CW for Wed 15 Dec 2021 - Hurtigruten expands Galapagos, Oceania holiday cruises, Azamara, MSC ups

cruiseweekly.com.au cruiseweekly.co.nz Wednesday 15th December 2021

Hurtigruten expands Galapagos Hurtigruten will more than double its Galapagos Islands offering from 2023, adding three new year-round itineraries.

The cruise line’s inaugural Galapagos expedition cruise departs next month, and for 2023 and 2024, guests will be able to choose from four different small-ship expedition cruises ranging from four to eight nights, covering almost the entirety of the 19-island archipelago.

The six-night Eastern Galapagos itinerary that launches 07 Jan will be complemented with a fournight Northern Galapagos cruise, a four-night Western Galapagos sailing, and an eight-night combination voyage covering the north and west.

All four options are now available to book.

In addition, Hurtigruten has expanded its land-based pre and post program, adding the luxury

Cruise Weekly today

Cruise Weekly today features two pages of all the latest cruise industry news.

Oceania hol cruises

rainforest hotel Mashpi Lodge, located a few hours northwest of Quito, as a three-night pre or post-tour for any cruise in the region.

“This is one of the most distinct and pristine destinations there is...the iconic Galapagos can be considered a planet within planet

Earth due to its distinct wildlife and pristine landscape,” said Hurtigruten Expeditions Chief Executive Officer Asta Lassesen.

“We are exceptionally proud to offer even more chances to sustainably connect with this adventure travel treasure.”

Pictured: Santa Cruz II.

Oceania Cruises is inviting travellers to create magical memories on a festive season sailing aboard one of its holiday voyages next year.

Departing in Dec 2022, this collection of seasonal itineraries traverses the islands, coastlines and cities of the Americas.

Highlights include eggnog with breakfast on Christmas Day, a specially curated Hanukkah menu in the Grand Dining Room, a delightful Christmas Tea and multicourse brunch & dinner on Christmas Day, and traditional treats, such as Italian panettone.

EARN UPFRONT BONUS COMMISSION

EXTENDED TO 31ST DECEMBER

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GIFT CARD

for bookings on all sailings* SUBMIT CLAIM

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EARN DOUBLE POINTS via Oceania Trade Rewards PROMO CODE

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VISIT OCEANIACRUISES.COM OR CALL 1300 355 200 (AU) OR 0800 625 691 (NZ) For the full terms and conditions that may apply, please visit www.oceaniarewards.com.au/terms-and-conditions

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Wednesday 15th December 2021

PORTHOLE

Aus-amara visits the US with Joel Katz MD, CLIA Australasia

Continue the fight

Cruisers aboard Virgin Voyages can now become Buried in Ryan Reynolds’ Aviation American Gin. The actor’s liquor brand is already available aboard Virgin Voyages’ sister brand, airline Virgin Atlantic, and will now be available on the high seas.

“I can’t seem to escape Ryan... he keeps following me around,” said Virgin Group founder Richard Branson.

“Thankfully I really enjoy Aviation Gin so I was excited to bring this product to Virgin Voyages after their partnership with Virgin Atlantic.”

Pictured with Captain Johannes Tysse are Director of Sales Belle Osmic, Managing Director International Business Development Patrice Willoughby, and Business Development Managers Kristina Sambaher, Bruno Jensen, Jessica Marsh, and Jose Roncero.

Inset: Sambaher and Marsh enjoy a drink aboard Quest.

MSC ups S. America

MSC Cruises will deploy five ships in South America for the 2022/23 season.

The program will be the biggest ever in the market, with the cruise line’s flagship MSC Seashore to make her debut in the region.

She will be one of four ships (including MSC Armonia, MSC Fantasia, and MSC Seaview) to be based in Brazil, with one (MSC Musica) to homeport in Argentina.

All ships expect Seashore, will make regular visits to Uruguay, while MSC Magnifica will also visit South American destinations in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Peru during her 117-day world cruise.

Azamara’s Australian team is currently aboard Azamara Quest for a 13-day round-trip Caribbean Sunsets Voyage - the first time the group has been able to board one of the cruise line’s ships since being sold by Royal Caribbean Cruises (CW 20 Jan).

Sailing from Miami, the group is attending Azamara’s on-board global sales conference, where they have been learning from, and exchanging ideas with, teams from the United Kingdom, EMA and Mexico.

EDITORIAL Editor in Chief and Publisher – Bruce Piper

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Cruise Weekly is Australasia’s leading travel industry cruise publication.

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Viking releases new Ocean brox

Viking has launched its new 2022-24 Ocean Cruise brochure, featuring a brandnew ship, itineraries, and departures dates for popular voyages.

The 265-page brochure is packed with destination information, ship insights, and more.

Order now from TIFS or to view the brochure online, CLICK HERE.

Associate Editors – Myles Stedman, Adam Bishop

Advertising and Marketing Sean Harrigan, Hoda Alzubaidi advertising@cruiseweekly.com.au advertising@cruiseweekly.co.nz

Contributors – Nicholas O’Donoghue info@cruiseweekly.com.au info@cruiseweekly.co.nz

Business manager Jenny Piper accounts@cruiseweekly.com.au

The latest extension of Australia’s long-running cruise ban is another slap in the face for our industry, and this time the sting is especially sharp.

Many months of persistent efforts by CLIA and cruise lines had brought clear signs of progress and a succession of supportive comments made by political leaders.

Remember Health Minister Greg Hunt talking about cruising by Christmas?

However, as Australia opens to other forms of travel, the federal government faltered when it came to cruising.

Instead of plans for resumption, the ban was extended to 17 Feb in an announcement made just minutes before close of business on Fri. In response, CLIA spent the weekend seizing media opportunities to emphasise the devastating impact this will have on Australian travel agents and other local businesses.

We are also making our feelings known directly to state and federal govt, at many levels.

Your voices have made a huge difference when raised to support our own, and we again urge you to make your anger known to your local MPs. Visit our website to find your MP and contact them again by phone, by email or social media.

Suite 1, Level 2, 64 Talavera Rd Macquarie Park NSW 2113 Australia PO Box 1010 Epping NSW 1710 Australia Tel: (AU) +61 2 8007 6760 or (NZ) 0800 799 220 Tel: (Int’l) 1300 799 220 Every Thu we publish our consumer newsletter Travel & Cruise Weekly - sign up free at www.travelandcruiseweekly.com.au.

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Cruise Weekly is a publication of Cruise Weekly Pty Ltd ABN 73 123 041 485. All content fully protected by copyright. Please obtain written permission to reproduce any material. While every care has been taken in the preparation of the newsletter no liability can be accepted for errors or omissions. Information is published in good faith to stimulate independent investigation of the matters canvassed. Responsibility for editorial comment is taken by Bruce Piper.

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