Big Fat Cruise Wrap

There’s nothing better than getting to Wednesday and knowing there’s only two more days until the weekend. How we live our lives!
Viking Ocean Cruises Unveil New Winter Northern Lights Itinerary
Viking Cruises today announces a new itinerary that will give your clients the rare opportunity to explore the far north in Norway’s winter, during a peak period for aurora borealis sightings. Sailing between London and Bergen and departing in January to March 2019, the In Search of the Northern Lights itinerary will establish Viking as one of the few cruise lines to offer a full-length itinerary in the Arctic Circle in the winter season. Secure your clients’ bookings before 30 September 2017 to take full advantage of this brand new offer.
Sailing on Viking’s third 930-guest ocean ship, Viking Sky, guests will experience Norway’s pristine beauty and dramatic snow-dusted wilderness, with a chance each day to stargaze and scan the dark skies for the northern lights. On the 13-day itinerary, guests will be able to immerse themselves in the rich culture of northern Europe, across seven destinations – with overnight stays in Tromsø, Alta and Bergen, Norway and a complimentary excursion in each port.
Book a 13-day In Search of the Northern Lights from $7,995 per person plus receive a $2,000 per couple air credit towards flights for bookings made before 30 September 2017.
All new glass bottom kayak tours on Rarotonga – Cook Islands
Ariki Adventures on Rarotonga in the Cook Islands has introduced an all new experience to view marine life and coral formations, with guided glass bottom kayak tours. The glass bottom kayaks are modified so the usual plastic base is replaced with clear viewing glass. Guests need only bring swimmers, sunblock and a hat.
Rarotonga’s world renowned Muri lagoon is the launch pad for the tours, which venture out to accessible tiny islets, known as motus, nestled invitingly in the lagoon.
Home to countless varieties of brilliantly coloured tropical fish and marine life, Muri lagoon also offers some of the best snorkelling and swimming spots on the island of Rarotonga for guests who want to take a dip in the crystal clear waters.
Glass bottom boat tours operate twice daily with a minimum of four people. Tours for single glass bottom kayaks are $59pp, while double kayak’s are $99. For bookings see www.arikiholidays.com.
Last minute Bentours and Hurtigruten sale for travel in 2017
Journey to Iceland, Norway, Brazil or Chile and Antarctica and not only will travellers uncover some of the world’s most beautiful destinations but they will also save up to thousands of dollars on cabins.
Included in the deal is Hurtigruten’s The Ultimate Fjord Expedition in the Arctic. This 15 day expedition starts in Iceland’s capital Reyjavik, crosses the ocean to Greenland and cruises the world’s biggest fjord system, enhanced further by its native wildlife. Travellers will also cross the Arctic Ocean and land on Jan Mayen, a volcanic island in the middle of the sea, as well as uncover some of the Norwegian fjords and the gems along the rugged Norwegian coast.
Prices for this journey now starts from A$8380//NZ$8950 per person departing 6 Sep 2017 and includes 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners. Plus solo travellers will also receive no single supplements, in addition to the 20% off, on packages Wildlife in the South Atlantic Ocean and Expedition to the Amazon – Southbound, for selected travel dates.
Conditions apply. 20% sale is valid until sold out, no single supplement is available until 31 July 2017.
Viking Cruises Release 2019 Egypt Departures
Viking Cruises release the opening of their 2019 Egypt sailing season. Due to overwhelming demand for their new ship Viking Ra and for Egypt as a cruise destination, Viking Cruises has almost sold out of their recently released 2018 Egypt departures. Viking will offer 40 departures in 2019 from January to May and August to December.
The launch in May this year of their new ship, Viking Ra, and a new Egypt itinerary, Pharaohs & Pyramids, has seen the 2018 season almost sold out already. Viking Ra will boast 24 suites and accommodate 48 guests, reflecting Viking’s award-winning Scandinavian design and intimate sailing experience. Viking Ra, named in honour of the Egyptian sun god Ra, will feature three suite stateroom categories, as well as an onboard spa, two Jacuzzis and an outdoor pool.
During the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary, guests will experience Egypt’s cultural treasures across seven ports. Book the 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids cruise from $7,795 per person in a suite category for the 03 May 2019 departure on board Viking Ra. Call 138 747 or visit vikingrivercruises.com.au.
Scenic’s China & Japan brochure is out now with new tours

Scenic’s brochure for China and Japan has just landed, with some brand-new tours: the 25 Day North Asian Odyssey, a combined China and Japan tour packed with the highlights of both nations; a 16 Day Treasures of Japan tour, which takes in Kanazawa and Matsumoto for the first time; and the reinvented 12 Day Japan Highlights tour, which features visits to Tokyo, Himeji, Hiroshima and Kyoto.
Scenic Freechoice are a vast range of included activities, sightseeing and dining experiences guests can choose from. A host of new Scenic Freechoice activities have been added, including an Izakaya Nightlife tour in Tokyo. Also new for 2018 is a handpicked Scenic Enrich experience in Hiroshima, where guests will learn the story behind origami crane orizuru and make their own.
The 25 Day North Asian Odyssey starts from $23,790pp with a special Fly Free offer (including taxes). The 16 Day Treasures of Japan starts from $18,790pp with Partner Fly Free offer (including taxes), and the 12 Day Japan Highlights starts from $14,690 with a special Partner Fly Free offer (including taxes). Plus guests will receive an additional $200pp Early Booking Discount by booking before 31 October 2017.
Download the brochure here.
Getaway discovers Canada with Scenic
Tune in to Getaway over the next three weeks to watch David Reyne’s adventure through Canada on Scenic’s luxurious Eastern Explorer tour from Toronto to Montreal. The Nine Network will be screening three full half hour episodes on Saturday 1, 8 and 15 July.
The first episode airs on Canada’s 150th Anniversary of Confederation and sees David’s journey begin in Toronto. Only an hour and a half hour’s drive away is one of the major tourist attractions in the world, the imposing Niagara Falls, here he witnesses the magnificent roar of the falls. The final stop is at Lake Ontario, where David wanders through the manicured streets of Niagara On The Lake. The following episode sees David visit the country’s bi-lingual capital of Ottawa. A modern city with a French passion, cruise along the river and take in the city’s landmarks. The last instalment takes places in Montréal, Canada’s second largest city and the second largest French city in the world.
Scenic is giving viewers the opportunity to win a 9 Day Eastern Explorer tour for two departing 18 May 2018, worth over $19,000. Included in the prize is return economy airfares from Australia and all activities, sightseeing and exclusive events. To enter the competition, starting Saturday 1 July, visit getaway.scenic.com.au. Winner will be announced on scenic.com.au on Thursday 20 July 2017. For a preview click here.
Sneak Peak inside Pacific Explorer
Photos showcase the exciting new interior spaces of P&O Cruises’ latest ship, Pacific Explorer.
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Crystal Gives Guests VIP Access to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Formula 1 Race
Adrenaline rushes are inevitable for Crystal Symphony guests in Abu Dhabi this November, as Crystal unveils three exclusive ways for travellers to experience the most glamorous international event in the United Arab Emirates. During the “Indian Ocean Discovery” voyage, the ultra-luxury ship will arrive in Abu Dhabi on November 25 for an overnight stay just in time for the capital city’s Formula 1 Grand Prix at the famed Yas Marina Circuit. Crystal guests will enjoy VIP views for each lap, heightening the thrill of the event.
The most exclusive Crystal package for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix transports guests by luxury coach from the ship to Yas Island, where the Marina is located, and positions them in the heart of the action with Formula TEAM One Paddock Club™ access, with either Team Red Bull or Team Ferrari. Participants will walk the pit lane and enjoy premier seating in the air-conditioned upper floors of the pit building, as well as fine cuisine and beverage service throughout the day, open bar and access to the roof terrace to mingle with fellow VIP guests. Fares for this option are US$9,999 per person.
In addition to Abu Dhabi, the 17-day voyage begins with an overnight in Dubai and a maiden call in Doha, Qatar before cruising the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean en route to Mahé/Victoria, Seychelles; Nosy Bé and Maroantsetra (maiden call), Madagascar; and Mauritius/Port Louis, Republic of Mauritius. All-inclusive cruise only fares start at US$3,995 per person.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises President and CEO Visits Australia to Commemorate 25th Anniversary
Mr Jason Montague, President and CEO of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience™, is visiting Australia this week to commemorate the line’s 25th anniversary. “
Underlining Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ commitment to the local region and leveraging the brand’s ever-increasing popularity among local cruisers, the cruise line’s ships are spending more time in Australian waters than ever before. From just two days in 2016 to 60 this year, to 90 days scheduled in local waters for Regent ships as part of its 2018 season. This will include the brand’s first ever Australian circumnavigation cruise on board the luxurious, all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner, departing 15 December 2018. The 36-night, Sydney return Grand Aussie Adventure cruise has been crafted to unveil the best of Australia from the South Pacific to the Indian oceans.
Following an extensive refurbishment program, Seven Seas Navigator and Seven Seas Voyager now offer the same incredibly elegant style and unrivalled attention to detail made famous aboard Seven Seas Explorer. Seven Seas Mariner, in March 2018, will similarly undergo a major bow-to-stern refurbishment, including the addition of the new Chartreuse French specialty restaurant, as well as the elevation of all public spaces and suites. The refurbishment is the final step in the brand’s extensive US$125 million fleet-wide enhancement program to ensure all Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ ships enjoy a consistently exceptional style and standard.
Travel Solo, Minus the Hefty Surcharge
Cruising has never been cheaper for solo travellers with offering a single surcharge between only 25%-30% on normal twin share prices, for all Murray Princess three, four and seven night cruises. The Murray Princess herself is ideal for solo travellers. Being a small ship, she only accommodates up to 120 passengers, so cruises are very intimate and solo travellers can easily meet other solo travellers or groups of people and make lifelong friends.
The three-night Discovery Cruise travels between Walkers Flat and Murray Bridge and departs every Friday at 4.30pm with Early Booking Saver (EBS) fares starting from AU$803.00 per person, twin share. The four-night Outback Heritage Cruise travels between Mannum and Blanchetown and departs every Monday at 4.30pm and EBS prices start from AU$1099.00 per person, twin share. The seven-night Murraylands and Wildlife Cruise travels between Blanchetown and Murray Bridge and departs every Friday and Monday at 4.30pm with EBS prices starting from AU$1639.00 per person, twin share including a complimentary Barossa Valley tour.
Prices include accommodation, all meals, guided nature walks, eco-excursions, onboard presentations, onboard WiFi, the Captain’s Dinner and Cocktail Party, live entertainment, use of ship’s facilities including a sauna, spa, sun deck, bar, two lounges, restaurant and mini gymnasium and complimentary scenic coach transfers from and to Adelaide or secure car-parking in Mannum and post cruise coach transfer to Adelaide Airport.
Captain Cook Cruises to Operate ICC Ferry Service
Captain Cook Cruises have been granted permission by the NSW State Government, to commence a ferry service to and from the International Convention Centre (ICC) wharf. The Ferry will commence in just a few weeks and will operate daily from early morning to evening between the ICC, Barangaroo and Circular Quay.
Captain Cook Cruises has purpose designed and built, small, fast 60 passenger catamaran ferries to operate a high frequency, low cost service for visitors and tourist to the Centre. They will not only provide much needed transport for ICC delegates but also help reduce traffic in and around Sydney city.
Captain Cook Cruises announcement comes after Andrew Constance, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure today announced commercial ferry operators will be allowed to provide direct services to Convention Wharf and services between Manly and Darling Harbour without needing a passenger service contract with Transport for NSW.
Children ‘Take Over’ P&O Cruises’ Pacific Explorer in Spectacular Naming Ceremony
One hundred and twenty children ‘took over’ Pacific Explorer – the latest addition to P&O Cruises’ fleet – in a first of its kind naming ceremony on Sydney Harbour.
Fresh from a multi-million dollar transformation adding a host of fantastic new features, Pacific Explorer had the ‘slime of her life’ when one of the world’s most loved adventurers, Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer, christened the ship by breaking a giant bottle piñata which burst with colour in front of hundreds of guests on the ship’s upper deck.
During her recent dry dock Pacific Explorer emerged with exciting new features including the longest and wildest waterslides on an Australian cruise ship and an interactive water park, an outdoor lawn bowling green, P&OEdge – the cruise line’s signature adventure ground – and the new Southern Cross livery emblazoned on her hull. Building on the success of P&O’s partnership with Australian chef and restaurateur Luke Mangan, the ship was fitted with ‘Luke’s’ an al fresco fast-casual dining option offering gourmet burgers and a seven-course degustation experience called ‘A Taste of Salt’.
Pacific Explorer’s cruises include a 3-night, X740 Food and Wine cruise departing Sydney on 21 September, 2017. Fares start from $369* per person twin share on the Explorer Sale.
Viking Cruises Launch New River and Ocean Deals
Viking Cruises are launching new river and ocean offers from 1st July. Secure your clients’ bookings before 30 Sept 2017 to take full advantage of these special offers.
River: Save up to $6,400 per couple on selected 2018 river itineraries; fly free on European river itineraries of 13-days or more including the Grand European Tour, France’s Finest, Waterways of the Tsars and European Sojourn; fly free on river itineraries to China and Southeast Asia; fly to Europe for $995 per person on Viking’s shorter river itineraries of 8 to 12 days; Fly Business Class from $4,995 per person, valid on Europe and Russia itineraries of 13 days or more in Veranda Stateroom and above, and customise your air: Choose your airline or break up your journey on the way to Europe with a stopover for just $250 per person in Economy class or $500 per person in Business class. Your choice of Emirates, Singapore Airlines or Qatar Airways.
Ocean: Book now and choose $1,000 Air credit per couple or $1,000 Shipboard credit per couple. Valid on selected 2017, 2018 and 2019 ocean itineraries.
Travel with Viking Cruises through the heart of Europe on its most iconic Grand European Tour from Amsterdam to Budapest. 15 magical days on a cruise along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers, seeing the best of The Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Hungary and a chance to experience European history and culture first hand. Prices starting from $6,995 per person.
Crystal River Cruises Employ High-Tech Simulator for Captain Training
Crystal River Cruises, will be the first in the river cruise industry whose captains will complete their training and assessments in a state-of-the-art simulator. The training will take place at the Simwave simulator centre in the Netherlands as part of an agreement between Netherlands-based Simwave and Crystal parent company Genting Hong Kong, when the simulator is completed in November. Crystal River Cruises’ Captains will maximise real-world preparation and safety proficiency for those at the helm of the company’s groundbreaking luxury vessels.
The simulator’s 3D mathematical model is designed by Simwave’s mathematical modeling & research department, using actual specs from the Crystal vessels to accurately implement handling characteristics for real-world situation training. The bridge layout and design are also based on Crystal’s river ships, ensuring that captains are fully familiar with the components of the vessels before they come aboard. While Crystal’s first river ship, Crystal Mozart, is the only river ship in operation that employs two captains manning the navigation bridge at all times (she is the largest vessel on European rivers), the river simulator accommodates a second captain to train in emergency relief situations aboard the “Rhine Class” ships.
The simulator’s tailor-made environments and controls are advanced training tools by the standards of the river cruising industry, with which Crystal’s captains are already extensively familiar. Each officer chosen to helm the luxurious vessels along the rivers of Europe boasts decades of experience, as well as lifelong knowledge of the region and its waterways.
Personal Travel Managers Indulged Aboard MS Noordam
Holland America marked the occasion of their ship, the MS Noordam, visiting Sydney by welcoming 24 of TravelManagers’ personal travel managers (PTMs) aboard for an inspection followed by lunch aboard the ship.
The MS Noordam is one of Holland America Line’s Vista Class ships, and generally spends the northern summers plying the waters of the Pacific Northwest, before making its way to Australia to spend the southern hemisphere’s summer exploring New Zealand, the Pacific Islands and Australia.
Personal travel manager Julianne Gazal-Rizk, cruise specialist and representative for Willoughby was wowed by the hosted lunch.
“Holland America employs a team of world-class consultant chefs, whose job it is to ensure that the food served is innovative, fresh and of the best quality, so a holiday on one of their vessels is true foodie heaven! The ship has ten dining options ranging from fine dining in the Asian-inspired Tamarind restaurant to gourmet burgers and New York-style pizzas served poolside, its great knowing there’s something for everyone.”
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