This was published 7 years ago
Regent Seven Seas Cruises providing business class flight packages
A Yacht charter from The Moorings.
BUSINESS MATTERS
Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) is providing optional "Business Class Air Packages" for all its voyages departing from April 2017. The new fares will include the cruise, one night's pre-hotel accommodation and transfers to the ship, and return business-class flights with Emirates, Qantas or Singapore Airlines from major Australian gateways. Upgrades to first class are also available, while cruise-only options will still be offered. It's part of a growing trend towards all-inclusive luxury cruises, with RSSC currently offering complimentary shore excursions, Wi-Fi, beverages and specialty restaurant dining to all passengers.
Phone 1300 455 200. See rssc.com.au.
DO-IT-YOURSELF CARIBBEAN
Luxury yacht company The Moorings is launching in the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico in 2017. Yachts for up to six people can be chartered for a bareboat sailing, or guests can opt for a crewed charter with a captain and chef, as well as all meals. A seven-day itinerary might take you to the Rio Camuy caves complex and underground river; the wildlife-rich islets of La Parguera, where the surrounding waters are bioluminescent; and to Rincon, one of the world's top surf spots. Activities might include zip-lining in Mucaro and diving off Desecheo.
Phone 1800 553 720. See moorings.com.au.
NAVIGATING THE MEKONG
With a successful inaugural Mekong river-cruising program under its belt, Evergreen Tours has increased the number of sailings on Mekong Navigator from three to five between March and November 2018. Its program of touring in Vietnam and Cambodia centres around a popular eight-day "Magnificent Mekong" river cruise, which can be linked to regional discoveries by land. The cruise runs between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap and visits Cai Be's floating market; historic Anh Kiet House; Phnom Penh and the Killing Fields; and various temples and pagodas.
Phone 1300 383 747. See evergreentours.com.au.
A POOL IN PROVENCE
Next month sees the maiden voyage on France's Rhône and Saône rivers of Amadeus Provence. It will be the first European river-cruise ship with a dedicated pool deck, which will feature an infinity plunge-style pool, Lido Bar and plenty of outdoor space from which to admire the passing scenery. The ship will have eight suites and 62 cabins and sail on eight-day "Treasures of Burgundy & Provence" itineraries round-trip from Lyon, and visiting destinations such as Avignon, Arles, the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard and the Camargue and the Beaujolais regions.
Phone 1300 269 228. See amadeus-rivercruises.com.au.
LOCAL FLAVOURS
Azamara Club Cruises is rolling out "Cruise Global, Connect Local" shore excursions aimed at personalised experiences for passengers, such as a guided visit to a theatre or pub, overland tours pre or post-voyage, and the chance to meet local people in their farms and homes. In New Zealand, these include the creation of a four-course meal at Akaroa Cooking School and a winery cycle tour in the Napier region. In Australia, passengers can tour the Salamanca Market in Hobart with the ship's chef, or take an up-close-and-personal walking tour in Melbourne.
Phone 1800 754 500. See azamaraclubcruises.com.
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