Big Fat Cruise Wrap

Big Fat Cruise Wrap
By Kate Webster


Makeover for Hurtigruten ships

Hurtigruten, the 120 year old pioneer explorer company, has tripled its capacity in Antarctic waters and now adds a new ship to its fleet, the MS Spitsbergen. With a modern Scandinavian interior drawing inspiration from the stunning landscapes through which it travels, the ship has been sailing since its maiden voyage in June 2016.

As well as the new addition, four Norwegian coastal ships are undergoing full makeovers that will refresh the interiors – the MS Kong Harald, MS Polarlys, MS Nordkapp and MS Nordnorge. The brand new New Arctic Interior is described as a reflection of the breathtaking coastal landscapes the vessels sail past. Stylish yet unpretentious, the colours are earthy and from the coast and the sea. Many of the materials are natural, such as wood, slate and leather. Forms originate from nature, and guests will be welcomed by shapes that bear resemblance to for instance fire, waves and seaweed.

Renovations include refurbishment of common areas such as receptions, bistros and café areas. The cuisine is also updated and transformed to offer the best Norwegian foods available, made from local ingredients in partnership with local suppliers. Freshly baked goods from the bakery are offered, along with outdoor barbeques and a panoramic bar lounge.  Adventure travellers of today are looking for the unique and authentic. By renewing the fleet, Hurtigruten are able to offer a world-class onboard environment that complement what nature put forward outside. The new ships have merged the look of the age of modern discovery with a contemporary feel.

 

More prizes for agents during Plan a Cruise Month

cruise-holidays-gc-week-2-cruise-month-winners

Travel agents booking cruises during the inaugural Plan A Cruise Month are reaping the rewards, with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia announcing the winners of its second round of weekly prizes.

There were smiles all round during the CLIA Masters Conference cruise to Papua New Guinea on P&O Cruises’ Pacific Eden this week when one of the delegates, CruiseAlong’s Lance Mumby, heard he had won his choice of a range of cruises donated from CLIA cruise line members as part of the promotion.

Meanwhile Cruise Holidays GC has won $1000 in marketing funds in recognition of its Plan A Cruise Month social media campaign, which has seen the agency posting a range of content promoting deals and events, as well as the month’s different themes.

 

Heart of Europe river cruise celebrates new link with top British cruise company

thomas-hardy-artists-impression

Cruise Traveller, the Australia-based boutique luxury cruise specialist, is now partnering with Riviera Travel River Cruises, a well-known company that has dominated the British quality travel market for 30 years.

To celebrate the new relationship, Cruise Traveller is offering an 18-night river cruise with Riviera Travel through the heart of Europe aboard a fabulous, brand new, five-star ship – at a fraction of the usual price.

The ship is the MS Thomas Hardy, a state-of-the-art, all-suite craft, Swiss-operated and truly world-class. This superb river-cruise ship carries 44 in-house trained crew serving just 169 guests (some similar-size vessels carry well over 190 passengers) giving a staff-to-passenger ratio concurrent with first class service levels. MS Thomas Hardy is brand new and will be launching for the first time in 2017.

 

Celebrations with MSC Cruises

MSC Orchestra

MSC Cruises offers targeted experiences for diverse celebrations. The next year can be booked now, during special discounted deals for CLIA Plan a Cruise Month.

Get in soon to book future celebrations, with MSC Cruises, at current special prices. CLIA offers are only during October.

Christmas is made easier aboard an MSC Cruise. Whether cruising with family or without, everyone will be entertained with dedicated programs for all ages. Getting away will help to skip the planning and stress of Christmas at home.

Religious and spiritual needs are accommodated on-board during December. Interdenominational services will be performed on ships, by professional priests and ministers.

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