There is a lot of cruise news and updates to share so we have wrapped it all up in one handy story.
From the latest deals and discounts on cruises to new sailings and ships launched. Here is the cruise news you need to get on board with.
European Waterways Elevates Culinary Experiences with Exclusive Gourmet Dining Opportunities for 2025
European Waterways, the leading luxury hotel barge cruising company, continues to delight guests with extraordinary culinary experiences that blend fine dining, cultural immersion, and the art of slow travel. From dining in a historic winemaker’s “cuve” to savouring meals in the private salons of châteaux, these gastronomic adventures create a feast for the senses, offering guests a deeper connection to the heritage and flavours of Europe.
Derek Banks, Managing Director of European Waterways, emphasises the company’s dedication to creating unique cultural and culinary journeys:
“Fine dining aboard our luxury hotel barges has always been a hallmark of the European Waterways way. These curated experiences at historic locations enrich our guests’ journeys, allowing them to savour not only the finest regional cuisine but also the history and culture that inspires it.”
A host of incredible dining experiences are waiting to be had aboard European Waterways’ Classic Cruises where guests can book on an individual cabin basis, or as a private whole boat charter, affording an air of exclusivity and flexibility. This slow-paced style of relaxed exploration offers an unparalleled way to explore Europe’s culinary and cultural treasures at a pace to suit you.
Carnival Cruise Line and the Grinch bring Christmas joy to Queensland children’s hospital patients
Ahoy, ahoy, it’s time to spread Christmas joy! Renowned Christmas-stealer the Grinch has had a change of heart as he was caught sneaking off Carnival Luminosa with a sack full of gifts and goodies, delivering them to the well-deserving children at Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Carnival Cruise Line, a proud supporter of Children’s Hospital Foundation since 2019, had arranged a surprise visit to spread holiday cheer to hospital patients when the Grinch caught wind and took it upon himself to join in on the FUN.
Determined to ensure there would be “no sad faces on Christmas,” the Grinch spent the day bringing smiles and gifts to some of his young fans alongside the Carnival FUN Squad. He is celebrating Christmas with guests onboard Carnival Luminosa throughout the month of December.
“It’s clear the Grinch’s heart has grown three sizes,” said Carnival Cruise Line VP Kara Glamore. “We were delighted to have him join the Carnival team to spread Christmas cheer to patients and families of the Queensland Children’s Hospital. The smiles we saw are a beautiful example of the meaningful ways we want to give back to the Queensland community that has continued to welcome us with such open arms.”
Funds raised by Carnival’s team and guests go towards supporting kids like Layla Hall and her family. From the outside, Layla seems like any other bubbly, happy six-year-old. But unlike other kids her age, she’s already bravely battled and beat leukaemia twice.
Sail Into 2025 with up to $1,000 Onboard Credit* and Over $4,500 in Value with “Always Azamara” Inclusions During Azamara’s WAVE Season Offer
Azamara – the small-ship cruise line renowned for Destination Immersion® and Extended Destination Days – is making a splash this WAVE season with up to $1,000 in onboard credit per stateroom on select 2025 sailings when booked between December 11, 2024, and February 28, 2025. Travellers can also enjoy over $4,500 in added value with “Always Azamara” inclusions, featuring complimentary room service, a wide selection of food and beverages (including beer, wine, and spirits), unlimited self-service laundry, and even gratuities — all included to make the journey seamless.
Save on immersive itineraries with late-night and overnight stays in destinations that inspire deeper connections and broaden global perspectives. For more information, please visit www.Azamara.com
*Prices are per person in USD. Taxes, fees, and port expenses are not included.
Oceania Cruises rings in the new year with ultimate added value on more than 100 sailings
Oceania Cruises®, the world’s leading culinary- and destination-focused cruise line, is ushering in 2025 with unparalleled added value on more than 100 global voyages in 2025 and 2026. On bookings made from 12 December 2024 until 31 January 2025, travellers will receive up to a four-category stateroom upgrade, plus the option to choose from a premium drinks package (unlimited wine, beer and spirits) or a shipboard credit of up to US$1,000 per stateroom. The extra amenity and the stateroom upgrade are available on a total of 105 global sailings – 79 in 2025 and 26 in 2026 – and offer guests up to AU$8,300 / NZ$9,500 in additional value.
The New Year Sale features a wide array of itineraries across the globe, inviting travellers to explore some of the most breathtaking and culturally rich regions on voyages ranging from six to 30 days. Guests can discover the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean and vibrant cities of South America to the awe-inspiring landscapes of Alaska, steel-drum rhythms of the Caribbean, majesty of Northern Europe and beyond to the exotic shores of Asia, Africa, and Australia – all while experiencing Oceania Cruises’ small ship luxury, enriching onboard programming and The Finest Cuisine at Sea®.
Cruise Traveller partners with AmaWaterways
Australian small ship specialist, Cruise Traveller, now represents 66 boutique, expedition and river cruise operators around the world, following its latest partnership with leading river cruise brand, AmaWaterways.
And to mark the new affiliation, Cruise Traveller has released an exclusive river cruise package with AmaWaterways in France that offers savings of A$3196 per couple, a free, three-night stay in Paris and free, skip-the-queue tours of two of Paris’s biggest attractions – the Louvre and Palace of Versailles.
Cruise Traveller’s 10-night ‘Seine Serenity – Paris and Normandy’ package beginning August 18, 2025, is available from A$6137 per person, twin-share, in a river-view stateroom – a saving of A$1598 per person. Fare includes immersive tours ashore, hikes and bike tours, speciality dining, onboard beverages with lunch and dinner daily, sparkling wine with breakfast daily, complimentary cocktail hour each day and onboard gratuities. The savings, free three-night hotel stay in Paris and free Paris tours are for bookings made by December 30, 2024. Flights from Australia are additional.
Call AmaWaterways’ Australian representative, Cruise Traveller, on 1800 507 777 or visit www.cruisetraveller.com.au/seine_serenity (direct link to package).
Tauck Adds New Christmas Market River Cruise on the Seine
With the holiday season upon us, Tauck has announced a new 2025 river cruise celebrating traditional Christmas markets and holiday festivities along the River Seine in France.
The Seine: Holiday Magic begins in Paris, where guests will board Tauck’s ms Sapphire riverboat and enjoy three nights and two full days in the city. Highlights include visits to Paris’ Christmas markets, including those in the Tuileries Garden, where guests can shop for local crafts and sample hot mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, sausages, cheeses, chocolates and more. Guests will also have the exploring medieval art at the Cluny Museum, or marveling at the Gothic Sainte-Chapelle, a royal chapel conceived by Louis IX, renowned for its stunning 13th-century stained glass windows.
The eight-day itinerary also features visits to Rouen, Les Andelys and Vernon. Highlights include a private tour and holiday cocktail party at the opulently decorated Château de Bizy, built in 1740 and still privately owned by a descendant of Napoleon. Guests will enjoy a private lunch and afternoon tea at Château Vaux-le-Vicomte, also decorated for the season, with time to explore the 100-room moated palace and formal gardens.
For more information on Tauck, email SalesAUS@tauck.com, contact your local travel professional on 1800 962 043, or visit the website at www.tauck.com.au.
