Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Shares Seven Firsts On Board Seven Seas Splendor™

Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC), the world's leading luxury ocean cruise line, will be launching its newest and highly anticipated ship, Seven Seas Splendor™ in February 2020, with limited suites still available for her coveted inaugural season. Lisa Pile, Vice President, General Manager at Regent Seven Seas Cruises shares Seven Seas Splendor's seven firsts for the brand, and why the remarkable ship will perfect luxury.

"With Seven Seas Splendor™, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has raised the bar for luxury ocean travel. We are excited to be delivering a ship that exhibits the highest level of elegance, from lavish marble finishes to one-of-a-kind artworks proudly displayed throughout. She is truly a masterpiece, and we can't wait for our guests to be able to experience what makes a voyage with Regent an unrivalled experience – with our all-inclusive, personalised offering being second to none," said Ms. Pile.

"We are inviting guests to join us for one of Seven Seas Splendor's 2020 itineraries to the Caribbean, Panama Canal and Mediterranean, where they will be some of the first in the world to experience these seven exclusive initiatives," adds Ms. Pile.

Seven Seas Splendor's Seven Firsts:

1. Speciality Coffee with Extra Sunshine

Fleet favourite, Coffee Connection, is being expanded with a new al fresco seating area, allowing guests to savour their custom coffee creations and delectable pastries while enjoying a sun-kissed morning or afternoon with a calm ocean breeze.

"As nations that are known for being home to coffee connoisseurs, as well as lovers of the outdoors, we are sure that the new al fresco seating area at Coffee Connection is sure to be a hit with our Australian and New Zealand guests," said Ms. Pile.

2. The New Flavour of Luxury – Destination Menus

The newest Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship will elevate the cruise line's legendary cuisine with destination dishes to be served during lunch at La Veranda that bring aboard local ingredients and culinary traditions from the exotic destinations where Seven Seas Splendor™ is sailing.

"La Veranda features a variety of delectable selections to chose from morning, noon and night. With Seven Seas Splendor™ taking in a raft of unique ports as part of her itineraries, guests will have the opportunity to truly taste the flavours of the world both onboard and ashore - from Mexican delights in Cabo San Lucas to Spanish Paella in Barcelona – your tastebuds are sure to be tantalised," said Ms. Pile

3. Dine Over Sea at Sette Mari

Enjoy the authentic Mediterranean flavours of Sette Mari in stunning, over-water alcove seating. Jetting out over the ocean for an even closer connection to the sea and surrounded on three sides by inspiring, magnificent views, guests will never forget this brand-new dining experience.

"One of my personal 'must-do's for when I'll be aboard Seven Seas Splendor™ next year. The new over-water alcove seating at Sette Mari at La Veranda will see guests seated out over the water for an even closer connection to the sea, surrounded by stunning panoramic views. I'll certainly be sampling some Tuscan wine, that will be perfectly paired with new dishes such as Spice-Crusted Tuna Steak with Braised Endive, Polenta and Salmoriglio – divine," said Ms. Pile.

4. The New Most Luxurious Residence at Sea

Building on the renowned reputation of sister-ship Seven Seas Explorer's Regent Suite, Splendor's preeminent accommodation perfects elegance with a US$200,000 Hastens hand-crafted bed and a 30% larger master bath and in-suite spa, with a stunning new floor-to-ceiling ocean-view shower. There's also a Treesse minipool spa placed on the front balcony, providing incredible views from dawn to dusk.

"The Regent Suite onboard Seven Seas Splendor™ is the crown jewel in Regent's accommodation offering, with no expense spared to ensure that we are providing our guests with the most luxurious residence at sea. The Regent Suite is the largest suite to ever be built on a luxury cruise ship - boasting 412 square-metres of beauty and comfort - making the Regent Suite nearly twice as large as the average Australian home, and 20 times larger than the average cruise ship stateroom. Guests can enjoy their personal in-suite sauna and steam room, unobstructed 270-degree views over the ships bow and a 120 square-metre wraparound veranda, to name but of few of the suites features," said Ms. Pile.

5. Brand New Culinary Creations, Made by You

With 18 individual cooking stations, the Culinary Arts Kitchen on board Seven Seas Splendor™ will offer a range of 20 new culinary classes teaching professional techniques and recipes by master chef instructors. New classes vary from teaching seven methods to prepare seafood, to exploring emerging fusion cuisines from around the world.

"The Culinary Arts Kitchen is where our guests can let out their inner foodie in an environment reminiscent of the most prestigious cooking schools in the world. Due to the small class sizes, guests will enjoy personalised, hands-on instruction. Example class themes include something for all tastes and skill levels, from mastering crowd pleasing brunch recipes, to embarking on a culinary safari around the diverse countries of Africa," said Ms. Pile.

6. Explore New Tastes

Exclusive to the inaugural season of Seven Seas Splendor™ are the new Gourmet Explorer Tours, delivering one-of-a-kind epicurean adventures. Guests can choose from a variety of tours that take them to local markets to find exotic spices and allow them to sample delicious wines at breath-taking estates, or savour gourmet meals expertly prepared by locally renowned chefs.

"Our Gourmet Explorer Tours are designed to deliver bespoke epicurean adventures to our guests, with tours having been personally crafted by Regent's Executive Chef and Director of Culinary Enrichment, Kathryn Kelly. More information on specific Gourmet Explorer Tours will be announced later this year, so be sure to keep as eye out as spaces tend to book fast," said. Ms Pile

7. First Woman Captain to Launch a Brand New Cruise Ship

On 8th March, 2019 – International Women's Day – Regent Seven Seas Cruises proudly announced that Captain Serena Melani will take the helm of Seven Seas Splendor™, making her the first woman in cruise industry history to captain a new cruise ship.

"This is a first that I'm particularly proud of. Captain Serena has been with RSSC since 2010, and is definitely a trailblazer in the cruise industry – where she is admired by guests and crew alike. She has been very hands-on with the development of Seven Seas Splendor™, having spent much of this year at the shipyard in Italy where she is being built, collaborating with the engineers and designers to ensure the ship's form and function is perfect," said Ms. Pile.

Seven Seas Splendor™ will be sail through some of the most desirable destinations in the world including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and North America, with her inaugural sailing departing Barcelona on 6 February, 2020.

Please find a link to a brochure on Seven Seas Splendor here

Visit New Caledonia, Fiji, and Vanuatu aboard Silver Muse

Ultra-luxury cruise line, Silversea Cruises is inviting guests to discover the tropical wonderlands of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Vanuatu aboard the stunning Silver Muse when she sets sail in the region for the very first time in 2020. All-inclusive fly/cruise fares for a 14-day voyage start from just AU$8,400 per person, based on double occupancy in a Vista Suite, with cruise only fares starting from just AU$7,400 per person.

The only small-ship luxury cruise line to offer these itineraries, Silversea offers guests the opportunity to discover the jewels of the South Pacific whilst enjoying the intimate atmosphere of the all-suite Silver Muse. With comprehensive fares and highly personalised service, guests are encouraged to book now to avoid missing out on the following special offers and enrichments:

- Included Business Class Flights

Guests booking by 30 September 2019 will enjoy included roundtrip Business Class flights from select gateways in Australia and New Zealand, plus transfers between airport and ship.

- Last Minute Savings

Guests booking by 31 October 2019 will enjoy AU$1,000 on board credit per suite, plus a one category suite upgrade where available.

- Enrichment Lecturer: Joseph Snyder

Joseph Snyder was a diplomat with the U.S. State Department Foreign Service for 30 years. He served in Thailand, Iran, Taiwan, Malaysia and Austria, as well as in Washington where his positions included that of Director of the State Department Press Office and Spokesman. Joe will join guests on board as a destination and special interest lecturer.

- Enrichment Lecturer: Jon Fleming

Jon Fleming has sailed on over 200 cruises worldwide and his combination of personal experience and historical knowledge, plus an entertaining presentation style makes history interesting, accessible and relevant for his audience. Jon will join gests on board as a destination consultant.

- All-inclusive Fares

On board, Silversea’s all-inclusive fares include fine food from around the world, complimentary beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, and butler service for each suite.

Departing on 18 February 2020 for 14 days, guests sailing aboard Silver Muse will discover a magic realm of pristine beaches, colourful coral gardens, and cascading waterfalls as they journey through New Caledonia, Fiji and Vanuatu. In the tropical playground of New Caledonia, Silver Muse makes ports of call in Pine Island, Lifou and Noumea whilst in the stunning archipelago of Vanuatu, Port Vila is waiting to be explored. In Fiji, guests will witness the volcanic landscapes of Dravuni Island, a new port of call for Silver Muse for 2020, along with the fascinating destinations of Lautoka and Savusavu.

For more information on this voyage visit: https://www.silversea.com/destinations/australia-new-zealand-cruise/sydney-to-sydney-6004.html#itinerary-58467

Voyages and special offers are subject to change and may be withdrawn at any time. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 or visit www.silversea.com

MSC new summer schedules for 2020

• The introduction of MSC Grandiosa to the fleet will offer guests the opportunity to rediscover the gems of the Mediterranean
• Guests looking for more flexibility can book onto MSC Cruises’ butterfly cruises
• A new itinerary for Asia is announced for MSC Bellissima

The greatest experiences are the ones you can share with others. Any MSC Cruises holiday is made unforgettable through the combination of international cuisine, world-class entertainment and award-winning* family offering - perfect for couples, friends and families alike. Now is the time to plan and book to travel in style to the world’s most beautiful locations.

The Mediterranean introducing MSC Grandiosa’s First Summer Season

Experts in Mediterranean-cruising style, MSC Cruises will deploy 10 ships in this popular cruise region. MSC Grandiosa will become the newest flagship in the Company’s fleet when she launches in November, calling at Genoa and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Palermo, Sicily; Valetta, Malta; Barcelona, Spain and Marseille, France. The new flagship will offer a richness of experiences, from world-class entertainment with brand new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows, a wide choice of international dining options, original activities for families to an enhanced MSC Yacht Club. MSC Grandiosa will become the second MSC Cruises ship to feature ZOE, the world’s first virtual cruise personal assistant and new updates to the innovative MSC for Me digital innovation program.

Alongside MSC Grandiosa, three other ships will sail in the Western Mediterranean in 2020 - MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia and MSC Seaview, rediscovering the gems of the continent:
The beautiful MSC Seaview will call at Barcelona on Saturdays, followed by Ajaccio, France; Genoa, La Spezia and Civitavecchia, Italy; Cannes, France and Palma de Mallorca on Fridays.
MSC Divina will call at Genoa, Italy; Marseille, France, Barcelona, Spain followed by thrilling party-destination, Ibiza then Naples and Livorno, Italy.
MSC Fantasia, will call Genoa, Civitavecchia, Italy; Palermo, Sicily; Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Spain and Marseille, France

In the Eastern Mediterranean, with six ships in region, MSC Cruises are offering a cruise that suits everyone looking for a charming experience in this picturesque region:
MSC Orchestra MSC Musica, MSC Magnifica, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Opera will all offer itineraries from Venice in the Greek Islands and the best of the Adriatic Sea: highlights include Dubrovnik, Mykonos and Santorini to name a few. During peak season, MSC Lirica will be offering itineraries including Valletta, Malta and Syracuse.

Experience Natural Beauty in the Caribbean

The sunny Caribbean is a must for cruise lovers and will feature two MSC Cruises ships throughout the summer season:
During 2020, the iconic MSC Seaside will continue her reign in the Caribbean, sailing seven-night itineraries from Miami and experiencing the rhythmic beats of Ocho Rios, the idyllic surroundings of George Town and the Mexican paradise of Cozumel.
Rounding out the Western Caribbean, guests will get the opportunity to sail in the Italian style aboard the MSC Armonia. This ship will call Jamaica, Cayman Islands and Mexico or Key West. Both ships will also call at the new private destination Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, officially opening this November. This stunning island will allow guests to discover the beautiful natural environment and soak up the spirit of The Bahamas.

Discover the Adventurous Wonders of Northern Europe

Four MSC Cruises ships will be deployed in Northern Europe for summer 2020, the perfect opportunity to visit Scandinavian and Eastern European gems, including:

Longer cruises of up to 14 nights will be offered on MSC Preziosa, sailing from Hamburg with cruises in the Baltics, Fjords and North Cape. MSC Preziosa will also offer seven-night Northern Pearls cruises from Hamburg calling at Le Havre, Southampton, Zeebrugge, Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
MSC Poesia, homeported in Warnemünde will offer 11-night Baltic cruises and a mixture of seven-night cruises, visiting the Fjords in Norway and the Baltic capitals. Guests can experience a longer break with a larger range of destinations and combine two different routes by booking on one of the back-to-back butterfly cruises. MSC Poesia’s highlight will be her stunning 21-night cruise featuring Greenland and Iceland, two spots perfect for adventure-seekers and nature lovers.
MSC Meraviglia, the ship for all seasons, will return to Northern Europe, homeporting in Kiel (Germany) on Saturdays and taking you on a cultural trip round Copenhagen, Helsinki and St Petersburg as well as the Fjords including Hellesylt, Alesund and Flaam, Norway.
MSC Splendida, will join MSC Meraviglia in their homeport of Kiel, with a variety of itineraries, including a long cruise to the Emerald Isle of Ireland and the North Cape, calling at Tallinn and Stockholm offering cruises in the Fjords including Bergen, Olden, Flaam, Stavanger plus the Baltics.
MSC Poesia and MSC Splendida autumn cruises offer 12 or nine-night cruises respectively to Portugal and Morocco, or Madeira and Canary Islands.

Set sail in the charming Far East

Explore Asia in style and join MSC Belissima on one of three new itineraries for 2020 with a choice of different length cruises. In June, July and August, a six or seven-night cruise departing from Shanghai, Asia’s shopping paradise will then call at Japan’s second largest city, Yokohama and finally Osaka, none other than a perfect combination of energic cities, iconic street food markets and awe-inspiring city skylines. Meanwhile, a stunning nine-night cruise in October from Tokyo, Japan will offer guests the chance to visit Wakyama, Hiroshima and Matsuyama, Japan before calling at Ganjeong, Korea and then Yokohama, Japan.

For more information on Summer 2020 visit msccruises.com.au or msccruises.co.nz

Silversea countdown to Silver Moon

Today marks one year until the launch of Silver Moon℠ – an elegant new addition to Silversea’s ultra-luxury fleet of ships. Embarking on her inaugural voyage on 6 August 2020, the 596-guest Silver Moon will echo the whispered elegance of the cruise line’s current flagship, Silver Muse, while bringing unprecedented enhancements and elements of innovation.

Silver Moon will push the boundaries of travel with a pioneering new culinary programme, S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste)℠, which will adapt according to the visited destination to unlock immersive culinary experiences for guests. Elevating the role of food as a means to travel deeper into a destination, S.A.L.T. will showcase entire ecosystems around culinary cultures of the world through onboard and shore-based experiences. Guests will develop an appreciation for regional ingredients and culinary customs on board, before venturing ashore under the guidance of experts to experience food and drink cultures first-hand.

As part of the S.A.L.T. programme, three new venues will unlock immersive culinary experiences for guests on Silver Moon, forming a hub of culinary discovery on Deck 4. S.A.L.T. Kitchen will be one of eight restaurants on board Silver Moon, and will be the first large-scale regional restaurant on board a luxury cruise ship, offering an ever-changing menu and a regionally inspired wine list. S.A.L.T. Lab will enable guests to learn about local ingredients and artisanal techniques, through insightful workshops, tastings, and demonstrations. Finally, S.A.L.T. Bar will allow guests to sample the most authentic flavours of the destination, through a large selection of regional wines, spirits, and other drinks.

Also positioned on Deck 4, popular restaurants Atlantide and Kaiseki will each undergo an extensive redesign when compared to Silver Muse. Aboard Silver Moon, Atlantide will be enlarged to accommodate up to 230 guests. Minimalist yet sophisticated, the enhanced design of Kaiseki will take inspiration from the best sushi restaurants in the world. Here, guests will witness expert sushi chefs in action, as they prepare fresh sushi and sashimi. Serving fine French cuisine in an elegant atmosphere, Silversea’s signature restaurant, La Dame, will also enjoy a brand new design aboard Silver Moon, enlarged to accommodate more than 50 guests. Positioned on Deck 8, from which guests will enjoy far-reaching views out to sea, La Dame will also offer guests the opportunity to dine under the stars on Silver Moon. Moreover, as part of a unique new collaboration, Lalique – founded in 1888, now famous producers of hand-crafted crystal artworks - will craft bespoke crystal panels to enrich the restaurant’s aesthetic further still, for the enjoyment of Silversea’s guests.

While preserving the acclaimed signature venues and elegant design of Silver Muse, Silver Moon will feature enhanced lounges and public spaces to offer guests meaningful choices at any time of the day. At the heart of the ship on Deck 5, the Dolce Vita lounge will benefit from a new layout, in which the bar will be repositioned to the centre of the venue. Dolce Vita will welcome guests as both a sophisticated bar during the daytime and as an enchanting piano bar by night—the perfect venue for pre-dinner cocktails.

Positioned on Deck 9, the Connoisseur’s Corner will also be entirely reimagined aboard Silver Moon. In addition to benefitting from a new design, this enticing space will incorporate a new Wintergarden area, which will create a sheltered and inviting area outdoors. In the Connoisseur’s Corner, Silversea’s guests will enjoy a selection of cigars and premium liquors in a sophisticated atmosphere.

In addition to an enhanced pool deck—which will feature steps into the ship’s swimming pool and an enlarged, U-shaped bar area with additional seating—Silver Moon will offer guests the enjoyment of a redesigned Spa and Fitness Centre. The space will incorporate both indoor and outdoor areas, comprising a large thermal area, relaxation area, and gym. Other signature venues will include the Panorama Lounge, the Observation Library, the Venetian Lounge, and the Casino.

Enriched with elegant décor, premium materials and luxurious amenities, Silver Moon’s spacious suites will benefit from one of the highest space-to-guest ratios of any luxury cruise accommodation, offering superlative comfort to guests—a characteristic hallmark of the Silversea experience. Guests in every suite will enjoy the dedicated service of a butler, as well as an in-suite bar, stocked with preferred beverages; in-suite dining, available 24 hours per day; and various other luxurious amenities.

“Inspired by the success of our beloved Silver Muse, Silver Moon will raise the bar in ultra-luxury travel, unlocking immersive experiences for our guests in whispered luxury,” says Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Incorporating unprecedented concepts, the ship will bring innovation to the industry, while maintaining the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodations that are the hallmarks of the Silversea experience. From our pioneering new S.A.L.T. programme to the array of reimaged public spaces, every aspect of the new ship has been thoughtfully designed to enrich our guests’ experiences further still.”

Silver Moon will complete her inaugural voyage between 6 August and 17 August 2020, travelling from Trieste to Rome (Civitavecchia). The sailing is in very popular demand, but suites are still available for those who want to be among the first to experience Silver Moon. One of five Silversea ships spending the summer in the Mediterranean, Silver Moon will cruise the region for her maiden season until November, when she will cross the Atlantic Ocean to Fort Lauderdale. From there, she will spend time visiting some of the Caribbean islands, including Barbados, Antigua, Puerto Rico and more. Silver Moon will then continue to Central and South America, where guests will complete an incredible circumnavigation of the continent on the Grand South America 2021, visiting 37 destinations in 20 countries between 7 January and 17 March 2021.

OUT NOW: Winter 2019 Cruise Edition of Signature Luxury Travel & Style

200 pages of the best-of-the-best in luxury cruising, travel and style

The Winter 2019 Issue of Signature Luxury Travel & Style magazine is out, and we’re sailing the seven seas on board the world’s finest luxury cruise ships with our annual Cruise Edition.

Our 68-page Cover Story is a celebration of luxury cruising in Australia and overseas with compelling features on the boom in cruising, our third annual Luxury Cruise Awards, an array of out-of-this-world ‘Luxpedition’ cruises to far-flung destinations and 10 of the world’s finest ocean and river cruises.

We travel by sea to the lesser-known islands of the Caribbean, sail through the winelands of Bordeaux on the Garonne and Dordogne, savour a culinary cruise in Asia and meander leisurely along the exotic waters of the mighty Mekong.

We look at the growing popularity of the ‘ship within a ship’ concept, uncover hotels and resorts with their own luxury yachts and profile Sarina Bratton, a pioneer of the Australian luxury cruise industry.

By land, we explore Bali, Tokyo and Macao, waltz our way through a fairytale Viennese ball, play beach polo in Broome, discover the newly minted Hayman Island by InterContinental and board a memorable scenic flight over Antarctica.

Signature’s expert stylemeisters reveal the unexpected backstory to Pucci – one of Italy’s iconic fashion houses – as well as the whimsical, creative and very colourful world of leading American interior designer and architect Bill Bensley and his magical resorts that redefine the art of hospitality.

We lust after exquisite vanity cases, heirloom watches and lustrous pearls and savour the indigenous ‘bush tucker’ fare of Adelaide’s award-winning Orana restaurant and the lush, green oasis of Sydney’s The Grounds of Alexandria – an ideal venue for an upscale corporate event.

All this – and much more – in the Winter 2019 Cruise Edition of Signature Luxury Travel & Style, out now.

About Signature Luxury Travel & Style

Signature Luxury Travel & Style is Australia’s leading and widest circulating, audited luxury travel and lifestyle publication for discerning world travellers. For the past decade, we have inspired our affluent readers with bespoke travel experiences, Michelin-starred cuisine, sophisticated style, desirable luxury goods, stunning home design and MICE/team-building getaways. Our ethos at Signature is to provide high-quality editorial content on the best the world has to offer.

Subscribe online at signatureluxurytravel.com.au/subscribe or download the digital version via the App Store or Google Play. Visit signatureluxurytravel.com.au to join our Signature Connoisseurs’ Club, delivering the very latest in luxury travel direct to your inbox. And share your travels by tagging #signatureluxury on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Signature is a quarterly print publication, produced in Sydney by Signature Media, Australia’s leading independent publisher of luxury and family travel titles.

The Best of World Cruising

Did you know Australia is the largest cruise market in the world per capita? Did you know the best time to book a trip is on a Tuesday? And research shows holiday goers are most happy, not when they're on their trip, but in the lead up to it? Catriona Rowntree has been travelling the world for the last 23 years as the host of Getaway. She has gained a lifetime's knowledge, learning every trick in the trade. 

In The Best of World Cruising, she turns her attention to the sea, sharing her favourite trips by water as well as her top travel tips making it easy for readers to pick the best cruise for them and travel the world.

The cruise market is in growth mode, and in 2016 Australian cruise passengers produced the biggest growth rate in the world. Yet, up until now there hasn’t been a cruise guidebook specifically for Australian and New Zealand travellers.

The Best of World Cruising is Catriona’s curated list of the top 40 ocean and river cruise destinations around the world written especially with the Aussie and New Zealander traveller in mind. From sailing the sun-soaked islands of Croatia, to gliding through the glaciers of Alaska on a cruise liner, to discovering the epic waterfalls of the Kimberley on an expedition boat, there is something for everyone and every budget. For every destination, there is detailed information on key ports and not-to-be missed attractions, as well as a whole host of travel tips such as when to go, what to pack and whether this cruise is really for you.

All advice is delivered in Catriona’s charming and vivacious style, accompanied by glorious photography to spark your nautical wanderlust. In cases where Catriona has not personally visited a region, she has called on fellow cruise lovers to share their travel advice, including Livinia Nixon and Gabriel Gaté. There are also a number of ‘Captains of Industry’ interviews with Sir Richard Branson and other travel and cruising experts.

So whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or just starting to consider booking your first cruising holiday, let Catriona fill you in on everything you should know before stepping on board.

 RRP AUD$35.00

How SMALL ships became a BIG success for Cruise Traveller

The journey of Cruise Traveller

SeaDream and Oasis of the Seas illustrate the contrast between big and small ships

Small ships launched big dreams for Cruise Traveller Managing Director and co-founder, Craig Bowen, back in 2003. Passionate about travel and sharing the world’s great places with other like-minded modern explorers, Craig started a luxury travel company in Australia called Connoisseur Tours in 1999 so travellers could discover the world in style. At the same time, cruising, worldwide, took off in a big way but it was the small things about cruising that inspired Craig.

While cruise ships were getting bigger and travel companies around the world were jumping on the growth and obsessed about the growing size of vessels, Craig noticed no-one was looking after small, boutique ships, which boasted their own unique appeal to cruisers who valued intimacy, style, relaxation and elegance. So over a beer with a friend from New Zealand and his brother, the keel for Cruise Traveller was laid in 2003 and today, the guiding motto to make small things big still steers the growing business which is now the most experienced and successful small-ship cruise agency in Australia.

“Back in 2003 no travel company was specialising in boutique, luxury ships,” says Craig. “But we knew this sector held appeal and we were right, with the small-ship industry now 20 times the size it was in 2003, with a plethora of smaller ships now cruising the seven seas with many more on order.”

But what also galvanised Craig’s belief in small ships was a voyage he did to Antarctica in 2004. “That trip totally inspired me about the allure of expedition cruising and making remote and wild places like Antarctica more accessible to people for more wonder in their life. When I returned from Antarctica, I resolved to totally specialise in small-ship travel and Cruise Traveller has not strayed from that objective ever since.

“I’ve been to Antarctica three times now and can’t wait to go back again. What also struck me on my first polar trip was how beautiful and fragile our planet’s wild places are and how we need to preserve them. I think we have a role in the travel industry to protect the amazing places we enjoy on small ship cruises and that’s why we actively support environmental causes and only represent cruise companies that respect nature in what they do. Education is an integral component of travel and Cruise Traveller is at the bow of that if you like.”

Today, Cruise Traveller represents around 50 small ship cruise lines that sail to all corners of the world, with a focus on remote and exotic destinations. “Because we specialise in small ships, we are experts in this field and can offer a one-stop-shop to Australians seeking to see the world on a smaller ship,” says Craig. “I often say we don’t know a lot about the 90 per cent of the industry that we don’t sell but we know absolutely everything about the sector that we do specialise in. To that end, we invest significant resources every year into sending our team members on small-ship cruises around the world so that they can experience, first-hand, the amazing products we sell so that our guests are getting an expert opinion 100 per cent of the time.

“Our clients are very savvy, discerning and demanding which is perfect because excellent and efficient service is also our specialty. My background is in hotel customer service so offering our clients the best personal service possible is our aim. We have a high customer repeat rate of up to 40 per cent so we know we’re doing a good job but we always strive to do better.”

In 2003, Craig and an assistant, Karen, were the only staff at Cruise Traveller and they promoted just three small-ship cruise operators. Karen is still with the company all these years later alongside 13 other staff across the areas of product development, marketing, reservations and administration and Craig and his two Kiwi co-Directors are still navigating the business to bigger and better things, with a ten-fold growth in business since 2003 already.

But as Craig adds: “Although we’re growing in business, our aim has never been to get too big. We just want to do what we do well.”

www.cruisetraveller.com.au