Sail away with the best cruise deals
AIL away with a cruise aboard the luxurious Celebrity Solstice, take in the famous waterways of Venice and visit the outback with these packages.
SAIL away with a cruise aboard the luxurious Celebrity Solstice, take in the famous waterways of Venice and visit the outback with these packages.
-- Free upgrades
HOLLAND America Line is offering savings on a range of 2013 cruises and cruise-tours for guests who book well in advance of departure. The deals feature free upgrades on selected sailings, as well as savings of up to 50 per cent by combining two cruise itineraries on selected trips in Europe.
A 14-day Australia/New Zealand cruise starts at $1999 for an inside stateroom and $2299 for an ocean-view stateroom for the first and second guests, with reduced fares for the third and fourth starting at $599. Guests on Australia/New Zealand cruises can also receive a free upgrade from an ocean-view stateroom to a veranda category where available.
Popular seven-day Alaska Inside Passage cruises from Seattle in Washington or Vancouver in British Columbia start at $1249 for inside staterooms or $1899 for verandas.
Ph 1300 987 322 or see hollandamerica.com.au
-- Venetian voyage
SET sail from Venice and explore the cathedrals, islands and heritage of Europe as you stop at Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos and Olympia (Katakolon) before returning to Venice.
The nine-night Mediterranean cruise includes return economy airfares to Venice, two nights at the Rialto Hotel Venice, including breakfast, a seven-night cruise on Norwegian Jade, all meals and entertainment on the ship, port charges, government fees, onboard gratuities and air taxes. Prices per person, twin share, start at $3799 ex Sydney, valid until August 31, for departures on September 8 and 22, and October 6.
Ph 13 27 57 or see harveyworld.com.au
-- Outback fun
CRUISECO has a 10-night cruise to the Kimberley region of outback Western Australia, departing Broome on June 27 next year aboard the luxury expedition ship Orion. The trip will explore secluded islands, remote rivers, waterfalls and freshwater swimming pools, while offering an insight into the indigenous history of the land. Discounted prices start at $7970 a person, twin share, including a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungles.
The discounts are available on bookings made by September 30 this year. Meanwhile, Orion Expedition Cruises has launched its 2013 brochure and will hold a seminar Tuesday in Sydney.
See cruising.com.au and orionexpeditions.com
-- True blue trip
CRUISEABOUT has a 15-night "true blue" cruise aboard Holland America Line's Volendam from $1799 a person, twin share, sailing from Perth and visiting Albany, Esperance, Port Lincoln, Kangaroo Island, Melbourne, Burnie, Hobart and finishing in Sydney. Upgrades are available, with an outside cabin from $1999 a person, twin share; or a veranda suite from $4299. On sale until Wednesday, for travel on Nov 9.
Ph 1300 450 133 or see cruiseabout.com.au
-- Singapore to Sydney in fine style
CRUISE1ST is offering a free balcony upgrade on a 17-night cruise package through Singapore, Bali and Australia when booked by August 25. The 5-star Celebrity Solstice (pictured) departs Singapore and stops at Benoa, Darwin, Cairns and Brisbane, before ending in Sydney.
The package also includes a one-night pre-cruise stay at the Movenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa, which is within walking distance of Resorts World Casino and Universal Studios, and a one-way flight from Australia to Singapore with Singapore Airlines.
The package departs November 22, with prices from Sydney from $3189 a person, twin share, based on a balcony stateroom.
The Celebrity Solstice has specialty restaurants, a Sky Observation Lounge, glassblowing demonstrations and the world's first Lawn Club at sea with real grass.
Ph 1300 596 345 or see cruise1st.com.au