MSC Cruises is rolling out a month of amazing offers on a week by week basis, with cruises selling for half price!

Travellers can explore Spain, Malta and France from the West Mediterranean or take a cruise from Venice to the Greek Islands, Croatia or Montenegro for 7 nights and pay half the normal price. There are over 130 cruises to choose from between April and November, with prices starting at only AU$667pp* /NZ$815pp. The deal ends on Saturday – so people should hurry to not miss out.

Beginning 21 March, week two showcases the Caribbean at its best with seven nights from AU$467pp*/NZ$685pp*. There are over 20 departures exploring either the East or West Caribbean, and these  deals are for cruising from June 2017, all the way until February 2018.

Cuba deals go on sale from 28 March for one week only, while half price deals for the longer cruises on Grand Voyager departures roll out in the final week starting 4 April.

Ponant Announces Discounts on Fall Sailings, with up to 30% off Fares

Luxury cruise line, Ponan hast launched 30 percent off select autumn 2017 voyages, with additional savings of up to $1,600 per couple on flights and excursions when booked by March 31, 2017.

The offer is available on eight itineraries sailing to Antarctica, Asia, Oceania, and South America. 2.

Highlights of Ponant’s autumn voyages include:

• Join War II historians on board the new Gems of Southeast Asia sailing, October 3-19, 2017.
• Visit the historic walled town of Cuenca, Ecuador on the Panama and Pre-Columbian Treasures voyage, October 14-23, 2017.
• See the Gambier Islands during the Polynesia and Easter Island sailing, October 27-November 9, 2017

MKR Takes to the High Seas with Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line has signed up as an official 2017 sponsor of Australia’s number one show, Channel Seven’s My Kitchen Rules, with its Sydney-based ship Carnival Spirit set to make a guest appearance in two episodes this week.

In a top secret shoot, Carnival Spirit hosted 11 MKR teams plus judges last year, with contestants only told the location of filming at the last minute, providing plenty of excitement but leaving little time to consider the challenges of cooking at sea.

The first episode, a Cruise Canape Challenge, is hosted in the ship’s adults only Serenity Retreat. Using a makeshift kitchen set-up, teams are tasked with cooking canapes for 150 guests with many appropriately opting for seafood-themed dishes. 

In the second episode, Carnival Spirit provides the setting for a Sudden Death Cook-Off and Elimination, with the two teams that failed to impress in the previous challenge sent to a cook-off in the ship’s galley.

The MKR Cruise Canape Challenge will air on Wednesday, March 15 at 7.30pm on Seven, with the onboard Sudden Death Cook-Off and Elimination to follow on Sunday, March 19 at 7pm.

European Waterways offer 2018 hotel barge cruises at 2017 prices for both charters and cabin bookings

The promotion allows small groups and multi-generational families, as well as couples celebrating anniversaries, honeymoons and other milestones, to plan their holidays well in advance. Charter cruises offer more flexibility for groups to tailor their excursions, depending on the itinerary, to specifically satisfy the varied interests of the guests.

According to Banks, a growing number of European Waterways’ charters are being booked by small groups and multi-generational families. One of their biggest challenges is selecting a cruise date that is convenient for every guest. The Burgundy region and Canal du Midi in France are among their most popular destinations and therefore tend to sell out sooner.  By planning ahead, everyone has ample time to set aside the special date and completely enjoy their cruise.

APT’s Celebration Sale is entering its last days with deals that are not to be missed

Celebration Sale deals will cease on Wednesday March 15, which is the final day for bookings for the campaign.

Agents can quickly secure Celebration Sale offers on remaining selected 2017 departures of Magnificent Europe and France River cruises, as long as bookings are made by March 15.
For example, on select departures of the eight day Bordeaux return cruise, priced from $5,545 per person twin share, guests can still receive international return flights and a cabin upgrade on one of APT’s Aria river ships.

The sale is finishing but the party is continuing. APT will host a Gala Event in Melbourne for Diamond and Platinum VIP agencies, and industry partners later this month.

Celebrity Cruises Reveals Celebrity Edge, A Ship Designed to Transform Expectations

Celebrity Cruises reveals the transformational Celebrity Edge, whose dramatically expanded staterooms, ship-climbing Magic Carpet platform and stunning suites set a new standard for ship design. The 2,918 cruise is designed completely in 3-D, and features the work of A-list global architects and designers.

The new Edge Stateroom with Infinite Veranda turns guest quarters into a seamless space, from the room’s door all the way to the water’s edge. The Magic Carpet is an engineering feat that scales the 16-deck ship through the day and evening, positioning at four of the ship’s decks, transforming into a new and exciting experience at each one. The Retreat, features a private pool and lounge, boasting around-the-clock personal butler service, and the exclusive Suite Class restaurant, while the Rooftop Garden hosts games and activities through the day. At night, it is home to live music and the outdoor movie-and-meal pairing. 

Celebrity Edge will homeport in Fort Lauderdale, FL, making her first sailing December 16, 2018. Bookings are now open.