Saturday, 23 November 2024

This week's top travel deals from Australia's senior traveller, Ian McIntosh




The Black Friday deals roll on - particularly from cruise companies. No one in the industry takes cruise deals all that seriously by the way  - they have more sales than dogs sniff. Watch out for lines like "on selected cruises" and onboard credit "from."

SINGAPORE AIRLINES has also thrown its hat into the ring - "lighten up your Black Friday with special fares to your favourite holiday destinations such as Phuket, Seoul, Delhi and more." Deals end on December 6.

REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES is advertising up to 45% off and $US500 shipboard credit on selected sailings.

SILVERSEA invites you to sail away and save up to $10,000.

OCEANIA CRUISES is marketing an up to 4 category upgrade plus a shipboard credit of up to $US1000…... and PONANT invites you to save up to 25% on Mediterranean voyages.
 
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE'S  Black Friday savings have also docked. "Enjoy 50% off cruises to the destinations you've always wanted to explore. But be quick, this offer won't be around for long."

 CELEBRITY CRUISES is offering 75% off the second guest plus up to $400 bonus onboard credit per room.

AZAMARA is advertising up to 20% off plus $US750 onboard credit on selected cruises. Book by December 4.
 
SEABOURN'S annual "Black Friday Sail" - available until December 3, 2024 - offers several value-added benefits on select 2025 and 2026 ocean and expedition voyages, including a two-category veranda suite upgrade plus a 15% reduced deposit in select markets.
 
VIKING's fly-free deal ended on the 15th - and already there is a new offer. Book your next voyage before‌ 18‍ December‍ 2024‌ to enjoy savings of $1,600 per couple plus a complimentary Silver Spirits beverage package on all European, Mississippi and Mekong river voyages.

MSC CRUISES is offering $1000 in onboard credit and kids free on selected cruises in 2025.

The HURTIGRUTEN Black Friday Sale offers savings of up to 50% on selected coastal express voyages including the 12-day Coastal Express (Bergen - Kirkenes - Bergen). More details, Coastal Cruises.

eCLUB  members - ready for a summer getaway?  Unlock your exclusive early access to Black Friday deals and save 20% on fully flexible rates at over 50 hotels across Australia and New Zealand. Plus, book now and stay at a participating hotel before 28 February 2025 to go in the draw to win 150,000 KrisFlyer miles.

COLLETTE: Until December 4 save up to 25% on all tours world-wide plus enjoy a bonus $150 credit pp.
 
KRISFLYER CRUISE  is a brand-new way to earn miles on your adventures out at sea. As a Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer member, you can now earn 2 KrisFlyer miles for every USD 1 spent on cruise fares booked through KrisFlyerCruise.com.
 
VIETNAM AIRLINES: Head to Japan/Korea from $794/round trip. Book before November 30, 2024, and travel until May 31, 2025.  

BEST WESTERN Early Bird deal. Book a minimum two night's stay as a Best Western rewards member before December 3 2024 and save 15% at select hotels in locations throughout Australia & New Zealand.

iEXPEDITION invites you to embark on the Arctic adventure. Discover the pristine landscapes of the High Arctic, spotting rare wildlife, and sailing through breathtaking fjords and glaciers and save up to A$9,800pp until November 30, 2024.
 
ACCOR club members - Get 20% off on stays of two nights and more at 1000+ hotels, resorts and apartments across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa and Türkiye. Book now for stays until  27 April 2025.
 
IHG One Rewards members can earn 3x bonus points at five of the company's brands for stays until December 31.
 
VIKING will have two ships sailing the Mekong River in 2027. Book by‌ 15‍ November 2024‌ to enjoy free return economy class international flights on selected 2025‌, 2026‌ and 2027‌ departures.
 
HELLOWORLD TRAVEL has America on sale until November 30. Flights to say Seattle from Sydney start at $1533 - and specials include an eight day Nevada self-drive priced from $937pp.
 
PONANT has launched its  2026 Kimberley season -  16 departures from May to September offer a 30% PONANT Bonus in savings.
 
AVALON WATERWAYS recommends Budapest as an ideal starting point for a river cruise and as an added incentive - book a 2025 Danube cruise and save up to $8,000 a couple.

FINNAIR has Finland on sale - Helsinki ex Sydney is priced from $1786 round trip until further notice.
 
GLOBUS/COSMOS: Book now and save up to $1,100 per couple on your next  European coach tour.

TRAVEL TRADE ONLY:  Interline Travel has some great escape  rates from Azamara.

Remember conditions always apply to these specials. Check airline prices from your capital city. I recommend you use a travel agent - and travel insurance is essential. Finally I make mistakes like all of us. Check websites to confirm details.