Big Fat Cruise Wrap
There’s a ton happening in the cruising world this week – from new ships to new itineraries. Meanwhile, we’ve started using a blue pen instead of a black one to spice things up a bit.
Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic announces new epic Antarctica itinerary
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced an additional voyage for the newest addition to its fleet, National Geographic Endurance. Slated for delivery in 2020, the 126-guest vessel is the first new polar build in the line’s history.
Following her inaugural season voyaging the Arctic in 2020, National Geographic Endurance will depart on a new and unique itinerary that explores the seventh continent with two departures only. The voyage will explore where few humans have been before and will discover four stunning wilderness regions, from the Peninsula to the Ross Sea and New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands. Lindblad Expedition’s Epic Antarctica itinerary is a 34-day expedition starting from AUD$61,000, departing on 27 December 2020 and 26 January 2021, with the second departure date operating in reverse.
In the company of a renowned expedition team, guests will witness the big ice of remote West Antarctica; prolific wildlife and impressive ice shelf of the Ross Sea region; and the sub-Antarctic islands of New Zealand and Australia, World Heritage sites for the thousands of seals and millions of penguins here, including huge colonies of king penguins and the endemic royal penguin. This is wilderness and wildlife at its finest, with Lindblad given special permission to explore strictly regulated islands, which are protected at the highest level of conservation status by the New Zealand government.
The new National Geographic Endurance will be in full expedition mode exploring West Antarctica, granting thrilling opportunities to crunch through thick ice and explore places few have seen.
Scenic’s China & Japan 2019/2020 brochure out now
Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours has launched its Oriental Wonders of China and Japan 2019/2020 brochure, with a new flagship tour through China – 27 Day Silk Road and Tibet Discovery travelling from Beijing to Chengdu.
In an offering unique to Scenic, this new itinerary takes in a section of the ancient Silk Road and includes two nights in Dunhuang or the City of Sands where guests will have the opportunity to experience incredible natural wonders that are surely once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Such as the Yadan Landform, a massive geological park that is comprised of strange wind eroded landforms, which appear like a medieval city. Or a camel ride through the Singing Sand Dunes, a natural phenomenon where sand grains shuffle down the slopes of sand dunes and produce a deep, groaning hum that reverberates for miles.
Onto the Crescent Moon Spring, a natural wonder of the Gobi Desert. Just as its name implies, the lake appears like a crescent moon and with its crystal clear water, resembles a turquoise or pearl inlaid in the vast desert sand dunes surrounding it. Or a day visit to the Mogao Museum, Caves and Grottoes. Once home to many monks and nuns, the caves are a system of sanctuaries and temples filled with ancient Buddhist statues and paintings dating back thousands of years.
There are many jewels in the 2019/2020 China program, from Beijing to the Gobi Desert and the mighty Yangtze River to the Tibetan Plateau. However, you can also look forward to so much more. Discover exciting Shanghai, delight in unique Xi’an. Indulge in China’s incredible cuisine and in the visual splendour of its greatest waterway. When all is done, you may find yourself changed by all you’ve seen and experienced. And that, of course, will be the finest jewel of all.
Construction of the polar exploration vessel, Le Commandant Charcot, has officially started
PONANT, the only French-owned cruise line and the world leader in luxury expeditions, is building an exceptional polar exploration vessel. Delivery of the new flagship, the most ambitious ever designed both in terms of travel experience and respect for the environment, is scheduled for 2021.
The vessel will bear the name of a great French explorer: Le Commandant Charcot. An explorer by vocation with a true passion for sailing, Jean-Baptiste Charcot is one of the emblematic figures of French polar expeditions. By naming its forthcoming polar exploration vessel after him, PONANT is paying tribute to this “pioneer of the poles”, a man respected by all. The choice of name is even more meaningful given that this new ship will be fitted with the latest technology for minimising environmental impact, as well as a scientific laboratory to be used by operational and research missions on oceanographic research.
Thus, at Tulcea in Romania, home of the Vard shipyard, the Norwegian subsidiary of Fincantieri, PONANT is pioneering a new era in polar travel. Designed to be a new type of cruise ship, the vessel will incorporate all the latest innovations in environmental protection, making PONANT a world leader in responsible tourism.
Indeed, Le Commandant Charcot will be the first exploration vessel to surpass the ecological standards set out in international regulations. An electric hybrid vessel, it will be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Designed for intense polar explorations, and with PC2 Polar Class certification, Le Commandant Charcot will push back the boundaries of imagination, by sailing to the Geographic North Pole.
U by Uniworld launches its slick black 2019 brochure
U by Uniworld, the first ever river cruise line dedicated to a new generation of travellers, has launched its 2019 brochure for the young and young at heart – and it’s set to hit agents shelves this week!
Keeping with the brand essence, the cover is black, sleek and chic, in line with the uber cool luxe black ships. And by incorporating some exciting innovation, agents and clients can now interact with the brochure by ‘zapping’ the pages with their smartphone to bring them to life.
By using the augmented reality Zappar app, users can view U videos, interactive itineraries and photos – this technology is also the perfect tool for agents to help sell the U by Uniworld experience to their clients.
Be prepared to be greeted by a fun and friendly crew combined with the high-standard of luxe service and amenities that the Uniworld brand is renowned for. Cruises on The B start from only $2,399 per person, including accommodations, daily delicious farm-to-ship meals, select offshore excursions, two dedicated U hosts, onboard activities such as paint and wine and mixology classes, karaoke, silent discos, rooftop fitness and more.
Free beverage & Wi-Fi package now available on Pride of America
Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in cruise travel, has announced exciting new enhancements to its long-standing Free at Sea program, providing guests with even more freedom, flexibility and value to design their ideal cruise holiday.
Norwegian’s enhanced Free at Sea program sees free beverage and Wi-Fi packages now available on Hawai’i sailings for the first time from 5 January 2019 onwards – providing guests access to an exciting, all-inclusive island getaway experience, where they can sip a glass of their favourite tipple while discovering destinations such as the Nā Pali Coast and picturesque islands of Maui and Kua’i.
Norwegian’s unique Free at Sea program provides guests with a fantastic selection of up-to five free offers including a beverage package, shore excursion credit, specialty dining package, Wi-Fi package and the Friends & Family Sail at a reduced rate initiative – with the program offering now consistent across Norwegian’s 16-strong fleet.
Enjoy a ‘Cruisey’ Christmas Day
Spend Christmas Day relaxing on Sydney’s magnificent Harbour on a Captain Cook Cruises Christmas Day lunch cruise. With no meals to prepare and no washing up to be done, the whole family can enjoy a stress-free Christmas.
Held on-board the prestigious MV Sydney 2000, with three separate dining decks and an open top deck offering 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour, choose from three Christmas Day lunch cruises. The Sky Deck Christmas lunch is the ultimate Christmas Day experience. Soak up the million-dollar views from the uppermost dining deck while enjoying a five-course premium menu and an open bar of superior spirits, premium wines, beers and soft drinks.
The Club Deck lunch offers a fabulous festive Christmas buffet feast including Virginia baked leg ham, roast turkey, Marinated Beef Sirloin, Sydney rock oysters, king prawns, N.Z Mussels, Barramundi, smoked salmon, a wide selection of salads and vegetables, assorted petit cakes, plum pudding and mince pies. The Club Deck lunch also includes a superior selection of wines, beers and soft drinks.
The MV Sydney 2000 departs 12 noon on Christmas Day, Tuesday 25th December 2018 from No.1 King Street Wharf, returning at 3.00pm.
MSC Cruises names first seaside Evo ship MSC Seashore
MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise company and leading cruise brand in Europe, South America, South Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, and Fincantieri, one of the largest shipbuilding groups in the world, today cut the first steel of MSC Seashore, the first of two MSC Cruises Seaside EVO ships currently on order at Fincantieri. At a ceremony held at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago and Fincantieri’s Chief Executive Officer Giuseppe Bono launched the cutting of the first steel of this new ship.
Coming into service in Spring 2021, the 169,400 GT MSC Seashore will be the first in its kind, further enriching MSC Cruises’ Seaside Class of ships with new cutting-edge features including: an additional lounge at the aft; a further enhanced MSC Yacht Club covering three forward decks; specialty restaurants at the level of the promenade at deck eight for dining al fresco whilst being close to the sea; a larger number of whirlpools across the ship; and 200 additional cabins as well as even more generous public spaces.
Moreover, the Seaside EVO ships will be equipped with the latest advanced environmental technology, including a selective catalytic reduction system; exhaust gas cleaning technology; state-of-the-art waste management and recycling systems; advanced water treatment systems; and an advanced energy and heat recovery system, as well as other technology and measures to further increase energy efficiency.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
captain cook cruises Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic msc cruises norwegian cruise line ponant scenic U by UniworldLatest News
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!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.