Princess Cruises Honours “Love Boat” Captain Gavin MacLeod

Princess Cruises has celebrated its 30-year partnership with its global ambassador Gavin MacLeod, the beloved award-winning actor who played Captain Merrill Stubing on the iconic “Love Boat” TV show.

The city of Santa Clarita, California, home of the world headquarters of Princess Cruises, honoured Mr MacLeod by proclaiming July 6 “Gavin MacLeod Princess Cruises Ambassador Day” during a special ceremony hosted by Captain Stubing’s TV daughter Jill Whelan, aka “Vicki Stubing,” which was attended by hundreds of Princess employees and fans.

Uniworld named best river cruise line in travel + leisure world’s best awards 2016

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has been named the world’s Best River Cruise Line in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2016 readers’ survey. Uniworld provides truly unparalleled experiences through personalised itineraries, quality service and their fleet of beautifully designed ships reflecting the destinations to which they travel.

“This latest award recognises Uniworld as the world’s ultimate river cruise line and we are extremely proud of this.” commented Fiona Dalton, Managing Director for Uniworld Australia. “It is a testament to our incredible staff and their ability to provide consistently outstanding service and a luxurious experience for all our guests which is truly second to none. For Australians, this award also assists to clearly define Uniworld as the true leader in luxury river cruising.”

Crystal Announces Summer Incentives, ‘Crystal Clear Choices’

Crystal Cruises is enticing travellers with a limited-time summer promotion that translates to significant savings and added perks for bookings made between 1 July and 31 August 2016. For its award-winning luxury ocean ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line™ announced today its “Crystal Clear Choices” promotional lineup, presenting a choice of two incentives that apply to nearly three dozen global voyages this year and next. Guests will get to choose from cruise fare savings of up to US$1,000 per stateroom or up to US$2,000 per stateroom in shipboard credits.

Experience Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games with Celebrity Cruises

Go for gold! Celebrity Cruises together with partner Coca Cola will bring all the excitement, thrills and spills of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games to guests by broadcasting all the action from onboard Celebrity Cruises modern luxury fleet of ships^. Witness the world’s elite sportspeople go head to head battling it out for gold during the 16 days of the games, all from the comfort of an award-winning Celebrity ship.

Celebrity Cruises will offer a range of Olympic themed activities and events onboard throughout the games. Guests can join in the fun with raffle draws for a chance to win official Olympic merchandise including towels and t-shirts, watch all the sporting action in one of the many bars onboard, or take part in the themed events from basketball tournaments, soccer shootouts, pool volleyball and “TriathoLawn” – outdoor activities and games on a real manicured lawn.

SeaLink’s New Escorted Kangaroo Island Tour

Due to overwhelming demand from passengers, SeaLink have a launched a new fully escorted tour, the 6 day/5-night Ultimate Kangaroo Island tour, departing 24 February 2017.

The tour will be escorted by well-known South Australian Tour Escort, Shirley Tamm, who has over 35 years’ experience in the travel industry and will explore Kangaroo Island’s fascinating wildlife, spectacular coastal scenery, stunning landscapes, pristine beaches and unique local wines and produce.

“I’m so excited to be offering this new Kangaroo Island tour. The 4-night Kangaroo Island tour has been so popular for the past 2 years, but feedback from passengers was that they wanted even longer on Kangaroo Island so I’ve put together a fantastic 6 days/5-night option.

Jamie Durie’s luxury Scenic river cruise through picturesque Bordeaux.

Tune in to Getaway over the next four weeks to enjoy a recap of Jamie Durie’s luxury Scenic river cruise through picturesque Bordeaux.

Watch Jamie discover the historical treasures of this beautiful region including the towns of Cadillac and Cognac before heading through the Médoc countryside to the wineries of Château Guiraud in Sauternes and Château Gruaud-Larose. He cycles along Captain’s Road, and visits France’s western coastline which is home to Arcachon and its famous oysters, and the stunning Dune du Pilat – Europe’s largest sand dune.

Getaway: Saturday 9, 16, 23 and 30 July on Channel 9, 5:30pm (AEST).

Holland America Line releases Alaska & Europe 2017 brochure

Holland America Line has released its Alaska and Europe sailing schedule for May 2017 to April 2018 ­­– a season that marks the 70th year of showing guests the marvels of Alaska and the Yukon.

It was in fact the first cruise line to explore Alaska, and Holland America Line is still pioneering new ways for its guests to delve deeper into what it calls the Great Land.

Next season, six of Holland America Line’s elegant mid-sized ships will guide guests through the celebrated Inside Passage, on more Glacier Bay National Park visits than any other cruise line, and through the vast, spectacular interior.

Guests can choose between classic 7- or 14-night cruises along the glacier-carved coast, or opt for one of the Land+Sea Journeys combining a 3-, 4- or 7-night cruise with an exploration of the Yukon and Denali by luxury railcar and coach.  These itineraries combine the Great Land’s must-see highlights with its seldom seen and off-the-beaten path wonders like Dawson City, Whitehorse, Talkeetna, Alyeska, Seward, Homer, Kodiak and more.  From $1,399 AUD person for a 7-day cruise.

Uniworld strengthens national sales team with Queensland appointment

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has appointed seasoned travel professional Samantha Langton to the role of Sales Manager Queensland, boosting its national sales force. Samantha commenced work with the luxury all-inclusive river cruise line this week.

Fiona Dalton, Managing Director, Uniworld Australia said: “We’re thrilled to have Samantha join the Uniworld team. She brings with her over 15 years’ experience in the retail travel industry, most recently as a cruise consultant for Cruiseabout during which time she and her team were awarded most improved store across the Cruiseabout brand. Prior to that she worked as an international consultant, Assistant Manager and Manager at several Flight Centre stores so she is well versed in the opportunities and challenges in selling travel and luxury cruise specifically.