner.
The new partnership means Australia’s gateway port of Sydney and thriving regional destinations such as Eden, Newcastle and Port Kembla are now represented in the world’s largest cruise industry trade association.
New South Wales hosts the biggest share of Australia’s cruise visitors, welcoming 371 cruise ship visits during 2017-18, or almost a third of the national total.
Destination NSW joins other Australasian tourism organisations in CLIA’s Executive Partner program including Tourism Australia, Tourism New Zealand, Tourism Queensland, Tourism Western Australia and Tourism Northern Territory.
Hurtigruten’s first hybrid-powered cruise ship, the MS Roald Amundsen, traverses the Northwest Passage
Hurtigruten’s groundbreaking expedition cruise ship MS Roald Amundsen has written a new chapter in exploration history – as the first-ever battery-hybrid powered cruise ship to traverse the legendary Northwest Passage.
Captain Kai Albrigtsen was able to make a monumental entry in the ship’s logbook: The first complete journey by hybrid propulsion of the more than 3000 nautical miles through the Northwest Passage from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
Princess Cruises’ megaliner Majestic Princess returns to Sydney launching record Australian cruise season
Australia’s summer cruise season has officially begun following the return of international megaliner Majestic Princess to Sydney this morning.
The largest and newest ship in the Princess Cruises fleet, Majestic Princess’ return to Sydney also marks the beginning of Princess’ biggest ever Australian season which is set to inject upwards of $70 million into the New South Wales economy.
The record-breaking 900+ cruise day season will see Princess carry more guests than ever onboard five ships on itineraries sailing from Sydney, Perth (Fremantle), Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland.
Majestic Princess will depart this afternoon for a 10-night Queensland cruise sailing to Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Yorkys Knob, Port Douglas, and Willis Island before returning to Sydney.
Eden couple sails to Eden on P&O Cruises flagship Pacific Explorer to be part of history that they helped create
Eden residents Colin and Jenny Hunter had an excellent reason for cruising to their hometown onboard Pacific Explorer as the P&O Cruises’ flagship became the first cruise ship to use the port’s $44 million wharf extension.
A surveyor by profession, Hunter had worked on the ambitious project and with Jenny wanted to be on the first ship to use the facility, a project jointly funded by the NSW Government, Federal Government and Bega Valley Shire Council.
Silver Shadow to undergo ‘Musification’
Silversea Cruises invites guests to discover the timeless treasures of Europe on board the reimagined Silver Shadow in 2020 following an extensive refurbishment in November this year. The “Musification” is part of the largest investment in the company’s history, with the aim of growing and improving its ultra-luxurious fleet of boutique, ultra-luxury ships.
Inspired by the design of Silversea’s flagship Silver Muse, Silver Shadow’s extensive renovation includes the creation of a new, enlarged Atrium area on deck 5 – which will house the Arts Café, reception and shore excursion office – as well as major enhancements to public spaces, including the remodelling and enlarging of guest favourite, La Dame restaurant; extensive renovation of the casino and Connoisseur’s Corner; and a remodelling of the Observation Lounge.
All of the ship’s spacious guest suites will undergo a floor-to-ceiling renovation, inspired by the elegant design and colour palette of Silver Muse. Vista and Veranda suites will benefit from a full renovation of all fixed and loose furniture, in addition to new lighting, carpets, and headboards. Bathrooms will also be upgraded with new sinks and Silestone material. Silver Shadow’s Medallion, Silver, Grand, and Royal suites will be upgraded with a new colour scheme and new materials, as per Silver Muse, while bathrooms will also undergo refurbishments.
Guests booking Europe 2020 voyages by 31 October 2019 will enjoy included economy class air, or upgrade to Business Class from just AU$3,998 roundtrip.
Virgin Voyages reveals high-fashion uniform collection designed by Gareth Pugh
Virgin Voyages, the new lifestyle brand that is shaking up the travel industry, has unveiled pieces from its stylish new uniform collection designed by maverick British fashion designer Gareth Pugh. The collection was showcased in a star-studded event during London Fashion Week.
The uniform collection pairs Pugh’s high-fashion modernist approach with Virgin Voyages’ design ethos of the Modern Romance of Sailing, which embodies a love of the sea and the glory and sophistication of the heyday of the ocean liner with a contemporary yacht-like style. The collection features a distinct combination of structure and fluidity and includes a wide range of looks from slick razor-sharp tailoring to relaxed pillow-case tunic shirts– referencing the early days of British punk, and more.
Cunard announces new 2021 programme
Luxury cruise line Cunard is excited to release its June 2021 to January 2022 cruise schedule, which will see its three Queens visit 123 destinations across 39 countries.
With an extensive range of itineraries that span the globe, the 2021 schedule includes a variety of extended port stays, including 174 voyages with late evening departures. The schedule means guests can immerse themselves in the local cultures of a wide range of exciting international destinations, at their leisure.
In addition to a number of evening departures, Cunard’s 2021 season includes many overnight stays in spectacular and renowned cities; including Boston, Funchal, Lisbon, Quebec, Reykjavik, Rotterdam, Shanghai, Singapore and St. Petersburg.
PONANT offers over 90 cruises with no single supplement!
Ideal for solo travellers – PONANT offers an extensive range of destinations and voyages featuring no additional pricing for those seeking single travel during 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Select from over 90 PONANT itineraries, all with no single supplement charged, some even including savings of up to 30 per cent!
The selection of cruises spans the Northern and Southern hemispheres with voyages that include the Bijagos Archipelago, Latin and Central America, the Caribbean, Seychelles, Cape Verde and the Canary Islands, the Mediterranean, Iceland, Alaska, the Persian Gulf, Madagascar, Polynesia – even Antarctica! A selection of the expedition voyages are also in partnership with National Geographic.
Captain Cook Cruises Raises FJ$17,000 for Child Health in Fiji
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji has successfully raised FJ$17,000 for Cure Kids Fiji since announcing their partnership 12 months ago.
The funds have had a huge impact in addressing some of the most urgent child health challenges in Fiji and helped achieve significant improvements for these children and their families throughout the country.
Holland America Line exclusive Club Orange program available on all ships by October 2019
Holland America Line’s popular new Club Orange premium amenities program will be available on all ships in the fleet by October 2019. Currently on nine ships, Club Orange gives guests an additional level of luxury and service with priority access, exclusive amenities and special events.
Club Orange is available to purchase for a limited number of non-suite staterooms on each sailing, and features stateroom upgrades within the category booked and a special “Captain’s Choice” onboard event.
Guests in Neptune and Pinnacle suites will also receive all of the benefits of Club Orange at no additional charge (excluding the stateroom upgrade and onboard event). All Club Orange guests are privy to extra privileges — from a private dining venue to priority services and a dedicated concierge hotline.
Seabourn signs extension as “the official cruise partner” of UNESCO
Seabourn has signed an agreement to extend its official partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in a unique alliance to help protect World Heritage. The five-year extension will continue to foster wider support and understanding in the travel industry and among travelers for UNESCO’s mission of safeguarding and promoting the world’s unique cultural and natural heritage recognized for its outstanding universal value.
Seabourn and its guests have contributed more than $1 million (USD) to UNESCO since inception in 2014 as a component of this partnership, providing a significant level of support to the organization and its mission.
MSC Magnifica undergoes $200 million transformations now open for summer 2021
MSC Cruises opened sales for MSC Magnifica for summer 2021, sailing from Southampton, UK. The ship will undergo a $200 million transformation at the start of 2021, adding 23 meters to the ship resulting in an additional 7,000 m2 of comfort and other features.
When works will be completed, MSC Magnifica will feature two new major and important onboard environmental advances to complement a wide range of existing leading-edge environmental technologies across the company’s entire fleet: a state-of-the-art Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system and next-generation Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) system.
SCR technology helps separate nitrogen oxide into pure nitrogen and water through advanced active emissions control technology.
MSC Cruises also took the opportunity to install a state-of-the-art advanced wastewater treatment system onboard that meets the highest standards and that purifies used wastewater to near tap-water quality. The system meets the so-called ‘Baltic Standard’ and treats the wastewater to a higher standard than most waste standards available in cities around the world.
Sales for MSC Magnifica are open from 12 September and guests who book before 12 November will receive a 5 per cent early booking discount. Voyagers Club Members will also receive their usual 5 per cent loyalty discount in addition to the early booking discount.
Viking announces launch of seventh ocean ship, Viking Venus
Viking has announced its seventh ocean ship, Viking Venus, will join its award-winning fleet in early 2021, further solidifying the company’s standing as the largest and world’s best small-ship ocean cruise line.
The newest 930-guest sister ship will spend her maiden season sailing popular itineraries in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, including British Isles Explorer, In Search of the Northern Lights, Viking Homelands and Into the Midnight Sun.
Riviera Travel River Cruises showcases expanded 2020 program to Australian travel agents
The UK’s leader in luxury river cruising, Riviera Travel River Cruises, visited Australia recently to mark two years of selling its European river cruises to the Australian market – exclusively through travel agents.
While here, Riviera’s sales and marketing executives for Australia, Thomas Morgan and Gina Squirrell (pictured together second and third from left in front), met with the team from its wholesale partner, Cruise Traveller, to brief them on the cruise line’s new 2020 program including a new five-star ship and two new itineraries.
Morgan and Squirrell also visited key travel agents across Australia during their visit to promote Riviera’s expanded 2020 program
Sail the South Pacific with Royal’s September Sale
Royal Caribbean’s incredible September sale is on now, with seven-night sailings to the South Pacific for as little as $999.
Travellers can now save up to 30 per cent on a number of sailings, including:
7-Night South Pacific Cruise on Ovation of the Seas
- Balcony Room now from $999 per person, quad share*
- Departs from Sydney on 22 February 2020
- Ports of call: Sydney, Noumea in New Caledonia, Mystery Island in Vanuatu and then back to Sydney.
New design, new itineraries and new departures for Cruise Croatia
Due to 2019 being Cruise Croatia’s biggest year to date, the Australian owned small ship cruising operator has released its new-look 2020 brochure with new ships, new itineraries, increased departures and more variety than ever before.
Opting for a clean, clear modern look, the brochure offers the most comprehensive product range in the Australian market for agents, with a 44-page brochure showcasing the largest collection of deluxe and first-class vessels in the market.
There are a number of incentives available for clients including Earlybird savings of up to $1300 per cabin on selected deluxe cruises plus $300 per couple in Discover More Travel Vouchers on select cruise-tours and cruises in 2020.
Latest News
CATO commemorates 25 years with anniversary dinner
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has announced its 25th Anniversary Dinner that will not only commemorate CATO’s historic milestones but will also provide an invaluable opportunity for members to network and reflect on numerous significant achievements. This prestigious event for members will be held at the Sydney Hilton Hotel on Thursday, 20 June, […]
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024, opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]
Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents
World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]
Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25
Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]
Gen Z and millennials on track for rise in Europe rail trips, says TruTravels
Despite what you think, Gen Z and Millennials are not 'off the rails', but instead want a fast track to Europe.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
Envoyage premieres Worldwide 2024 in Santiago
There has been a warm reception for 300 attendees at Envoyage's gabfest in Santiago, Chile.
Disney Destinations launches epic Aussie agent incentive
Everyone needs a bit of Disney in their life (apparently) and agents can get their next dose for free here.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Nauru Airlines offers new direct flights from Brisbane to Palau on ‘Paradise Express’
No more island hopping to Palau as Nauru Airlines hits this boundary six.
Etihad Airways boosts connectivity with five interline partnerships
Etihad high fives itself with interline partnerships announcing a handful of new airlines, including Rex.
Discover the enchantment of India – A tale of timeless cities
Whether you're game enough to test out the street food or not, we recon India should be top of your list.
Qantas cops $100m penalty with passengers to get $20m back over cancelled flights
Qantas cops a $100m civil penalty, passengers to get back $20m over cancelled flights to resolve ACCC court battle.
Body found off Sydney Heads suspected to be missing cruiser
Tragic developments onboard Pacific Adventure this morning.
Wendy Wu Tours ‘Wonderlust Sale’ offers the wonders of the world for less
More for less... Great news for all apart from Wendy's wallet.
Booking.com launches AI Trip Planner in Australia and New Zealand
Booking.com launches new AI feature in Aus. We're hoping AI never gets the nuance involved with writing these jokes.
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.