Big Fat Cruise Wrap
If we read any more cruise news we might turn into a cruise ship. But a really pretty one with a spa and a contemporary colour scheme.
Crystal unveils new travel partner resource center and travel agent university
Crystal has announced a newly enhanced Partner Resource Center and updated Travel Agent University. The Partner Resource Center, formerly the Travel Agent Center, has debuted with an enhanced aesthetic platform, improved functionality and a comprehensive collection of materials and tools. The new platform caters exclusively to partners seeking to expand their Crystal business, providing access to:
- Training videos and webinars
- Sales and marketing kit
- Crystal news and media centre
- Cruise Guidebooks
- CruiseBuilder 3.0
- Personalised URL services
- Travel documents and forms portal
- Crystal sales team bios and backgrounds
- Special offers
- Travel partner fares
Murray River Loxton Cruise 2018 Dates Announced
Captain Cook Cruises has announced the 2018 dates for its popular seven-night Loxton cruises onboard small ship paddle-wheeler the Murray Princess.
The Mannum to Loxton cruise will depart Mannum on Friday 23rd November at 4.30pm and disembark at Loxton on Friday 30th November at 9am. The Loxton to Mannum cruise will depart Loxton on Friday 30th December at 4.30pm and disembark at Mannum on Friday 7th December at 9am
Crystal Marks First Construction Milestone for Crystal Endeavor
Crystal marked an important construction milestone in Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises’ expansion, as it cut the first piece of steel for Crystal Endeavor at MV WERFTEN Shipyard in Stralsund, Germany.
Crystal president and CEO, Tom Wolber, was joined by Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman and CEO of Crystal’s parent company, Genting Hong Kong (GHK); Colin Au, group president of GHK; Jarmo Laakso, CEO of MV WERFTEN; and local dignitaries Harry Glawe, Economics Minister of the State of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and Dr. Alexander Badrow, Lord Mayor of Stralsund at the ceremony held at the shipyard on Monday, January 15.
New ship, new experiences: Azamara pursuit unveils three new land & sea experiences in South America
Azamara Club Cruises has announced the launch of three new Land and Sea packages in South America that explore bucket list destinations with the brand’s signature passion for Destination Immersion® cruise experiences.
These exciting new packages include a Galapagos immersion with award-winning sister brand, Celebrity Cruises. Azamara provides guests with the opportunity to discover exotic ports and extend their voyage in some of 2018’s top regions to visit.
All three locations – the Galapagos in Ecuador, Machu Picchu in Peru, and Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil – are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while Machu Picchu is acknowledged as one of the New Wonders of the World.
Pandaw announces new Burma itinerary – River Cruise Pioneer Launches Limited Edition Mergui Archipelago Sailings
Pandaw River Expeditions has announced a new, limited edition, itinerary in Burma’s extraordinary Mergui Archipelago. The move follows the successful launch of Pandaw’s first ocean cruise onboard the MY Andaman Explorer, a classic 1960’s motor yacht acquired in 2016 and, lovingly, refurbished by Pandaw founders, Paul and Roser Strachan.
European Waterways Announces Spring Savings for Burgundy Cruises
European Waterways is jump-starting its spring 2018 hotel barge cruising season by offering up to 20% off cabins and charters in Burgundy, France.
The offer is available for select April departures on some of its most popular cruise routes in the famed wine-making region. Prices start at €2952 (AU$4,600) per person based on double occupancy. Cruises must be booked by February 19th, 2018 to be eligible and other restrictions may apply.
Seabourn looks back on three decades of ultra-luxury innovation
The 30th Anniversary of Seabourn starts with the turn of the calendar to 2018. But the anniversary celebration will continue throughout the year as the world’s finest ultra-luxury cruise line rolls out unique events and amenities created just for the occasion for guests, Seabourn team members and travel professional partners to enjoy around the world.
“Our 30th Anniversary is a wonderful occasion to celebrate the reputation we’ve earned as the world’s finest ultra-luxury cruise line by providing guests with opportunities to experience the most intriguing destinations around the globe on the most desirable ships at sea,” said Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn. “As we continue to grow, those opportunities will grow as well. For now, though, we invite guests to sit back and soak up the ultra-luxury innovations we’ve pioneered and special touches we’ve created in celebration of our third decade at sea.”
Evergreen launches 2019 Europe River Cruising preview brochure featuring Fly Free offers
Evergreen Cruises & Tours new 2019 Europe River Cruising Preview brochure has been released featuring a range of flight offers like Fly Free* or Fly for $995 including taxes*, as well as No Single Supplement for solo travellers.
The offers can also be combined with early payment discounts for savings of up to an additional $800 per couple*.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals Northern Hemisphere autumn/ winter 2019/20 itineraries
Norwegian Cruise Line today revealed selections from the fleet’s North-American autumn/winter 2019/20 deployment, which will feature a plethora of warm weather escapes to tropical paradises in the Caribbean, Bahamas & Florida and South America, as well as Northern Hemisphere autumn foliage sailings in Canada & New England.
Most of the brand’s largest and newest vessels will each call a new city home in 2019. Norwegian’s unique and varied new itineraries, all of which feature the line’s signature cruising experience that allows guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal holiday, will open for sale today, for returning guests and will be available to the general public on Friday, January 19.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises launches reduced deposit and shipboard credit
Luxurious all-inclusive cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises has introduced a reduced 10% deposit and US$250 Shipboard Credit per suite on all 2018 Europe sailings booked by 31 January 2018.
Guests can also enjoy free unlimited laundry on all Mediterranean sailings for an even more inclusive experience. Now guests can pack that little bit lighter, knowing that their favourite travel garments will be returned to them clean, pressed and fresh as new.
Escape to the ends of the earth with last minute offer on Patagonia Stay and Cruise Package
Contours Travel – the longest-running Latin American tour operator in Australia – is offering a $2020 saving per couple on a new, all-inclusive package that will allow travellers to explore the spectacular wilderness at the ‘end of the earth’ in Patagonia by both land and sea.
The ‘Discover Patagonia’ tour departs on March 22, 2018, from Punta Arenas and Contours travel is offering a last-minute saving of $1010 per person until sold out. The all-inclusive, seven-night package takes guests to one of the world’s last great wilderness areas and allows them to explore mountains, lakes, ice-fields, forest landscapes and beautiful vistas of the southern tip of South America.
Azamara announces UK refit and maiden voyage for Azamara Pursuit
Boutique cruise line Azamara Club Cruises announced today that its new ship, Azamara Pursuit, will undergo its transformation to be almost identical to sister ships Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey. Azamara Pursuit will be refitted in the U.K. as it prepares to go into wet dock in Belfast in Spring 2018. The ship’s maiden voyage will begin in Southampton, England in August and visit eight destinations throughout Norway as part of its Destination Immersion® country-intensive series.
“We’re delighted to announce that the Azamara Pursuit’s first several voyages will depart from one of our largest growth markets,” said Azamara Club Cruises CEO Larry Pimentel. “We’ve seen double the UK demand for Azamara Pursuit than we usually see for its sister ships, so this is a really exciting time for us as a brand.”
Silversea’s Silver Whisper embarks on world cruise 2018 and a host of enriching events
Silversea’s all-suite Silver Whisper set sail from Los Angeles on 6 January 2018 on a 121-day voyage around the world. Encompassing Pacific island paradises, ancient and modern wonders of Asia and the marvels of Arabia, the epic voyage will conclude in May in the eternal city of Rome.
The evening prior to departure, Silver Whisper’s guests were serenaded with live orchestral music as they enjoyed a gala bon voyage dinner at the glamorous Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills. The dinner is one of several unique complimentary benefits for World Cruise guests, including seven special cultural events that await them in Tahiti, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Mumbai and Sorrento.
Exclusive last-minute savings on a selection of Asia voyages
Silversea Cruises is delighted to offer last minute savings on a fascinating selection of Asia voyages*, on departures from now until 25 April 2018 aboard Silver Shadow. When booking on participating voyages* by 15 March 2018, guests will receive a one-category upgrade and US$1,000 on-board credit per suite. For guests who are booking and paying in full by 31 January 2018, they can also look forward to receiving Free Business Class Air.**
Guests can choose voyages ranging from nine to 15 days, which explore an array of exotic locations including Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Thailand, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines. Guests will explore a fascinating contrast of new and old, from skyscrapers towering over stone-carved temples to bullet trains speeding past rice paddies and tea plantations. Even the most discerning traveller will be fascinated by gilded shrines, floating markets, sampans in mist-shrouded harbours and harvested rice left to dry in the sun.
Ecruising.Travel wins awards
The team at ecruising.travel has taken two honours in the 2018 LUX Tourism Awards. The cruise expert was recognised for developing Australia’s Best Cruise Booking Platform with the POSH Club receiving the LUX Excellence Award for the Best Loyalty Program.
LUX is a monthly lifestyle magazine published in the United Kingdom with the 2018 Tourism Awards “designed to reward those succeeding within one of the world’s most extravagant industries”.
The CLIAs a Sell Out Amid Record Award Submissions
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has revealed that the 17th Cruise Industry Awards dinner has sold out in the wake of a record number of award nominations.
CLIA Australasia & Asia Managing Director Joel Katz said the association had been inundated with submissions from CLIA accredited agents and agencies for the categories open to nomination, which include Agent Promotion of the Year Australia / New Zealand, Network Promotion of the Year (Australasia) and Plan a Cruise Month Agency Award (Australasia).
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
azamara clia Contours Travel cruise wrap Crystal ecruisingtravel european waterways pandaw regent seven seas seabourn silverseaLatest News
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Grafton Travel passes the baton of ownership to Louise Thompson
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Regent announces opening of the Regent Santa Monica Beach
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CATO unites at World Travel Market London
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ICC Sydney hosts Global Nature Positive Summit
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Centennial Homestead welcomes The Paddock and Treehouse Rooftop Bar
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Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort offers the perfect weekend itinerary for a boys’ trip
Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort offers the perfect weekend itinerary for men to enjoy a customised adventure or wellness weekend. “Boys’ weekends” have come a long way from fishing, footy, and pub grub, with guys keen to get away to destinations that offer everything from actions and adventure […]
Club Med launches inaugural Meetings and Events Sustainability Report
Club Med has launched its inaugural Meetings and Events Sustainability Report, a new source of key information to support companies with the implementation of sustainable initiatives at their events. As its MICE sector continues to accelerate, the pioneer of premium all-inclusive holidays commissioned a survey on 200 key opinion leaders from a range of different […]
PONANT pulls the pin on Paspaley Pearl sailings in the Kimberley
Big new in the luxury cruise industry, but getting more details is like prizing an oyster from its shell.
Regional manager Stewart Williams departs Celestyal Cruises after restructure
We wish Stewart Williams the best of luck with his next chapter.
Hotel review: does Amanpulo in the Phillipines outshine the Australian coastline?
We set our sights on Pamalican Island, curious if its beauty might outshine the familiar splendour of our own Australian coasts. Upon our arrival, what Amanpulo presents is a transformation of natural beauty into something that borders on ethereal. The journey by seaplane – a cinematic touch – adds an air of mystery, as if […]
‘Magnifique!’ – Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky star in Experience Visit Abu Dhabi ad
When you have a family this photogenic, it would be rude not to appear in a travel advert.
Inside Travel Group picks up $40m investment from Piper and Cool Japan Fund
Not a bad investment win for Inside Travel Group! We are sure there's a few office celebrations happening today.
Celestyal, Visit Qatar & Qatar Airways to host F1 super famil with celebrity guest
If you want to go on this famil then join the very, very long queue.
UK-based Gray Dawes Group acquires Melbourne-based Verve Travel and Leisure
Who says there's no money in travel? Drinks all round for Kathryn and Kurt Sari.
Virgin Australia and American Express boost Velocity card benefits with lounge access and more
Have we got a deal for you! AmEx and Virgin double down on card status credits.
Yajambee Farms opens in the Moreton Bay region
We are not fully sure what a self-contained farm stay is but it sounds good.
Sydney marathon upgrade set to add $73million to NSW economy
Oh no. We were hoping to enter but looks like it will be too busy for us now. Oh well, sofa and potato chips for us.
Smoothing the customer data journey for travel and hospitality
Whilst giving your data away can be scary, we can all agree that it sucks to receive non-personalised ads.
Mondrian Hong Kong wins two AHEAD Asia 2024 awards
We aren't sure why exactly they won the awards. Looks like we will have to stay and find out for ourselves.
Top tips on visiting when Japan this winter, thanks to Japan Rail Pass
Basically don't be rude, exercise general social etiquette and you'll be good.
PONANT unveils Northern Lights Quest itineraries for 2025
They say the lights are mesemerising and you could look at this all night. Just thaw us out at the end please.
Pier One Sydney Harbour partners with Exceptional ALIEN
A golden key digital created a concierge to guide you around top city spots? Yes please.
Melbourne Cup-winning jockey met trainer of winning horse on P&O Cruise
Forget snakes on a plane. We prefer the much friendlier 'horses on a cruise ship'.
Club Med kicks off industry first home based agent conference in sunny Bali
Apart from insightful keynotes and digital workshops, walking into the air-conditioned conference room was a highlight!
When in town for the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, Honeymoon Guesthouse is the place to call home
Don't worry - you don't actually have to be on your honeymoon to enjoy this special place.
Smartraveller keeps US green despite ‘potential for unrest and violence’ amidst presidential election
Whilst it may be safe to travel to the US, your holiday might be more peaceful if you hold off.
BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith to depart after 12 years
12 years is a pretty impressive tenure! We are sure Lyn Lewis-Smith will be very much missed.
Meet Roya I’Anson – the unstoppable hotelier who became a GM at JUST 27 after starting out cleaning rooms
At 27 the biggest responsibility we had was watering our housemate's pot plant. That didn't end well...
Kochi showcases its isolated Japanese appeal
Visiting isolated places is great, although you might want to brush up on your Japanese before you go.
Adelaide Marriott Hotel brings new life to city’s historic General Post Office
We once slept in a post office, but that ended up with a police caution. This is a better time.
APT brings the outback to Melbourne with custom Mercedes-Benz 4WDs
We thought this meant they were bringing trucks of kangaroos and wombats into Melbourne, sadly not.
Stories Unseen expands to Adelaide
If you hate real people, but love local industry knowledge, then this is for you!
To get the most out of France, take the Back-Roads
Just in case you needed more reasons to extend your visit to Europe in 2025, this is it!
Catriona Rowntree reveals her Top 10 Tips for the cruise season
Catriona has been telling how to get away for a while now, we are staggered at how long, and it's all sensible advice.
Australia’s largest airports join forces in the fight against human trafficking
A great initiative for a very worthy cause! Nice to see the travel industry doing good.