MSC Cruises Fly, Land, Cruise Packages

Pack your bags and get ready for the ultimate holiday with MSC Cruises fly land packages

MSC Cruises amazing fly, land and cruise packages are always a popular hit with holiday lovers, so why not take advantage and secure your spot on one of the hottest itineraries of the season!

Let MSC Armonia take you from the Mediterranean to Cuba on a spectacular 34 night adventure that is sure to be a holiday of a lifetime. Departing from Genoa on the 2nd of November 2016, guests will have the chance to explore the romantic cities of Marseille, Barcelona, Malaga, Funchal and Santa Cruz de Tenerife before entering the Caribbean waters. Immerse yourself in the laidback lifestyle and visit some of the world's most exotic destinations as you discover Barbados, St Lucia, Barbuda, Virgin Islands, Cuba, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Mexico, Belize and Honduras. With transfers, accommodation and return flights already organised for you, this package is hard to resist. Starting from $7996 per person, this inclusive package leaves the work to us and the play to you.

Those looking for a shorter trip can find it with our 25 night Northern Europe to Magical Mediterranean cruise. This popular itinerary will see MSC Splendida depart from Hamburg in October 2016 before making her way through France, United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, Gibraltar, Italy and Morocco. Experience the boundless architecture, history and authentic foods in one easy, all-inclusive cruise. With prices starting from $4995 per person, guests can enjoy the ultimate holiday and amazing savings at the same time.

With flexible return flights available for time to explore before you return home, the possibilities are endless! These value packages are selling fast, so be quick to snap up these unmissable deals!
Visit www.msccruises.com.au or call 1300 028 502 to book your package

Adventure Steers Royal Caribbean 2017 European Summer Itineraries

Global Cruise Line Announces Ship Itineraries for Travellers Seeking New Destination Experiences

Royal Caribbean International sails into Europe for summer 2017 with itineraries that bring global experiences to the forefront of cruising. Widely regarded as the world's most awarded cruise line, Royal Caribbean will transport adventure-minded travellers to some of the globe's most iconic destinations via six of the brand's distinct ships, together stacking up to deliver the ultimate European summer getaways. Bookings for Europe season are now open

Travellers will venture through the majestic isles of the Eastern and Western Mediterranean on Jewel of the Seas sailing from Italy on seven- and nine-night voyages that visit Greece and Turkey, as well as seven-night sailings through the Western Mediterranean – offered more frequently with additional departures dates in 2017 – visiting France, Spain and Italy. Among the ports-of-call will be Santorini, Greece's live volcanic island cluster that summons visitors to explore its cliff-top whitewashed towns, indulge in its gastronomic splendours, and daydream from its red, white, and black sand beaches. The Greek capital city of Athens will offer a taste of life in the ancient world with exploration through legendary landmarks such as the citadel Acropolis and the temple Parthenon. Turkey's ancient town of Ephesus, dating back to the 10th century BC, will beckon history-lovers with a glimpse at the largest collection of Roman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean. An international capital of faith, art, and history, Rome will treat its guests to an unmatched blend of archeological treasures with modern appeal. While Venice's Grand Canal will guide voyagers through this floating city's bevy of architectural masterpieces and religious sanctuaries, and welcome a mid-day siesta on the steps of its waterfront structures.

Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas will host guests on seven-night sailings through the Western Mediterranean, while Brilliance of the Seas navigates eight European destinations with a 12-night itinerary, both departing from Barcelona, Spain. A stroll through this vibrant city will present a lesson in architectural mastery, thanks to Spanish architect Antoni Gaudi, while Barcelona's flare for the arts will be highlighted by the country's native Picasso in his namesake museum. Food and wine lovers will take note of the ship's call in Naples, Italy – the birthplace of pizza and ever-popular lemon liquor, limoncello.

A peak inside the city's celebrated royal castles will intrigue the historically-curious, while Royal Caribbean's walking tour will journey through a 19th century underground tunnel, over to the San Carlo Opera House, and to the 17th century Carmignano aqueduct. To the east of Naples, the walled medieval town of Kotor, Montenegro will await exploration, with its plentiful shops, restaurants, piazzas, and palazzos. The cruise line's new Budva Riviera and Beach experience will offer a tranquil getaway to the country's coastal towns and villages, with a stop at Montenegro's award-winning Becici Beach.

Independence of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas will sail the Mediterranean and the Spanish Canary Islands from Southampton, England with itineraries that extend from seven- to 14-nights. Southampton's location allows for an easy city getaway to London, an excursion to the historic Stonehenge site, or the famed Downton Abby estate from the hit BBC television show. Those looking for an adrenaline-inducing experience can seek out the GoApe adventure in 440-acre Itchen Valley Country Park, complete with tunnels, suspended bridges, and zip lines through the treetops. Also on the agenda: Nice, France, the seaside town on the glamourous French Rivera, will bring sun, surf, and the sophistication of the French lifestyle. The local Cours Saley market will present a selection of fresh fruit and vegetable snacks before a hike up the city's Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill), where visitors will find a picturesque point for outdoor picnics and a children's playground amid sweeping views of Nice and its Baie des Anges (Bay of Angels). The North African country of Morocco will add an exotic touch with its cultural kaleidoscope that blends Berber, Arabian and European influences. A landing in the resort town of Agadir will grant visitors a relaxed day on the far eastern shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

Serenade of the Seas and Vision of the Seas will head to northern Europe with a checklist of ports that includes Copenhagen, Denmark, home to the 100 year old Tivoli Gardens amusement park; Tromso, Norway, located north of the Arctic Circle with an unexpectedly milder climate and peaks for soaking in seasonal views of the Northern Lights and Midnight Sun; sightseeing in the Swedish capital of Stockholm via Royal Caribbean's new paddleboard excursion, taking travellers on a water-based tour along the scenic Karlberg Canal; as well as a day spent cruising the Arctic region laden with magnificent glaciers and unique wildlife.

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Brand New Calls In Chile, Peru And Guatemala Set For Crystal 2017 World Cruise

Annual epic journey charting new courses through South America, offers guests comprehensive exploration of the region

The world's most awarded luxury cruise line continues to explore the world in new ways, calling in new locales, even for its 22nd annual World Cruise in 2017.  Four new ports, to be precise, are part of Crystal Serenity's "Southern Celebración" voyage (which sails in full, 94 days round-trip from Miami on 10 January 2017). The marathon journey travels an intensive route through some of the most historically and culturally rich cities and ports in Mexico, Belize, Honduras, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, the Caribbean and even Antarctica, offering travellers an ideal opportunity to explore the storied region thoroughly, calling the luxurious award-winning Crystal ship "home base" along the way.

"Whether one is venturing to a region for the first time or is seeking new ways to explore long-beloved destinations, there are always new places to see and new cultures to encounter," says Crystal president and CEO Edie Rodriguez. "The 2017 World Cruise voyages offer guests the valuable opportunity to experience a diverse and holistic journey, with the varied history and traditions among the countries visited, while also fully engaging with the customs and beauty of South America as a region."

Crystal's maiden call destinations on the 2017 World Cruise are:

Santo Tomás de Castilla – Set along the Caribbean coastline between Honduras and Belize, this relatively remote spot boasts a down-to-earth atmosphere that will give travellers a glimpse of the authentic Guatemalan lifestyle, complete with rugged adventures, ancient UNESCO-listed Mayan ruins, and exotic foliage and wildlife at one's fingertips. Among the ways to immerse oneself in the local culture are snorkelling, horseback riding on the beach and kayaking in the warm coastal waters.

Matarani – The small fishing port of Matarani is your gateway to one of the most stunning spots on the Peruvian map: Arequipa, the UNESCO-listed town surrounded by three volcanoes, each towering at heights of around 20,000 feet. An adventurous, architectural and intellectual hub, Arequipa boasts a pretty town centre featuring brilliant white buildings made of volcanic stone called sillar, and famously draws thinkers and diplomats, along with climbers and adventurers to its iconic sites.

Iquique – Iquique's mining history evokes a vibe reminiscent of the American Old-West, while restored Georgian and Victorian architecture, duty-free shopping, wide swaths of beach and a sea with terrific surfing and paragliding, balance the atmosphere with that of a classically welcoming Latin beach community.
Castro Island (Chiloé) – Situated on the island of Chiloé, Castro is Chile's third oldest city in continued existence. Castro's history is tangible and resplendent UNESCO World Heritage Sites, its palafitos, or traditional wooden houses built on stilts, and renowned archaeological and contemporary art museums showcasing the island's diverse and innovative culture.

Crystal's 2017 "Southern Celebración" World Cruise is also available for booking in six segments of 10 to 26 days, with all-inclusive segment cruise fares starting at US$4,190* per person double occupancy including all taxes when booked by 29 February 2016. All-inclusive full World Cruise fares begin at US$38,645** per person double occupancy including all taxes when booked by 29 February 2016 Full World Cruisers also enjoy special amenities, including exclusive events on board and ashore, specially selected gifts, private chauffeured transfers between the ship and airport, and US$1,000 per person in "As You Wish" shipboard credits. Additional savings are also available for first-time Crystal guests, as well as returning Crystal Society members.


For More Information

For a brochure or additional information, contact Wiltrans International on:
1800 251 174 (Australia) or 0800 446 376 (New Zealand)

http://www.crystalcruises.com/

Crystal Serenity 2017 Voyages Reposition to North & South America

Luxury line to introduce new roster of luxury itineraries for Crystal Serenity

Crystal Cruises, the world's most awarded luxury cruise line, will reposition one of its luxury ocean vessels in 2017, unveiling an entirely new lineup of itineraries.  Following the 2017 "Southern Celebración" World Cruise round-trip from Miami, Crystal Serenity will sail throughout North America for the remainder of the year, offering routes along the east and west coasts, through Alaska, New England and Eastern Canada, as well as the eastern seaboard into the Caribbean. Historically, Crystal Serenity has spent the majority of her 12 years at sea cruising the Mediterranean, Western Europe and the Black Sea but the line's tremendous expansion plans afforded an opportunity for change.

"The Mediterranean and surrounding regions have long been favourite destinations for our guests, and will continue to be, with the launch of Crystal Yacht Cruises and Crystal River Cruises," says Crystal's president and CEO, Edie Rodriguez. "These new ventures allow us to expand our offerings for our guests, so they can continue to experience their favourite Crystal holidays in new ways."

Crystal Serenity's new roster of ultra-luxury cruises includes a repositioning voyage from Miami to Los Angeles via the Panama Canal; convenient seven-day explorations of California's coastline; a 14-day intensive Mexico itinerary; a 16-day route through the Hawaiian Islands; seven-, 9- and 10-day cruises through the ports and glaciers of Alaska and British Columbia; seven- and 10-day itineraries through the charming ports of New England and Eastern Canada; and warm-weather fall and winter cruises along the Southern East Coast into the Caribbean.

Bookings for the newly unveiled 2017 Crystal Serenity voyages are now available with "Book Now" fares starting at US$2,625* per person double occupancy including all taxes through 29 February, 2016.

Crystal's newest vessel, luxury yacht Crystal Esprit, as well as its upcoming five luxury river yachts, will focus primarily in the waters of the Mediterranean region nearly year-round.  Crystal Esprit will sail to and from long favoured cities such as Venice, Dubrovnik and Athens, with calls to lesser explored gems only accessible by yacht. Likewise, the river yachts will grace the waterways of Europe include the Rhine, Seine, Danube, Main, Garonne, and Dordogne Rivers, visiting charming ports throughout Austria, Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Hungary, and others.


1800 251 174 (Australia)
0800 446 376 (New Zealand)

Crystal Esprit Christened in the Seychelles, Ready to Set Sail

Crystal Esprit Christened in the Seychelles

Ready to Set Sail

Luxury yacht launches Crystal Cruises' next chapter

Crystal Cruises, the world's most awarded luxury cruise line, has officially welcomed Crystal Esprit to its fleet of ultra-luxury vessels, as the sleek yacht was christened in an elegant ceremony held at Eden Island Marina in Mahé, Victoria, Seychelles.  Crystal's president and CEO, Edie Rodriguez, welcomed a distinguished audience of local dignitaries, yacht guests, travel partners and professionals and executives from the line's new parent company, Genting Hong Kong (GHK), for a day of celebration, as Crystal Esprit marks the beginning of one of the most significant brand expansions in luxury travel and hospitality history.

On hand to christen Crystal Esprit was the yacht's godmother, Lady Gaenor Anne Meakes, fiancée of Mark Richards, one of the world's most awarded and recognised yachtsmen. Richards serves as chief executive of Grand Banks yachts, based in Australia, and is an eight-time champion skipper of the 628-mile Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race. Lady Meakes christened the yacht with the traditional breaking of Champagne against the hull – specifically a bottle of Louis Roederer, Cristal Brut, 2004.  The evening culminated with an elaborate fireworks display at sea.

"To say today is a special day is an understatement," said Rodriguez. "Since joining Crystal just over two years ago, a personal goal of mine has been to see Crystal realize the next step in continuing to pioneer luxury travel and hospitality; and today I am seeing that dream fulfilled." She went on to personally thank GHK Chairman and CEO, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, for his and his company's support of her vision for Crystal's future.

Crystal will, indeed, pioneer the luxury travel and hospitality industry far beyond the reaches of ocean cruising, as the line is poised to launch Crystal River Cruises in 2016 and 2017, with five luxury river yachts – more than double the originally planned number – gracing the waterways of Europe include the Rhine, Seine, Danube, Main, Garonne, and Dordogne Rivers. Crystal Luxury Air will take off with all-first-class outfitted Boeing 777-200LR and Boeing 787 Dreamliner taking guests on multi-week journeys to far-off destinations not typically served non-stop by major airlines.

About Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises is the world's most awarded leading luxury cruise provider, having earned more "World's Best" awards than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history. In July 2015, Crystal embarked on the most significant brand expansion in the history of luxury travel and hospitality, which will introduce three new classes of cruising – Crystal Yacht Cruises (December 2015), Crystal River Cruises (July 2016), Crystal Exclusive Class Ocean Cruises (late 2018) – and Crystal Luxury Air (late 2017).

For More Information

For additional information contact
Wiltrans International on:


1800 251 174 (Australia)
0800 446 376 (New Zealand)

Grand Aegean & Adriatic Explorer gives 24 Mediterranean nights at the perfect time of year

Winter in the southern Mediterranean is a delight – very much the right place at the right time, less crowded and all yours to explore.

Cruise Traveller (cruisetraveller.com.au) has chosen that time of year for a sparkling new cruise holiday lasting 24 nights and called 'Grand Aegean and Adriatic Explorer'.

A fly-free offer gives free round-trip airfares from Australia to join the ship in Athens and return home from Venice. Transfers are included and the itinerary visits brilliant places away from the tourist beat.

The ship is MS Minerva, operated by Swan Hellenic. This boutique-size vessel carries no more than 350 passengers. There's a wide choice of included shore excursions.

'Grand Aegean and Adriatic Explorer' is available from A$9655 per person twin share, with FREE flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth to Athens and return from Venice. It's valid at that rate until 31 January 2016 unless sold out beforehand.

The cruise-holiday gets underway on 14 November 2016 with a flight from Australia to Athens to join MS Minerva. The ship boasts all the refinements of an intimate country house hotel, conveying guests in style and comfort to some the world's most fascinating destinations.

There is no shortage of those on this itinerary. The ship stays overnight in Kusadasi (gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus), Athens, Dubrovnik and Venice. You can perch on the peaks of Meteora, known for monasteries set on awe-inspiring heights. Get to know Pella, birthplace of Alexander the Great. A two-night stay in Istanbul gives time to discover its highlights including the Ottoman Blue Mosque. An extended stay in Piraeus includes a visit to Ancient Corinth where St Paul preached and lived for two years.

MS Minerva transits the narrow Corinth Canal and sails along Kotor Fjord to the medieval walled town of Kotor in Montenegro, one of the best preserved and most memorable medieval towns in the Adriatic, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Also listed by UNESCO is Dubrovnik, a masterpiece of cream-coloured stone. Sibenik in Dalmatia is another gem, offering some of the most memorable surroundings on the Croatian coast.

As well as a full exploration of Venice, Minerva offers a phenomenal variety of complimentary shore excursions. They are available on each day of the cruise and all are all covered by the fare.

Choices range from the Royal Tombs of Vergina to Aphrodisia and Nysa in Kusadasi, the Montenegro Riviera and Dubrovnik's Lokrum Island. Enjoy a tour of Split, a city on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast where date palms line a seafront esplanade in front of the Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace – a structure so well preserved that about 3000 people live within its walls today. Explore Istria and marvel at the Doges Palace and St Mark's Square in Venice.

An integrated program of talks by guest speakers aboard ship adds in-depth knowledge to the explorations. Another bonus is being able to forget about tipping – all gratuities, both aboard and while touring ashore, are covered in the upfront price. Entrance fees to places of interest visited are covered too, as are all shipboard main meals, including Welcome and Farewell Cocktail Parties followed by Gala Dinners.

For more information, contact:

Cruise Traveller, Boutique Voyage and Cruise Specialists

Freecall 1800 507 777 or (07) 5575 8094.

Sales@cruisetraveller.com.au

www.cruisetraveller.com.au

Mediterranean cruise, Barcelona, Rome and Milan from $4899 from Australia

A boat cruise on Italy's Lake Como joins in-depth guided tours of Barcelona, Rome and Milan to add special flair to a new 18-night holiday centred on a 12-night Mediterranean cruise. The price has just been reduced and you can book until the end of March 2016, unless sold out or withdrawn from sale.

The latest exclusive offer from Worldwide Cruise Centres involves a Mediterranean cruise aboard ms Oosterdam, one of Holland America Line's premium Vista-class ships.

Called 'Roman Walls to Northern Lakes' and very competitively priced (starting from A$4899 twin share per person, a reduction of A$100 on the previous price), the holiday lasts 18 nights and includes hotel stays and tours in Barcelona, Rome and Milan (two nights each), as well as the ms Oosterdam cruise.

The Barcelona and Rome tours come complete with special arrangements that skip the queues to some of those cities' best-known attractions. The stay in Milan includes an excursion to the village of Bellagio, with its tiled roofs, stone staircases, cypress groves and lakefront boat moorings. A cruise on Lake Como, against the backdrop of the snow-capped Rhaetian Alps, is the perfect highlight.

The centrepiece of 'Roman Walls to Northern Lakes', the 12-night ms Oosterdam cruise from Barcelona to Rome, visits Cadiz, Gibraltar, Malaga, Alicante, Mallorca, Marseilles, Corsica, Monte Carlo and Livorno, gateway to Florence and Pisa.

'Roman Walls to Northern Lakes' includes flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth to Barcelona, returning from Milan.

The holiday departs Australia on 8 July 2016 with a flight to Barcelona, one of Europe's most popular cities, where you'll spend two nights in a four-star hotel.

Full-day sightseeing Barcelona sightseeing, concentrating on artists and historic heritage, includes Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's fabulous cathedral. A special dispensation lets you skip the tourist queues and discover the magnificent interior. See also the elegant Passeig de Gracia, home to the most famous Gaudi houses, Casa Batllo and La Casa Mila.  The Olympic Village, the beach, the Gothic quarter, La Rambla pedestrian mall – all are covered.

Embark now on ms Oosterdam. The ship's centrepiece is a magnificent Waterford crystal globe, prominently displayed in a three-story atrium. ms Oosterdam amenities include The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine; Greenhouse Spa & Salon; Vista Dining Room, Pinnacle Grill and Vista Show Lounge. All shipboard main meals (excluding specialty restaurants) are included.

Ports of call are fabulous. From Moorish-inspired Cadiz, sail to Gibraltar, Britain's Mediterranean outpost, known for its lively troop of Barbary apes. The Spanish seaport of Malaga, one of the world's oldest cities, is where Picasso was born. Bask in the warm, Spanish vibes of Mallorca, then explore shops and cafés of the beachfront Explanada de España at Alicante in sun-soaked Valencia, before sailing on to Marseilles, capital of the South of France. Corsica, birthplace of Napoleon, leads to opulent Monte Carlo on the Riviera and Livorno on the Tyrrhenian Sea, gateway to Florence and Pisa.

Disembarking in Rome, your home for the next two nights (staying in a four-star hotel) you'll see a lot of the city in one day. The tour starts at the Colosseum, where you will skip the queues and learn of gladiators and of the mock sea-battles staged by Nero. Wander the streets and piazzas of the city, taking in sights from the Spanish steps to the Piazza Navona with its Bernini Fountain.

By first-class train now, journey from Rome to Milan. Your two nights in a four-star hotel in Milan include daily breakfast, as with all hotel stays in 'Roman Walls to Northern Lakes'.

From Milan, a day trip to the Italian Lake District visits Lake Como and the village of Bellagio, almost impossibly photogenic. Bellagio has since ancient times been a centre for the production of silk. A walking tour of the city with local guide includes a visit to the Cathedral, with its gothic facade and interior tapestries. A boat cruise sets the seal on a superb day.

Time to explore Milan at your leisure before jetting back home to Australia.

To find your local Worldwide Cruise Centres agent go to:

www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au