Wednesday, 15 January 2014

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

Tuesday, 7 January 2014

Azamara Club Cruises Earlybird Onboard Credit Sale

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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 31st 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


Monday, 6 January 2014

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 22nd 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 1st February - flights from $49
·         Rhapsody of the Seas 11-night Island Adventure sailing departing Sydney 11th February - flights from $99
·         Voyager of the Seas 10-night Fijian Delight sailing departing Sydney 27th February - flights from $49
·         Rhapsody of the Seas 10-night South Pacific Splendour sailing departing Sydney 18th March - flights from $99
·         Rhapsody of the Seas 10-night South Pacific Splendour sailing departing Sydney 8th 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 3rd & 4th Passengers*
Pay only taxes and gratuities for the 3rd and 4th 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 12th 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


Monday, 23 December 2013

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Cyber Cruises Cruise News - 23 December 2013


UK. P&O Cruises and Cunard launch £10k agent giveaway
December 23rd, 2013
Fifty five prizes worth a total of £10,000 are being given away to agents by P&O Cruises and Cunard during a nine-week 'wave' peak booking period promotion. (travelweekly.co.uk)
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Costa Cruises Launches New International Advertising Campaign
December 23rd, 2013
Costa Cruises is launching a major international advertising campaign on TV, in print media and on the Web.
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Poop Cruise Reveals Shortcomings of Port and Flag State Inspections
December 22nd, 2013
Cruise fan sites rushed to Carnival’s defense following the CNN special on the Triumph fire. (cruiselawnews.com)
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New Zealand Helicopter Golf in Style
December 22nd, 2013
For the more than likely ultimate Australasia Golfing Holiday then look no further than our fantastic 7 and 10 day Heli-Golf Cruises onboard the beautiful “Island Passage”.
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Carnival Cruise Ship Rescues Adrift Sailors
December 22nd, 2013
Carnival Valor rescued five sailors from a sinking ship earlier this morning. Two of the deck’s officers sustained minor injuries during the rescue. (cruisecritic.com)
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Special Guests to Headline Princess Cruises' Valentine's "Cruise with a Heart"
December 21st, 2013
Princess Cruises' second "Cruising for a Cause" sailing will set sail in February to celebrate Valentine's Day with a special line-up of expert guests and celebrities.
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Cuba Cruise’s first sailing continues to be a wild success
December 21st, 2013
Nearly half-way through the first sailing and Canadian-owned Cuba Cruise has proven to be this year's most breakthrough cruise product on the market.
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Princess Cruises Wins Three Awards from Travel Weekly Including "Best Cruise Line in Alaska" for Seventh Year
December 21st, 2013
Princess Cruises has been voted the "Best Cruise Line in Alaska" in the annual Travel Weekly Readers' Choice Awards. In addition won awards for "Best Itinerary Design" and "Best Travel Agent Educational Program."
Tags: - Posted in Books / Publications / Websites / Blogs, News

Carnival Corporation Named Clean Tech Award Winner For Best Marine Solutions By The New Economy
December 21st, 2013
Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise company, has been named the Best Marine Solutions Company in this year’s Clean Tech Awards by The New Economy.
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P&O Cruises Unveils New-Look Arcadia
December 21st, 2013
Arcadia has been transformed, ready for Christmas, following a multi-million pound refurbishment. (cruiseindustrynews.com)
Tags: - Posted in Interview / Video / TV, News





New Norwegian ship coming to Miami in 2015
December 21st, 2013
Norwegian Cruise Line has inked a deal with PortMiami to base another new ship in Miami on a year-round basis. (miamiherald.com)
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St. Maarten Taking Preventive Measures to Contain Chikungunya Virus
December 21st, 2013
Precautionary measures have been initiated by Dutch St. Maarten to mitigate the mosquito population on island as a result of ten cases of the virus Chikungunya being reported in the French territory of St. Martin. (cruiseindustrynews.com)


Carnival Splendor to Begin Caribbean Voyages Nov. 2014
December 21st, 2013
Carnival Splendor will be the seventh Carnival Cruise Lines ship to be based in South Florida. (travelagentcentral.com)
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Celebrity Cruises Offers Two New Celebrity Century Cruises Voyages in 2015
December 21st, 2013
The new sailings will replace three previously scheduled 12- and 14-night sailings in Asia in order to reposition the ship to Europe for the 2015 season. (travelagentcentral.com)
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Cruise Norway Names New Managing Director
December 21st, 2013
Cruise Norway has named Sandra Diana Bratland as its new managing director, succeeding Wenche Nygaard, who is leaving the marketing organization after seven years to pursue other opportunities. (cruiseindustrynews.com)
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Cunard's Queen Mary 2 Named Best Luxury Cruise Ship for Eighth Straight Year
December 20th, 2013
QM2 in Quebec CityCunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2 has been named “Best Luxury Cruise Ship" for the eighth consecutive year by the readers of Travel Weekly, the national publication of the travel industry. (examiner.com)
Tags: - Posted in Books / Publications / Websites / Blogs, News









Uniworld Makes Innovative Strides with the Super Ship Catherine
December 20th, 2013
Guy Young of Uniworld discusses the S.S. (Super Ship) Catherine, a new ship which will make its debut in 2014. (travelpulse.com)
Tags: , - Posted in Interview / Video / TV, News

American Idol Winner Added to Music Cruise
December 20th, 2013
Music cruise organizer Sixthman has added 2009 "American Idol" winner Kris Allen to the Feb. 26 "Live Loud" festival on the Norwegian Pearl. (travelpulse.com)
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FTI Issues New Summer Brochure
December 20th, 2013
FTI Cruises has issued a new version of its 24-page brochure for the summer of 2014, with certain itinerary changes. (cruiseindustrynews.com)
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Europe River Cruises Hot Sellers For Agents in ’14
December 20th, 2013
If Barry Liben, CEO of Travel Leaders Group, could get his wish for the New Year it would be for Europe to create more scenic rivers. (travelpulse.com)
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Sea Cloud sells River cloud II to focus on its two sailing vessels
December 20th, 2013
Sea Cloud Cruises, the Hamburg based upmarket boutique cruise operator, says it has sold its river yacht River Cloud II. (cruisebusiness.com)
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New chairman for and a renewed commitment by Scandic Hotels to Cruise Baltic
December 20th, 2013
The recent Cruise Baltic Steering Group Meeting was attended by over 50 delegates. Besides the usual representatives from its 23 partners, there were industry guests and speakers from CLIA and cruise lines. (cruisebusiness.com)
Tags: , - Posted in Event / Convention / Exhibition, News

MSC Confirms Major Refurb and Ship Stretch for Lirica-Class at Fincantieri
December 20th, 2013
MSC Cruises today announced a multi-million euro program that will involve stretching all four of its Lirica class ships over the next two years. (cruiseindustrynews.com)
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Gorilla Tracking Expedition Added To Crystal’s Roster Of Overnight African Adventures In 2014
December 20th, 2013
Locking eyes with an almost-500 pound silverback mountain gorilla, with just a few feet of African forest standing in between, travelers participating in Crystal Cruises’ newest Overland Adventure may share a scene few on earth will ever see.
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Asia expansion, fuel consumption reduction and rebuilding Carnival Cruise Lines brand focal in 2013
December 20th, 2013
Carnival Corporation & plc President and Chief Executive Officer Arnold Donald said the group realised major milestones in the emerging Asian cruise region this year. (cruisebusiness.com)
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Princess Cruise Ship Rerouted After Medical Emergency
December 20th, 2013
Sapphire Princess spent a second, unscheduled, day in Cabo San Lucas yesterday after an onboard medical emergency necessitated the ship’s return to port Wednesday. (cruisecritic.com)
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Celebrity Honors Top Travel Agency Partners
December 20th, 2013
Celebrity Cruises today (Dec. 20) is celebrating its endless appreciation for Travel Partners by honoring those deemed the best in 2013. (cruiseindustrynews.com)
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CDC Issues Travel Advisory for St. Martin; Cruise Lines Monitoring Situation
December 20th, 2013
Carnival Cruise Lines will inform passengers on its two ships that call in St. Maarten, Carnival Dream and Carnival Valor, about the health advisory, and provide basic information and precautionary advice. (cruisecritic.com)
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Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Rescues Adrift Sailors
December 20th, 2013
Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas came to the rescue of two sailors early Thursday morning after crew onboard the ship spotted a red flare. (cruisecritic.com)
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Viking Ocean Lays Keel for Viking Star at Fincantieri
December 19th, 2013
Viking Cruises today announced the keel was laid for its first ocean cruise vessel, Viking Star, marking the next construction phase of the company's first-ever ocean product. (cruiseindustrynews.com)
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More cruise ships visiting CMP at Christmas
December 19th, 2013
It is English ships in particular that are calling in during the Christmas month, with visitors wanting to experience an atmospheric Copenhagen with Christmas decorations, and not least Tivoli.
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