Cruise Wrap: Silver Explorer crosses Northeast Passage, NCL extends landmark sale + MORE!

Norwegian Jewel - aerial at Sea

Are you itching to book your clients’ next voyage on the seven seas or hanging out for a deal or two? Feast your eyes on one glorious Cruise Wrap.

WATCH: Silversea Cruises crosses iconic Northeast Passage

Silversea guests recently had the chance to cross the iconic Northeast Passage.

Between 10 August and 5 September 2019, travellers journeyed 5,019 Nautical Miles between Nome and Tromsø, calling at 27 incredible destinations across three countries. They travelled aboard Silver Explorer in superlative comfort, retracing the route taken by famous explorers of yesteryear.

Among the voyage’s numerous highlights were various sightings of Polar Bears with their cubs, and other rare wildlife encounters; two passages through the Arctic sea ice, accompanied by an icebreaker; a unique culinary experience on the remote Ostrov Isachenko; and a polar plunge above 80°N latitude.

Silversea Cruises is also inviting guests to discover New Caledonia, Fiji, and Vanuatu aboard the Silver Muse when she sets sail in the region for the very first time in 2020.

All-inclusive fly/cruise fares for a 14-day voyage start from $8,400 per person, based on double occupancy in a Vista Suite, with cruise only fares starting from $7,400 per person.

Norwegian Cruise Line extends early bird sale to 30 September

NCL Ship-in-Destination-Europe_Getaway_santorini

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced an extension of its best offer to date, with its early bird sale now available until 30 September 2019. Australian and New Zealand guests can enjoy 20 per cent off their cruise fare, plus receive five free offers on over 230 sailings departing in 2020.

The sale can also be combined with NCL’s ‘Take 5 Free’ offer, giving guests who book a Balcony stateroom or above all five ‘Free at Sea’ offers, including a free beverage package and a free specialty dining package.

Guests will also receive reduced deposits on select sailings for a limited time, with up to US$2,800 in overall added value.

Launch of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys’ Wilsons Promontory Cruises a win for Victorian tourism

The Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) said it is pleased at the launch of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys’ first Victorian eco-tourism adventure, Wilsons Promontory Cruises.

The tourism operator has invested $3 million in the new development, with tours having commenced as of 23 September.

The project, which is the first and only cruise to be operating from the Wilsons Promontory National Park, has long supported and strongly advocated for by VTIC.

Scenic takes guests to the wonders of Oman and Israel with the launch of its latest brochure

Scenic Cruises Egypt Jordan Cover 20_21_Final

Scenic Luxury Cruise and Tour has launched its latest brochure featuring Egypt and Jordan, with extension itineraries taking guest into the newly emerging markets of Oman and Israel.

Key itinerary highlights include:

  • 12 Day Tour & Cruise, Treasures of Egypt, from Cairo to Cairo, starting from $8,995 per person
  • 14 Day Tour & Cruise, Egypt in Depth, from Cairo to Cairo, starting from $9,695 per person
  • 26 Day Tour and Cruise, A Journey through Antiquity, Cairo to Jerusalem, starting from $25,775 per person; and
  • 26 Day Tour & Cruise, Wonders of the Nile Jordan and Oman, starting from $25,290 per person.

Scenic has also extended its early bird offers on its 2020 Canada, Alaska and USA brochure until 31 October 2019.

Early bird offers available until 31 October 2019 include:

  • Partner flights, included when booking selected tours to Canada, Alaska and the USA
  • Premium Economy seats from $2,595 per person when booking any Eastern Canada or Western Canada and Alaska journey of 22 days or longer; and
  • Business Class seats from $5,995 per person when booking any Eastern Canada or Western Canada & Alaska journey of 22 days or longer.

Agents can secure an additional discount of $600 per couple for all tours of 19 days or longer or discount of $300 per couple for tours of 9 to 18 days, when booked and paid in full by 31 October.

New adventures headline US$110 million amplification of Explorer of the Seas

RCL Explorer

Royal Caribbean International’s Explorer of the Seas is set to sail the Eastern Mediterranean in style come summer 2020 after an amplification worth more than US$100 million.

The cruise line has released details of the ship’s upcoming USD$110 million amplification that will debut a mix of unparalleled feats and Royal Caribbean hits.

Guests can embark on historic adventures ashore and on board with new thrills, tastes and sights on deck.

These include: The Perfect Storm racer waterslides, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, a redesigned, resort-style poolscape with signature poolside bar The Lime & Coconut, and transformed kids and teens spaces.

Beginning May 7, 2020, Explorer – the first amplified ship to cruise from Rome (Civitavecchia) – sets sail on 7- and 9-night itineraries to the best of Italy and the Greek Isles, from Santorini to Mykonos and Crete.

Follow in the footsteps of Charles Darwin with Quasar for less

Quasar Galapagos earlybird special

Agents can now offer their clients the opportunity of a lifetime to follow the footsteps of Charles Darwin with Quasar Expeditions.

Enjoy savings of up to US$940 when booking a Galapagos cruise holiday on board Quasar Expeditions’ M/V Evolution on selected 2020 departures from Jan-Mar and Oct-Dec.

Priced from US$6,100 per person twin share, savings include 5 per cent off the eight days/seven nights cruise, as well as flights from mainland Ecuador to the Galapagos.

Valid for selected departures in the months of January-February and October-December 2020, bookings must be made by 31 January 2020 with code 2020EBG. Terms and conditions apply.

MSC Cruises and Fincantieri unveil further details of MSC Seashore at coin ceremony

MSC Seashore Main Pool

A traditional maritime coin ceremony has taken place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, when the keel was laid for MSC Seashore. At the milestone event, MSC Cruises revealed details of the significantly transformed overall design and new features of the ship.

MSC Seashore will be the company’s longest ship – 339 metres – when she enters service in June 2021, the first of two enriched “Seaside Evo” Class ships with the latest available environmental technology, extended public spaces, more cabins and the highest ratio of outdoor space per guest of any ship in the company’s fleet.

MSC Lirica is also offering a selection of stunning summer itineraries visiting the Mediterranean for summer 2020, including: Italy, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, which runs from May 8 to June 12 and from September 18 to October 23, 2020; and a new cruise from Venice, calling Malta and Sicily, which runs from 22 June to September 7, 2020.

Moreover, alongside MSC Grandiosa, three other ships will sail in the Western Mediterranean in 2020 – MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia and MSC Seaview, rediscovering the gems of the continent.

Creative Cruising launches in New Zealand

Creative Cruising NZ announcement

Creative Cruising is celebrating the launch of Creative Cruising NZ in partnership with First Travel Group.

On Friday evening, First Travel Group members travelled to Auckland to celebrate the arrival of Creative Cruising NZ at an exclusive cocktail function at the Pullman Hotel.

To celebrate the launch in New Zealand, cruise line partners have offered exclusive booking incentives, while First Travel Group agents have access to Creative Cruising’s 2020 Top Achievers’ Trip with Royal Caribbean International in Asia.

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