Big Fat Cruise Wrap
It’s been a mighty big week in cruising, with deals, ships, parties and more. Catch up here.
Crystal + Travel Weekly make history
First cab off the rank is a big of a horn-tooting from us, and a thanks to everyone who tuned in to our very first live webinar, where our Magazine Editor Tara Harrison had a one-on-one chat with Crystal Senior Vice President & Managing Director Karen Christensen.
If you missed the webinar (and the codeword to win a cruise for two) then catch up here.
Explore Extraordinary Worlds in Seabourn Sale
Seabourn has made it even more attractive to explore the world in ultra-luxury style with onboard spending money and air credits on offer to destinations around the globe in 2017 and 2018.
On sale until June 13, 2017, the “extraordinary worlds” promotion includes onboard spending money of up to US$1000 per suite, reduced deposits, and air credit to the value of A$600 per person on select sailings between June 2017 and September 2018.
Guests who book during the sale period will receive complimentary upgrades from ocean view suites to verandas, with upgrades also available up to three veranda suite categories higher depending on availability and fare paid.
Cruises are available in Alaska, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and New England, including an 11-day cruise from Vancouver to Los Angeles on Seabourn Sojourn. Departing October 3, 2017, fares start from $5999* per person twin share for a veranda suite.
Silversea’s new Silver Muse introduces Zàgara Beauty Spa
Silversea has announced details of the new, innovative Zàgara Beauty Spa on board its flagship, Silver Muse, which launched on Monday.
Zàgara melds its beautiful Italian heritage with a 360 mind and body philosophy to evoke awareness and nurture well-being. The Zàgara concept encourages guests to create their own spa experience.
From the Mood Room, where music, video and lighting is personalised, to a selection of infused treatment oils and teas, each detail has been handpicked to deliver a luxurious escape.
These elements complement a menu of services that feature first-time treatments featured on board Silversea, including: the technology-driven range of BIOTEC facials; the Amethyst Crystal Sound Bath Healing Treatment; the ELEMIS Thousand Flower Detox Wrap; and a barber shop offering exclusive men’s facial and shaving services.
Calling at 34 countries and 130 ports in 2017 alone, Silver Muse will redefine ocean travel, enhancing the small-ship intimacy with spacious all-suite accommodations that are the hallmarks of the Silversea experience. The addition of Silver Muse, will expand Silversea’s fleet to nine ships and will, once again significantly raise the bar in the ultra-luxury cruise market.
Crystal Mozart’s First Voyage of 2017 Sets Sail
Following a sold-out inaugural season as the “Queen of Europe’s Rivers,” Crystal Mozart once again graces the Danube with her elegant luxury and enchanting itineraries. The first and largest of the Crystal River Cruises fleet sailed from Vienna yesterday on a 10-day journey through Austria, Germany, the Wachau Valley, Hungary and Slovakia, marking the start of her 2017 sailing season.
Crystal’s most valued travel partners were treated to a series of preview sailings prior to Sunday’s departure, as the company hosted 156 travel professionals aboard Crystal Mozart for unprecedented back-to-back Sales Awards Galas, celebrating the top performing agents of 2016.
“Our travel partners are our most valuable assets when it comes to sharing the Crystal Experience with discerning travelers, and hosting them on board for our annual awards gala is not only a well-deserved incentive, but also helps them continue to grow their expertise with first-hand knowledge of what sets Crystal apart,” says Crystal CEO and president, Edie Rodriguez.
Passions III to visit new Reef sites
New diving and snorkelling sites will be accessible on the Great Barrier Reef with the launch of Passions III in Cairns this month.
Passions of Paradise has unveiled its 25m reef vessel which was designed and built over three years to be one of the fastest commercial sailing catamarans in Australia.
Chief Executive Officer Scotty Garden said Passions III would cruise at 15 knots, with a maximum speed of 19 knots allowing it to access two of the Cairns company’s 25 outer Great Barrier Reef moorings on a day trip.
“Passions III has a second deck, two large spaces for sun lounging and a modern luxurious interior with a larger galley and bar and plenty of room for 100 passengers to comfortably move around.
“The purpose-built boat will allow Passions of Paradise to tailor each day on the Great Barrier Reef to the wind conditions ensuring a comfortable trip with ideal dive and snorkelling locations.
“Passions III will visit a range of moorings including Flynn, Milln and Moore Reefs to the south of Cairns and Norman and Hastings Reefs to the north.”
A revamped Passions of Paradise logo, website and new uniforms also will be launched with Passions III giving the company a new look for 2017.
CEREMONY MARKS FIRST PRESENTATION OF SILVER MUSE
Silver Muse, the new ultra-luxury cruise ship built by Fincantieri for Silversea Cruises, was presented yesterday at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Sestri Ponente, Genoa.
The official delivery of the ship will take place this morning, Monday, April 03 2017.
Guests attending the ceremony included His Eminence Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, Archbishop of Genoa, who blessed the ship, Giovanni Toti, Governor of Liguria, Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, the Chairman of Silversea Cruises, and Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri.
At 40,700 gross tons and the capacity to accommodate 596 passengers on board, Silver Muse represents an evolution of Silver Spirit, delivered in 2009 by Fincantieri in Ancona, and redefines the ultra-luxury ocean travel experience, while maintaining the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodations which are hallmarks of the Silversea experience.
Majestic Princess Arrives as Newest Jewel
Carnival Corporation & plc has taken delivery of Majestic Princess from shipbuilder Fincantieri at an official handover ceremony at the shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.
Princess Cruises’ first international luxury ship tailored for the China market, Majestic Princess will start her inaugural season in Europe before embarking on a repositioning cruise, themed the Silk Road Sea Route journey, to Shanghai where she will begin her first homeport season in July.
After the successful handover from Fincantieri, the 143,000-tonne Majestic Princess will sail on a preview cruise (March 31 to April 4) before departing on her inaugural voyage on April 4, 2017, exploring the Adriatic Sea on a five-day cruise from Rome.
Following her maiden cruise, Majestic Princess will tour Europe, offering her 3560 guests a chance to experience the ship on 7-, 14-, 21- and 28-day cruises departing from Rome, Barcelona or Athens.
On May 21, Majestic Princess will embark on the “Silk Road Sea Route”, a 49-day journey from Rome to Shanghai. During the voyage she will visit a total of 22 ports including Athens, Dubai, Cochin, Singapore, Port Klang and Xiamen before arriving in Shanghai, her new homeport in China.
SILVERSEA’S NEW GALÁPAGOS ITINERARIES SET SAIL
Silversea Expeditions, has recently launched the first of two new 7-night Galápagos itineraries. The 100-guest, all-suite Silver Galapagos will operate the alternate itineraries which are approved by the Galápagos National Park Service, both departing on Saturdays.
Departing from Baltra for the first time this week, the new North Central itinerary showcases the best of the Galápagos Islands en route to San Cristóbal.
In addition to a newly added circumnavigation of Isla Daphne Grande (Daphne Major), the voyage explores Bahia Darwin and El Barranco in Genovesa; Galapaguera Cerro Colorado and Punta Pitt in San Cristóbal; Bahía Gardner (Gardner Bay) and Punta Suarez in Española; El Edén, Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre and Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz; as well as Bahía Sullivan, Seymour Norte, Rábida, and Plazas Sur.
Highlights of the voyage include: climbing Prince Philip’s Steps to see a thriving sea bird colony; hiking up the sides of an extinct volcano; and admiring the antics of Red-footed and Blue-footed Boobies.
The new Western itinerary from San Cristóbal to Baltra is enhanced by new points of interest such as Cerro Dragón and Playa Las Bachas in Santa Cruz and a circumnavigation of Roca León Dormido (Kicker Rock).
The voyage will also visit Punta Vicente Roca, Caleta Tagus and Bahía Elizabeth in Isabela; Post Office Bay, Islote Campion and Punta Cormorant in Floreana; Los Gemelos, Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre and Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz; Bartolomé, Playa Espumilla, and Punta Espinoza.
Highlights of the voyage include spotting pelicans and penguins along rocky shores, swimming with green sea turtles, sea lions and manta rays, and hiking through fragrant forests of palo santo “incense” trees.
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE EXTENDS CRUISES TO CUBA THROUGH 2018
Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it will further extend its offering of weekly roundtrip cruises from Miami to Cuba through 2018, with 33 new voyages.
The all-inclusive Norwegian Sky will begin her 2018 Cuba cruise season in March, sailing four-day roundtrip cruises from Miami, with 32 of the cruises to include an overnight stay in Cuba’s historical and culturally-rich capital of Havana, as well as a call on Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas.
These new cruises will begin on March 26, 2018 and are in addition to the previously announced 30 calls that Norwegian will offer through December 2017. Along with the freedom and flexibility that only Norwegian Cruise Line can provide, guests sailing on Norwegian Sky will also enjoy unlimited complimentary beverages as a part of the ship’s all-inclusive program.
Another Legendary Season for Carnival Cruise Line Down Under
With the Australian summer cruise season coming to a close, Carnival Cruise Line is preparing to farewell Carnival Legend after her third summer of fun down under.
The 88,500-tonne superliner is currently on her final sailing of the season – a five-night Tasmania cruise – with the cruise line taking advantage of a beautiful day in Hobart to show off the ship to a group of Tasmanian travel agents (pictured).
The ship will farewell Sydney tomorrow, setting sail on a 19-night cruise to Hawaii, ahead of a season of Alaska cruises.
During the 2016-17 season, Carnival Legend carried more than 50,000 guests on a variety of itineraries ranging from 3-5 night short cruises in local waters to longer 7-12 night cruises around the South Pacific, as well as the ship’s first visit to New Zealand’s South Island during a 10-night voyage in January.
STAR CRUISES ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL HOMEPORT IN LAEM CHABANG
Star Cruises, “The Most Popular Cruise Line in Asia”, announced the new homeport deployment of SuperStar Gemini to Laem Chabang at a launch event on 28 March at the Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Center.
SuperStar Gemini will be based in Laem Chabang International Terminal beginning 17 December 2017 through to 27 April 2018.
During her deployment, SuperStar Gemini will embark on 3-night cruises to Sihanoukville and Ko Samui, departing every Sunday, 2-night cruises to Sihanoukville, departing every Wednesday, and 2-night cruises to Koh Kong Island, departing on every Friday.
In the future, guests can also look forward to the launch two new “Global Class” cruise ships as part of the Star Cruises fleet. Designed for worldwide cruising, each ship will measure 201,000 gross tons and contain 5,000 lower berths. Delivery of the “Global Class” series of ships will commence between 2020 and 2021.
Fares frozen for 3 years on Patagonia trip
The huge and rarely visited Condor Glacier in Agostini Sound will be a highlight of a new, four-night ‘Patagonian Explorer’ itinerary that the new expedition ship – the 210-passenger Ventus Australis – will offer from Ushuaia in Argentina to Punta Arenas in Chile when the ship debuts on January 2, 2018.
Passengers will be able to see the glacier up close on zodiacs and also watch out for the Andean condors which gave the glacier its name.
To mark the debut of Ventus Australis, Australis has indefinitely frozen fares for the next two summer seasons at the same level as those for the current 2016/17 summer season.
Australis is also offering a 10 per cent discount to passengers who combine two four-night cruises to create an eight-night exploration of the spectacular mountain and glacier-lined fjords of Tierra del Fuego, the Magellan Strait and Beagle Channel.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Carnival Corporation carnival cruise line Crystal norwegian cruise line Passions of Paradise seabourn silversea expeditions Star CruisesLatest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
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!