Have you missed any recent cruise travel updates? Expert cruise contributor Sally Macmillan helps bring you up to speed with the latest intel in this weekly wrap of what’s making waves in cruising right now.
Ponant launches 2025 Kimberley cruises
Ponant’s 2025 Kimberley season offers 18 cruises between May and September 2025. The 180-guest Le Jacques-Cartier will return for a second year in the region alongside her renowned fleetmate, the 264-guest sistership Le Soléal.
“As award-winning expedition leaders in the region, we are excited to showcase our expertise and continue to provide the unrivalled experience our Ponant expeditions are known for,” says Deb Corbett, General Manager Sales & Marketing Asia Pacific.
Sailing the 10-night ’Australia’s Iconic Kimberley’ itineraries between Broome and Darwin, guests on both ships will explore the untamed beauty of this remote region and experience fascinating insights into indigenous culture.
Fares include an open bar throughout the beautifully designed ships, one shore excursion per person at every port of call and free WiFi.
Ponant’s ‘à la carte’ service allows guests to further personalise a voyage, with pre- and post-cruise accommodation, flights and more.
For more information, visit ponant.com
Seabourn Odyssey’s farewell Alaska season
Seabourn Odyssey will sail 20 seven- to 14-day cruises in ‘the Great Land’ between May and August 2024. It will be the elegant, 458-guest ship’s final Alaska season for the ultra-luxury line – she is moving to her new owners, Japanese company Mitsui O.S. K. Lines, at the end of August.
Seabourn will continue to cruise Alaska after Odyssey’s departure and all Seabourn’s Alaska cruises feature the optional Ventures by Seabourn program.
Robin West, Seabourn’s Vice President and General Manager of Expeditions, said, “This program offers expedition experiences that take our guests up close to the wildlife, beauty and history of Alaska and British Columbia.”
Seabourn’s exclusive Sail of the Year event is available until February 29, 2024 and includes savings of up to 25 per cent on select ocean and expedition voyages. For bookings made by January 31, 2024, guests receive up to US$1,000 shipboard credit per suite.
For more information, visit seabourn.com
New cruises for Greek Island favourite Celestyal
Starting the New Year on a strong note, Celestyal has announced its two-ship fleet is offering a new, seven-night ‘Desert Days’ cruise in the Persian Gulf and is again operating year-round cruises in Greece and the Mediterranean.
Celestyal Journey will set sail on November 9, 2024 from Doha, Qatar and visit Bahrain, Dubai, Khasab (Oman), Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi. The 1,260-guest ship joined the line in September last year – the 1,266-guest Celestyal Discovery is an even more recent acquisition and starts cruising in March 2024.
The Greek-owned cruise line has made a name for itself as the number one choice for travellers to the Greek Islands and beyond, thanks to its regional expertise and exceptional hospitality. All destinations, including the new itineraries, are part of Celestyal’s current winter savings promotion.
For more information, visit celestyal.com.au
Win a $14,000 Fabergé pendant with Regent Seven Seas Cruises
As part of its free two-category upgrade promotion, RSSC is offering one travel advisor in Australia and New Zealand the chance to win a fabulous Fabergé pendant, worth more than $14,000.
The advisor who makes the most new deposited bookings on the applicable Upgrade Your Horizon promotion by February 29, 2024 will be the lucky winner.
Upgrade Your Horizon offers a two-category suite upgrade on more than 400 cruises on all six of RSSC’s ultra-luxe ships in all destinations, as well as a reduced 7.5 per cent deposit.
Guests who take a free upgrade to Concierge Suite will also enjoy an included one-night pre-cruise hotel package. If guests choose to upgrade to a Penthouse Suite, other perks such as priority online reservations for dining and shore excursions, and butler service are included.
For more information, visit rssc.com
New Africa and Asia cruises for Oceania Riviera
Described as “a cruise line founded by foodies, run by foodies, for foodies” by President Frank A. Del Rio, Oceania has a big reputation for its small ships, culinary excellence and destination-focused itineraries.
Oceania recently announced that Oceania Riviera is set to embark on three new cruises in Africa and Asia at the end of 2024 and into 2025. The recently rejuvenated, 1,250-guest ship
will explore bucket-list African destinations such as Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Walvis Bay and Dar Es Salaam, as well as stopping in sought-after Asian ports such as Phuket, Penang, Colombo and Malé.
Oceania Riviera’s new itineraries range from 27 to 59 days, travelling from Europe across Africa and Asia. She will also take guests to smaller, more niche destinations across the globe, stopping at Antsiranana in Madagascar, Hambantota in Sri Lanka, Sao Tome and Lome in Togo.
For more information, visit oceaniacruises.com
