Cruise Wrap: Silversea makes history, P&O adds three for Eden, Viking breaks record + MORE!
![View of the Viking Sun at port near the Harbour Bridge, Sydney, Australia.](https://www.travelweekly.com.au/wp-content/themes/bandtv1/img/default.png)
Your afternoon is about to get a whole lot more cruisey thanks to all these latest deals and announcements. It should make you look busy for at least an hour.
Two Silversea ships meet as Silver Whisper becomes first-ever ship to visit Antarctica on a world cruise
Guests travelling aboard Silversea’s Silver Cloud and Silver Whisper enjoyed a rare moment in the cruise line’s history when the two ships met in Antarctica’s Wilhelmina Bay on 4 February 2020.
The rendezvous was a pioneering moment in more ways than one, as Silver Whisper became the first-ever ship to visit Antarctica on a World Cruise.
From mid-November through February each year, Silversea’s guests travel deeper into Antarctica in ultimate comfort, exploring the region’s ice-dappled waters, glaciers and geothermal beaches, and admiring the continent’s unique wildlife.
P&O cruises adds three Eden cruise calls as Pacific Aria becomes first carnival Australia-brand ship to return following bushfire crisis
P&O Cruises today announced it is adding three more cruise calls to Eden this season as Pacific Aria became the first Carnival Australia-brand cruise ship to return to the Sapphire Coast following the bushfire emergency.
Pacific Explorer will make the three calls on March 29, May 10 and May 16 representing an additional 6000 guests to help boost the region’s economic recovery sending a message that Eden and the Sapphire Coast are open for business.
Holland America Line’s Noordam was due to call on January 3 but was unable to do so due to the bushfire crisis.
Scenic unveils best offers for 2021 Europe river cruises
Scenic has launched a preview of its 2021 Europe River Cruise program, with a range of pre-release offers to secure the best available fares, first choice of suite and departures for travel in 2021.
If booked before 30 April 2020, you might come across offers like flights to Europe year-round when booking any suite on a cruise of 11 days or longer.
And 50 per cent off for the solo traveller when booking a suite on selected departures of 11 days or longer.
Guinness world record-breaking cruise ship, Viking Sun, arrives down under
Tasmania welcomed the state-of-the-art 930-guest Viking Sun, marking day 160 of Viking’s extraordinary 245-day Ultimate World Cruise. It is attempting to set the Guinness World Record for the “longest continuous passenger cruise”.
Hobart is the first of seven Australian destinations visited during the epic voyage, including a three-day visit to Sydney on 10 February 2020. The Ultimate World Cruise spans six continents, 51 countries and 111 ports, completing a full circumnavigation of the globe.
Upon the return of Viking Sun to London on 2 May 2020, an official Guinness World Record Adjudicator will confirm the successful attempt with a certificate presentation.
Azamara celebrates ten-years of Destination Immersion experiences
Azamara has announced its ten-year anniversary of its award-winning Destination Immersion programming.
To honour Azamara’s milestone event, the three sister ships will meet in Koper, Slovenia for a signature grand AzAmazing Evening Event on 8 October 2020.
The brand will immerse travellers into the heart of a destination as well as its loyalty to past guests, Azamara’s Le Club Voyage (LCV) members have the exclusive opportunity to purchase an AzAmazing Journey.
Aurora Expeditions upcoming webinars
The Aurora Expeditions upcoming webinars will be running every month focusing on a different region/geographical area. The focus for February will be on Antarctica, Ireland and Scotland.
The webinar on Antarctica will feature, Dr Roger Kirkwood who has been exploring the polar regions for over 30 years and holds a PhD on emperor penguin foraging ecology.
The webinar on Scotland and Ireland will feature the Irish expert, Martha Behan, who worked for the Irish tourism board. And historian Carol Knott, an expedition leader for Aurora Expeditions.
Scenic’s Earlybird offers for Africa 2020/21 ending soon
The Earlybird offers on Scenic’s 2020/21 Africa program ends on 28 February 2020.
Companion flights are included when booking the 28 Day Ultimate African Expedition, 29 Day Wonders of Africa or 23 Day Grand African Safari, along with Business class from $4,995 per person. Any booking of 2020 journey of 12 days or more will save up to $1400 per couple.
Cruise industry ready to honour top achievers
The Australasian cruise industry is gearing up to honour its biggest achievers this week, with more than 500 people expected to join the 19th annual Cruise Industry Awards on Saturday.
To be held at The Star Sydney, this year’s Cruise Lines International Association (CLIAs) will include an after-party and live band sponsored by Traveltek. More than 560 submissions have been considered, making this year the most highly contested CLIA Awards ever held.
CMV introduces newest ship Amy Johnson with Maiden Voyage itinerary
The inaugural sailing of Amy Johnson, the newest ship to join Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ (CMV) fleet, allowing guests to be a part of history and sail on the ship’s Maiden Voyage.
Amy Johnson will homeport in London Tilbury in late May 2021, bolstering much-needed capacity and cruising year-round alongside Columbus.
The ship’s Maiden Voyage (S101) will sail from Singapore on 14 April 2021 on a 43-night voyage via the Suez Canal, also visiting ports such as Mumbai, Santorini and Lisbon before arriving in London Tilbury on 27 May.
Sail Away with Royal Caribbean’s going, going, gone sale
Travellers looking for their next cruise holiday can make great savings in the last-minute deals on offer for voyages in February and March 2020. Travellers can choose to explore the idyllic South Pacific, dive into action-packed New Zealand voyages and more.
Royal Caribbean’s Voyager and Ovation of the Seas ships offer a range of first-to-market features for Australian cruisers to get excited about this year.
From the World Record-breaking North Star glass viewing pod, the first skydiving simulator at sea, the new Perfect Storm racer slides, and indulgent spa options.
Silversea Cruises announces the godmother of Silver Moon: Gaia Gaja, the ‘Queen of Barbaresco’
Hailed by many as the ‘Queen of Barbaresco,’ Gaia Gaja has been named as the Godmother of Silversea’s new ultra-luxury ship Silver Moon.
Gaja is of the fifth generation to own and manage the renowned Gaja winery in the small Italian town of Barbaresco—a family-run business and iconic producer of fine Italian wine since 1859.
As the ship’s Godmother, Gaja will be honoured with officially naming Silver Moon at a dedicated ceremony in Trieste on August 5, 2020.
Riviera Travel River Cruises appoints GSA in Australian to build its market share
Luxury European cruise operator, Riviera Travel River Cruises, has marked its third year in the Australian market by appointing an exclusive GSA in the local market – small ship cruise specialists, Cruise Traveller.
UK-based Riviera Travel first introduced the brand to Australia in 2017 and was, until now, represented here by wholesalers Cruise Traveller and Cruiseco, with each working separately.
Journey through central Europe with Explore TV
Explore TV’s Trevor Cochrane will showcase his very first river cruise experience when Explore TV returns to our screens on Channel Nine from Sunday 9 February 2020 at 4:30pm.
Sailing the 15-day Grand European Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam, Trevor will take viewers on a journey through Central Europe, exploring Hungary, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands.
Over four episodes, Trevor will take viewers deep into the heart of the destinations to showcase what truly makes this part of the world so special.
Quasar Expeditions releases 2021 Galapagos cruise rates
The pioneers of cruising the Galapagos, Quasar Expeditions has released their 2021 Galapagos Islands cruise rates for the M/V Evolution and the M/Y Grace.
Starting at US$6,700 for the M/V Evolution and US$7,800 for the M/Y Grace, rates include all meals, day tours, expert guides and transfers.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
clia cmv Explore TV p&o Quasar Expeditions Riviera Travel River Cruises royal caribbean scenic silversea Viking SunLatest News
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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!
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Ascott Australia partners with Hotels for Trees
Hoteliers can take a 'Lyf' out of this book and improve their green credentials.
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Victoria’s TAC Top Tourism Town Award winners for 2024
Keep looking in our own backyard. There are plenty of places to go.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 […]
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 […]
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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.
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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.
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‘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?
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‘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?
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‘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.
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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!
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‘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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Crystal announces release dates for 2026 itineraries
If you have started collecting 2026 itineraries then here is another one for you.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Flight Centre shares down following revised profit guidance
The stock market moves fast. What will the rest of the week hold for Flight Centre?