Big Fat Cruise Wrap
Cruise through Wednesday with the help of this lovely wrap. And yes, we know that was terrible – we promise the contents of the wrap will be better than the wrap-based puns.
Crystal Cruises’ 2021 Ancient Dynasties & World Wonders World Cruise open for booking
Crystal’s 26th annual World Cruise is now open for booking to all luxury travellers. The Ancient Dynasties & World Wonders voyage embarks from Miami to London on January 5, 2021, sailing an epic 139-day route through the Caribbean, Hawaiian Islands, South Pacific, Australia, Indonesia, Southeast Asia, the Far East, the UAE and the Mediterranean, featuring transit of the Panama Canal, visits to Egypt’s mysterious Valley of Kings, and the winelands of Western Europe.
Named for the diverse array of destinations, cultures and monumental sites to be explored on the journey, the Ancient Dynasties & World Wonders World Cruise offers travellers equally tremendous value and exceptionally enriching experiences on board and ashore. Guests can choose to sail the complete itinerary from Miami to London (January 5 to May 24, 139 days); from Los Angeles to London (January 21 to May 24, 123 days); Miami to Rome (January 5 to May 12, 127 days); or Los Angeles to Rome (January 21 to May 12, 111 days)
The full World Cruise also offers guests alternate embarkation and disembarkation cities and dates, allowing greater flexibility while still affording all full World Cruise benefits. Segments of 12-21 days are also now available for booking, with focused itineraries along the gulfs of Oman and Aden; Southeast Asia and Vietnam; springtime in Japan; and the Arabian Gulf across the Bay of Bengal.
Star Cruises announces SuperStar Gemini deployment to Malaysia
Genting Cruise Lines is pleased to announce the deployment of Star Cruises to Malaysia from 5 November 2018 until 28 April 2019, with SuperStar Gemini to homeport in Port Klang, Penang and Langkawi, along with Phuket in Thailand, focusing on destinations around the calm and tranquil waters of the Straits of Malacca. SuperStar Gemini’s Malaysia deployment further reinforces Genting Cruise Lines’ ongoing commitment in growing Malaysia’s cruise industry and also builds on the Genting Group’s long and fruitful history spanning over 50 years in the country.
For the upcoming deployment, Star Cruises will introduce a series of enticing round-trip voyages from its homeports in Port Klang, Penang, and Langkawi in Malaysia, and Phuket, Thailand, aboard SuperStar Gemini that will explore the scenic destinations throughout the region later this year. Strategically located within Southeast Asia, these homeports will also benefit from close transportation links Port Klang and its proximity to Kuala Lumpur provides to attract international travellers from across the Asia Pacific.
Guests will be able to choose from a selection of carefully curated itineraries designed to maximize ports of call and shore time for the enjoyment of passengers. With a series of popular three-night journeys, as well as a special four-night (departing 6 Feb) and two-night (departing 10 Feb) cruise, passengers will be able to take in both cosmopolitan centres and tropical paradises including Port Klang, Penang and Langkawi in Malaysia, Phuket and Krabi in Thailand, as well as to Singapore.
Celebrity Cruises unveils Grand Plaza on Celebrity Edge
Celebrity Cruises has unveiled details of The Grand Plaza on Celebrity Edge, designed by renowned designers Patrick Jouin and Sanjit Manku of Jouin Manku Studio.
Spanning three decks at the heart of the ship, The Grand Plaza acts as the epicentre of Celebrity Edge, which radiates an energy that lures guests throughout the day, as it transforms both physically and atmospherically.
With the aspiration to completely transform the way guests connect to the world, Celebrity sought creative thinkers who were new to the cruise industry to ensure every aspect of Celebrity Edge would be a departure from traditional thinking about cruising.
Among those chosen were the Paris-based design duo of Jouin Manku, who are celebrated for drawing inspiration from a multitude of cultures and for merging cutting-edge technology with old-world craftsmanship. They are credited with world-famous works such as the Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée and the Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel Tower. Together, the visionaries collaborated with the Celebrity team to bring these new concepts to life.
MSC Cruises’ Global Environmental Officers Conference in London
MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise company and leading cruise brand in Europe, South America, South Africa and the Gulf, yesterday kicked off its Global Environmental Officers Conference. Held at its Technical Maritime Centre in London, this four-day recurring appointment brings together the Company’s best talent in the environmental space and aims at fostering even stronger environmental practices.
Hosted in the offices of MSC Cruise Management UK, Environmental Officers from 15 MSC Cruises ships will share best practices, receive the latest updates on international and local regulations, and get fully familiarized with the latest environmental company policies and vision. The training will be provided by senior executives in the Company, its Environmental Department and external experts from RINA.
During the Conference, the officers focus amongst other subjects on MARPOL environmental requirements and national and local requirements in specific geographic areas. In addition, the team further deepens their knowledge of wastewater treatment, emissions reduction, ballast water management, anti-fouling, and solid waste management.
National Geographic Venture successfully launches
Earlier this week, Lindblad Expeditions successfully launched the National Geographic Venture from Nichols Brothers in Freeland, Washington as she took to the water for the first time. More updates to come as the company continues to prepare the vessel to welcome her first guests in San Francisco in late November.
Following her launch celebrations in San Francisco, she will depart on two new and unique inaugural itineraries that explore the Pacific coast, before she begins her seasons in Baja, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
Sister ship of National Geographic Quest launched in 2017, the 50-cabin coastal vessel is the second new build for the line, and has been designed with decades of expedition experience.
Norwegian Cruise Line wins top honours
World Travel Awards named Norwegian Cruise Line “North America’s Leading Cruise Line” and “Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Line,” for the third and sixth consecutive year respectively, at a regional gala ceremony in Montego Bay, Jamaica this past Saturday.
Norwegian Cruise Line is currently the most awarded cruise line of the 2018 World Travel Award season, having also secured its 11-year title as “Europe’s Leading Cruise Line” earlier this year in Athens, Greece. These three highly regarded awards further emphasise the cruise brand’s status as the innovator in cruise travel in the most sought out cruise destinations in the world – the Caribbean, Europe and North America.
With the company’s recent debut of Norwegian Bliss in June, the 16th ship of the modern and dynamic fleet, the brand continues to lead in creative, innovative and meaningful guest experiences. From its multi-level go-kart track and open-air laser tag arena to an 18,580-square-metre observation lounge featuring 180-degree vistas to a wide variety of high-calibre dining and entertainment venues, Norwegian Cruise Line is focused on providing guests with the freedom and flexibility to design their dream holiday.
In 2019, the company will introduce two ships to the U.S. market. Norwegian Joy moves to Seattle in April to join Norwegian Bliss with seven-day cruises to Alaska, while Norwegian Encore debuts in Miami in November offering seven-day cruises to the Caribbean.
Scenic Eclipse releases three inspiring destination brochures
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is proud to announce the release of three new Scenic Eclipse destination brochures. These beautifully presented brochures detail handcrafted itineraries and unrivalled ocean exploration voyages of discovery in Europe and The Americas; Antarctica; and the Arctic Fjords and Baltic regions, showcasing the all-inclusive six-star luxury cruise offerings and land-cruise combinations.
Scenic Eclipse Europe & The Americas Voyages – Inspired by the sleek contours of a sailing yacht, explore Europe, the Mediterranean, East Coast Canada and USA, Cuba, the Caribbean and Central America in all-inclusive six-star luxury.
Scenic Eclipse Antarctica Voyages – These handcrafted itineraries are full of extraordinary experiences to discover the ethereal beauty of Antarctica. For an additional cost, dive in the state-of-art six-guest submarine, capable of depths up to 200 metres to see unique marine life in its stunning natural habitat.
Arctic, Fjords & The Baltics Voyage – Enjoy an all-inclusive 21-day Northwest Passage adventure in Greenland before heading out through the Canadian Arctic Islands, past Point Barrow and arriving in Nome, Alaska.
Exclusive Australian spa treatment unveiled for the arrival of Silver Muse
Silversea Cruises is pleased to announce the introduction of a new, limited edition, Australian spa treatment, which will be available in the exclusive Zagara Spa aboard Silver Muse. In celebration of Silver Muse’s inaugural sailing to the region, the special treatment, Jindilli Massage, will be available on board between January and February 2019.
The new Jindilli (a Southern Queensland indigenous term for macadamia) Massage concentrates on the home-grown, medicinal properties of macadamia and eucalyptus oils, which are native to Australia and sourced from the Glass House Mountain region. The full-body massage has been designed with complete relaxation in mind. Guests will unwind and release harboured stress as they breathe in the essence of eucalyptus, known for its soothing properties. This flowering tree from eucalypt forests is blended with macadamia oil to soothe aching muscles and remedy tension build up.
The Zagara Spa by Silversea is a sanctuary of pure bliss, offering guests a variety of relaxing treatments and facilities. Whilst in the Spa, guests can enjoy sweeping sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows, nine treatment rooms, an acupuncture suite, relaxation areas and a dedicated outdoor whirlpool. Invigorating therapies include facials, body wraps and massages. In addition, men’s and women’s saunas and steam rooms offer guests the perfect place to relax, either before a spa treatment or after a workout.
U by Uniworld announces new itinerary and excursions for 2019
U by Uniworld, the first river cruise dedicated to a new generation of adult travellers, is introducing a brand new itinerary in Northern France on The B, along with new excursions and onboard amenities across the fleet in 2019.
On the 21st of April, 2019, the new eight-day, Northern France at a Glance itinerary aboard The B will undertake its inaugural sail along the Seine River with stops in Paris, Vernon, Les Andelys, Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, Rouen and Caudebec-en-Caux. The itinerary will begin and end on Sundays, allowing travellers to spend Friday and Saturday nights in Paris. Also in time for the 75th anniversary of D-Day, guests can travel with U to Normandy’s beaches to celebrate the historic event.
Rates start at $2,799 per person including accommodation, daily farm-to-ship meals, select offshore excursions, two dedicated U hosts, onboard activities, rooftop fitness classes and more.
Other new immersive excursions offered on this sailing include following U’s chef to Rouen’s fresh local market to choose ingredients for dinner; climbing to the top of the Étretat’s legendary cliffs for breathtaking views of France; and tea time at Château du Champ de Bataille.
Cruisefusion revolutionises B2B2C Cruise Reservations with new booking engine
Cruise/tour wholesaler Cruisefusion has launched a new Live Dynamic Packaging Reservations Platform which will enable travel agents to book a complete fly/cruise/stay travel package for clients and access a range of unique cruise holidays.
Cruisefusion, the wholesale division of Cruise1st Australia, partnered with US-based travel technology company Odysseus Solutions to develop the nimble booking engine that delivers a true B2B and B2C booking solution that is easily customisable.
Cruisefusion was established in 2013 as the wholesale division of Cruise1st Australia and is in a position to deliver unique cruise holidays to its partner agencies and preferred agency networks.
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