Grab yourself a coffee and catch up on today’s news in brief. It is packed with the latest deals, updates from the industry and everything you need to know in bite-size pieces.
Scenic cruises into 2023
Scenic has unveiled their full luxury river cruise collection on Europe’s rivers for 2023 – with a range of new itineraries and experiences available. Including a new Rhine River itinerary uncovering castles and vineyards, an extension taking in Ljubljana and Zagreb and a visit to the family home of renowned French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Guests booking before 30 September 2022 can secure exclusive flight offers including Fly Business for $3,995pp, Fly First Class for $11,995pp and Economy Flights included. Guests who chose to pay 12 months in advance can also secure a Super Earlybird saving of $1,000pp on their suite.
Virgin Australia drops sale fares from $45*
Virgin Australia has launched the Shine Bright Sydney sale by dropping over half a million fares from as low as $45*, making travel to Australia’s iconic Emerald City, with its stunning harbour, notable landmarks and world class dining, very accessible for keen travellers. The sale fares are available now at virginaustralia.com until midnight 2 May 2022, or until sold out. Members of Velocity Frequent Flyer can earn up to double Status Credits, even on sale fares.
Viking releases new Great Lakes departures
Viking’s first expedition vessel Viking Octantis has begun her maiden sailing season of North America’s Great Lakes. Coinciding with the new season sailings, Viking has released six additional departures on their most popular voyages in the region. With the 2022 Great Lakes sailing season almost sold out and the 2023 sailing season filling fast, the new departures are a welcome addition for travellers keen to explore this little known natural wonder. The additional sailings are scheduled for July, August and September 2023 on the 15-day Great Lakes Collection and 8-day Niagara & the Great Lakes voyages.
ACA delegation returns to Seatrade Cruise Global
With the lifted cruise ban in Australia, the country readies itself to welcome back cruise ships and their passengers with a ten strong member delegation from the Australian Cruise Association (ACA) attended Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, Florida. Led by Phil Holliday, Association Chair and Jill Abel, CEO, representatives from state and regional tourism organisations, ports, ground handlers, pilot services and shipping agents made up the delegation. Regarded as the cruise industry’s most significant worldwide event, Seatrade Cruise Global 2022 attracted representatives from over 500 organisations including the major cruise lines providing an outstanding opportunity to promote cruising in Australia.
La Vie Hotels & Resorts expands its presence in Sri Lanka
Independent hotel management company La Vie Hotels & Resorts has signed a landmark deal with Radisson Hotel Group and Sino Lanka Group to operate three hotels in Sri Lanka. This major new agreement with Radisson Hotel Group, will see the company launch an upper-upscale Radisson Blu resort on the shores of the Indian Ocean near Galle, and two upscale Radisson hotels in Colombo – one in the heart of the country’s capital city and the other in Kandy, the cultural heart of the island. The three new properties will start to welcome guests following their rebrand to Radisson Blu and Radisson properties after a substantial refurbishment investment which will significantly uplift the properties to bring them in line with Radisson Hotel Group’s high standards.
