FLIGHT Centre Travel Group’s B2B cruise wholesale division CruiseHQ has set sail, Cruise Weekly can exclusively reveal (CW breaking news). The new “cruise marketplace”, which CW first flagged in Aug (CW 30 Aug), is designed exclusively for travel advisors, and seamlessly connects agencies with unique cruise holidays, offering access to a diverse portfolio of global cruise, air, and land partners. Advisors can benefit from the booking platform’s exclusive rates, cruise promotions, incentives, wholesale commissions, and product collection, which is not available anywhere else. CruiseHQ will be s ..read more

ABERCROMBIE & Kent (A&K) has launched its new Peru riverboat (pictured), offering guests a new era in Amazonian river exploration from Apr 2025. The as-yet unnamed ship will be A&K’s first in South America, sailing three- and four-night itineraries showcasing the untamed beauty and diverse cultures of the Amazon. Guests will explore the enigmatic backwaters and lush landscapes of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve, engaging with indigenous communities, and encountering abundant wildlife, such as the Amazon river dolphin, the three-toed sloth, and myriad bird species. The riverboat ..read more

“NOTHING Comes Close” to a Celebrity Cruises sailing, according to the line’s new brand positioning. The new concept was launched last week (CW 09 Apr), and highlights unmatched holiday offerings from the perspective of guests. Travellers will never want to holiday another way, Celebrity believes, once they discover the intimacy, thoughtful service, variety, and excitement of Celebrity’s ships. The line offers unequalled experiences cruisers can’t find anywhere else- head to page 3 of today’s Cruise Weekly for more info ..read more

AUSTRALIAN Cruise Association (ACA) Chief Executive Officer Jill Abel is the latest guest on The Chat with Jenny podcast. Abel speaks with Jenny about her life and her career in the cruise industry, including her 20 years at the head of ACA – CLICK HERE to listen ..read more

TODAY’S issue of CW is coming to you from Rome courtesy of Princess Cruises, where we are preparing to explore the new Sun Princess. innovative new concepts and classic favourites combine on the new Sun Princess in an effort to appeal to both loyal Princess Cruises guests and those new to the brand. Boarding the line’s new ‘Love Boat’ today, we spot the familiar Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria and Crown Grill, however our attention is almost immediately diverted to tantalising new eateries such as Love by Britto, which promises a colourful menu embodying passion, flavour and creativity ..read more

WITH Joel Katz MD, CLIA Australasia Agents behind our success It’s now official – the number of Australians taking cruise holidays has finally overtaken pre-pandemic levels. Figures released by CLIA this week show 1.25 million Australians took an ocean cruise in 2023, slightly above the 1.24 million who sailed in 2019. For travel agents, this proves what many have known for some time – that Australians have an enormous passion for cruising and are getting on board ships in huge numbers. Not only has the local market bounced back, it has done so at a faster pace than most other cruise markets ..read more

EXCLUSIVE: CruiseHQ officially sets sail, Abercrombie & Kent new riverboat, new Chat with Jenny episode, and more. Click here to download Cruise Weekly for Wednesday 17th April 2024 ..read more

The new wholesale division, exclusively revealed by Cruise Weekly in August, has finally launched. Flight Centre Travel Group’s B2B cruise wholesale division CruiseHQ has officially set sail, CW can exclusively announce. The new cruise marketplace, designed for travel advisors, offers access to a diverse portfolio of global cruise, air, and land partners. CruiseHQ’s own product collection is not available anywhere else, allowing travel advisors to benefit from unique rates, promotions, and a wide range of incentives and wholesale commissions. More details in today’s issue of Cruise Weekly ..read more

AUSTRALIAN cruise passenger numbers have recovered from the pandemic, with those of us taking holidays at sea finally overtaking pre-COVID levels. New data released today by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) shows the number of Australians who took an ocean cruise last year reached 1.25 million, slightly above the 1.24 million who sailed in 2019. CLIA’s figures also show a revival in the number of overseas visitors cruising in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, which reached 217,000 last year – a similar level to 2019. Australians showed a preference for itineraries in t ..read more

P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Adventure has unveiled new dry dock upgrades, with the ship undergoing a comprehensive rejuvenation in Singapore. Key upgrades include the introduction of the exclusive Byron Beach Club Cabanas, which offer a premium experience with amenities such as shaded areas, dedicated beverage service, towel service, complimentary water, and a $100 food credit. Each cabana is equipped with a mini-bar fridge, TV, and fan, ensuring an indulgent retreat for up to four guests. Adventure also has new day beds for enhanced passenger comfort on her poolside decks, while a sta ..read more