MSC Cruises Northern Europe for 2018

• MSC Cruises Northern Europe itineraries take you to the Norwegian Fjords, Baltic Capitals & Iceland.
• Weekly departures every Saturday & Sunday with four ships seasonally
• Be quick to secure your spot on one of the hottest itineraries for 2018!

Departing Hamburg, Germany on July 29, 2018 MSC Meraviglia takes you on an 11-night journey.  Launched in June 2017, MSC Meraviglia is packed with extraordinary features. Enjoy outstanding dining options and entertainment including the exclusive Cirque du Soliel at Sea. An innovative ocean-view aft lounge, a two-deck "inside promenade" with a 480 square metre LED dome and a spectacular amusement area connected to an outdoor water park, will keep everyone entertained. In the Shetland Islands visit the 17th century town of Lerwick and Scalloway Castle, built by tyrant Patrick Stewart, in 1600 before admiring the peat and heather covered landscapes. Continuing to Iceland you will stop at three ports, Reykjavik for an overnight stay, Isafjordur and Akureyri. From here you will sail to Invergordon in the UK before returning to Hamburg. Priced from $3,099*pp twin share. PLUS your choice of FREE gift- onboard credit, all-inclusive drinks package or WiFi package, if you book by March 15, 2018.

MSC Meraviglia (supplied)

Ranked among the most beautiful destinations in Europe, the Fjords of Norway are a must see on everyone's bucket list. Departing July 14, 2018 MSC Orchestra takes you on a 7-night journey through the fjords from Copenhagen, Denmark. Priced from $2,199*pp twin share for a balcony cabin. PLUS your choice of FREE gift- onboard credit, all-inclusive drinks package or WiFi package, if you book by March 15, 2018.

Departing August 18, 2018, from Kiel, Germany, MSC Preziosa, calls at Bergen, where you will see Sognefjord, the country's longest and deepest fjord and the colourful wooden houses of Bryggen and the fjords of Flaam and Hellesylt/ Geiranger on a 7-night cruise. Priced from $1,427*pp twin share. PLUS your choice of FREE gift- onboard credit, all-inclusive drinks package or WiFi package, if you book by March 15, 2018.

For a longer journey join MSC Magnifica on a 10-night journey through the Norwegian fjords.  Explore the Fjords of Stavanger, Bergen, the pretty town of Olden and Alesund.  Founded in 1793 and destroyed by fire, today Alesund is one of the great art nouveau towns. Ports of call also include Le Havre (Paris) and Hamburg, Germany. Departing Southampton on July 9, 2018 and priced from $2,199*pp twin share.  PLUS your choice of FREE gift- onboard credit, all-inclusive drinks package or WiFi package, if you book by March 15, 2018.

With weekly departures, you can choose a date to suit, but don't delay to secure your cabin for 2018!  Book TODAY by calling 1300 028 502, www.msccruises.com.au or call your local travel agent and don't miss out.

*Conditions apply. Pick your gift on selected departures only. New bookings only. Onboard credit, based on twin share booking Inside cabin $100pp, Oceanview $150pp, Balcony $200pp. Adult all inclusive drinks package available for first passenger only. All passengers in the cabin must purchase the all-inclusive drinks package. Wifi Streamer package with 340MB up to 4 devices.

Why Australians Have Fallen in Love with Cruising Alaska

Australians are choosing to cruise Alaska in record numbers, as premium cruise line Celebrity Cruises prepares to send three ships to the region for the 2018 summer season to cater to the incredible demand.

"The number of Australians choosing an Alaskan cruise with Celebrity has grown by more than 100 per cent over the past five years – a phenomenal increase which is significantly higher than the industry-wide upward trend for Alaska cruising," said Adam Armstrong, managing director, Celebrity Cruises Australia & New Zealand.

Silversea Silver Spirit in for a long stretch

Silver Spirit - a multi-award-winning cruise ship in Silversea's fleet of nine - has made her final port call before undergoing an extensive lengthening project in Italy. Docking in Dubai on 22 February 2018, the ship completed an eight-night cruise from Mumbai.

Silver Spirit will enter dry dock at the industry-leading Fincantieri shipyard in Palermo on 5 March, where she will remain until 1 May 2018. She will undergo large-scale refurbishment works, which will include the insertion of a prebuilt 15-metre-long (49-feet-long) segment into the ship's midsection, making her the first luxury ship to be lengthened in this manner. With the aim of augmenting the onboard experience for Silversea guests, the project will dramatically enhance each of the ship's public spaces with beautiful interior design, taking inspiration from the cruise line's flagship vessel, Silver Muse.

"Based on the wonderful feedback from guests sailing aboard our beautiful Silver Muse, we believe the comprehensive makeover we have planned for Silver Spirit will enrich the onboard experience and be equally appreciated by guests. They will see many of Silver Muse's innovations and elevated comforts embodied by our reimagined Silver Spirit," says Christian Sauleau, Executive Vice President of Fleet Operations for Silversea.

Enjoyed by the ship's guests and characterising Silversea's superior cruising experiences, Silver Spirit's atmospheric sense of intimacy will not be compromised by the planned enhancements. While some areas will grow in size, evoking the feel of spaciousness and enhancing comfort, special measures have been made to retain the ship's bijou feel. Silversea's trademark level of service will also continue: the improved Silver Spirit will enjoy an impressive crew-to-guest ratio of almost 1:1.

Following a lengthy phase of research, the turn-key transformation of Silver Spirit will amplify everything that matters most to Silversea's guests: dining options will increase in variation and advance in quality; additional suites will enrich the onboard accommodation; stylish décor enhancements will be made to existing suites and the ship's public areas; the pool deck area will be enlarged and reimagined; the addition of a new health and fitness centre will improve wellness facilities; and various other amenities such as the casino, will undergo tasteful transformations.

Following the enormous success of the distinct culinary concepts offered aboard Silver Muse, the dining options on Silver Spirit will be fundamentally reimagined to increase choice and improve guests' experiences: delivering gastronomic authenticity from across the world, Atlantide, Indochine, Spaccanapoli, and Silver Note will be installed to complement the existing Seishin, La Dame, The Grill, and La Terrazza – each of which will undergo refurbishment. Inspired by guest feedback, menus will be altered and refined across the ship's prevailing restaurants.

Elsewhere, new public spaces will elevate the overall comfort of the ship. A new addition to Silver Spirit, the Arts Café - an innovative, modern, multi-faceted area - will stimulate guests' senses on the eighth deck. Offering a relaxed setting for readers and tea/coffee lovers, the Arts Café will display exhibitions and performances. Inspired by Silversea's Italian heritage, Dolce Vita will occupy pride of place on Silver Spirit. It will be an elegant venue in which sophisticated travellers will gather, interact, and make lifelong friends. Cool cocktails will provide the perfect accompaniments to the smooth sound of live piano. Guests also stand to benefit from the installation of the Zagara spa - a blissful sanctuary that proved to be extremely popular on Silver Muse - and a fitness centre that will boast state-of-the-art facilities.

The lengthening project will create 34 new luxury suites, as well as a Balsorano suite – the pinnacle of onboard accommodation, which will be adorned with decorative items that are of personal value to Silversea's chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio di Balsorano de Clunieres. The best existing suites on Silver Spirit's will grow in their appeal, with the addition of handmade Savoir® mattresses, horse hair toppers, and new HD screens for guests' comfort.

On 6 May 2018, Silver Spirit will commence her service with a seven-day cruise between Civitavecchia (Rome) and Barcelona, calling at Porto-Vecchio, Corsica; Livorno; Portofino; Cannes; and Marseilles. Fares start from AUD$7,800 per person, based on double occupancy in a Vista Suite.

Crystal Cruises 2020 World Cruise

Luxury line announces details of 25th World Cruise, featuring varied and captivating Southern Hemisphere locales

Embarking on a comprehensive exploration of the Southern Hemisphere from Miami to Rome, Crystal Serenity’s 2020 World Cruise offers travellers a journey filled with tropical havens, ancient treasures and modern marvels.

Boutique Cruise Ship, Azamara Journey, Returns to Sydney

#cruising

·         Third Australian season and biggest year yet for the boutique cruise line
·         2017/18 season expected to inject $3.5 million into the Australian economy
·         Visit part of line's first ever Australian 'Country-Intensive' voyage

Boutique, up-market cruise line Azamara Club Cruises returns to Sydney at 2pm today when the recently revitalised 690-guest Azamara Journey berths at White Bay for an overnight call, with guests from 17 countries onboard.

Azamara Journey's first visit to Sydney for the summer – part of the line's third season down under – is expected to inject around $1.2 million into the NSW economy during just two days in passenger spend alone, and $3.5 million into the Australian economy throughout the season.

Pic: Tim Faircloth

Journey's arrival in Sydney marks the completion of the line's first ever Australian Country-Intensive cruise, an 18-night voyage from Bali to Australia via the west and south coast for Australia. Along the way, Azamara Journey made maiden calls to Geraldton, Albany, Esperance and Fremantle in WA, as well as Kangaroo Island and Adelaide in SA.

Azamara Journey will offer four Australia and New Zealand cruises during the summer, including the line's first ever World Journey, departing Sydney on 7 March 2018. The 102-night cruise odyssey from Sydney to London will call at 60 ports in 29 countries along the way, including 19 late nights and 13 overnight stays throughout.

2018 will see Azamara Club Cruises mark its biggest year in Australia when the boutique cruise line brings both Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest down under, with Azamara Quest cruising the west coast of Australia in December 2018, making maiden calls at Broome and Exmouth and arriving in time for special New Year's celebrations in Sydney Harbour. Quest will also make the line's first turnaround in Melbourne in early 2019.

With smaller ships that can go places larger cruise ships can't, Azamara differentiates itself by making destinations the star of the show. The line stays longer in port than most larger ships, and offers more immersive itineraries that visit lesser-known ports, attracting an up-market, adventurous clientele.

Azamara Journey arrives into port at 2pm during an 18-Night Australian Country-Intensive voyage from Bali to Sydney, and will remain docked overnight, before departing at 6pm on 8 February 2018 on a 14-night Tasmania and New Zealand voyage.

To make a booking or for further information visit www.azamaraclubcruises.com.

NCL Norwegian Jewel local season brochure featuring Australia, New Zealand, Asia and South Pacific

Norwegian Cruise Line has recently released its 2018/19 Norwegian Jewel local season brochure, featuring an array of Australia, New Zealand, Asia and South Pacific cruises departing from 17 September 2018 – 4 March 2019. Norwegian Jewel will be returning to our waters for her second local season fresh from a multi-million-dollar bow-to-stern refurbishment as part of the Norwegian Edge™ revitalisation program.

Taking in stunning native destinations such as Cairns, Hobart, Milford Sounds and Tauranga, cruisers can also explore breathtaking sailings to Southeast Asia, the South Pacific and a once in a lifetime Trans-Pacific voyage from Vancouver to Tokyo. New itineraries include a 19-day sailing from Singapore to Sydney; a seven-day sailing soaking up the sights of Tasmania and a 13-day sailing of South Pacific must-sees including ports across New Caledonia and Queensland, returning via Cairns, Airlie Beach and Cairns.

For further information on Norwegian Cruise Line visit www.ncl.com

MSC Cruises introduces MSC Lirica to the UAE with new itineraries to India

A Far-east adventure with MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises introduces MSC Lirica to the UAE with new longer itineraries and calls to India

Geneva, Switzerland – MSC Cruises, the world's largest privately-owned cruise line, is enhancing its range of cruises from the United Arab Emirates with the introduction of a second ship, MSC Lirica. Featuring new extended cruises of 11 night and 14 nights, MSC Lirica will be making her debut in the UAE in November 2018, offering longer itineraries, two overnight stays in Dubai, as well as cruises to India for the very first time. This addition offers guests the opportunity for extended winter cruise holidays, and the chance to discover yet more new and exotic destinations.

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises' CEO, expressed his enthusiasm saying: "This will be our seventh season in the UAE and we have seen strong demand for our quality product offering from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. A strong Fly&Cruise programme means that guests from all around the world are able to enjoy this popular cruise region. Our modern ships and distinctive, quality cruise experience are an appealing way for holidaymakers to explore the rich and diverse experiences that the UAE can offer."

Mr Onorato continued, "Introducing India to MSC Cruises' Winter 18/19 itineraries demonstrates how our significant investment plan is enabling us to expand our global footprint and establish a presence in a high-potential market, one that we expect to grow considerably over the coming years."

Discover the Delights of India

This year, for the first time, MSC Cruises will offer its guests cruises to India from Dubai. Guests will call at bustling Abu Dhabi, followed by the picturesque Muscat, before crossing the Arabian Sea and calling in Mumbai – the front door to India. Teeming with energy and excitement, Mumbai is a place where cultures collide. Lose yourself in some of the grandest colonial architecture India has to offer, or take a cool-dive into the many bazaars and hidden temples around every corner. The voyage also offers the chance to escape from it all whilst watching the sun go down across the uninterrupted stretch of golden beaches in Goa, as well as the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Mangalore. From fragrant, bustling vibrancy to utter tranquillity, expect an Indian experience like no other aboard MSC Lirica.

Extended Winter Sun

For those searching for a longer getaway in the winter sun, MSC Cruises' 11-night itineraries from Dubai and Abu Dhabi will provide the perfect escape. There is a range of beautiful beach locations en route. Sir Bani Yas, a unique island beach oasis, exclusive to MSC Cruises on the days it calls, offers guests pristine beaches, water activities and access to the region's largest nature reserve. The Pearl-Qatar, Doha's stunning man-made island, spans a million square metres and is home to beaches, a wide range of shopping and over 100 bars and restaurants. Khasab, Oman is one of the most striking cities on the Arabian Peninsula, where turquoise water cools the warm beaches on the shores of its impressive and historic fort. Manama, Bahrain's charming capital, is a metropolis abuzz with culture and intrigue where modern skyscrapers stand with historic buildings.  See itineraries here.

More time to explore

MSC Cruises is also introducing two overnight stays in Dubai as part of its new itineraries, allowing guests an extended amount of time to explore the delights of this cosmopolitan port. Guests will have the chance to take in the sights of the legendary night skyline, from the luxury of MSC Lirica. Beyond this, MSC Lirica passengers will witness the night sky in Muscat. Watch the sun go down over the domes and minarets of this historic port city – an evening to truly remember.

Shore Excursions for Every Port

MSC Cruises is committed to offering guests a wide range of quality shore excursions to enhance their experience at every port. Booking an excursion through MSC Cruises is stress-free and guests that book excursions in advance will also benefit from a 20% discount.  Some of the highlights of the shore excursions on MSC Lirica include:

·        Dubai - EXCLUSIVE DUBAI: BURJ KHALIFA & LUNCH AT BURJ AL ARAB    

This excursion takes in some of the most iconic symbols of Dubai, from Dubai Mall, to the world's tallest building, the incredible Burj Al Khalifa, to world-renowned seven-star luxury hotel Burj Al Arab, and the man-made, palm-shaped Palm Jumeirah. Take a break from the glamour to visit Dubai's famous gold souk, and experience Dubai's traditional way of life.

·        Abu Dhabi - THE LOUVRE MUSEUM & ABU DHABI EXPLORATION      

Fondly referred to as the "Manhattan of Arabia," this sightseeing tour allows guests many photo opportunities across the city, finishing up at the incredible new Louvre Abu Dhabi, the largest art museum on the Arabian Peninsula.

·        Bahrain - BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT IN A 4X4  

Here, guests 4x4 through the Bahrain International Circuit in the heart of the Sakhir Desert. Take a 4x4 to the limit over man-made and natural obstacles. One for the true adventurer.

·        Muscat - MYSTICAL MUSCAT    

This excursion allows guests to commune with Oman's spiritual and cultural heritage, on a tour from the Grand Mosque, through to old Muscat and the Muttrah Souk, a traditional Omani market. Guests will also stop at the Bait Al Zubair Museum, to discover archaeological finds, as well as viewing the traditional dress and jewellery of Oman.

·        Qatar – DESERT SAFARI AND RELAX AT THE BEACH

To understand Qatar's singularity, a trip through its surrounding desert is a must. Experience an exhilarating ride as across the rolling sand dunes, and end up at Gulf Adventure camp; an oasis of tranquillity located in the Arabian desert, kissed by the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf.

·        Goa - CROCODILES, MANGROVE & RIVER CRUISE  

Here, guests will discover Goa's verdant landscape on this one-of-kind river cruise. Head down to the mangroves where the Cumbarjua River flows; the impressive birdlife and freshwater crocodiles are a sight to remember.

·        Mumbai - OVERLAND TO THE TAJ MAHAL      

Over the course of three days, this tour takes guests through Mumbai, New Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri, Agra – home to the breath-taking Taj Mahal – and Cochin. With two nights in luxury hotels, experience an express tour through some of India's most famous and memorable landmarks.

·        New Mangalore - Jain & Udupi Temples

This tour takes guests to visit the famous Jain temples of Mangalore. From the 15th Century Moodbidiri temple, to Udupi's Krishna Temple, these ancient temples are a unique immersion into India's heritage. 

A Grand Adventure!

For those seeking even more adventure, the Grand Voyages offer a unique opportunity to traverse the historic Suez Canal. MSC Lirica departs Venice, Italy on 2nd November and arrives in Dubai on 18th November.

MSC Lirica is offering cruises starting from either Dubai or Abu Dhabi starting from just $1,139pp*. Totally refurbished as part of MSC Cruises' €200 million Renaissance Programme, MSC Lirica represents the height of style and comfort at sea. This modern ship will offer fine dining options with the best of Mediterranean and International cuisines, exclusive, world-class entertainment, unparalleled family facilities, luxurious pampering and wellness and accommodation to meet every need.

MSC Splendida will also be based in the UAE for Winter 18/19 offering 7 night cruises with two embarkation ports – Dubai on Saturday and Abu Dhabi on Sunday. MSC Splendida features the MSC Yacht Club. Designed for the most discerning guests who desire exclusivity and privacy but with a world of choice. The MSC Yacht Club is an innovative "ship within a ship" design concept, as it offers an entirely self-contained area on the foredecks of the ship providing sweeping sea views with a range of private facilities including a pool, solarium and a dedicated restaurant. 

For any further detail on the updated itineraries from MSC Cruises, please visit: msccruises.com.au