Archived news
From Donna's Desk
HAPPY NEW FINANCIAL YEAR!
I'd considered outlining the Global Economic downturn and the affects it has on business travel and a TMC, when a number of customers suggested "I tell all" about our recent voyage on MSC Melody and the pirate attack, (rather than remind them of the doom and gloom they hear about on radio and television news)
Just back on that, and on the doom and gloom; the travel industry has of course suffered severely; probably more suddenly than a downturn has affected local markets. However likewise, we see the industry probably recovering a little more quickly than some, with a stimulus in place and airlines dropping prices in a retention exercise to keep you in seats!
NEVER HAVE SEATS IN RECENT HISTORY BEEN LESS EXPENSIVE THAN THEY ARE TODAY; FUEL LEVIES ARE BEING DROPPED (AND RIGHTLY SO); AIRLINES ARE 'FARE MATCHING' TO KEEP YOU ABOARD, AND PROMOTIONAL FARES ARE CONTINUING TO BE OFFERED TO STIMULATE THE MARKET.
That's business travel today - in brief. We update travel trends at www.dbt.com.au regularly, but back to what you're all asking:
WHY IN THE WORLD YOU CRUISE OFF THE COAST OF SOMALIA?
Simple answer: (Cruisescene's motto) If we won't sail it, we won't sell it.
But rewind please, we booked the family holiday more than a year prior, when piracy was seemingly a little lesser concern and although news of the area caused us to reconsider in late 2008, we agreed as a family that we'd proceed especially having heard that a most recent MSC cruise in the area 'took no risks' and flew passengers from South Indian Ocean to the Middle East, avoiding the region while the ship sailed empty and met passengers 3 days later.
So there we were in Durban, awaiting to board Melody. Chat in the horrendous queues was all about pirates - jokingly, what we'd do, and what would happen... as if!
Having visited sensational Reunion and Mauritius (and they truly were), we sailed onto Seychelles. Seychelles too was a great destination but naturally having departed, there was an 'air in discussion' about the waters we were about to enter with some newly met friends and passengers. The talk was all about Pirates but little did we know we'd have visitors on the evening of ANZAC Day.
We'd well eaten and it was getting late when our children retired. Brian and I stayed up, had a few night caps with some friends before returning to the stateroom to catch a movie before bed. Around 11.30pm, the movie finished and we 'switched off'. For the next 5 minutes or so, we heard noises against the side of the ship but put it down to the fact we were one deck below that, where a concert party had continued.
As they say in the classics, the rest of the night was history! But with a real difference...
At around 11.45pm on ANZAC Day, there was a cabin announcement: "MSC is under attack by Pirates. Please return to your staterooms, lock your doors and turn out the lights" A further announcement said the crew would inform us of the situation throughout the night etc etc. Which didn't happen I might add.
| The event: |
At approximately 11.45pm, Pirates had made attempts to board the ship using a rope ladder thrown up to the stern of the ship from their 16' run-about.
Known fellow passengers were reported to have thrown deck furniture (chairs and tables) at a Pirate as he attempted to climb the ladder. A female passenger who originally saw the craft approach the ship said "Look, there's a little boat down there" and called a table waitress over who called out "Are you lost? What are you doing out here?"
Subsequently, the craft drifted away and tucked beneath the stern while a male member of crew came over to inspect.
"I'm telling you, I saw a small boat down there" the lady said. The small craft re-emerged, Pirates holding rifles aimed at the ship.
Immediately, passengers took cover on the deck or within the area that Brian and I had not long vacated; inside and in the The Piano Bar.
Gunshot splattered the ship - Port Side (our cabin side), while our Captain finally unlocked the weapon cabinet and issued firearms to the Israeli Security Staff onboard who returned fire, consequently retiring the Pirates as they were seen (and heard "Au revoir"); disappearing into the wake and the southern night.
|
Three months on, I guess all else is history. We have very fond memories of the holiday and the destinations we visited, and still have a very good story to tell about being attacked by Pirates at sea.
Would we do it again? Apart to wanting to go back to Mauritius & Reunion, NO... Been there - done that although it certainly did add to the otherwise and somewhat mundane activities we had onboard!
Best regards and very thanks for your support of DBT and our people,
Donna Meads-Barlow
Breaking News
QF boosts Spanish links - QANTAS this week announced a new codeshare arrangement with Spanish flag carrier Iberia, which will see QF codeshare on flights from London and Frankfurt to Madrid. From 15 Jul Iberia will also for the first time offer flights to Australia, via a codeshare on QF services from Europe to Sydney. Qantas also announced a major boost to its codeshare partnership with American Airlines. The AA move is effective from Wed, and will see QF codeshare on selected AA services to Atlanta, Minneapolis, Memphis, Indianapolis, Tampa, Detroit, Cincinnati and New Orleans. The US expansion follows new arrangements between rival V Australia to expand services into the USA through partnerships with several airlines including Delta and Virgin America (TD 03 Jun). Qantas also announced plans to increase its Airbus A380 flights with the delivery of its fourth superjumbo next month. From 06 Aug QF will operate A380 services from Sydney to London via Singapore five times per week, as well as adding a fourth weekly SYD-LAX A380 flight.
Qantas cancels order for 15 Dreamliners - Qantas has announced that it will defer the delivery of 15 B787-8 aircraft by four years and cancel orders for 15 B787-9s scheduled for scheduled for delivery in 2014/2015. Qantas delays, cancels 787 orders Qantas has just announced changes to its orders for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, including deferring the delivery of 15 787-8s by four years and the cancellation of 15 787-9s. QF ceo Alan Joyce said the news followed ongoing discussions with Boeing, and weren't related to the announcement of the delayed first flight of the aircraft announced by Boeing this week. "Qantas announced its original B787 order in December 2005, and the operating environment for the world's airlines has clearly changed dramatically since then," he said. The Qantas Group will remain the biggest customer for B787 aircraft after the order change, with firm orders reducing from 65 to 50 aircraft and options for a further 50. The first 15 Qantas Group Dreamliner deliveries will now be 787-9s arriving from mid 2013 for Jetstar's international operations. Previously Jetstar was to take delivery of 15 smaller 787-8s in mid-2010.
Ryanair under fire over plans to make passengers carry their own luggage onto planes - Ryanair last night announced plans to make passengers carry all their own luggage up to planes. The no-frills airline wants to cut costs further by getting fliers to carry all their bags and suitcases through security departure lounges rather than checking them in. They can carry aboard one piece of hand luggage, but leave any other baggage beside the aircraft to be loaded into the hold. They then pick it up the same way on arrival. Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary said: 'You can bring unlimited bags as long as you can get them through security. 'What it means is no more waiting at the carousel, no more losing your bags, no more wasting your life in over-priced airport terminals.' The move - mooted for next spring - would mean a plane would need just one baggage handler, instead of five.
Singapore Airlines in tough business climate 92% decline in net profit… Singapore Airlines says the business environment remains challenging due to the global downturn and rising oil prices. "The current environment is challenging. Our attention is right now preoccupied by the business challenges we face," chief executive Chew Choon Seng told Dow Jones. Singapore Airlines is facing a difficult operating environment as a slowing global economy reduces demand for business and leisure travel. For the fourth quarter ended March 31, the airline, which is majority-owned by Temasek Holdings, posted a 92% drop in net profit to $S42 million (US$29 million) due to fuel-hedging losses and a drop in demand for air travel. The airline also warned that the uncertainties from the swine fl u will have an impact on its business.
Airline News
JQ daily PER/DPS - JETSTAR announced at the Australian Tourism Exchange in Mel that it will boost capacity on the Perth-Bali route to a daily operation from mid-Aug this year.
Emirates to operate A380 to Paris - EMIRATES will be the second foreign carrier to operate the Airbus A380 into Paris Charles de Gaul Airport, with services slated to commence 01 Jan 2010. The A380 services will replace the daily 777-300 services from Dubai, with the second daily 777-200 flight to operate unchanged. Singapore Airlines last week became the first A380 operator at CDG, with French flag carrier Air France yet to officially announce a launch date for its A380s, which are in final stages of assembly at the Airbus factory.
Air NZ baggage - AIR New Zealand has increased baggage allowances for Premium Economy pax, who are now entitled to Business Premier class allowances of two checked items up to 32kg on flights via US and one checked item up to 30kg on flights via Hong Kong.
New Qatar pact with US Airways - QATAR Airways and US Airways have announced a new codeshare agreement, which will see the QR flight code placed on selected flights operated by US Airways between Europe and the USA. The move will apply to transatlantic US Airways flights from London Gatwick, Manchester, Athens, Milan, Madrid and Stockholm through to Charlotte and Philadelphia in the USA. Qatar Airways will also apply the US code to its flights from the same European gateways, giving connectivity through to Doha. QR ceo Akbar Al Baker said the pact demonstrates the airline’s commitment to the US market and would complement its existing direct flights to New York, Washington and Houston.
SQ A380 to HKG - SINGAPORE Airlines has announced that the next port to be served by its Airbus A380 fleet will be Hong Kong. From 09 Jul the daily SIA A380 services will operate from Singapore to Hong Kong, replacing the existing 777 services. Hong Kong is SIA’s fifth A380 destination after Sydney, London, Tokyo and Paris.
Guangzhou service - DRAGONAIR has announced a new double daily service between Hong Kong and Guangzhou, with convenient connections to CX international flights at HKG. The new route launches 14 Sep.
Jetstar NZ Effective 10 JUNE – marked the last day that Qantas will operate New Zealand domestic services. The QF flights will be replaced from June 10th by Jetstar, which will base three A320s in each of Christchurch and Auckland.
QF to delay 787s - QANTAS ceo Alan Joyce has confirmed that the carrier is in negotiations with Boeing to delay the delivery of the first of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft. “We don’t feel next year is the right time,” he said in Kuala Lumpur during the IATA agm.
New Pacific carrier plan - THE former chief of Nauru based Our Airline is a 33% shareholder in Pacific Wings, a start-up carrier which has applied for rights to fly to New Zealand and New Caledonia. Geoffrey Bowmaker, who ran Our Airline until about a year ago, is a director of the $3 company. The other shareholder is Manish Sundarjee, who’s part of Melbourne-based accounting and advisory firm Kidman’s Partners, and has had a long association with Nauru as a Special Advisor to the island’s government. Pacific Wings will operate using a wet-leased Boeing 737-300 from Our Airline, which also currently flies on behalf of Norfolk Air.
The new airline has asked for a ten year determination allowing unlimited capacity between Australia and NZ, applying “as a new entrant airline under start-up phase”. It’s also applied for capacity on the “various routes between Australia and New Caledonia.” The airline plans to begin operations around Oct, with tickets going on sale next month. It’s understood Pacific Wings is targeting flights between Brisbane and Noumea, as well as services from Australian capitals to
secondary destinations in New Zealand - a plan which may have been impacted by Pacific Blue’s announcement yesterday of direct flights to Queenstown, Wellington and Dunedin.
United to chop 600 flight attendant positions - With plunging travel demand spurring more capacity cuts, United said it plans to cut 600 flight attendant jobs, starting Aug. 31. The job cuts are in addition to the 1,550 flight attendant positions the airline eliminated last year. United offered voluntary furloughs to flight attendants last year, and the carrier said it would do the same this time around. United's announcement follows a similar one by American Airlines last week. American said the airline intends to cut about 1,600 jobs by Oct. 1, including 1,200 flight attendant positions. Earlier this month, Delta warned that it, too, might seek additional job cuts.
VS orders 10 A330s - VIRGIN Atlantic has signed a contract with Airbus to purchase 6 Airbus A330-300 long-range jets as part of a fleet renewal program.
Frequent Flyer Update
Online SAS shop - SAS Scandinavian Airlines has launched its online SAS EuroBonus Shop, where members of its frequent flyer program, ‘EuroBonus’ can spend their points on various products, charities and experiences. Seven categories feature, including Travel, Home & Living, Style & Beauty, Sports & Outdoors, Electronics & Media, Kids & Family and Experiences & Fun, with about 300 products and experiences on offer initially. Items can be bought using points only or a mixture of points and cash - www.flysas.com/eurobonus
S7 Airlines to join the oneworld alliance - Oneworld airline alliance has announced that Russian S7 Airlines is to join Finnair as a member of the alliance in 2010. “We are happy to welcome this first-rate Russian partner to the oneworld alliance. S7 has a comprehensive domestic route
network in Russia, and Finnair’s customers will be able to enjoy oneworld benefits within the network. The airline’s main hubs in Russia are Moscow Domodedovo, Novosibirsk and Irkutsk.
DL share NZ lounge - BUSINESS Elite Class passengers on Delta Air Lines flights departing from SYD will be able to access the Air New Zealand Lounge, under a deal with the NZ carrier. The Air NZ Lounge at SYD is positioned between Gates 58-59.
Carry-on standards - A US politician is proposing a new bill that would require the TSA to standardize carry-on baggage rules for all US airlines. At the moment, carrier’s vary their requirements from 45 inches to as much as 55 inches.
Money Talks
WELCOME to Money Talk, DBT’s feature on what the Australian dollar is doing.
FOLLOWING the World Bank’s forecast of a 2.9% global contraction, the markets took a dive, which saw the Aussie dollar drop to USD0.79. In what the World Bank is calling an “unusually uncertain” economy, the Dow finished just over 200 points, whilst most markets and currencies across Europe dropped overnight. Wholesale rates this morning were:
US $0.7841
UK £0.4791
NZ $1.2419
Euro €0.5652
Japan ¥74.86
Thailand ß26.7413
China ¥5.2909
South Africa R6.4212
Canada $0.8985
Crude oil US$67.27
Travel Tips & Savings Ideas
HERE’S a tip to avoid ancillary charges while flying. USA Today reports on a passenger on board a US Airways flight in Apr, who felt cold and asked for a blanket. The flight attendant told her she could pay US$7 for a pillow an blanket set, but “the woman dodged the charge...by persuading the attendant to lower the air conditioning.”
Bangkok offers in-transit travellers four-hour stopovers - Passengers who find themselves cooling their heels at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport while waiting for a connection can now escape the airport for a few hours. Starting in June, passengers on stopovers of less than 12 hours can sign up for a four-hour city tour. Options include seeing the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha, boating along the klongs, watching a cultural production at the Siam Niramit theatre or being
pampered with a massage and spa. Other tours include shopping, golf and seeing animal life (crocodile farm and aquarium).
More sale fares from SQ - SINGAPORE Airlines launched of a second round of “unprecedented sale fares” will see it “partner with travel agents to give consumers a fair go.” The first Take Off to the World campaign launched about 10 weeks ago (TD 02 Apr) and SQ national marketing manager, Dale Woodhouse, said it had created significant interest. He said that from today, in a combined effort to stimulate the market, SQ’s trade partners will promote the new sale fares to 77 destinations, such as a $1388 economy class fare to Paris. “As an industry we are experiencing the challenges of a global economic downturn, and at times like these we feel the best solutions will be found collaboratively,” he said. The campaign includes lead-in fares to Singapore ex Sydney from $705 and London from $1436, and there are also big reductions on business and first class fare levels, for sales from 12-29 Jun. The Apr SQ fare sale sparked a significant response from other carriers who were also forced to slash prices.
50% off QF Business Class to Hawaii - QANTAS has today cut the price of Business Class tickets to Honolulu, for travel from 07 Jul to 30 Nov, when booked by 04 Jul. Return prices start at $3,812 out of SYD, $3,993 ex MEL, $3,993 ex BNE and $4,187 ex PER. Contact your DBT Consultant to book
Travel Trends “Green shoots next year...” Air travel is expected to take three years to recover to pre-recession levels of 2007, while the hotel sector could take four years, Euromonitor International has warned. The market analysis provider's latest report, revealed at the WTM Vision Conference and based on statistics up to April 2009, has revised forecasts it made last summer, as a result of the contraction in the global economy. It claims the worldwide travel and tourism industry will in fact shrink this year, rather than grow by 4%, as originally predicted, although a slight recovery could begin as early as next year. The hotel sector was predicted to grow by 4.8% this year, but it is now expected to decline by 3.6%, while air travel will decline by 2.3% instead of increasing by 5.3%. Euromonitor International global travel and tourism manager Caroline Bremner said: "People are shifting down from five-star hotels, for example, to four-star. The larger chains can fall back on their mid-market, budget or boutique brands, which is helping them." While Western Europe is likely to see the green shoots of
recovery next year, the report warns that North America will not start to see an upturn until 2011.
Health/DFAT Warnings, Visa/Airport News
Handy Tips & Visa Information Links Smart Traveller or DFAT – Visa Advice
TRAVEL DOCTOR TMVC have clinics all over Australia and NZ and advice on Vaccination & Health requirements with the most up-to-date info: click here
WHO declares swine flu outbreak a global pandemic - In the U.S., there have been more than 13,000 cases and 27 deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "No previous pandemic has been detected so early or watched so closely, in real-time, right at the very beginning," Dr. Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization said in her statement, noting that "we have a head start" on treating the pandemic. "WHO continues to recommend no restrictions on travel and no border closures," she added. According to the Associated Press, the last pandemic, the Hong Kong flu of 1968, killed about 1 million people. Ordinary flu kills between 250,000 and 500,000 people each year; H1N1 has so far claimed 141 lives. Read the complete statement to the press by Dr. Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization, here.
Govt aviation security site - THE government has launched a new website to better inform passengers about the security measures in place to protect them when travelling through Australian airports. The Department of Infrastructure said the new TravelSECURE site consolidates traveller-related transport security information in a single place. The move “builds on the recommendations of the recent review of aviation security screening,” the department said. Travel agents haven’t been forgotten, with the site offering special pages with “ready-to-use text for e-ticket itineraries and boarding passes” as well as downloadable fact sheets. “The new website explains aviation security regulations in simple terms and...will help travellers prepare for their trip and clear the security checks at Australian airports as efficiently as possible,” the dept said. Key pages on the site have also been translated into Arabic, Chinese, Japanese and Spanish. The updated information covers LAGs regulations and also provides advice for travelling with children, laptops,
medicines and sports equipment. TravelSECURE complements the existing DFAT Smartraveller website and can be viewed at
travelsecure.infrastructure.gov.au
REMINDER – Are you travelling to the USA? US Visa Waiver Program
Mandatory registration from January 1st 2009. United Sates Homeland Security has announced a new program that requires travellers from countries participating in the visa-waiver program to register with DHS at least three days prior to their arrival in the United States.
DHS has been attempting to tighten the visa-waiver program, which allows travellers from 27 countries to enter the U.S. without pre-screening due to concerns that terrorists could travel from those countries and bypass an important security measure. The registration will be valid for two years. Registration will be mandatory beginning in January 1st 2009.
To access the electronic authorization system:
• Log on to www.cbp.gov/esta
•Click on to the heading “Electronic Registration Tool Now Available”
•Use the left hand column on the page for authorisation for Visa Waiver countries - click apply
• The right hand column on the page should only be used for those requiring a visa and they will primarily be any person not granted an authorisation under Visa Waiver countries How the new system works
• The new electronic system will collect the same information that passengers are currently required to disclose upon their arrival, they will just have to provide DHS with the information earlier.
• DHS will advise travellers to register their information, including their name, date of birth, and passport number, long before they plan a trip, although there will be a way to register at the last minute in the event of an emergency.
• The registration will be valid for two years.
Hotels Update
New Sheraton hotel for New Caledonia - STARWOOD Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of an agreement with a subsidiary of Societe des Hotels de Noumea to manage a newly built Sheraton resort, scheduled to open in 2013. The Sheraton New Caledonia Bourail will offer 180-rooms and be the first upscale resort in Bourail. Starwood has also announced the extension of the management contracts between two existing Le Meriden resorts in New Caledonia, the Le Meridien Noumea and Le Meridien Isles des Pins, with both to undergo renovations.
Best Western to the Maldives - The world’s largest hotel chain is planning to open its first hotel in the Maldives in September, 2009. The Best Western Madoogali Resort and Spa, represents a strategic expansion across Asia and the Middle East of the Best Western brand. “The Maldives falls into the elite club of the world’s top ten most desirable destinations and it is a great thrill for Best Western to finally enter this highly attractive market,” said Glenn de Souza, Best Western International’s Vice President
Operations – Asia.
Swissotel savings - SWISSOTEL Hotels & Resorts is bringing back its ‘Summer Savers’ concept for stays between 01 Jul and 12 Sep, offering discounts of 15% on the best available rates at 28 locations in 15 countries.
New Best Western - Best Western has opened a new build property in Darwin, the 64-room Best Western Darwin Airport Gateway Motel.
Starwood to acquire Golden Tulip - Starwood Capital is to acquire hotel franchise group, Golden Tulip with a deal expected to be concluded by the end of the month. It would lead to a strategic alliance between the budget segment of Starwood Capital owned Groupe du Louvre and Golden Tulip Hospitality. The new entity would comprise 1,070 hotels and approximately 80,000 rooms in 40 countries.
New Thai Langham - LANGHAM Hotels International has announced a new boutique resort in Koh Samui, Thailand. The Langham Place Samui at Lamai Beach will open in Nov and will offer 77 villas and suites, many with personal plunge pools and spectacular views over the Gulf of Thailand as well as a luxury Chuan Spa.
Hot Gossip
Sydney-Singapore tops city pairs - Sydney to Singapore was the most popular non-Tasman international route from Australia in March, latest figures have shown. More than 76,000 passengers travelled the route, 4.1 per cent of the total market. Sydney to Hong Kong attracted 76,000 followed by Perth to Singapore with 70,000. Sydney-Auckland remained the top city pair capturing almost 5.8 per cent share and 109,000 passengers. Melbourne to Auckland was the second most popular Tasman route with 70,000 passenger and a share of 3.8 percent.
Conference & Venue News
Starwood Hotels & Resorts are launching a new offer for the MICE market which is valid for groups confirming before the 30th of September 2009 and staying with us before the 31st March 2010. The offer includes:
- Free Day Meetings for Residential Groups
- Free 3rd Night for 3 nights or more Residential Meetings
- As well as your normal Starwood Preferred Planner Points you will receive 2500 bonus starpoints for every 25 paying rooms!
Details, terms and conditions for this amazing offer are attached as well as a list of the participating properties in Asia Pacific. Contact sam@dbt.com.au today to book your great Starwood Conference deal!
Call our DBT Conference & Incentive Specialist Samantha Devlin at DBT on 02 98885555 to enquire about Conference or Incentive deals.
Cruisenews - deals
Royal Rendezvous - CUNARD Line has this morning announced that Queen Mary 2 and its newest ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth, will cross paths in Sydney in 2011 on Sydney Harbour. The ‘Royal Rendezvous’ will take place on 22 Feb 2011, and is expected to draw huge crowds to the Sydney foreshore.
Royal Caribbean returns to Pacific - Royal Caribbean has dramatically reshaped its itineraries for the 2010/11 season as the new Australia based team looks to make its mark with its first locally-inspired product. Focus has returned to the South Pacific, with seven voyages on offer on Rhapsody of the Seas, in a concerted attempt to appeal to Australian and New Zealand cruisers. Seven other voyages sail around Australia and New Zealand while two repositioning cruises, from Vancouver to Hawaii and Hawaii to Sydney, are also featured. It is the first season where itineraries have been created in Australia following the establishment of a local office. Previously, product was controlled and drawn up in Miami, Royal Caribbean’s headquarters. The itineraries represent a major shift from the forthcoming 2009/10 season where, remarkably, Rhapsody will not undertake a single ex-Australia round trip to the Pacific. Adam Armstrong, commercial manager for Royal Caribbean Australia, said the South Pacific is the key cruising destination for Australians and New Zealanders. “It is the key difference in the 2010/11 season,” he told Travel Today. “The South Pacific is the heartland of Australian cruising.” Fiji features among the destinations for the first time in four years, Armstrong said. New product includes a seven night cruise to the South Pacific, which is designed for time-poor or first time cruisers who are unwilling to commit to a longer voyage. In a further change, separate Christmas and New Year voyages will be available, rather than a single voyage taking in both celebrations. Rhapsody to debut in Newcastle ROYAL Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas will sail to Newcastle, NSW for the first time next year - one of three new destinations for the cruise line’s 2010/11 Australia and South Pacific season. Rhapsody will also make maiden voyages to Champagne Bay in Vanuatu and Lautoka in Fiji. Passengers will also be able to take advantage of earlybird deals offered for bookings made before 30 Nov
Ships to become hotels for RWC ’11 - CRUISE ships are likely to be used as floating hotels docked at Queen Street Wharf in Auckland during the Rugby World Cup 2011. Speaking with Tourism Auckland ceo Graeme Osbourne said not only will the usual streams of accommodation be used (hotels and motor-homes), but also a number of floating hotels. Osbourne wasn't’t able to specify which cruise lines were involved in the plan at this stage. Accor, Millennium, Heritage, InterContinental, Scenic Circle, Grand Chancellor and Duxton hotel groups have already signed up for the Rugby World Cup’s Accommodation Bank.
New online quick-click Specials button at Cruisescene!
For more great Cruise deals visit www.cruisescene.com.au or call our DBT Leisure & Cruise Specialists Michael Sing or Kevin Toye Phone 1800 678 555 or 02 9888 5555
Need a Holiday ? Red Hot Deals
49 bucks to Tassie - THE Spirit of Tasmania has reduced rates on sailings across Bass Strait from Devonport to Melbourne for just $49 one-way. The offer applies to Day Tickets for travel between 21 Jul – 07 Aug, when booked by 11 Jul. Pax can upgrade to an Ocean View Recliner for $20, or to a standard cabin for $80 per cabin.
QUEENSTOWN is regarded as New Zealand’s premier four season lake and alpine resort, positioned 20mins from the ski-fields of Coronet Peak and The Remarkables. The town is the adventure/action capital of NZ, with an abundance of activities for visitors, including jetboating, white water rafting, bungy jumping/swinging, skydiving, flight/ helicopter/Lord of the Rings tours. The MGallery Hotel St Moritz offers Queenstown visitors a true alpine experience, with chic and stylish lodge-style interiors and majestic views over Lake Wakatipu. The property features 142 rooms, hot tubs, sauna, a library & den and gymnasium, and is just a 5min walk from the heart of the town centre. Accor has 7 MGallery locations around the world, with the Hotel St Moritz the closest option for Aussies.
Travelscene Amex Gift Cards are created for you…..Travelscene American Express gift cards are the perfect gift for anyone. It's a chance for you to give your friends / family an experience of a lifetime and create their own memories all over the globe. Travelscene American Express gift cards can be redeemed at DBT. They can be redeemed for air, accommodation, car hire, packages and so much more…the list is endless. The gift cards can be issued with any value amount and are valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Call or email Michael at DBT today to have your gift cards issued!
|
|
|
Per Person and Include taxes |
From |
|
Melbourne Stay
3 nights at Crowne Promenade
Bonus: Stay 3 /Pay 2 |
$250* |
|
Hong Kong Stay
4 nights at Harbour Plaza North Point
Bonus:Includes 1 FREE* night & room upgrade |
$296* |
|
Phuket Stay
8 nights at Sunwing Resort & Spa
Bonus: meals, massage, transfers |
$452* |
|
Malaysia Holiday
Airfare, 6 nights at Westin Langkawi, transfer
Bonus: 2 FREE* nights and breakfast daily |
$1875* |
|
Peru Tour
11 nights, includes breakfasts, transport
Upgrade Option: 4 day Amazon Add-on |
|
|
Take a look at our destination holiday news and specials - here Updated every Wednesday!
Thought for the day:
Luck? I've never banked on it... Luck to me is something else: hard work and realising what is opportunity and what isn't." Lucille Ball (1911-1989) American comedienne and actress
Thought for Everyday:
“One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things” Henry Miller
|
