Well, looky here. It’s our Wednesday cruise wrap! Get all your delicious cruisy goodness right here.

Oceania Cruises launches new optional ‘Fly Cruise Package’ on every voyage

The commissionable ‘Fly Cruise Packages’ are available for voyages departing from April 2017, in addition to its standard flexible ‘cruise only’ fares.

“With departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Darwin and Cairns – we’ve responded to consumer and agent demand to provide convenient combined packages on all voyages and will make us even more accessible for local travellers,” Vice-President Sales for Oceania Cruises, Steve McLaughlin said.

‘Fly Cruise Packages’ to Europe start from AU$4,250 per person for a 7 night cruise. Packages will include both the selected cruise and return economy airfares, whilst Business Class airfare upgrades are also available for purchase. Packages are available on all major Australian gateways with preferred airline partners Qantas, Emirates and Singapore Airlines.
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Silversea Previews Major Redesign for Silver Explorer 

Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Explorer, will welcome guests to a stylishly elevated onboard experience starting with her 20th May voyage, sailing from Lisbon to Honfleur. A comprehensive stem-to-stern refurbishment is scheduled for the end of April and will take place during a nearly three-week dry dock in Las Palmas.

The ship’s overall colour scheme will shift to an elegant new palette of blue and beige tones, and as well as installations of attractive new carpets and wall treatments in the corridors, staircases and all public spaces. The Observation Lounge, Panorama Lounge and Connoisseur’s Corner will be updated with all-new furniture. The theatre’s bar will be completely redesigned, a new boutique will be built, and the spa and fitness centre will double in size.

All-suite accommodations will be completely renovated with new carpets, wall treatments, curtains, and furniture, including mattresses, headboards, wardrobes, bedside tables, vanity desks, sofa beds, armchairs, flat screen TVs and lighting fixtures. In all but the largest suites, the bathrooms will be enhanced with new flooring, granite appointments and rainforest showers. Suites with verandas will be outfitted with new veranda furniture. And the eight Expedition Suites on Decks 3 and 4 will be converted into 16 Vista and View Suites, with most featuring a connecting door for families and friends traveling together.
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Ponant Returns to Cuba in 2018

After a successful first year in Cuba, Ponant is preparing for its second season in the destination, with space still available on two sailings: March 18-25 and April 1-9, 2018. 

The seven-and eight-night “People-to-People Cultural Exchange” voyages will take place aboard the 64-guest Le Ponant, a three-masted sailing yacht. Ports of call include Santiago de Cuba, one of the island’s oldest cities dating back to 1515; and Casilda, a small fishing village with cobblestone streets and colourful neoclassical homes.

An optional two-night pre-cruise extension is available in Havana, where guests can partake in tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with city historians. Guest lecturer Franklin W. Knight, Professor of History at the Johns Hopkins University, who has been organizing educational travel programs to Cuba since the 1970s, will join the April 1-9, 2018 sailing. Cabins are still available and start at $6,690 per guest.
 

Hurtigruten unveils footage on the MS Amundsen that will revolutionise expedition travel

The MS Roald Amundsen is the safest, greenest and most advanced expedition ship ever created, the first expedition ship ever to sail with electric hybrid technology, reducing fuel consumption by approximately 20%. Sailing on electrical power is not only more sustainable, but it will also enhance the impact of experiencing nature for the guests.

Guests can experience the wonder of Antarctica in near-total silence. The ship will be specially constructed for voyages in polar waters, and serve as a comfortable basecamp at sea. The stylish interior Scandinavian design is made from  granite, oak, birch and wool, to create relaxed and well-designed cabins with views and welcoming public areas.

On board recreation and dining will be top quality; with three swimming pools and fine Norwegian dining on offer. Be one of the first to experience Antarctica onboard this ground-breaking new vessel, itineraries are now available to book for October 2018.
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Magnificent Myanmar with The Strand Cruise: a spectacular experience from ship to shore

The Strand Cruise’ 2017/18 shore excursions make exploring Myanmar’s stunning scenery irresistible. There is a selection of three-and-four-night cruises along Myanmar’s epic Ayeyarwady River between Bagan and Mandalay. The à la carte shore day trips include ancient cities, monasteries, pagodas and temples and unforgettable and exclusive experiences, such as horse-and-cart rides and hot air ballooning.

Each guide has no more than five passengers with them during the excursions, making each journey ashore personalised. Guests on board can choose from a menu of unique tailor-made, shore excursions designed to allow travellers to customise their cruise experience.

The Strand Cruise features exceptional comfort and extensive on-board activity options, including a swimming pool, spa, series of fascinating lectures, regional cooking demonstrations and crew-hosted cocktail parties. The itineraries include three meals a day, soft drinks and local beer, house wine during meals, port charges, English-speaking guides, many on-board activities, shore excursions and satellite Wi-Fi in all cabins and public areas.
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Pacific Dawn Returns to Airlie Beach Post Cyclone Debbie

In a stunning declaration that Queensland tourism is back in business after Cyclone Debbie’s rampage, P&O Cruises’ Pacific Dawn has become the first cruise ship to return to Airlie Beach.

P&O are also backing Queensland Tourism’s #thisisqueensland campaign, encouraging Australians and international visitors to put Queensland back on their holiday radar.

This month, 6000 P&O guests will arrive at Airlie Beach as a result of Pacific Dawn’s three scheduled calls on April 13, 17 and 27. P&O is currently awaiting the all-clear for its calls to Hamilton Island to resume, following the damage caused to the resort island by Cyclone Debbie. In the meantime, substitute calls are being made to Townsville and Airlie Beach.

In total, P&O is expected to make more than 30 calls to Airlie Beach and Hamilton Island this year, carrying an estimated 60,000 tourists to the townships. Pacific Dawn is set to depart Airlie Beach at 5.30pm.
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Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises: Incentives for Agents, Value For Travellers

Crystal is announcing the return of one its most enticing incentives for travel professionals. The “Sell 3/Sail Free” travel agent promotion encourages agents to sell three suites aboard select November and December 2017 and all 2018 Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises’ Crystal Esprit, between now and December 23, 2017. Agents will earn a complimentary sailing for themselves and a guest aboard any 2018 Crystal Esprit voyage.

“Our travel agent partners are some of our greatest ambassadors and there is no better way to reward their efforts than with the opportunity to enjoy the unmatched luxury they tout to their clients,” says Crystal’s chairman, CEO and president, Edie Rodriguez.

Welcoming just 62 sophisticated travellers, guests enjoy all-inclusive indulgences ranging from Michelin star-inspired cuisine and an endless pour of fine wines, champagnes and spirits to a choice of one complimentary Crystal Adventure ashore in every port.
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Save $1,000 per Couple on Viking’s New Australian and Indonesian Itinerary

The 17-day ocean cruise stops at 11 ports, including Bali, Komodo, Darwin and the Whitsundays, with an excursion at every port. Book a 17-day Komodo and the Australian Coast ocean cruise before 30 June 2017 and save $1,000 per couple. Pricing starts from $7,495 for 30 November 2018 departure.

Passengers will witness the colourful traditions of Lombok Island with a visit to the island’s capital of Mataram, renowned for its pearl shops and excellent artisans. Explore Komodo National Park with a trained naturalist, experience the charms of Darwin with a local and uncover the cosmopolitan culture of Brisbane with a welcoming guide.
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Pandaw Expeditions Introduce New Adventure -The Irrawaddy Delta

Pandaw has launched a brand-new expedition, sailing into the heart of the vibrant and varied landscape of the Irrawaddy Delta, exploring its maze of tributaries which remain untouched by tourism. Departures are from 10th March 2018 for seven nights from $2,117pp sharing a twin cabin.

Set sail from Rangoon and weave through the complex labyrinth of waterways only navigated by the most experienced pilots on this fascinating 7-night itinerary and savour the contrasts of indigenous village life, markets, ancient trading ports, temples, churches and mosques, as well as a plethora of birdlife and the possibility of seeing salt water crocodiles.

The Katha offers only 16 spacious cabins, exquisite dining al fresco using locally sourced ingredients and a very personalised service in the comfort of Katha’s shaded deck by their 21 crew members. Pre and post tours are offered in combination with the Irrawaddy Delta itinerary. Add an overnight stay in the Sule Shangri-La Hotel in Rangoon and enjoy a guide-led excursion to the nearby Schwegadon Pagoda.