Grab yourself a coffee and catch up on today’s news in brief – the latest updates from the industry and everything you need to know in bite-size pieces.
CLIA Cruise Month Winner announced
Sarah Fenton from MTA-Mobile Travel Agents has been named the winner of Cruise Lines International Association’s (CLIA) Cruise Month competition after hosting a successful client event to mark Cruise Month in October. Sarah has won a luxury weekend for two in Sydney with tickets to the 21st Cruise Industry Awards in March.
Sarah is a Masters-Accredited CLIA member based in the Hunter Valley of NSW, and posted about her event on LinkedIn under the Cruise Month theme More Reasons to #LoveCruise.
“What a wonderful way to celebrate CLIA in Australasia #CruiseMonth2023 this week – hosting a cruise night in Maitland with over 30 clients – some old and some new – with the expert assistance of Samantha Morgan (Norwegian Cruise Line) and Martine Nunes (née Farrugia, of Oceania Cruises) talking all things cruise and importantly how to choose the right cruise for the right client from the sometimes-overwhelming number of choices out there,” Sarah said. “It was great fun and I cannot wait to do it again! I have missed hosting events like this over the last few years.”
TOP IMAGE:Sarah Fenton from MTA-Mobile Travel Agents (left) with Martine Nunes from Oceania Cruises at the Maitland Cruise Month event
European Waterways Black Friday Barge Special
European Waterways is offering a Black Friday Special of 25% off on whole boat charters on two of its popular hotel barge cruises in France.
The special applies to for the 7 April, 2024 departure of the 12-passenger La Belle Epoque in Burgundy and the 31 March, 2024 departure of the eight-passenger Enchanté on the Canal du Midi.
The Black Friday Special is valid when booked between 24 November and 1 December, 2023 and is subject to availability.
Celestyal Discovery added to Celestyal fleet ahead of 2024 season
Celestyal has announced the acquisition of a second new vessel this year, following the recent arrival of the Celestyal Journey.
Celestyal Discovery will now join her fleet mate in Athens, where they will both undergo multimillion-euro winter refurbishment programmes ahead of the new season, which commences in March 2024. Built in 2003 for the Carnival Corporation, she has been sailing under the AIDA Cruise brand throughout her career to date. The Celestyal Discovery is a mid-sized vessel, allowing Celestyal to continue offering its signature unique blend of marquee destinations and more secluded gems that characterize the company’s itineraries. She offers 633 staterooms, 62 of which feature balconies, in total accommodating circa 1,266 guests.
Celestyal’s newest ship will be on sale from December 11, 2023, taking over the Celestyal Olympia’s 2024 program. Special launch offers will be included in the Black Friday promotions published later this week, as well as throughout Celestyal’s biggest Wave campaign to date, which will be launching at the end of the year. Guests currently holding reservations on the Celestyal Olympia will be contacted by Celestyal after this date and reaccommodated on sailings on the newly refurbished Celestyal Discovery.
Willy Wonka High Tea comes to Shangri-La-Sydney
To celebrate the release of the Warner Bros. Pictures’ film WONKA (in cinemas from 14 December) Shangri-La Sydney is presenting the WONKA HIGH TEA BUFFET, a whimsical experience that runs from 9 December to 17 December, 2023, in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom.
From Bubbly Brownie Surprises to Nutty Bliss Delights and Sourlicious Buttercream Swirls, each bite is a ticket to a flavour-filled adventure. Savoury treats include Beef Wellington Pockets, Roast Beef and Horseradish Sandwiches, Classic Rendered Bacon Butty and Egg Sandwiches … and more!
Personal TravelManagers experience Alaska on famil
Nine TravelManagers PTMS, together with National Business Partnership Manager, Julia McLean, recently experienced Canada and Alaska on a Princess Cruises Alaska and Air Canada famil, sailing from Vancouver to Anchorage aboard the Grand Princess before embarking on a three-day, land-based adventure.
“I thought I had a pretty good understanding of Princess Cruises before, as I have sold them quite often,” PTM Amy Ferguson said. “However, the famil was my first real cruise experience, and resulted in a bit of a perception change for me as it became clear that the cruise category really does have something for everyone!”
Amy Ferguson with Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess
The group flew with Air Canada to Vancouver, where they boarded their ship, ready to enjoy the sights and experiences on offer in Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Anchorage. On leaving the ship, they continued their Alaskan adventure by land, spending three days in Denali National Park and Fairbanks.
“This trip is a must do for anyone,” said Claire Camins, a PTM based in Albany, WA. “There is so much to offer, and it is not age dependent. There really is something for everyone, and you’ll never regret adding it to your bucket list.”
Ready for their dog-sledding adventure in Juneau –(L-R) PTM Claire Camins, Rachaelle Tyrrell (Princess Cruises), with PTMs, Rebecca Tiedgen, Michelle Lehn, Karen Whitehead and Elly Eves (Princess Cruises)
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