Luxury Christmas cruise on Seabourn Odyssey

SAVINGS of nearly $5000 per person are now available on an 18-day fly/cruise to enjoy the coming Christmas and New Year aboard the super luxurious Seabourn Odyssey if you book quickly with ecruising.travel.

The package, which now costs from $8099 per person twin share in a veranda suite, includes two nights in a Lanai room at the superb Oberoi Bali before joining the ship for its voyage to Sydney via a selection of Indonesian and Australian ports.

The price includes one way economy flight from Sydney, airport transfers and all meals, beverages and entertainment aboard Seabourn Odyssey.

The ship calls at Gili Trawangan and Komodo Island in Indonesia before making stops at Darwin, Thursday Island, Cairns, Townsville, Hamilton Island and Brisbane before arriving in Sydney.

Seabourn Odyssey is one of the world's most highly rated cruise ships and is equipped with an array of sporting, entertainment, computer centre and health and beauty facilities.

This special price is available for bookings made by October 19 at ecruising.travel on 1300 369 848 or check-out www.ecruising.travel

Win a Trafalgar $7,000 guided holiday of China for two

YOURLifeChoices and Trafalgar are offering you the chance to win a nine-day Trafalgar First Class guided holiday of China for two people including return flights with Singapore Airlines.

Take a rickshaw ride around the ancient Hutong alleyways, visit the Forbidden City with its imperial gardens and the sacred structures of Beijing before standing in awe at the view from the famous Great Wall.

Tour through the fascinating excavation at Xi’an, home of the Terra Cotta Warriors and stroll the cosmopolitan streets of Shanghai, all in time to catch stunning Chinese acrobatics.

The prize includes eight-nights First Class accommodation, welcome reception, Be My Guest dining experience with a Hutong family in Beijing, meals as per the itinerary, all sightseeing as per the itinerary and airport transfers, if arriving on day one and departing on day nine of the itinerary*.

The prize also includes two return economy airfares flying Singapore Airlines from the winner’s nearest capital city to Beijing and returning from Shanghai.

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Carnival Spirit set to stun Sydney

Carnival Spirit makes her finishing "Aussie" touches

Get ready Sydney: one month from today, Aussies will be able to see, do, taste and try everything that Carnival Spirit has to offer when Australia's newest and largest cruise ship arrives into her new home of Sydney Harbour for the very first time.

As soon as she docks down under on Wednesday 17 October, Carnival Spirit will receive the finishing 'Aussification' touches ahead of her first official voyage to New Caledonia on Saturday 20 October.

For more than 12 months, Carnival Spirit has undergone major Australian modifications including the installation of the jaw-dropping Green Thunder, the steepest and fastest waterslide at sea, and Serenity, the ginormous child-free retreat with panoramic views of the big blue.

Before she takes her first 2,680 Australian passengers to sea, no Aussie stone will be left unturned. Carnival Spirit will be kitted out with Australian power points, be ready to take Australian currency, and American-style 'slot machines' will be swapped out for good old pokies. Perhaps most importantly, new coffee machines will be added, so the newly trained baristas get that flat white just right.

Jennifer Vandekreeke, Director Carnival Cruise Lines Australia, is thrilled Carnival Spirit will soon be sailing in to her new Sydney home.

"We've been working on this for a long time and in just one month, the latest and greatest additions to Australia's first Carnival ship will be here for all to enjoy. Most people cruising on Carnival Spirit are going to be new to the experience, and with over 45 onboard activities each day, there will be something to suit everyone's taste, for a holiday that's as fast or as slow as you like. This time next month, guests will be thundering down the slide or sipping mojitos in a hammock on Serenity – and that's exactly where you'll find me!"

For Aussies looking for a holiday experience that goes from zen to adrenaline and every speed in between, Carnival Spirit offers a wide range of unique opportunities and experiences unavailable anywhere on land or sea.

Carnival Cruise Line's new 2012-2014 brochure will be available to order at Brochure Flow this Friday.


For further information or to book your next cruise visit www.carnival.com.au

 

NOVOTEL MELBOURNE ON COLLINS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS THIS OCTOBER WITH SPECIAL BIRTHDAY OFFERS

20% room discount and special offers this October

Novotel's new look Standard King Room

Celebrating 20 years as the premier hotel of choice in the heart of Melbourne, Novotel Melbourne on Collins marks its 20th Birthday this October with a stylish new look and special offers for guests.

Following the completion of a $7million dollar refurbishment of all Standard guest rooms and Executive suites, the Novotel offers visitors a new way to work, relax and play in the surrounds of bustling Collins Street.

To celebrate its 20 year milestone and launch the new look rooms, Novotel Melbourne on Collins is offering a special 20% off the best available rate when you stay 2 nights or more between 1 October - 11 November 2012, plus a host of specials offers throughout October including:

v  $20 Full Buffet Breakfast in Michel's Restaurant (normally $29)
v  $20 Valet Parking (normally $35)
v  $20 In-room internet (normally $27.95 per 24 hours)
v  Food & Beverage promotions - Antipasto tasting platter for $20 and a special 20th Birthday cocktail also for $20

Novotel Melbourne on Collins' 20% off 20th Birthday offer is valid from 1 October until 11 November, 2012, subject to availability. For bookings visit www.novotelmelbourne.com.au or phone 03 9667 5800.

Now boasting spacious and stylish accommodation throughout, the makeover of 309 Standard and Executive rooms complements the Novotel's recently added Premier rooms.

The new rooms at Novotel Melbourne on Collins have been designed to reflect the vibrant community of Australia's events capital with a contemporary colour scheme amid splashes of blue, striking new bed head designs, plush new beds and bedding, connectivity for portable Apple devises, 40" televisions, a variety of lighting and a funky chaise lounge sofa with adaptable side table.

All bathrooms have received a complete overhaul in the refurbishment with new walk-in showers, pristine vanity tops and fittings complete with an ultra-modern halo bathroom mirror which automatically demists during a shower.

Each light-filled room is designed for natural and more sustainable living and either overlooks the spectacular glass atrium of Australia on Collins shopping complex or Collins Street below.

General Manager for Novotel Melbourne on Collins, Hayden Hughes, said the refurbishment has finished just as a new era for the hotel begins. "In two decades Novotel Melbourne on Collins has continued to lead the 4-star hotel market and warmly welcomed millions of weary travellers to the heart of Melbourne.

"We think it is quite fitting that the completion of our recent refurbishment has culminated with the hotel's 20th birthday and we are really excited to have guests join the party and receive special birthday discounts and offers throughout October.

"Our team at Novotel are renowned for their friendly, professional service and now with brand new 4.5 accommodation we are ready for guests to experience the next generation of Novotel Melbourne on Collins."

The contemporary Novotel Melbourne on Collins is perfectly positioned on trendy Collins Street, right in the centre of the city. Be it the diverse range of heritage listed buildings, theatres, boutiques, large department stores or renowned parks and gardens, the best of Melbourne is easily accessible by foot or a short tram ride away.

Visit www.novotelmelbourne.com.au.

Accor Asia Pacific

www.accor.com | www.facebook.com/Accor | www.accorhotels.com

Celebrate and Save on 14-Day China Wonders Tour

 

In continuing its year-long 25th Anniversary celebrations, leading China specialist Helen Wong's Tours has unwrapped another hot surprise - a 14-day China Wonders group tour, priced from $2880 per person, twin share, from Sydney and Melbourne.

The price for groups from Brisbane and Adelaide begins at $3300pp, twin share, from Perth on request.

With departures in February and March 2013, the tour will cover the country's finest and most historic sites, including the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Terracotta Warriors.

A number of short cruises are also on the program, including a canal journey through the Venice of the East, Suzhou, and across West Lake in Hangzhou.

The tour will begin with a three-night stay in Shanghai, the Paris of the East, where the party will view the prime "yesterday and today" features of the city of more than 20 million.

"Two full days will be spent exploring this gracious and cosmopolitan city," said managing director of company founder Helen Wong.

"Apart from seeing major attractions such as the Jade Buddha Temple and the Shanghai Museum, everyone will take a stroll along the twisting alleyways in Old Chinatown and visit the famous Yu Gardens as well as take a cruise along the Huangpu River which slices between the historic Bund waterfront and Pudong with its contemporary towers and general high rise buildings," she said. "It will be an exciting way to start the group tour."

The canal city of Suzhou will also be visited along with the 1000-year-old water town of Wuzhen and Hangzhou, renowned for its "heavenly beauty".

The tour will then venture to Xian to marvel over the amazing archaeological wonders of the Terracotta Wonders as well as the old city wall. By night, the party will be entertained by a Tang Dynasty Cultural Show, complete with dinner.

The party will tour Beijing and its many historic sites, including the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall of China.

Tour departure dates are: February 15, 22 and March 1, 8, 15 and 22, price including return international air fare, domestic air fares in China, accommodation in four-star hotels, daily breakfast and lunch and some dinners, three evening cultural shows with transfers to and from hotel, transfers and entrance fees in China, English-speaking guides, China visa for Australian passport holders and a travel kit with 424-page Odyssey China book and cabin bag.

Departure taxes, security surcharges and fuel surcharges are also included, subject to change.

Helen Wong's Tours
phone 1300 788328
www.helenwongstours.com


 
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$1 Car Hire! Wot The?

There's some CRAZY relocation deals for as little as $1 a day. Updated every 12 minutes.

Companies need help relocating cars and campervans. That's why the prices below are so cheap for short-term one-way only rentals. If you can't see what you need, the cheapest car rental prices can be found on the VroomVroomVroom home page.

 
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Win a Taste of Kuala Lumpur with ZUJI.com.au

Online travel agent, ZUJI.com.au, has partnered with Malaysia Airlines and Swiss-Garden International to give Australian travellers the chance to win the ultimate shopping and dining getaway in Kuala Lumpur, valued at over $4,300.

The prize includes return flights and four nights' accommodation for two to Kuala Lumpur from any Australian capital city.

The lucky winners of this competition will start their trip in style with economy-class flights on Malaysia Airlines, winner of the Best Airline Signature Dish and World's Best Cabin Staff at the 2012 Skytrax Awards. On arrival, they will transfer to the four-star Swiss-Garden Hotel & Residences Kuala Lumpur, where they'll enjoy a four night stay in a One Bedroom Deluxe Room with LCD flat screen TV and broadband.

For your chance to explore Malaysia's most vibrant city, simply visit ZUJI's competitions page and describe, in 25 words or less, what your recipe for discovering Kuala Lumpur would be.

The competition closes midnight Wednesday, 3 October 2012. Terms and conditions apply, and can be found here. Entrants agree to receive special travel offers form ZUJI Australia.

ZUJI.com.au is also inviting Australian travellers to beat jetlag on their next long-haul flight with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur, thanks to a partnership between the online travel agent and Tourism Malaysia. Between now and the end of December, travellers en route to Europe, India, China, South East Asia, Japan and the Middle East will receive $200 credit when they book a stopover in Kuala Lumpur with two or more nights' accommodation.

 
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Vietnam-Cambodia cruise-tour deal

Book a 2013-14 Vietnam-Cambodia cruise-tour of 12 days or longer before March 31 and Travelmarvel will provide free return air fares, including taxes.

The deal, which applies to select departures during the June-April season on selected itineraries, represents savings of up to $3,530 per couple.

Travelmarvel is also offering $500 per person credit towards an air fare for pre-March 31 bookings of its eight-day Mekong River cruise.

The 12 Day Essential Vietnam and Cambodia tour, for example, begins in Siem Reap (explore the temples of Angkor Wat) before joining the luxurious boutique ship RV La Marguerite for a seven-night cruise along the Mekong River through Phnom Penh and Kampong Tralach and across the border into Vietnam. Cruise through remote river side villages, receive a Buddha blessing in Oudong, ride on an ox-cart in Kampong Tralach, enjoy a rickshaw ride in Tan Chau, see the floating markets of Sa Dec and explore the incredible Cu Chi Tunnels in Saigon.

It is priced from $3,195 per person, twin share which includes the cruise as above, first class hotels in Siem Reap and Saigon, 27 meals, international wine with lunch and dinner on board, complimentary local beer, spirits and soft drink throughout the cruise, all tipping, port charges, sightseeing and entrance fees, airport transfers, expert service of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and locally guided excursions.

Call 1300 805 493, visit www.travelmarvel.com.au  - or contact your local travel agent.

Istanbul, Iceland or Ireland - Cruiseco and HALhave it in 2013

WHETHER its Monte Carlo, Marseille or Messina you've always wanted to visit, Dover or Dubrovnik, maybe Istanbul, Ephesus or Iceland in 2013, Cruiseco and Holland America Line have put together shiploads of fly, cruise and stay holiday ideas to the most-desired destinations in the Mediterranean, Baltic, Norway and the Black Sea.

There's even an unusual 12 night voyage combining the Norwegian Fjords, the Scottish Highlands and Ireland, while others range from 11 nights cruising Rome to Barcelona, up to 26 nights from Athens to the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus, Russia, Ukraine, Istanbul, Croatia, the Greek Islands and back to Athens.

And prices start from a low $4,474 for 11 nights Rome to Barcelona aboard Holland America Line's Noordam on June 8 2013, including highly-discounted Early Bird return economy airfares from Sydney, 2 nights pre cruise hotel stay in Rome with breakfast daily, 2 nights post cruise hotel stay in Barcelona with breakfast daily, port charges, government fees and air taxes*.

Holland America Line's ships offer gourmet dining, nightly entertainment, longer days in port than many other lines, unique shoreside excursions, and service that comes with 135 years shipping and cruising experience.

For full details of all 2013 Holland America Line/Cruiseco fly, cruise and stay packages, or a brochure and the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise specialist travel agency visit www.cruising.com.au. *Air taxes can change without notice.

THE ULTIMATE SOLAR ECLIPSE CELEBRATION AT NOVOTEL CAIRNS OASIS RESORT

Travellers from around the world will be packing their bags and flocking to Cairns to experience Earth's Total Solar Eclipse on November 14 between 5.45am and 7.30am.

Rare for a total eclipse to be visible from land, the Cairns region is the only place in the world where it can be experienced in full glory as the moon casts a shadow so large the land will be plunged into darkness.

Rooms are still available at competitive prices at the 4.5 star Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort from $189 per night for November 12 and 14. The rate for November 13 is $290 and a two night minimum stay applies.  Guests booking for three nights will receive complimentary buffet breakfast daily.

The restaurant will open at 4.30am on November 14 to give guests the opportunity for breakfast before they depart the hotel.

During the Solar Eclipse celebration a nightly seafood buffet with live cooking will be available from November 11 to 14 in the resort's Mizuna Restaurant.

Priced at $59, the nightly seafood buffet will offer a different theme each day.  The Aussie night will feature crocodile kebabs, grilled kangaroos and wild barramundi while the Asian, Latin American and Italian Mediterranean nights will see guests in a cultural bliss complemented with an exquisite desert buffet to finish.

Located in the heart of the city just a short stroll from the popular Cairns Esplanade, the Marina, night markets and Reef Casino, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort is a tranquil property set on two hectares of lush grounds complete with lagoon style pool, sandy beach and a swim up bar.

The resort's popular Mizuna restaurant has been voted by the Accor Group as the best Novotel restaurant in Australia and offers a refreshingly different perspective on modern dining for an affordable price.

*Full payment is required at time of booking.  Event terms and conditions apply.  

For more information please contact the hotel directly.  Email: stay@novotelcairnsresort.com.au Phone: 07 4080 1888.  www.novotelcairnsresort.com.au