Cruise Wrap: Aurora christens Greg Mortimer, Crystal Cruises welcomes wine-themed sailing + MORE!
Keen to sample some maritime news? You’re in luck! This week’s Cruise Wrap is stacked with four seasons’ worth (and even a saving or two).
Aurora christens ground breaking Greg Mortimer
Aurora Expeditions has celebrated the christening of the highly anticipated Greg Mortimer ship, the world’s first passenger expedition vessel to feature the Ulstein X-BOW.
Joined by officials from Sunstone, CMI, Ulstein, maiden voyage guests and Aurora Expeditions’ expedition team, the ceremony marked the beginning of a new era for the company.
As the first passenger vessel in the world to utilise the patented Ulstein X-BOW technology, an inverted bow design that enables a ship to pierce waves with greater stability than a traditional bow, the Greg Mortimer aims to completely transform the experience of navigating the world’s heaviest seas, particularly the Drake Passage.
The novel-shaped X-BOW created by Norwegian ship designer, Ulstein, absorbs the force of waves more consistently across its surface, drastically improving steadiness and comfort, fuel efficiency and minimises vibrations and disruptions to marine life, Aurora said in a statement.
Crystal Cruises welcomes Henschke for wine-themed sailing
Crystal River Cruises has announced the celebrated winemaking duo of family-owned, Australian winery Henschke will join an October 2020 wine-themed sailing aboard luxury river ship, Crystal Ravel.
Fifth-generation winemaker Stephen Henschke and his viticulturist wife, Prue, will join guests as Crystal Ravel sails the picturesque Danube River.
The seven-night voyage, departing 9 October 2020, will sail from Budapest to Vienna through the wine region of the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, visiting Melk, Linz, and the vineyards and hilltop castle of Dürnstein.
While onboard, Crystal Ravel guests will be invited to enjoy tastings of specially chosen Henschke wines, as the winemakers share their story of growing some of the oldest vines in the world, in the high country of Barossa’s Eden Valley.
Hurtigruten begins tests on biodiesel
Norwegian expedition cruise line Hurtigruten has begun testing biodiesel, a fuel the company said has the potential to reduce emissions by as much as 95 per cent.
Hurtigruten’s MS Polarlys has been testing the use of biodiesel over the past few weeks with more tests to come, in an important step for Hurtigruten on its journey to becoming emissions-free.
“Biodiesel can, in the long run, potentially give a CO2-reduction of as much as 95 per cent compared to traditional marine fuels,” Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam said.
“The industry needs to start making more sustainable choices and Hurtigruten wants to lead the way.”
“We are just at the beginning when it comes to using biodiesel in the shipping industry. We want to move the boundaries and learn more about how this can be used in a bigger scale. This can potentially transform the industry.”
Hurtrigruten is also calling on an international ban to be put in place on the use of “cheap, polluting” heavy fuel oil in the whole Arctic area and along the Norwegian Coast.
Silversea launches fund to support conservation efforts in the Galapagos Islands
Silversea Cruises has launched a dedicated fund that aims to preserve the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands.
By supporting a diverse selection of projects each year, the Silversea Fund will strengthen the balance between humans and nature in the Galapagos, as part of a long-term conservation strategy.
In addition to benefiting regional conservation efforts and enhancing their connection with the Galapagos Islands, the fund’s donors will enjoy savings on Silversea’s voyages, as the cruise line will match guests’ contributions in the form of a Future Cruise Credit to underpin its commitment to the cause.
For donations of between US$500 and US$1,000 per suite, donors will receive a Future Cruise Credit in a matching amount that may be applied towards any future voyage aboard any ship in Silversea’s ultra-luxury fleet.
Established in partnership with Galapagos Conservancy—the only US-based organization focused exclusively on protecting the Galapagos’ unique ecosystems and biological integrity—the Silversea Fund for the Galapagos will educate and support the archipelago’s local communities by financing projects related to youth empowerment; education and training; and science, technology and conservation.
The fund welcomes both formal and grassroots project proposals from the Galapagos’ four inhabited islands: San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabela, and Floreana.
Coral Geographer to feature three new Indian Ocean voyages
Coral Expeditions have released three new itineraries as part of the maiden voyage series of the newbuild Coral Geographer during February, March and April 2021.
The collection of Indian Ocean expeditions will visit Zanzibar, Madagascar, the Cocos Islands, and Christmas Island, on the following voyages:
- Small islands at the edge of Africa – a 17-night expedition taking in the coastlines of Mauritius, Reunion, Madagascar, Mozambique and Tanzania. Departing Mauritius on 17 February 2020, the itinerary showcases frontier islands that stand at cultural crossroads influenced for centuries by Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. The cruise concludes in Zanzibar on 6 March 2021
- Navigating the Indian Ocean – a 19-night voyage from Zanzibar to Fremantle that sails east in a southern arc from the ancient spice island of Zanzibar off the African coast. This is a classic ocean passage allowing guests to settle into the rhythm of the sea and ship. An extensive onboard program is offered, including guest lectures and celestial navigation lessons from a Master Mariner
- Island outposts of Australia’s West Coast – a 27-night expedition from Fremantle to Darwin that will take guests to the farthest reaches of the Australian territories. The itinerary includes the Abrolhos Islands, where guests may swim with sealions, Shark Bay, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Christmas Island and Ashmore Reef.
MSC Grandiosa joins MSC fleet, as steel is cut for first five LNG-powered ships
MSC Cruises has taken delivery of MSC Grandiosa from Chantiers de l’Atlantique, marking the introduction of one of the most “environmentally-advanced ships at sea” into the cruise line’s fleet.
The cruise line also marked another important milestone event with the traditional cutting of the first steel and naming of MSC Europa, by MSC Cruises executive chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago.
MSC Europa is the first of five LNG-powered cruise ships on order and the first LNG ship to be built in France.
The two events marked another important step forward in MSC Cruises’ long-term commitment to environmental stewardship both at sea as well as ashore.
Carnival launches ‘Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out’ sale
With summer on the horizon, Carnival Cruise Line has launched its ‘Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out’ sale to welcome the warmer weather, offering great rates and up to $500 to spend onboard.
Sail to some of Carnival’s tropical destinations, including New Caledonia and Vanuatu, or cruise into the New Year by discovering the Great Barrier Reef.
Book now to experience all that Carnival has to offer, with 45-plus daily activities, from Carnival WaterWorks, themed nights, live Broadway-style entertainment and 16 bars and lounges, all to enjoy against the backdrop of some of the world’s most beautiful ports.
This offer is available on select sailings between 9 November 2019 and 31 December 2020 onboard Carnival Spirit and Carnival Splendor.
Save 15 per cent on Strand Cruise’s Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady River cruise
The Strand Cruise on Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady River has recently announced that it is offering 15% off published rates on all sailings between now and the end of the season in April 2020, including departures coinciding with the 2019 Festive season, as well as Chinese New Year, Easter and Myanmar’s annual Water Festival.
The 25-cabin luxury river cruiser will also be waiving all single occupancy surcharges from January 2020 onwards.
Both the cruise and its sister hotel property, The Strand Yangon, are offering 15 per cent off all published rates for travel between now and the end of April 2020 when booking directly online and entering the code GLAM at check out.
Additionally, passengers booking any four-night cruise for travel between now and the end of December 2019 will receive a complimentary 60-minute massage during their cruise.
One opportunity per year to cruise to Esperance’s Pink Lake Hillier
Visitors fascinated with Western Australia’s pink Lake Hillier near Esperance have one opportunity in the next year to see it up close with a cruise to Middle Island off the coast of Esperance on 11 January 2020.
Esperance Island Cruise manager Jaimen Hudson said the company only operates a single cruise to the destination per year because of its distance from the mainland.
“It’s a really special tour and very few people have the opportunity to get up close to Lake Hillier because it’s extremely isolated – it takes about two hours to cruise there from the Duke of Orleans which is 100 kilometres east of Esperance,” Jaimen said.
Travellers can expect to see dolphins, and stop at the campground ruins of Australia’s only recorded pirate, Black Jack Anderson, who used Middle Island as a base.
Touring with Esperance Island Cruise, a full day tour to Lake Hillier costs $320 per person and includes lunch, tea, coffee and water.
Evergreen announces ‘short and sweet’ river cruises
Evergreen Cruises & Tours has launched a new campaign to promote its shorter length tours on the rivers of Europe, which includes the following voyages:
- ‘8 Day Jewels of the Rhine river cruise, Amsterdam to Zurich’ – from $3,385 per person, with a saving up of to $2,000 per couple
- ‘9 Day Enchantment of Eastern Europe river cruise, Bucharest to Budapest’ – from $4,370 per person, with a saving up of up $1,800 per couple
- ‘8 Day Delights of the Danube river cruise, Munich to Budapest’ – from $3,875 per person, with a saving up of up $1,800 per couple.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
aurora expeditions Coral Geographer cruise wrap crystal cruises greg mortimer Henschke Silversea Cruise Silversea Fund Ulstein X-BOWLatest News
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.
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.