Barry Matheson

A new ship and a new destination in East Africa, as well as the chance to view the world’s largest tortoise population. It all marks Aqua Expeditions’ expansion after five years of operating in Southeast Asia and South America, further details of which were released last night at a private media dinner in Sydney hosted by Francesco Galli Zugaro, Founder and CEO of the cruise line.

What perfect timing. Cunard’s luxurious Queen Elizabeth sailed into Sydney Harbour yesterday on the same day that King Charles and Queen Camilla flew in to begin their Royal tour.

It’s early days, but Viking’s venture into China ocean cruising appears to be paying off and that’s in part because the People’s Republic of China needs foreign tourists and Viking is helping to bring them in by the boatload.

The Viking Yi Dun ocean cruise ship was officially launched in Shanghai today ahead of its inaugural nine night coastal cruise to Hong Kong.

The official launch of Viking’s new China coastal cruises is such a major event for the company, the Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen made a last minute trip to Shanghai especially to welcome passengers and the world’s press in Shanghai last night just hours before the ship, Viking Yi Dun sets sails for its first 9-night voyage to Hong Kong.

This week heralds a new and significant era for Viking. The Norwegian founded line is expanding its unique luxury product, embarking for the first time on a series of ocean cruises from China, commencing today, Monday 9 September 2024.

Sydney’s luxe Hilton Hotel says it has ‘upped the ante ‘ in the events arena, and to prove it the hotel last night showcased its culinary skills by staging a spectacular gala banquet for more than 250 influencers and event planners.

What would a Hawaiian Airlines event be without tasty Mai Tai’s, Hula dancers and the spirit of Hawaii in all its island splendour? There was all that and more as the industry gathered last night to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hawaiian Airlines’ flights to Sydney.

After a four-year absence, South African Airways (SAA) this week resumed flights to Australia with a new Perth to Johannesburg service on the popular route that is already posting healthy load factors.

If you thought cruising couldn’t get any more luxurious than it already is, wait to you see The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge. This is a ship-within-a-ship, an exclusive enclave for just 320 passengers and it’s selling like hot cakes.

Stepping aboard a luxurious cruise ship for the first time, especially one that cost a whopping US$1 billion (AU$1.5 billion) to build sure stirs the senses, and so it is with Celebrity Edge on its debut season in our waters.

Tauck, which excels in small escorted group tours of around 36 passengers, will feature even smaller tours of just 14 to 16 guests from next year. The downsized tours will offer a unique and a more individualised experience.