Regent Seven Seas Cruises Officially Welcomes Seven Seas Explorer to Fleet

Godmother of Seven Seas Explorer, Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco, cut a red velvet ribbon which sent a Primat bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne smashing against the ship’s hull to officially christen the newest member of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet, unquestionably the most luxurious cruise ship ever built.  The gala christening ceremony took place in Monte Carlo, one of the world’s most glamorous cities, and included a special private concert by world-renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.

Her Serene Highness Princess Charlene of Monaco delivered the traditional maritime blessing before the bottle of champagne broke against the ship’s hull, officially christening the vessel.  The jubilation of the bottle breaking moment was followed by a spectacular 40-minute private performance from musical maestro Andrea Bocelli, capping an incredible evening for a ship that sets new benchmarks for luxury.

Secure a Cruise with Small Change in the P&O $1 Deposit Sale

A gold coin is all it takes to secure a holiday at sea with P&O Cruises’ latest offer. Until August 31, the cruise line is accepting a $1 deposit on selected cruises departing after December 5, 2016.

Also included are free upgrades to an oceanview room and onboard credit ranging from $100* to $600* per room. Past guests receive a variety of bonuses including a complimentary meal in P&O’s specialty restaurant Salt grill by Luke Mangan during P&O Explorer itineraries.

For P&O Sea Australia Itineraries, there is a free mystery shore excursion available, while for P&O Sea Asia itineraries, the cruise line is offering past guests  $200* credit towards a flight. Any past guest who books a P&O Islands or Sea Break will also be entitled to 50 per cent more onboard credit per room. If December is too far on the horizon, P&O Cruises has a separate deal offering onboard credit of up to $150* per room for cruises departing before December 4, 2016.

Royal Caribbean’s South Pacific sisters are big on fun in the sun

This summer cruise season, Australians can expect big fun in the South Pacific on Explorer of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas – Royal Caribbean’s twin sister ships that are dedicated to sailing Pacific itineraries all summer long.

Both are newly revitalized from bow to stern to the tune of US$180 million, and with itineraries that lend themselves perfectly to families and amenities to match, Royal Caribbean is positioning the South Pacific Sisters as the go-to summer cruise holiday for families of all ages and sizes.

Save up to 65% Winter Warmer Fares on Star Cruises

Now is the perfect time to escape the winter chill and head to Asia for a relaxing cruise holiday. To help your clients get their Star Cruises have released a fantastic Winter Warmer promotion for all new bookings made before 31^st August 2016.

Cruise to stunning Japan and captivating Vietnam on SuperStar Virgo or mystical Malaysia on SuperStar Gemini. Save up to 65% on bookings made 30 days or more prior to departure on SuperStar Virgo. Save up to 50% on SuperStar Gemini departures. Plus make a booking in a balcony cabin or above and receive bonus onboard/food and beverage credits plus other exclusive bonuses.

Fly Free: Avalon Waterways Extends 2017 Deals

Avalon Waterways has extended its range of offers on 2017 river cruises, including a Fly Free deal on hundreds of cruise departures in Europe and South East Asia.

Now on sale until August 31, 2016, the offers include:

• Fly Free Europe* – Book any 2017 Europe river cruise of 16 days or more and receive free return economy flights from Australia.

• Fly from $945* – Book any 2017 Europe river cruise of 7-15 days and receive return economy flights from Australia priced from $945 per person.

• Fly Free Asia* – Book any 2017 Mekong or Irrawaddy river cruise and receive free return economy flights from Australia.

New Look Pacific Dawn with Exciting Features

P&O Cruises has underlined its commitment to the Queensland cruise market, announcing a major multi-million dollar refit for its Brisbane-based ship Pacific Dawn which will include a new state-of-the-art waterpark.

The 2000-guest ship will be refurbished in February 2017, emerging from its drydock with a stylish new look and a host of new features never before seen on a Queensland-based ship including a waterpark with two exhilarating waterslides and an interactive kids-only play area.

The refit comes as P&O prepares for its biggest year of Queensland cruising, with two ships sailing from Brisbane year round. Between them, Pacific Dawn and Pacific Aria will offer a record 108 cruises to holidaymakers in 2017 – up from 98 cruises this year.

Royal Caribbean Celebrates Double Win at AFTA National Travel Industry Awards

Royal Caribbean International has taken out the two top gongs for the cruising category at the AFTA National Travel Industry Awards 2016 for the very first time. The line known for the largest and most feature-packed cruise ships was awarded Best Cruise Operator – International, and Best Cruise Operator – Domestic.

Since 2005, Royal Caribbean has been the proud recipient of Best Cruise Operator award wins five times. 2016 marks the first time the line has secured both the international and domestic prize, a particularly special achievement, according to Adam Armstrong, Royal Caribbean’s managing director in Australia and New Zealand.

“These awards are significant because they demonstrate recognition from the travel industry. Our travel agent partners play a huge role in the success of our cruise brand sailing here in Australia and around the world.

“It’s a great honour to be recognised and solidifies our commitment to delivering our style of innovative and international holidays at sea. We are truly grateful to the industry for their ongoing support.”