Too busy having a midweek nap at your desk to do any work? Don’t worry, so are we. We find looking at these cruise pictures particularly soothing.

First trees planted on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve as transformation of one-of-a-kind island enters its final phase

With just one year to go until Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will receive its first guests, MSC Cruises marked an important milestone in the island’s transformation with the planting of the first trees. With the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve project, MSC Cruises is transforming a former industrial sand extraction site into a flourishing marine reserve and private island destination exclusively for MSC Cruises guests, that will exist in harmony with the local ecosystem.

With uninterrupted 360° horizon views of crystal blue waters and some of the most spectacular white sandy beaches in the world, this island paradise will be an unforgettable highlight in MSC Cruises’ Caribbean itineraries.

With just one year to go until Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve will receive its first guests, MSC Cruises marked an important milestone in the island’s transformation with the planting of the first trees. With the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve project, MSC Cruises is transforming a former industrial sand extraction site into a flourishing marine reserve and private island destination exclusively for MSC Cruises guests, that will exist in harmony with the local ecosystem.

With uninterrupted 360° horizon views of crystal blue waters and some of the most spectacular white sandy beaches in the world, this island paradise will be an unforgettable highlight in MSC Cruises’ Caribbean itineraries.

Carnival Cruise Line’s jaw-dropping 72-hour sale

Carnival Cruise Line has announced its 72-hour sale encouraging couples and families the chance to experience some early summer fun in the sun, with irresistible deals for a limited time.

The promotion offers incredibly reduced fares on twin and quad cabins starting from as little as $72 per person, per day on twin share interior cabins. This is based on a total rate of $576 pp in an interior twin share cabin, for an eight-day cruise to New Caledonia on Carnival Legend, departing Sydney 25 March 2019. Aussies taking advantage of this limited time offer can choose to sail with Carnival Legend or Carnival Spirit between January to March 2019.

Fun is what you get from the moment you walk, skip or jump on to a Carnival cruise. Thunder down our record-breaking water-slide, enjoy an all-inclusive family feast, get your giggles on at our Punchliner Comedy club, or any of the other 45+ activities a day. You won’t have time to get bored, with a holiday packed full of FUN-tastic memories. Book now and Choose Fun.

The offer is available until 11.59pm AEST, 14 November 2018.

New Zealand last minute luxury with Celebrity Cruises 

Discover the wonders of New Zealand with Celebrity Cruises’ Last Minute Luxury savings for select itineraries, with prices starting from just $1799 per person.

Included in the offer, is a gorgeous 14-night Sydney to Auckland voyage departing 31 January 2019 onboard Celebrity Solstice. Priced from just AUD$1,799 per person, twin share, the cruise calls at Melbourne, the stunning Milford Sound and Doubtful Sounds, Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington, Bay of Islands, Tauranga and Auckland.

Hurry, these prices won’t last. Offer begins on Friday 9 November and is available until 22 November 2018. Terms and conditions apply.

Uniworld and U by Uniworld launch biggest savings of the year on 2019 voyages

Back by popular demand, award-winning river cruise lines Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection and U by Uniworld are offering travellers incredible savings on select 2019 voyages with their Our Best Offer promotion.

The offer is available for new bookings made 8 November through to 31 December 2018. The promotion extends to over 25 unique itineraries throughout Europe and Asia, including several of Uniworld’s brand new itineraries, as well as its exclusive cruise for River Heritage Club members aboard the brand’s newest Super Ship, the S.S. Bon Voyage. 

Guests will receive up to 30 per cent off on over 200 voyages including select departures on Uniworld’s brand-new and enhanced itineraries for 2019 such as the new 10-day Magnificent Moselle and Rhine with savings of up to $2,700 per person; new 10-day Authentic Danube & Prague with savings of up to $2,580 per person; and enhanced India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges, a 13-day land and river journey with savings of up to $3,300 per person.

The offer also applies to U itineraries for the first time, offering up to 20 per cent off select departures, including its brand-new Northern France at a Glance itinerary with stops in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, Rouen and more (savings of up to $1,220 per person).

Azamara Club Cruises launches Summer 2021 itineraries

Azamara Club Cruises has officially launched their summer 2021 itineraries. The boutique cruise line has confirmed its return to Japan with new country-intensive voyages – where guests can explore numerous ports within one country and stay late or overnight in most cities – in addition to debuting its newest ship – Azamara Pursuit – in Australia and New Zealand.

Continuing its dedication to Destination Immersion experiences around the world, Azamara will set sail across four continents between January and March 2021. This includes 50 late nights and 37 overnight stays in some of the most sought-after destinations across the globe.

Back by popular demand, the Japan country-intensive sailings will give guests the opportunity to delve deeper than ever into the destination. These 15 and 16-night itineraries will visit up to 13 ports across the country – including Tokyo, Aomori, Hakodate and Kobe – whilst offering a range of immersive excursions to showcase the local culture of each region (excursions will be available in 2019).

Azamara Pursuit, which set sail in August 2018 after a top-to-toe refit, will also make its debut in Australia and New Zealand. Visiting 18 ports in total, highlights will include Sydney and Melbourne in Australia and Auckland, Napier and Akaroa in New Zealand. Over half the itineraries are also country-intensive voyages.

PONANT releases new 2019-2020 voyages brochure

There are compelling reasons to obtain a copy of this new 180-page brochure featuring over 100 voyages – small ship cruises and luxury expeditions – that include perennial favourites as well as a number of immersive new and off-the-beaten-track itineraries.

This brochure also includes a range of tropical and polar expeditions developed in conjunction with NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC.

New ships AND new destinations, a wealth of options: Itineraries range from seven nights to Grand Voyages up to 73 nights, all offering PONANT’s hallmark comfort and style aboard the youngest and ecologically responsible fleet of small luxury expedition ships in the world – including four new Explorer ships. Or, for those who enjoy a traditional sailing yacht, the classic three-masted Le Ponant is an elegant option for exploring the Eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea.

Whether it be the icy vastness and overwhelming concentrations of wildlife in Antarctica, intimate encounters with Papuan, Polynesian or Maori people, scuba diving in the Indian Ocean or visiting the archaeological wonders of Petra in Jordan, this must-read PONANT brochure provides the stimulus to start planning your next voyage.

Carnival Legend returns to her home port in Melbourne

Carnival Legend returned to her home port in Melbourne, offering Victorian cruise lovers some legendary itineraries this holiday season with sailings to Tasmania, New Caledonia and New Zealand, before repositioning back to Sydney.

Melbournites who sail on Carnival Legend will get to experience her new upgrades made during her dry dock in Portland, Oregon earlier this year including Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed cocktail ‘pharmacy’ and Fun Ship 2.0 upgrades including:

• Guy’s Burger Joint developed by Food Network superstar Guy Fieri, delivering fresh-off-the-grill burgers Guy’s way
• Freshly made tacos and homemade tortillas from BlueIguana Cantina
• Poolside bars BlueIguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar for a great selection of cocktails.

Guests will get to experience all that Carnival has to offer right from their doorstep, with 45+ daily activities, from the thrilling Green Thunder waterslide, themed nights, live Broadway-style entertainment and the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss with Seuss at Sea™.

Viking releases first issue of digital magazine

Viking has released the first issue of its brand-new digital magazine, Viking Explorer Society News.

Distributed to Viking’s past guests via email, the 51-page digital publication includes an in-depth look at Viking’s latest cruise itineraries, a series of captivating feature articles written by well-known travel writers, and a number of exclusive special offers curated for Viking Explorer Society members.

Issue one also features some fantastic recipes for traditional Russian dishes as well as a Q&A with a dedicated Viking team member who has worked with the company for more than 18 years. Viking will release the second issue of Viking Explorer Society News early next year.