Get On Board with Qantas Cruises, Powered by Cruise Guru

Qantas and Cruise Guru have today announced a partnership that will launch Qantas into the fast-growing cruise market.

Qantas customers can now book cruises online through Qantas.com, using the unique technology of Cruise Choice, powered by Cruise Guru.

The integration of cruising onto Qantas.com will allow Qantas to leverage the largest and fastest growing market in the travel industry, as well as one of the fastest growing cruise markets in the world*.

Unique to Qantas Cruises is the ability for customers to access to a full range of cruise lines and ships, with live cabin availability and prices, and instant confirmation.

Cruise Guru Joint Managing Director Justin Montgomery said that he was thrilled to be able to use Cruise Guru's unique technology to create new opportunities and services for the growing number of Australians choosing to holiday by cruise.

"With 17 international cruise lines, 162 ships and over 10,000 cruise itineraries, Cruise Choice technology leads the way for the Australian consumer. We are delighted to partner with Qantas to provide efficiently serviced and competitively priced cruise offers," he said. "This partnership also provides Qantas Frequent Flyers with new ways to earn Qantas Points," he added. "Qantas Frequent Flyers will be able to earn 1 point for every A$1 spent on any Qantas Cruise booking".

Qantas Cruises are available to book from tomorrow at qantas.com/cruises.

About Cruise Guru:

Cruise Guru is a specialist cruise website that offers a unique, one-stop shop for Australian cruise customers. Cruise Guru provides consumers with the best prices, the most up-to-date deals, a wealth of knowledge, unbiased experience and support, and the convenience of full live online booking for major cruiselines. Cruise Guru began operation in January 2012, and in just two years has revolutionized the cruise market with its unique technology and unrivalled service levels.

Cruise Guru is part of the Travel the World Pty Ltd group of companies, which has been involved in the cruising sector for over 30 years. It is 100% Australian owned and operated. The Cruise Guru team has a combined number of days at sea of well over 1,000, which ensures that the customer experiences expert service levels. 

Since Cruise Guru's Facebook page launched two years ago, it has grown to well over 60,000 active fans, making the Cruise Guru Facebook page the largest in the Australian retail cruise community, and giving fellow cruisers and new-to-cruise clients the ability to interact and discuss all things cruise.

Cruise Guru is the leader in the online cruise space offering the ability for consumers to book search, book and review over 17 different cruise lines 24/7.

About Cruise Choice

The technology that sits behind Cruise Guru and Qantas Cruises is Cruise Choice, a platform that opens up a gateway for the consumer to book their cruise holiday online, 24/7 with up-to-the-minute live pricing, and availability. With 17 international cruise lines, 162 ships and over 10,000 cruise itineraries, Cruise Choice technology leads the way for the Australian consumer. Cruise Choice allows the consumer to be in control of their cruise holiday from start to finish, with the ability to choose the latest specials and prices, cabin type, cabin number and confirm their cruise without lengthy delays or interference.  They see exactly what the cruise lines are seeing in the comfort of their own home.

*About the Australian Cruise Market

Cruising is becoming ever-more popular for Australian tourists. In 2011 the number of passengers grew by 34 per cent, and in 2012 they grew by an additional 11 per cent. This trend has been sustained over the past decade: with nearly 700 000 passengers in 2012, Australian cruising is now almost six times the size it was in 2002. Remarkably, the Australian cruising industry has now had eight consecutive years of double-digit growth, and growth is expected to continue.

*Cruise Lines International Association Australasian Cruise Industry Report 2012

Save on SeaDream Yacht Club's Northern Europe

EXPLORE the rich history and breathtaking landscapes and waterways of Northern Europe with boutique 5-star SeaDream Yacht Club this coming northern summer, including overnights in harbours along the Baltic coast, throughout the Norwegian fjords and in Russia's St Petersburg.

SeaDream will offer this region from June to August, with seven to 14-day voyages that start with 11-days from Hamburg to Stockholm on May 31; mega motor-cruiser SeaDream I will sail this itinerary that passes through the Kiel Canal, visits centres including Tallinn and Helsinki, St. Petersburg for 3-days/2-nights with such optional excursions as the Hermitage Museum or the renowned Jacobson Ballet School, and will have a night and a day at sea.

By contrast, SeaDream I is able to dock in locations larger ships cannot reach, and depending on itineraries chosen this can mean the quaint  islands of Saaremaa in Estonia and Finland's 6000-isle Aland archipelago.

Other itineraries can include Denmark, Germany, Norway, Poland and Sweden.  And on visits to Oslo there's a complimentary land excursion to the Hadeland Glassworks factory owned by SeaDream Yacht Club's founder, Mr Atle Brynstad.

Fares begin from US$4,124pp twin-share share including all 5-star dining, selected premium wines, spirits and beers from the open bars, wines with lunch and dinner, use of a 30-course golf simulator, fitness centre, power and sail water-sports (where permitted,) crew gratuities, and port and government charges.

Full details from travel agents or www.seadream.com

Azamara Club Cruises Earlybird Onboard Credit Sale

 

Azamara Club Cruises is offering guests even more value with its Onboard Credit sale.  Choose from a range of 36 cruises in Europe and Asia and enjoy US$1,000 of onboard credit to spend onboard or on shore excursions when booked by 31^st January 2014. 

The Onboard Credit sale offer is available on selected Europe cruises departing between April to November 2014 and selected Asia cruises departing between December 2014 to March 2015.

 

Azamara Club Cruises already feature a host of extra inclusions in the cruise fare – including beer, wines & spirits, non-alcoholic beverages, speciality teas & coffees, bottled water, shuttle buses and gratuities – which combined with this new onboard credit offer provides unbeatable value for money.

 

Lead Fare:

·         Nine-night Mediterranean sailing from Barcelona, Spain to Rome, Italy departing 18 October 2014 onboard Azamara Journey starts from AU$3,009 for a Club Interior stateroom.

·         13-night Asia sailing from Madras, India to Singapore departing 9 December 2014 onboard Azamara Quest starts from AU$3,859 for a Club Interior stateroom.

For more information, visit azamaraclubcruises.com, call 1800 754 500 or visit your local travel agent.

 

Terms & Conditions

US$1,000 Onboard Credit is valid for new bookings made between Wednesday 1 January and Friday 31 January 2014. Offer applies to select Azamara Club Cruises voyages departing in 2014/15: Azamara Journey; 12, 19, 27 May, 3, 13, 20 Sep, 4, 11, 18, 27 Oct, 6 Nov 2014 and on Azamara Quest; 11, 22, 30 Apr, 7, 15, 26, May, 21, 28 Jun, 5, 12, 27 Jul, 3, 10, Aug, 8, 15, 25 Sep, 2 Oct, 9, 22 Dec 2014, 5, 20 Jan, 3, 17 Feb, 5, 21 Mar 2015.  Offer is not combinable with any other restricted pricing or promotions.

Silversea Silver Suite offer on 2014 Mediterranean voyages

For a limited time only, Silversea Cruises is offering an exclusive Silver Suite fare on three 2014 Mediterranean voyages onboard its 540-guest flagship Silver Spirit. Those who book by 31 January 2014 can expect an even more refined Silversea experience in one of the vessel's luxurious Silver Suites.

Silver Suite fares start from AU$10,687 per person for a 14 day round trip voyage from Barcelona departing 5 May 2014. Guests will sail through stunning regions of France, Italy and Spain including Sete, Portofino, Rome and Ibiza. Guests will enjoy overnight stays in St Tropez, Monte Carlo and Livorno (Florence).

Karen Christensen, General Manager & Director of Sales/Marketing Australasia for Silversea says,

"The Silver Suites are a favourite among our Australasia market, providing these guests with the ultimate luxurious experience whilst on board Silversea."

Sophisticated in design and equipped to accommodate up to three guests, the Silver Suites feature a separate bedroom, dining and living room, a large teak veranda and a luxurious marble bathroom.

Each of these suites also features a Bang & Olufsen sound system and an Illy Espresso machine, ensuring guests feel as at home as possible. Guests also enjoy the usual signature Silversea suite indulgences, from butler service to a bar stocked with personal preferences. The Silver Suite's intuitive design allows for a truly smooth-sailing cruise experience in elegant, spacious surroundings.

Silver Suite exclusive fares are also available on a 17 day voyage departing 11 July 2014 from Venice to Istanbul via select Greek Islands, Croatia, Turkey and the Ukraine (fares from AU$15,047 per person) and a 14 day sailing from Istanbul to Venice, 29 August 2014 via Greece, the Montenegro and Croatia (fares from AU$13,594 per person).

Silversea's fares include all-suite accommodation with butler service; gourmet cuisine with menus designed by Relais & Châteaux; complimentary wines, Champagne and spirits served throughout the ship, and all gratuities.

For more information, contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 or visit www.silversea.com

Cruise Deals - Royal Caribbean International’s Clearance Sale!

To kick off the New Year, Royal Caribbean International is offering clearance deals on some fantastic upcoming 2014 sailings. Please see below and attached for full details, and contact me if you require any further information or images.

Royal Caribbean International Deal: Single Supplement Rates of 25%*

Royal Caribbean International is offering special single supplement rates of just 25% of the twin cruise fare (normally 100%) for 12 selected sailings in February and March to the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand onboard Rhapsody of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas.

Cruise onboard Rhapsody of the Seas departing Sydney 22^nd February 2014 and sailing to the South Pacific for 12-nights from just $1,559.*

A cruise is the perfect holiday for single travellers – revel in the peace and quiet of sailing the high seas or make a host of new friends onboard.

* Subject to availability and conditions apply. Price applies to lowest available interior stateroom. Offer applies to limited sailing dates only. For full terms and conditions see: royalcaribbean.com.au

Royal Caribbean International Deal: Fly to Sydney from $49 to Cruise*    

Cruising out of Sydney, one of the world's most beautiful harbours is not just for locals! Royal Caribbean International is offering return flights from just $49 per person from Brisbane, Melbourne, Gold Coast and Adelaide* to Sydney so that Aussies from further afield can be part of the action.

Offer applies to five South Pacific cruises in 2014:

·         Rhapsody of the Seas 10-night South Pacific Splendour sailing departing Sydney 1^st February - flights from $49

·         Rhapsody of the Seas 11-night Island Adventure sailing departing Sydney 11^th February - flights from $99

·         Voyager of the Seas 10-night Fijian Delight sailing departing Sydney 27^th February - flights from $49

·         Rhapsody of the Seas 10-night South Pacific Splendour sailing departing Sydney 18^th March - flights from $99

·         Rhapsody of the Seas 10-night South Pacific Splendour sailing departing Sydney 8^th April - flights from $99

*Reduced Air Supplement based on first two passengers only and available on selected stateroom upgrades. Subject to availability and conditions apply. Offer applies to limited sailing dates only. For full terms and conditions see: royalcaribbean.com.au

Royal Caribbean International Deal: Family Offer – Pay Only Taxes & Gratuities for 3^rd & 4^th Passengers*

Pay only taxes and gratuities for the 3^rd and 4^th passengers on seven selected Royal Caribbean International cruises in February 2014 onboard Rhapsody of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas! Prices start from $2,979* based on four passengers travelling together in the one stateroom – only $75 per person per night.

* From price applies to lowest available interior stateroom. Other Conditions apply. Subject to availability. For full terms and conditions see: royalcaribbean.com.au or royalcaribbean.co.nz.

For more information about Royal Caribbean International or to book a cruise visit royalcaribbean.com.au, call 1800 754 500 or contact your travel agent.

Royal Caribbean Newsflash: #InstaFilmFest

Everyone has until 12^th January to capture their "WOW moments" in 15 seconds of video footage to take part in the world's first Instagram film festival hosted by Royal Caribbean. To enter, simply upload your video to Instagram via the hashtag #InstaFilmFest. Finalists will have their film screened at a special VIP event where the winner will be announced. The winners are to be judged by a panel of social media and film experts: Lauren Bath, Pauly Vella, Tim Charody and David Farrier. The winner will take home a money can't buy spot on Royal Caribbean's innovative new ship Quantum of the Seas – complete with a host of first at sea experiences. 

*For full competition terms and conditions, visit: instafilmfestival.com.au

For more details, visit the InstaFilmFest microsite:      instafilmfestival.com.au

View this email in your browser

See the coverage of Silver Explorer Voyage 7327 Antarctica so far ... Day 1 – Arriving At The End Of The World: Ushuaia, Argentina Day 2 – Sailing The Dreaded Drake Day 3 – Today, A Big Surprise Day 4 — Destination: Mainland Antarctica, It Only Gets Better Day 5 – Brilliant Sunlight, Beautiful Bay, Awesome Antarctica Day 6 – The Polar Plunge & Vodka At A Remote Outpost Day 7 – Change Of Plans: Ice-Choked Channel Causes Us To Miss Port Lockroy, But … Day 8 - Visiting A Volcano & A Rough Ride Ahead? Day 9 - Drake Passage Redux: Calm Before The Storm? Day 10 - The Race To Beat The Storm Through The Drake Passage

Have you visited our new sister site, Live Voyage Reports? Share Tweet Forward to Friend +1 Read Later Share Our 10 Most Popular Ship Reviews Carnival Breeze (also popular our $1.99 Carnival Breeze iBook) Carnival Dream Royal Princess Celebrity Cruises Allure of the Seas Holland America Line Silversea Cruises Crystal Cruises Seabourn Oceania Cruises Also popular on Avid Cruiser ... 3 Steps To Choosing Your Cruise My Favorite Cruises & Cruise Destinations Reviews of all ships Port Profiles, Your First Stop Before Stepping Ashore Looking For All Of Our Cruise Reviews? Click Here. River Cruise Marketplace Looking for resources to help you make informed decisions about river cruising? SUBSCRIBE to our free River Cruise Advisor newsletter or simply check out our sister site, River Cruise Advisor. River cruising is one of the fastest-growing and exciting segments of the entire travel industry. Discover why on River Cruise Advisor.   Looking For River Cruise Reviews? Click here ... Your Opinion Of Our Newsletter? Please help us improve the Avid Cruiser newsletter by answering three questions. Click to launch survey. Connect With Us! Who Is The Avid Cruiser? The Avid Cruiser is attentively operated by Ralph Grizzle. A journalism graduate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (North Carolina) and an award-winning travel writer, Ralph has been writing to help inform and inspire travelers for nearly three decades. Contact Ralph Grizzle Copyright © 2013 Avid Travel Media Inc, All rights reserved. update subscription preferences Click To Watch Our Avid Cruiser Feature Video: The Observation Bar