Not spending your Wednesday cruising through the Mediterranean? Perusing this week’s Cruise Wrap is the next best thing. Or at least that’s what we tell ourselves.

Silversea’s new grand voyage

Silversea Cruises has opened general sales on a new 59-day grand voyage in the Mediterranean.

The Grand Voyage Mediterranean 2021 will link unique, immersive experiences across the region, showcasing historic cultures, old-world charm and spectacular landscapes.

Between 8 September and 5 November 2021, Silversea’s guests will journey deep into 45 destinations in 17 countries, travelling in the cruise line’s trademark level of comfort aboard the recently refurbished Silver Shadow.

Hurtigruten announces $250,000 Australian Bushfire Appeal

In response to the devastating Australian bushfires, Hurtigruten has launched a Bushfire Appeal to assist with the recovery of habitat, wildlife and communities affected by the fires.

Funds raised for the appeal will come from the sale of designated ‘Bushfire Appeal’ cabins on Hurtigruten expedition cruises with 100 per cent of the proceeds to be distributed by the Hurtigruten Foundation.

The Appeal will include more than 40 cabins ranging from standard to suite, with a combined value of more than AU$250,000. Guests and agents purchasing Bushfire Appeal cabins will also be able to take advantage of any current offers or discounts.

Funds raised for the Hurtigruten Bushfire Appeal will support environmental projects, animal rescue and sustainability initiatives and provide direct grants to relevant local agencies.

The Hurtigruten Bushfire Appeal commences 22 January with selected cabins available on a range of voyages.

Crystal River Cruises’ 2022 deployment features new ports, itineraries and programs

Crystal River Cruises will take guests on journeys of cultural and historical discovery in 2022, exploring storybook villages, cosmopolitan international hubs, and towns hosting rare events and decked in seasonal delights.

Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel – all-suite, butler-serviced sister ships comprising the youngest fleet in European luxury river cruising – will offer itineraries from seven to 10 nights. Crystal River Cruises’ 2022 itineraries will be available for booking and published on crystalcruises.com on January 23, 2020.

Throughout the roster of 2022 voyages, Crystal’s focus remains on the overall guest experience during their voyage, with careful thought given to the best ways to experience the famous tulips in Holland; capitalising on cooler July weather along Dutch and Belgian waterways, when the crowds are calmer; the beautiful spectacle of seeing the decennial Floriade International Horticultural Expo just outside of Amsterdam; and the rich Jewish and culinary cultures in select destinations.

Aranui Cruises: new ship setting sail in 2022

Tahitian cruise line Aranui Cruises has revealed the first details of its new 10,000-tonne cruise ship which is set to join Aranui 5 in the South Pacific in mid-2022.

In a nod to its Polynesian roots, the new ship has been named AraMana, meaning ‘path of the Polynesian spirit’, and will feature a ‘vahine’ (Polynesian woman) on the funnel as well as a traditional tattoo design on the livery.

CMV announces farewell 2020 season for Astoria

With two new additions to the Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) fleet scheduled for 2021, the company has announced it will not renew the charter contract for its Astoria vessel.

The 550 passenger Astoria will sail her final season with CMV this year, having been with the global fleet since January 2015.

Astoria’s Farewell Season includes four cruises from Poole, England, in March and April, in addition to three sailings from Hull, England, in September and October 2020.

Kids sail free on Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer on select 2020 sailings

Looking for the perfect family holiday? Well how about China? And what better way to introduce your children to this amazing land than a cruise along the mighty Yangtze River.

With Sanctuary Retreats’ offer, kids up to 12 years old sharing a cabin with two adults can travel free on all Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer Shoulder Season Sailings in 2020.

On-board facilities guaranteed to appeal to the whole family include à la carte dining, an observation deck, 24-hour room service, a two-floor theatre, la well-appointed library and fitness facilities.

Carnival celebrates inauguration of ‘Splashy Cove’ with The Children’s Hospital at Westmead

Carnival Cruise Line and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead celebrated the inauguration of ‘Splashy Cove’, a mini-waterpark onboard Carnival Splendor which is home to a colourful mural inspired by drawings created by patients.

Splashy Cove was officially opened by Carnival Splendor’s goddaughter and patient of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Matilda Jenkins in front of a crowd of staff, patients and their families.

Carnival has partnered with The Children’s Hospital at Westmead for over three years and has raised more than $227,800 for the hospital, supporting hard-working doctors and nurses as they care for their brave young patients.