Big Fat Cruise Wrap
![Big Fat Cruise Wrap](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
If we read any more cruise news we might turn into a cruise ship. But a really pretty one with a spa and a contemporary colour scheme.
Crystal unveils new travel partner resource center and travel agent university
Crystal has announced a newly enhanced Partner Resource Center and updated Travel Agent University. The Partner Resource Center, formerly the Travel Agent Center, has debuted with an enhanced aesthetic platform, improved functionality and a comprehensive collection of materials and tools. The new platform caters exclusively to partners seeking to expand their Crystal business, providing access to:
- Training videos and webinars
- Sales and marketing kit
- Crystal news and media centre
- Cruise Guidebooks
- CruiseBuilder 3.0
- Personalised URL services
- Travel documents and forms portal
- Crystal sales team bios and backgrounds
- Special offers
- Travel partner fares
Murray River Loxton Cruise 2018 Dates Announced
Captain Cook Cruises has announced the 2018 dates for its popular seven-night Loxton cruises onboard small ship paddle-wheeler the Murray Princess.
The Mannum to Loxton cruise will depart Mannum on Friday 23rd November at 4.30pm and disembark at Loxton on Friday 30th November at 9am. The Loxton to Mannum cruise will depart Loxton on Friday 30th December at 4.30pm and disembark at Mannum on Friday 7th December at 9am
Crystal Marks First Construction Milestone for Crystal Endeavor
Crystal marked an important construction milestone in Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises’ expansion, as it cut the first piece of steel for Crystal Endeavor at MV WERFTEN Shipyard in Stralsund, Germany.
Crystal president and CEO, Tom Wolber, was joined by Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman and CEO of Crystal’s parent company, Genting Hong Kong (GHK); Colin Au, group president of GHK; Jarmo Laakso, CEO of MV WERFTEN; and local dignitaries Harry Glawe, Economics Minister of the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Dr. Alexander Badrow, Lord Mayor of Stralsund at the ceremony held at the shipyard on Monday, January 15.
New ship, new experiences: Azamara pursuit unveils three new land & sea experiences in South America
Azamara Club Cruises has announced the launch of three new Land and Sea packages in South America that explore bucket list destinations with the brand’s signature passion for Destination Immersion® cruise experiences.
These exciting new packages include a Galapagos immersion with award-winning sister brand, Celebrity Cruises. Azamara provides guests with the opportunity to discover exotic ports and extend their voyage in some of 2018’s top regions to visit.
All three locations – the Galapagos in Ecuador, Machu Picchu in Peru, and Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil – are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while Machu Picchu is acknowledged as one of the New Wonders of the World.
Pandaw announces new Burma itinerary – River Cruise Pioneer Launches Limited Edition Mergui Archipelago Sailings
Pandaw River Expeditions has announced a new, limited edition, itinerary in Burma’s extraordinary Mergui Archipelago. The move follows the successful launch of Pandaw’s first ocean cruise onboard the MY Andaman Explorer, a classic 1960’s motor yacht acquired in 2016 and, lovingly, refurbished by Pandaw founders, Paul and Roser Strachan.
European Waterways Announces Spring Savings for Burgundy Cruises
European Waterways is jump-starting its spring 2018 hotel barge cruising season by offering up to 20% off cabins and charters in Burgundy, France.
The offer is available for select April departures on some of its most popular cruise routes in the famed wine-making region. Prices start at €2952 (AU$4,600) per person based on double occupancy. Cruises must be booked by February 19th, 2018 to be eligible and other restrictions may apply.
Seabourn looks back on three decades of ultra-luxury innovation
The 30th Anniversary of Seabourn starts with the turn of the calendar to 2018. But the anniversary celebration will continue throughout the year as the world’s finest ultra-luxury cruise line rolls out unique events and amenities created just for the occasion for guests, Seabourn team members and travel professional partners to enjoy around the world.
“Our 30th Anniversary is a wonderful occasion to celebrate the reputation we’ve earned as the world’s finest ultra-luxury cruise line by providing guests with opportunities to experience the most intriguing destinations around the globe on the most desirable ships at sea,” said Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn. “As we continue to grow, those opportunities will grow as well. For now, though, we invite guests to sit back and soak up the ultra-luxury innovations we’ve pioneered and special touches we’ve created in celebration of our third decade at sea.”
Evergreen launches 2019 Europe River Cruising preview brochure featuring Fly Free offers
Evergreen Cruises & Tours new 2019 Europe River Cruising Preview brochure has been released featuring a range of flight offers like Fly Free* or Fly for $995 including taxes*, as well as No Single Supplement for solo travellers.
The offers can also be combined with early payment discounts for savings of up to an additional $800 per couple*.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals Northern Hemisphere autumn/ winter 2019/20 itineraries
Norwegian Cruise Line today revealed selections from the fleet’s North-American autumn/winter 2019/20 deployment, which will feature a plethora of warm weather escapes to tropical paradises in the Caribbean, Bahamas & Florida and South America, as well as Northern Hemisphere autumn foliage sailings in Canada & New England.
Most of the brand’s largest and newest vessels will each call a new city home in 2019. Norwegian’s unique and varied new itineraries, all of which feature the line’s signature cruising experience that allows guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal holiday, will open for sale today, for returning guests and will be available to the general public on Friday, January 19.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises launches reduced deposit and shipboard credit
Luxurious all-inclusive cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises has introduced a reduced 10% deposit and US$250 Shipboard Credit per suite on all 2018 Europe sailings booked by 31 January 2018.
Guests can also enjoy free unlimited laundry on all Mediterranean sailings for an even more inclusive experience. Now guests can pack that little bit lighter, knowing that their favourite travel garments will be returned to them clean, pressed and fresh as new.
Escape to the ends of the earth with last minute offer on Patagonia Stay and Cruise Package
Contours Travel – the longest-running Latin American tour operator in Australia – is offering a $2020 saving per couple on a new, all-inclusive package that will allow travellers to explore the spectacular wilderness at the ‘end of the earth’ in Patagonia by both land and sea.
The ‘Discover Patagonia’ tour departs on March 22, 2018, from Punta Arenas and Contours travel is offering a last-minute saving of $1010 per person until sold out. The all-inclusive, seven-night package takes guests to one of the world’s last great wilderness areas and allows them to explore mountains, lakes, ice-fields, forest landscapes and beautiful vistas of the southern tip of South America.
Azamara announces UK refit and maiden voyage for Azamara Pursuit
Boutique cruise line Azamara Club Cruises announced today that its new ship, Azamara Pursuit, will undergo its transformation to be almost identical to sister ships Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey. Azamara Pursuit will be refitted in the U.K. as it prepares to go into wet dock in Belfast in Spring 2018. The ship’s maiden voyage will begin in Southampton, England in August and visit eight destinations throughout Norway as part of its Destination Immersion® country-intensive series.
“We’re delighted to announce that the Azamara Pursuit’s first several voyages will depart from one of our largest growth markets,” said Azamara Club Cruises CEO Larry Pimentel. “We’ve seen double the UK demand for Azamara Pursuit than we usually see for its sister ships, so this is a really exciting time for us as a brand.”
Silversea’s Silver Whisper embarks on world cruise 2018 and a host of enriching events
Silversea’s all-suite Silver Whisper set sail from Los Angeles on 6 January 2018 on a 121-day voyage around the world. Encompassing Pacific island paradises, ancient and modern wonders of Asia and the marvels of Arabia, the epic voyage will conclude in May in the eternal city of Rome.
The evening prior to departure, Silver Whisper’s guests were serenaded with live orchestral music as they enjoyed a gala bon voyage dinner at the glamorous Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills. The dinner is one of several unique complimentary benefits for World Cruise guests, including seven special cultural events that await them in Tahiti, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Mumbai and Sorrento.
Exclusive last-minute savings on a selection of Asia voyages
Silversea Cruises is delighted to offer last minute savings on a fascinating selection of Asia voyages*, on departures from now until 25 April 2018 aboard Silver Shadow. When booking on participating voyages* by 15 March 2018, guests will receive a one-category upgrade and US$1,000 on-board credit per suite. For guests who are booking and paying in full by 31 January 2018, they can also look forward to receiving Free Business Class Air.**
Guests can choose voyages ranging from nine to 15 days, which explore an array of exotic locations including Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines. Guests will explore a fascinating contrast of new and old, from skyscrapers towering over stone-carved temples to bullet trains speeding past rice paddies and tea plantations. Even the most discerning traveller will be fascinated by gilded shrines, floating markets, sampans in mist-shrouded harbours and harvested rice left to dry in the sun.
Ecruising.Travel wins awards
The team at ecruising.travel has taken two honours in the 2018 LUX Tourism Awards. The cruise expert was recognised for developing Australia’s Best Cruise Booking Platform with the POSH Club receiving the LUX Excellence Award for the Best Loyalty Program.
LUX is a monthly lifestyle magazine published in the United Kingdom with the 2018 Tourism Awards “designed to reward those succeeding within one of the world’s most extravagant industries”.
The CLIAs a Sell Out Amid Record Award Submissions
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has revealed that the 17th Cruise Industry Awards dinner has sold out in the wake of a record number of award nominations.
CLIA Australasia & Asia Managing Director Joel Katz said the association had been inundated with submissions from CLIA accredited agents and agencies for the categories open to nomination, which include Agent Promotion of the Year Australia / New Zealand, Network Promotion of the Year (Australasia) and Plan a Cruise Month Agency Award (Australasia).
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
azamara clia Contours Travel cruise wrap Crystal ecruisingtravel european waterways pandaw regent seven seas seabourn silverseaLatest News
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Low-cost Indian carrier SpiceJet continues to burn cash
It’s not just low-cost Australian carriers that are facing hardship. SpiceJet, India’s version of Bonza, recently announced a 72 per cent reduction in its net loss versus last year. But, despite this improvement, the airline has posted losses for six straight years. But it has secured board approval to raise up to INR 30 billion […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
SAKA Museum recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2024
AYANA Resort Bali’s newly-opened cultural and events centre, SAKA Museum has been recognised in TIME magazine’s World’s Greatest Places list for 2024. Part of AYANA Bali’s resort destination, the museum integrates Bali’s rich history with state-of-the-art facilities, making it the centrepiece for the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage. TIME magazine’s inclusion of SAKA Museum in […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Journey Beyond launches first brand-led campaign during Paris Olympics
Journey Beyond is pushing the boundaries. On The Ghan, you can't even see them!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Ascott Australia partners with Hotels for Trees
Hoteliers can take a 'Lyf' out of this book and improve their green credentials.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Victoria’s TAC Top Tourism Town Award winners for 2024
Keep looking in our own backyard. There are plenty of places to go.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Uniworld partners with Camilla Franks with Egyptian-inspired collection
We are in de-Nile about making puns combining Crocs and leopard prints, given this luxe partnership.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Aussies at Paris Olympics anxious about travel risks, with incidents already recorded
Fortunately one of our biggest gold medal hopes still held onto his pedals.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Banyan Tree Seaview Villas elevates Laguna Lang Co
If you've ever played golf in the tropics, start early. LIke way early. It's hot! Damn hot.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Silversea taps Barbara Biffi as senior vice president for global sales
Ultra-luxury and expedition cruise travel brand, Silverseas, has announced Barbara Biffi as its new senior vice president of global sales. Biffi joined the company in 2007, holding numerous positions and gaining a deep understanding of the brand, the preferences of its guests and its strategic goals, the company said. An Italian national with a wealth […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Wendy Wu unveils new Japan travel brochure and itineraries
Get outta town! Off-beat Japan will be a lot less congested we figure than the usual tourist hotspots.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
UK and Europe event organisers look to venues with sustainability integrity, ICC Sydney survey finds
Here in Sydney, you can even eat the table centrepieces. Although we advise they be cooked first.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Renos Rologas new general manager ANZ for FCM Travel
Two decades in the travel game! Let's hope Renos is in for the long haul at FCM.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Untamed Escapes to offer Cultural Day Tour from Port Lincoln in partnership with Maba Idi
International visitors travel thousands of kilometres for this experience. Time to share.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Luxe Finish Line Penthouses offer the best vantage point for the finish of the Sydney-Hobart
Long have we been following the yachts leavings Sydney Harbour and one day, we will see the finish, from this place!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
In a busy world, proximity to nature is the new luxury
Forget Raffles, treat your nearest and dearest to a stay at the local campsite. They'll be super close to nature.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Circular Quay welcomes new Korean dining experience to Sydney Place
We once took Korean-American chef David Chang around Koreatown, Eastwood. Not happy about driving rain, loved the food.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
MSC Cruises unveils a new outdoor kid-friendly attraction on World America
Drop your kid down the jaws of a shark and they come out 11 decks below. Sounds good to me.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Amadeus welcomes FCM Travel as new reseller partner of Cytric Easy
Cytric Easy, the travel management tool embedded in Microsoft Teams, is to be integrated into FCM Travel portfolio. Amadeus and FCM Travel have extended their Cytric distribution agreement to include Cytric Easy. With this new agreement, global travel management company FCM Travel, becomes a reseller of the innovative travel management collaboration solution embedded into Microsoft […]
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Australian travellers abandon peer-to-peer stays and gravitate back to big hotels, survey finds
Doom scrolling Airbnb for the best-possible stay options two days out from departure was wearing us down, apparently.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Quark Expeditions launches the Ultimate Summer in the Arctic sweepstakes for travel advisors
Summer in the Arctic still means it's freezing. But hopefully a winning sweepstakes tickets will warm your cockles.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘I bet it smells weird’ – Internet divided over floating restaurant in China
I you are still feeling peckish at the end of your meal, their fish tank is full. But can you eat koi?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘Turn up in the Northern Territory this Spring’ campaign deals
Agents and airlines get all hot and sweaty over these enticing deals. Or did someone just turn the air-conditioning up?
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘Like nothing on earth’: Saudi Arabia’s new Treyam resort set in a Star Wars-style landscape
As long as Jar Jar Binks is not there, we would like a seat at the Mos Eisley Cantina please.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Raffles Hotels and Resorts is set to open in Tokyo in 2028
Time to get your vision boards at the ready! Raffles is landing in Tokyo!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
‘A true honour’ – Andrew Stark wins Flight Centre Director’s Award for the second time
Congratulations Andrew! If you're a fan of British reality TV you might notice a familiar face.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Club Med debuts travel agent portal 2.0 with bonus prize for tops sales
See those people by the pool. That could be you. Start selling through the portal people!
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Envoyage announces 2024 Australian Icons and rewards event in the Maldives
We were going to edit our name into the list but we chickened out.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
HIF Global signs collaboration agreement with Airbus on eFuels
We know it's a good thing but can a jet fuel geek out there send in a diagram explaining this please.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Crystal announces release dates for 2026 itineraries
If you have started collecting 2026 itineraries then here is another one for you.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Cairns Airport unveils display of support for FNQ youth
If you were craving some winter sun now you have a cultural reason for booking a flight to Cairns.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Viking announces six new cruise itineraries
Now's the time to start learning Putonghua, Nihongo and Lhasa. Or maybe even know where these are spoken.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Join Qatar Airways, Celebrity Cruises & Klook – Showcase Your Brand at Click Frenzy Travel August 2024!
Clicking calmly will also be welcome when it comes to this particular deal. Click calmly here to find out more.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
InsideAsia Tours launches new incentive that doubles agent commission
Double commission! We like the sound of that. Hope their system doesn't crash as a result.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Push to revive Parramatta’s iconic Roxy Theatre into entertainment destination
Long have we wished for this iconic heritage cinema to be revived as a tourist destination. Still waiting.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Qatar Airways signs an expansion to Boeing 777-9 aircraft order
Known as a quiet rural town in England, the entire global aviation industry now has its eyes on Farnborough.
![](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Flight Centre shares down following revised profit guidance
The stock market moves fast. What will the rest of the week hold for Flight Centre?