Deals of the week: Queen Mary 2; Scenic; Wendy Wu; Kangaroo Island
Sail across the Atlantic with the world-class Shakespeare Theatre Company or save thousands as a solo traveller on tours in Asia.
Reef wonders
Australia
Scenic has announced its second luxury discovery yacht, Scenic Eclipse II, will sail its 2024 maiden season in Australian waters. On the nine-day Chairman’s Voyage, 228 guests will join founder Glen Moroney to sail from Newcastle up the east coast to Cairns. Highlights include visits to Fraser and Willis islands, an Anzac Day dawn service in Gladstone (pictured) and an exclusive lunch on Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays. Like its predecessor, the new vessel has a submarine and two helicopters.
Fine print Departs April 22, 2024; from $11,425 a person, twin-share, a saving of $2550 a person.
Drama at sea
Transatlantic
Cunard is partnering with the Royal Shakespeare Company to bring world-class theatre to the legendary Queen Mary 2 on a series of transatlantic cruises. A seven-night eastbound crossing from the US to Southampton, England, includes performances of Shakespeare and contemporary works on stage and screen, plus workshops and Q&As with the cast to discover what it takes to master their craft. Also on board is an exhibition to take guests through Stratford-upon-Avon.
Fine print Departs New York on June 5; from $2899 a person, twin-share, in a Britannia Oceanview room.
KI capers
South Australia
Explore, taste and discover on Kangaroo Island Odysseys’ two-day Sights and Gourmet Delights tour. This eight-person adventure has guests chauffeured in luxury vehicles, taking guided tours of historical landmarks and wining and dining at vineyards. Activities such as oyster shucking and wildlife spotting of sea lions and koalas are also on the agenda. Accommodation is at Aurora Ozone Hotel in Kingscote or, on request, at Mercure KI Lodge.
Fine print Departures from February 1. Guests can join the tour from Adelaide, Cape Jervis or on the island; from $1075 a person, twin-share.
Solo treasures
India
Solo travellers save up to $3550, with Wendy Wu Tours waiving the single supplements on more than 40 itineraries. Guests on the Inspiring India package depart from Delhi and visit six other locations on a 14-day coach excursion. Admire beautiful structures such as the Taj Mahal and Chittor Fort (pictured), see the tigers of Ranthambore and indulge in a cultural shopping experience with a guided walk through the Pushkar markets. Flights and 12-nights’ accommodation included.
Fine print Departs October 22 and December 3 this year; from $5880 a person; book by January 31.