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Wednesday 29 August 2012

DISCOUNTED SOUTH AMERICAN CRUISE TOUR


CRUISE specialist www.ecruising.travel has released discounted prices on their fly/cruise/tour package " 2013 South America Discoveries", a 22-night itinerary which includes a 13-night cruise aboard Holland America's  ms Zaandam from Buenos Aires in Argentina to Valparaiso in Chile.

The journey departs Sydney on November 11, 2013, with three nights in Buenos Aires and another three in Iguazu Falls to take in the superb waterfalls on both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides before boarding your ship.

Visit Montevideo in Uruguay, Puerto Madryn and Ushuaia in Argentina then onwards to Puerto Montt and Punta Arenas before reaching your final destination of Valparaiso in Chile.

Spend your final three nights in the Chilean capital Santiago before flying back to Australia.

The itinerary includes tours in Santiago, Buenos Aires  plus two full days at the Iguazu Falls.

Now priced from $6229 (was $11,119) per person twin share, the package also includes return air fares with Qantas from Sydney, nine nights hotel accommodation, up to USD$75 onboard credit, 13 nights cruise accommodation with all meals onboard the Zaandam, air and port taxes as well as all transfers.

For more details contact ecruising.travel on 1300-369-848 or check out www.ecruising.travel


SeaDream savings Rome, Italian Riviera, Monte Carlo and Nice


IF you've a week up your sleeve in Europe in October, the world's #1-rated boutique SeaDream II is sailing 7-nights from Civitavecchia, the port for Rome, to Elba, Corsica, the Italian Riviera, Monte Carlo and Nice with prices starting from a low US$3426pp twin-share – around a third of the originally brochured price.*

It includes all 5-star dining, drinks from the open bars, wines with lunch and dinner, nightly cocktail gatherings, a 30-course golf simulator, power and sail watersports (where permitted,) mountain bikes for shore excursions, onboard gratuities and port charges and taxes; SeaDream II carries on average 100 guests in just 56 staterooms served by 95 crew.

For full itinerary and other details see travel agents or www.seadream.com

SeaDream II departs Civitavecchia on October 13 for Bonifacio on historic Corsica, Portoferraio on picturesque Elba in Italy's Tuscany region, Viareggio for Florence, Portovenere amid the serrated cliffs of the Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera, Portofino also on the Italian Riviera, Monte Carlo for 24-hours and Nice.

*Originally brochured price was US$9327pp twin-share.

                                                      

MSC CRUISES’ SALE ON $1 FARES FOR SECOND PASSENGERS


FROM September 3-9, anyone who books an MSC Cruises' 2012 Grand Voyage will only pay $1 plus port charges for the second passenger.

This hot deal for couples is one of a number from the leading cruise line during the inaugural International Cruise Week promotion, organised by the International Cruise Council of Australasia.

The offer applies to five sailings, one aboard MSC Opera from Venice on November 1, 2012, to South Africa's Cape Town - 19 nights, the first passenger paying from $1319, the second guest from $476, including the port charges.

Other sailings and prices are as follow:

MSC Magnifica, from Genoa on October 27, 2012 for 17 nights to Santos in Brazil, from $1289 and $426;
MSC Fantasia, from Genoa on November 11, 2012 for 16 nights to Santos in Brazil, from $1249 and $401;
MSC Orchestra, from Genoa on November 25, 2012 for 15 nights to Rio de Janeiro, from $1099 and $376;
MSC Lirica, from Genoa on November 30, 2012 for 15 nights to Antilles in the Caribbean, from $1169 and $376.

In addition to the Grand Voyage specials, MSC Cruises will offer $100 per person onboard credits on 2013 cruises of the Mediterranean and Northern Europe with prices starting at $609pp twin share for a seven-night Mediterranean cruise and from $1288pp, twin share for a 14-night Grand Mediterranean cruise.

Seven-night Northern Europe cruises start at $919pp twin share, 14-night Grand Northern Europe cruises from $2058pp, twin share.

MSC Cruises is the market leading cruise company in the Mediterranean, South Africa and Brazil and operates across the globe. MSC Cruises sails throughout the year in the Mediterranean and offers a wide range of seasonal itineraries in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, the French Antilles, South America, South and West Africa, and the Red Sea. Its modern fleet comprises twelve ships: Fantasia-class MSC Divina, MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia; Musica-class MSC Magnifica, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra, and MSC Musica; Lirica-class MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera and MSC Lirica; and MSC Melody. In 2013 the fleet will once again increase in size with the addition of MSC Preziosa, who will be christened in March. MSC Cruises is the only company in the world to receive the "6 Golden Pearls" award from the Bureau Veritas in recognition of its high level of quality management and environmental responsibility. MSC has also achieved ISO 9001 and ISO 22000 certification for the quality and food safety of all aspects of its catering, both on shore and on board. MSC Cruises believes that global leadership brings increased responsibility towards the physical and human environments in which it operates. As such, a long term partnership with UNICEF was undertaken in 2009 to fund a community project aimed at providing disadvantaged children in Brazil with a quality education. So far, MSC Cruises has raised over one million euros for the initiative.

Details: MSC Cruises, phone 1300 028502 or www.msccruises.com.au

Grandest of small ship cruising out of Cairo, Istanbul, Venice and Rome in 2013 (F) image attached of Agean Odyssey


CRUISECO is giving free return Economy Class airfare from Australia to join a selection of 22 to 30 night luxury cruises from ports as diverse as Cairo, Istanbul, Venice and Civitavecchia (Rome) aboard the 380 passenger Aegean Odyssey between March and July, and again in September and October, of next year.

And for a grand 75 night sailing from Singapore to Civitavecchia in March 2013, it's giving free return Business Class airfare from Australia to Singapore, and back to Australia from Rome.

Some packages include pre cruise hotel stays of up to two nights with airport and port transfers, while others include direct airport-port or port-airport transfers on day of embarkation of disembarkation.

Prices begin from $9,595pp twin share for 24 nights from Istanbul to Venice on April 13 2013 including return free Economy Class airfare from Sydney, and a 2 night Istanbul hotel stay with airport-hotel transfers and shipboard gratuities.

Other packages include 25 nights Cairo to the Greek Islands and return, 22 nights Venice to Cannes, 26 nights Venice to Civitavecchia for Rome, 25 nights Civitavecchia-Nessebur (Bulgaria,) 24 nights Istanbul to Venice, and 30 nights Rome to Cairo. All are on sale until September 30 this year unless sold earlier.

The grand 75 night Singapore to Civitavecchia departing 7 March 2013 is priced from $27,450pp twin share in an outside cabin, and includes return Business Class airfare, 2 nights pre cruise hotel in Singapore with transfers and 2 nights post cruise in Rome with transfers; bookings for this close on 31 August this year.

For full details and the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise specialist travel agency visit www.cruising.com.au. Air tax components can change without notice.

Set Sail in True British Style with P&O Cruises World Cruising


Globetrotting Australians can discover the seven seas in classic British style and sophistication on one of P&O Cruises World Cruising's newly released 2014 world sailings.

The cruise line's 2014 world cruise program features three cruises, with ships Aurora and Arcadia sailing on full world circumnavigations, while Adonia will sail east for an in-depth exploration of the Mediterranean, Middle East and Asia.

On sale from September 4, 2012 the three cruises from Southampton will visit a total of 81 destinations in 41 countries during itineraries ranging from 92 to 112 nights.

Aurora's 109-night circumnavigation departs January 4, 2014, calling at 33 ports in 22 countries. Her itinerary includes maiden calls to Xiamen, China and Hoi An, Vietnam as well as seven extended overnight calls to vibrant ports such as Cape Town, Hong Kong and Dubai.

With fares from $17,529* per person twin share for the full circumnavigation, the cruise also features numerous opportunities to break from traditional cruising with fly-cruises and a variety of land tours also available.

For a shorter, but equally grand adventure, Arcadia's 92-night world circumnavigation, departing January 10, 2014 visits 28 ports in 20 countries.

Priced from $16,179* per person twin share for the full circumnavigation, the cruise offers passengers a blend of popular and exotic destinations such as Bora Bora, Singapore, Muscat and Cairo that will tempt even the most well-travelled explorer.

Monday 27 August 2012

Companion free flight deal on APT 2013 Africa holidays


APT is offering a companion-fly-free deal (just pay taxes from $795) when booking an APT Africa holiday next year before December 31, 2012. The deal represents savings of up to $2040 per couple.

The deal applies to all 16 itineraries running through the May-to-September season.

The 29-day South Africa Highlights, for example, includes 15 nights in South Africa, two at Victoria Falls and 11 nights in Kenya-Tanzania (featuring three nights in the Serengeti and Masai Mara national parks, views of Mt Kilimanjaro at Amboseli and private game lodges in Kruger and Thanda Game Reserve in South Africa).  

It is priced from $18,595 per person, twin share, based on the May 19 departure which includes all flights in Africa and two charter flights in East Africa, coach and 4WD game viewing, accommodation (private game lodges, luxury camps, hotels), 62 meals, local guided excursions and game drives, tipping and APT Tour Director.

Contact: 1300 229 804, www.aptouring.com.au, or see local travel agent.

Additional detail:

APT has built on its successful Africa debut this year with new lodges, hotels, a new private game reserve,  an extra night in Serengeti National Park and a second itinerary with a three-day Zambezi Queen luxury cruise safari on Botswana's Chobe River.

APT's 68-page 2013 brochure for Africa (South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania) offers the choice of 16 itineraries including Cape Town to Cairo with Nile cruising in Egypt, and one garden-themed tour operated by sister company Botanica. They range from 14 to 34 days through the May-September season.

Luxury Rovos Rail features in many itineraries while all tours offering four-day Rovos Rail extensions from Pretoria Cape Town.

Writing the forward in the brochure, APT owner Geoff McGeary describes the program as "an incredible combination of luxury and adventure" ... which "can't be matched."

"From our close-up wildlife encounters to unbelievably intimate outdoor dinners, private 4WD game drives with just two or three other couples, expert local game trackers and drivers, to  hotels and resorts and luxury lodges and camps set in the heart of iconic game reserves ... we've taken the best elements of independent African travel and enhanced them," Mr McGeary wrote.

Tour group size limited to 28 guests, fully-inclusive packaging featuring all flights within Africa and Egypt and opportunities to see the Big Five are other key selling features of the APT Africa adventure.

The company's popular Freedom of Choice Sightseeing Inclusions has been applied to six locations. For example, at Victoria Falls (a 7 Wonders of the World site), options are helicopter ride or elephant back safari.

Among the list of APT's exclusive Signature experiences -- apart from viewing the wildlife -- are, game viewing while cruising on the 14-suite Zambezi Queen, viewing Mt Kilimanjaro at sunset during sundowner drinks, a private tour of Kenya's Olduvai Gorge, outdoor Boma fireside dining at Thanda Tented Safari Camp, traditional Zulu lunch and dance performance, lunch made from home-grown produce at Tanzania's River House Shanga, a private concert by The Kenyan Boys Choir in Nairobi and African drumming and regional Cape Malay cuisine.

The "Exclusive" tag is applied to accommodation too. It includes Tinga Private Game Lodge in Kruger , Thanda Tented Safari Camp in Zululand's Thanda Private Game Reserve (new), Karen Blixen Camp in the Masai Mara, Soroi Serengeti Lodge in Serengeti National Park (three nights instead of two), Madikwe Safari Lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve, Lions Sands in Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, Escarpment Luxury Lodge overlooking Lake Manyara (new), Fairmont Zimbali Resort, the Royal Livingstone Hotel, De Opstal Country Lodge, Table Bay Hotel on Cape Town waterfront, Turbine Hotel and Spa in Knysna (new) and the Boardwalk Hotel and Spa in Port Elizabeth (new).



Wednesday 8 August 2012

Stay Connected at Tokoriki Island Resort Fiji

Tokoriki Island Resort Fiji now offers an unlimited FREE WiFi service to all guests staying at this stunning, luxury island resort.

Guests can catch up with news and loved ones while enjoying a cocktail or coffee in the bar, lounge and central lobby or even when catching a few rays lounging by the 25m infinity pool.

The luxury bures and villas will continue to boast no TV, alarm clocks, telephones or newspapers to ensure guests relish in the peaceful setting enjoying the sounds of a lapping ocean and a tropical environment.

Tokoriki Island Resort is a luxury couples' only resort located in the Mamanuca Islands Fiji, only 15 mins by helicopter, seaplane or 1hr by South Sea Cruises or private speed boat.

Visit: www.tokoriki.com

For enquiries please contact: World Resorts of Distinction on P: 07 5524 5222, Email:  sales@wrd.com.au


Tuesday 7 August 2012

FLY FREE TO ASIA AND CRUISE WITH AZAMARA

FLY free when you book a 14-night Asia cruise on the Azamara Journey through cruise specialists' ecruising.travel

This special offer is for return economy airfares from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth when you book the cruise by October 1.

Departing Hong Kong on April 3, 2013 cruise to Hanoi in Vietnam and take in the limestone mountains of the heritage listed Halong Bay for two days, continue to historic Hue before spending a night in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy a day at sea to experience all the ship has to offer before arriving in Bangkok in Thailand for two nights and then ending the cruise in Singapore.

Priced from $3969 per person twin share, this itinerary includes return airfares from Australia, 14 nights cruise accommodation with all meals and complimentary wine with lunch and dinner, on board facilities such as daily enrichment programs, 24-hour room service and port charges and government fees.

For more details contact ecruising.travel on 1300-369-848 or visit www.ecruising.travel

BOOK NOW FOR UNSURPASSED SUMMER OF LUXURY ON SILVER SHADOW

Renowned for their all-inclusive, all-suite cruising style, Silversea is offering two 14 day luxury sailings between Australia and New Zealand aboard the intimate Silver Shadow in January 2013.
Depart Sydney on 4 January, for a 14 day exploration of the ports and harbours of Victoria, north-western Tasmania and both islands of New Zealand. Alternatively sail from Auckland on 18 January to Sydney via some of New Zealand's best wine districts and the spectacular Milford and Dusky Sounds with an overnight visit to Melbourne.
With enticing fares priced from US$6999 per person double occupancy in an ocean view Vista Suite, and US$1000 per suite onboard spending credit, these sailings offer the perfect opportunity to sample the convivial Silversea lifestyle and recover from Christmas festivities.
With just 382 guests, Silver Shadow is small enough to venture into sheltered harbours where others cannot go.
Each spacious Silver Shadow suite has personal butler service and marble bathroom with Bulgari or Ferragamo amenities. All wines, Champagne, spirits and drinks throughout the ship are complimentary and your in-suite drinks cabinet is stocked with your favourite beverages. Dine when, where and with whom you wish at a selection of gourmet restaurants. There is also 24 hour complimentary room service and all gratuities are included.
Book early to receive the best available Silver Savings fare.
For more information and a brochure contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or toll free 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com
For more information please contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or toll free 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com


Follow Silversea on Twitter, Facebook and the Silversea Blog.

Thursday 2 August 2012

Free International Flights from Tadrai Island Resort


Unimaginable Deal from Tadrai Island Resort Fiji!

Adult's only, Tadrai Island Resort Fiji is unimaginable indulgence and luxury, the total dream, and now after partnering with Air Pacific the dream could be a reality with the most unimaginable deal. Stay 7 nights at Tadrai Island Resort and receive one free return International flight to Nadi or stay 10 nights and receive two free return International flights to Nadi from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane airports.

If free return flights aren't unimaginable enough a seven or ten night stay at Tadrai also includes French Champagne in room on arrival, all meals, all beverages including alcoholic and non-alcoholic, daily sunset canapés, fully stocked mini bar, laundry service, Pure Fiji amenities, all resort activities, twice daily maid service/romantic turndown, Wi-Fi, movies and use of an iPad.

Tadrai Island Resort is nestled into palm-fringed Selena Cove on the northern side of the exclusive and picturesque Mana Island in the Mamanuca Island Group of Fiji.

This amazing resort consists of five elegantly designed ultra deluxe villas, all with own outdoor plunge pools, personal butler service and located on a serene, secluded cove with exclusive access to Selena Beach, just one of four magnificent white sand beaches on the island.

The resort boasts the signature indoor/outdoor restaurant, Na Vatu and Resort activities and excursions are tailored to individual guest's interests. For those looking for the ultimate pampering experience, they can indulge the senses at the Wai Siliva Alfresco Spa - a gateway to Nirvana.

This unimaginable deal is on sale until 11 September 2012 and valid for travel until 16th December 2013.

The price for a seven night stay for two people at Tadrai Island Resort including one return International flight from Australia to Nadi is FJ$18,900 (AUD$10,077.00). The price for a ten night stay for two people at Tadrai Island Resort including two return International flight from Australia to Nadi is FJ$27,000 (AUD$14,399.00).

These rates also include taxes, all meals and beverages, French Champagne in room on arrival, all meals, all beverages including alcoholic and non-alcoholic, daily sunset canapés, fully stocked mini bar, laundry service, Pure Fiji amenities, all resort activities, twice daily maid service/romantic turndown, Wi-Fi, movies and use of an iPad.

*The AUD rate is based on today's exchange rate and may fluctuate

For further information visit www.tadrai.com

For booking and enquiries contact: World Resorts of Distinction on P: 07 5524 5222 Email:  sales@wrd.com.au

 

Queen Mary 2 to Circumnavigate Australia Again in 2014



Following the overwhelming success of Queen Mary 2's inaugural circumnavigation of Australia this year, Cunard has announced an encore performance, with its flagship liner set to sail around Australia again in February 2014.

Queen Mary 2's 2014 circumnavigation will call at eight different ports, with Australians able to sail on a full circumnavigation from Fremantle, Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, which will all enjoy two visits from the liner.

In all, Queen Mary 2 will be in Australian waters for 33 days as she completes the circumnavigation, visiting Fremantle (Feb 12, Mar 6) Melbourne (Feb 17, Mar 12) , Sydney (Feb 19, Mar 14) , Brisbane (Feb 21, Mar 16) Whitsundays (Feb 23), Darwin (Feb 27) Bali (Mar 2) and Adelaide (Mar 10).

Revealing details of the 2014 circumnavigation, Cunard Line President and Managing Director Peter Shanks said he anticipated strong consumer interest when pre-registrations open on August 7.

Pre-registrations will close on August 17 with the circumnavigation opening for sale on August 20.

"When we announced Queen Mary 2's first circumnavigation back in 2010 we had a record number of bookings made within the first day. Cunard bookings from Australia surged again when she undertook the historic voyage earlier this year," Mr Shanks said.

"Australians have an affinity with Cunard's liners and they clearly love the wonderful blend of heritage and modernity that we offer, so we believe Queen Mary 2's second circumnavigation will be just as popular as the first."

Four different full circumnavigation options will be available for booking next month:
  • A 22 day circumnavigation from Fremantle, departing February 12 priced from $6499* per person twin share
  • A 23 day circumnavigation from Melbourne, departing February 17 priced from $6799* per person twin share
  • A 23 day circumnavigation from Sydney departing February 19 with fares from $6799 *per person twin share
  • A 23 day circumnavigation from Brisbane departing February 21 with fares from $6799* per person twin share
Visit Cruise Guru at cruiseguru.com.au for information or call 13 13 03. Only a limited number of registrations can be accepted.


Wednesday 1 August 2012

Enjoy free airfare to join luxury Asia cruising in 2013


Book an Oceanview stateroom (or higher) and enjoy 5-star boutique cruising on any of a half-dozen luxury sailings aboard the 700 guest Azamara Journey in Asia between January and April next year, and if you are amongst the first 200 to book, you'll get your return air travel to and from your cruise for free*.

Cruise only prices range from $2,935pp twin share for 13 nights Singapore Return, to $4,995pp twin share for 17 nights Hong Kong to Singapore. Or $3,995pp twin share 14 nights Hong Kong to Tianjin (Beijing) or vice versa and from $3,995pp twin share for 14 nights Hong Kong to Singapore or vice versa.

Depending on itineraries, featured ports of call can include Lombok in Indonesia, Benoa on Bali, Halong Bay and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Bangkok (Thailand,) Xiamen and Beijing in China, Japan's Kagoshima and Kobe, and Busan in South Korea.

The 30,300 tonne Azamara Journey has two specialty restaurants, a coffee café, piano bar and wine bar, live entertainment, daily enrichment programs including wine and Champagne tastings, and a Spa and Wellness Centre.

All prices include on board gratuities, wines with lunch and dinner, bottled water, soft drinks and speciality tea & coffee.

For full details, booking deadlines and the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise specialist travel agent visit www.cruising.com.au 

*Conditions apply; valid until 30 September 2012 for new bookings only.


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