Big Fat Cruise Wrap
We love cruise wraps so much, we’ve decided to spend the whole day researching new cruise pics for next week’s. Or is that just because we hate Wednesdays?
P&O Cruises reveals Pacific Explorer will call Brisbane home as part of its new program
P&O Cruises Australia has announced its flagship Pacific Explorer will make Brisbane her new homeport from October 2020. Since 2012 more than one million Queenslanders have cruised with P&O – and almost three-quarters of them have sailed from Brisbane. Queensland is one of P&O’s heartland states and this year will account for more than 220,000 P&O guests and a record 56 separate itineraries.
As part of the cruise line’s new program release, Pacific Explorer’s first round-trip cruise from Brisbane will be the popular seven-night Pacific Island Hopper itinerary departing on October 24, 2020, followed by a seven-night Main Event themed cruise to the Melbourne Cup.
Pacific Explorer replaces Pacific Dawn which has been sailing from Brisbane since December 2009. She will continue to cruise from Brisbane until October 2020 offering guests a new 14-night Bounty Adventure – part of P&O’s new ‘Voyages’ cruises.
P&O ‘Voyages’ will visit numerous exotic international destinations and provide exclusive onboard experiences for sailings 13-nights and longer starting with the Captain’s Gala Cocktail Party where guests have the chance to meet the Master and Senior Officers.
Crystal River Cruises announces 2019 President’s Cruise
Crystal Bach will set sail on October 17, 2019 from Amsterdam on a 10-day “Enchanting Moselle” voyage hosted by Crystal’s president and CEO, Tom Wolber and his wife, Sharon. Receptions, a question & answer session and a specially arranged shoreside experience hosted by Wolber will provide opportunities for travellers to learn the latest news from Crystal while visiting the picturesque cities along Europe’s less travelled river.
The “Enchanting Moselle” itinerary sails round-trip from Amsterdam and features five new ports of call through the vineyard-flanked Moselle River. Guests will enjoy world-class Rieslings and the famous vintages of the Mosel Wine Region in Bernkastel, the medieval charm of Cochem and the Roman ruins of Trier.
Along with the picturesque Moselle, new destinations to explore along the Rhine River include Bonn, Beethoven’s birthplace; Dusseldorf, the cultural and fashion hub of Germany; and a returning favourite, Koblenz, offering travellers a unique perspective of the point at which the Rhine and Moselle meet; and the historic war museums of Arnhem, Netherlands. Overnights spent in Amsterdam and Trier afford ample time for longer sojourns, like a day trip to nearby Luxembourg or an in-depth exploration of Holland’s art and culinary scenes.
Crystal Bach is one of four new Crystal River Cruises’ river vessels, which enjoy all-suite accommodation and butler service, with every category of accommodation positioned above the water line.
Choose fun with Carnival and save with great rates, $49 deposits + upgrades
Carnival Cruise Line has updated its Choose Fun sale with the addition of FREE upgrades from Ocean View to Balcony Cabins, to add to the already incredible savings of up to AUD $500AUD per cabin plus discounted deposits of $49 per person.
This promotion is only available to book from today until 2 November 2018 on select Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend sailings between 14 October 2018 and 30 December 2019.
Aussies can take advantage of this amazing deal and choose to cruise to a number of beautiful destinations to New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Moreton Island on a selection of sailings departing Sydney and Melbourne.
Book now for a ship packed full of fun-tastic memories. Discover tropical treats on island paradises, twists and turns of Carnival WaterWorks and laid back grooves at the Serenity Retreat. 45+ activities a day and 16 bars and lounges. Let the fun times roll.
PONANT & NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC 2019-2020 ‘Expeditions to Inspire’ brochure
PONANT and NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC have joined forces, combining their specific areas of expertise to offer a range of unique and enriching expedition cruises.
A collection of 18 expeditions stretching from Alaska to Antarctica – a taste of what is to come from this recently announced partnership.
Aboard PONANT’s luxury small expedition ships, accompanied by PONANT’s experienced Expedition Team as well as NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC destination experts, award-winning photographers and photojournalists, adventurous and inquisitive guests will sail to destinations that are among the most remote, the most fascinating and the wildest on the planet. Here they will explore and encounter the wonders of the world up close, right at the sources, and be transformed by these enriching experiences.
For 2019/2020 consider this Who’s Who of expeditions for modern-day adventurers:
- Alaska, the volcanic Aleutian Islands, the Sea of Okhotsk
- The magnificent fjords, ice flows and wildlife of Spitsbergen and Greenland
- The lesser visited Caribbean and Bijagos islands of the Atlantic Ocean
- In the Indian Ocean, Aldabra lagoon, the largest coral atoll in the world
- In Oceania, the cultures of Micronesia and the Solomon Islands
- The far-flung Sub Antarctic Islands
- Wondrous Antarctica
Antarctica discounts with Crystal Cruises
Chimu Adventures have just launched Crystal Cruises’ two Ross Sea departures on the highly luxurious and all-inclusive Crystal Endeavour (a spacious and elegant ship complete with personal butler, 24 hour room service, open seating dining in six venues, fitness centre, spa, swimming pool and casino but just 200 passengers) for the 2020/21 season departing from Hobart and Christchurch. A ‘book now’ discount available until the 30th November 2018 which will save each passenger AUD $2,570.
- Antarctica & Ross Sea Expedition
Departs from Hobart 06 Jan 2021, 23-day cruise to Christchurch. Was AU$48095 per person, now AU$45525 (excludes flights) - Antarctica & Ross Sea End in Hobart
Departs from Christchurch 28 Jan 2021, 23-day cruise to Hobart. Was AU $48165 per person, now AU$45595 (excludes flights)
Chimu is currently one of the few wholesalers selling itineraries on this luxury ship. These are unique Antarctica voyages as they cruise from Hobart or Christchurch (rather than Ushuaia in Argentina which is most common) so are great options for people who want to explore Antarctica without flying to South America. Polar specialists, Chimu Adventures, can organise all arrangements for this, including flights to and from Hobart/Christchurch.
Viking on SBS’ Cruising with Jane McDonald this Saturday
Viking’s popular Viking Homelands cruise will be featured on Cruising with Jane McDonald on SBS this Saturday, 27 October.
In the fifth episode of the show’s first season, television presenter and former cruise ship entertainer, Jane McDonald, will board Viking Sky and sail the pristine waters of Scandinavia and the Baltic. Viewers will be treated to an exclusive look at Viking’s Viking Homelands cruise itinerary – starting in the stunning Swedish capital of Stockholm and gliding through the breathtaking Norwegian fjords before ending in the picturesque Bergen.
Viking Orion, the fifth ship in Viking’s multi-award-winning ocean fleet will cruise into Australian waters in December when it will begin sailing the new for 2018 15-day Australia & New Zealand cruise itinerary. Viking Sun will also return to Australia and New Zealand in early 2019 on her second world cruise.
Cruising with Jane McDonald: The Baltic will air this Saturday at 7.35pm (AEST) on SBS. The trailer can be found here.
National Geographic and Scenic announce River Cruise partnership
National Geographic and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours have teamed up to launch a new line of National Geographic River Cruises. These itineraries combine Scenic’s all-inclusive luxury river cruise experience with National Geographic’s legacy of science, conservation and exploration to create unforgettable experiences along the waterways of Europe and South East Asia.
Aboard each Scenic river cruise expedition a National Geographic Expert will join guests to share their knowledge and insights, and enrich the experience through fascinating presentations and informal discussions. A National Geographic photographer, who will offer photography tips on technique and artistry, will also join European river cruising itineraries.
This partnership between Scenic and National Geographic will offer numerous itineraries through Europe: on the Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle Rivers; in Holland and Belgium; through France’s Bordeaux region and Portugal’s Douro Valley—as well as on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar.
Drawing on the National Geographic Society’s 130 years of exploration and storytelling, National Geographic Expeditions offers a wide range of unique travel experiences, including small ship voyages, private jet expeditions, small group tours, private tours, a collection of luxury sustainable lodges, and more. Trips are organised in over 80 countries on all seven continents, from the tropical atolls of French Polynesia to the peaks of Nepal and the ice world of the Arctic.
Carnival Australia recognised for sharing the value of cruise tourism in the Pacific
Australia’s leading cruise organisation, Carnival Australia, said it was thrilled to receive a prestigious national award for its part in a project supporting indigenous entrepreneurs in the Pacific to develop new shore tour businesses.
Carnival Australia is partnering with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) as well as business accelerator, The Difference Incubator (TDi), to pilot the “Yumi Tourism Partners” project in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea.
Called “YuMi” because it means “together” in Bislama, a common language across many Pacific Islands, the pilot project won a Shared Value Award at a special event in Federation Square, Melbourne, last week. The YuMi project is identifying, developing and accelerating the development of emerging indigenous tourism operators in Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea to offer the cruise lines’ guests rich, meaningful and authentic shore tours run by local people.
Already three new shore tour businesses in Vanuatu have been developed, contracting new tours to Carnival Australia’s suite of cruise lines P&O Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard and Holland America Line.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
carnival australia crystal river cruises p&o cruises ponant scenic vikingLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!