Anna will further strengthen Explora Journeys’ senior leadership team with a remarkable career spanning over two decades gained at leading ultra-luxury hospitality brands.

Most recently, she served as Chief Commercial Officer at Aman, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s global commercial strategies and brand expansion. During her ten year tenure with Aman, she also held the position of Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Communications Officer.

She brings a wealth of experience in Global Sales, Brand development, Marketing, Digital, PR, Communication, and Business Intelligence to this newly created position, having also worked at Rosewood Hotels and Orient-Express, before joining Aman in 2014. 

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group’s Cruise Division, said “We are delighted to welcome Anna to Explora Journeys where her proven expertise within the ultra-luxury hospitality industry, coupled with her exceptional leadership abilities will help us to ensure that our brand is globally recognised as we continue to set new standards in luxury travel.”

 Anna Nash added: “I am incredibly proud to join Explora Journeys at such a pivotal moment in its growth and development. The brand’s dedication to redefining the luxury ocean travel experience is inspiring, and I look forward to working closely with Mr. Vago and the talented team to continue building on this vision. Together, we will strive to create unforgettable journeys that resonate with discerning travellers around the world.”

In her new role as President of Explora Journeys, Anna will be responsible for driving the brand’s strategic vision and growth initiatives as it continues to redefine the landscape of luxury ocean travel. Her extensive experience and leadership will be critical as Explora Journeys prepares to expand its fleet with the launch this week of EXPLORA II, the second luxury ship in the brand’s collection, followed by four additional ships entering service from 2026 to 2028.

The post Explora Journeys appoints Anna Nash as President appeared first on TravelTalk.

With the holiday season fast approaching and cruising increasingly growing in popularity in the region, this offer has come at the perfect time for those looking to plan an extraordinary getaway for the upcoming year.

Alex Pikardt, Director of Sales at Holland America Line said, “We’re thrilled to be able to offer Aussie/Kiwi travellers the chance to start planning their dream holiday aboard our perfectly mid-sized ships for just a $1 deposit on September 10.”

“If you have been eyeing up your next holiday or thinking about trying cruising for the first time, this is your sign. Allowing guests to savour the journey, our meticulously designed itineraries and comfortable on-board experiences promise an unforgettable journey through breathtaking destinations.”

Holland America Line’s fleet provides the ideal mid-sized ship experience, visiting nearly 470 ports across 114 countries worldwide.

For further details, see here: 

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1300 987 322 or visit hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com.

The post Holland America Line offers its Aussie/Kiwi Guests $1 deposit appeared first on TravelTalk.

The glossy magazine highlights some of the many ways cruise tourism brings social and economic opportunities to communities around Australia and New Zealand, as well as the role cruise lines are playing to support well-managed tourism worldwide. It also outlines the latest environmental advances being made by cruise lines as they work towards net-zero emissions by 2050.

CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said the fourth edition of New Wave provided insight into some of the many initiatives underway among cruise lines to support the communities they visit.

“Sustainability is the single most important issue across the global cruise sector, and this includes being a positive contributor to local communities in destinations around the world,” Mr Katz said. “Cruise lines bring enormous opportunities to the destinations they visit, and many of their initiatives are aimed at creating lasting benefits for local people and cultures.”

The cover of this year’s New Wave celebrates the contribution of the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia, who became the first Indigenous community to act as godparents to a major cruise vessel with the maiden visit of Seabourn Pursuit in July.

“Australia’s rich Indigenous culture is being embraced in ways that provide extraordinary experiences for cruise visitors while at the same time creating opportunities for Traditional Owners,” Mr Katz said. “The Wunambal Gaambera are among a growing number of Indigenous people in Australia who are working with cruise lines to share culture with visitors while fostering tourism benefits within their community.”

The latest edition of New Wave is the fourth produced in Australasia, outlining cruise line advances including the latest alternative fuels, new sources of clean energy and the latest initiatives to protect the marine environment.

It also features wildlife protection projects, marine scientific studies, community development efforts and sustainable food supply initiatives.

New Wave is available now and has been produced in partnership with Big Splash Media. It is distributed in the current edition of Cruise & Travel magazine and will be provided to CLIA member travel agents and industry stakeholders as part of CLIA’s Cruise Month initiative in October.

The magazine can also be viewed and shared online via CLIA’s sustainability page.

The post Indigenous culture takes the spotlight in New Wave magazine appeared first on TravelTalk.

Speaking of surprises, and in true Virgin fashion, there was one more guest who made a special appearance on Scarlet Lady – RayGun!

The post Sir Richard, Boy George and RayGun wrap up our Celebration Voyages appeared first on TravelTalk.

The event will offer an in-depth look at the 2025 itineraries to Japan and other information from MSC Cruises.

The webinar is scheduled for September 11 over two sessions at 8:30am and 12:30pm (AEST).

The 20-minute broadcast, followed by a five-minute interactive Q&A session, is designed to provide travel partners with comprehensive insights into the popular destinations of the Far East and top selling itineraries.

Japan and the Far East have never been more on-trend and this is an opportunity to learn what is selling well and why cruise is a great way to see this region.

Travel agents are invited to register in advance here Registrants will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the webinar at their preferred session time.

“At MSC Cruises, we are committed to providing our travel partners with the tools and knowledge they need to excel in their roles and this deep dive into Japan is another way to equip our agents,” said Brigita Devries, Sales Manager at MSC Cruises, Australia & New Zealand.

The MSC fleet consists of 22 ships with three new vessels due to be launched in 2025, 2026 and 2027. The company operates in more than 100 countries around the world, offering cruises across five continents, calling at more than 300 destinations and welcoming more than 180 different nationalities on board.

https://www.msccruises.com.au/

The post Webinar offers deep dive into hot destinations appeared first on TravelTalk.

Cruise executives have unveiled ambitious growth plans aimed at doubling bookings in the Australian market.

Two of Celestyal’s bosses flew into Sydney this week to attend CRUISE360 and map out the company’s strategic targets to travel agents, distribution partners and media.

Chief Commercial Officer Lee Haslett and Vice President Business Development Janet Parton flew down from their head office in the UK.

“Australia is a key growth market for Celestyal – we have ambitious plans to double Australian bookings next year and our travel agent partners are critical to our growth plans, with the vast majority of our business coming via our trade channels,” said Mr Haslett.

“Through our dedicated trade team and investment in the market we’re confident we can work with our agent partners to achieve this target.

“We’re also investing in our training and engagement platforms offering new tools, assets and incentives to ensure our agent partners have everything they need to sell Celestyal cruises.”

Following a panel appearance at Cruise360, where Lee discussed the importance of new-to-cruise customers, the two executives took media on a ‘Taste of Celestyal’ tour with Gourmet Safaris in Sydney.

Along with Stewart Williams, Celestyal Regional Manager, and Mary Williams, Australian Business Development Manager, the pair also hosted more than 20 partners and industry stalwarts at a lavish dinner at Crown Sydney’s Woodcut restaurant.

To top off their Sydney visit, the duo spent a final evening at the Sydney Opera House, toasting top selling travel agents at Opera Bar before taking them to see Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Sunset Boulevard in the Joan Sutherland theatre.

“We think Celestyal is the perfect product for Aussies and they will come back again and again once they experience our destination-rich itineraries, our relaxed and fun onboard atmosphere, our authentic ‘insider’ shore experiences, and our affordable and value-packed way to cruise the Aegean, Adriatic and Arabian Gulf.”

https://trade.celestyal.com/au/

The post Celestyal looking for heavenly growth Down Under appeared first on TravelTalk.

The Australian Cruise Association (ACA) has announced it will hold its Annual Conference and AGM in Fremantle/Walyalup, Perth’s eclectic port city and the premier cruise gateway to Western Australia (WA).

The successful bid was entered by Tourism Western Australia in partnership with the City of Fremantle and Business Events Perth.

The announcement was made at the final session of the 26th anniversary ACA Conference being held in Adelaide which attracted a record 156 attendees.

It is anticipated that a similar number of people will attend the conference in Fremantle to be held from September 3-5, 2025.

This will include leading national and international cruise executives and representatives from the supply side of the cruise sector – shore excursion operators, port authorities, provedores, shipping agents and tour businesses.

“We are looking forward to heading back to W.A. in 2025 which will mark 20 years since the Conference was last held in Fremantle with 49 delegates in attendance – next year we expect around three times that many,” said Jill Abel, CEO of ACA.

“The committee’s decision to select Fremantle reflects the important commitment by the State Government and the various stakeholders throughout the state to discuss the next phase of growth for Western Australia.”

Australian Cruise Association is the co-operative marketing brand for cruise tourism in the Australia and Pacific region and represents a diversity of interests including regional ports, international, national and state tourism agencies, shipping agents, inbound tour operators and companies dedicated to marketing the region as a world class cruise destination.

https://www.australiancruiseassociation.com/

The post And the winner is…Fremantle! appeared first on TravelTalk.

Cunard’s Grill Suites offer a private sanctuary of opulence within the ship, complete with spacious lounges, sumptuous bedding, private balconies, and lavish ensuite bathrooms. Guests enjoy personalised service, exclusive access to the Princess Grill and Queens Grill restaurants, the serene Grills Lounge, and outdoor Grills Terrace.

Additional exclusive Queens Grill Suite privileges include priority embarkation, fully stocked complimentary mini bar, and daily pre-dinner canapés delivered by a personal butler, and bespoke add-on adventures curated by a dedicated concierge. Don’t miss this opportunity to indulge in Cunard’s ultimate luxury experience on the high seas.

Cunard’s local sailings featuring the luxurious Grill Suites special offer include:

• 10-night Queensland voyage departing Sydney on board Queen Elizabeth on 17 November 2024 (Q433) starting from AUD8,839 per person for a twin share Grills Suite instead of AUD9,299.
• 7-night Tasmania voyage departing Sydney on board Queen Elizabeth on 4 December 2024 (Q434P) starting from AUD3,849 per person for a twin share Grills Suite instead of AUD7,099.
• 7-night Tasmania voyage departing Sydney on board Queen Elizabeth on 16 December 2024 (Q436) starting from AUD4,199 per person for a twin share Grills Suite instead of AUD6,649.
• 12-night Queensland voyage departing Sydney on board Queen Elizabeth on 10 January 2025 (Q503) starting from AUD5,999per person for a twin share Grills Suite instead of AUD9,999.
• 15-night South Pacific voyage departing Sydney on board Queen Elizabeth on 22 January 2025 (Q504) starting from AUD13,499 per person for a twin share Grills Suite instead of AUD13,899.

For more information re the Grills Sale visit: https://www.cunard.com/en-au/cruise-deals/last-minute-cruises.

For more information re Grill Suites visit: The Grills Suites experience – Accommodation – Cunard cruises.

The post Cunard releases Suite Deal with Grills special offer appeared first on TravelTalk.

Similar diaries for other cities around Australia and New Zealand are on their way.

The post Sydney’s Cruise Ship Diary: What ships are coming, and when appeared first on TravelTalk.

Embark on extraordinary adventures, featuring destinations like Iceland, Istanbul, the British Isles, and the Baltics, all with iconic special programming. Don’t wait — now is the time to secure the (very) best prices for these unique sailings.

Solar eclipses have long sparked awe and wonder in humankind.

We’re embracing that sense of astonishment by sailing two of our luxury ships under the path of totality for the August 2026 eclipse.

Experience this life-affirming event — in Ibiza at 100% totality and in Iceland at 98.5% totality — in a completely unique and spectacular way. An exquisite lineup of tailored events, special guests, workshops, and experiences make these two sailings unparalleled and unmissable.

Live astronauts & astronomers

The post Experience an eclipse like never before appeared first on TravelTalk.