We’re calling this our best Cruise Wrap yet. Not because it’s particularly good, though, but because we can’t think of anything witty.

Agents, Do you like food, booze and cash prizes? Then you don’t want to miss this event!

Cruise Pursuit is giving travel agents in Sydney and Brisbane the chance to test their cruising prowess, with $1500 per event – CASH – up for grabs as the ultimate prize; that’s $750 for 1st prize, $500 for 2nd and $250 for 3rd.

All you have to do is buddy up and create a trivia team with three to four people. Don’t have a team? Don’t worry! Just REGISTER HERE and we’ll pop you with a whole new crew of buddies for the evening.

Brisbane: Sofitel Central | Tuesday, July 11 2017 | 5.30pm-9.00pm
Sydney: Hyatt Regency | Wednesday, July 5 2017 | 5.30pm-9.00pm

Aqua Expeditions Introduce Photography Cruises 

Aqua Expeditions is giving guests the opportunity to ‘capture the moment’ on an exclusive 4-night Photography Cruise along the magnificent Mekong River in December 2017 being presented by talented fine art and architectural photographer and videographer, Francisco Marin.

When Aqua Expeditions founder, Francesco Galli Zugaro, met Francisco and viewed his breathtaking images, Francesco immediately saw the mission of Aqua Expeditions unfolding in a visual story: sharing with guests some of the world’s most remote communities; captivating landscapes; and immersing travellers in history, culture and nature.

A successful commercial photographer and teacher, Francisco Marin has been practicing his craft in Asia for more than 10 years and is currently an instructor with the renowned photography school, Leica Akademie, in Singapore.

A native of Mexico, Francisco is an artistic photographer who specialises in capturing architectural and interior design for real estate developers and editorial customers. He is currently represented by Aflote Inc.

During this exclusive departure, guests will travel alongside Francisco as he shares his tips and techniques to creating visual stories; join hands-on outdoor photography workshops and learn to capture the most dramatic moments such as Buddhist temples, floating Khmer villages and fragrant riverside markets; and join interactive evening Q&A sessions with the photographer and like-minded travellers, during which they can ask questions about composition, lighting, technical enhancements and photography challenges over a drink at the bar.

Rates for the 4-night Photography Cruise from Phnom Penh to Cambodia 8 – 12 December 2017 commence from USD5140 per person, based on double occupancy.

Dream Cruises Introduce  “Dreamlite” Membership Programme 

The new loyalty and recognition programme is custom-designed to personally engage and build a community among the growing number of discerning guests of Asia’s luxury cruise line.  DreamElite is a unique lifestyle programme that provides members with priority and dedicated services, including designated check-in counter, members’ enquiry hotline and email on shore, as well as exclusive member information counter, birthday privileges, advanced spa treatments and specialty restaurants booking service, invitation to private events and promotion on board.

Enrolment into this loyalty program is complimentary and easy via our website or onboard mobile app.  Upon enrolment, members can upgrade to upper tiers of Jade, Sapphire and Diamond, each tier can be attained upon designated accumulation of Dream Points, which are awarded to the DreamElite member upon patronage with Dream Cruises.

From accommodation to food & beverage, from entertainment to health & wellness, DreamElite programme offers members with their most favourable pre-cruise and onboard services. For higher tier members, they can even get complimentary upgrade to next stateroom category upon available, complimentary access to monthly party at Zouk, special Glow Bowling offers and 10% off on advanced booking of shore excursions at two ports of call.

Pacific Explorer Prepares to Call Australia Home

On Monday June 19, P&O Cruises will welcome its latest ship to the fleet when Pacific Explorer arrives in Sydney following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment. It will feature an interactive water park, and the longest and wildest waterslides, with one of the slides even pumping tunes through it.

New to Pacific Explorer are two new ‘fast-casual’ dining options: Luke’s, a poolside grill by Australian chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan and 400 Gradi, a traditional Neapolitan pizzeria by award-winning Melbourne chef Johnny Di Francesco.

The Bonded Store bar will feature a cocktail list created in partnership with Sydney-based award-winning Archie Rose Distilling Co, as well as whisky and gin-making classes. While on the ship’s upper deck, guests can play outdoor lawn bowls – an Australian cruise ship first.

Pacific Explorer’s cruises include an 8-night, A Taste of New Caledonia cruise departing Sydney on July 20, 2017. Fares start from $835* per person quad share on the 3 x Free Sale.

 Scenic Eclipse Rediscovery Voyages

Scenic is giving guests the chance to experience the unparalleled luxury of Scenic Eclipse, the world’s first discovery yacht, and discover the joys of cruising on an exclusive Rediscovery Voyage. Guests can soak up the 6-star offering on board Scenic Eclipse while embarking on a transatlantic crossing; or guests can choose to cruise the South American coastline or journey from South America to the Canary Islands.

On a Rediscovery Voyage, guests can enjoy spacious suite boasting a private verandah and lounge, ten dining experiences including 24-hour in-suite dining, unlimited complimentary beverages*, butler service for all guests, the rejuvenating Spa Sanctuary, ample public spaces including eight lounges and bars, and everything being all-inclusive.

A first-class cooking emporium with daily classes, yoga and pilates, dancing, a Kindle e-book library, wine and cheese tastings with a sommelier, cocktail making, live entertainment, a movie theatre … guests can choose their own adventure – or simply laze in a therapeutic Jacuzzi with a glass of champagne.

This is the ultimate opportunity to explore every inch of the extraordinary Scenic Eclipse for a very special price – from just $3,320.

Triumphant Voyage Reveals Completion of Refurbishment of Queen Victoria

Cunard’s iconic ship Queen Victoria returned to Southampton this week, showing off an array of stunning new features following an impressive £34 million refurbishment.

Exquisite interior design takes centre stage in the new Britannia Club Restaurant and continues to triumph within the new 43 spacious Britannia Club staterooms. Further enhancements on board include beautifully refined and redesigned Quenn Grill Suites and Penthouse Grill Suites, as well as a luxurious new sun deck offering space and tranquillity and a stunning enhanced Winter Garden. Every stateroom has been refreshed, including the installation of large flat screen TVs and much requested tea and coffee making facilites.

Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas completes next phase of Construction

The newest member of Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis class of ships, Symphony of the Seas, is now one step closer to full completion as her April 2018 debut approaches.

Symphony of the Seas will spend her inaugural summer season exploring the Mediterranean calling on ports in Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Provence, France; Florence/Pisa, Rome and Naples, Italy. She will then arrive to Miami in early November to begin seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.

Symphony of the Seas will claim the title of the world’s largest – and most adventure-filled – cruise ship, offering 28 more staterooms than her newest sister ship Harmony of the Seas and encompassing 230,000 gross registered tons.

Among the award-winning and acclaimed innovations are the distinct seven-neighbourhood concept, imaginative and sophisticated dining, Bionic Bar robot bartenders powered by Makr Shakr, Broadway-calibre entertainment, the iconic waterfront AquaTheater, the Perfect Storm trio of waterslides, and Ultimate Abyss – the tallest slide at sea.

CLIA partners with Breakaway Travelclub to deliver exclusive travel benefits to its members

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia have partnered with travel industry agency Breakaway Travelclub. The partnership provides CLIA travel agent members in Australia and New Zealand with complimentary membership of Breakaway Travelclub, giving them access to an extensive range of discounted travel products.

“Complimentary access to Breakaway Travelclub’s offers allows our member agents to book a wide range of travel products, including air and cruise, for themselves at great discounts,” MD CLIA Australasia, Joel Katz said.

The Breakaway Membership will be offered to all current and new CLIA members. Other benefits of CLIA membership include 24/7 access to the official cruise industry Training & Accreditation Program; access to the exclusive CLIA Member Benefits Program, providing discounts on a wide range of everyday consumer brands, use of the CLIA logo identifying you as a cruise specialist in all your marketing material; access to participate in CLIA’s Global Plan a Cruise Month promotion; inclusion in CLIA’s travel agent search function at www.cruising.org.au; and member discounts on tickets for Cruise360, the largest and only official cruise industry conference, and the annual CLIA Awards.

Azamara Club Cruises’ Sister Ships Share a Rare Meeting Together in Barcelona

Sister ships Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest made a rare appearance together in Barcelona, meeting for the first time since September 2013 in Venice. In honour of this unique event, a number of perfect pairing activities took place for guests onboard, as well as social contests for those tuning in from afar.

Favoured by travellers looking for rich cultural immersions and new experiences, Azamara is known for its signature Destination Immersion programming, which provides unique voyages and curated shore excursions. The up-market cruise line rarely repeats an itinerary, which made this meeting of its two ships distinctive, as Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey are seldom found in the same region of the world, let alone the same port.

The unique meeting was celebrated onboard with a number of guest experiences and offers. A Chef’s Table raffle took place, awarding at random a lucky stateroom winner on each ship a dinner for two. In the spirit of honouring pairs, the corresponding stateroom on the sister ship was also declared a winner. As the ships sailed together out of the Barcelona port, the momentous occasion was marked with a sail-away party on the pool decks of both the Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest.

Silversea Partners with The Peninsula Hotels for Grand Asia Pacific Voyage from Sydney

Silversea Cruises have partnered with The Peninsula Hotels to enhance the programming for Silver Muse’s 73-day Grand Asia Pacific Voyage. Departing Sydney on 2nd February 2019, the First Quarter Itinerary for 2019 is now open to reservations. The two renowned luxury brands will also collaborate on other Asia-focused itineraries.

The Grand Asia Pacific Voyage will set sail from Sydney to Tokyo, visiting 39 enchanting destinations in 12 countries. Silver Muse will trace a path through lands Down Under then continues to Asia, with a trio of segments encompassing Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, China and Japan.

The Peninsula Hotels will enrich the experience for Silversea guests with insider knowledge provided on the exotic Asian destinations by an on board team of local specialists and chefs. Guests will also enjoy exclusive events in select Asian cities, arranged in collaboration with The Peninsula Hotels. Providing the perfect finishing touch will be a three-night post-cruise stay at The Peninsula Tokyo, where guests will be treated to a Japanese-themed dinner event in the hotel’s elegant Grand Ballroom.

Star Clippers has announced its 2018-2019 itineraries

Travellers who reserve any of the newly released 2018 or 2019 voyages can enjoy up to 35 percent savings, on selected sailings from the brochure rates. On top of those special offers, returning guests always receive a five percent discount.

Caribbean: 2018-2019 departures include seven-night cruises in Grenadine, Windward, Treasure and Leeward Islands. Star Clippers will also offer the 14-night ABC Islands itinerary.

Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore: in 2018 and 2019,  Star Clippers will sail to Bali for the first time ever. Indonesia itineraries will operate from May to October 2018.

Mediterranean: Star Clippers will visit the Greek Isles, the Adriatic and the Balearics, and return to Cres, a hidden gem in Croatia. For the first time ever, the line will visit Elafonisos, part of the Greek Ionian Islands.

Book Early with Royal Caribbean’s Summer Cruise, including Winter Savings. 

With bookings for the next two summer seasons now on sale,  Royal Caribbean suggests  booking early in order to secure the right sailing and cabin for their summer holiday at sea.

It is best to look around to be sure you’re getting the best value deal – but don’t wait too long! Keep an eye out for discounted or complimentary flight deals if you’re travelling to meet your cruise. And research your destinations and shore excursions before you travel, so you waste minimal time in ports and secure the shore excursion of your choice.

New bookings with Royal Caribbean made by 30 June 2017 will Buy One, Get One Half Price, paying full price for guest one, half price for guest two, and savings of 25% for guests three and four in a stateroom. Plus, Royal Caribbean is offering free Balcony upgrades for Oceanview bookings.

 
European Waterways waives single supplement on many hotel barge cruises for remainder of 2017 season

European Waterways is waiving its single supplement on many of its luxury hotel barge cruises for the remainder of the 2017 season.
This offer is applicable to such popular vessels as Anjodi, L’Art de Vivre, Panache, L’Impressionniste, and Renaissance in France, and La Bella Vita in Italy. It also extends to Finesse, one of the company’s newest and most luxurious hotel barges, and Spirit of Scotland, which makes its debut in the Scottish Highlands this month. This cannot be combined with any other offers.

With the single supplement waiver applying to a wide range of vessels, there are plenty of destinations to choose from, each with its own special charm. Each hotel barge has an attentive crew who are ready to cater to every need, giving personal attention to all their guests. Daily excursions are designed to include every member of the small group, as well as wine tastings, unique sightseeing opportunities and even private performances and demonstrations from local artists and craftsmen.

Enjoy Christmas with a Twist with an Asia Cruise

The six month countdown to Christmas is on, and luxury cruise companies Azamara Club Cruises and Celebrity Cruises want Aussies to dive into a spectacular, stress-free Asia Christmas cruise with the help of two red hot deals.

Embark on a Celebrity Cruises voyage that combines modern luxury with the highlights of Asia and lashings of festive cheer – made even better with Celebrity’s special “Go Better for Free” offer.

For a limited time only, guests who book an Oceanview stateroom or above on selected Christmas sailings with Celebrity will receive a free Classic beverage package and US$300 onboard credit per stateroom, as well as savings on up to US$150 per person on their cruise fare.

Celebrity Cruises’ mid-sized Celebrity Millennium and newly-revitalised Celebrity Constellation offer modern luxury festive settings, with a range of beautiful features to keep everyone happy. Both ships boast world class dining options, like Tuscan Grille Italian restaurant and Sushi on Five, relaxing spa treatments in the famed Canyon Ranch SpaClub, and a roof top terrace for Celebrity’s “A Taste of Film” experience – where culinary delights are paired with scenes playing on screen – so guests can celebrate Christmas in sophisticated style.

Carnival Launches Biggest Ever Australian Program for 2018-19

Carnival Cruise Line’s new 2018-19 program, on sale on June 15, 2017, features more than 70 sailings from Sydney and Melbourne, including a record 19 short cruises with weekend samplers and short local itineraries proving to be a popular, easy getaway option.

Fares on the four-night cruise to Moreton Island in Queensland on Carnival Spirit sailing from Sydney on November 21, 2019 start from $699* per person twin share. Carnival Legend sails from Sydney on an eight-day cruise to the South Pacific on November 24, 2019 with calls to Mare, Isle of Pines, Lifou and Noumea. Fares on the cruise start from $1149* per person twin share. Fares on the cruise to Tasmania sailing roundtrip from Melbourne on Carnival Legend on February 27, 2019 start at $699* per person twin share.

On the calendar for May 2018 is Carnival Spirit’s cruise from Sydney to Singapore over 19 nights, with calls to Darwin and Bali and maiden visits to Koh Samui and Phuket in Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. On the way to Singapore, Carnival Spirit will also stay overnight in Ho Chi Minh City, giving Aussie guests the chance to explore the vibrant sights, sounds and flavours of South East Asia before cruising on to Singapore. Fares on the cruise start at $2549* per person twin share.

Crystal AirCruises’ Inaugural Journey During China’s “Golden Week”

Crystal AirCruises’ Boeing 777, Crystal Skye, has been chartered for an inaugural 10 Day/9 Night “Golden Week Holiday AirCruise” from Friday, September 29 to Sunday, October 8, 2017, starting from Hong Kong.

The charter will be managed by Genting Hong Kong, Crystal’s parent company. Crystal Skye will then be available for charters and other special interest AirCruises. The move serves the vast luxury travel market in China and increases Crystal’s brand presence in the region. As Crystal expands its portfolio of global travel experiences, the shift of Crystal Skye to special interest charters provides a distinct luxury option that is in great demand and is unmatched by any hotel, resort or cruise line in the world.

Travellers booked on all previously-scheduled Crystal AirCruises journeys in 2017 and 2018 will receive a full refund and a complimentary experience on a Crystal Ocean or River cruise in either 2017 or 2018. Affected voyages are: August 31, 2017 “Peninsula Grand Inaugural Crystal AirCruise;” October 21, 2017 “Around the World: Iconic Sites;” December 22, 2017 “Holidays Around the World;” March 31, 2018 “Temples, Treasures & Safaris;” June 1, 2018 “Savouring the Winelands;” September 8, 2018 “Exotic Adventures;” October 13, 2018 “South Pacific Explorer.”