Cruise Wrap: Silversea’s 197 new itineraries, Scenic Eclipse gets graffitied, Ruby Princess makes Sydney debut + MORE
Happy hump day, folks! Sail through the rest of the week by spending your entire afternoon catching up on the latest cruise news.
Silversea unveils 197 new itineraries for 2021-22
General sales are now open on Silversea Cruises’ new 2021 & 2021/2022 itineraries. Designed by Silversea’s team of destination experts, the cruise line’s new voyage collection offers many once-in-a-lifetime experiences to offer guests, from solar eclipse voyages in Antarctica to an immersive cruise to the Holy Land.
The leading ultra-luxury cruise line has unveiled a total of 197 new itineraries, setting sail between January 2021 and April 2022, which incorporate calls to 528 destinations in 92 countries, with 28 maiden calls.
Scenic Eclipse gets graffiti installation
Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours has unveiled three custom installations on board Scenic Eclipse by the famous British graffiti artist, Carl Hush.
The works were installed over a two-day period while Scenic Eclipse was in port in Rotterdam.
Michelin Star chef Curtis Stone welcomes new ship Ruby Princess to Sydney
Australia celebrated its first new ship of the summer cruise season with the maiden arrival of Princess Cruises’ superliner, Ruby Princess into Sydney this morning.
Michelin Star Chef Curtis Stone welcomed Ruby Princess to her new Sydney homeport by using his Princess OceanMedallion to activate a spectacular ruby red fireworks display as the ship entered the harbour. Ruby Princess arrives in Australia with a new six-course fine dining menu designed by Chef Stone for his onboard restaurant SHARE.
Ruby Princess joins Majestic Princess cruising 444 cruise days out of Sydney, generating a combined landmark capacity of over 100,000 guests.
During her maiden season, Ruby Princess will be activated with Princess MedallionClass, making her the first “smart-ship” homeported in Australia.
Ruby Princess will depart Sydney this afternoon on a 10-night cruise to Brisbane.
Seabourn outlines details for the Colonnade dining venue on Seabourn Venture
Seabourn is busy preparing for the launch of its new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, set to begin cruising the world’s most coveted and remote destinations in June 2021. Travellers on Seabourn Venture and her yet-to-be-named sister ship will find a wealth of masterfully crafted onboard spaces, including the Colonnade, where guests can find a variety of delicious meal options for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The venue is part of the eight dining experiences expedition travellers will enjoy onboard the forthcoming expedition ships.
Renowned designer Adam D. Tihany has shaped public spaces that capture the romanticism of early explorers with the vibrant energy of present-day, invoking a timeless sense of adventure while maintaining the familiarity of the venues that past guests have grown to enjoy.
Voyager to return bolder than ever
Royal Caribbean’s multimillion-dollar amplification of Australian favourite, Voyager of the Seas is set to bring new adventures to the region when she returns next month.
An impressive 2,200 crew members and tradespeople embarked on the amplification, transforming some of the ship’s most popular venues and adding a host of bold new features in just 41 days.
Royal Caribbean has shared a sneak peak of Voyager of the Seas during dry dock, with the addition of first-to-market experiences including The Perfect Storm℠ duo of racer waterslides and Battle for Planet Z℠ laser tag as well as a reinvigorated Vitality Spa and Fitness Center, redesigned kids and teens spaces and 72 additional inside and balcony staterooms.
From this week, the ship will embark on a series of 3- to 5-night Southeast Asian itineraries before repositioning from Singapore via Darwin, Cairns and Brisbane to arrive at her homeport of Sydney on 30 November 2019 – just in time for summer!
Experience ancient cultures of northern Australia and Papua on a PONANT and National Geographic expedition
One of the first of the newly created PONANT & National Geographic partnership expedition voyages, Ancient Cultures of Northern Australia & Papua, will explore remote parts of northern Australia and the fascinating Asmat region of near-neighbour Western New Guinea – Papua.
Travelling between Darwin and Cairns, departing 6th December this year, guests will visit remote indigenous communities while travelling in the company of National Geographic experts, including Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Jay Dickman, adding professional perspectives to enrich guest experiences both on board and ashore.
This voyage, onboard PONANT’s modern small luxury expedition ship Le Lapérouse, offers an opportunity to meet and interact with indigenous groups living in remote areas, and learn about their customs, traditions, spirituality and art.
Expedition highlights include visiting the Tiwi Islands, home of the Saltwater Tiwi People, renowned for their wooden carvings – particularly of birds which have a special place in Tiwi mythology, and Elcho Island and Yirrkala, home to several renowned Aboriginal artists recognised for their spectacular traditional bark paintings – work that can be found in art galleries around the world. This is also the traditional home of the Yidaki (didgeridoo), with some of the world’s finest didgeridoos being crafted here.
In Western New Guinea, more extraordinary photo opportunities are in store when you come face-to-face with legendary Asmat tribes in their war canoes. Here, learn about their lives, customs and warrior ceremonies as a guest in their village.
Free onboard spending money of up to 400 euros per couple on 30 European river cruises
Riviera Travel River Cruises will offer a special onboard spending credit of up to of 400 euros per couple on 30 selected, five-star river cruises across Europe from December 3, 2019, to October 20, 2020.
The sailings cover 12 different itineraries featuring rivers such as the Rhine, Danube, Rhone, Seine and Moselle and the canals of Holland.
The onboard spending credit will be 100 euros per person for cruises of seven nights or less and 200 euros per person for 14-night sailings. The credit will be valid for all existing or new bookings on the 30 cruises.
The onboard credit can be used to buy drinks, spa treatments, boutique purchases or extra optional shore excursions onboard Riviera Travel’s five-star ships.
SeaLink WA brings new boat and departure location to Rottnest Island service
SeaLink WA is expanding its services by introducing another boat to Rottnest Island and will offer a new daily departure from Barrack Street Jetty at Elizabeth Quay from 14 November this year.
The new service comes just two years after SeaLink commenced its Fremantle to Rottnest operation and is a direct result of the success of the business and the rapidly growing passenger demand.
P&O Cruises counts down to Pacific Adventure’s arrival with the ‘Twin Racer’ waterslide and new family entertainment area
P&O Cruises’ newest ship to call Australia home will feature the first-of-its-kind dual racing waterslides where family and friends can challenge each other to score the fastest time.
Called the “Twin Racer”, the waterslide is specifically designed for people to race each other against the clock. It has two 135m tubes including two sections which are transparent so racers can keep tabs on their opponent as they rush towards the finish.
Pacific Adventure’s splashing new feature forms part of the ship’s new dedicated family entertainment area, which also includes a pool under a sliding glass roof so guests can swim any time of the year.
Situated in the heart of the 3100 guest ship, the modern indoor-outdoor space is designed for families to spend time together on holiday enjoying group games and activities.
For the more adventurous, guests can experience the P&O Edge Adventure Park with a flying fox, “Walk the Plank” and rock climbing wall built next to the “Twin Racer” waterslide and offering unrivalled views of the ocean from its very top.
Feeling peckish after all that entertainment? Enjoy a pizza delivery by picking up the ‘Big Red Phone’ connecting to a hotline where guests can order a variety of delicious traditional Neapolitan pizzas from 400 Gradi by award-winning Melbourne chef Johnny Di Francesco.
Children and the young-at-heart can try Pacific Adventure’s quirky take on traditional family activities including lawn bowls, table tennis, hopscotch and quoits to name a few.
See India’s most iconic wildlife on remote river cruise
Australians seeking a rare wildlife experience can save 25 per cent on a boutique river cruise along India’s sacred Brahmaputra River, shadowed by the Himalayan mountains, this region is home to India’s most iconic animals, including the Royal Bengal tiger and great one-horned Rhinoceros.
For all sailings of the Brahmaputra River in the months of December, March and April, Adventure Resorts and Cruises (ARC) is offering a 25 per cent discount for Australian travellers. The special offer is available until sold out. Departure dates are December 1 and 22, 2019, March 1, 8 and 29, 2020 and April 5, 2020.
Guests will cruise onboard ARC’s boutique, 46-guest river ship, MV Mahabaahu, which boasts a swimming pool, spa, bars, lounge, restaurant and sun deck.
MSC reveals new Cirque du Soleil at sea for MSC Grandiosa
MSC Cruises revealed has revealed details of the two brand-new and original Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows coming exclusively to MSC Grandiosa. In COSMOS, Journey to the unbelievable, guests will experience a breathtaking voyage across the galaxy with a brave astronaut on a quest for self-discovery. Audiences of EXENTRICKS, Expect the unexpected, will be caught off guard at every turn in this high-spirited spectacle.
Each Cirque du Soleil at Sea show is an original production and Cirque du Soleil are constantly pushing their creative boundaries, reinventing their processes, challenging the status quo and exploring new territories to create inspiring experiences that are sure to delight MSC Cruises guests.
Genting Cruise Lines presents the World Premiere of Dream Cruises’ Global Dream hull art at ITB Asia
Genting Cruise Lines officially announced the world premiere and unveiling of Global Dream’s brand new hull artwork, entitled “A Dream Through Time and Space” at ITB Asia in Singapore.
Building on the successful debuts of Genting Dream, World Dream and Explorer Dream, Dream Cruises’ new 208,000 gross tonne ship, Global Dream, is currently under construction at Genting Hong Kong’s very own MV Werften shipyard in Germany. Global Dream is set to enter into service in early 2021 and will invite guests to cruise worldwide on inspiring voyages on board the largest cruise ship to homeport in the Asia Pacific region.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
ARC Genting Cruise Lines msc p&o cruises ponant princess Riviera Travel River Cruises royal caribbean scenic seabourn sealink silverseaLatest News
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 […]
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.