Most comprehensive Australian circumnavigation ever offered
L'Austral – Save $3,000 per couple - book by 31 May, 2016
In 2018 Ponant's L'Austral will embark on a special, 40-night circumnavigation visiting 25 remote destinations like King Island, Ningaloo Reef and the tip of Cape York. While you circuit our great continent, you’ll also enjoy complimentary drinks and zodiac excursions. To find about this amazing journey,
Along with English, Dutch and Portuguese explorers, intrepid French seafarers played a pivotal role in charting Australia throughout the 18th Century when our continent was known as the mysterious ‘Terre Australis’ (South Land).
Our experienced team constantly search for great offers, interesting destinations and inspiring itineraries. Here is a selection of this month's cruises.
Double upgrades on new Cunard World Voyage sectors
Book by 30 June, 2016
A Cunard voyage is one of life’s great travel adventures - especially when you receive a free upgrade from Inside to Balcony, or Princess Gill to Queens Grill - plus onboard spending credits! World voyage sectors to and from Australia are now available between January and March, 2017, aboard Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. Packages from 15 to 32 nights have been released between Australia and Africa, Asia, North America or South America. Extended pre and post cruise stays may also be available. Book before June 30, 2016, to receive the upgrades and spending credits. For more,
Solo music cruising
If you are a solo traveller and looking to share a cabin with fellow music lovers, we may be able to assist! We have a limited allotment of cabins on 2016 and 2017 music cruises such as Bravo! Cruise of the Performing Arts, Cruise n Groove, Cruisin' Country and Rock the Boat, where we are able to allocate individuals into quad-share cabins to help you avoid single supplements. This is a service we offer free of charge to allow you to experience these exclusive music cruises at a reduced rate. Book in early to avoid disappointment,
Ovation of the Seas BONUS onboard credits
The much-anticipated arrival of Ovation of the Seas, the biggest and newest cruise ship to ever visit Australia, has proved so popular that her maiden season has been extended. Four extra cruises from 3 to 12 nights in January and February 2017 are now on sale with some offering up to US$75 onboard credit per stateroom. Fares start from just $543 pp including gratuities. For details,
NEW - In the wake of James Bond
The four masted Star Clipper sailing ship and remote, jewel-blue lagoons in Thailand made famous by James Bond star in our exclusive and affordable 12-night 'South East Asia Adventure' next March. For details,
NEW - Hunting the Northern Lights
Norway in winter is a storybook wonderland of villages and landscapes iced with snow, with the dazzling Northern Lights overhead. Our cruise tour to Norway this year was so successful we’re offering a Unique Journey again in February 2017. For more,
To see the spectacular Photo Gallery images of this year's tour to Norway,
Did You Know?
Norway, which means ‘path to the north’, is the world’s most peaceful country, according to the Global Peace Index.
South America & Antarctica
See the top drawcards of South America, including Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires and the ancient Incan lost city of Machu Picchu, and cruise to Antarctica on our exclusive Unique Journey in January, 2017. For full details:
For more on any of the ships featured below, call us on 1300 766 537 or 1300 676 926 (Central Coast NSW)
Cruise Review - Arcadia
One of the world’s top chefs, 3-Michelin-starred Marco Pierre White, has appeared on ‘Masterchef’ this year. If you’d like to sample his famed cuisine without flying to Britain you can board P&O Cruises Arcadia here in Australia and dine in his seaborne restaurant. Read Travel Specialist Ashley Shallow's review of Arcadia,
Cruise the Pacific with José Carreras
One of history’s great tenors, José Carreras, has announced his retirement from music but not before performing in BRAVO Cruise of the Performing Arts 2017. José, 69, is famous as one of the Three Tenors and has sung in the world’s top opera houses. The suave singer will headline the 7-night South Pacific cruise alongside a galaxy of stars. To be one of the last to see him perform, click here,
New Viking sets sail
Viking Ocean Cruises’ latest luxury ship, the 930-guest Viking Sea, was christened in spectacular fashion in London this month. Viking Sun will follow next year and start her career with a grand 141-day world cruise visiting 66 ports including six in Australia. Viking’s striking new ships with signature infinity pools on their sterns have attracted rave reviews. To watch the glittering christening,
Fly FREE offer
Book a 2017 Viking ocean cruise in Europe before May 31, 2016, and you can fly free, with Business Class also heavily discounted.
Premium Passengers for Princess
Princess Cruises has announced new Club Class Mini Suites on its ships with passengers set to enjoy upmarket dining, bon voyage wine, evening canapés, luxury bathrobes, deluxe beds and priority embarkation and disembarkation. Club Class will be rolled out across Princess’ Australian ships from this December. If you want to live it up at sea, call us.
Downton Abbey Heads to Sea
Princess Cruises has also announced that from now until September, its two UK-based ships, Emerald Princess and Caribbean Princess, will showcase a special Downton Abbey exhibition. Costumes and jewellery from the popular TV drama will be on show and a ‘Making of Downton Abbey’ film will be played with afternoon tea served afterwards.
Faster Internet
Super-fast wi-fi is now available on all Royal Caribbean International ships following an expansion of the line’s VOOM high-speed internet service. The upgrade is good news for families, who can use the connection to share photos and stay in touch. For our great family packages aboard the innovative Ovation of the Seas, which arrives in Australia this summer,
Young Explorers
Young cruise passengers in Norway and Antarctica will soon learn about the nature, culture and protection of destinations they visit as part of a free, new Young Explorers program launched by Hurtigruten. From this summer in Antarctica and from April, 2017, in Norway, kids aged 7-13 can attend daily eco-activities on and off the ship including beach clean ups. Call us to check availability on your preferred dates.
Cruise on Rails
An ideal add-on to a cruise in Europe is a ride between London and Venice aboard one of the world’s most famous and luxurious trains, the Venice Simplon Orient Express. This legendary rail journey is now even more indulgent with a decadent new bar called 3674, featuring plush furnishings and new cocktail and caviar menus. Our team of experts can design the perfect rail and cruise package for you. Call us to start planning.
Flat Out in Economy
We all love to start a cruise abroad by flying Business Class but that’s not always possible. It’s good to hear airlines are upgrading dining, entertainment and seating for Economy passengers. Air New Zealand is successfully leading the way by offering ‘Sky Couches’ where rows of Economy seats can be turned into flat beds for a surcharge. For advice on which airlines offer the best service, ask our team of experts.
Our luxury Escorted Voyages are exclusive group tours where our experienced Tour Managers host you and take care of all the details. Travel with complete peace of mind and make friends with like-minded travellers along the way.
Reduced Mini Suite fares are now available on our 'Grand Japan' Escorted Voyage this September. Cabins are limited so to reserve your place now,
Ever popular Tour Manager Warren has just been announced as host on 'Norway - Land of the Midnight Sun' this August. Join him and sail through the world’s most spectacular fjords all to way to the top of Europe. Bookings close shortly. For details,
Warren will also host our Escorted Voyage to Central America, and the Panama Canal this October. Extend your trip with an optional tour to experience the endearing charms of Cuba before it changes forever, or the staggering sights of America's canyon country.
Live the good life on our 'Voyage to the Vineyards' to New Zealand in April 2017. Cruise in Concierge Class accommodation and indulge in exclusive food and wine events and shore tours from just $3790 per person.
Discover the 'Treasures of the Orient' on our Escorted Voyage through Asia next February. Our value-packed package includes visits to the fabled Great Wall of China, the ancient Terracotta Warriors and a cruise on the Yangtze River through the mysterious Three Gorges. For details of the tour,
Did You Know?
Built 2300 years ago, the Great Wall of China is the world’s longest, man-made structure, stretching for over 21,000km. Despite popular legend, it can NOT be seen from space with the naked eye.
~ Tours may be escorted by Cruise Express or locally hosted, depending on final group numbers.
Each month, we talk with celebrities, industry figures, cruise lovers and crew about their passion for cruising. This month, we talk with Captain Belinda Bennett aboard the Wind Star, who joins a growing number of women now at the helm of cruise ships around the world.
What did you want to be when you were little?
I wanted to be a marine biologist in my younger years. I guess I always had a passion for the sea!
What qualities must someone possess to become a good cruise ship captain?
You have to be a good communicator – able to both talk and listen. You also need to be visible to both guests and the crew.
What are your three top priorities as a Windstar master?
That my guests and crew are safe, with the guests having an enjoyable and memorable time. I also want to ensure the crew are happy and content – only then can they provide the best service to our guests.
What are your three favourite ports-of-call and why?
Just three? I so love the beautiful Dalmatian coast and Sorrento in Italy where I have a personal tradition of buying Italian leather handbags! In Portoferraio in Elba, you can find me eating the best gelato on the planet.
How does a guest get to have dinner with you at the Captain’s Table?
Sail on Windstar several times! Repeat guests are normally invited to dine at the Captain’s Table, and I love meeting Windstar guests in this special tradition.
A couple in their late 60s were heading to dinner in the main dining room of their cruise ship. On the way, hand-in-hand, they walked past the ship’s fine-dining specialty restaurant. “Oh my goodness, the aromas coming from that restaurant are just amazing,” exclaimed the wife. “The food in there smells exquisite. How delightful!” The husband thought to himself: “You know, I love my wife and I’m a loving husband so to heck with it, I’m going to give her a treat today.” And with that he walked her past the restaurant again!
